Content Matters

How do you build a 2026 marketing strategy when every week brings a new AI tool, a new “channel is dead” hot take, and pressure to do more with less? Mike Leonhard, Compose.ly’s Co-Founder and CEO, joins Nicole to discuss the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Mike explains why no channel is truly dead, how AI is lowering the barrier to omnichannel execution, and why curiosity and experiment...

How do you execute founder-led content without losing the founder’s voice? Imelda Wistey, Content Editor at Compound Content Studio, joins Nicole to break down the real work behind producing founder-led content that feels human and not manufactured. She explains why the magic starts with deep conversation and how to pull out the stories, quirks, and insights founders don’t even realize they’re car...

What can scaling content in an AI-driven world teach us about adaptability and focus? Collin Belt, VP of Growth at Veza Digital and Founder of Belt Creative (acquired), joins Nicole to share how he’s helping agencies stay nimble in a market where SEO is shifting and AI is changing how teams work. He unpacks what “nimbleness at scale” really means, how accessibility, SEO, and AI can work together t...

What can building a safer internet for kids teach us about responsible innovation in the age of AI? Taylor Cote, Senior Director of Marketing at AngelQ, joins Nicole to discuss the mission behind building technology that protects children online.  She shares how AngelQ is creating a safer, more intentional digital experience for kids, balancing the benefits of connection with the need for healthy...

What does it mean to celebrate one year of Content Matters in the middle of a marketing landscape transformed by AI, brand building, and shifting SEO? Nicole MacLean, host of Content Matters, flips the script for this special anniversary episode as she reflects on the first year of conversations, lessons, and favorite moments. Joined by Kaylee Peterson, Director of SEO at Compose.ly, Nicole shares...

What can scuba diving teach us about content marketing in the era of AI search? Alexandra Gillespie, Editorial Writing Manager at Wellhub and former editor at Scuba Diving Magazine, joins Nicole to share how lessons from diving, like “plan the dive, dive the plan” apply to building marketing strategies that hold steady amid shifting trends. She explains how her journalism background shapes a peopl...

What does it take to create video content that truly connects in an era of AI tools and endless scrolling? Drew English, CEO of Charter & Co and Forge Virtual Studios, joins Nicole to share why framing and storytelling—not just raw output—are what make video unforgettable. He breaks down how brands can use AI without losing the human touch, the three buckets of video content every marketing st...

What could go wrong when using AI to scale your content? Miki Palet, founder of Tailride, joins Nicole for a live case study in what happens when AI-driven content goes too far, too fast. After three months of growth, Tailride’s traffic collapsed with a Google penalty. Miki shares the hard lessons learned, the balance between humans and AI in content creation, and why transparency with customers h...

What does it mean to optimize for search in a world reshaped by generative AI? Chris Raulf, international AI SEO expert and founder of Boulder SEO Marketing, joins Nicole to explore how search behavior, SEO methodology, and content creation are evolving fast, and what marketers need to do to stay ahead. He shares how AI has shifted both the tools and expectations in SEO, how his team developed the...

What happens when content marketing, internal comms, and AI all converge in one role? Cristina Huré, Sr. Communications & Content Marketing Manager at ContactMonkey, joins Nicole to discuss the evolving expectations for today’s content leaders. From her roots in journalism and PR to navigating sales enablement and product marketing, Cristina shares how she’s adapting her strategy for a world w...

In a world where AI is rapidly reshaping search behavior and content creation, how can marketers stay ahead of the curve? Kaylee Peterson, Director of SEO at Compose.ly, joins Nicole to talk about the evolving landscape of AI search and content strategy. They discuss how Google’s increasing reliance on AI is changing the game for SEO and content creators, and how brands can adapt to stay visible i...

What does it take to stand out when “good enough” no longer cuts it in today’s AI-driven content landscape? Kyle Whigham, SEO Manager at Luxury Presence, joins Nicole to explore the evolving world of content strategy and search. He shares how his journey from entry-level link builder to SEO leader taught him the value of alignment, integrity, and thoughtful execution. Kyle breaks down the rising i...

What happens when a full-time growth marketer builds a thriving consultancy on the side? Sheri Otto, Founder and CEO of Growth Lane Strategies, joins Nicole to share her nonlinear path—from HubSpot to launching her own boutique firm. She talks about balancing motherhood, marketing, and momentum along the way. In this conversation, Sheri breaks down how behavioral science, neural coupling, and her...

What does content marketing look like after 30 years in the business? Amanda Salem, director of content marketing at Constant Contact, joins the show to share her journey from storytelling roots to leading a digital marketing evolution for small businesses. With deep expertise in email, automation, and AI tools, Amanda offers a clear view on how marketers can balance SEO demands with authentic cus...

What happens when a career agency content lead takes their talents in-house? Stephanie Yoder, Director of Content at Rebrandly, joins the show to unpack her transition from agency life to leading in-house strategy—and why that shift gave her a whole new lens on collaboration, content creation, and career longevity. With two decades in the game, Stephanie brings a rare combination of deep empathy a...

When the playbook keeps changing, how do modern marketers stay grounded and effective? Paola Marino, Digital Marketing Manager at Virtual Intelligence Briefing (ViB), joins the show to unpack what it’s really like to market in a lean, high-velocity B2B environment. From running a social agency in Mexico to building full-funnel strategies in the U.S., she shares how her career pivots shaped the way...

What happens when a storyteller learns to speak the language of the C-suite? Myles Carter, Senior Director of Content Marketing at Trolley, joins the show to talk about the real skills marketers need today: blending art and revenue strategy. He shares how his storytelling roots shaped his marketing career, why building trust is the key to standing out in a crowded market, and why marketers who dee...

Is your marketing truly audience-first — or just going through the motions? Kaylee Peterson, Director of SEO at Compose.ly , returns to the show with a soapbox moment about the realities of working with SEO agencies, what clients should expect from partners, and why education and transparency matter more than ever. We’re also joined by Adam Robles, co-founder of Reach Agency , to talk about commun...

Is adaptability the secret to building a strong marketing career? Ana Osuna , Content Partnership Specialist at Compose.ly , discusses LinkedIn’s ban on Apollo and Seamless.ai and its impact on outbound sales. She and host Nicole MacLean explore data ownership and the importance of brand-building in a shifting digital landscape. We’re also joined by Matt Lyman , a marketing leader with over 20 yea...

How do marketers use data effectively without losing authenticity? Mike Leonhard , Founder & CEO of Compose.ly , shares his perspective as a C-suite buyer on why data matters in marketing and how companies can use it to build trust and close more deals. We’re also joined by Jillian Hoefer , Senior Content Marketing Manager at UserEvidence , known for her Dumpster Fire campaign. Jillian explore...

Is content the key to building relationships at scale in B2B marketing? Ashley Strosnider , Head of Editorial at Compose.ly , explores the evolving role of editors in content marketing. She explains the fine line between editing and rewriting, the importance of trust in content workflows, and how AI is reshaping the editorial process. We’re also joined by James Furbush , VP of Marketing at AccessO...

Is your SEO strategy ready for the next evolution ofbig shift in search? Kaylee Peterson , Director of SEO at Compose.ly , opens the episode by addressing the growing shift from traditional SEO to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). She explains how AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and Bard are reshaping search behavior and shares strategies for creating modular, user-friendly content that works for bot...

If content is queen, how do you make her reign supreme? We’re once again joined by Franny Harold , Content Creator at Compose.ly , who gives tips for staying consistent with social media strategies and how to avoid burnout when managing content creation. We’re also joined by Ornella Sinigaglia , Marketing Director at PressReader , who breaks down the art of storytelling in B2B marketing and the ch...

In this special edition of Content Matters, host Nicole MacLean revisits some of the best tips from the Compose.ly crew and past guests, including unseen clips. Key topics include goal setting, giving and receiving feedback, and fostering a strong sales and marketing partnership. Tune in to hear the valuable content that didn’t make the final cut.  In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Build Bette...

Who’s your content really speaking to — Google or your audience?  Could it be that your content strategy is missing its most important stakeholder?  We’re joined by Ana Osuna , Senior Outbound BDR at Compose.ly , who shares how she transforms outreach into authentic relationship-building by focusing on the humans behind the data. We’re also joined by Robyn Showers , Director of Content at Apollo ,...