James Jani creates long form, video-essay-style documentaries about the world of business. Sometimes it's exploring complicated subjects that need to be simplified, like the stock market. Other times, it's doing a deep dive on exploitative industries that prey on those who are ambitious yet naive. 

In this episode, James speaks about his early interest in YouTube, the path that led him to creating a channel, the emotions that come with overnight stardom, his philosophy on content, and where he wants to go next. 

https://www.youtube.com/c/JamesJani/videos

Chris Stefanyk is the Head of Brand Partnerships at 'Wattpad': a platform for amateur and established writers alike to share their written stories with an online community. Of their 90 million + monthly users, 80% are Generation Z.

We discuss Wattpad's growth, their uniquely supportive community, and the success that brands have seen through partnering with the platform.

https://brands.wattpad.com/

Brands vying for the attention of 'Gen Z' need to utilize advertising approaches that account for the generation's unique values and digital habits. Shane Austrie joins the podcast to discuss these topics more in depth. Shane is a Gen Z ad tech consultant whose background includes AdTech machine learning at companies like Reddit, as well as Gen Z-focused consulting work for Fortune 500 companies.

We discuss the sensibilities of Generation Z, long form vs short form content, the value to micro influencers, and more.

Executive producer for '100 Thieves', Mike Aransky, walks us through the career journey that led him to his current position at the top lifestyle brand and gaming organization.

Brand marketing lead Caroline Giegerich is back to discuss her thoughts on the trading platform "Robinhood": the validity of the criticism leveled against them, how they can bounce back from scandal, what their success means for other emerging apps and platforms, and more.

Follow Caroline's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineg/

Ryan Downey is the author and mind behind "TheStreamingAdvisor.Com", where he provides news and hot-takes about OTT platforms. Ryan's knowledge and ability to analyze the SVOD world has resulted in a loyal community of chord-cutters who deeply trust his perspective.

In this episode, Ryan and I discuss 'Cobra Kai', Netflix, Discovery+, Quibi, and more.

https://www.thestreamingadvisor.com/

Brendan Gahan is Partner & Chief Social Officer at the independent creative agency 'Mekanism'. He is one of the most prominent voices and best known innovators of the social and influencer marketing industry. In this episode we discuss the early days of influencer marketing, the future of this industry, "shoppertainment", TikTok, and much more.

Sign up for Brendan's newsletter: https://brendangahan.com/

By 2001, Power Rangers had generated over $6 billion in toy sales. Today, in 2021, Ryan Kaji of “Ryan’s World” has generated half a billion dollars in consumer product sales. Even with the seismic shifts in entertainment over the past two decades, the important link between consumer products and original content has remained constant. 

Marlene Sharp has had a long career in adapting consumer products, especially toys and books, into TV series, films, and short-form narrative entertainment. Her work includes the likes of Sonic The Hedgehog, Postman Pat, and Paul McCartney’s kids’ book HIGH IN THE CLOUDS.