Genuin Connections

What does it take to build a global storytelling brand from a YouTube channel? Sean Atkins, CEO of Dhar Mann Studios, has spent 20+ years following consumer behavior to its next destination — from cable to the early internet to streaming to the creator economy. Now he's running the largest scripted digital creator operation in the world, reaching 170 million followers and 300 million views every week. In this conversation, Sean and Genuin CMO (and podcast host) Matt Wurst get into the structural reasons brands need creators now, who really owns authenticity in a brand-creator partnership, and why the marketing value chain inside most Fortune 100 companies is completely broken for the creator era. Sean also reflects on what it means to scale a founder-led business without losing its soul, why the biggest constraint in any company is usually the founder themselves, and why a nonlinear career is a feature — not a liability. Honest, experienced, and genuinely useful for anyone building in the attention economy.

What if advertising could actually do something good — and perform better because of it? Chad Hickey, CEO and Co-Founder of Givsly, spent nearly two decades building revenue teams at some of ad tech's most data-driven companies. Then he asked a question the industry tends to avoid: what if media dollars could reflect what people actually believe? That question became Givsly — a values-based advertising platform that connects brands with consumers through shared beliefs, and directs real dollars to nonprofit causes in the process. In this episode of Genuin Connections, Matt Wurst and Chad dig into why values are entering the consumer consideration set alongside price, quality, and convenience — and what that means for how brands build trust, drive performance, and show up consistently for the people they're trying to reach. What we cover: Why values-based advertising is a targeting strategy, not a cause marketing tactic How Givsly achieves 90%+ retention by running campaigns that outperform The difference between genuine purpose and performative purpose — and how consumers tell them apart Why human connection is becoming the defining scarcity of the next decade What the fastest-growing values-driven consumer segments actually look like (hint: it's not who you think) If you're a marketer trying to build something that lasts, this one's for you. 🎙️ Genuin Connections is hosted by Matt Wurst, CMO at Genuin — where we explore the convergence of community, content, creativity, commerce, and the future of media and marketing.

What if advertising could actually do something good — and perform better because of it? Chad Hickey, CEO and Co-Founder of Givsly, spent nearly two decades building revenue teams at some of ad tech's most data-driven companies. Then he asked a question the industry tends to avoid: what if media dollars could reflect what people actually believe? That question became Givsly — a values-based advertising platform that connects brands with consumers through shared beliefs, and directs real dollars to nonprofit causes in the process. In this episode of Genuin Connections, Matt Wurst and Chad dig into why values are entering the consumer consideration set alongside price, quality, and convenience — and what that means for how brands build trust, drive performance, and show up consistently for the people they're trying to reach. What we cover: Why values-based advertising is a targeting strategy, not a cause marketing tactic How Givsly achieves 90%+ retention by running campaigns that outperform The difference between genuine purpose and performative purpose — and how consumers tell them apart Why human connection is becoming the defining scarcity of the next decade What the fastest-growing values-driven consumer segments actually look like (hint: it's not who you think) If you're a marketer trying to build something that lasts, this one's for you. 🎙️ Genuin Connections is hosted by Matt Wurst, CMO at Genuin — where we explore the convergence of community, content, creativity, commerce, and the future of media and marketing.

How is AI reshaping the future of marketing, advertising, and consumer decision-making? And what happens when discovery, research, and purchase all happen in a single conversation? In this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst (CMO, Genuin) sits down with Debra Aho Williamson, Founder and Chief Analyst at Sonata Insights and former eMarketer analyst of 20 years, to unpack the rapid rise of AI media and the AI advertising economy. Debra has spent decades helping marketers understand the biggest digital transformations—from the early ad-supported web to the rise of social media—and today she’s one of the leading voices analyzing how AI platforms like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and Copilot are transforming consumer behavior and marketing strategy. Together they explore how AI is collapsing the traditional marketing funnel, what Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) means for brands, and why trust, authority, and context are becoming the new performance signals in an AI-driven media ecosystem. They also discuss why the convergence of organic AI visibility and paid AI media is happening faster than the evolution of search or social media—and what marketers must do now to stay ahead. Topics Covered in This Episode: - Why AI is the fastest digital transformation marketers have ever faced - How consumers are using AI assistants to discover, evaluate, and buy products - The rise of AI media as a new advertising channel - Why AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and paid AI advertising must work together - How conversational AI is compressing the traditional marketing funnel - The role of trust, authority signals, and brand credibility in AI environments - How retailers and platforms like Amazon and Walmart are embedding AI into commerce experiences - What marketers should expect from AI advertising and measurement over the next 18 months Debra also shares her perspective on which companies may dominate the AI media landscape, why marketers must pay closer attention to consumer behavior shifts, and how brands can prepare for a world where answers—not clicks—drive outcomes. If you're a marketer, media executive, brand leader, or founder trying to understand how AI will reshape advertising, search, commerce, and content, this conversation is a must-listen.

How is AI reshaping the future of marketing, advertising, and consumer decision-making? And what happens when discovery, research, and purchase all happen in a single conversation? In this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst (CMO, Genuin) sits down with Debra Aho Williamson, Founder and Chief Analyst at Sonata Insights and former eMarketer analyst of 20 years, to unpack the rapid rise of AI media and the AI advertising economy. Debra has spent decades helping marketers understand the biggest digital transformations—from the early ad-supported web to the rise of social media—and today she’s one of the leading voices analyzing how AI platforms like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and Copilot are transforming consumer behavior and marketing strategy. Together they explore how AI is collapsing the traditional marketing funnel, what Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) means for brands, and why trust, authority, and context are becoming the new performance signals in an AI-driven media ecosystem. They also discuss why the convergence of organic AI visibility and paid AI media is happening faster than the evolution of search or social media—and what marketers must do now to stay ahead. Topics Covered in This Episode: Why AI is the fastest digital transformation marketers have ever faced How consumers are using AI assistants to discover, evaluate, and buy products The rise of AI media as a new advertising channel Why AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and paid AI advertising must work together How conversational AI is compressing the traditional marketing funnel The role of trust, authority signals, and brand credibility in AI environments How retailers and platforms like Amazon and Walmart are embedding AI into commerce experiences What marketers should expect from AI advertising and measurement over the next 18 months  

Recorded live at the Genuin-hosted Happy Hour during CES 2026 in Las Vegas, this Genuin Connections Q&A features Andy Wilson, EVP of Business Development and Commerce at McClatchy Media, in a candid conversation about the future of publishers, video, and community. Andy shares how McClatchy is rethinking engagement through vertical video, empowering editors to be front-facing, partnering with creators and influencers, and activating community around real cultural and passion points. He also explains how AI is being used across the organization to improve speed, safety, and decision-making without losing human judgment. This conversation explores how legacy media brands can embrace change, experiment boldly, and build deeper relationships with audiences and advertisers on the open web.

In this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst sits down with Will Cohen, CEO and co-founder of Downtime. Will shares his journey from helping build Triad Retail Media into a retail media powerhouse to launching a startup focused on a simple but powerful idea: if consumers are going to engage with branded content, they should get something meaningful in return. The conversation explores what modern loyalty really looks like, why user experience is non-negotiable, and how rewarding engagement can outperform traditional ads in a world of banner blindness. Matt and Will also dig into personalization, first-party data, ethical uses of AI, and why brands need to reclaim ownership of their content and customer relationships outside of walled gardens. This episode is a must-listen for marketers, product leaders, retailers, and founders thinking about loyalty, retail media, video engagement, and the future of consumer-first monetization. 🎧 Topics include: • Loyalty beyond points and punch cards • Rewarded video and interactive content • Personalization without creeping people out • AI as a tool, not a crutch • Owning experiences inside brand-owned environments Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of media, commerce, and community.

Meet Matty Beckerman, CEO and Founder of IRCODE, and learn about how computer vision and AI are transforming the way people interact with the visual world. Beckerman explains how IRCode turns any image — from a billboard to a TV commercial to a piece of art — into a scannable, interactive experience, without QR codes or tags. The image is the code. They discuss how this breakthrough technology started as a way to protect creative IP, evolved into a new layer of digital attribution and engagement, and is now redefining how brands, creators, and consumers connect. From a Times Square Hamilton premiere activation to scannable TV ads and AI-powered street art campaigns, Beckerman shares stories that prove how the future of interaction is already here. If you care about AI, attribution, and the evolution of media, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst sits down with Eric Sheinkop, CEO of The Desire Company, to explore the future of retail and commerce media. From working with Beyoncé’s team to building the world’s largest community of cross-disciplinary experts, Eric shares how authentic, expert-led content creates trust, boosts purchase confidence, and drives conversion. The conversation dives into: Why retailers face a “last chance” to stay relevant The role of AI in personalization, content editing, and expert matching How use case–driven content outperforms influencer hype Why immersive video experiences hinge on relevance and contextual continuity The importance of education and owned audiences for long-term loyalty 🎧 Tune in to learn how expertise, authenticity, and purpose-built content are transforming retail media.

Franklyn West founder & CEO Ashley Miles joins Genuin CMO Matt Wurst for a high-energy conversation on leadership, growth, and building modern communities that last. From scaling a retail media network to $1B in revenue, to reimagining how brands use AI, Ashley shares actionable insights for product leads, growth strategists, and marketers navigating today’s fast-moving business landscape. Key topics include: - The rise of “liquid talent” for faster, smarter scaling - Why modern community starts with ownership and customer expertise - Brand-owned experiences vs. platform dependency - Driving innovation while staying grounded in purpose 🎧 Listen now and reimagine your growth playbook.

What happens when you mix community-driven strategy, creative agility, and a cold beer? You get Dana Hork. 🍻 In this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst sits down with Dana Hork, founder and CEO of Beers with Friends, to talk about building brands that actually connect. From leading social at Walmart to launching a new kind of creative agency, Dana has consistently delivered big ideas that are both remarkable and makeable. They dive into: - Why brands must build with their communities, not just for them - How decentralized storytelling empowers employees and scales authenticity - The “Brand in a Can” framework for earning trust - What it really takes to innovate inside large organizations - Turning insights into action through agile, sprint-based creative work With beer puns, marketing wisdom, and honest reflections, this conversation is a must-listen for marketers looking to move fast, stay real, and build brands people actually care about. 🎧 Cheers to great work, real impact, and genuine connection. #DanaHork #BeersWithFriends #GenuinConnections #MarketingStrategy #BrandBuilding #AuthenticMarketing #Innovation #RetailMarketing #MattWurst #CMOPodcast #CreativeLeadership #CommunityMarketing

What happens when one of the world’s most iconic storytelling brands reimagines how ideas are discovered, shared, and scaled? In this episode of Genuin Connections, Tricia Maia, Head of Product at TED and the visionary behind TED Shorts, joins us to discuss how TED is evolving in the age of short attention spans, AI, and community-powered content. From embracing new content formats and social video to navigating the ever-present build vs. buy vs. partner debate, Tricia shares candid insights into TED’s product strategy, innovation roadmap, and the future of digital learning. 🔍 Inside this episode: - The rise of TED Shorts and short-form storytelling - AI’s role in personalization, moderation, and (eventually) creation - Lessons from the TEDx community for digital curation - Format innovation and expanding beyond the TED Talk - Why Genuin became a strategic tech partner - The power of community-led discovery and feedback Whether you’re a brand leader, product strategist, or content nerd, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to meet audiences where they are—without losing what makes you distinct.

In this episode of Genuin Connections, Genuin CMO Matt Wurst sits down with Jennifer Kattula, GM and CMO of Microsoft Advertising, for a wide-ranging conversation about the intersection of AI, creativity, responsible leadership, and customer-driven growth. Jennifer pulls back the curtain on how Microsoft is embedding conversational AI into its products, using internal AI hackathons to unlock workflow innovation, and redefining what it means to be a marketer in the age of automation. She also discusses the unique responsibilities tech leaders face in 2024, including building ethical platforms, preserving creative originality, and listening to the people who matter most: the customers and communities they serve. From driving measurable business growth to creating content that actually stops the scroll, this is a must-listen episode for anyone working at the intersection of marketing, tech, and AI-powered innovation.

In this episode of Genuin Connections, Genuin CMO Matt Wurst sits down with Jennifer Kattula, GM and CMO of Microsoft Advertising, for a wide-ranging conversation about the intersection of AI, creativity, responsible leadership, and customer-driven growth. Jennifer pulls back the curtain on how Microsoft is embedding conversational AI into its products, using internal AI hackathons to unlock workflow innovation, and redefining what it means to be a marketer in the age of automation. She also discusses the unique responsibilities tech leaders face in 2024, including building ethical platforms, preserving creative originality, and listening to the people who matter most: the customers and communities they serve. From driving measurable business growth to creating content that actually stops the scroll, this is a must-listen episode for anyone working at the intersection of marketing, tech, and AI-powered innovation. 🎙 Topics Covered: Why AI hackathons accelerate real business use cases The future of conversational interfaces like Microsoft Copilot Why originality and taste are the creative moat in marketing Empowering engineers through direct customer access Making marketing a true growth engine Creating content that earns attention in oversaturated feeds The role of leaders in building ethical, responsible platforms 📌 Perfect for: CMOs, digital marketers, product teams, brand leaders, agency strategists, and anyone navigating the future of AI and advertising.

In this episode of Genuin Connections, Matt Wurst sits down with Ruth Yomtoubian, VP of Global Innovation at VSP Vision, for a powerful and practical conversation on what it really takes to drive innovation at scale. From building cross-functional AI strategies to empowering providers and shifting outdated “build-it-here” mindsets, Ruth shares how she’s helping transform one of the most established healthcare brands into a future-forward ecosystem of connected care. You’ll hear insights on: 🔹 Human-centered AI integration 🔹 Grounded innovation vs. hype cycles 🔹 Designing with all five senses in mind 🔹 The role of storytelling in scaling ideas 🔹 Community, curiosity, and collaborative leadership This is an episode for anyone navigating complexity, pushing for real impact, and ready to lead with intention.

Brands talk about community, but are they truly building one? In the latest episode of Genuin Connections, Genuin CMO Matt Wurst sits down with David Teicher, Co-founder & CEO of Qru, to explore what brands get wrong about community-building—and how to do it right. Key takeaways: 🔹 Niche, engaged communities drive deeper impact than mass reach 🔹 Loyal customers are often overlooked in favor of new acquisitions 🔹 Smaller, passionate creators offer more authenticity than mega influencers 🔹 Staying culturally relevant is an ongoing challenge, not a one-time win 🔹 Authenticity and human connection are the foundation of real engagement A must-listen for brands looking to rethink their approach to content, culture, and connection. Catch the full conversation now.

What makes a story truly impactful? In the latest episode of Genuin Connections, we sit down with Marcelo Bukin—filmmaker, storyteller, and global adventurer—to explore the essence of human connection, purpose, and storytelling that resonates. 📌 Key Takeaways: - Why human connection is the foundation of great storytelling - How authenticity attracts the right audience - The 4 branding essentials for business success - Why happiness and purpose are deeply intertwined - From backpacking through remote villages to working with global brands, Marcelo shares how understanding people—not just platforms—leads to lasting engagement. 🎬 Watch now and unlock the power of storytelling.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Genuin Connections, a video podcast series where we dive deep into the minds of marketing and media thought leaders shaping the future. In this debut episode, Matt Wurst sits down with Marc Scarpa, founder and CEO of DeFiance Media, to explore the intersection of storytelling, technology, and community. Marc shares his trailblazing journey in participatory media, from pioneering live digital events in the 1990s to leveraging AI and blockchain to empower creators and brands today. Together, Matt and Marc discuss the evolution of decentralized storytelling, the role of data in crafting authentic narratives, and how artists and brands can reclaim ownership of their communities in a rapidly shifting digital landscape. 📌 Key topics covered: - The future of storytelling through decentralized platforms - How AI is transforming media with tools like Roxanna, the first digital twin news anchor - Empowering creators to build their own fan ecosystems and bypass traditional gatekeepers - Why brands should avoid over-relying on data for strategy and embrace innovation - Building authentic connections in a fragmented, community-driven media world This episode is packed with insights for marketers, media professionals, creators, and anyone looking to stay ahead in a dynamic digital environment. Don’t miss this compelling conversation as we set the stage for the future of media innovation. 🎥 Watch now and subscribe for more episodes featuring industry pioneers and bold ideas that inspire! #GenuinConnections #Storytelling #CommunityEngagement #MediaInnovation #AI #DecentralizedMedia #MarketingStrategy

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