In this episode of Shift Happens, we dive into the world of social media burnout, the rise of Gen Z’s digital detox, and how the game is changing. I sit down with Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis, to talk about the addictive power of algorithms, why we can’t seem to stop scrolling, and how the future of digital consumption is shifting right under our noses. From slot machines to social media, we explore how tech companies are shaping our habits and why real, authentic experiences are becoming more valuable than ever.

Tim Fullerton is the co-creator and host of Find Out, a new podcast that pulled in over 250,000 downloads in just seven episodes — without celebrity guests or media backing. In this episode, we dig into how he did it, what makes Find Out different from traditional media, and why he believes this show can evolve into a full-fledged media company. Can they do it?

Ryan Hashemi helped build Jubilee into a YouTube powerhouse. Now, he’s helping brands do the same at Snowball — and what he has to say about platform whiplash, short-form myths, and long-term content strategy is something most execs aren’t ready to hear. We talk about why TikTok fame doesn’t translate to business, why your thumbnails are killing your content, and why dipping into YouTube never works. If you're ready to commit, everything you need to know is in here.

Commerce has been one of the most reliable revenue drivers in digital media—but something is shifting. Dotdash Meredith, Hearst, and Food52 have all made major cuts to their commerce teams in recent months. And yet, the industry is still projected to grow. So what’s really going on? In this episode, I sit down with Nilla Ali, former EVP of Commerce at BuzzFeed and now co-founder of GAAN Creative, to unpack the real reasons behind the shake-up: AI disruption, Google algorithm changes, Amazon commission cuts, and the rise of creator-led conversion. It's the great commerce re-org!

Young men aren’t consuming media like they used to—so where did they go? Former Barstool CEO Erika Ayers Badan joins me to break down how Barstool kept its audience, why brands like GQ and Men’s Health lost them, and whether there’s still a chance to win them back—or if that opportunity has passed. Plus, the rise of creator-led content, Discord, and Jack Mac’s unexpected fame.

TikTok shuts down, comes back thanking Trump, and creators are left wondering if the algorithm is broken—or if this is the perfect time to jump back in. Meanwhile, Instagram’s Edits app proves Meta is still stuck in its copycat era, and creators everywhere are asking: What the hell is happening to social media? In this episode, Lia Haberman joins us to break down the chaos, explore how creators can adapt to this fractured landscape, and ask the big question: is this the end of social media as we know it—or just the beginning of something new?

Creators aren’t waiting for Hollywood anymore—they’re making their own shows and cementing their footprint. From building studios to launching their own production houses, they’re proving you don’t need the traditional system to succeed, or "make it." It might be also wise to keep an eye on this space as studios and networks shut down entire departments. Could these creators offer a lifeline for the bleak and dying industry of Hollywood?

With the resurgence of curated, personalized content and the popularity of newsletters on platforms like Substack, there’s never been a better moment to bring back the magic of DailyCandy. Audiences crave trusted, insider recommendations, and DailyCandy’s unique voice in style, food, and local finds would thrive in today’s creator-driven landscape. As consumers look for meaningful, curated discoveries instead of endless scrolling, a revival could seamlessly blend nostalgia with the fresh, personal touch today’s readers expect.

How are wearables and biomarker tracking redefining the future of healthcare? In this episode, we explore the big shift transforming healthcare with two industry experts: Anthony Vennare, Co-Founder of Fitt Insider, and Clint Carter, Senior Editor at InsideTracker. We’ll dive into how this tech-driven transformation is shaping personalized wellness. Special thanks to Jamie Kakkanattu (MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC) and Simi John, PT, DPT, for lending their insights to the conversation.

In this episode, we dive deep into the rise and fall of Peloton, one of the most captivating stories in the connected fitness space. As someone who has worked in the fitness industry for years, including stints at Men’s Health and Shape, I’ve witnessed firsthand the fast-paced evolution of brands like Peloton. Joining me is Anthony Vennare of Fitt Insider, an expert in the fitness industry who shares his insights on Peloton’s meteoric rise, the bubble of at-home fitness tech, and how consumer behavior has drastically shifted in the post-pandemic world. We explore what’s next for Peloton and what it means for the future of fitness. It’s an eye-opening discussion about the changes shaping the industry.

As AI tools revolutionize content creation, brands, publishers, and journalists are asking: Should AI-generated writing be considered plagiarism? In this episode, we explore how AI is reshaping the media landscape and dive into the best practices for implementing AI within creative teams. Featuring tech product expert Nate Jones and Allison Lee, Editor in Chief of Wix, we discuss how leaders can balance innovation with originality, maintain storytelling authenticity, and ensure content integrity as AI takes a bigger role in publishing and journalism.

Hollywood is in a strange place right now—job cuts, empty sets, and studios shying away from anything that feels "risky." So, what’s really going on? In this episode, we explore the questions many people have across the industry. Patrick Caligiuri, an Executive Producer with 20 years in reality television breaks down the reality of how streaming and other shifts are affecting Hollywood’s workers. For more insider information, follow Patrick on TikTok (@ProducerPatrick).

Audiences are increasingly rejecting celebrity endorsements that feel inauthentic, prompting a shift in brand strategies. In this episode, we explore Blake Lively's recent press tour for her hair care collaboration with Target, Blake Brown, which faced significant backlash. Guest Julie Turkel, a brand licensing agent, discusses what this means for the future of celebrity brand collaborations.

Let's dive into how OpenAI's partnerships with media giants like News Corp, The Atlantic, and Vox Media are poised to revolutionize the media landscape. These collaborations aim to enhance journalistic accuracy and efficiency while unlocking new revenue streams through programmatic advertising. Join us as we chat with Ravi Patel, founder of swym.ai and an expert in product and sales marketing, to explore how AI-driven insights and automated ad placements could transform the financial future of modern journalism. Tune in now to discover why programmatic revenue might be the key to ad tech innovation!

Over 84,000 people have been laid off this year. You might be one of them. But there's a perspective you might not have heard and it begs to ask, why are companies so hesitant to admit the real reason behind these layoffs? Guests: Nate Jones, Head of Product / Advisor & Jessica Probus, Publisher of BuzzFeed Inc.

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