Best Melissa Kontu Podcasts (2024)

1
Feeding the Feed: The Case for Food in Brand Marketing 23:08

18m ago23:08

23:08

Is it just as or is food having a major moment in marketing? This week, we’re discuss the latest trend in advertising: integrating food into campaign content and visuals. From Rhode's logo embossed sourdough to Phlur and Jacquemus, culinary cues are used to create unexpected thumb-stoppers on social and beyond. Join us as we examine the impact of f…

1
Buying Sheryl Sandberg a Drink & Other Networking Stories 27:22

14d ago27:22

27:22

The old saying goes: Your network is your net worth. In the age of remote to hybrid, how do you cultivate relationships that can help you get ahead professionally? This week on House of Content, we share our experiences and tips for networking, mentoring, helping younger creatives in the field, and how we find opportunities to grow our network. Fro…

1
Social Scaries - A Halloween Special 31:43

25d ago31:43

31:43

In the spirit of Halloween, we’re delving into the eerie underbelly of social media: deepfakes, cyber-stalking, catfishing and identity theft, and more. From our pop culture obsession with true crime to the unsettling way these narratives go viral, we’ll unpack how creators are navigating the landscape, examining the dark side of social. Join us as…

1
Worst Career Advice on Social Media 24:07

1M ago24:07

24:07

Everyone and their mother seems to have become a career content creator on TikTok lately, but just because a creator dons a blazer and a tiny mike, that doesn't mean the advice is sound. This week, we debate some of the worst pieces of advice we've seen on social and share our take on topics like: Unpaid interview assignments Job hopping and when's…

1
#CorporateGirl Wellness Battles: NY vs. L.A. 33:19

1M ago33:19

33:19

From trying bison organs to getting influenced by advanced Korean skin devices on TikTok Shop, we are back to discuss their updated wellness routines, comparing what's hot in L.A., what fads we've fallen for, and what we're currently planning on trying out. Here's what we cover: Egg freezing, retainers, and supplements 25-step hair growth routines …

1
Lifestyle Creep Vs. Underconsumption Core 32:29

2M ago32:29

32:29

Open any social feed: Chances are, there's a creator showcasing a new trend, product, or brand to try. This week, we debate two opposing trends on social: lifestyle creep and underconsumption core. From last year’s wave of de-influencing to the current embrace of minimalism, we’ll discuss how creators are shifting the narrative from excessive consu…

1
Personal Brands & LinkedInfluencers 32:55

2M ago32:55

32:55

What do you want to be known for? More importantly, do you feel that the persona and brand you put out in the world aligns with what you’re building? Listen on, because this episode is all about crafting your career narrative. Recently, we happened to get into a deep conversation about reinventing yourself with a conference attendee in her 50s. Her…

1
Office Sirens & #CorpCore 32:20

2M ago32:20

32:20

Move over Brat summer, the RTO mandates this Fall are very much accompanied by the office siren aesthetic, that, funnily enough, is most often worn by creators who haven’t ever stepped foot in an office. But that's not here nor there. This week, we ask ourselves: What elements of this trend are truly applicable to professional dressing, and most im…

1
Why Your Brand Social Is Failing, Pt. 2 38:07

2M ago38:07

38:07

Back for part two of our talk at FUTR North America. If you haven't listened to part one on social strategy and brand platforms, we recommend starting there. In part two, we discuss creator-led marketing, creator collaboration, and most importantly, investment into social media and what that looks like: The state of creator economy, creator marketi…

1
Why Your Brand Social Is Failing, Pt. 1 33:33

2M ago33:33

33:33

We're back and better than ever. Season four is all about leveling up in different aspects of life from personal to professional, so let's dive in. After a short catch up, we'll discuss what can only be described as our perennial Roman Empire: Why so many brands fall short on social and what you can do to fix it. Here's what we cover in part one: W…

1
Ad Career Confessionals 25:20

6M ago25:20

25:20

It's the season three finale, what better way to close out than we're flipping the script as we share a more personal side of ourselves and our journeys in advertising - in confessional style. The podcast will be out on a summer break, coming back for season four in September, but before we go, here's what we cover in this episode: Who we envy from…

1
Launching Rare Brides & Weddingtok 28:46

6M ago28:46

28:46

What happens when a passion for wedding content on social turns into a bridal brand? This week, our very own co-host Janni shares the story behind Rare Brides, her custom veil collection that just launched. From inspiration to the brand origin story, we cover the ins and outs of starting a new venture. Tune in to learn: What it takes to launch a ne…

1
TikTok Bans, Video Strategy & Which Social KPIs Even Matter w/ MacKenzie Green 26:34

6M ago26:34

26:34

We’re back with a special House Guest: MacKenzie Green, VP Social at Future joins the show to ask the billion dollar question: What does the TikTok ban mean to marketers and more importantly, what should we be focusing on when it comes to social in 2024 and beyond? In addition to being a content creator and podcaster, MacKenzie is an absolute marke…

1
How Gender Norms Are Shaped by Social Media 32:10

7M ago32:10

32:10

Sometimes, the #FYP mirrors cultural tensions better and more acutely than anything else, and we’d be remiss not to discuss how gender norms and roles are being debated on social media. While the algorithms grant the most real estate to extreme opinions and voices, one thing is clear: there is a massive shift ongoing. Tune in as we discuss: How you…

1
Nowstalgia, Throwbacks, and Internet Girl Summer 31:43

7M ago31:43

31:43

Let’s talk about nowstalgia. We are collectively throwing back to the 2010s online, and if you need proof, take a look at what’s popping up on social: Boat shoes are trending on TikTok Blogging is coming back in the form of Substack Lana Del Rey headlined at Coachella Gen Z is re-discovering double-layering tank tops as well as emo and indie sleaze…

1
Social Media & Creative Leadership Lessons 34:27

7M ago34:27

34:27

If you're looking to grow into a leadership role in social media, advertising, or marketing, this is the episode for you. With over a decade of experience in the creative industry (and a couple startup acquisitions under our belt), here's some of the best career advice we've accumulated along the way. On the pod this week: Workplace habits and beha…

1
Brand and Creator Partnerships 32:38

7M ago32:38

32:38

Whether it's a mashup between two brands or a brand and a creator, everyone in the marketing space loves a good partnership. Yet, in order to break through, the collaboration needs to either be the most organic pairing, provide additional consumer value, or net out to be the most unexpected one (looking at you, E.L.F.!) In this episode, we dive int…

1
Marketing to the DIY Generation 26:00

8M ago26:00

26:00

With platforms like TikTok exposing millions of people to knowledge they never had access to, we’re witnessing the reign of the DIY generation. Brands are no longer able to gatekeep information from consumers, allowing creators to spin themselves to fame through often divisive and bold views on what and who to boycott. Shared knowledge is a positiv…

1
Moneytok Pt. 2: Financial Trends on Social 31:26

8M ago31:26

31:26

Moneytok is back! One of our most downloaded episodes has a sequel to discuss financial trends permeating our feeds and culture. With many industries in turmoil and most Americans feeling the squeeze of rising costs and stalling compensation, financial content is on the rise, and we're here to unpack it all. On the pod this week: WTF is loud budget…

1
The Girlification of Content and Marketing 28:10

8M ago28:10

28:10

Last year was dubbed the year of the girl and consequently, we all turned into girlies on social. We embraced everything from bows to ballerina core and The Barbie Movie. The seemingly innocent, rose-tinted trend can also double as a thinly veiled form of radical escapism of the burdens of womanhood under attack (at least in America). Perhaps the g…

1
Is Body Positivity on a Diet? 21:24

8M ago21:24

21:24

It seems that every other celebrity, bravolebrity, creator, and podcaster is on weight loss medication. Pharma brands are going heavy on paid social to promote easily accessible subscriptions, and have even approached a slew of body positive creators with brand deals. The casting of plus size models at the most recent New York Fashion Week has drop…

1
WTF Is Happening on Social in 2024? 27:42

9M ago27:42

27:42

TikTok is pushing creators to make long-form content and brands to pay for results. The FYP feels collectively more random than ever before, and to top it all off, Universal Music removed their catalog from the platform. It seems that the entire landscape of social media is in flames. Engagement is down across the board, especially for brands. What…

1
What Nobody Tells You About Moving Abroad 34:41

9M ago34:41

34:41

How do you actually move abroad? What are the things you absolutely should know and prepare for but nobody tells you? In this inaugural episode of season three, we share our unfiltered experiences of moving to places like New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore. This episode covers: What we were up to during the break with a co-host catchup. Getting s…

1
The Creator Economy in 2024 16:54

11M ago16:54

16:54

What will happen in the realm of social media and creators in 2024? We might not be able to see into the future but we do have strong opinions on the matter. In the last episode of Season 2, we’ll bring you predictions on creator content, creators in advertising, brand partnerships, and how mega tech will evolve to better serve the creator economy.…

1
Wildest Work Travel Stories 41:14

12M ago41:14

41:14

What was Janni doing on the roof of a Singaporean building with a bunch of children? What did Christine do after losing thousands of fanny packs at a national conference? Fasten your seatbelts because we're talking all things work travel, and we don't hold back. From Tokyo to Stockholm, here's what we cover in this episode: Best and worst work trav…

1
Creator Economy Roundup: The Met Gala, Alex Cooper & Semaglutides Diet Culture 27:51

1y ago27:51

27:51

We're back for an express recap to discuss stories that have been making headlines in the creator economy lately, and what we think they mean for creators and brands, and culture overall. Here's what we cover in this episode: - The Met Gala theme for 2024, what we think about TikTok being the main sponsor, and our predictions on who's going to walk…

1
Catchup: Q4 Is Q4ing 36:06

1y ago36:06

36:06

From emotional support pumpkins to Q4 advertising madness, and best and worst purchases, this catchup with the co-hosts unpacks what's been happening in NYC and Los Angeles lately. We also recap the genesis of how this podcast came to be, and why you should also slide into people's DMs on LinkedIn. Follow House of Content on TikTok , Youtube, and I…

1
Creator Brands 36:28

1y ago36:28

36:28

Creator-founded brands are rewriting the rules of product launches. While the first step may have been to collaborate with established brands on content, creators are now leveraging their engaged communities to launch companies and products of their own, turning their influence into something much larger than logos alone. It isn't easy to build a b…

1
Moneytok and Finfluencers 45:49

1y ago45:49

45:49

We love talking money, especially when it comes to dissecting social platforms like TikTok prompting the rise of Finfluencers. From saving money to investing or tackling debt, what used to be a taboo subject is now something audiences openly share their experiences. Is #Moneytok tackling financial illiteracy one viral video or at a time or is it a …

1
Optimizing Life, Work, and Wellness 34:45

1y ago34:45

34:45

What do content creators and brand marketers have in common? Both are constantly looking for ways to optimize their routines, content, and processes to work and live better. With more channels and more pressure to stay up to date, we’re seeing a shift to routines, tools, apps and methodologies that help people optimize their personal and profession…

1
The Business of Ageism 46:28

1y ago46:28

46:28

Cindy Gallop said it best, just #SayYourAge. Sometimes, it's not so simple when your industry (in this case, advertising) celebrates youth at every turn. That's why it's more important than ever to recognize ageism, both internalized and cultural, to move past the notions and beliefs we have. So buckle up, it's going to be a long one. We could keep…

1
A Chaotic Catchup Feat. Bisons, Lawsuits, and Fall Intentions 37:42

1y ago37:42

37:42

In a peek behind the curtains, we get together for a more informal (cue: chaotic) chat about how the start of Fall has been for us in Los Angeles and New York City. While summarizing this sprawling conversation would take a village - or at least ChatGPT - we cover everything from career intentions, goals for the next few months, the circus, and wil…

1
Carrie Berk and My Real-Life Rom-Com 34:50

1y ago34:50

34:50

In the first ever House Guest edition of the show, we bring on the ingenue and multi-hyphenate Carrie Berk to discuss her solo debut, My Real-Life Rom-Com. With millions of followers on social media, Carrie has been navigating influencer fame since blowing up in the pandemic. Now, she's coming out with a book about her experiences dating during her…

1
Barbie Lessons in Scaling Marketing 34:04

1y ago34:04

34:04

Everyone and their CMO is chasing virality on social media. It seems we still collectively reside in the early 2010s mindset of “If the content’s good enough, it can and will reach millions”. However, between shifting algorithms, pay-to-play platforms, and rising competition, dominating cultural zeitgeist means you have to invest either money, reso…

1
Back to Social 48:54

1y ago48:54

48:54

Summer’s breezed by. The hosts of the show have been busy traveling for work and leisure (hello Hawaii, Cannes Lions, Finland, and South of France). It’s also been a busy season in the world of content. From Barbie-mania to a plethora of seasonal trends, we’ve been tracking the world of social and what’s been burning up the For You Page. Tune in fo…

1
Talk of the House: Dupe Culture 35:22

1+ y ago35:22

35:22

Paying full price for name brands and expensive products? Not in this economy. At least not according to the dupe culture made famous by TikTok. In this episode, we discuss the rise of finding more affordable alternatives, how consumers are shifting buying patterns, and what brands can do about it. Tune in to learn about: How dupe culture shapes co…

1
Talk of the House: The Creator Economy in 2023 39:25

1+ y ago39:25

39:25

Move over influencers, it's called the creator economy now. The sheer number of aspiring creators is at an all-time high, the playground is larger than ever, and brands are ready to build more meaningful partnerships with content creators. Where is the creator economy heading to as a whole in 2023? Here's what we discuss: Who gets to be called a cr…

1
Talk of the House: Careers in Social 31:56

1+ y ago31:56

31:56

Emma Chamberlain went from a YouTuber to a Met Gala Host. TikTokers like Remi Bader are launching their own clothing lines. It’s no secret that social media is a career-maker to the scale that we've never seen before. Nowadays, practically anyone can grab an iPhone and carve out a career on social media, but what does it truly take to succeed in th…

1
Talk of the House: TikTok Made Me Buy It 36:20

1+ y ago36:20

36:20

TikTok is making moves to become an end-to-end commerce platform. From creating warehouse solutions to offering TikTok store fronts, are we going to start buying directly from short-form videos? How about indirect ways of pushing sales like creator collaborations or paid campaigns that lean into user-generated content? In this episode, Janni and Ch…

1
Talk of the House: Vlogging Makes a Comeback 39:54

1+ y ago39:54

39:54

What’s behind our collective obsession with vlogs and Day in the Life videos? Are we all just nosy to a fault? Or, is it a counter-trend that's risen against glossy entertainment and fake content? In this episode, we’ll throwback to the beginning of the vlog era and uncover why the format has re-emerged in 2023. We’ll unpack what all the best ‘day …

1
Talk of the House: Going Viral 42:02

1+ y ago42:02

42:02

Is going viral an art you can master or just the luck of the draw? Is it true that TikTok has a heating button to decide who goes viral and doesn’t? When platforms mature and evolve to pay to play, can creators and brands go viral anymore? In this episode, we’ll share our thoughts on the topic, debating strategies for growth. We’ll share actionable…

1
Talk of the House: The Anatomy of an Aesthetic 31:26

1+ y ago31:26

31:26

Mermaid Core, Vanilla Girl Aesthetic, Coastal Cowgirl, the list goes on. In this episode, we break down the anatomy of a social media aesthetic and how it relates to brands and creators. Tune in to learn about: Aesthetics the hosts are currently inspired by The problem with the Clean Girl Aesthetic How advertisers can leverage aesthetics, cores, an…

1
Talk of the House: Deinfluencing 32:41

1+ y ago32:41

32:41

Like it or not, deinfluencing is here to stay. Audiences gravitate towards authentic content, and that also includes counter-recommendations on what not to buy, where not to stay, and what services you should steer clear of. In this episode, we share our personal influencing stories, debate whether this trend is just another way to influence (spoil…

1
What Is House of Content? 0:30

1+ y ago0:30

0:30

What makes a viral trend go viral? How can brands and creators stay current in the fast-moving world of social media? This is House of Content, a weekly show at the intersection of culture, brands, and creators. Hosted by three advertising creatives living in New York and Los Angeles, this is the podcast version of the For You Page. So walk on in. …

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