The Shoemaker Films Podcast

Hate dealing with returns? You’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Naial Casanovas Mack, founder of DropUpp, a startup making online returns effortless by picking them up from your doorstep. We talk about the pain points of e-commerce returns, how DropUpp solves them, and the surprising behaviors of online shoppers. Naial shares the journey of building DropUpp, from its initial concept to a full-fledged busines...

Wedding films are often seen as simple event videos, but Luke Bernardi is changing that. In this episode, Dane Shoemaker sits down with Luke, the founder of Bernardi Films, to talk about how he’s transforming wedding filmmaking with original music, reality TV-style interviews, and cinematic storytelling. Luke shares his journey from freelancing for top studios to launching his own brand, the challenges he’s faced, and how ...

Ever wondered how a simple cold call could change your career? In this episode, we sit down with CA Green, founder of Behind the Beard Media, to talk about his path in the video production world. CA shares how he built relationships in the industry, his creative approach to storytelling, and the wild projects that shaped his career—including a viral coaching video and an undercover rabbi mission. We also dive into the high...

PR isn’t just about press releases—it's about telling your story at the right time. In this episode, host Dane Shoemaker sits down with Ronica Cleary, founder of Cleary Strategies and former White House correspondent, to dive into the world of public relations. They discuss the changing media landscape, how social media has reshaped public relations, and why building meaningful relationships with clients and the public is ...

What makes a photograph truly timeless? In this episode, we sit down with Drew Pignatelli, the founder of Delirium Photo Collective and Golden Tintype Photography, to talk about his passion for tintype photography and the journey that’s shaped his career. Drew discovered tintype during the pandemic, and it’s not just become his art form; it’s turned into a thriving business. We talk about what makes this historic process s...

Can you turn your lowest moments into a life-changing opportunity? In this episode, we sit down with Darrell Alston, the inspiring founder and CEO of Bungee USA. Darrell shares his incredible journey from incarceration to building a thriving luxury fan gear brand that has redefined sports merchandise. We discuss the challenges he faced in prison, his passion for art and design, the role of resilience in entrepreneurship, a...

Starting and growing a successful business takes more than just hard work—it requires strategic thinking and continuous learning. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Stein, the founder of ELPS, a leading private investigative and security firm. Jeff shares his journey from law enforcement to entrepreneurship, giving valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of running a private investigation agency. We talk abou...

Are you looking to optimize your business IT and cybersecurity strategy? In this episode, we sit down with Rick Carpenter and Brian McCarthy of OpenTier Systems, an IT managed service provider that's been transforming businesses since 2006. We discuss their partnership, the unique IT solutions they provide, and how they help small businesses scale and stay secure in an ever-evolving tech landscape. Plus, we dive into trend...

How can esports build better gamers and better humans? In this episode, we sit down with Derek Rodner, Chief Gaming Officer of Uplink Studios, a youth-focused esports training and family entertainment center. Derek shares Uplink’s mission to combine gaming, STEM education, and philanthropy to create a positive impact on the community. From esports leagues to charity gaming events that have raised over $60K for CHOP, Derek ...

What does it take to build a successful consulting firm? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Weiman, an executive coach and founder of Weiman Consulting. Dr. David discusses the core services of Weiman Consulting, including talent assessment, executive coaching, and leadership development. He shares his unique journey from a background in religion and marketing to becoming a respected consultant and coach. He also ...

What does it take to find a cure for a rare disease like Cystic Fibrosis? In this episode, we sit down with Kate Hylan, Director of Development for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, to discuss the foundation's mission and the challenges of raising awareness for this orphan disease. We dive into the genetic nature of CF, its impact on patients, and the groundbreaking work being done to improve their quality of life. Kate also...

Feeling overwhelmed with laundry and household chaos? In this episode, we sit down with Ally and Mary Catherine, founders of Lessen the Loads, a women-owned laundry and organizational service helping busy moms reclaim their time. They share their journey from friends to business partners, their unique approach to laundry pickup services, and the additional organizational help they provide to families. We dive into the insp...

Are you choosing the right broker for your business? In this episode, we sit down with Glenn Ammarell of Yurconic Agency, who has been in the industry for over ten years. Glenn talks about the hard vs. soft market conditions, the role of AI in insurance, and why building strong business connections is so important. Tune in to learn how these factors are influencing the future of commercial insurance and what it means for y...

Why do nearly half of all podcasts don't make it past the third episode? In this episode, we sit down with Vince Quinn, Co-founder of SBX Productions, to uncover the hard truths behind podcast production. Vince shares the challenges of podcasting, the importance of marketing, and how to turn a podcast into a powerful business tool. We also dive into the evolution of digital marketing and the keys to creating content that s...

How can 6 hours of filming turn into 80 pieces of content? In this episode, I share exclusive insights into our execution phase of our content strategy. I walk through our streamlined process of transforming your strategy into high-impact content. I discuss everything from producing multiple short-form videos to crafting engaging blog posts and more. Tune in to discover how Shoemaker Films can help you maximize your conten...

Here’s how you can take your interview skills to the next level! In this episode, I share valuable tips and insights for interviewers looking to improve their skills. After conducting hundreds of interviews with clients and guests on our podcast, I developed a core set of best practices easy enough for anyone planning to conduct an interview can follow. I discuss the importance of having a goal, pre-interview research, eff...

Want to nail your next interview? In this episode, we share essential tips for interviewees. I discuss how to get ready, what to do on the day, and what video producers like us look for. I break down the basics like getting a good night's sleep and staying hydrated, to pro tips like preparing without sounding rehearsed and choosing the right location. This is part 1 of our interview series. Next week, we’ll dive into tips ...

Are you struggling to create a content strategy that delivers results? In this episode, I share the elements of building a successful content strategy at Shoemaker Films. I discuss what goes into a content strategy, from setting goals and identifying target audiences to creating content pillars and engagement plans. I talk about how a well-crafted content strategy can transform your approach to marketing, whether it’s for ...