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In today's episode, Dr. Pierce Salguero sits down with Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and researcher of religion, spirituality, and cognition. Together we try to get to the bottom of whether meditation is actually good for you through a comparison of Miguel's research on the adverse effects of meditation with my research on Asian notions of meditation sickness. Along the way, we discuss the limitations of modern Western understandings of consciousness, and explore whether we can develop a more expansive, multifaceted understanding of altered states both pleasant and unpleasant. If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in deep conversations about the dark side of Asian religions and medicines, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out our members-only benefits on blackberyl.substack.com. Enjoy the show! Resources mentioned: Miguel Farias and Catherine Wikholm, The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You? (2019). Miguel Farias, Oxford Handbook of Meditation (2022). Miguel Farias et al, “Adverse Events in Meditation Practices and Meditation-based Therapies: A Systematic Review” (2021). Pierce Salguero, “‘Meditation Sickness' in Medieval Chinese Buddhism and the Contemporary West” (2023). Peter Berger, The Homeless Mind (1973). Joseph Henrich et al. article on the Müller-Lyer illusion (2010). The source for the term “monophasic bias” is apparently Charles Laughlin's chapter “Transpersonal Anthropology” in Roger Walsh's book Paths Beyond Ego (1993). Pierce Salguero, A Lamp Unto Yourself (2025). Resources provided by the interviewee on blackberyl.substack.com: Introduction to the Oxford Handbook of Meditation Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. www.piercesalguero.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
In today's episode, Dr. Pierce Salguero sits down with Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and researcher of religion, spirituality, and cognition. Together we try to get to the bottom of whether meditation is actually good for you through a comparison of Miguel's research on the adverse effects of meditation with my research on Asian notions of meditation sickness. Along the way, we discuss the limitations of modern Western understandings of consciousness, and explore whether we can develop a more expansive, multifaceted understanding of altered states both pleasant and unpleasant. If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in deep conversations about the dark side of Asian religions and medicines, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out our members-only benefits on blackberyl.substack.com. Enjoy the show! Resources mentioned: Miguel Farias and Catherine Wikholm, The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You? (2019). Miguel Farias, Oxford Handbook of Meditation (2022). Miguel Farias et al, “Adverse Events in Meditation Practices and Meditation-based Therapies: A Systematic Review” (2021). Pierce Salguero, “‘Meditation Sickness' in Medieval Chinese Buddhism and the Contemporary West” (2023). Peter Berger, The Homeless Mind (1973). Joseph Henrich et al. article on the Müller-Lyer illusion (2010). The source for the term “monophasic bias” is apparently Charles Laughlin's chapter “Transpersonal Anthropology” in Roger Walsh's book Paths Beyond Ego (1993). Pierce Salguero, A Lamp Unto Yourself (2025). Resources provided by the interviewee on blackberyl.substack.com: Introduction to the Oxford Handbook of Meditation Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. www.piercesalguero.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies
In today's episode, Dr. Pierce Salguero sits down with Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and researcher of religion, spirituality, and cognition. Together we try to get to the bottom of whether meditation is actually good for you through a comparison of Miguel's research on the adverse effects of meditation with my research on Asian notions of meditation sickness. Along the way, we discuss the limitations of modern Western understandings of consciousness, and explore whether we can develop a more expansive, multifaceted understanding of altered states both pleasant and unpleasant. If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in deep conversations about the dark side of Asian religions and medicines, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out our members-only benefits on blackberyl.substack.com. Enjoy the show! Resources mentioned: Miguel Farias and Catherine Wikholm, The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You? (2019). Miguel Farias, Oxford Handbook of Meditation (2022). Miguel Farias et al, “Adverse Events in Meditation Practices and Meditation-based Therapies: A Systematic Review” (2021). Pierce Salguero, “‘Meditation Sickness' in Medieval Chinese Buddhism and the Contemporary West” (2023). Peter Berger, The Homeless Mind (1973). Joseph Henrich et al. article on the Müller-Lyer illusion (2010). The source for the term “monophasic bias” is apparently Charles Laughlin's chapter “Transpersonal Anthropology” in Roger Walsh's book Paths Beyond Ego (1993). Pierce Salguero, A Lamp Unto Yourself (2025). Resources provided by the interviewee on blackberyl.substack.com: Introduction to the Oxford Handbook of Meditation Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. www.piercesalguero.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology
In today's episode, Dr. Pierce Salguero sits down with Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and researcher of religion, spirituality, and cognition. Together we try to get to the bottom of whether meditation is actually good for you through a comparison of Miguel's research on the adverse effects of meditation with my research on Asian notions of meditation sickness. Along the way, we discuss the limitations of modern Western understandings of consciousness, and explore whether we can develop a more expansive, multifaceted understanding of altered states both pleasant and unpleasant. If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in deep conversations about the dark side of Asian religions and medicines, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out our members-only benefits on blackberyl.substack.com. Enjoy the show! Resources mentioned: Miguel Farias and Catherine Wikholm, The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You? (2019). Miguel Farias, Oxford Handbook of Meditation (2022). Miguel Farias et al, “Adverse Events in Meditation Practices and Meditation-based Therapies: A Systematic Review” (2021). Pierce Salguero, “‘Meditation Sickness' in Medieval Chinese Buddhism and the Contemporary West” (2023). Peter Berger, The Homeless Mind (1973). Joseph Henrich et al. article on the Müller-Lyer illusion (2010). The source for the term “monophasic bias” is apparently Charles Laughlin's chapter “Transpersonal Anthropology” in Roger Walsh's book Paths Beyond Ego (1993). Pierce Salguero, A Lamp Unto Yourself (2025). Resources provided by the interviewee on blackberyl.substack.com: Introduction to the Oxford Handbook of Meditation Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. www.piercesalguero.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion
In today's episode, Dr. Pierce Salguero sits down with Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and researcher of religion, spirituality, and cognition. Together we try to get to the bottom of whether meditation is actually good for you through a comparison of Miguel's research on the adverse effects of meditation with my research on Asian notions of meditation sickness. Along the way, we discuss the limitations of modern Western understandings of consciousness, and explore whether we can develop a more expansive, multifaceted understanding of altered states both pleasant and unpleasant. If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in deep conversations about the dark side of Asian religions and medicines, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out our members-only benefits on blackberyl.substack.com. Enjoy the show! Resources mentioned: Miguel Farias and Catherine Wikholm, The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You? (2019). Miguel Farias, Oxford Handbook of Meditation (2022). Miguel Farias et al, “Adverse Events in Meditation Practices and Meditation-based Therapies: A Systematic Review” (2021). Pierce Salguero, “‘Meditation Sickness' in Medieval Chinese Buddhism and the Contemporary West” (2023). Peter Berger, The Homeless Mind (1973). Joseph Henrich et al. article on the Müller-Lyer illusion (2010). The source for the term “monophasic bias” is apparently Charles Laughlin's chapter “Transpersonal Anthropology” in Roger Walsh's book Paths Beyond Ego (1993). Pierce Salguero, A Lamp Unto Yourself (2025). Resources provided by the interviewee on blackberyl.substack.com: Introduction to the Oxford Handbook of Meditation Pierce Salguero is a transdisciplinary scholar of health humanities who is fascinated by historical and contemporary intersections between Buddhism, medicine, and crosscultural exchange. He has a Ph.D. in History of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2010), and teaches Asian history, medicine, and religion at Penn State University's Abington College, located near Philadelphia. www.piercesalguero.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/spiritual-practice-and-mindfulness
Today I sit down with Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and researcher of religion, spirituality, and cognition. Together we try to get to the bottom of whether meditation is actually good for you through a comparison of Miguel's research on the adverse effects of meditation with my research on Asian notions of meditation sickness. Along the way, we discuss the limitations of modern Western understandings of consciousness, and explore whether we can develop a more expansive, multifaceted understanding of altered states both pleasant and unpleasant.If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in deep conversations about the dark side of Asian religions and medicines, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out our members-only benefits on blackberyl.substack.com. Enjoy the show!Resources mentioned:Miguel Farias and Catherine Wikholm, The Buddha Pill: Can Meditation Change You? (2019).Miguel Farias, Oxford Handbook of Meditation (2022).Miguel Farias et al, “Adverse Events in Meditation Practices and Meditation-based Therapies: A Systematic Review” (2021).Pierce Salguero, “‘Meditation Sickness' in Medieval Chinese Buddhism and the Contemporary West” (2023). Peter Berger, The Homeless Mind (1973).Joseph Henrich et al. article on the Müller-Lyer illusion (2010).The source for the term “monophasic bias” is apparently Charles Laughlin's chapter “Transpersonal Anthropology” in Roger Walsh's book Paths Beyond Ego (1993).Pierce Salguero, A Lamp Unto Yourself (2025).Resources provided by the interviewee on blackberyl.substack.com:Introduction to the Oxford Handbook of Meditation
This week we have actor, writer, director, and producer Charles Laughlin, aka, Chas. Chas in known for starring in a childrens comedic television show as well as amassing 1+ million Tiktok followers through his comedic content. Recently, Chas has double downed on creating his own projects, as well as writing his book "The 5 Ways People Become Famous". You're not gonna wanna miss this episode and all of the wisdom Chas has to offer. Chas's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/chaslaughlin?igsh=NXY5bXBiY2l0dTR5 follow us on insta!! https://instagram.com/actinglikeanact... tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@actinglikeana... youtube: https://youtube.com/@actinglikeanacto... email: actinglikeanactorpodcast@gmail.com sophie's instagram: https://instagram.com/sophiejordancol... website: sophiejordancollins.com the beat: • FREE BEATS NO COPYRIGHT - "Unique" | ... podcast produced by Connor McBain: https://www.instagram.com/cmcbain17?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ%3D%3D
In E84, hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin discuss the latest developments surrounding TikTok, focusing on the platform's ad spending growth and user trends. Mike and Charlie analyze the slowing growth rate of TikTok's ad spending and user base, pondering whether it's a result of the legislative overhang or other factors such as the influx of TikTok Shop content. They also debate if the platform's core user demographic is evolving and how the commercialization of content might be altering the user experience. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation with us at podcast@localogy.com.
In E84 of “This Week in Local,” hosts Mike Bolin and Charles Laughlin dive into the evolving landscape of AI personal assistants with a focus on Ario, a Silicon Valley startup. Ario, backed by $16 million in funding, aims to revolutionize the concept of personal assistants by leveraging large language models (LLMs) trained on individual user data. Mike and Charlie also discuss the importance of defensibility in AI startups, the significance of venture capital funding, and the evolving dynamics of the AI industry. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation with us at podcast@localogy.com.
In E83 of “This Week in Local,” Localogy analysts Charles Laughlin and Mike Boland discuss the recent partnership between Shopify and Target. This collaboration allows Shopify merchants to gain additional exposure on target.com, providing a valuable distribution channel for small merchants. The hosts break down the implications of this deal for Shopify, Target, and the broader e-commerce ecosystem. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation with us at podcast@localogy.com.
In E82 of "This Week in Local," hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin delve into the ongoing conflict between Meta and European data privacy regulators. They explore how Meta's efforts to deploy Meta AI in Europe have hit a roadblock due to stringent privacy laws and the pushback from regulatory bodies, particularly in Ireland. This leads to a broader discussion on the challenges big tech companies face with European regulators, especially concerning the legality and ethics of using user-generated content for AI training. Mike and Charles also touch on similar standoffs involving Google and news publishers, drawing parallels with Meta's situation. They discuss the implications of these conflicts for the future of AI training data, referencing recent licensing deals like the one between OpenAI and News Corp. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation with us at podcast@localogy.com.
In E78, host Charles Laughlin is joined by James Morse, SVP of Product at BrandMuscle and they discuss the unique challenges and strategies involved in marketing within the beverage alcohol industry, highlighting the historical context and modern-day intricacies of this highly regulated market. James provides a comprehensive look into the complexities of the beverage alcohol market, emphasizing the importance of local marketing and compliance. The discussion offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the dynamics of alcohol distribution and marketing. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation with us at podcast@localogy.com.
In E76, we share one of the key moments from Localogy's recent L24 conference in Arlington, Texas. In April on the morning of the conference's second day, Localogy analyst Charles Laughlin sat down with Joe to discuss leadership and managing through change. Joe is a longstanding leader in the local search industry, The conversation at L24 followed a short presentation where Joe reflected on a “lifetime of pivots.” The interview we share in this episode delves into the thinking behind the key decisions Joe made as a leader over the years. These choices include continuing to produce print directories even as the industry shifted to digital and committing the organization to a major pivot to SaaS. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation with us at podcast@localogy.com.
In E73, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin talk about Apple's moves to make it even easier for small businesses to control how they appear on Apple Maps via Apple Business Connect. As Mike puts it, Apple's efforts to make it easier for small businesses to update their profiles (which dictate how they appear on Apple Maps) is such a smart move. It allows Apple to scale its listings content by giving small businesses the tools to do it themselves. And they have an incentive to do so. What business doesn't want to be found at the right time for the right reason? This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
In E72, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin discuss the state of Threads. This is the Meta app (joined at the hip with Instagram) that emerged last year as a text-based social network. And as an alternative for those who could not abide Elon Musk's stewardship of X (nee Twitter). The hook for this discussion was a recent Meta initiative to entice Instagram creators to create on Threads. It's a move the analysts understand. Platforms like Threads need content that attracts users. And lots of it. But they also felt this move has distinct Groupon or “Happy Hour vibes.” In other words, a whiff of desperation. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
For E71, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin discuss the emerging new normal of how tech startups are being organized. This new normal involves a hyper-lean mindset among founders who now build with much smaller teams, outsource a lot more, are far more stingy with equity, and automate as much as they can using AI. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation with us at podcast@localogy.com.
In E70, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin discuss one of the most talked about startups in the Localogy-verse – Howard Lerman's Ro.am. Specifically, co-host Mike Boland gives a download on his test drive of the Roam UX. And given Mike's expertise in AR/VR, Roam's spatial orientation is right up Mike's alley. Mike's key point is that Roam's mission is to break out of the “form over function” trap that so much of what we build falls into. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation with us at podcast@localogy.com.
For E69, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin shared highlights and insights from the recently completed L24 event in Arlington, Texas. L24 wasn't 100% AI-focused. Yet it was a key theme. Mike noted how practical the conversation around AI was at L24. Charles pointed out that it was a relief that there wasn't a lot of AI “doomer” talk at L24. Yet he felt some tough conversations were being avoided. For example, what's really behind the talk about how AI is “democratizing” this or that? The analysts also discussed TikTok's U.S. future. This surfaced throughout the event, which was before legislation was passed requiring TikTok's owner Bytedance to divest its U.S. holdings. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
In E68, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin talk about how AI may disrupt yet another career ambition – becoming a professional influencer. The analysts cite data showing that about half of GenZ's say they would enjoy a career sunning poolside for brand deals. They then pierce this bubble by citing brands' likely temptation to build their own influencers with AI tools like Sora and Midjourney. While this trend may not bode well for aspiring young influencers, the analysts agreed that some flavors of influencer marketing may enjoy at least some AI immunity. This includes the emerging category of local influencers, exemplified by companies like Hummingbirds. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
In this Episode of Localogy's This Week in Local, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin unpack what we learned from Read.ai's recent $21 million Series A funding round. The analysts agreed that the round is a good sign that VCs are out there for companies with proven founders and a good story. Although, it is not enough to declare the VC winter is thawing because a respected serial founder with “AI” in his company's name was able to raise a round. What the analysts found even more interesting was the product expansion that accompanied Read.ai's funding round. This led to an interesting discussion on the episode of new ways organizations may (perhaps inevitably) apply this data. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
This Episode of Localogy's This Week in Local features a rundown on an interesting new move in retail media, one of the current hottest trends in local. Co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin kick around the significance of retail giant Walmart's recent decision to expand access to its retail media network to what it calls “non-endemic brands.” Or as Mike puts it, Walmart has “opened the floodgates to let local SMBs into the mix.” What does this mean for retail media broadly? To date, this has largely been a game for brands. Will other retail media networks follow suit and open their floodgates to let SMBs in? Listen to the analysts talk it out to learn more. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
In E64, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin dive into the European Union's Digital Marketing Act and what it could mean for Apple, Alphabet (e.g., Google), and Meta (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). The Act “requires companies to give users and rivals more choices to ensure a level playing field.” What does a hefty fine mean to companies that could afford to colonize Mars? This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
In E63, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin discuss the recent news from Uberall. Uberall co-founder and CEO Florian Hübner will pass the CEO baton and take over as President. It's all about strategic positioning. In some cases, the founder's greatest value – including technical backgrounds – may lie closer to the product level or business development. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
In E61, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin discuss Chatmeter's latest innovation: Risk Monitoring. This groundbreaking AI technology scans reviews and social media to pinpoint potential crises before they escalate. Chatmeter's Risk Monitoring has transformed their approach to risk mitigation in the hyper-digital era, reshaping the future of reputation management and helping businesses navigate the complexities of online presence with confidence This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
In E60, co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin debate the merits of a new experiment from Google that applied AI to a common pain point. Mke describes how Google has rolled out “Talk to a Live Rep” which uses AI to address a common consumer pain point, waiting on hold to talk to a live agent. Mike sees this innovation within the broader context of Google's AI strategy. In essence, Google is pursuing Talk to a Live Rep in the same manner as it has rolled out all of its famous consumer products. This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
In E56 of Localogy's This Week in Local podcast features Localogy senior analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin look at business trends impacting the Localogy ecosystem. First Mike shares his insights on the rollout of Apple Vision Pro. Then Charles looks at how location intelligence firm Placer.ai is expanding the use cases for foot traffic data through a string of recent partnerships. And finally we wrap up the podcast with each host's nomination for “Who Won the Week” This Week in Local is a Localogy production. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. ## Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Start a conversation at podcast@localogy.com.
In E47 of Localogy's This Week in Local podcast, senior analysts Charles Laughlin and Mike Boland find new angles on the ongoing saga of how AI is changing everything. Mike starts with a review of how Amazon and Google are making it easy to use generative AI to create product descriptions for Google product listings or Amazon product pages. Mike sees these moves in the context of how AI is working its way through the marketing stack, from stock images to copywriting to now the creation of product images. Charles takes this in a different direction and talks about recent comments from investor and All-In Podcast bro Chamath Palihapitiya that it is easier than it has ever been to launch a software company with just a couple of people. How? Well, just automate most tasks, from product development to marketing, using AI. In this scenario, Chamath doesn't see an outsize role for VCs. Catch the hosts' selections for “Who Won the Week”. Perhaps Mike or Charles will mention you or your company! This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Drop us a line at podcast@localogy.com.
In E45 of Localogy's This Week in Local podcast, senior analysts Charles Laughlin and Mike Boland sound off on Amazon ads to AI-enhanced meetings. First Mike talks about a new option for SMB-facing agencies and publishers to sell inventory from a major advertising platform. In this case the ads are from Amazon, and hibu is the guinea pig for this partnership model. Charles then trots out one of his favorite hobby horses – the future of work. In this instance he asks if the pivots and now rebranding of what was once Waitroom (now Rumi.ai) signal trouble in the fledgling “remote tech” space, or is Rumi just being opportunistic and poivoting to positioning itself clearly as an AI-enhanced meetings play and not as an alternative to Zoom. And please remember to listen to the very end to catch the hosts' nominations for “Who Won the Week”. Perhaps Mike or Charles will mention you or your company. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. ## Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Drop us a line at podcast@localogy.com.
In E43, Localogy senior analyst Charles Laughlin talks about the unique power of local influencers with Emily Steele, the CEO & Co-founder of Hummingbirds. Hummingbirds is the antithesis of Khardashian level influencer marketing, where celebrities will millions of Instagram followers hawk luxury goods. Rather, it's about that friend in your community with perhaps hundreds of followers who convinced you to try out that new cocktail bar or yoga studio. Ultimately Hummingbirds sees itself as an innovative way for brands to break through to Millennial consumers who are “spending money on Spotify to avoid ads.” Des Moines, Iowa-based Hummingbirds began in 2019 to “help place-based brand find and work with hyper-local content creators to drive awareness and sales.” Steele says that brick and mortar retail and personal services businesses seem to resonate most with local influencer marketing. The company raised a $1 million seed round late in 2022. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Write to us at podcast@localogy.com.
In E42, Localogy senior analysts Charles Laughlin and Mike Boland sound off on two topics that involve protecting the little guy. First Mike talks about how big tech platforms like Meta and Airbnb are applying user verification to small businesses. Charles then asks out loud if crowdfunding platforms will become a go-to resource for tech startups running out of runway during the long VC winter. And always remember to listen to the very end to catch the hosts' nominations for “Who Won the Week”. Maybe they will mention you or your company. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. ## Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Write to us at podcast@localogy.com.
In E41, Localogy senior analysts Charles Laughlin and Mike Boland return to explore two top of mind topics. Mike begins with a look at the recent “Made by Google”event, which ostensibly was to roll out the new Pixel 8 phone but felt more like an AI product rollout. Charles then talks about how an increasingly commoditized buy now pay later industry is seeking diversification in some familiar ways, including subscription products and retail media networks. Please be sure to listen to the full episode to catch the hosts' nominations for “Who Won the Week”. This week's entries touch on both the digital and physical worlds. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. ## Would you like to recommend a guest, ask a question, or sponsor an episode? Write to us at podcast@localogy.com.
In E40, Localogy senior analysts Charles Laughlin and Mike Boland return to explore two rather divergent topics. Mike starts the show off with an update on Amazon's Just Walk Out technology, which makes it possible to fill a basket in a store, and just walk out with the goods, and pay for them electronically. The analysts kick around why this hasn't yet revolutionized retail. Charles then shared details of a story he is working on about a private equity group rolling out local home services companies, offering a viable exit opportunity for local plumbers nearing retirement age. Please be sure to listen to the full episode to catch the hosts sharing their choices for “Who Won the Week”. This week's WWTW entries touch on some big tech milestones. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com.
In E39, Localogy senior analyst Charles Laughlin talks SMB SaaS with vcita CEO & Founder CEO Itzik Levy. Itzik falls firmly on the side of all-in-one in the longstanding all-in-one vs. point solutions debate that has raged on and off for years in the small-business SaaS industry. Itzik says that the company was not founded on this principle. It got there gradually by listening to its customers. Tune in for an engaging dialogue with a veteran SaaS founder. Itzik has plenty of advice on how to service the SMB market with software. In particular, Itzik offers tips on driving engagement among SMBs, long one of the biggest challenges in the small business software industry. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com.
In E38, Localogy senior analysts Charles Laughlin and Mike Boland return to bat around two top of mind AI topics. Mike begins by musing on which uses of AI are good applications and which are really just AI solutions in search of problems. Mike offers examples of both, noting that we are in the phase where a lot of spaghetti is being thrown against the AI wall in the hope that something will stick. Charles then raised a question that touches on AI but was spurred by a development he observed in the payments space. When a tech exec says they welcome regulation, do they really mean it? Please be sure to listen to the full episode to catch the hosts sharing their choices for “Who Won the Week”. This week's WWTW entries range from advances in personal technology to what is the best job in sports. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com.
In E34, guest Co-host Jason Barnard, founder and CEO of brand search consultancy Kalicube, joins Localogy senior analyst Charles Laughlin to explore a disparate set of issues, from AI search to the future of work. Jason begins by musing on how generative AI's application to search is leading SEOs and other search professionals to pivot back from being digital marketers to just marketers. Charles then offers a mini-rant on the ham-handedness (his words) of many back to office efforts, notably Meta's recent commandment that workers head back to their cubicles three days a week. Please be sure to listen to the full episode to catch the hosts sharing their choices for “Who Won the Week”. This week's WWTW entries straddle both the real and virtual worlds. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com.
In E36, Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin banter about two issues that were on their collective minds over the past week. First, Mike talks about a potential new threat to Google's search advertising dominance. And that is TikTok's moves into search marketing via its new and oddly named Search Ads Toggle. Then Charlie raised an unrelated topic. Are down rounds becoming normal? And are they a harbinger of the end of the VC winter? This thread was promoted by the fintech Ramp raising an impressive $300 million, but at a significantly reduced valuation. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com.
In E35, Charles Laughlin explores the fast-changing world of digital marketing with special guest Matthew Marx, CEO of Evocalize. Our conversation with Matt covers a wide range – from how AI is changing the way local businesses create content (and its limitations) to the true meaning of automation to common misconceptions about the current funding environment for B2B SaaS businesses. Evocalize was recently landed on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing U.S. companies, helps franchise businesses in several verticals, notably real estate and restaurants, automate digital marketing. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com.
Episode 29 features Localogy analysts taking on Amazon's last-mile experiment and KKR's interest in BNPL. Mike Boland brings up Amazon's latest experimentation with last-mile delivery, this one involves having small businesses use remnant time and space in their cars and vans to deliver packages. Charles Laughlin then wonders why digital payments giant PayPal, also a leading player in buy now, pay later, has sold off more than $40 billion in BNPL loans to private equity giant KKR. And what this move says about the state of BNPL. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. On this episode, the hosts refer to recent Localogy content. Here are links for easy reference: Amazon Taps SMBs for Last-Mile Delivery Snapchat+ Reaches 4 Million Paid Subscribers
In Episode 28, Localogy Analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin, take on two topics at the leading edge of emerging technologies and local. First they explore if recent website builders' aggressive push into AI will end up being the tip of the spear for widespread SMB AI adoption. They than raise the specter of robots and drones delivering packages to our homes in the near future. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com. On this episode, the hosts referenced a few recent Localogy articles and podcast episodes. Here are the links for easy reference: Episode 27 featuring Newfold Digital CEO Sharon Rowlands Q&A: Wix Leans into AI for Website WorkflowsAre Autonomous Deliveries Making Progress?
Episode 21 of Localogy's This Week in Local Podcast examines two interesting trends at opposite ends of the spectrum in local. First co-host and Mike Boland updates us on an effort by Amazon to extend its eCommerce footprint via Amazon Anywhere. This allows app developers, for example, to easily create in-app merch stores. Then fellow co-host Charles Laughlin shares a trend he has recently noticed of converting underutilized downtown office buildings intro residences. This had once been considered nearly impossible due to structural and bureaucratic barriers. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, please visit Localogy.com.
Localogy's recent L23 conference covered a wide array of topics, from the evolution of small business use of video to how dropping valuations are impacting public and private companies in the local universe. And of course, how AI will transform how we work. This episode of Localogy's This Week in Local podcast again shares three voices from L23 offering insights on some of the event's central themes, with commentary from hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin. The voices you will hear from in this episode are Soci CMO Monica Ho, Circumference Group Chief Strategy Officer Luca Sechi, and Shark Tank investor/Waitroom Founder Vinny Lingham. This Week in Local is brought to you by Localogy. To learn more, visit Localogy.com.
Episode 17 of Localogy's “This Week in Local” podcast explores two subjects covered by co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin, Localogy senior analysts and writers for the Localogy Insider online publication. The first topic, raised by Mike, is the re-emmergence of Amazon One, which uses biometrics to scan one's palm for everything from retail payments to checking into a concert. Panera Bread is now the latest company to integrate Amazon One, possibly signaling broader expansion into the QSR vertical. This led to a discussion of why Amazon retail solutions like Amazon One and Just Walk Out (where consumers can skip the checkout line at the grocery store) haven't experienced wider adoption. The second topic is the use of AI to improve the online meeting experience. The analysts specifically discussed Read AI's latest feature which boils down long boring online meetings into 2-minute “highlight reels.” The analysts explore whether the growing number of startups focused on online meetings can really change the business culture to make video conferencing more efficient and powerful. And make meetings shorter. Episode 17 of This Week in Local is sponsored by Localogy's L23 Conference, April 17-19 in Coronado Bay, California. Visit Localogy.com to learn more.
Ep. 16 of Localogy's “This Week in Local” podcast explores two topics that were top of mind for Localogy analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin. This quick episode explores two subjects covered by the analysts on Localogy Insider. The first is Adobe's rollout of Firefly, bringing generative AI to the Creative Cloud. The analysts wondered if AI would soon be in the driver's seat for all content creation tools. The second topic is Apple Pay Later. The hardware giant announced this week that it is finally rolling out its buy now, pay later offering. Or is it? Apparently participation is now invitation only, with the full rollout still months away. One question the analysts ponder on the episode is whether Apple really needs the reputation risk that comes with getting into the dicey BNPL business. Episode 16 of This Week in Local is sponsored by Localogy's L23 Conference, April 17-19 in Coronado Bay, California. Visit Localogy.com to learn more.
Ep. 15 of Localogy's “This Week in Local” podcast explores two topics that were top of mind for Localogy analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin. This fast-paced episode hones in on two topics. The first is no code. This was spurred by Yext's foray into the no code website builder space (You listening, Wix?) via it's new Studio product. This led to a brief but wide-ranging discussion of what exactly no code is and why it matters to local. The second topic riffs on an article Charles read about the wisdom (or lack thereof?) of collectively training AI bots like Google's Bard by interacting with them. The analysts discuss whether we are creating the future we fear by doing so. Episode 15 of This Week in Local is sponsored by Localogy's L23 Conference, April 17-19 in Coronado Bay, California. Visit Localogy.com to learn more.
The latest episode of Localogy's “This Week in Local” podcast explores two topics that were top of mind for Localogy analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin. Mike looked at new measures from TikTok to make it easier for creators, including small businesses, to build compelling TikToks. Specifically by introducing a new sound library that makes it much easier to add sound effects, music, voiceovers, and more. Mike sees this as part of TikTok's broader efforts to make TikToking easier for small businesses. Charles then brought up the emergence of decentralized social networks. This is a trend popular with web3 enthusiasts and free-speech absolutists. The analysts doubt that these platforms, led by Nostr, will have the legs to take on big social, e.g., Meta, Twitter, Snap, etc. Mike even offered up a comparison to George Orwell's Animal Farm. Episode 12 of This Week in Local is sponsored by Localogy's L23 Conference, April 17-19 in Coronado Bay, California. Visit Localogy.com to learn more.
This episode of “This Week in Local” takes on another big issue on the minds of Localogy analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin. This episode's sole topic involves the quest for revenue diversification via new subscription products. The subtext being that having a single source of revenue, however lucrative, is an underlying weakness. Mike cites Meta Verified as the latest example of BigTech seeking new income streams via subscriptions. However, he thinks Snapchat+ is among the best of the recent subscription rollouts by the major social media platforms, e.g., Meta and Twitter. Episode 10 of This Week in Local is sponsored by Localogy's L23 Conference, April 17-19 in Coronado Bay, California. Learn more at Localogy.com
This episode of “This Week in Local” tackles more issues on the minds of Localogy analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin. Our first topic begins with Yext's quick action to roll out Yext Chat, a new conversational AI chatbot built on GPT3. Another discussion topic involves the recent wave of tech layoffs and their true impact on the broader economy. The latter topic references on a chart published by NYU Professor Scott Galloway, which you can find here. Episode 10 of This Week in Local is sponsored by Localogy's L23 Conference, April 17-19 in Coronado Bay, California. Learn more about L23 here.
This episode of “This Week in Local” explores two topics on the minds of Localogy analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin. One is a new well-funded startup that applies the ghost kitchen concept (kind of) to grocery stores. The other involves the emergence of tools designed to determine if a work product was written by an AI bot or the by the actual human being who was assigned the task. Episode 9 of This Week in Local is sponsored by Localogy's L23 Conference, April 17-19 in Coronado Bay, California. Read more on Localogy.com
This episode of “This Week in Local” explores two recent data-focused stories covered by Localogy analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin. One is new Yelp data showing robust new small business formation in the wave of the pandemic. The other involves new data from Foursquare that dispels some myths about the return to the office. Episode 8 of This Week in Local is sponsored by Localogy's L23 Conference, April 17-19 in Coronado Bay, California. Learn more at Localogy.com
This episode of “This Week in Local” tackles more issues on the minds of Localogy analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin. One is the impact Apple's new self-service listings platform will have on the digital marketing ecosystem. Another is what Microsoft will ultimately do with its investment in Open AI. Learn more at Localogy.com
This episode of "This Week in Local” tackles two issues on the minds of Localogy analysts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin. One is the validity of claims that ad-supported media is either dead or dying in our new privacy-first era. The other is what impact will Shopify's decision to eliminate recurring meetings have on the future of work. Visit Localogy.com for more.
The inaugural episode of Localogy's new podcast "This Week in Local" features a fast-paced conversation between co-hosts Mike Boland and Charles Laughlin on Visual Search and Buy Now, Pay Later -- two topics the analysts frequently cover on our online publication Localogy Insider. Read more on Localogy.com
The fact that we are all good friends with mutual respect, I thought it would be nice to have an open forum so that we can talk about some race issues in America. I hope you liked it. Let me know what your thoughts are. You can reach me @yoelaynalem on instagram and aynalemyoel@gmail.com
Yoel Aynalem and Jalen Haines discuss their perspectives on why reading hard copies may be better than audiobooks. They talk about their direct message strategy or lack thereof, and also Charles Laughlin and Logan Kunde guest appear.
Transformation has been a key challenge for legacy media organizations, and this challenge is arguably most acute in the sales organization. Elise Balsillie leads sales at Australia’s Yellow (aka Sensis) and discusses how sales has evolved in her organization with podcast host Charles Laughlin.
In this episode, we discuss what we look for when choosing a potential mate. We also debate the existence of aliens and toasters on other planets. We also each share our different definitions of success.
In this season two premiere, we discuss our various journeys with mental health. We name our favorite albums of the year and discuss Naod's recent altercation at a bowling alley bar.
Is there a future that doesn't require salespeople? Charles Laughlin, producer and host of the Above the Cloud Podcast at the Local Search Association, joins us to discuss the implications of tech adoption around the globe. Charles also delivers his insights into what the future might look like for salespeople. Listen now and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes goo.gl/8vPm1B and Google Play goo.gl/uyDsij
Yoel Aynalem sat down with some hometown buddies who have made their way to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. My besty Charles Laughlin and buddies Jalen Haines and Aaron Cheng share their perspective on LA people, how people change and how they've grown from different perspectives of the industry.
This episode of Above the Cloud features an interview with Vendasta CSO Jackie Cook, who talks about the company's new study, "Why Your Clients Churn" which delves into what it takes for digital marketing services sellers to retain small business customers. We start the podcast with a chat between the host Charles Laughlin and Neal Polachek all about the metrics driving the SMB SaaS business. Thanks to sponsors Boostability and Mono Solutions.
“On Target” is the Local Search Association’s podcast exploring the intersection of technology, media and local commerce. This episode includes recap of the 2017 SMB Cloud Adoption Summit with Greg Sterling, Charles Laughlin and Neal Polachek.
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