The Rainmaker Podcast

What does it take to rise as a young leader in competitive, male-dominated industries? This week, Melissa Rosenthal joins me as she shares her inspiring journey from her meteoric career at BuzzFeed to her leadership role at ClickUp and her leap into entrepreneurship. As a seasoned marketer, Melissa reflects on the challenges of navigating transitions between industries and balancing her profession...

What happens when you reach the top of the corporate ladder and realize it’s not the summit you expected? This week, Shelley Paxton, former CMO of Harley Davidson and author of Soulbatical: A Corporate Rebel’s Guide to Finding Your Best Life , joins me to share her powerful journey from marketing executive to Chief Soul Officer. In this episode, we discuss the lessons Shelley learned while steward...

This week’s episode of The Rainmaker Podcast is a special one—we’re bringing you an exclusive recording from the virtual launch party we held last week for my first-ever book, Identity Marketing: How to Create Loyal, Lifelong Fans and a Legendary Brand (No Matter What You Sell or the Size of Your Budget) ! It was a memorable and special celebration with some of the incredible stars featured in the...

What does it take to craft a standout launch in today’s fast-paced market? This week, Brenda McGowan, a seasoned launch strategist, joins The Rainmaker Podcast to discuss the art and science of successful launches. With Q1 as the busiest season for marketing campaigns, Brenda shares her predictions for 2025, insights into evolving buyer behavior, and strategies to roll over from 2024. In this epis...

What does it take to build a brand that’s both authentic and impactful? In this episode, I sit down with marketing legend Seth Godin for an unforgettable conversation about identity in marketing and beyond. We explore the power of personal branding, the ethical dilemmas marketers face today, and why authenticity is the key to building genuine connections. From unpacking cultural phenomena like the...

Are you confident your coach has the qualifications to guide you? In this week’s episode, Kelly Ruta, a clinical psychotherapist turned coach, joins me in tackling the ethical challenges plaguing the coaching industry. We candidly share frustrations, including a disappointing $1,500 one-to-one session, highlighting the prevalence of unqualified coaches and manipulative tactics. Together, we examin...

How do top performers, especially marketers, stay resilient and avoid burnout? This week, I’m joined by mindset coach and former TEDx speaker Matt Gagnon for a powerful conversation on mental health, resilience, and personal growth. Matt shares his journey from corporate life to coaching, opening up about struggles with mental health and the transformative power of vulnerability and community. We...

What does it mean to live abundantly in a world that often feels scarce? In this episode, I sit down with Cathy Heller, a podcaster with over 40 million downloads, to explore this question. Cathy shares her wisdom on redefining abundance—not as material wealth but as a life filled with well-being, purpose, and meaningful connections. Reflecting on the challenges of the past year, we discuss how to...

Are you caught in the cycle of ignoring your needs, telling yourself there’s no time for rest, reflection, or even being human? In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Heather Chauvin, a renowned advocate for emotional well-being, to dive deep into the struggles of high performers who push themselves to the brink. We’ll explore the concept of "time debt" and how constantly postponing self-...

What does it take to build a brand known for both service and culture? In this weeks episode I am joined by Omar Soliman, co-founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk, to explore this question.  Omar discusses the company’s unique culture, which is built on trust, selective hiring, and a commitment to employee development. Approaching its 20th anniversary, College Hunks now aims for $1 billion in reve...

In a world inundated with marketing messages, how do we discern between ethical persuasion and manipulative tactics? This episode delves into this complex issue with Brad Parscale, a seasoned strategist who has shaped successful political campaigns. Parscale explores the blurred lines between marketing and advertising, discussing the ethical considerations that underpin effective campaigns. He she...

What makes a brand truly unforgettable? This week, I dive into that question with Laura Belgray, bestselling author and celebrated copywriter, known for her unique brand, "Talking Shrimp." Initially born from a practical tax decision after getting married, Talking Shrimp has grown into a standout brand with a dedicated community of "shrimpers."  Laura reveals how her brand reso...

How does identity shape marketing strategies? Today, I am diving into this question with marketing expert Tamsen Webster. A message designer and strategist with over 25 years of experience, Tamsen shares insights from her upcoming book, explaining how deeply identity influences consumer behavior and decision-making.  Instead of relying on fear-based tactics, she explains why we need to shift our a...

Have you wondered how a simple idea can grow into a community-driven business? In this week's episode, I'm joined by Sarah Calhoun, founder of Red Ants Pants, a company dedicated to workwear for women. Sarah opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, from identifying a gap in the market to creating a brand that empowers women in labor-intensive fields. She shares the story behind the co...

In this episode, I chat with Olivia Levin, the brains behind the popular Instagram account @Swiftiesforeternity, to unpack what it truly means to be a Swiftie. We dive into the rise of Swiftie influencers, including Olivia’s journey as a content creator, and how this fandom has evolved into a powerful community that shapes personal identities and connections. We also explore the evolution of the f...

How can entrepreneurs create a powerful marketing strategy? To discuss this hot topic, I am joined by PR expert Genieva. We discuss fresh approaches to promoting yourself, starting with Genieva's journey at 12 when she wanted to set up a dog-walking business. In this episode, Genieva highlights the value of personalizing pitches, focusing on serving your audience, and gracefully managing reje...

Ever wonder what it’s really like to go viral overnight? In this episode we get the inside scoop from Nicole the Intern, the mastermind behind the social media account that exploded to hundreds of thousands of followers in just six months—and even grabbed the attention of Gary V. Nicole shares her journey from intern to internet sensation, revealing the hidden struggles behind her viral success. W...

How can a creative social media campaign turn a brand into a viral sensation? This week, I am joined by SMASHD CEO Mike Chambers, one-half of the masterminds behind a buzz-worthy marketing campaign for the non-alcoholic cocktail brand. Mike's insights on one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history are captivating. Mike shares how their unconventional strategy—featuring Nicole sm...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Ann Handley, a renowned leader in the world of content marketing. Discover the inspiring journey that led her to become Chief Content Officer and learn why this title was more than just a personal branding move. In this episode, Ann shares her insightful perspective on leadership, defining it as a delicate balance of speaking your truth, being open to ot...

Are personalized services more valuable than scalable group programs in today's business world? Today, I'm joined by Kierra Conover, and we explore the growing shift from broad, scalable programs to one-on-one, tailored business services. Kierra shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the increasing demand for deeper, more personalized client relationship...

Feeling overwhelmed by social media's complexities? Want to build a thriving business while staying true to yourself? You're in the right place. Today, I'm joined by the extraordinary Kary Perry, a social media expert who's helped countless entrepreneurs navigate the digital landscape. From overcoming self-doubt to mastering effective social media strategies, Kary shares her in...

Megan Hansen, the powerhouse behind "Megan the Dietitian," didn't start her career in a lab coat. Her journey from bartending to building a successful nutrition business is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping women. In this episode, Megan shares the blueprint for her nutrition empire. Discover how she carved a niche in the competitive women's healt...

Amber Lilyestrom is not your average sports marketer. From her college days to leading her own company, she's defied expectations at every turn. In this episode, Amber shares the secrets behind her success, from the importance of strong relationships to the thrill of skydiving a game ball. Discover how she navigated the challenges of the sports industry, balanced a demanding career with famil...

How can a personal challenge like jaw fatigue transform into a groundbreaking product? Today, we talk with Sachin Patel, CEO of ROCKJAW®️. Sachin recounts his journey from facing a personal challenge to creating a product that enhances jawline aesthetics. We explore the nuances of influencer marketing, the sacrifices essential for entrepreneurial success, and the financial realities of brand build...

Feeling stuck in your content marketing role? Dreaming of that next promotion? This episode equips you with the tools to navigate the content marketing career ladder. Today's episode features Megan Morreale, a content marketing expert whose journey took her from aspiring journalist to working with industry leaders like SEMrush and Reddit. Discover how to leverage your existing skills for prom...