Social Media News Live: Discussing the latest social media tools, tips, and tactics with industry experts, innovators, creators, and storytellers
Social Media News Live keeps you up-to-date on what's happening in the world of social media! We discuss the latest social media tools, tips, and tactics with industry experts, innovators, creators, and storytellers. We broadcast live so YOU can ask the questions that matter most to you and your business.
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How to Grow a Side Hustle While Working Full-Time (Without Burning Out)
<p>If you’ve ever tried to build something on the side while working a full-time job, you know how quickly things can get overwhelming.</p><p>In this episode, Sean “Tater” Roberson, the creator behind But Mostly Disney, shares how he’s been able to grow his brand while still balancing a full-time career. We get into how he works within the limits of his schedule, how he approaches creating content consistently, and most importantly, about managing expectations. </p><p>He shares his take on what growth really looks like when you’re not doing this full-time, and how to keep showing up even when progress feels slow. This is a practical look at building something sust...
Facebook Monetization Explained: How to Get Paid + $3,000 Bonus (2026 Guide)
<p>If you’ve been wondering whether Facebook is still worth your time as a creator… this episode answers that pretty clearly.</p><p>Paul Gowder breaks down exactly how Facebook monetization works right now, including what’s actually paying, what’s changed, and who actually gets those elusive bonuses ($30,000??!) everyone keeps talking about.</p><h2>Topics Covered</h2>How do you qualify for bonus programs?Do you need a large following to start earning?What type of content performs best right now?What should you actually be checking in your dashboard?<br/><h2>Who This Episode Is For</h2>Creators trying to monetize their contentSocial media managers working with clientsSolopr...
AI Can’t Replace This: Why Your Story Matters More Than Ever
<p>AI can write your captions, generate your images, and even help script your videos. So where does that leave you?</p><p>That’s exactly what I explored in this episode with Ryan Koral.</p><p>Ryan has spent years helping creators, filmmakers, and business owners tell better stories. And what came up again and again in our conversation is this simple truth: the thing that actually connects with people is the one thing AI can’t replicate… your story.</p><p>We talked about why so many creators struggle to share their story, how AI fits into the process without replacing you, and what it really takes to create content that people care abo...
How Mastermind Groups Help Creators Grow Faster (Live Creator Mastermind)
<p>What happens when you stop learning alone and start building alongside other creators who actually get it? </p><p>Business growth, accountability, friendship… the list goes on. </p><p>That’s exactly what I’ve experienced in my weekly meetings with fellow solopreneurs Paul Gowder, Rich Watts, Jim Fuhs, Kira Pogge Brewka, and Amy Kehs, where we talk through what’s actually working, what’s not, and where we’re stuck in our businesses. </p><p>And what is this mystical council of creatives called, you may be asking? </p><p>A mastermind.</p><p>But instead of just talking abou...
10 Books That Changed How We Think About Business and Life
<p>What books actually change the way you think?</p><p>In this episode, Conor Brown and I share ten books that have shaped how we approach business, creativity, and life. We each brought our top picks, a mix of fiction and nonfiction, and talked about why these stories and ideas stuck with us long after we finished reading them.</p><p>From leadership and creativity to storytelling and personal growth, these books have influenced how we make decisions, solve problems, and think about the world around us. If you’re always on the lookout for your next great read, th...
How Creators Monetize Their Content (Without Chasing Every Trend)
<p>Monetizing content is something a lot of creators talk about, but not everyone actually figures out how to do it without burning out or chasing every new trend that pops up. In this episode, we sit down with Lou Mongello, the creator behind the award-winning WDW Radio podcast, to talk about what sustainable monetization actually looks like when you build a brand around community, trust, and long-term relationships.</p><p>Lou shares how he transformed a passion project into a thriving business that includes podcasting, live events, memberships, books, and more. Instead of relying on quick wins or platform...
How to Grow an Email Newsletter as a Creator (What Actually Works)
<p>Everyone says you should build an email list. Fewer people can tell you how to actually grow one.</p><p>In this episode, we sit down with Chenell Basilio, founder of Growth in Reverse, to talk about what’s really working right now when it comes to newsletter growth. Chenell studies fast-growing newsletters for a living, and what she shares isn’t theory. It’s patterns she sees over and over again across creators who are adding thousands of subscribers without massive audiences.</p><p>If you’ve been sending emails but not seeing growth, this episode breaks down what act...
Why Most Creators Struggle With Money (And It’s Not a Tax Problem)
<p>If you’ve ever thought, “I just need to make more money, and everything will be fine,” this episode might surprise you. I sat down with licensed accountant, Ralph Estep Jr. to talk about why most creators struggle financially, and why the issue usually isn’t taxes, write-offs, or some secret loophole they’re missing.</p><p>Ralph explains that the real challenge for creators is often mindset, structure, and clarity around cash flow. We get into why inconsistent income makes planning harder, why mixing personal and business money creates stress, and how a lack of simple systems can make even...
Why Writing a Book Still Matters for Creators (and How AI Changes the Game)
<p>A lot of creators think writing a book is something you do after you’ve “made it.” In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Vassallo to talk about why that mindset is backwards, and why a book can still be one of the most powerful credibility tools a content creator can have. We get into how books build authority, open doors, and help people take you seriously long before you have a massive audience.</p><p>Lauren also breaks down how AI is changing the publishing process, not by replacing writers, but by lowering the friction that stops most p...
Why Great Brands Are Ignored (And How PR Builds Trust Faster Than Marketing)
<p>If you’ve ever thought, “We’re doing good work… so why is nobody paying attention?” this episode is going to hit close to home. I sat down with Amy Kehs, who’s spent decades helping museums, including the Smithsonian, go from overlooked to deeply loved. And while her background is in museums, everything we talk about applies directly to creators, solopreneurs, and small businesses.</p><p>We dig into why marketing alone isn’t cutting it anymore, especially in a world where people are overwhelmed with messages all day long. Amy breaks down the real difference between marketing, advertising, a...
