Beyond Influence

Meet Rome Johnson, a Seattle-based creator who focuses on fatherhood and the millennial parenting journey with authenticity.  Rome’s content focuses on being a present father to his two beautiful children, one of whom has a disability. Rome and his wife Falesha use their platforms to highlight life as they navigate the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system — all while raising the next generat...

Ring ring, it’s Sara from Pareto calling! Tune in this week as we chat with Sara Uy, sales director and internet personality known for sharing her live cold calls online.   In this episode, we discuss what inspired Sara to post her cold calls, the importance of buying into what you do, and starting her own business after five years at Pareto.   With the success and marketability she’s gained from...

Meet Zack Goytowski, Love is Blind alum, husband, father, and content creator.   In this episode, we discuss how Zack found love with wife Bliss Goytowski on season 4 of Love is Blind. After two years of marriage, Bliss gave birth to Galileo Goytowski (the first ever LIB baby!).  Zack shares his experience becoming a dad, and how he transitioned to content creation after his reality TV stint. With...

Join us as we chat to the brilliant Jade Beason, founder of “The Creator Project” and content creator specialist.  In this episode, we learn how Jade turned her YouTube channel into a six-figure business within months of uploading her first video. She discusses the benefits of short-term vs. long-term content, and how to sprinkle different parts of your personality into your work. When she’s not c...

Meet Colin Rocker, a career-focused content creator and advocate with an audience of over 360,000 (and some impressive brand partnerships with Glassdoor,  L'Oréal, Microsoft, and Google). In this episode, Colin shares the lessons he's learned navigating his career on social media, spotlighting “first-gen professionals”, or the first ones in their family to work in a corporate environment...

It’s season two and co-hosts Kwame Appiah and Scott Sutton are back in the studio! Join Kwame and Scott as they take a deep dive into their respective roles at Later, their takes on the social media industry, and the most shocking things they’ve learned along the way.  Plus, Scott shares some insight into being a CEO, the things he’s done along the way, and the most important characteristics he’s...

Meet Lexi Smith, the content creator behind the popular Instagram and TikTok accounts featuring her dalmatian, Wiley, who is known for his heart-shaped nose. Lexi started her journey into content creation six years ago when Wiley became a part of her life. Since then, they've captured the hearts of over 400k followers with their stunning nature photography and pet-friendly travel adventures....

Meet Lia Haberman, creator economy expert, educator, and advisor to some of the world's largest and most well-known brands.  In this episode, we discuss Lia’s journey from McGill University to her career as an advisor, where she helps leading companies define their social and influencer strategy. After over a decade in the editorial space, Lia turned her keen understanding of brands and audie...

Join us as we chat with Linda Le, a content creator and entrepreneur who carved out her own space on LinkedIn.  In this episode, we discuss how dropping out of college and facing early rejection led Linda to a career of authenticity. By creating personal content with genuine engagement, Linda has amassed a staggering 569,000 followers on LinkedIn, partnering with brands like Notion and Betterhelp...

Tune in as we speak with Jessy Grossman, founder of Women in Influencer Marketing (WIIM), podcast host, and digital content leader.  In this episode, we discuss how Jessy sold her talent agency and turned her passion project, WIIM, into the thriving community it is today. Jessy’s knack for strategic leadership has led to countless digital opportunities for influencers, providing education, mentors...

Join us as we chat with podcaster, livestream host, and social media personality, Carla Marie, who stepped away from radio to blaze her own trail in the broadcast world.  In this episode, we discuss Carla Marie’s journey in radio and her departure in 2020, when she and co-host (and boyfriend) Anthony, left radio to host The Carla Marie and Anthony Show digitally on YouTube and Twitch. Today, Carla...

Tune in for our episode with Michelle Young of The Bachelor , who boldly decided to step away from her career as a teacher to start a foundation and create content full-time.  Michelle shares how she maintains her identity and stays grounded as her personal brand continues to grow. She shares her journey of finding her purpose, starting the Michelle Young Foundation, and why she believes in servin...

Join us as we talk with Netflix personality and gaming influencer, Avori, as she discusses staying true to herself while navigating the world of content creation.  In this episode, Avori shares her insights on understanding brand safety as a creator and maintaining authenticity in your work. Listen to her story of fighting through doubt and building a strong, supportive community within the world...

Join us as we discuss self-love and resilience with Izzy Zapata — Love is Blind and Perfect Match star turned content creator.  In this episode, Izzy shares his journey of maintaining morale amid the relentless hustle of social media and the occasional challenge of online trolls. He reveals his strategies for knowing your worth and not selling yourself short — all while learning to make fun of you...

Join us as we talk with Netflix reality star and budding influencer, James Pendergrass, about expanding your creator skill set and staying relatable above all.  In this episode, James chats about persevering through the slow periods that every creator faces, and emerging stronger by being true to yourself. We also discuss the importance of using your social platforms to make a positive impact and...

We chat with the dynamic Kay Brown of Betches and The Betchelor podcast about her journey to becoming a well known content creator.  Kay talks about the importance of connecting with your audience one-on-one to build community. We discuss her growth from content creation as a hobby to a career, including how she dedicated more time and energy to her craft. We also explore how your personal brand c...

Cole and Tezza, the visionary duo behind the Tezza app, created a seamless platform for content creation. Originating from a tight-knit bond as childhood friends, their relationship blossomed into romance and eventually dating and marriage. Combining Tezza's artistic flair in photography and art direction with Cole's experience in product development, they started their entrepreneurial j...

Tune in to our chat with Nicole The Intern , where we cover her journey and the significant steps she took that led to Mixoloshe’s upcoming rebrand to SMASHD . Plus, learn why her account is known as having "the best marketing strategy ever". In this episode, we talk with CMO Mike Chambers and Nicole about the importance of consistent content creation and following through to see tangibl...

Join us as we explore the world of pet influencing and how this space is booming for creators like Lindsay Van Bramer and her dog, Beth, also known as PardonThyFrench. In this episode, we discuss how to make your pet relatable in a way that can be just as powerful as your connection with your audience. Learn how breaking free from management companies to go independent is a game-changer for your p...

Dive into the dynamic world of personal and professional growth with our guest, Tiffany Pennywell of Love is Blind ! We’ll explore the journey of finding yourself and carving out your niche in the vast world of content creation.  During this episode, Tiffany shares tips on building the confidence to post without fear of mistakes and the importance of stepping back to enjoy life beyond the screen....

Join us as we talk to Marcel Cunningham, better known as BasicallyIDoWrk, as he takes us through his exciting journey of turning video game streaming into a full-time career.  In this episode, Marcel shares his thoughts on following your passions and how to set boundaries to ensure your hobby remains enjoyable even as it becomes your job. He discusses how he grew his community early on and found a...

This week, we sit down with Jason Tartick, a Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author and host of Apple’s top-charting business podcast, "Trading Secrets." Jason’s journey is nothing short of inspiring — after a decade in corporate banking, he ventured into reality TV as a contestant on Season 14 of ABC's "The Bachelorette." Since then, he has successfully transitioned into...

Meet Dr. Morgan, a seasoned relationship coach, attachment theory expert, and the creator of the E.S.L. Relationship Method. After leaving her clinical practice to share her insights on social media, Dr. Morgan has successfully transformed her passion for helping others into a thriving business — including her podcast with over 5 million downloads.  In this episode, Dr. Morgan shares her personal...

Chelsea Griffin Appiah is a reality TV personality who gained popularity after appearing on season 4 of Love is Blind, along with her now-husband Kwame Appiah. She transitioned from her career in pediatric speech therapy to a full-time content creator, and part-time working for Kinetic Content Casting, helping to cast future reality TV stars. Kwame and Scott sit down with Chelsea to chat about lif...

Welcome to the first episode of Beyond Influence! To kick things off, hosts Kwame Appiah and Scott Sutton chat about all things social and influencer marketing. Kwame tells all about his journey from sales to reality TV to content creator — and now, podcast host! Scott and Kwame discuss how they met and why they’re excited to co-host a podcast together. Plus, get an inside scoop on what’s in store...