Why I Social

On this week's episode, Google makes a (few) appearances prior to its October 4th event. Also, Chris has a new addition to announce!  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Nest’s home security system costs $499 and comes with magnetic door sensors [The Verge] 2. Meet The Really Cheap Google Home Mini and the really expensive Chromebook Pixel 3 [ARS Technica] 3. Bose adds Google Assistant to top noise-canceling headphone [CNet] 4. Apple Watch Series 3 has LTE problems: How to cancel your preorder [VentureBeat] 5. Hot Topic: Why Google is spending $1.1 billion to ‘acqhire’ 2,000 HTC engineers [Recode] Honorable Mention(s) Netflix Sent the Best Cease-and-Desist Letter to This Unauthorized Stranger Things Bar DISHonorable Mention(s) Facebook’s reliance on software algorithms keeps getting the company into trouble Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @HamillHimself Suggested by Martin Lieberman  Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be includ

Jason Eng works at IBM on Developer Communications and Influencer Engagement. He previously worked at Sony for over 10 years. He has clear beliefs in the way he uses social media and is one of the most engaging guests to join the podcast in recent weeks. It also turns out that he met host Chris Barrows - in 2015 - before Chris even knew it!  Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Google  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Jason on Twitter and LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is currently considering sponsors - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.   

On this week's (very special) second episode, we cover all the new announcements from Apple's latest Keynote event including the new Apple X (that's ten, not an X). Don't try to tell someone in an Apple Store otherwise. This is not your standard episode of Five Favorites!  Topics Discussed:  1. New Apple Park HQ 2. Apple Watch 3 Series GPS + Cellular 3. Apple TV 4K 4. Apple iPhone 8 Apple + iPhone 8 Plus 5. Apple iPhone X 6. AirPower Wireless Charging Mat Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). 

On this week's episode, we are equally amused and disturbed by what people search after viewing the latest Super Mario video game trailer. Also, there's no Apple here - stay tuned later today for a special Five Favorites Apple Keynote episode!  This week's Five Favorites:  1. GoPro Hero 6 Black leaks again, will shoot 240 fps slow motion at 1080p [The Verge] 2. Google’s Next Pixel Smartphones Arrive October 4th [Engadget] 3. Nike and the NBA unveil connected jerseys… and they’re super cool [TechCrunch] 4. SHOCK DATA: Thousands React to Mario’s Nipples in Super Mario Odyssey Promotion [Brandwatch] (thanks to Five Favorite's listener, Jeff Higgins, for the heads-up)  5. Hot Topic: Google and Alphabet Poised To Invest $1 Billion In Lyft [Gas2] Honorable Mention(s) No More Autoplay Video in Chrome  DISHonorable Mention(s) Alibaba Founder Jack Ma Has Set a New Bar for Tech CEO Weirdness  Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @ComicPrintUK Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each

Brett Pucino is a Brand Strategist and Career Brand Consultant at Breakthrough Career Coaching. In addition to his work as career services professional, he also works as a ghostwriter. He has been interested in writing since he was young and has proven to be a skilled one both digitally and in-print (though you may not have even known you've read this work!).  Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Google  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Brett on Twitter and LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is currently considering sponsors - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.   

On this week's episode, your hosts kick-off the new season of Five Favorites! Also, Chris debates whether Apple's new facial unlock will be able to tell if it's him with and without makeup.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. New iPhone names are reportedly iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus [CNet] 2. Settlers of Catan is ready for virtual reality [VentureBeat] 3. Even more US adults now getting news from social media, says Pew [TechCrunch] 4. Drones Play Increasing Role in Harvey Recovery Efforts [Wall Street Journal] 5. Hot Topic: [CNet] Honorable Mention(s) Tesla flips a switch to increase the range of some cars in Florida to help people evacuate [TechCrunch] DISHonorable Mention(s) A bunch of pranksters (as per Lilitz Borough Police Department) Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @Madonna Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). 

Jennifer Patel is Senior Director (of Community Development) for Union Health (LLC). With a current professional focus on training and community, I had the pleasure of running into Jenn at Innocon in New York City. In addition to her time in community development, Patel has also worked at St. John's and Hofstra University.  Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Google  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Jenn on Twitter and LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is currently considering sponsors - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.   

On this week's episode, we celebrate one year of the Five Favorites podcast. Also, Zonozi gets ready to tie the knot! If you aren't driving - bust out a drink for this one - and let's celebrate.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. YouTube gets a new logo, Material Design on desktop, and more mobile app features [VentureBeat] 2. Instagram Posts With Multiple Photos Can now be Portrait or Landscape [AdWeek]  3. Here’s everything we learned from Uber’s first all-staff meeting with its new CEO today [Recode] 4. Google ARCore Brings Augmented Reality to Android [VRScout]  5. Hot Topic: Microsoft and Amazon partner to integrate Alexa and Cortana digital assistants [The Verge]  Honorable Mention(s) Amazon Cuts Whole Foods Prices as Much as 43% on First Day [Bloomberg] DISHonorable Mention(s) Our favorite picks of the first season Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @PJWiss Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our

Jackie Vetrano is the Social Media Coordinator for Skidmore College. In addition to being a member of host Chris Barrows' eduWeb team this year, she has also served as Customer Service Manager (for Merit Inc.) and has worked in social media since 2013. Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google and Otto Radio.  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Jackie on Twitter and LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  The Why I Social podcast is brought to you by Zoomph. Learn more at Zoomph.com  

On this week's episode, we anticipate our one-year anniversary episode next week. Also, we get a bit passionate about the state of influencer marketing. Just a little bit, though (that's what she said).  This week's Five Favorites:  1. We might know the iPhone 8 keynote date [Cult Of Mac] 2. SNES Classic pre-orders are skipping Toys R Us [SlashGear]  3. Introducing Linkedin Video [LinkedIn] 4. Android O is now officially Android Oreo [The Verge]  5. Hot Topic: Samsung Galaxy Note Announces Features, Price and Release Date [The Verge]  Honorable Mention(s) Twitter helps flood victims in Houston [USA Today] As an aside, our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been impacted.  DISHonorable Mention(s) "My Eyes Hurt" search on Google following eclipse [The Next Web]  Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @damoon_ @simoncholland Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). 

Cat Trestini is a freelance social media strategist living in the Orlando area. Cat's New Jersey roots remain strong - including her time at Rutgers - and has made a major impact on her career.  She also recently returned from Joel Renner (Episode 29)'s latest Social Roadtrip.  Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google and Otto Radio.  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Cat on Twitter and LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  The Why I Social podcast is brought to you by Zoomph. Learn more at Zoomph.com  

On this week's episode, Martin Lieberman plays the role of Amir Zonozi for a week. Also, neither one of us has a clue what we're doing for the eclipse.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. New Feature Lets You Make Voice Calls On Your Google Home [Google] 2. Applebee’s tried to be cool, failed, and now it’s moving on with its life [QZ]  3. NASA will stream 360 degree video of eclipse [Business Insider] 4. Google Brings Q/A to Google Maps [TechCrunch]  5. Hot Topic: Apple sets $1 billion budget for original TV shows [Engadget]  Honorable Mention(s) Some hero put the Snapchat hot dog in the 'Baby Driver' trailer and made it so much better [USA Today] DISHonorable Mention(s) An unlucky photographer at Fenway Five Favorites' Tweet of The Week @Yankees Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). 

Jason Boucher is Senior Manager and Digital Content Strategist at the University of New Hampshire. Boucher served as a track chair for the conference, is a craft beer fan and a collector of vinyl records.  His episode was recorded live from the eduWeb Digital Summit - which also featured speakers such as alumni Chris Bryant and Katy Spencer Johnson. The conference is also co-chaired by alum Joel Renner.  But this episode is all about Jason, his story and how he got to where he is today.  Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google and Otto Radio.  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Jason on Twitter and LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  The Why I Social podcast is brought to you by Zoomph. Learn more at Zoomph.com  

On this week's episode, Chris has an apology. Also, Snap is in trouble...again.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Yet another video claims to offer a look at the iPhone 8’s design in black [9to5Mac] 2. Facebook’s willingness to copy rivals’ apps seen as hurting innovation [Washington Post]  3. Another record low for Snap after 14% drop post-earnings [TechCrunch] 4. BuzzFeed is launching a live news show on Twitter [Axios]  5. SoundCloud Gets 170 Million Lifeline [Arstechnica]  Honorable Mention(s) Nest's first Solar Eclipse Rush Hour [Nest] DISHonorable Mention(s) Guy Who Scheduled 6 Dates In One Night Was Kicked Out of Another Bar for Allegedly Hitting On All The Women [Washingtonian]  Five Favorites' Tweet of The Week @Jankowski Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). Tune into Honorable Mentions on WhyISocial.com for all the links we didn't discuss.  Links not included in

On this week's episode, we gave you access to the episode a day early because we're nice guys (and Chris is busy running eduWeb Digital Summit this week). Also, it's rumored that Google offered 30 billion for Snapchat. Serious cash. We would have taken it.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Hottie with a poddy: VCs give Gimlet the greenlight [The Hustle] 2. Spotify crosses 60M paid subscribers as it prepares to go public later this year [The Verge]  3. Reddit Raised $200 Million And Is Redesigning to Look More Like Facebook [Gizmodo]  4. RED’s upcoming $1,200 smartphone is enormous [The Verge]  5. Hot Topic: Insiders say Google was interested in buying Snap for at least $30 billion last year [Business Insider]  DISHonorable Mention(s) YouTube star Jake Paul is terrorizing his neighborhood by being a little asshole [AV Club]  Please stop playing Pokemon Go in Cemeteries [Android Central]  Five Favorites' Tweet of The Week @DCComics Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and ever

Maggie Rimnac is a digital marketing specialist at Motivation Excellence. When she isn't taking the lead on all digital marketing properties for Motivation Excellence - you may find her at the gym power-lifting or building and participating communities of women on social media (and beyond).   Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google and Otto Radio.  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Maggie on Twitter and LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  The Why I Social podcast is brought to you by Zoomph. Zoomph transforms digital marketing with real-times streaming analytics. Our platform provides you with an end-to-end solution to ignite your content, your marketing, and your business from start to finish. Learn more about Zoomph at http://bit.ly/WhySocialAnalytics

On this week's episode, we have a lot of fun. Really, it's not an understatement. There's a lot of fun in this episode. Do a shot every time we say fun and you'll realize how much fun we have. Also, we go into Taco Mode at one point.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. The Tesla Model 3 interior doesn't look like any car you've ever seen [The Verge] 2. YouTube’s head of music confirms YouTube Red and Google Play Music will merge to create a new service [The Verge]  3. UPS Store Stops Printing from URLs and USB Sticks Ahead of Def Con Hacking Convention [The Verge]  4. So long, Flash: Adobe will kill plug-in by 2020 [CNN - Money]  5. Hot Topic: Jeff Bezos Briefly Tops Bill Gates as the World's Richest Person [Bloomberg]  Honorable Mention(s) Lyft's "Taco Mode" lets you take a stop at Taco Bell for late-night cravings [The Verge]  DISHonorable Mention(s) Apple Says So Long to the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle [Apple] Five Favorites' Tweet of The Week @MerriamWebster Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR

Dave Banks is President of Think Tank Marketing and an editor at GeekDad.com. He's also moderated panels at SXSWedu, PAX East and PAX West. He (and his daughter) have also conducted interviews at SDCC.  Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google and Otto Radio.  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Dave on Twitter.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  The Why I Social podcast is brought to you by Zoomph. Zoomph transforms digital marketing with real-times streaming analytics. Our platform provides you with an end-to-end solution to ignite your content, your marketing, and your business from start to finish. Learn more about Zoomph at http://bit.ly/WhySocialAnalytics

On this week's episode, Amir has strong feelings about Best Buy. Also, Pokemon Go channels it's inner Fyre Festival.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. YouTube is getting rid of its video editor because no one uses it [The Verge] 2. HDMI 2.1 - What You Need To Know [CNet]  3. Apple Shows Off New Emojis on World Emoji Day [TechCrunch]  4. Amazon Launches Spark, a shoppable feed of stories and photos [TechCrunch]  5. Hot Topic: Why The Grim Reaper of Retail Hasn't Come To Claim Best Buy [LATimes]  Honorable Mention(s) You Can Get Emotional ABout Game of Thrones. Just know HBO is Listening [Mashable]  DISHonorable Mention(s) Pokemon Go's First real-world event was a disaster [Business Insider] Five Favorites' Tweet of The Week @Adweek (with credit to Square) Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). Tune into Honorable Mentions on WhyISocial.com for all the links we didn't discuss.  Li

On this week's episode, Amir is very late. Also, winter would have come - if Amir wasn't late.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Amazon May Give App Developers Access to Alexa Audio Recordings [The Verge] 2. Amazon Sold 3x as many Echo Devices During Prime Day As It Did Last Year [AdWeek]  3. Facebook Makes Messenger Ads Available Globally [Social Media Today]  4. Twitter Users Sue President Trump [New York Times]  5. Hot Topic: We're All Ears - What's Up With Sound Cloud? (multiple sources)  Honorable Mention(s) Cards Against Humanity for Her [AdWeek] DISHonorable Mention(s) Ai Gone Bad with iPhone 6 Cases + Amazon [Mashable] Five Favorites' Tweet of The Week @ItsJeffHiggins and @Delta Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). Tune into Honorable Mentions on WhyISocial.com for all the links we didn't discuss.  Links not included in show notes - including additional mentions - wil