The Backflip Effect

AI is moving fast, and Catholic organizations are being asked to move with it without losing what makes the Church the Church. We sit down and get honest about where artificial intelligence can actually help parishes and ministries right now: operations, admin workflows, planning, and the behind-the-scenes systems that drain time and energy when staff and budgets are tight. If you care about Catho...

Your feed is crowded, your time is scarce, and yet the loudest voices keep shouting about AI, reaction videos, and guaranteed six‑figure shortcuts. We went deep on the marketing trends that waste attention—and the practical ways to replace them with content that earns trust and drives real results. We start by dismantling empty reaction videos and AI‑as‑headline hype. A reaction only works when it...

A shiny award is nice, but here’s the tougher conversation: how do you value creative work when the return doesn’t fit neatly into a spreadsheet? We dig into real numbers, real budgets, and the mindset shifts leaders need to see video as a growth lever rather than a cost center. The catalyst was a familiar moment—sticker shock at a $15K quote for a three-minute video with social cuts. We break dow...

What if audiences don’t just consume stories, they finish them? We dive into that idea with a wide-ranging conversation across Catholic imagination, indie cinema, saints’ lives, and the nuts and bolts of making marketing that people actually want to share. Starting with parables and tradition, we explore how stories invite each of us to bring our history, hopes, and habits to the work, transformin...

What if the problem isn’t your budget, but your buying strategy? We break down why “pick a partner, not a price” is more than a catchy line. It’s a practical path to marketing that actually works. Instead of treating video like a commodity, we share how aligning on goals, scoping together, and planning distribution turns creative into measurable growth. We challenge price-shopping habits with a si...

Ever asked a video production company for pricing only to get a frustratingly vague answer? You're not alone. In this candid exploration of video production costs, we pull back the curtain on why "how much does video cost?" might be the wrong question altogether. We break down real numbers for the Midwest market, from bare-minimum $5,000 projects to $250,000 documentary films, while...

Live switching technology transforms video production efficiency, allowing real-time editing during filming that saves countless hours in post-production while maintaining professional quality. We explore how this approach revolutionized a recent project where we captured 80+ educational videos in just five days. • Live switching records final edited output during filming, eliminating extensive po...

Have you ever wondered how TV shows get those perfect camera angles in tiny bathrooms, or how commercials transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces? The secret lies in studio set construction, and it's more accessible than you might think. Welcome to a fascinating exploration of production possibilities as we pull back the curtain on how custom-built sets transform marketing videos f...

Artificial intelligence isn't replacing video producers—it's revolutionizing how they work. In this eye-opening conversation, we dive deep into the practical realities of using AI tools in professional video production, revealing a landscape far more nuanced than the typical "robots taking our jobs" narrative. We share our firsthand experiences using AI as "an army of inte...

Professional video production is essential for businesses seeking to engage effectively with their audience and enhance brand credibility. High-quality visuals, compelling storytelling, and the expertise of professionals combine to create impactful video content that resonates and drives results. • Understanding the value of professional videos  • The impact of visuals on brand perception  • Story...

This episode highlights the significance of emotional connection in creating impactful video marketing content. We explore the concept of starting with 'why' to foster audience engagement, utilizing storytelling techniques, and comparing successful brands that resonate on a deeper level. • Importance of knowing your 'why' in marketing • Analyzing the success of Apple and Tesla...

FREE KICKSTART GUIDE : https://letsbackflip.com/guide/ We’re flipping the script—literally. The Let’s Backflip Show: Happy Hour had a good run, but it’s time for a plot twist. Welcome to The Backflip Effect , your new go-to guide for mastering video and marketing—with a side of comedy, drama, and hopefully a little wisdom.  What if I told you that the key to unlocking the full potential of your br...

Tara Doyon, a seasoned consultant with Petrus Development, joins us for a fascinating exploration of the work-travel dynamic on the Let's Backflip Show Happy Hour. Tara's vivid tales from her travels provide a captivating backdrop to our conversation. As she shares insights from her consulting work with nonprofits, particularly within the Catholic Church, we get a glimpse into the unique...

What happens when three friends mix cocktails and talk shop? Join Ryan Freng and John Shoemaker as they welcome Sam Blahnik, an expert in agricultural economics, for a lively chat that starts with a discussion about the quirky concept of "corn sweats" and takes us on a journey through Sam's career from his Wisconsin roots to the State Department of Agriculture. With a Bovardier cock...

Ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a priest when preparing a sermon? Join us for a laugh-filled conversation with Father Matthew Pearson as we navigate the art of storytelling and humor in sermons. Father Matthew gives us a peek into the challenges and joys of crafting homilies that are both impactful and concise, respecting the Pope's guidance. We also share light-hearted moments abou...

Ever wondered how to balance marathon training with a full-time job, or what it takes to transition from college life to a professional career seamlessly? This episode promises you a rollercoaster of insights and personal stories as we introduce our new full-time staff members, Alexis and Maria. Alexis takes us through her journey from college graduation to becoming our editor and producer, while...

Can technology truly bridge the gap between generations, or does it create an unbridgeable chasm? Join us for an engaging conversation with Katie Kennedy as we sip our drinks and reminisce about our shared experiences with the Chamber of Commerce. We dive into the power of relational marketing and the importance of community connections. Remember the days when you had to rely on memory and gas sta...

Have you ever wondered about the true authenticity behind "world's best" claims? This week on the Let's Backflip Show Happy Hour, join Ryan Freng and special guest Brandon Gries as they kick off with a 30-second dance party and a hilarious discussion inspired by the movie Elf. We dive into Brandon’s unique listening habits and how they mirror his stress levels, offering a fun g...

Ever wondered how a top cinematographer stays on top of his game in the ever-changing landscape of filmmaking? Join us as we chat with Jordan, a seasoned director of photography and cinematography, about navigating the unpredictable nature of the industry. From the winter slowdown to the relentless hustle, we share firsthand experiences on keeping the business thriving. Plus, Jordan unveils his fi...

Curious about the cutting-edge tactics driving success in marketing today? Join us as we sit down with Chelsey Bowers, a powerhouse in the marketing world. With a career spanning over two decades, Chelsey has tackled everything from owning a talent agency in Nashville to leading marketing efforts for prominent brands. We delve into her innovative approach to problem-solving, her recent ventures in...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a stable nine-to-five job to the exciting world of entrepreneurship? Join us as we sit down with Steve Donovan, a seasoned media professional and current educator at Madison College, who shares his remarkable journey through various roles in media and education. Steve is an awesome friend who is one of our favorite people to run into at all t...

 We're bringing on Alexis Bakken, who started out as a production & editing intern and has recently found her self on our full-time team. What do bungee jumping, sky-diving, and shark tanks have to do with marketing? Join us with your favorite libation and maybe you'll find out.  Topics in this Episode (00:02:25) What are we drinking? (00:04:19) Who is Alexis? (00:05:28) Why did Alex...

Grab your favorite libation and join us for some industry talk this Friday. We're hanging with Jill Genter of WKOW. Jill Genter is the Manager of Marketing and Creative Services at WKOW (ABC) in Madison, Wisconsin and is the Executive Producer of WKOW’s lifestyle show, Midday Madison. She has been at WKOW for 35 years! Topics in this Episode: (00:02:15) Introducing our guest. (00:04:28) Who i...

It's really why we tune in most years: to check out the commercials. It's a professional hazard. This year, we have Andy Wallman of KW2 joining us to discuss. Andy is president at KW2 and resident Super Bowl Commercial TV critic. Grab your favorite libation and join the fun.  Topics in this Episode: (00:02:41) An interesting year for Super Bowl commercials. (00:05:14) Take 2. (00:07:55)...

In this Happy Hour podcast, John and Ryan are chatting with Brandon Gries about their recent collaboration, Bare Metal, a film that explores sustainability in the digital infrastructure industry. They also reveal the final act of Backflip's Whodunnit Murder Mystery!  Topics in this episode: (00:04:17) What does Brandon do? (00:06:40) Why was Brandon in our Christmas video!? (00:09:11) From en...