Version Control: Pound & Grain's Digital News Show

Episode 3 of our second season finds Jackson and Scott talking to Strategy Director Penny and Tech Lead Cam about people, projects and brands that consistently change the game and break the mould from the expected. The group discusses everything from RuPaul’s Drag Race to Cameo and Tesla. Have a listen!

Type can be louder than words. The latest episode of Version Control features our host Scott as he discusses typography with Art Director Jessica and Design Director Kateland. From explaining the importance of typography to nerding out about branded fonts, sit back and listen to these passionate type enthusiasts get real about typography as an art form. Trust us, you’ll learn so much.

Version Control is back! Our second season’s pilot episode features hosts Jackson and Scott discuss the best stories that came from social media with special guests Jules and Robin. From that viral Dreams TikTok to Taylor Swift’s Twitter, there’s a lot to discuss when it comes to telling a good story on social media.

The last six months of WFH have been unpredictable, but we’ve all managed to navigate and adapt to the new normal. Jackson and Sandy look back and reflect on how we’ve managed to keep our culture alive, navigate business pitches and what the next six months might look like for agencies. So what are you waiting for? Listen to our final #WFH Mode NOW!

More than just a hashtag, The Black Lives Matter movement has been changing the social media landscape for the better. Brands are playing a crucial role in the Black Lives Matter movement, and it’s important to remain an ally while also taking actionable steps. In this episode of #WFH Mode, our Creative Director and Partner Jackson and Managing Partner Sandy are joined by special guests from our strategy team, Marguerite and Jules. They discuss how brands can genuinely contribute to the Black Lives Matter movement on social media, without being a performative ally, the Blackout Tuesday posts and Pride month. The organization Marguerite works is yarrowsociety.ca

As the world shifts from phase 1 of #WFH to phase 2 of slow reopenings, navigating agency-client relationships remains an important part of running a digital agency. In this episode of #WFH Mode, our managing partners Jackson Murphy and Sandy Fleischer talk about working virtually with clients and shifting into the second phase of the pandemic, and how brands can remain authentic during this time without being too insensitive.

Jackson Murphy and Sandy Fleischer, talk about what it’s like to be running an agency from home and share how we’ve been able to adapt, improvise and overcome. Interested in how Pound & Grain shifted to #WFH Mode? Have a listen to our first episode, “The Decision,” where Jackson and Sandy talk through the steps it took to make the decision to #WFH.

Andy Garcia is the Design Director at Thinkingbox. He’s worked on award-winning VR, AR, and digital projects throughout his career. He’s also one of the best-dressed people on planet Earth and is probably one of the biggest Taylor Swift fans you’ll ever meet. We got to sit down and chat with him about his career, his experiences and what its like to be a designer for multiple realities.

Ah, the influencer. A buzz word used for those who make a living off of the world wide web and social media. Everyone knows what an influencer is, and we all follow a handful whether they’re beauty gurus, Insta models, comedians or podcasters. It’s been a wild few years, and a lot has changed since the last time we talked Influencers on the pod. So today, we’re diving into the past, the present, and the future of influencers and influencer marketing. Let’s go! https://bit.ly/32celyt

Is he a writer? A producer? A musician? He’s all of the above, and more! In our latest Version Control episode, we’ve got Nick Kewin in The Hotseat; lover of all things outdoors and who wore comfy crocs-with-socks around the office (if you’re wondering, Jackson did NOT approve). Although he’s now following his movie making dreams, we’re sharing this episode in memory of. All quirks aside, Nick is a man of many talents and interests, and was our resident P&G everything-man. He kept us on our toes, always had us laughing, and there’s a lot more to know about him. So let’s get to know him even better in Version Control episode 61 NOW. https://bit.ly/2p5oEpg

You may know her as The Queen of Social, The Viacom Virtuoso, or simply just as Andrea. Whatever you call her, one thing’s for sure; she’s an important piece of the Pound & Grain puzzle and we honestly don’t know what we did without her before that. Curious what the heck a community manager does? Wondering why her role is so important? Want to hear us talk about her dog? You’re in luck! Listen to Version Control episode 60 NOW. https://bit.ly/2meY7US

Everyone’s journey through the arts starts somewhere, and for Shopify’s managing editor Sal Patel, you can probably trace it back to improv class. Listen to our Hotseat interview as Sal tells us about what it’s like to go from professional suit to starting one of the world’s first Instagram film festivals and now pioneering the mission-based content space. You ready? Listen to Version Control episode 59 NOW

It seems that more and more often, branded content is trying to seem like its anything but that. No matter how branded content is presented, the one invariable aspect of its success is great storytelling. As the rules of branded content continue to shift and marketers continue to hotly debate what the finicky public will latch onto next, we decided to take a look at the world of branded marketing. So who’s doing it right? What’s next for branded content and how can your brand get in on the action? All of this and more as the Version Control team digs into the whys, whens, whos and hows of the non-branded, branded content of 2019. https://bit.ly/325M77P

Online communities like Reddit, Facebook Groups and online forums are made up of people who would often never meet in person, but have come together because of a shared common interest or goal. Whatever your “thing” is, there’s an online community, and probably a bumpin’ subreddit, for you. Oftentimes, these groups are so successful at fostering a tight knit community that creators can lean on their fans for financial support. So, what makes online communities so powerful? AKA, what can marketers learn from them? Find out in Version Control episode 57 NOW https://poundandgrain.com/blog/version-control-57-the-online-community-community

So you’ve heard rumblings of a beast from the east known as TikTok but you haven’t quite figured it out yet? No sweat, here’s a quick breakdown on the ins and outs of the app that everyone’s talking about. Like it or loathe it, TikTok is a force to be reckoned with and it’s coming this way. So get on the train or get out of the way because it’s TikTok time and we’re digging into the why’s when’s and how’s of using social media’s new kid on the block. https://poundandgrain.com/blog/version-control-56-the-tik-tok-takeover

Every great creative articulation, piece of new tech or idea in general always starts from a strong strategic insight. And every strong insight requires diligent and thought provoking research to learn about these immensely important human truths. Which is why today, we’re extremely excited to talk to Pound & Grain’s junior strategist and researcher Marguerite Gaylie. https://poundandgrain.com/blog/version-control-55-the-hotseat-featuring-marguerite-gaylie

The only thing that is ever for sure in the social media game is that it’s constantly on the move. Staying ahead of the curve is a full-time job. That’s why we’re taking an in-depth look at the powerhouse platform that has the power to make or break stars. We’re rolling into the pic-heavy season of summer, a great time to kick your personal or professional brand into high gear by leveraging the power of the gram. What are influencers up to? Who’s killing it? What trends are coming down the pipeline? Have we entered the end of the Era of Likes? All of this and more when we dig into Instagram Everything. https://bit.ly/2RERcjm

Over the years, the advertising award show etiquette has changed, massively. The overall essence of celebrating great work still remains, but the awards have started to take on a life of their own. Agencies now employ entire teams for award submissions and there’s a burgeoning case study video business that’s constantly on the rise. Is having a list of awards on your agency’s website making a significant difference these days? Does knowing someone has won an award change perception? Are advertising awards worth the hustle? https://bit.ly/2wXlaph

Senior Business Advisor, Dave Girolami, has quite the eclectic background. From helping launch one of the biggest digital conferences in the world to consulting at the Business Development Bank of Canada, Dave has spent over 15 years in digital marketing and experience planning. He launched an art gallery, he was on Cash Cab and he even started a brewery.

Experimental Filmmaker, Futurist, Entrepreneur. These are just a few of the titles carried by Transitional Forms founder, Pietro Gagliano. We sat down with Pietro to discuss the future of VR, how it is pushing the limits of storytelling and how digital marketers can get in on the action.

Welcome to the 50th episode of Version Control! We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings when we recorded in a closet. Originally called The Poundcast (until we found out that some comedian already had the name) Version Control has matured like a fine wine. Early episodes sounded like they were recorded in 1925, possibly in a giant tin can. They were also around an hour long and mostly about Star Wars. Jump in to hear how much we’ve improved: https://poundandgrain.com/blog/category/version-control/

Social media strategies are like extensions of brand strategies. And without going too deep into the forest of buzzwords, you can think of it as a true personification of your brand. It’s about more than just voice and channel mixes, there are measurements of success, paid versus organic, crisis management and more. Join us as we explore Social Media Strategies: If You Don’t Know, Now You Know.

How do artists use their digital marketing skills to cut through the clutter to get on our radar? There are lessons to be learned from the artists that do it right. We took a deep dive into the grassroots digital marketing skills that can be gleaned from artists in Version Control Episode 48: Indie Artist Hustle.

What do you get when you combine strategic thinking, Texas, and roller skates? You get our next guest on the Hotseat, Kaiti Snell! A much loved, much missed veteran of Pound & Grain, Kaiti Snell is an incredibly talented strategist at Juliet Creative who doesn’t go anywhere without her smarty pants. Wondering what the Lone Star state and laced shoes with wheels come in? Kaiti used to live in Texas but returned to her Canadian roots where she dominates Toronto roller rinks in her free time as a Roller Derby super star. Her derby nickname? Frost. Eclectic is one word for her. But she’s just as smart as she is fun, always searching to understand the deeper meaning, the why, the how-can-it-be-better answer to, well, everything. Today, she has taken time out of her busy schedule to chat with us about strategy, digital marketing, trends, and of course, all things Roller Derby. Let’s go!

We're all grown up! It's been 9 years since Pound & Grain was born. We have learned, adapted, and grown as a digital agency. If you want to get the Full 9 Yards on our 9 Years as a Digital Agency, head on over to our recent blog post that features an oral history from P&G’s very own. If you’re looking for some sweet ear candy, you’re in for a treat. In our latest episode of Version Control, we brought some of the partners together to chat all things Pound & Grain. From start to finish, it’s been a wild ride, and so is this episode. Enjoy!

Video games have come a long way. Consoles have evolved from the Atari to the N64 to the PlayStation and Xbox we know and love today. Over the last 30 to 40 years, developers have devoted their lives to improving games and turning them into engaging, cinematic masterpieces like Red Dead Redemption 2 (shoutout to Jackson), blurring the lines between interactive gaming and entertainment. Video gaming is no longer viewed as just a hobby to be scoffed at as a waste of time. It’s a huge industry with a growing number of possibilities. Apple Arcade, Google Stadia and Microsoft’s Project xCloud are jumping on the latest opportunity: cloud gaming and subscription services. Join us as we discuss the future of video games, what this evolving world means for marketers, and some sweet Respect The Hustles that (spoilers) will get you pumped for Game of Thrones season 8. Listen NOW!

Introducing, Jacksonbot! Our founding partner/creative director, Jackson is known for working harder than anyone else in the room. He’s also worked to create a strong team to work around him, however, and it appears that he’s finally melded his work ethic with the creative talent in the Pound & Grain family. Jackson will maintain the majority of his normal work duties but he’s handing some of the auxiliary tasks to his newly created assistant, Jacksonbot. Listen now to meet him and - April Fools! LOLOL The seed of the concept has been planted but as of now, there is no Jacksonbot helper. Sadly (for him) Jackson’s workload remains mountainous. By April of next year, we’re confident that Jacksonbot will be a reality. Thanks for playing along with our April Fools fun, and take a listen as we dig into some discussion on the topic. Should marketers jump in on the holiday fun? We take a look back at some branded April Fools wins and losses throughout the years. Listen NOW to get in on the joke!

Who knew that shaky cat videos, fail compilations, and poorly lit vlogs shot on iMacs would lead to the YouTube we know and love today. Now a multi-billion dollar entrepreneurial platform, YouTube is fuelling the DIY economy for all kinds of creators, giving mainstream entertainment and cable television a run for its money. Lend your ears to the latest episode of Version Control where we talk about The Evolution of YouTube, the marketing potential of this incredibly accessible platform, and what the future looks like for digital entertainment. Curious what the podcast team watches on YouTube? Listen to find out!

Product placement is certainly nothing new–everyone has seen a product conspicuously pop up in a show or movie that they’ve been watching. The efficacy of the product placement is debatable. Also up for debate is efficacy in deployment–is it better to be overt in your presentation? Or would the audience accept a subtle product placement more readily? The new media landscape that we constantly navigate has seen shifting attitudes toward product placement. In episode 42 of Version Control, we dig into some of the questions surrounding when–and how–to use product placement in 2019 and beyond.

The hot seat is back and this time it’s a lot more Irish. Adam Carroll is a talented multitasker, client management finesser, and project manager extraordinaire. With a background in social, digital, and advertising, he left his hometown of Dublin, Ireland 9 months ago, beginning at Pound & Grain Vancouver 3 months later. And we’re so glad he did. To celebrate his first time in Toronto, we’re featuring our football (AKA soccer) loving, pint drinking lad in the hot seat for Version Control episode 41. Prepare to have your ears tickled by his brilliant accent NOW.

Our Version Control Hotseat series is back with our Managing Director, Tyler Lockyer. Tyler has years of experience in the digital marketing world, and we sat down with him to learn his opinions about what the future holds for the digital space and how brands can get in on the action.

This week, the Version Control team is digging into meme culture and if you’ve ever thought, ‘what’s the deal with memes and how can I use them as a marketer,’ now’s the time to mash the link below and get this goodness in your ears. So what are you waiting for? Listen to Version Control episode 39 NOW.

Have you hopped on the TikTok train yet? If so, you’re probably familiar with songs like this and this. As short-form video platforms like TikTok, Facebook’s Lasso, and the creators of Vine’s upcoming app Byte, grow in popularity, it begs the question: Is short-form better? Join us for another episode of Version Control where we make a case for long-form content and discuss why neither is better than the other. Rather, better is better. Plus, our Pound & Grain podcast wouldn’t be complete without some sweet Respect The Hustle shares. From Amazon’s new free-sample initiative, to Netflix’s Bandersnatch, to the launch of Barstool Sports’ membership plan, we’ve got some solid insights on brands that are killing the game.

The Pitch is a battlefield and only the most steely-eyed warriors will be proclaimed victorious. There are high stakes to be won and lost in any pitch and it tests the mettle of a person to see when they find themselves in the pitch Thunderdome. Ok, that’s all a bit dramatic. Anyone who’s ever found themselves giving a pitch will agree that there is an art to doing it right. Some aspects of pitching can be taught, some tricks are unteachable. Everyone who pitches learns what works for them and what doesn’t. For episode 37 of Version Control, we decided to go in a slightly different route than normal. We enlisted the help of Pound and Grain’s founding partner and resident pitch-master, Sandy Fleischer for a little expert Q and A. The results? Illuminating. We ran through tips from the trenches, the importance of wearing your lucky pants to the pitch and much, much more. You’re not gonna want to miss this one!

‘Tis the season! For deals that is. The spending frenzy that is Black Friday is upon us once again and the Version Control team got together to chat e-commerce and all things Amazon. With the increasing popularity of Cyber Monday, why is Black Friday still a thing? How can brick and mortar retailers keep up with the convenience of online shopping? And what does our resident shopaholic Mark have his sights on this year? Tune in to hear us go all out on Black Friday and discuss the brands whose hustle we respect from E-Bay and Dollar Shave Club, to the cheeky but talented band Vulfpeck, and the incredible details of Red Dead Redemption 2 (you’ve don’t want to miss Jackson’s wild horse taming story). And as always, we’ve got some sweet digital picks to top it all off. We discuss the power of PewDie Pie's loyal fans, dancing robots, Amazon thrillers, and more. Let’s go!

Do you prefer to be passively entertained by a storyline someone else created? Or do you like to get involved, control the plot, and experience the perspective of a character? While movies and video games are very different, the line between the two is increasingly becoming blurred. In our latest Version Control podcast, we discuss the popularity of interactive entertainment. From virtual reality, to Netflix’s upcoming choose-your-own-adventure Black Mirror episode, to ways that brands involve consumers in their marketing. The Internet gives us tons of choice, so now, everything is a choose your own adventure! But why? And how can brands keep up? Tune in to find out! And of course, we’ve still got some great Respect The Hustle examples and Digital Picks. We share how YouTube is constantly adapting for audiences, chat underwater robots, and discuss how today’s Bachelorettes are using their fame to build their own brand. It’s Version Control episode 35, and we’re now on Spotify! Have a listen.

Everybody knows that today's teens and your grandpa use social differently. What's trickier to understand, though, is how millennials and Gen Z, who are only a couple years apart, use social completely differently. The team is back with another episode of the Version Control podcast. This time, we're talking all things social and all things Gen Z. How does this generation differ from their millennial predecessors? How do they use social differently? And most importantly, how can brands and marketers keep up with the ever-evolving social sphere? Tune in to Episode 34 for a brand new segment called Respect The Hustle where the team shares examples of brands, creators, and influencers who are doing it right. Plus, from robot developers to algorithms that can tell what you look like just from your DNA, we've got some juicy Digital Picks to cap it all off.

It's been a while since the Version Control team last gathered 'round to chat digital news. Just like all good things, we're back. From the resurgence of Pokémon with Pokémon GO, to the reboot of Charlie's Angels, to the never-ending 80's throwbacks with Stranger Things, Guardians of The Galaxy, and Ready Player One, nostalgia marketing is wildly popular. And while a blast from the past is tons of fun, there are some important things to consider. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and discuss the power of nostalgia, and the pitfalls to look out for. Plus, we've got a fun mix of Digital Picks you don't want to miss. Tune in to find out why Arya Stark is developing an app and how to summarize The Shining in only five words.

The Version Control team stepped back in the studio to chat about 2018's biggest event in social media news. Yes, we’re talking about the showdown between Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and the United States Senate over data. Why is this main event happening now? Who was involved? What does this mean for the millions of Facebook users? And, how does this week’s events effect the future of digital marketing? Listen to Jackson, Nick, Mark, and first-time Version Control podcaster Ivana discuss Facebook, muffins, and some wild digital picks. From fast fame, to devices that read the voices in your head, to the merging of digital and print to tell compelling stories, this episode's one you don't want to miss.

Brands like Pepsi, Amazon and M&M’s all have something substantial in common when it comes to their Super Bowl advertising – Celebrities. But if you eliminate the celebrity angle, do these campaigns still work? We discuss this and our digital picks like ESPN's new streaming service, how The New York Times' is using AR and why two former Facebook & Google employees are now turning against them in episode 31 of Version Control. Listen now.

Cable cord cutting is old news and marketers are turning to social influencers on YouTube and streaming networks like Netflix. The common denominator? The ability to binge watch. Join us for episode 30 of Version Control where we discuss the question: "With so much targeted content being created and enjoyed, how can brands capitalize on the binge wars?" Plus, tune in for some sweet digital picks like the debut of Uber's Robo Air Taxi, Pizza Hut's self-driving delivery van, and more.

Google Home, Amazon Echo, the Apple Homepod; Connected homes are the new normal, but what does it mean for the digital marketing landscape? In Episode 29 of the Version Control podcast, the team connect over connected homes. Then we chat about digital picks including Google Home’s ability to multitask, updates to Twitter, “The World’s First Intelligent Bourbon Decanter,” and more.

In Episode 28 of the Version Control podcast, the gang from Pound & Grain steps into the ring to discuss the mighty smartphone wars. In one corner, the Apple iPhone X. In the other, it’s the Google Pixel 2. Plus, we share our top digital picks including back flipping robots, Taylor Swift’s introduction to Spotify, Snapchat’s move to separate social from media, and more.

On this episode of Version Control, we discuss the complex world of social influencers and the pros and cons of influencer marketing for advertisers and brands. Plus, we’ve got some juicy digital picks for you including new Emojis, Snapchat’s dancing AR hotdog, the Muzzle app and more.

On this episode of Version Control we talk about the marketing of entertainment in a digital world. From film to TV series how do marketers get our favourite shows and films to us in world of cord cutting and mobile devices? The team dive into entertainment, hot dog drones, third thumbs, and more.

In this episode, we hear from Creative Director Jackson Murphy and Nick Kewin, discuss what brutalism is when it comes to web design, what’s great and what’s not and whether they think it’s just a fad or here to stay. Plus Jackson shares some highlights from Cannes including T-Pain’s yacht party, Instagram’s art gallery pop-up and Heinz Ketchup’s journey from being featured on Mad Men to winning a Lion at the festival. Plus, Nick brings up a surprise announcement from Google regarding your Gmail privacy.

Team Version Control discusses, laughs about, and get super serious about mobile apps. Do you need one? Should your brand have one? But if you're a brand, or if you have an idea for an app, is it worth it to invest all of the time and money into something that might NOT actually become the next Uber, SnapChat, or Tinder? Don't fret, Jackson, Nick, Mark, and Scott are back to confuse things even more.

We dusted off the old mics and got back into the Version Control podcast studio to chat about creating and designing for individuals. The team discusses the evolution of apps like Tinder, Netflix, and Facebook and how some services grow and change with their users. Nick, Mark, Jackson, and Scott also go deep into the far reaches of digital to chat, Coffee Meets Bagel, VUDU, Twitter’s new paid services, and toilet paper conservation bots. FUN!

In a special edition of Version Control, the gang dives into the pros and cons of spending $5 million on marketing for 30 seconds. In The $5 Million Half Minute, Nick, Mark, Jackson, and Scott debate the merits of commercials vs. digital, Billy Zane, Betty White, tales of big game spots that might have been, plus digital picks. Are you ready for some big game marketing?

Nick, Mark, Jackson, and Scott air out some work tech grievances, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of design programs like Photoshop and Sketch, and even get a little philosophical with regards to time management.

The Version Control Team rings in 2017 with a conversation entirely devoted to the weird and wonderful products from the 2017 CES (Consumer Electronics Show). For episode 20 the gang discusses the coolest, weirdest, and most pointless products being showcased at CES including the future of things like cooking, toys, fridges, drones, bikes, and more.