{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 250: Scaling Regulated Brands & Building What You Believe In","description":"Episode 250:  Scaling Regulated Brands & Building What You Believe In Episode Description What happens when you mix a viral beverage, a high-compliance industry, and one of the sharpest minds in performance marketing? In this episode, recorded live at Smart Marketer Live 2025, Nick Shackelford joins Zach Dampier for a candid behind-the-scenes look at building BR\u0112Z a microdose beverage brand blending THC, functional mushrooms, and adaptogens. From navigating paid media challenges to retail expansion, Nick shares real talk on scaling products you care about, retention strategies that actually work, and why creative still trumps targeting on Meta. \u201cOur mission is to reduce human suffering and maximize human potential through a better beverage.\u201d \u2013 Nick Shackelford You Will Learn: How to scale a product in a highly regulated category like THC The exact creative that outperforms for BR\u0112Z (hint: it\u2019s not what you expect) Why retail is still essential, even for DTC brands A smarter way to build LTV from first purchase to loyal customer Why "broad targeting" is Meta\u2019s new reality Nick\u2019s bold prediction about AI-generated content and Meta\u2019s next big move  Links & Resources Smart Marketer Black Friday \/ Cyber Monday Sale \u2013 smartmarketer.com\/BFCM-2025 BR\u0112Z Beverage \u2013 drinkbrez.com Nick Shackelford on Instagram \u2013 @iamnickshackelford Smart Marketer \u2013 smartmarketer.com Instagram \u2013 @smartmarketerig \u2013 Follow Us Instagram \u2013 @mollypittmandigital \u2013 Follow Molly Omnisend (Email & SMS Tool) \u2013 smartmarketer.com\/omnisend \u2013 Use code SMART for 50% off Timestamps 00:00 \u2013 Intro: Nick Shackelford joins live at Smart Marketer Live 02:46 \u2013 Nick\u2019s journey & how BR\u0112Z was born 04:08 \u2013 From agency life to brand ownership 05:27 \u2013 Navigating compliance in regulated industries (like THC) 07:19 \u2013 Cultural shifts: The rise of non-alcoholic social beverages 09:35 \u2013 Why retail still wins: \u201cCans in hands\u201d matters 10:42 \u2013 The creative that outperformed all ads: A real customer call 12:35 \u2013 LTV & retention: How to optimize post-purchase flow 14:21 \u2013 The most common mistake in paid ads (and what Meta reps say now) 16:25 \u2013 What fuels Nick\u2019s team: Mission, movement, and remote hustle 19:10 \u2013 Full-circle moment: How pirated Ezra content sparked Nick\u2019s career 22:51 \u2013 Purpose & product: Nick\u2019s take on meaningful business 24:38 \u2013 Bold prediction: Meta\u2019s new \u201cVibes\u201d AI feed & where it\u2019s heading 27:28 \u2013 Closing thoughts: Reaffirmation bubbles, dual realities & what\u2019s next Call to Action Thanks for tuning in to Episode 249 of the Smart Marketer Podcast! \ud83c\udfa7 If this episode brought you value: \u2705 Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts \ud83d\udcf2 Share it with your network and tag us \u2013 use #WeOutHere \ud83d\udcac Questions or feedback? Email us at support@smartmarketer.com \ud83d\udca5 Take advantage of our biggest sale of the year \u2013 Save up to 60% during the Smart Marketer BFCM Sale + get two bonus gifts. Ends December 4, 2025. \u2192 smartmarketer.com\/BFCM-2025 And remember: Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! \ud83d\ude80 ","author_name":"The Smart Marketer Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/smartmarketer.com\/","html":"