The Clarity Code

Commotion Engine
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

🎙️ The Clarity Code is the podcast for B2B marketers who want to turn confusing video content into high-performing campaigns. Presented by Commotion Engine, each episode features conversations with CMOs, marketing leaders, creatives, and buyers about what actually works in video marketing — and what doesn't. From explainer video strategies to scripting, storytelling, and distribution, The Clarity Code helps you cut through the noise and build video content that converts.  Whether you're launching a new SaaS product, scaling demand gen, or revamping your content strategy, this podcast gives you the clarity to do it better. 🎯 New episodes every other week. Packed with insights. Free of fluff.

Episodes

  1. Marketing Clarity: Why List, Offer, Channel & Creative Still Matter w/ Richard Turcott

    DEC 2

    Marketing Clarity: Why List, Offer, Channel & Creative Still Matter w/ Richard Turcott

    Find out more at https://claritycodepod.com Marketing keeps evolving—AI tools, endless channels, new funnels—but the fundamentals haven’t changed. In this episode of The Clarity Code, Richard Turcott (first CMO of Constant Contact) explains why most companies flop not because of a lack of creativity, but because they skip the basics: List, Channel, Offer, Creative. If you’re a startup founder, a marketing leader, or anyone tired of the noise, this conversation is your reset button. Richard shares hard-won lessons from scaling companies, breaking new categories, and showing CEOs how to stop complicating the work and get back to what works. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why most leaders pause at “Who’s your customer?” (marketing clarity)   01:10 Back to the Basics of Marketing 03:05 People • Process • Technology – why overwhelm kills campaigns   03:52 Shiny Objects vs. Fundamentals – stop chasing tactics   04:56 Go-To-Market Strategy – setting realistic expectations   THE LIST 06:08 The WHY vs. the WHAT – building strategies that last   08:43 ICPs & Personas – how narrow is narrow enough?   10:39 Why campaigns flop – messaging mismatch explained   11:44 Customer Conversations – MVPs, prototypes, & interviews   12:41 Strong Lists – quality > size, avoid bought email lists   THE CHANNEL 14:43 Channels & Media Habits – find where buyers actually are   16:48 Create vs. Capture Demand – AIDA, PR, and search marketing   19:22 Case Study: Constant Contact vs. Outlook – category creation playbook   THE OFFER 20:12 Content Marketing – educate before you sell   23:43 Offers That Convert – scarcity, authority, and social proof   25:05 SaaS Default Offer – why “Book a Demo” isn’t enough   27:09 Simple Testing – two-week A/B test method   THE CREATIVE 28:30 Creative That Works – goal-focused, not just entertaining   30:28 The CEO’s Spouse Test – opinions vs. data   32:39 The Real Cost of Bad Creative – why failed campaigns get expensive   34:23 Sales & Marketing Unity – align teams + keep KPIs simple   37:45 Working With Agencies – gas on the right fire   43:30 Asking Questions & Vulnerability Makes You A Strong Leader Watch episodes on YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/@claritycodepod Follow us on IG and TT @claritycodepod Find out more about Richard @ https://collaborativegrowthpartners.com Topics we don't cover: -true crime -investigative journalism -health sciences -wellness -celebrity culture -education and learning

    52 min
  2. How to Compete with Industry Giants (and Win) | Jordan Wehe

    NOV 18

    How to Compete with Industry Giants (and Win) | Jordan Wehe

    David vs. Goliath isn’t just a Biblical story—it’s Jordan Wehe’s marketing reality.  In this episode, he unpacks how a small ISP in Colorado competes against industry titans by leaning into community, creativity, and customer obsession. Marketers (new and seasoned) will walk away with fresh strategies on positioning, retention, and why constant innovation beats speed and price wars every time. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro: David vs. Goliath in marketing 01:39 – Competing against Spectrum & CenturyLink 02:55 – Understanding your audience (stop selling Mbps) 04:04 – Packages for gamers, WFH warriors & ranch Wi-Fi 06:00 – Flopped creative idea (triathlon race team) 07:24 – Pressure to copy the competition 08:02 – Focus where your customers actually are 10:44 – AI as a tool, not a strategy 12:25 – Be unique, not the best 13:55 – Retention through constant innovation 17:06 – Avoiding churn & racing to the bottom 23:06 – Smart Town: Wi-Fi for entire communities 26:50 – What content actually works (based on channel) 30:04 – How Jordan stays passionate (triathlon mindset) 30:37 – The Clarity Check: rapid-fire insights You can also watch The Clarity Code episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@claritycodepod The Clarity Code is a leading #B2Bmarketing and #saasmarketing #podcast, helping marketers win with their strategy. This podcast is brought to you by Commotion Engine, the #1-rated Animated Video Marketing Agency. Find out more at https://commotionengine.com What we're not talking about today: true crime mental health bootstrapping ruby on rails

    34 min

  3. NOV 4

    The Truth About AI in Marketing w/ Ex-Apple/Intel Marketer Barry Rosen

    AI is no longer optional for marketers—it’s the new electricity. But how do you separate the hype from the reality? In this episode of The Clarity Code, Barry Rosen shares why most businesses misuse AI, how to cut through the buzzwords, and what it really takes to embrace digital while staying human. Barry explains how small businesses, entrepreneurs, and marketing leaders can use AI tools, ChatGPT, and automation systems the right way—without losing their human voice. If you’re a marketer, CMO, or business owner trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation will reset the way you think about AI in marketing. CHAPTERS 00:00 AR and VR is on the horizon 01:55 SMB Reality: Time, Team & Budget Gaps 03:39 Marketing as Investment: ROI Mindset 04:08 90 Day Framework: Education, Policy, Culture 09:23 AI vs Automation – Buzzwords? 12:27 Risk & Misuse: Sensitive Data + Overtrust 15:09 Vinyls and Authenticity 20:00 AI Optimization for SEO & Content 22:08 How to optimize for LLMs with Q&A 22:36 LLM Era UX & Agents 28:45 AI = Electricity + Constraints 32:35 You Have to Start 34:01 Start with Microbets (Small Wins) Connect with The Clarity Code Watch these episodes on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@claritycodepod The Clarity Code is a leading #B2Bmarketing and #saasmarketing #podcast channel, helping marketers win with their strategy. This podcast is brought to you by Commotion Engine, the #1-rated Animated Video Marketing Agency. Find out more at https://commotionengine.com Topics we aren't discussing: -true crime -investigative journalism -health sciences -wellness -celebrity culture -education and learning

    46 min
  4. Stop the Sugar High: Ex-Amazon CMO Ian Feder’s Revenue Architecture for Predictable SaaS Growth

    OCT 28

    Stop the Sugar High: Ex-Amazon CMO Ian Feder’s Revenue Architecture for Predictable SaaS Growth

    Say hello @ https://claritycodepod.com! Most SaaS leaders don’t have a marketing problem—they have a revenue systems problem. Ex-Amazon CMO & RevOps architect Ian Feder breaks down his Revenue Architecture Method: how to diagnose funnel leaks, align sales/marketing/success, and turn video into a system asset that drives pipeline, velocity, and expansion. Plus: why flywheel > funnel, how to use AI without losing the human, and the 90-day blueprint he runs to unlock predictable growth.  TIMESTAMPS 00:36 – Pipeline red flags 00:41 – Thesis: Not a marketing problem…a revenue systems problem 01:37 – Campaigns are sugar highs; systems compound 03:15 – Fortune 500 vs. startup: the same structural issues 03:50 – Diagnostics: leaks, MQL→SQL, velocity, win rate opinions 08:44 – Video as a system asset (not a one-off shiny object) 09:10 – Case: Cybersecurity $12M → $27M with enablement & education video 09:39 – What works now: TL clips, short case studies, quick explainers 11:54 – Overlooked bottlenecks: handoffs, onboarding, lifecycle KPIs 12:44 – Video metrics that matter: pipeline influence, velocity, retention 13:32 – Case: legal SaaS stuck at $1M → architecture + ABM → growth 15:18 – Where AI fits (and where it doesn’t) 16:42 – Human-in-the-loop: human front & finish, AI in the middle 18:10 – Origin of the method: lessons from Amazon systems 20:11 – Why nimble teams beat big budgets: alignment & speed 21:42 – Month 1: map the whole journey, handoffs & data 22:34 – 90-day blueprint & the 6–12 month plan 23:46 – Client red flags: no CAC:LTV clarity; treating CMO as “just a consultant” 26:12 – Investor-ready outcomes: pharmacy/paytech example 27:41 – Clarity Check: new KPIs (AI search mentions) 28:44 – Funnel vs. flywheel? Flywheel wins 29:22 – What is clarity? “Make them feel what they need to press the button.” What we're not talking about today: true crime mental health bootstrapping ruby on rails

    30 min
  5. Breaking Healthcare Marketing Out of Autopilot ft. Jared Johnson

    OCT 14

    Breaking Healthcare Marketing Out of Autopilot ft. Jared Johnson

    Say hello @ https://claritycodepod.com! On this episode of The Clarity Code, we sit down with Jared Johnson — digital strategist, podcast host, and one of healthcare’s top 100 digital influencers. With decades of experience across providers, vendors, and startups, Jared unpacks how healthcare marketing is changing, how to build authentic brand trust, and why marketers in any industry need to stop running on content autopilot. From rapping on stage at Johns Hopkins, to livestreaming children’s surgeries, to creating scrappy startup campaigns, Jared shares lessons for both healthcare leaders and marketers who want to create genuine connection and measurable ROI. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro & why explainer videos move pipeline 02:04 – Rap origin story → “Healthcare Rap” at Johns Hopkins 03:45 – Building a thought-leadership platform (CMO POV) 06:01 – Fractional leadership & staying human while remote 09:03 – HIPAA/privacy: the tracking-pixel crackdown (OCR guidance) 12:45 – Pushing boundaries: livestreaming a child’s surgery (Periscope) 15:30 – Do patient-story videos help the “funnel” in healthcare? 18:30 – Authenticity & trust when patients are vulnerable 23:25 – What actually works: surgeon reels & multi-touch content 26:48 – Outdated video practices to ditch (trying too hard) 29:11 – Kill the jargon: speak like a human, not an EHR 30:31 – Proving ROI beyond vanity metrics (incl. MyChart tracking) 32:21 – Scrappy vs. enterprise: speed is a strategic advantage 34:45 – Priya Health x LabCorp use case → explainer video clarity Our main topics: health marketing marketing strategies b2b saas marketing What we don't discuss: Bootstrapping Weightloss ruby on rails true crime mental health SEO

    44 min
  6. The Humans Behind the Video: Building Trust, Story, and Brand Voice ft. Luke Doggett, and Jessica Lewis, and Jason Veazey

    SEP 30

    The Humans Behind the Video: Building Trust, Story, and Brand Voice ft. Luke Doggett, and Jessica Lewis, and Jason Veazey

    As the title states, we are humans! Say hello! https://claritycodepod.com If you’ve ever walked away from a video project thinking, “That’s not what I wanted,” this episode is for you. The truth? The best deliverables don’t come from agencies that just “take orders.” They come from partnerships — where marketers and creative teams collaborate, ask hard questions, and build trust along the way. In this episode of The Clarity Code, Luke Doggett (Creative Director at Commotion Engine) and VO artists Jessica Lewis and Jason Veazey break down exactly how marketers can get the video content they actually want, by leaning into collaboration instead of control. Chapters 00:00 – Why clients need collaboration, not “photocopiers” 02:04 – Reading minds: asking the right questions to unlock vision 03:45 – How to push back on scripts & strengthen the story 05:56 – Research + immersion: cutting clutter for clarity 07:00 – “Less is more” — why marketers should stop overloading videos 08:24 – Jessica: Sometimes three words are better than 500 words 10:17 – Visual minimalism: keeping your audience focused 12:44 – Building trust: credibility, listening, and revisions 15:31 – Why buy-in at every stage prevents surprises 18:38 – Voiceover as your brand voice 20:59 – Jason: Casting that connects with your audience, not just your brand 23:50 – B2B vs. consumer audiences: VO strategies that resonate 27:41 – Creativity & spontaneity: why you must leave room for surprise 34:45 – Staying fresh: how agencies keep ideas new for repeat clients 40:31 – Drafts, mistakes, and the process behind the final product 43:20 – Partnership is what creates ROI Follow The Clarity Code on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@claritycodepod Apple Pods: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-clarity-code/id1829530431 Spotify Pods: https://open.spotify.com/show/3m7rbXzNDZWk5sNYZB0VTE What we aren't talking about: -True Crime -Personal Finance -Indie Films -SEO -Monetization

    48 min
  7. Clicky vs. Sticky: Scaling Marketing with Substance ft. Brad Schlachter

    SEP 16

    Clicky vs. Sticky: Scaling Marketing with Substance ft. Brad Schlachter

    In this episode of The Clarity Code, we host Brad Schlachter, a seasoned fractional CMO and full-funnel growth marketer who has scaled brands from scrappy AI startups to global giants like Disney, Hallmark, and Intel. Brad shares how smaller companies’ scrappiness can often outperform enterprise budgets, what it takes to establish trust quickly as a fractional CMO, and how to pivot from vanity metrics to meaningful engagement. We cover video’s role in the funnel, best practices for ad creative, scaling with substance, and the balance between AI tools and authentic human connection. If you’ve ever struggled to prove ROI, connect brand storytelling with data, or move from “clicky” to truly sticky marketing—this conversation is packed with clarity you can put into action.  0:00 – Small budget campaigns can still win 2:00 – Building trust quickly as a fractional CMO 4:00 – What startups can teach enterprises about creativity & action 6:02 – Scaling with substance: The balance of brand & speed 8:00 – Clicky vs. Sticky: Moving beyond vanity metrics 10:02 – Video’s role in funnel conversions and reducing churn 12:01 – A 90-day activation framework: Testing, learning, scaling 14:07 – When campaigns underperform: Pivoting without losing momentum 16:00 – Best practices for video creative & clear calls to action 18:01 – Quick funnel audits & metrics that matter 20:01 – Emerging B2B marketing trends & segmentation with AI 22:02 – Balancing AI efficiency with authentic human connection 24:04 – Case study: Hallmark, Roku, and the power of Betty White 26:01 – Every brand’s “Betty White moment” 28:00 – Advice Brad would give his younger self: evolve or become extinct 30:00 – The Clarity Check: Quickfire Q&A 32:01 – Closing thoughts and wrap-up Find Brad at https://www.risebusinessventures.com/ Learn more about The Clarity Code @ https://claritycodepod.com

    33 min
  8. Skyrocketing Growth with Anna Wondany: Secrets of a Fractional CMO

    SEP 2

    Skyrocketing Growth with Anna Wondany: Secrets of a Fractional CMO

    Ready to supercharge your marketing? Join The Clarity Code as we dive into the world of fractional leadership with Anna Wondany, a marketing genius with three successful exits. As founder of Advanced Digital and creator of Hey CMO, Anna reveals how fractional CMOs deliver C-suite impact without the hefty price tag. Learn actionable strategies for scaling businesses, mastering video storytelling, and using AI to cut through the noise while keeping it human. Perfect for marketers, solopreneurs, and business owners searching for clarity, agility, and explosive growth in 2025. Tune in for insights on marketing strategy, fractional leadership, KPIs, and more! 0:00 – Why fractionals save $$ & deliver results 1:21 – Why turn fractional work into a community platform? 3:42 – The birth of Hey CMO 4:04 – Hey CMO resources: launch → scale → grow 5:24 – Balancing strategy, execution & leadership as a fractional 6:48 – Timeboxing & setting boundaries 7:12 – Building trust fast with a quick audit 8:42 – Measure what matters (lifecycle KPIs are better than vanity metrics) 10:42 – Where video fits in the funnel 12:58 – UGC & the authentic content shift 16:47 – AI in marketing: noise vs. optimization 24:51 – The Clarity Check: lightning round 25:12 – Why personal meetings are so important 26:43 – Anna's favorite retention metric 28:05 – Biggest overspend: full-time exec hires vs fractional Find out more about the podcast at https://claritycodepod.com #FractionalCMO #MarketingStrategy #VideoMarketing #AIinMarketing #BusinessGrowth

    33 min
  9. Ditch Buzzwords & Win Customers: A.J. Kissh on Authentic SaaS Branding

    AUG 19

    Ditch Buzzwords & Win Customers: A.J. Kissh on Authentic SaaS Branding

    A.J. Kissh shares secrets to cut buzzwords, humanize your SaaS brand, and boost leads with video and LinkedIn strategies. This is The Clarity Code, Ep. 1 presented by Commotion Engine Show Notes (for Spotify/Apple Podcasts): Welcome to The Clarity Code, the podcast for B2B and SaaS marketers crushing it with authentic branding and video! In Episode 1, host Brandon D. Marx chats with A.J. Kissh, Head of Marketing at Parakeet, a 10+ year expert in buyer journeys and GTM strategies. A.J. reveals how to ditch buzzwords like “robust” for clear messaging, balance personal and company branding on LinkedIn, and leverage user-generated content (UGC) for impactful videos in 2025. Learn practical AI tips to streamline outreach and unique hacks like Spotify playlists to make your brand memorable. Perfect for marketers struggling with low engagement, bland branding, or lead generation. What You’ll Learn: Eliminate jargon to build trust and drive conversions.Boost LinkedIn engagement with authentic branding.Create videos that resonate using 2025 UGC trends.Use AI to enhance, not replace, your marketing.Humanize your brand with creative hacks like playlists.Timestamps: 00:00 - Ban Buzzwords: Stop Sabotaging Your SaaS Brand 01:57 - LinkedIn Secrets: Personal vs. Company Branding 06:30 - Humanize Your Brand: Talk Like a Friend 09:02 - Spotify Playlist Hack: Humanizing SaaS 14:32 - Video Marketing: Why Authenticity Wins 19:21 - D2C Inspiration: Why Understated Brands Win 21:24 - Full Stack Development + Design Strategy Connection 24:48 - Creative Ways to Distinguish Your Brand 28:45 - Working With Creative Teams: Speak Their Language 36:44 - Advice For Marketers Who Want to Win With Visual Storytelling 44:41 - The Clarity Check: A.J.’s Video Picks & Buzzword Rants Subscribe for insights on SaaS marketing, B2B branding, and video strategies. Share with your marketing team and follow us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

    49 min

  10. JUL 28

    The Podcast Marketers Actually Need

    Tired of the same recycled marketing advice? 🎧 The Clarity Code is the podcast for marketers, creatives, and brand builders who are done with fluff and ready for real. Hosted by [Your Name], this show dives deep with marketing leaders, creatives, and strategy pros to uncover what actually works in today’s content-saturated world. 👉 Subscribe now and get real insights on brand clarity, content that converts, and creative that connects. 🔗 Listen + Subscribe: https://claritycodepod.com 🧠 Topics we cover: • Video marketing strategy • Branding for B2B • Creative leadership • Campaign insights • Storytelling that sells

    25 sec
  • 10 Episodes

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

🎙️ The Clarity Code is the podcast for B2B marketers who want to turn confusing video content into high-performing campaigns. Presented by Commotion Engine, each episode features conversations with CMOs, marketing leaders, creatives, and buyers about what actually works in video marketing — and what doesn't. From explainer video strategies to scripting, storytelling, and distribution, The Clarity Code helps you cut through the noise and build video content that converts.  Whether you're launching a new SaaS product, scaling demand gen, or revamping your content strategy, this podcast gives you the clarity to do it better. 🎯 New episodes every other week. Packed with insights. Free of fluff.

Information

  • Creator
    Commotion Engine
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Clarity Code