ViralBrand TV with Rick Schirmer

Amy Caldwell joins Rick Schirmer for an insightful conversation on what it truly means to build a viral brand in today’s digital world. More than a single viral moment, Amy explains that sustainable brand growth comes from creating something that is inherently shareable, a brand fueled by authentic advocacy, community trust, and meaningful storytelling.Drawing from her journey of building Boundless from the ground up after a successful career in script development, Amy shares how she carved out a unique niche centered on relatable faith and coffee, using personal storytelling to create a deep emotional connection with her audience.This episode dives into the power of niche marketing, with special focus on the faith based community as one of the most engaged and influential audiences. Amy also offers practical strategies for creators and entrepreneurs looking to grow online: the importance of consistency, owning a clear brand identity, leveraging influencers based on engagement rather than follower count, and embracing the future of vertical content for mobile first storytelling.For anyone building a personal brand, media platform, or mission driven business, this conversation is filled with actionable wisdom on turning authenticity into momentum.

In this episode of ViralBrand TV, Rick Schirmer sits down with Chuck Bradford, a leader whose career spans Delta Airlines, Chick-fil-A, and now his own fintech startup, Cord Analytics. Chuck shares insights from over forty years of experience on what makes a brand go viral, emphasizing alignment, adaptation, and adding value. He discusses fan-driven advocacy, the importance of operational excellence, and how emotional connections drive lasting brand success. The conversation also explores Cord, a fintech platform designed to streamline investment analysis, and how Chuck applies the same principles from marketing and leadership to entrepreneurial ventures. Listeners will gain actionable takeaways on building brands, cultivating relational equity, and leading with purpose, principle, and perseverance.

In this episode of ViralBrand TV, Rick Schirmer sits down with Emmy-winning producer and author Maria Baltazzi, one of the original producers of Survivor. From shaping a cultural phenomenon on national television to creating her #1 Amazon bestseller, Take a Shot at Happiness, Maria shares her journey of discovering purpose, resilience, and well-being. She discusses the creative methods she teaches—like phone photography and reflective journaling—to cultivate happiness, as well as practical tools like “Savoring the Good” and “Thought-Stopping.” The conversation also explores her luxury well-being travel company, Sojourn Explorers, where transformational experiences blend adventure, mindfulness, and sustainability. Maria demonstrates how storytelling, science, and intentional living can help anyone produce a life that feels intentional, inspired, and deeply lived.

In this episode of ViralBrand TV, Rick Schirmer sits down with entertainment marketing legend Stephan Manpearl, whose career spans over four decades and more than 600 feature films, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Trek, and Airplane. Stephan shares his journey from consumer product marketing to Paramount Studios, where he revolutionized film marketing and helped launch Entertainment Tonight. A former UCLA marketing professor and seasoned industry strategist, Stephan dives into niche communities, market segmentation, and the power of engagement to make campaigns go viral. From early examples like The Blair Witch Project to modern AI-driven influencer marketing, he offers rare insights on what it takes to build campaigns that resonate and create cultural impact. Stephan’s one piece of advice: embrace change and always look forward, not backward.

In this episode of ViralBrand TV, Rick Schirmer sits down with powerhouse publicist Kate Morgan, whose clients span beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and beyond. Kate shares her journey from arriving in America with just $300 to running a globally recognized boutique PR firm. She reveals the strategies behind earning editorial placements in Vogue, GQ, Oprah, and more, and explains why a strong PR strategy is as essential as marketing for building viral, lasting brands. From identifying “white space” in crowded markets to leveraging affiliate programs and Amazon presence, Kate unpacks the modern rules of publicity, media, and brand credibility. Entrepreneurs and business leaders will gain insights on how to secure dream clients, create viral buzz, and master the art of influence in today’s fast-changing media landscape.

In this episode of ViralBrand TV, Rick Schirmer sits down with his wife, entrepreneur and visionary Rachel McCord, hailed as the “mastermind of all time.” Together, they dive into the strategies that make products and ideas go viral, emphasizing the power of creating movements rather than just building brands. Rachel shares actionable advice for entrepreneurs: focus on solving real problems, tap into existing waves of desire, and cultivate passion that drives relentless execution. The conversation also explores the nuances of influencer versus creator marketing, scaling with AI, and launching ventures that truly resonate with your audience.

On this episode of ViralBrand TV, Rick Schirmer sits down with marketing strategist Kenji Claudio to explore the explosive influence of South Korean culture on the global stage. From K-pop to K-beauty, Kenji shares his insider perspective on how Korea has become the “Capital of Cool” and a powerhouse of cultural exports. Drawing from 15 years of experience in marketing, PR, and TV with brands like Target, Kia, Quiksilver, and Fox Sports Asia, Kenji explains how Korean brands creatively reinvent Western products for global audiences and leverage platforms like TikTok to reach the world. He also discusses his personal journey moving to Korea, the entrepreneurial culture of the country, and how faith, food trends, and even pickleball intersect with business.This episode is perfect for anyone curious about global marketing, K-culture, and the art of exporting not just products, but influence.

In this high-energy episode of ViralBrand TV, host Rick Schirmer sits down with actor, creator, and viral strategist Eric McClellan. With a background in entertainment, tech, and nonprofit fundraising, Eric has mastered the art of making content explode online — from his first TikTok videos in 2019 to orchestrating viral campaigns for major brands.Eric breaks down the mechanics behind viral videos, the psychology of attention, and the three pillars of Chick-fil-A’s legendary raving fan strategy: operational excellence, second-mile service, and emotional connection. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from working on campaigns for Disney, Nutter Butter, and the movie Reagan with Dennis Quaid, as well as lessons learned from mentors like Adley Kinsman, whose content reaches billions of views each month.Listeners will gain actionable insights into creating engaging, shareable content, building authentic emotional connections, and leveraging digital platforms — all while keeping their creativity and humor intact.

In this episode of ViralBrand TV, host Rick Schirmer sits down with marketing and e-commerce expert Steve Morales to explore the evolving landscape of brand growth, emotional connection, and viral marketing. They share stories from their early careers — from grassroots campaigns at Disney and music labels to navigating the dawn of social media on platforms like MySpace.Steve emphasizes that while technology and platforms are tools for growth, successful marketing ultimately comes down to understanding people and creating deep emotional connections. The conversation highlights strategies for smaller brands and entrepreneurs, from leveraging TikTok’s algorithm to building authentic collaborations, to “shut up and shoot” content creation. They also discuss Morales’ recent work with the snack brand Waivers and share insights from Schirmer’s book Launchpreneur and the marketing classic Contagious.Listeners will gain actionable takeaways on connecting with audiences, embracing digital opportunities, and building brands that resonate on a human level.