Why Being Funny is Good For Business
Laughter cuts through the clutter — and drives results. Actor and comedian Adam Pally, SmartLess Media President Richard Korson, and VP, Head of Global Revenue Partnerships for SiriusXM Kelli Hurley join moderator Marissa Ronca to unpack how brands and media companies are using humor to connect, convert, and grow fandom. From podcasts to partnerships, they’ll share insights on how humor can mean serious business.
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Adam Pally
Adam Pally is an actor, comedian, and writer best known for his role as Max Blum on Happy Endings, earning a Critics’ Choice nomination. He also starred in The Mindy Project and the Sonic the Hedgehog films. Pally currently appears in Paramount+'s Knuckles and co-stars in Peacock’s Mr. Throwback. He co-hosts the wellness podcast Staying Alive with Jon Gabrus. A longtime Upright Citizens Brigade performer, Pally lives in New York and is a New School graduate.
Kelli Hurley
Kelli Hurley is the VP, Global Head of Revenue Partnerships for SiriusXM, where she is focused on driving podcast growth and optimization for both the podcast creators and the sales teams. Bringing creative, innovative ideas to the marketplace that will enhance revenue opportunities across SiriusXM’s expansive portfolio.
Kelli is a radio and digital audio veteran with 17 years of network radio, streaming and podcasting experience under her belt. Previously, Kelli Hurley was SVP, Digital Partnerships for Westwood One, where she oversaw podcast talent relation, acquisition of new shows, partnerships and revenue. Kelli was the early champion of building the Westwood One Podcast Network, which officially launched in April of 2018.
Marissa Ronca
Marissa Ronca is a creative brand consultant and former EVP, Head of Original Programming at truTV, where she was a key architect of the network’s transformation into a multiplatform comedy brand with series like Impractical Jokers, Billy on the Street, and At Home with Amy Sedaris. Today, she brings her expertise in developing, launching, and scaling original content to help companies and creators craft strategies that connect with fans across all platforms.