In the season three finale of On the Record, we dive into one of marketing’s most overhyped yet underdelivered promises, personalization, and explore how to finally make it real. Inspired by Frank Ocean’s Blond, we draw parallels between the album’s intimate, intentional choices and the power of creating truly personal customer experiences. We break down why personalization often stops at the basics, how enriched data and AI can help us deliver relevance at scale, and why speed, adaptability, and even a little imperfection matter. It’s a lively, music-meets-marketing conversation that challenges us to move beyond buzzwords and into the future of meaningful connection.
In this episode of On The Record, we step into the marketing tech ring to settle a rising debate: are traditional chatbots enough, or are AI-powered lead agents the future of conversion? We explore how modern lead agents go beyond static FAQs, actively engaging, qualifying, and converting leads in real time. Alongside this conversation, we draw a surprising parallel to Björk’s Homogenic—an album that blends synthetic beats with organic emotion, much like how AI is reshaping the customer experience. From UX design breakthroughs to metrics that matter, we unpack what makes today’s lead agents a performance-driven upgrade, and why marketers should rethink the “don’t distract from the CTA” myth once and for all.
In this episode of On the Record, we’re joined by Chris Schermer, founder of the nationally recognized B2B agency Schermer, to explore why vulnerability isn’t just emotional, it’s a strategic advantage. Inspired by Joni Mitchell’s Blue, we dive into how authenticity builds trust, how brands can use honest storytelling to deepen relationships, and why embracing imperfection can unlock creativity and connection. From impactful campaign work with Red Wing Shoes to lessons on leadership and AI, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the most human brands often make the biggest impact.
Rob Walling, Tinyseed cofounder joins us to delve into the topic. We discuss key AI-driven processes you need to put in place, agentic AI, and ways teams can utilize AI to iterate and test marketing strategies faster.
In this episode, we sit down with Drew Mooney, Data Analyst at Hubspot. We discuss ways AI is enabling businesses to make faster and more informed decisions, the biggest current gains in new tech for marketing and sales teams & even where we see data and analytics heading in the future.
In this episode of On the Record, we dive into how small and mid-sized businesses can harness big business marketing strategies to drive growth, scale impact, and compete in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Joined by Michaela Mueller, Senior Marketing Manager at Tria, we explore how brands of any size can unlock the power of data-driven marketing, AI tools, and customer-centric strategies—drawing parallels to Radiohead’s revolutionary direct-to-fan release of In Rainbows. With insights from Fortune 500 marketing, nonprofit leadership, and SMB innovation, this conversation offers actionable tips for marketers navigating B2B and B2C transitions, leveraging digital advertising, and building authentic brand experiences that resonate and convert.
How do you build a marketing agency that not only lasts—but thrives in a fast-moving, tech-fueled digital world? In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Kulka, Founder and Owner of BOOM! Marketing Agency, to uncover the foundation of over 11 years of agency success. From BOOM!’s early vision to crafting powerful brand strategies and long-term client relationships—including the meteoric rise of Gray Duck Spirits—Ryan shares hard-earned insights into client retention, conversion rate optimization (CRO), and staying agile in the age of AI and automation. We also draw inspiration from Animal Collective’s groundbreaking album Merriweather Post Pavilion, examining how the band’s experimental production, bold sonic identity, and collaborative spirit mirror the mindset needed to build a resilient, innovative agency that stands the test of time.
In this Season Three premiere of On The Record, we explore how marketers can turn overwhelming amounts of data into smarter lead generation with the help of Leadpages’ built-in lead enrichment tools. Inspired by MF DOOM’s conceptual album Mm..Food, we draw powerful parallels between niche branding and targeted marketing, revealing how data segmentation, personalization, and firmographic insights can unlock better leads, higher conversion rates, and scalable growth—even for small businesses.
What do Taylor Swift and top-performing brands have in common? A deep understanding of the power of story. In this episode of On the Record, Ryan and Michael sit down with brand and CX expert Sue Woodard to unpack how emotional connection, storytelling, and smart brand curation can transform leads into passionate brand evangelists. From the re-release of “Red (Taylor’s Version)” to the customer experience strategies of brands like Chewy and Delta, we break down the tactics that help businesses build loyalty, create memorable first impressions, and scale authentic customer relationships. If you’re looking to improve your brand strategy, stand out in a crowded market, or create lasting impact with your audience, this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss.
In this episode of On the Record, we reveal how we added $100K in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) in just one month by leaning into customer segmentation, aligning product strategy with actual usage data, and making bold internal shifts that paid off. From redefining our ideal customer to running pricing experiments and navigating team buy-in, we break down the real-world tactics that helped us achieve rapid SaaS growth—while drawing surprising inspiration from Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. If you’re scaling a SaaS startup, rethinking your pricing model, or trying to grow MRR fast, this behind-the-scenes look at how we made it happen is packed with insights for product-led growth, revenue operations, and customer retention strategy.
What does it take to build and sustain a high-growth team? In this episode, Michael and Ryan sit down with Thomas Knoll, a startup veteran and leadership coach, to explore the secrets behind successful, fast-growing companies. From his time at Zappos to launching multiple startups, Thomas shares insights on company culture, curiosity, and investing in people as the foundation of growth. They also dive into the role of AI in leadership, the power of perspective, and why hard conversations are key to building strong teams. Plus, a unique tie-in to Extreme’s Three Sides to Every Story and its lessons for leadership.
Can AI-generated podcasts replace human hosts? In this episode of On the Record, we explore the rise of botcasting vs. podcasting, breaking down how AI is transforming content creation. We share our experience building an AI-powered daily marketing podcast, discuss the efficiency vs. authenticity debate, and dive into the ethics of AI-generated content. Plus, we look at how small teams can scale with AI, the future of podcasting, and why human creativity still matters. And for music fans—yes, we even connect it all to Queen’s News of the World. So, is AI-powered botcasting the future of podcasting or just a gimmick? Tune in to find out!
What can marketers learn from Beyoncé’s Lemonade? In this episode, Ryan and Michael break down the album’s surprise launch, storytelling genius, and multi-channel strategy, revealing key marketing insights. Special guest Josh Becerra, founder of a Minneapolis-based digital marketing agency, joins to discuss winning strategies, the balance of core vs. edge marketing, and the role of data in decision-making. From audience expansion to overcoming fear in marketing, this episode is packed with lessons on bold risks, strategic execution, and long-term success.
Season 2 of On the Record kicks off with a bold challenge to Google’s dominance in marketing. Inspired by MF Doom’s Take Me to Your Leader, we explore the risks of over-reliance on paid search and the rewards of diversification. We discuss the rising costs of PPC advertising, diminishing ROI in Google’s ecosystem, and why diversifying your marketing strategy is critical for long-term success. If you’re looking to future-proof your digital marketing strategy, boost ROI, and grow beyond Google, this episode is for you.
Discover the secrets of enduring brands in this episode of On the Record. From Coca-Cola's timeless nostalgia to Spotify's personalized connections, we explore how brands evolve, build trust, and captivate audiences. Plus, we draw parallels to The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” and the elusive quest for staying power. Whether you're a marketer or brand enthusiast, tune in for actionable insights and fresh perspectives!
In this bonus episode, Michael, Ryan, and Stacy look into their crystal ball to explore what’s ahead for marketing in 2025. Through the lens of David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, they discuss navigating market shifts, actionable insights in revenue operations, the evolution of influencer marketing, and AI’s transition from buzzword to practical tool. The team also tackles the ethical challenges of AI, lessons from Bowie’s iconic album, and how embracing the unknown can inspire optimism and adaptability in business. Don’t miss this glimpse into the future of marketing and beyond!
Is your marketing too dependent on Google Search? Join Ryan, Michael, and Stacy as they explore the rising costs of paid search, the shift toward social media as the new search engine, and the power of diversifying acquisition channels. Packed with insights, actionable tips, and inspiration from Public Enemy’s groundbreaking messaging, this episode is for marketers ready to challenge convention and embrace innovation.
We dissect the pitfalls of marketing attribution, from flawed models to the growing challenges of tracking in a privacy-focused era. We explore how over-indexing on data risks stifling creativity and why attribution often fails to capture critical interactions like word-of-mouth. Inspired by the layered brilliance of Paul’s Boutique by the Beastie Boys, this episode offers practical tips for marketers to balance data with storytelling and embrace imperfection in the customer journey.
What can a banana teach us about branding? We break down Andy Warhol’s memorable design for The Velvet Underground and explore how businesses can capture that same bold energy. Join us as we discuss the art of standing out in a competitive world.
In this episode, we discuss feature-based selling, why it might be flawed, and whether you should focus more on prioritizing real connections with your customers. We also review the classic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Lauryn focused solely on connecting with her fans in a very meaningful way, and it worked with great success. What if we did the same with our customers?