Podcasts about ghia

Natalia Chappell is the founder of Natalia Chappell & Co, a UK-based consultancy helping luxury and lifestyle brands scale sustainably. Previously, she led marketing for THG's luxury division, working with brands like Coach and Ralph Lauren across price points from hundreds to thousands of pounds.In this episode of DTC Pod, Natalia breaks down what it really takes for US brands to win in the UK—and why so many get it wrong. She shares the full-funnel mistakes she sees premium brands make over and over, why some household US names thrived in Britain while others quietly retreated, and what's actually driving results on Meta right now. She also gets into how to connect with younger consumers who think differently about spending, and why the old playbook of polished content isn't cutting it anymore. Plus, her journey from corporate marketing leader to female founder, and what she wishes more people understood about building a business as a woman.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Lessons from high-growth UK e-commerce brands 2. Creating sustainable, holistic marketing strategies3. Using data and analytics to drive channel mix decisions4. Optimizing for paid and organic synergy5. Landing page and website audit best practices6. UGC, influencer, and creator partnership frameworks7. Onboarding and managing creators for conversion and brand fit8. Navigating UK logistics, customs, and local expectations9. How to adapt brand voice and content for UK consumer10. UK cultural moments and how to plan campaigns around them11. Success stories (Drunk Elephant, Ralph Lauren, Coach) and why some US brands flop12. Digital-first approaches to brand building13. Upcoming trends—partnership ads, authentic content, and Gen Z consumers14. Supporting and growing as a female founder in e-commerceTimestamps00:00 Introduction to DTC POD and episode with Natalia Chappell01:18 Natalia's background: fashion, digital marketing, luxury brand experience03:26 Lessons learned building luxury and beauty e-commerce teams05:16 Becoming a female founder and launching Natalia Chappell & Co07:22 The type and scale of brands Natalia's agency works with09:07 Optimizing paid-to-organic mix for sustainable growth12:12 Data, analytics, and the importance of first-party data integrity13:33 Why understanding inventory and offer depth matters before scaling ads16:26 Building a marketing flywheel that feeds itself18:50 Audience segmentation, CRM, and conversion optimization20:08 Attribution modeling and keeping data integrations clean22:29 Organic growth: auditing website, SEO, landing pages, and reviews24:03 Content strategy: authentic UGC, influencers, and the UK market26:58 Equipping creators for conversion, not just reach29:25 Structuring affiliate and creator programs, commissioning vs. flat fees33:01 Logistics: Warehousing, customs, and UK delivery expectations36:54 Adapting voice, copy, and calendar to resonate in the UK38:34 Brand case studies: Drunk Elephant, Coach, Ralph Lauren41:09 Why some US brands struggle in the UK (Forever 21, etc.)44:21 Trends to watch: partnership ads, content authenticity, Gen Z targeting47:25 Where to find and connect with Natalia ChappellShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokNatalia Chappell - Founder of Natalia Chappell & Co.Blaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

In this episode of the Let's Talk Dubs podcast, we dive into a big development in the VW drag racing world — the ROC Cory Mack Race cancellation and what it means for racers, fans, and the upcoming season. We also celebrate a major milestone as Zorba the Ghia finally appears in VW Trends Magazine after a year of waiting. Bill shares his unfiltered thoughts on seeing a go-kart featured on the cover of a major Volkswagen magazine and what that means for the direction of the hobby. From there we shift gears to the SEMA Show, breaking down the MST booth, the best Volkswagens at SEMA, standout builds, and trends shaping the air-cooled VW community for 2025. Plus, we get into updates on Bill's projects including new upgrades for #WhiteFlash, installing an Alpine audio system, tackling a new wiring harness, chasing down oil leaks, and dealing with powder-coating issues that every builder can relate to. If you're passionate about classic air-cooled Volkswagens, VW magazines, SEMA show coverage, Las Vegas VW culture, and real-world project car updates, this episode packs in a ton of great conversation. www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD10 for 10% off ICON pistons here VWs of SEMA 1 John Ludwicks SP1000 Randy W/ Phat fabs car at SEMA

Martin Forde is the co-founder and partner at Highline Brands, a retail brokerage built for modern CPG and emerging brands. As the first sales hire at Dr. Squatch, he helped lead the brand's Walmart launch—which did over $50M in year one and set the foundation for a $1.5B exit to Unilever.In this episode of DTC Pod, Martin shares the full playbook for making the leap from DTC to retail. He breaks down how to evaluate which channels make sense, what buyers actually care about (hint: it's not your brand), how to pitch them, and how to choose the right brokerage partner. He also gets into the operational side: how deals are structured, why retail timelines take longer than most founders expect, and what actually drives velocity on shelf.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. When to consider retail (and when you're not ready)2. Independent retail vs. major retailers: where to start3. The old DTC-first playbook vs. the new hybrid approach4. Understanding your consumer and choosing the right retailer5. What buyers actually care about (hint: category growth, not your brand)6. Three ways to reach buyers: cold outreach, inbound, or through a broker7. Why and when to say no to a retailer8. How brokers work: deal structures, retainers vs. commission, red flags9. The 9-12 month timeline from first conversation to shelf10. Merchandising and digital tactics that drive velocity on shelfTimestamps00:00 Martin Forde's background and experience in CPG03:14 Launching and scaling brands into retail04:20 Key lessons from Dr. Squatch retail rollout07:30 Dr. Squatch's early days and pent-up retail demand09:39 Defining “why retail” and evaluating retail opportunities10:38 Understanding independent retail channels and platforms15:14 Retail supply chain basics: MOQs, case packs, and 3PLs17:46 Testing and iterating supply chain through small-scale channels18:56 Leveraging online marketplaces (Faire, Thrive, Bubble)23:33 Deciding when to break into retail; timing and strategy24:44 Comparing DTC-first and direct-to-retail playbooks29:28 Raising capital, prepping for retail, and first retail sale process30:57 How to approach retail buyers and pitch34:03 Different ways to reach retail buyers: direct outreach, inbound, brokerages39:51 Working with brokers: models, deal structures, and choosing a partner50:29 Preparing retail pitch materials and buyer presentations51:39 Identifying category white space and incremental value54:53 Merchandising and digital tactics for retail success57:06 Where to connect with Martin Forde and closing thoughtsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokMartin Forde - Co-Founder of Highline BrandsBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Join Prophetess, Dr. Ghia Kelly as she breaks down the profound truth of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6:1-11). This message is a direct challenge to religious structures and legalism, calling the church back to a place of pure, unscripted obedience where the power of God can manifest like never before. Get ready to have your understanding of Christianity pushed "out of Sunday morning and into eternity" as Dr. Kelly sounds the alarm for Jesus's soon return and the great demonstration of power required to get the Church in order. -- This teaching highlights that Jesus's acts of healing and provision on the Sabbath violated religious norms, not God's law, demonstrating that compassion and doing good is always lawful. -- There is a prophetic word declaring that the church is entering an "era of the supernatural," where miracles, signs, and wonders—like withered hands being restored—will be seen again as God pours out His Spirit. -- The "Glory Realm" is defined as the tangible presence of God, an eternal space where we are no longer restricted by time, space, or human limitations, and where anything is possible. -- The enemy's main strategy is to keep the church divided, distracted, and powerless by attacking our identity in Christ to prevent us from stepping into our full potential and power. -- The message concludes with a challenge to give God back His Sabbath/full leadership of our lives, to trust Him when we can't control what He does, and to become glory carriers for the world. Scriptures for Further Study -- Luke 6:1-11 -- John 14:12 -- Acts 2:16 -- Romans 8:18 -- John 7:23 -- 2 Corinthians 3 -- First Kings +++++++ Pastors Joseph and Robbin Davis Follow Us https://www.facebook.com/truthgatherers/ Ways to Give Cash App: $truthgatherers www.easytithe.com/TGDC Text to Give - Text the amount to (850) 898-9848

La sécurité des communications, un enjeu stratégique pour toutes les entreprises.

It's Tiiiiiiime!.As the clock strikes 12 on Halloween night, the Queen of Christmas is in plain sight!.Welcome back!This has been a hot topic on this podcast over the past 5 years and now… Gareth & Ghia unpack their thoughts on the announcement from The Queen Of Christmas' to kick off the holiday season! and what Mariah could have up her sleeve for this Christmas season!.What did you think to the new Mariah ‘It's Time' holiday announcement?.What do you think Mariah has up her sleeve for Christmas 2025?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platforms. Follow us on all our social media platforms @the_obsessed_podcast

Brett Hawkbee is a name that's known throughout the UK for creating a legendary bug jam. The largest show in the UK and it's third year it broke all records for any show that was happening in the UK car show specific. Going to other shows and feeling like he could do better, he decided to put something together with an idea and a couple opportunities. The doubters were stacked against him thinking it would be a flop instead 38 years later it still, pushing right along. He's also the builder of the legendary Targa Ghia that was at One crazy weekend. That's now owned by Russell Ritchie. That car has a place in Volkswagen history of one of the most iconic 80s cars ever produced in the UK. This is a story of what happens when you have the desire, determination and a love for the hobby. Brett has gone on to do skateboard shows. Music festivals and other events. He was also the founder of the UK's VWDRC .  www.letstalkdubs www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use LTD10 doe 10% off ICON Pistons here      

Oisin O'Connor is the CEO and co-founder of Recharge, the leading subscription management platform powering 75% of all Shopify subscriptions. Under his leadership, Recharge has become a critical infrastructure partner for over 30,000 brands, reaching 100 million subscribers and $100 million ARR.In this episode of DTC Pod, Oisin pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to win with subscriptions in today's DTC landscape. He shares insider strategies for subscriber growth, optimizing retention, and leveraging Recharge's newest AI-powered tools to minimize churn. Oisin also shares specific benchmarks every brand should measure, real-world examples of subscription funnels that convert, and actionable experiments operators can run to unlock long-term profitability and scale.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Evolution of subscriptions in physical product e-commerce2. How to spot and create product-market fit 3. Differentiators that set Recharge apart from early competitors4. The compounding power of subscriptions for long-term growth5. Unit economics, LTV vs CAC, and why retention is king6. What best-in-class subscription brands do differently7. Optimizing conversion funnels for subscriber growth8. Subscription benchmarks: churn rates, retention, and second order metrics9. Reducing churn with data, cancellation flows, loyalty, and rewards10. Automations and integrating Recharge with supply chain and 3PL operations11. Leveraging AI Concierge for customer retention and support12. Evolving customer experience and the need for seamless subscription management13. How Recharge guides merchants with data, support, and innovation14. Experiments and mistakes founders make launching subscription brandsTimestamps00:00 Oisin's background, founding story, and early agency experiments04:06 The rise of Shopify and the breakthrough with Recharge05:19 The subscription model: initial skepticism and quirky early adopters06:47 Technical challenges in enabling subscriptions on Shopify09:00 First major subscription brand success story10:15 Compounding growth through subscriptions11:36 Legacy brands and decades-long customer retention13:06 Building DTC businesses with sustainable unit economics14:37 Lessons from TV advertising history and the narrowing of scalable models16:29 Key traits of successful subscription businesses17:09 Product, recurring need, and conversion strategy18:27 Understanding subscriber value and optimizing acquisition19:26 Retention: keeping customers post-acquisition  19:52 High-performing brands and funnel design20:05 Subscription by default, offers, upsells, and cross-sells21:39 Conversion tactics from PDP to post-checkout22:38 Benchmarks for healthy churn and retention23:06 How top brands reduce churn and track performance24:58 Recharge tools: analytics, cancellation flows, Klaviyo integration26:41 Rewards and automations to boost retention27:33 Automate flows for backend fulfillment and logistics28:20 Launching AI SMS concierge for subscriber experience29:40 Reducing customer service friction and delighting shoppers32:15 Customer experience as a core differentiator34:04 The competitive subscription landscape: Recharge's position35:41 Product innovation, support, and actionable guidance37:16 Data-driven product innovation and merchant success38:04 The future of subscription, retention, and platform innovation40:38 Biggest mistakes founders make with subscriptions41:58 Experiments founders should run with Recharge42:58 Where to connect with Oisin for advice and mentorshipShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokOisin O'Connor - Co-Founder and CEO of RechargeBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/NMX865. CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until October 13, 2026.The Clock Strikes Innovation in CLL: Upfront Care With Newer, Time-Limited BTKi Combinations In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/NMX865. CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until October 13, 2026.The Clock Strikes Innovation in CLL: Upfront Care With Newer, Time-Limited BTKi Combinations In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/NMX865. CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until October 13, 2026.The Clock Strikes Innovation in CLL: Upfront Care With Newer, Time-Limited BTKi Combinations In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/NMX865. CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until October 13, 2026.The Clock Strikes Innovation in CLL: Upfront Care With Newer, Time-Limited BTKi Combinations In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/NMX865. CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until October 13, 2026.The Clock Strikes Innovation in CLL: Upfront Care With Newer, Time-Limited BTKi Combinations In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/NMX865. CME/MOC/EBAH/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until October 13, 2026.The Clock Strikes Innovation in CLL: Upfront Care With Newer, Time-Limited BTKi Combinations In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

What better way to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Mariah Carey's 5th Studio album 'Daydream' than but unpacking and giving you another album review?!This week on The Obsessed Podcast, Gareth & Ghia dive deep into Mariah Carey's landmark 1995 album Daydream. Unwrapping the era that changed the game—when Mimi effortlessly bridged pop, R&B and hip-hop and handed us anthems that still glow today..From the unforgettable hook of “Fantasy” to the heartfelt balladry of “Always Be My Baby”, and the record-shattering collaboration “One Sweet Day” with Boyz II Men, to the album's lush production and fearless vocal runs — we cover it all. We'll explore how Daydream marked a turning point for Mariah as a songwriter and producer, how it expanded her sound palette, and why its impact still reverberates in today's music scene..Whether you've been a Lamb from day one or you're just discovering the magic, this episode is packed with nostalgic feels, passionate takes and deep-cuts seen through two very different Lamb perspectives. Lambs! Grab your butterfly wings, press play, and let's revisit the classic that dared Mariah to fly before she got her wings....Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast

Zeke Bronfman is the co-founder and CEO of The Absorption Company, a brand pioneering highly bioavailable supplements engineered for optimal nutrient absorption. With a background in health and wellness entrepreneurship—including a previous successful beverage exit—Zeke leads a team on a mission to address a major gap in supplement efficacy by focusing on real, measurable impact for consumers.In this episode of DTC Pod, Zeke details the journey of building The Absorption Company from inception to rapid retail success in outlets like Erewhon. He talks about the science behind absorption, launching with a powerful community-driven strategy, and the importance of brand-led product innovation. Zeke also offers practical advice on supply chain management, leveraging celebrity co-founders, and lessons learned about optimizing e-commerce for long-term growth.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. The founding story of The Absorption Company2. Why most supplements fail—and how absorption is the next frontier3. Creating a viral pre-launch private Instagram community4. Setting a brand apart with science-backed, lifestyle-driven design5. Early product development and MVP lessons6. Direct-to-consumer subscription as a growth engine7. Amazon, TikTok Shop, and the online channel mix8. The strategic approach to selective retail partnerships9. Managing the supply chain: co-packers, fulfillment, and scaling ops10. How to keep operations simple, resilient, and cost-effective11. Lessons in traffic acquisition: organic, paid, and influencer mix12. Celebrity founder advantages, limits, and effective deployment13. Funding, initial capital requirements, and brand investment14. Biggest founder learnings and operational takeaways15. What's ahead: innovation pipeline and future growthTimestamps00:00 Intro to Zeke Bronfman and The Absorption Company02:44 The absorption problem in supplements04:40 Why bioavailability is the future of wellness supplements06:11 Bringing the brand to life: Team, tech, and community-building07:47 The private Instagram launch strategy and viral pre-sale09:27 The power of exclusivity and early consumer engagement11:12 Product MVP and standout branding decisions13:26 Early sales strategy: DTC, Amazon, retail mix15:04 Why big-box retail isn't always the right move17:57 Scaling DTC: Subscription, platform choices, and LTV19:04 Driving traffic: Paid, organic, influencer, and celebrity co-founder impact20:38 TikTok Shop: Affiliate, Live, and what works (and doesn't)22:36 Capital, startup costs, and launching with impact25:32 Building a scalable supply chain and minimizing complexity27:25 Fulfillment operations and splitting inventory29:00 Entering boutique/strategic retail as a marketing lever30:52 Biggest learnings and missteps scaling Absorption Company33:13 Lessons using celebrity/influencer as a brand amplifier36:10 What's next: Upcoming innovations and business growth36:50 Where to follow Absorption CompanyShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokEzekiel Bronfman - Co-Founder and CEO of The Absorption CompanyBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Lambs, assemble!

This week on The Obsessed Podcast Gareth & Ghia discuss Mariah Carey's 16th studio album….‘Here For It All'.After 7 years of waiting, lambs across the land have enjoyed celebratory moments in the forms of accolades & anniversaries but now… we have a whole brand new era!.What are your fave tracks on Mariah's new album?.What were your favourite moments?.  Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast.

Danielle Kidney is the founder of The Creative Pack, a Los Angeles-based agency specializing in packaging design for CPG and DTC brands. With over two decades of experience in the industry—including work with Tesco and a diverse portfolio of well-known consumer brands—Danielle brings a wealth of expertise in every aspect of packaging, from strategy and brand storytelling to materials and production.In this episode of DTC Pod, Danielle breaks down the behind-the-scenes process of creating packaging that not only looks great but also delivers on function, compliance, and scalability. She covers everything from the earliest stages of design and competitor audits, to the nuances of materials, regulatory requirements, and print production. Danielle shares practical advice on how brands can avoid costly mistakes, streamline their supply chain, and create packaging that stands out both online and on the shelf.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. The importance of packaging in brand perception and sales2. Process: From initial idea to production-ready design3. Building a design brief and establishing project scope4. Competitive reviews and designing for hierarchy and function5. Balancing creative innovation with must-have regulatory details6. Collaborating with clients, manufacturers, and printers7. Prototyping, mockups, and unboxing experience8. Print technology, material choices, and cost management9. Regulatory review, legal claims, and compliance essentials10. Lead times, timeline planning, and pitfalls of rushing production11. Early-stage packaging vs. scaling up for retail and DTC12. Lessons learned: common mistakes and strategic tips13. Pricing, form factor, and packaging design as sales leversTimestamps00:00 Introducing Danielle Kidney & The Creative Pack05:42 The Creative Pack's client process: from idea to brief10:50 Balancing branding vs. functionality for sales and conversion18:03 Manufacturing realities: materials, dielines, and cost constraints24:39 Colors, mockups, and bringing digital designs to life26:22 Real-world costs of packaging mistakes and risk mitigation29:27 Regulatory musts: nutrition facts, barcodes, legal pitfalls35:10 Realistic timelines for packaging launches and scale40:33 Strategies for startups vs. brands scaling up43:23 Lessons learned and tips for optimizing packaging decisions50:20 Where to connect with Danielle and The Creative PackShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokDanielle Kidney - Founder of The Creative PackBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Meenakshi Lala is the CEO of UrbanStems, an online floral gifting company that designs, sources, and delivers high-quality, curated bouquets and gifts across the U.S. She brings over two decades of operational experience from leading brands in fashion and retail such as Alice + Olivia, Juicy Couture, and Elie Tahari. Her expertise in scaling complex businesses and building operational excellence now fuels UrbanStems' growth as a leader in the industry.In this episode of DTC Pod, Blaine and Meenakshi explore the complex world of DTC flower delivery: from sourcing stems globally, managing cold chain logistics, forecasting inventory, and reducing spoilage, to ensuring the end customer receives a high-quality bouquet every time. Meenakshi candidly discusses the challenges of seasonality, tariffs, international shipping, and why a robust brand and customer-centric approach are keys to thriving in today's fast-moving e-commerce landscape.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. The complexities of the floral industry and perishability2. The evolution of e-commerce in the flower business3. Building a robust and agile international supply chain4. Cold chain logistics and fulfillment center operations5. Planning, forecasting, and reducing spoilage in inventory6. Unique challenges: tariffs, customs, and unpredictable events7. Customer experience: packaging, instructions, and communications8. Curation, personalization, and expanding gifting moments9. Driving growth through brand, loyalty, and education10. Lessons learned in leadership and staying agileTimestamps00:00 Meenakshi's career journey and joining UrbanStems04:49 Key learnings from legacy brands and focus on brand ethos07:21 Operational challenges unique to the floral industry11:00 The evolution of flowers in e-commerce and UrbanStems' role14:28 How Urban Stems' supply chain is structured for freshness16:37 International sourcing, design, and bouquet assembly process18:27 Managing supply chain risks: tariffs and customs21:45 Inventory planning, spoilage, and matching supply to demand24:45 Supply chain as a business moat and high-precision operation25:36 Customer fulfillment: hydration, packaging, and experience28:34 Packaging complexities and spec sheets per SKU30:08 Lessons from moving from COO to CEO32:19 How operational expertise shapes strategic leadership34:17 Customer feedback and new initiatives at UrbanStems38:02 Growth channels: brand loyalty, curation, and gifting moments41:58 Biggest CEO learnings and future outlook43:51 Where to find Meenakshi and UrbanStems onlineShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokMeenakshi Lala - CEO at UrbanStemsBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Natan Bershtel is the Director of Business Development at Pelagic, a fractional supply chain partner for growing brands and CPG companies. Before Pelagic, Natan spent nearly 20 years as a public school teacher before joining and eventually running his family's contract packaging business—where he worked with iconic names like Seed, Liquid IV, Celsius, and Element. After his company's exit, Natan teamed up with John Morgan to help brands avoid common operational pitfalls and build supply chains that scale.In this episode of DTC Pod, Natan breaks down what it takes to build a resilient supply chain at every stage of brand growth. He shares practical strategies to avoid common pitfalls, tips on sourcing the right partners, and insights on how successful brands approach manufacturing, fulfillment, and logistics. Natan also highlights why supply chain is core to a brand's success and how founders can create real competitive advantages by making supply chain decisions based on quality, relationships, and flexibility.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Importance of supply chain in DTC and omnichannel brands2. Key players: sourcing, manufacturing, co-packers, 3PLs, and fulfillment3. Differences in supply chain needs for emerging vs. established brands4. Supply chain pitfalls and how to avoid them5. Vetting, relationship-building, and collaboration with your supply chain partners6. Overlooked areas of supply chain where founders lose time/money7. How to approach minimum order quantities and negotiations8. When to outsource fulfillment vs. doing it yourself9. Logistics of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution10. The impact of scale on supply chain decisions11. Using data and timelines to make faster, smarter choices12. Leveraging agency and partner networks for supply chain speed13. Why in-person vendor relationships are crucial14. How truly great supply chains build brand moatsTimestamps00:00 Intro and the state of supply chain in DTC01:40 Natan Bershtel's background and path to Pelagic02:24 Lessons from growing a contract packaging family business04:11 Why supply chain is the backbone of every brand05:28 The role of execution vs. creative vision in CPG07:09 How to find and vet the best manufacturing/packaging partners11:15 The agency advantage: getting reps and sharing supply chain intel12:41 Core players in bringing a product to market15:04 Aligning supply chain strategy with brand vision and goals16:56 Two playbooks for scaling: bootstrap profit vs. capital-intensive growth19:48 Timelines—how to ask supply partners the right questions21:41 How and when to ask for what you need from partners26:32 End-to-end product launch: manufacturing, packaging, and fulfillment28:42 When to move fulfillment to a 3PL (and when to keep it in-house)33:15 Tech and process innovation at leading 3PLs35:14 Strategic decisions: packaging, location, and unit economics38:58 Challenging assumptions and reviewing supply chain regularly42:08 Supply chain as brand moat and advantage44:13 Final tips: Always go in-person and build real relationshipsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokNatan Bershtel - Director of Business Development at PelagicBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

IT'S BEEN A. LONG TIME LAMBS! . Brace yourselves because this week's episode on The Obsessed Podcast… Gareth & Ghia sit down with Treacle of the ‘Hey Lamb Podcast' who guided the Lambily through Lockdown with his YouTube channel on all things Mariah! . After a 4 year hiatus, Matte sits down with G&G to go through the Tracklist of the anticipated album from Mariah Carey! . What are your thoughts on the tracklisting? . What are your thoughts on the MI roll out? . Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platforms Follow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast

Meet Robin Cummiskey of Wallace Dry Goods and let's talk about special social drinking without alcohol!

What a LAMBILY Summer!.This week on The Obsessed Podcast... Gareth & Ghia run through Mariah's epic stay in London as she continues to promote her upcoming MC16 album 'Here For It All'.Mariah is also set to perform at the Royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, UK as one of the headline acts for the Heritage Live summer concert series. .But in the build up to Mariah's last UK show of the summer, she travels to UK upscale department store Selfridges for an exclusive discussion on her stay in the UK and her musical endeavours for the rest of 2025... including a snippet of title track from her upcoming new album 'Here For It All'. . With Gareth only located around the corner... it is a race against time to fit everything in that he can when he catches up with Mariah... .Will he get that selfie? Will he get to discuss The Obsessed Podcast? Will he get his vinyl AND Ghia's Harper' Bazaar magazine signed?Will She remember who he even is?. Listen to this week's episode to find out.... Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast

Ghia is a drink brand that isn't trying to be beer, wine, or spirits — and definitely not a “mocktail.” It's bitter, bold, and built for people who want a drink that doesn't play it safe.Today, Eli talks with Ghia founder Mélanie Masarin about building a culinary inspired non-alcoholic option that's not about sobriety, but about choice, occasion, and great flavors. They get into what makes Ghia different, how Mélanie's multinational upbringing shaped the philosophy of the brand, and why she walked away from a Shark Tank deal without blinking. We Want to Hear from You!Have a topic, craft category, or craft company you'd like to see us cover? Email us here to share those or any other thoughts you have about CRAFTED.RELATED LINKS:Blister Craft CollectiveBecome a BLISTER+ MemberGhiaRecipe GuideBLISTER NEWSLETTER:Get It & Our Weekly Gear GiveawaysTOPICS & TIMES:Introduction and Background (1:48)The Birth of Gia: A Personal Journey (2:43)Crafting the First Iteration of Gia (6:14)Understanding the Non-Alcoholic Movement (11:04)The Importance of Context in Enjoying Gia (17:12)Elusiveness and Brand Identity (21:43)Paving a New Path in the Beverage Industry (28:00)Defining Success in the Non-Alcoholic Space (29:24)Cultural Perspectives on Drinking: Europe vs. America (30:44)The Evolution of Non-Alcoholic Menus (32:42)The Unique Approach to Non-Alcoholic Beverages (36:21)Cultural Influences on Drinking Habits (37:48)Marketing Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Children (39:55)The Impact of Shark Tank on Business Growth (47:16)Transitioning from Bottles to Cans: A Strategic Move (51:14)SEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back Lambs to The Obsessed Podcast!.What a weekend! What a summer!.Mariah Carey is in London for her Brighton Pride & Sandringham Estate shows so naturally Gareth & Ghia sit down to discuss..Brighton Pride was the talk of the town as Mariah lived out her ultimate promise and returned to perform at the iconic Brighton Pride in Preston Park… 5 years after Miss Rona swept up all opportunity and banished up to lockdown..So grab a splash and join us as we unpack our reality of the much anticipated weekend - meeting Mariah, meeting lambs, and an iconic performance from the Queen herself!.Do you get to go to see Mariah in Brighton?.Did you enjoy the iconic setlist?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast

On The Obsessed Podcast this week… Gareth & Ghia unpack their feelings on Mariah Carey's 2nd single from her MC16 album ‘Here For It All'… “Sugar Sweet” following the gritty lead track “Type Dangerous,” this new release reveals a sunnier, more melodic facet of Carey's evolving sound..What did you think to Mariah's latest single?.Is it constantly on repeat?.Is it a 20th no.1?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast.

This week on The Obsessed Podcast… Gareth & Ghia can finally discuss the MC16 era, Mariah Carey's 16th studio album ‘ Here For It All..Available on Blush colored vinyl, Limited Edition Honey Vinyl & Amazon Exclusive White Edition Vinyl as well as standard Black vinyl, CDs cassettes available..Mariah Carey' is back with her brand new album ‘Here For It All' coming 9/26/25. .“Featuring the singles "Type Dangerous," and "Sugar Sweet," the album marks Mariah's first studio album in 7 years. The project is a rich, genre-blending body of work that pays tribute to every era of Mariah that fans know and love, while introducing new collaborators and modern influences that allow the music to seamlessly span generations.”.Which are your favourite variants?.Which version will you be getting?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast

This week on The Obsessed Podcast… Gareth & Ghia go over Mariah Carey's ‘Type Dangerous' Remix collection..Mariah recently dropped a collection of remixes for the lead track to her currently untitled MC16 album and the tracks DID NOT disappoint!.So join G&G to see which ones they have been listening to and why..Which remixes are your favourite?.What are your thoughts on the new remixes?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast.@mariahcarey @garethstorer @the_queen_g#vogue #grammys #mariahcareytiktok #AIWFCIY #mariahcarey #rainbow #itstime #lambilymoments #MC30 #butterfly #adele #reels #lasvegas #mariahcareyseason #tiktok #mariahcareybarbie #MariahSZN #Mimi20 #taylorswift #mariahcareychristmas #Mariahseason #Theemancipationofmimi #alliwantforchristmasisyou #queenofchristmas #thecelebrationtour #heartbreaker #webelongtogether #TEOM #mariahcareyforever

On The Obsessed Podcast this week, Gareth & Ghia delve in and run through, exploring both Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston's musical work and their relationship—balancing admiration, collaboration, and the public narrative around them:In this episode, we dive deep into the professional & personal friendship of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston—two icons who defined an era of pop and R&B. Often portrayed as rivals by the media, their real-life relationship told a different story, one of mutual respect, iconic collaboration, and vocal brilliance. We explore their individual personas, the legacy of their powerhouse duet “When You Believe,” and how their relationship carried on for years after working together. .Join G&G as they unpack the range, the runs, the shade, and the sisterhood of two legends who redefined the so-called diva rivalry and celebrate the genuine connection between two of music's most gifted voices..What are your thoughts on their alleged rivalry?.What are your thoughts on their triumphant friendship?.What attachments to you hold to their iconic duet ‘When You Believe'?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast

Brent Vartan is Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Bullish, a unique hybrid combining a branding agency and a consumer-focused venture fund. With decades of experience in brand strategy, Brent and his team have been early investors and builders behind some of the most iconic DTC and consumer brands of the past decade, including Peloton, Warby Parker, Casper, Harry's, Hu, Bubble, and more.In this episode of DTC Pod, Brent shares his perspective on what it takes to build generational consumer brands from the earliest stages. He discusses Bullish's hands-on investment approach, the importance of brand strategy as a growth mechanism, and what differentiates brands that become household names. Brent also breaks down real playbooks from companies like Sunday Lawn and Nom Nom, providing founders concrete advice on what it takes to build brands worth talking about—and worth buying.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Bullish's hybrid brand agency and VC model2. What it means to invest as “first money” and why it matters3. The difference between building a business and building a brand4. Why customer lifetime value (CLV) trumps CAC and COGS5. Product-market fit: moving from awareness to lifetime value6. How Bullish supports brands like Harry's and Nom Nom in their earliest days7. Tactical advice for founders on capital raising and allocation8. Building brands for acquisition vs. IPO9. The playbook for becoming an acquisition target (what buyers actually want)10. The underrated power of innovation and product launches11. The role of cultural relevance in DTC brand building12. Real-world examples from Sunday Lawn, Peloton, Bubble Beauty, and more13. How great DTC brands focus on AOV, CLV, and brand loyalty14. Pitfalls to avoid around capital structure and loss of momentumTimestamps00:00 Introducing Brent Vartan and Bullish03:49 Bullish's track record and notable investments05:22 What makes Bullish different10:10 Investing as “first money,” how Bullish evaluates concepts13:19 Patterns Bullish looks for in breakout DTC brands16:09 Deep dive: Sunday Lawn's growth and strategy18:36 Positioning Harry's and building a hundred-year business21:04 Timelines, capital, and operational realities for breakout brands23:37 Building for acquisition vs. IPO: how strategies diverge28:57 What buyers are really seeking in DTC acquisitions31:47 Nom Nom's Mars acquisition and the power of niche audiences33:59 The importance of cultural relevance and taking creative “shots”35:32 Bubble Beauty: case study in innovation and customer engagement38:27 Finding the right capital structure and maintaining founder equity41:06 The risks of stalling momentum and overplanning43:33 Where to allocate raised capital: innovation vs. marketing46:20 Where to find Bullish, Brent's socials, and their newsletterShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokBrent Vartan - Managing Partner & Co-Founder of BullishBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Welcome back Lambs!.On The Obsessed Podcast this week, Gareth & Ghia breakdown the trio of Barbra Streisand ft Mariah Carey & Ariana Grande on Babs latest effort ‘The Secret Of Life' for the track ‘One Heart, One Voice'.This one is short & sweet!.What did you think to the song?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast.

En este podcast contamos con la colaboración de Car Vertical, que te hace un descuento del 20% al introducir el código GH. https://bit.ly/40yvHDI Y es que comprar un coche usado no es como jugar a la ruleta rusa, pero casi. Car Vertical te da el historial real del coche con solo introducir la matrícula. En un minuto tienes un informe que te dice si ha tenido accidentes, si ha sido robado, si tiene los kilómetros manipulados, si ha pasado por media Europa o ha sido taxi, coche de alquiler... o todo a la vez. Esto no es solo para particulares, ojo. Si eres profesional, un compraventa o un taller, es una herramienta buenísima. Te ayuda a saber lo que tienes entre manos antes de comprar, vender o reparar. En Garaje Hermético nos gusta dar bueno consejos. Y si vas a comprar, ya sea un coche, una moto o una furgoneta, hazte un favor: míralo antes en Car Vertical. Te puede ahorrar dinero, disgustos... y muchas visitas al taller. Llevamos más, muchos más de 1.000 videos y muchos me preguntáis: ¿No se te acaban las ideas? ¡Pues no! Porque hay muchas historias que contar, muchos coches de que hablar y en algunos casos, completamente olvidados o muy poco conocidos. Te traigo 15 coches que, si no los conoces… ¡deberías! #coches #cochesclasicos Conviértete en miembro de este canal para disfrutar de ventajas: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBG3pvXhocK7_GjeIx2sUeg/join 1. AC Ace (1953). Un modelo que ahora se vuelve a fabricar y cuyas primeras entregas están previstas para este mismo verano. 2. Amilcar C6 (1926). Todos hemos leído y escuchado que la gran Isadora Duncan perdió la vida cuando su pañuelo se enrollo en el eje trasero del Bugatti conducido por Benoit Falchetto… todo es verdad salvo que el coche no era un Bugatti sino un Amilcar. 3. Bristol Fighter (2004). El Bristol Fighter de cuatro ruedas cuenta con un motor V10 de 8 litros y 532 CV, que suben a 660 en la versión S, para un peso de apenas 1.600 kg. Y no sé si es bonito, pero impresionante, sí. 4. Checker Marathon A12 (1975). Conocía este coche por las revistas, pero cuando fui a Nueva York estaba deseando subirme a uno, nada más parecía más norteamericano que este coche, ni siquiera la Coca Cola. 5. DAF 66 (1972). En la actualidad la marca holandesa DAF es muy conocida por sus camiones, pero también fabricó coches y unos coches muy originales. Aunque los hubo con motor de origen DAF estos modelos enseguida montaron motores de origen Renault de 1.1 y 1.3 litros y entre unos 45 y casi 60 CV. 7. Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70 (2025). Seguimos con coches holandeses… que no es que haya habido muchos. Joop Donkervoort comenzó haciendo coches inspirados en los Lotus Super Seven, pero muy evolucionados. 7. Facel Vega Facel II (1962). El coche no era nada malo, pues resultaba bonito, potente gracias a su V8 Chrysler de más de 6 litros y 390 CV. Pero faltó marketing, servicio postventa y la marca, tras su último intento, el Facelia, cerró sus puertas. 8. Hillman Imp (1963). Este modelo me resulta simpático, pues su estética está inspirada en el innovador Chevrolet Corvair, pero en un coche que también contaba con motor posterior, pero era mucho, pero mucho más pequeño. 9. Hispano-Alemán Castilla (1972). La historia de este coche, como todas las historias que rodean al fundador de la marca, Ben Heidrich, parecen sacadas de una telenovela. 10. Horch 830 BL (1937). El automóvil que utilizó el General Charles De Gaulle en el famoso desfile por los Campos Elíseos el 18 de junio de 1945, tras la rendición de Alemania. 11. Iso Rivolta Lele (1969). Iso fabricó motos de gran calidad, mi padre tuvo una, motocarros de enorme éxito y… coches de lujo. En 1969 presente este Lele con la idea de competir con Ferrari, Lamborghini y Maserati… ambición no le faltaba a Piero Rivolta, hijo de Renzo Rivolta, fundador de la marca. 12. Jensen Interceptor (1966). A mí el coche me parece bonito a rabiar, original, casi desconocido y… no le he probado… así que, si alguien tiene uno por ahí, ¿me lo dejaría? 12+1. Marcos Mantara LM600 (1993). Jem Marsh y el aerodinamista Frank Costin decidieron crear una marca para hacer pequeños deportivos al estilo inglés… más tarde decidieron con sus ligeros coches hacer sus “pinitos” en competición… pero con el tiempo se fueron “viniendo arriba” y un día decidieron conquistar Le Mans. 14. Noble M400 (2006). Uno de los coches más modernos de esta selección y que también tuvo cierto éxito en competición. 15. Stutz Blackhawk (1971). Obra de Virgil Exner que contó con la ayuda del diseñador italiano Ghia y usó componentes de General Motors. Estaban de alguna manera inspirados en los clásicos Stutz, pero actualizados.

Welcome Back to The Obsessed Podcast..After all the excitement in last week's episode, Gareth & Ghia finally get to break down the new music video for the lead track from Mariah's MC16... 'Type Dangerous' .Join G&G as they unpack their thoughts on the delay, the quality, the 'dangerous' men....What are your thoughts on Mariah's new music video?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast

Apoorva Govind is the founder and CEO of Bestever, a platform focused on helping brands and marketers generate ad creatives powered by real performance data and advanced AI models. With a background spanning technical roles at Apple, Uber, and Nvidia, Apoorva brings unique insights into the intersection of technology and growth marketing.In this DTC POD episode, Apoorva and Blaine discuss how the AI toolkit for advertisers is evolving, the reality behind AI-generated ads, and why strategic inputs—not just rapid content production—drive sustainable brand results. Apoorva outlines how Bestever AI analyzes existing ad data to identify winning creative elements, then automates the production of new assets using the latest AI models. The episode also covers practical advice for early-stage brands on managing creative ops, what workflows will look like as AI video matures, and the future role of platforms like Meta in creative automation.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Apoorva's background at Apple, Uber, and Nvidia2. The early vision and pivot of Bestever AI3. The role of AI in modern creative production4. Ad creative strategy vs. pure output volume5. Measuring ad performance with data-driven insights6. Practical workflow tips for early-stage brands7. When and how to leverage agencies8. How to analyze competitors and learn from top-performing brands9. Demystifying AI video: state of the tech in 202510. Building workflows to leverage multiple AI models11. How Meta and other platforms are automating creative12. The importance of creative analysis and transparent reporting13. Future trends for agency and brand marketersTimestamps00:00 Intro and Apoorva's technical background01:19 Apoorva's early career at Apple, Nvidia, and Uber03:04 Apoorva's take on Apple's iOS 26 glassmorphic UI and focus on AI06:09 Security, future, and mass adoption of self-driving cars13:30 Transition into ad creative, Bestever AI's founding, and early pivots18:31 How Bestever AI analyzes ad data to inform new creative20:49 Current state and skepticism around fully AI-generated ad content23:44 Meta's push toward creative automation26:56 Ad creative strategy for early and scaling brands35:24 How Bestever AI helps brands diagnose and double down on winning ads43:07 The reality of AI video: what's possible now and what's coming next46:18 Investing in workflows and abstraction layers for future-proof creative ops50:14 Where to connect with Apoorva and learn more about Bestever AIShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokApporva Govind - CEO and Founder of BesteverBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Welcome back to The Obsessed Podcast!MC16 is well under way Lambs!.Mariah has released the lead track for the eagerly anticipated MC16 titled ‘Truly Dangerous'.And now... Gareth & Ghia unpack their thoughts on lead single 'Type: Dangerous".What did you think to the new Mariah song?.Have we all been streaming?.Are we all excited for the video tomorrow?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast

Long time, Southern California, Volkswagen, mechanic and air cooled Aficionado Paul Ricketts sits down with Cameron to talk all things VW.Questions? Thoughts? Guest suggestions?Email us at aircooledlegendspodcast@gmail.comSubscribe to our newsletter:https://bio.site/aircooledlegendspodQuestions? Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at aircooledlegendspodcast@gmail.comSubscribe to our newsletter:https://bio.site/aircooledlegendspod

Welcome back to The Obsessed Podcast!EXCITING NEWS LAMBS!.Mariah has teased a new video on social media announcing the eagerly anticipated MC16!.It has been a hot topic on this podcast over the past 5 years and we even have an episode predicting (and manifesting) how this elusive era would look if it should ever arrive....And now... Gareth & Ghia take to the mic to unpack their thoughts so early on in this brand new MC16 era, kicking off with lead single 'Type: Dangerous"What did you think to the new Mariah tease video?.Have you liked what you have heard s far?.Are we all excited for the brand new song tomorrow?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platformsFollow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at @the_obsessed_podcast

Chris Koch is the founder and CEO of VO/D, a venture studio that partners with massive talent celebrities to build enduring CPG brands across DTC, e-commerce, and retail. With a background in sports, investment banking, and talent management, Chris brings deep experience in identifying consumer needs, pairing them with the right creators, and executing product-first brand launches.In this episode of DTC Pod, Chris walks through Void's venture model, emphasizing the importance of strong products over mere celebrity endorsement. He shares the inside story of 1Up Candy's rapid national retail rollout and outlines key frameworks for structuring talent partnerships, screening for true product-market fit, and ensuring long-term profitability in the saturated creator-led brand space.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. VO/D's Venture Studio Model  2. Partnering with Celebrities and Creators  3. Product-First Versus Talent-First Approach  4. Identifying Consumer Problems 5. Selecting The Right Talent  6. Talent as a Marketing Utility  7. Challenges in Sourcing and Engaging Talent  8. Social Following vs Purchase Influence  9. Structuring Talent Partnerships  10. Brand Launch Funding and Operations  11. 1Up Candy Launch Story  12. Retail Distribution Partnerships  13. Inventory Financing and Cash Flow  14. Creator-Led Marketing Strategies  15. Legal and Contractual Safeguards  16. Tips for Talent-Led Brands  17. VO/D's Future Direction Timestamps00:00 Chris's background & intro to VO/D03:35 Why Void is product-first, not just talent-powered05:04 An inside look at VO/D's venture studio model06:55 Talent as a utility & making brands that stand alone10:31 Challenges matching creators to authentic product opportunities11:28 Assessing conversion, reach, and fit in creator partners13:40 How 1Up Candy with FaZe Rug came together17:31 Disrupting candy with innovation and viral challenges20:33 Breaking into 4,000 Walmart stores & key retail strategy23:30 Operational realities of scaling fast (financing, supply chain, DTC vs. retail)29:18 How to structure talent deals: equity, vesting, and incentives35:17 Red flags and protective provisions in creator agreements40:08 What's next for VO/D: new categories, creator partners, and acquisition opportunitiesShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokChris Koch - Founder of VO/DBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

On The Obsessed Podcast this week, Gareth & Ghia breakdown Mariah's Mimi 20 Sessions to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Emancipation Of Mimi. .Mariah took to the very intimate setting with musical director Daniel Moore, a white signature piano and her iconic MIMI sign!.Mariah looking demure as ever was showcasing her curves in a black lace knit jump suit from Alaïa with her hair gracefully waving down onto her shoulders as she gave us an updated live showcase of some of those key vocal moments from the huge staple of an album. .There will be tears!.What were your thoughts on the performance?.What were yourfave moments from the show? .Will you be going to see the queen this year at any of her shows this year?.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platforms.Follow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at⁠@the_obsessed_podcast⁠.

Welcome back lambs!This week on The Obsessed Podcast, Gareth & Ghia have been appointed the task by Shaleena from The Everything 90's Podcast to run through her bracket game and work out their collective fave Mariah Carey album....Shaleena has paired up some tricky albums but G&G muddle through and make their way through the clever pairings to find their way to the ultimate The Obsessed Podcast favourite Mariah Carey album !.Which album will they land on?.Which album will you land on?.Go check out the Everything 90's Podcast and see what Shaleena & her guests ended up with as their faves!.Don't forget to rate, review & subscribe to The Obsessed Podcast, available on all streaming platforms.Follow us on all social media platforms for constant updates all at⁠@the_obsessed_podcast⁠

Melanie Masarin once pitched Glossier's founder to do a pop-up at a former fried chicken shop. Her response? “I don't get it, but I trust you.” It was a career-defining moment for her. Because getting approval from the founder meant she couldn't afford to mess it up. Listen as Melanie shares why being given major responsibilities in her mid-twenties shaped her career. Plus, how it prepared her to start Ghia, the non-alcoholic apéritif that's now a millennial bar-cart staple.  In this episode of 9 to 5ish, Melanie also shares:  Her food-centered core memories growing up in the French Riviera  The money-shock she experienced attending Brown University  The once-in-a-lifetime chance she had to design the Glossier flagship store Her journey shifting from founder-to-CEO mode, and the difficulties that come with it How pivoting Ghia's launch strategy actually paid off  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Nosbisch is the founder and CEO of BRĒZ, a cannabis social tonic beverage designed as an alcohol alternative that offers a euphoric, feel-good effect without the downsides of alcohol. He built his expertise in e-commerce from an early age, launching multiple internet brands and scaling previous ventures like MONQ (portable aromatherapy diffuser, 0 to $15 million in three years as CMO), and running Lucyd Media, the world's largest cannabis social advertising agency, which run 80% of meta ads for the cannabis space.In this episode, Aaron and Blaine explore how BRĒZ identified untapped demand, iterated their product to solve a genuine founder problem, and brought it to market with precision: leveraging lean startup methodology, subscription-first landing pages, micro-batch production, effective founder-led UGC creative, and meticulous customer service. They discuss cash flow realities, funding first runs, the role of retention in beverage DTC, and how direct-to-consumer momentum powers retail expansion and shelf velocity. Aaron also shares transparent insights on ad spend, internal ops, and the principles that fuel brand growth.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Pillars of a Successful DTC Brand2. Challenges of Scaling Beverages DTC3. Early Stage Funding and Resources Management4. Supply Chain Processes in Product Launches5. Team Building, Finding the Right Partners6. Pre-Launch and Launch Strategies7. Testing and Iterating Ad Campaigns8. Founder-Led Content in Advertising 9. Guerrilla Strategies for Audience and List Building10. Media Buying, Optimizing CAC, and Scaling Spend11. Building AOV, Subscription, and Retention12. Customer Feedback and Iteration Cycles13. Importance of Timing and Market ReadinessTimestamps00:00 Introducing Aaron and BRĒZ05:06 The “alcohol alternative” white space and product vision13:21 Launching a DTC beverage: initial capital and inventory20:32 Validating demand, managing resource constraints25:44 First ads and sales: founder content, guerilla tactics34:07 Early CACs, ad budgets, and optimizing for LTV38:22 E-commerce vs retail: channel mix and growth phases46:50 Key takeaways & where to follow Aaron and BRĒZShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokAaron Nosbisch - Founder and CEO of BRĒZBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Year in Review: Clinical Investigator Perspectives on the Most Relevant New Datasets and Advances in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia | Faculty Presentation 1: Current Role of Covalent Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Bcl-2 Inhibitors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) — Paolo Ghia, MD, PhD CME information and select publications

Marin Ištvanić is a partner at Inspire Brands, a boutique agency focused on paid social ads, primarily on Facebook and Instagram. He has personally spent over $150 million on Facebook ads for clients and internal brands, successfully scaling Inspire's own brand to $30 million in revenue by their third year.In this episode of DTC Pod, Marin shares his insights on growing brands profitably through paid social. He discusses the importance of achieving product-market fit, crafting compelling offers, and understanding unit economics. Marin also details his agency's creative testing process and how to efficiently scale winning ad angles from static images to videos to landing pages.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Achieving Product-Market Fit2. Scaling Brands through Facebook Ads3. Product Differentiation4. How to Craft a Compelling Offer5. Subscription Products and Pricing Strategies6. Landing Pages for Facebook Ads7. Advertorials and Third-Party Content for Ads8. Whitelisting and Leveraging External Trust in Ads9. Ad Format Mix and Budget Allocation10. Advantage+ Campaigns and AI11. Scaling Ad Creative Production12. Testing Ad Variations and HooksTimestamps00:00 Marin's background and joining Inspire Brands 04:48 Importance of product-market fit and differentiation 06:50 Creating demand vs picking an established market10:34 What makes an effective offer and how to craft one12:41 Subscription models and free trial strategies16:59 $1K/day spend as indicator of product-market fit 18:36 Choosing the right landing page for your product 25:07 Whitelisting strategies and organic-looking content27:48 Typical budget allocation across ad formats30:29 Facebook's Advantage+ campaigns and AI features 33:23 Strategies for scaling ad creative24:44 Final tips: know your numbers and when to spendShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokMarin Ištvanić - Partner at Inspire BrandsBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Justin Sherlock is the co-founder and CEO of Caspian, an AI-native duty drawback platform designed to help brands navigate complex global trade and tariff environments. Prior to Caspian, Justin gained deep experience in finance and logistics at Flexport, where he led Flexport Capital, and previously had several years experience in private equity.In this episode, Justin breaks down the rapidly changing landscape of tariffs, duties, and global supply chains—especially relevant amid recent policy moves and volatile trade relations. He explains what customs brokers, tariffs, and duty drawbacks are, why these concepts matter for brands importing and exporting goods, and how most businesses are missing out on significant duty refund opportunities. Justin also offers real-world insights for DTC operators facing escalating tariffs, discusses strategies for mitigating increased costs, and shares how AI is making advanced trade advisory accessible beyond just Fortune 500 companies.Join us as a Guest on DTC POD: SUBMIT GUEST FORM HEREApply to join our DTC Pod Slack.On this episode we coverRising tariffs and global trade dynamicsSupply chain challenges for DTC brandsRole and importance of customs brokersDuty drawback: process and benefitsImpact of US-China tariff escalationTechnology and AI in trade complianceStrategies for brands to navigate tariffsTimestamps03:59 From Flexport to Caspian09:31 Customs Compliance11:11 Understanding Tariff and Duty Classification15:54 Trump's Tariff Strategy: A Provocative Move18:26 Debate Over Section 321 Provision22:46 "Supply Chain Opportunities and Challenges"25:03 Reshoring Critical Industries Strategy28:04 10% Tariff Impact on US Businesses32:53 Optimizing Supply Chain and Vendor Management36:22 Trade Predictions: Japan, Taiwan, India, Vietnam37:52 Geopolitical Isolationism and China's Rise41:41 "Navigating Duty Drawback Challenges"45:07 International Pricing and Tax Strategies48:07 Future of Supply Chain OptimizationPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokJustin Sherlock - Founder of CaspianBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Nicole Johnson has a lot of Motorsports experience and she's got an excellent YouTube channel called Nicole Johnson's detour. You probably have seen one of the videos her most popular is a 500 horse powered Subaru sleeper Bug. That video, her first one has over 10 million views. Since then she's built a Youtube channel where she seeks out unique cars to feature on her show, her motto is "I wanna drive everything". Last week (if you subscribed her channel parentheses which you should), you would've seen Zorba the Ghia featured on Nicole Johnson's Detour. My 1964 type 34 Karmann Ghia. This week we talked to Nicole and get all of her history. She actually raced 1600cc cars at one time. We talk about the process it takes to film the videos the way she looks for cars and trying to build a unique channel on YouTube. Lots of cool talk and if you're interested automotive shows this is a great one to listen to. Nicole also is known for her racing monster trucks for monster jam. She was a driver for the Scooby Doo monster truck. With a long history and rock, crawling, and offloading how she got selected to do that was pretty awesome.  Go subscribe to her YouTube channel today it's worth it. Nicole Johnson, Monster Truck Pilot, King of the hammers winner, Car lover & youtuber   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7UWVupqQ_U https://vwtrendsmagazine.com https://rosswulf.com ICON pistons here My Youtube Georges Hot to VW Videos

Peter Czepiga is the founder of Flighted, an agency that helps DTC brands profitably scale their advertising on platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Google. He also runs his own brand, Ando. Flighted has worked with some of the most popular DTC brands spending between $50-300k per month on ads.In this episode of DTC Pod, Peter shares his strategies for launching and scaling profitable ad campaigns on Meta for DTC brands. He covers how much to spend to prove out product-market fit, what types of creative work best, his approach to audience targeting, and how AI is impacting ad creative production. Peter also explains how DTC ad tactics can be applied to other business models like SaaS.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Proving Product-Market Fit2. Setting up Ad Accounts for New Brands3. Budget and Assets Needed to Test Ad Creative4. Creative Strategies for Successful Ads5. AI in Ad Creative Generation6. Applying DTC Ad Tactics to Other Business Models7. Flighted's Agency Model and Client EngagementsTimestamps00:00 Peter's background in ecommerce and growth 04:08 What is takes to prove product-market fit with ads 09:57 Scaling ad budget after initial traction 13:32 What is Meta Advantage+ campaigns and when to use it16:10 How to manage ad frequency and exclusions19:31 Creative mix: formats, messaging, placements24:36 Messaging frameworks that resonate in ads27:43 Tips for sourcing and creating ad creative 32:31 AI-generated ad creative: potential and limitations 38:28 Applying D2C ad tactics to SaaS and other businesses 43:23 How Flighted works with clients 45:32 Wrap up; how to connect with PeterShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokPeter Czepiga - Founder of FlightedBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Thanks to Hankook for sponsoring today's video! Click here http://bit.ly/DynaproTires to learn more about Dynapro tires! Join us as we dive into the second part of our three part history on Volvo. This time around, the company steps up their style with the help of Italian design house, Ghia before finding the boxy styling that would become iconic in the 80's and 90's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Like the effervescent bubbles in her sparkling wine, Emily Heintz believes that true quality always rises to the top. Emily is the visionary behind Sèchey, a dynamic platform that includes a luxury dealcoholized wine brand, a dry bottle shop in South Carolina, and a thriving DTC business offering a wide range of alcohol analogs. Sèchey also curated Target's non-alcoholic adult beverage set, bringing elevated options to the mass retailer's shelves. Sèchey's strategic direction and impressive momentum caught the attention of InvestBev, a private equity firm specializing in adult beverages. In August, InvestBev made an undisclosed investment in the company, with founder Brian Rosen praising Sèchey for having “gotten farther with less than anyone else we've seen.” In this episode, Emily joins us for a dive deep into her vision for Sèchey and the journey of building the brand. Framed around a series of true or false questions, Emily discusses the key factors driving the growth of the non-alcoholic beverage category, how Gen Z and Millennial lifestyles are shaping awareness and trial, and why she believes the founder's voice is the most essential tool in connecting with customers. Show notes: 0:25: Emily Heintz, Founder & CEO, Sèchey – Emily and Ray sample some of Sèchey's sparkling wine, before she discusses her inspiration to start the company, whether her lack of experience in beverages impacted the company early on and why NA wine has the biggest upside among alcohol analogs. She also talks about what's driving traffic in Sèchey's retail store, whether category growth is directly tied to negative health effects of alcohol, and the gap between millennials and Gen Z consumers' perception of wine. Emily also highlights Sèchey's partnership with Target, her perspective that the future of NA beverages isn't in liquor stores, why she's only somewhat concerned about lower quality options in the space, and why she believes that the first adult beverage for younger generations should be a non-alcoholic one. Brands in this episode: Sèchey, Athletic Brewing, Ghia, Kin Euphoric, Tost, Blind Tiger, Ritual Zero