Recent Updates
1532: Tales of the NYPD: Passion, Volunteerism & Real Cop Stories with Louis A. Rivera
Louis A. Rivera is a retired NYPD officer, author, and storyteller who brings a raw, behind-the-scenes perspective to policing in New York City. From surviving the turbulent streets of the South Bronx to handling riots, 9/11, and internal challenges, Louis chronicles a real cop's journey through two gripping memoirs: The 52nd and Four Six Rescue to Central. His firsthand account covers his start as a high school volunteer with the 46 Precinct Rescue Unit, his rise through the NYPD ranks during times of social change and unrest, and the relentless passion that drove him.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Louis Rivera joins Robert Plank to share powerful stories about coming of age in 1980s New York, the importance of passion and teamwork, and how volunteering laid the groundwork for a career in law enforcement. Louis discusses how internal obstacles can rival street dangers, reflects on evolving police culture and diversity, and delivers insights for those motivated by service. Explore what it truly means to follow your dream, whether facing riots, corruption, or the call to make a difference.
Quotes:
"Proudly we served; everyone who volunteered with the unit lived by those words."
"Follow your dream, your passion, become a cop, and be the best cop you can be."
"You don’t let obstacles get under your skin. You push back, you persevere, you serve."
Resources:
1533: Women’s Health, Menopause Awareness & Holistic Living with Sereda Fowlkes
Sereda Fowlkes is a holistic health practitioner, wellness educator, and passionate advocate for women’s health. With years of experience guiding women through the challenges of menopause and healthy aging, she empowers clients to understand their bodies, embrace proactive care, and make sustainable lifestyle changes. Her approach integrates holistic nutrition, alternative therapies, and a passion for prevention, helping people thrive at every life stage.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Sereda Fowlkes joins Robert Plank to shed light on menopause awareness, the impact of environmental changes on early symptoms, and the critical role of nutrient-rich foods in lifelong well-being. She discusses the privilege of youth, the risks of caffeine, and why listening to your body is key to prevention. The conversation explores the effectiveness of holistic solutions versus one-size-fits-all treatments, the importance of regular check-ups, staying vigilant for nutrient deficiencies, and why a supportive, informed approach can transform women’s health at any age.
Quotes:
"So if it's not in the soil, it's not in the vegetables, it's not in the fruits. So, you know, we're eating kind of like dead food."
"You cannot out supplement a bad diet. What you eat matters."
"Women always pay attention to your body. Something's different that you're not used to and you see the and notice the change. Pay attention."
"There’s no one pill that fits everybody. You have to know your body for yourself, especially women."
Resources:
1530: Business Transformation, Resilience & Authentic Growth with Jason Criddle
Jason Criddle is the founder and managing partner of a multi-entity private investment and technology ecosystem, including Smarter Holdings, Dominate.AI, and Jason Criddle & Associates. Known for scaling businesses through strategic development, acquisition, and a passionate approach to helping entrepreneurs, Jason leverages deep expertise in AI, automation, publishing, and behavioral coaching to drive results for both startups and established organizations.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jason returns after more than a decade to share how his journey from personal health battles to overseeing billion-dollar companies has shaped his no-nonsense philosophy on business growth, digital transformation, and personal fulfillment. Together with Robert Plank, they discuss why most entrepreneurs struggle to scale, the importance of consistent reinvention, actionable strategies for making your business scalable, and how to build infrastructure that lasts. Jason breaks down the value of pivoting early, highlights the role of mentors, stresses the need for clear customer experiences, and shares why celebrating wins big or small is essential along the sometimes-lonely road to legitimacy and authority.
Quotes:
“If your business isn’t producing customers or revenue, it’s not a business, it’s an expensive hobby.”
“You have to be willing to be bad before you can be great. Growth begins the moment you push past the fear of starting.”
“Showing up is a win. If you earned even one today, celebrate it especially with the people who matter most.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:32 — 63.9MB) | Embed
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1531: Niche AI Marketing: Unlocking Efficiency, Research, and Team Power in Tech Growth with Mark Donnigan
Mark Donnigan is a B2B tech marketing strategist, startup growth expert, and leading advocate for intelligent adoption of AI in marketing. With a track record of helping technology companies overcome resource constraints and secure multimillion-dollar deals, Mark is known for building and accelerating nimble, effective teams. He specializes in leveraging AI for research, content creation, and productivity, empowering marketers to be T-shaped, deeply knowledgeable, and highly adaptive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Mark Donnigan joins Robert Plank to share how AI is enabling small marketing teams to punch above their weight, create high-quality content, and deeply understand their buyers. Mark elaborates on the transformative power of LLMs, the overlooked capabilities for market research, and the vital importance of combining AI with genuine market insight. Discover why embracing AI is crucial, how to update your processes for maximum growth, and what makes resilient teams thrive in tech's fast-changing environment.
Quotes:
“AI gives marketers a superpower; anyone can become T-shaped, expanding depth and range exactly where the moment demands.”
“What once looked like under-resourced teams now looks like untapped advantage. With AI, small teams can break through big limitations.”
“Don’t chase every new AI train. Spend that time learning your market, show up, listen deeply, and understand what your audience actually needs.”
Resources:
- Connect with Mark Donnigan on LinkedIn
- Explore Growth Stage Marketing
- Visit the GrowthStage Marketing Blog
- Check out Mark Donnigan on YouTube
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:50 — 36.9MB) | Embed
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1529: Stand Out in Media and Film: Create Influence and Drive Change with Your Story with Heather Atherton
Heather Atherton is a communications strategist, PR consultant, and media outreach specialist with 25+ years of experience elevating brands and causes. Known for her work with companies like IMAX, GoFundMe, and Disney on Ice, Heather is also a passionate advocate for uncovering the truth behind the Vietnam War's Baron 52 case, a mission inspired by her father’s service. Through custom, outside-the-box marketing, storytelling, and her deep belief in the power of dreams, Heather helps businesses, filmmakers, and nonprofits package their message for maximum impact. Her expertise spans film promotion, guerrilla marketing, independent filmmaking, and supporting small business growth, always focused on connecting human stories to wider audiences.
On this episode of Marketer of the Day, Heather joins Robert Plank to share her journey from agency work to mission-driven advocacy, the importance of visual/guerrilla marketing, and the ongoing campaign for truth around the Baron 52 story. Heather discusses building custom pitches, the challenges indie filmmakers face, and why early PR is key. Discover lessons on amplifying meaningful stories, DIY marketing foundations for creators, and the relentless power of believing in your ideals.
Quotes:
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and are bold enough to bring them to life.”
“If you can see your story visually, you can market it anywhere. Visual thinking turns ideas into impact.”
“I’m not a cookie-cutter. I create outside the box because that’s where originality, opportunity, and growth live.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:00 — 42.6MB) | Embed
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1528: Harmonic SEO Formula: Make Your Content into Authority and AI-Ready Visibility with Joseph Khan
Joseph S. Khan is an acclaimed digital marketing expert, AI and SEO strategist, and founder of Hum Jam. Celebrated for inventing the harmonic SEO formula, Joseph draws on a unique background combining formal music training (Berklee College of Music) with decades of digital entrepreneurship, including consulting for industry leaders like Microsoft and John Maxwell. His approaches help businesses and agencies synchronize their online presence, climb search rankings, and thrive amidst rapid technological change. With 3500+ Udemy students and a track record of agency training, Joseph empowers clients to harmonize content, citations, and signals for enduring relevance.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, host Robert Plank talks with Joseph S. Khan about transforming chaotic digital environments into marketing harmony. He shares how musical principles inspired his harmonic blueprint in SEO and now inform his revolutionary AI methods. The discussion dives deep into why industry-specific directories and authoritative citations matter far more than old-school backlink tactics, the importance of Google’s E-E-A-T algorithm, and why email-driven engagement signals help content get indexed and trusted. Joseph debunks SEO myths, details nitty-gritty steps for dominating AI search results (like ChatGPT and Perplexity), and offers take-action advice for agencies and individuals who want sustainable growth.
Quotes:
“SEO is like music; when your content, citations, and signals harmonize, both AI and audiences start paying attention.”
“Visibility isn’t built on volume. It’s built on the right citations and a clear, authoritative presence in your niche.”
“In a post-E-E-A-T world, authority, trust, and real experience aren’t optional; they’re the price of being found.”
Resources:
- Follow Joseph Skahn on Facebook
- Connect with Joseph Skahn on LinkedIn
- Boost Your Online Visibility with HumJAM—Preferred Choice of Top SEO Agencies
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:27 — 40.5MB) | Embed
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1527: Author Success Secrets: Publish and Promote Your Book Effectively with Publishing Strategist Pharice Brown
Pharice Brown is a literary activist, book publisher, and founder of Pain to Prosperity Publishing, a platform dedicated to amplifying powerful Black and Brown voices too often overlooked in mainstream publishing. Leveraging her background in corporate strategy and her passion for professional and personal storytelling, Pharice has created a company focused on legacy, impact, and authentic representation. She helps future authors overcome doubt, discover their stories, and navigate the publishing process to create works that resonate and inspire.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Robert Plank sits down with Pharice Brown to discuss the journey from corporate boardrooms to literary entrepreneurship. Pharice shares how everyone has a story worth telling, why personal experiences and professional expertise both deserve an audience, and the importance of visibility and marketing in the publishing journey. They dig deep into the biggest challenges authors face, especially getting started, being open to feedback, and embracing creativity and fun through marketing. You’ll hear about overcoming imposter syndrome, strategies for finishing and launching a book, the differences between self-publishing and working with a publisher, and real-world success stories of new authors. Pharice offers practical advice, motivational support, and free 15-minute strategy calls to help aspiring writers take the first step.
Quotes:
“Everyone has a book inside them. The real question is how you choose to spend it and whether you’ll let it be read.”
“Your core idea doesn’t need to change, but your information might. Growth comes from being open enough to refine the message so it’s truly worth reading.”
“Write the book. Show up consistently. Have fun. Be creative and let the world decide its value.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:55 — 2.6MB) | Embed
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1526: AI & SEO Mastery: Boost Visibility and B2B Growth with Melih Oztalay
Melih Oztalay is the CEO of Smart Finds Marketing, an accomplished digital agency leader with over 38 years of experience in the marketing industry. Renowned for blending traditional and digital strategies, Melih has successfully guided clients through economic downturns, market disruptions, and the accelerating pace of technological change. As the architect of the "Four A's" philosophy (Anticipate, Accept, Adapt, Adopt), he empowers businesses to stay competitive and proactive in the age of AI, navigating uncertainty with logic and resilience.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Melih Oztalay sits down with Robert Plank to discuss surviving and thriving through seismic industry changes, such as the 2009 financial crisis and the COVID pandemic. Melih shares how the art of “pivoting” underpins long-term success and how digital transformation is more than following trends; it’s about measurable, strategic action. He details the evolution from SEO to AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), why businesses must transition from pursuing rankings to being referenced by AI, and how schema/JSON scripts can elevate AI's visibility. Listeners will gain actionable strategies for embracing change, breaking through emotional resistance, and leveraging both human teams and AI to solve core business challenges.
Quotes:
“Marketing isn’t about promotion; it’s a discipline of problem-solving. The brands that win are the ones that solve real problems faster and better.”
“When change is inevitable, emotion is optional. Anticipate it, accept it, adapt fast, and adopt smarter—that’s how you stay ahead.”
“In an AI-driven world, rankings matter less than relevance. The future belongs to those who are referenced, not just found.”
Resources:
- Connect with Melih Oztalay on LinkedIn
- Learn about Meliho Z Talay on BrandYourself.
- Visit Smart Finds Marketing
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:22 — 45.8MB) | Embed
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1525: Celanese Odyssey: Lessons from a Lifetime in Engineering, Leadership, and Global Adventure with Author Edward H. Munoz
Edward H. Muñoz rose from humble beginnings as a first-generation Mexican American in a South Texas border town to build a 33-year career at Celanese, where he played a key role in transforming the company into a global leader in engineering materials. After earning a chemistry degree from the University of Texas at Austin, he joined Celanese during its pivot from fibers to high-value engineering resins and helped establish its polyacetal product as a serious competitor to industry giants like DuPont and GE. His journey included navigating corporate takeovers, leading multinational teams, confronting cultural bias, and accepting personal sacrifices, particularly the strain his ambition placed on family life. A near-fatal car accident that killed a close friend became a defining turning point, propelling him into international leadership roles and reshaping both his career trajectory and personal life.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Edward Muñoz reflects on his legacy through his memoir Challenges, Triumphs, and Heroes: Memoirs of My Celanese Odyssey, which honors the people behind corporate success while capturing the human cost of leadership. He discusses his work in Germany and Mexico, his commitment to inclusive leadership, and the lessons learned from balancing ambition, culture, and responsibility. Now living with Parkinson’s disease, he remains active through photography, travel, and leadership within the arts community, helping an organization not only survive the pandemic but grow significantly. Key takeaways include the importance of resilience, values-driven leadership, preserving personal history, and leaving something meaningful behind for future generations.
Quotes:
“The hardest challenge was balancing ambition with family. You gain a career, but you pay a price, and you have to decide what you are willing to give up.”
“I am an American. That moment taught me how perception works and how easily people define others before they listen.”
“You are not going to be around forever, so you have to leave something behind that others can learn from.”
“When I think I might get fired, I remember this: I was looking for a job when I got here.”
Resources:
- Connect with Edward H. Muñoz on LinkedIn
- Discover Edward H. Muñoz’s journey from first-generation roots to global leadership.
- Get Challenges, Triumphs, and Heroes: Memoirs of My Celanese Odyssey on Amazon.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:39 — 42.1MB) | Embed
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1524: From War-Torn Vietnam to America Finding Freedom, Purpose, and Healing After Conflict with Author & Activist Thuy Reed
Thuy Reed is a Vietnamese American author whose life was shaped by war, loss, displacement, and resilience. Born in a small village in Vietnam during the war, she witnessed firsthand the devastation inflicted on families and communities, including the death of her brother, who was killed by a sniper at the age of 21. She left Vietnam as a young woman, believing she would return, only to have South Vietnam fall months later, permanently altering the course of her life. After immigrating to the United States, she navigated profound cultural shifts, built a new life, raised a family, and transformed her painful experiences into a lifelong commitment to peace, civic responsibility, and honoring the true cost of freedom.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Thuy Reed shares how her experiences motivated her to write Dear America: From Vietnam with Love, a memoir written as both a personal reflection and a message to her adopted country. She discusses her 12-year effort to help lift the U.S. trade embargo on Vietnam, her deep concerns about political violence and civic disengagement, and her belief that democracy requires education, participation, and accountability. Through her story, she emphasizes that war leaves generational wounds, violence does not win hearts or minds, and freedom must be protected through informed action rather than fear. The key takeaways center on valuing democracy, rejecting violence, staying engaged, and remembering the human cost behind political decisions.
Quotes:
“I do not like war, because the bullet that killed a boy on the battlefield went straight into his mother’s heart.”
“You cannot win hearts and minds with guns and bullets. You cannot.”
“This is America. If you want change, you work hard, you vote, and you stay engaged. You do not tear it down.”
“I love America with all my heart, because this is where everything that is me and mine is found.”
Resources:
- Follow Thuy Reed on Facebook
- Grab Dear America: From Vietnam with Love on Amazon.
- Learn more about Thuy Reed and her story.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:01 — 39.9MB) | Embed
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