Podcast

1530: Business Transformation, Resilience & Authentic Growth with Jason Criddle

January 15, 2026

Jason Criddle is the founder and managing partner of a multi-entity private investment and technology ecosystem, including Smarter Holdings, Dominate.AI, and Jason Criddle & Associates. Known for scaling businesses through strategic development, acquisition, and a passionate approach to helping entrepreneurs, Jason leverages deep expertise in AI, automation, publishing, and behavioral coaching to drive results for both startups and established organizations.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jason returns after more than a decade to share how his journey from personal health battles to overseeing billion-dollar companies has shaped his no-nonsense philosophy on business growth, digital transformation, and personal fulfillment. Together with Robert Plank, they discuss why most entrepreneurs struggle to scale, the importance of consistent reinvention, actionable strategies for making your business scalable, and how to build infrastructure that lasts. Jason breaks down the value of pivoting early, highlights the role of mentors, stresses the need for clear customer experiences, and shares why celebrating wins big or small is essential along the sometimes-lonely road to legitimacy and authority.

Quotes:

“If your business isn’t producing customers or revenue, it’s not a business, it’s an expensive hobby.”

“You have to be willing to be bad before you can be great. Growth begins the moment you push past the fear of starting.”

“Showing up is a win. If you earned even one today, celebrate it especially with the people who matter most.”

Resources:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:32 — 63.9MB) | Embed

1531: Niche AI Marketing: Unlocking Efficiency, Research, and Team Power in Tech Growth with Mark Donnigan

January 14, 2026

Mark Donnigan is a B2B tech marketing strategist, startup growth expert, and leading advocate for intelligent adoption of AI in marketing. With a track record of helping technology companies overcome resource constraints and secure multimillion-dollar deals, Mark is known for building and accelerating nimble, effective teams. He specializes in leveraging AI for research, content creation, and productivity, empowering marketers to be T-shaped, deeply knowledgeable, and highly adaptive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Mark Donnigan joins Robert Plank to share how AI is enabling small marketing teams to punch above their weight, create high-quality content, and deeply understand their buyers. Mark elaborates on the transformative power of LLMs, the overlooked capabilities for market research, and the vital importance of combining AI with genuine market insight. Discover why embracing AI is crucial, how to update your processes for maximum growth, and what makes resilient teams thrive in tech's fast-changing environment.

Quotes:

“AI gives marketers a superpower; anyone can become T-shaped, expanding depth and range exactly where the moment demands.”

“What once looked like under-resourced teams now looks like untapped advantage. With AI, small teams can break through big limitations.”

“Don’t chase every new AI train. Spend that time learning your market, show up, listen deeply, and understand what your audience actually needs.”

Resources:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:50 — 36.9MB) | Embed

1529: Stand Out in Media and Film: Create Influence and Drive Change with Your Story with Heather Atherton

January 12, 2026

Heather Atherton is a communications strategist, PR consultant, and media outreach specialist with 25+ years of experience elevating brands and causes. Known for her work with companies like IMAX, GoFundMe, and Disney on Ice, Heather is also a passionate advocate for uncovering the truth behind the Vietnam War's Baron 52 case, a mission inspired by her father’s service. Through custom, outside-the-box marketing, storytelling, and her deep belief in the power of dreams, Heather helps businesses, filmmakers, and nonprofits package their message for maximum impact. Her expertise spans film promotion, guerrilla marketing, independent filmmaking, and supporting small business growth, always focused on connecting human stories to wider audiences.

On this episode of Marketer of the Day, Heather joins Robert Plank to share her journey from agency work to mission-driven advocacy, the importance of visual/guerrilla marketing, and the ongoing campaign for truth around the Baron 52 story. Heather discusses building custom pitches, the challenges indie filmmakers face, and why early PR is key. Discover lessons on amplifying meaningful stories, DIY marketing foundations for creators, and the relentless power of believing in your ideals.

Quotes:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and are bold enough to bring them to life.”

“If you can see your story visually, you can market it anywhere. Visual thinking turns ideas into impact.”

“I’m not a cookie-cutter. I create outside the box because that’s where originality, opportunity, and growth live.”

Resources:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:00 — 42.6MB) | Embed

1528: Harmonic SEO Formula: Make Your Content into Authority and AI-Ready Visibility with Joseph Khan

January 11, 2026

Joseph S. Khan is an acclaimed digital marketing expert, AI and SEO strategist, and founder of Hum Jam. Celebrated for inventing the harmonic SEO formula, Joseph draws on a unique background combining formal music training (Berklee College of Music) with decades of digital entrepreneurship, including consulting for industry leaders like Microsoft and John Maxwell. His approaches help businesses and agencies synchronize their online presence, climb search rankings, and thrive amidst rapid technological change. With 3500+ Udemy students and a track record of agency training, Joseph empowers clients to harmonize content, citations, and signals for enduring relevance.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, host Robert Plank talks with Joseph S. Khan about transforming chaotic digital environments into marketing harmony. He shares how musical principles inspired his harmonic blueprint in SEO and now inform his revolutionary AI methods. The discussion dives deep into why industry-specific directories and authoritative citations matter far more than old-school backlink tactics, the importance of Google’s E-E-A-T algorithm, and why email-driven engagement signals help content get indexed and trusted. Joseph debunks SEO myths, details nitty-gritty steps for dominating AI search results (like ChatGPT and Perplexity), and offers take-action advice for agencies and individuals who want sustainable growth.

Quotes:

“SEO is like music; when your content, citations, and signals harmonize, both AI and audiences start paying attention.”

“Visibility isn’t built on volume. It’s built on the right citations and a clear, authoritative presence in your niche.”

“In a post-E-E-A-T world, authority, trust, and real experience aren’t optional; they’re the price of being found.”

Resources:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:27 — 40.5MB) | Embed

1527: Author Success Secrets: Publish and Promote Your Book Effectively with Publishing Strategist Pharice Brown

January 10, 2026

Pharice Brown is a literary activist, book publisher, and founder of Pain to Prosperity Publishing, a platform dedicated to amplifying powerful Black and Brown voices too often overlooked in mainstream publishing. Leveraging her background in corporate strategy and her passion for professional and personal storytelling, Pharice has created a company focused on legacy, impact, and authentic representation. She helps future authors overcome doubt, discover their stories, and navigate the publishing process to create works that resonate and inspire.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Robert Plank sits down with Pharice Brown to discuss the journey from corporate boardrooms to literary entrepreneurship. Pharice shares how everyone has a story worth telling, why personal experiences and professional expertise both deserve an audience, and the importance of visibility and marketing in the publishing journey. They dig deep into the biggest challenges authors face, especially getting started, being open to feedback, and embracing creativity and fun through marketing. You’ll hear about overcoming imposter syndrome, strategies for finishing and launching a book, the differences between self-publishing and working with a publisher, and real-world success stories of new authors. Pharice offers practical advice, motivational support, and free 15-minute strategy calls to help aspiring writers take the first step.

Quotes:

“Everyone has a book inside them. The real question is how you choose to spend it and whether you’ll let it be read.”

“Your core idea doesn’t need to change, but your information might. Growth comes from being open enough to refine the message so it’s truly worth reading.”

“Write the book. Show up consistently. Have fun. Be creative and let the world decide its value.”

Resources:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:55 — 2.6MB) | Embed

1526: AI & SEO Mastery: Boost Visibility and B2B Growth with Melih Oztalay

January 9, 2026

Melih Oztalay is the CEO of Smart Finds Marketing, an accomplished digital agency leader with over 38 years of experience in the marketing industry. Renowned for blending traditional and digital strategies, Melih has successfully guided clients through economic downturns, market disruptions, and the accelerating pace of technological change. As the architect of the "Four A's" philosophy (Anticipate, Accept, Adapt, Adopt), he empowers businesses to stay competitive and proactive in the age of AI, navigating uncertainty with logic and resilience.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Melih Oztalay sits down with Robert Plank to discuss surviving and thriving through seismic industry changes, such as the 2009 financial crisis and the COVID pandemic. Melih shares how the art of “pivoting” underpins long-term success and how digital transformation is more than following trends; it’s about measurable, strategic action. He details the evolution from SEO to AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), why businesses must transition from pursuing rankings to being referenced by AI, and how schema/JSON scripts can elevate AI's visibility. Listeners will gain actionable strategies for embracing change, breaking through emotional resistance, and leveraging both human teams and AI to solve core business challenges.

Quotes:

“Marketing isn’t about promotion; it’s a discipline of problem-solving. The brands that win are the ones that solve real problems faster and better.”

“When change is inevitable, emotion is optional. Anticipate it, accept it, adapt fast, and adopt smarter—that’s how you stay ahead.”

“In an AI-driven world, rankings matter less than relevance. The future belongs to those who are referenced, not just found.”

Resources:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:36 — 44.8MB) | Embed

1525: Celanese Odyssey: Lessons from a Lifetime in Engineering, Leadership, and Global Adventure with Author Edward H. Munoz

January 5, 2026

Edward H. Muñoz rose from humble beginnings as a first-generation Mexican American in a South Texas border town to build a 33-year career at Celanese, where he played a key role in transforming the company into a global leader in engineering materials. After earning a chemistry degree from the University of Texas at Austin, he joined Celanese during its pivot from fibers to high-value engineering resins and helped establish its polyacetal product as a serious competitor to industry giants like DuPont and GE. His journey included navigating corporate takeovers, leading multinational teams, confronting cultural bias, and accepting personal sacrifices, particularly the strain his ambition placed on family life. A near-fatal car accident that killed a close friend became a defining turning point, propelling him into international leadership roles and reshaping both his career trajectory and personal life.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Edward Muñoz reflects on his legacy through his memoir Challenges, Triumphs, and Heroes: Memoirs of My Celanese Odyssey, which honors the people behind corporate success while capturing the human cost of leadership. He discusses his work in Germany and Mexico, his commitment to inclusive leadership, and the lessons learned from balancing ambition, culture, and responsibility. Now living with Parkinson’s disease, he remains active through photography, travel, and leadership within the arts community, helping an organization not only survive the pandemic but grow significantly. Key takeaways include the importance of resilience, values-driven leadership, preserving personal history, and leaving something meaningful behind for future generations.

Quotes:

“The hardest challenge was balancing ambition with family. You gain a career, but you pay a price, and you have to decide what you are willing to give up.”

“I am an American. That moment taught me how perception works and how easily people define others before they listen.”

“You are not going to be around forever, so you have to leave something behind that others can learn from.”

“When I think I might get fired, I remember this: I was looking for a job when I got here.”

Resources:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:09 — 41.4MB) | Embed

1524: From War-Torn Vietnam to America Finding Freedom, Purpose, and Healing After Conflict with Author & Activist Thuy Reed

January 4, 2026

Thuy Reed is a Vietnamese American author whose life was shaped by war, loss, displacement, and resilience. Born in a small village in Vietnam during the war, she witnessed firsthand the devastation inflicted on families and communities, including the death of her brother, who was killed by a sniper at the age of 21. She left Vietnam as a young woman, believing she would return, only to have South Vietnam fall months later, permanently altering the course of her life. After immigrating to the United States, she navigated profound cultural shifts, built a new life, raised a family, and transformed her painful experiences into a lifelong commitment to peace, civic responsibility, and honoring the true cost of freedom.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Thuy Reed shares how her experiences motivated her to write Dear America: From Vietnam with Love, a memoir written as both a personal reflection and a message to her adopted country. She discusses her 12-year effort to help lift the U.S. trade embargo on Vietnam, her deep concerns about political violence and civic disengagement, and her belief that democracy requires education, participation, and accountability. Through her story, she emphasizes that war leaves generational wounds, violence does not win hearts or minds, and freedom must be protected through informed action rather than fear. The key takeaways center on valuing democracy, rejecting violence, staying engaged, and remembering the human cost behind political decisions.

Quotes:

“I do not like war, because the bullet that killed a boy on the battlefield went straight into his mother’s heart.”

“You cannot win hearts and minds with guns and bullets. You cannot.”

“This is America. If you want change, you work hard, you vote, and you stay engaged. You do not tear it down.”

“I love America with all my heart, because this is where everything that is me and mine is found.”

Resources:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:31 — 39.2MB) | Embed

1523: Publicity Over Ads: Get More Sales and Influence Without the High Cost with Public Relations Expert Jill Lublin

January 3, 2026

Jill Lublin is a longtime publicity strategist and media expert with more than 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs, authors, and professionals gain visibility without paying for advertising. Throughout her career, she has focused on demystifying publicity and removing financial and emotional barriers that keep people from sharing their message. Her work addresses common challenges, such as fear of visibility, unclear messaging, and the misconception that publicity requires expensive PR agencies. By reframing publicity as a skill that anyone can learn, she has helped clients turn personal stories, setbacks, and unique perspectives into compelling media features that drive credibility, trust, and business growth.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jill Lublin explains how she helps people become their own publicity machine by focusing on clear messaging, consistency, and practical weekly actions. She emphasizes spending as little as 30 minutes a week on real visibility-building activities such as Google Alerts, responding to media requests, and booking podcast interviews, rather than relying solely on social media. She shares examples of clients who transformed their stories into primary media coverage, book sales, and consulting revenue, reinforcing that publicity multiplies reach and monetizes expertise over time. Key takeaways include saying yes to opportunities, using all parts of your story, starting local, and viewing publicity as a long-term asset that builds authority, trust, and lasting influence.

Quotes:

“Publicity does not have to be expensive or complicated. When you make it accessible, it becomes a powerful tool for every entrepreneur.”

“Consistency and persistence create publicity. When you stay focused and keep showing up, visibility follows.”

“Spend 30 minutes a week on real visibility-building activities, and you will see momentum. Publicity rewards action, not perfection.”

“Publicity is a gift that keeps on giving because it multiplies you, monetizes you, and maximizes your message.”

Resources:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:26 — 29.4MB) | Embed

1522: Master Your Playbook: Unlock Personal Potential and Build High-Performing Teams with Larry Dodd

January 2, 2026

Larry Dodd is an executive coach and founder of Open Playbook with more than 35 years of experience helping leaders and teams reconnect to what drives real performance. His journey includes navigating career choices that were initially misaligned with his natural strengths, an experience that forced him to work harder than necessary and ultimately sparked deeper self-examination. Through setbacks, reflection, and disciplined personal growth, he developed a strengths-based methodology rooted in understanding innate talents, building confidence, and turning self-awareness into effective leadership. His career includes high-impact roles such as working with the San Francisco Giants, where a pivotal opportunity reinforced the importance of confidence, preparation, and offering value without fear of failure.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Larry Dodd explains how Open Playbook helps individuals and organizations rebuild connection in a disconnected, post-pandemic world. His work centers on three core concepts: the playbook you are given, the playbook you develop, and the playbook you give away. By using tools such as CliftonStrengths alongside deep, human-centered coaching, he helps people align roles with strengths, build engaged teams, and create cultures where leaders invest in others rather than operate in isolation. Key takeaways include the importance of connection over convenience, confidence built through repetition and guided reflection, and viewing setbacks as catalysts for growth. His current work focuses on developing strengths-based leaders who create lasting impact by sharing their experiences, mentoring others, and building teams that thrive rather than merely perform.

Quotes:

“Everybody has inherent talents, but if we never stop to understand what we actually have, we end up working twice as hard just to play even.”

“Nothing replaces connection. You can get information faster than ever, but developing people still requires time, trust, and human presence.”

“As you do the work, you build confidence. As you build confidence, you take risks. And when you repeat that cycle enough times, people start asking how you got there.”

“Success is not a straight line. It is a series of setbacks and breakthroughs, and those setbacks are often where the real strength is built.”

Resources:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:19 — 38.9MB) | Embed

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