Brands Unbridled

In the newest episode of Brands Unbridled, hosts Aaron Burghard and Harrison Stammell sit down with Sandor Weisz, commissioner of The Mystery League, a Chicago-based company of creative puzzle-makers that stage live and remote interactive experiences and games. We discuss the parallels between the art of making an elegant puzzle and brand building and why starting with a desired emotional response is paramount. Listen to how Sandor's passion-turned-career challenges puzzle participants and encourages collaboration, one clue at a time. 

Interested in trying a berry that temporarily changes the way you taste? Looking to be Immersed in Chance The Rapper's iconic ACID RAP album? The latest episode of Brands Unbridled features a chat with Ryan Kunkel from WNDR Global, an interactive art and technology brand consisting of WNDR Museums, WNDR Studios, and WNDRx. Learn more about how WNDR's innovative approach differentiates them from traditional museums, the impact of COVID-19 on their in person activations, and get some tips and tricks from Ryan on building a successful national brand.

We're excited to bring you our latest episode of Brands Unbridled featuring Brian Szejka, Publisher and EVP Global Partnerships at Rolling Stone. Discover how Rolling Stone has evolved in its 50+ year history from a print publication to a multi-dimensional media brand.

Brands Unbridled is back with an incredible guest: Sarah Spliethoff, the powerhouse behind Sunniemade — an independently-owned plastic-free personal care brand. Hear the inspiring story of how Sarah is turning her passion for protecting the planet into sustainable everyday essentials for all.

In our latest episode, we chat with Jonah Fialkow and Kaitlyn Hurley, the co-founders of Bracketology, the premier centralized fantasy gaming platform for reality television. Listen in as they share what it takes to turn a passion project into a nationwide brand and how they plan to continue growing their community in the upcoming years.

New year, new episode! This time, our creative strategy director Aaron Burghard was joined in studio by HmntyCntrd's founder, Vivianne Castillo, for a conversation about what it takes to build incredible brand momentum through the pursuit of creativity without fear, by choosing courage in lieu of comfort, and ultimately investing in yourself.

Have you ever been in a position where you had to choose between the corner Starbucks and your local black, queer and veteran-owned coffee shop? Actually, let's rephrase the question: do you know where the local black, queer, veteran-owned coffee shop is in your neighborhood? This episode of Brands Unbridled examines matters just like this with IB Majekodunmi, founder of Refine Collective—a community that makes it easy to identify and support minority and women-owned businesses + freelancers. In this conversation, IB shares how recognizing a gap between the growing purchasing power of people of color, women and members of the LGBTQ+ community led to a digital network that provides consumers the opportunity to easily locate and buy from the underrepresented, in addition to cultivating a network for business owners.

It's a new year, and we've got a fresh new episode of Brands Unbridled to kick it off! We spent some time with Zeke Bronfman, co-founder and CEO of XED Beverages (a Storyhorse client!), who gives us a peek under the hood of what it took to build not one, but two delicious and successful beverage brands (with more on the way!). Pop the top on this fresh episode and give it a listen!

In episode 9 of Brands Unbridled, we talk about the sustainability initiatives taking flight at Delta Air Lines. Tune in to hear from Amelia DeLuca, Managing Director of Sustainability and Emmakate Young, Director of Brand Strategy & Marketing at Delta. They share how they became the first carbon neutral airline in the world (amid a global pandemic, btw) and shed light on their new ad spot that confronts the paradox of travel.

In episode 8 of Brands Unbridled, we were excited to connect with Matt Matros, the entrepreneurial mastermind behind brands like Protein Bar + Kitchen and Limitless Sparkling Water. His latest venture, Shopflix Studios, is a shoppable platform that breathes new life into the model used by consumer networks of yesteryear. Give it a listen to learn everything from Matt's advice for budding entrepreneurs to why he believes a brand's visual identity is often the most critical component of its success (spoiler alert: we agree!).

In episode 7 of Brands Unbridled, we had the opportunity to speak with Peter Sloterdyk, Global Chief Marketing & Technology Officer for the Australian-based, customer-focused furniture company Koala. Peter's storied career has taken him from the agency world to leading global marketing efforts for the likes of Grindr and Netflix. During our conversation we had the opportunity to hear his thoughts on purposeful and authentic representation in marketing and communication campaigns and how global brands need to avoid cultural imperialism as they expand into non-Westernized areas of the world. So, sit back, relax, and let's celebrate Pride Month with a fun-filled and informative episode of Brands Unbridled!

In this sixth episode of Brands Unbridled, Storyhorse's DIrector of Strategy & Creative sits down with Clive Sirkin, whose many hats include former CMO of Kimberly Clark, former Chief Growth Officer of Kellogg's, former Group Managing Director for Leo Burnett, and current brand board member and growth advisor. We cover Clive's career trajectory and his take on agency- and brand-side marketing, the power of a promise, the symbolism of a plunger, and why he banned the term “digital marketing.” Tune in to hear this industry vet's advice on how to get brands unstuck, divorce sacred cows and recruit brand believers...not hostages. We hope you enjoy Clive's fresh (and hot) take – we did!

Brands Unbridled's fifth episode is a fun chat with Andrea Schwenk, VP of Marketing for Egglife Foods, the fun and playful brand behind their flagship product, egglife wraps - a protein-rich and low-carb alternative to flour tortillas. Tune in for more on their approach to user-generated content and how they grew the brand from a one-woman kitchen operation to a commercialized line of products in just two short years (you might even pick up a recipe idea or two!).

In Brands Unbridled's latest episode, Storyhorse Director of Accounts and Development Brian Donahoe had the opportunity to speak with Mia Saini Duchnowski, founder and Executive Board member of Oars + Alps, the affordable, natural, premium men's skincare brand that's becoming a household staple around the country. Learn how she was able to grow Oars + Alps from an e-commerce startup to a tried-and-true brand and how Mia's mantra of "keep goingggggg" (to paraphrase Dory) can help you navigate the ups and downs of building a successful brand. So take to the oars, sit back and enjoy our latest episode with the effervescent and engaging, Mia Saini Duchnowski!

In Brands Unbridled's newest episode, Storyhorse VP, Managing Director Hunter Haas chats with Nathan Savory, Global Team Lead at TikTok, the social media platform that shot to stardom in 2020 by giving users the ability to step outside of their bubbles and connect - all while battling the President and a pandemic. We'll talk through how TikTok For Business has created a space where brands can unleash their creative side through a fully immersive (sound on!), no-judgement world where users are rapidly sharing content and creating an audience for every voice. Ready to be inspired and start searching for the latest hashtag trend? Or just laugh at our TikTok interpretation of a 10k? Listen in!

In Brands Unbridled's latest episode, Storyhorse Director of Strategy and Creative Sarah Spliethoff sits down (virtually) with Zach Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Public Rec, the athleisure brand known for everywhere-wear that's comfortable yet tailored. Learn about how he was able to carve out market share with a differentiated product, how they began with a little help from Kickstarter, their expansion with major retailers like Nordstrom and a new womenswear line, and how an epic Uber XL ride “delivered” pants….and this founder's secret sauce: humility. Put your joggers on, get comfortable and listen in for more.

In Brands Unbridled's premiere episode, Storyhorse Director of Production and Partnerships Liza Nikitas sits down with Molson Coors Director of Brand PR Kirby Nardo. What follows is an insightful conversation about staying relevant during COVID-19, the company's latest power play in the seltzer wars, their laser-focus on innovation, and how a 93-year old woman named Olive became their unofficial brand ambassador in the midst of the pandemic — and not an “unprecedented” was uttered! Need we say more? Crack open an ice-cold Molson Coors beverage and give it a listen!