Best Fast Forward Podcasts (2025)

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#91: Build Bold. Invest Early. Stay Human. | Ben Lerer, Founder of Thrillist & MP at Lerer Hippeau 34:36

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2d ago34:36

34:36

He built Thrillist. He bet on media. Now Ben Lerer is navigating a world obsessed with AI. In this episode, Jason sits down with Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist, creator of Group Nine Media, and now Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau. They talk about the shifting tides of media, tech, and early-stage investing. From building one of the first grea…

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Paving Progress: Building Coalitions for Urbanism with Steve Adler 39:19

15d ago39:19

39:19

In this episode, Nick Perloff-Giles sits down with Steve Adler, former mayor and city councilmember of Austin, TX. They discuss the work required to bridge across interest groups, passing legislation with long time horizons, and how to build consensus for large-scale transit projects.By CoMotion

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Swiping right on carbon credits: Exploring voluntary markets 50:41

15d ago50:41

50:41

What are voluntary carbon markets and why do they matter in the global fight against climate change? Join Fastmarkets’ Andrea Hotter as she dives into this evolving space with experts Enric Arderiu, global head of environmental products at Mercuria, and Stuart Evans, chief economist and head of carbon at Fastmarkets. This episode uncovers the poten…

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Mini: Launching a Product in Uncertain Times 5:22

9d ago5:22

5:22

Launching a new product is never easy. But doing it during economic uncertainty? That’s a whole different challenge. In this mini episode, we explore how today’s shifting landscape—from tariffs to market instability—requires a smarter, more agile approach.Jason shares three core principles that can help entrepreneurs and innovators not just survive…

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#90: What Marketers Can Learn from StockX (and Its Sneakerhead Hype Machine) | StockX CMO Nicholas Karrat 36:16

16d ago36:16

36:16

Not every brand explodes. Some rise slowly, and win big. In this episode, Jason talks with Nicholas Karrat, CMO of StockX, about the Soul & Science of marketplace models—and what it takes to build brand trust, cultural relevance, and business performance at the same time. A veteran marketer with experience across Fortune 100 companies and DTC start…

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Mini: What the Adidas Pet Collection Gets Right (and What It Misses) 2:28

23d ago2:28

2:28

🐶 Adidas just launched a China-exclusive pet collection—and it’s more than just cute. In this Soul & Science mini, Jason unpacks the marketing strategy behind Adidas Originals’ latest capsule: apparel and accessories designed for pets and their owners. Matching outfits? Yes. Global rollout? Not yet. For marketers, this launch raises big questions: …

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High Hopes: Can a Gondola Solve Events Traffic? 25:40

30d ago25:40

25:40

With the recent signing of Shohei Otani, traffic to Dodger Stadium, LA's premiere sports venue, is up more than 12% - all without fixed transit infrastructure to handle the surge. In this episode, Nick Perloff-Giles sits down with David Grannis of Zero-Emissions Transit and Michael Manley of Gondola manufacturer Leitner-Poma to discuss their projec…

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#89: Building Brands from the Inside Out | Bryant Brennan, Chief Creative Officer at Fi 38:01

30d ago38:01

38:01

Creative teams have the most impact when they’re trusted stewards of the brand—not just executors. In this episode, Fi’s Chief Creative Officer Bryant Brennan joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of in-house creativity, product-first marketing, and building brands with staying power. From launching Nook at Barnes & Noble to scaling Pelo…

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Mini: The Return of HBO Max 3:48

1M ago3:48

3:48

What do you call a streaming service that can’t sit still? Apparently, HBO Max… again. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks why the HBO brand is once again reclaiming its name, and what this says about brand equity, consumer sentiment, and the fine art of knowing when to walk it back. From Gap to Tropicana to the Twitter-that-shall-no…

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#88: Why Purpose Still Matters | Bill Oberlander, Founder & Creative Chairman at OBERLAND 33:46

1M ago33:46

33:46

Why does doing good still feel risky in the boardroom even when it’s good for business? In this episode, OBERLAND Founder & Creative Chairman Bill Oberlander joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of purpose-driven marketing and talk about why creativity, commerce, and consciousness can (and should) coexist. Bill shares his journey from M…

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No Strings Attached: Open Loop Payments with Ben Lebedin 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

Why is it often easier to pay for a cup of coffee than it is to pay for a ride on transit? In this episode, Nick Perloff-Giles sits down with Ben Lebedin from US Bank & Elavon to discuss the opportunities presented by open-loop payments, the benefits of the service to both consumers and transit agencies, and the treasure trove of data that it prese…

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Black gold: How big oil is fuelling change in the global EV market 50:01

1M ago50:01

50:01

What happens when big oil turns its sights to critical minerals? This episode of Fast Forward dives into ExxonMobil's unexpected pivot into lithium extraction and its role in the energy transition. Andrea Hotter sits down with Dan Holton, Senior VP of Low Carbon Solutions at ExxonMobil, to discuss how the company's deep expertise in oil drilling is…

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Fare Assessment: What's Going on in New York City's Transportation Policy with Matt Daus 38:37

2M ago38:37

38:37

In this episode, Nick Perloff-Giles is joined by Matthew Daus, Partner at Windels-Marx and former Commissioner of the New York City TLC. They discuss the political headwinds facing congestion pricing, the challenges and successes of modernizing taxi service in the city, and what insurance markets might yield in policy to come.…

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#87: B2B Marketing Shouldn’t Be Boring | Jim Lesser, Chief Brand Officer at ServiceNow 37:10

2M ago37:10

37:10

Just because it’s B2B doesn’t mean it has to be boring. This week on Soul & Science, Jason sits down with Jim Lesser, Chief Brand Officer at ServiceNow, the enterprise platform helping organizations simplify workflows and put AI to work across their business. Before stepping into the world of B2B tech, Jim led award-winning campaigns as CEO and Exe…

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Mini: Why Do Influencers Start Beverage Brands? 3:42

2M ago3:42

3:42

From Prime to Chamberlain Coffee, influencers are making serious moves into the beverage aisle. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks the rise of creator-led drink brands—and why the beverage industry has become the go-to playground for digital tastemakers. With built-in audiences and high margins, the formula is simple: influence + hy…

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From mine to magnet: rewiring the rare earth ecosystem 50:05

2M ago50:05

50:05

In this episode of Fast Forward, host Andrea delves into the world of rare earths with industry experts Ahmad Ghahreman, Co-Founder and CEO of Cyclic Materials, and Rowena Smith, Managing Director and CEO of Australian Strategic Materials (ASM). Together, they explore the critical role rare earths play in manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbi…

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Sustainable Urban Mobility Investment with Mauricio Rodas & Lisa Sachs 28:43

3M ago28:43

28:43

More than 70% of CO2 emissions are being generated in cities and these cities often lack access to the financing tools necessary to bring sustainable solutions to life.In this episode, CoMotion’s John Rossant chats with Mauricio Rodas, Former Mayor of Quito, Ecuador, and Lisa Sachs, Director, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment to discuss the…

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Mini: Leadership in Times of Uncertainty 4:58

3M ago4:58

4:58

In a world that feels more chaotic by the day, leading with clarity has never been harder — or more important. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason explores how leaders can navigate the “liminal experience” of constant change. From reaffirming values to strengthening team bonds, he breaks down the strategies that help leaders anchor themselve…

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The Soul & Science of Culture | Best-Selling Author Dr. Marcus Collins (2024) 47:19

3M ago47:19

47:19

From TikTok trends to viral campaigns, brands are constantly trying to tap into culture. But what actually defines culture — and how can brands engage with it in a meaningful way? This week, we’re re-airing a great conversation from April 2024 with Dr. Marcus Collins — marketing professor, best-selling author, and cultural strategist. Dr. Collins, …

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Access Granted: The Future of Rider's Choice, with Uber Transit 36:17

3M ago36:17

36:17

Across the country, transit agencies face a dilemma: how to provide reliable, safe, and equitable service for individuals who rely on ADA paratransit, while keeping costs low?In this episode, CoMotion's Nick Perloff-Giles sits down with Dmitriy Vanchugov, Head of Partnerships at Uber Transit, alongside Spare Labs Co-Founder & CEO Kristoffer Vik Han…

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Mini: Literature is Fashion’s Newest Muse 4:25

3M ago4:25

4:25

What do J.Crew, Tiffany & Co., and Prada all have in common? They’re falling in love with the written word. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason explores fashion’s latest unexpected muse: literature. From literary salons to author collaborations, brands are embracing the written word in a digital age—and it's not just for show. Key Takeaways:…

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Changing gear: the road ahead for auto 50:00

4M ago50:00

50:00

Join us for the next episode of Fast Forward, where host Andrea Hotter dives deep into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) alongside special guest Quentin Willson. Quentin, a renowned motoring journalist, former Top Gear presenter, and transport campaigner, brings decades of experience to the conversation. Now a leading advocate for EV adoption, h…

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Mini: How Trump's Tariffs Are Reshaping Brand Marketing 4:52

4M ago4:52

4:52

What do Trump’s new tariffs have to do with your brand strategy? A lot. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason breaks down how the latest wave of tariffs is creating ripple effects across industries—and what it means for marketers trying to navigate a rapidly shifting economy. Key Takeaways: ✅ Brands are reallocating budgets toward performance …

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Toll Story: New York City's Congestion Pricing, Two Months In 30:33

4M ago30:33

30:33

In this episode, Nick Perloff-Giles sits down with Lewis Lehe, Assistant Professor in the Transportation Systems group of the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at UIUC, to discuss congestion pricing's consequences, two months later. Has the toll worked in reducing congestion downtown? How might we measure that? And beyond simply reduci…

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#86: AI vs. Human Creativity: Why Brands Still Resist the Future | Fredrik Thomassen, Co-founder & CEO of Superside 31:59

4M ago31:59

31:59

Why are brands still hesitant to embrace AI in creative work—even when it delivers faster, cheaper, and often better results? In this episode, Superside co-founder & CEO Fredrik Thomassen joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of AI-powered creativity—and why the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t the technology, but human resistance to…

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Mini: Why CMOs Get Fired 5:05

4M ago5:05

5:05

CMOs have the shortest lifespan of any C-suite executive. Why? In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason breaks down insights from a recent Adweek article, exploring the top reasons CMOs get fired—and how they can avoid the same fate. Key Takeaways: ✅ Overpromising results is the #1 reason CMOs lose their jobs. ✅ Many fail to earn trust from CEOs,…

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Magic City Mindset: Unlocking Innovation with Leigh-Ann Buchanan 26:06

4M ago26:06

26:06

In this episode, Nick Perloff-Giles sits down with Leigh-Ann Buchanan, Founder & CEO of the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority, a 501c(3) non-profit that connects the most innovative startups in Miami's private markets with the most pressing needs in the public sector. They discuss how MDIA is disrupting slow procurements, and how public sector involv…

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#85: The Art of Executive Coaching | Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach, on Leading with Vision (Part 2) 22:29

4M ago22:29

22:29

How do you go from leading an agency to coaching the next generation of leaders? In Part 2 of our conversation, Rob Schwartz—former CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day and now an Executive Coach—talks with Jason about the Soul & Science of Coaching. He shares his philosophy on guiding teams, unlocking creative potential, and moving businesses from transactional …

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Tariffs and trade: breaking China's grip on critical minerals 45:47

4M ago45:47

45:47

The Fast Forward podcast is back with a highly anticipated new season! Join host Andrea Hotter, special correspondent at Fastmarkets and co-host Will Adams, head of battery and base metals research, as they explore the dynamic world of critical minerals. This season begins with an in-depth discussion on securing supply chains, tariffs and the West'…

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#84: From Creative to CEO | Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach, on Leading with Vision (Part 1) 21:15

4M ago21:15

21:15

How do you turn creative vision into leadership success—and inspire a team to grow through disruption? This week, Jason dives into the Soul & Science of Creative Leadership with Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach and former CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day. Rob’s journey from copywriter to CEO is a masterclass in creative transformation. Using his philosophy of “C…

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Funding the Future of Mobility with Puneeth Meruva 31:52

5M ago31:52

31:52

In this episode, Nick Perloff-Giles sits down with Puneeth Meruva, Partner at Trucks VC, a fund which invests in early-stage ideas that make transportation decarbonized, safer and more accessible. With the retrenchment of public dollars in things like electrification and alternatives to private automotives, the private sector is exploring where tru…

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Chain Reaction: Bikeshare's Resurgence with Alison Cohen 39:39

5M ago39:39

39:39

In this episode, Nick Perloff-Giles sits down with Alison Cohen, founder, chair, and president of Bicycle Transit Systems, one of the oldest and largest bikesharing networks in the country. They talk about the stubborn economics of bikeshares, the history of the model from coin-operated to electrified, and what's in store as systems recover from th…

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The Science Behind Ads That Truly Connect | Pranav Yadav, Neuro-Insight Founder and Global CEO 26:28

6M ago26:28

26:28

What if the secret to creating ads that truly connect isn’t in what people say, but in what their brains reveal? Pranav Yadav, founder and global CEO of Neuro-Insight, leverages neuromarketing—technology that measures neural signals to track emotional responses—to uncover deeper truths that help brands like TJ Maxx and Anheuser Busch craft ads that…

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#83: Innovative Partnership | Dustin Baker & Maya French, Co-founders of HappyPop 37:13

6M ago37:13

37:13

This week, Jason explores The Soul & Science of Entrepreneur Partnerships with Dustin Baker and Maya French, co-founders of HappyPop. As the driving forces behind Koia and now HappyPop, Dustin and Maya have redefined what it means to create purposeful products in the competitive beverage industry.Discover how their unique partnership has evolved ov…

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Autopilot for Everyone: Autonomy Beyond Robotaxis 36:21

6M ago36:21

36:21

In this episode, Nick Perloff-Giles sits down with Henriette Cornet, USF professor and sustainable autonomy expert, and Toby McGraw, Chief Revenue Officer at Beep, an autonomous shared mobility startup, to discuss the past, present, and future of autonomy, with lessons from Europe and beyond on fleet management, integration of autonomous infrastruc…

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#82: Chemistry in Collaboration | Stephen Boehler, Founder at Mercer Island Group 37:58

7M ago37:58

37:58

What’s the secret to building lasting and successful partnerships? This week, we dive into the Soul & Science of agency-client relationships with Stephen Boehler, founder of Mercer Island Group and former Procter & Gamble brand manager. Stephen shares his journey from growing up in a family business to leading one of the most respected agency searc…

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#81: Disrupt and Scale | Erika Badan, CEO at Food52 37:26

7M ago37:26

37:26

Let's talk about the Soul & Science of disrupting an industry and scaling a business. This week, Jason sits down with Erika Badan, CEO of Food52, to discuss her journey from early career uncertainty to becoming a leader in the home goods and lifestyle industry. Erika shares how her time at Barstool Sports taught her to embrace risk, her vision for …

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British Automation: The UK's New Autonomy Framework with Paul Rennie 25:46

7M ago25:46

25:46

In this episode, John Rossant talks to Paul Rennie, OBE, the British Consul General in Los Angeles, about the UK's new legal framework around autonomy and how that'll impact the next decade of innovation in the sector. They also talk regional investment, what LA's car-culture can learn from the brits, and how autonomy may reshape not only our citie…

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Moving Fast & (Un)breaking Things with Ya-Ting Liu 37:05

7M ago37:05

37:05

In this episode, Nick Perloff-Giles sits down with Ya-Ting Liu, the new Chief Public Realm Officer for New York City. They talk about how urban leaders can thoughtfully deploy pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, tackle entrenched bureaucracies, and expand economic opportunity through vibrant, joyful urban design. ————————————Join us next at CoMotio…

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Venturing Forth: What's Next for VCs in Mobility 29:26

7M ago29:26

29:26

2024 saw a significant contraction in venture capital investment in mobility, down more than 50% since its frothy peak in 2021. So what comes next? In this episode, John Rossant, CEO & Founder of CoMotion chats with Prescott Watson, Operating Partner at RedBlue Capital, and investor and board member of Aerolane, a new company focusing on reducing a…

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About Teen Dating Violence... 15:39

7M ago15:39

15:39

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, and we know you may know someone, or have experienced it yourself – specialist services are available to you for help and support. If you’re aged 18 years or under: Call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (4pm to 11pm Monday to Friday) or chat online Call ChildLine on 0800 1111 or chat online and send messages (9am -…

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Common myths about relationship abuse and Facts 13:26

7M ago13:26

13:26

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, and we know you may know someone, or have experienced it yourself – specialist services are available to you for help and support. If you’re aged 18 years or under: Call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (4pm to 11pm Monday to Friday) or chat online Call ChildLine on 0800 1111 or chat online and send messages (9am -…

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What makes a Healthy Relationship? 10:46

7M ago10:46

10:46

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, and we know you may know someone, or have experienced it yourself – specialist services are available to you for help and support. If you’re aged 18 years or under: Call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (4pm to 11pm Monday to Friday) or chat online Call ChildLine on 0800 1111 or chat online and send messages (9am -…

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What do you remember about the stage play and the workshop for Rewind and Fast Forward? 12:18

7M ago12:18

12:18

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, and we know you may know someone, or have experienced it yourself – specialist services are available to you for help and support. If you’re aged 18 years or under: Call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (4pm to 11pm Monday to Friday) or chat online Call ChildLine on 0800 1111 or chat online and send messages (9am -…

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Delivery Without Footprints: Zero-Emissions Zones with Portland's Bureau of Transportation 27:09

8M ago27:09

27:09

In this episode of CoMotion’s Fast Forward Podcast, host Nick Perloff-Giles dives into Portland's efforts in advancing sustainable delivery and smart curbs with PBOT's Jacob Sherman and Kristin Hull. They share insights on the challenges and lessons learned from implementing smart curbs, mapping curb usage, and partnering with private companies to …

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General Mills Chief Brand & Disruptive Growth Officer Douglas Martin | What Makes a $50 Million Business Idea 30:28

8M ago30:28

30:28

This week, we’re throwing it back to a classic episode that won us not one, but two Signal Awards. Douglas Martin, Chief Brand and Disruptive Growth Officer at General Mills, is a brand growth champion with over 22 years of experience. In his role at General Mills, Doug has worked on marketing initiatives for Cheerios and Yoplait, and his experienc…

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Mini: What happened? From Brat Summer to Fascist Fall 4:45

8M ago4:45

4:45

There’s just one day left before the election, and Kamala Harris has recently intensified her critique of Donald Trump, calling out his "unstable" and "fascist" tendencies. In this mini episode, Jason talks about why, as a Harris voter, her campaign’s strategic pivot to a tougher tone aimed at swaying independents and energizing her base might not …

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French Connection: What America's Most Populous County Can Learn from Paris 35:08

8M ago35:08

35:08

In the latest episode of CoMotion’s Fast Forward Podcast, Ray Sosa, Chief Planning Officer for LA Metro, sits down with our own Nick Perloff-Giles to talk about the billions the agency is investing to expand transit in the notoriously car-centric region. Ray, who has been working in LA transit for three decades, says the big shift is not just about…

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CoMotion LA '24 & OMF Summit Sneak Peek 24:53

8M ago24:53

24:53

In this special episode of CoMotion's Podcast, John Rossant sits down with Andrew Glass Hastings, Executive Director of the Open Mobility Foundation, to discuss what's in store for both CoMotion LA and the OMF Summit - and by extension, what's in store for our cities, roads, skies, and waterways. Hear from them about the emerging landscape of curbs…

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Mini: The Future of Influencer Marketing 3:23

8M ago3:23

3:23

How is influencer marketing evolving in the creator economy? In today's mini episode, we explore the shift from one-off campaigns to building long-term relationships with micro-creators who drive engagement and authenticity. Plus how we here at Mekanism are leading the way by leveraging creator networks to foster genuine connections, fill content g…