This week’s episode is a little different. A couple of weeks ago, I hosted a four-part live training series called 'Social Media for Video People' with my friends over at Ecamm. We spent an entire week breaking down how creators can save time, use smarter tools, and show up with confidence on video. And since this last workshop fell right on my normal Friday slot, I decided to bring you along for the ride.

In this session, we tackled one of the biggest questions creators wrestle with: where should I be posting my videos, and how can I stand out once I do? We dug into the strengths of different platforms, how to think about repurposing content without burning out, and the little things that make your videos thumb-stopping in a crowded feed. If you weren’t able to join us live, this replay gives you the full training so you can apply the same strategies right away. And if you’d like to catch the other three workshop days, covering planning, creation, and promotion, you can watch them all over on my YouTube channel.

Key Takeaways

• Instagram vs. TikTok vs. YouTube Shorts: Each has a different culture. Learn how to shape your video so it feels at home on the platform.
• Stop the scroll: Strong visuals, bold captions, and clear hooks are what grab attention in the first few seconds.
• Double up with email + social: Social brings people in, but email keeps them connected. Pair them for bigger impact.
• Growth without burnout: Build systems and repurpose smartly so you’re consistent without running yourself ragged.

Resources

• Workshop Replays on YouTube:
• Day 1: Social Strategy for Video Creators
• Day 2: How to Use AI for Video Graphics & Social Content
• Day 3: AI for Editing & Repurposing Video Like a Pro
• Check out Conor Brown at VacationKingdoms.com
• Grab some popcorn and visit Katie's personal podcast: TheVHSClubPod.com

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SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing...

Everywhere you turn, creators are talking about AI. Should you be leaning into tools that save you time, churn out content, and help with workflows? Or should your energy go into building real relationships and community that lasts? That’s the big question Conor and I tackled this week with our friend Paul Gowder of PowWows.com.

Paul has been building thriving online communities since before AI was even on the radar, and he’s quick to point out that the smartest path forward is learning how to use both together. In this conversation, we wrestle with the balance: how to let AI assist without losing your personal voice, how email can be more than a broadcast channel, and why community is the thing that keeps creators relevant no matter what tech comes next. If you’ve been wondering whether to spend more time testing AI tools or strengthening the connections you already have, this episode will help you see where to put your focus.

Key Takeaways

• Community isn’t about size: Ten engaged people in your living room beats ten thousand ghost subscribers.
• Email builds deeper connections: Write like you’re talking to one person, not shouting at a crowd.
• Treat your newsletter as real content: Don’t just blast links. Make it valuable on its own.
• Invite replies and interaction: Polls, trivia, and questions make people feel part of something. Then respond when they do.
• AI is a helper, not a replacement: Use it to organize your thoughts or clean up drafts, but always add your own tone and stories.
• Don’t force community: Start by treating your audience like they’re already part of something. The structure (Facebook group, Circle, etc.) can come later.

Resources

• Paul Gowder: powwows.com
• Paul’s new free creator community: onthewaycommunity.com
• Conor Brown: vacationkingdoms.com
• SEPTEMBER 2-5TH: Free Video Creators Workshop: jeffsieh.com/workshop

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SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an...

Ever buy a “miracle app” that promised to automate your business, write your copy, and maybe even walk the dog… only to have it end up collecting dust in a folder called Someday? Same here. That’s why this week Conor and I are comparing notes on the AI tools that actually stuck. These are the ones we’ve folded into our real workflows, the tools saving us time and keeping us sane when the content calendar feels relentless.

From editing podcasts into social clips to spinning up client portals in minutes, these five tools are pulling serious weight in our businesses. We talk about Descript’s new AI B-roll, what feels different in ChatGPT 5, smart ways to chain prompts for images, why Notion + Notion AI is so versatile, how MidJourney’s video option is sneaking into our thumbnails, and where Perplexity and NotebookLM fit into our research and SOP systems. If you’ve wondered which AI apps are worth your time, you’ll find some solid answers here.

Key Takeaways

• Descript remains our editing hub: Upload the recording, use Find Clips for cold opens, and try the new AI-generated B-roll right in the editor.
• ChatGPT is our daily driver: We use it for planning, drafting, brainstorming, and research. The new 5.0 update makes it noticeably faster and more direct, which keeps our workflow moving smoothly.
• Prompt chaining beats giant prompts: Build images step-by-step—create the base, then layer in overlays, text, or tweaks for more consistent results.
• Notion + NotionAI: Spin up client portals, SOPs, and shared databases quickly. The Save to Notion clipper and mobile share sheet make it easy to stash articles and ideas on the fly.
• MidJourney’s new video option: Great for animated thumbnails, email GIFs, or short loops.
• NotebookLM for SOPs and team queries: Upload docs or transcripts, then let teammates search only your materials for answers. Keeps systems tight.

Resources

• Check out Conor's Vacation Kingdoms
• Conor's 60-day Content Challenge on Instagram
• My Toolbox, which includes all the tools we talked about!
• The Ultimate AI Tool for Beginners: Magai (affiliate)

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SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

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Join us for a high-impact conversation with Amanda Robinson, Meta Certified Lead Trainer and founder of The Digital Gal, as we break down what’s working, and what still needs a human touch, in Facebook advertising for 2025.

Amanda shares how Meta’s AI-powered Advantage+ tools are reshaping the way small businesses run ads, from generating creative variations to expanding targeting. She explains where these features help level the playing field and where advertisers still need to step in and babysit campaigns.

We also explore how to structure budgets, when boosting a post makes sense, and how to move into Ads Manager for more control. Amanda walks us through practical strategies for testing tiny offers, building email lists, and balancing automation with authentic creative.

Whether you’re brand new to Facebook ads or ready to refine your funnels, this episode offers clarity and strategies you can put into practice right away.

• How Meta’s Advantage+ AI tools work and where they still fall short
• Why creative assets now play a bigger role in ad performance
• Boosted posts vs. Ads Manager: when to use each
• Smart budget strategies for small businesses
• How to build effective tiny offer funnels with Facebook ads
• Using reach, traffic, and retargeting campaigns in the right order
• Tips for growing your email list with lead ads that attract quality subscribers

• Amanda Robinson – The Digital Gal – thedigitalgal.com
• Connect with Amanda on Facebook – facebook.com/thedigitalgal
• Paul Gowder - paulgowder.com and powwows.com

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Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15

SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.

Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and

In this episode, Conor Brown joins me to share the biggest lessons we pulled from two impactful business books that tackle burnout, balance, and what it really means to build lasting success.

We break down the key takeaways from Lean Learning by Pat Flynn and The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom, exploring how creators and entrepreneurs can shift their mindset, set priorities, and focus on what really matters. From the dangers of information overload to the importance of defining wealth beyond money, these books offer a roadmap to help you create with purpose and avoid burnout.

We also share our own reflections on applying these lessons in real life: setting boundaries, finding community, and designing workflows that leave space for creativity instead of constant hustle. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the grind, this episode is full of ideas and encouragement to help you recalibrate.

• The risks of chasing every new idea without a clear learning framework
• Why defining wealth goes far beyond financial success
• How to recognize the early signs of burnout and pivot before it’s too late
• Practical ways to build systems that prioritize focus and balance
• The role of community and accountability in sustaining creative work
• Our personal takeaways from applying these lessons in our own businesses

• Lean Learning by Pat Flynn – Available on Amazon
• The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom – Available on Amazon
• Conor's Vacation Kingdoms – vacationkingdoms.com

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Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15

SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.

Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise...

Join us for a thoughtful conversation with Katie Fawkes, Director of Marketing at Ecamm, as we explore how creators can make the most of networking opportunities, whether at large industry conferences or intimate local meetups.

Katie shares how being intentional with your time, energy, and goals can transform any event into a meaningful connection-building experience. From navigating the overwhelming pace of mega conferences to embracing the relationship-focused nature of smaller gatherings, she offers practical advice for choosing the right events and showing up prepared.

We also unpack the importance of following up after meeting someone new, creating systems to stay connected, and finding ways to contribute value to your network year-round. Katie’s insights will help you turn conference handshakes into genuine, lasting relationships that can support your creative and business growth.

Key Points:

• Deciding between large conferences and small gatherings based on your goals
• Preparing intentionally before attending events to maximize your experience
• Strategies for building and maintaining genuine connections
• The role of follow-up in nurturing new relationships
• Finding ways to contribute value to your network consistently

Resources:

• Creator Camp 2025
• Connect with Katie on LinkedIn!
• Join Katie and Nat at The VHS Club! (they rate movies with potatoes btw)
• Check out what Paul has going on at paulgowder.com and onthewaycommunity.com

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Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15

SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.

Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and

Today, AI consultant and creative tech specialist Ian Anderson Gray shares how to make AI workflows practical, approachable, and downright fun. Ian shares how his unique background as a professional classical singer led him to help entrepreneurs and teams adopt human-centered AI with confidence.

We cover everything from voice-powered prompting to automation tools that connect your favorite platforms, plus coding without the headache using emerging “vibe coding” methods. Ian walks through real examples from his work, like building calendar assistants, streamlining podcast production, and using AI as a “second brain” to organize ideas.

He also shares his take on when not to use AI, the importance of transparency, and how these tools can help us be more creative rather than replace creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned techie or just getting started, Ian’s advice will help you start small, think strategically, and build systems that work for you.

Key Points:

• Using AI as a collaborative partner for creativity and problem-solving
• Practical automation examples with n8n.io
• Simplifying code creation with “vibe coding” tools like Cursor and Claude Code
• Organizing research and SOPs with NotebookLM
• Prompting techniques that improve AI output and reduce frustration
• Why human oversight still matters in AI-powered workflows

Resources:

• Ian Anderson Gray: https://iag.me
• Connect with Ian on LinkedIn
• Conor Brown – Vacation Kingdoms

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Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15

SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.

Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.

Additionally, as a

Join us for a practical and inspiring conversation with Paul Gowder, founder of PowWows.com, as he shares proven strategies to grow your email list and keep subscribers engaged. Paul walks through the essential steps for creating irresistible opt-ins, building trust with your audience, and sending emails that people actually look forward to opening.

He explains how to approach list growth with a mix of creativity and consistency, including why you should focus on quality subscribers over quantity. Paul also shares how segmentation, clear calls to action, and smart automation can help you nurture leads into loyal customers.

We discuss his favorite email marketing tools, the metrics worth tracking, and how to adjust your strategy based on results. Whether you’re just starting your email list or looking to boost your current efforts, this episode offers clear, actionable steps to help your email marketing work harder for your business.

• Creating opt-ins that attract your ideal audience
• Building trust with consistent and valuable communication
• Using segmentation to send the right message to the right people
• Measuring success with metrics that matter
• Streamlining your email marketing with automation tools

• Check out Paul's Courses Here
• PaulGowder.com
• PowWows.com
• Conor's Newest Instagram Adventure

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Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15

SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.

Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live...