Best VML Podcasts (2025)

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Beyond Google: Redefining SEO in LLMs and an AI-First World with Heather Physioc of VML 17:38

Play Pause

5d ago17:38

17:38

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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Matt Anthony // VML 1:10:22

27d ago1:10:22

1:10:22

Send us a text If you’ve listened to this podcast before, chances are you’ve already heard his name. Matt Anthony isn’t just a Kansas City advertising legend — he’s one of the foundational forces behind it. Trace almost any thread through the local marketing community, and sooner or later, it leads straight to him. Over the years, Matt built a care…

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Nick Vedros // Vedros Photography 1:10:09

13d ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Send us a text Nick Vedros is a true legend in visual storytelling. Nick’s photography has taken him all over the world, from right here in Kansas City to big stages with some of the biggest brands, top publications, and creative agencies out there. Whether he’s shooting a high-energy ad campaign, an intimate portrait, or capturing the soul of a pl…

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GEO vs. SEO: Ross Simmonds on Owning Channels, Diversifying Traffic, and Shaping LLM Results 18:17

14d ago18:17

18:17

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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Beyond the Blue Links: The New Playbook for AI-Powered Search 42:22

16d ago42:22

42:22

The game has changed. For over a decade, marketers mastered the art of climbing Google's rankings. But with the rise of AI Overviews and conversational search, the classic "10 blue links" are fading. We're in a new era where answers are synthesized and clicks are no longer the primary goal. How can brands survive ...and thrive... in this new landsc…

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Content Creation to Content Distribution: Ross Simmonds on Scaling Your Reach (Part 1) 20:57

21d ago20:57

20:57

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) 5:37

27d ago5:37

5:37

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) 6:57

1M ago6:57

6:57

(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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Deb Turpin // River City Studio 1:02:39

1M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Send us a text Deb Turpin didn’t just ride the waves of change in the design world — she helped shape them. Back in 1985, Deb co-founded River City Studio and built it from the ground up into one of Kansas City’s most admired creative agencies. For 25 years, she led with guts and vision — guiding her team through industry changes, from the dawn of …

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Shopify Image SEO: 4 Steps to Drive More Traffic and Conversions (Part 3 of 5) 6:47

1M ago6:47

6:47

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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When the Product is Trust: Marketing Human Vulnerability in Healthcare 45:27

2M ago45:27

45:27

On this episode of Human Centered, host Nick Brunker sits down with Jenny Collopy, Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for The Christ Hospital Network, to explore the unique and complex role of the healthcare CMO. They discuss how to build a brand when the customer's journey is one of the most personal they will ever under…

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Shopify SEO Tech Stack: The Essential Apps and Tools You Actually Need (Part 2 of 5) 5:58

2M ago5:58

5:58

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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Mike Goff // Sprint 56:39

2M ago56:39

56:39

Send us a text Mike Goff is someone who’s left a lasting mark not just on Kansas City, but on the national and global stage. Mike’s career spans the agency world, the corporate world, and now the fast-growing space of fractional CMO services. He’s worked with some of the most iconic names in business and culture — Hallmark, the NFL, even the Rollin…

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The SEO Mindset Shift Every Shopify Owner Needs Before Diving In (Part 1 of 5) 7:46

2M ago7:46

7:46

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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Joe Greene // American Century/Bernstein-Rein 56:50

2M ago56:50

56:50

Send us a text Joe Greene is a true marketing heavyweight whose career spans both the client and agency worlds. From launching groundbreaking mortgage campaigns at Dreyfus to helping American Express dig out of a $300 million-hole, Joe has been at the center of some of marketing’s biggest challenges and boldest transformations. And when he landed i…

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Is Blogging Dead? Not If You Sell Online in 2025! With Austin Becker (Part 3) 12:43

2M ago12:43

12:43

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 20:52

3M ago20:52

20:52

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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The Predictive CX Era: Nick Yecke on AI, Ethics, and Anticipating Customer Needs 54:19

3M ago54:19

54:19

On this episode of Human Centered, host Nick Brunker welcomes Nick Yecke, Executive Director of Experience Strategy at VML, to explore the fascinating evolution of customer experience (CX). Inspired by Yecke's recent article in eXp Magazine, they chart a course through CX's history, from the early "Service Era" and "Satisfaction Era" through the "R…

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Siobhan Lesley // Valentine Radford/Walz Tetrick 53:41

3M ago53:41

53:41

Send us a text Today, we’ll hear the inspiring journey of Siobhan Lesley — one of the forces behind the success of Valentine Radford, one of Kansas City’s legendary agencies, where she rose all the way to President. Siobhan’s story is rooted in leadership, purpose, and a deep passion for people. We’ll dive into her work on iconic accounts like Pizz…

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Google Ads, Ecom Strategy & the Future of AI Advertising with Austin Becker (Part 1) 16:55

3M ago16:55

16:55

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 13:41

3M ago13:41

13:41

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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Al Eidson // Eidson & Partners 1:00:53

3M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Send us a text From the cockpit to the boardroom, Al Eidson’s career is a masterclass in leadership and reinvention. He started out flying C-141 cargo planes across the Pacific in the Air Force, then moved into the corporate world at Procter & Gamble, helping launch new products. Eventually, he brought it all together — co-founding agencies like Ei…

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AI, SEO, and Modern Learning: Building Smarter Businesses and Raising Future Innovators with Andrew Ansley (Part 2) 26:32

3M ago26:32

26:32

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) 16:57

4M ago16:57

16:57

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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Ann Willoughby // Willoughby Design 49:27

4M ago49:27

49:27

Send us a text Season Two kicks off with the trailblazing Ann Willoughby, founder of Willoughby Design. Her story begins in the aisles of a small department store in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she sketched fashion illustrations that would mark the start of a remarkable career. After relocating to Kansas City, Ann didn’t just launch a design fi…

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The GOAT Guide to Google Business Rankings (Part 2) with Darren Shaw 21:18

4M ago21:18

21:18

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) 21:35

4M ago21:35

21:35

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) 19:42

4M ago19:42

19:42

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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Welcome to Kansas City Marketing Legends Season 2 36:37

4M ago36:37

36:37

Send us a text Welcome to Season Two of Kansas City Marketing Legends! After the incredible energy and inspiring conversations of Season One, we knew we had to come back for more. This season, we’re diving even deeper into the stories and insights of the people who have helped make Kansas City a marketing powerhouse. A special shoutout to our frien…

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SEO Hiring Secrets: Green Flags, Gender Gaps & Growth Tips with Shreya LaCock (Part 1) 17:11

4M ago17:11

17:11

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) 19:05

5M ago19:05

19:05

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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Questions Are the Future: Redefining Creativity in an AI World 39:57

5M ago39:57

39:57

On this episode of Human Centered, host Nick Brunker welcomes Jason Gaikowski, VML's Chief Transformation Officer, to explore how AI is transforming creativity in marketing. Jason describes our industry's "engagement addiction" as creating "junk food for the soul" and argues we're experiencing an "event horizon" - a profound shift comparable to the…

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The Friend Who First Told Me About SEO 🤯 | Featuring Favour Obasi-ike 20:34

5M ago20:34

20:34

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) 16:48

5M ago16:48

16:48

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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SEO Content Decay & Connecting Traffic to Revenue – Part 1 with Alyssa Corso 15:59

5M ago15:59

15:59

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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Google Ads vs. SEO: How to Choose the Right Strategy for Your Business with David Green (Part 2) 31:20

6M ago31:20

31:20

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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Leveling the Playing Field: AI, Google Ads & Small Business Success with David Green (Part 1) 19:11

6M ago19:11

19:11

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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Don't Sleep on This SEO Tool: Make Sense of Search Console Data (FTF) 8:20

6M ago8:20

8:20

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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Branding, SEO, and Smart Business Growth [Follow Through Friday] 13:26

6M ago13:26

13:26

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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Reimagining Websites for the Age of AI and Hyper-Personalization 44:40

6M ago44:40

44:40

On this episode of Human Centered, host Nick Brunker welcomes Dave Altis, Chief Experience Design Officer at VML, to explore the future of websites. As AI and Web3 technologies rapidly evolve, they discuss the limitations of current platforms and the impending shift towards agent-driven, hyper-personalized experiences. Dave shares insights on how b…

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Organic SEO Tips: How to Create Problem Solving Content [Featuring Guest Hosts Celeste Gonzalez and Melissa Popp] 27:58

7M ago27:58

27:58

In this guest-hosted episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Celeste Gonzalez (Director of Roo Labs at Rickety Roo) and Melissa Popp (Content Strategy Director at Rickety Roo) dive deep into local SEO strategies. They explore the power of problem-solving content for small businesses and how local companies can stand out against larger competitors…

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Local SEO, Keyword Research & SEO Tools with Katie Stone 36:07

7M ago36:07

36:07

In this episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell sits down with Katie Stone, SEO Lead at LeadHub, to discuss local SEO strategies, keyword research, and essential SEO tools. Katie shares her insights from Brighton SEO, her journey in the industry, and practical tips for leveraging Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, and key…

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SEO For Brands: If You’re Not Something, You’re Nothing (ft. Mordy Oberstein) 37:07

7M ago37:07

37:07

In this episode of Simple and Smart SEO, Crystal Waddell sits down with the one and only Mordy Oberstein—Head of Brand at Wix, founder of Unify Brand Marketing, and self-proclaimed SEO contrarian (with a soft spot for brutal honesty). If you think SEO is just about keywords and backlinks, Mordy is here to obliterate that notion faster than an algor…

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Optimizing Marketing Channels & Repurposing Content [Follow Through Fridays] 5:56

7M ago5:56

5:56

In this Follow Through Friday episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal Waddell reflects on her marketing strategies and shares three key action items to optimize marketing efforts without extra workload. She dives into integrating marketing channels, dedicating time for learning, and repurposing content efficiently. If you're looking for s…

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Omni-Channel Marketing in 2025 with Raycheal Proctor 40:35

7M ago40:35

40:35

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, I sit down with marketing strategist and agency owner Raycheal Proctor from Unlimited Mixed Marketing. We chat the transformative power of omni-channel marketing, discussing how different channels can work cohesively to elevate visibility and results. Raycheal shares her journey from classical music…

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Part 2: Insights on AI, Human Connection, and Brand Building 25:50

7M ago25:50

25:50

In part two of these special guest-hosted episodes of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Sara Jensen and Shea Karssing explore how AI is reshaping SEO, the importance of human creativity in marketing, and the long-term value of offline brand-building. Dive into practical tips for 2025, such as creating quality content, embracing conversational tones, a…

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Is TikTok Banned or What? Diversifying Strategies in 2025 14:39

8M ago14:39

14:39

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell dives into breaking news about the TikTok ban in the U.S. and its implications for businesses reliant on the platform. Crystal emphasizes the importance of diversifying business strategies, leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity, and staying authentic in branding efforts. Alo…

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Smart Tech Gets Smarter: Innovation Insights from CES 2025 35:56

8M ago35:56

35:56

On this episode of Human Centered, VML Chief Innovation Officer Brian Yamada joins host Nick Brunker fresh from CES 2025 to discuss the latest technological innovations shaping our future. From AI's evolution into the experience era to emotionally intelligent robots and breakthrough developments in health and accessibility, Brian unpacks how artifi…

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AI’s Cool, But It Can’t Replace This: Where To Keep It Real in 2025 (Part 1) 29:24

8M ago29:24

29:24

In this exciting first-ever guest-hosted episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, Sara Jensen and Shea Karssing from Brighter Messaging step in to share their expertise. They discuss two pressing topics in the world of SEO and digital marketing: why relying solely on AI for content creation is risky and what their predictions are for visibility in…

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Optimize Your SEO Strategy and Optimize Your Business (And Your Life!) 6:16

8M ago6:16

6:16

In this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell walks listeners through practical steps for optimizing their business. Drawing inspiration from RJ Licata's insights on marketing strategy and ruthless prioritization, Crystal shares actionable advice on evaluating your marketing plan, focusing on impactful priorities, building …