Influencer Impact
Influencer Impact
People First
Influencer Impact is a monthly podcast from People First, exploring influencer and digital strategies for advocacy groups, nonprofits, and campaigns. Hosted by Ryan Davis and Nicole Dunger, the podcast features special guests from the agency and marketing world. Tune in to stay ahead of the latest digital strategies your organization needs to succeed in today’s communications lands.
Special Edition: Talking MAHA Microinfluencers and 2028 with Digital Analyst Joe Drymala
In this special edition of Influencer Impact, Nicole and Ryan sit down with Joe Drymala, political social media analyst and owner of Share of Voice. They discuss how microinfluencers powered RFK Jr.’s MAHA movement—and which 2028 contender is surprisingly popular with young men online.
Jun 18, 2025
22 min
Episode 5 - Hyperlocal Influence: Sparking Change in Their Own Communities
In this months episode of Influencer Impact, Ryan and Nicole sit down with Sara St. Hilaire and Philip Holmes of Swell Creative Group to explore how local creators helped pass Measure A in LA County. From strategy to storytelling, they unpack how community-rooted influence can power big wins and lasting change. While you're here, make sure to check out and subscribe to our Substack by the same name! Where we break down online discourse and audience behavior to harness social media for meaningful advocacy.
Jun 5, 2025
26 min
Episode 4 - Standing Up: Social Media’s Role in Defending Trans Rights
In this month’s episode of Influencer Impact, we’re diving into the digital frontlines of trans advocacy with two powerhouse voices from the ACLU: Justin Kipp, Artist & Influencer Engagement Strategist, and Gillian Branstetter, Communications Strategist for the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project. From the viral potential of creator-led campaigns to the stakes of the U.S. v. Skrmetti case, we explore how social media can be a lifeline—and a battleground—for trans rights. Whether you’re an advocate, an ally, or a creator looking to speak out, this conversation is a must-listen.
Apr 30, 2025
24 min
Episode 3 - Building Progressive Creator Communities
In this month’s episode, we’re joined by Val Cheney, our Director of Organizing, and Jiovanni Carrasquillo, our Senior Digital Relational Organizer, where we discuss how People First builds a vibrant, values-aligned creator community. We dive into how we manage to keep creators engaged, empowered, and ready to share the causes they care about most
Apr 2, 2025
24 min
Episode 2 - The Power of Influencers in Spreading DEI Messages
For March, Ryan and Nicole sit down with Sophia, an Account Director at Fenton, to explore how organizations approach DEI and why it matters. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how we deploy real people to bring authentic voices to the conversation. Don’t miss this must-read resource from Stanford:  https://people1st.substack.com/p/whats-your-creativity-suppression
Mar 6, 2025
23 min
Episode 1 - Leveraging Influencers for Advocacy Organizations
For February, Ryan and Nicole are joined by Natasha del Amo, Vice President of Paid Media at Precision Strategies. They discuss the role of influencers in nonprofit and corporate advocacy, the best ways to position creators for clients, and what Natasha is most excited about in 2025 marketing.
Feb 5, 2025
20 min