Strange on Purpose

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Strange on Purpose is a show hosted by misfits, entrepreneurs, and creatives. We interview some of the top minds on the planet; highlighting their stories, accomplishments, and delivering it to you in an actionable audio experience. This series is for the humans that don't mind going against the gr…

Urban Misfit Ventures


    • Jan 28, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 211 EPISODES

    4.9 from 68 ratings Listeners of Strange on Purpose that love the show mention: misfits, young, morning, huge, awesome podcast, inspiring, check, business, perspective, conversations, guys, looking forward, worth, insight, must listen, easy, hearing, real, love, guests.


    Ivy Insights

    The Strange on Purpose podcast is a refreshing and relatable journey that showcases the stories and insights of entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Hosted by Q and his team, this podcast offers a unique and diverse perspective that is often lacking in the business genre. The guests are interesting and provide great insight, while also bringing a human factor that makes it easy to connect with them. This podcast stands out for its ability to showcase people who look like you and provide advice that resonates with your own experiences.

    One of the best aspects of The Strange on Purpose podcast is the wide range of guests that Q brings on. From notable names to up-and-coming individuals, there is always someone interesting to listen to. The conversations are raw, real, and often feel like you're listening to long-time friends chat rather than strangers. The show delves into the struggles, achievements, and daily grind of entrepreneurship, which can be incredibly inspiring for those who are on their own entrepreneurial journey. The actionable pearls of wisdom shared by the guests make this podcast extremely valuable for anyone looking to grow in their field.

    While there are many positive aspects to this podcast, one potential downside is that some episodes may not resonate equally with all listeners. Since each episode features different guests with varying perspectives and experiences, some episodes may not be as relevant or interesting depending on personal preferences and interests. However, considering the wide range of topics covered on the show, it is highly likely that there will be episodes that appeal to every listener at some point.

    In conclusion, The Strange on Purpose podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship or seeking inspiration from relatable individuals who have achieved success. With its diverse range of guests offering fresh perspectives and actionable advice, this podcast has something for everyone. Whether you're starting your own business or simply looking to gain insights from thought leaders in various fields, this podcast provides valuable content that will leave you motivated and ready to take on your own journey.



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    Latest episodes from Strange on Purpose

    Tara Carsner of Home Team Talent

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2024 41:58


    Operating at the intersection of sport, music + fashion, Tara has 10+ years of experience working with major brands developing creative strategies, brokering talent partnerships + executing national campaigns.As an independent talent manager, she has delivered $5 million in partnerships for various independent creatives such as Lyrical Lemonade, Hypland, Kristopher Kites, Kodone + more. Driving partnerships with brands like NFL, NBA, Nike, Jordan, Instagram, Shopify, Walmart, Jack Daniels, Netflix, Honda + more.As an independent creative strategist and producer she has worked brand direct with clients like Cheez-It, Pringles, Twix, Jordan Brand, Adidas basketball, Kanye West, Crocs, Puma, Foot Locker, Champs Sports + more.

    Pedro Rodriguez of Crocs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 22:00


    Originally from Ponce, Pedro thought his life was going to be full of engineering work for the rest of his life. That was until a conversation with a former professor and a crazy set of events changed his life forever. From Ponce to Crocs, this is the story of Pedro Rodriguez.

    Jonathan de Lagarde of LITA by Ciara & Good Man Brand

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 39:07


    Diadora, Nike, Fila and more. Jonathan de Lagarde dives deep into his career journey to date and how it's shaped him in working with the likes of Ciara and Russell Wilson.

    Sarmad Marzuq of New Balance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 28:06


    From architect school to pumping gas. Sarmad Marzuq left a promising career that didn't fit his view on how he saw his life. Little did he know that he'd be designing shoes for KITH, ALD, and other New Balance collaborators a year from pumping gas. Committed to sharing his journey with young creatives, Sarmad jumps on the show to talk about his journey, creative block and other hot topic items in the space. Follow Sarmad here: https://www.instagram.com/sarmadmarzuq/

    How the past influences your future with Ricardo Emmanuel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2023 36:35


    Today we're joined by Ricardo Emmanuel, a DJ, Photographer, Videographer, and more. He gives us insight into his creative endeavors including a project with Sean Wotherspoon at Coachella with Adidas. He's worked with brands such as Nike/Jordan, Footlocker, Merit, Usher, Instagram/meta, Adidas, Reebok, Calvin Klein! Check him out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickydirects/

    Chloe Mann & Aundre Gray of Reebok

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2022 16:47


    In the 200th episode of the Strange on Purpose Podcast, Chloe Mann and Aundre Gray of Reebok join us to talk about the latest Human Rights Now capsule from Reebok. The Human Rights Now! collection is a long-term product platform designed to fuel the brand's mission to inspire human rights and human movement. The Human Rights Now! platform is just one of the Reebok's pillars to execute its commitment to stand united against racism through creating a more inclusive environment but also contributing to and promoting Black and LatinX communities.

    Alison Mariella Désir of Running While Black

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 22:34


    Running saved Alison Mariella Désir's life. At rock bottom and searching formeaning and structure, Désir started marathon training, finding that it vastlyimproved both her physical and mental health. Yet as she became involved in thecommunity and learned its history, she realized that the sport was largely builtwith white people in mind. To help make running more inclusive and welcomingto people of color, Désir founded Harlem Run, an NYC-based running movement,and Run 4 All Women, which has raised over $150,000 for Planned Parenthoodand $270,000 for Black Voters Matter.Désir is currently co-chair of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, a Run Happy Advocate for Brooks Running,and an Athlete Advisor for Oiselle. A graduate of Columbia University for her bachelor's and two master's degrees,including a master's of education in counseling psychology, Alison has been published in Outside Magazine,contributed the foreword for Running is My Therapy by Scott Douglas, and founded the Meaning Thru MovementTour, a speaking series featuring mental health experts and fitness professionals. Running While Black is her firstbook. Alison Mariella Désir currently lives with her son, Kouri Henri, and partner, Amir Muhammad Figueroa,outside of Seattle.

    Andrea Campos of @dreasdoodles

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2022 25:55


    Andrea Campos is a proud first-generation Latinx illustrator & photographer based in sunny California that specializes in creating expressive, upbeat work. Andrea joins us today to talk about how COVID started her journey in illustration and her new book with Jimmy Fallon and JLo!

    Louis Colon III of Atmos USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2022 38:01


    Louis Colon of atmos USA details his unique approach to marketing and how the best part about his move to atmos is yet to come. He tells us about his rocky beginnings from calling quits on his sneaker businesses and more.

    Liz of Liz Flores Art

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2022 33:49


    Liz Flores is a Chicago based artist and muralist, painting the human form through shapes and colors. Working primarily with acrylic paint on canvas, her work is a reaction to life, an emotion, or a memory. Liz joins us to talk about her upbringing, love for Charmander and sooo much more!

    Andres Paz Micheo of Exile Content Studio

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 28:40


    From Guatemala to Rwanda to LA, Andres Paz Micheo has left a stamp wherever he goes. Whether it was at Adidas with Ye and Pharrell or in Rwanda helping bring essential cellular to the people, Andres has seen it all and jumps on today to talk about those experiences and more!

    John Khalilian of Novus Global

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2022 26:08


    Johan Martinez-Khalilian is an executive coach. Khalilian grew up in Humboldt Park, Chicago. In 2005 he was featured on the cover of RedEye magazine, a youth-oriented weekly published by the Chicago Tribune. He has appeared on TV and radio shows, including The Tyra Banks Show and the Today Show. He works as a youth motivational speaker. Johan jumps on the show today talk about his upbringing, getting started as a creative and so much more!

    Chris Belloso of Latin Wealth

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 28:53


    Today we're joined by Chris Belloso, the co-founder & co-host of the Latin Wealth. Chris covers finance, podcasting struggling as a creative and more!

    Andres Izquieta of Chiki Chiki Boom Boom

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 27:33


    Andres Izquieta is a multi-hyphenate CPG entrepreneur in the areas of fashion, food and beverage, and entertainment. His passion and drive sits at the intersection of sustainability, culture, community and consumer products. He's the CEO & co-founder of sustainability based beverage company, Chiki Chiki Boom Boom, a brand driven by regeneration and social impact. He's the co-founder of Five Four Group, a multi-million dollar fashion conglomerate with brands such as Five Four, Menlo Club, New Republic, Young & Reckless, and Ales Grey, who have collectively generated over $600million in revenues.

    Krista Jasso of NASCAR

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 28:11


    Texas-born, Carolina-raised. Krista started her journey back in 2015 as the youngest member of the social media team for Pope Francis' visit to the United States. There, she collaborated and learned from some of the top photographers, digital marketers, and community managers in the industry. Currently, Krista is a Senior Analyst, Digital and Social Analytics at NASCAR and a freelance photographer in Charlotte, NC. She has worked with many sports teams including the Carolina Panthers, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, Charlotte FC, Charlotte Independence soccer team and the NFL.

    Luis Moreno of HabloDesign

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 18:16


    A Beer marketer turned sneaker designer, Luis Moreno is on a path to find himself and bring what was once a creative outlet, into the limelight!

    beer luis moreno
    Brittany Chavez of Shop Latinx

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 32:53


    Shop Latinx was created after the 2016 presidential election when Chavez found herself at a career and identity crossroads. She was itching to find a passion in life using her skills to develop solutions for the Latinx community. After realizing there was no specific group amplifying the work of Latinx small business owners, Chavez built the platform. With Shop Latinx, Chavez created a space that harnesses the power of investing in the Latinx community through your dollar.

    shop latinx chavez brittany chavez
    Jesus Gonzalez of BMI

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2022 40:05


    Jesus Gonzalez is the Vice President, Creative, Latin, at Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). Based out of the company's Los Angeles office, he oversees the Latin Creative team, helping to sign and develop new talent, assist BMI's family of songwriters and publishers, and serve as a liaison between the Latin music community and the industry at large. Since joining BMI, Gonzalez has overseen countless initiatives for the Company, from curating showcases, moderating panels, and signing and developing new talent to honoring two of the most iconic reggaeton pioneers, Wisin & Yandel, at the 2022 BMI Latin Awards. Additionally, he secured BMI as the PRO sponsor at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) and worked on several Hispanic Heritage Month projects to further highlight Latin songwriters. Among those were a How I Wrote That song panel at the GRAMMY Museum, various Know Them Now interviews, and a curated showcase, Sonidos, at SXSW.

    Geza Frey of Tomorrow isn't Promised

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 22:13


    Geza jumps on the pod to talk his journey and the upcoming launch of his brand, Tomorrow Isn't Promised!

    David Filar & Stephanie Howard of Endstate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2022 24:21


    Former guests, Stephanie and David join the show to talk all things Endstate, Web3 and what to expect in drop 2 for Endstate!

    web3 stephanie howard
    Taylor Walker of Respect Female Sneakerheads

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2022 16:36


    @lettaytellit jumps on the show next week to talk all things @respectfemalesnkrhds, building a brand and how important it is to find your own lane.

    Marco Henry Negrete of Sole Savy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2022 33:12


    Marco Henry Negrete has been working within the sneaker industry since 2014 when he started writing for Finish Line's The Fresh Press blog as a side gig. From there, he worked his way up to a role at Jordan's Beaverton headquarters. During his tenure with the Jumpman, Negrete worked on both the communications and editorial sides of the brand, enabling him to witness the ins and outs of creating and communicating some of the most innovative and culture-shifting products in the world first-hand. Today he leads content and communications for Sole Savy.

    Estevan Longoria of Lost Files

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2022 19:50


    In his final year of college, Estevan Longoria decided to start his new brand. What happened next was something that he never thought would happen.

    Kevin Trotman of New Balance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2022 29:46


    Truly a man for the people, Kevin Trotman jumps on the show to talk about his journey, what he's been able to touch at New Balance and soooo much more.

    Go get your bag.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 5:08


    “You are responsible to yourself, to love yourself, to care for yourself, and to help yourself.”

    D'ana Nunez of COVL

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 20:09


    D'ana Nunez of COVL jumps on the show this week to talk about her experience working with major brands like Nike and Instagram, launching a creative career from scratch and soooo much more. Follow D'ana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscovl/Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strangeonpurpose/The Strange on Purpose Podcast tells the stories of professionals shattering the glass ceilings of culture and shows young professionals what happens when you are authentically you, 100% of the time. Highlighting creatives in sports, apparel, lifestyle and beyond, the show aims to connect creatives everywhere to professionals that can help guide them in their individual journey.

    Troy Pryor of Creative Cypher

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 28:10


    Troy Pryor is one of those creatives that I really look up to. We worked together in a previous role and I immediately knew that he was someone to lean on for questions and guidance in the journey. Troy jumps on the show to talk about his journey, the impact he's trying to bring and the community he's building for.

    Eddy Zamora of Adidas

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 21:01


    Eddy Zamora joins Izzy to talk about his story. From dropping out of college to working at the Adidas HQ, Eddy is the definition of resilient. From working in the retail store to taking a chance and pitching himself for everything, Eddy shows everyone who knows him what's possible with some hard work and confidence.

    Gabrielle Serrano aka Queen Leo

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2022 20:16


    Queen Leo took the sneaker world by storm in 2019 with her Air Max 98 "La Mezcla." Today she's a jack of all trades. She's a designer, photographer, nurse practitioner, daughter and more. In this episode, Serrano opens up about imposter syndrome, being raised in an immigrant household and what she's doing to give back to the people of El Salvador.

    David Filar, Creative Director.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2022 23:14


    Dubbed as the "Nicest footwear designer you'll ever meet" David Filar jumps on the show to talk about his creative journey, commitment to the underground creatives and how the immigrant mentality fuels his everyday. He has had the opportunity to design two products with Yvon Chouinard the founder of Patagonia! PSA : This episode was prerecorded. David has since made the move to work with another former SOP guest in Stephanie Howard of Endstate!

    A Conversation with Puma Hoops

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 31:28


    Today's episode features the latin members of the Puma Hoops design team, Jacob Garcia, Kirby Nunez and Roberto Agrait as they talk about landing their respective roles and what it's like to work in a startup within a generational business.

    Jairus Morris of SUPLMNT

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 21:55


    Jairus Morris is on a mission to educate the urban community on the importance of water. As a kid, Jairus knew friends that would play basketball for hours and and look to soda or juice to hydrate themselves. After becoming an adult, he found himself looking for a reusable water bottle but none of them spoke to him and that's when he realized that the reusable water bottle space only spoke to a select few. Through SUPLMNT, Jairus is showing that everyone deserves a seat at the table and educates the next generation on the importance of clean water.

    John Clayton of Foot Locker

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 33:25


    I met John Clayton a few months ago and the first thing I thought to myself was, "This guy is just giving out free game." After talking, I realized why. A child from Philly that just wants to see people that look like him win, John jumps on the show to talk about his journey and what he really wants his legacy to be.

    Simran Kaleka of Made for the W

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2022 26:06


    In late 2018, entertainment attorney Simran Kaleka came on board the Made For The W roster to help push the brand forward. With her knowledge and expertise in the industry, the brand hasn't looked back. In this episode, Simran talks about her passions and what we can do to become better advocates for women everywhere.

    Javier Rodriguez of El Puerto

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 18:18


    Launching your own thing is tough enough but when you add in a pandemic–the stakes get higher. Two weeks before the covid-19 pandemic put the island of Puerto Rico into a state of flux, Javi launched his first location in Condado, Puerto Rico. Meaning for it to just be a pop-up, Javi wanted to make sure everything went according to plan but what came next proves that entrepreneurs like Javi had to quickly adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the world–or see their hard work be driven into the ground. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Jeff Cole of Ikonick & Metarelics

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 36:24


    The visual artist known only as @Cole on Instagram has made a name for himself with his artwork, but it's the team behind his Ikonick brand that truly elevates his craft. In this episode, Jeff talks about what the team has up their sleeve with their new project, Metarelics. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Roberto Agrait of Puma

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2022 23:20


    A member of the all latin design team at Puma Hoops, Roberto Agrait is living his childhood dream. Since he could remember, he wanted to get into sportswear design and when basketball brought him to Lasell University in Massachusetts, his dream was just getting started. In this episode, Roberto talks about how he deals with creative block, working with athletes like LaMelo Ball and Boogie Cousins and sooo much more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Nicolle Nicosia-Polanco of Adidas

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2022 24:59


    How many stories have you heard of a retail team member at Adidas rising through the ranks and landing a job at the corporate HQ? Enter Nicolle Nicosia-Polanco, a Dominican that refuses to hear "you can't do that." A recent DACA recipient, Nicolle's story is one of the most inspiring stories ever featured on Strange on Purpose. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Liz Beecroft of Mentl.Sesh

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 27:17


    Psychotherapist, mental health advocate, and lady hooper with a soft spot for sneakers, Liz Beecroft is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist whose main mission is to educate and raise awareness on mental health. Liz joins us to talk about her journey, her day to day creative process and the importance of Mental health in creative careers. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Meline Katchi of Studio Mesmel & IVY PARK

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 23:27


    In one of the most informative episodes yet–Meline Katchi, founder of Studio Mesmel & Design Director of IVY PARK,  joins Izzy to talk about her creative process, experience as a woman in the industry and working with the likes of Jerry Lorenzo and Beyonce.  instagram.com/melinekatchi --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Sam Smyser-De Leon of Nike

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2022 14:58


    Samantha Smyser- De Leon is a Puerto Rican visual artist from Humboldt Park, Chicago. She holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree from Columbia College Chicago with a minor in Arts Business. She works primarily at Nike as a Footwear Color Designer, at the global design level but also works as an independent installation artist, fabricator, graphic designer and illustrator, with a focus on set-design installations for special events, concerts, and video production. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Nikko Locander aka Ali Six

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 13:57


    Ali Six is a multi medium artist born and raised in Humboldt Park Chicago. Since he was a child he ventured with his imagination to create cartoons, and in high school painting the streets of Chicago. After realizing there was more to art than just graffiti he combined what he learned through spray paint and his love of cartoons to create Richie the Raccoon. Ali Six uses Richie to liven up the streets of Chicago and around the world with murals. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Camila Diaz, Associate Manager, Global Markets Acceleration at Reebok

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 16:22


    Camila Diaz finally joins the show to talk about the journey of landing her new role at Reebok, Puerto Rican creatives, the island, Anuel AA and sooo much more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Anthony from Sneaker Ether

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 14:20


    Sneaker Ether is more than a hype project, it is a multi-dimensional apparel and digital brand for the sneaker community. The brand combines elements of cryptocurrency, gaming, and sneaker culture to create one of a kind non fungible tokens (NFT's), and apparel for this universe. https://twitter.com/SneakerEther sneakerether.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    MAWdoods

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2022 27:15


    In this episode, Izzy interviews MAWdoods. A Green Bay, WI native that creates pieces of art that are originally hand drawn on a Nike shoebox using the Swoosh as part of his #ShoeBoxSeries. MAWdoods talks to us on the inspiration behind his work, the creative process behind it and what's in the near future for him. Check him out on instagram: https://instagram.com/mawdoods --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Shake James of Black Market, Clicks, J.A.Y. Academy and Sneex

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2021 17:57


    In this episode, Izzy chats with the LEGENDARY Shake James about owning a store, some of his influences and sooo much more. Follow Shake: https://www.instagram.com/shakejmj/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Christian Figueroa of See.Fig

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 18:36


    When his parents wanted to narrow him into a path he wouldn't be happy with, Christian Figueroa started a long journey of following his dreams and when an opportunity came to pitch himself to the team at KITH, he didn't let it pass him up. Christian jumps on the pod today to talk about his entrepreneurial journey, breaking into the industry and sooo much more! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Sam Hart of Complex

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 23:55


    A Jersey boy through and through, meet Sam Hart, Style Director, Brand Partnerships at @complex A dad of 2, San has been a consumer, creative, student and more of the culture for most of his life. He's an avid sneaker collector and terrible NY sports team fan. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Noel Bronson of Bronson & Bronson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 20:27


    Noel Bronson is a creative based in The Bronx, NY who lives by the motto that he thinks he created, but is no longer sure “Always Tired, Never Bored”. His fear of boredom has pushed him to work with various brands on various things. Titles don't mean much to him, but he firmly believes Net 30s should be paid within 30 days. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Leland Grossman of kyx.world

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 24:41


    @leland11 jumps on the pod to talk about all things @kyx.world and his experience working with brands like American Express, Nike, Chipotle, Sprite, H&M, and Allbirds. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

    Mateen Zar of Social Studies Brand

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 17:39


    Mateen Zar of @socialstudiesbrand joins us to talk about founding his brand, entrepreneurship and what to expect next for the up and coming brand. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

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