FiredUp! - The Startup Marketing Podcast
FiredUp! is the show for marketers working in early and late-stage startups. Each week, we walk through fresh strategies and tactics to build brand and drive demand for your startup. Featuring interviews with marketing leaders, our take on the latest trends, and practical tips about PR, content marketing and growth marketing, we promise plenty of signal with some noisy fun along the way. FiredUp! is hosted by the team at startup marketing agency, Firebrand. Learn more at firebrand.marketing today.Â
How to Use Synthetic Audiences in PR with Dan Gaynor
Imagine knowing exactly how an influential tech reporter, an analyst, or a key regulator will react to your pitch or announcement before you hit send. Traditional market research, focus groups, and media monitoring are important for your PR strategy, but can take weeks, cost tens of thousands of dollars, and often lack the speed required for modern corporate strategy and crisis management. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the world of synthetic audiences and predictive modeling with Dan Gaynor, co-founder of Kumkuat AI. We discuss how virtual personas built from real-time data can help you test press...
The War on AI Slop
As the amount of AI Slop content we see across the internet grows, major players are shifting and fighting back. From LinkedIn introducing options for users to flag AI content on their feeds to Anthropic embedding watermarks in response to the EU AI Act, one thing is made clear: people are fed up with low-quality AI generated content. But how do we balance utilizing AI as part of our strategy while managing potential penalties to our GEO, executive visibility, and buyer trust? On this episode of FiredUp!, we address how to protect your brand while navigating content flagging, AI...
What PR Skills are In Demand Today?
The landscape of B2B public relations and tech comms is shifting faster than ever before. Driven by the rise of generative AI slop, shrinking newsrooms, journalists’ overflowing inboxes, traditional media relations playbooks aren’t holding up. On this episode of FiredUp!, we analyze the capabilities required to execute a high-impact communications program in today’s world. We discuss standing out in an over-saturated media landscape and the essential human skills that cannot be replaced by automated tools. This week, episode 141 of the FiredUp! podcast is about what PR skills are in demand today!Â
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Inside Marketing Decisions at a LegalTech AI Firm with Jared White
Navigating early-stage startup marketing in a crowded, highly regulated market is one of the toughest trials a founder or marketing leader can face. From determining the right ideal customer profile to breaking through established, legacy competitors, seed-stage companies are forced to make high-stakes go-to-market decisions with limited runways and tight budgets.Â
On this episode of FiredUp!, we sat down with Jared White, CEO of Matey AI, to address the explicit pain point of startup marketing decisions in complex B2B sectors. We discuss how to navigate legacy competition, position your product around clear customer outcomes, leverage hyper-targeted I...
Can You Outsource PR to AI?
With many corporate leadership teams issuing a strict mandate to integrate artificial intelligence across every business function, marketing and PR leaders are facing a tough operational question: Where does AI actually drive efficiency, and where does it create massive strategic risk? On this episode of FiredUp!, we take a practical look at how to rank your public relations workflow from low stakes to high stakes. We address the risks of over-automating your communication channels, how to properly apply human judgment and workflow automation, and more. This week, episode 139 of the FiredUp! podcast is about if you can outsource PR t...
How to Integrate Brands After M&A with Megan Adler
When two or more companies merge, they bring an inevitable clash of identities, disjointed messaging, and fractured cultures. Far too many organizations waste critical post-deal runway trying to push a messy grab bag of products without a unified commercial story. If your team is struggling to navigate customer friction or figure out which brand names to preserve, you are facing a classic, high-stakes brand integration crisis. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dig into the strategic playbook for conquering the post-deal corporate transition with Megan Adler, CEO and Founder of Sublime Designs Media.Learn how to evaluate market equity...
What Does the AI Backlash Mean for AI Comms?
Today, tech brands are running headfirst into a massive wave of AI backlash marked by growing public skepticism, data center infrastructure pushback, and intense resentment toward automated technologies. If your company is trying to announce an AI-native interface, launch autonomous agents, or roll out a new usage-based pricing model, traditional marketing playbooks are falling flat. On this episode of FiredUp!, we tackle the critical challenge of navigating AI company communications in an increasingly hostile market. We address the problems founders face when trying to break through widespread AI skepticism and deliver a clear, tactical roadmap to achieve a perfect...
When Not to Use AI
AI has enormous potential to accelerate our workflows and to accelerate content production, but it can also slow things down. While generative AI tools have enormous potential to speed up your daily marketing operations, relying on them for all of your external communications is creating a massive hidden tax on your productivity. Many marketing teams are trapped in a cycle of relying on automated content, only to find that their messaging has become completely bland, flat, and filled with inaccuracies. In this episode of FiredUp!, we explain how over-reliance on AI can erode your strategic thinking and flag the...
AI Search Monitoring Using Scrunch with Kevin White
Traditional SEO rankings are no longer enough to guarantee visibility as B2B buyers shift their research to AI engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. For many startup marketers, these platforms represent a blank space where traditional tracking tools fail to provide clear insights. In this episode, we dive into the fundamental shift from deterministic search to probabilistic AI platforms with Kevin White, head of marketing at Scrunch. This week, episode 135 of the FiredUp! podcast is about AI search monitoring using Scrunch!Â
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Turning Events Into PR Wins
Event season is back, and for many marketers, it feels like a high-stakes gamble. You’ve invested in the floor space, the logistics, and the senior team's travel, but breaking through the noise of a crowded conference center is harder than ever. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the strategic playbook for maximizing your time at events. We address the common pain point of booth invisibility and show you how to transform a physical presence into a powerful media moment. From pitching early to the art of the off-site media breakfast, we unpack how to wring every dr...
Hiring Your First Sales Team with Andrew Boos
In 2026, B2B buyers are more insulated than ever. The explosion of AI-generated emails and automated cold calls has made it nearly impossible for startups to break through using traditional spray and pray tactics. On this episode of FiredUp!, we explore the fundamental shift in B2B buyer behavior and what it means for founders hiring their first sales team. We address the specific pain point of declining outbound conversion rates and discuss how to pivot toward a consultative selling model that prioritizes human credibility and in real life connection over raw volume. This week, episode 133 of the FiredUp...
How to Announce New Products in 2026
The pace of software development is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, driven by AI tools like Cursor and Claude Code that allow companies to launch features faster than ever before. For startup marketers, this speed creates a new dilemma: how do you manage a product PR program when feature fatigue makes traditional announcements less effective? If your brand is simply shoving a grab bag of features out the door, you are likely getting minimal traction and missed editorial coverage. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the evolution of product news in 2026. This week, episode 132 of the FiredUp! p...
What’s New in Funding News?
You’ve spent months pitching investors, navigating due diligence, and finally closing your latest round of funding, only to realize that announcing it is harder than ever. With over 3,300 VC deals per quarter and a shrinking pool of dedicated venture reporters, your news is fighting for airtime in a saturated market. On this episode of FiredUp!, we address the frustration of silent launches and explain why the traditional embargoed press release is giving way to the media exclusive. We dive into the evolving playbook for funding announcements, teaching startup marketers how to pivot from simple statistics to high-impact storytelling th...
AI Agents and Vibe-Coding in PR
Is AI coming for your PR job, or is it just coming for the tedious parts of your workflow? Many communications professionals are stuck in ChatGPT limbo—using basic prompts but failing to unlock the true potential of AI agents and agentic workflows. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the frontier of vibe coding and PR automation. This week, episode 130 of the FiredUp! podcast is about AI agents and vibe-coding in PR!Â
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The Secrets of Rapid Response and Newsjacking
In the hyper-competitive tech landscape of 2026, waiting for your own "big news" isn't enough to stay relevant. Startups often struggle to break into top-tier publications or build relationships with new reporters because they are shouting into a void of crowded inboxes. On this episode of FiredUp!, Morgan and Chris unpack the world of newsjacking for tech brands. They address media invisibility, explain how to turn breaking industry news into an opportunity for your brand to lead the conversation, and more. This week, episode 129 of the FiredUp! podcast is about the secrets of rapid response and newsjacking!Â
Burning Questions About Tech Marketing
As the first quarter of 2026 hits its stride, marketing leaders are facing a new kind of pressure. The traditional marketing playbooks are being rewritten by the shift from keyword-based SEO to AI-driven search. Are you prepared for the April 1st Board Meeting question: How is AI search actually impacting our bottom line? On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the mailbag to answer the burning questions from our community of startup marketers. We tackle the anxiety surrounding board expectations, the shifting dynamics of marketing budget allocation, and why your "Share of Voice" might look different in a world...
Go-to PR Strategies for 2026
In the crowded tech landscape of 2026, building brand awareness isn't just about flashy logos or polished websites; it's about breaking through the digital noise with authentic human connection. The challenge right now is that corporate posts are being ignored while the AI slop of generic, machine-written content is eroding trust with potential customers and investors. On this episode of FiredUp!, we tackle the essential PR tactics that actually move the needle. We explore why executive visibility is seeing a massive resurgence and how you can leverage personal authenticity to outshine the robotic "Uncanny Valley" of automated marketing. This week...
Why OOH is Working for Startups in 2026 with Ty Tinker
In an era of digital ad fatigue, how does a startup break through the noise to build real-world authority? Startup marketers are feeling the burn of skyrocketing CPAs on social platforms and a growing distrust of purely digital brands. In this episode opf FiredUp!, we explore the modern evolution of Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, from precision-targeted digital billboards to measurable attribution, with Ty Tinker. We discuss how today’s OOH strategy allows you to target specific office buildings for Account-Based Marketing and track exactly how those offline impressions drive online conversions. This week, episode 126 of the FiredUp! podcast is about why...
The State of Writing in 2026
In 2025, we saw a massive surge in AI-generated content, followed by an even bigger backlash from audiences tired of shallow, automated insights. If your engagement is dropping and your brand feels indistinguishable from the competition, you’re likely falling into the trap of being AI-dependent rather than AI-enhanced. On this episode of FiredUp!, Morgan, Nicole, and Chris dive into the backlash against AI and the return of the human storyteller. They address the struggle of balancing the efficiency of AI with the need for authentic brand differentiation, why big tech companies are hiring storytellers, and how you can reclaim yo...
Turning Old Content into New Demand
Most startup marketers have hundreds of old blog posts that are either gathering digital dust or worse, being surfaced by AI search bots with outdated messaging and stale data. In an era where 89% of B2B buyers use generative AI to build their vendor shortlists, your "zombie pages" could be disqualifying you before you even know a prospect is looking. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the strategic blog refresh - moving beyond the simple cleanup to show you how to optimize your existing content for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and drive new leads from old assets...
Boosting AI Search with an LLM Cache with Jeff Reine
Traditional SEO is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades. We are moving from a world of "Search and Discover" to one of "Ask and Answer". If your brand isn't properly indexed by AI crawlers from ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude, you risk becoming invisible to your best B2B prospects. On this episode of FiredUp!, we tackle the "impatient" nature of AI search bots and explain why your website might be actively blocking the very AI agents you want to reach. This week, episode 123 of the FiredUp! podcast is about boosting AI search with an LLM cache!
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The Best Podcast Strategies for 2026 with Andy King
With millions of podcasts already out there, the biggest challenge of starting one isn't just recording audio—it’s finding an audience and keeping them engaged. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive deep into the state of the podcasting industry with industry veteran Andy King. We address the specific pain points of audience acquisition, the shift toward video-first content, and the critical question every marketer must ask: Does your brand really need its own show, or should you be leveraging existing creators instead? This week, episode 122 of the FiredUp! podcast is about the best podcast strategies for 2026!Â
Let's Put the Hosts in the Hotseat
Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of "safe" marketing tactics that yield diminishing returns? Whether you are struggling with a "too many cooks in the kitchen" approach to content, or you're terrified of the "snake-like gaze" of a top-tier reporter, you are not alone. In this special New Year's edition of FiredUp!, hosts Morgan, Chris, and Nicole pull back the curtain on their careers to share the "war stories" that shaped their approach to agency life and brand building.
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The Biggest Tech Marketing News of 2025
2025 was a big year in tech marketing, so much so that it almost felt like its own decade! In this retrospective episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the "AI or Die" reality that defined 2025 and why your old SEO strategy is no longer enough to survive in 2026. Many B2B marketers are currently facing the reality of declining click-through rates as Google evolves from a search engine into an answer engine. We address the specific struggle of cutting through the noise in an era of AI-generated content and "rage bait" marketing, helping you pivot from simply ranking to becoming...
The Role of the Fractional CRO with Jonathan Tice
Many B2B startups find themselves stuck in "founder-sales jail," where growth is limited by the founder’s bandwidth and a lack of documented, repeatable processes. If you're struggling to bridge the gap between initial traction and a scaled sales organization, this episode of FiredUp! is for you. We explore the strategic rise of the Fractional CRO (Chief Revenue Officer) and how this role provides the "outside lens" and expertise needed to audit, triage, and scale your revenue engine without the overhead of a full-time hire. This week, episode 119 of the FiredUp! podcast is about the role of the fr...
B2B Advertising Beyond Google Ads and LinkedIn with Phil Parrish
Is your advertising strategy hitting a wall because you're only spending on Google Ads and LinkedIn? For scaling B2B startups, relying solely on these two networks limits your reach, increases your cost, and prevents precision targeting of high-value accounts. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive deep into how to build a powerful multi-channel paid media program that accelerates growth with Phil Parrish. We explore the strategic necessity of programmatic advertising and discuss how leveraging your CRM data and intent signals can transform your retargeting and ABM (Account-Based Marketing) efforts, securing a new competitive edge in a crowded...
Tech Marketing Predictions for 2026
Are you worried about your current B2B marketing strategy in the new year? The landscape is shifting rapidly, dominated by AI search and a tightening focus on efficiency. If you're still relying on old SEO tactics and gated content, you're falling behind. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the most critical marketing predictions for 2026. We break down the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the shift in PR spending to executive thought leadership, and the urgent need to use signal-based advertising to combat ad fatigue. We also tackle the growing problem of AI slop and how...
Content Marketing Trends for 2026
Is your content strategy for 2026 ready to go? Or have you created your strategy without looking at updated information? Many content marketers are still prioritizing quantity over true audience value, and the rapid evolution of AI tools is demanding a major pivot. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the core findings of the Content Marketing Institute’s latest research, combined with our own expert predictions. We break down the need for AI-driven personalization, the shift from ABM to ABX strategy, and the critical importance of improving your learning velocity to convert data insights into competitive content assets at...
Is All Publicity Good Publicity?
In today's hyper-competitive startup landscape, how far is too far to achieve rapid brand awareness? Many founders are embracing controversial, 'rage-bait' tactics or viral marketing stunts to break through the noise of content clutter. The pain point is clear: in highly competitive, "winner-takes-all" markets, the risk of anonymity often feels greater than the risk of controversy. On this episode of FiredUp!, we analyze real-world examples of publicity stunts and provide a strategic framework for using controlled controversy to propel your startup messaging forward without sacrificing your long-term brand equity. This week, episode 115 of the FiredUp! podcast is about whether...
OOH in the AI Era with Rick Robinson
In saturated markets like San Francisco, AI billboards are everywhere, making your Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising nearly invisible. If your investment isn't building instant brand recognition and credibility, you’re wasting money. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the strategy for making your OOH messaging stand out with Rick Robinson, CEO of PJX Media and long-time OOH expert. This week, episode 114 of the FiredUp! podcast is about out of home advertising in the AI era!Â
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Messaging in the AI Era
The biggest challenge in B2B marketing today is that you no longer fully control what your prospects read. AI search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are summarizing and repackaging messages about your company, which means any inconsistency in your narrative is amplified. If your core message is shaky, you're losing control of your brand story. On this episode of FiredUp, we dive into how to future-proof your AI messaging strategy. This week, episode 113 of the FiredUp! podcast is about messaging in the AI era!Â
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How to Write Short
The biggest mistake B2B startups make is writing long, boring content because they haven't taken the time to be concise. If your message is getting lost in a wall of text, you're failing to communicate your value. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the lost art of short form content and concise communication. The team breaks down the framework for developing a single, strong unified message based on your product-market fit, share powerful editing techniques, and discuss the "writing as performance" mindset to ensure every word counts and your audience is instantly engaged. This week, episode 112...
How to Pitch the Media
You've issued the press release, but the reporters aren't calling. The truth is, getting media coverage requires a proactive, tailored media pitch, not just a document on a wire. If you're missing out on detailed press mentions that could be building your brand, this episode is for you! On today’s episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the mechanics of a winning PR strategy for B2B tech. We break down the difference between a press release and a pitch, how to craft an irresistible subject line, and how to find the perfect journalist who actually wants to cover yo...
Unlocking The Full Power of HubSpot with Fiona Smith
Is HubSpot causing more headaches than pipeline? Many startups and scale-ups fall into the trap of improper setup, leading to chaotic workflow creation and a dysfunctional marketing-to-sales handoff. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive deep with Fiona Smith on how to unlock the full power of HubSpot. Learn the best practices for setting up scalable life cycle stages, integrating with tough systems like Salesforce, and creating a continuous feedback loop that drives true customer retention and growth. This week, episode 110 of the FiredUp! podcast is about unlocking the full power of HubSpot!Â
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How to Measure Brand Awareness with Alastair Nee
You know brand awareness is vital—especially with the rise of zero-click behavior and AI search—but securing the budget is impossible without clear measurement. Stop guessing and start quantifying! On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into a practical, accessible framework for measuring brand awareness using simple, free proxy metrics. We'll show you how to track the signals that correlate with brand growth across all your channels, from organic search to media mentions and even AI search sessions, so you can finally justify your brand campaigns and secure that crucial marketing budget. This week, episode 109 of the FiredUp! podc...
The Latest Trends in ABM with Stephanie Quinn
Account Based Marketing (ABM) strategy has changed, and if you're relying on old tactics, you're missing out on key revenue. Are you struggling to get a real multi-channel lift and capture deep engagement signals from your target accounts? On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the latest ABM trends with DemandBase's Stephanie Quinn to discuss how AI is revolutionizing the practice, from leveraging intent data to creating a cohesive go-to-market strategy. Stop guessing which accounts to prioritize and learn how to use an AI-powered approach to drive genuine, measurable account engagement. This week, episode 108 of the FiredUp! podcast...
Why GEO is a Team Sport
As AI tools become a gatekeeper to your brand's visibility, a traditional SEO strategy is no longer enough. On this episode of FiredUp!, the team dives into generative engine optimization (GEO) and explains why it's a team sport. We unpack what geo is, its different citation sources, and how to align your PR, content, and SEO teams to improve your rankings and maximize your AI search impact. This week, episode 107 of the FiredUp! podcast is about why GEO is a team sport!Â
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AI’s Role in Content Creation with Keith O’Brien
Should we be utilizing AI in our content creation? While AI tools like ChatGPT can generate a blog post in seconds, many marketers and writers are questioning if the quality is worth the effort of editing. On this episode of FiredUp!, we explore the real-world implications of using AI for writing with former journalist and content strategist Keith O’Brien to unpack where AI excels, where it falls short, and the philosophical questions that come up along the way. This week, episode 106of the FiredUp! podcast is about AI’s role in content creation!Â
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The AI Backlash Hits Marketing
The growing backlash against AI-generated content is finally hitting the marketing sphere. Is your marketing strategy feeling the effects? On this episode of FiredUp!, Morgan, Nicole, and Chris sit down to explore why marketers and B2B buyers are pushing back against the overuse of artificial intelligence in content creation, how use of AI is affecting brand reputation, and more. This week, episode 105 of the FiredUp! podcast is about the AI backlash hitting marketing!Â
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How B2B Buyer Behavior is Changing
Are you feeling the shift in how B2B buyers are researching and purchasing solutions? In today's landscape, shaped by new AI technology and ongoing economic pressures, the traditional marketing playbook is no longer enough. This episode of FiredUp! dives deep into the data and trends revealing why buyers are more self-reliant and how AI is acting as a "gatekeeper" to their shortlists. Join us as we explore what this means for your content strategy and how you can adapt to meet buyers where they are. This week, episode 104 of the FiredUp! podcast is about how B2B buyer...
