You Should Talk To

YouShouldTalkTo
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MARKETING

YouShouldTalkTo is a podcast for busy marketing leaders who are looking for support and tips on getting sh*t done. In each episode, Daniel Weiner interviews marketing leaders and discusses their experience, successes, and failures around hiring agencies. Daniel helps uncover the challenges with successfully integrating internal and external resources, and pinpoints effective ways to find and choose the right agency partner.

  1. APR 12

    Michele Morris, VP of Marketing at Big Green Egg on the shift back to IRL

    In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Michele Morris tells us why consumers are going offline and how her team is meeting that challenge head-on. Consumers today are more connected than ever through smartphones and social media platforms, but they’re also starting to crave that IRL connection. This contradiction is driving a renewed interest in in-person experiences - meeting with friends at actual restaurants instead of ordering in, for example. For marketers, this presents an opportunity to rethink how they show up - not just digitally, but physically. Experiences that can bring people together are becoming a key differentiator in building lasting relationships and brand loyalty. At the same time, the conversation highlights a practical challenge: even as people crave connection, it can still be difficult to bring them together. In the episode, Michele mentions that COVID-induced social anxiety has shifted the way people interact with each other, and now people want to return to what normal looked like before COVID. People want to go out in theory, but it still feels like a hurdle in the moment. This makes it even more important for brands to create experiences that feel truly valuable - something worth showing up for. We’re living in strange times, and besides this transition period in consumer behavior, Michele also stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Success in today’s environment is not about having all the answers, but about surrounding yourself with people who bring diverse perspectives, deeper expertise, and a willingness to collaborate. As consumer trends continue to evolve, staying open, asking questions, and learning from others becomes a key driver of growth. So if you’re working on building your network - be nice, be useful, and do your research. Tune into Michele's episode to hear more tips on networking and how to keep up with consumer trends in this week’s episode. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Michele Morris, VP of Marketing at Big Green Egg 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights Human Connection Is Becoming a Differentiator While digital experiences continue to dominate, there’s a growing desire for real, in-person connection. Consumers are seeking moments that feel tangible. Brands that create opportunities for people to come together—through events, experiences, or community—have an advantage in building deeper relationships with their audiences. Surround Yourself With People Who Elevate You Success today is less about having all the answers and more about building the right team of people who do have all the answers. Today’s marketing leaders need to prioritize surrounding themselves with people who bring diverse perspectives and fresh thinking. The ability to collaborate with people who challenge and expand your viewpoint is a major competitive advantage. Value and Trust Are the Foundation of Relationships Strong professional relationships are built on trust, consistency, and genuine value. Whether internally or externally, people want to work with those who are thoughtful in how they show up. Building a strong network isn’t about how many people you have on your team; it’s about the meaningful connections you can lean on when the time is right.

    34 min

  2. APR 2

    Anne Mejia -- CMO, First Light Home Care on Building Out an Agency Eco System

    In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Anne Mejia discusses how she strengthens her agency relationships and how a single phone call can make client/agency communication a whole lot simpler.  Modern marketing leaders need to balance innovation and brand integrity in an increasingly changing online landscape. There is a time and place for everything, including AI. Anne stresses that marketing leaders should not treat AI like the shiny new thing on the scene. If it doesn’t work for your brand, it could hurt it in the long run. Tools and technologies should be used to evolve; the most effective strategies are still grounded in customer understanding and seamless agency collaborations. Seamless agency collaborations can only be possible when there’s a certain level of mutual respect. Good marketing is not created in a vacuum, and neither are strong cross-collaborations between departments. The strongest partnerships are created when each team recognizes the expertise the other brings to the table. When that respect is there, collaboration becomes more productive, decisions become more aligned, and outcomes improve across the organization. Anne also shares her experiences hiring an amazing agency and how a single phone call can make client/agency relationships a whole lot simpler. When working with YouShouldTalkTo, there was an amazing agency that seemed to drop the ball in the last interview. But thanks to one phone call in the middle of the workday, and some advice from our host Daniel, they were ready to work together. Sometimes, the formality of the hiring process can get in the way of great collaboration, so don’t be afraid to pick up that phone! Tune into Anne's episode to hear her thoughts on how to use AI and how to have seamless collaborations with agencies in this week’s episode. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Anne Mejia, CMO at Cornerstone Franchise Brands / First Light Home Care 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights Frontline Insights Are a Competitive Advantage Data can tell you what is happening, but people on the ground can tell you why. Tapping into franchisees, field teams, or customer-facing employees provides real-time, nuanced insights that research alone often misses. These perspectives can help marketers make the smart decisions they need to stay ahead of the game. The more connected marketing is to frontline feedback, the more effective and relevant it becomes. Evolve Your Brand With Intention Change is necessary, but it should never feel random. The most successful brands evolve thoughtfully. Instead of reacting to trends, effective marketers adapt where needed while maintaining consistency. This balance helps brands stay relevant without losing the trust they’ve built over time. Seamless Execution Sets Great Agency Partners Apart Creative ideas are important, but execution is where value is delivered between agencies and clients. Especially in production environments, success depends on managing countless tiny details behind the scenes. The best agency partners bring structure, organization, and clarity to complex processes, making everything feel effortless for the client.

    43 min

  3. MAR 8

    Eric Tessel, VP of Marketing at Door Pro America -- Back to Basics!

    In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Eric Tessel shares the worst cold calls he’s ever gotten on LinkedIn and the huge shift he’s seeing as everyone seems to be returning back to basics. There is still a level of professionalism and balance that has to be recognized when reaching out to potential clients. While standing out is important, there is a fine line between being memorable and appearing unprofessional. The worst thing you can be is cringe. Creative outreach can be effective, but when it becomes overly gimmicky, it can damage your credibility. In most cases, straightforward communication and clear value propositions resonate better with potential partners. Eric also talked about how the role of a marketer is evolving and how you can get that promotion faster if you loop the finance department into your work. While many marketing professionals enter the field driven by creativity and a passion for connecting with customers, long-term success often requires developing a strong understanding of financial performance. As marketers advance in their careers, the ability to communicate effectively with finance teams becomes increasingly important. Understanding profitability, revenue drivers, and financial priorities allows marketers to translate their work into outcomes that resonate with executive leadership. There's also the growing fatigue around generic agency messaging. In a crowded marketplace, decision-makers are increasingly skeptical of templated language and buzzwords. It’s not personal enough to turn anyone’s heads, and when everyone is saying the same thing, marketing leaders only see a lack of options. Instead of relying on broad claims about partnership and collaboration, agencies that stand out focus on authentic conversations and meaningful engagement. Building trust through genuine dialogue and thoughtful introductions, like those from YouShouldTalkTo, often creates stronger opportunities to collaborate. 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights Marketing Leaders Should Speak the Language of Finance One of the most important shifts in a marketer’s career happens when they begin connecting their work to financial outcomes. Early roles often focus on creativity, messaging, and campaign execution, but advancement requires a deeper understanding of how marketing impacts revenue, profitability, and long-term business growth. When marketers can communicate effectively with finance teams, they elevate their influence within the organization. This will help bridge the gap between creative strategy and business impact. Authentic Conversations Beat Generic Messaging In a crowded agency landscape, decision-makers are getting more and more frustrated with templated messaging and generic positioning statements. Every agency is giving every potential client the whole ‘we don’t have clients, we have partners’ speech and marketing leaders are catching on. What stands out today is authenticity. Real conversations, thoughtful introductions, and meaningful connections carry far more weight than polished marketing copy.  Standing Out Should Never Sacrifice Professionalism Creativity is a powerful tool in marketing, but it has to have a certain level of professionalism to it, too. Agencies that try too hard to be memorable or unconventional can sometimes cross the line into tactics that feel awkward or unprofessional to decision-makers. Don’t be cringe. Clear communication, thoughtful messaging, and professional tone create stronger impressions than cringey gimmicks.

    31 min

  4. FEB 15

    Meghan Irwin -- Director of Marketing at Blaze Pizza: How to Nail Your First RFP

    In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Meghan Irwin shares details of the pitch that blew her and her team away and how she’s being discerning about the shiny new tools AI companies are pushing out.  As we discuss Meghan’s newest agency partnership, facilitated by YouShouldTalkTo, of course, past agency experiences shape future decision-making. When teams go through a challenging partnership, it can clarify what they truly value in a collaborator. Clear communication, demonstrated strategic thinking, and visible execution capabilities become non-negotiables. Leaders are not just looking for creative ideas - they want partners who can follow through, integrate seamlessly, and show tangible progress. Both positive and negative experiences can help you make more confident and discerning decisions during future tissue meetings. Speaking of tissue sessions, presentation and professionalism also play a major role in shaping a future client's perception. The way a team shows up visually, verbally, and strategically is a sign of alignment. At least, that’s what Meghan felt during a recent tissue session with a potential agency (who won the project by a landslide). When teams present themselves as composed, experienced, and prepared, it reinforces the sense that they can deliver results. It’s not about theatrics or begging for the sale - it’s about clarity, capability, and conviction. Tune into Meghan's episode to hear what got the new agency the gig and what made her want to leave her old agency behind. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Meghan Irwin, Marketing Director, Blaze Pizza 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights Agency Outreach Needs to Evolve Marketing Directors are experiencing outreach fatigue. I know, I talk to them every day. Generic cold emails and templated LinkedIn messages no longer stand out in a crowded environment where everyone is pitching something. But also, did they ever? Brands are looking for thoughtful, relevant engagement that demonstrates understanding and intent. They’re only answering cold calls that are 1) relevant and 2) useful. The brands that win attention today are the ones that respect time, demonstrate relevance, and lead with value rather than persistence. One Lesson From a Past Partnership Can Create Clarity Challenging agency relationships can be powerful learning experiences. When a partnership falls short, it often sharpens a leader’s understanding of what they truly need in a collaborator. If one thing goes wrong, write it down and address it in a tissue session with a new agency. You don’t want to repeat the same pattern over and over again. Instead of starting from square one, teams should come to the table knowing what works, what doesn’t, and what to look for. This clarity streamlines decision-making and improves the quality of future collaborations.  Professional Presence Builds Confidence First impressions still matter. How a team presents itself - from preparation to delivery - signals how seriously they take the opportunity. Professionalism, organization, and confidence can set the tone for the entire relationship. It’s not about flash or begging, “pick me, choose me.” It’s about demonstrating capability and cohesion. When agencies show up as composed, experienced professionals who understand the business, it builds immediate credibility.

    43 min

  5. FEB 8

    Ana Malmqvist -- Chief Brand Officer, The Melting Pot

    In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Ana Malmqvist shares what it really takes to build brands in a marketing environment that rewards speed, visibility, and constant output. Even if those rewards don’t help the company grow long-term. Ana Malmqvist offers a candid look at how modern marketing teams are navigating shifting consumer behavior, like trusting influencers over classic marketing, and evolving media habits, like why consumers trust TikToks over billboards. On top of everything, there is still the internal pressure to deliver quick wins, while also trying to create long-term brand value.  There has to be a difference between brand building and just staying busy. Many organizations believe they are investing in brand growth, but in reality, Ana says they are often optimizing for short-term metrics and vanity wins. This focus on activity rather than results can create the illusion of progress while also distracting teams from deeper strategic work that drives sustained growth. The pressure for immediate results can make it difficult to invest in campaigns that strengthen brand trust and recognition over time. But there is still the demand for both. Ana shares why it keeps her up at night and how she balances the two demands.  Trust also emerges as a central pillar when reaching out to audiences. People are relying more on personal recommendations and professional networks than on ads. Influencers and local TikTokers carry much more emotional weight with their audiences than they did ten years ago. This human element shows us how business decisions nowadays have to be rooted in credibility and shared experience, not just credentials or presentations. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Ana Malmqvist, Chief Brand Officer, The Melting Pot 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights Brand Building Requires Long-Term Discipline Many marketing teams believe they are building strong brands, but in reality, they are often prioritizing empty activity and short-term wins. When organizations reward speed over strategy, it can create a cycle of constant output without meaningful impact. True brand building requires patience, consistency, and a focus on long-term trust and differentiation. Leaders who shift their teams from chasing quick metrics to building sustained value will always create stronger brand equity and more resilient growth. The most effective marketers know that real brand momentum is built over time, not just through rapid-fire campaigns or temporary spikes in performance. Trust Is Built Through People, Not Just Messaging Brand support today is increasingly rooted in shared values, especially among younger audiences. Purchasing decisions are no longer just transactional - they’re personal. Consumers want to feel good about the brands they support and confident that those brands reflect their beliefs. This evolution has fundamentally changed marketing. Success now requires more than clever messaging or competitive pricing. Brands must clearly articulate what they stand for and consistently live those values across every touchpoint. Reputation and Referrals Drive Partnerships Professional recommendations and trusted networks continue to play a powerful role in decision-making. Which is why Ana came to Daniel and YouShouldTalkTo when looking for a new agency to work with. We connect leaders with our network of trusted agencies. Strong reputations are built through consistent delivery, collaboration, and integrity over time. Which is why Ana said that she felt like she found her unicorn when she met with one of the agencies we connected her with.

    49 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    Ameetess Dira -- CMO at Petzey

    In this episode of YouShouldTalkTo, our host Daniel Weiner sits down with CMO of Petzey, Ameetess Dira, for a forward-looking conversation about leadership, marketing, agency partnerships, and the responsibility brands have to operate with purpose. At the core of Ammetess’s work is the drive to choose intention over noise and clarity over chaos. There is already so much bad in the world, and the economy has been so weird this year, so it’s important to Ameetess that she seeks goodness and good people every day - including at work. Their conversation also dives into what makes agency relationships truly work. For Ameetess, technical skill and impressive credentials are table stakes. What really defines a positive agency experience is the human element. She looks for partners who are not only capable but also honest, thoughtful, and willing to challenge ideas when necessary. The ability to offer constructive pushback, communicate transparently, and act with integrity sets great partners apart from the rest. In her view, trust and character create the foundation for everything else, and without them, even the best strategy will fall short. This conversation is a compelling reminder that success doesn’t come from chasing every opportunity or trend. It comes from choosing focus, surrounding yourself with the right people, and committing to work that actually matters. For leaders, marketers, and agency partners alike, this episode offers a clear takeaway: when purpose leads, and people are prioritized, the path forward becomes not only clearer but far more impactful. Tune into Ameetess' episode to hear how she chooses good humans to work with when hiring agencies and how you can find the good in future opportunities, even during a turbulent economy.  Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Ameetess Dira, CMO at Petzey 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights AI Is a Tool - Humanity Is the Differentiator As AI continues to expand across every industry, it’s easy to fall into fear-based narratives about automation replacing human creativity. But the real opportunity lies in the opposite direction. When technology becomes ubiquitous, humanity becomes the standout. Brands that win will use AI to enhance connection, not replace it. This is the moment to lean into storytelling, empathy, and values. AI can optimize processes, surface insights, and scale execution - but it can’t replace emotional intelligence or cultural nuance. The brands that thrive will be the ones that use technology to amplify human creativity, not flatten it. Values Now Drive Brand Loyalty Brand support today is increasingly rooted in shared values, especially among younger audiences. Purchasing decisions are no longer just transactional - they’re personal. Consumers want to feel good about the brands they support and confident that those brands reflect their beliefs. This evolution has fundamentally changed marketing. Success now requires more than clever messaging or competitive pricing. Brands must clearly articulate what they stand for and consistently live those values across every touchpoint. Choosing Progress Over Negativity The world is full of challenges, and it’s easy for teams to become overwhelmed by everything that isn’t working. But progress is driven by perspective. Leaders who focus on possibility - rather than paralysis - create environments where innovation can thrive. Every path forward involves difficulty. The difference lies in choosing challenges that lead to growth instead of stagnation. When teams reframe obstacles as opportunities, they build resilience and optimism into their culture.

    36 min

  7. 11/08/2025

    Kurt Uhlir -- CMO at ez Home Search on CMO's as Operators and Changing an Entire Industry

    In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Kurt Uhlir shares his philosophy about marketing. It’s about trust, curiosity, and partnership. In today’s rapidly changing marketing landscape, it’s easy to get distracted by the latest dashboards, metrics, and buzzwords. But in reality, we need to be thinking about the big picture, rather than who gets credit for every little win. Kurt Uhlir opens the show with an incredible reality check: most people who call themselves marketers aren’t truly practicing marketing. Too often, professionals default to playing it safe - focusing on surface-level activities or vanity metrics - rather than digging into what really drives customer decisions. So instead of focusing on the brand becoming memorable or stretching their longevity, they get campaigns that sound generic, strategies that lack insight. He says that “95% of people who call themselves marketers are not marketers. At best, they’re salespeople who are scared to make cold calls, and they hide behind dashboards and campaigns.” And I have to agree True marketing, Uhlir explains, begins with understanding people. Every team member - whether in sales, product, or marketing - should be able to describe a customer’s day in detail. What problems are they solving? What tools do they rely on? What’s on their budget line? This level of empathy transforms a company from simply selling features to solving real-world problems in a meaningful way. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Kurt Uhlir, CMO at ez Home Search 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights Marketing Isn’t Just Campaigns - It’s Courage and Strategy Many professionals wear the “marketer” title but focus only on dashboards and reports instead of driving meaningful results. True marketing takes courage - the kind that steps out from behind vanity metrics to make bold, customer-centered decisions. The best marketers blend creativity with accountability. They’re not afraid of direct outreach, real conversations, or tough questions about impact. It’s easy to get caught up in automation and performance data, but those tools are only valuable when used with intention. Successful marketers understand that their role is to create measurable business outcomes - not just generate clicks. The real pros know how to connect strategy, storytelling, and results to move the business forward. Innovation Doesn’t Come from Playing It Safe Hiring based solely on tenure or industry experience often feels like the safest move - but it can lead to stale, predictable marketing. Fresh ideas rarely come from echo chambers. Leaders who embrace diverse perspectives and unconventional thinkers drive the kind of creativity that cuts through the noise. Taking calculated risks doesn’t mean being reckless; it means challenging the assumption that what worked yesterday will work tomorrow. The brands that stand out are those willing to step outside the comfort zone, rethink “how it’s always been done,” and trust their teams to experiment with new approaches. Long-Term Wins Beat Short-Term Popularity The best marketers play the long game. While others chase quarterly spikes and vanity metrics, they invest in sustainable strategies that compound over time. Building brand equity, customer loyalty, and trust takes patience - but the rewards are exponentially greater. Short-term gains fade fast; long-term relationships drive growth that lasts.

    46 min

  8. 10/30/2025

    Jeff Jenkins -- CMO, on things changing and staying the same all at once.

    In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Jeff Jenkins shares what keeps him up at night as a CMO and how he looks to the younger generation for ideas on keeping consumers' attention. In an industry that’s constantly evolving, one thing is very clear: the pace of change isn’t slowing down. Marketing today is shaped by innovation that moves at lightning speed In essence, they are being asked to do it all, all at once, right now. For leaders like Jeff, navigating this new era means embracing change with curiosity rather than fear. The rules of marketing may be rewriting themselves in real time, but the fundamentals of human connection remain steady. Consumers still want products and experiences that make life better, easier, and more enjoyable. They want to trust the brands they interact with, and they want to feel seen and understood. So Jeff and CMOs like him have something to stay grounded in. While the “what” of marketing continues to shift - new platforms, tools, and algorithms emerging daily - the “why” behind it all hasn’t changed. It’s still about delivering genuine value. The difference now lies in how fast brands can interpret and act on those needs. One of the most interesting takeaways from the episode is that creativity doesn’t have to come with a massive price tag. In the episode, Jeff shares how an agency he was working with at Taco Bell pitched an award-winning idea with a budget of on;y $25,000. And that’s not that uncommon. It’s impressive, for sure, but some of the most impactful campaigns in marketing history were made because of the guardrails that they had to work with. When teams focus on the power of an idea instead of the size of the budget, they unlock opportunities for innovation that can truly move the needle. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Jeff Jenkins, CMO 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights Adapting to a Faster Future Change isn’t slowing down - it’s speeding up. The pace of evolution in marketing, technology, and consumer behavior has hit record highs, and brands that thrive are the ones embracing agility. The mindset shift? Treat change as an ally, not a threat. Teams that anticipate and adapt to disruption - from AI tools to emerging cultural trends - will be the ones redefining categories. The future belongs to leaders who view constant transformation as a creative opportunity rather than a challenge to survive. Embracing the “Fake It Till You Make It” Era In today’s rapidly evolving marketing world, even the most seasoned leaders feel the pressure to “know it all.” Between new AI tools, younger platforms, and shifting consumer behaviors, no one can stay ahead of everything. And that’s okay! What matters most is focusing on curiosity and humility while keeping pace with innovation. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers anymore, no matter what your boss says. It’s about asking better questions, learning continuously, and empowering your teams to experiment boldly. Big Ideas Don’t Need Big Budgets Game-changing creativity doesn’t depend on deep pockets - it depends on insight. Some of the most impactful campaigns are born from sharp thinking, not massive production spend. When ideas connect emotionally and loop in pop culture without being cringey, they can outperform even the most expensive media buys. Great marketers focus on resonance over reach, crafting moments that feel personal and shareable. The next award-winning campaign might just start with

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

YouShouldTalkTo is a podcast for busy marketing leaders who are looking for support and tips on getting sh*t done. In each episode, Daniel Weiner interviews marketing leaders and discusses their experience, successes, and failures around hiring agencies. Daniel helps uncover the challenges with successfully integrating internal and external resources, and pinpoints effective ways to find and choose the right agency partner.

Information

  • Creator
    YouShouldTalkTo
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 You Should Talk To
  • Show Website
    You Should Talk To