Why I Social

On this week's episode, Amir and Chris look back at 2017 and poorly attempt to predict the future. We assume it's poorly because we haven't seen the future yet - so they could in-fact be prophets. Also, that dude who scheduled six dates in one night returns to the show - find out why!  Note: This episode was recorded on Thursday, December 28th This week's Five Favorites:  1. Apple Is Developing an EKG Heart Monitor for Its Smartwatch [Bloomberg - story by Alex Webb] 2. Twitter's Adding More Notification Types to Boost Awareness and Engagement [Social Media Today - story by Andrew Hutchinson]  3. Library of Congress Reins in Twitter Archives Project [Washington Times - story by Andrew Blake] 4. 10 Ways Tech Will Shape Your Life (for better or worse) [Washington Post - story by Geoffrey A. Fowler]  5. (Hot Topic) Amir and Chris' Top Social, Marketing and Technology Stories and Trends Honorable Mention(s) Bye Black bars [The Verge] DISHonorable Mention of the Year Guy Who Scheduled 6 Dates In One Night Was

On this week's episode, host Chris Barrows (@CBarrows) goes off-the-cuff to take a look back at 2017, shares some of his favorite episodes (5, of course) and looks forward to 2018.  Favorite Episodes include (in no particular order): Liz Gross (Episode 144) Jenn Patel (Episode 139)  Matt Marcinek (Episode 128) Danny Vecchiarelli (Episode 109)  New episodes with great guests doing awesome things on social return in January! If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is now accepting monthly - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.   

On this week's episode, it's basically a holiday episode. Only, no holiday music - because of music rights and stuff. Or time. You decide the reason. Also, the truth is out there.  Note: This episode was recorded on Thursday, December 21st.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. HQ Trivia’s founders are facing fundraising roadblocks after investors learned of alleged bad behavior [Recode - story by Kurt Wagner] 2. Forrester: YouTube is most popular social site for 12- to 17-year-olds [Social Media Today - story by David Kirkpatrick]  3. Apple confirms iPhones with older batteries will take hits in performance [The Verge - story by Tom Warren and Nick Statt] 4. Magic Leap finally unveils augmented reality goggles, says it’s shipping next year [The Verge - story by Adi Robertson]  5. (Hot Topic) Eric Schmidt to become technical advisor to Alphabet [ABC Blog]  Honorable Mention(s) Instagram Testing Photos Posts to Multiple Accounts [Matt Navarra] DISHonorable Mention(s) Amazon Files for "AmazonTube" Trademark [T

On this week's episode, Amazon and Google have less beef. It's kind of like a sequel in the way The Last Jedi is a sequel to The Force Awakens. Also, we don't spoil The Last Jedi - in case that was some sort of a concern of yours.  This week's Five Favorites:  1.  Apple's iMac Pro arrives December 14, starting at $4,999 [TechCrunch - story by Brian Heater] 2. Storify Is Shutting Down [The Verge - story by Shannon Liao] 3. Feds reportedly spent 22 million on Mysterious UFO Program [CNET - story by Steven Musil] 4. Amazon to start selling Apple TV and Google Chromecast [CNET - story by Ben Fox Rubin]  5. (Hot Topic) Here are the films and TV shows Disney would get from Fox [Polygon - story by Samit Sarkar]  Honorable Mention(s) Anheuser-Busch Orders 40 Electric Self-Driving Semi-Trucks from Tesla [Adweek] DISHonorable Mention(s)  #Netneutality (not Neutrality) trends on Twitter [Tweet sharing story by CNET]  Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @Monte_Colorman Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YO

Chad Jennings is a beat writer and columnist for the Boston Herald. He previously has written for the Journal News (NY) and the Scranton Times-Tribune (Scranton). He currently covers the Boston Red Sox for the Herald and social plays a large role in that coverage.  Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Google  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Chad on Twitter  Connect With Chad on LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is now accepting monthly - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.   

On this week's episode, Amazon and Google have some beef. Also, it's pretty clear beef if on Zonozi's mind.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Apple's App of the Year Makes Sense If You've Been Paying Attention to the News [Slate] 2. Early Data Shows Tweets Are A Hit With Users [Buzzfeed]  3. Google is pulling YouTube off the FireTV and Echo Show as feud with Amazon grows [The Verge] 4. Hilton rolling out mobile-controlled hotel rooms in 2018 [ZDNet] 5. (Hot Topic) Sprout Social Acquires Simply Measured  Honorable Mention(s) Instagram Adds Story Highlights and Archives [Instagram Blog] DISHonorable Mention(s) A iPhone case that helps you capture engagement reaction on video [featured on The Verge's Instagram] Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @jonmorosi Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature).  Special thanks to listener Chris Bryant for sharing this week. 

On this week's episode, Amir and Chris break down what's up with this whole "Bitcoin" thing. Also, it's supersized. An extra 10 minutes just because we like you - or we had a lot to say - you decide.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Apple's had a shockingly bad week of software problems [The Verge] 2. YouTube is launching its own take on Stories with a new video format called ‘Reels’ [TechCrunch] 3. Denver to Boulder in eight minutes? Colorado will get first test track for a Hyperloop-inspired transportation system [Denver Post] 4. How Snapchat is separating social from media [Axios] 5. (Hot Topic) All You Need to Know About Bitcoin's Rise, From $0.01 to $11,000 [Bloomberg] Honorable Mention(s) New screenshots tip a ton of new Instagram features, including 'close friends' [Mashable] DISHonorable Mention(s) The feds want Martin Shkreli’s one-of-a-kind Wu Tang album [The Verge] Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  Giants fans on the "IR" Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories e

This week's episode is a bit of a callback - as alumni from previous episodes returned to give thanks - and props - to those in the space who have inspired them.  Note: My sincere apologies for the delay on this week's episode. In light of being sick, I didn't realize it never went out as scheduled. My gratitude for understanding.  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Google  Follow at @WhyISocial. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information. 

On this week's episode, Amir and Chris confess their Black Friday purchases. Also, our hosts debate the intention behind a recent McDonald's tweet.  Where do you stand? Also, what did you buy on Black Friday this year? Let us know using #FiveFavorites on Twitter.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Twitter testing a feature that shows how many are ‘talking about’ tweets [TechCrunch] 2. Facebook Confirms Testing of Snapchat Style Streaks Feature [CNet] 3. 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' Gets 4K Mention on iTunes, Suggesting Disney's 4K Holdout May Be Ending [MacRumors] 4. People driving while playing Pokémon Go caused millions in damages in 148 days [The Verge] 5. (Hot Topic) Black Friday racks up $5.03B in online sales, $2B on mobile alone [TechCrunch] Honorable Mention(s) LinkedIn's CEO surprised an employee with a selfie at her desk while she was away on vacation [Business Insider UK)  DISHonorable Mention(s) See Five Favorites Tweet of the Week - we promise it will make sense.  Five Favorites' Twee

On this week's episode, we got deals. LOTS OF DEALZ. Also, Paris Hilton claims she invented the selfie. We have strong feelings on such a claim.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Twitter’s new premium APIs give developers access to more tweets, higher rate limits [VentureBeat] 2. Twitter Confirms it’s Testing a tweetstorm feature [TechCrunch] 3. Black Friday 2017 Tech Deals [The Verge] 4. Microsoft Rolls Out LinkedIn Integrations in Outlook [TechCrunch] 5. (Hot Topic) Tesla News Galore Tesla Semi-Truck Announced World's Fastest Car? Meet the New Roadster Honorable Mention(s) We Used the App That Reveals What Women Look Like Without Their Makeup on the Man Who Created It [LinkedIn Blog] DISHonorable Mention(s) Paris Hilton Claims to have invented the selfie [Twitter Moments]  Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @adampknave Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature).  Special t

Dr. Liz Gross is the Founding Director of Campus Sonar. As far as social listening goes, she is one of the most respected persons in the social media industry and higher education. She also serves as an instructor for Karine Joly's Higher Ed Experts.   Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Google  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Liz on Twitter  Connect With Liz on LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is now accepting monthly - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.   

On this week's episode, Amir admits he's never watched, Harry Potter.  Also, Sean Parker is at it (again).  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Sean Parker unloads on Facebook: “God only knows what it's doing to our children's brains” [Axios] 2. The Magic of Harry Potter is Coming to a Neighborhood Near You   [NianticLabs] 3. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel is redesigning Snapchat because it’s too hard to use [Recode] 4. Disney Lays Down the Law for Theaters on “Star Wars - The Last Jedi” [WSJ] 5. (Hot Topic) China’s Toutiao is buying Musical.ly in a deal worth $800M-$1B [TechCrunch] Honorable Mention(s) Creating Your Resume Just Got a Whole Lot Easier with Microsoft and LinkedIn [LinkedIn Blog] DISHonorable Mention(s) Facebook trialing system to combat revenge porn – but you have to upload your nudes … [9 to 5 Mac]  Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @Indiequick Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of

On this week's episode, Amir is operating on shoddy wifi. Also, the episode went up a day late. It's the internet's fault. It was supposed to go on time. We don't make excuses here though. It's late. Want to fight about it? We don't - we're peaceful co-hosts. Hopefully, if you've even read this far, you've forgiven us by now.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Apple fires iPhone X engineer after daughter’s hands-on video goes viral [The Verge] 2. Q&A: The Stranger Things Kids on Their Social, Streaming and Gaming Obsessions  [AdWeek] 3. YouTube’s cable cutter option rolls out to XBox One and other smart TVs [The Next Web] 4. Daydream’s Chromecast support leaves Oculus VR in the dust [Venturebeat] 5. (Hot Topic) The X Box One X - Everything You Need To Know  [Gamespot] Honorable Mention(s) Google CEO makes fixing hamburger emoji his top priority [The Verge] DISHonorable Mention(s) Microsoft Engineer forced to install Chrome mid presentation [The Next Web]  Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @Davi

C.C. Chapman is a freelance creative and marketing consultant. He is also the host (and producer) of the Why I Write podcast in conjunction with the National Council of Teachers of English. In addition to his consultation work and podcasting, C.C. is also an Adjunct Professor of Marketing and Communications at Bentley University Hear their story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Google  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with C.C. on Twitter  Connect With C.C. on LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is now accepting monthly - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.   

On this week's episode, Chris is preparing for a party with Mickey Mouse. It's possible Bezos visited his home while he was away. Also, Super Mario Odyssey is getting some super reviews.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Trump to Open Skies to More Drone Testing [NYT] 2. Designing 'Super Mario Odyssey': Nintendo re-invents a gaming icon [CNN] 3. New York To Replace Metrocard with Modern Way to Pay Transit Fares [NYT] 4. Twitter stock surges more than 18 percent as it nears first profitable quarter [CNBC] 5. (Hot Topic) Amazon Key Is Bigger Than Package Delivery [Gizmodo] Honorable Mention(s) Instagram - two person live streams [Product Hunt] DISHonorable Mention(s) US Air Force Tweets Santa Isn't Real [Gizmodo]  Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @alyankovic Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). 

On this week's episode, Amir prepares to beat all odds in order to get a new iPhone (and he tells you how you can too). Also, we got food puns.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. How to preorder an iPhone X the right way [Cult of Mac] 2. AMC is launching its own VR app with a 360-degree scene from The Walking Dead [The Verge] 3. The BBC is turning to AI to improve its programming [Engadget] 4. How big is Twitter Moments? [Balaji S. Srinivasan] 5. (Hot Topic) Service Industries and Creative Social Honorable Mention(s) Snap is selling a dancing hot dog costume on Amazon [TechCrunch] DISHonorable Mention(s) LinkedIn May Consider Developing Original Shows [The Information] Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @KarenVaites Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). 

Matt Matkovich and Phil Januszewski make up the team behind M&P Presentations. Matt is a full-time high school guidance counselor and Phil is a full-time high school chemistry/physics teacher.  Together, they form M&P Presentations who offer motivational presentations, professional workshops, master of ceremony services, and event hosting for all ages and groups.  Hear their story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does Their Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Google  Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with M&P Presentations on Twitter  Connect With Matt on LinkedIn.  Connect with Phil on LinkedIn.   If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest  Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is now accepting monthly - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.   

On this week's episode, we discuss our favorite Mario Kart 64 characters. Also, seriously, Porgs. Love them. Hate them. You gotta have an opinion on them! And if you don't know what a Porg is, well, we can't be friends.  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Alphabet is training law enforcement on how to handle self-driving car crashes [Recode] Official 43 page PDF document 2. Twitter Users Will Soon Be Able To Bookmark Tweets and Save Them For Later [Adweek] Recommended using #FiveFavorites by Patrick Jervis 3. Nintendo could be working on a Game Boy Classic Mini [Mobile Syrup] 4 Apple Leak Reveals Massive New iPhone Cancellation [Forbes] 5. (Hot Topic) Snapchat Is Twice as Popular as Instagram When It Comes to Teens’ Favorite Social Apps [Adweek] Honorable Mention(s)  Beware of Apple ID Prompts in Third Party Apps [Cult of Mac]  DISHonorable Mention(s) Mark Zuckerberg’s VR trip to Puerto Rico is the height of tastelessness [The Next Web] Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  @jameswb94 Use the hasht

On this week's (very special) second episode, we cover all the new announcements Google's latest Pixel/IO event! We're talking all things Pixel 2, Google Home Mini (and Max) and more! Also, Amir is really excited about AI. We're talking more than he is about drones normally.  This is not your standard episode of Five Favorites!  Topics Discussed:  1. Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL 2. Home Mini and Max 3. Pixelbook 4. Pixel Buds 5. Google Clip Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). 

On this week's episode, we say goodbye to our friend AOL Instant Messenger. Also, our hosts remember their old instant messenger names.  What was/were yours?  This week's Five Favorites:  1. Selfie Factories: The Rise of the Made-for-Instagram Museum [Wired] 2. 5G isn't just faster - it will open a whole new world [Venturebeat]  3. Netflix is Raising its Prices [@Mashable] 4 An MLB Team is using the iPhone's NFC Feature for Contactless Stadium Entry [TechCrunch] 5. One Last Away Message [AOL Instant Messenger Tumblr]  Honorable Mention(s) Star Wars: The Last Jedi Trailer to Debut During Halftime on ESPN’s Monday Night Football DISHonorable Mention(s) Amazon's new iPhone Dongle is now cheaper than Belkin's  Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week  Twitter - via a Twitter moment Original tweet by @MaddieJo_13 Recommended using #FiveFavorites by Patrick Jervis Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet