PODCAST · business
OUTdrive
by Megan Hartman
Join Cliff Callis, OUTdrive podcast host, for actionable marketing insight you can apply to help your brand reach, connect and convert rural American consumers.
Episodes
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Growing Through Referrals, Brand Refreshes and Community Building
Business growth doesn't always come from the biggest budget or the flashiest campaign. This episode of the OUTdrive Podcast covers three practical topics for business owners and marketing leaders: Why referrals are pulling further ahead as the top way small businesses grow What Instagram's...
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Advertising to AI Bots and the Fight Against AI Slop
Time began selling ads formatted for AI bots instead of human readers. Claude's privacy glitch turned thousands of sensitive AI conversations into searchable Google results. And LinkedIn, Snapchat and Substack all introduced new tools this month to flag or demote AI-generated content as user...
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AI Ad Mistakes, Smarter Local Search and Customer Listening
Meta's AI ad tools are creating embarrassing, brand-damaging mistakes for advertisers who aren't reviewing the output. New survey data shows AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini recommend local businesses using different signals than Google. And Burger King's president personally answered 1,800...
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Telling Your Story Amidst AI, Zero-Click Search and Tough Competition
Consumers are holding brands to a higher standard when it comes to AI-generated content. Search traffic is reaching fewer websites than ever. And standing out in a market where larger competitors have more resources takes a sharper story, not just a bigger budget. These aren't entirely new...
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Lessons From Google's Search Overhaul, Email Marketing And The World Cup
This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman covers three timely marketing topics impacting how brands show up and connect with their audiences: Google just announced its biggest change to search in 25 years, and it affects how every business gets found online. Email remains one of the...
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Marketing in Uncertain Times, Online Reviews and Campaigns That Connect
This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman tackles three insights for business owners and marketing leaders to consider: How to keep your brand visible when economic pressure makes it tempting to cut back How to turn your online reviews into a competitive advantage And what three...
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AI Copyright Risks and TikTok's Growing Role in Search
This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman covers two aspects of digital marketing we're discussing right now: What brands need to understand about AI-generated content and copyright, and why human involvement in your creative process matters more than ever How TikTok is growing as a...
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Stay Visible with Video, AI Ads and Web Accessibility
This month on OUTdrive, President and CEO Megan Hartman covers three trends we're discussing with clients right now: Why long-form video is a valuable content format for search visibility and brand trust What early ads inside AI search and chat tools could mean for brands Why website…
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Smarter Marketing with AI, Search and Social Trends
OUTdrive is kicking off the year with a refreshed video format and quick, actionable insights from Callis President and CEO Megan Hartman. In this episode, Megan highlights three major AI trends shaping marketing today. Learn how AI is influencing ad creative, changing how people search online…
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A New Chapter for OUTdrive: Reflecting on the Journey
In this final episode of OUTdrive with Cliff Callis at the mic, Cliff and agency president Megan Hartman reflect on the evolution of the podcast, the growth of Callis and what lies ahead. From its launch in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic to 250+ episodes later, OUTdrive has shone a...
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A Mission Fueled by Sacrifice
Rocky Sickmann has lived a life few can imagine. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and one of the 52 Americans held for 444 days during the Iranian hostage crisis, Rocky's story is one of faith, endurance and purpose. In this episode, he reflects on his time in captivity, the values that sustained him...
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Marketing Trust in Missouri Hospitals
Farrah Fite of the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) joins Cliff to discuss the challenges and opportunities in communicating health care issues across rural Missouri. From open enrollment to Medicaid funding cuts, Farrah explains how MHA helps hospitals navigate a complex landscape while...
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Public Health Messaging That Works
How do you communicate complex public health messages across a state with diverse communities? In this episode, Cliff visits with Lisa Cox and Sami Jo Freeman from the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services to explore their approach to connecting with Missourians through effective...
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Step On In to the Best of the Fair
Step on in and celebrate the spirit of the Missouri State Fair! In this Best of the Fair episode of OUTdrive, Cliff Callis shares highlights from six memorable interviews that show how this beloved event blends agriculture, tourism, entertainment and community. Whether you come for the livestock...
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Custom Content, Real Results
Print isn't dead, and Jessica Embree proves it. Hear how Tulip Media Group blends traditional and modern marketing to create high-impact campaigns. With insights on answer engine optimization, content strategy and the timeless power of storytelling, this episode offers inspiration for marketers…
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Marketing Insights from the Heartland
How do you market business-to-business (B2B) in rural America? Join Cliff in this OUTdrive episode as he sits down with Amy Roraback, marketing lead at KMW Loaders, a Kansas-based equipment company. They explore the day-to-day of rural B2B marketing, including the tools and strategies Amy uses to...
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Celebrating 250 OUTdrive Episodes: Stories, Successes and the Road Ahead
In this special 250th episode of OUTdrive, host Cliff Callis takes the mic solo to reflect on five years of podcasting and the many guests who have helped shape the show. From business owners and marketers to rodeo announcers and rural leaders, Cliff revisits some of the most memorable...
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The Power of Voice in Rural Communities
In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff Callis visits with Melanie Rice, National Account Executive for Learfield News & Ag and President of the National Agri-Marketing Association. Growing up on a Missouri farm and now raising her family in rural Iowa, Melanie shares how her agricultural roots shaped...
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Inside Alaska's Health Care Frontier
OUTdrive host Cliff Callis sits down with Bruce Richards, External Affairs Director for Central Peninsula Hospital, to talk about delivering health care in rural Alaska. From his start in the family paving business to navigating politics and now leading key legislative efforts in the health care...
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Crafting the E-Commerce Experience
What makes someone click "buy" online? Sarah Gallagher has been chasing that answer for over 20 years. As the leader of Gamma Waves, a Shopify-focused e-commerce agency, she's helping brands grow with smarter strategy, faster sites and more human experiences. In this episode, Sarah and Cliff talk...
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Economic Growth from the Ground Up
Discover how the Springfield, Missouri, region is building momentum in rural economic development with guest Ben Vickers, Manager of Business Development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Ben and Cliff discuss the area's strengths in manufacturing, food processing, workforce and…
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Riding the Road to Resilience
In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff visits with Steven Brunner, founder of King of the Mountain Sports Marketing. With nearly four decades of experience, Steven shares stories from the global stage of sports promotion—from the Olympics to the Great Wall of China. He also reflects on what it takes…
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Leather, Legacy and Life Lessons
Meet Tucker Hancock, the driving force behind Fern Thatcher, a leather goods company rooted in tradition and built on family values. In this episode, Tucker shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, crafting high-quality leather products while balancing family life and…
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Building Relationships in Rural Marketing
In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff Callis sits down with Julianna Sonnik, an account executive at Callis, to discuss the importance of building strong relationships in rural marketing. Julianna shares her journey from growing up in Sedalia to pursuing her MBA while working in marketing. She also...
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Small Towns, Big Banking Ideas
Rural America's banking needs are changing, and BTC Bank is leading the charge with innovative ideas and a community-first mindset. Cliff Callis welcomes Jonathan Fish to OUTdrive to discuss how BTC Bank is revolutionizing rural banking with mobile branches, youth-focused programs and a…
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Where the Countryside Meets Compassion
Mental health care can be hard to find in rural communities, but one Missouri-based practice is changing that. Country Crossroads Counseling blends traditional therapy with unique, nature-based approaches to help children, teens and adults navigate life's challenges. In this episode, founder…
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Big Ideas, Fractional Time, Full Impact
Marketing success isn't just about creativity—it's about strategy. In this episode, we sit down with Peter Murphy Lewis, also known as Strategic Pete, to explore how fractional CMOs help businesses build smarter, stronger marketing systems. From his diverse career spanning continents to his…
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Connecting People through Storytelling
Storytelling is at the heart of marketing and communications, whether in business, sports marketing or education. In this episode, we chat with Kat Lucchesi, a professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, about her experiences in collegiate athletics, digital media and teaching…
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Keeping Rural Communities Healthy
Access to quality health care is essential for every community, and rural hospitals play a vital role in ensuring patients get the care they need close to home. In this episode, we sit down with Marvin Smoot, Vice President of Clinic Operations at Bothwell Regional Health Center, to discuss the...
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Super Bowl 2025 Highlights
The Super Bowl isn't just about football—it's also the biggest night in advertising. In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff Callis sits down with agency president Megan Hartman and account executive Josie Gregory to break down the game's most memorable ads. From the ones that scored big to the ones...
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Strategy, Ethics and AI Are Shaping Modern Marketing
Marketing is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires strategy, innovation and a strong ethical foundation. In this episode, Korena Keys of KeyMedia Solutions shares her insights on digital marketing, AI and the importance of responsible advertising. From starting a business at her kitchen...
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Improving Child Care Access in Missouri
Missouri's child care crisis affects more than just parents—it impacts businesses, workforce retention and local economies. In this episode, Robin Phillips, CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri, talks about the challenges of child care accessibility and affordability in rural communities. She…
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Building the Voice of Agriculture
Discover how Agri-Pulse grew to become agriculture's leading voice for legislative and regulatory news. In this episode of OUTdrive, founder Sara Wyant shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Iowa to building a trusted media brand covering food, agriculture and rural issues. Sara reflects...
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Talking Sports and Community
Sports bring people together, especially in rural America. In this episode, Cliff and Kim Anderson, former college basketball coach turned broadcaster, dive into how sports unite communities, inspire passion and shape identities. Tune in as they discuss everything from Chiefs football to high...
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Top Podcasts of 2024
Join us as we take a ride through some of OUTdrive's most popular episodes from 2024. Host Cliff Callis reflects on insightful conversations with marketing professionals and community leaders, discussing everything from Super Bowl ad strategies to rural banking and state fairs. Whether it's...
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A Legacy of Quality
Explore the story behind Danuser Machine Company, a fourth-generation family business built on quality and customer care. Glenn Danuser reveals the company's approach to innovation, service and sustaining a legacy that began back in 1910. Tune in to learn how Danuser navigates the challenges of...
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Connecting Communities Through Rural Health Care
Rural health care faces unique challenges, from smaller populations to overcoming misconceptions about care quality. Learn how creative strategies, innovative programs and grassroots community engagement are helping rural hospitals deliver quality care and build strong connections. Abbe Ream,...
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Connecting National Brands with Local Markets
Liza Buchanan, Vice President of Marketing at Sunstate Equipment, shares her journey and insights as she markets the national construction equipment rental company in a highly competitive environment. With a dynamic background spanning corporate marketing, nonprofit work and running her own...
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How AI is Shaping the Future of Marketing
Artificial Intelligence offers powerful ways for marketers to streamline tasks and personalize customer experiences and balancing innovation with responsible use is essential for building trust. Callis's Digital Services Director Kyle Meek explores these opportunities, discussing how AI is...
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Sharing Stories, Growing Trust
Marketing pro Danny Vowell, the marketing manager at Best Way AG, brings a rich blend of experience in journalism, photojournalism and business communications to his role. Raised in a rural setting with deep family roots in farming, Danny has a personal understanding of the agricultural…
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The Law and the Land
Attorney Chris Spangler could have built a law practice anywhere, but he chose to establish his career in the heart of rural America. A Missouri native and graduate of the University of Missouri, Chris returned to central Missouri after attending law school in Kansas City. Today, he co-leads the...
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The Human Side of Health Care Marketing
April DeGraff, a seasoned marketing professional, has over 15 years of experience, with a decade dedicated to health care marketing. Growing up in rural Missouri and earning a degree from Missouri Valley College, April has a unique understanding of both rural communities and the health care...
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Winning Strategies for Authentic Connections
Reaching rural audiences requires a tailored approach. Dr. Shannon McCarthy, Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Central Missouri, brings us a unique perspective, having lived on both coasts and in the Midwest. She highlights that while there are differences between urban and...
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Chatting with AI
This week's episode of OUTdrive features a conversation unlike any we've had before. Cliff sits down with an unexpected guest—a chatbot named AI-dilene! Together, they dive headfirst into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of marketing. Listeners get an inside look at how AI...
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Leveraging Digital Media Strategies
The landscape of digital media is evolving, and AI is at the forefront. In this episode, Rachel Hernandez, Director of Marketing at Next Net Media, discusses the integration of AI in marketing strategies. While some are apprehensive about these changes, Rachel views them as opportunities for…
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The Art of Relationship-Driven Marketing
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an account executive at a marketing agency in rural America? Josie Gregory, the newest account executive at Callis, breaks it down in our latest episode. From communication and strategy to research and project management, the role involves wearing…
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Getting Started Right
To truly thrive, startups must prioritize validation over assumptions—driving their success with real data instead of guesswork. Lilly Garrett, a marketing strategist based in London and co-founder of MAXIA Marketing, understands the importance of validating product ideas and establishing strong...
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Authentic Marketing is Key
Good marketing isn't just about crafting the perfect campaign—it's about building genuine relationships and maintaining transparency with your audience in a competitive landscape. Authenticity is key! Megan Elsey, Director of Marketing & PR at MJE and MJE Livestock Equipment, emphasizes the...
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The Three-Legged Stool of Marketing
Ever heard of the "three-legged stool" of marketing? Brad Grupe, owner and broker agent for Town and Country Insurance, uses this metaphor to describe the balance needed between marketing, client relationships and community service. Effective marketing requires a deep understanding of consumer...
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The Power of Storytelling
By leveraging storytelling, embracing modern marketing tools, and fostering collaboration, rural businesses and organizations can thrive in a changing economic landscape. Bing Schimmelpfenning, the executive director of the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes that effective marketing is...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does OUTdrive have?
OUTdrive currently has 266 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is OUTdrive about?
Join Cliff Callis, OUTdrive podcast host, for actionable marketing insight you can apply to help your brand reach, connect and convert rural American consumers.
How often does OUTdrive release new episodes?
OUTdrive publishes regularly with 266 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to OUTdrive?
You can listen to OUTdrive on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts OUTdrive?
OUTdrive is created and hosted by Megan Hartman.
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