Nearly a trillion dollars flows through the media industry every year. It topples governments, shapes how we see the world, and, let’s be honest, we probably spend more time with it than with our own families.
Podcasts, TV shows, social media, gaming. Behind the scenes is a beautiful, rudderless circus run by some of the best damn people on the planet. From C students at state schools to Ivy Leaguers. Earnest creatives and fast-talking, slow-thinking execs. Reporters, producers, grips, buyers, actors, streamers, developers. From micro-influencers to Hollywood moguls. Meet them all.
NIL game isn’t just about big boosters anymore — it’s about real advertising value, smart partnerships, and a fanbase that shows up harder than anyone in the country. Host Brian Hurley sits down with Nick Garner, Director of NIL at Washington State, to break down how deals actually work, why small brands can win big, and how creative campaigns are turning student-athletes into must-have marketing partners. If you love Cougs, college sports, or smart advertising, this one’s for you. Go Cougs.
25 Sept 2025
Brand Psychology, AI, and the Human Element with Matt Diefenbach of Turnstyle Studio
What makes someone fall in love with a brand? It’s not always the product—it’s the way it makes us feel. In this episode of Media Humans, Brian Hurley (Hurley Media Group) sits down with Matt Diefenbach, Managing Partner at Turnstyle Studio, to unpack the psychology behind brand building, the role of trust and rapport in long-term client relationships, and why even AI can’t replace the human touch in creating meaningful identity.
From the evolving landscape of remote creative work to the messy but essential conversations that happen in C-suites during rebrands, Brian and Matt dive into how brand strategy solves bigger business problems—and why guidelines are never “done.” You’ll hear how Turnstyle helps organizations reconcile complex brand acquisitions, why visual storytelling now extends into motion and video, and how AI is shifting the industry without replacing what humans do best: making meaning.
If you’re curious about how brands grow, adapt, and breathe in today’s media world—this episode will leave you with insights (and maybe a few laughs) on what it really takes to build something people remember.
13 Aug 2025
How do I raise funds without raising my blood pressure? | Media Humans w/ Julianne Read
What happens when the Wi-Fi cuts out in the middle of a million-dollar fundraiser? If you’re Julianne, you keep smiling, keep the show moving, and still crush your donation goals. In this episode, we talk studio builds, live-stream magic, and the art of raising big money without losing your mind (or your blood pressure). Whether you’re planning your first gala or your fiftieth, Julianne’s war stories and pro tips will have you laughing, taking notes, and maybe rethinking your backup plan.
28 Jul 2025
You'd Drink Too If You Had My Job | Media Humans w/ Alysse Bryson
What does it look like to get sober in an industry where the job is the happy hour?
In this episode, we sit down with Alysse Bryson, media executive turned founder of The Sober Curator, to talk about the messy, hilarious, and ultimately powerful journey of getting sober in the media world. From hiding hangovers in luxury auto sales to quietly navigating networking events without a drink in hand, Alysse shares the uncomfortable truths of what it’s really like to get and stay sober in an industry where the lines between business and booze are always blurred.
We also dive into how her sobriety eventually led her to build The Sober Curator, a thriving lifestyle platform for people in recovery who still want to live loud, travel far, and be part of the culture. This episode is part cautionary tale, part inspiration, and entirely a love letter to second chances and building something meaningful on your own terms.
Whether you're sober-curious, in recovery, or just here for the wild ride, tune on in.
16 Jul 2025
AI in Video and Media Buying: What’s Useful and What’s Dumb | Media Humans w/ Brandon Bowman
Brandon Bowman, creative director at Hurley Media Group, joins me to kick off Media Humans with a real-world look at AI in video production and media buying. We talk about what AI’s actually good for (spoiler: busywork and time sucks), what it’s nowhere close to replacing (actual creativity, emotion, and basic common sense), and why you’re probably safe from the robot uprising, unless your entire job is sorting clipart.Topics include:The real impact of AI on editing and post productionWhy “junior copywriter” is the first to goAdobe’s AI features: surprisingly useful, still not magicUncanny valley and why your eyes know when something’s offEveryone’s using ChatGPT, nobody wants to admit itWhy there’s always a bigger pile of mediocre podcastsThe media arms race: AI fraudsters vs. media buyersWhy you still need humans to make stuff worth watchingIf you’re in media or advertising and sick of hearing how “AI is going to change everything,” this one’s for you. It’s honest, unscripted, and nobody’s selling you a course.Media Humans: Real talk from people who do the work.#AIinVideo #VideoProduction #MediaHumans #HurleyMediaGroup
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