touch point podcast

In this episode, hosts Chris Boyer and Reed Smith explore the shifting landscape of digital advertising in 2025, from privacy-first strategies and AI-driven targeting to the rise of connected TV (CTV) and retail media networks. They discuss how these trends are reshaping direct-to-consumer healthcare advertising and the critical role of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) in adapting to Meta’s evolving...

In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer check in on the state of social media for healthcare, and discuss the various changes to these social platforms - from content moderation, to managing algorithmic changes, a brief touch on paid social strategies and share information for health systems on how to plan for and adapt to future changes in social strategies. They are joined by Jenny Bri...

In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer discuss the elements of developing an inclusive digital patient experience strategy, why it matters and the impact it has on a healthcare organization. Melissa Fors Shackelford joins to share her insights in the impacts of stigma for certain populations and how inclusivity efforts in marketing and communications are most effective.  Mentions from t...

In our annual “Best-of” 2024 show, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer reflect back on the past year and the various episodes and topics we discussed, and share results from our annual listener choice awards, including favorite episode and favorite guest. Congratulations to all of our winners and thanks for making this show amazing! Mentions from the Show:  Best Episode:  #3: TP375 - What Does 'Digit...

In this week’s episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer share their perceptions and insights on patient access - what it is, what internal and external factors are impacting access and then they dive into a recent study by Experian that implies that both patients and providers are feeling optimistic about access improvements in health systems. Lastly, they share some ways to implement a consumer-...

The US healthcare system is undergoing significant disruption due to innovations that fundamentally alter how services are delivered, how the market operates, or how patients are receiving care. In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer outline five major disruptive trends and discuss how health systems need to prepare to be resilient through this disruption.   Mentions from the Show: 2024...

An annual feature of the Touch Point podcast is a retrospective look at other podcasts on our network. In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer share two episodes of the newest podcast on the Touch Point Media Network - “Surprise, It’s Not a Toaster.” This show is hosted by Ed Bennett and Chris Boyer and is a lighthearted look at online experiences and their subsequent annoyances, unveili...

In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer celebrate some of the most memorable guest interviews of the year. First, hear from Susannah Fox who discussed insights from her new book about digital innovation, then Jeremy Mittler joins for a good discussion on privacy-first advertising strategies. Lastly, Danny Fell joins to discuss healthcare disruption. These are a few of our best interviews...

In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer discuss seven technology trends that are innovating healthcare and medicine - some old and some radically new. With an increased focus on solving gaps in rural healthcare and addressing modern consumerism needs. This show is a fun look forward to support future planning.  Mentions From the Show: Consumers rule: Driving healthcare growth with a cons...

Join hosts Chris Boyer and Reed Smith for a special episode that celebrates the season of thankfulness with a unique twist. This week, they share never-before-aired conversations featuring four insightful “Three Questions with Chris” segments with industry leaders Patty Riskind, Dean Browell, Christy Pretzinger, and Matt Gove. These candid discussions reveal a fresh perspective on some of healthca...

In this episode, Chris Boyer and Reed Smith - inspired by insights from Matt Gove and Andy Chang at HCIC - discuss the interplay between customer behavior and loyalty, habits, and laziness. They explore how healthcare organizations can build lasting connections by fostering familiarity and ease, forming patient habits through consistent cues and reinforcements, and simplifying the patient journey...

In this episode, Chris Boyer is joined by guests Dean Browell, Martha Van Berkel and Danny Fell as they discuss some of the key themes and issues being discussed at the 28th Annual Healthcare Internet Conference in Austin, TX. From the changing role of the marketing leader, to the challenges of measurement and the complexity of technology and disruption, they share ideas and insights on how modern...

In this episode of Touch Point, hosts Chris Boyer and Reed Smith discuss how healthcare organizations can maximize the value of their data through a seven-step data maturity model. They explore the challenges and opportunities in managing healthcare data—from initial modeling to data marketplaces—using real-world examples from healthcare projects. Chris and Reed highlight how structured data manag...

In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer discuss essential traits for healthcare leaders facing industry-wide transformation. They explore adaptive leadership styles, including transformational leadership, which fosters loyalty, creativity, and resilience. The episode also discusses the four C’s of Leading Through Change and offers practical insights for navigating healthcare's unique cha...

In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer explore the significant disruptions currently transforming the US healthcare system, from innovations reshaping service delivery to changes in how the market operates and how patients receive care. They outline five major disruptive trends and discuss how health systems can build resilience in the face of these changes. This episode also features a...

In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer explore the concept of consumer-driven healthcare and why it often falls short of true "shopping" experiences, discussing how factors like insurance coverage, geographic limitations, and health drivers complicate decision-making for patients. From the pitfalls of online appointment scheduling to the limitations of "reserve your spot" features in em...

In this episode, Reed Smith and Chris Boyer the "drivers of health," healthcare consumerism, and the role of marketing in shaping patient experiences. They explore how social, economic, and environmental factors impact health, how consumers are increasingly empowered in their care decisions, and how a strategic, consumer-focused approach can drive meaningful change. Mentions from the Show:  Kaiser...

In this episode, Chris Boyer and Reed Smith explore how the concept of ROI in healthcare digital experience extends beyond financial returns to impact patient care, operations, and sustainability. They break down ROI into three key areas: growth, cost savings, and improving experience and highlight how digital tools like telemedicine, patient portals, and automation drive patient acquisition, stre...

In this episode, Reed Smith and Chris Boyer explore the critical decision organizations face between adopting point-based solutions vs. integrated platforms. They delve into the pros and cons of each approach, highlighting the importance of aligning these choices with organizational needs - and share how holistic frameworks and AI-powered technologies can elevate user experiences in healthcare, im...

In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer explore the evolution of search engine optimization and the growing impact of generative AI, exploring how large language models (LLMs) and their capabilities in natural language processing (NLP) can impact SEO efforts. They also touch on the benefits and challenges of AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization), highlighting how it automates conten...

In this milestone 400th episode of the Touch Point podcast, hosts Chris Boyer and Reed Smith reflect on the last almost eight years of podcasting, and share stories from the early days (how it began and the first few episodes), to how the topics have shifted over the years, and reflect on memorable moments throughout the show lifetime. They also are humbled to share voices messages from fans and f...

In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer explore the "flat pancake" metaphor as it applies to the evolving role of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) in healthcare and discuss how with conflicting priorities and lacking a clear mandate, CDOs face unique challenges in driving digital transformation within complex healthcare systems. They are joined by Jerry Grady of the Ward Group, who shares...

In this episode, hosts Chris Boyer and Reed Smith share an update on the evolution of patient portals and how healthcare leaders are leveraging them to drive patient experience - sometimes to unintended consequences. They also discuss two recent patient studies illustrating potential biases in the adoption rate of patient portals.  Mentions from the Show: How Leaders Are Using Patient Portals To D...

In general, digital transformations can be difficult – particularly in health systems. In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer discuss the overall need for provider organizations to embrace radical digital transformation, ponder if we are able to do so, and then discuss how prioritizing patient advocacy can yield to more impactful digital transformation. They are joined by Scott Becker,...

The latest Gartner Hype Cycle indicates that the use of marketing Generative AI is about to slip into the Trough of Disillusionment. In this week’s episode, hosts Chris Boyer and Reed Smith discuss some of Gartner’s findings and the impact it has on digital marketing, review a story that opines on whether AI is in a bubble and share the current adoption rate in the healthcare industry.  Mentions f...