How do you build a 2026 marketing strategy when every week brings a new AI tool, a new “channel is dead” hot take, and pressure to do more with less?

Mike Leonhard, Compose.ly’s Co-Founder and CEO, joins Nicole to discuss the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Mike explains why no channel is truly dead, how AI is lowering the barrier to omnichannel execution, and why curiosity and experimentation matter more than any single tactic.

Nicole and Mike discuss how AI tools are democratizing sophisticated strategies, enhancing content quality, trust, and reputation. They explore AI's impact on SEO, the importance of a holistic campaign approach, and how mindset can determine a team's success or failure.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to think about “dead” channels (ex. email) through the lens of evolution instead of abandonment
• How AI and new tools are unlocking true omnichannel marketing and why strong content and clear positioning still sit at the core
• Why your team’s curiosity and willingness to experiment will make or break your 2026 marketing strategy

Things to listen for

(00:00) Introduction

(00:58) Current marketing trends and predictions

(01:46) The evolution of marketing channels

(03:47) Omnichannel marketing strategies and AI tools

(05:21) The role of AI in marketing and automation

(08:55) Personalization, customer segmentation, and AI

(11:11) SEO, reputation management, and digital PR

(19:02) Challenges and risks in marketing: adapting to change

(28:21) Embracing change in marketing

Resources:

• Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-leonhard/
• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Apollo, here: https://www.apollo.io/

How do you execute founder-led content without losing the founder’s voice?

Imelda Wistey, Content Editor at Compound Content Studio, joins Nicole to break down the real work behind producing founder-led content that feels human and not manufactured. She explains why the magic starts with deep conversation and how to pull out the stories, quirks, and insights founders don’t even realize they’re carrying. Imelda shares how she captures a founder’s authentic voice, why overthinking slows the process, and how AI can support (but never replace) the nuance needed to make founder content resonate.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to run content interviews that uncover real stories, strong takes, and the founder’s natural cadence
• Why capturing a founder’s voice is part psychology, pattern-recognition, and continuous refinement
• Practical ways to streamline founder-led content using AI for efficiency while keeping the execution distinctly human-led

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:32) Imelda’s journey into content marketing

(04:06) Imelda’s career transition to founder-led content

(06:36) The key elements of effective founder-led content

(11:18) How to capture the founder's voice

(14:14) The role of AI in content creation

(17:20) Challenges and misconceptions in founder-led content

(24:46) Advice for aspiring content writers

Resources:

• Connect with Imelda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imelda-wistey/
• Learn more about Content Compound Studio: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compoundcontent/
• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Apollo, here: https://www.apollo.io/

What can scaling content in an AI-driven world teach us about adaptability and focus?

Collin Belt, VP of Growth at Veza Digital and Founder of Belt Creative (acquired), joins Nicole to share how he’s helping agencies stay nimble in a market where SEO is shifting and AI is changing how teams work.

He unpacks what “nimbleness at scale” really means, how accessibility, SEO, and AI can work together to drive better results, and why clarity from clients leads to stronger creative partnerships. Collin also shares how AI can act as an operating system for growth, not just a tool for faster content.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to keep “nimbleness” when work moves from one-person sprints to multi-team processes
• Where AI truly helps (meeting capture, synthesis, second-brain workflows) vs. where human craft still wins (original, useful content)
• Why accessibility boosts SEO and AI visibility, and how to prioritize it without killing creative polish

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:29) Collin's entrepreneurial journey

(04:43) Transitioning to a corporate role

(07:19) Challenges of scaling a business

(09:36) The impact of AI on marketing

(11:02) Defining good content

(12:43) Client challenges in a fast-paced market

(14:50) Leveraging AI for efficiency

(17:22) Shifts in marketing team structures

(18:16) The role of agencies in modern marketing

(19:29) Building your dream team: in-house vs. agency

(20:55) Key considerations when choosing an agency

(25:56) The impact of AI tools on content creation

(29:10) The importance of accessibility in web design

(35:15) The future of quality content in the age of AI

Resources:

• Connect with Collin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinbelt/
• Learn more about Veza Digital: https://www.vezadigital.com/
• Learn more about Belt Creative: https://www.beltcreative.com/
• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Clutch, here: https://clutch.co/

What can building a safer internet for kids teach us about responsible innovation in the age of AI?

Taylor Cote, Senior Director of Marketing at AngelQ, joins Nicole to discuss the mission behind building technology that protects children online.

She shares how AngelQ is creating a safer, more intentional digital experience for kids, balancing the benefits of connection with the need for healthy boundaries. Taylor also opens up about the challenges of marketing a mission-driven product to parents, staying authentic in the age of AI content, and why trust is at the center of everything her team creates.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to build trust when marketing to parents in a sensitive space
• Why authenticity matters more than ever in AI-generated content
• The role of guardrails in designing ethical technology for children

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:35) Challenges in the kid gaming space

(02:03) The mission behind AngelQ

(06:29) Balancing technology and safety for kids

(07:16) Marketing to parents: strategies and challenges

(22:12) The role of AI in marketing and operations

(30:09) Future plans and exciting developments

Resources:

• Connect with Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorjohnston/
• Learn more about AngelQ: https://angelq.ai
• Check out Gumloop: https://www.gumloop.com/
• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• Get 60 days FREE when you use the code ‘Composely60’ https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Clutch, here: https://clutch.co/

What does it mean to celebrate one year of Content Matters in the middle of a marketing landscape transformed by AI, brand building, and shifting SEO?

Nicole MacLean, host of Content Matters, flips the script for this special anniversary episode as she reflects on the first year of conversations, lessons, and favorite moments. Joined by Kaylee Peterson, Director of SEO at Compose.ly, Nicole shares why so many standout marketers come from journalism backgrounds, how proprietary data creates a powerful brand story, and why editing is becoming the most valuable skill in an AI-driven world. She also talks about the importance of authentic relationships, repurposing content with purpose, and why marketers who focus on strategy, not shortcuts, will continue to thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What one year of conversations revealed about journalism’s lasting influence on marketing
• Why proprietary data and brand storytelling are essential in the age of AI search
• How editing and human judgment keep marketers invaluable as AI evolves

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:46) Celebrating one year of Content Matters

(01:11) Flipping the script: Nicole gets interviewed

(02:50) Memorable moments and lessons learned

(05:57) The importance of journalism in marketing

(07:20) Personal stories and influences

(13:44) The role of data and AI in marketing

(17:37) The future of marketing with AI

(31:49) Encouragement for marketers

(33:53) Looking ahead: what's next for Content Matters

Resources:

• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• Connect with Kaylee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kp3t3z/
• More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Clutch, here: https://clutch.co/

What can scuba diving teach us about content marketing in the era of AI search?

Alexandra Gillespie, Editorial Writing Manager at Wellhub and former editor at Scuba Diving Magazine, joins Nicole to share how lessons from diving, like “plan the dive, dive the plan” apply to building marketing strategies that hold steady amid shifting trends. She explains how her journalism background shapes a people-first approach to storytelling, why strong SEO fundamentals still power success in Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and how her team uses AI to work smarter without sacrificing strategy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How diving discipline can help marketers stay focused in a fast-changing landscape
• Why strong SEO is the foundation for winning in AI-driven GEO
• Practical ways to use AI for efficiency while keeping strategy human-led

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:20) Alexandra's journey from journalism to marketing

(02:26) The value of a journalism background in marketing

(04:01) Lessons from scuba diving applied to marketing

(05:46) The importance of a holistic marketing strategy

(11:00) Aligning content for AI and GEO

(20:25) Leveraging AI tools in content marketing

(28:30) The role of proprietary research in marketing

(33:43) Embracing AI without letting it lead you

Resources:

• Connect with Alexandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-gillespie/
• Alexandra’s official website: https://www.alexandra-gillespie.com/
• Learn more about Wellhub: https://wellhub.com/
• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Apollo, here: https://www.apollo.io/

What does it take to create video content that truly connects in an era of AI tools and endless scrolling?

Drew English, CEO of Charter & Co and Forge Virtual Studios, joins Nicole to share why framing and storytelling—not just raw output—are what make video unforgettable. He breaks down how brands can use AI without losing the human touch, the three buckets of video content every marketing strategy needs, and why swinging big on brand is the smartest move in a performance-obsessed world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why framing is the secret ingredient that AI alone can’t deliver
• How to decide where AI fits into your video workflow without damaging trust
• The three video content “buckets” and how to use each for maximum impact

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:40) Ethics of editing with AI in video

(05:30) Where AI fits in video marketing

(06:48) Three buckets of video strategy explained

(10:08) Why AI fails in high-impact content

(11:57) Digital twins as risk to credibility

(16:54) Why video matters in modern marketing

(19:38) Using data to guide video strategy

(32:21) Balancing brand-building and performance marketing

Resources:

• Connect with Drew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-english/
• Learn more about Charter and Company: https://charterandcompany.com
• Learn more about Forge Virtual Studios: https://forgevirtualstudios.com/
• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Apollo, here: https://www.apollo.io/

What could go wrong when using AI to scale your content?

Miki Palet, founder of Tailride, joins Nicole for a live case study in what happens when AI-driven content goes too far, too fast. After three months of growth, Tailride’s traffic collapsed with a Google penalty. Miki shares the hard lessons learned, the balance between humans and AI in content creation, and why transparency with customers has become one of Tailride’s greatest assets.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How scaling AI content too quickly can trigger an SEO collapse on a new domain
• Why human oversight still matters when building authority and trust in search
• What startups can do to rebuild and future-proof their SEO strategies

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:02) The LinkedIn post that started it all

(01:36) Initial success with AI in SEO

(02:19) Facing the Google penalty

(03:23) Troubleshooting the issue

(07:02) Scaling AI-driven content cautiously

(11:28) Balancing AI and human input

(18:12) Transparency and authenticity in business

(25:58) Mastering marketing with AI

(27:13) The aftermath of the viral LinkedIn post

Resources:

• Connect with Miki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miquelpalet/
• Learn more about Tailride: https://tailride.so
• Check out Miki’s blog post “We Got Hit by a Google Penalty After Publishing 22,000 AI Pages. Here's What Happened” here: https://tailride.so/blog/google-penalty-22000-ai-pages
• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Clutch, here: https://clutch.co/contentmatters