OUTdrive

This month's OUTdrive covers three stories that are shaping how businesses think about AI and where marketing is heading next: How Meta's new AI agent became the number one app overnight — and why the incidents that followed are a wake-up call for any business exploring these tools What a new lawsuit against OpenAI means for who's on the hook when an AI agent makes a mistake What McDonald's rentin...

Business growth doesn't always come from the biggest budget or the flashiest campaign. This episode of the OUTdrive Podcast covers three practical topics for business owners and marketing leaders: Why referrals are pulling further ahead as the top way small businesses grow What Instagram's controversial logo update teaches any business about refreshing a brand the right way How a pickle company bu...

Time began selling ads formatted for AI bots instead of human readers. Claude's privacy glitch turned thousands of sensitive AI conversations into searchable Google results. And LinkedIn, Snapchat and Substack all introduced new tools this month to flag or demote AI-generated content as user frustration with "AI slop" grows. President and CEO Megan Hartman covers the latest round of AI news in thi...

Meta's AI ad tools are creating embarrassing, brand-damaging mistakes for advertisers who aren't reviewing the output. New survey data shows AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini recommend local businesses using different signals than Google. And Burger King's president personally answered 1,800 customer phone calls and used what he heard to change how the company runs. Tune in to this month's OUTdrive...

Consumers are holding brands to a higher standard when it comes to AI-generated content. Search traffic is reaching fewer websites than ever. And standing out in a market where larger competitors have more resources takes a sharper story, not just a bigger budget. These aren't entirely new challenges, but they're becoming more pressing. In this episode of OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman...

This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman covers three timely marketing topics impacting how brands show up and connect with their audiences: Google just announced its biggest change to search in 25 years, and it affects how every business gets found online. Email remains one of the strongest marketing channels you can build, and AI is starting to change what it takes to stand out in...

This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman tackles three insights for business owners and marketing leaders to consider: How to keep your brand visible when economic pressure makes it tempting to cut back How to turn your online reviews into a competitive advantage And what three recent campaigns, from outer space to expired medicine, can teach us about marketing that resonates. If yo...

This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman covers two aspects of digital marketing we're discussing right now: What brands need to understand about AI-generated content and copyright, and why human involvement in your creative process matters more than ever How TikTok is growing as a search and discovery tool, and where things stand with the platform's U.S. ownership Whether you're le...

This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman covers three trends we're discussing with clients right now: Why long-form video is a valuable content format for search visibility and brand trust What early ads inside AI search and chat tools could mean for brands Why website accessibility is a must-have for compliance and user experience Avoid getting caught off guard in the fast-paced wo...

OUTdrive is kicking off the year with a refreshed video format and quick, actionable insights from Callis President and CEO Megan Hartman. In this episode, Megan highlights three major AI trends shaping marketing today. Learn how AI is influencing ad creative, changing how people search online and shifting what users see on platforms like Instagram. Walk away with practical takeaways to help your...

In this final episode of OUTdrive with Cliff Callis at the mic, Cliff and agency president Megan Hartman reflect on the evolution of the podcast, the growth of Callis and what lies ahead. From its launch in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic to 250+ episodes later, OUTdrive has shone a spotlight on rural American voices. Now, as Cliff steps into a new chapter and Megan takes over as host,...

Rocky Sickmann has lived a life few can imagine. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and one of the 52 Americans held for 444 days during the Iranian hostage crisis, Rocky's story is one of faith, endurance and purpose. In this episode, he reflects on his time in captivity, the values that sustained him and the lives lost that continue to inspire his work. Now serving as Director of Anheuser-Busch account...

Farrah Fite of the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) joins Cliff to discuss the challenges and opportunities in communicating health care issues across rural Missouri. From open enrollment to Medicaid funding cuts, Farrah explains how MHA helps hospitals navigate a complex landscape while building trust with patients, providers and policymakers. Tune in for insights on messaging, member engageme...

How do you communicate complex public health messages across a state with diverse communities? In this episode, Cliff visits with Lisa Cox and Sami Jo Freeman from the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services to explore their approach to connecting with Missourians through effective communication. From supporting local health departments to managing crisis messaging during the pandemic, the...

Step on in and celebrate the spirit of the Missouri State Fair! In this Best of the Fair episode of OUTdrive, Cliff Callis shares highlights from six memorable interviews that show how this beloved event blends agriculture, tourism, entertainment and community. Whether you come for the livestock shows, the food or the family fun, there's something for everyone.

Print isn't dead, and Jessica Embree proves it. Hear how Tulip Media Group blends traditional and modern marketing to create high-impact campaigns. With insights on answer engine optimization, content strategy and the timeless power of storytelling, this episode offers inspiration for marketers at every level.

How do you market business-to-business (B2B) in rural America? Join Cliff in this OUTdrive episode as he sits down with Amy Roraback, marketing lead at KMW Loaders, a Kansas-based equipment company. They explore the day-to-day of rural B2B marketing, including the tools and strategies Amy uses to support sales and grow brand awareness. Hear how consistent service, smart technology and creative thi...

In this special 250th episode of OUTdrive, host Cliff Callis takes the mic solo to reflect on five years of podcasting and the many guests who have helped shape the show. From business owners and marketers to rodeo announcers and rural leaders, Cliff revisits some of the most memorable conversations, insightful quotes and meaningful lessons learned.  Tune in for reflections, appreciation and a loo...

In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff Callis visits with Melanie Rice, National Account Executive for Learfield News & Ag and President of the National Agri-Marketing Association. Growing up on a Missouri farm and now raising her family in rural Iowa, Melanie shares how her agricultural roots shaped her career in media and marketing. Listen in as she discusses the evolving role of ag media, the impor...

OUTdrive host Cliff Callis sits down with Bruce Richards, External Affairs Director for Central Peninsula Hospital, to talk about delivering health care in rural Alaska. From his start in the family paving business to navigating politics and now leading key legislative efforts in the health care space, Bruce's story is as wide-ranging as the geography he serves. Learn how his hospital is addressin...

What makes someone click "buy" online? Sarah Gallagher has been chasing that answer for over 20 years. As the leader of Gamma Waves, a Shopify-focused e-commerce agency, she's helping brands grow with smarter strategy, faster sites and more human experiences. In this episode, Sarah and Cliff talk about how the online shopping space has evolved, what brands can do to stand out and why performance m...

Discover how the Springfield, Missouri, region is building momentum in rural economic development with guest Ben Vickers, Manager of Business Development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Ben and Cliff discuss the area's strengths in manufacturing, food processing, workforce and quality of life, as well as how strategic planning and strong storytelling are attracting businesses, retain...

In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff visits with Steven Brunner, founder of King of the Mountain Sports Marketing. With nearly four decades of experience, Steven shares stories from the global stage of sports promotion—from the Olympics to the Great Wall of China. He also reflects on what it takes to build and sustain a business, offering lessons in grit, service and staying focused. It's a behind-t...

Meet Tucker Hancock, the driving force behind Fern Thatcher, a leather goods company rooted in tradition and built on family values. In this episode, Tucker shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, crafting high-quality leather products while balancing family life and business growth. Tune in to hear his insights on leadership, leatherwork and maintaining a hands-on approach i...

In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff Callis sits down with Julianna Sonnik, an account executive at Callis, to discuss the importance of building strong relationships in rural marketing. Julianna shares her journey from growing up in Sedalia to pursuing her MBA while working in marketing. She also discusses her experiences in the retail jewelry business and how they prepared her for her current role...