Best Buzz & Rita Podcasts (2026)

1
Anita Blake: The series the guy at BAM! Books-a-Million warned you about... 2:56:54

Play Pause

2M ago2:56:54

2:56:54

Send us a text Wow, is it already time for our annual episode again? Just kidding, we're gonna try to do more episodes more frequently now that we're on an emotional upswing (at least we're trying right? Surely that counts for almost something...). This episode celebrates the more than three decades of Laurell K. Hamilton's "Anita Blake: Vampire Hu…

1
Stefaan Verhulst, PhD, co-founder and chief research and development officer at the GovLab at New York University 27:04

3M ago27:04

27:04

In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Stefaan Verhulst, Chief Research and Development Officer at The GovLab, to explore why it’s time for organizations to stop treating data as a private asset and start treating it as infrastructure for innovation. Stefaan believes that the future of digital transformation depends on …

1
Jonathan Brill, Futurist and Best-Selling Author on AI, Rogue Waves, and the Octopus Organization 33:21

3M ago33:21

33:21

this episode of “What If? So What?”, host Jim Hertzfeld sits down with futurist and best-selling author Jonathan Brill to explore how organizations can prepare for disruption and thrive in an AI-driven future. Brill is author of “Rogue Waves: Future-Proof Your Business to Survive and Profit From Radical Change” and “AI and the Octopus Organization:…

1
Wally Burchfield, Automotive Industry Expert on AI and Consumer Data 27:07

3M ago27:07

27:07

In this episode of “What If? So What?”, host Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Wally Burchfield, a seasoned automotive executive with more than five decades of experience with General Motors, Nissan, and beyond. Wally shares hard-earned insights on how data, trust, and customer experience have reshaped the automotive industry, and what other sectors can…

1
Susan Etlinger, AI Analyst and Industry Watcher on Building Trust in AI 24:53

4M ago24:53

24:53

In this episode of “What If? So What?”, host Jim Hertzfeld talks with AI analyst and industry watcher Susan Etlinger about the true disruptive power of AI in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Susan, whose journey into technology began in the humanities, explains why adopting an AI-first mindset isn't simply about automation–it involves cr…

1
Professor Rita McGrath on Leading in Times of Uncertainty 25:07

7M ago25:07

25:07

In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim Hertzfeld sits down with C-suite strategist, Professor Rita McGrath, to explore how organizations can thrive amid uncertainty. Rita shares insights from her book “Seeing Around Corners,” including how to rethink competitive advantage, embrace intelligent failure, and plan for the unknown. Learn why fast-fo…

1
Wired's Kevin Kelly on Technology, AI, and the Power of Learning 28:04

8M ago28:04

28:04

In this thought-provoking episode, Jim speaks with Kevin Kelly, Senior Maverick at Wired and author of numerous influential books including "Excellent Advice for Living" and co-founder of the Long Now Foundation. Kevin shares his wisdom on emerging technology, the danger of “Thinkism,” why adoption lags behind innovation, and how AI is reshaping wo…

1
Deena Piquion from Xerox on Data, Disruption, and Digital Natives 23:10

9M ago23:10

23:10

In this episode of the "What If? So What?" podcast, Jim Hertzfeld hosts Deena LaMarque Piquion, Chief Growth and Disruption Officer at Xerox. Deena shares insights into her unique role, the intentional disruption at Xerox, and how the company is reinventing itself to stay relevant in a changing market. They discuss the importance of data, the chall…

1
Exploring Sustainability and Digital Transformation With Andi Orzehoski From LyondellBasell 20:05

10M ago20:05

20:05

In this episode of "What If? So What?", host Jim Hertzfeld interviews Andi Orzehoski, director of brand content and digital communications at LyondellBasell. Andi shares her insights into the company's role as a global leader in the chemical industry, its commitment to sustainability, and the importance of digital transformation in modern business.…

1
Efi Pylarinou, Top Global Tech Thought Leader on FinTech 25:51

10M ago25:51

25:51

In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld welcomes Efi Pylarinou, a Wall Street pro, former academic, and FinTech expert. They discuss the evolution of financial services, the concept of everywhere banking, and the impact of AI and other emerging technologies on the industry. Efi shares insights on the importance of adapting to new tech cycles, the challenges…

1
Chris Duffey from Adobe on Generative AI 15:48

11M ago15:48

15:48

What if GenAI Could Turn Anyone Into a Creative Director? In this episode of “What If? So What?” host Jim Hertzfeld is joined by Chris Duffey, head of Global Partnerships, GenAI at Adobe, to discuss the transformative power of Generative AI and Adobe’s innovative product, Firefly. Chris shares his insights on how GenAI revolutionizes creativity acr…

1
An Interview with Kate O’Neill, founder & Chief Tech Humanist, KO Insights | host, The Tech Humanist Show 36:04

11M ago36:04

36:04

What If Tech Could Be More Human? In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Kate O’Neill, tech futurist, keynote speaker, and author of “What Matters Next: A Leader's Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That's Moving Too Fast.” Kate shares with listeners her perspective on balancing innovation with res…

1
An Interview With Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow and 9x best-selling author. 22:03

11M ago22:03

22:03

What if Your Digital Transformation Was as Easy as Changing Your Mind? In this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim chats with Brian Solis, a renowned futurist, author, and the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow, to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership and innovation. Brian shares insights from his latest book, "MindShift," and explores …

1
What If Tech Leadership Wasn't About the Tech? An Interview with Jennifer Baker 21:37

1y ago21:37

21:37

In this episode of What If? So What?, Jim talks with Jennifer Baker, former CTO of Synovus. She shares her journey from unexpected career opportunities to becoming a trailblazing technology leader in the insurance and banking sectors, culminating in significant strides in product development, customer experience, and digital transformation. Beyond …

1
An Interview With HubSpot’s Scott Brinker 28:56

1y ago28:56

28:56

What If MarTech Isn’t Just for Marketers? In this episode of What If? So What?, Jim sits down with Scott Brinker, VP of Platform Ecosystems at HubSpot and editor of chiefmartec.com, to explore the rapidly evolving world of marketing technology (MarTech). They discuss how the definition of MarTech is expanding alongside the changing role of marketer…

1
What if Your Job Isn’t Done Until the Customer’s Job Is Done? An Interview With Sunbelt's Ron Gaines 20:16

1+ y ago20:16

20:16

| In this episode, Ron Gaines, senior manager of marketing technology and analytics at Sunbelt Rentals, joins the show to discuss the evolving landscape of equipment rentals and the critical role digital transformation plays in it. Ron shares insights into how Sunbelt Rentals is adapting to meet changing customer expectations, the importance of val…

1
What if You Had 10 Seconds to Figure Out Your Customer Journey? An Interview with AMA's Todd Unger 28:15

1+ y ago28:15

28:15

In this episode of the What If, So What podcast, Jim Hertzfeld speaks with Todd Unger, Chief Experience Officer of the American Medical Association and author of "The 10-Second Customer Journey." The conversation uncovered valuable insights on customer experience (CX) and its impact on business growth. Unger emphasized the importance of adapting to…

1
What if Your Mobile Provider Could Predict When Your Car Would Break Down? An Interview With Kevin Colletti 22:01

1+ y ago22:01

22:01

In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld explores the convergence of the communications, media, and technology (CMT) industries with guest Kevin Colletti from Perficient. Jim and Kevin discuss how digital transformation is reshaping these industries, from bundled consumer services to the impact of 5G and IoT on businesses. Kevin offers practical advice for c…

1
The late, great Hannibal Lecter 2:32:49

1+ y ago2:32:49

2:32:49

Send us a text Ride with us... for our pleasure... as we pursue the Tooth Fairy in Thomas Harris' "Red Dragon." Learn how eating centuries old watercolors can improve your gut microbiome, which brand of fast dissolving toilet paper is best for letter writing, and which aftershave to pick for a trip to visit the wonderful Hannibal Lecter. Plus, we a…

1
What if Your Assembly Line Was Replaced by Lines of Code? An interview with Kevin Espinosa 25:19

1+ y ago25:19

25:19

In this episode of “What If? So What?,” Jim chats with digital strategist Kevin Espinosa about the evolving landscape of manufacturing. Drawing from his diverse career experience, Kevin discusses major challenges facing the industry today, including supply chain issues, inflation, and labor shortages, while highlighting the transformative potential…

1
What if Semiconductors Were Gone For Just One Day? An Interview With Carolyn Henry of Intel 25:39

1+ y ago25:39

25:39

In this compelling episode, host Jim Hertzfeld welcomes Carolyn Henry, vice president and general manager of Americas regional marketing at Intel. Together, they explore the pivotal role of semiconductors in the digital age and their fundamental impact on various industries and everyday life. Carolyn provides an in-depth look at Intel's groundbreak…

1
What if You Didn’t Need People To Make Your Technology Work? An Interview With Bradie Speller 24:21

1+ y ago24:21

24:21

In this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Bradie Speller, a seasoned expert in the intersection of technology and organizational behavior, to dive deep into the concept of socio-technical systems. Bradie, who has a rich tech history going back to the early days of personal computing, discusses the evolution of technology f…

1
What If Intuition Built Your Website? An Interview With Neelima Sharma of Lowe's 28:18

1+ y ago28:18

28:18

In this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim talks with Neelima Sharma, the Senior Vice President of Ecommerce, Digital, and Technology at Lowe’s. They discuss the challenges and successes of transforming the retail industry through digital innovation. Neelima highlights the importance of teamwork, trust, and a customer-centric approach in driving th…

1
What If Your Twin Was Living In Your Computer? An Interview With Claus Torp Jensen 17:25

1+ y ago17:25

17:25

In this episode, Jim welcomes Claus Torp Jensen, a seasoned expert in digital transformation and innovation, to discuss the fascinating realms of ambient computing and digital twins. Claus shares his insights on how these technologies are transforming industries, the importance of a proper mindset for innovation, and the critical role of storytelli…

1
The Rundown: 5 Technologies You Didn't Know You Needed 28:44

1+ y ago28:44

28:44

In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Mike Kosiek, technology product director at a Fortune 100 retailer, to explore the technological innovations shaping 2024 and beyond. The two delve into a discussion that spans practical applications of emerging tech to speculative technologies that could redefine industries. Discussion Highlights: · Re…

1
What if You Could Be as Customer Obsessed as a Retailer? An Interview With James Hannis, Chief Architect Cardinal Health 10:29

1+ y ago10:29

10:29

In this episode of "What If? So What?" host Jim Hertzfeld sits down with James Hannis, the visionary chief architect at Cardinal Health. With a legacy in retail, James brings a unique perspective to the transformation of patient care through digital innovation. Dive into a discussion about the fusion of healthcare and retail strategies, the persona…

1
What if Your Commute Could Change the World? An Interview With Keith Tomatore, Automotive Industry Leader 26:25

1+ y ago26:25

26:25

In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim sits down with Keith Tomatore, a seasoned automotive industry veteran and leader of Perficient’s automotive practice. Together, they embark on a journey into the electrifying future of the automotive industry. Keith shares his unique journey from his start at Swiss Army Brands to spearheading digital trans…

1
What if You Ran Your Innovation Lab Like a Casino? An Interview With Eisaiah Engel, Author of "Innovation Casino" 19:22

1+ y ago19:22

19:22

In the latest episode of "What If, So What?" host Jim Hertzfeld invites Eisaiah Engel, author of "Innovation Casino," to dive deep into the essence of innovation in today's business landscape. Engel shares his unique perspective on tackling innovation challenges across the spectrum as he and Jim explore the critical role of innovation in achieving …

1
What if Digital Could Outsmart Climate Change? An Interview with Kristine Swan, Bayer Crop Science. 15:50

2y ago15:50

15:50

In this episode, Jim talks with Kristine Swan, VP, Global Head of Digital Transformation & IT at Bayer Crop Science, to dive into the revolutionary role of digital innovation in agriculture. They unpack the challenges of modern farming, from climate change to food security, and explore cutting-edge solutions like carbon sequestration and regenerati…

1
What if AI Was Your Most Strategic Hire? An Interview With May Habib CEO of Writer 15:31

2y ago15:31

15:31

In our latest episode, we're joined by May Habib, CEO of Writer, for an enlightening conversation on how Generative AI is revolutionizing digital strategies. We dive into the significance of AI guardrails, navigate the journey towards AI literacy, and present practical strategies for integrating AI into your business operations. Tune in to learn ho…

1
What If Your Data Could Speak? The AI Revolution in BI. An interview with Nico Frantzen. 15:15

2y ago15:15

15:15

In this episode, Jim Hertzfeld speaks with Nico Frantzen, director of data and AI solutions at Perficient, as they explore the transformative role of generative AI in business intelligence (BI). Nico explains how generative AI and BI come together to create generative BI, which revolutionizes decision-making and data analysis and enables businesses…

1
Fancy a game of horse, or better yet, elk? 1:40:03

2y ago1:40:03

1:40:03

Send us a text In a big country dreams stay with you, but so do the misdeeds of the past if Stephen Graham Jones' "The Only Good Indians" has anything to say about it. Hop in our pickup truck (once we get it off the cinder blocks) as we talk about visits to the local recycling center, opening up a brand new Circuit City, and where Slimer falls on t…

1
Loathe It or List It 1:12:40

2+ y ago1:12:40

1:12:40

Send us a text Drop on by for an open house tour of Brian Asman's "Man, F*** This House." (Please take your shoes off, the carpet is brand new.) We talk about the need for really "good bones" in this episode, and even bone structure, as the Crypt Keeper tries out Korean skincare routines, we recount actual haunted houses we have lived in, and we ev…

1
What if Web Search Results Came From Soul Searching Results? An Interview With Justin Racine 22:35

2+ y ago22:35

22:35

In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Justin Racine, director, and lead commerce strategist at Perficient, and explore the concept of unified commerce and its impact on customer experiences and business growth. Learn how you can leverage the technology you already have to make customers feel more connected to your brand. Connect with Justin Racine…

1
What If College Was Just a Pit Stop? An Interview With Luca Ranzani 19:12

2+ y ago19:12

19:12

In this episode, Jim talks with Luca Ranzani, team captain of MRacing at the University of Michigan, about taking what he has learned in the classroom and building upon it in the real world. Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about how Luca applies his education and real-life experience to build racecars and lead his team, as well as our E…

1
What If the Patient Experience Started Way Before Your Doctor's Visit? An interview with Tara Becker. 15:49

2+ y ago15:49

15:49

In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Tara Becker, principal of digital health strategy at Perficient, about how to meet both consumer and employee needs in the healthcare industry. It’s no secret that clinicians burned out post-pandemic. Are there ways that we can champion the industry toward a new digital future? Listen to this week’s episode to…

1
Why if it isn't the old bait-and-switch... 1:16:13

2+ y ago1:16:13

1:16:13

Send us a text Come along as we are lured like moths to the flame at the chance to talk about our favorite cryptid and spiritual ally: the Mothman! Admittedly, we were supposed to be discussing John A. Keel's "The Mothman Prohpecies," but as we discovered only a few scant traces of our hero in it, we ended up feeling a bit betrayed (Well, in terms …

1
What If Design is the Difference Between a Product Life and Death? An Interview with Keith Wolf. 21:42

2+ y ago21:42

21:42

In this week’s episode, Jim and guest host Erica talk with Keith Wolf, director of digital strategy at Perficient, about how design relates to achieving specific digital strategy goals. How should a company bring fresh design into its organization? Can strategic design determine if a product succeeds or fails? Tune in to learn more about how to be …

1
What If Jim and Kim Answered Your Burning Questions? 18:25

2+ y ago18:25

18:25

In this episode, Jim and Kim discuss questions submitted by listeners. How do companies stay on top of digital trends? Tune in to this week’s episode to find out the answers to your burning questions! Connect with our hosts Jim Hertzfeld, principal and chief strategist at Perficient, and Kim Williams-Czopek, Perficient’s GM of global commerce. Than…

1
What If Loyalty Is About Building Trust, Not Accumulating Points? An Interview with Justin Huckins 18:32

2+ y ago18:32

18:32

In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Justin Huckins, director of strategy and innovation at Perficient, about how brands can maintain customer loyalty. Are there new ways to celebrate your customers that you haven’t thought of before? Tune into this week’s episode to learn more about aligning your company’s business with customer values. Connect …

1
What If AI Becomes Better Than Humans in Content Marketing? An Interview with Eve Sangenito 15:23

2+ y ago15:23

15:23

Listen up, content marketers! Are robots about to take your job? Don't panic just yet. In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Eve Sangenito, Principal, Digital Marketing & Customer Experience, at Perficient, about generative AI and its potential impact on content marketing. From photorealistic image generation to 24/7 content creation, the possibil…

1
Now proudly serving made-to-order horror omelettes 1:39:44

3y ago1:39:44

1:39:44

Send us a text Go deep undercover in a poorly lit parking garage as you listen in on our discussion of Brian Lumley's Cold War vampire spy-thriller "Necroscope." Join us as we wait in line at horror buffets, watch cereal mascots fight over brand awareness, and play our favorite game: Cast! That! movie! All the while, revel in our terrible mispronun…

1
What If Data Was a Product You Could Sell? An Interview with Eric Walk, Director of Digital Strategy at Perficient 15:01

3y ago15:01

15:01

In this episode of What If? So What? Jim and Kim talk with Eric Walk, director of enterprise data strategy at Perficient, and explore the potential of data mesh to democratize data and fundamentally change the way people work. Can this product-oriented approach help organizations control and trust their data for more-efficient decision-making? Get …

1
What if AI was the new knowledge worker in town? An interview with Brian Flanagan, Digital Experience Strategist at Perficient 15:56

3y ago15:56

15:56

In this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Brian Flanagan, Digital Experience Strategist at Perficient, about the rise of generative AI and its potential to replace or augment human workers. Is this the end of the road for half the workforce or just the beginning of a new era in productivity? Get ready to ponder the humanness of it all in this thought-…

1
No, I don't want "free" tickets to your vampire theatre show. 1:38:10

3y ago1:38:10

1:38:10

Send us a text We sit down, not for an interview, but for a loosely organized conversation on the novel that brought vampire sexy back: Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire." We really burn the midnight oil on this episode as we marvel at Rice's ability to deftly weave the genres of horror and romance (spicy!), give suggestions on how to fix a f…

1
I thought you were trimming the topiaries... 1:49:36

3y ago1:49:36

1:49:36

Send us a text On this episode we finally reconvene across time and space to discuss, at length we might add, Stephen King's incredibly influential novel "The Shining". Although we have been described as quite dingy, we decide we are at least qualified to meditate on those who do shine on, as we explore fire hose snakes (symbolic!), when to hit the…

1
Just chowing down on some green slime. 1:41:13

3y ago1:41:13

1:41:13

Send us a text We dive headlong into Jay Anson's "The Amityville Horror" and all the real-life events, controversy, and media that surround it. Engage the "what were they thinking" mode on your bippy, cause we leave no well in the basement unturned, no red room undiscovered, and no green slime untasted in this bizarre read about a pig who really ju…

1
Episode 1: What do you mean I can't be possessed!? 1:14:12

3y ago1:14:12

1:14:12

Send us a text In our first ever episode, we discuss "The Exorcist" by William Peter Blatty. We provide our listening audience with a rundown of the plot, discuss Sumerian mythology, and listen to Buzz complain about being refused from demon possession multiple times in his life. Spoilers for those who haven't read the novel or seen the film, since…

1
What If Data and Intuition Could Hold Hands? An Interview with Will Stacy, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer at GM Financial 41:59

3+ y ago41:59

41:59

In this episode of Perficient’s What If? So What? Podcast, Jim talks with Will Stacy, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer at GM Financial, about how to approach leadership in the face of massive disruption and how a culture of mentorship makes a world of difference in how an organization grows and evolves. Connect with Will Stacy, Chief Marketing & D…

1
What If Robots Really Did Run Your Business? 30:26

3+ y ago30:26

30:26

In this episode, Kim talks with Katie King, published author and CEO of ‘AI in Business’ to convince us that robots aren’t taking over the world and that if you aren’t already investing in AI, you’re behind. Katie King is a published author, speaker, trainer, and consultant on artificial intelligence, digital, STEM, leadership, and business transfo…