The Member Lounge Podcast: Unlocking Association Success

Hosted by Farhad Khan

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Oct 2026

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Tune in to level up your association game! The Member Lounge Podcast is driven to provide incredible value to associations through interviews with industry experts. Our episodes are like treasure chests filled with invaluable insights straight from brilliant leaders in their fields. From member engagement strategies to successful fundraising to innovation planning, we’ve got it all covered.

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October 22, 20261 hr 8 min

Podcasting and digital content as drivers of growth for associations

In this episode of The Member Lounge Podcast, Farhad Khan sits down with Eric Grotenhuis, brand strategist and creative director, to explore how associations can use podcasting, video, and digital storytelling to reach new audiences, strengthen member engagement, and get more value from the content they already create. With experience working on national campaigns for brands like Target and General Mills, as well as helping associations and nonprofits sharpen their messaging, Eric brings a practical perspective on creating content that connects with people, even when budgets and staff time are limited. What You Will Learn in This Episode The Content Visibility Gap: Why associations can produce incredible amounts of valuable content and still struggle to build a strong digital presence, and how to start closing that gap. Why Podcasting Works for Associations: What makes interviews and conversations different from traditional content formats, and how they can help associations reach new audiences and engage existing members. Turning Content into Membership Growth: How podcasts, videos, and digital content can support member acquisition, build trust, and give people more reasons to connect with your association. Creating More with Less: How to produce engaging content without a professional production team or a big budget, while making better use of existing events, interviews, and resources. Making Content Production Easier: How to get members and event attendees comfortable participating in interviews, and where AI tools can help smaller teams save time. Meet the Guest: Eric Grotenhuis Eric Grotenhuis is a brand strategist and creative director who helps organizations clarify their messaging and strengthen their marketing impact. A graduate of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Eric began his career working on national campaigns for SC Johnson, General Mills, Pillsbury, Target, and Chip Ganassi Racing. In 2001, he moved to Sacramento and became a partner at Page Design Group, helping the firm expand beyond traditional design into digital marketing and brand messaging. His work spans associations, nonprofits, and public agencies, including Visit California, the California Rice Commission, and the Department of Water Resources. Eric combines creative storytelling with practical strategies that help organizations communicate more effectively and make the most of their marketing resources. Connect with Eric: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-grotenhuis-pagedesign/ Page Design Group: https://pagedesign.com Marketing Team of One: https://marketingteamofone.com About Your Host: Farhad Khan Farhad Khan is the CEO of Member Lounge, an AI-powered engagement platform for associations, named one of the Fastest-Growing Companies in Ottawa. He was also awarded Top 40 under 40 by the Ottawa Business Journal. He believes in giving back and supporting the next generation of leaders, which is why he serves on the ForesightWorks committee at ASAE and the Founder Council at Invest Ottawa. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

August 4, 202650 min

Trust, Transparency, and AI: How Associations Can Lead the Conversation

In this episode of The Member Lounge Podcast, Farhad Khan sits down with Jamie Atchison, Senior Director of Innovation and Strategy at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, to talk about what responsible AI adoption actually looks like for associations. With more than 16 years of experience bringing together people, technology, and strategy, Jamie brings a grounded perspective on AI governance, data ethics, and how associations can lead their professions through this moment of rapid change. What You Will Learn in This Episode Who Belongs in the Room: Why the AI conversation needs more voices than most associations are currently including, and what it costs when key perspectives get left out. What Associations Can Actually Do: How to build frameworks and purpose-built AI tools that give members access to trusted, vetted content instead of sending them to the open web. Who Is Responsible When AI Gets It Wrong: A real example from a pharmacy association, and Jamie's answer on where accountability sits when an AI system makes a mistake. The Data Governance Problem: Why incomplete or biased training data is one of the most underestimated risks in any AI deployment, and how to think about it before you build. Adopting a Pilot Mindset: How launching small, staying agile, and structuring low-risk experiments creates room for recoverable mistakes and helps build trust over time. Meet the Guest: Jamie Atchison Jamie Atchison is a senior technology and strategy leader with more than 16 years of experience driving organizational transformation through innovative digital solutions, strategic planning, and human-centered approaches to technology and systems development. At the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), Jamie leads the strategic direction and execution of digital initiatives that strengthen the academic public health ecosystem and enhance organizational performance. About Your Host: Farhad Khan Farhad Khan is the CEO of Member Lounge, an AI-powered engagement platform for associations, named one of the Fastest-Growing Companies in Ottawa. He was also awarded Top 40 under 40 by the Ottawa Business Journal. He believes in giving back and supporting the next generation of leaders, which is why he serves on the ForesightWorks committee at ASAE and the Founder Council at Invest Ottawa. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

February 27, 20261 hr 5 min

Why Association Marketing Feels Harder Than Ever (And How to Fix It)

In this conversation, Olena Lima breaks down why association marketing feels increasingly complex and how leaders can simplify their approach without losing impact. Drawing from her work at MemberBoat and years of advising associations, Olena shares practical insights on engagement strategy, digital transformation, and what to prioritize when everything feels urgent. This episode is about working smarter, not louder. Meet the Guest: Olena Lima As the Founder and Principal Consultant at MemberBoat, Olena Lima empowers associations with innovative digital solutions and expert marketing strategies, fostering engagement, growth, and value for their members. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, she guides member-based organizations through their digital transformation journeys, helping them embrace emerging tools and create a commercial mindset. Olena specializes in membership marketing, member experience, digital strategy, technology planning and implementation, and marketing automation. Her work is driven by a passion for creative marketing initiatives that make a tangible impact on clients' member experience. As the host of the Membership Marketing School & Association Hub Podcast, Olena shares insights and trends in membership marketing, engagement, and association technology. Additionally, she is a frequent speaker and contributor on these topics, always eager to engage with fellow professionals. Your Host: Farhad Khan Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge, brings his deep experience in association tech, community engagement, and AI implementation to guide the conversation. With a passion for practical innovation, Farhad helps associations cut through the noise and build future-ready strategies. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

February 20, 20261 hr 6 min

Return on Emotion (ROE): The Secret to Building Communities That Stick

Associations measure ROI, but the real magic is in ROE: Return on Emotion. When members feel connected, included, and energized, they don’t just show up—they stay, they contribute, and they bring others with them. That’s the power Liz Lathan, CMP, Co-Founder and Head of Content & Community at Club Ichi, brings to every community and event: designing “fun with purpose” experiences that turn strangers into champions. What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why “Return on Emotion” drives more loyalty than ROI ever could ✅ The 3 types of engagement every association must balance ✅ The 5 S’s of community building (and how to apply them today) ✅ Liz’s 5 favorite ways to transform events into true connection hubs ✅ How to turn “fun” into a serious strategy for growth and retention Meet the Guest: Liz Lathan, CMP is the Co-Founder and Head of Content & Community at Club Ichi. Leveraging her corporate background, passion for revenue-driven event marketing, and desire to bring people together for shared experiences, Liz believes conversation can solve all the world’s problems. Through her connector and facilitator ethos, she helps associations and nonprofits design communities that thrive on purpose and play. Meet the Host: Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge, brings his deep experience in association tech, community engagement, and AI implementation to guide the conversation. With a passion for practical innovation, Farhad helps associations cut through the noise and build future-ready strategies. ROI keeps the books balanced. ROE keeps your community alive. Are you measuring the right one? Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

December 19, 20251 hr 26 min

Make Associations Fun Again - Build for FUN & VALUE

In this episode of the Member Lounge podcast, we dive into how to build for both fun and value by placing human connection back at the center of your strategy. Why Connection Trumps Content Many leaders believe that adding more resources will solve engagement issues. However, without a foundation of trust, even the best content falls flat. If you want to drive real action, you must make your members and your team feel something again. What You Will Learn in This Episode We move past the "fluff" and get straight into practical, human-centric strategies: All Carrots, No Sticks: Discover real-world strategies that build connection without the pressure of traditional corporate "must-dos. Habits for Loyalty: Learn simple, repeatable habits that transform basic engagement into long-term member loyalty. Authentic Leadership: Understand why being a "human" leader matters more than ever in an increasingly automated industry. Meet the Guest: Ginger "Vitamin G" Johnson Drawing from a fascinating background as a firefighter, art teacher, and retail executive, Ginger Johnson now serves as a "Chief Connecting Officer." Known as "Vitamin G" for her high-energy approach, Ginger specializes in the power of genuine connection. She helps organizations build cultures of belonging where every person feels seen and valued. Through her dynamic storytelling, she provides the roadmap for teams to move toward a shared, authentic vision. About Your Host: Farhad Khan Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge, hosts this exploration into association innovation. With his deep expertise in association technology and community engagement, Farhad helps organizations cut through the noise. His goal is to help you implement practical strategies that ensure your association is future-ready and human-focused. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

December 16, 20251 hr 3 min

Double your member influence 👍. Craft stories that AI could never!

What You’ll Learn: 🎯 The AMPLIFII Formula™ - Frame, Message, and Tie-Down techniques that cut through digital noise 🧩 The Narrative Gap Phenomenon - Fill the spaces where people naturally create stories and become the voice they trust 🔥 Your Origin Story as a Weapon - Why your personal journey beats even the most polished AI-generated content 🧠 The Neuroscience of Human Connection - How authenticity and emotional intelligence spark real influence 📱 Social Media Strategy for Humans - Practical frameworks to stand out in AI-saturated feeds Meet the Guest: René Rodriguez is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership advisor who has spent years researching and applying behavioral neuroscience to some of the toughest challenges in leadership, sales, and change. René helps individuals and organizations amplify their influence by mastering the art of storytelling, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection. Meet the Host: Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge, brings his deep experience in association tech, community engagement, and AI implementation to guide the conversation. With a passion for practical innovation, Farhad helps associations cut through the noise and build future-ready strategies. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

October 9, 20251 hr 52 min

Marketing in an AI World: Community Over Content

In This Episode, We’ll Explore: ✅ The impact of AI on content creation and association engagement ✅ Why fostering community is more crucial than ever ✅ Practical strategies to strengthen member connections in the AI era Meet the Guest: Jonathan Milne We’re excited to welcome Jonathan Milne, VP of AI Services at Demand Spring , where he helps B2B marketing leaders implement AI strategies that drive real results. With over 20 years at the intersection of marketing and technology, Jonathan has led enterprise clients through complex MarTech implementations and data-driven marketing strategies. A recognized thought leader and Top 40 Under 40 honoree, he frequently speaks at industry events like MarketingProfs B2B Forum and B2B Marketing Exchange. Co-host: Bruce Rosenthal Joining us as co-host is Bruce Rosenthal, a seasoned consultant specializing in association partnerships and sponsorships. Bruce has a rich history of developing successful non-dues revenue programs and is a recognized thought leader in the field. His expertise complements our discussion, providing practical insights into revenue strategies that drive member engagement. Your Host: Farhad Khan This episode will be hosted by Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge . As an expert in association technology and engagement, Farhad has worked with countless organizations to help them leverage AI, community-building, and innovative revenue strategies to drive long-term success. Passionate about helping associations grow, Farhad brings deep industry knowledge and insightful perspectives to the conversation. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry leaders . Tune in and discover how associations can stay ahead by prioritizing community in the AI era ! Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

September 29, 20251 hr 13 min

The AI Wake-Up Call for Associations: Inside the CSAE 2025 Report

In This Episode, We’ll Cover: ✅ Key insights from a national survey of Canadian associations and their current use of AI ✅ The top roadblocks preventing meaningful adoption and how to overcome them ✅ What association professionals are really worried about when it comes to AI ✅ Actionable steps to bridge the gap between interest and implementation Meet the Guest: Gerald Bramm Gerald Bramm is the founder and principal of Bramm Research , where he has led hundreds of research projects across Canada and the U.S. for more than 20 years. His expertise spans the full spectrum of survey research: from large-scale online surveys to in-depth interviews and focus groups. Gerald brings a unique blend of data expertise and sector knowledge that makes him especially well-equipped to uncover and interpret the realities facing associations today. Your Host: Farhad Khan Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge , brings his deep experience in association tech, community engagement, and AI implementation to guide the conversation. With a passion for practical innovation, Farhad helps associations cut through the noise and build future-ready strategies. If you’ve been wondering where your association stands or where to even begin, this episode is for you . Tune in to get the data, the context, and the clarity you need to take your next step with AI . Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

August 6, 20251 hr 26 min

Book Launch Party - Turn corporate sponsorships into mission-aligned revenue

What to expect: A behind-the-scenes look at Bruce's approach to customized, consultative partnerships reinforced with a marketing agency model A discussion on how to increase and diversify revenue without compromising your association’s mission and values Strategies to create lasting value for both sponsors and members Real-world lessons on navigating economic shifts and evolving sponsor expectations This book is already being called a game-changer by industry leaders. Don’t miss your chance to listen to the author and rethink what’s possible with corporate sponsorships. View the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7FRB736 Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

April 16, 20251 hr 2 min

Spark Year-Round Engagement from Conferences with Bob Vaez

This episode brings a dynamic mix of tech expertise and sponsorship know-how, offering practical steps to make every conference a launchpad for deeper, ongoing relationships. Together with our host Farhad Khan, Bruce Rosenthal and Bob Vaez cover creative ways to use event data, session insights, and member behaviors to build smarter programming, targeted outreach, and stronger sponsor value. Tune in to get fresh ideas on: Why Conferences Are Just the Beginning Associations often treat the annual conference as the finish line—but it should be the kickoff. Learn how to think of your conference as a tactic, not the end goal, and build a strategy that maximizes its value all year. Segmenting Smarter, Not Harder Forget overcomplicated surveys. Bob shares how to segment your audience just by observing what they do—what sessions they attend, what content they engage with—so you can follow up with hyper-relevant programming, webinars, and more. Turning Engagement Signals into Action You already have the data you need. Whether it’s session check-ins, Q&A participation, or content downloads, learn how to use simple insights to fuel personalized outreach and better post-event experiences. Curated Connections That Actually Work From topic lounges to post-event discussion groups, discover how to create intentional, topic-driven networking that beats random hallway encounters—and gives sponsors more meaningful exposure. Repurposing Content Like a Pro Most breakout sessions vanish after the event. Not anymore. Get tips on how to record content with just a smartphone, generate transcripts with AI, and turn your best sessions into ongoing webinars, blog posts, and more. Breaking the Mental Blocks Around Year-Round Engagement Think it's too hard to engage members year-round? Think again. Farhad shares the mindset shifts—and modern tools—that make it easier than ever to keep delivering value beyond the three-day conference. About Our Guests Bob Vaez is the Founder and CEO of EventMobi, a leading event technology platform used by associations worldwide. With over 15 years of experience supporting mid-sized conferences, Bob is passionate about building tools that go beyond logistics and create lasting connections among members. Bruce Rosenthal is a seasoned sponsorship strategist who helps associations increase non-dues revenue while enhancing member value. With decades of experience both in-house and as a consultant, Bruce brings practical, results-driven insights to the world of partnerships and engagement. Don’t miss this energizing conversation that will change how you think about conferences—and what comes next. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.