Untamed Social

Your marketing strategy isn’t broken—your foundation is.

Laney Goff interviews Alex M H Smith, founder of Basic Arts, to uncover why so many brands fail to gain traction despite following all the “right” tactics. Alex explains why strategy isn’t just another department—it’s the missing piece that ties everything together.

If your content feels flat or your audience isn’t engaging, this episode will give you a new lens to see what’s r...

Welcome back to Untamed Social! In this premiere of season 3, Laney Goff dives headfirst into one of the most misunderstood metrics in the world of social media: engagement.

Joining her is Lauren Mikov, a seasoned consultant who’s helped countless brands build communities that truly connect. Together, they unpack why so many brands post daily yet hear nothing but crickets—and more importantly, how to turn those silent feeds into liv...

What do social media managers actually do? If you’ve ever been mistaken for an “influencer” or asked why social media should cost more than $12 an hour, this episode is for you.

Laney Goff is joined by Ella Gunnell to unpack the most frustrating—and funny—misconceptions about working in social media. From being left out of the marketing conversation to constantly educating clients on algorithm updates, Laney and Ella share what real...

Feeling overwhelmed by Instagram? You're not alone. In this episode of the Untamed Social Podcast, Tara Kay and Ella break down five essential ways to build a strong foundation on Instagram, whether you're launching a new account or refreshing an existing one. 

We cover everything from the importance of a searchable username to optimizing your bio for SEO, using the right features to boost visibility, staying active with S...

It’s time for a social media reality check. 

In this episode, Laney and Anna dive into the unskippable basics that way too many brands ignore—either out of laziness, confusion, or pure chaos. We’re calling it like it is and sharing the four foundational pillars every brand needs to master in 2025 to stand out, show up, and stop spinning their wheels.

Whether you’re DIY-ing your content or working with a team, you’ll walk away with cl...

Negative comments are inevitable on social media—but how you handle them can make or break your brand. In this episode of Untamed Social, Tiecen Payne and Jess Boozel dive into the wild world of comment moderation.

From dealing with harsh criticism to managing client expectations, we break down the do’s and don’ts of responding to negativity. Should you delete comments? Engage in debate? Let them ride for the algorithm boost? We’ve ...

What do lost pets, Duolingo, and AI all have in common? The power of storytelling.

In this episode, Rachel Strella and Tara Kay Otey dive into why storytelling is the secret sauce to making your brand unforgettable. From Rachel’s eight-month journey to find her lost cat (spoiler: social media saved the day!) to brands like Airbnb and Glossier that master the art of authentic narratives, we’re breaking down what makes a great story—a...

AI is changing the game in social media marketing, but are you using it effectively? In this episode of Untamed Social, Laney Goff and Tiecen Payne dive into the power of AI-driven content creation and how marketers, social media managers, and digital strategists can leverage tools like ChatGPT to make their content stand out.

In this episode, we discuss:
✔️ How to train AI to match your brand’s voice 
✔️ Why basic prompts w...

In this episode of Untamed Social, Jess and Anna closely examine the latest TikTok trend for influencers to spill the tea on their deepest secrets with the looming TikTok ban.  Jess and Anna recap the influencers who finally told the truth...or did they? From influencers like Lexi Hidalgo and Scar Girl to notable brands like Duolingo, we analyze the brands that did it right and those who will suffer the repercussions. 

Let...

In this episode of Untamed Social, we dive into the ultimate social media showdown: TikTok vs. Instagram. With both platforms constantly evolving and introducing new features, how do brands decide where to focus their time and energy?

Joining us for her podcast debut is Tara Kay, one of our newest team members, as we debate the strengths and weaknesses of these two powerhouse platforms. From Instagram’s multifaceted features like St...

 Welcome to Season 2 of Untamed Social! 🎉

Join Rachel Strella and new co-host Tiecen Payne as they dive deep into authenticity on social media. In this episode, we explore the power of intentional sharing, the role of vulnerability in building trust, and how generational perspectives shape our online presence. Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or simply navigating the digital world, this episode offers valu...

Welcome to Episode 10 of Untamed Social! In this special season finale, we’re answering YOUR top social media questions. From finding the courage to show up on camera to dealing with internet trolls, we’re diving deep into the challenges and strategies for thriving online.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to balance personal and professional use of social media
• Tips for overcoming camera shyness and building confidence
• Str...

In this episode of Untamed Social, Rachel (Gen X) and Jess (Gen Z) dive into generational perspectives on social media, exploring how their age shapes values, communication habits, and platform preferences. They discuss the evolution of online authenticity, the rise of curated content, and how social media affects personal vs. professional lives. Stay tuned for a fun generational slang quiz, where Rachel and Jess test their knowled...

Welcome to a fresh episode of The Untamed Social Podcast! This time, Laney and Jess are breaking down the biggest social media trends of 2024 and sharing bold predictions for 2025. From evolving platforms to shifting user preferences, we're covering everything you need to know to stay ahead in the digital world.

Topics we cover in this episode:

• The rise of long-form content and storytelling
• TikTok’s shift to 10-minute videos
• T...

Rachel and Ella dive into the highs and lows of remote work. They share personal experiences about meeting their remote team in person for the first time, balancing work and personal life, and setting boundaries in an 'always-on' digital environment.

Key topics include:

- The differences between virtual and in-person collaboration
- How remote work impacts productivity and relationships
- The str...

In this episode of Untamed Social, we dive deep into the concept of "brain rot" caused by social media overload. Jess and Anna share personal experiences of anxiety, panic attacks, and the mental strain from constant negativity on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. As we dissect the rapid evolution of internet slang and viral trends, we ask: are influencers and streamers driving the culture, or are brands overdoing it w...

Dive into the complex world of children and social media! 

Anna and Ella discuss the rise of family content post-pandemic, the blurred lines between sharing and exploitation, and the lack of regulation around monetizing children’s presence online. The hosts also explore media literacy, the evolution of social platforms, and how parents can navigate these challenges. Whether you’re a parent or just curious about social medi...

In this episode of Untamed Social, Rachel Strella and Laney Goff dive into the ongoing struggle for authenticity in the social media world. With the rise of vanity metrics and AI-driven content, being authentic is more challenging than ever. Rachel and Laney explore how the pressure to present a perfect life online has increased and what it means to stay authentic in both personal branding and business. They share their insights on...