David Usher has sold over 1.4 million albums, won five Junos, and performed around the world. Today, he's just as focused on algorithms as he is on melodies. In this conversation, David talks about the shift from turning emotion into music to building products that preserve memory, support healing, and explore how technology can actually make us more human. We dig into: * Why creativity is a transferable methodology across art, writing, and coding * How his mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis inspired Second Echo * The ethical edge between digital preservation and digital imitation * Why over-reliance on AI threatens our writing and thinking muscles * The rise of "human spaces" and why connection still matters * What AI is doing to music, artistry, and the business model behind it It's a wide-ranging conversation about art, identity, AI, and the future of human experience — from someone who's lived at the intersection of creativity and technology for decades.

Marketers spend countless hours optimizing for Google, LinkedIn, and Reddit—but what about Wikipedia? In this episode of Marketing Spark, host Mark Evans talks with Bill Beutler, one of the world's leading experts on Wikipedia strategy.  Bill explains why brands can't afford to ignore the platform that powers both Google search and AI tools like ChatGPT, and how companies can ethically and effectively manage their presence.  From the pitfalls of "learned helplessness" to the opportunities of Wikidata, Bill reveals why a Wiki strategy is now a marketing imperative.

Cold outreach has a bad reputation—spammy emails, pushy SDRs, endless noise in the inbox.  But Michael Maximoff, co-founder of Belkins, believes it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, Michael breaks down why most outbound strategies fail, how to rethink outreach as a marketing function (not just sales), and why relevance beats personalization every time.  He shares lessons from scaling Belkins into a global powerhouse, the role of AI in creating hyper-relevant buyer journeys, and why CEOs should be their company's best marketers.  If you want to transform cold outreach from a numbers game into a trust-building engine, this conversation is for you.

What does it take to disrupt a $500 hockey stick market dominated by global giants?  At just 22 years old, Zechariah Thomas is rewriting the rules with Swift Hockey—an elite stick brand that's affordable, player-first, and unapologetically bold.  In this episode, Zechariah shares how he turned a personal frustration into a fast-growing startup, his roots in drop shipping, and what it takes to stand out against CCM, Bauer, and Reebok.  From starting at 12 -years-old by re-selling products purchased at the Dollar Store hats to being featured on Dragon's Den, his journey is a masterclass in speed, resilience, and scrappy entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans sits down with Vahagn Sargsyan, VP of Marketing at Krisp, a pioneering voice AI company.  Vahagn shares his unique journey from full-stack developer to marketing leader and dives into the strategies behind Krisp's emergence as a category-defining brand. He explains how Krisp went from a simple noise-cancellation tool to a comprehensive AI-powered communication platform used by millions, including enterprise clients like call centers and Discord.  This conversation explores agile marketing, product-led growth, community-driven innovation, and how aligning closely with customers can fuel brand loyalty and expansion. 

AI isn't coming for the future of work—it's already transforming it. In this episode, Mark Evans sits down with Mitch Joel, entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of Thinkers One, to unpack the seismic shifts AI is driving in knowledge work.  From content creation to strategic decision-making, Mitch explains why the question isn't if AI will take our jobs, but what we're doing in case it does.  This conversation explores what it means to stay relevant, creative, and human in a world where machines can mimic expertise in seconds. Y ou'll also hear about Mitch's journey from agency founder to digital futurist, and how Thinkers One is reshaping access to thought leadership.

Entrepreneurship isn't just about hustle, funding rounds, or scaling fast. It's also about the inner game—mastering your mindset, aligning your purpose, and creating a business that doesn't consume your life. In this episode of Marketing Spark, Zaheer Merali—founder, investor, and executive coach—shares what he's learned from two decades of advising entrepreneurs and navigating his own personal reinvention. We dig into: * Why overthinking and overworking plague founders * How to break free from the addiction to hustle culture * The power of pausing, pivoting, and uncovering your true passion * Why aligning your inner compass is more important than any revenue target This isn't about working harder. It's about working better—on your terms.

Is your B2B podcast ready for YouTube? In this episode of Marketing Spark, I'm joined by Sergey Ross and Joe Newton from Sway One, who created a report [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G64xFhxyBBu9FTMOJ7RbWtrNE-eJya5O/view?usp=sharing]that analyzed 75+ B2B video podcasts to uncover what's working, what's not, and what the best shows are doing differently. We talk about why YouTube has become the top discovery platform for podcasts, the essential strategies to optimize for engagement, and why executive-led shows get 6x more views. Whether you're just launching your show or looking to grow faster, this episode is your tactical blueprint for B2B video podcast success. Topics include: * Why B2B brands can't ignore YouTube anymore * How to structure and format your show for better discoverability * Tips on thumbnails, titles, and short-form content * How to measure ROI (without obsessing over downloads) * The rise of executive-hosted podcasts and commentary-style formats

After a decade building Sendoso into a category-defining platform for B2B gifting and direct mail, Braydan Young is back with a new venture—Slash Experts—that's taking on one of SaaS marketing's biggest challenges: converting traffic without relying on the tired "Book a Demo" CTA. In this episode, Braydan joins Mark Evans to talk about the evolution of personalization in B2B, how Sendoso capitalized on perfect timing and deep buyer pain, and why he believes the next wave of sales and marketing will be fueled by peer-to-peer trust and real conversations. He shares lessons from scaling a startup through hypergrowth, raising $160M (including from SoftBank), navigating culture through the chaos of rapid hiring and remote work, and the "aha" moment that made him leave it all behind to start fresh. If you're thinking about how to truly differentiate in a crowded market—or wondering whether your next big idea is worth pursuing—this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, host Mark Evans sits down with Chris Silvestri, a conversion copywriting expert, to explore the art and science of crafting high-converting messages. They discuss the psychology behind effective copy, how to blend storytelling with data, and practical strategies B2B marketers can use to drive engagement and sales.  Tune in to gain actionable insights that will transform the way you approach messaging and marketing.

CMOs are under immense pressure to deliver fast results, prove ROI, and navigate an increasingly complex marketing landscape. In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans sits down with Jenny Sagstrom, founder and CEO of B2B creative agency Skona, to discuss the evolving role of the CMO, the rising importance of brand marketing, and how marketing leaders can stay relevant in a world obsessed with data-driven results. Jenny shares insights on breaking down silos between marketing and sales, leveraging creativity to differentiate, and why bravery is a crucial skill for modern marketing leaders.

Pricing in the world of Generative AI is still an open debate, with companies struggling to balance cost, value, and customer expectations. In this episode of Marketing Spark [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-spark-the-b2b-saas-marketing-podcast/id1518693165], pricing expert James Wilton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdwilton/], founder of Monevate and former McKinsey consultant, breaks down the challenges of monetizing AI-driven products.  We discuss why traditional SaaS pricing models fall short, the mistakes companies make when introducing AI-powered features, and why a hybrid subscription-usage model may be the best approach. James also shares insights from his new book, Capturing Value [https://a.co/d/8RW63r8], and reveals how AI companies can stay competitive while maximizing revenue. Tune in for expert pricing strategies that can help SaaS and AI founders future-proof their monetization models.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, I sit down with Yael Morris to discuss why truly understanding your customers is the key to effective marketing and sales. We explore how deep customer insights drive better messaging, positioning, and product decisions—and why so many companies get it wrong. Yael shares real-world examples of brands that excel at customer intelligence and offers practical strategies to gather and apply these insights. If you're looking to sharpen your customer understanding and boost engagement, this conversation is a must-listen!

In this episode of the Marketing Spark Podcast, content marketing strategist and founder of Haus of Bold, Erin Balsa, takes us behind the scenes of her journey from early marketing days to becoming a freelance powerhouse.  We dive into the evolving role of AI in content creation, uncover strategies to break through the digital clutter, and talk about the importance of consistency—without sacrificing creativity or risking burnout.  Erin shares her go-to methods for smashing writer's block, offers fresh perspectives on thought leadership and brand voice, and reveals how she measures success beyond clicks and likes.  Finally, she looks ahead to what content marketing might look like in 2025 and offers the one skill that marketers need to own the future.  If you're hungry for practical tips, big-picture insights, and a spark of inspiration, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans talks to MagicPace's Nick D'Urbano about his expertise on navigating the challenges and opportunities of helping hiring international technology talent.  From identifying the best markets for recruitment to overcoming legal and cultural hurdles, Nick provides actionable insights for businesses looking to build diverse, high-performing teams across borders.  You'll also hear real-world examples, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies to position your company as a top choice for global talent.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans chats with Michael Houlihan, co-founder of Barefoot Wine, about the accidental journey that led to one of the most recognizable wine brands in the world.  Michael shares how creative grassroots marketing, a commitment to listening to customers, and a unique positioning strategy helped Barefoot thrive in an industry dominated by high-end, elitist brands.  He reflects on the lessons that he and his wife, Bonnie Harvey, learned from building and scaling Barefoot, the challenges of distribution, and how they turned social advocacy into a powerful marketing tool. Michael also discusses life after Barefoot, including the creation of The Barefoot Spirit, a business adventure book and audio theater series.  Tune in to discover Michael's advice for entrepreneurs navigating today's competitive markets and his insights on climate change-driven opportunities for the next generation of innovators.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans talks with Ramli John, founder of Delight Path and author of Product-Led Onboarding, about the secrets to effective onboarding and customer retention.  They explore why retention efforts often begin too late, the three pillars of customer engagement, and the pivotal role onboarding plays in fostering long-term loyalty.  Ramli shares actionable strategies for developing a retention-focused onboarding process and explains the "hyper-personalization" potential of AI in creating tailored customer journeys.  Tune in to learn how to keep your customers excited, engaged, and loyal beyond the initial sale.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, host Mark Evans dives into the transformative world of podcasting with Tom Schwab, founder and CEO of Interview Valet. As a podcasting pioneer, Tom shares his journey of building a company that helps brands amplify their messages and expand their reach through targeted podcast guest appearances.  Discover why podcast interviews are a potent marketing tool, the common mistakes companies make in leveraging podcasts, and how AI is shaping the future of on-demand content.  Whether you're looking to boost your brand's visibility, build stronger relationships, or drive audience engagement, Tom's insights provide actionable takeaways to maximize podcasting's impact for any business. 

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans sits down with Ishveen Jolly, founder and CEO of OpenSponsorship, to explore how athlete sponsorship has been transformed by social media and digital platforms.  OpenSponsorship, a marketplace that connects brands with athletes, has helped democratize sponsorship deals, enabling even small brands to work with sports stars across various niches. Ishveen shares her journey from sports agent to tech entrepreneur, detailing how her platform has evolved from a simple idea to a tech-enabled agency working with global icons like LeBron James and Tiger Woods.  She provides insights into the shifting dynamics of the sports sponsorship industry, emphasizing how athletes are no longer just the faces of brands but partners in building powerful, authentic campaigns.

In this episode of Marketing Spark, Mark Evans sits down with seasoned marketer Linda Melone to explore how AI is transforming the marketing landscape.  Linda shares her personal journey, from transitioning out of the fitness industry into content writing and copywriting, to embracing AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline her workflows. She discusses the challenges and opportunities AI presents, offering insights into how she selects and utilizes various AI-powered platforms to maintain authentic, high-quality content for her clients.  The conversation dives into the importance of personalizing marketing in an AI-driven world, the balance between automation and human touch, and predictions for the future of AI in marketing.  Whether you're new to AI or already experimenting, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to navigate this fast-evolving space.