Dose of Social: Actionable Social Media Tips for Small Businesses and Brands

Lindsay Mauch and Kayla Perlstein
  • 5.0 (21)
  • MARKETING

Welcome to Dose of Social, your go-to podcast for everything social media! Whether you're a solopreneur, small business owner, aspiring content creator, or simply looking to level up your online presence. Kayla and Lindsay are here to dish out expert tips and strategies to help you thrive in the digital world. Tune in as we explore the latest trends, decode algorithms, and share the secrets to growing an engaged audience. Each episode serves up actionable advice and inspiring interviews with top social media pros, all designed to help you craft your own recipe for social media success.

  1. 6D AGO

    Old Social vs. New Social: What to Know in 2026 Part 2

    In this episode of Dose of Social, we’re unpacking one of our favorite topics: how social media has completely changed—and what brands need to let go of if they want to grow today. We’re breaking down the mindset shift from vanity metrics to real engagement, why follower count means almost nothing in 2026, and what’s actually working when it comes to strategy. From one bot-gone-wrong story to the importance of pairing paid with organic, we’re getting real about what it takes to show up, stand out, and build community in the era of new social. Here’s what we’re diving into: The difference between old social and new social—and why it mattersWhy fake followers hurt your paid strategy (not just your ego)Our favorite story about a follower-buying disaster 😬Why organic growth is harder than ever—and what to focus on insteadWhat we tell clients every time they ask about posting frequencyHow we help brands embrace video (even when they don’t want to)The real role of stories, engagement, and community todayWhat to unlearn if you’re still stuck in 2018 tacticsConnect with us: Follow Dose of Social on Instagram Subscribe on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Check out our website 💬 Questions? Feedback? Want to work together? Hit us up—we’d love to chat.

    28 min

  2. FEB 11

    Old Social vs. New Social: What to Know in 2026

    In this episode of Dose of Social, we take a nostalgic-meets-strategic look at the evolution of social media—from the carefree MySpace and early Instagram days to today’s video-first, pay-to-play landscape. We unpack how the shift from photo-based posting to dynamic, video-driven content has transformed the expectations for creators, business owners, and marketers alike. You’ll hear how organic social used to be enough, why that’s no longer the case, and what modern brands must do to stay visible and competitive in 2026 and beyond. This episode is packed with insights around how to blend organic content with paid strategy, the rising importance of founder-led content, and why testing, data, and adaptability matter more than ever. Here’s what we’re diving into: The difference between “old” and “new” social—and why real-time reels rule todayWhy brands can’t rely on organic alone (and what actually works now)The meaning of "pay to play" and how platforms like Meta limit organic reachThe shift from curated feeds to raw, personality-driven contentWhat Instagram rewards right now (think reels, storytelling carousels, and in-app tools)Connect with us: Follow Dose of Social on Instagram Subscribe on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Check out our website 💬 Have a question or want to be a guest? Slide into our DMs—we'd love to hear from you!

    22 min

  3. 12/11/2025

    Why Reels Matter: Part Two

    In this episode of Dose of Social, we dive into all things production and filming: covering what brands and business owners need to know to create high-quality, engaging reels without a big budget or crew. From lighting and audio to framing and editing, we break down what actually makes a difference when you're shooting content for Instagram, TikTok, and beyond. Whether you're DIY-ing your reels or managing a shoot with a team, this episode is packed with practical advice—and gear recs!—that you can start using right away. Here’s what we’re diving into: Why lighting and audio are more important than fancy camerasThe importance of framing plus common shooting mistakes to avoidHow to shoot with editing in mind (especially if adding captions or graphics)Lindsay and Kayla’s must-have tools for creators: including mics, gimbals, ring lights, and moreThe difference between wired and wireless mics and why they recently switchedTips for shooting in noisy environments or low-light spacesHow to get the most out of short, intentional shoots (even in under 2 hours)Tools mentioned in this episode: DJI Mic Mini Wireless Microphones → Buy on Amazon – $99DJI OM 5 Gimbal Stabilizer → View on DJIRectangular Handheld LED Light → See options on AmazonMagnetic Phone Ring Light → Shop on TikTok Shop or AmazonConnect with us: Follow Dose of Social on Instagram Subscribe on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Check out our website 💬 Want to be a guest or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

    23 min

  4. 12/05/2025

    Why Reels Matter: Part One

    In this episode of Dose of Social, co-hosts we dive deep into the power of Instagram Reels and why short-form video content is non-negotiable in today’s digital landscape. With over 2 billion Reels played daily across Meta platforms, it's clear: Reels aren’t just a trend—they’re a must for growth and visibility. We will go over how business owners, marketers, and creators can embrace Reels without feeling overwhelmed. From planning content with intention to using shot lists and batching strategies, they share real examples and tactical advice to help you simplify video production and stay ahead of the algorithm. Here’s what we’re diving into: Why Reels outperform static posts and carousels on Instagram The psychology behind short-form video engagement (hint: it’s addictive!) Easy Reels ideas for service providers and product-based brands How to batch create Reels content efficiently for events and shoots Why captions matter—and how to make Reels scroll-stopping Tips for leveraging trending audio strategically, not just for the sake of it The importance of hooks, shot lists, and quick turnaround for relevance Whether you're a restaurant owner, content creator, or personal brand, this episode will leave you with the tools and confidence to start showing up on Reels—no dancing required. Connect with us: Follow Dose of Social on Instagram Subscribe on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Check out our website 💬 Have a reel you're proud of? Tag us or DM us—we want to see it!

    14 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    Authentic Automation Strategies with Anna Tutckaia of Manychat

    In this episode of Dose of Social, we sit down with Anna Tutckaia, VP of Growth Marketing at Manychat, to uncover how creators and brands are revolutionizing one‑on‑one engagement in an era where follower count alone isn’t king. Anna breaks down how Manychat’s chat automation tools help creators turn comments into meaningful DMs—and ultimately, into stronger relationships and revenue. Anna walks us through her six‑to‑seven‑year journey at Manychat, where she’s helped evolve the platform from a Messenger‑only tool into a multi‑channel social engagement engine (including Instagram, WhatsApp, and soon TikTok). She shares how the rise of creator culture and AI‑driven content means authentic connection and community trust are now more important than ever. Here’s what we’re diving into: Anna’s growth journey at Manychat: what her role really entails Why follower count is no longer the primary metric for success—engagement is How creators use Manychat to transform comments and follows into real conversations The concept of “authentic automation” and how to strike the balance between tech and human tone Common automation mistakes to avoid (e.g.,: sounding too robotic, masking bots as humans) Why small‑niche creators are winning in 2025—and how larger brands can learn from them Predictions for the next two years in creator‑led social: AI content overload, private spaces, deeper community focus Connect with Anna Tutckaia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annatutckaia Instagram: @annatutckaia Website: manychat.com Connect with us: Follow Dose of Social on Instagram Subscribe on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Check out our website 💬 Want to be a guest or ask us a question? Reach out — we’d love to hear from you!

    35 min

  6. 11/05/2025

    Social Media Strategy with Madeline Walden of Aquarium of the Pacific

    In this episode of Dose of Social, we dive deep with Madeline Walden, Digital Content & Community Manager at the Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, CA). Madeline shares how a lifelong love of social media and local oceanic inspiration led her to build a powerhouse content strategy that drives engagement, education—and yes—millions of TikTok followers. From her early days curating friends’ accounts to landing the aquarium’s first dedicated social role in 2016, Madeline has led the evolution of their digital presence. She walks us through how they transformed from sporadic posts to a full‑scale strategy, the virality of sea lions (yes, really) and how to balance family‑friendly fun with mission‑driven education. Here’s what we’re diving into: The rise of TikTok for the aquarium—how they launched in 2020, partnered with TikTok’s “Learn on TikTok” initiative and grew to 2.8 M followersDefining target audiences across platforms—families, animal enthusiasts, scientists—and tailoring content accordinglyThe secret sauce behind viral content: charismatic animals (hello, sea lions!), connection, emotion, and momentumBuilding a content team: in‑house social, video production, “Pacific Pals” (puppeteers!), animal‑care collaborationHow the aquarium sets KPIs—beyond pure analytics—to focus on community, awareness and real‑world impactAdvice for mission‑driven organisations and small teams: use the platforms like a user first, speak in accessible language, infuse education with a touch of humor Connect with Madeline Walden: Website (Aquarium of the Pacific): https://www.aquariumofpacific.org LinkedIn: Madeline Joy Walden Instagram: @aquariumofthepacific Podcast: Aquarium of the Podcific  Connect with us: Follow Dose of Social on Instagram Subscribe on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Visit our website   💬 Want to be a guest or ask us a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

    30 min

  7. 10/29/2025

    Social Media and Community Management in 2025 with Mimi Banks

    In this episode of Dose of Social, we sit down with Mimi Banks, founder and CEO of MB Social, to unpack how her 15‑year career at L’Oréal paved the way for building a bold, full‐service social agency, and how that experience shapes the way we approach content, community and influencer strategy today. From launching Instagram and Pinterest for luxury beauty brands in 2012 to leading a team of global talent supporting major brands and creator partnerships, Mimi shares what works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to storytelling, engagement and authenticity in the digital age. Here’s what we’re diving into: Key strategies for building an engaged community: show up, listen, connect online and offline. How brands starting from scratch can create meaningful connections (not just followers): content, paid strategy and collaboration. Scaling community engagement without losing authenticity: shifts, systems and team structure. Defining your brand’s unique story for social: identifying your "why", content pillars, and how to translate brand into feed. Influencer marketing insights: letting creators shine, avoiding over‑briefing, leveraging repeat collaboration, measuring beyond likes and follows. Balancing aspirational vs relatable content, and why authenticity matters more than ever in an AI‑rich world. Connect with Mimi Banks: Website: https://mbsocial.com Instagram: @mbsocial.agency Instagram: @mimibanks Connect with us: Follow Dose of Social on Instagram Subscribe on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Visit our website   💬 Want to be a guest or share a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

    27 min

  8. 09/24/2025

    Social Media Sales, Systems, and CEO Mindset with Shannon Grayce

    In this episode of Dose of Social, we chat with Shannon Grayce, a business coach and former luxury brand marketer turned sales & marketing mentor. Shannon shares how she transitioned from corporate sales training into guiding entrepreneurs to scale their brands — all by combining authenticity, strategy, and aligned sales skills. She walks us through her signature frameworks and real-world client wins, and gives listeners a practical “homework” they can use right away to improve their marketing and lead nurturing. Here’s what we’re diving into: How Shannon pivoted from luxury brand marketing to full-time business coaching The Know → Like → Trust method for turning cold leads into paying clients The difference between consulting and coaching — and why she prefers hands-on execution Shannon’s Stoplight Theory for reading sales signals (green, yellow, red) The most underrated channels for small businesses right now: TikTok, LinkedIn & YouTube Connect with Shannon Grayce: Website: https://globalpathcoaching.org Instagram: @shannongrayce Business Instagram: @globalpathcoaching Email: grayce.shannon@gmail.com Connect with us: Follow Dose of Social on Instagram Subscribe on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Check out our website 💬 Want to be a guest or ask us a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

    33 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Welcome to Dose of Social, your go-to podcast for everything social media! Whether you're a solopreneur, small business owner, aspiring content creator, or simply looking to level up your online presence. Kayla and Lindsay are here to dish out expert tips and strategies to help you thrive in the digital world. Tune in as we explore the latest trends, decode algorithms, and share the secrets to growing an engaged audience. Each episode serves up actionable advice and inspiring interviews with top social media pros, all designed to help you craft your own recipe for social media success.

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