Launching Pros cover art

Launching Pros

Launching Pros

By: Jesse Mullen and Isaac Johnson
Listen for free

About this listen

We break down digital marketing strategies, social media growth, and business-building tactics for small business owners, creators, and entrepreneurs. No fluff, no gatekeeping—just real, actionable advice to help you grow.

© 2025 Launching Pros
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The Future of Personal Branding Has Arrived
    Jun 27 2025

    Send us a text

    AI video technology has just achieved a breakthrough that's changing the game for marketers, content creators, and personal brand builders. The latest lip sync models allow you to match your voice perfectly with any character or even yourself in completely different settings—making content creation more accessible and versatile than ever before.

    What used to require expensive equipment, travel to multiple locations, and complex production processes can now be accomplished with a good microphone, some photos, and the right AI tools. The technology isn't perfect—keen observers can still spot subtle imperfections when lips move—but the rapid advancement over the past year suggests we're approaching a point where AI-generated content will become indistinguishable from traditionally produced media.

    Beyond lip syncing, tools like Google's VO3 and Runway are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI-generated video. With options ranging from free trials to affordable monthly subscriptions (some starting at just $12/month), these platforms put professional-quality video creation within reach for small businesses and individual creators. The storytelling possibilities are enormous—allowing you to communicate your business narrative through engaging visual content without the traditional barriers to entry.

    Perhaps most fascinating is how this technological shift is changing the value proposition within content creation. As AI handles more of the production process, writing skills become increasingly valuable. Those who can craft detailed, evocative prompts that precisely communicate their vision have a significant advantage in this new landscape. The future of content creation may belong less to those with technical filming expertise and more to those who excel at storytelling.

    Ready to explore how these tools can help grow your business? Visit us at launchingpros.com for more insights on leveraging cutting-edge technology for entrepreneurial success. Subscribe to our podcast for regular updates on the latest tools, techniques, and strategies to give your small business a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • From Champion to Underdog: Wilson Golf's Quest for Relevance
    Jun 2 2025

    Send us a text

    The resurrection of a golf legend is underway. Wilson Golf—a brand that dominated the sport for decades and still holds the record with an astonishing 62 major championship wins—is battling to reclaim its prominence after years of declining relevance.

    What causes a pioneering brand that once equipped legends like Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead to fade from golf's spotlight? The turning point came during the 1980s and 1990s when Wilson, under PepsiCo ownership, pivoted from golf innovation to mass-market accessibility. This fundamental shift transformed the perception of Wilson from premier equipment manufacturer to a budget-friendly option found alongside basketballs and tennis rackets in sporting goods stores.

    Now Wilson is orchestrating a careful comeback with their "Play Original" campaign that smartly leverages their authentic heritage while introducing modern technology. Their new DynaPower line represents this duality perfectly—clubs designed with adjustable weighting systems and AI-optimized faces that compete directly with industry leaders like Callaway and TaylorMade at comparable premium price points around $550. Yet Wilson faces unique challenges that competitors don't: simultaneously serving beginners with $400 complete sets while trying to reestablish credibility among serious golfers.

    The marketing audit reveals both promising strategies and missed opportunities. While Wilson's product development and heritage-focused positioning show potential, their digital presence needs significant improvement. With just 166,000 Instagram followers (compared to Callaway's 1.9 million), minimal YouTube content, and advertising that emphasizes specifications over emotional benefits, Wilson is falling short in connecting with today's golf community. The brand would benefit from authentic content showcasing real results, leveraging their rich history more effectively, and creating compelling narratives around their equipment's performance advantages.

    Follow along as we explore how this century-old brand is navigating the complex journey from respected legacy to relevant competitor in today's golf market. Have you noticed Wilson's comeback efforts, or do you have memories of their equipment from their golden era? Share your thoughts in the comments!

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • AI Babies Take Over Podcasting
    May 30 2025

    Send us a text

    Have you seen those hilarious videos of your favorite podcasters and comedians transformed into babies? We dive deep into this mind-bending AI trend that's taking over social media, exploring exactly how these surreal transformations work and why they're so entertaining.

    We start by examining popular examples featuring comedy stars like Theo Vaughn, Bobby Lee, and Joe Rogan. There's something uniquely hilarious about seeing these familiar personalities as toddlers, complete with miniature mustaches and goatees, while they discuss very adult topics. The technology's ability to match mouth movements to audio creates an uncanny effect that's both impressive and amusing.

    But how exactly is this digital fountain of youth created? We investigate the potential AI technologies behind these transformations, from HeyGen and Runway to Synthesia and Leonardo AI. The process likely combines multiple tools: first generating photorealistic baby versions of the podcasters, then animating them to match the original audio clips. What makes these videos particularly effective isn't necessarily their technical perfection (the mouth movements are often slightly off), but rather how they maintain just enough resemblance to be recognizable while embracing their AI-generated quirks.

    Inspired by this trend, we're planning to figure out the exact process and create our own baby-filtered content. Follow along as we continue exploring creative applications of AI that transform familiar content into new visual experiences. Check out our website at launchingpros.com for free resources and courses designed to help you innovate and grow your business online.

    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
No reviews yet