Creator Economy Live

Send us a textFrom the beaches of Cannes to your For You page, this episode dives into how TikTok is helping creators connect, create, and cash in. We explore why live events are becoming a core pillar of creator strategy, which underused monetization tools every creator should know about, and how to actually define "high quality" content in 2025. Plus, our Creator & Brand of the Week picks: Dhar Mann, Louis Butterfield, Dove's bold new campaign, and the app that literally makes you put your phone down. 

Send us a textWant to get all this content and MORE in person? Then you need to be at Creator Economy Live East, heading to NYC August 5-6. Use code CELPOD20 for 20% off your ticket, and the first 500 brands go free!Melanie Huet, CMO of Newell Brands (home to Sharpie, Coleman, Rubbermaid, and more), joins the pod to talk about her journey from Unilever and Kraft to leading a powerhouse portfolio of everyday icons. But before we get into boardrooms and brand strategy, we dive into her other passion — shooting and editing sports content as the ultimate team video mom.We cover:What unites (and divides) the world's biggest CPG brandsHow Newell approaches influencer marketing at scaleThe KPIs Melanie really cares aboutWhat she'd create content about if she were an influencerPlus: The latest in AI from Google's jaw-dropping Veo 3 to smart glasses, what 825 social pros say about Instagram, TikTok, and burnout, and why carousel posts might be 2025's surprise hit.Creator of the Week, Brand of the Week, and all the usual chaos — don't miss it.

Send us a textKeith and Brendan sit down with Olivia Petzy, Social Media and Communications Group Manager at Care.com. Olivia shares how she built Care.com's influencer strategy from the ground up, why she's passionate about authentic storytelling, and what brands get wrong when they expect social leads to be on-camera talent. Plus, we cover the latest headlines: Publicis' acquisition of Captiv8, Whalar's $400M valuation, new creator tools from YouTube and Instagram, and all the wild AI updates out of Google I/O. Stay tuned for creator and brand shoutouts, including AI app builder VibeCode and parenting tech fave Life360.

Send us a textEnjoying the Creator Economy Live podcast? Hear all these actionable insights and build connections with HUGE industry titan brands at Creator Economy Live East 2025. PLUS as a loyal listener, you can get 20% off your ticket using POD20 at checkout!On this episode of Creator Economy Live, Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan sit down with Gabe Gomez — a social strategist who's made waves on LinkedIn and beyond. With experience at Edelman, Verizon, and now MCoBeauty, Gabe offers a unique perspective on what brands are getting right (and wrong) when it comes to influencer marketing.They dive into why the traditional influencer marketing playbook no longer works, how brands can take creative risks without losing control, and whether everyone needs to become a creator to stay relevant in today's digital landscape.You'll also hear their take on the latest industry news, including:- Meta's mixed reviews on its new editing tools- TikTok surpassing Twitch as the #2 live platform- New research revealing that finding the right creators is still the #1 challenge for marketers- YouTube's report on the rise of virtual creators- Peacock's bold move to bring TikTok talent to TV with four new original showsPlus, don't miss this week's Creator and Brand of the Week picks — featuring Zach King, Rob Mayhew, Alix Earle's viral Pantene moment, and more.Whether you're brand-side, agency-side, or building your own creator brand, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways.

Send us a textToilet paper, tampons, tissues, and... TikTok? In this episode of Creator Economy Live, Keith and Brendan sit down with Megan Narcisi and Lauren Staff from Kimberly-Clark—home to household brands like Huggies, Kleenex, and Kotex—to talk about what it really takes to make everyday products pop on social. From wild agency stories to building a center of excellence in a corporate giant, they spill all. Plus, we dive into LinkedIn's influencer glow-up, Meta's new ad features, and the AI cat that hijacked Quinta Brunson's feed. Want to get all this content and MORE in person? Then you need to be at Creator Economy Live East, heading to NYC August 5-6. Use code CELPOD20 for 20% off your ticket, and the first 500 brands go free! 

Send us a text In this special episode of Creator Economy Live, hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan are joined by not one but two powerhouse guests—Ali Kaltman and Janna Ninekin from Gruns, the brand that's been taking over your social feed. They dive deep into how Gruns crafts scroll-stopping content, builds measurable impact through influencer marketing, and structures a high-performing team. Plus, the duo explores the evolving revenue models for creators, how community drives long-term success, and the creator-brand partnerships changing the game. And of course, don't miss this week's standout creators, brands, and follows. Want to get all this content and MORE in person? Then you need to be at Creator Economy Live East, heading to NYC August 5-6. Use code CELPOD20 for 20% off your ticket, and the first 500 brands go free!

Send us a textOn this episode of Creator Economy Live, we're joined by the one and only Mike Diva—the creative powerhouse directing some of Saturday Night Live's most unforgettable digital shorts. From viral YouTube hits to high-gloss SNL sketches, Mike has built a career on chaotic brilliance, razor-sharp satire, and mind-blowing VFX.Hosts Brendan Gahan and Keith Bendes chat with Mike about breaking into the industry, maintaining his distinct visual voice in mainstream media, how the SNL gig came to be, and what creators and brands alike can learn from sketch comedy's golden formula.Plus: AI in the creator world, YouTube vs. TV, and why Chili's deserves your respect.

Send us a textRecorded live at Shack15 in San Francisco, this episode of Creator Economy Live brings the heat with our very special guest, Marina Mogilko — co-founder of LinguaTrip.com and the creator behind Linguamarina and Silicon Valley Girl, with a combined digital audience of over 17 million.Hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan catch up on the latest news in the creator space — including the looming TikTok ban, new YouTube Shorts updates, and why Gen Z is leaning harder into creator content than traditional media.Then we dive deep with Marina:- How she built not one, but three 7-figure YouTube channels- Her journey from immigrant entrepreneur to edtech founder- Why Slow Ventures bet on her—and how she's now betting on herself again with a new snack brand for kids- Plus, her current revenue mix and what she sees coming nextStick around for our Creator & Brand of the Week segment, shoutouts to Will Smith's creator collab marathon and Saratoga Water's viral moment, and a nod to political creator-turned-candidate Kat Abughazaleh.Don't forget to subscribe and check the bio for links to our Creator Economy Insider newsletter and details on the next Creator Economy Live event in Vegas!

Send us a textJoin hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan on the latest episode of Creator Economy Live, where they dive into the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing. This week, they sit down with James Del, the visionary behind Passionfruit, a platform pushing boundaries in the creator space. With a career spanning Gawker, Tao Group, and numerous leadership roles, James shares his journey, marketing insights, and the key trends shaping the industry. From SXSW's creator palooza to the rise of Linkedfluencers and the $10 billion influencer marketing spend forecasted for 2025, this episode is packed with essential knowledge for anyone in the creator economy. Plus, don't miss the Creator & Brand of the Week picks and a look at the latest industry buzz!

Send us a textWelcome back to Creator Economy Live, your go-to podcast for everything influencer marketing and the creator economy. Hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan are back with another exciting episode, bringing you the latest in the world of media, creators, and everything in between.First, a huge thank you to our incredible sponsors at Linqia and the amazing production team over at Creator Economy Live.In this episode, we're joined by Foster Kamer, a long-time friend, writer, editor, photographer, and media strategist. Foster's work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, and more. He's also an OG Gawker alum and now serves as Editorial Director at Futurism, where he's shaping the future of media. He's been anthologized in The Best American Food Writing and regularly shares his insights on his Substack, FosterTalk. If you're a regular listener, you've probably heard us mention him before!Foster joins us to discuss the evolution of media, the intersection of traditional and emerging media, and what it's like to navigate the changing landscape as a creator.

Send us a textIn this episode of Creator Economy Live, hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan catch up on the latest trends in influencer marketing and the creator economy. They dive into March Madness NIL deals, TikTok's latest updates, and Amazon shutting down Inspire. Plus, they discuss Instagram's new ad format, YouTube's AI Shorts integration, and more.The episode features a conversation with Adam Ornelas, Influencer Lead at DoorDash, who shares his experience working with major brands like Coinbase, Chipotle, and Whole Foods. Adam talks about his approach to influencer marketing, real-time partnerships, and the skyrocketing influencer rates. He also discusses his role in major brand activations like the Super Bowl and shares insights on the evolving creator economy landscape.Wrapping up with the Creator of the Week and Brand of the Week, Keith and Brendan highlight top creators and innovative brands shaping the space.

Send us a textWelcome back to Creator Economy Live, your go-to source for all things influencer marketing. This week in episode 54, Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan break down the latest trends, including record-breaking NIL deal spending, the rise of performance-driven influencer marketing, and how YouTube has overtaken mobile as the top way people watch content. We also celebrate 20 years of YouTube, exploring how it reshaped media and made creators more influential than traditional celebrities. Then, we're joined by Kim Larson, Global MD & Head of YouTube Creators, who shares insights on why brands still prioritize Instagram and TikTok, the battle between long-form and short-form content, and where YouTube is headed next. To wrap up, we highlight Khaby Lame as our Creator of the Week and Dunkin' as our Brand of the Week for their standout Super Bowl and Grammy campaigns.

Send us a textLive from Creator Economy Live 2025 in Las Vegas, Keith & Brendan are joined by Jon Youshaei — former Instagram & YouTube insider turned full-time creator. After spending nearly a decade building creator teams at the biggest platforms, Jon took the leap to go solo. In this episode, he reveals why he left his dream job, how he landed interviews with icons like MrBeast, Logan Paul, Marques Brownlee, and Charli D'Amelio, and why he doubled down on high-quality production in a world of raw content. We also dive into the brand-creator paradox—should companies invest deeply in a few influencers or spread their bets? Plus, Jon shares his take on the battle between short-form vs. long-form content, why brands are still spending more on TikTok & Instagram despite YouTube's superior monetization, and some juicy behind-the-scenes stories from his biggest interviews. 

In this episode of Creator Economy Live, hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan sit down with marketing executive Marissa Kraines, former VP of Social & Content Marketing at Salesforce. From her start in the music industry to shaping innovative B2B campaigns, Marissa shares insights on creativity, influencer marketing, and the future of the creator economy. Plus, we break down Meta's latest push to lure creators, Instagram's algorithm updates, and the launch of Linqia's Creator Intelligence tool.

In this episode of Creator Economy Live, Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan sit down with bestselling author and adventurer Michael Easter. From the secrets behind The Comfort Crisis to navigating the transition from traditional media to thriving as a modern creator, Michael shares how stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock extraordinary performance. Plus, we dive into the latest industry news, from TikTok bans to Meta's shifts, and highlight creators and brands making waves. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!Interested in attending Creator Economy Live? Join us this February 4-5 to see the podcast in action! Use code CELPOD20 at checkout to save 20% on your ticket price.

In our landmark 50th episode, hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan are joined by none other than Rachel Karten, the mastermind behind the beloved newsletter Link in Bio, with over 94k subscribers.   We dive into Rachel's journey from brand social media expert to independent creator, discuss her eye-opening survey findings, and uncover her top predictions for 2025. Plus, Keith and Brendan share their own bold forecasts for the year ahead, touching on AI video, creator-driven content, hybrid compensation models, and more.   COW/BOW (creator of the week & brand of the week)   Creator of the week (COW) Keith: Elisha Zepeda (ez.bookdesign) - On TikTok, the book cover designer brings 400K followers behind the scenes by sharing the briefs he receives from publishers, the resulting cover options, and the ultimate winners. Brendan: Walker Ward (aka Walkedsauce42_) a big burly dude who does a ton of hilarious impressions - like GRWM but he's but he's using tongs instead of a hair dryer, peanut butter instead of makeup. Or he'll pretend to be some coked up Chad/Finance bro. He's got these persona's down. Rachel: Paper Eats - set made of construction paper   Brand of the week  Keith: Honey is being torn apart right now online as their business model is being called “an adpocalypse” for creators. On December 22, YouTuber MegaLag posted a bombshell exposé that accused Honey of snatching creators' commissions by replacing their affiliate links with its own. LegalEagle just filed a class action lawsuit. Brendan: Notion/Snoop campaign Rachel: Topicals   Follow Keith: Meta's moves this year in affiliate and AI video generation with the release of Movie Gen One Billion Users is a card game that lets players launch their own social media network and compete with influencers—has blown past its Kickstarter goal by earning over $60,000 in funding. There are troll cards, influencer cards, follower cards, etc.  Brendan: https://www.instagram.com/winniedapointer Rachel: Michael Freund Law on Twitter   ✨ Special Offer: Use code CELPOD20 for 20% off tickets to our Creator Economy Live event this February 4-5 in Vegas

In our landmark 50th episode, hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan are joined by none other than Rachel Karten, the mastermind behind the beloved newsletter Link in Bio, with over 94k subscribers.We dive into Rachel's journey from brand social media expert to independent creator, discuss her eye-opening survey findings, and uncover her top predictions for 2025. Plus, Keith and Brendan share their own bold forecasts for the year ahead, touching on AI video, creator-driven content, hybrid compensation models, and more.COW/BOW (creator of the week & brand of the week)Creator of the week (COW) Keith: Elisha Zepeda (ez.bookdesign) - On TikTok, the book cover designer brings 400K followers behind the scenes by sharing the briefs he receives from publishers, the resulting cover options, and the ultimate winners. Brendan: Walker Ward (aka Walkedsauce42_) a big burly dude who does a ton of hilarious impressions - like GRWM but he's but he's using tongs instead of a hair dryer, peanut butter instead of makeup. Or he'll pretend to be some coked up Chad/Finance bro. He's got these persona's down. Rachel: Paper Eats - set made of construction paper Brand of the week Keith: Honey is being torn apart right now online as their business model is being called “an adpocalypse” for creators. On December 22, YouTuber MegaLag posted a bombshell exposé that accused Honey of snatching creators' commissions by replacing their affiliate links with its own. LegalEagle just filed a class action lawsuit. Brendan: Notion/Snoop campaign Rachel: Topicals Follow Keith: Meta's moves this year in affiliate and AI video generation with the release of Movie Gen One Billion Users is a card game that lets players launch their own social media network and compete with influencers—has blown past its Kickstarter goal by earning over $60,000 in funding. There are troll cards, influencer cards, follower cards, etc. Brendan: https://www.instagram.com/winniedapointer Rachel: Michael Freund Law on Twitter  ✨ Special Offer: Use code CELPOD20 for 20% off tickets to our Creator Economy Live event this February 4-5 in Vegas!

Welcome to Creator Economy Live's festive holiday edition! In this special episode, we're celebrating the year by revisiting The 12 Stories in Social—the top moments that shaped the creator economy in 2024. Inspired by "The 12 Days of Christmas," we take a creative spin through the stories that mattered most: The rise of creators on big screens New metrics driving social platform success Social media's influence on politics The women dominating online conversations And much more! Keith and Brendan also share their bold predictions for 2025, including the explosion of live-stream shopping, hybrid compensation models, and the LinkedIn influencer boom. Plus, don't miss their picks for Creator of the Year and Brand of the Year, celebrating those who redefined the industry. As a bonus, we're only six weeks away from the annual Creator Economy Live Conference in Vegas! Get your tickets now and join us for a live podcast recording featuring a surprise guest. Tune in to wrap up 2024 and gear up for an even bigger 2025! COY/BOY (creator of the year & brand of the year)  Creator of the year (COY) Keith: Jools Lebron Brendan: Natalie + Hawk Tuah + Rogan (kingmaker) Brand of the year (BOY) Keith: Cerave (Michael Cera campaign) Brendan:  Nvidia

Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan are back for Episode 48 of Creator Economy Live! This week, we unpack the ripple effects of the TikTok ban and Kai Cenat's record-breaking Twitch “Mafiathon.” Plus, Instagram's Trial Reels, LinkedIn's boosted posts, and how brands like Away and Puresport are shaking up influencer marketing.   Our guest, Josh Cohen, co-founder of Tubefilter and the Streamy Awards, takes us behind the curtain of digital media's rise, sharing untold stories and his vision for the future of the creator economy. Don't miss Creator and Brand of the Week highlights—featuring Stormi Steele, Kai Cenat, and Ground News.   COW/BOW (creator of the week & brand of the week) Creator of the week (COW) - Keith: Content creator and Canvas Beauty founder Stormi Steele earned $2 million in a single livestream. - Brendan: Kai Cenat - Josh: Pokemon TV channel   Brand of the week  - Keith: Away x Celeb Lookalikes (Timothee Chalamet, Jeremy Allen) Puresport sent out empty boxes to creators and asked them to send back items from other gifting campaigns that they've never used, to donate to a charity  - Brendan: Sprout Social, Land Rover - Josh: Ground News

This week, we're thrilled to have Kaya Yurieff, the Team Lead on the Creator Economy at The Information and one of our favorite industry reporters. Kaya shares her journey from working at CNN with Jake Tapper to becoming a leading voice in the creator economy. We dive into how her team produces unparalleled insights daily, the evolving landscape of the creator space, and her bold predictions for 2025. Before Kaya joins, Keith and Brendan catch up on the latest news, including highlights from the LinkedIn Partner Summit, TikTok's new affiliate partners, and the myth-busting insights from Instagram's Adam Mosseri. Creator of the week (COW) - Keith: Fitness creator Maxx Chewning announced that he sold his candy brand, Sour Strips, to The Hershey Company. - Brendan: TalkingTalktuah 50k on IG, @cam__george and @peter.ditzler are host a Talk Tuah companion podcast. - Kaya: Josie Balka 600k instagram followers Brand of the week (BOW) - Keith: Sony just broke the record for most comments on a TikTok video - To promote The Last Dance (Venom movie) - Brendan: Anyone but Jaguar. Wharhol lookalikes. Channeling Ridley Scott's famous 1984 ad. - Kaya: Samsung / mythical FAST channel Follow: - Keith: Visa announced it's officially recognizing creators as small businesses - Brendan: Armie HammerTime podcast. - Kaya: Kylie Kelce podcast

In Episode 46 of Creator Economy Live, hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan dive into the latest updates in influencer marketing and the creator economy with special guest Lauren Flanigan, Head of Global Brands for Refreshments at Mondelez.   Lauren brings her insights from working with iconic brands like Oreo, Ritz, and Cadbury, sharing her take on influencer strategies and brand performance. They also discuss Meta's rumored AI search engine, the rise of retail influencers, and Instagram's video quality downgrade. This episode is sponsored by Linqia, the #1 influencer marketing partner for the world's leading brands. Having executed over 3,000 campaigns for more than 650 brands, Linqia combines technology powered by Google Vision AI with award winning service to deliver measurable influencer results. Go to linqia.com or send a note to hello@linqia.com to speak with an influencer expert.

Episode 45 features guest Michelle Miller, CMO of K18 - the haircare brand that has seen a meteoric rise in the last few years, being the #1 most discussed hair care brand amongst influencers.   Tune in to hear about Michelle's time at UCSC with co-host Brendan Gahan, her early career in journalism, and her range of roles in luxury beauty brands (including Too Faced and Kosas Cosmetics). Also, hear Keith and Brendan discuss the huge impact long-form content such as podcasts and YouTube videos, may have had on this years USA election campaigns. This episode is sponsored by Linqia, the #1 influencer marketing partner for the world's leading brands. Having executed over 3,000 campaigns for more than 650 brands, Linqia combines technology powered by Google Vision AI with award winning service to deliver measurable influencer results. Go to linqia.com or send a note to hello@linqia.com to speak with an influencer expert.

Join Keith, Brendan and guest Esraa Elzin, Influencer Marketing lead at Instacart, to discuss Esraa's PR background having worked at Marina Maher, went in-house role in the beauty world at top brands Estee Lauder Companies and LVMH before landing her role at Instacart. COW/BOW (creator of the week & brand of the week)  Creator of the week (COW) Keith: Rachel Karten from Link in Bio - newsletter about working in social media and creating stand out content - has over 75k subscribers Brendan: Charles Trippy - talking about old school creators/influencer partners/this past week was WWWY Esraa: Stehfunee (mom/daughter combo on TikTok) Brand of the week  Keith: Adobe announced over 100 new features and tools at its annual MAX event in Miami Brendan: Notion - out here for make with notion Esraa: New York Liberty Follow Keith Google's AI-driven NotebookLM feature has simultaneously impressed and unsettled online commenters by generating AI-hosted “podcasts” based on user-provided research. Brendan: Reid Hoffman Esraa: Instagram story comments This episode is sponsored by Linqia, the #1 influencer marketing partner for the world's leading brands. Having executed over 3,000 campaigns for more than 650 brands, Linqia combines technology powered by Google Vision AI with award winning service to deliver measurable influencer results. Go to linqia.com or send a note to hello@linqia.com to speak with an influencer expert.

In Brendan and Keith's latest solo episode, they dive into Linqia's latest,highly anticipated, 2025 State of Influencer Marketing Report and it's a treasure trove of data.   It's survey based data from 200+ US enterprise marketers, and some of the top insights include a lo of useful stats around influencer budgets, Tiktok s potential ban and its impact on influencers, and using influencer content beyond creators feed. Also, get ready to get personal as Keith & Brendan discuss family holidays, entrepreneur newbies and awkward date run-ins.   This episode is sponsored by Linqia, the #1 influencer marketing partner for the world's leading brands. Having executed over 3,000 campaigns for more than 650 brands, Linqia combines technology powered by Google Vision AI with award winning service to deliver measurable influencer results. Go to linqia.com or send a note to hello@linqia.com to speak with an influencer expert.

In episode 42 of Creator Economy Live, hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan sit down with powerhouse influencer and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Victoria Garrick Browne. From battling mental health struggles as a Division 1 athlete to skyrocketing to influencer fame, Victoria opens up about her inspiring journey.   This episode is sponsored by Linqia, the #1 influencer marketing partner for the world's leading brands. Having executed over 3,000 campaigns for more than 650 brands, Linqia combines technology powered by Google Vision AI with award winning service to deliver measurable influencer results. Go to linqia.com or send a note to hello@linqia.com to speak with an influencer expert.   

Keith & Brendan talk with finance influencer Humphrey Yang running through his meteoric rise from a financial advisor to a social media powerhouse, the secret behind his multi-platform growth, and what brands get wrong when working with creators.  This episode is sponsored by Linqia, the #1 influencer marketing partner for the world's leading brands. Having executed over 3,000 campaigns for more than 650 brands, Linqia combines technology powered by Google Vision AI with award winning service to deliver measurable influencer results. Go to linqia.com or send a note to hello@linqia.com to speak with an influencer expert.   

In this episode of Creator Economy Live, hosts Keith and Brendan chat with Danielle Ito, the influencer marketing lead at Notion, about her diverse experience in creator partnerships across brands like Taco Bell and Madison Reed. They deep dive into influencer marketing on LinkedIn as well as how affiliate marketing is integrating into creator marketing.  As always, we cover the latest industry news, including the FTC's crackdown on fake followers and TikTok's growing dominance in video marketing. Plus, discover the top creators and brands of the week. Tune in for insights and trends shaping the creator economy.   

In this episode of Creator Economy Live, Keith and Brendan welcome Lia Haberman, a leading voice in the creator economy and founder/author of ICYMI newsletter. Fresh from attending the first ever White House Creator Economy Conference Lia shares her takeaways and gives us a peek into the conversations that took place. Lia also dives into her impressive career from big brand activations, to the academic side of the creator economy.  

ICYMI, last week Keith and Brendan were joined by Nadya Okamoto, co-Founder of August, to record the second live edition of the podcast, in partnership with Creator Economy NYC.    Nadya is a force to be reckoned with in the creator economy. At just 25 years old, she's is founder of multiple companies, she has run for public office, AND amassed millions of followers across various platforms. Safe to say, this conversation blew us away. As a self-described "geriatric Gen Z," Nadya leverages her social media savvy to grow both her personal brand and her business. In the conversation, Nadya shares invaluable insights on how she scaled her brand using content creation and how social is feeding more and more into the political landscape. 

On this week's episode of Creator Economy Live, Keith and Brendan are joined by a household name in social medial marketing, Jack Appleby.  Jack shares his journey from a college basketball player to a leading social media strategist. He offers valuable advice for aspiring B2B creators, discusses the most impactful platform for his work, and addresses the skepticism around the so-called “expert” class in the industry. Jack also reveals which of his posts garnered the most support and which sparked the most backlash.  Before Jack jumps in, as always, Keith and Brendan dive into the news, discussing whether we're witnessing "The End of Peak Creator." They examine the shift towards niche influencers, TikTok's explosion of micro-celebrities, and the changing landscape of mainstream media. 

This week, we have another special guest appearance alongside Brendan and Keith: Steph Martin, an influencer marketing veteran with extensive experience in fintech, healthcare, DTC, and consumer goods industries. Steph has led influencer marketing for renowned brands such as Hims & Hers and ThirdLove and is the SF chapter ambassador for Women in Influencer Marketing.  Steph shares her journey from traditional PR to leading influencer programs on the brand side. She discusses the evolution of influencer marketing, from its early "wild west" days to a more data-driven, strategic approach. Steph also offers insights into current industry challenges, the importance of creative freedom, and the ethical considerations brands and influencers must navigate.  As always, Brendan and Keith catch up on industry news. Topics include the debate over the value of a well-designed Instagram feed, Walmart's first-ever Creator Upfronts in LA, and the latest features being tested by Meta and Instagram. They also provide a VidCon recap, highlighting the maturing ecosystem and the growing interest in LinkedIn as a platform for creators. 

From glasses of rosé to insightful sessions, tune in to hear what Keith and Brendan got up to at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. One thing that couldn't be ignored at the festival was how creators are becoming more and more integral in the advertising landscape.    They highlight the growth of social-first and creator-first brands and the increasing presence of major platforms like Pinterest, Snapchat, and TikTok at industry events. The conversation touches on the challenges brands face in measuring the ROI of influencer marketing and the potential role of AI in content personalization and scaling. They also explore the significance of retail media networks and their convergence with the creator economy, suggesting that retail-driven influencer content will become increasingly important. 

This week on the Creator Economy Live Podcast, we have another special guest appearance alongside Brendan and Keith, Nathan Jun Poekert, CMO Advisor and Executive Consultant for his company JUN. For those unfamiliar, Nathan has an impressive background, having served as Head of Social Media, Content, and Digital for American Eagle, and as Global Communications Director for BMW.  Nathan shares his journey from agency roles to brand leadership and eventually consulting. He discusses his evolution in influencer marketing, his rise as a LinkedIn influencer, and offers insights on pushing social media teams to innovate and meet benchmarks.  As always, Brendan and Keith catch up on industry news. Topics include Instagram's shift in algorithm focus to post share rates, tips on posting longer Reels, and the latest features Instagram is testing. They also discuss the challenges new creators face on saturated platforms and the need for incentives to keep them engaged. 

This week on the Creator Economy Live Podcast, we have an exciting episode featuring Brendan and Keith, with a special guest appearance by Matt Fantazier, who runs Integrated Media at Kenvue. For those unfamiliar, Kenvue is the new consumer business spun off from Johnson & Johnson, and it includes household brands like Neutrogena, Tylenol, and Listerine.  Matt shares his journey through the major transition from J&J to Kenvue, his experiences in integrated media, and the evolving role of creators in today's brand ecosystems. Discover how influencer marketing has shifted from mere explanations to becoming a crucial part of brand strategies.  Before we dive into our conversation with Matt, Brendan and Keith break down the top stories in the industry, including Meta's NewFronts push, TikTok's premium ad options, and the significant rise in CTV advertising.  

This week on the Creator Economy Live Podcast, we have a very special guest alongside Brendan and Keith, CMO of Rare Beauty, Katie Welch. She has been named Glossy's Top Marketeer in 2022 and has been vital in the meteoric rise of Rare Beauty, the beauty products company founded by superstar musician and actress Selena Gomez.  Katie shares her journey from agency to brand side, looking into the comparisons between traditional and creator-founded brands and the challenges facing influencer marketing agencies. From discussions on the state of influencer marketing agencies to the complexities of the $21 billion influencer industry, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the current landscape and what lies ahead for creators, brands, agencies and marketers. 

Join us this week on the Creator Economy Live Podcast as Keith and Brendan sit down with Ben Relles, a true titan of digital innovation. From his early days of comedy at YouTube to his groundbreaking innovations in content strategy at Reid Hoffman, Ben's journey is one of unparalleled influence.  We explore the latest in the TikTok saga, from legislative maneuvers to ByteDance's looming deadline. Plus, dive into AirChat, the hot new app blending Twitter and Clubhouse dynamics.  We also get into Ben's current work with Reid Hoffman and what the future of the creator economy looks like with the influence of AI. 

Tune in to this week's episode of the Creator Economy Live podcast, where hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan are joined by Jasmine Enberg, the esteemed creator economy analyst from eMarketer. Gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape as Jasmine shares her journey and perspectives since entering the industry.  Explore the latest industry developments, from the ongoing Instagram Vs YouTube ad revenue discussion to the increasing role of AI within the creator economy. Additionally, discover LinkedIn's recent venture into short-form vertical video and uncover innovative B2B marketing strategies reshaping the platform.   

This week on the Creator Economy Live Podcast, we explore the intersections of creativity, influence, and innovation. Your hosts, Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan, are joined by the former Head of Social at Rynair, Michael Corcoran, now Managing Partner of Frankly. Dive into the essence of influencer marketing on LinkedIn with Brendan's groundbreaking venture, Creator Authority, and get the inside scoop on the latest buzz, including the ongoing TikTok saga, MrBeast's Amazon collaboration, and more. Join us as Michael talks us through his pivotal role in redefining Ryan Air's social media strategy, to his ambitious venture with Frankly, aiming to reshape the advertising world. Learn from our discussion on the cultural differences in advertising strategies between Europe and the US, as we explore how the right digital strategy can elevate a brand's journey!

Join us in this week's episode of Creator Economy Live as we uncover the story of Brent Underwood, the visionary breathing new life into Cerro Gordo, a ghost town with a haunting history of silver mining and wild western lore. With a combined following of 5 million, Brent's cinematic storytelling has captured the imagination of millions, leading to a book deal that promises to reveal even more about his quest at the edge of Death Valley. We also break records with the Streamer Awards, dive deep into the rise of PRIME's success, and navigate the fine line between initial traction and lasting success. Plus, don't miss our insightful discussion with Brent about the origins of his YouTube channel, the art of storytelling that keeps viewers hooked, his approach to community building, and the monetization strategies that have made Ghost Town Living a phenomenon!

In this eye-opening episode of Creator Economy Live, we're joined by special guest Shayna Macklin, Fractional CMO at Rainbow Shops. Shayna unveils the threads of her success in weaving a vibrant creator practice and a buzzing full-production studio. We're peeling back the layers of MrBeast's TIME cover fame, exploring OpenAI's groundbreaking Sora, and dissecting Snapchat's fresh campaign stance. Plus, don't miss our candid chat on the shifting sands of influencer marketing as we step into 2024, where the blend of storytelling, brand integration, and community engagement promises to redefine influence.   

This episode we're joined by Lisa Chudnofsky, Chief Brand Officer at The Vitamin Shoppe, to discuss how the retailer leverages creators to elevate the brand, the role employees and personal play in campaigns as well as long-term ambassador relationships. PLUS; we dissect the touchdowns, fumbles, thrills, and spills of the Superbowl...and more importantly the role of creators in the marketing frenzy that surrounds the big game.   

This episode we're joined by Mary Katherine (MK) Woltz who is Director of Media Connections at Danone (Motherbrand to household names inc. Evian, Oikos, Activia etc), to talk about the rise of retail media. We discuss MK's career journey from influencer marketing to retail media and how the two fields overlap, as well as the rising trend of retail media and social partnerships. Tune in to learn what the retail media boom may mean for brands, retailers and creators alike.

This episode was recorded live at Creator Economy Live in Las Vegas. Keith and Brendan took to the stage with Lilly Briger Senior Lead of Creator Partnerships for Barbie & Dolls at Mattel to discuss THE campaign of 2023 and the run-up to ‘B-Day'. Lilly shares her learnings on creator partnerships, awareness vs perception, maximizing budgets as well as the differences in media vs product marketing.  

Get ready for a new year of Creator Economy Live! Our first guest for 2024 is Sean Kim, President and Chief Product Officer at Kajabi. From TikTok to Kajabi, Sean has been at the forefront of creator monetization. Tune in as they discuss the future of the creator middle class, the biggest opportunities for monetization, and how Kajabi is supporting creators. PLUS; the decline of ad revenue, the rise of direct fan monetization and big 2024 predictions.

In this special holiday installment of Creator Economy Live we honor the 12 days of Christmas with the 12 stories of social: a look back at the top 12 storis that shaped the creator economy. Join Keith and Brendan on this fun, festive journey through what set the creator world ablaze and what fizzled out in 2023. But that's not all – we'll also turn our gaze to 2024 and share our predictions for the trends that will shape the creator economy over the next year.  COY (Creator of the Year)  Emma Chamberlain – maintained her influencer status but branched out to multiple ventures outside of social including a podcast, coffee line, brand partnerships, TV commercials. Crossed the threshold from creator to household name.  Logan Paul –  delivered the turnaround of the decade with a star studded (+highly ranked!) podcast, 6th in his category on prime, re-signed a multi-year deal and won his first WWE Championship  BOY (Brand of the Year)  Barbie – a turnaround year for the brand which went from shoved to loved in 2023  Adobe – Rode the AI wave and leap frogged ahead of everyone with Firefly and Sensai    This episode is sponsored by Linqia, the #1 influencer marketing partner for the world's leading brands. Having executed over 3,000 campaigns for more than 650 brands, Linqia combines technology powered by Google Vision AI with award winning service to deliver measurable influencer results. Go to linqia.com or send a note to hello@linqia.com to speak with an influencer expert.  Sign up to our newsletter:   This podcast is brought to you by the biggest event for influencer marketers in the US Creator Economy Live! Join Keith and Brendan live and in person as well as 100s of brands in Vegas on January 17th for lively conversation and debate about everything in the world of influencer marketing and the creator economy. 

In this episode, we're joined by one of the most influential social media managers of the last decade, the brains behind Duo (aka the Duolingo owl) Zaria Parvez. We discuss Zaria's journey with Duolingo and how she has propelled a language-learning app to be one of the most lauded brands on social media by leaning into humor, keeping up with trending topics, and leveraging social trends. PLUS; YouTube makes moves to take a larger share of the social commerce market, TikTok unveils OOH ad solutions for brands, and social media predictions for 2024. 

In this episode, we're joined by Creator Economy OG Jim Louderback – a pioneer in the world of online video today and former CEO of Vidcon.  We dive into Jim's background and career to date, the rise and fall of MCNs, the evolution of creator business structures, the proliferation of creator tools and how the industry is maturing. Oh and ICYMI Jim writes the popular weekly newsletter "Inside the Creator Economy" on LinkedIn – a highly recommended follow! 

In this episode we're joined by Natalie Marshall... better known as Corporate Natalie, the social media sensation who has amassed over 1million followers for her hilarious content that pokes fun at corporate life and ‘New Normal' nuances. We discuss Natalies journey from Big 4 consultant to top tier creator, her best brand partnerships, how she curates for different platforms as well as her future aspirations. PLUS; Meta's celebrity chatbots, X considers removing interaction counts and Instagram rethinks Reels bonus payments for creators    

In this episode we're joined by Mark Book, Head of Content for North America from Digitas, to discuss how the definition and role of content has evolved in marketing, what makes a great content partnership as well as his career highlights. PLUS; we dive into a whirlwind of new social platform features, the booming TikTok Shop, the battle against social media misinformation, and TikTok's groundbreaking creator scoring system. Our Creators Of the Week (COW): • Haley Kalil (@haleyybaylee) - scientist turned content creator graduated summa cum laude with a Bsc in medical biology and psychology, and a minor in chemistry has done amazing collabs with Ed Sheeran, Jaret Leto, Zach King and more. • Dylan Huey - President of Reach/USC influencer organization. Has his own audience of 2million followers+. Done a great job of being out in the industry, giving back and educating others. • Hallie Tutt –TikTok influencer who calls herself a ‘Universe Builder' doing a lot of amazing visual things and creating experiences that will work well for brands and a great collaborator. Our Brands Of the Week (BOW)  • CB2 (Crate & Barrel) - Innovatively took social content and used it across other channels. They launched a social marketing campaign showing its new “Best of” collection on Instagram before it was then repurposed on display ads and CTV. • MrBeast's ‘Feastables' will be the first creator product on NBA jersey after he signed a deal with the Charlotte Hornets • Lipdub by the creators of Captions– can upload a video into 45 languages which not only translates but also autodubs the video. In addition to 45 languages you can also translate into Pirate, Gen Z and Baby Talk. This episode is sponsored by Linqia, the #1 influencer marketing partner for the world's leading brands. Having executed over 3,000 campaigns for more than 650 brands, Linqia combines technology powered by Google Vision AI with award winning service to deliver measurable influencer results. Go to linqia.com or send a note to hello@linqia.com to speak with an influencer expert.Sign up to our newsletter:This podcast is brought to you by the biggest event for influencer marketers in the US Creator Economy Live! Join Keith and Brendan live and in person as well as 100s of brands in Vegas on January 17th for lively conversation and debate about everything in the world of influencer marketing and the creator economy.https://creatoreconomylive.com/

Sarah Shaker, Head of Brand Engagement at Maybelline joins us this week to discuss how Maybelline are supporting their community beyond cosmetics with mental health initiative Brave Together. Listen in to learn how big brands can create real impact, why influencers stole the show at New York fashion week and if TV commercials are still a valuable part of the media mix for brands. PLUS; is Gen X being neglected by the creator economy and the Taylor Swift NFL effect.    

In this episode we're joined by Meredith Almond, Social Media Lead for Jimmy John's to discuss the evolution of social, her career highlights, as well as dive into the latest creator economy headlines. Tune in to hear how Meredith and her team create stand out social content that truly engages, the Jimmy John journey with Threads as well as the proudest posts of her career. PLUS; YouTubes new generative AI tools, is X moving to a subscription model and TikTok eyes more social networking features.