In this episode of Marketing Corner Talks, host Dave Keighron launches the show’s new format of blending real-world marketing conversations with student voices and applied learning insights. Joining him is Dr. Gabriela Birnfeld Kurtz, Assistant Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, whose career bridges academia, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Together, they discuss Gabriela’s path from Brazil’s marketing industry to Canadian classrooms. From her early days in digital marketing in Brazil to her current work in data visualization and entrepreneurship, and as a professor, Gabriela shares how research, storytelling, and practical experience shape her teaching philosophy. Together, they explore how educators can prepare students for an AI-driven marketing landscape while keeping creativity, ethics, and human insight at the forefront.

Later in the episode, student guest and Marketing Corner Talks producer Neehaa Kannamreddy joins to ask Gabriela questions ranging from building professional networks as an international student and navigating industry connections in a new country, to maintaining one’s individuality while adapting to professional environments.

About Dr. Gabriela Kurtz

Gabriela Birnfeld Kurtz is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at the University of the Fraser Valley, where she teaches and researches at the intersection of marketing, social media, and digital culture. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing across Brazil and Canada, she specializes in B2B strategy, entrepreneurship, brand storytelling, and digital engagement. Her work bridges academic theory and industry practice, helping students connect creativity, analytics, and strategy in today’s digital marketplace.

Before joining UFV, Gabriela taught marketing and communication at Douglas College, Langara College, University Canada West, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. She is also a researcher with the DaVInt (Data Visualization and Interaction) Lab at PUCRS, where she studies how interactivity and data visualization shape consumer behaviour and digital experiences.

Gabriela holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Information from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, where her award-winning dissertation examined gender and power in video game narratives. Recognized with the QS Reimagine Education Award, she champions experiential learning, storytelling, and inclusive communication.

Connect with Dr. Kurtz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielakurtz/

Email: gabika266@gmail.com

Connect with Marketing Corner Talks

Website: http://marketingcornertalks.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/marketing-corner-talks/id1729155917

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3brRP5j4Flru1lxjHe6BuN?si=31e0a7bc080c45fe

Instagram: @marketingcornertalks

Interested in being a guest? Email us at: info@marketingcornertalks.com

In this episode of Marketing Corner Talks: Business Edition, host Dave Keighron sits down with Javier Lavalle, co-founder of We Make Games, the indie board game publisher behind the breakout hit Teddies vs. Monsters. What began as a pandemic idea amongst roommates has evolved into a fast-growing creative business, selling out its first release in just six months. Javier shares how a background in psychology shaped his player-centered design approach, how his team pivoted from failed digital ads to successful grassroots marketing, and why storytelling and community connection drive their brand. From playtesting struggles to B2B partnerships and global expansion plans, this episode reveals the realities—and surprises—of bringing imagination to the tabletop.

About Javier

Javier Lavalle is the Co-Founder and Creative at We Make Games, a design studio dedicated to producing highly engaging, strategic card and board games. He serves as an equal partner in the mechanical design of all games, ensuring that every title, including the flagship Teddies vs Monsters, achieves a perfect blend of unique theme and unforgettable playability.

Complementing this creative input is Javier’s role as the commercial leader. With over eight years of professional experience in Business Development, Sales, and Marketing, he drives the studio's execution from prototype to storefront. His core focus is on ensuring commercial viability: he designs and manages the full go-to-market strategy, oversees all complex logistics, and builds strong, lasting relationships with key external partners, distributors, and retailers.

Javier is focused on scaling We Make Games by translating creative vision into measurable success, ultimately securing long-term growth in the tabletop industry.

Connect with Javier and We Make Games.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javierlavalle-l/

Website: https://teddiesvsmonsters.com/

Instagram: @xavierlavalle, @teddies.vs.monsters

Email: gaming@wemakegames.ca

Connect with Marketing Corner Talks

Website: http://marketingcornertalks.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/marketing-corner-talks/id1729155917

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3brRP5j4Flru1lxjHe6BuN?si=31e0a7bc080c45fe

Instagram: @marketingcornertalks

Interested in being a guest? Email us at: info@marketingcornertalks.com

In this episode of Marketing Corner Talks, we sit down with Pascal Zirn, founder of Crushy Social, Inc., to explore what it takes to disrupt the dating app industry. Crushy dares to say no to endless swiping, predatory paywalls, and black-box algorithms, instead, offering a human-first approach to connection. Pascal shares the personal story that inspired Crushy, why he believes current platforms like Tinder and Bumble are broken, and how Crushy is creating a more human-centered, authentic approach to online connection.

We dive into the challenges of launching a new social platform, the importance of grassroots marketing, and the bold vision behind building something that resists algorithm-driven engagement. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or curious about how digital communities are evolving, this conversation will give you fresh insights into innovation, branding, and staying true to your mission.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

01:31 – Inspiration & Conceptualization of Crushy

08:32 – How Crushy Differs from Tinder & Bumble

10:20 – Go-to-Market Challenges & Early Users

15:50 – Pascal’s Vision for Crushy’s Future

17:50 – Lessons Learned: Understanding User Habits

21:11 – Staying Grounded as a Founder

22:58 – Advice for First-Time Tech Founders

24:55 – Connecting with Crushy & Pascal

26:08 – Closing Case Study

Connect with Pascal and Crushy Social Inc.

Website: https://www.crushy.social

Instagram: @crushy.social

TikTok: @crushy.social

Email: hi@crushy.social

Connect with Marketing Corner Talks

Website: http://marketingcornertalks.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/marketing-corner-talks/id1729155917

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3brRP5j4Flru1lxjHe6BuN?si=31e0a7bc080c45fe

Instagram: @marketingcornertalks

Interested in being a guest? Email us at: info@marketingcornertalks.com