Dare to Disrupt Episode 3 – Shaping Cultural Change with Jess Weiner

 Jess Weiner is a cultural expert and creative who has spent 26 years researching and educating on cultural trends in order to help people feel seen, heard + understood.  She is a bestselling author, podcast host and speaker who has connected with audiences from the White House to Wall Street.  

In this episode, Jess discusses how she has been a strategic partner in culture-changing moments such as Dove’s campaign for “Real Beauty” and the evolution of Barbie. She also talks about how Penn State helped her bring all of her interests together, giving her the skillsets she’d eventually use to start her brand consultancy Talk to Jess. 

At the end of the episode, Carley Furlow, a sophomore at Penn State studying business administration and founder of Sharps and Flats, a startup making assistive devices for people who have disabilities, injuries or limiting circumstances who play instruments, talks to Jess about networking and building a startup brand. 

Episode Chapters

• 0:00 – 4:14 Attending a performing arts school, meeting a PS student on a cruise
• 4:14 – 9:10 Starting a theatre company
• 9:10 – 10:59 MTV piece on Mifflin streak
• 10:59 – 18:39 Learning the power of media as a producer, writer
• 18:39 – 22:40 Working with Dove on Real Beauty campaign
• 22:40 – 29:49 Working with Mattel on the evolution of Barbie
• 29:49 – 32:55 Growing a personal brand business
• 32:55 – 39:19 Jess’s podcasting journey
• 39:19 – 41:16 Disrupting systems
• 41:16 – 48:06 Student section

About Jess Weiner 

Jess Weiner is a Culture Expert + the CEO of Talk to Jess, LLC. She graduated from the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture in 1995 with degrees in theater, women’s studies and classics. 

Download full episode transcript

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

Dare to Disrupt is a podcast about Penn State alumni who are innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders, and the stories behind their success. Learn more.