Mark Mandelbaum | Strategy, Resilience & Content Insights

The Window

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:55:52 GMT

The Window

Featured Narrative Editorial | The Ohio State University

Editor's Note (2026): This piece was originally written in 2014, during my survivorship journey. I've kept it in its original form as a reminder of how far I've come and how perspective evolves.

When you look outside your window, you see the world unfolding before your very eyes. Co-workers drinking coffee, sharing weekend stories, a student sprinting because he is late to his lecture on financial accounting, or a new couple taking their first walk together in the park. When you take a moment from your busy day and take a look outside your window, you see a beautiful world.

When I take a look outside the same window that you do, I see a reflection of myself. I see a young man confined to a world where he is biding his time for a grand escape. The window is keeping him safe, but once the glass is broken, he will get what he wants…freedom—the freedom to live his life without restraints or restrictions. Not having to go through the painful chemotherapy that is awaiting him every few weeks. Not having to sit out nearly half of the basketball season. Not watching people and wishing he could experience the things they can. Not being able to taste the same foods that you enjoy so much. Having to constantly worry about environmental hazards when it comes to my health, I isolate myself from situations where germs are present. Those are just some of the many restraints of being faced with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma .

Cancer is a scary thing, so it is best to use imagination as a form of escape. It can make or break you during emotional times. You are battling against life and death. Surviving cancer is an exercise in strategic resilience. It requires a level of mental and physical adaptability that few other experiences can demand. Every day is a test of will, forcing you to fight for the future even when the present feels insurmountable.You become a warrior on the battleground of your health. Your immune system is so weak that a single illness can end your life. It is a game of patience, testing your will to keep fighting, even when you don’t have the strength to fight anymore. That is why when I complete the six months of treatment, I will have a greater appreciation for life and the freedoms that come with it. I’m almost thirty, so experiencing cancer as a young adult gives me a different perspective than someone who has to deal with it later on in life. It can be used as inspiration, and I feel that by conquering cancer, I have the confidence to face any other challenge life throws at me.

The window is more than just a physical object; it is a train of thought. It is the glimmer of hope, the ability to cling to something so tightly even though it is slipping out of your grasp. The window of opportunity for me is the power to believe. Believe that things will be okay even when you are going through a storm. When the window to your mind is open, the impossible can turn into the possible.

My window is different than yours. I see things that you don’t see; I experience things that you don’t experience. Cancer can change everything and make you appreciate your world more and more each day. Sometimes, it is best to slip in and out of the window to experience the world through your thoughts and dreams, and as a pedestrian in traffic on the road of life. With the power of imagination, I can see things that you can see; I can experience the things that you can experience. What do you see when you stare out the window?

Resilience takes many forms. Read how I explored identity and self-doubt in Slaying the Beast and Inspire, Thrive, Skydive!

Interview with Kosha Dillz

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:39:28 GMT

Interview with Kosha Dillz: Life, Hip Hop, and Hustle

This profile interview showcases my ability to manage Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and extract compelling narratives from real-time conversations. By conducting deep subject research and coordinating with high-profile creatives, I produced long-form content that bridges the gap between an artist’s personal brand and their audience. This represents my early foundational work in Editorial Strategy and Relationship Management.

You may or may not know Rami Matan Even-Esh, aka Kosha Dillz. A veteran of the hip-hop industry since 2005, Kosha Dillz represents a unique intersection of identity and hustle. This conversation explores the methodology behind his independent success and the discipline required to maintain a global creative brand. He has released three full-length albums and is currently working on a documentary. It is only fitting that I conduct this interview with him...

Who or what inspired you to become a musician?

"I think trying to impress my friends with rhymes."

I can relate to that too a bit...So how did you come up with the Kosha Dillz name? It is a very unique artist name.

"The jar"

Haha, right...Tell me who your favorite artist or artists are that you worked with?

"Rza and Jesse Shatkin"

That's cool, you got your start working with one of the more notable Wu-Tang members. I see you take pride in being a Jewish rapper. How much are you in touch with your religious roots?

"I'd say every day I get in touch more."

Awesome! Well, how long does it take to write a song? Walk me through the process, please…

"Anywhere from 2 hrs. to 8 hrs. I go through my life and come back to things. I'm an improv artist, so I never take 4 months to write - I base my emotion and freestyle things. I usually come back and edit, and the engineer plays a big role in arranging song structure."

That sounds like a lot of work, no wonder they call you the hardest working artist in hip-hop! Moving on...tell me what you would do if there were no music?

"Probably be broke, physically and spiritually"

I'm glad that's not the case. It seems like you got your head on straight. Can you share something about yourself that people might not already know?

"I am on Vans Warped Tour all summer and want YOU to come to the show :) I try to give charity $$$ all the time whenever I get the chance."

Span-Hebrish music video:

In Da Club video:

What's Going On Upstairs video:

Hangin' Out video:

Nice little advertisement, but seriously, that is exciting. According to the Jewish religion, giving to the less fortunate is a mitzvah, and is looked upon very highly :) So you were touring at Coachella a little while ago. How has your Coachella experience been so far?

"It was koshachella, haha."

http://shemspeed.com/koshachella-t-shirts-are-in/

Right...Before you get up on stage, do you have any pre-show rituals?

"Pano usually lol. I always invite people to come up and enjoy and thank them for being there. "

That's what's up. That's kind of how I met you! Any goals for your music?

"I want people to listen and watch. Once that happens, I think the rest falls into place."

Well said. How can new fans connect with you?

"My website is good, and Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc. The usual stuff."

http://koshadillzworld.com/

https://www.facebook.com/koshadillz

https://www.youtube.com/user/koshadillz

Kosha is all over social media and has his website. He isn't hard to find online. As artists, we all have our favorite material. What is your favorite project/song you ever worked on?

"I enjoyed working on Beverly Dillz - it was the first time I worked on something."

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beverly-dillz/id337955732

That was your debut solo album. My favorite song off that album is "Cellular phone". It's a fun song and was also in a Super Bowl commercial. You have worked with some unique and talented artists over the years, but there are some you haven't yet that you would like to. Is there a particular artist you want to work with in the future?

"Kanye West, El-P, Miley Cyrus"

It seems that everyone wants to work with Miley these days. Speaking of the future, can you update me on any projects you have coming up?

"Stop thinking - my new EP"

I look forward to checking that out. Last question, do you have any advice for me or other aspiring musicians?

"Read read read. Write write write. Hustle hustle hustle. Do not give up and exercise frequently - this is a job for the mind, body, and soul. Make sure each one is in tip-top condition at all times because you never know when you will get the call..."

Thanks, Rami, for your time! Good luck with your music!

Editor's Note (2026): This interview was originally published in 2013. While it captures a moment in time, it remains a fun look back at an artist's journey and my early work as an interviewer.

I specialize in uncovering the 'why' behind creative work. Explore more conversations in my interviews with Raychelle , and Amanda Liston .

Slaying the Beast

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:44:23 GMT

Slaying the Beast: A Lesson in Resilience

This narrative exploration uses a high-stakes competitive moment to demonstrate the core tenets of Strategic Resilience. Whether navigating a complex marketing campaign or a difficult match, the ability to simplify under pressure, lean on core strengths, and maintain focus through adversity is what drives successful outcomes. This piece reflects the "Grit & Grace" philosophy I bring to every organizational challenge.

The Setback

Two years ago, my dad and I lost a tough doubles match in the third set against the team we faced this week. This time, we stepped back on the court, determined to rewrite the story. What followed was one of the most emotional, challenging, and meaningful matches I've ever played.

We dropped the first set 2-6. No rhythm. No confidence. An opponent rushing us because of an "appointment" (which later turned out to be a haircut), questionable calls, and plenty of chatter among us. I hadn't played a doubles match in over a month, and frustration was boiling. I wasn't focused on tennis; my mind was spinning with all the pressure I've been carrying off the court. Honestly, I was throwing it away.

Down 5-4 in the second set, I feared this might be the last time my dad and I played competitive doubles together, and that it would end with me unraveling. Then came a freak accident: I ran into the handle of my dad's racket and caught a painful hip injury. Serving hurt, running hurt, everything hurt. But strangely, the injury became a turning point.

The Pivot Point

I didn't have the luxury of overthinking anymore. I had to simplify. Adjust my serve. Shorten my steps. Focus on one point at a time. My dad held steady with his drops and hustle. Together, we clawed back to force a tiebreak, and somehow, we took it.

Suddenly, the match was alive again. The deciding 10-point tiebreak wasn't on my mind when I limped back into the second set, but there it was. And this time, we played our game . Patient, smart, father-and-son tennis. We closed it out 10-6 and slayed the beast that had haunted us.

Looking back, I still ask: How did we win this match after I lost my composure?

The Strategic Takeaway

The answer is simple:

I didn't quit, even when I wanted to.

My dad anchored me when I was unraveling.

The injury forced me to focus on what I could control.

I leaned on my strengths instead of chasing perfection.

And most importantly, I remembered this might be my last time competing with my dad. That was bigger than frustration, bigger than pressure, bigger than pain.

The lesson is clear: don't give up, even when you're hurt, frustrated, or mentally spiraling. Stay in the fight, because momentum can change, focus can return, and meaning can outweigh misery.

I'll never forget this day. Not because of the win itself, but because of the resilience it demanded, and because I got to share it with my dad.

This perspective on resilience is what I bring to every strategy I build. You can learn more about my background and how I work on my About page .

Inspire, Thrive, Skydive!

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:26:48 GMT

Inspire, Thrive, Skydive!

On Friday, September 23rd, I experienced one of life's greatest thrills and went skydiving for the first time! I didn't go alone either; I brought someone that I barely knew at the time. I met Joe at the CYP Summer Social at KDB in Easton over drinks at the bar and eventually shared a table with him & other members at the event. The next time I saw Joe was a few weeks later at the Member Meet and Greet Event at World of Beer in Easton. I didn't get to spend much time with him because we were at different tables, so it might come as a bit of a shock that we ended up going skydiving together.

When I texted Joe that Monday about the idea, I didn't think he would be interested in doing something so crazy or that we'd actually end up going just four days later. We made plans to hang out sometime, but it was to join me on the court or get drinks. Skydiving was never in that conversation, but it was something I wanted to do for the last five years. I couldn't go for several reasons, but that wasn't going to stop my #InspireThriveSurvive mentality. After all, I just achieved one of my lifelong dreams of releasing my debut album and even beat cancer two years ago. I had yet to do anything crazy, and nothing was going to stop me from jumping this time!

Early that Friday afternoon, I left Columbus and drove an hour and a half to Warren County. I met Joe a little after 3 pm in the parking lot of the airfield, and we had some time to kill, so we got a tour of the airfield by our driver, Scott. Joe and I soaked in the scenery, and the historical event made us more pumped up for the jump. Scott took us on a short drive to a hangar where we got trained and suited up, and finally, as the sun was about to set, it was time to take the leap.

Once our plane passed a few quick tests, it was time to board. The plane was the smallest I've ever been on, just enough room for five or six people. However, I wasn't even thinking about that when we started to ascend into the air; I wasn't thinking about how lucky I am to be alive, or of my fear of heights. I was full of adrenaline, so all I could think was, "I'm ready to jump already!"

Around 10,500 feet in the air, the plane's door opened, and the first jumper signaled to the pilot and made their jump as fist bumps & high fives were passed among the rest of the passengers in the plane. The next two jumpers followed the procedure and soared through the air, then my turn! Scott, our driver, was my tandem buddy, so he positioned himself on the steps, gave the thumbs-up signal, and here we go! We barrel-rolled out of the pplane and started to descend at a very fast speed. The free fall was the best part; I felt like I was going through a giant wind tunnel. At one point, I posed like Superman and smiled for the hand cam. Around 6,000 feet, I pulled the cord to activate the parachute. Scott gave me a thumbs up, and we started to slow down. I felt like I was parasailing as I steered us towards the drop point. We got a nice view of the sunset and the earth, and I took a moment to admire the beauty of being at 3,000 feet with nothing but trees and houses beneath me. Before I knew it, I got into landing position and slid into the wet grass. I was in shock, so I sat there for a minute and looked around. I completed the #Jump4TheJames! Scott congratulated me with a fist bump.

When I got to the area where everyone else was, I was asked to do a quick interview. I didn't need a script because it all came from the heart. Joe and I just did something incredible, and I wanted the world to hear about it! The next time you are sitting next to someone at a table for a CYP member's event, you might just make a new friend or find someone to embark on your next adventure with.

Editor's Note (2025): This reflection was first written in 2016, not long after my skydiving experience. Looking back almost a decade later, the thrill and meaning of that moment still inspire me today.

Finding Myself Through Hip Hop Lyrics

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:45:31 GMT

Finding Myself Through Hip Hop Lyrics

This early narrative explores the origins of my creative voice through the lens of hip-hop and lyrical composition. While raw and reflective of a specific time in my youth, it serves as a foundational study in Audience Connection and the power of narrative to navigate social dynamics. In my professional career, I have channeled this same passion for wordplay and rhythm into building high-impact content engines that resonate with precision and purpose.

How do we define ourselves through the art of music? Is it a personal journey or a well-thought-out process? It is something different for each listener or artist. Music to me is a passion to express myself, combining emotions, poetry, and rhythm. I have always been an avid listener of all types of music, but never thought about writing my music until freshman year of High School.

The Hallway Celebrity

I was at the age when boys and girls struggle with their image and just want to fit in. That’s right, a teenager. I didn’t stand out until one day, I rapped the lyrics to a popular Beastie Boys song to some of my peers in the school hallways. I was surprised by the reaction I got, as it seemed that I went from being just another freshman in a school of two thousand students to a bit of a celebrity. Girls were starting to notice too and became part of my audience. I liked being known as “the guy who raps” or one of my many aliases at that time. The extra attention was starting to make me feel like I was one of the “cool” kids in school. Since I was starting to get popular, by request, I started to rap other songs that were familiar to me. One of my favorites was “Jump Around” by House of Pain. I was starting to feel inspired and began writing my lyrics during Study Halls or lunch breaks. At that age, my writing was a survival tool. I used lyrics to navigate the friction of high school, dealing with the typical hurdles of social hierarchies and the sting of being an outsider. However, I did get myself in hot water with my classmates and the History teacher because one of my songs spoke negatively about a classmate. It was about a cute, Vietnamese girl who pretended that she was interested in me. She would walk up to me before class, and touch my arm or try to get me to stare at her. When I finally got up the courage to ask her out, she and all her friends laughed at me and made me look like an idiot. I was angry about how she treated me, so I used vulgarity toward her in the song, which hurt her image a bit. Regardless, I performed the song in my History class and opened some eyes, including hers.

I felt betrayed and wanted to voice my thoughts to my classmates and my teacher. What bothered me is that experience led to fake friends, naysayers, and worse, put a target on my back during one of the more difficult times in my life. I wasn’t very good at rapping, but I got caught up in the moment and enjoyed my 15 minutes of fame. Who wouldn’t? I told myself that I was done rapping. It was no longer fun to me and was systematically destroying my image as “one of the cool kids”.

The Truth in the Dorms

I decided to go to Kent State for college, and I ran into the same problem there as I had in years prior. Who am I? How do I stand out from the masses? I learned from my experience, so I didn’t advertise that I rapped; it just slipped out one day. Freshman year was not what I expected because I wasn’t the most popular person in the dorm. The dorm wasn’t a place I felt comfortable calling home, because some of the guys weren’t the nicest people in the world. I had to go through a bit of an initiation process with my dorm mates to earn their respect. One day, I had had enough of their bullshit and decided to write a verse about it. I called it “The Truth” because it cleared the air about a lot of things going on with me and my dorm mates at that time. I kept it to myself and Chris, who was my hip-hop mentor at that time. The song was met with mixed reviews, but that didn’t stop me from writing. I wasn’t getting the spotlight I deserved, so I gave my words the chance to do that for me. All I wanted was respect in the dorm, and I thought my peers should hear what I was going through. I just didn’t have the guts to take my verse outside the dormitory.

Throughout college, I wrote lyrics that talked about my experiences with alcohol, girls, classes, jerks, and the future. By writing these lyrics, I let my emotions speak through my words. I decided rap wasn’t the only genre for me to do that, so I felt compelled one night to write a song about a girl that I had a history with. I’m not a singer by any means, but the song “Three Strikes and You Are Out” could be considered poetic art. After college, I continued to write, on and off, about my experiences in life. I struck a few chords with some people because I called them out by name in my songs. Once again, I didn’t care if I offended others, because I was getting my words on paper and emptying my mind of the toxins that were bottled up inside it.

Building the Hypenation

In 2012, I met a famous rap artist who inspired me, and I wrote four songs on a long plane ride. I started to get serious about becoming a songwriter when I released what may be my best work about the “haters” in my life and music. This song is still one of the most talked-about songs I've ever done, because of all the emotion I poured into it! My fans, which I refer to as the Hypenation , have favorited, downloaded, and commented on this song more than any other song I released! I guess everyone has ‘haters,’ which makes the song so relatable. Once my talent was discovered from this song, I found a team of musicians with unique abilities, and we began to work on our first album. I had plenty of material to work with based on my past experiences, and I call it a blessing in disguise, rather than a curse. I was starting to see myself more as a role model, rather than just another rapper. Through my songwriting, I was able to express myself, gain support from my audience, improve as a lyricist, and build my confidence. I found myself in my lyrics.

Editor's Note (2026): This post comes from 2013, when writing hip hop lyrics helped me discover my creative voice. It's raw, but I've chosen to leave it as is to honor the beginnings of my journey as a writer.

Finding my voice was just the beginning. See how I used that same narrative drive to explore resilience in The Window or check out my professional strategy in the Kroger Case Study .

20 Questions with Raychelle

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:28:42 GMT

20 Questions with Raychelle (King of the Nerds Season 3)

This interview is a study in audience engagement and subject rapport. By leveraging shared interests, in this case, the gaming and "nerd culture" space, I was able to facilitate a candid, high-energy conversation that revealed the subject's personal branding strategy and resilience. This piece demonstrates my ability to tailor my communication style to fit a specific community while maintaining a clear narrative structure.

After interviewing the other cast members, I needed to interview someone who shared my passion for video games. Raychelle was at the top of my list...

Embracing the Nerd Anthem

Everyone on the show considers themselves a nerd. When did you first identify with being a nerd?

" I first identified with being a nerd in elementary school. I was very passionate about all the things that I loved, for instance, I had Barney hair pieces and outfits, and was not afraid to be decked out in Barney, even though some people would make fun of me. I always just embraced everything I loved, even if I knew people would have mean comments to say about it. I continued being this way throughout my school years with Power Rangers, Pokémon, and other video games. I think that a big part of being a nerd is having that passion and showing it to the world."

That's what I like about you, Raychelle. You aren't afraid of being true to yourself. What interested you about TBS’s King of the Nerds television show?

" I knew Danielle from season 1 of KOTN from a show we did together called The Tester. I watched KOTN S1 because of her, and as I watched, I kept thinking - I could do this, and I want to do this. The challenges looked like a lot of fun, and I actually could do some of the trivia (which is a first for me because I am not always great at trivia), so I just knew I would audition after that."

Building on that connection to past seasons, it’s interesting how visibility on one platform can lead to opportunities on another. What was your specific approach to the casting process for Season 3? Why did you want to be on this show?

"Honestly, besides the fun challenges and amazing prize money, I just wanted to meet these other nerds. I loved watching seasons 1 and 2, and I just wanted these people to be my friends. I kept thinking that these are my kin and I need them in my life."

That is how I got drawn into the show. Everyone has a different specialty, and I love good competition. How did you get cast?

"I applied for season 2 and did not make it, so I applied again for season 3. I just made a video trying to show them all of my things and my personality. I think the best thing that I did was leaving my "blooper" moments in the edited video. The "blooper" moments show a genuine side of you, and it worked great with my video. Once they watch the video a few times, if they like it, they will email and set up a Skype interview. My interview (I thought) went wrong between internet issues and my dogs going crazy, but alas.... I was on the show!"

I love your perseverance! I would like to see the blooper video sometime, ha-ha. What was your favorite moment on the show?

" I would have to say that my favorite moment on the show was performing our nerd anthem. I was so proud of what we made and so excited to perform. My heart still pounds when I think about it. The whole show was amazing and the best takeaway is the friends that I have made, but as far as moments go, singing Embrace Your Inner Nerd in front of past seasons and other people was pretty high up there :)"

That was also my favorite moment in the show. The nerd anthems were very well done from both sides. In your intro video, you are quoted as saying “Friendship is Magic”. As a person who values friendships and has an easy time getting along with people, who was your favorite person to work with on the show?

"My favorite person to work with on the show was Kaitlin. She was very direct, which made her very easy to work with. I was a little thrown aback at first, but then realized that she would take direction as well as give it. She was not super into building alliances and "tricking" people, so to say, so it made her easy to trust. As long as I continued to be helpful to her, then she would continue to help me, which was a win-win. I know a lot of people thought her confidence was more like cockiness, but the girl is a phenomenal teammate and great to work with. "

I remember Kaitlin. She had quite a personality but was very smart. Are you still in contact with Kaitlin?

"I talk to everyone who was on the show (including past seasons). I do not see Kaitlin as often as I see others because conventions are not her thing, like they are for most of us. I do still talk to Kaitlin, though, and plan on visiting her at some point!"

Cosplay and Conventions

I'm glad you are still in contact with everyone! I hope you get to see her soon. I see you are into cosplaying, comics, and anime. Do you have a favorite character you watch or like to dress up as?

"My favorite character that I already cosplay is Princess Celestia because she is so graceful and teaches so many valuable lessons, and I love fur! My favorite character that I would like to cosplay is Lucy from Elfen Lied because I just love that anime and her character so much. That one will be a little while before I make it, due to my wanting to create the vectors as well, and I am not quite sure how I want to do that yet. "

I'm not too familiar with either of those characters. I need a lesson on cosplay, ha-ha. Which is your favorite Con that you went to recently?

" I enjoyed Tekko Con in Pittsburgh. It was anime-oriented and had some great panels and an awesome dance party! I will be going to PAX Prime soon, and that is always a favorite of mine because there are a lot of video game demos and just so much to do in general! DragonCon is also coming up soon, and this is my first time going, so we will see if it tops the charts."

Cool, I’ve never been to a Con before, but would like to go sometime. Ori invited me, and we'll see if I take him up on that offer. Can you tell me about what goes on at a convention?

"Conventions are the best things in the world!! No, but seriously, they are so much fun! Conventions generally have panels which can be about anything - so for example, if you are interested in anime, then Funimation runs panels to show off new animes, answer questions about older animes, etc, etc... Conventions also have a big merch booth room that will have people from all over selling lots of amazing things like hand drawn items, chiseled glass mugs, posters, figurines, clothing, and so on! Also, cons are just like one big party, so there is always some type of dance floor, gaming floor, events after hours, and much more. You should check one out!"

Party on, Wayne! That sounds like a blast. You made it pretty far in the competition, but unfortunately, you were on the losing end after your elimination at the hands of Lily in a game of Stratego. If you could give it another go, would you change your approach?

"As far as overall gameplay goes, I would keep a pretty similar approach. As far as my specific Stratego nerd-off, I would take a deep breath and not forget the goal! I was doing very well at the beginning of the nerd-off until I just forgot to go for her flag. So, words of wisdom for myself - STAY CALM!!!"

I think you got caught in the moment. Can you share something about yourself that people might not already know?

"Umm, I am a pretty open book, so most people know quite a bit about me.... but one thing that is odd about me is that I am pigeon-toed!"

Interesting, you were voted into going into your last nerd-off when Ben questioned your skills and knowledge. Where did you go to school and what did you study?

"Well, I went to Cox College of Nursing for 3 years, but I have not finished. Ben was worried about my knowledge in general because we had not discussed much, and I did so well in the first individual challenge."

The Business of Acting and Gaming

I think you made yourself a target by staying quiet. Your Twitter account says that you are from Springfield, Missouri. What is the coolest thing about your hometown?

"My hometown is known for fast food and churches. Those are the 2 things we have, but really, I would say the beautiful countryside is the coolest thing about my town, and lots of caves."

Must be a small town. Is there a Church's Chicken? Just kidding. It must be quite an experience being an actress! I heard that you are taking your acting talents to a horror film. That must be exciting! Tell me more.

"Acting is something that I have always enjoyed doing since I was little. I was a thespian in high school and was in all the school plays. I love theater! I was recently offered to help a friend shoot a horror film - they needed an extra girl to do a few scenes. It was one of the most fun things that I have ever done! I was in a murder scene as well as a few other little shots here and there. I kept breaking out of my hand-ties because I was getting into my character so much, and that was funny."

Maybe this can lead to big things for you? I wish you the best of luck. I started playing video games when my parents got me and my brother a classic NES back in the '90s. One of our first games was the original Super Mario Bros. Can you tell me a story about how you got into video games?

"Well, I had a classic NES, but I started playing video games when we got an SNES. My brother and I would play Mickey Mania for hours on end and get so mad when we died because there was no save! We played Mario All-Stars, Donkey Kong Country, Mario Paint, Mario RPG, and Sim City. Then, we got an N64 and played the heck outta some Goldeneye and Super Mario 64. With all of that being said, FF7 was the first game to pull me into the world of gaming and made me feel like I was somewhere else (You know, like a book does). After that, games were my world. "

I played a few of those games. I share your pain of no saves from older systems. What games can you see being played today?

" I play a lot on Steam, so games like Don't Starve, Dungeons of Dredmor, and Anna. I also play a little Splatoon (when my friends bring it by because I have not bought it yet). I play Animal Crossing on the DS. Lastly, just a bunch of random games - I love going back and playing older ones, so recently it has been Harvest Moon 64, Chrono Trigger, and a few others."

That's quite a list. It wasn’t common to see female gamers back when I started gaming, but that trend changed after the millennium. I think the introduction of the Wii and party games had a lot to do with that. I knew a few girls in college who would join us for a round of Mario Party on N64. Do you know a lot of female gamers, like yourself, or mostly males?

" I know quite a few girls who game, but of course, I know more males who play. I think there was just a stigma for a while, but it is starting to become more common, which makes me very happy. Gaming is something that everyone can love! A lot of the ladies that I know who play started back in the day, like all of us, though."

It's an escape from the real world. I went to the E3 special feature at a movie theater in my town and saw lots of future titles I’m excited about. One of them is in the new Star Wars game. Are there any future games that you are particularly excited about?

" All I can say here is FFFFFFFFFF777777777 REMAKE!!!!! Sorry, I am a fangirl with that game."

Final Fantasy is something I never got into, but it's very popular. How can people connect with you?

"I am llamalamb on Steam and all social media."

Editor’s Note (2026): This interview was conducted following Season 3 of King of the Nerds. It remains a testament to the power of community-driven content and the importance of authenticity in personal branding.

I’m always looking for the next great conversation. Explore more of my Interviews or head back to my Work & Strategy Portfolio to see how I translate these narrative skills into digital performance.

Interview with Amanda Liston

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 17:02:29 GMT

Interview with Amanda Liston, Season 3 King of the Nerds

This profile interview highlights my experience in Talent Coordination and Media Relations. By identifying a high-engagement subject and navigating professional publicist channels, I successfully secured and produced a long-form interview that resonated with a niche audience. This piece demonstrates my early foundational skills in subject research, relationship management, and narrative-driven content production.

I started watching TBS's King of the Nerds back in the first season. I'm generally not a fan of reality shows, but this one was different. It was entertaining, and you could somewhat relate to the characters. Season 3 caught my attention because I thought TBS did a great job picking out the cast members. Over time, I started tweeting and interacting with the cast members. Amidst the competitive landscape of TBS's King of the Nerds, Amanda Liston emerged as a standout figure for her authenticity and down-to-earth perspective. This conversation explores the intersection of nerd culture, personal resilience, and the behind-the-scenes reality of competitive entertainment. I reached out to her Publicist via email and set up an interview with her. I hope you enjoy learning more about Amanda through this interview.

From Marching Band to the Library

When did you first identify with being a nerd? How did that impact you during high school?

"I was a nerd in high school in the most obvious possible way: I spent my Friday nights in a marching band uniform, complete with a plume, doing a synchronized march with other nerds to music. So, to say it impacted me would be an understatement, being a nerd WAS me!"

Can you tell me of a time you were bullied in school and what came out of it?

" I wasn't necessarily "bullied" very much, but I was a bit of a loner. I've always been introverted, and in school, that manifested itself as being the girl who spent recess in the library instead of on the playground. I was much more comfortable among books than among other kids. "

Do you have any advice for anyone who has been picked on or bullied in their life?

" What I will tell my children when they are bullied is to find refuge in whatever safety they can find. Perhaps it's a library, like mine, or a friend you have at school, or a teacher or administrator. Don't make yourself alone when you're hurting."

What are your favorite books? What are you reading right now?

" My favorite book of all time is The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell; it's the book from which I have a tattoo. It's a beautiful science fiction novel that completely changed my life and how I look at the world. I'm reading A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin right now as well as An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume because I like to be reading one non-fiction and one fiction book at the same time."

How did you get into playing the flute? How has music impacted your life?

" It was the instrument I picked in fourth grade, and I never looked back and only looked forward. I took lessons all through elementary, junior high, and high school, and have also played the piccolo as well as the bass flute. My mom made sure to make us take piano lessons starting very young, so music is something I was exposed to at a very young age. It was a way for someone who is not at all physically gifted like me to still be a part of a team and practice towards excellence. I had always tried at sports and failed (swimming, basketball, you name it), and didn't like the feeling of dejection after every game. I never felt that way after band concerts and competitions!"

The Strategy of Reality TV

What interested you about King of the Nerds? Why did you want to be on the show?

" I wanted to be on the show because it was a show that was witty and funny without being witty and funny at the expense of its contestants. I loved how intelligent people were being rewarded for their uniqueness and not made fun of; that was something I could get behind. And, plus, $100,000!"

What is your favorite moment on the show so far?

"How the show made it clear how much I missed Heather after she was eliminated. Waking up the morning after and drinking coffee by myself for the first time (she was my only fellow coffee addict in the house) was much harder than I anticipated. If the audience was oblivious to the force of nature that was our friendship, I would have been very disappointed."

Tell me a little about what goes on behind the scenes of the show.

" SO MUCH! Mostly hilarity. I was lucky enough to be a part of one of the most incredible casts in reality TV history, and I watch a lot of reality television. We laughed constantly. We stayed up all night talking; it was like a nerdy summer camp. That's why some of the hate for The Secret Six alliance is a little frustrating; it was purely a voting tool and not used to exclude someone personally in any way. Trust me, we all bonded very quickly and deeply!"

Who is your favorite person to work with on the show and why?

" Heather. We became best friends the moment we met and have never looked back. Since going back to real life, she's only proven that she is the best friend anyone could ever ask for."

 Beyond the Show: Los Angeles and Life After

What are your plans after the show? If you win this season of King of the Nerds, how would it change your life?

" I'm moving to Los Angeles! Pretty big life changes have happened and are happening. The money would be wonderful because I've got kids who are little nerds themselves, so I'd be lying if I said it would all go to their college. Some of it would, sure, but let's be honest. These nerds love collecting, and I have a feeling we'd end up with a few extra Catwoman figures on our shelf!"

Links:

Twitter: @amanduhduh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandalistonkotn

Blog: http://appraisingpages.com/

Email: amanda@appraisingpages.com

Thanks for your time, Amanda, and I wish you the best of luck in the future! I hope to stay in touch with you.

Editor’s Note (2026): This interview was conducted during Season 3 of King of the Nerds and remains a favorite example of my early work in media relations and profile storytelling.

I’m always looking for the next great conversation. Explore more of my Interviews or head back to my Work & Strategy Portfolio to see how I apply these narrative skills to digital performance.

How Social Media is Changing the Business Landscape

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:22:58 GMT

How Social Media is Changing the Business Landscape

Originally published for the American Marketing Association (AMA) Columbus, this analysis explores the historical shift from broadcast media to interactive social networking. While the platforms have evolved, the core principle remains: businesses must move past the "noise" to build genuine authority. This piece serves as an exploration of how digital platforms redefine organizational transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Social media has changed how we interact with people. If you have seen the movie, Social Network, you would know that Facebook was created in February 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg in his Harvard dorm room. But did you know that Facebook started as a different website called Facemash? Facemash was a website run by Zuckerberg that brought in 22,000 page views in the first few hours it was active. Since it featured his classmates’ pictures without consent, it had to be taken down. That didn’t deter Zuckerberg from using strategic innovation to start the groundwork for his next project. His next project, TheFacebook, was created to connect with fellow students of the school. The project took off, and soon, half of Harvard’s student body was members of TheFacebook. Mark Zuckerberg saw potential in his project, and he dropped out of college, hired the co-founder of Napster, Sean Parker, and shortened the name to Facebook.

The Birth of Social Giants

Facebook is currently valued at $536 billion. There are more than 2.23 billion monthly users worldwide with an active Facebook account, and five new profiles are created every second. Facebook has three main goals for the future: more apps that connect with Facebook, the ability to reach anyone worldwide, and making the Facebook search tool more user-friendly. Facebook is currently working to redesign its search tool (graph search) for mobile and would like to have it tailored for people who meet a certain criterion. Despite the site’s amazing growth, Facebook has seen its stock price decline in recent months due to security and privacy concerns. Recently, Zuckerberg allocated resources to protect the social media site from fake news, scams, and misinformation. Zuckerberg’s team will likely address these issues, so Facebook will continue with its unparalleled rise in social media into the next decade.

Facebook isn’t the only form of social media gaining traction. Twitter has changed the way people do business. According to eMarketer, about 2/3s of large businesses (100 employees or more) have a Twitter account. Twitter was originally supposed to be a SMS communications-based platform. Friends could see what other friends were doing, based on status updates. Twitter Co-Founder, Jack Dorsey, had a vision for the original twttr. He worked with Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams at a podcasting company called Odeo. The first tweet was by Dorsey, “just set up my twttr”.

The Rise of Professional Networking

If you are a business professional, it wouldn’t be uncommon to have a LinkedIn account and a private Facebook account. LinkedIn may be considered the professional version of Facebook. According to HubSpot, 46% of online adults who have graduated from college are LinkedIn users. Of those with a high school diploma or less, just 9% of online adults are LinkedIn users. Over the past two years, content consumption on LinkedIn has increased by 21%.

LinkedIn was founded in 2002 by CEO Reid Hoffman and his team. His team consisted of CTO, Eric Ly, VP of Product, Allen Blue, VP of Marketing, Konstantin Guericke, and VP of Engineering, Jean-Luc Valliant. This team consisted of former colleagues at PayPal and SocialNet. The focus of LinkedIn was to connect your professional network in one place. After a period of slow growth, LinkedIn began to pick up steam and had to change its business model to include groups, jobs, and subscriptions. In 2007, Reid Hoffman stepped down from his position and named Dan Nye the new CEO. A year or so later, LinkedIn went global and had over 50 million members! The company appointed Jeff Weiner as President in 2009. LinkedIn currently has over 450 million members, but only 25% visit the social network each month. LinkedIn’s evolution from a simple networking site to a content-driven platform highlights the growing necessity for professionals to maintain an active digital presence to avoid 'profile stagnation'.

The Visual Revolution

Social media apps like Pinterest, Snapchat, and Instagram are also drawing in consumers. Almost ¾ of all Pinterest users are women, and these users spend 50% more money on average than they spend on other social media channels. Ben Silbermann, a former Google employee, and Paul Sciarra founded Tote, which was a catalog on a phone. Later, Silbermann and former Facebook employee Evan Sharp cofounded Pinterest despite lots of rejection from investors.

Snapchat’s target market is below the age of 25, but some businesses use the app to engage with their audiences to promote their brand. Snapchat started as Picaboo in 2011 to send pictures that would eventually disappear. Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy co-founded Snapchat in late 2011 after making some technical modifications. Snapchat has over 150 million active daily users.

Instagram is another social media channel that uses engaging content to connect with its audience. Instagram was founded by Mike Krieger and Kevin Systrom. The first picture on IG was not a selfie, believe it or not. It was a picture that was heavily filtered, shot out of a window, and contained a marina. Facebook bought Instagram for $1 billion in 2012. Today, the photo-sharing app, Instagram, has more than 400 million users.

The Future of the Digital Economy

We are in an era where more advertising dollars are being spent on social media than on other popular forms of media. Social media is changing the landscape of the economy, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down. You never know what one interaction on social media can do for you. You could find your next employer, your future significant other, or your next best friend. Let’s connect!

Originally published on AMA Columbus .

Strategy only works if it's findable. See how I apply localized search intent in my Automotive SEO Sample .

Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, and a Little Bit of Love

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 23:47:14 GMT

Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, and a Little Bit of Love

Originally published for ChoiceLocal, this narrative highlights the intersection of agency culture and community impact. My objective was to document a corporate volunteer initiative at one of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House locations, transforming a team-building event into a compelling piece of mission-focused content. This highlights my ability to capture the "human side" of corporate partnerships.

ChoiceLocal has a mission far greater than being a top-performing franchise marketing agency, and that mission is to help others. On the morning of Sunday, March 13, along with my dad and a handful of others, we were dedicated to that principle as we cooked lunch for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.

A Global Mission, Locally Driven

As one of the largest Ronald McDonald House locations globally, this Columbus landmark requires immense coordination. Documenting our contribution here allowed me to highlight how local corporate donors and volunteer groups sustain these vital community pillars. This location has been in business for 40 years and is a place for families to take time to rest with their children.

The organization operates as a non-profit, but McDonald’s is their largest corporate donor. Donations also come from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University Buckeyes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew, and many other local organizations.

The night before, we all chipped in and bought in bulk some sauce, pasta, meat, garlic spread, and garlic bread from a local supermarket. We met outside in the parking lot of the building around 10 am the next morning and then got right to work!

Logistics & Lunch

After we checked in and put on our masks and gloves, we started prepping the meal. Outside the kitchen on a white, flashing, electronic display was our group name, “The Bowling Family.” This group is coined that because most of us have met through bowling together in various leagues and enjoy each other’s company in the many activities we do. This was our first volunteering experience together, but it was very well coordinated and brought us closer together.

Efficiency was key to our impact. By assigning specific logistical tasks to each volunteer, we ensured a seamless service window for the residents, allowing our team to focus on the goal: providing a moment of normalcy and connection for families in need. Our goal was to make sure that we put a smile on the faces of the people we served, and we did that in spades! The love we received for sacrificing a small amount of time on a Sunday morning made the experience even more satisfying. Seeing the need in the community is powerful, and it is remarkable to see people coming together for a purpose.

The Impact of Service

The day ended with a tour that went from room to room by Mike, a long-tenured volunteer. Our group shared the photos on social media afterward, and our tour guide was pleased, as indicated by the comment, “Great group and they made a really good lunch. I enjoyed giving them a tour and looking forward to their next visit.”

It was a wonderful experience that I recommend to others. The staff was extremely helpful, and I look forward to serving my next meal at the Ronald McDonald House!

Originally published on ChoiceLocal .

I love capturing the human side of a mission. If you enjoyed this, take a look at my feature on the Kroger Food Pantry to see more of my work with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

Day in the Life of Kroger Food Pantry

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 23:30:37 GMT

Day in the Life: Kroger Food Pantry

Written during my tenure as a Marketing AmeriCorps VISTA, this field report was designed to humanize large-scale logistics and drive volunteer engagement. By focusing on individual narratives from volunteers like Bruce to clients like Rob, I translated complex organizational operations into an accessible, mission-driven story that increased program awareness and stakeholder empathy.

Spending a day in the Kroger Community Pantry is unlike any other day at the Foodbank. It is the most hands-on experience you can get with our clients.

The Noon Rush

On Friday, July 13th, I spent time in the pantry finding out what volunteers do, how clients get through the process, and the role of our new Pantry Coordinator, Jessica. I arrived at 11 am and noticed volunteers working very hard to open the pantry. While clients were seated outside waiting for the pantry to open, volunteers were stocking the shelves. At noon, the pantry officially opened, and people kept pouring in. Clients would register before shopping for enough food to feed their family. Rob, an older client, stops by the pantry every Friday for produce and bread to feed his family of two.

The Volunteer Engine

About 25 volunteers come in for each shift, and each lasts about two to three hours. The volunteer engine is the backbone of the pantry operation. On any given shift, up to 25 individuals manage everything from real-time inventory stocking to front-end registration, ensuring a seamless experience for the families we serve. At the end of the day, I helped Bruce, a young volunteer, stock the shelves. Bruce has been a volunteer for four months and enjoys learning new things about the Foodbank.

Leadership & Impact

Pantry Coordinator Jessica Wright oversees the intersection of logistics and people. Her role is a balancing act of supply chain management and volunteer training, ensuring the pantry can scale to meet the needs of up to 214 families in a single day. She enjoys meeting people and seeing the impact on the community. Agency Services VISTA, Kim, assists and answers client questions.

A Call to Action

I would highly recommend taking a lunch break on a Tuesday or Friday to see the pantry during its peak time. Those days are the busiest and really express the need in the community for food.

Originally published on Off the Rack .

Capturing the heart of a mission is about the people involved. See a similar approach in my reflection on the Ronald McDonald House of Columbus .

New Jeeps for Sale in Marshalltown, IA | SEO Strategy Sample

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 23:12:06 GMT

New Jeeps for Sale in Marshalltown, Iowa

This piece represents a localized SEO framework developed for a high-volume automotive dealership. The objective was to transform technical inventory data into a geo-targeted narrative that captures "bottom-of-the-funnel" search intent. By focusing on specific local pain points and manufacturer-specific perks (like Jeep Wave), I helped scale organic visibility across 60+ regional locations.

Who Are We?

Marshalltown, Iowa, is home to many great car dealerships, but none compare to LOCAL DEALER. LOCAL DEALER has a wide selection of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM models, and is located on a short drive to Ames, Iowa. We have received awards for our customer-first approach because we are a family business, so we treat our customers like family. If you are looking for a new car, truck, jeep, SUV, or van, we’ll be happy to assist you. We offer a live chat feature on our website to make things easier for you and you even have the option of texting us.

The Perks

Our 2022 Jeeps are very popular because we offer our Jeep Wave Customer Care on new Jeeps when you buy from us. Jeep Wave Customer Care is designed to eliminate the friction of new vehicle ownership. It provides worry-free maintenance and 24/7 support, ensuring that the investment in a new vehicle is backed by long-term protection.You are investing when you purchase a new vehicle, so we want you to

love your purchase without the hassle.

Season of Buying

If you are looking for the best deal on a new Jeep in Marshalltown , check out the new 2022 Jeep Compass Latitude. This stylish, new vehicle normally goes for $34,950, but we are knocking $2,099 off the price and offering $500 bonus cash. The Latitude integrates advanced safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warnings, to prioritize driver security without sacrificing performance. On top of safety features, this Jeep has a 6-speed transmission and a 2.4-liter engine, leading to amazing performance.

Time to Drive, Time to Save

The Jeep Compass Latitude is a great Jeep for a great price, but we have other Jeeps on sale as well. Our 2022 Jeep Gladiator Sport is a steal at $45,166 and bonus cash of $1,750. That’s $3,079 off the retail price and a bonus that can be applied to additional features like heated front seats. The Sport offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so drivers don’t have to touch their phones while driving. With an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the 2022 Jeep Gladiator is battle-tested and ready for a test drive.

Come See Us Today!

The 2022 Jeep Gladiator Sport and the 2022 Jeep Compass Latitude won’t be waiting around forever, so come to our dealership and test drive them for yourself. Our dealership is located at 1700 SE 16th Street in Ames, Iowa. We also have other new 2022 Jeeps in our inventory and offer a warranty forever life. What does that mean? It means that each qualifying vehicle comes with a lifetime powertrain warranty at no additional cost to you. That’s why you should buy from us, buy from a LOCAL DEALER. Give us a call at 515-686-5517, and we will help get you in the vehicle of your dreams today!

Note: This article served as a template for a successful 2022-2023 campaign that led to a measurable increase in local search rankings and lead generation for the Marshalltown and Ames regions.

Mark Mandelbaum | Strategy, Resilience & Content Insights

The Window

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How Social Media is Changing the Business Landscape

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Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, and a Little Bit of Love

Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, and a Little Bit of Love

Day in the Life of Kroger Food Pantry

Day in the Life: Kroger Food Pantry

New Jeeps for Sale in Marshalltown, IA | SEO Strategy Sample

New Jeeps for Sale in Marshalltown, Iowa ﻿

Interview with Kosha Dillz: Life, Hip Hop, and Hustle

New Jeeps for Sale in Marshalltown, Iowa