The Social Complex
Digital HQ
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About This Podcast
Welcome to the Social Complex Podcast! Hosted by Hillary Applegate of Digital HQ, this podcast explores the good, the bad, and the complex impact that social media has on our world. From connections to criticisms, clout chasers and crazy stories, we’re diving into the variety of social experiences that make the space what it is.
Subscribe to hear unique perspectives from brand managers, creators, influencers, moderators and memes. Hillary will also share her ongoing perspective as a social media marketer of 10 years with a keen interest in human psychology.
Social media is so pervasive in our lives, whether you’re an active user of it or not. It impacts political change, pop culture, news and beyond. You’re living in the middle of one of the most interesting times in human history where we are more connected than ever virtually. What kind of impact is that going to have on the future?
The answer? It’s complex.
Read more about Digital HQ here.
Produced by You Lucky Dog Productions.
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Recent Episodes
Ep 71 - Headlines: DEI, DeepSeek, and More On The TikTok Ban
In this “Headlines” episode of the Social Complex Podcast, hosts Hilary Applegate and Jacqueline Keidel Martinez discuss the evolving landscape of social media and technology in 2025. They reflect on…
Ep 70 - The Next Era of Social Media: Community, Connection & The Fediverse with Marci McCue
When you think of social media, a few platforms likely come to mind—TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter—the list goes on. But each of these platforms operates separately, with individual logins,…
Ep 69 - Headlines: TikTok Ban, Spotify Wrapped, and Mergers in Marketing
In this 'Headlines' episode of the Social Complex Podcast, Hillary Applegate and Jacqueline Keidel Martinez dive into the multifaceted impact of social media on brands and marketing strategies. They…
Ep 68 - The Risks of AI: Ethics and Impact Exploration with Dr. Alex Hanna
When we talk about artificial intelligence, there’s no denying the many advantages it brings to the table. But, like anything great, there’s also a dark side to the moon. AI isn’t without its…
Ep 67 - Live Selling on TikTok with Georgina Cohen
When you think of selling, you may think of HSN or QVC, but there's a new way of selling that is emerging in the form of social media selling on TikTok. Not only does TikTok allow an expansive…
Ep 66 - Headlines: Advertising Lawsuits, Instagram Teen Accounts, and More!
In this Headlines episode of the Social Complex Podcast, Hilary Applegate and Jacqueline Keidel Martinez discuss the complex implications of social media on brands and individuals. They explore the…
Ep 65 - TikTok: How Brands Can Maintain Growth, Will It Be Banned, and More with Sam Kaufman
The question of whether TikTok will be around tomorrow has been swirling in the news cycle since before 2020—it’s been a topic for a long time. So, what happens if TikTok is banned tomorrow? How can…
Ep 64 - Pop Psychology on Social with Gin Lalli
If you log on to any social media platform, it's hard not to come across some kind of mental health conversation. Whether it’s a positivity mantra, a buzzworthy term from a therapy session, or…
Ep 63 - Headlines: Return to Office Mandates, Executive Visibility & Beyond
Welcome to a special edition of The Social Complex Podcast! In this inaugural "Headlines" episode, host Hillary teams up with Digital HQ’s President and Chief Communications Officer Jacqueline Keidel…
Ep 62 - Know the Law: Giveaways, AI and Beyond with Ethan Wall
When you think of social media, you may not immediately consider just how wrong things can go. But like any other platform, marketing avenue, or communication tool, there are always inherent risks…
Ep 61 - Behind the Curtains of Virtual Worlds with Daniel Liebeskind
When you hear 'virtual world,' what comes to mind? Headsets? The metaverse? Gaming? If any of those pop into your head, I'm here with a special guest to shift your perspective on what a virtual world…
Ep 60 - Digital Marketing in the Modern Age with Matthew Wolfe
In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes at Digital HQ, the marketing agency behind the podcast. We're a modern agency that's backed by a network of contractors and one of those…
Ep 59 - The Impact of Social Media and Screens on Youth with Kris Perry
Social media has added a complex new layer to how we interact and learn online. It has really offered the first opportunity for users to directly influence the outcome on the platform in front of…
Ep 58 - Building Community and Scaling Content for Nonprofits with Daniel
It's easy to crank out great content when you have an unlimited budget behind you. But what about nonprofits who are known for historically needing to create really impactful stories on very lean…
Ep 57 - Creator Copyright and AI Law Progress with Sharon Toerek
Ever wondered who really owns that last post you made on social media? Is it yours, or does the platform hold the rights? And what happens when influencers and content creators post on your behalf?…
Ep 56 - Flipping the Script on PR and Creator Partnerships with Jeff Barrett
Today's guest is Jeff Barrett, a modern PR professional who is thinking beyond the box of traditional PR and how it integrates into the content creator economy, media award shows, breaking through…
Ep 55 - The Metaverse: Understanding Its Potential with Eugene Capon
Today's episode is all about the metaverse—what it is, what it isn't, and what it could become. When people hear 'metaverse' in everyday conversation, they might think of Meta with Facebook. Is it…
Ep 54 - Navigating Alcohol & Spirits Marketing with Karen Locke
Welcome to another engaging episode of the Social Complex Podcast! Today, we delve into the intricate world of alcohol marketing and advertising. From the echoes of prohibition to modern-day…
Ep 53 - The Power of Digital and PR with Jacqueline Keidel Martinez
Welcome to the third season of The Social Complex Podcast, where we delve into the ever-evolving world and complexities of social media. We're kicking off this season with an exciting announcement…
Ep 52 - Crisis Management In A Digitally Connected World with Melissa Agnes
When we think of crisis communications, we often envision the worst-case scenarios portrayed on the internet and in our news cycles. However, crises don't solely occur on digital platforms. While…
Frequently Asked Questions
The Social Complex has published 71 episodes since March 2022, covering topics in Health & Fitness, Mental Health.
The Social Complex is currently dormant with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 43m.
Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for The Social Complex, including email and social media links.
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