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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 10/14/2025

    Angela Johnson -- Chief Strategy + Innovation Officer at Edible Brands

    In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Angela Johnson shares her sharp insights on what it takes to thrive as a marketing leader in today’s increasingly fast-paced marketing world. From redefining customer engagement to reimagining internal leadership, Angela offers an in-depth look at how brands can stay relevant, resilient, and rooted in purpose as they move into the new year and beyond. Marketing is no longer about capturing attention by any means necessary. Today’s audience doesn’t want brands to interrupt their lives - they want them to enhance them. Angela emphasizes that the strongest marketing strategies are built on integration. As she and her team prepare for the new year, Angela focuses on helping her team connect their daily work to the company’s broader mission. When people understand the purpose behind their goals, they move through challenges with more motivation and resilience. Instead of simply hitting quarterly targets, they’re inspired by the larger vision they’re contributing to. At the heart of every one of her marketing decisions is one rule that she lives by - everything starts and ends with the customer. Angela reinforces the importance of building strategies that genuinely benefit the people they’re designed to reach. It’s not enough for innovation to be impressive - it has to be useful. Whether through improved accessibility, better service, or thoughtful design, the best marketing outcomes are those that make a tangible difference in customers’ lives. When teams stay grounded in customer insight, every new idea becomes a step toward building lasting trust and loyalty. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Angela Johnson, Chief Strategy + Innovation Officer at Edible Brands 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights: Data Matters - But Storytelling Wins Hearts In marketing, numbers tell part of the story, but not the whole story. Metrics like click-through rates and conversion data are essential for optimization, but they still can’t they can’t measure emotion. The brands that stand out today are the ones that build human connections. Consumers don’t fall in love with dashboards; they fall in love with stories, purpose, and shared values. When a brand leads with emotion and authenticity, data becomes a supporting character, not the star of the show. The best marketers know how to combine analytical insight with creative storytelling to spark loyalty and trust that lasts far beyond a campaign. Marketing Is About Integration, Not Interruption The days of shouting your message into the void are over. Modern marketing thrives when brands become part of their audience’s daily rhythm. It’s about showing up in meaningful ways - in their feeds, conversations, and communities - without disrupting the experience. When a brand integrates seamlessly into people’s lives, it stops feeling like advertising and starts feeling like value. The shift from interruption to integration is the heart of modern engagement. The takeaway? Don’t just talk at your audience - find ways to live alongside them. Agility Beats Perfection In today’s fast-moving market, being agile matters more than being flawless. The best leaders know that “good enough and fast” often drives more impact than “perfect but late.” Agility allows brands to adapt, respond, and iterate before opportunities pass. Creativity doesn’t need to be polished to perform - it needs to be relevant. Embracing speed means embracing growth.

    34 min

  7. 09/07/2025

    Tony Billmeyer, CMO at Show-Me Organics

    In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Tony Billmeyer and Daniel Weiner dive into what it’s like to create and execute marketing strategies in the cannabis industry. The cannabis industry is standing at a pivotal moment. With federal legalization looming as a possibility, the question is less about “if” and more about “when.” Timing and structure will shape the path forward, but the real advantage belongs to the businesses preparing today. Preparation means more than waiting for the green light. It means looking ahead, thinking about how your brand should show up years from now, and setting the foundation for scale.  Recognition and awards may look great on paper, but they’re not what drives true impact. The most meaningful conversations in the boardroom or with clients aren’t about trophies - they’re about the work itself, the insights that shaped it, and the measurable results it delivered. Clients and partners want to know how the work will move their business forward, and that’s the story marketers need to tell. Of course, none of this happens without resilience. Social platforms and digital ecosystems are constantly changing the rules of engagement, sometimes with little warning. For cannabis brands especially, navigating unpredictable restrictions has become a way of life. But these challenges can become opportunities. The businesses that thrive are the ones that balance compliance with creativity, diversifying platforms, strengthening owned media, and adapting in real time when the rules shift.  Tune into Tony’s episode to learn more about how he and his team adapt in an industry that can shift drastically from one day to the next. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Tony Billmeyer, CMO at Show-Me Organics 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights: Legalization as a Growth Catalyst Let’s legalize it! The future of the cannabis industry and cannabis marketing depends not just on legalization itself but on how it’s rolled out. A new federal law could unlock enormous potential for growth, particularly through interstate commerce and the ability to streamline operations across markets. For companies already positioned as leaders, this creates a massive opportunity, one that they're ready and prepared for. Innovation as a Marketing Lifeline: The most inspiring marketing teams to Tony are those that push beyond communication basics and focus on innovation. Whether it’s launching new product lines, experimenting with seasonal packaging, or exploring creative ways to connect with customers, these forward movers spark energy within their organizations. Stagnant or overly focusing on traditional tactics often lead to missed opportunities. Smart leaders recognize that creativity fuels relevance, and relevance fuels growth.  Navigating Social Media Platform Challenges: Social media platforms can be both a blessing and a challenge for marketers. With ever-changing rules and unpredictable enforcement, cannabis brands in particular often find themselves walking a fine line. Account suspensions and sudden restrictions are real challenges, but they also push teams to get smarter, safer, and more creative with their strategies. It can be a pain to navigate, but successful marketers know that agility is everything. By staying proactive, brands can adapt quickly to ever changing algorithms and policies while still making an impact on their audience.

    46 min

  8. 08/13/2025

    Nandini Anitha Nandakumar -- Global Marketing Director, Smirnoff at Diageo on Trust, Respect, and Relationships

    In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, industry leaders Nandini Anitha Nandakumar and Daniel Weiner dive into the realities of today’s marketing landscape.  Marketers have the difficult task of capturing their audience's attention while still staying true to their core brand. On top of that, consumers in the beverage industry aren’t exactly loyal; they have so many options that they don’t have to be.  Consumer connection is key, period. Instead of being distracted by endless comparisons to competitors, Nandini is doubling down on controlling what they can control by making themselves as relevant as possible to their target audience. Nandini uses “vibe shifters” to demonstrate that a consumer base can be united by outlook rather than statistics. By honing in on a customer’s vibe, they can establish a deeper connection and tailor their messaging in ways that resonate way beyond surface-level targeting. Nandini also emphasizes the importance of reaching what she calls “light buyers,” those who may not be very loyal but represent a significant opportunity for growth. In a marketplace where brand loyalty is becoming increasingly fragile, regularly engaging with this segment can help fill the “leaky bucket” and keep brand awareness high. This means catching consumers at key decision-making moments and making the brand the naturally convenient choice. Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Nandini Anitha Nandakumar, Global Marketing Director at Smirnoff within Diageo 💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn Key Insights: Balancing Short-Term Wins with Long-Term Vision In the ever-changing consumer market, it’s very tempting to focus only on the “right now.” And being visible and trendy can be great in the short term, but lasting success comes from balancing immediate performance with future growth. Leaders today are running into very real issues - changing consumer habits, shrinking budgets, and evolving media consumption are influencing consumers in what they buy. The smartest brands address urgent needs without losing sight of the bigger picture. That means setting clear short-term goals while continuing to invest in innovation, brand equity, and deeper customer connections. Long-term planning isn’t just “nice to have” anymore; it’s necessary to stay relevant when the market starts to shift again. Meeting the Demand for Convenience Today’s consumers, especially younger audiences, are gravitating toward products that fit seamlessly into their fast-paced lives. Convenience isn’t just a perk, it’s an expectation. One major opportunity brands can explore is adapting offerings to meet this demand without sacrificing quality or brand integrity. Nandini says that for beverage brands, ready-to-drink formats are becoming a key growth driver. When you market convenience as part of your brand’s DNA, you attract customers who value both their time and the experience you provide. Cutting Out the Politics to Do What’s Right for the Brand Internal politics can derail even the best client-agency relationships. When everyone is aligned around the same mission, decision-making becomes faster, execution becomes smoother, and results improve. Because if you’re not aligned, it doesn’t matter how great the work is; your agency could find itself on the chopping block at the next budget meeting.

    31 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
    64
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 You Should Talk To
  • Show Website
    You Should Talk To