006 Pixel Thoughts: Meditation Tool Gone Viral With Marc Balaban

006 Pixel Thoughts: Meditation Tool Gone Viral With Marc Balaban

Author: Brian Swichkow: Social Engineering, Digital Empathy, Community Marketing November 25, 2015 Duration: 38:44

Marc Balaban wanted to escape his job in tech recruitment to improve his web development skills and move towards something more creative. He joined a hackathon to push those boundaries and was challenged to create a product in a weekend. Living in San Francisco, California where technology and mindfulness are commonly included in the same conversations he opted to create a sixty second meditation tool. He dubbed it Pixel Thoughts.

Some weeks after the hackathon he finished the app and submitted it to Reddit's /r/InternetIsBeautiful where it received far more traction than he ever expected. While his intention was to build something that showcased his skills, he never anticipated that a fun project would generate such substantial professional leverage. Marc's story is a phenomenal example of how powerful passion and self-education can be as tools for marketing your creative skills. 

Create social leverage with the Ghost Influence community.

Music: 'Whylex - Brillante Atardecer (Especial Sunset Mix)'


Ever wonder what really happens in the hours after a post explodes on Reddit? The Ghost Influence Podcast: How Viral Happens On Reddit goes beyond the upvote count to explore the human stories and strategic decisions that follow sudden internet fame. Hosted by Brian Swichkow, whose background in social engineering and digital empathy provides a unique lens, each conversation dissects a specific case of viral content. You’ll hear directly from the people who created or were thrust into the spotlight, learning not just how something caught fire, but more importantly, what they chose to do with that fleeting attention. This isn't about generic tips; it's a deep dive into the nuanced art of turning a temporary surge of views into lasting impact, whether that's building a business, advocating for a cause, or simply understanding the mechanics of online communities. The podcast meticulously deconstructs the ecosystem of platforms like Reddit, revealing how genuine community interaction can lead to massive, organic exposure. For anyone curious about the intersection of modern marketing, psychology, and digital culture, these conversations offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the real work that happens after the meme is made. Tune in for a compelling analysis of influence that feels both authentic and actionable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 16

The Ghost Influence Podcast: How Viral Happens On Reddit
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