Episode 100: A Milestone Moment

On this special 100th episode of Marketing Moves, we’re turning the mic around and sitting down with our own host, Ashtyn Morris. From her unexpected path into marketing to building Marketing Moves into an award-winning podcast and brand growth engine for VividFront, Ashtyn reflects on the journey behind the show. We dive into her approach to authentic storytelling, guest prep, and balancing multiple roles—plus what’s next as the podcast continues to evolve beyond its first 100 episodes.

Hitting 100 episodes is no small feat. For most podcasts, it’s the point where momentum either fades or solidifies into something bigger. For Marketing Moves, Episode 100 marks a defining milestone—not just for the show, but for the brand engine it has become.

To celebrate, the team flipped the mic and put host Ashtyn Morris in the guest seat for the first time. The result was a candid, reflective conversation about her unexpected path into marketing, the evolution of the podcast, and what the future holds as Marketing Moves enters its next chapter.

Like many great marketing stories, Ashtyn’s journey didn’t begin with a traditional marketing background.

Originally from the Youngstown area, she came to Cleveland for college, pursuing a degree in English with a minor in art history. Marketing wasn’t part of the plan—at least not at first. But as graduation approached, she found herself drawn to the business world and intrigued by the creativity and strategy behind marketing.

With no formal experience, breaking into the industry felt daunting. Rather than letting that stop her, she made a proactive pivot—adding a marketing minor and committing an extra year to build foundational knowledge and connections.

That decision would prove pivotal.

Through a series of serendipitous connections—from LinkedIn networking to an introduction through her trainer—Ashtyn landed an informational interview with VividFront. That conversation turned into an apprenticeship opportunity, and shortly after graduating in 2022, she stepped into a full-time role that would quickly expand beyond anything she expected.

In her early days, Ashtyn’s role centered on account management. She learned the mechanics of client relationships, campaign execution, and strategic planning—gaining exposure across disciplines thanks to the flexibility of her apprenticeship experience.

Over time, her position evolved into a hybrid role spanning marketing, sales, client strategy, and partnerships. She discovered what energized her most: relationship building, storytelling, and creating meaningful brand conversations.

That blend of skills ultimately set the stage for her biggest opportunity yet.

The Marketing Moves podcast didn’t start as the polished, award-winning show listeners know today.

In its earliest form, the podcast served as an internal content initiative—focused on marketing topics and thought leadership from within the agency. As the team invested in studio production and content strategy, the vision expanded: the show would become both a brand builder and a service offering.

The format pivoted toward external guest interviews—founders, marketers, civic leaders, and innovators sharing real stories behind business growth.

That shift required a host who could guide authentic, high-value conversations.

Enter Ashtyn.

While podcast hosting wasn’t originally her role, leadership quickly recognized her natural interviewing ability. Her preparation, curiosity, and conversational tone resonated with guests and listeners alike. What started as an experiment soon became her flow state—and the show’s defining voice.

Despite her on-air confidence today, Ashtyn admits the early days were intimidating.

Hosting isn’t just asking questions—it’s active listening, real-time analysis, and guiding meaningful dialogue. She invested hours refining her craft: studying other podcast hosts, analyzing her own recordings, and developing a structured prep process.

Her workflow includes:

• Conducting deep research on guests and industries

• Writing her own interview questions

• Sharing outlines in advance

• Using AI tools only for refinement—not replacement

That balance allows conversations to feel informed yet natural—never scripted.

As she put it, preparation is the foundation of every great episode.

After interviewing dozens of leaders, narrowing down standout moments isn’t easy. But a few experiences left a lasting mark.

One of the most defining interviews featured Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. What started as a late-night Instagram DM turned into a studio conversation that elevated the podcast’s credibility and reach. The experience reinforced a key lesson: bold outreach can open unexpected doors.

Another highlight included an interview with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame CEO Greg Harris, which extended beyond the studio into immersive brand storytelling—complete with a private tour and behind-the-scenes access.

Moments like these showcase how Marketing Moves has grown beyond a podcast into a relationship-building platform.

Across 100 conversations, one theme consistently surfaced:

Anything hard is worth doing.

From startup founders to marketing executives, guests repeatedly shared stories of resilience, risk, and long-term vision. That collective wisdom reshaped how Ashtyn views her own career—embracing challenges as growth opportunities rather than obstacles.

Another major takeaway centers on authenticity.

In an era dominated by automation and AI-generated content, genuine human conversation stands out more than ever. Listeners crave real stories, honest insights, and unfiltered perspectives.

That principle continues to guide the show’s tone and guest experience.

Looking ahead, Ashtyn sees three forces shaping the next era of marketing:

Authenticity – Brands that prioritize real connection over polished perfection will win audience trust.

Quality – As content volume increases, audiences will gravitate toward brands producing thoughtful, well-crafted experiences.

Customer Experience – Service remains one of the few true differentiators. In a world where consumers share feedback instantly, brands must treat every interaction as reputation-defining.

These themes don’t just influence the podcast—they shape how VividFront approaches client partnerships and brand strategy.

While hosting Marketing Moves is a major responsibility, it’s only one piece of Ashtyn’s professional ecosystem.

She continues to manage client relationships, lead strategic partnerships, and stay active in Cleveland’s business community—all while maintaining a disciplined wellness routine that supports her high-energy schedule.

Balancing those commitments has taught her the importance of prioritization, rest, and knowing when to ask for support.

So what comes next?

As Marketing Moves enters its second century of episodes, the vision is clear: deepen authenticity, expand guest diversity, and continue spotlighting leaders making meaningful impact across industries.

The goal isn’t just to grow listenership—it’s to create conversations that help professionals feel inspired, informed, and less alone in their career journeys.

Because at its core, the podcast has always been about more than marketing tactics.

It’s about people, passion, and the stories behind the moves that shape businesses—and lives.