Business Of Social

12 years. 8 figures. Dozens of hires, pivots, wins, and mistakes. In this episode, David Brickley shares the 12 most valuable lessons he's learned after building STN Digital from a two-person startup to one of the top social-first agencies in sports and entertainment.

Let's be real: branded content usually doesn't go viral—especially when it's obviously an ad. But LeBron James just flipped the script.   In this episode, David Brickley breaks down how Royal Kingdom nailed a rare branded moment that fans actually loved—and why even the NBA's 90M-follower collab couldn't compete.  

Let's be honest: the word “agency” can be a major red flag in the marketing world. Missed deadlines. Cookie-cutter strategies. A “B team” handling your brand after the pitch. We've all heard the horror stories. But not all agencies are created equal. In this episode, David Brickley breaks down what separates the pretenders from the contenders and why a great agency partner can be your brand's secret weapon.

Stephen A. Smith. Joe Rogan. Alex Cooper. These aren't just media personalities—they're elite communicators earning nine-figure deals. But what do those contracts have to do with your career in marketing, social, or leadership? In this episode, David Brickley explores why communication is one of the most valuable professional skills—and how you can develop it to build trust, earn promotions, expand your network, and become a stronger leader.

Going viral is great—but what you do after the moment is what really counts. In this episode, David Brickley and Jason Samuelson break down exactly how to remix viral content to squeeze every last bit of ROI out of it. From behind-the-scenes fan cams to nostalgic anniversary posts, they walk through real examples from brands like WWE, the Indiana Pacers, and the Indiana Fever to show how remixing is the ultimate content cheat code.  

How do you prove the value of social media when your content isn't tied directly to conversions? In this episode, David Brickley and Jason Samuelson break down the misunderstood world of upper funnel marketing—and how to actually track success beyond just clicks and conversions.  

What does it take to launch a brand from zero—and make it look like it's been around for years? In this episode, David Brickley and producer Katie break down exactly how they built Stay Fit Social Destination (SFSD) from scratch in just 30 days, generating over 87,000 engagements, 1.8 million views, and $10,000 in ticket sales—all with zero paid ads.

If you're stepping on stage at a conference, there's one mistake that can make or break your session—and most speakers don't even realize they're making it. In this mini episode, David Brickley shares a hard truth: Your audience doesn't need your resume, they need your insights. Whether you're a CMO, a social media exec, or a brand leader, your job on stage is to provide value—not just tell your backstory.

Luka Dončić to the Lakers?! One of the most shocking trades in NBA history just went down, and fans couldn't get enough of it. In this mini episode, David Brickley breaks down how he—and millions of other fans—consumed the news in real-time, revealing what this moment says about the future of sports media in 2025.

The TikTok saga continues—so who's actually going to buy it?

Is your marketing strategy too focused on instant ROI? David Brickley and Jason Samuelson explore the delicate balance between building trust and driving revenue—and why both are critical for long-term success.  

Feeling awkward about posting on LinkedIn or social media? You're not alone. In this mini-episode, David Brickley, CEO of STN Digital, breaks down the infamous “cringe factor” that holds so many of us back and explains why it's time to push through the hesitation. Learn how to:  ✅ Overcome the fear of judgment ✅ Establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry ✅ Share your insights with confidence Whether you're traveling, planning your New Year's resolutions, or just looking to level up your personal brand, this 10-minute conversation is packed with actionable advice to start 2025 strong.  

Are you focusing on the wrong question? Instead of asking how often to post, ask: Who are you posting for? In this episode, David Brickley and Jason Samuelson dive into the eight critical questions every brand should ask to create an effective social media strategy: 1️⃣ Who is your ideal customer? 2️⃣ How can you grow your target audience? 3️⃣ Are your upper and lower funnel strategies aligned? 4️⃣ Is your content properly tagged for analysis? 5️⃣ What themes resonate most with your audience? 6️⃣ What can you learn from competitors' successful strategies? 7️⃣ Are you leveraging existing content effectively? 8️⃣ How are creators and influencers helping amplify your message? From understanding your audience to repurposing content and leveraging influencers, this episode is packed with insights to take your social strategy to the next level.

In this special edition of the Business of Social, David Brickley sits down with Aaron Kieth, CEO of Buildify Systems—a business education and coaching company that offers programs teaching business owners how to create thriving, financially consistent, and sustainable businesses. David and Aaron dive deep into actionable strategies for planning a successful year, covering everything from setting impactful goals to creating systems that drive both professional success and personal fulfillment. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader in the sports and entertainment industry, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to crush your 2025 goals.  Snag the FREE Personal Goal Planning Template here:  https://www.stndigital.com/personal-goal-planning/  

In this episode of Business of Social, David Brickley dives into the latest NBA social media performance analysis. Joined by STN Digital's Associate Director of Analytics, Jason Samuelsen, they explore how each NBA team ranks across various social media platforms. PLUS, get actionable tips to elevate your own social media strategy. Whether you're a basketball fan, social media strategist, or brand marketer, this episode is packed with must-know insights. Don't miss out!

In this special edition of the Business of Social, David unpacks the MLB's social media performance. Joined by @stndigital's Associate Director of Analytics, Jason Samuelsen, the two analyze how each team performed per platform. PLUS, they offer a few recommendations of their own. This episode is jam-packed with value, you won't want to miss it!    Snag the FREE MLB Performance Report here: https://www.stndigital.com/mlb-social-report/    Interested in becoming a guest on the podcast? Reach out to our team at businessofsocial@stn.digital  

In this special edition of the Business of Social, David unpacks the 2023-2024 NFL Season's social media performance. Joined by @stndigital's Associate Director of Analytics, Jason Samuelsen, the two analyze how each team performed per platform. PLUS, they offer a few recommendations of their own. This episode is jam-packed with value, you won't want to miss it!  Snag the FREE NFL Performance Report here: https://www.stndigital.com/nfl-social-report/    Interested in becoming a guest on the podcast? Reach out to our team at businessofsocial@stn.digital

In this episode of the Business of Social, David dives deep into the rise of personal media sports brands. Assisted by our producer, Khala, David explores how these platforms have shifted consumer behavior. Additionally, he breaks down the success of Wrestlemania XL and the recent NCAA tournament. Tune in for essential insights into consumer-driven sports media brands!   Interested in becoming a guest on the podcast? Reach out to our team at businessofsocial@stn.digital

In this episode of the Business of Social, David engages in a captivating conversation with Eric Dachman, the Executive Director of Digital Marketing at Lionsgate. They dissect Lionsgate's innovative digital marketing strategies for the world's largest films, offering invaluable insights how studios can successfully approach social media and pitfalls to steer clear of. If you're looking to elevate your digital marketing game, make sure you turn in!

In this episode of the Business of Social, David dives deep into the latest social media marketing moments dominating our timelines recently. Assisted by our producer, Khala, David explores how certain brands have successfully leveraged these moments for significant impact, whereas some have fallen short. Additionally, he answers more social media questions from YOU (our audience). Don't miss out on this episode filled with invaluable insights into brand marketing success stories and essential social media tips to implement!   P/N: This episode was recorded on February 5, 2024.

In this episode of the Business of Social, David answers all your burning social media questions. With a little help from our producer, Khala, David covers everything from the best tools to strategies that can help grow your following and the biggest mistakes to avoid. Tune in now for this value-packed episode!

In this episode of the Business of Social, David engages in a captivating conversation with Olivia Cheng, the Senior Director of Marketing & Brand Engagement at LA28. They dissect LA28's distinctive marketing strategy for the 2028 Olympic Games, offering invaluable insights on effective Gen Z marketing approaches and pitfalls to steer clear of. Tune in now for this value-packed episode!   Interested in becoming a guest on the podcast? Reach out to our team at businessofsocial@stn.digital

In this Business of Social episode, David shares the latest TikTok updates, including insights on the European ban and their exciting collaboration with Billboard to establish a Top 50 Chart. Meanwhile, YouTube launches an exciting partnership with the NFL, marking a triumphant Sunday Ticket debut! Additionally, David provides valuable insights into Nielsen's innovative ad strategy for TNF and Coach Prime's remarkable Colorado takeover. Stay tuned for in-depth coverage of these developments!   P/N: This episode was recorded on September 15, 2023.

In this latest Business of Social episode, David brings you the most recent social media updates regarding Threads and X (previously known as Twitter). Hollywood takes center stage as he delves into the phenomenal opening weekend success of Barbie and Oppenheimer! Additionally, David sheds light on the current writers and actors strike, giving you valuable insights into the ongoing drama. Stay tuned for all the juicy details and important context!   P/N: This episode was recorded on July 25, 2023.  

In this breaking news episode of the Business of Social, David gives a concise breakdown of the essential details you must grasp immediately regarding Threads, the latest social app making waves. Stay tuned as we unveil the top 6 must-know insights!   P/N: This episode was recorded on July 11, 2023.

In this episode of the Business of Social, David interviews Jeff Fenster, the Founder and CEO of everbowl, discussing the fascinating journey of everbowl, attracting A-list clients such as Drew Brees and Shaq. They also delve into the topic of authentic marketing and essential strategies for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. Moreover, Jeff unveils the inspiration behind his latest book, "Relationship Bank Account: How to Make Friends, Have Fun, and Attract Lifelong Success," emphasizing the significance of selfishness in every relationship. Tune in to gain valuable insights!   Watch on YouTube here

On this episode of the Business of Social, discover the remarkable achievements of Civilized Cycles as David engages in a stimulating conversation with Marc Liu, the brilliant co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer. Explore the secrets behind Civilized Cycle's phenomenal triumph, driven by their exceptional marketing strategy and meticulous attention to social metrics. Marc sheds light on his extensive expertise in business development, imparting invaluable lessons from his personal growth journey and touches on what ever entrepreneur's intuition is and the essential questions every marketer should be asking themselves.

On this episode of the Business of Social podcast, David is joined by special guest Steve Braband for a captivating discussion on all things WWE. In this episode, you'll learn about WWE's effective social strategy, including their approach to creating engaging content featuring their roster of talented performers, and mixing in those nostalgic moments. Steve and David also dive into how the company leverages influencers and collaborative partnerships to reach new audiences. Additionally, they explore the impact of new technologies on WWE's strategy, including the role of AI in enhancing the fan experience. If you're looking to maximize your understanding of social strategy, influencers, and AI in the context of one of the world's most beloved entertainment companies, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now to hear the full conversation.

Get ready to elevate your brand to new heights in 2023 with the ultimate FREE guide to influencer marketing! Our webinar is packed with exclusive insights and proven strategies from the best in the business. If you are looking to unlock the full potential of influencer marketing and skyrocket your brand's growth, this FREE webinar is for you. Join our panel of industry experts as they reveal the top 7 reasons why influencer marketing is a game-changer, and share valuable tips on identifying the right influencers, building effective campaigns, and maximizing your ROI. Featuring Joey Kinsley (@SirYacht), the TikTok influencer who's taking the world by storm with his hilarious content, and our very own CEO and Owner of STN Digital David Brickley. As well as Liz Ninivaggi, the Senior Director of Media at STN Digital, and Brandon Goodreau, the Senior Influencer Marketing Manager at STN Digital. Take your brand to new heights and dominate the influencer marketing game in 2023!

In this Mini Episode episode of Business of Social, David delves into the latest updates on TikTok and its potential ban in the US, providing his expert opinion on what it might mean for brands. He also discusses the growth of YouTube Shorts and the exciting advancements in AI technology, which are revolutionizing the way we create and consume content. Furthermore, David explores the shift in the success metric for bands, highlighting the increasing importance of profitability over subscriber count. Stay ahead of the curve on all things TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and AI by tuning in to this episode.

2022 Wrap Up! In the last year we interviewed 15 of the brightest minds in the industry on the Business of Social, and for this episode we have compiled all of their best advice and clips into 1 episode. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or brand new to the industry you're guaranteed to have a few take aways after this one. The guest list and brands featured are some of the biggest and most well respected in the industry: Microsoft, UGA, MIT, Mentl.sesh, Creator Now, Overtime, One Day Entertainment, Oakley, The Knot Worldwide, Cotopaxi, Kane Footwear, The Athletic, Clinch Golf, Wolf & Shepherd, Airtime, TelevisaUnivision, and Dapper Labs

TikTok is taking the world by storm and its impact on the sports and entertainment industry is undeniable. In this special episode of the Business of Social podcast, join David Brickley, Owner & CEO of STN Digital, as he brings together leaders from the industry to explore how brands can leverage the power of TikTok. This all-star lineup includes Kaitee Daley, Vice President of Social Media at ESPN, Tom Weingarten, Chief Growth Officer at Overtime, and Jason Samuelsen, Senior Analytics Lead at STN Digital. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and take your brand to the next level!

In this episode, David Brickley is joined by Liz Beecroft LCSW & Psychotherapist at Mentlsesh, to discuss how to navigate mental health in the social media space and at work.

In this episode, David Brickley is joined by Tina Sturdevant, Director Talent D&I at the Athletic, to discuss how managers can better support their employees' development and how companies can improve their D&I hiring and practices.

In this episode, David Brickley is joined by Jason Delsoldato, Head of Product at Kane Footwear and Co-Founder of Clinch Golf, to discuss how to create and market products to help athletes and the average consumer alike. Along with how to lead and manage during busy seasons in life.

In this episode, David Brickley is joined by Lance Trueb, Manager of Social and Earned Media at Microsoft, to discuss how Microsoft markets directly to its consumers.

In this episode, David Brickley is joined by Leslie Koch, VP of Social Media at TelevisaUnivision. The two talk about the ways to authentically reach diverse audiences and leverage insights to guarantee social performance.

In this episode, David Brickley is joined by Tom Weingarten, Head of Social at Overtime, and the two talk about the ever-changing landscape of sports highlights, TikTok, and podcasts.

In this episode, David Brickley is in Las Vegas at Hashtag Sports to talk about employee retention and the massive burnout we are seeing in sports. David is joined by Tatiana Holifield, VP of Digital/Social Content & Audience Engagement at Sirius XM + Pandora, and the two share their tips for retaining superstar employees.

The new office or work-from-home casual footwear created by Wolf & Shepherd is changing the retail space. The shoes now worn by The Rock, Gronk, and Steve Nash to name a few have been able to adapt to the new work-from-home trend. CEO and Founder Justin Schneider joins us to talk about how they've been able to adapt to the pandemic and what marketing tactics they use to successfully share their products.

On this mini-episode, David Brickley is joined by producer KG to talk about the current social landscape and how to work with a remote team in times of crisis.

With over 2.6 million weddings happening in 2022, VP of Global Consumer Marketing Kiara Kempski joins us to talk how the Knot is marketing to brides, grooms and vendors. While weddings are up 26% this year, we dive into how the Knot use influencers, TikTok and storytelling social pieces to help this next wave of wedding planners. Plus, how they add value to the consumer beyond the wedding weekend through The Bump for babies and raising children.

Some of the brains behind Oakley, David Burkat, and Antonio Bonifacio talk about what they do to stay relevant in the apparel & sunglasses industry. We also dive deeper into how the brand is innovating over decades in the space and what tactics they are using now to successfully attract a younger consumer in 2022.

Curious about NFT's? David is joined by Dave Feldman, SVP of Marketing at Dapper Labs to talk about how NFT's are changing the sports industry. They discuss the rise of Dapper Labs and where they see the NFT space taking off, and key take aways from brands, athletes and other influencers who are capitalizing on NFT's.  Dapper Labs is a leader in the NFT market using the power of blockchain- based experiences and digital collectibles that are made for the consumer and ready for the real world. 

This episode is all about leadership! David is joined by the founder and CEO of Cotopaxi, Davis Smith. David and Davis dive into what it takes to run a company and how to be a team and brand leader. They discuss what leaders can do to inspire and strengthen their teams as well as how employees can speak to their CEOs and get time on their calendars. David and Davis also outline how someone just starting out can successfully grow their career.  Cotopaxi is a leading name in the outdoor and apparel space. They create products and experiences to help alleviate poverty, get more people to do good, and inspire adventure.

David is joined by the Director of Social Strategy at MIT, Jenny Li Fowler, to discuss how she and her team approach running and teaching social at one of the most prestigious universities in the world.    In this episode, Jenny and David discuss how brands can find their voices, key social metrics we should all be paying attention to, and how to create a follower-driven mindset. Jenny also breaks down the article she wrote for Sprout Social, The 4 Types of Organic Social Content you Need to Drive Engagement.

Ever wondered how the top universities in the country are teaching marketing in 2022? It's likely a lot different from when you were in school. David is joined by Dr. Jen Osbon and Scott Cuppari of the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business. Together they lead the marketing program and discuss how they prepare today's Gen Z students for the ever-changing world of social media and marketing. They explain the 70-20-10 rule and the importance of constant experimentation. Jen and Scott also touch on the balance of paid and organic social as well as how to grow authentic communities while selling products. Jen and Scott have incredible backgrounds and have worked as consultants and for major brands like Coke and UPS. -- FOLLOW THE HOST, David Brickley: Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidjBrickley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjbrick... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6yZbmTvJfjY8h79Wpm49Zw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brickley/ An STN Digital Production: STN Digital is a Social Media Marketing Agency trusted by the largest Sports & Entertainment properties in the world. https://stndigital.com FOLLOW STN DIGITAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STNDigital/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stndigital/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/STNDigital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stn-...

David is joined by Zack Honarvar, founder and CEO of One Day Entertainment & Creator Now, to discuss the world of influencer marketing and how brands can maximize their strategies when working with athletes, creators, and entertainers. Whether you're an established brand or a start-up looking to get your name out there, Zack offers plenty of advice on influencer marketing and gives listeners a strategy on how to drive sale, market your brand and build a community. -- FOLLOW THE HOST, David Brickley: Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidjBrickley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjbrick... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6yZbmTvJfjY8h79Wpm49Zw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brickley/ An STN Digital Production: STN Digital is a Social Media Marketing Agency trusted by the largest Sports & Entertainment properties in the world. https://stndigital.com FOLLOW STN DIGITAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STNDigital/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stndigital/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/STNDigital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stn-...

On this episode David is joined by Tatiana Simonian, CMO of Airtime, to take a look at the overall social/marketing landscape and to discuss her viral Medium article, “The Great Resignation, The Great Exhaustion.” Tatiana is a seasoned marketer who has spent time at Twitter, Tumblr, Neilson, Amazon, and now Airtime. Tatiana shares lessons from her past that all marketers can learn from, discusses marketing “silver bullets,” and shares why it's okay to fail and fail hard. - Link to Tatiana's article: https://medium.com/womentorship/the-great-exhaustion-c54cbf5750e4

On this episode David is joined by Tatiana Simonian, CMO of Airtime, to take a look at the overall social/marketing landscape and to discuss her viral Medium article, "The Great Resignation, The Great Exhaustion." Tatiana is a seasoned marketer who has spent time at Twitter, Tumblr, Neilson, Amazon, and now Airtime. Tatiana shares lessons from her past that all marketers can learn from, discusses marketing "silver bullets," and shares why it's okay to fail and fail hard. - Link to Tatiana's article: https://medium.com/womentorship/the-great-exhaustion-c54cbf5750e4

On This Mini Episode David and Producer Will discuss the marketing and social impact of Super Bowl Ads. What are the stats, data, researchers saying about the value of a Super Bowl ad and what is the equivalent of that on social media? We take a look at some of the most notable ads from recent super bowls and what affect they had on the brand in hindsight. We also play a game of Super Bowl Commercial OR ________? Would you rather have a Super Bowl commercial or 4 Instagram posts from the Rock? How about 6.1 million paid clicks on Google search? David lists all of the ways you could spend $6 million dollars across the various social media platforms and we debate what path would be more effective.