Hi there!
I’m so excited to share that the newest season of The Art of Sway podcast has officially launched! And this time, I’ve got a new co-host by my side: Casey Benedict. Casey brings a ton of experience, insight, and humor, and I know you’re going to love what she adds to the show.
Casey is the founder and CEO of Maverick Mindshare, an agency that started with food and beverage campaigns but now spans all kinds of industries, from wellness to travel. She’s based just outside Philly, but her team is spread across the country. With over a decade in the influencer marketing world, Casey’s the kind of person who knows how to spark great conversations — and we hit it off the moment we met.
In our first episode, we tell the story of how that meeting happened. It involves some LinkedIn stalking, a shared flight from Michigan, an impromptu carpool, and the surprising feeling of becoming friends with someone you thought of as a competitor. Turns out, we have a lot in common, and a year later here we are: friends and now podcast co-hosts. Who would have guessed?
We also get right into some meatier topics, including the shifting roles of influencers today. From the White House inviting influencers to a creator summit, to podcasts like Call Her Daddy hosting political figures, we talk about how the industry has evolved way beyond product recommendations. But not without controversy — brands are still struggling with whether to work with influencers who voice strong opinions about politics, social justice, or other hot-button issues. We share our thoughts about what that tension means for creators, especially those navigating the fine line between staying authentic and keeping brand deals.
There’s so much more ahead this season, and we’re just getting started. Next week, Casey and I will tackle the drama surrounding talent managers in the influencer space — another hot topic that’s been sparking quite a bit of buzz on LinkedIn.
The first episode is live now, and I’d love for you to check it out: here’s our podcast page, and a direct link to “The Role of Influencers in Politics” on Apple Podcasts.
Thanks for coming along on this journey with us, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Danielle
