Dose of Social: Actionable Social Media Tips for Small Businesses and Brands – Details, episodes & analysis

In the first episode of Dose of Social, Lindsay Mauch and Kayla Perlstein take us on a journey from the days of MySpace (yep, really!) to today’s ever-evolving social media scene.Lindsay shares how she went from MySpace to mastering the latest platforms, while Kayla dishes on her switch from the music industry to becoming a social media whiz. Here’s what we’re diving into:

• The real deal behind viral content (spoiler: it’s not always what you expect!)
• How to choose the perfect social media platforms for your brand
• Hashtags — why they matter and how to use them like a total boss
• The best times to post for max engagement (because yes, timing is everything!)

Plus, we’ve got tips on blending organic and paid strategies, staying consistent, and keeping the convo going with your followers to build trust and boost your brand.Whether you're a business owner or just curious about social media, this episode is packed with everything you need to level up your online presence!

In this heartfelt episode of Dose of Social, Lindsay and Kayla sit down with Karri Morgan, Executive Director of the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, to explore how authentic storytelling and values-driven content can power a nonprofit’s mission across social media.

Karri shares her inspiring journey from working with Olympian and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton to leading a national foundation focused on immunotherapy and patient-centered cancer research. From managing over 30 events a year to building high-impact content strategies, she opens up about the balance between education, fundraising, and community engagement online.

Whether you run a nonprofit or just want to lead with heart on social, this episode is filled with practical takeaways and meaningful moments—including viral posts, behind-the-scenes strategies, and why one emotional radio story unexpectedly moved donors in 30+ states.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• How Karri met Scott Hamilton and helped him turn personal adversity into global impact
• The evolution of their social media strategy—and how it supports education, awareness, and fundraising
• Behind-the-scenes wins from the Scott Hamilton & Friends ice show
• How survivor stories and volunteer shoutouts drive the most engagement
• Balancing organic vs. sponsored content as a nonprofit
• Real talk on donor fatigue, authenticity, and staying mission-aligned on social
• Why their cancer ribbon is upside down—and how it symbolizes infinite hope

Connect with the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation:

Website: https://scottcares.org

Instagram: @teamscottcares

Facebook: Team Scott Cares

LinkedIn: Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation

Connect with us:

Follow Dose of Social on Instagram

Subscribe on Spotify

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💬 Want to be a guest or ask us a question? Reach out, we’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Dose of Social, hosts Lindsay Mauch and Kayla Perlstein welcome Jess Kaplan, Social Strategy Manager at Orange 142. Jess shares her journey from studying journalism in California to leading social media for tourism clients across Tennessee: most notably Pigeon Forge. With her expertise in storytelling through reels, influencer collaborations, and user-generated content, Jess uncovers how to craft a social media strategy that captures the magic of a destination.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• How Jess and her team keep content fresh for a major tourist destination like Pigeon Forge
• Why reels and carousels are the top-performing formats for tourism brands
• How a creator-led video sparked a 50M-view campaign that directly boosted bookings
• Jess’s go-to tools for monthly content shoots—including the Osmo Pocket 3
• Best practices for working with influencers, managing UGC, and navigating trends authentically

Connect with Jess Kaplan:

Instagram: @itsjesskap

LinkedIn: Jessica Kaplan

Orange 142: Find them on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Connect with us:

Follow Dose of Social on Instagram

Subscribe on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Check out our website

In this episode of Dose of Social, Lindsay and Kayla catch up with longtime friend and sustainability advocate Derek Sabori, founder of The Underswell.

With a career that started in action sports and evolved into sustainability consulting, education, and now podcasting, Derek shares the story behind launching a purpose-driven brand, why storytelling is essential for both business and career growth, and how podcasting can be a powerful tool for building a modern personal brand.

If you’re navigating a career shift, this conversation is a must-listen.Connect with Derek:Website: theunderswell.comLinkedIn: Derek SaboriInstagram: @theunderswellHere’s what we’re diving into:

• How Derek built a career in sustainability before it was mainstream
• Why his yoga apparel brand (KOZM) ultimately shut down—and what he learned from it
• The origin story of The Underswell and how it’s helping others build meaningful careers
• How podcasting can be used as a tool for professional branding and visibility
• What Gen Z really thinks about sustainability and brand loyalty
• Tactical advice for navigating a mid-career or late-career transition

Connect with Us:

• Follow Dose of Social on Instagram
• Check out our website here
• Be a member now!
• Subscribe for more episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Dose of Social, Lindsay and Kayla sit down with Tracy Davison, founder of 3:17 Mastermind, to explore how business owners can break through entrepreneurial isolation, leverage LinkedIn to grow authentically, and build real momentum in both revenue and relationships.

With a background as a high school principal and district superintendent, Tracy brings a unique leadership perspective to business strategy and peer-to-peer growth. She also gives Lindsay an on-the-spot LinkedIn audit you don’t want to miss!

Connect with Tracy:

LinkedIn: Tracy Davison

Website: 317Mastermind.com

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• What 3:17 Mastermind is, and how it helps entrepreneurs break through isolation and grow faster
• Why LinkedIn is the most underutilized tool in the small business marketing toolbox
• A step-by-step guide for optimizing your LinkedIn profile (with a live audit!)
• How to build connection without sounding salesy (and avoid the cringe pitch)
• Why being vulnerable in a mastermind is the real key to breakthrough growth

More from Dose of Social:

If you're unsure who your audience is, check out our episode:

👉 Hitting the Mark: How to Define Your Target Audience

Connect with Us:

• Follow Dose of Social on Instagram
• Check out our website here
• Be a member now!
• Subscribe for more episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode of Dose of Social, we sit down with longtime friend and PR expert AJ Feuerman to dig into the nuances of public relations and social media strategy for restaurants.

With experience ranging from TV networks to bagel shops, AJ brings a wealth of insight on how hospitality brands can stand out—without breaking the bank. She shares her journey from screenwriting to founding her own PR agency, tips for working with influencers, managing online reviews, and why good plating might be your best social media asset.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• How AJ transitioned from screenwriting to public relations
• The power of great visuals in restaurant marketing
• What PR tactics actually work for small businesses and restaurants
• Why Instagram walls and branded dog swag aren’t just cute—they’re strategic
• Navigating Yelp and handling bad reviews without panic
• Influencer marketing on a budget: How local creators can have major impact

Follow AJ:

• Website: ajfeuerman.com
• Instagram: @ajfeuerman
• Threads: @ajfeuerman
• LinkedIn: AJ Feuerman on LinkedIn
• Brunch IG: @HollywoodBrunch

Connect with Us:

• Follow Dose of Social on Instagram
• Check out our website here
• Be a member now!
• Subscribe for more episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

We’re back for Season 3 of Dose of Social 🎉 In this episode, we kick things off with digital marketing expert Emily Raiber, Founder of Emily Raiber Media.

Emily shares her unique journey from TV production to launching her own digital marketing business, and dives into why Substack is becoming a must-have tool for brands, influencers, and service-based businesses.

 Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Emily’s pivot from television to entrepreneurship
• Why Substack is perfect for newsletters, creators, and community-building
• Tips for getting started on Substack (without the overwhelm!)
• How to grow your audience and boost engagement
• Using social media to drive traffic and subscribers
• Substack’s new video and podcast features—and how to use them
• Real-world strategies for content creators and business owners

Resources:

• Substack – The platform for independent writers and creators
• Emily’s Substack: ER's Recs – Where Emily shares digital strategy insights and examples
• Klaviyo – Email platform mentioned for eCommerce automations
• Mailchimp – Traditional email service compared in the episode

Whether you're new to Substack or looking to level up your content strategy, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you expand your reach and grow your digital presence.

Tune in for more Dose of Social this season!

Hey everyone! In this episode of Dose of Social, we are diving into one of our most requested topics: how to use AI to supercharge your social media strategy. From content creation to planning and customer engagement, we’re breaking down the tools and tips you need to work smarter, not harder.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• How AI is changing the game for social media marketing
• Our favorite AI tools like ChatGPT, Ideogram, and chatbots
• The difference between free and premium versions of ChatGPT
• How to use AI for image creation, content planning, and brand voice alignment
• Tips for training AI tools to actually sound like you
• Tackling the fear of AI “taking over” and how it can actually make your life easier
• Using AI in ads, email marketing, and customer support with tools like ManyChat

This episode is all about working more efficiently and creatively with the help of AI. Whether you’re just starting to explore these tools or already deep in the AI world, you’ll walk away with practical ideas to take your social media game to the next level.

Let’s geek out on tech together! 🤖✨

For more Dose of Social, visit our website here

Hey everyone! In this episode of Dose of Social, we chat with Emily Winters, owner of Strings for Hope, a one-of-a-kind for-profit company that empowers survivors of substance use disorder, human trafficking, and addiction by creating beautiful jewelry from used guitar strings.

Emily shares how she went from selling pieces from a cart in downtown Nashville to taking over the company at just 19 years old!

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Emily’s inspiring journey as a young entrepreneur
• The evolution of Strings for Hope and the heart behind the brand
• How social media has played a major role in growing the business
• Collaborating with Golden Bird Marketing to create standout content
• The importance of persistence, trust, and vulnerability in business relationships
• Structured planning tips to stay consistent and intentional on social
• Cool ways to support Strings for Hope—like permanent jewelry and corporate gifting

This episode is full of heart, hustle, and helpful insights for anyone building a brand with purpose. You’ll leave inspired—and maybe ready to rock some recycled guitar string jewelry too! 🎸✨

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn here

Check out Strings for Hope here

For more Dose of Social, visit our website here

Hey everyone! In this episode of Dose of Social, we sit down with Krissy Manzano, co-founder of Blueprint Expansion, to talk all things hiring—especially when it comes to finding the perfect social media manager.

Krissy shares her journey from sales leadership to launching a recruiting firm and gives expert advice on what really matters when hiring for marketing roles.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• The key qualities to look for in a social media manager
• Why specific skills matter more than industry experience
• How to build an ideal candidate profile that fits your business needs
• The best interview techniques (including the STAR method!) to find the right hire
• Tips for small businesses to attract top marketing talent
• Why having a clear hiring process is essential for long-term success
• The importance of training and setting new hires up for success

Whether you’re looking to expand your team or thinking about a career shift, this episode is packed with insights to help you make smarter hiring decisions!

Connect with Krissy on LinkedIn

Check out Blueprint Expansion's website here

For more Dose of Social, visit our website here