Shows
Is Anything Real?Creative Angle over Dashboards: Full Journey Growth | Ep. 33 w/Gabe Wolff (Everything Bagel)Brand-side veteran turned collective leader Gabe Wolff makes the case that tidy ROAS and over-engineered account structures distract from what actually scales: a sharp creative angle, a full user journey, and profit-first measurement. We cover misaligned agency incentives, post-iOS14 realities, practical ways to structure campaigns by angle/ICP, and why entry products and retention paths drive LTV more than day-to-day CPA swings. You’ll learn:How outcome-aligned compensation changes behavior and results. Why algorithms do the heavy lifting—and how to give them better angles. When to keep one “scale” campaign vs. adding controls fo...
2025-12-2419 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Creative Angle over Dashboards: Full Journey Growth | Ep. 33 w/Gabe Wolff (Everything Bagel)Brand-side veteran turned collective leader Gabe Wolff makes the case that tidy ROAS and over-engineered account structures distract from what actually scales: a sharp creative angle, a full user journey, and profit-first measurement. We cover misaligned agency incentives, post-iOS14 realities, practical ways to structure campaigns by angle/ICP, and why entry products and retention paths drive LTV more than day-to-day CPA swings. You’ll learn:How outcome-aligned compensation changes behavior and results. Why algorithms do the heavy lifting—and how to give them better angles. When to keep one “scale” campaign vs. adding controls fo...
2025-12-2419 min
Is Anything Real?Lead with Humanity: Caregiving, Clarity & Real Growth | Ep. 32 w/Yasmine de Aranda (360ANGLE)What happens when the glossy leadership myth meets real life - kids, partners’ health, and aging parents? Yasmine de Aranda argues that caregiving is a leadership superpower and that humane companies outperform hustle cosplay. We map marketing’s role as organizational glue, why growth-at-all-cost fails humans and strategy, and how to build flexible, trust-based teams that still deliver. We close with a protect-your-energy cadence any leader can adopt this week. You’ll learn:How to design marketing to serve sales, success, and product (service over silos) Policies and practices that support the sandwich generati...
2025-12-1925 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Lead with Humanity: Caregiving, Clarity & Real Growth | Ep. 32 w/Yasmine de Aranda (360ANGLE)What happens when the glossy leadership myth meets real life - kids, partners’ health, and aging parents? Yasmine de Aranda argues that caregiving is a leadership superpower and that humane companies outperform hustle cosplay. We map marketing’s role as organizational glue, why growth-at-all-cost fails humans and strategy, and how to build flexible, trust-based teams that still deliver. We close with a protect-your-energy cadence any leader can adopt this week. You’ll learn:How to design marketing to serve sales, success, and product (service over silos) Policies and practices that support the sandwich generati...
2025-12-1925 min
Is Anything Real?Break the Agency Mold: Right-Sized Teams, Real Results | Ep. 31 w/Jamie Read (BriteBirch)Agency polish without agency baggage. Jamie Read unpacks how BriteBirch Collective builds project-led, specialist teams that scale up or down fast, why fractional talent creates anti-fragile organizations, and how the commoditization of paid media plus AI content noise makes earned, community-driven attention the smartest bet. We also cover earned-first launches with $0 ad spend, BriteBirch’s BriteStart community for freelancers, and a simple practice for better creative decisions: seek perspective on purpose. You’ll learn:The “freelance collective” operating system (assemble specialists → deliver → unplug)Fractional staffing vs. six-month hires (speed, expertise, flexibility)When paid helps, when it...
2025-12-1722 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Break the Agency Mold: Right-Sized Teams, Real Results | Ep. 31 w/Jamie Read (BriteBirch)Agency polish without agency baggage. Jamie Read unpacks how BriteBirch Collective builds project-led, specialist teams that scale up or down fast, why fractional talent creates anti-fragile organizations, and how the commoditization of paid media plus AI content noise makes earned, community-driven attention the smartest bet. We also cover earned-first launches with $0 ad spend, BriteBirch’s BriteStart community for freelancers, and a simple practice for better creative decisions: seek perspective on purpose. You’ll learn:The “freelance collective” operating system (assemble specialists → deliver → unplug)Fractional staffing vs. six-month hires (speed, expertise, flexibility)When paid helps, when it...
2025-12-1722 min
Is Anything Real?Community over Audience: Measurable ROI & CQLs | Ep. 30 w/Yurii Lazaruk (Community ROI)Most teams confuse audience with community. Yurii Lazaruk explains the difference (one-to-many vs. many-to-many) and maps a measurable framework for community’s impact on support, product, marketing, and sales—including Community-Qualified Leads that move members into the right offer at the right time. We get into avoiding “fandom” traps, when to build audience first, why intentional facilitation matters, and a simple habit to start today: one real conversation a day. You’ll learn:How to design for member-to-member connection (not just broadcasts) Metrics that matter: ticket deflection, feature input/beta, UGC/advocacy, CQLs tied to reve...
2025-12-1027 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Community over Audience: Measurable ROI & CQLs | Ep. 30 w/Yurii Lazaruk (Community ROI)Most teams confuse audience with community. Yurii Lazaruk explains the difference (one-to-many vs. many-to-many) and maps a measurable framework for community’s impact on support, product, marketing, and sales—including Community-Qualified Leads that move members into the right offer at the right time. We get into avoiding “fandom” traps, when to build audience first, why intentional facilitation matters, and a simple habit to start today: one real conversation a day. You’ll learn:How to design for member-to-member connection (not just broadcasts) Metrics that matter: ticket deflection, feature input/beta, UGC/advocacy, CQLs tied to reve...
2025-12-1027 min
Is Anything Real?Do the Homework: Foundations Before Ads | Ep. 29 w/Nikhil Vaish (BoostSolo)Agency veteran Nikhil Vaish, founder of BoostSolo, argues that most ad failures start upstream. We walk through his three-step model: Offer > Homework > Execution, show how AI can amplify both good and bad strategy, and detail a practical voice-of-customer workflow using your own sales calls.Expect a frank conversation about niching down, pricing power, and building the right foundation so ads can finally do their job.You will learnThe Step Two foundation that most skip and how to build it fastHow to balance brand and performance without chasing vanity metricsWhy AI...
2025-12-0521 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Do the Homework: Foundations Before Ads | Ep. 29 w/Nikhil Vaish (BoostSolo)Agency veteran Nikhil Vaish, founder of BoostSolo, argues that most ad failures start upstream. We walk through his three-step model: Offer > Homework > Execution, show how AI can amplify both good and bad strategy, and detail a practical voice-of-customer workflow using your own sales calls.Expect a frank conversation about niching down, pricing power, and building the right foundation so ads can finally do their job.You will learnThe Step Two foundation that most skip and how to build it fastHow to balance brand and performance without chasing vanity metricsWhy AI...
2025-12-0521 min
Is Anything Real?Attribution Is Fiction: Profit Over Dashboards | Ep. 28 w/Andrew Maffettone (BlueTuskr)E-commerce isn’t single-touch - and your reporting shouldn’t pretend it is. Growth leader Andrew Maffettone breaks down how marketplace spillover (Amazon, Walmart, DTC, social) makes ROAS tidy but wrong, why profit beats channel vanity metrics, and how to design campaigns by channel purpose (education vs. capture). He shares a surprising SEO play—using low-cost Google Ads to accelerate rankings—then retargeting for conversion, plus a blunt take on why driving ads straight to Amazon often hurts organic rank.You’ll learn:How to evaluate spend, revenue, and profit across channels, not in silosWh...
2025-12-0324 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Attribution Is Fiction: Profit Over Dashboards | Ep. 28 w/Andrew Maffettone (BlueTuskr)E-commerce isn’t single-touch - and your reporting shouldn’t pretend it is. Growth leader Andrew Maffettone breaks down how marketplace spillover (Amazon, Walmart, DTC, social) makes ROAS tidy but wrong, why profit beats channel vanity metrics, and how to design campaigns by channel purpose (education vs. capture). He shares a surprising SEO play—using low-cost Google Ads to accelerate rankings—then retargeting for conversion, plus a blunt take on why driving ads straight to Amazon often hurts organic rank.You’ll learn:How to evaluate spend, revenue, and profit across channels, not in silosWh...
2025-12-0324 min
Is Anything Real?Community over Clicks: Women, Talent & Real Influence | Ep. 27 w/Shraddha Varma (Fuzia)Community isn’t a channel—it’s an operating system. Shraddha Varma, Co-Founder of Fuzia, shares how a women-centered platform turns creators into contributors, and contributors into careers. We map the community → credibility → opportunity flywheel, plus a pragmatic view of paid media once audience and offer are proven.You’ll learn:How to build a values-driven community that compounds trustConverting community energy into a talent + partnerships pipelineThe right (and wrong) moments to use paid adsActivation ideas: storytelling, spotlights, and serviceMetrics that matter beyond impressionsConnect with Shraddha• Fuzia: https://www.fuzia.com/...
2025-11-2617 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Community over Clicks: Women, Talent & Real Influence | Ep. 27 w/Shraddha Varma (Fuzia)Community isn’t a channel—it’s an operating system. Shraddha Varma, Co-Founder of Fuzia, shares how a women-centered platform turns creators into contributors, and contributors into careers. We map the community → credibility → opportunity flywheel, plus a pragmatic view of paid media once audience and offer are proven.You’ll learn:How to build a values-driven community that compounds trustConverting community energy into a talent + partnerships pipelineThe right (and wrong) moments to use paid adsActivation ideas: storytelling, spotlights, and serviceMetrics that matter beyond impressionsConnect with Shraddha• Fuzia: https://www.fuzia.com/...
2025-11-2617 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Credibility over Clout: Books, Wine & BS-Free Marketing | Ep. 26 w/Megumi Calver (Merobebe)Author credibility beats vanity metrics—and hospitality beats hacks. In this conversation, Megumi Calver explains how she helps nonfiction authors and speakers use books as credibility engines, why she built Merobebe to champion women winemakers, and the narrow moments when paid ads are worth it—after audience and offer are dialed.You’ll learn:The difference between “bestseller” clout and durable credibilityHow to grow a thriving community without relying on paid adsWine-world lessons for marketers: language, labels, and transparencyA pragmatic framework for ads when budgets are tightWhy genuine hospitality outperforms dashboardsConnect with Megum...
2025-11-1919 minIs Anything Real?Credibility over Clout: Books, Wine & BS-Free Marketing | Ep. 26 w/Megumi Calver (Merobebe)Author credibility beats vanity metrics—and hospitality beats hacks. In this conversation, Megumi Calver explains how she helps nonfiction authors and speakers use books as credibility engines, why she built Merobebe to champion women winemakers, and the narrow moments when paid ads are worth it—after audience and offer are dialed.You’ll learn:The difference between “bestseller” clout and durable credibilityHow to grow a thriving community without relying on paid adsWine-world lessons for marketers: language, labels, and transparencyA pragmatic framework for ads when budgets are tightWhy genuine hospitality outperforms dashboardsConnect with Megum...
2025-11-1919 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Building a Global VA Agency Without Ads | Ep. 25 w/Utsav Nagori (DynaPro Global)What if you could build a thriving global business — without spending a dime on ads?In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, Utsav Nagori, Founder of DynaPro Global, shares how he grew a VA agency serving clients across the U.S. entirely through trust, relationships, and ridiculous consistency.From his first few clients to managing a full remote team, Utsav walks through what it really takes to scale when you don’t have funding, investors, or ad budgets — just belief and execution.🎯 Hi...
2025-11-1217 minIs Anything Real?Building a Global VA Agency Without Ads | Ep. 25 w/Utsav Nagori (DynaPro Global)What if you could build a thriving global business — without spending a dime on ads?In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, Utsav Nagori, Founder of DynaPro Global, shares how he grew a VA agency serving clients across the U.S. entirely through trust, relationships, and ridiculous consistency.From his first few clients to managing a full remote team, Utsav walks through what it really takes to scale when you don’t have funding, investors, or ad budgets — just belief and execution.🎯 Hi...
2025-11-1217 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Stop the Ad Addiction | Ep. 24 w/Jared Tang (Gaggle Social)Tired of chasing clicks and conversions that don’t convert?In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, host Adam W. Barney sits down with Jared Tang, Founder & CEO of Gaggle Social, to talk about breaking the cycle of ad dependency and building brands that grow on real connection, not rented reach.💡 What We Cover:Escaping the paid-media hamster wheelHow organic storytelling compounds faster than spendThe LinkedIn content loops that actually drive salesWhy most founders confuse activity with attentionBuilding authentic demand vs algorithm dopamine🎧 This one’s for founders...
2025-11-0524 minIs Anything Real?Stop the Ad Addiction | Ep. 24 w/Jared Tang (Gaggle Social)Tired of chasing clicks and conversions that don’t convert?In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, host Adam W. Barney sits down with Jared Tang, Founder & CEO of Gaggle Social, to talk about breaking the cycle of ad dependency and building brands that grow on real connection, not rented reach.💡 What We Cover:Escaping the paid-media hamster wheelHow organic storytelling compounds faster than spendThe LinkedIn content loops that actually drive salesWhy most founders confuse activity with attentionBuilding authentic demand vs algorithm dopamine🎧 This one’s for founders...
2025-11-0524 min
Unfiltered SolopreneurS02E03 From Corporate Layoffs to Resilient Solopreneurship | Adam W BarneyHow do solopreneurs find resilience after corporate layoffs and burnout? In this episode, Adam shares his journey of leaving 20+ years in marketing to build a thriving solopreneur coaching business.(Note: Meta description or be the first line under the video/audio player.)In this episode of Unfiltered Solopreneur, host Nikhil Vaish speaks with Adam W.Barney, who is an author, energy coach, and former corporate marketing leader who has coached 300+ micro-business owners. Adam shares his journey from a 20-year corporate marketing career to building his own business, twice laid off due to organizational restructures. He reveals the surprising...
2025-10-301h 06
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Scrappy ABM, Real Results: Building Pipeline Without Paid Ads | Ep. 23 w/Mason Cosby (Scrappy ABM)What happens when you stop chasing vanity metrics and start running ABM the way it’s meant to be — personal, measurable, and scrappy?In this episode, Mason Cosby, CEO & Founder of Scrappy ABM, joins Adam W. Barney to unpack how small, focused teams are generating enterprise-level outcomes with smarter, more human strategies.🔥 Topics we dig into:Why ABM has been misunderstood (and how to fix it)How to build real alignment between sales and marketingWhat “Scrappy” actually means in a post-AI worldTurning connection into pipeline — without buying attention🎙 Hosted by...
2025-10-2925 minIs Anything Real?Scrappy ABM, Real Results: Building Pipeline Without Paid Ads | Ep. 23 w/Mason Cosby (Scrappy ABM)What happens when you stop chasing vanity metrics and start running ABM the way it’s meant to be — personal, measurable, and scrappy?In this episode, Mason Cosby, CEO & Founder of Scrappy ABM, joins Adam W. Barney to unpack how small, focused teams are generating enterprise-level outcomes with smarter, more human strategies.🔥 Topics we dig into:Why ABM has been misunderstood (and how to fix it)How to build real alignment between sales and marketingWhat “Scrappy” actually means in a post-AI worldTurning connection into pipeline — without buying attention🎙 Hosted by...
2025-10-2925 min
SH!T CREEK SURVIVORSNavigating Life’s Challenges with Resilience | Adam W. BarneyIn this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Cam McKay sits down with Adam W. Barney — energy coach, author, and founder of Scale Smarter — to explore what it really means to live resiliently, manage your energy, and find purpose through pain.Adam shares his personal journey through loss, including his mother’s battle with ALS, and how those experiences shaped his life’s work helping others refuel their resilience. Together, they dive into practical tools for overcoming fear, building community, and creating momentum through small, intentional wins.This is a conversation about grace, growth, and the trut...
2025-10-2851 min
Is Anything Real?EQ, Resilience & Real Influence | Ep. 22 w/Chuck Garcia (Climb Leadership International)It's time for another Exclusive Drop you don't want to miss!Leadership isn’t forged at the summit: it’s forged in the storm.In this powerful conversation, Chuck Garcia, Columbia University professor, author, and founder of Climb Leadership, joins host Adam W. Barney to unpack what it really means to climb with resilience, emotional intelligence, and purpose .Mountains and boardrooms share the same truth: the climb tests your patience, your team, and your character. Chuck Garcia shares the three rules he learned on Kilimanjaro that every leader needs to adop...
2025-10-2426 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?EQ, Resilience & Real Influence | Ep. 22 w/Chuck Garcia (Climb Leadership International)It's time for another Exclusive Drop you don't want to miss!Leadership isn’t forged at the summit: it’s forged in the storm.In this powerful conversation, Chuck Garcia, Columbia University professor, author, and founder of Climb Leadership, joins host Adam W. Barney to unpack what it really means to climb with resilience, emotional intelligence, and purpose .Mountains and boardrooms share the same truth: the climb tests your patience, your team, and your character. Chuck Garcia shares the three rules he learned on Kilimanjaro that every leader needs to adop...
2025-10-2426 min
Eastmans' ElevatedEpisode 515: Next Generation With Adam CunninghamIn this episode of Eastmans' Elevated, Brian Barney sits down with Adam Cunningham. Adam is a young hunter that is getting after it. In fact, Adam and Brian were chasing the same bull in 2024. The guys visit about that and then talk over their elk hunting strategies. They have a great back and forth all about chasing critters across the West. It's a great conversation with Adam who is part of the next generation of western hunters.
Eberlestock - https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans
Federal Ammunition - https://bit.ly/FederalPremium-Eastmans
Forever Barnwood - https://bit.ly/ForeverBarnwood-Eastmans
Kryptek - https...
2025-10-231h 06
Is Anything Real?Fix Your Bank. Scale Your Ads. | Ep. 21 w/Alex Steele (Opal)In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, host Adam W. Barney sits down with Alex Steele, Founder & CEO of Opal, to unpack how agencies can unlock growth by rethinking how they bank.💡 Alex shares the story of building Opal — the fintech platform redefining how ad agencies and creators manage cash flow and credit.From partnering with Visa to solving the agency payment bottleneck, this conversation gets real about money, momentum, and the systems that fuel scale.We cover:🏦 Why traditional banks don’t understa...
2025-10-2219 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Fix Your Bank. Scale Your Ads. | Ep. 21 w/Alex Steele (Opal)In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, host Adam W. Barney sits down with Alex Steele, Founder & CEO of Opal, to unpack how agencies can unlock growth by rethinking how they bank.💡 Alex shares the story of building Opal — the fintech platform redefining how ad agencies and creators manage cash flow and credit.From partnering with Visa to solving the agency payment bottleneck, this conversation gets real about money, momentum, and the systems that fuel scale.We cover:🏦 Why traditional banks don’t understa...
2025-10-2219 min
Is Anything Real?Narrative Power in a Noisy World | Ep. 20 w/MK McGowan (MK McGowan Studios)In a world where ads fight for attention and algorithms dictate visibility, one thing still cuts through the noise: storytelling.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with MK McGowan, Founder of MK McGowan Studios, to explore how narrative isn’t just marketing — it’s the difference between being ignored and being unforgettable.We dive into:✨ Why narrative intelligence matters more than vanity metrics✨ How to tell stories that scale across platforms and audiences✨ The art of shaping mess...
2025-10-1518 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Narrative Power in a Noisy World | Ep. 20 w/MK McGowan (MK McGowan Studios)In a world where ads fight for attention and algorithms dictate visibility, one thing still cuts through the noise: storytelling.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with MK McGowan, Founder of MK McGowan Studios, to explore how narrative isn’t just marketing — it’s the difference between being ignored and being unforgettable.We dive into:✨ Why narrative intelligence matters more than vanity metrics✨ How to tell stories that scale across platforms and audiences✨ The art of shaping mess...
2025-10-1518 min
Carriker ChroniclesJacory Barney On RAIOLA, Mike Ekeler & The O-LineAdam Carriker’s Exclusive Interview with Jacory Barney is a rare, peek behind the curtain, interview with one of Nebraska Football’s best current players. Jacory & Adam discuss Dylan Raiola, Dana Holgorsen, Emmett Johnson, Mike Ekeler, Matt Rhule, Play Calling & the Offensive Line. Jacory opens up about the Huskers offense & what to expect when Nebraska plays Maryland!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2025-10-0817 min
Is Anything Real?Filtering Noise with AI: Authentic Growth & Real Connections | Ep. 19 w/ Joe Apfelbaum (evyAI)AI in sales and marketing isn’t about replacing people: it’s about amplifying them.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with Joe Apfelbaum, Founder of evyAI and CEO of Ajax Union, to unpack what it really takes to scale authentic relationships in the age of AI.Joe shares his journey from building 100+ websites a year, to scaling Ajax Union into one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., to creating evyAI...now powering 20,000+ users across 37 countries. Along the way, we dig...
2025-10-0827 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Filtering Noise with AI: Authentic Growth & Real Connections | Ep. 19 w/ Joe Apfelbaum (evyAI)AI in sales and marketing isn’t about replacing people: it’s about amplifying them.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with Joe Apfelbaum, Founder of evyAI and CEO of Ajax Union, to unpack what it really takes to scale authentic relationships in the age of AI.Joe shares his journey from building 100+ websites a year, to scaling Ajax Union into one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., to creating evyAI...now powering 20,000+ users across 37 countries. Along the way, we dig...
2025-10-0827 min
Is Anything Real?CRM That Pays: Lead Scoring, Attribution & ROI | Ep. 18 w/ Jason Kramer (Cultivize)Most companies pour money into marketing without connecting it to revenue. Jason Kramer, Founder & CEO of Cultivize, shows how to turn CRM, lead scoring, and simple attribution into hard ROI...and why many campaigns should be trimmed, not scaled.In this episode, you’ll learn:How a 25-year roofing company cut ~$50k in wasted ad spend by tracking every channel (QRs, call prompts, landing pages) and tying it back to sales activity.“Hand raisers,” lead scoring, and seeing buying signals in real time (opens, site visits, video views).Why most teams fail CRM roll-o...
2025-10-0123 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?CRM That Pays: Lead Scoring, Attribution & ROI | Ep. 18 w/ Jason Kramer (Cultivize)Most companies pour money into marketing without connecting it to revenue. Jason Kramer, Founder & CEO of Cultivize, shows how to turn CRM, lead scoring, and simple attribution into hard ROI...and why many campaigns should be trimmed, not scaled.In this episode, you’ll learn:How a 25-year roofing company cut ~$50k in wasted ad spend by tracking every channel (QRs, call prompts, landing pages) and tying it back to sales activity.“Hand raisers,” lead scoring, and seeing buying signals in real time (opens, site visits, video views).Why most teams fail CRM roll-o...
2025-10-0123 min
Is Anything Real?Building Trust Before Ads | Ep. 17 w/ Abu Kamara (Green Zone Solutions)Most entrepreneurs feel the pressure to run ads before they’ve built a foundation. Abu Kamara, Co-Founder of Green Zone Solutions, took a different path. In just 18 months, he built a consulting business around sustainability, logistics, and operational performance - all through relationships, referrals, and trust, not ad spend.In this episode, we cover:How Green Zone went from wide-net consulting to honing in on manufacturing and distribution niches.Why referrals and word-of-mouth still outpace cold ads in today’s noisy market.The systems Abu is putting in place to make referrals predictable and...
2025-09-2418 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Building Trust Before Ads | Ep. 17 w/ Abu Kamara (Green Zone Solutions)Most entrepreneurs feel the pressure to run ads before they’ve built a foundation. Abu Kamara, Co-Founder of Green Zone Solutions, took a different path. In just 18 months, he built a consulting business around sustainability, logistics, and operational performance - all through relationships, referrals, and trust, not ad spend.In this episode, we cover:How Green Zone went from wide-net consulting to honing in on manufacturing and distribution niches.Why referrals and word-of-mouth still outpace cold ads in today’s noisy market.The systems Abu is putting in place to make referrals predictable and...
2025-09-2418 min
Is Anything Real?The Future of AI & Creativity | Ep. 16 (Exclusive Drop) w/ Mike Todasco (SDSU, Ex-PayPal)The AI wave is reshaping industries faster than most leaders can process. Few people have navigated it from as many angles as Mike Todasco, former Head of Innovation at PayPal, Visiting Fellow at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at San Diego State University, and holder of 100+ patents.In this Exclusive Drop episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, host Adam W. Barney and Mike dig into:The real implications of AI for human creativityHow corporate innovation at PayPal informs the future of AI adoptionWhy today’s students at SDSU mig...
2025-09-2023 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?The Future of AI & Creativity | Ep. 16 (Exclusive Drop) w/ Mike Todasco (SDSU, Ex-PayPal)The AI wave is reshaping industries faster than most leaders can process. Few people have navigated it from as many angles as Mike Todasco, former Head of Innovation at PayPal, Visiting Fellow at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at San Diego State University, and holder of 100+ patents.In this Exclusive Drop episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, host Adam W. Barney and Mike dig into:The real implications of AI for human creativityHow corporate innovation at PayPal informs the future of AI adoptionWhy today’s students at SDSU mig...
2025-09-2023 min
Is Anything Real?AI That Actually Delivers: Clarity Before Paid Ads | Ep. 15 with Vinod Kumar (Syntheum AI)AI that actually delivers.Vinod Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder of Syntheum AI, joins host Adam W. Barney to talk about clarity, discipline, and why most brands chase paid ads before they’ve earned the right. From building agentic AI tools for merchandisers to pioneering the idea of being “seed-strapped,” Vinod shares how founders can scale smarter without burning budgets.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we cover:How AI merchandising agents are changing the way e-commerce brands workWhy being “seed-strapped” forces clarity and better decisionsThe case for o...
2025-09-1720 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?AI That Actually Delivers: Clarity Before Paid Ads | Ep. 15 with Vinod Kumar (Syntheum AI)AI that actually delivers.Vinod Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder of Syntheum AI, joins host Adam W. Barney to talk about clarity, discipline, and why most brands chase paid ads before they’ve earned the right. From building agentic AI tools for merchandisers to pioneering the idea of being “seed-strapped,” Vinod shares how founders can scale smarter without burning budgets.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we cover:How AI merchandising agents are changing the way e-commerce brands workWhy being “seed-strapped” forces clarity and better decisionsThe case for o...
2025-09-1720 min
Is Anything Real?Filtering the Noise: Offline Data, Ad Fraud & LTV | Ep. 14 w/ Noel Geer (Connected Interactive)Forget vanity metrics. Noel Geer, CEO & Founder of Connected Interactive, joins host Adam W. Barney to reveal why most brands are wasting money chasing CPMs and ROAS...and how focusing on lifetime value unlocks real, lasting growth.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we dive into:Why 84% of purchases still happen offline - and how to tie them back to digitalThe hidden cost of ad fraud (and how to filter it out before you spend a dime)What happens when you prioritize quality audiences over inflated reachWhy lifetime value...
2025-09-1026 minIs Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Filtering the Noise: Offline Data, Ad Fraud & LTV | Ep. 14 w/ Noel Geer (Connected Interactive)Forget vanity metrics. Noel Geer, CEO & Founder of Connected Interactive, joins host Adam W. Barney to reveal why most brands are wasting money chasing CPMs and ROAS...and how focusing on lifetime value unlocks real, lasting growth.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we dive into:Why 84% of purchases still happen offline - and how to tie them back to digitalThe hidden cost of ad fraud (and how to filter it out before you spend a dime)What happens when you prioritize quality audiences over inflated reachWhy lifetime value...
2025-09-1026 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?How Fuzia Built a 10M+ Community That Actually Converts | Ep. 13 with Priyanka Mishra (Fuzia Talent)Forget paid tricks. Priyanka Mishra, Business Head of Fuzia Talent, joins host Adam W. Barney to break down how she scaled a global, women-led platform to over 10 million users - without relying on gimmicks or inflated metrics.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we dive into:Building emotional trust in a data-obsessed ecosystemHow Fuzia empowers creators across 35+ countriesWhy most ad impressions aren’t worth what you thinkWhat EQ + community storytelling can do that paid ads never willIf you’re tired of clickbait and craving real results, this one’...
2025-09-0318 minIs Anything Real?How Fuzia Built a 10M+ Community That Actually Converts | Ep. 13 with Priyanka Mishra (Fuzia Talent)Forget paid tricks. Priyanka Mishra, Business Head of Fuzia Talent, joins host Adam W. Barney to break down how she scaled a global, women-led platform to over 10 million users - without relying on gimmicks or inflated metrics.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we dive into:Building emotional trust in a data-obsessed ecosystemHow Fuzia empowers creators across 35+ countriesWhy most ad impressions aren’t worth what you thinkWhat EQ + community storytelling can do that paid ads never willIf you’re tired of clickbait and craving real results, this one’...
2025-09-0318 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Strategy Over Shortcuts: Small Biz Growth That Lasts | Ep. 12 w/Lucy Wang (Pocketflows)“AI without strategy is chaos.”Lucy Wang, Co-Founder & CEO of Pocketflows, joins me for a straight-talking breakdown of what’s real in small business marketing today. From funnel nightmares to the trap of instant gratification, Lucy calls out the shortcuts that sabotage founders—and shows us what sustainable growth really takes.Inside this episode, we dig into:🚦 Why “cookie-cutter” AI marketing fails small businesses.🧩 The hidden costs of shortcut thinking (spam, over-automation, blind ROAS chasing).📈 The smarter path: building loyalty, visibility, and a repeatable flow for growth.💡 Real stories of how businesses can di...
2025-08-2721 minIs Anything Real?Strategy Over Shortcuts: Small Biz Growth That Lasts | Ep. 12 w/Lucy Wang (Pocketflows)“AI without strategy is chaos.”Lucy Wang, Co-Founder & CEO of Pocketflows, joins me for a straight-talking breakdown of what’s real in small business marketing today. From funnel nightmares to the trap of instant gratification, Lucy calls out the shortcuts that sabotage founders—and shows us what sustainable growth really takes.Inside this episode, we dig into:🚦 Why “cookie-cutter” AI marketing fails small businesses.🧩 The hidden costs of shortcut thinking (spam, over-automation, blind ROAS chasing).📈 The smarter path: building loyalty, visibility, and a repeatable flow for growth.💡 Real stories of how businesses can di...
2025-08-2721 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Data That Cuts Through the Noise | Ep. 11 with Ryan Stevens (Digital Reference)Too many agencies are drowning clients in dashboards, vanity metrics, and pretty charts that don’t move the needle. Ryan Stevens is here to burn that to the ground.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, Adam W. Barney sits down with Ryan, Founder of Digital Reference and the guy agencies call when they want their data to actually tell the truth.We dig into:The difference between “reporting” and real insightHow to kill useless KPIs before they waste your budgetWhy clean attribution is the ultimate trust-builderThe metrics client...
2025-08-2022 minIs Anything Real?Data That Cuts Through the Noise | Ep. 11 with Ryan Stevens (Digital Reference)Too many agencies are drowning clients in dashboards, vanity metrics, and pretty charts that don’t move the needle. Ryan Stevens is here to burn that to the ground.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, Adam W. Barney sits down with Ryan, Founder of Digital Reference and the guy agencies call when they want their data to actually tell the truth.We dig into:The difference between “reporting” and real insightHow to kill useless KPIs before they waste your budgetWhy clean attribution is the ultimate trust-builderThe metrics client...
2025-08-2022 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Scaling Smarter: Agency Growth, Balance & Real ROI | Ep. 10 with Anthony Tsigourakos (ScaleSmarter)Anthony Tsigourakos, co-founder of SmartSpend Advertising and growth advisor at Good Name Consulting, knows the hidden costs of scaling. After helping dozens of agencies break through plateaus, he’s learned that real growth isn’t just about adding clients or revenue…it’s about protecting your capacity, your margins, and your energy.In this episode, we dive into:Why most agencies think they’re scaling when they’re actually stallingThe balance between execution, strategy, and personal energyReal ROI versus vanity metrics...and how to track what truly mattersBuilding a business that fuels your life instead...
2025-08-1325 minIs Anything Real?Scaling Smarter: Agency Growth, Balance & Real ROI | Ep. 10 with Anthony Tsigourakos (ScaleSmarter)Anthony Tsigourakos, co-founder of SmartSpend Advertising and growth advisor at Good Name Consulting, knows the hidden costs of scaling. After helping dozens of agencies break through plateaus, he’s learned that real growth isn’t just about adding clients or revenue…it’s about protecting your capacity, your margins, and your energy.In this episode, we dive into:Why most agencies think they’re scaling when they’re actually stallingThe balance between execution, strategy, and personal energyReal ROI versus vanity metrics...and how to track what truly mattersBuilding a business that fuels your life instead...
2025-08-1325 min
Career Coaching SecretsScale Smarter, Not Harder: A Conversation with Adam W. BarneyIn this Career Coaching Secrets episode, host Rexhen interviews Adam W. Barney, founder of Scale Smarter. Adam, a growth strategist and certified energy coach, transitioned from a corporate career at companies like Microsoft after realizing high performers were burning out.He coaches executive and emerging leaders, including founders, using tools like Ikigai and the Odyssey Plan to build a holistic vision. His unique approach includes continuous support via text or Slack between one-on-one sessions.Adam's business grows primarily through authentic networking and...
2025-08-1127 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Beyond Clicks and Chaos | Ep. 9 with Patrick Cumming (KleintBoost)What actually works when paid ads stop performing?In this episode, Patrick Cumming, Head of Marketing at KleintBoost, joins Adam W. Barney to cut through the noise and talk shop: what’s real, what’s BS, and why most agencies are still chasing vanity metrics.We go deep on:💥 How to audit your funnel without losing your mind📊 The real KPIs that matter for sustainable growth🧠 Client psychology, performance myths, and decision-making under pressure🤖 Why attribution is broken, and how to market anywayWhether you’re an agency founder, me...
2025-08-0625 minIs Anything Real?Beyond Clicks and Chaos | Ep. 9 with Patrick Cumming (KleintBoost)What actually works when paid ads stop performing?In this episode, Patrick Cumming, Head of Marketing at KleintBoost, joins Adam W. Barney to cut through the noise and talk shop: what’s real, what’s BS, and why most agencies are still chasing vanity metrics.We go deep on:💥 How to audit your funnel without losing your mind📊 The real KPIs that matter for sustainable growth🧠 Client psychology, performance myths, and decision-making under pressure🤖 Why attribution is broken, and how to market anywayWhether you’re an agency founder, me...
2025-08-0625 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Breaking the Vice Stigma | Ep. 8 with Pauline Schmiechen (Fanblast)What do you do when Google, Meta, TikTok, and every other ad platform shut the door in your face? You break the rules, rewrite the playbook, and scale anyway.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I talk with Pauline Schmiechen: badass founder, consultant, and builder of multiple high-traffic adult platforms, who’s thriving in the shadows of mainstream media.With 3 million+ users a month and zero access to traditional ad platforms, Pauline isn’t asking for permission...she’s building power in places most marketers are to...
2025-07-3016 minIs Anything Real?Breaking the Vice Stigma | Ep. 8 with Pauline Schmiechen (Fanblast)What do you do when Google, Meta, TikTok, and every other ad platform shut the door in your face? You break the rules, rewrite the playbook, and scale anyway.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I talk with Pauline Schmiechen: badass founder, consultant, and builder of multiple high-traffic adult platforms, who’s thriving in the shadows of mainstream media.With 3 million+ users a month and zero access to traditional ad platforms, Pauline isn’t asking for permission...she’s building power in places most marketers are to...
2025-07-3016 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Alignment Over Algorithms | Ep. 7 with Lea Miner (Intention & Insight)In Episode 07 of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we dive deep with Lea Miner, Founder of Intention & Insight, who’s building something truly different: a business rooted in resonance, not just reach.What started as a small somatic journey experiment on Meetup grew to a thriving 600+ person community in just six months, without a dollar in ad spend.We unpack:Why marketing fails when you skip the “why”The cost of ignoring message–market alignmentHow Lea uses AI to deepen, not dilute, authentic connectionThe rise of AI-optimized content (and why it beats...
2025-07-2322 minIs Anything Real?Alignment Over Algorithms | Ep. 7 with Lea Miner (Intention & Insight)In Episode 07 of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we dive deep with Lea Miner, Founder of Intention & Insight, who’s building something truly different: a business rooted in resonance, not just reach.What started as a small somatic journey experiment on Meetup grew to a thriving 600+ person community in just six months, without a dollar in ad spend.We unpack:Why marketing fails when you skip the “why”The cost of ignoring message–market alignmentHow Lea uses AI to deepen, not dilute, authentic connectionThe rise of AI-optimized content (and why it beats...
2025-07-2322 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?From Grind to Growth: Micro-Niching, Daily Emails & Ditching the Social Media Hustle | Ep. 6 with Ziv Raviv (Kivi Media)What if the real growth play wasn’t grinding on social media or spending wildly on ads?In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with Ziv Raviv, Founder & CEO of Kivi Media, creator of Daily Cookie, host of Beyond Six Figures, and author of The Fully Booked Coach, for a masterclass in scaling through soul-first strategy.Ziv built a $600K/year coaching business without burning out on content or ad spend...and he’s here to show you how.We...
2025-07-1627 minIs Anything Real?From Grind to Growth: Micro-Niching, Daily Emails & Ditching the Social Media Hustle | Ep. 6 with Ziv Raviv (Kivi Media)What if the real growth play wasn’t grinding on social media or spending wildly on ads?In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with Ziv Raviv, Founder & CEO of Kivi Media, creator of Daily Cookie, host of Beyond Six Figures, and author of The Fully Booked Coach, for a masterclass in scaling through soul-first strategy.Ziv built a $600K/year coaching business without burning out on content or ad spend...and he’s here to show you how.We...
2025-07-1627 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Creative Metrics, Messaging Clarity & Creator Grit | Ep. 5 with Nuria Garcia (NbN Marketing)Nuria Garcia of NbN Marketing joins me for a raw dive into the behind-the-scenes reality of creator-led growth. From ad platform bias to client miseducation, this episode unpacks the truth about scaling creative work with integrity, even when it gets messy.We cover:The hidden constraints behind Meta Ads and TikTokWhat Nuria does when client scripts kill performanceWhy real storytelling still wins in 2025Building an agency while creating content for 3M+ views🔗 Learn more about Nuria’s work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nbnmarketing/🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: https://isanythingrealinpaidadvertising.adamwbar...
2025-07-0924 minIs Anything Real?Creative Metrics, Messaging Clarity & Creator Grit | Ep. 5 with Nuria Garcia (NbN Marketing)Nuria Garcia of NbN Marketing joins me for a raw dive into the behind-the-scenes reality of creator-led growth. From ad platform bias to client miseducation, this episode unpacks the truth about scaling creative work with integrity, even when it gets messy.We cover:The hidden constraints behind Meta Ads and TikTokWhat Nuria does when client scripts kill performanceWhy real storytelling still wins in 2025Building an agency while creating content for 3M+ views🔗 Learn more about Nuria’s work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nbnmarketing/🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: https://isanythingrealinpaidadvertising.adamwbar...
2025-07-0924 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Creative Chaos & AI Mood Boards | Ep. 4 with Christina Magaña (Modish Creative)AI may be getting flashier, but is it making your creative work better or just…blobbier?In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with Christina Magaña, Founder of Modish Creative and creative strategist behind some of the most vibrant, soulful branding campaigns in the game.We dive into:Why AI-generated visuals are hitting a ceiling (and sometimes a wall)What agencies are missing when it comes to real creative impactHow short-form video is helping founders cross from creator to...
2025-07-0219 minIs Anything Real?Creative Chaos & AI Mood Boards | Ep. 4 with Christina Magaña (Modish Creative)AI may be getting flashier, but is it making your creative work better or just…blobbier?In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with Christina Magaña, Founder of Modish Creative and creative strategist behind some of the most vibrant, soulful branding campaigns in the game.We dive into:Why AI-generated visuals are hitting a ceiling (and sometimes a wall)What agencies are missing when it comes to real creative impactHow short-form video is helping founders cross from creator to...
2025-07-0219 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Funnels, AI, and the Human Touch | Ep. 3 with Nathalie Doremieux (Podcast LeadFlow)Is AI driving deeper connections, or just more noise?In this episode, I’m joined by Nathalie Doremieux, Co-Founder of Podcast LeadFlow, who reveals how to transform podcast listeners into qualified leads through strategic AI-powered conversations. We unpack how the Human → AI → Human model outperforms generic automation, and why quality, not quantity is the future of podcast monetization.From membership site mastery to funnel strategy that doesn’t sacrifice humanity, Nathalie breaks down what most agency owners are missing and how to fix it.🎯 Topics we d...
2025-06-2521 minIs Anything Real?Funnels, AI, and the Human Touch | Ep. 3 with Nathalie Doremieux (Podcast LeadFlow)Is AI driving deeper connections, or just more noise?In this episode, I’m joined by Nathalie Doremieux, Co-Founder of Podcast LeadFlow, who reveals how to transform podcast listeners into qualified leads through strategic AI-powered conversations. We unpack how the Human → AI → Human model outperforms generic automation, and why quality, not quantity is the future of podcast monetization.From membership site mastery to funnel strategy that doesn’t sacrifice humanity, Nathalie breaks down what most agency owners are missing and how to fix it.🎯 Topics we d...
2025-06-2521 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?PMax, AI, and the Myth of Set-It-and-Forget-It | Ep. 2 with Ben Lund (Rise Marketing Group)Performance Max can scale. But only if you control the inputs.Otherwise? You’re handing the wheel to a robot with no map.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I’m joined by Ben Lund, founder of Rise Marketing Group and ex-Googler, to unpack what’s real...and what’s wildly misunderstood...about AI-driven campaigns in 2025.We get into:⚙️ The real value of human strategy in an AI world📉 Why Performance Max fails when left unchecked🧠 The mindset...
2025-06-1823 minIs Anything Real?PMax, AI, and the Myth of Set-It-and-Forget-It | Ep. 2 with Ben Lund (Rise Marketing Group)Performance Max can scale. But only if you control the inputs.Otherwise? You’re handing the wheel to a robot with no map.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I’m joined by Ben Lund, founder of Rise Marketing Group and ex-Googler, to unpack what’s real...and what’s wildly misunderstood...about AI-driven campaigns in 2025.We get into:⚙️ The real value of human strategy in an AI world📉 Why Performance Max fails when left unchecked🧠 The mindset...
2025-06-1823 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Scaling with Soul | Ep. 1 with Kristi Broom (Lotus Transformation Group)In this kickoff episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with Kristi Broom, Co-Founder of Rising Tide Cooperative to talk candidly about building inclusive cultures, evolving leadership identities, and embracing AI without losing your edge.We dive into:Scaling while staying grounded in your valuesUsing transparency and empathy as strategic toolsWhy “being in the weeds” on purpose is part of Kristi’s leadership playbookThe magic of brave spaces over just “safe” ones📬 Kristi’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristibroom🌱 Rising Tide Cooperative: risingtidecooperative.com📅 June I...
2025-06-1119 minIs Anything Real?Scaling with Soul | Ep. 1 with Kristi Broom (Lotus Transformation Group)In this kickoff episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with Kristi Broom, Co-Founder of Rising Tide Cooperative to talk candidly about building inclusive cultures, evolving leadership identities, and embracing AI without losing your edge.We dive into:Scaling while staying grounded in your valuesUsing transparency and empathy as strategic toolsWhy “being in the weeds” on purpose is part of Kristi’s leadership playbookThe magic of brave spaces over just “safe” ones📬 Kristi’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristibroom🌱 Rising Tide Cooperative: risingtidecooperative.com📅 June I...
2025-06-1119 min
Is Anything Real?Ep. 00: Is Anything in Paid Advertising Even Real?You’ve seen the headlines. You’ve heard the hype. You’ve probably even burned budget on a “proven funnel.”But let’s be honest: is anything in paid advertising even real?In this kickoff episode, host Adam W. Barney (author, strategist, energy coach, and $100M+ ad spend veteran) lays out why this podcast exists, who it’s for, and what to expect in the episodes ahead.🎙️ Expect unfiltered conversations with agency founders, marketers, and skeptics who’ve been in the trenches—plus real systems, real insight...
2025-06-1002 min
Is Anything Real In Paid Advertising?Ep. 00: Is Anything in Paid Advertising Even Real?You’ve seen the headlines. You’ve heard the hype. You’ve probably even burned budget on a “proven funnel.”But let’s be honest: is anything in paid advertising even real?In this kickoff episode, host Adam W. Barney (author, strategist, energy coach, and $100M+ ad spend veteran) lays out why this podcast exists, who it’s for, and what to expect in the episodes ahead.🎙️ Expect unfiltered conversations with agency founders, marketers, and skeptics who’ve been in the trenches—plus real systems, real insight...
2025-06-1002 min
The New York Mystery MachineEpisode 181: "Honeymoon with Aliens: The Abduction of Betty and Barney Hill"In 1961, Betty and Barney Hill were on their way back from honeymooning in Montreal when a strange craft appeared over them and followed them in the dark New Hampshire night. They rushed down the highway, trying to escape it, arriving home with two hours of unaccounted for time. As strange memories surfaced, physical ailments emerged, and mechanical failures occurred, all signs pointed towards something unworldly having occurred. When they visited a psychotherapist for help, their hypnosis sessions revealed an unusual encounter with alien beings from another world. Discover the incredible abduction story of Betty and Barney Hill, the alien...
2025-06-0957 min
Shelf Help: The Tactical CPG PodcastJennifer Barney - Exiting One of the First Almond Butter Brands & Scaling CPG Brands in Today's MarketOn this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Barney, the founder of Barney Butter and one of the sharpest minds in CPG today.Jennifer launched Barney Butter back in 2006—well before almond butter went mainstream—and scaled it into a household name before exiting the business in 2011. Since then, she’s become a go-to advisor to emerging food brands like Hero Bread and Oat Haus, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at General Mills' venture studio, a Director at Positively Good Snacks, and a Substack author (The Business of Food).In this episode, Jennifer drops serious knowledge on how early-st...
2025-04-1241 min
The Authority Podcast — Expert Insights and Fresh Ideas for Education LeadersMake Your Own Glass Half Full with Adam W. Barney — Empowered Optimism and AutonomyAdam Barney is an Energy Coach who has helped hundreds of emerging and executive leaders unlock their goals, build vitality, and strengthen accountability for long-term transformation. With over two decades of experience in leadership positions at companies like Microsoft, Digitas, and Akamai Technologies, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge to his coaching practice. He believes optimism and autonomy empower us to overcome challenges and seize opportunities with confidence and resilience.Today, we discuss Adam’s new book Make Your Own Glass Half Full: The Path To Empowered Optimism and Aut...
2025-02-1137 min
The Thunder Stock ShowOptimism and Autonomy | Adam W. Barney | EP 86Ross Stockdale is a Fractional CMO, marketing consultant, and business owner.Thunder Stock Marketing helps small business owners profitably scale their business.By leveraging a fractional CMO, SMB owners in the B2B service space can profitably scale and grow without the cost and commitment of a full-time CMO or the hassle of working with marketing agencies.Visit my website at: https://thunderstockmarketing.com/Subscribe on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bJd7N1FDPnUC30CcPZ6DY?si=5adcb6d7c8b54ef8Adam W. Barney...
2025-01-2938 min
Cut The Tie | Own Your SuccessTips to Stay Resilient as an Entrepreneur, Adam BarneySend us a textNever Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas HelfrichAdam Barney joins the podcast to share his journey as an entrepreneur, coach, and author. Adam’s unique approach to “energy coaching” empowers leaders and business owners to cultivate resilience, develop autonomy, and embrace optimism. Through his upcoming book, Make Your Own Glass Half Full, he aims to help others navigate life’s challenges with a positive, self-driven mindset.About Adam Barney:Adam W. Barney is an energy coach, speaker, and author with over 20 years of...
2024-11-1348 min
Start With A WinThe Secret to Business CultureIn this riveting Start With a Win part two episode join host Adam Contos and Professor Jay Barney as they dive deep into the transformative power of storytelling within organizations. Discover how culture change can lead to extraordinary business success, from Gillette's breakthrough in the Indian market to Procter & Gamble's empowering approach to feminine care. With compelling narratives and theatrical examples, like a "bread and water" dinner that turned a company's fortunes around, this episode offers a masterclass in leadership and innovation. Tune in to explore the secrets of engaging employees and revolutionizing corporate culture, ensuring that every listener...
2024-07-0326 minStart With A WinStrategic Storytelling and Leadership with Jay BarneyIn this captivating Part 1 episode of Start with a Win, host, Adam Contos welcomes guest Jay Barney, a leading expert in strategic management, listen as they delve into the transformative power of storytelling in organizational culture. Jay, with his extensive background and groundbreaking research, reveals the secrets behind fostering a thriving business environment through authentic, story-driven culture change. Discover how effective leaders leverage narrative to align strategy and culture, overcome internal resistance, and achieve sustained competitive advantage. Tune in to unlock invaluable insights from real-world examples and practical methodologies that can revolutionize your organization's success.Jay B...
2024-06-2628 min
Build in Public DailyWhat Limitations?It's Adam W. Barney, Energy Coach again - today I talk about limitations based on this quote: “All limitations are self-imposed.” ~ Oliver Wendell HolmesIf there’s one thing humans are great at, it’s setting up illusory boundaries for ourselves that don’t actually exist in reality.You can… do anything you want. The only limits are those you place upon yourself.I'm also hitting the checkbox on revisions for the introduction and chapter 1 of Make Your Own Glass Full. Let's get inspired!
2024-03-1503 min
Build in Public DailyFeedback Friday (at least it's not Fire Drill Friday)It's Friday and Adam W. Barney, Energy Coach just got introduced to his revisions editor for Make Your Own Glass Half Full. This brings him around to talk about feedback, and how to take feedback, and he even bungles a reference to Jay-Z by saying it was Snoop Dogg. Who needs a nap?Anyway, feedback can feel overwhelming, but a structure and plan for how you take that feedback and evolve can decrease the weighty feeling.
2024-03-0104 min
Build in Public DailyImposter ImposturesAdam W. Barney, Energy Coach, is back after a long break and he talks about his experience with finishing up the presale for the upcoming fundraiser event, Make Your Own Glass Half Full. He also shares some tips on how to get back into the swing of things after kids have been on break for a week. This recording was made during a morning walk with his two dogs, Welly and Winter, on a beautiful late-February day that feels like spring. You might hear a slight jangle of dog tags in the background.
2024-02-2703 min
Build in Public DailyJust Start?Adam W. Barney, Energy Coach and author of the upcoming book Make Your Own Glass Half Full starts his journey with Build In Public Daily by (appropriately) talking about the concept of "just start."Strap in! Let's go!
2024-02-1504 min
System of SystemsPREVIEW Barney Does it All (W/ Bjarne Melgaard)Regularly referred to as "The most famous Nordic Artist since Edvard Munch," painter, sculptor, filmmaker and installation artist Bjarne Megaard joins the audiocast to dish on decades in the art world. Topics covered: Bjarne's new film Barney Does it All based on his time as a whore in Sydney, his interview with porno actress Rae Lil Black in the new issue of Richardson Mag, the perpetual antagonism between him at the art world and the cowardice of curators, his former financial backers who fucked him out of millions, drug addiction, ketamine therapy, fashion, anabolic steroids and...
2024-01-151h 01
Exercise Right UKS3 E5 Barney Pascall - UR7s (listen to then end!)Friends are those you can rely on and I (Adam) have relied on Barney a fair few times over the years... Most recently as a last minute call up to be a special guest on our wonderful Pod.
But... matching our episodes on rugby (cause it is the Rugby World Cup after all).. we welcomed Barney to talk through UR7s (ultimate rugby 7's)... rugby 7s as sport the benefits of it!
PLEASE listen to the end on this one... you will know why... but no spoilers this end.
2023-10-2455 min
The Sparking Entrepreneur ShowUnlocking Your Leadership Potential with Adam W. BarneyJoin us for an inspiring episode featuring Adam W. Barney, a renowned growth coach specializing in empowering executive and emerging leaders. With a unique and personalized approach, Adam helps individuals unlock their goals, boost their energy, and fortify their sense of accountability. Discover how to achieve the growth and mental fitness you've been aiming for, all with the guidance and expertise of Adam. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership skills and reach new heights in your professional journey!
2023-10-1719 min
Be the Bright SideThe Bright Side of Choices with Kent BarneyAdam gets the opportunity to interview Kent about choices. Growing up in an environment that Kent didn't want to follow, Kent made some choices in his life to get better results. In this episode he tells his experiences, what he was able to do, and why choices are so important. He also shares several tips to help you make choices that will lead you to where you want to be.
2022-12-1141 min
3PNR#137 Kathleen Marden Abduction Series PT 3 Impact Of The Contact#137 Kathleen Marden Abduction Series PT 3 Impact Of The ContactKathleen Marden is an author, on camera expert, actress, conference presenter, experiencer advocate, and hypnosis practitioner. She has researched the perplexing nature of UFOs and the non-human entities associated with highly advanced aerial vehicles via her own groundbreaking research, investigation, and experimentation. Her research has extended to archival collections and the US government's involvement in the investigation of UFOs and its major studies. This has combined to give her a depth of knowledge that few possess. She is the 2021 recipient of the International UFO Congress Lifetime Achievement Award.
2022-11-081h 34Be the Bright SideThe Bright Example of a Teacher/MentorAdam and Kent discuss teachers/mentors who have made an impact on them in a great way. Then they open it up to listeners to share a teacher/mentor who has impacted them as well! Many of us have had a teacher or mentor who has impacted us and been a bright side for us. Who is one person who has been that way for you?
2022-09-0917 minBe the Bright SideThe Bright Side of Connection with Jody RichIn a world full of conflict and contention, it can seem hard to see a bright side to our connection (or lack thereof) with people around us. In Episode 6 Adam's good friend Jody Rich shares his thoughts on nurturing connection in our everyday lives. Anyone who knows Jody will tell you about his
knack for making everyone he meets feel important and cared about. In our conversation, Jody shares lessons he’s learned and implemented such as his 5 guiding principles as he discusses connecting with others. Jody helps to change the way you see your interactions with family, fri...
2022-08-0757 min