Health Impressions: Authority, Acquisition, Retention

In this insightful episode, Bryan meets with Stephan Johnsen from Golden Tide Consulting who dives deep into the evolving landscape of SEO, especially in the realm of backlinks and the impact of AI on search dynamics. The discussion kicks off with an overview of Stephan's background and the unique dynamic of working with his family in a niche industry. He elaborates on the changing role of backlinks in SEO and how current trends in AI and search interfaces are reshaping strategic approaches in digital marketing. Stephan shares his practical insights into the nuanced strategies required for successful SEO in the medical industry. From the importance of citations and geographically relevant backlinks to leveraging Google Business Profiles, Stephan provides a comprehensive look at how local SEO can drive traffic and enhance brand visibility. He illustrates how health care practitioners can benefit from these strategies by ensuring their digital footprints are broadened and consistent across various platforms. Throughout the episode, Stephan emphasizes the need for a tactical shift toward more multimedia formats, adapting to AI's increasing role in content consumption and search engine results. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-johnsen/  Website: https://goldentideconsulting.com/

In this episode, Bryan Cush sits down with marketing experts Jerry Hobbs and Carrie Turansky, as they delve into the evolving landscape of healthcare marketing. This episode highlights the vital shift from basic communication tactics to a more scientific, data-driven approach in marketing strategies. Both Jerry and Carrie emphasize the importance of understanding operational workflows and patient needs as a foundation for successful healthcare marketing. By sharing their extensive experience, they offer insights into how healthcare organizations can build robust marketing teams and strategies that align with broader business goals. Healthcare marketing is no longer a question of mere ads and communications. Jerry and Carrie discuss how the integration of data, consumer insights, and research can transform the role of marketing within health systems. They share anecdotes that illustrate the significance of brand building and the need for a balanced approach between brand presence and digital performance marketing. The conversation also touches upon the growing influence of AI in healthcare marketing and how it reshapes consumer interactions with brands, offering new opportunities for building authority and patient engagement. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieturansky/  Website: https://www.wellbe.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-hobbs-aa87294/  Website: https://pdog.com/

In this episode, Bryan Cush sits down with healthcare marketing veteran Mindy Grantham for a candid conversation on what modern healthcare marketing—especially in oncology—really requires. A cancer survivor herself, Mindy brings both professional and personal perspective from her work with leading institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, as well as experience outside the healthcare space. Together, they explore why healthcare marketing must evolve beyond traditional brand awareness toward strategies that drive meaningful patient acquisition and long-term retention. Mindy emphasizes that effective healthcare marketing starts with a deep understanding of business operations, financial realities, and the patient journey. She shares how smaller, more nimble organizations can compete with larger health systems, the growing importance of data-driven decision-making, and why a truly patient-first approach is essential—particularly in oncology, where trust, empathy, and clarity matter most. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-grantham/  Website: https://targetcontinuum.com/

Show notes: In this episode, Bryan Cush sits down with Teri Sun, Chief Strategy Officer at White Rhino, to explore how AI is transforming healthcare marketing. Teri explains how moving beyond static websites to dynamic, empathetic digital experiences can personalize patient journeys, using psychographic and emotional data to deliver clarity and trust. She also shares how AI is reshaping website development, making roles more interconnected and strategies more patient-focused. From real-time Personas to conversational websites, Teri envisions a future where healthcare digital experiences guide patients with tailored, supportive interactions at every step of their decision-making journey. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teribarrows/ Website: http://www.whiterhino.com

Show notes: In this episode, host Bryan Cush sits down with Jason Barnard for an eye-opening conversation on the powerful intersection of personal branding and digital algorithms. Together, they unpack how online personas can — and should — be intentionally designed to reflect and reinforce real-world credibility. Jason breaks down his signature framework, “Claim, Frame, and Prove,” which guides brands to take control of how they’re perceived by both AI systems and search engines. Drawing from Kalicube’s database of more than 9.4 billion data points, he explains how data-driven brand intelligence fuels visibility, trust, and authority in the digital landscape. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to use SEO, AI, and digital brand strategy to not only rank higher but resonate stronger — transforming online perception into tangible business success. About the Guest: Jason Barnard is a serial entrepreneur, award-winning innovator, bestselling author and acclaimed keynote speaker. He’s the CEO and founder of Kalicube, a premium Digital Branding Consultancy in France and the United States. Jason specializes in personal brand intelligence, giving business leaders control over how decision-makers perceive them on Google and AI when million-dollar decisions are at stake. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmbarnard/Website: https://jasonbarnard.com

Show notes: On this episode, Bryan Cush sits down with Rob Klein, who brings decades of experience analyzing the ever-evolving healthcare sector, to explore the transformative role of AI in healthcare marketing. They discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping consumer interactions with hospital websites and influencing decision-making. Rob shares his perspective on building authentic brand messaging in an AI-driven world, outlining the shift from traditional keyword-focused strategies to more meaningful, content-led engagement. He emphasizes the balance between brand building and performance marketing, and the importance of connecting with consumers beyond transactional exchanges. Key topics include the challenges of creating transparent patient experiences, the power of consumer reviews in shaping brand perception, and tactical strategies for engaging Gen Z in healthcare storytelling. About the Guest: Rob Klein, Founder & CEO of Klein & Partners, is a nationally recognized leader in health care brand management and measurement; communications evaluation and measurement; and service line development, working with hospitals and health systems for 40 years. His focus on staying abreast with developments inside and outside of health care ensures strategic and tactical counsel well-beyond the numbers. Rob has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in advertising from Michigan State University. He developed and teaches the SHSMD U online research class and has served on the SHSMD national board. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kleinbrandmanWebsite: www.kleinandpartners.com

Show notes: In this episode, host Bryan Cush speaks with Eliyah Finkelstein, co-founder of Vitalsphere Digital, about his journey from general app development to building impactful healthcare technology. Eliyah shares how Vitalsphere simplifies outdated systems to create user-friendly, HIPAA-compliant tools that improve patient care and streamline operations. They discuss the challenges of health tech, the importance of design for patients and caregivers, and standout projects—including a $300 million acquisition and collaborations with nonprofits like Pathways.org and Serum.org. Eliyah also offers insight into his development philosophy: in-house teams, senior engineers, and high-quality execution. About the Guest: Eliyah Finkelstein is the co-founder and CEO of Vitalsphere Digital, a software development agency focusing on healthcare technology. With over 15 years of experience in web and mobile app development, technical project management, and digital strategy, Eliyah has been committed to helping healthcare companies navigate the digital landscape. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliyah-finkelstein-5a19b055/Website: https://vitalsphere.digital

Show notes: In this episode, Bryan Cush sits down with Dr. John Oberg, founder of Precina Health, to discuss how his team is transforming chronic disease care—especially for type 2 diabetes—through a highly personalized, tech-driven model. Dr. Oberg shares how his background and vision led to a 98% success rate in improving patient outcomes by focusing on the human side of medicine while integrating AI to reduce inefficiencies. The conversation covers how meeting patients where they are—both emotionally and practically—can drive real change, and how even techniques from FBI negotiations are being used to improve patient engagement. About the Guest: John Oberg is a founder, CEO, board director, advisor, professor, and investor known for guiding organizations through growth, conflict, and change. He co-founded Precina Health with Dr. Dustyn Williams, where they developed a breakthrough approach to treating Type 2 Diabetes. Previously, John founded Sedera, an Austin-based medical cost-sharing company that ranked #193 on the Inc. 500. He currently serves on the boards of OnlineMedEd and Health Admins, and advises major institutions through his firm, John Oberg Advisory. He holds a doctorate in Social Work from USC and an MBA in Policy & Planning and Technology Management from the University of New Mexico. He is also an adjunct professor at USC. With over 30 years of experience, John has led teams of 1,000+, authored patents, and launched multiple companies. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he now lives in Austin with his family. He enjoys outdoor activities, SCUBA diving, golf, and holds a second-degree black belt in orthodox karate.

In this episode, host Bryan Cush sits down with Bob Lachance to explore how Virtual Assistants (VAs) are revolutionizing the way medical practices run and grow. Known for helping businesses boost efficiency, Bob shares how VAs are solving one of healthcare’s biggest pain points: hiring and retaining talent. The conversation covers how VAs can handle everything from front desk coordination and billing to SEO and social media—allowing in-house staff to focus on high-value work. Bob explains how VAs can drive patient acquisition through smarter marketing, while also helping practices stay competitive with a stronger digital presence. He also breaks down how VAs are seamlessly integrated into medical teams, including how AI tools help them match a doctor’s voice and communication style. Bob and Bryan discuss the cost savings and operational benefits of outsourcing, and why more healthcare organizations are turning to VAs as a scalable, long-term solution. Packed with actionable insights, this episode offers a fresh look at how virtual staffing is changing the game for modern medical practices

In this episode, host Bryan Cush sits down with Kirsten Lecky, Executive Vice President of Insights and Growth at WG Content, to explore the power of empathy in healthcare marketing. As AI, data, and technology continue to reshape the industry, they discuss why keeping the human element at the forefront is more important than ever. Kirsten shares her expertise on balancing technical efficiency with authentic, empathetic communication, emphasizing how storytelling and relationship-building lead to better outcomes and stronger trust—both within organizations and with patients. She also offers a fresh perspective on how AI can be leveraged as a tool for empathy, rather than a replacement for it, ensuring that technology enhances rather than diminishes human connection. Together, Bryan and Kirsten break down practical strategies for fostering an empathetic culture, from internal communication to patient engagement. They also tackle the fine balance between being found versus being chosen, revealing how healthcare marketers can create SEO-driven content that still feels personal, genuine, and patient-focused.