Shows
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 12 -- Andy Wilson, EVP Business Development and CommerceRecorded live at the Genuin-hosted Happy Hour during CES 2026 in Las Vegas, this Genuin Connections Q&A features Andy Wilson, EVP of Business Development and Commerce at McClatchy Media, in a candid conversation about the future of publishers, video, and community. Andy shares how McClatchy is rethinking engagement through vertical video, empowering editors to be front-facing, partnering with creators and influencers, and activating community around real cultural and passion points. He also explains how AI is being used across the organization to improve speed, safety, and decision-making without losing human judgment. This conversation explores how legacy media brands can em...
2026-01-2110 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 12 -- Andy Wilson, EVP Business Development and Commerce - McClatchyRecorded live at the Genuin-hosted Happy Hour during CES 2026 in Las Vegas, this Genuin Connections Q&A features Andy Wilson, EVP of Business Development and Commerce at McClatchy Media, in a candid conversation about the future of publishers, video, and community. Andy shares how McClatchy is rethinking engagement through vertical video, empowering editors to be front-facing, partnering with creators and influencers, and activating community around real cultural and passion points. He also explains how AI is being used across the organization to improve speed, safety, and decision-making without losing human judgment. This conversation explores how legacy media brands can em...
2026-01-2110 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 11 -- Will Cohen, CEO of DowntimeIn this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst sits down with Will Cohen, CEO and co-founder of Downtime.
Will shares his journey from helping build Triad Retail Media into a retail media powerhouse to launching a startup focused on a simple but powerful idea: if consumers are going to engage with branded content, they should get something meaningful in return.
The conversation explores what modern loyalty really looks like, why user experience is non-negotiable, and how rewarding engagement can outperform traditional ads in a world of banner blindness. Matt and Will also dig into...
2025-12-2121 minGenuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 10 -- Matty Beckerman, CEO of IRCodeMeet Matty Beckerman, CEO and Founder of IRCODE, and learn about how computer vision and AI are transforming the way people interact with the visual world.
Beckerman explains how IRCode turns any image — from a billboard to a TV commercial to a piece of art — into a scannable, interactive experience, without QR codes or tags. The image is the code.
They discuss how this breakthrough technology started as a way to protect creative IP, evolved into a new layer of digital attribution and engagement, and is now redefining how brands, creators, and consumers connect. From a Ti...
2025-11-1136 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 9 -- Eric Sheinkop, CEO of The Desire CompanyIn this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst sits down with Eric Sheinkop, CEO of The Desire Company, to explore the future of retail and commerce media. From working with Beyoncé’s team to building the world’s largest community of cross-disciplinary experts, Eric shares how authentic, expert-led content creates trust, boosts purchase confidence, and drives conversion.
The conversation dives into:
Why retailers face a “last chance” to stay relevant
The role of AI in personalization, content editing, and expert matching
How use case–driven content outperforms influencer hype
Why immer...
2025-09-3036 minGenuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 9 -- Eric Sheinkop, CEO of The Desire CompanyIn this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst sits down with Eric Sheinkop, CEO of The Desire Company, to explore the future of retail and commerce media. From working with Beyoncé’s team to building the world’s largest community of cross-disciplinary experts, Eric shares how authentic, expert-led content creates trust, boosts purchase confidence, and drives conversion.
The conversation dives into:
Why retailers face a “last chance” to stay relevant
The role of AI in personalization, content editing, and expert matching
How use case–driven content outperforms influencer hype
Why immer...
2025-09-2936 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 8 -- Ashley Miles, CEO and Founder of Franklyn WestFranklyn West founder & CEO Ashley Miles joins Genuin CMO Matt Wurst for a high-energy conversation on leadership, growth, and building modern communities that last. From scaling a retail media network to $1B in revenue, to reimagining how brands use AI, Ashley shares actionable insights for product leads, growth strategists, and marketers navigating today’s fast-moving business landscape.
Key topics include:
- The rise of “liquid talent” for faster, smarter scaling
- Why modern community starts with ownership and customer expertise
- Brand-owned experiences vs. platfo...
2025-08-2033 minGenuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 8 -- Ashley Miles, CEO & Founder at Franklyn WestFranklyn West founder & CEO Ashley Miles joins Genuin CMO Matt Wurst for a high-energy conversation on leadership, growth, and building modern communities that last. From scaling a retail media network to $1B in revenue, to reimagining how brands use AI, Ashley shares actionable insights for product leads, growth strategists, and marketers navigating today’s fast-moving business landscape.
Key topics include:
- The rise of “liquid talent” for faster, smarter scaling
- Why modern community starts with ownership and customer expertise
- Brand-owned experiences vs. platform dependency
- Driving innovation while staying grounded in purpos...
2025-08-2033 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 7 -- Dana Hork, CEO and Founder of Beers with FriendsWhat happens when you mix community-driven strategy, creative agility, and a cold beer? You get Dana Hork. 🍻
In this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst sits down with Dana Hork, founder and CEO of Beers with Friends, to talk about building brands that actually connect. From leading social at Walmart to launching a new kind of creative agency, Dana has consistently delivered big ideas that are both remarkable and makeable.
They dive into:
- Why brands must build with their communities, not just for them
...
2025-07-1533 minGenuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 7 -- Dana Hork, CEO and Founder of Beers with FriendsWhat happens when you mix community-driven strategy, creative agility, and a cold beer? You get Dana Hork. 🍻
In this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst sits down with Dana Hork, founder and CEO of Beers with Friends, to talk about building brands that actually connect. From leading social at Walmart to launching a new kind of creative agency, Dana has consistently delivered big ideas that are both remarkable and makeable.
They dive into:
Why brands must build with their communities, not just for them
How decentralized storytelling empowers employees and sca...
2025-07-1533 minGenuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 7 -- Dana Hork, CEO and Founder of Beers with FriendsWhat happens when you mix community-driven strategy, creative agility, and a cold beer? You get Dana Hork. 🍻
In this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst sits down with Dana Hork, founder and CEO of Beers with Friends, to talk about building brands that actually connect. From leading social at Walmart to launching a new kind of creative agency, Dana has consistently delivered big ideas that are both remarkable and makeable.
They dive into:
Why brands must build with their communities, not just for them
How decentralized storytelling empowers employees and sca...
2025-07-1533 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 6 -- Tricia Maia, Head of Product at TEDWhat happens when one of the world’s most iconic storytelling brands reimagines how ideas are discovered, shared, and scaled?
In this episode of Genuin Connections, Tricia Maia, Head of Product at TED and the visionary behind TED Shorts, joins us to discuss how TED is evolving in the age of short attention spans, AI, and community-powered content.
From embracing new content formats and social video to navigating the ever-present build vs. buy vs. partner debate, Tricia shares candid insights into TED’s product strategy, innovation roadmap, and the future of digital learning.
...
2025-06-0933 minGenuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 6 -- Tricia Maia, GMHead of Product at TEDWhat happens when one of the world’s most iconic storytelling brands reimagines how ideas are discovered, shared, and scaled?
In this episode of Genuin Connections, Tricia Maia—Head of Product at TED and the visionary behind TED Shorts—joins us to discuss how TED is evolving in the age of short attention spans, AI, and community-powered content.
From embracing new content formats and social video to navigating the ever-present build vs. buy vs. partner debate, Tricia shares candid insights into TED’s product strategy, innovation roadmap, and the future of digital learning.
🔍 Inside this...
2025-06-0933 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 5 -- Jennifer Kattula, GM and Global CMO, at Microsoft AdsIn this episode of Genuin Connections, Genuin CMO Matt Wurst sits down with Jennifer Kattula, GM and CMO of Microsoft Advertising, for a wide-ranging conversation about the intersection of AI, creativity, responsible leadership, and customer-driven growth.
Jennifer pulls back the curtain on how Microsoft is embedding conversational AI into its products, using internal AI hackathons to unlock workflow innovation, and redefining what it means to be a marketer in the age of automation. She also discusses the unique responsibilities tech leaders face in 2024, including building ethical platforms, preserving creative originality, and listening to...
2025-05-0735 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 5 -- Jennifer Kattula, Global CMO and GM at Microsoft AdsIn this episode of Genuin Connections, Genuin CMO Matt Wurst sits down with Jennifer Kattula, GM and CMO of Microsoft Advertising, for a wide-ranging conversation about the intersection of AI, creativity, responsible leadership, and customer-driven growth.
Jennifer pulls back the curtain on how Microsoft is embedding conversational AI into its products, using internal AI hackathons to unlock workflow innovation, and redefining what it means to be a marketer in the age of automation. She also discusses the unique responsibilities tech leaders face in 2024, including building ethical platforms, preserving creative originality, and listening to the people who matter...
2025-05-0735 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 4 -- Ruth Yomtoubian, VP Global Innovation at VSP VisionIn this episode of Genuin Connections, Matt Wurst sits down with Ruth Yomtoubian, VP of Global Innovation at VSP Vision, for a powerful and practical conversation on what it really takes to drive innovation at scale.
From building cross-functional AI strategies to empowering providers and shifting outdated “build-it-here” mindsets, Ruth shares how she’s helping transform one of the most established healthcare brands into a future-forward ecosystem of connected care.
You’ll hear insights on:
🔹 Human-centered AI integration
🔹 Grounded innovation vs. hype cycles
🔹 Design...
2025-04-1038 minGenuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 4 -- Ruth Yomtoubian, VP, Global Innovation - VSP VisionIn this episode of Genuin Connections, Matt Wurst sits down with Ruth Yomtoubian, VP of Global Innovation at VSP Vision, for a powerful and practical conversation on what it really takes to drive innovation at scale.
From building cross-functional AI strategies to empowering providers and shifting outdated “build-it-here” mindsets, Ruth shares how she’s helping transform one of the most established healthcare brands into a future-forward ecosystem of connected care.
You’ll hear insights on:
🔹 Human-centered AI integration
🔹 Grounded innovation vs. hype cycles
🔹 Designing with all five senses in mind
🔹 The role of storytelling...
2025-04-1038 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 3 -- David Teicher, Founder/CEO at QruBrands talk about community, but are they truly building one? In the latest episode of Genuin Connections, Genuin CMO Matt Wurst sits down with David Teicher, Co-founder & CEO of Qru, to explore what brands get wrong about community-building—and how to do it right.
Key takeaways:
🔹 Niche, engaged communities drive deeper impact than mass reach
🔹 Loyal customers are often overlooked in favor of new acquisitions
🔹 Smaller, passionate creators offer more authenticity than mega influencers
🔹 Staying culturally relevant is an ongoing challenge, not a one-time...
2025-03-0633 minGenuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 3 -- David Teicher, Founder/CEO at QruBrands talk about community, but are they truly building one? In the latest episode of Genuin Connections, Genuin CMO Matt Wurst sits down with David Teicher, Co-founder & CEO of Qru, to explore what brands get wrong about community-building—and how to do it right.
Key takeaways:
🔹 Niche, engaged communities drive deeper impact than mass reach
🔹 Loyal customers are often overlooked in favor of new acquisitions
🔹 Smaller, passionate creators offer more authenticity than mega influencers
🔹 Staying culturally relevant is an ongoing challenge, not a one-time win
🔹 Authenticity and human connection are the foundation of real engagement...
2025-03-0633 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 2 -- Marcelo Bukin, Storyteller and ProducerWhat makes a story truly impactful? In the latest episode of Genuin Connections, we sit down with Marcelo Bukin—filmmaker, storyteller, and global adventurer—to explore the essence of human connection, purpose, and storytelling that resonates.
📌 Key Takeaways:
- Why human connection is the foundation of great storytelling
- How authenticity attracts the right audience
- The 4 branding essentials for business success
- Why happiness and purpose are deeply intertwined
- From backpacking through remote villages to working with gl...
2025-02-1135 minGenuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 2 -- Marcelo Bukin, StorytellerWhat makes a story truly impactful? In the latest episode of Genuin Connections, we sit down with Marcelo Bukin—filmmaker, storyteller, and global adventurer—to explore the essence of human connection, purpose, and storytelling that resonates.
📌 Key Takeaways:
Why human connection is the foundation of great storytelling
How authenticity attracts the right audience
The 4 branding essentials for business success
Why happiness and purpose are deeply intertwined
From backpacking through remote villages to working with global brands, Marcelo shares how understanding people—not just platforms—leads to lasting engagement.
🎬 Watch, listen, and unlock the power of storyt...
2025-02-1135 min
Genuin ConnectionsGenuin Connections: Episode 1 -- Marc Scarpa, DeFiance MediaWelcome to the inaugural episode of Genuin Connections, a video podcast series where we dive deep into the minds of marketing and media thought leaders shaping the future. In this debut episode, Matt Wurst sits down with Marc Scarpa, founder and CEO of DeFiance Media, to explore the intersection of storytelling, technology, and community.
Marc shares his trailblazing journey in participatory media, from pioneering live digital events in the 1990s to leveraging AI and blockchain to empower creators and brands today. Together, Matt and Marc discuss the evolution of decentralized storytelling, the role...
2025-01-2332 min
Genuin ConnectionsIntroduction to Genuin ConnectionsVideo conversations with our community of brand marketers, innovators, creators, media mavens, and commerce-minded thought leaders.
2025-01-2300 min