PODCAST · society
The Social Complex
by Social HQ
Welcome to the Social Complex Podcast! Hosted by Hillary Applegate, this podcast explores the good, the bad, and the complex impact that social media has on our world. From connections to criticisms, clout chasers and crazy stories, we’re diving into the variety of social experiences that make the space what it is.Subscribe to hear unique perspectives from brand managers, creators, influencers, moderators and memes. Hillary will also share her ongoing perspective as a social media marketer of 10 years with a keen interest in human psychology.Social media is so pervasive in our lives, whether you’re an active user of it or not. It impacts political change, pop culture, news and beyond. You’re living in the middle of one of the most interesting times in human history where we are more connected than ever virtually. What kind of impact is that going to have on the future?The answer? It’s complex.Read more about Social HQ here. ( https://yoursocialhq.com/ )Produced by You Lucky Dog Pr
Episodes
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Ep 71 - Headlines: DEI, DeepSeek, and More On The TikTok Ban
In this “Headlines” episode of the Social Complex Podcast, hosts Hilary Applegate and Jacqueline Keidel Martinez discuss the evolving landscape of social media and technology in 2025. They reflect on the recent TikTok ban, its political implications, and the impact on content creators. The...
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Ep 70 - The Next Era of Social Media: Community, Connection & The Fediverse with Marci McCue
When you think of social media, a few platforms likely come to mind—TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter—the list goes on. But each of these platforms operates separately, with individual logins, profiles, content, and communities. Now, imagine a new era of social interaction where all your...
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Ep 69 - Headlines: TikTok Ban, Spotify Wrapped, and Mergers in Marketing
In this 'Headlines' episode of the Social Complex Podcast, Hillary Applegate and Jacqueline Keidel Martinez dive into the multifaceted impact of social media on brands and marketing strategies. They explore the potential TikTok ban in the U.S. and its implications for marketers, analyze recent...
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Ep 68 - The Risks of AI: Ethics and Impact Exploration with Dr. Alex Hanna
When we talk about artificial intelligence, there’s no denying the many advantages it brings to the table. But, like anything great, there’s also a dark side to the moon. AI isn’t without its challenges—and that’s to be expected, especially given how rapidly the technology is evolving. So, what…
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Ep 67 - Live Selling on TikTok with Georgina Cohen
When you think of selling, you may think of HSN or QVC, but there's a new way of selling that is emerging in the form of social media selling on TikTok. Not only does TikTok allow an expansive audience reach, through its inherent platform, but it also brings forward a new way to shop through…
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Ep 66 - Headlines: Advertising Lawsuits, Instagram Teen Accounts, and More!
In this Headlines episode of the Social Complex Podcast, Hilary Applegate and Jacqueline Keidel Martinez discuss the complex implications of social media on brands and individuals. They explore the recent advertising lawsuit involving X (formerly Twitter) and its impact on brand safety, the…
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Ep 65 - TikTok: How Brands Can Maintain Growth, Will It Be Banned, and More with Sam Kaufman
The question of whether TikTok will be around tomorrow has been swirling in the news cycle since before 2020—it’s been a topic for a long time. So, what happens if TikTok is banned tomorrow? How can brands protect themselves and the investments they’ve made in content on the platform? Joining us...
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Ep 64 - Pop Psychology on Social with Gin Lalli
If you log on to any social media platform, it's hard not to come across some kind of mental health conversation. Whether it’s a positivity mantra, a buzzworthy term from a therapy session, or someone accusing another of gaslighting, therapy talk is everywhere online. On the positive side, it's...
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Ep 63 - Headlines: Return to Office Mandates, Executive Visibility & Beyond
Welcome to a special edition of The Social Complex Podcast! In this inaugural "Headlines" episode, host Hillary teams up with Digital HQ’s President and Chief Communications Officer Jacqueline Keidel Martinez, for a fresh monthly series. Together, they dive into trending topics in marketing,...
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Ep 62 - Know the Law: Giveaways, AI and Beyond with Ethan Wall
When you think of social media, you may not immediately consider just how wrong things can go. But like any other platform, marketing avenue, or communication tool, there are always inherent risks when it comes to using, sharing content, or promoting on social media. While the law has…
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Ep 61 - Behind the Curtains of Virtual Worlds with Daniel Liebeskind
When you hear 'virtual world,' what comes to mind? Headsets? The metaverse? Gaming? If any of those pop into your head, I'm here with a special guest to shift your perspective on what a virtual world is and what it could be. Daniel Liebeskind is the founder and CEO of Topia, a…
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Ep 60 - Digital Marketing in the Modern Age with Matthew Wolfe
In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes at Digital HQ, the marketing agency behind the podcast. We're a modern agency that's backed by a network of contractors and one of those contractors was invited to come on the podcast today. Matthew Wolfe is a marketing creative with an…
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Ep 59 - The Impact of Social Media and Screens on Youth with Kris Perry
Social media has added a complex new layer to how we interact and learn online. It has really offered the first opportunity for users to directly influence the outcome on the platform in front of them. So, what kind of implications does that have for kids? Today, I am joined by Kris Perry,...
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Ep 58 - Building Community and Scaling Content for Nonprofits with Daniel
It's easy to crank out great content when you have an unlimited budget behind you. But what about nonprofits who are known for historically needing to create really impactful stories on very lean budgets and resources? Today, we are chatting with someone who knows a little bit about that and is…
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Ep 57 - Creator Copyright and AI Law Progress with Sharon Toerek
Ever wondered who really owns that last post you made on social media? Is it yours, or does the platform hold the rights? And what happens when influencers and content creators post on your behalf? The world of content ownership is more complex than ever, especially with the rise of AI in the...
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Ep 56 - Flipping the Script on PR and Creator Partnerships with Jeff Barrett
Today's guest is Jeff Barrett, a modern PR professional who is thinking beyond the box of traditional PR and how it integrates into the content creator economy, media award shows, breaking through the attention economy, and how brand storytelling is happening on a grand scale. Jeff is a Shorty...
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Ep 55 - The Metaverse: Understanding Its Potential with Eugene Capon
Today's episode is all about the metaverse—what it is, what it isn't, and what it could become. When people hear 'metaverse' in everyday conversation, they might think of Meta with Facebook. Is it going to be a social platform? Or is it going to be something entirely different? In this episode,...
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Ep 54 - Navigating Alcohol & Spirits Marketing with Karen Locke
Welcome to another engaging episode of the Social Complex Podcast! Today, we delve into the intricate world of alcohol marketing and advertising. From the echoes of prohibition to modern-day regulations, the landscape has evolved significantly, especially with emerging markets like cannabis…
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Ep 53 - The Power of Digital and PR with Jacqueline Keidel Martinez
Welcome to the third season of The Social Complex Podcast, where we delve into the ever-evolving world and complexities of social media. We're kicking off this season with an exciting announcement about Digital HQ, the modern agency that supports this podcast. In this premiere episode, Hillary...
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Ep 52 - Crisis Management In A Digitally Connected World with Melissa Agnes
When we think of crisis communications, we often envision the worst-case scenarios portrayed on the internet and in our news cycles. However, crises don't solely occur on digital platforms. While digital media can exacerbate them, the concept of crisis is rooted in a more scientific framework…
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Ep 51 - Navigating the New Frontier of Artificial Intelligence with Zachary Lipton
We've all seen the level of impact that technology has on the way that we live our lives, do business, and communicate with one another. One of those advancements in technology that has swept the news cycle is artificial intelligence. And if you're anything like me, it has blown your mind. It's...
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Ep 50 - E-Commerce, Social Media and How Companies Are Using Shopper Data with Kurt Elster
When's the last time that you bought something online? Was it something that you needed? Or something that you saw and you liked? Our ability to shop online has transformed drastically over the last two decades. Even the ads that we are targeted with today are vastly different than they were five...
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Ep 49 - Tapping Into Employee Advocacy with Brayden Cohen
In this episode, we discuss employee advocacy and its significance in social media marketing, an area that many companies overlook despite its potential to support growth. Employee networks are a valuable asset, acting as advocates and promoters who can enhance a brand's presence through their...
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Ep 48 - Embracing Digital Consciousness To Form Better Social Media Habits with Log Off Movement Founder Emma Lembke
Social media is all around us, and it's all-consuming. Whether you have one platform, multiple platforms, a Finsta, or you're managing it for brands, it is everywhere. Have you ever felt so inclined to take a step back or feel like you're in need of a little bit of detox? Taking time away from...
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Ep 47 - The State of Online Harassment with Pew Research Center's Emily Vogels
The concept of harassment and bullying is not a new one. However, once the internet came into play, it completely changed the dynamic. In today's episode, I am chatting with Emily Vogels of Pew Research Center to talk about the studies that they have completed on cyberbullying, harassment, and...
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Ep 46 - The First Social Media Babies Are Grown - And They Are Horrified, with Kate Lindsay
Joining us today to discuss her latest article in The Atlantic, we have Kate Lindsay. Kate is the co-founder of Embedded, a newsletter about Internet culture. She also writes for The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Verge, and Vulture. In this episode, we are diving into the phenomenon of social...
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Ep 45 - The Customer Experience in Performance Marketing with Katie Almas
Performance marketing is a career that did not exist 10 years ago, but today it is one of the most sought-after positions in digital marketing. Why? Because it is a converter of sales. And today we are going to be talking about what the landscape of performance marketing looks like as well as how...
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Ep 44 - Creators at the Center of the Future of Work - How The Creator Economy Will Shift How Businesses Are Run and Promoted with Madison Long
The creator economy is a new one and an interesting one, to say the least. With so many of these content creators popping up in all facets of life, what is it that makes one stand out? What's the difference between an influencer and a content creator? And how can these content creators help…
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Ep 43 - The Role of Social Media in Political Elections for 2024, Predictions on Impact with Caleb Gardner
There is no question about the importance, impact, and influence of social media in our political sphere. Each election season since 2008 has had a hallmark reputation regarding how media influenced said presidential election. And we're heading into what may very well be our most dramatic…
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Ep 42 - Using Reddit For Audience Research with Fed Folio
Today we are going to be chatting about Reddit, that sneaky little platform that is building communities and having meaningful discussions that are also self-regulated. The people on Reddit are voting up and voting down anything that they do not want to see or do want to see. It is entirely run…
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Ep 41 - TikTok Ban: Will it or Won't it? with Paige Leskin
Will it or won't it? That is the question on everyone's mind: the fate of TikTok in the United States. With questions looming around privacy concerns, battled and combated by the issues of free speech and accessibility, TikTok finds itself at the center of the debate. TikTok is a fan-favorite app...
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Ep 40 -The Secret Sauce of Social Media with Jera Foster-Fell
In today's episode, we are talking with social media coach, expert educator, and just all-around badass, Jera Foster-Fell. Also known as Jera.Bean. Jera is a TikTok expert, an in-demand speaker, and a seasoned content creator. She leans into her extensive background in content creation and…
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Ep 39 - The Future of Demand Generation in a Cookie-less World with Amanda DePaul
Today we are going to be chatting all about demand generation in B2B. Amanda and I get into the nitty-gritty on what it means to be creative in B2B, how to stand out among the competition, how to structure and organize lean teams where budgets are not always a flow in, and how to be really...
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Ep 38 - Will TikTok Be Banned in the US?
We're diving into the potential TikTok ban in the US and the latest ruling in Montana. In this episode, we explore the legal, social, and economic implications of the ban, and what it means for TikTok users and brands. From national security concerns to the app's impact on pop culture and content...
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Ep 37 - Happy Birthday to Us
Alexa, play Happy Birthday because we've got a one-year-old in the house, and that one-year-old is The Social Complex podcast. Guys, we are turning one. That's crazy! This time last year, I was walking the floors of the Austin Convention Center, listening to the best of the best from South by...
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Ep 36 - The Rise & Impact of Generative AI with Rachel Woods
Let's talk about the buzz around Chat GPT and AI. Artificial intelligence has been around for a long time. What has changed is that now we have Chat GPT. It is accessible, powerful, and an indicator of what is to come in the world of artificial intelligence. And Rachel Woods is here to tell us...
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Ep 35 - The Science of Humor in Branding with Allie LeFevere
Today we are going to be talking about why humor in branding works magic – humor that is rooted in the science of how people connect communicate and ultimately trust one another. We all love comedy shows, TikTok clips, and witty banter back and forth from brands on Twitter to connect with their...
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Ep 34 - The World of a Digital Nomad in Vanlife with Noami Grevemberg
On social media, there are so many sub-cultures and niche groups. That’s the beauty of it - we all have a space where we can find others that share similar interests, values, and stories. One of those groups that has always fascinated me is one that paints a picture of the dream - van lifers. And...
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Ep 33 - Hiring Social Media Teams with Kelly Gordon
We're talking about the past present and future of the social media industry. While organizations were once comfortable with a single social media intern, we've transformed into full social media teams as the norm. And to help us understand the market, we're bringing in someone responsible for…
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Ep 32 - Building a Creative Business with Purpose: Neysa and Tabari
Building a creative business is a journey. Building one rooted in purpose and inclusivity? That's the next level. Today's conversation is for our business owners who are on the path to growing and scaling. We're talking all about early-stage entrepreneurship, finding where your passion meets your...
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Ep 31 - Are Influencers the New Celebrities? The Evolution of Influence with Andy Hohl
Celebrity culture has been around for a long time - from royals to movie stars, gossip magazines and red carpets have been filled with mystery and intrigue into the lives of those that society put on a pedestal. But Bennifer walked so Alix Earle could run - thanks to new generations, evolved...
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Ep 30 - Tapping Into Your Superfans Online with Brittany Hodak
Brittany Hodak is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and customer experience speaker who has delivered keynotes across the globe to organizations including American Express and the United Nations. She has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and entertainers, including Walmart,...
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Ep 29 - The Life of an AR Creator on Snapchat, featuring Potato Lens Creator Phil Walton
Are you familiar with the potato filter that captured the hearts of millions across the world? Well, the mastermind behind that and many of your other favorite Snapchat filters is here on the Social Complex Pod today to talk all about the wild world of AR - Phil Walton. Phil Walton is Snap AR...
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Ep 28 - Hustle Culture, Digital Mentorship & Why LinkedIn Matters with Bridgett Price
We are joined by all-star entrepreneur Bridgett Price to discuss the unsteady path of entrepreneurship, how to harness your unique gift and why mentorship matters. Bridgett Price is a Cleaning Guru and Co-Owner of Maideasy, a maid service company based in Phoenix, Arizona. She holds a Master of...
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Ep 27 - How to Recruit Talent & Master Employee Engagement Digitally
If you're not using social media as a pillar of your recruitment strategy, you're missing out. Not only are your applicants online - they are looking for the opportunities your company is providing! Here's what the data shows: 96% of job seekers use social media when conducting a job search...
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Ep 26 - Dopamine Nation on Social Media with Anna Lembke, M.D.
Dr. Anna Lembke is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. She is Medical Director of Stanford Addiction Medicine, Program Director for the Stanford Addiction Medicine Fellowship, and Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine...
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Ep 25 - Creating Content in Cannabis: Regulations, Rules & Realities
The cannabis industry is a nuanced one. With regulations that differ country by country, state by state, and even county by county, businesses bringing cannabis products to market are faced with uncertainty that changes by the day. But with legalization growing in popularity, more companies are...
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Ep 24 - Top 3 Social Media News in August 2022
We're reviewing the top 3 social media stories circulating the news cycle for August 2022. These stories include: Facebook and Doordash partnering up to make Facebook Marketplace local deliveries accessible across the country. Facebook losing steam on its long-standing place in the US Apple Store...
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Ep 23 - Taking a Social Media Break with Life Lapse App Founder Sarah Boland
Sarah Boland is the founder of the content app Life Lapse, a stop motion app that makes creating stop motion videos simple & easy. With more than 10,000 five-star reviews, it’s a must-have app for all creators. Sarah is a serial entrepreneur, creating businesses to solve problems she runs into in...
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Ep 22 - Holiday Shopping Predictions & Preparation for 2022
Ready or not, the 2022 holiday season is coming up fast. Today we're discussing the buyer behavior experts are expecting to see this winter. With a recession looming, inflation rising and the last two holidays uprooted from the pandemic, buyers are shopping earlier for the holidays this year...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Social Complex Podcast! Hosted by Hillary Applegate, this podcast explores the good, the bad, and the complex impact that social media has on our world. From connections to criticisms, clout chasers and crazy stories, we’re diving into the variety of social experiences that make the space what it is.Subscribe to hear unique perspectives from brand managers, creators, influencers, moderators and memes. Hillary will also share her ongoing perspective as a social media marketer of 10 years with a keen interest in human psychology.Social media is so pervasive in our lives, whether you’re an active user of it or not. It impacts political change, pop culture, news and beyond. You’re living in the middle of one of the most interesting times in human history where we are more connected than ever virtually. What kind of impact is that going to have on the future?The answer? It’s complex.Read more about Social HQ here. ( https://yoursocialhq.com/ )Produced by You Lucky Dog Pr
HOSTED BY
Social HQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Social Complex have?
The Social Complex currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Social Complex about?
Welcome to the Social Complex Podcast! Hosted by Hillary Applegate, this podcast explores the good, the bad, and the complex impact that social media has on our world. From connections to criticisms, clout chasers and crazy stories, we’re diving into the variety of social experiences that make the...
How often does The Social Complex release new episodes?
The Social Complex has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Social Complex?
You can listen to The Social Complex 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 The Social Complex?
The Social Complex is created and hosted by Social HQ.
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