In this special LIVE edition of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Julia Hartz, CEO and co-founder of Eventbrite, for a powerful conversation on the future of events, visibility, and real-world connection.

As live experiences make a major comeback, Julia shares why events are no longer a “nice-to-have,” but a core visibility and community-building strategy for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands.

Together, Michelle and Julia explore:

• How events have evolved as a visibility and growth tool
• Why real connection is becoming more valuable than algorithms
• The rise of niche, intimate, and under-the-radar experiences
• Common mistakes event hosts make — and how to fix them

• What great leaders and community builders do differently

Julia also gives a sneak peek into Eventbrite’s 2026 trend report, “Social Study: Reset to Real,” highlighting how the most social generation is redefining connection through:

• Off-Script Energy — embracing spontaneity and unpredictability
• Soft Socializing — connection without pressure

• Layers, Not Labels — blending niches, cultures, and interests for richer experiences

If you’re building community, hosting events, or looking for new ways to grow your visibility in 2026, this episode is a must-listen.

This episode was recorded live and is available in audio and video format on all podcast platforms.

• Live events as a visibility strategy
• Community-driven growth
• Authentic leadership and hosting
• Event marketing trends for 2026

• How creators can stand out offline and online

• Eventbrite 2026 Trend Report: Social Study: Reset to Real https://www.eventbrite.com/social-study-trends/
• Eventbrite platform for creators & community hosts

If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow entrepreneur or event host and tag us. Let’s keep building community with intention.

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It’s been a heavy start to 2026. In this real, raw episode, Michelle Thames opens up about navigating deep personal loss while running a business and showing up online. After losing her stepfather, cousin, and a childhood friend within days, Michelle reflects on how grief collides with the pressure to stay visible on social media.

This episode explores the social media side of grief—why algorithms don’t pause when life hits, how burnout accelerates when we force content through pain, and what it really means to take a break without guilt or shame. Michelle shares both personal insight and expert perspective on sustainable visibility, rest, and long-term brand integrity.

If you’re grieving, overwhelmed, or feeling pressure to “keep going” online when your heart needs space, this conversation is for you.

• How grief shows up in a social media–driven world
• Why “rest is not a failure of consistency”
• The hidden cost of forcing content during emotional exhaustion
• How to pause, scale back, or shift visibility without losing momentum
• What presence looks like when perfection isn’t possible

• Permission to grieve without performing online

• Grief and social media
• Rest and visibility as a business owner
• Burnout prevention for entrepreneurs
• Sustainable content creation
• Mental health and online presence
• Taking breaks without losing your audience

• Human-centered leadership and brand longevity

This episode is for:

• Entrepreneurs navigating grief or emotional burnout
• Content creators feeling pressure to stay visible
• Business owners who want sustainable visibility

• Anyone grieving a loss while still showing up for others

• “Grief doesn’t move at the speed of content.”
• “Rest is not a failure of consistency. It’s a strategy for longevity.”
• “Your audience doesn’t need perfection. They need presence.”

• “You are not behind. You are not lazy. You are not failing.”

You are allowed to pause.
You are allowed to grieve.
And your voice will still matter when you return.

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