Why I Social

Christopher Barrows
  • 4.9 (43)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Take a look behind the social handle with every Why I Social episode. The podcast brings brings you candid conversations with folks who do social media right - from average joe to CEO. Each podcast invites you to get to know guests on everything social media and beyond.

  1. Episode 28 - Carrie Meconis

    6D AGO

    Episode 28 - Carrie Meconis

    On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Carrie Meconis (Leadership Coach and Staff at New York University). From a career that began in theatre both on the stage and as a stage manager to her journey to becoming a leadership coach, Carrie offers invaluable insights to take you into 2026 and beyond.  Key Highlights The connection between stage management and organizational skills The personal and mental health benefits of running  How Carrie began to work on leadership training  The importance of self-awareness and why it's an anchor for leadership Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: Setting Goals and Planning Reflection     And of course, learn why Carrie socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Carrie's Links:  LinkedIn Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

    26 min
  2. Episode 27 - Lasheen Williams (Tchallasheen)

    12/08/2025

    Episode 27 - Lasheen Williams (Tchallasheen)

    On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Lasheen Williams (Tchallasheen, IG - Cosplayer). Lasheen recounts his journey to becoming a cosplayer. You'll also learn how he has created a community of content creation opportunities from his experience as a cosplayer - and the opportunities cosplay has since afforded him.  Key Highlights What is a cosplayer, and how did he got started The process of content creation and collaboration How he dealt with challenges coming with cosplay  How he uses cosplay to inspire his community  Building his brand on social media The importance of education on social media (and why it can work)  And of course, learn why Lasheen socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Lasheen's Links:  LinkedIn Instagram (Tchallasheen) Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

    40 min
  3. Episode 26 - Chris Porter

    11/25/2025

    Episode 26 - Chris Porter

    On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chris Porter (Creative Director and Board Game Designer/Publisher for Chris Couch Games). Porter breaks down his journey to becoming a Creative Director and finding the best way for him - including his experience from both corporate to entreprenurial settings.  Key Highlights How he began his path to a career of a creative designer  Becoming a board game designer and publisher  Managing the time between his work as a creative designer and a publisher  What role failure has played in his life - and how it's helped him find success Why building community is incredibly important  The power of hello and acknowledging others  How to create a great Kickstarter experience through customer service  The difference between honesty and transparency  And of course, learn why Chris socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Chris' Links:  LinkedIn Chris Couch Games  Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

    39 min
  4. Episode 25 - Chris Alexander

    11/11/2025

    Episode 25 - Chris Alexander

    On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chris Alexander, Senior Director of Digital Communications at NYU School of Global Public Health. Chris has spent more than a decade in higher education and has experience as a podcaster, content creator and integrated marketer.  Key Highlights The role internships play in finding what you want (or don't want to) do  What it's like to experience different roles in a large university   The value of creating a professional portfolio  How integrated marketing has played a role in his career and he has helped build brand(s) And of course, learn why Chris socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Chris' Links:  LinkedIn Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.  Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

    40 min
  5. Episode 24 - Nikki Sunstrum

    10/28/2025

    Episode 24 - Nikki Sunstrum

    On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Nikki Sunstrum, CCMP—a globally recognized leader who has developed and leveraged communications and engagement to create significant impact in both government and higher education.  Key Highlights How her experience in government (including as an elected city council person for the city of Portland) impacted her professional perspective Why it's important to level the playing field and bring the right people to the table  Her experience as an industry leader in higher education  Why you should "never abandon strategy" and how "content" has evolved since she began her career And of course, learn why Nikki socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Nikki's Links:  LinkedIn Website Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.  Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

    49 min

  6. 10/13/2025

    The Power of Ai - A Why I Social Special

    In a very special episode of Why I Social, we explore the Power of AI. In three previous episodes, guests Theresa Portratz, Michael Katz and Maria Duran discussed their own unique perspectives and insights on the impact of AI.  Please take a listen to their full episodes at the links below (Spotify) Theresa Potratz Michael Katz  Maria Duron Links (LinkedIn Profiles) Theresa Potratz Michael Katz Maria Duron Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor  The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

    21 min
  7. Episode 22 - Celeste Russell

    09/29/2025

    Episode 22 - Celeste Russell

    On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris has a conversation with Celeste Russell (SMS), who serves as social media manager for the National Institute for Social Media and OMCP. Russell has worked her way from intern to her current role at the organization and even has the opportunity to work with the current class of interns in her present role.  [Editorial Note: The previous episode left in a bit of audio that was not originaly intended for the final episode. An update was made on 9/23 at 9:30 p.m. to the audio shared]  Key Highlights What it has meant to go from intern to her current role in the organization The value of the internship experience and what it means to build a strong internship program Why her experience in theatre has benefited her career as a marketer  And of course, learn why Celeste socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Celeste's Links:  LinkedIn Learn more about Flowsend  Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today. Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor  The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.  Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

    47 min
  8. Episode 21 - Philip Wilkerson

    09/08/2025

    Episode 21 - Philip Wilkerson

    On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Philip Wilkerson (Podcast Producer, Employer Engagement Consultant) to discuss his podcast (Positive Philter) and his role as Employer Engagement Consultant at George Mason University in Career Services. Philip's interest in connecting with people helped him develop criticial skills that allowed him to launch his podcast in 2017.  This week's business topic: Building A Brand as a Practioner  Key Highlights The unique challenges in developing new skills and why it is important to pursue professional growth How Philip collaborates to develop, build, and promote his podcast The idea of "failing forward" and building RESILIENCE   The importance of kindness  And of course, learn why Philip socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Philip's Links:  LinkedIn Positive Philter  Learn more about Flowsend  Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today. Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] Editorial Note: At the time of this recording, Chris calls the episode Why I Social's 20th of Season 2. This is, instead, episode 21.  About our sponsor  The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.  Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

    42 min
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4.9
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Take a look behind the social handle with every Why I Social episode. The podcast brings brings you candid conversations with folks who do social media right - from average joe to CEO. Each podcast invites you to get to know guests on everything social media and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Christopher Barrows
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    283
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Chris G. Barrows 2015
  • Show Website
    Why I Social