EP11 - Molly Lavik: Spatial AI, Holograms & Building the Future of Human Connection

EP11 - Molly Lavik: Spatial AI, Holograms & Building the Future of Human Connection

In this episode of ViralBrand, Rick Schirmer sits down with entrepreneur, investor, educator, and innovation leader Molly Lavik for a fascinating conversation about emerging technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of human connection through spatial AI. A former professor and mentor to Rick during his time at Pepperdine University, Molly has spent her career helping organizations and entrepreneurs embrace innovation and stay ahead of technological change. Long before today's AI revolution, she was introducing interactive learning technologies and exploring new ways for people to engage with digital experiences. Today, Molly is helping lead growth and innovation at Proto, a pioneering spatial AI company that creates holographic experiences through volumetric AI technology. Using life-sized holographic avatars, Proto is transforming industries ranging from healthcare and education to entertainment and communications. Together, Rick and Molly discuss how holographic technology is bringing specialist doctors into underserved communities, creating new opportunities for patient care, and enabling meaningful interactions across distances that once felt impossible. They also explore the emerging world of AI-powered legacy preservation, including projects involving cultural icons such as Stan Lee and Ozzy Osbourne, as well as the emotional and ethical implications of using AI technology to preserve memories and human connection. Beyond technology, Molly shares lessons learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey, including the importance of resilience, grit, mentorship, and discovering the work you simply cannot ignore. This episode offers an inspiring look at the intersection of innovation, humanity, and the technologies that may define the future.

EP10 - Luanne Dietz: Brand Storytelling, Community Building & Human-Centered Marketing

In this insightful episode of ViralBrand, Rick Schirmer sits down with brand storytelling pioneer Luanne Dietz to explore how the most successful brands build meaningful connections through authentic stories and community-driven marketing. Luanne shares her unique career journey from photojournalism to becoming an early innovator in branded content and brand storytelling. During her time at CNN, she helped launch one of the first brand studios, creating compelling short-form documentaries and branded films that transformed how advertisers connected with audiences. The conversation dives into her work with global brands including Starbucks and Amazon, where she developed impactful storytelling initiatives that prioritized human experiences over product promotion. Luanne reflects on creating a documentary in Rwanda highlighting an all-female coffee cooperative and discusses how authentic storytelling can inspire audiences while strengthening brand loyalty. She also shares insights from one of her most successful projects, Human by Design, a groundbreaking multi-platform campaign that explored the future of human augmentation through documentary filmmaking, live events, and immersive storytelling experiences. Throughout the episode, Luanne emphasizes a powerful philosophy that is reshaping modern marketing: community is the new campaign. Rather than focusing solely on selling products, she believes brands should build communities around shared values, purpose, and meaningful experiences. This episode explores branding, storytelling, marketing innovation, audience engagement, content strategy, and how businesses can create deeper relationships with the people they serve.

EP9 - Creating a Brand That Lasts with Amy Caldwell

Amy Caldwell joins Rick Schirmer for an insightful conversation on what it truly means to build a viral brand in today’s digital world. More than a single viral moment, Amy explains that sustainable brand growth comes from creating something that is inherently shareable, a brand fueled by authentic advocacy, community trust, and meaningful storytelling. Drawing from her journey of building Boundless from the ground up after a successful career in script development, Amy shares how she carved out a unique niche centered on relatable faith and coffee, using personal storytelling to create a deep emotional connection with her audience. This episode dives into the power of niche marketing, with special focus on the faith based community as one of the most engaged and influential audiences. Amy also offers practical strategies for creators and entrepreneurs looking to grow online: the importance of consistency, owning a clear brand identity, leveraging influencers based on engagement rather than follower count, and embracing the future of vertical content for mobile first storytelling. For anyone building a personal brand, media platform, or mission driven business, this conversation is filled with actionable wisdom on turning authenticity into momentum.

EP8 - Building Brands That Last with Chuck Bradford

In this episode of ViralBrand TV, Rick Schirmer sits down with Chuck Bradford, a leader whose career spans Delta Airlines, Chick-fil-A, and now his own fintech startup, Cord Analytics. Chuck shares insights from over forty years of experience on what makes a brand go viral, emphasizing alignment, adaptation, and adding value. He discusses fan-driven advocacy, the importance of operational excellence, and how emotional connections drive lasting brand success. The conversation also explores Cord, a fintech platform designed to streamline investment analysis, and how Chuck applies the same principles from marketing and leadership to entrepreneurial ventures. Listeners will gain actionable takeaways on building brands, cultivating relational equity, and leading with purpose, principle, and perseverance.

EP7 - Take a Shot at Happiness with Survivor Producer Maria Baltazzi

In this episode of ViralBrand TV, Rick Schirmer sits down with Emmy-winning producer and author Maria Baltazzi, one of the original producers of Survivor. From shaping a cultural phenomenon on national television to creating her #1 Amazon bestseller, Take a Shot at Happiness, Maria shares her journey of discovering purpose, resilience, and well-being. She discusses the creative methods she teaches—like phone photography and reflective journaling—to cultivate happiness, as well as practical tools like “Savoring the Good” and “Thought-Stopping.” The conversation also explores her luxury well-being travel company, Sojourn Explorers, where transformational experiences blend adventure, mindfulness, and sustainability. Maria demonstrates how storytelling, science, and intentional living can help anyone produce a life that feels intentional, inspired, and deeply lived.