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John Corcoran
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"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.

  1. 6D AGO

    [AI Tips and Tricks Series] How To Drive Authority and Trust To Get More Traffic & Sales

    Bruno Felicidade Jones is Senior Vice President at Trace Brand Building, a company specializing in brand strategy, digital marketing, and agile digital transformation to help businesses enhance customer experience and drive sales. Under Bruno's leadership, Trace Brand Building has enabled clients to achieve impressive results through innovative AI-driven marketing systems, and Bruno himself is recognized for over two decades of experience in brand building and digital transformation. An advocate for leveraging AI to accelerate content creation, Bruno frequently shares practical strategies for establishing authority and trust online, optimizing for search engines, and building a strong digital presence. In this episode… If you think a polished LinkedIn profile is enough to build credibility online, think again. In an era where AI tools decide who gets seen and who gets ignored, the real question is: how do you prove your authority and earn trust in a way that both humans and machines recognize? For Bruno Felicidade Jones, a seasoned brand strategist and digital authority expert, the answer lies in mastering E-E-A-T: experience, expertise, authority, and trust. He explains that search engines and large language models are constantly "crawling" your digital footprint, evaluating not just what you say about yourself, but how the broader internet validates it. That means optimized team bios, linked LinkedIn profiles, external reviews, authoritative backlinks, structured service pages, and content that reflects real-world perspective, not generic AI filler. When done right, this layered approach doesn't just improve rankings; it positions your business as the obvious, credible choice in both search results and AI-generated recommendations. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Bruno Felicidade Jones, Senior Vice President at Trace Brand Building, to discuss how to drive authority and trust to get more traffic and sales. They explore E-E-A-T fundamentals, optimizing About and service pages, leveraging off-site reviews and backlinks, and using long-tail content to win AI visibility. Bruno also shares advice on turning email newsletters and sales insights into revenue-driving SEO assets.

    42 min

  2. FEB 13

    Building and Harnessing an Autonomous Open-Source AI Agent for Business With St Clair Newbern

    St Clair Newbern is the CEO of Live Energy Inc., a Colleyville, Texas-based energy broker that helps large commercial clients procure and manage their electricity and natural gas needs. Under his leadership, Live Energy has served businesses across the country for over 20 years, leveraging industry expertise and technology to optimize energy strategies for clients — he also boasts an extensive entrepreneurial background. In addition to his energy industry work, St Clair has recently launched an AI consultancy, diving deep into practical applications of autonomous AI agents and building innovative solutions for knowledge work. In this episode… In a world where automation is becoming increasingly crucial, how far can we push AI to truly enhance business operations? Imagine an AI agent that doesn't just assist with tasks but takes full ownership, running seamlessly 24/7. Could this be the future of work? According to St Clair Newbern, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep roots in AI and energy, the future lies in giving AI true autonomy. Drawing from his experience building autonomous systems, St Clair explains how an open-source AI agent, capable of managing complex projects, sending emails, and even performing research while you sleep, could revolutionize productivity. The real magic, he argues, lies in the model's ability to self-manage, persistently learn, and maintain continuity across tasks — an unprecedented level of automation that empowers businesses to scale without increasing headcount. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews St Clair Newbern, the CEO of Live Energy Inc., to discuss building and harnessing an autonomous open-source AI agent for business. St Clair shares insights on creating AI that acts like a high-performing employee, the architecture behind persistent memory in AI, and how businesses can leverage AI agents to streamline operations.

    56 min

  3. JAN 30

    How To Get Found in AI Search With Josh Hanosh

    Joshua (Josh) Hanosh is the Co-founder and Vice President of Three29, a Sacramento-based digital marketing and web development agency that helps B2B companies achieve results through data-driven websites, SEO, pay-per-click advertising, and branding strategy. With over 15 years of experience, Josh has guided Three29 in working with a wide range of clients and successfully grew his agency to a team of 12 before merging with another firm, further expanding the brand's capabilities. In this episode… Getting found online used to be about keywords and rankings. Now, it's about whether AI even knows you exist. So as search behavior shifts from blue links to direct answers, how do businesses make sure they're still the ones being recommended? For Josh Hanosh, the key lies in understanding that AI search isn't just a new channel, it's a new mindset. Drawing from his experience as a digital marketing strategist, Josh explains that people now trust AI like a knowledgeable friend, asking it who to hire and what to do next. The businesses that win are the ones clearly signaling expertise, credibility, and relevance in ways machines can easily understand, which ultimately changes how trust is built online. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Joshua (Josh) Hanosh, Co-founder and Vice President of Three29, to discuss how to get found in AI search. You'll learn how AI is reshaping buyer behavior, why generative engine optimization matters more than rankings, and how websites need to evolve for humans and bots. Josh also shares advice on using PR and authority signals to boost AI visibility.

    33 min

  4. JAN 23

    Smart Podcast Promotion Strategies and Industry Insights With John Corcoran

    John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and run his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… It's easy to get stuck obsessing over downloads, promotion tactics, and growth hacks before you ever hit publish. But what if the real key to podcast success has less to do with flashy marketing and more to do with how you show up and who you serve? How should podcasters actually think about promotion if they want results that matter? For John Corcoran, the key lies in not overcomplicating promotion before the podcast even exists. He explains that many people fall into analysis paralysis, worrying about promotion instead of launching, having real conversations, and letting the show evolve. His perspective reframes podcasting as a long-term relationship and partnership strategy, not a vanity numbers game, which ultimately leads to more meaningful growth and business impact Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews John Corcoran about smart podcast promotion strategies. They discuss why launching matters more than over-optimizing, how guest-driven growth really works, and why staying within the same medium boosts results. John also delves into partnerships, positioning, and why downloads shouldn't be your main focus.

    17 min

  5. 12/26/2025

    Get Found on ChatGPT and Beyond With Jason Patel

    Jason Patel is the CEO and Co-founder of Open Forge AI, a platform of AI agents that automates the entire workflow for AI search marketing, helping businesses get discovered on platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. Under his leadership, Open Forge AI has emerged as a leading innovator, achieving profitability, rapid customer growth, and over 45,000 YouTube subscribers in four months — outpacing many venture-backed competitors.  Jason is known for his practical insights on AI search, democratized online visibility, and how businesses can compete as AI-driven discovery reshapes marketing. In this episode… As AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity reshape how people search and discover companies, many entrepreneurs are rethinking their SEO strategies." What does it really take to get found — and stay competitive in this shifting environment? Jason Patel, an AI search marketing entrepreneur and technology founder, shares hard-earned lessons from navigating this transition firsthand. Jason originally set out to support underserved students, but early setbacks prompted him to refine his strategy, which ultimately led to rapid growth and a successful exit through SEO. As AI began transforming search behavior, he pivoted once again — this time building a platform that learns each client's business and dynamically improves visibility across AI search tools, emphasizing adaptability and long-term results. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jason Patel, CEO and Co-founder of Open Forge AI, about mastering AI-first search visibility and future-proof marketing. Jason breaks down how businesses can move beyond traditional SEO, gain traction on emerging AI platforms, and capitalize on early-mover advantage. They also discuss customer-led product development, platform risks, and AI's broader impact on jobs and economic opportunity.

    41 min

  6. 12/24/2025

    Harnessing AI To Empower Blue Collar Entrepreneurs With Roland Ligtenberg

    Roland Ligtenberg is the Co-founder and SVP of Growth & Innovation at Housecall Pro, a leading vertical SaaS platform that empowers home service professionals to manage and grow their businesses more efficiently. Under Roland's leadership, Housecall Pro has scaled to serve over 100,000 home service professionals, powering tens of billions of dollars in gross merchandise volume, and pioneering the use of AI team members to streamline operations for its customers. In this episode… What if the people keeping our homes running could grow their businesses without burning out on paperwork and missed calls? And what if AI wasn't about replacing jobs, but about giving small, hands-on entrepreneurs a real edge in a world that keeps demanding more from them? According to Roland Ligtenberg, a longtime builder of technology for real-world problems, the answer lies in using AI as a set of practical teammates rather than shiny experiments. He believes blue collar business owners shouldn't have to choose between doing the work they love and managing the back office chaos that comes with growth. When AI can answer phones, track finances, and surface insights the same way a seasoned assistant would, it frees owners to focus on jobs, customers, and building wealth that lasts. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Roland Ligtenberg, Co-founder and SVP of Growth & Innovation at Housecall Pro, about harnessing AI to empower blue collar entrepreneurs. They discuss how AI "team members" help home service businesses handle more demand, why mobile-first software was critical for trades, and how technology can remove hiring bottlenecks. Roland also gives advice on building a mission-driven company that stays meaningful as it scales.

    30 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    Smart Strategies for Building Business Relationships With John Corcoran

    John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and run his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… Many professionals struggle to stand out online and build the relationships that fuel business growth, often feeling overwhelmed or plagued by impostor syndrome as they step into thought leadership. With countless tools and platforms competing for attention, it's hard to know where to focus. How can you overcome self-doubt, use modern tools effectively, and build meaningful B2B connections?  John Corcoran, a seasoned entrepreneur and relationship-building expert, faced these challenges directly by applying clear frameworks, smart technology, and a people-first mindset. Drawing on resources like Winnie Hart's The Daily Thought Leader, John shares how consistent, practical content can build credibility and quiet self-doubt. He also explains how AI note-taking tools and intentional email welcome sequences helped him boost productivity, nurture prospects, and turn casual interest into lasting professional relationships.  Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews John Corcoran about leveraging thought leadership and technology to build real B2B relationships. They discuss overcoming impostor syndrome, leveraging AI note-taking tools, and creating an effective email welcome series that nurtures leads and opens doors to new partnerships.

    15 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Connecting with Industry Influencers: Josh Levine's Guide to Entrepreneurial Networking

    Josh Levine is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Color More Lines, a boutique e-commerce consulting firm that helps brands accelerate growth on Amazon and Walmart by providing a white-glove, performance-based service. Under Josh's leadership, Color More Lines has scaled brands to impressive growth, leveraging a team of experienced e-commerce experts and helping clients navigate the world's leading retail platforms.  With a diverse background spanning government, technology, and entertainment, Josh has held roles at Microsoft and Disney. He is known for his growth strategy expertise and dynamic career journey, which includes working at the White House before launching successful tech ventures. He is also the Managing Partner at Growth Avenue, an advisory firm helping entrepreneurial CEOs scale smarter, exit faster, and win defining moments.  In this episode… Many professionals want to build meaningful relationships with influential leaders, but figuring out how to break through can feel overwhelming. When your career spans politics, global tech companies, and entrepreneurship, the stakes — and the lessons —mrise even higher. What does it actually take to turn unexpected challenges into long-term success and lasting connections? Josh Levine, an expert in e-commerce growth and strategic partnerships, learned this firsthand. Early experiences — from being kicked out of a baseball card convention at 13 to navigating fast-paced work in the Clinton White House — taught Josh how adaptability and genuine rapport open doors. Josh later drove major initiatives at Disney and Microsoft, including negotiating the first Google–Microsoft collaboration, before weathering the unpredictable world of Silicon Valley startups.  Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Josh Levine, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Color More Lines, about forging meaningful industry connections. Josh also discusses navigating major career pivots, lessons from high-pressure roles, and how curiosity fuels innovation in a rapidly changing landscape.

    34 min
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"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.

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