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.
What it means to be well at work, with guest Jillian Bernstein
March 18, 2026What does it really mean to support employees beyond the typical HR handbook? In this episode of The Social Dialogue Podcast, Shane and Jenna sit down with Jillian Bernstein, founder of The Wellness Extension, to talk about the evolving role of workplace culture and why true employee well-being goes far beyond traditional HR programs. With more than 20 years of experience in human resources and consulting, Jillian has seen firsthand where many organizations fall short when it comes to supporting their people. Through her company, she partners with leadership teams and HR departments to create meaningful programs that help employees feel connected, supported, and engaged at work. Jillian shares how personal experiences shaped her passion for workplace wellness and how that journey led her to create The Wellness Extension. Her approach focuses on bringing empathy and human connection back into the workplace, helping organizations build cultures where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. The conversation explores the realities of modern work environments, especially in hybrid and remote settings, and why companies need to rethink how they build community, communication, and engagement among employees. Shane and Jenna also dive into the importance of leadership, authentic connection, and why investing in employee well-being is not just good for people, but also good for business. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, HR professional, or someone navigating today’s workplace culture, this episode offers practical insights into how organizations can create environments where people truly feel supported.
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Authenticity as a Business Strategy, with guest Cathi Bingaman
March 9, 2026In this episode of The Social Dialogue Podcast, Shane and Jenna sit down with Cathi Bingaman, founder of In Sync With You, to talk about something we believe deeply at Big Voice Social: when you build a business around your natural strengths and lead with authenticity, everything changes. Cathi built her concierge business from the ground up, turning her instinct to support others into a thriving, trusted company. What started as helping busy professionals manage their lives evolved into a highly personalized service built on confidentiality, consistency, and deep client relationships. This conversation is about more than outsourcing errands. It’s about trust. It’s about knowing your strengths. And it’s about building a business that reflects your values. 💡 What We Talk About How authenticity becomes a business strategy Cathi shares how understanding her core values shaped every decision she made — from branding to hiring to client relationships. She proves that authenticity is not just a buzzword. It is the foundation of sustainable growth. Building trust in deeply personal spaces When you work inside clients’ homes and lives, confidentiality is everything. Cathi walks us through how she hires, shadows, and trains her team to ensure professionalism and discretion at the highest level. The power of referrals and word-of-mouth While social media plays a role, Cathi’s business has grown largely through trusted relationships and referrals. We talk about how digital presence supports credibility without oversharing. Social media for service-based businesses Not every business can post flashy before-and-afters. Cathi explains how storytelling, testimonials, and values-driven messaging allow her to market while still protecting client privacy. Wild problem-solving stories From building a volleyball court to booking classic bands, Cathi shares some of the most creative requests she has fulfilled. It’s a reminder that entrepreneurship often means saying, “Let me figure that out.” Career advice for Jenna (and recent grads) This episode turns personal as Cathi gives Jenna thoughtful advice about identifying strengths, aligning with core values, and building a career that feels authentic rather than forced. She references tools like What Color Is Your Parachute? as a starting point for self-discovery.
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Communicate with Clarity, with guest Emily Schneider
March 2, 2026If you think PowerPoint is just bullet points and branding… think again. In this episode of The Social Dialogue Podcast, Shane and Jenna sit down with Emily Schneider, freelance presentation designer, to talk about the science behind compelling communication - and why your slides might be saying more than you realize. Emily shares how she transitioned from traditional marketing into a highly specialized niche helping professionals communicate with clarity and confidence. What started as a design skill evolved into something deeper: understanding how the brain processes information and how intentional slide design can influence attention, retention, and persuasion. She calls it her Zone of Genius. This conversation goes far beyond fonts and templates. You’ll hear: Why less truly is more when it comes to communicating your point The neuroscience behind how audiences absorb visual information The biggest mistakes people make in presentations How to structure slides so people actually remember what you said Why LinkedIn is the best social media platform there is. Emily opens up about building her personal brand through LinkedIn and how she strategically used the platform to grow her freelance business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate professional, or recent graduate, her advice on showing up online is practical and refreshingly realistic. Shane and Jenna dive into: How young professionals can showcase their work before they have a long resume Why posting consistently matters more than posting perfectly How to network in a way that feels authentic instead of transactional The power of positioning yourself as a specialist If you’ve ever struggled with public speaking, dreaded building a slide deck, or wondered how to stand out on LinkedIn without feeling cringey, this episode is your roadmap. Because at the end of the day, communication is everything - in business, in branding, and in life. Connect with Emily directly via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyschneider719/ You can also visit her website for more information: https://www.iamemilyschneider.com/ Looking to up your social media marketing efforts? Reach out to Big Voice Social at bigvoicesocial.com
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Behind the Screens, Working in Social Media, with guests Candace Portman & Lindsay Spencer
February 23, 2026In this episode of The Social Dialogue Podcast, Shane and Jenna are joined by Big Voice Social team members Candace and Lindsay for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really means to manage social media for brands in their voice. From authenticity and brand voice to TikTok vs. Instagram and the realities of the gig economy, the team breaks down the misconceptions people have about social media management—and what actually makes a client (or employer) great to work with. This episode pulls back the curtain on strategy, collaboration, consistency, and why “just posting” has never been enough. Whether you’re a business owner, a content creator, or someone curious about working in social media, this conversation offers real insight into how modern marketing actually works. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why authenticity isn’t optional anymore—it’s foundational The biggest differences between TikTok and Instagram, and how brands should approach each What social media managers actually do all day (spoiler: it’s not just posting) How the gig economy and side hustles fit into modern careers What makes a client or employer great to work with Why understanding your brand identity matters more than chasing trends How social media strategies have evolved—and why flexibility is key The importance of collaboration between clients and marketing teams Why consistency beats virality every time Keywords social media, authenticity, marketing, TikTok, Instagram, gig economy, client relations, social media strategies, podcast, Big Voice Social
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The Business of Sorority Recruitment, with guest Sloan Anderson
February 16, 2026Sorority recruitment can feel overwhelming, confusing, and at times, really upsetting. In this episode, Shane and Jenna sit down with Sloan Anderson, sorority recruitment consultant and founder of Getting the Bid, to talk about what’s really missing from traditional recruitment advice - and what girls actually need to know heading into the process. Sloan shares her own challenging sorority recruitment experience, how outdated resources left her feeling unprepared, and why she created Getting the Bid as a modern, realistic resource for potential new members. Together, they dive into the importance of preparation that goes beyond outfits - focusing instead on networking, conversation skills, confidence, and finding a chapter that truly fits. If you (or your daughter) are approaching sorority recruitment, this episode offers honest insight, practical tips, and reassurance that you’re not alone in feeling nervous - and that the right preparation can make all the difference. Our advice? If you're getting ready to participate in this process and you have no idea what you're doing, trust us: you've never been through something like this before. Get someone who can advise you with solid information and take the stress out of it. If either of us were to go through it again, we'd be on the phone to Sloan at Getting the Bid right now. ✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode Sloan’s personal sorority recruitment story Why so much recruitment advice feels outdated The inspiration behind Getting the Bid Why networking matters more than most people realize How practicing conversations boosts confidence Preparing in a realistic (not perfect) way What “finding the right fit” really means 🔑 Keywords sorority life, recruitment, personal experience, modern resources, networking, blog, advice, college life, confidence, getting the bid
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When Multitasking is your Superpower, with guest Rabbi Melissa Stollman
February 9, 2026In this episode of The Social Dialogue Podcast, Shane and Jenna sit down with Rabbi Melissa Stollman - a reform rabbi, Jewish educator, and all-around community builder with a background in fundraising, marketing, and event planning. Melissa’s career path doesn’t fit into a single box - and that’s exactly the point. Together, they talk about embracing nonlinear careers, why multitasking can actually be a superpower, and how building real community (online and offline) starts with showing up with intention. The conversation also weaves in what resilience really looks like for our children, and how to navigate big transitions without having it all figured out. If you’re a student, a parent, or someone figuring out their next chapter, this episode is full of perspective, reassurance, and honest advice. What We Cover Why building community is less about numbers and more about connection Embracing a nonlinear career path and following evolving passions Multitasking, balance, and redefining productivity Fraternity rush, resilience, and managing expectations How social media can be used as a true community-building tool Advice for college students entering the workforce Maintaining meaningful professional relationships Using AI and tech tools to work smarter About Our Guest Rabbi Melissa Stollman is a reform rabbi and Jewish educator with a diverse professional background spanning fundraising, marketing, and event planning. She’s passionate about building inclusive, thoughtful communities and helping people find purpose in every stage of life.
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Friends, Finals and Figuring it out, with guest Carly Bernard
February 2, 2026In this episode of The Social Dialogue Podcast, Shane, Jenna and their guest, Carly Bernard, reflect on what it feels like to be in the last chapter of college — a season filled with excitement, uncertainty, big dreams, and even bigger emotions. From the energy of IU's championship football season to the quiet moments that define real friendship, they explore how relationships evolve, why building community matters more than ever, and what it looks like to step into what’s next with intention. It’s an honest conversation about friendship, growth, career pressure, and learning to trust yourself during one of life’s biggest transitions. What We Talk About The unique energy of senior year and “last chapter” moments How friendships shift and deepen in college Why earning experiences make relationships more meaningful Navigating career dreams without having everything figured out Plans for building community after graduation How small moments turn into lifelong memories Why You’ll Love This Episode If you’re in college, about to graduate, or simply reflecting on a season of change, this episode will feel like a deep breath — and a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to be exactly where you’re supposed to be. We don't really focus on "business" in this one. It's your opportunity to be a fly on the wall for three girlfriends (ok one is a mom, but still). Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Follow The Social Dialogue Podcast for more conversations about friendship, growth, and the seasons of life. If this episode resonated, we’d love for you to leave a review and share it with a friend who’s in their own “last chapter.”
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Beyond the Brand: Embracing Authenticity, with guests Kate & Lindsey Latts
January 26, 2026In this episode of The Social Dialogue Podcast, mother-daughter co-hosts Shane (Gen X) and Jenna (Gen Z) sit down with another dynamic mother-daughter duo: Kate and Lindsey Latts. Kate Latts is the Co-president and third-generation owner of Heaven Hill Brands, the nation’s largest family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier - and Lindsey is her daughter, currently building her own career in New York City. Together, they offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it means to grow up inside a legacy brand while still carving out your own identity. Kate shares what it’s like to lead a multi-generational, family-owned business in a traditionally male-dominated industry - and how authenticity, long-term thinking, and values-based leadership shape both company culture and brand presence. Lindsey brings a Gen Z perspective to conversations around work, independence, and navigating her post-grad career path. As always, Shane and Jenna weave in their own mother-daughter banter, exploring how generational perspectives influence friendships, careers, social media, and the way we define success today. The conversation touches on social media strategy, branding with intention, work-life integration (note: NOT work-life balance), and the unique dynamic of being both someone’s daughter and your own person. This episode is a thoughtful, honest look at legacy, leadership, and the evolving relationship between mothers and daughters across generations. Keywords: mother-daughter podcast, Gen X, Gen Z, social media podcast, family business, branding, leadership, authenticity, women in business
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Building Community Around a Brand – with guest Meredith Buchwald
January 19, 2026When Shane gets on a fandom bandwagon, she is literally driving the bus. From day 1 of learning about the jewelry and the woman behind the brand, she was hooked. And she got Jenna hooked too. In this engaging conversation, Meredith Buchwald, founder of MB Styles, shares her journey of launching a successful jewelry business during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the importance of authenticity in social media marketing, the challenges of scaling her business, and the significance of building a community around her brand. Meredith also highlights her collaborations with influencers and her future plans for MB Styles, emphasizing the need for genuine connections in the entrepreneurial world.
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Crafting Comedy and Community – with guest Chloe Hechter
January 12, 2026We're kicking off season 2 with social media influencer, Chloe Hechter. Join us as Chloe shares her inspiring journey from theater to becoming a content creator. Discover how she navigated college, embraced her passion for writing and comedy, and tackled the challenges of the influencer world. Chloe emphasizes the importance of authenticity, staying true to one's values, and the power of relatable storytelling. She offers insight to Jenna about living in the city post-college and gives great advice as a fellow member of Gen Z. Takeaways: Chloe Hechter transitioned from theater to content creation to control her narrative. She values authenticity and staying true to her values in brand partnerships. Chloe emphasizes the importance of not comparing oneself to others in the influencer world. Her content often includes relatable stories for Jewish girls and young women. Chloe's journey highlights the challenges and rewards of being a full-time influencer. She shares insights on managing hate comments and maintaining personal boundaries. Chloe's viral success began with a skit about a camp social that gained 5 million views. She advises using personal connections over LinkedIn Easy Apply for job searches. Chloe's content aims to provide comic relief and relatable experiences. She stresses the importance of enjoying college moments while preparing for the future.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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