Why I Social

Justin Gatewood ( @lightjump ) is Web, SharePoint and Cloud Systems Administrator at Victor Valley College. He served as a member of the United States Navy from 1990 through 1995 as a Cryptologic Technician receiving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.  He is the recipient of multiple awards professionally including the 2016 MetaHero Award for "Best In Business Process" - as well as multiple "...

Before releasing the next episode of Why I Social - episode 152 - host Chris Barrows has a special announcement to make regarding the new sponsor of the podcast.  As the podcast has shifted focus - with a mission to really showcase people who not only social - but have stories that can impact and educate listeners - "education" has become a key term for the podcast.  With this in mind - Why I Soci...

Jessica Matthews is the Digital Media Director for the First Lady of New York City. Her previous experience includes the New York Times and New York University. She also interned at Google before beginning her full-time career as a social media and digital marketing professional.    Hear her story on this week's episode.  And of course, Why Does She Social?!  Share  your thoughts on this week's ep...

On this week's episode, our hosts discover Ikea's new line of products - pregnancy tests. Also, GoPro is more like "oh no".  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  Kodak announces its own cryptocurrency and watches stock price skyrocket [Verge - story by Shannon Liao ] 2.  Viacom snaps up influencer platform Whosay as it looks to bulk up branded content offering [The Drum - story by Rebecca Stewart ] 3....

Dr. Josie Ahlquist is a digital leadership educator (josieahlquist.com), teacher and speaker. She has been in education since 2003 including 12 years working at the university level. She currently serves as Research Associate and Instructor at Florida State University and has been named the "Top 50 Must-Read Higher Education Technology blog" by Ed Tech Magazine three times since 2013.  Hear her st...

On this week's episode, (spoiler) we somehow end up discussing our favorite fruits. Also, "Bright" really wasn't that bad and is "a lot better than Suicide Squad."  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  Iran blocks encrypted messaging apps amid nationwide protests [Verge - story by Russell Brandom ] 2. Exclusive: Spotify files for its IPO [Axios - story by Dan Primack ]  3.  Netflix's 'Bright' reached...

On this week's episode, Amir and Chris look back at 2017 and poorly attempt to predict the future. We assume it's poorly because we haven't seen the future yet - so they could in-fact be prophets. Also, that dude who scheduled six dates in one night returns to the show - find out why!  Note: This episode was recorded on Thursday, December 28th This week's Five Favorites:  1. Apple Is Developing an...

On this week's episode, host Chris Barrows (@CBarrows) goes off-the-cuff to take a look back at 2017, shares some of his favorite episodes (5, of course) and looks forward to 2018.  Favorite Episodes include (in no particular order): Liz Gross (Episode 144) Jenn Patel (Episode 139)  Matt Marcinek (Episode 128) Danny Vecchiarelli (Episode 109)  New episodes with great guests doing awesome things on...

On this week's episode, it's basically a holiday episode. Only, no holiday music - because of music rights and stuff. Or time. You decide the reason. Also, the truth is out there.  Note: This episode was recorded on Thursday, December 21st.  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  HQ Trivia's founders are facing fundraising roadblocks after investors learned of alleged bad behavior [Recode - story by Kur...

On this week's episode, Amazon and Google have less beef. It's kind of like a sequel in the way The Last Jedi is a sequel to The Force Awakens. Also, we don't spoil The Last Jedi - in case that was some sort of a concern of yours.  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  Apple's iMac Pro arrives December 14, starting at $4,999 [TechCrunch - story by Brian Heater ] 2. Storify Is Shutting Down [The Verge -...

Chad Jennings is a beat writer and columnist for the Boston Herald. He previously has written for the Journal News (NY) and the Scranton Times-Tribune (Scranton). He currently covers the Boston Red Sox for the Herald and social plays a large role in that coverage.  Hear his story on this week's episode.  And of course, Why Does He Social?!  Share  your thoughts on this week's episode with  #WhyISo...

On this week's episode, Amazon and Google have some beef. Also, it's pretty clear beef if on Zonozi's mind.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Apple's App of the Year Makes Sense If You've Been Paying Attention to the News [Slate] 2. Early Data Shows Tweets Are A Hit With Users [Buzzfeed]  3. Google is pulling YouTube off the FireTV and Echo Show as feud with Amazon grows [The Verge] 4. Hilton rolli...

On this week's episode, Amir and Chris break down what's up with this whole "Bitcoin" thing. Also, it's supersized. An extra 10 minutes just because we like you - or we had a lot to say - you decide.  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  Apple's had a shockingly bad week of software problems  [The Verge] 2. YouTube is launching its own take on Stories with a new video format called 'Reels'  [TechCrunc...

This week's episode is a bit of a callback - as alumni from previous episodes returned to give thanks - and props - to those in the space who have inspired them.  Note: My sincere apologies for the delay on this week's episode. In light of being sick, I didn't realize it never went out as scheduled. My gratitude for understanding.   Share  your thoughts on this week's episode with  #WhyISocial Sub...

On this week's episode, Amir and Chris confess their Black Friday purchases. Also, our hosts debate the intention behind a recent McDonald's tweet.  Where do you stand? Also, what did you buy on Black Friday this year? Let us know using #FiveFavorites on Twitter.  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  Twitter testing a feature that shows how many are 'talking about' tweets [TechCrunch] 2. Facebook Conf...

On this week's episode, we got deals. LOTS OF DEALZ. Also, Paris Hilton claims she invented the selfie. We have strong feelings on such a claim.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Twitter's new premium APIs give developers access to more tweets, higher rate limits  [VentureBeat] 2. Twitter Confirms it's Testing a tweetstorm feature  [TechCrunch] 3. Black Friday 2017 Tech Deals [The Verge] 4. Microso...

Dr. Liz Gross is the Founding Director of Campus Sonar. As far as social listening goes, she is one of the most respected persons in the social media industry and higher education. She also serves as an instructor for Karine Joly's Higher Ed Experts.   Hear her story on this week's episode.  And of course, Why Does She Social?!  Share  your thoughts on this week's episode with  #WhyISocial Subscri...

On this week's episode, Amir admits he's never watched, Harry Potter.  Also, Sean Parker is at it (again).  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  Sean Parker unloads on Facebook: "God only knows what it's doing to our children's brains" [Axios] 2.  The Magic of Harry Potter is Coming to a Neighborhood Near You   [NianticLabs] 3.  Snap CEO Evan Spiegel is redesigning Snapchat because it's too hard to us...

On this week's episode, Amir is operating on shoddy wifi. Also, the episode went up a day late. It's the internet's fault. It was supposed to go on time. We don't make excuses here though. It's late. Want to fight about it? We don't - we're peaceful co-hosts. Hopefully, if you've even read this far, you've forgiven us by now.  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  Apple fires iPhone X engineer after da...

C.C. Chapman is a freelance creative and marketing consultant. He is also the host (and producer) of the Why I Write podcast in conjunction with the National Council of Teachers of English. In addition to his consultation work and podcasting, C.C. is also an Adjunct Professor of Marketing and Communications at Bentley University Hear their story on this week's episode.  And of course, Why Does He...

On this week's episode, Chris is preparing for a party with Mickey Mouse. It's possible Bezos visited his home while he was away. Also, Super Mario Odyssey is getting some super reviews.  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  Trump to Open Skies to More Drone Testing [NYT] 2.  Designing 'Super Mario Odyssey': Nintendo re-invents a gaming icon [CNN] 3.  New York To Replace Metrocard with Modern Way to P...

On this week's episode, Amir prepares to beat all odds in order to get a new iPhone (and he tells you how you can too). Also, we got food puns.  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  How to preorder an iPhone X the right way [Cult of Mac] 2.  AMC is launching its own VR app with a 360-degree scene from The Walking Dead [The Verge] 3.  The BBC is turning to AI to improve its programming [Engadget] 4.  H...

Matt Matkovich and Phil Januszewski make up the team behind M&P Presentations. Matt is a full-time high school guidance counselor and Phil is a full-time high school chemistry/physics teacher.  Together, they form M&P Presentations who offer motivational presentations, professional workshops, master of ceremony services, and event hosting for all ages and groups.  Hear their story on this week's e...

On this week's episode, we discuss our favorite Mario Kart 64 characters. Also, seriously, Porgs. Love them. Hate them. You gotta have an opinion on them! And if you don't know what a Porg is, well, we can't be friends.  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  Alphabet is training law enforcement on how to handle self-driving car crashes [Recode] Official 43 page PDF document 2.  Twitter Users Will Soon...

On this week's (very special) second episode, we cover all the new announcements Google's latest Pixel/IO event! We're talking all things Pixel 2, Google Home Mini (and Max) and more! Also, Amir is really excited about AI. We're talking more than he is about drones normally.  This is not your standard episode of Five Favorites!  Topics Discussed:  1. Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL 2. Home Mini and Max 3. ...