Join us as we share our different perspectives on life today, including trends, fashion, friendships and career, and how social media impacts it all. Together, we bring two perspectives to one conversation.
Episode 13: Friendship restored by the universe with guest, Pam Lookatch
December 15, 2025If you've ever had a friend fallout and wanted to know if there was hope to mend the relationship, this episode is for you. Welcome to our final episode of season 1. This one takes a bit of a different turn as we don't talk about social media much at all. We began this first season with a conversation about how to find your friends in college, and how sometimes it doesn't happen quite as quickly as one might have thought it would. For Shane, back in 1991, that wasn't the case at all. From day one in the dorms, she and Pam (still known to Shane as Pami - add a hair flip) were fast friends. It was a strong, stable friendship until it... well until it wasn't. On this episode, Shane and Pami share with Jenna the details of their fallout (and nearly 30 years later learn some new information), their six year "hatefest" and the reconciliation that brought them back together in the wake of 9/11. The episode is about the universe speaking to both of us - making sure we know we were meant to be friends and that that friendship is worth protecting. It's a story Jenna has heard a few times in her life, but never by both of us at the same time. It's episode 13. At one point that was an unlucky number but those of us in the Swiftyverse know 13 is a great number to end on this year. If you've missed any of our previous episodes now is a great time to go back and listen. We'll be back in January with a brand-new slate of amazing guests. Thanks for being on this journey with us and thanks for your 5-star rating and reviews!
Listen Now
Episode 12: Continual Change on Social and In Life with Guest, Stephanie White
December 8, 2025In this episode of the Social Dialogue Podcast, Jenna and Shane engage in a lively conversation with Stephanie White, PhD, founder of Louisville Family Fun. They discuss Stephanie's journey from starting a digital resource for families to her current role as a math teacher. The conversation touches on the challenges of adapting to changes in digital marketing, the importance of embracing change, and personal anecdotes about family life and career transitions. Keywords:Social Dialogue Podcast, Stephanie White, Louisville Family Fun, digital marketing, career transitions, family life, embracing change, math teacher, social media, personal growth Takeaways: Stephanie White shares her journey from founding Louisville Family Fun to becoming a math teacher. The importance of embracing change and adapting to new challenges is highlighted. Stephanie discusses the impact of digital marketing changes on small businesses. Personal anecdotes about family life and career transitions are shared. The conversation includes insights into balancing professional and personal life. Stephanie emphasizes the value of being open to new opportunities. The discussion touches on the role of social media in modern life. Stephanie shares her experiences with digital marketing and SEO changes. The podcast explores the dynamics of family relationships and career choices. Listeners are encouraged to embrace change and pursue personal growth.
Listen Now
Episode 11. How Social Affects Life’s Chapters with guest, Andrea Hecht
December 1, 2025Life is made up of a series of chapters and each one comes with its own package of questions to answers and choices to make. In this week's episode, Andrea Hecht of Fully Informed Life Coaching and the host of the Next ChaptHER podcast, shares her journey from corporate event planning to life coaching, highlighting the power of choice and resilience. She discusses pivotal life moments, including her breast cancer experience, and how they have shaped her path. Andrea emphasizes the importance of reframing setbacks and the enduring impact of social connections. She's got GREAT advice for Jenna and other college seniors out there - but truly, it's great advice for all of us, no matter what age or stage we're in.
Listen Now
Episode 10: Making a Life Pivot Senior Year of College with Guest, Rachel Applefield
November 24, 2025In this conversation, Jenna and Shane discuss with their guest, Rachel, what it's like to make a pivot senior year. When the original plan was to get a job after graduation and then Rachel was directly admitted into Law School, the plan changed. We talk about life as a law student and how the use of social media has shifted in this next chapter.
Listen Now
Episode 9: Confidence in the social world with guest, Leslie Randolph
November 17, 2025In this engaging episode, we dive into the world of self-confidence with Leslie Randolph, a self-confidence coach for teenage girls. Leslie shares her insights on how self-confidence is cultivated from within, emphasizing the importance of loving, trusting, and believing in oneself. We explore the impact of social media on self-esteem, the challenges of perfectionism, and the journey of embracing discomfort to grow. Join us as we discuss the power of self-awareness and the role of social media in shaping our perceptions. Key topics include self-confidence, social media influence, and personal growth. Keywords: self-confidence, social media, personal growth, teenage coaching, self-awareness. Key Topics Covered: Social Media's Impact on Self-Esteem Overcoming Perfectionism Embracing Deliberate Discomfort for Growth The Role of Self-Awareness Keywords: Teens, Teen self-confidence, Self-confidence, Gen Z, Gen X, mothers and daughters
Listen Now
Episode 8: Gen Z gets to work with guest, Lindsey Dann
November 12, 2025In this episode, Jenna and Shane Shaps welcome Lindsey Dann, a recent Indiana University graduate working in corporate communications in New York City. They discuss the transition from college to the professional world, the challenges of maintaining friendships, and the impact of social media on post-grad life. Lindsey shares her experiences of networking, the hybrid work model, and the perceptions of Gen Z in the workplace. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and the evolving nature of relationships in the digital age. Takeaways Maintaining friendships requires effort and creativity, especially post-college. TikTok serves as a valuable tool for finding social activities and recommendations. Networking is crucial for career success; students should leverage connections. Gen Z is often misunderstood regarding their work ethic and capabilities. Social media can create a highlight reel that doesn't reflect real life. Hybrid work models are becoming the norm in many industries. Building relationships in a new city often involves friends of friends. It's important to separate work and personal spaces for productivity. The ability to discern truth in social media is a strength of Gen Z. Keywords New York, post-college, networking, Gen Z, social media, career advice, friendships, hybrid work, life transitions, communications
Listen Now
Episode 7: AI and Social Media – what you need to know with guest Kenny Marcum
November 3, 2025In this engaging episode, Jenna and Shane welcome Kenny Marcum, owner of 301 Interactive Marketing as their guest. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of digital marketing, focusing on the impact of AI on search and social media strategies. Kenny shares insights on how AI is transforming traditional SEO practices, emphasizing the importance of earned content and third-party citations. Jenna adds a fresh perspective on the integration of AI in everyday tasks, highlighting its potential in e-commerce and personal convenience. The episode also touches on the significance of diversifying review platforms beyond Google to enhance visibility in AI-driven search results. With a blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes, this episode offers valuable takeaways for marketers and consumers navigating the digital age.
Listen Now
Episode 6: Life 360 – Yay or Nay?
October 27, 2025In this episode, Jenna and Shane discuss the use of Life360 and other tracking apps, sharing personal stories and opinions on privacy, safety, and convenience. They explore generational differences in attitudes towards tracking, the impact of social media on perceptions, and the balance between safety and privacy. Takeaways: 1 Life360 is used for safety and convenience, not surveillance. 2 Generational views on tracking apps vary significantly. 3 Tracking apps can provide peace of mind in emergencies. 4 Social media can amplify fears and misinformation. 5 Trust and communication are key in using tracking apps. 6 Tracking apps can be a tool for mutual safety among friends. 7 The balance between privacy and safety is a personal choice. 8 Technology has changed how families communicate and stay connected. 9 Tracking apps are often misunderstood as tools for control. 10 Open discussions about tracking apps can ease concerns.
Listen Now
Episode 5: Adulting in a social media world with guest Heather Redisch
October 20, 2025In this engaging conversation, Jenna and Shane Shaps and their guest, Heather Redisch of Adulting 101 Masterclass, discuss the challenges faced by young adults in today's job market, the importance of networking, and the generational differences in work-life balance. They explore how Gen Z navigates career aspirations, the role of influencers, and the significance of leveraging connections. Heather is a talent management expert who shares insights on preparing young professionals for the workforce and the evolving dynamics of parenting in relation to career readiness. Keywords podcast, job market, networking, Gen Z, work-life balance, influencers, LinkedIn, parenting, career readiness, landline Takeaways Creative energy is essential for the world. Networking is crucial for young adults seeking jobs. Gen Z values work-life balance and mental health. The job market is challenging for entry-level positions. Parents should help their children leverage connections. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building professional networks. Understanding unwritten workplace rules is vital for success. The return of landlines may reflect changing parenting styles. Influencers shape Gen Z's career aspirations. Teaching independence is key to preparing young adults.
Listen Now
Episode 4: Friendship in the Age of Social Media with guest Nina Badzin
October 13, 2025This one is all about friendship. We welcome our guest, Nina Badzin host of the Dear Nina Podcast, who has extensive experience in writing and podcasting about friendship. She shares valuable insights on building meaningful connections, recognizing when to end a friendship, and the significance of reciprocity in relationships. The discussion emphasizes personal growth, the challenges of navigating friendships in new environments, and the lessons learned through experience. As always we share Jenna’s favorite social media trend and Shane’s top post from the college parent Facebook groups.
Listen Now
Episode 3: Building communities online and off with guest Lindsay Pinchuk
October 6, 2025In this episode of the Social Dialogue Podcast, hosts Shane and Jenna Shaps welcome marketing expert Lindsay Pinchuk. They discuss the evolution of social media marketing, the importance of building community through in-person connections, and the balance between personal and professional life on social media. Lindsay shares valuable insights on networking and career advice for the next generation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and engagement in both business and personal interactions.
Listen Now
Episode 2: Entering a new chapter
October 6, 2025Shane has recently become an empty nester (aka "bird launcher") and Jenna is on the precipice of graduating college.
Listen Now
Episode 1: Finding your friends in college
September 22, 2025Jenna shares what she's learned since those first harrowing days as a college freshman, how it felt getting left out of a friend group, how she found quality friends and her advice to current freshman. Shane talks more about the parents and how they need to let go - sharing a couple quips from some of the college Facebook groups she's in.
Listen Now
