The Charleston Marketing Podcast

Charleston AMA
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to The Charleston Marketing Podcast, the podcast that dives deep into the world of marketing, with a specific focus on the vibrant city of Charleston. Join us as we explore the strategies, trends, and success stories that shape the marketing landscape in this historic and captivating coastal city. Each episode of The Charleston Marketing Podcast brings you exclusive interviews with local marketing experts, industry thought leaders and Charleston entrepreneurs who have harnessed the power of effective marketing in the Lowcountry and beyond. From strategic communication, social media, PR, digital strategy and everything in between, we uncover valuable insights and actionable tips for our listeners.

  1. History, Hospitality, And The Business Of Preservation In Charleston w/ Tyler Wright Friedman

    3D AGO

    History, Hospitality, And The Business Of Preservation In Charleston w/ Tyler Wright Friedman

    How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas. Curious cities don’t stand still, and Charleston is proof. We sit down with Tyler Wright Friedman, the guide behind Walk and Talk Charleston, to unpack how a walk can become a window into power, preservation, and the pulse of a modern Lowcountry city. Tyler maps out the three pillars she believes define the Charleston brand—history, preservation, and hospitality—and shows how each one lives not just in brochures but in policies, neighborhoods, and the choices residents make to keep a city’s soul intact. We go beyond pastel facades to highlight Charleston’s civil rights legacy. Tyler connects the dots from Briggs v. Elliott, tried on Meeting Street, to Brown v. Board of Education, and explains Judge Waring’s pivotal dissent and Thurgood Marshall’s role. The takeaway is simple and bracing: when we tell fuller stories, visitors don’t just look; they understand. That honesty also shapes how she guides: present facts clearly, honor the skilled labor—often enslaved—that built what we admire, and invite guests to think rather than react. Preservation comes into focus as community infrastructure, not museum‑only nostalgia. Tyler details Historic Charleston Foundation’s Common Cause Loan Fund, which helps legacy homeowners stay in place through forgivable exterior repair loans—a practical answer to rising costs and strict building rules. We also explore how tourism taxes fund public projects like the Low Battery wall, and why sustainable tourism must serve residents first if it’s going to last. On the growth front, Tyler shares how word of mouth, creator partnerships, and deep ties to cultural institutions have scaled Walk and Talk Charleston from side gig to standout hospitality brand. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll leave with a sharper list—seafood at 167 Raw or Bar 167, Rodney Scott’s barbecue—and a better map: add museums, lectures at the Library Society, a Dock Street performance, and a day on the barrier islands. If you call Charleston home, you’ll hear why supporting local culture builds better citizens and a stronger city. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves great cities, and leave a review with your favorite Charleston museum or meal— Support the show Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase YouTube Facebook Ins...

    32 min
  2. Leyla Gulen On Truth, Crisis Comms, And Community

    FEB 13

    Leyla Gulen On Truth, Crisis Comms, And Community

    How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas. Want to see what credibility looks like under pressure? We sit down with broadcaster and FEMA reservist Leyla Gulen to unpack the real work behind “overnight” stories, the human stakes of crisis communications, and why attention without accuracy is a losing game. Layla traces her arc from ballet hopeful to radio grinder to TV anchor in Los Angeles and San Francisco, revealing the invisible disciplines that build trust: relentless fact-checking, writing to match an anchor’s voice, and delivering clarity on impossible timelines. When she moved to Charleston, those habits met a city where reputation travels fast and relationships carry weight, reshaping how tough truths are told without turning personal. We dive into the influencer era and draw a sharp line between virality and veracity. As a co-founder of Tide Point PR, Layla favors senior, crisis-tested strategy over churn. She explains how to steer clients away from performative stunts and toward messages that survive scrutiny. Then the conversation heads straight into the field, where Layla’s FEMA deployments bring communications into disaster zones. She breaks down common myths about FEMA, the life-safety work that starts immediately, and the application steps that trip people up—plus how disaster recovery centers and hotlines actually help. The throughline is empathy: respect for place, patience with process, and thick skin when public narratives get loud and loose with facts. Amid AI’s rise and shrinking attention spans, Leyla's north star stays steady: human connection and the craft of a story told well. If you care about journalism, public relations, emergency response, or simply want a better filter for what to believe online, this conversation offers practical guardrails and grounded inspiration. Listen, share it with someone who cares about credible communication, and leave a review with your take: what makes you trust a message? Support the show Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase YouTube Facebook Ins...

    45 min
  3. How A Festival Blends Culture, Tourism, And Economic Impact

    FEB 5

    How A Festival Blends Culture, Tourism, And Economic Impact

    How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas. Big flavor meets big vision. We sat down with Marcus, founder and CEO of the Black Food Truck Festival, to unpack how a community-first idea became a 20,000-person destination weekend that’s now measured at $10.2 million in economic impact for Charleston. He traces the journey from a post-pandemic launch to a two-day experience that brings in 84% of attendees from outside the Tri-County area and 70% from out of state, turning Charleston into a must-visit hub for Black culinary culture and live music. We go inside the blueprint: why the festival invests in live bands, day parties at multiple bars, and family-friendly spaces to create an immersive, all-day flow. Marcus explains the vendor mix—Gullah-Geechee staples, African cuisine, soul food riffs, hibachi mashups, empanadas, seafood, wings, desserts, and strong vegan options—and the reality of lines at scale. He’s transparent about the headwinds too: sponsorship dollars tighten as alcohol spending dips, venue costs climb, and production expenses grow. The response is smarter marketing: a YouTube strategy for long-form performance videos, storytelling that highlights vendor success, and a 20,000-strong email list that fuels merch, premium offers, and year-round engagement. You’ll also hear how the team builds a better guest experience with a shaded VIP lounge, private restrooms, early entry, small bites, and an open bar—plus safety upgrades like expanded EMS, water partnerships, and a push for hydration stations. We discuss values-driven choices, including turning down misaligned sponsors to protect a welcoming space, and a forward path that includes expanding to markets like Charlotte while keeping Charleston the heart and home. Marcus’s educator streak shines as he outlines plans for youth basketball and nutrition programs and new on-ramps into culinary and hospitality careers. Ready to taste, dance, and be part of a growing cultural force in Charleston? Grab your tickets at blackfoodtruckfestival.com, subscribe for more stories with the city’s builders and creators, and leave a review to help others discover the show. https://www.blackf Support the show Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase YouTube Facebook Ins...

    58 min
  4. Living Fully With Mortality In Mind; a Chat with Merridith Crowe

    FEB 2

    Living Fully With Mortality In Mind; a Chat with Merridith Crowe

    How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas. What if thinking about death could make your life and work lighter, clearer, and more intentional? We sit down with life and death coach Merridith Crowe to explore how memento mori—the simple, ancient reminder that we will die—can sharpen your choices today. This isn’t a gloomy detour. It’s a practical map for how to love better, lead with empathy, and build a business that matches your values. Meredith shares the heart of her work: guiding people through hard life changes and helping families plan end-of-life with compassion and detail, from medical preferences to the tone of a celebration. Along the way, we unpack why intentions beat resolutions, how present-tense identity statements shift behavior, and the simple weekly check-in that keeps you honest: How did I live, how did I love, what did I learn? We also look at authentic leadership in a noisy market—choosing your race, limiting clients to go deeper, and communicating with clarity instead of euphemism. We go there on the hard topics, too: hospice, the cultural distance from death, and the nuanced realities of medical assistance in dying in certain states. Meredith’s inclusive approach meets people where they are, honoring different beliefs while focusing on comfort and agency. For founders and marketers, the surprising takeaway is that mortality awareness makes you a better builder: more present, less reactive, kinder in conflict, and clearer in messaging. That kindness isn’t just nice—it attracts the right people and strengthens your work. If you’ve felt stuck, spread thin, or unsure what to prioritize, this conversation offers grounded tools you can use today. Listen, share it with someone who needs a gentler frame for big decisions, and then set one intention you’ll live right now. If this resonated, follow the show, leave a quick review, and tell us: what would you change today if you remembered you’ll die? Support the show Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase YouTube Facebook Ins...

    39 min
  5. Big Thinking In The Lowcountry w/ Thomas Heath

    JAN 22

    Big Thinking In The Lowcountry w/ Thomas Heath

    How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas. Ever been asked “So, what do you do?” and felt your answer wobble? We sit down with strategist, mentor, and playwright-composer Thomas Heath to map a cleaner, kinder path to growth: start with foundational messaging, show up in real community, and set boundaries that protect your energy. Thomas breaks down why most founders can’t deliver a five-second answer and how a tight messaging playbook unlocks everything—LinkedIn visibility, investor confidence, and sales velocity. We get specific on the five LinkedIn fields that matter, why your banner is prime real estate, and how a 220-character headline becomes your everyday elevator speech. Thomas also pulls back the curtain on working with VC, PE, and family offices to align cofounders, sharpen mission language, and ship pitch decks that actually raise money. We tour Charleston’s startup scene through One Million Cups and the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, where “collision” moments create outsized opportunity. Alongside the tactics, we go deep on burnout: health scares, over-volunteering, and the hard reset toward time blocking, client boundaries, and a gratitude-first mindset. The through-line is sustainable growth—profit with impact, not grind for grind’s sake. Then the story pivots to Luke and Lucy, a rock musical inspired by ’70s and ’80s legends, now evolving into a docuseries that empowers teens. It tackles toxic relationships, anxiety, and isolation with tools, community, and serious heart—proof that brand craft and storytelling can change lives, not just metrics. If you want practical scripts, sharper positioning, and a healthier way to scale, this conversation delivers. Subscribe, share with a founder who needs clarity, and leave a review with your 220-character headline—we might read our favorites on the next show. Support the show Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase YouTube Facebook Ins...

    1h 2m
  6. From Open Verse To TEDx, Christian Morant Shares How Art Thrives When Business And Heart Stay Balanced

    JAN 15

    From Open Verse To TEDx, Christian Morant Shares How Art Thrives When Business And Heart Stay Balanced

    How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas. What happens when a poet decides to film an entire album live, open a song to the internet, and then knit twenty artists into a single five‑minute piece? We invited Charleston’s own Christian Morant to share how he balances heart‑first art with smart, sustainable marketing without losing the soul of the work. Christian takes us inside I’m Not A Rapper and the Snappin’ open verse challenge that drew thousands of views and dozens of collaborations. He breaks down why filming twelve live music videos made the project more human, how collaboration in the room changed arrangements on the fly, and why Stage Presence became a love letter to community. We also get candid about mental health: writing through depression, performing heavy poems safely, and letting therapy sit alongside craft so the work heals rather than harms. For creatives and marketers alike, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways. You’ll hear a simple workflow for capturing ideas from phone notes to journals to production docs, a realistic social media strategy that favors focus over burnout, and clear tips for separating the art hat from the business hat. We spotlight Charleston’s venues and festivals that nurture emerging voices, the power of mentorship in schools, and the mindset shift that puts value back into the work instead of the follower count. If you’re building a career in music, poetry, or any creative field, this is a masterclass in staying authentic while shipping meaningful projects. Listen, share with a friend who needs a push, and tell us: what’s one brave step you’ll take this week? Subscribe for more conversations with the artists and makers shaping Charleston’s creative economy, and leave a review to help others find the show. Support the show Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase YouTube Facebook Ins...

    1 hr
  7. From Freelance Grit To Children’s Lit: A Designer’s Charleston Story

    12/18/2025

    From Freelance Grit To Children’s Lit: A Designer’s Charleston Story

    How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas. A fired-then-flourishing designer, a flying carriage horse, and a city that rewards creative grit—this conversation with Andrew Barton is a masterclass in turning curiosity into a career. We swap polished origin myths for the real story: cold calls from a phone book, a first agency break with a so-so portfolio, and the moment he decided to bet on himself after an ill-fitting leadership role. What follows is a candid look at freelancing in Charleston, where relationships travel faster than résumés and a carefully crafted email beats a dozen scattered posts. Andrew walks us through building a client base without chasing every platform. His secret is deceptively simple: make your newsletter actually useful. From printable cards to small illustrations, he treats readers like clients and clients like collaborators, bringing them inside the design process and proving that clear writing drives great visuals. That clarity-first approach shows up in his most beloved project—Hayward the Horse—where a flying tour guide helps kids and newcomers fall in love with Charleston’s history. We break down the self-publishing playbook too: pricing for retail, choosing print specs that elevate the product, and doing the unglamorous work of distribution. We also tackle the question on every creative’s mind: where does AI fit? Andrew shares the fog he felt when image models took off—and why he now sees AI as an amplifier for writing, code, and production polish rather than a replacement for taste and trust. If you’re a student, solopreneur, or marketing leader, you’ll walk away with practical ideas: get an internship, ship personal projects, invest in community, and obsess over clarity. Subscribe, share with a creative friend, and tell us: what’s the next bold step you’re taking after listening? Support the show Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase YouTube Facebook Ins...

    52 min
  8. Belief As A Marketing Engine For Community Joy

    12/18/2025

    Belief As A Marketing Engine For Community Joy

    How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas. What happens when the spirit of Christmas meets the grit and growth of Charleston? We sit with Santa Smiley to explore how a city of parades, tree lightings, and school snow machines turns tradition into connection. From Hotel Bennett teas to James Island’s lights, we map the rituals that make the Lowcountry feel like home, then dig into the deeper current beneath the glitter: storytelling as the engine of community. Santa opens up about service with local police and fire departments, delivering toys to families in need and supporting firefighters through tough seasons. He talks candidly about the city’s rapid growth, how a shorter window between Thanksgiving and Christmas changes planning, and why belief isn’t childish—it’s a daily choice to expect good and create it. We trade cookie recipes, laugh about the laboo boo toy craze, and make room for real life: the surprise tow-truck saga, the search for the perfect Santa chair, and post-season reset plans that include beaches, theme parks, and scuba diving he learned right in Mount Pleasant. We also share what’s next: the North Charleston Pops Sounds of the Season on December 20, where families gather for carols, cookies, and that elusive perfect Santa throne. Throughout, the focus stays on what works—clear stories, warm partnerships, and small acts that compound into big community. If you’ve been craving a reason to light the porch early, bake the cookies anyway, or invite a neighbor you barely know, this conversation is your sign. Press play, believe boldly, and help us keep the magic alive across Charleston. Enjoyed the show? Follow, rate, and share with a friend who loves a good parade and an even better story. Support the show Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase YouTube Facebook Ins...

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Charleston Marketing Podcast, the podcast that dives deep into the world of marketing, with a specific focus on the vibrant city of Charleston. Join us as we explore the strategies, trends, and success stories that shape the marketing landscape in this historic and captivating coastal city. Each episode of The Charleston Marketing Podcast brings you exclusive interviews with local marketing experts, industry thought leaders and Charleston entrepreneurs who have harnessed the power of effective marketing in the Lowcountry and beyond. From strategic communication, social media, PR, digital strategy and everything in between, we uncover valuable insights and actionable tips for our listeners.

Information

  • Creator
    Charleston AMA
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Charleston Marketing Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Charleston Marketing Podcast