Best Dont Deviate Podcasts (2026)

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Vision Board for Your Business: Creating Clarity and Focus with Canva 5:00

Play Pause

6d ago5:00

5:00

I'm sharing a throwback video that I made to help you think about creating a vision board for your business in 2026! In this episode, we go behind the scenes of a hands-on workshop using Canva to create strategic vision boards for your business. Discover how to design quarterly, monthly, and weekly boards that align with your marketing goals, blog …

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The Power of Service Pages: Local SEO Gold with Darren Shaw (Best of 2025 Highlight) 4:06

10d ago4:06

4:06

In this “Best of 2025” highlight from the Simple and Smart SEO Show, we revisit one of our top-performing episodes featuring local SEO expert Darren Shaw. Darren breaks down the critical mistake many local businesses make with their websites—and how to fix it using individual service pages. If you're relying on a single "Services" page or even wors…

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Best of 2025: SEO, Branding, and Smart Business Growth 14:02

20d ago14:02

14:02

In this solo “Follow Through Friday” episode, Crystal Waddell (that's me!) reflects on the powerful branding and SEO insights shared by Mordy Oberstein (Former Head of Brand at Wix and Unified Brand Marketing.) I'm sharing how I've implemented them in my own business. From niching down my e-commerce offerings to optimizing emotional storytelling in…

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Bye, Bye Digital Silos! Hello, Intent-Driven SEO with Ashley Liddell from Deviation (Part 2) 25:37

1M ago25:37

25:37

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (that's me!) welcomes back Ashley from Deviation to dive deep into the evolving world of search. We break down digital silos across marketing teams, explore the power of unified metrics, and discuss why brand search and intent-rich content are key to dominating the search-everywhere …

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How to Maximize Black Friday Sales with Automated Email Marketing – Featuring John Hogan from Grid and Pixel 17:58

1M ago17:58

17:58

In this Black Friday-themed episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell welcomes John Hogan, co-founder of Grid and Pixel. We dive deep into how e-commerce businesses, especially those on Shopify, can use personalized and fully automated email flows to drive more revenue. Learn the secrets to converting visitors with targeted popups, …

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Search Everywhere®: Reimagining SEO Across All Platforms with Ashley Liddell (Part 1) 19:41

1M ago19:41

19:41

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I'm stitting down with Ashley Liddell, co-founder of Deviation, to explore the concept of “Search Everywhere® .” From Sephora’s “Black Beauty Is Beauty” campaign to understanding the evolution of search across platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, and Reddit, Ashley shares his journey to building a uniq…

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Using Shopify with AI and Smart E-Commerce Strategies (Part 2 with Deonnah Carolus) 20:44

2M ago20:44

20:44

📌 Episode Summary: In this episode, Crystal continues her conversation with Deonnah Carolus, the founder of E-Commerce Savvy, diving deeper into launching and scaling Shopify stores with the help of AI tools. Deonnah shares practical insights on using Shopify’s built-in features versus third-party themes, optimizing SEO for long-term visibility, se…

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Bad things don't happen to you but for you. 1:25:48

2M ago1:25:48

1:25:48

Its God's way of moving you towasrdsyour blessings read Genesis Chapters 37 through to Genesis Chapter 50

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Mastering Shopify for 2025: AI, SEO & Design Trends with Deonnah Carolus (Part 1) 17:13

2M ago17:13

17:13

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (That's me!) is joined by Shopify expert and founder of e-Commerce Savvy, Deonnah Carolus. They dive into the recent changes at Shopify, talk AI integration, theme changes like Horizon, and practical insights for e-commerce sellers. Whether you're new to Shopify or an experienced sel…

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GEO to Relevance Engineering: Redefining the Future of Search with Garrett Sussman (Part 2) 18:05

2M ago18:05

18:05

In this must-listen follow-up episode, Crystal Waddell is joined again by Marketing Director Garrett Sussman to unpack the fast-evolving world of SEO, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and the iPull Rank conception of "Relevance Engineering." From the power of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to how AI is rewriting what it means to be "sear…

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AI Search, Shopify & the New Rules of SEO with Garrett Sussman (Part 1) 28:42

2M ago28:42

28:42

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell is joined by Garrett Sussman, Director of Marketing at iPullRank, to unpack how AI is transforming SEO, e-commerce, and online visibility. From the recently announced Shopify + OpenAI partnership to the rise of product recommendations in ChatGPT, this conversation explores what busin…

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🎧 Semantic Triples, Ikigai, and Optimizing Life with AI (Featuring Ana de la Cruz, Part 2) 19:27

3M ago19:27

19:27

In Part 2 of this conversation, Ana de la Cruz, SEO Lead at Chartis, returns to The Simple and Smart SEO Show with Crystal Waddell for a deep dive into the human side of AI. Ana unpacks how experimenting with chatbots taught her the inner workings of LLMs, what semantic triples really mean for SEO, and how the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai helps he…

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Vibe Coding Is The New SEO: Featuring Ana De La Cruz 19:05

3M ago19:05

19:05

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal sits down with Ana de la Cruz, SEO Lead at Chartis, to explore her journey from Univision Radio to leading SEO strategy at a global media agency. Ana shares how curiosity, reinvention, and kindness shaped her path — and introduces us to the emerging concept of “Vibe Coding,” where AI and hum…

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Traffic to Trust: AI, SEO, and Content Strategy with Andy Crestodina 17:44

3M ago17:44

17:44

In Part 2 of this engaging conversation with content marketing expert Andy Crestodina, we dive deeper into the evolving world of SEO, AI's growing role in content creation, and the power of collaboration. Andy shares insights on balancing human judgment with AI tools like Surfer SEO, creating successful local events, and leveraging original researc…

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From SEO to AI: Training Chatbots to Recommend Your Brand with Andy Crestodina 25:01

3M ago25:01

25:01

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (me!) sits down with Andy Crestodina, co-founder of Orbit Media, to explore SEO, AI, and content marketing. Andy shares his insights on how search behavior is shifting, the importance of training AI to recognize and recommend your brand. 🔑 Key Takeaways: AI Search vs. Traditional Sea…

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Unlocking Hidden Profit: Jamie Trull on Optimizing Your Business for Life and Financial Freedom 17:59

4M ago17:59

17:59

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell (me!) sits down with Jamie Trull for part 2 of our interview to dive deep into the concept of Hidden Profit. Jamie shares her journey of shifting focus from revenue to freedom, explaining how small optimizations can lead to big financial wins. They discuss the importance of aligning …

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Profit, Pricing & the Power of SEO: A Conversation with Jamie Trull (Part 1) 28:58

4M ago28:58

28:58

Today I welcome financial educator and profit strategist Jamie Trull. We talk about the transformative power of understanding business finances, pricing strategies, and how SEO can drive real results. From doubling prices overnight to lowering ad spend through smarter targeting, Jamie shares tangible strategies and inspirational insights. Plus, a s…

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AI Search Meets Jobs To Be Done: Discoverability > SEO with Heather Physioc (Part 2) 17:53

4M ago17:53

17:53

In this powerful continuation of the conversation with Heather Physioc, we explore how AI is reshaping the SEO landscape and why human-centered strategy still matters. Heather shares her framework for applying "Jobs to Be Done" thinking in SEO, especially for small businesses and creators. From empathy maps to AI content sourcing, this episode is a…

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Beyond Google: Redefining SEO in LLMs and an AI-First World with Heather Physioc of VML (Part 1) 18:14

4M ago18:14

18:14

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell welcomes Heather Physioc, Chief Discoverability Officer at VML, for a deep dive into the evolving world of search and digital strategy. Heather shares her insights on why Google isn't the only search engine that matters, how AI is reshaping the search journey, and why content ne…

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GEO vs. SEO: Ross Simmonds on Owning Channels, Diversifying Traffic, and Shaping LLM Results 18:52

5M ago18:52

18:52

Ross Simmonds breaks down how AI overviews and LLMs are changing search—and what small businesses can do to keep winning. We dig into why brand and owned channels matter more than ever, how to diversify beyond Google, which third-party domains LLMs love to cite, and a simple focus formula for content distribution. Key Takeaways The SERP is shifting…

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Content Creation to Content Distribution: Ross Simmonds on Scaling Your Reach (Part 1) 21:33

5M ago21:33

21:33

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell sits down with Ross Simmonds — founder of Foundation Marketing and distribution.ai, keynote speaker at Brighton SEO, and passionate content strategist. Ross shares how he started out online running a fantasy football blog and now advises global brands. His message: most creators…

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Optimizing Shopify SEO: How to Use Surfer SEO to Boost Your Store’s Visibility (Part 5 of 5) 6:13

5M ago6:13

6:13

In this final installment of the Shopify Series: From Strategy to Action, Crystal Waddell takes you inside one of her favorite tools—Surfer SEO—and shows you exactly how to use it to optimize your Shopify store pages for maximum visibility. From product descriptions to collection pages, homepage copy, and blog posts, you’ll learn step-by-step strat…

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Shopify SEO Tips: Page Template Tweaks for Better SEO (Part 4 of 5) 7:32

5M ago7:32

7:32

(Shopify From Strategy to Action Series, Episode 4!) In this episode, we're getting real about Shopify page templates — and why they might be quietly holding your SEO back. 😬 From homepage headers to collection and product page tweaks, Crystal shares how to update your templates to help your content rank and convert. 👀 If you’ve ever wondered: “Do …

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Shopify Image SEO: 4 Steps to Drive More Traffic and Conversions (Part 3 of 5) 7:23

6M ago7:23

7:23

Want more organic traffic and faster conversions on your Shopify store? In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell breaks down the visual side of SEO with a focus on image optimization. From renaming image files and writing strategic alt text to compressing files and picking the best formats, Crystal walks you through four es…

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Shopify SEO Tech Stack: The Essential Apps and Tools You Actually Need (Part 2 of 5) 6:34

6M ago6:34

6:34

In this episode, Crystal breaks down the must-have SEO tech stack for Shopify sellers who want to show up in search results, build authority, and grow sustainably without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll learn about the core apps that make SEO easier, free tools to track and audit your progress, and optional power tools if you’re ready to take things to…

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The SEO Mindset Shift Every Shopify Owner Needs Before Diving In (Part 1 of 5) 8:22

6M ago8:22

8:22

In this kickoff episode of my Shopify SEO from Strategy to Action summer series, we start with the most important piece: your mindset. If you've ever thought: "SEO is just for techies!" "Shopify isn't good for SEO." "I don't even know where to start." This episode is for you! 🎯 What you'll learn: Why your mindset is the #1 SEO success factor The to…

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Is Blogging Dead? Not If You Sell Online in 2025! With Austin Becker (Part 3) 13:19

7M ago13:19

13:19

Join PPC Pro Austin Becker and me in this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show. We’re diving into strategic blogging, PPC attribution, and the underrated power of Pinterest — a must-listen for creative entrepreneurs, Shopify sellers, and busy business owners who want to grow without burnout. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to use Google's "People…

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Profit-First Strategies for E-Commerce Sellers: How to Compete with Amazon (Without Google!) Part 2 With Austin Becker 21:28

7M ago21:28

21:28

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, we’re diving into real-world e-commerce strategies to compete with platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Etsy — without relying solely on Google. If you’re a Shopify seller or creative entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen for understanding ad budgets, search impression share, and seasonal sales…

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Google Ads, Ecom Strategy & the Future of AI Advertising with Austin Becker (Part 1) 17:31

7M ago17:31

17:31

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with e-commerce marketing expert Austin Becker (Part 1 of 3). We talk about the evolution of Austin’s career, from selling quirky side-hustle products to founding a thriving e-commerce digital marketing agency. You’ll learn actionable insights on Google Shopping, product fe…

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SEO Evolution: How to Win in 2025 With Helpful Content and Topical Authority (with Andrew Ansley) Part 3 14:17

7M ago14:17

14:17

In part 3 of my interview with Andrew Ansley, we unpack the evolution of SEO from pre-2022 tactics to today's entity-driven, user-focused strategies. Learn why stuffing keywords is dead, how RankBrain and BERT changed the game, and why helpful, structured content (plus user metrics) is the new key to ranking. Andrew also demystifies topical authori…

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AI, SEO, and Modern Learning: Building Smarter Businesses and Raising Future Innovators with Andrew Ansley (Part 2) 26:43

7M ago26:43

26:43

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with AI and SEO expert Andrew Ansley to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence, SEO strategies, entrepreneurship, and modern parenting. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to leverage AI tools (like ChatGPT and Claude) to organize your business and creative projects.…

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Booked, Busy & Letting AI Do the Boring Stuff 🤖✨ With Andrew Ansley (Part 1) 17:32

8M ago17:32

17:32

In this conversation on AI-powered SEO workflows, Andrew Ansley joins The Simple and Smart SEO Show to share how smart marketers are using tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and automation platforms to save time and scale without hiring. From building SOPs in under an hour to organizing AI projects for sharper output, Andrew reveals how today’s marketers …

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The GOAT Guide to Google Business Rankings (Part 2) with Darren Shaw 21:54

8M ago21:54

21:54

In Part 2 of our conversation about Local SEO, Darren Shaw of Whitespark returns to The Simple and Smart SEO Show to break down advanced Google Business Profile (GBP) strategies that actually move the needle. From the controversial truth about citation consistency to actionable tactics for leveraging Google reviews and optimizing your GBP for maxim…

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Unlocking Local SEO: Expert Strategies with Darren Shaw of Whitespark (Part 1) 22:10

8M ago22:10

22:10

In this value-packed episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host 💁‍♀️ Crystal Waddell sits down with local SEO legend Darren Shaw of 🏢 Whitespark. Discover why your website is the #1 data source for your Google Business Profile, how to optimize for the local 3-pack 📍, and what SEO myths to stop believing 🚫. Whether you’re a home-based biz, a ser…

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🎙️ SEO, Personal Branding, and How to Stand Out in 2025 with Shreya LaCock (Part 2) 20:17

8M ago20:17

20:17

In this week's episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell sits down with Shreya LaCock from SEO for Hire to pull back the curtain on SEO careers, personal branding, and the future of hiring in a world powered by AI! 🚀 Together, they explore the different roles inside an SEO agency 🏢, the green flags to look for when hiring SEO help ✅…

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SEO Hiring Secrets: Green Flags, Gender Gaps & Growth Tips with Shreya LaCock (Part 1) 17:47

9M ago17:47

17:47

Shreya LaCock, marketing specialist at SEO For Hire, shares the inside world of SEO recruitment and agency hiring. From spotting green flags in potential SEO agencies to navigating gender gaps in job applications, Shreya brings both personal experience and professional wisdom. Y ou’ll also hear what makes an onboarding process successful, the overl…

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The Future of SEO: Stay Ready So You Don’t Have to Get Ready – with Favour Obasi-ike (Part 2) 19:41

9M ago19:41

19:41

In this can't-miss episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell reconnects with digital strategist and SEO pro Favour Obasi-ike. Whether you're podcasting on Wix, exploring RSS feeds, or wondering how to rank better using voice search, this episode is full of insights you can apply today to stay ahead tomorrow. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Own You…

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Friends Tell Friends About SEO 🤯 | Featuring Favour Obasi-ike 21:10

9M ago21:10

21:10

This episode is a full-circle moment! Crystal reconnects with the person who first planted the seed that SEO could actually drive traffic—without the middleman of social media. Meet Favour Obasi-ike: a podcasting pioneer, SEO strategist, and founder of We Don’t Play Podcast. Together, Crystal and Favour take a nostalgic ride through their Clubhouse…

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Smarter Content Updates: SEO Wins Without the Overwhelm with Alyssa Corso (Part 2) 17:23

9M ago17:23

17:23

In this insightful and refreshingly practical episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal sits down with Alyssa Corso—SEO strategist and healthcare content pro—to talk all things content refresh. Alyssa breaks down her favorite ways to optimize existing content without burning it all down. Whether you're running a blog in a Your Money or Your…

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The Final Episode 2:17:04

9M ago2:17:04

2:17:04

Goodbye, goodbye. For our final episode of this run, Austin, Raymond & Henry talk about how they watch movies, some mailbag questions, some musings on the craft, and more. Thanks again for tuning in each week, everybody. Stay safe, and we'll see you at the movies! Follow us on Twitter! @austin_hayden (Austin) @creamatoria (Raymond) and on Letterbox…

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SEO Content Decay & Connecting Traffic to Revenue – Part 1 with Alyssa Corso 16:34

10M ago16:34

16:34

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell chats with SEO consultant and BrightonSEO speaker Alyssa Corso about a topic every content creator should understand—SEO content decay. Alyssa shares how content naturally loses visibility over time and outlines a strategic process for updating content to improve performance and gene…

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Mulholland Drive: It Was All A Dream 1:33:55

10M ago1:33:55

1:33:55

Our penultimate episode! The guys get into Mulholland Drive (directed by David Lynch) on this one. This film is a great segue for conversation as it weaves through film studies, what it means for something to be Lynchian, what it means to make movies - and more. Enjoy! Join the LAST Livestream of SHOW ME THE MEANING! next Tuesday at 5 PM PST on the…

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Google Ads vs. SEO: How to Choose the Right Strategy for Your Business with David Green (Part 2) 31:31

10M ago31:31

31:31

In this jam-packed Part 2 episode, I continue my insightful chat with David Green, founder of Devslove.com. We dive deep into Google Ads, strategic ad spend, and the realities of running paid campaigns for small businesses. David shares expert insights on choosing the right platform, retargeting strategies, and why SEO and AI-driven search are shap…

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The Boy and The Heron: A Filmmaker's Legacy 1:41:53

10M ago1:41:53

1:41:53

Raymond is back from filming his movie! The guys get into The Boy and The Heron - Hayao Miyazaki's swan (heron?) song. Who will take over Studio Ghibli? Does more money make a better movie? Is this film a bigger metaphor for Miyazaki's retirement? They get into these questions and more - and more! Enjoy! We only have TWO episodes left! So be sure t…

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Leveling the Playing Field: AI, Google Ads & Small Business Success with David Green (Part 1) 19:47

10M ago19:47

19:47

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, I'm sitting down with David Green, founder of Devs Love, to talk about the major shifts happening in digital marketing! Fresh after BrightonSEO, David shared insights from his strategic planning retreat, where AI disruption was front and center. We discuss how AI levels the playing field for small a…

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Conclave: Catholic Camp 1:25:45

10M ago1:25:45

1:25:45

Get your cigarettes out for this one - we're talking Conclave! Austin, Henry, and Michael talk the intersection of humanity and religion, the campiness of this film, pope names - and more! Enjoy! Join the SHOW ME THE MEANING! LIVESTREAM every Tuesday at 5 PM PST on the Wisecrack 2 channel! https://youtube.com/@wisecrack_2 Follow us on Twitter! @aus…

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Don't Sleep on This SEO Tool: Make Sense of Search Console Data (FTF) 8:56

10M ago8:56

8:56

Welcome back to another Follow Through Friday on the Simple and Smart SEO Show! 🚀 If you caught my conversation with Katie Stone, SEO lead at Lead Hub, you know we went deep on local SEO, Google Search Console Insights, and keyword strategy. (Missed it? No worries! Listen Here!) Ready to make your SEO work for you? 👇🏽 Let’s dive in. 👇🏽 💎 Key Takeaw…

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Babygirl vs. May December: Giving and Taking 1:12:23

10M ago1:12:23

1:12:23

We got another cage match: Babygirl vs May/December! Austin is joined by Wisecrack's Amanda! They get into age gap films, the philosophy of the male gaze, the role of eroticisim in this era of films, and more! Join the SHOW ME THE MEANING! LIVESTREAM every Tuesday at 5 PM PST on the Wisecrack 2 channel! https://youtube.com/@wisecrack_2 Follow us on…

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Branding, SEO, and Smart Business Growth [Follow Through Friday] 14:02

10M ago14:02

14:02

In this special solo episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell reflects on her conversation with branding expert Mordy Oberstein. She shares key insights on defining your brand identity, optimizing SEO for conversions, and making smart business decisions that foster growth. Crystal also provides real-world examples of how she a…

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Aftersun: We Got Daddy Issues 1:27:53

11M ago1:27:53

1:27:53

The best movie for a cry (if you got daddy issues). Austin is joined by Producer Henry for a chat on Aftersun! They get into realizing the frailty of our parents, the nature of memory and music, some narrative structure of the film - and more! Enjoy! Join the SHOW ME THE MEANING! LIVESTREAM every Tuesday at 5 PM PST on the Wisecrack 2 channel! http…