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So after three days of judging images for the British Institute Of Professional Photographers, it's time for me to step down from my role as Chair Of Awards And Qualifications.  I have been in the role for three years and it is time for someone else to pick up the reins and run with it (if that isn't a mixed metaphor.) I have loved doing this and if it weren't for a million things I have to go on and do, I think I would do it forever!  So as I drive home from my last round of qualifications - possibly the best one I've ever been involved in - here are a few musings of things I have spotted. This is a 'Tales From The Land Rover' edition so please forgive the audio quality and any mild road rage! Enjoy!   Cheers P. If you enjoy this podcast, please head over to Mastering Portrait Photography, for more articles and videos about this beautiful industry. You can also read a full transcript of this episode. PLEASE also subscribe and leave us a review - we'd love to hear what you think! If there are any topics, you would like to hear, have questions we could answer or would like to come and be interviewed on the podcast, please contact me at paul@paulwilkinsonphotography.co.uk.    Transcript EP157 - After The Judging The Exhausting Journey Home So I'm driving home from Birmingham, just in a service station, having bought the most expensive cup of coffee in the world, um, but I need one. It's been a long few days, um, and I am beyond exhausted. Reflecting on Judging and Achievements I've just been judging for the British Institute of Professional Photographers. I was there as chair of judges and quals for the last time, maybe not for the last time ever, but certainly for the last time, uh, in this current guise., it's been three years, I've done it for three years, and I need some time to be able to do some other things, it's nothing more than that, that's all I need, it's just to be able to do some other stuff, because we're building up Mastering Portrait Photography, which, by the way, we actually got another royalty statement through this week, um, for the book, ten years later, and the book is still .selling, I cannot believe it, uh, selling all over the world, and it's such an honor to have something out there that is still ticking over, you know, a few hundred copies, I'd say it might be more than that, but it's hundreds of copies, every year, around the world, it's still in print, after ten years, and while much of the book I would update now, it's still reasonably, uh, current, the pictures certainly stand up for themselves, as do the Uh, all of the notes. I think the one thing I would change is the opening chapter, which is all about current cameras. And of course that's changed in 10 years. They're not at all like that. And that's kind of what we're doing. We're building this incredible website called Mastering Portrait Photography. That is what I always loved, which is images and explanations and diagrams and ideas. And I have a bookshelf from floor to ceiling full of those kinds of books. So, it's time to stop judging for a moment, and I've just spent the past few days doing it. I'm on the M40 heading south. I'm Paul, and this, this is the Mastering Portrait Photography Podcast. Well, wow, what a few days it has been, and what an honour and a privilege it's been to have the role of Chair of Qualifications and Awards for the world's oldest. Photographic society or association, um, just beyond belief that I was asked to step into that role and it saddens me to leave, particularly after these couple of days because it's been just the most exciting thing. It's been absolutely wonderful, but I have to do it. We have to find a way of getting a little bit more time to do the other things that I need to get to. So. Stepping Down from Chair of Judges I've stepped down, I stepped down a few months ago and said I'd run it to the end of the year, so I've just finished the last set of qualifications that I'll be chairing, for now anyway, and the last annual printmasters competition. I've got one more round of monthly images to, uh, chair the judging for, and then I am done for a little bit. So I'm not done judging, I'll still be judging both for the, sorry, for the BAPP, I'm sure. And for the Societies where I'm going to be in January, we're presenting again in January at the Societies Convention in London. Um, I'm doing a couple of workshops, a couple of masterclasses, but I'm also going to be judging. I'm also leading the judging for the Click, uh, Click Light event, uh, sort of towards the end of next year. I already know that's in the diary. So it isn't that I'm stepping away from judging, it's just I'm stepping away from the role that I currently have at the moment. Um, because it's just too time consuming, it's all I can do. Um, so what have the last few days, uh, been? The Joy and Challenges of Judging Well, we've judged hundreds of images, and I, it is, it's hundreds and hundreds of images. We've judged eleven panels, there are six judges. I chair a team, there's myself and six incredible photographers across all genres, um, of our art form. commercialphotography, portraitphotography, weddingphotography, landscape, wildlife, you name it. Uh, this broad skillset in the judges, um, was in the room. Six just wonderful people, um, and it's that I think I'm gonna miss if I stop judging, of course. It's being in a room with these massive talents who make me laugh and inspire me every time we do it. So we have judged 11 panels. of which five, uh, came out as a fellowship standard. That's the highest grade we can offer is fellowship. Fellowship at the British Institute of Professional Photography. I got my fellowship, uh, 2011, I think. I should know the dates to my own life, but I don't. Um, and I remember then wondering what, where that would take me. What did it mean? And where it's taken me is to where I am right now. We've written a book. I've chaired all sorts of associations, I've chaired, I've been the Chair of Quals and Awards for the, um, for the British Institute of Professional Photographers. Um, I've travelled the world, I've worked on cruise ships, I, just, so much stuff has happened, and it's all thanks, or at least it was triggered, by me doing my quals. Uh, so five fellowships, uh, three licentiates, um, three of the panels we saw of the eleven sadly were unsuccessful, um, but of the others, eight were successful, and a couple of those were uplifts, which means they came in at one grade, and they didn't just get the grade they came in for, um, they were deemed to be so good, they were uplifted to the next level, the next qualification, and they both came out at fellowships. And I've had the chance to see and talk to the most wonderful photographers and their images. One panel in particular really just blew me away. And it's rare that I look at a panel and I wish I'd taken those images. There are panels where I love the images, but they're not really my field or it's just, you know, a different thing to what I do. But this was a panel of portraits of artists and creatives and artisans, famous artisans, some of them unknown artists, others, and the way the work was presented, the way the author was so down to earth and humble about what he did, the way he'd captured characters in a moment in time, the way he'd styled each image in each studio, everything about these images just made me wish. I had captured them and that's how it's left me. But what a way to leave, right? What a way to finish my tenure, um, after three years in the role. What a way to decide it's time, um, and although I'd taken the decision a few months ago that it was time for me to step away, I couldn't have foreseen that the last round of judging that I would chair like this would be simply the best couple of days of my time in the seat. Absolutely. uh, amazing. So as I said, we've just judged the printmasters 2020. I don't know if I did say it or not. Obviously when I'm driving in the car, I'm on the motorway, uh, concentrating on the driving is my priority. Speaking into a microphone is very, very low down the list. Um, so of course I'm making it all up as I go along and trying to remember what I've said. I have no idea. Did I tell you that, um, we've just been judging the printmasters as well as some qualifications? I've no idea. So that's what we've been doing two days, one day printmasters, another day. Quals, the print masters, hundreds of prints, hundreds and hundreds of prints. Insights on Photography Competitions So what have I learned over the two days? Uh, well, let's sort of think of, uh, some things. Firstly, and this sounds obvious, but I'm in the same way that McDonald's print caution is coffee might be hot on the side of their coffee. It's such an obvious thing, yet people don't. So I'm telling some of the obvious things and yet people don't read the rules. Start there. Whatever else you do, read them. Don't ignore them, because we will find out. We have had one image confirmed as being generated by AI. I doubt it's the last. We're gonna see more. The judges spotted there was something not quite right about it, so we dug in. Sure enough, AI. That's not to say there isn't AI we've missed. AI now is so good that if it's presented to us, Unless we forensically check every file, I don't know what else we're supposed to do. Um, we spotted it, we got it checked, that's disqualified. There are others maybe in there, um, that have more than a smattering, um, of artificial intelligence involvement. But, you know, uh, the tools will get better and better and better at spotting it. Um, and maybe it'll get to the point where in all competitions we have to ask to see The original RAW file, but even that, you know, you can fake a RAW file. So, what do you do? Uh, either way, absolutely brilliant. Um, also if it says it has to be a commissioned image, that does mean you can't use images from workshops. Um, commissioned means you had a client who paid you to take the picture, that's what a commissioned image is. And of course, when images of models start popping up, this In a room with six of the most experienced photographers in the UK, there's always going to be one of them that's like, I know that model, I've seen those pictures, I know where that was taken, I know who took that. Um, and so yeah, sure enough, we had to ring around a little bit and find out, um, whether some images were, um, within the rules, um, and the confirmation, uh, came through one way or the other. And of course, just read the rules. Uh, I say this every time I do one of these mop ups. Paper and mounts. Paper and mounts. Paper and mounts. If you have any white paper showing of the printing paper, it's a good idea that the matte is either significantly different in colour to that paper, or is exactly the same as that paper. Um, one of my favourite, um, ways to mount an image, and there were quite a few we've seen over the past few days, The idea behind this was to have a white paper border around the print that sits then inside the mount. So there's a gap between the edge of the actual ink on the paper and then the cut of the mount. It creates a really beautiful sense of space as it sits into the opening. But the paper needs to be the same colour as the mount. Otherwise it looks really weird. I suppose you could have a black mount and white paper. Yeah, that would be fine. But a slightly off white mount and a pure blue white paper probably are not going to sit that comfortably, uh, together. So think about that. Think about how the whole image appears. So what else? The Importance of Mentorship Well, good mentors matter. I might write a title. I might, might, maybe I should write a podcast on that and that alone. Good. Mentors matter. They really do. We can see the work coming through from great mentors. Um, because the panel is considered, the way it's laid out is considered, the image selection is considered, um, having somebody else's eyes on to help you step outside of yourself. The problem is when you're looking at your own images is you are by definition attached to them. You can't get around it. That's the way it should be. You are attached to your own images, which means you're not looking at them objectively, or at least most of us can't look at them objectively. I'm sure there are photographers out there who profess that they can. I can't. I need another pair of eyes on. I have a mentor, and having a mentor is utterly, utterly crucial. Um, someone who can not just cast their eye over what you're doing, but help and shape and guide, give you ideas, bounce stuff off of you. Someone, ideally, who you respect, that you think what they've created and maybe what they can drag out of you will just make you a better photographer. That's your mentor's role. They don't have to necessarily be a better photographer, they have to be someone you respect. Um, so have a good mentor and talk to them. Being meant, I've said this, there's a podcast on this somewhere in my history. That being mentored, being a mentee is a skill in and of itself. It's not just a case of a mentor telling you how to get better. It's you driving that, you asking for the right help. You listening to what a mentor tells, tells you, you deciding what from what they're advising, what to do with it. You won't do everything a mentor suggests because your mentor is them and you are you. You know, unless your mentor is your twin or something, they're always going to tell you things that, well, I can see how that might work for you, but it probably isn't what I want to do for me. That's fine. That's completely fine. As long as it's a rational decision that you're going to do something slightly different. It's not just, nah, can't be bothered because can't be bothered, got no one nowhere. So have a good mentor, listen to them, use them, drive it, uh, and, you know, It just, you can see it in the panels that came through where the mentor, the relationship with the mentor, uh, was incredibly, incredibly good. Staying Current in Photography The next thing I'm thinking of is be current. And what do I mean by be current? Well, the trick, I think, is to love the world in which you work. Look at the art, look at the Tele, films, listen to the radio, be influenced by the world in which you work. Don't just, you know, it's the temptation always, I think, when you do things like fellowships, is to say, well, that's defined me, that's who I am. And we see it sometimes in the work, and frankly, we see it sometimes in the judging, where, um, just because it's always been, So that's the way it always will be. And that's, that's, that's not a great way to be. I don't think, you know, mix with new photographers, new generations of photographers. If you're like I am just that little bit more experienced in the industry, you know, my influences now have to broaden into the younger market because that's not my natural fit. So I've got to get out there and explore what's being created. On channels that maybe just maybe I wouldn't normally gravitate towards. You know, I can't say I am a TikTok king, um, but I do go on there. I do keep an eye on what's going on. I try to learn from it. Um, Insta, I have a big account on Insta, um, which right now is still reasonably current, but it won't be in the same way that Facebook probably isn't anymore. So, be current, be aware of what's on magazine covers or the latest and greatest websites. Have a. I don't know, have a link on your browser that gives you the top ten designed websites in the world at any one time. You can do these searches. In which case, have a look at what they're using as the imagery. As a photographer, that's our job. You can have a style, of course you can. But, you should all, always be absorbing and assimilating. And, some of what we've seen over the past few days, It felt a little bit like it was looking backwards rather than looking forwards and we should represent the future as photographers, not just what's gone on before. Again, I'm not saying throw away the classical techniques, of course I'm not, because they're there for a reason. Cliches are cliches for a reason and rules are essentially just cliches. So don't ignore it, but interpret it in new and exciting ways. Style images. Finish images, use post production, try different things that it would never have occurred to you to do. Just be exciting and be current. Capturing Genuine Connections Uh, for you wedding photographers or frankly anybody who photographs people who are in love, uh, or people I suppose because there's an extension to this, um, one of the things that came up a little bit was a disc or various discussions around whether A couple had been photographed and it looked like they were genuinely and authentically in love. The connection between the couple, um, there needs to be movement in that. It's like choreographing a dance when you have a couple sort of, um, in each other's arms or really close to each other. Don't think like a photographer, what do you want the end, what do you want the shape of them to be? Think like a choreographer and think, what would I like the movement to be? And then as a, as a photographer, think, okay, now I've got the movement and the shape and the emotion and the rhythm of this, what moment do I want to hit the button? Now of course you can pose it statically, that's not a problem, but it should feel alive. It should feel like they're moving, that they are in harmony with each other. There needs to be a connection between them. And then ultimately, there needs to be a connection with you, the photographer. Or more importantly. The viewer who sees the image in the end and to do that they must connect with your camera now You're holding the camera So they have to connect with you and then you have to guide them towards the lens if it's eye contact that you want But there has to be they have to like you and you have to genuinely like them It shows in the images when there's a relationship between the subject and the photographer You can feel it. It's, it's sort of there in the picture. It's there in their eyes and their muscles. It's there in the timing of the shot that you take. It's there in the way their shoulders rise or fall or the way he's not just holding her or she's holding him or she's holding her. Building Connections Through Photography It's the way that they bring each other closer together with laughter or emotion of some sort. So have a connection with your with your subject and get them to have a connection with each other. Um, one of the biggest things I've thought of, I've lost track of where I am, of course, because I'm in the car and it's, the road's busy. The Importance of Entering Competitions Um, but one of the things that occurs to me, it's the most important thing you can do with, um, competitions and qualifications is do them. Actually get off your hands and do them. I know some very good photographers who think that they won't win something or they won't qualify. And they certainly won't if they don't enter, that's certainly true, but if they do enter, who knows? I know some of the categories that came through for the print competition this year were eminently winnable. There are great images in those categories, but I know photographers producing equally good images Who had they simply entered, stood as good a chances as anybody else? Why not? I obviously can't enter because I'm, uh, judging. But with another association I enter all the time quietly behind the scenes. I don't really make a fuss about it because if I'm not entering, if I'm not pushing my style and my techniques, how can I consider that I'm qualified to either mentor or judge others? So I do it too, and yes, it's heartbreaking when your images don't. Well, of course it is. It can be expensive and soul destroying. You know, it's a real problem. But, equally, it can be hugely rewarding. So you, you can't win if you don't enter. You can't qualify if you don't try. Learning from the Process And the process, particularly with qualifications, the process is so much more important than Than the qualification itself, though that is absolutely not , not how it feels. It's only afterwards when you can say these things. You never, anyone if, if anyone's ever going for qualification. Um, and I say to them, um, you know, uh, how do you feel? And they're like, ah, it doesn't really matter. It's just a process. It's a journey that I'm like, no way. No, no, no, no way. I know you are not telling the truth. Why? You wouldn't put yourself through that kind of expense and that kind of pain and discomfort if it was just about the learning. But the learning is the bit of the puzzle. When you look back with hindsight, whether your panel is successful or not is the most valuable thing you'll do. Because that's where the lessons are. That's where the learning is. That's where the development is. The letters give you confidence. The letters help you shape who you want to be. And they certainly, if you know what you're doing, help you market yourself. But they're not a definition of who you are. The process of getting there, though, is, because it gives you, or it shapes, or it demonstrates, I don't know what the right word is, that you have the dedication to your craft, that you're willing to get down and push and push and push to be the very best that you can be. You're never going to be a finished article, or at least I don't think you can be. Using Insecurity as a Driving Force I think every day, I mean for me for instance, I wake up every day it's a mix of enthusiasm and energy and ambition and insecurity. I just think, oh I'm not very good but today I'm going to be better. That might not sound like the most reassuring thing in the world but it is what it is. You know, I've learned to use my insecurities as my driving force. I don't like feeling that way. God, I hate feeling that way. Why would I like feeling that way? You know, I look at some of the photographers out there that are Sometimes massively, they overrate themselves, but they're just hugely confident. And I'm not that guy. That's not my personality. Mine is to feel, I suppose, um, insecure about my work. But I use that insecurity and that sense of, I wish I was better as my driving force. And everyone has their own driving force. You'll have to find yours. I've found mine. I know what it is. I wish it was something slightly different. I wish it was something slightly more sort of positive, I guess. I saw a counselor would ask me why, why have I empowered other people to make me feel insecure or something. I have no idea. I've never been to a counselor, but I'm guessing that it's my, my, the energy that I use, the fire that I have might not be the most positive, um, and reaffirming way of doing things. But for me, it, it is who I am. And it pushes me to do things. It pushes me to try things. It gives me the energy to overcome hurdles and, and create videos or create the website or write a book with someone. Um, terrifying though it is, I just want to be better at it and so I'll keep trying it. Uh, so put yourself forward. The Magic of Light in Photography Another thing I'm just thinking of is the headlamps. Headlamps and taillights are all around me. Is learn how to craft lights, or just as importantly, learn how to see light. Learn how it lands on someone's face, or their figure, or a scene, or a dog, or a cat, I don't know. Saw some of the most exquisite, exquisite cat photography today. Saw some And the author of the panel has learned how to use light to bring out texture and form and character and personality in cats. That's her skill set. It's wonderful. And she's learned how to do it. And, you know, that's where photography stems from. It's all about light. If you're a daylight photographer, learn how to see it. Learn how to observe. Learn how to almost Smell it out. , you know, you see it. You, you, do you ever get excited be, I mean, even now I'm watching a car ahead of me and I can see the pool of light on the road ahead from its headlamps and it's dark in between the Land Rover and him or her, and then there's a pool of light in front of that car. Well, that pool of light might be quite an interesting thing to light somebody in. I spent my life doing that. I can't help it. It's like light is addictive. It's like a drug. Finding good light, or interesting light, or light that might give an effect, when, you know, the cars coming the other way, their headlamps are giving the car I'm following, kiss lighting, because of course it's bouncing off the sides of the metal, and I can see these kind of pockets of light along the side of the car, you know, that's just, oh, that'd be really interesting to photograph someone in that kind of lighting, you know, let's say a, you know, a car's headlamps are probably a bit low to the ground, But if you had a truck or something with overhead lights and you could get them to point down so they're above someone's head but you've got other trucks in the distance where they've got their normal almost ground level headlamps on and they they're going to create the backlighting yeah that could be really super interesting and it's that enthusiasm for exploring light that I think photographers need if they're going to create the truly stunning interesting images. I mean I would say that, I love light. You know, as an Elinchrom ambassador, you'd expect me to say I love light, but I do. I just find it, I don't know why, why, I have no idea why that might be a thing, but I love it. I absolutely love it. And so, yeah, you know, after all of that, I'm sure there's a million things, I'm sure there's a million things that I've missed. And had I spent the time thinking about it and driving home and writing up my notes and recording the podcast properly in the studio, it would sound a little bit better. I'd be jolted around a little less, um, but it probably wouldn't get done because we're so busy just at the moment. So apologies for me doing a Land Rover edition at 70 mile an hour because I can hear it's noisy, but otherwise I was not going to record one at all. Um, the time pressures are now such that I really do have to dedicate more of it to mastering portrait photography, to our website, to building the, um, room mock ups to drop pictures into for beautiful framing, to creating interesting ideas on images and writing up notes on old images. Have I said the videos? I must have said the videos. Oh, maybe I haven't said the videos. Exciting New Projects and Team Members We're creating these beautiful videos. We've got so many news joined us in the team. Katie's joined our team, who's amazing. She's great. She's a real breath of fresh air. She's young. And so she sees the world totally different to me. Um, so, you know, between us, I think, hopefully, it's a two way street. I'll help her understand mostly software. I'm pretty good at picking up software. Um, and so Blackmagic's DaVinci is now another one of the tools that I'm reasonably comfortable with and can get my head around. Um, so I'm helping her get up to speed with that, but in return, she's showing us a young view of creating videos, which there's no way I would have done. Sarah and I wouldn't have done it that way. But I'm really loving having that around. But it takes time. All of this takes time. And, um, running the workshops, you know, we now run regular workshops and they're going to increase. Workshops and Community Engagement Um, because we just love doing them but also it's part of our business model going forward. Um, and to have time I've got to stop doing so many other things that I've been involved in for a while anyway. So, uh, Yep, standing down and it's all for mastering portrait photography. On that note about workshops, we do have a space actually, we've got a mastering studio lighting workshop which is on Monday the 4th of November, so it's a few weeks away, but there's still a space on there. I love this day, I think this day is one of my favorite workshops, um, that we do, where we just play with lights, play with ideas, try things out, smoke machines maybe. GoBos, BigLights, SmallLights, um, HighKey, LowKey, you name it, we just play. Because that's by far the best way of learning stuff. Um, you can do whatever way you want. Some people are bookworms, some people like a video or two. For me, I like messing around, um, and coming up with ideas. So that's on Monday the 4th of November, if you fancy it. Why is it right, when you're overtaking someone, why do they accelerate? Bye. Anyway, um, I don't like motorway driving very much. Everyone's very aggy, people are very aggressive, they just, it's a weird, ever since COVID it seems to be a very weird world. Uh, anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, I just love playing in the studio, and that's the workshop. So it's Mastering Portrait, sorry, Mastering Studio Lighting, uh, on the 4th of November, if anyone fancies it, just Google Paul Wilkinson Photography Workshops, or head over to paulwilkinsonphotography.co.Uk, or similarly, you can go to masteringportraitphotography.com, and the workshops are in there, in the Academy. The same workshops, but they're in the Academy, uh, over there. Eventually we're going to fuse all of the workshops into Mastering Portrait Photography. There's one single entity, so at the moment they're sort of co existing on the two sites, um, but it's the same workshop. Uh, we will be putting more and more of them up on there. Subscription Benefits and Pricing If you subscribe, actually, to Mastering Portrait Photography, um, it's not a lot of money. It's 6. 99 at the moment, as at the time of recording, it's 6. 99 a month, which is actually the same price as the cup of coffee I've got sitting here in my Land Rover. So it's one very large pumpkin spice latte per month. Um, To join the website, but if you do that, you get an advance notice of the, um, workshops, um, and you get to, uh, jump on them earlier than anybody else. You get to be part of our community, the Facebook community, uh, which we're building, um, making that more and more vibrant and interesting. And, um, you can post pictures in there and people would jump in and give you tips. If you ask for it, if you don't really want it, then, you know, you can just post your pictures for the sheer joy of it. Uh, so that's all part of it. You get to download any of the tools for free, you get to download any of the room mock ups for free, you get to watch all of the videos and see all of the diagrams and there are hundreds of them. I did a count up the other day and it's still like 400 diagrams I think, it's a lot. Um, but the whole site is there 6. 99 a month. If you want to spend it, if you want to spend a little less on a bit of a discount and do it over a year then you can enter the annual one. Um, and so if you pay annually it's 69. 99 for the year. Uh, which of course is about, what's that, 10 percent cheaper. You know, have I got that right? It's 10, it's 12 months for the price of 10. There you go. I don't know what that is. It's a mathematical term. I'm going to have to look that up if I'm going to publicize this. Um, uh, but that gives you a slightly better rate. Slightly cheaper, but also gives you discount codes to the workshops. So not only do you hear about them early, but you get a little bit of a discount on them too. There are a couple of other options on there as well. If you fancy. And no, you're going to book onto our workshops or come to us for mentoring. There's two other options to, uh, for the membership if you want them, um, and you can have a look on our website for that. Just Google or search for Mastering Portrait Photography Pricing, or just head to our website and hit the pricing, uh, link. So that's where we are. Final Thoughts and Farewell I'm just heading south on the M40. Um, I've run out of things that I've remembered to say. That's not that I have run out of things to say. I just have run out what I have remembered to say. to say. So as I thread my, oh that blooming van's just overtaken me again, um, so as I head my way south on thankfully a relatively clear motorway, uh, I'm going to say thank you for listening if you have listened to the end of this podcast. I know it's a bit noisy when I'm driving in a Land Rover and recording it, um, if you're hearing it I managed to at least convince myself that the wasn't too bad, it didn't sound too rattly. Well, if you're not hearing it, it means I've pulled this podcast. I'm not releasing it because it's just not good enough, uh, audio, but thank you for listening to this point. Please do subscribe, wherever it is that you receive your podcasts or you consume your podcasts. By doing so, you'll get to hear the episodes as they come out. So if there are any offers and things, or any last spaces, you get to hear about them first. Uh, you can hear us on Spotify, iTunes, and all over the place, basically. And whatever else you do in the coming weeks, be kind to yourself. Take care.

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En este episodio de 'Desahuevate', Daniella conversa con Macla Villamonte, host del podcast 'Cuestión de cuestionar'. Macla comparte sus experiencias aplicando una filosofía audaz que ha marcado su camino, revela sorprendentes detalles de su carrera en la radio y reflexiona sobre sus vivencias amorosas. Además, nos habla de sus próximos proyectos y su marca de ropa 'High Key'. Acompáñanos en una charla genuina llena de aprendizajes y motivación. ✨

En este episodio de 'Desahuevate', Daniella conversa con Macla Villamonte, host del podcast 'Cuestión de cuestionar'. Macla comparte sus experiencias aplicando una filosofía audaz que ha marcado su camino, revela sorprendentes detalles de su carrera en la radio y reflexiona sobre sus vivencias amorosas. Además, nos habla de sus próximos proyectos y su marca de ropa 'High Key'. Acompáñanos en una charla genuina llena de aprendizajes y motivación. ✨

¡Final de temporada! En este episodio, les contamos junto a @dolceplacard una noticia que definitivamente pensamos mucho antes de compartir. High Key, nuestra marca de ropa, cerrará temporalmente. ¿Por qué decidimos cerrarla? ¿Fue un fracaso total? ¿Cuánto dinero ganamos con este negocio? Acompáñanos para descubrir las respuestas a estas y muchas otras preguntas. Y también, conoce nuestras lecciones más valiosas, que definitivamente te servirán si estás pensando en emprender. No te pierdas nuestro pop up store

Unklevon's debut ‘UN1C' LP on Boysnoize Records The album consists of 11 tracks and features collaborations with Boys Noize, Alina Pash, Maral, Vel and DJ MELL G. The title track of Unklevon's ‘UN1C' album starts with a steady snare-heavy beat, foreboding atmospherics and a futuristic vocal. It introduces the France-based producer's Detroit-inspired electro LP and also marks his debut full-length, landing on Boysnoize Records, a label Unklevon's been affiliated with since 2022. For the second track on Unklevon's ‘UN1C' LP, the International Chrome & Nechto artist is joined by Maral for ‘Bag Secured', adding her sensual vocals to a raw cut featuring rough synthlines and racing rhythm. ‘Science Club' then continues with infectious and hypnotic energy driven by a deep, earworm vocal before ‘Speed Chains' picks up pace with speedy basslines and rhythms shot through with bleeps. Ukranian singer Alina Pash infuses Unklevon's ‘High Key' with fantastic modern hip-hop flair, with ‘All 4 Homies' returning to the club with cut-up sampling and tripped-out electro sonics. Boysnoize Records' Boys Noize also teams up with Unklevon for ‘Spa8cid', a menacing dancefloor heavy-hitter which eases into the acid madness of ‘Miami South Express' which follows. Next up, Unklevon and Vel drop the aptly named ‘Transed About U', a true peak-time roller boasting hypnotic trance-like gated vocals, with German electro superstar DJ MELL G joining him for ‘Wizard Snakes', taking a more classical approach with rich synth lines and crisp drum work. Closing out this fantastic first album from a promising name in the global electro spheres is ‘Call Me Von', another amped-up, bass-laden track ready to rock the warehouse. credits. Unklevon ------------- SC: https://soundcloud.com/unklevonunklevon IG: https://www.instagram.com/unklevon/ Four Four Magazine --------------------------- FB: www.facebook.com/FOURFOURDANCE/ IG: www.instagram.com/fourfourmagazine/ Web: www.fourfourmag.com/

In today's episode, I sit down with Jackson Lintz. Jackson is one of the owners of HighKey Agency, A PR firm that helps business owners dial in their digital branding. We discuss how he helps clients go from zero to a fantastic digital brand online. Jackson runs the social media department at HighKey and has grown many top performers on social media platforms. We discuss where YouTube fits in all of this and so much more! About Jackson As a proud owner of HighKey Agency, a pioneering PR firm dedicated to elevating business owners to the top of their industries through strategic digital branding, at the helm of our social media division, I specialize in crafting standout personal brands for entrepreneurs, propelling them to achieve their first 10K followers and beyond. As a passionate first-generation entrepreneur, my drive and dedication are rooted in pursuing excellence and innovation in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Elevate Your YouTube Success with TubeBuddy: Experience the Power of TubeBuddy with a Free 30-Day Trial YouTube Creator Community Discord: Private Creator Discord, Mastermind Call, and Extra Podcast Episodes. Entrepreneurs Minute is my weekly newsletter. It's a behind-the-scenes look at what I'm thinking and experiencing each week, and I share anything I find valuable for creators. One-On-One YouTube Coaching With Dusty Opus Clip assists in creating YouTube Shorts from long-form content. On Fiverr, you can quickly and easily hire skilled freelance professionals for a wide range of projects. Creative Fuel: Train Your Own YouTube ChatGPT for better ideas, titles, thumbnails, and more. Connect With Jackson Here: Instagram /// YouTube /// X Dusty's Recommended YouTube Gear:

I been waiting for this announcement because it's special to me!!! @followers @highlight TML Upnorth City Girlz Exotic Baddiez The Media Loopz THE MEDIA LOOP 2 THE MEDIA LOOP 1 The Media Loopz Show M3 What U Got UPNORTH RECORDS The R Report Media Group #upnorthcitygirlz #RealTalkWithTML #RTWTMLWhen I say aint nothing low key about her I mean it! I fell in love the nightHighkey Doll Rapper Entertainer Model song writer performed at our Halloween show 2023I  her energy all high key and she really do this foreal the performance that night set the tone and I am here for it !!!mk sure u check her out she is everywhere from ATL TO NYC Opening for major artist to auditons with revolt to working with the hottest producers in the industry right now stay in the loop we working !!!!All HIGHKEY FOR 24 Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/track/6nyS4zsPVI1lXfhfxbKwI4...#InstagramTherealhighkeydollhttps://www.instagram.com/therealhighkeydoll?igsh=MW53djYzaTJyZDJ4aw==#youtubehttps://youtu.be/A5BzPfCre_E?si=5mOQFM7-P8C63E4TQuote made by #HIGHKEYDOLLIm not a local artist I'm a Global artist okay that's the difference #ImEverywhere #Dalittest #Texas #Atl #Miami #NYC #LA #hardwork #trinidadandtobago #dominicanrepublicHighkeydoll Original song iceCream #newmusic #newmusicfriday#femalerapper #femaleArtist #DaLittest #DaLittestArtist #viralpost #music #dojacat #nickiminaj #barbz #icespice #SexyyRed #bostonartist #songwriter #original #originalmusic #baddieseast #baddies #supportlocal #supportwomen #supportme #explorepage #explore #fypシ゚ #fyp See less --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/realtalkwittml/message

“You can never lose if you are constantly giving. It was more than just giving away prizes; it was giving away as much value as possible.” —Luke Lintz We all want to grow, but allowing emotions to dictate choices frequently results in self-sabotage. Gaining clarity on your core values and beliefs through reflection makes acting on conviction easier. Yet developing this clarity is a challenge many face. Hence, developing self-awareness and knowing your priorities makes difficult choices simpler.  This week, Daniel interviews Luke Lintz, a 24-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of HighKey. Through his PR firm, he has helped launch the brands of celebrities like Kevin Hart and Nicki Minaj while inspiring others to achieve their goals through strategic partnerships and generous giveaways. Daniel and Luke provide actionable strategies for entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses and relationships. Listen in as they discuss the power of strategic giveaways for business growth as well as overcoming self-sabotage and imposter syndrome on the path to success, insights into developing authenticity on social media, surrounding oneself with uplifting influences, and making values-based decisions for personal and professional growth.    Be Inspired! with Daniel:  Website (Makings of a Millionaire Mindset) Website (Daniel Gomez Global) Facebook Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:38 The Impact of Giveaways on Business Growth 06:37 Overcoming Self-Sabotage 11:21 Imposter Syndrome and Growth 16:06 Speak Last 25:02 The Social Media Trap 29:45 Authenticity and Personal Branding 37:23 Self-Awareness in Decision-Making 41:43 Surround Yourself with Good Company  

In this episode of the Free to Grow CFO Podcast, host Jon Blair, founder of Free to Grow CFO, engages in a comprehensive discussion with Ryan Rouse, advisor for growing consumer brands and co-founder of Factor and former CEO of Highkey. They dive into strategies for scaling direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands with a focus on balancing marketing efficiency, growth, profitability, and cash flow. Ryan shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of understanding unit economics, contribution margins, and the realities of scaling a business sustainably. With an emphasis on profitability and cash flow, they explore the nuances of business finance, marketing measurement, and the challenges and opportunities of going omnichannel. This episode provides a deep dive into creating value in DTC brands through economic viability, offering a blend of high-level strategy and practical, actionable advice.Ryan Rouse is a growth advisor to consumer businesses with a focus on every line of the P&L. He was previously, Co-Founder at Factor Meals (acquired) and CEO at Highkey. ~~~00:00 Welcome and Introducing Ryan Rouse02:43 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Challenges and Learnings05:44 The Transition from Operator to Consultant13:37 The Importance of Understanding Your Business Model14:13 Deep Dive into Marketing Performance and Profitability25:21 The Nuances of Customer Acquisition and LTV28:43 Decoding LTV and CAC: A Deep Dive30:51 The Importance of Contribution Margin in Business33:34 Navigating the Buzzword: Understanding Contribution Margin34:15 The Significance of Defining Financial Terms in Your Business42:19 The Transition to Omni-Channel: Strategies and Considerations49:21 Final Thoughts

It is a privilege to welcome Tony Berardo to The Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. Tony is a content and podcast expert. He offers various services, including sponsorship opportunities for his two successful podcasts and podcast coaching services to help people start a podcast. He also specializes in creating UGC (user-generated content) videos to help customers engage more with their websites and social media channels. Previous clients include AeroTrunk, HighKey, LifePro, Ninja Creami, and Superfat + Whole Foods. He also hosts The Berardo Podcast. On his podcast, Tony takes listeners on a motivational journey to find ways to be mentally, physically, and financially healthy. He interviews experts in various fields weekly so listeners can all learn to be better humans. Previous guests include photographer David Kovacs, filmmaker Courtland Tate, and content creators Jesslyn Hernandez, Mario Adrion, and Tyrone Magnus. In this edition of The Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Tony Berardo spoke about how he got his start working in content creation through Monster Energy, how he started The Berardo Podcast, and how he built a social media audience.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

According to LinkedIn, 71% of small to mid-sized businesses use social media for marketing purposes. Among those businesses, 52% post content at least once per day. Facebook reportedly has over 10 times more brand engagement than other social media platforms. In fact, about 200 million social media users visit at least one business profile per day. Luke Lintz is a serial entrepreneur who started his first e-commerce business at the age of 16, after stepping out of an economics class. Within 90 days, he sold his entire inventory worth $8,000, generating an ROI of 375%. Today, he is the founder and CEO of HighKey Enterprises LLC, a Puerto Rico-based company that specializes in digital branding and helps businesses become famous. Luke believes that entrepreneurs should focus their energy on the areas where they can make the biggest impact. He thinks that value is not a commodity but a quality that is essential for great purpose, companies, and people. During his sophomore year in high school, Luke and his older brother Jordan Lintz started HighKey Technology Inc., an e-commerce site that sold futuristic tech. They invested $8,000 of their own money into HighKey's 1.0 wireless earbuds, after noticing a problem no one was trying to solve. Within three months, the innovative brand building helped Luke's social media presence explode, and the investment generated over $38,000 in revenue - an ROI of over 375%. HighKey Technology Inc. evolved and attracted Stefan Aarnio, an award-winning real estate investor and shark, who brought unrivaled sales training and leadership. Stefan trusted Luke and Jordan to take full control of his social media presence, and as a result, HighKey Agency Inc., a full-service social media, and PR agency was born. With multiple companies under his belt, Luke's entrepreneurial vision shifted, and his e-commerce brand and social media agency established themselves as emerging forces in the North American market.  Younger brother Jackson Lintz joined the ownership structure, allowing Luke to focus his entrepreneurial vision elsewhere.   Instagram @lukelintz  

This list is perfect for any reader who loves to seek information, answers and ancient knowledge told by engaging voices with humour and adventure thrown in for good measure. This episode we are joined by Thomas, host of the Highkey Obsessed Podcast as he shares the five books he would be castaway with. Embark on a literary voyage with the Books to Last Podcast, inspired by the BBC's beloved Desert Island Discs. Join us as we invite passionate book enthusiasts to reveal their top five must-have books for a mysterious remote adventure. Explore captivating tangents and heartwarming anecdotes along the way. Tune in for book recommendations and inspiring tales from avid readers! Guest Details: Podcast: https://highkeyobsessed.com/podcast/ Instagram: @highkeyobsessedpodcast Website & Blog: https://highkeyobsessed.com/ Podcast: W: https://anchor.fm/bookstolastpod Twitter: @BooksToLastPod Instagram: @BooksToLastPod Music by DAYLILY @daylilyuk on Instagram https://open.spotify.com/artist/31logKBelcPBZMNhUmU3Q6 Spoiler Warning Books Discussed: Red Rising by Pierce Brown Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes by Sidney Paget, Arthur Conan Doyle The Landmark Arrian: The Campaigns of Alexander by Arrian, Robert B. Strassler, James Romm Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan World War Z by Max Brooks Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Waddup lil freaks all January I'm introducing a great new product from Joymode called the Sexual Performance Booster. It's an all naturally supplement that supports erection firmness. Get 20% off with my code FREAKYJOY or just click the link  "  http://usejoymode.com/freakyjoy "  Tonight's tale is "Mane love my dirty panties" and tonight I talk about if you him or not, and it's okay if you not. Tune in to catch all the wildness of this episode .  Book:  https://a.co/d/8srZwt0  FB: Satina Jones IG: Tales_of_a_freak TikTok: Freaky_Tales Twitter: Ms_Dntcarejones

Luke is CEO of the public relations firm HighKey, which grows industry leaders' personal brands with social media growth and press exposure.   youtube: @lukelintz_ ig: @lukelintz

**About The Guest(s):**Luke Lintz is a successful entrepreneur who started his first business at the age of 16. He is the co-founder of HighKey, a company that has partnered with numerous A-list celebrities and influencers on Instagram. Luke has extensive experience in influencer and celebrity marketing and has helped brands leverage the power of social media to reach their target audience. **Summary:**Luke Lintz shares his insights on influencer and celebrity marketing and how it can be a game changer for brands. He explains the difference between influencer marketing and celebrity marketing, and why working with micro and macro influencers can be beneficial for businesses. Luke also discusses the importance of building a strong social media presence and shares strategies for creating engaging content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. He emphasizes the need for businesses to take risks and highlights the pitfalls and mistakes he has encountered throughout his entrepreneurial journey. Luke also touches on the future of social media and the potential of decentralized social media platforms. **Chapters:** (0:00:00) Luke Lint rewired his brain to work towards success. (0:01:15) Influencer marketing is powerful for attaching brands to established audiences. (0:03:03) Starting with micro influencers (50k-200k followers) can be cost-effective. (0:06:02) Working with macro influencers (200k+ followers) allows for content repurposing. (0:08:39) HighKey used massive giveaways with A-list celebrities for brand exposure. (0:11:19) Networking may work with micro and macro influencers, but not A-list celebrities. (0:12:23) Challenges with gatekeepers in the celebrity industry (0:15:27) Beware of scammers and do your due diligence (0:18:04) Instagram as a digital business card (0:19:36) TikTok's engagement and the importance of authenticity (0:21:47) Strategies for TikTok: hooks, value, and call to action (0:22:55) Formula for video content: problem, value, call to action (0:23:26) Trevor and Luke discuss creating social media content and using Chat GPT for hooks. (0:27:08) Trevor praises Luke for his success at a young age. (0:31:11) Luke advises young entrepreneurs to take risks and start working. (0:32:08) Luke shares his gambling experience and how it increased his risk tolerance. (0:33:38) Luke encourages risk-takers to dive in and start working. (0:34:01) Trevor discusses risk tolerance and college vs. starting a business. (0:35:17) Student loans are meant to trap people into the system. (0:36:17) College may not be necessary for everyone after high school. (0:38:11) Pitfalls and mistakes in building a business at a young age. (0:38:50) Mistake of assuming all products would sell like their first success. (0:40:25) Partnering with the wrong people can lead to problems. (0:41:49) Making impulsive purchases without proper financial guidance. (0:43:59) Lack of guidance and advice on purchasing a Lamborghini. (0:45:59) Focusing on specific clients working towards IPO, exit, or capital raise. (0:46:52) Helping a company go from capital raise to IPO (0:48:02) Assisting business owners with their digital presence (0:49:49) Discussion on decentralized social media and blockchain technology (0:53:07) Censorship and the impact on social media platforms (0:56:22) Importance of optimizing social media profiles before running direct ads (0:59:09) Personal experience with social media as a tool for business (0:59:41) Difference between consumers and creators (1:00:38) Social media addiction and its impact on kids (1:04:39) Podcasting as a time capsule **Additional Resources**

Welcome to our first wrap-up for Light Bringer! This week, we're joined by our friends at Howler Pod and High Key Obsessed once again, to chat about everything Light Bringer. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow. You can also check out our Patreon at Patreon.com/Wordsandwhiskey Check it out! Another way you could help us out? Refer us to your friends. We love a good referral, don't we folks? Send us ANY questions to our twitter account, Instagram, or to our email. See you next week! Link: https://wordsandwhiskey.show/episode/183-light-bringer-wrap-up-w-howlerpod-and-high-key-obsessed

Whats up fools! The 5 giant is back!!! Maira is back to talk her favorite moments and szn finale of Gen V !! Highkey in the running for best show of the year!!! The Fall of House Usher does make a slight appearance and it is worth the watch!!!Maira IG: @mairazavyMaira Dog IG: @mai.schnauzerfarmGen V: 7:12Twitter: @Fool_FictionInstagram: @fool.fiction

Embark on a captivating podcast journey with Luke Lintz, the CEO of HighKey, as he unravels the tapestry of his extraordinary life and ventures in the digital realm.

Imagine a little kid at school sitting on a rug playing with wooden building blocks to learn math, reading during "circle time" with their friends, sharing with their parents all the things they learned in school that day. That was the vision that Maria Montessori had when she started teaching young children through her education program. But did you know that before she was a teacher, Maria Montessori was a physician? Join us this episode as we follow Maria from the Italian countryside to the asylums of Rome to the cities of Spain, India, and beyond. Her surprisingly star-studded and captivating life story is completely worth the listen!Check out our Feminist Corner discussion questions after listening and send us your thoughts! Do we value the clinician-educator in medicine, why or why not? Join the From Skirts To Scrubs community and meet us at the intersection of feminism, medicine, and history!Follow us on socials:●  Instagram: @fromskirtstoscrubs●  Facebook: @fromskirtstoscrubs●  TikTok: @fromskirtstoscrubs●  Twitter: @FSTS_Podcast

Follow me on twitter at Bricey_2k   Hawks Preseason opener - 2:30- 27:30 Hawks on the ESPN list - 28:00 - 35:00 (Highkey a rant supporting) Trae

"I think any single person watching this can do marvelous and miraculous things if they just put their mind to it, back it up with action, and recognize the value they can bring." - Luke Lintz -------------------------------------------------------------------   In an age where personal branding is the currency of success, understanding the ever-changing dynamics of the online world is paramount. During a recent episode of my show, Joseph Jaffe is not Famous, I had the enlightening opportunity to chat with Luke Lintz, a 23-year-old digital branding savant and entrepreneur. We embarked on a journey that began with personal authenticity and navigated through platform-specific strategies, controversial branding, and the long-term game of social media. -------------------------------------------------------------------   Here are my show notes:  This is my career. This is what I do for a living. (6:30) How did you become a masochist? (12:37) It's only over when you say it's over. (16:48) Don't hate the player. Hate the game. (20:19) Advice on social media. (25:09) Why branding is an area of focus? (29:38) The importance of having a presence on linkedin. (36:39) The overnight successes of web celebrities. (42:04) Misery is the currency of the trade. (46:45) Risk tolerance vs. risk tolerance. (54:38) How to reinvent yourself. (58:23)   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote of the Episode: "Misery is the currency trade on social media. That is why sociopath and stalkers have found a place to call home. Clout chasers are upgrading from cat fishing to sadfishing.” - De philosopher DJ Kyos" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you like what you see, please subscribe to the show: bit.ly/subscribetotheshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luke Lintz, the innovative and dynamic Chief Executive Officer of HighKey Clout, a top-notch influencer management company. Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Luke is a PR and Digital Growth Expert, leading the way for the top 1% of brands with his keen insights in crypto, social media, PR, and young entrepreneurship. Luke's journey has been marked by astounding achievements, including his role as CEO of HighKey Agency and being an official member of the Forbes Business Council. With a passion for building world-class brands through modern public relations, Luke is a force to be reckoned with in the business world! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-lintz-874392148/ Website: https://www.lukelintz.com/ Be Uncommon If You Can – Because in our Uniqueness & Struggles – Give Birth to our GREATNESS! Listen Now as I interview uncommon people, business owners & top level entrepreneur assassins & their uncommon journey! This is the Journey with Christian D Evans Podcast! Be Uncommon….If You Can! __________ CONNECT WITH ME: Twitter: https://twitter.com/be_uncommon_now?t=3bJA68AUmCxFBjciRGm8Tw&s=09 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdujUXWv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristianDEvansEliteSideHustler/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansandfamily/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian_d_evans/?hl=en Journey with Christian Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-with-christian-d-evans/id1396344349 #entrepreneur #business #success #motivation #investing #investingtips #billionaire

Diana Fryc, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Retail Voodoo on Branding and Building Business Retail-voodoo.com Retail Voodoo is a Seattle-based branding agency that specializes in brand strategy, development, design, and marketing. The agency serves a global client base and has worked with many market leaders, including Starbucks, KIND, REI, Pepsi, and HighKey. Retail Voodoo's founder and president is David Lemley.

Titans OLB Arden Key joins the show to talk about fitting in with his new team, and to play a gameSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I first heard about wedding and portrait photographer, and wedding videographer, Andre Brown through my buddy Ant Pruitt's show "Hands on Photography", when Andre was on for a Photographers' Go-To Tip. I knew I wanted to get him on the show, and once I realized he was an Ambassador for StellaPro - an amazing line of lighting - I worked my contacts there to help get him on Behind the Shot. Here's the thing, Andre's work is different, it's unique in a number of ways. The post "Finding My Success by Exploring Light", for Sal Cincotta's Behind the Shutter, is a great read, and really helps to understand Andre as a creative.  His overall approach, as he has described it, is "...a high-fashion, editorial photography style. Showcasing my clients, and my culture with style and opulence. Creating drama with light and the absence of light". What struck me was how he described that he had been "replicating what I saw on the popular wedding blogs. High Key light, light and airy, kind of whimsical", but that his realization that the presence of black culture on some major sites, and in mainstream publications, was fairly non-existent outside of predominantly black publications like Essence and Ebony. As I read that it was like I was seeing the process of finding yourself - creatively - explained, step by step. We all start by re-creating, or emulating, what we see, or like, or think will work, but at some point (at least for the best out there) we have to find why we are doing this at all, what makes us pick up the camera. Seriously, go read that post. Andre is so talented that he has won awards that I know many have tried and never won. For example, the image we are talking about on this show won the 2019 WPPI Silver Distinction Award, and the 2019 WPPI Wedding Division, Bridal Party Award for Second Place. If you've never seen a WPPI competition, it's tough, damn tough. Oh yeah, that was his first competition! Since then he's racked up more than I can list. As an educator, Andre is a sought after speaker, and workshop leader. He has been published in outlets including Essence Magazine, Huffington Post, The Knot, Munaluchi Bride, Black Bride, The B Collective Magazine, and Huffington Post, and his work has also appeared on ABC News, and Good Morning America. A few things in Andre's bio intrigue me, and one in particular makes me think we might be good friends. Andre got his Bachelor of Science in Recording Arts, and at 19 he was the manager of Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Ric Rude. Whoa. His work through that relationship with Ric Rude included, most notably, "Cater 2 U" by Destiny's Child and hits for other artists including Busta Rhymes, Mary J. Blige, Bow Wow, Omarion, Redman and Method Man, to name a few. I am so curious about this part of his history. The part that made me think we may already be friends is the fact that in his spare time he binge- watches episodes of Law and Order. I record re-runs of the original show regularly. Almost 500 episodes over 20 years means I still come across shows I haven't seen. Join award winning photographer, and Ambassador for StellaPro, Andre Brown and me as we dive into his high-fashion, editorial approach to wedding photography, on this Behind the Shot. Connect with Andre Website: AndreBrown.com Instagram: @andrebrownphoto Facebook: @andrebrownphoto TikTok: @andrebrownphoto YouTube: @andrebrownphoto Andre's Workshops Bokeh Academy: BokehAcademy.co Andre's Photography Marketing and Sales Solution SnapFlow: snapflow.co Andre's Photographer Picks Joshua Dwain: joshuadwain.com | @joshua_dwain Karl Taylor: karltaylor.com | @karltaylorphotography Steve's Whiskey Pick Jack Daniel's Triple Mash: jackdaniels.com

Ever stumbled across a surprise fantasy? Something you didn't realize turned you on…but here you are. It's super hot, and now, you can't stop thinking about it. Our sexual fantasies are here to help us understand ourselves better, so on today's show I take your calls on sexual fantasies, what they mean, and how to turn them into a reality. First, she masturbates in the bathroom when she knows her neighbors are home, within earshot. He loves nipple play on his body and watching his wife do it to herself. They're dabbling in prostate play, so I provide step-by-step instructions for finger stimulation. She's afraid of rejection, but also fantasizes about it: how can she indulge this fantasy in a healthy way? All this and more on this revealing episode. Show Notes:Gifts For Every Turn On: Valentine's Day Guide 2023VUSH Destination: Play (SEXWITHEMILY for 40% off Destination: Play)Yes No Maybe List & Other GuidesEMDRIA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stacy, Chanel, Ashley, do not discuss a fanfic this episode but we do talk celebrity gossip and why we don't have more celebrity friends/ significant others.  Ashley finally gets a chance to tell her Stan Lee story. We also catch up and talk all things Loki. Check out our new episode!Follow us at https://instagram.com/fanficfanaticspod?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=,  https://www.facebook.com/fanficfanaticspod/, and https://twitter.com/Fanfic_Fanatics . Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Welcome To Week 2 of the Road To A BILLION. The one and only documentation series of a 23-year-old Millionaire going through the day-to-day operations of a business and scaling up to a BILLION. In this week's episode, I had to fire one of my workers for HighKey to maintain our elite-level culture. I was super stressed as we were wrapping up a ton of work before the holiday break, and I was featured on Fox & ABC. Today it's December 21st, 2022. I currently run a Public Relations Firm in Puerto Rico called HighKey Enterprises LLC. We recorded just over 5.5 Million on our company's 2021 tax return and are scaling rapidly. Feel free to subscribe if you want to learn from my failures and watch the journey. I don't expect anyone to watch these videos, and I am mainly making them for documentation purposes.

This is Luke Lintz's first Podcast for the Road To A Billion series. My brothers and I recorded so much content back in 2016 and 2017 and we are wanting to get back into the groove of constant documentation as we are scaling up the Podcast heavily. Something we have really missed is being able to look back at the content from years ago and see the tasks we were working on our mindset and the component of documentation... This is why I am starting up this series titled "Road To A Billion." I will be posting a Podcast once per week, which will be a recap of my accomplishments, failures, lessons learned, and major pieces of advice I want to have logged for my future self. On top of this, I have been posting daily recap Vlogs on my Tik Tok, IG Reel, FB Reel, and YT Shorts which are 60-second recaps of my day. This will be the first-ever consistent vlog series of a 23-year-old Entrepreneur and his brothers that will become a Billionaire. This audio was recorded on December 12th, 2022.  Myself and my brothers currently run a Public Relations Firm in Puerto Rico called HighKey Enterprises LLC. We recorded just over 5.5 Million on our company's 2021 tax return and are scaling rapidly. If you are wanting to learn from my failures and watch the journey, feel free to subscribe. 

Balenciaga has recently been known to produce “Garbage Chic” clothing and shoes, but the latest campaign just bolstered them into a category of it's own and it's capped hot trash perhaps entering into the “HELL FIRE” realm! Balenciaga somehow convinced a whole crew of professionals to build a set that endorses “child porn”! Yes, you read that correctly! Not mentioned in the EP was other images with this Balenciaga campaign underneath a Balenciaga bag the US Supreme Court case Ashcroft v Free Speech Coalition, which ruled in favour of virtual child pornography! Also, featured in the GLOBAL campaign was images of a red haired women(model) sitting in a desk with a view of NYC, featuring a book on her desk with Michael Boerrman which displays nude images of children! I failed to mention that because of the HIGH KEY message you'll hear in this EP that you DO NOT want to miss! Where is the respect and truth line and has it already been crossed to the point of God's FURY stepping in?! The darkest and most confusing days are ahead for Balenciaga and it's narrative of using children sexually to advance their brand in the name of FASHION! Sit back and listen the whole way through there is a very important revelation towards the end that will ONLY make sense if you listen to the ENTIRE SHOW! (Matthew 18:10 Psalm 127:3 Matthew 18:6 Ephesians 5:11)

On this week's episode, we sit down with Teryn Beal to talk about the world's best breakfast burrito, the beauty of driving in silence, whether fish drink water, the struggle of having ideas without the skills to pull it off, and so much more! Enjoy! Check out our sponsors: Visit League Real Estate for the best home buying experience! Take 20% off handcrafted jewelry from Our Spare Change with code: NOWHERECLOSE

This episode is High-Key a bonanza. All the way around. Little insider tip for everyone reading this: we recorded this episode 3 times. And we actually used the first recording of the 3. We decided to attempt a reshoot after the original because things went so far off the rails Conner feared his relationship would be endangered. (Luckily for him I was able to edit around all that jibber jabber!) So we take a second one. My audio equipment essentially explodes mid recording. Rats. So we do a third shoot, and what do you know Conner's equipment isn't doing so hot either (perhaps even user error) and he accidentally records audio through his airpods and it sounds like utter trash. As in you are sitting in a metal trash bin and someone is berating you from the outside for trespassing at their dump. It was bad. ETSO-FACTO we return to the original recording wherein I spent 4 hours chopping up this masterpiece. Enjoy.

Luke Lintz is a successful businessman, entrepreneur, and social media personality. Luke and his brother started their first business, HighKey Technology, when the former was only 16 years old. Today, he is the co-owner of HighKey Enterprises LLC, which aims to revolutionize social media marketing. HighKey Enterprises is a highly rated company that has molded its global reputation by servicing high-profile clients that range from A-listers in the entertainment industry to the most successful 1% across the globe. HighKey Agency works in the digital marketing space, and they look after their clients' social media growth through HighKey Clout. They are accredited as the company that legitimized Instagram giveaways, which initiated a revolution in the global marketplace. HighKey allows their clients to increase their social media growth and position themselves beside top celebrities through encouraging top-quality Instagram management, influencer giveaways, and powerful connections with legends like Nicki Minaj, Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg, Bella Thorne, and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Luke's Social Links: https://www.lukelintz.com/ https://highkeyclout.com/ https://www.instagram.com/highkeyclout/ https://www.youtube.com/c/@HighKeyCo https://highkeyagency.com/ https://www.instagram.com/highkeyco --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hicksnewmedia/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hicksnewmedia/support

Let's dive back into an old one... Confucianism How are we doing at being Humane and Righteous? 

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow #KeystoneState: The low-key Oz debates the high-key Fetterman. SalenaZito.com https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/ozs-comeback

Alternate titles include: The Episode that Almost Wasn't, The Episode that Almost Wasn't... wait, that's it. I thought I had more. Today we've got reviews for a masturbation-themed pub in Wilsonville, Oregon AND daddy-themed foods from the Allest of AllRecipes. Unbelievable. We're likely skipping next week's upload (for the first time ever) so that we can get an episode ahead. Stay hydrated and we'll see you in two weeks!     Buy our shirts and cups: https://www.designbyhumans.com/shop/CriticEveryone/ Yell at us: foreveracritic@gmail.com Tweet at us: @CriticEveryone Allow conspiracies to fester with us: Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Everyones-a-Critic-2327696304154655/ Listen to the other great shows on our network: https://xraypod.com/ I did really hug Tommy Wiseau once.     

On July 29, 2022 monkey pox has been deemed a WHO (World Health Organization) worthy international health emergency. Since Friday July 29 there have been reports that a few people have died of it in France and Brazil! In the meanwhile I have personally witnessed people walking around Vancouver B.C with what HIGH KEY looks like money pox blisters. Which begs the question... why are you outdoors with money pox symptoms? Then I quickly realized that monkey pox doesn't have a gender race or anything specific that its going to target. People who are both with and without homes will inevitably likely run into this virus that is spreading rapidly. I personally witnessed people getting on and off public transportation this weekend with blisters. Attending pride fest weekend with blisters and just walking around the city with blisters. If I'm honest, I'm getting nervous and I do believe my home may fastly become my wonderland again aka Isolation Staycation. You DO NOT want to miss this Episode!

Description: Joining the show today is the CEO of Highkey, Joe Ens. On a mission to drive sugar out of snacks and remove over 10 million pounds of sugar from the American diet by 2025, Highkey is the fastest-growing better-for-you cookie brand in the US. In this episode, Joe shares his journey from growing up in Toronto, to working at General Mills for over 20 years,  to meeting the founders of Highkey. He talks about his experiences leading a Fortune 200 company, how to build trust with your team, why he uses the big plus one hiring strategy, and the difference between a growth versus a fixed mindset.Exclusive Deals from Our Sponsors:Get 2 months FREE with Gorgias by clicking HERE and mentioning the podcastHead over to Okendo to get 30 days FREE!In This Episode You'll Hear About:(2:50) What it was like growing up in the suburbs of Toronto, never wondering why his parents divorced, but feeling like he was living the best of both worlds(4:50) How he was given the opportunity to join General Mills right out of college and worked there for over 20 years in several different roles and cities(5:30) Why he wanted to leave General Mills to see how small of a company he could be part of and eventually start a wildfire(12:00) Why he believes in the difference between a growth versus a fixed mindset(15:11) The big plus one strategy and why he started to use it in his hiring methods and what the pricing hierarchy is(18:00) How he met the founders of Highkey and became CEO just nine months after launch(21:00) The different personalities Joe believes make the startup gusto mindset, versus the operators get it done methods(26:00) The key traits he believes are beneficial for successful CEOs(31:00) How they got to partner up with Ryan Reynolds, and how he became one of the primary investors(45:00) How writing in a word doc everything he's learned and inspirational quotes that stood out to him throughout his career has helped him in his position with Highkey(49:00) Why he believes being an entrepreneur is being like JayZ and not Justin TimberlakeTo Find Out More:​​https://highkey.com/Quotes:“I always say I got the best of each of them. I have my mom's heart and my dad's head.”“I realized that the skill set to progress to the most senior ranks in a Fortune 200 business becomes less about running and building the business and more around managing and building.”“I wanted to test myself. I wanted to bet on myself a little bit and see, could I build something from close to scratch.”“I wanted to see if I had the leadership muscle to take a spark and turn it into a wildfire.”“Failure really is progress.”“The founder can sometimes be a squirrel hunter because they're just constantly trying to ignite sparks. The operator is a little bit more hunting with a scope.”“It's a movement, but for us, it's not political.”“In the startup world, there's no hiding both as the leader, but also, in your ability to make individuals better because there aren't that many to raise the whole boat.”“Being deliberate in making a connection with people, both their head and their heart is key.”“You have to be comfortable that you're not gonna get it right every day. In fact, you're gonna get it wrong a lot. One of our core values is make mistakes, learn, move on. And the ability to move on, I think is key.”“Bet on yourself. And if it makes you really uncomfortable, cover the downside, but still place the bet. And then, you know, your risk tolerance will determine,  what cover the downside looks like.”

Pivotal is an interview-style segment that tackles topics in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) from the business leaders that live it EVERY DAY! My guest on this episode is an absolute Rockstar. Before becoming the Chief Digital Officer at one of my favorite digital-first CPG brands HighKey, he was the Co-Founder of the meal delivery company Factor_ that sold to Hello Fresh for almost $300 million. We cover a crucial story at the end of our conversation about how that exit event brought him zero monetary value. Ryan also shares his thought about the changing role of the CMO inside the CPG industry. Additionally, we talked about how platform arbitrage and mediocrity will no longer cut it when you're trying to grow through DTC ecommerce. These are just some of the interesting topics we covered in this episode... Ryan Rouse LinkedIn FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaschallmba TWITTER - https://www.twitter.com/joshua_schall INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/joshua_schall FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/jschallconsulting MEDIUM - https://www.medium.com/@joshuaschall

We start the show off going over The Finals and how absolutely terrible the Celtics looked. We also go into the NBA free agency and the Kyrie situation. There were a few fights/drama last week in sports that we also cover pretty heavily. We talk about the LIV Golf league and how they're stealing away a large chunk of talent from the PGA. Mike Schmitt drops a fire new poem about the NBA playoffs that will 100% make you laugh. Thanks for listening!

Today, it seems like sugar is added to almost every food product. That's why the brand High Key's mission is to remove 10 million pounds of sugar from the American diet, one sugar-free cookie at a time. On this episode of The Irresistible Factor, Joe Ens, CEO of HighKey, joins host Kristi Bridges to talk all things small business. He shares how he transitioned his career from the corporate world to something smaller — something he really believes in. In this episode, you'll hear about High Key's distribution, challenges, investment, marketing and innovation. Joe also discusses the importance of having a growth mindset and a strong sense of values to incorporate company culture. Together, they explore how the hybrid workforce of today has affected the workplace, as well as the difficulties small companies experience. Kristi and Joe also discuss how Joe's disciplined routine helps him get through difficulties and where he hopes to see HighKey in the next five years. To founders and CEOs, Joe's advice is, “You have to have something that has a value proposition — and in food, it better taste good!”

Today on the show Jayson is talking with Luke Lintz, the founder, and CEO of HighKey Enterprises, Luke was featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur.com, the New York Times, and International Business Times before the age of 21.  He began his first business during his sophomore year, in high school. In the first year, a loss of $150k prompted the start of HighKey Technology, bouncing back in 2018, they managed $1M in revenue. “Giveaway marketing” is largely attributed to Lintz's company HighKey. Highlights: How Luke and his brother started High Key Enterprises Using failures to hone Luke's business intuition Using his skills from starting a YouTube channel in High Key The value of coaching and mentoring in business today Why High Key pivoted from e-commerce to social media There's never a bad meeting, you always have the chance to learn something How they built their following on their social media channels The best way for us to jump in social media for our business today What the future of e-commerce will look like with crypto-currency How Luke achieves his goals using a vision board GET A COPY OF OWN YOUR POWER - AN AMAZON'S NUMBER 1 BOOK RELEASE! Immerse yourself with 8 key life-changing principles, worksheets to create your own map, and how to reach another level of your game!  It's all Real Life Stories! It's You vs You! Warning: This book is not suitable for pessimists, excuse-makers, and haters! SPONSORS: Credit Karma Credit Cards - Go to CreditKarma.com or the Credit Karma app to find the card for you Mack Weldon - Visit mackweldon.com/trueunderdog and enter promo code TRUEUNDERDOG for 20% OFF. LinkedIn Marketing Solutions - LinkedIn is offering a $100 credit on your next campaign. Go to LinkedIn.com/TRUEUNDERDOG to claim your credit. Audible - Visit Audible.com/thebiglie The Jordan Harbinger Show - Check out jordanharbinger.com/start for some episode recommendations PINK ENERGY is the leading solar energy company installing solar panels and solar power for homes.  Looking for a job in the Energy Industry Serving Communities? Join the solar movement! www.Powerhome.com/careers Social‌ ‌Media:‌ Check out Jayson's website: https://www.jaysonwaller.com/ ‌ Follow True Underdog and Jayson Waller on your favorite social media channels and digital podcast platforms: https://linktr.ee/trueunderdog True Underdog is a Top 3 Entrepreneurship podcast on Apple hosted by Jayson Waller, CEO of Pink Energy, one of the fastest-growing private companies in the USA, and his high-profile guests share motivational tips, inspiring stories, and business-building lessons to help each listener grow in their entrepreneurial journey. Reach‌ ‌out‌ ‌to‌ ‌Jayson‌ ‌directly‌ ‌at:‌ ‌ Jayson@trueunderdog.com‌ ‌ Guest Social Handles / Links In The Episode: Website: https://www.lukelintz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukelintz/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-lintz-874392148 Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/lukelintz1?_rdc=1&_rdr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on First Steps, we watch "Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part IV"! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Low key - no, fuck that, HIGH KEY - this woman had us write a whole damn blog based of the gems she dropped in our 50 min conversation. For the women who have gone off script - we have two words for you - AUDREY MCLOGHLIN. We start the conversation talking through her resume - which albeit wildly impressive and inspiring - is the least interesting thing about this woman. Yes, Audrey has built two companies inspired by the everyday women out there rewriting the rules - specifically on creating a simple, in-powered work “uniform;” AND in 2020 achieved B Corp certification for her company Frank & Eileen with an industry leading impact score of 97.5 (second only to Patagonia, NBD).BUT, what we love is her real, raw take on entrepreneurship. The struggle and power that came with leaving her marriage while 4 months pregnant with her daughter (fyi, she does not recommend this judo move for everyone). And, her pledge to give back $10M in 10 years to women-led businesses. THIS IS MATRIARCHAL MANAGEMENT.Please note: this episode is best consumed standing in front of your mirror with a dry erase marker to write down your daily affirmations for the next forever months.Shop Audrey's incredible companies below, and read more over at IT ALL Media's Blog for this week's episode's must-read gems.Frank & EileenGRAYSON

Skip to 8:31 for the tea . --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/micalf/support

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   ➡️ About The Guest⁣ Luke Lintz is a serial entrepreneur who stepped out of an economics class at 16 to organize his first e-commerce business. 90 days later he sold his entire $8,000 inventory at an ROI of 375%   Luke Lintz is now the founder and CEO of HighKey Enterprises LLC. HighKey Enterprises is a Puerto Rico company that makes brands famous through digital branding. Luke has amassed a following of over 1m on his social media. He deploys strategies similar to what he did for his own brand, for his clients. Helping them build their brand and online footprint He also partners with some of the largest celebrities and influencers (including 21 Savage, Cardi B, 6ix9ine & others) on major marketing collaborations and campaigns. ➡️ Show Links https://instagram.com/lukelintz https://www.lukelintz.com/  https://www.twitter.com/lukelintz/  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors HUBSPOT - https://hubspot.com/ ➡️ Talking Points⁣ 00:00 - Intro 03:24 - Luke Lintz's origin story 13:45 - What was the first version of Luke's marketing agency? 22:58 - How does Luke work with celebrities and how did he build his personal brand? 43:31 - How to build a community and why did Luke get into the NFT space? 49:41 - What is Luke's NFT project about and what is its utility? 1:01:15 - Luke's future plans for HighKey and himself 1:03:34 - Pros and cons of working with your family 1:05:25 - Regrets and failures of Luke's career 1:06:51 - Luke Lintz's mentor 1:08:13 - A book or podcast recommended by Luke Lintz 1:09:14 - Something Luke would tell his younger self 1:10:48 - What does success mean to Luke Lintz? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Ordergroove.   Getting HighKey's products in people's mouths is driving the velocity of the brand's success online, says Joe Ens, CEO of the brand that creates snacks low in carbs and sugar.   HighKey had the No. 1 chocolate chip cookie on Amazon within the first several months. That incredible customer loyalty helped sales explode in grocery retailers when HighKey's products hit their shelves.   "At one of the largest national retailers, we accounted for 53 percent of their better-for-you growth the year we entered," Joe says. "That's a wonderful story to get to sell behind because now we can show up to a retailer and say, 'Look here, it's the most loyal brand in the world.' "   Joe spent the first few decades of his career with a Fortune 200 big food company, but he wanted to break free and build something new.   "The wonderful thing about my experience that I'm very fortunate and grateful for is that I've got that fundamental training in a large food company. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I've been able to transfer it to the startup world because of my orientation," Joe says. "Living on that razor's edge is a different thing. The decisiveness, the agility, the way you move. It's not for everybody."   These days, HighKey has 11 different flavors - with the chocolate chip being the preeminent product - but they've entered the cracker market and mini treat space.   Joe's advice to other startup entrepreneurs isn't complicated: Do your hard work upfront and make sure you have a business model that you can scale.   "For those that think they have that internal intestinal fortitude, bet on yourself and go for it," he says. "If you're not comfortable, you can find somebody who's done it, and you can partner with them and bring them something that they don't have. But it's still the same decision. It's a decision to bet on yourself."   In Part 2, Joe talks about:   * How HighKey leveraged the online market space first before tackling the retail space. * The strategic questions on where to present their snacks on retail shelves. * How the company has built on its early success in the retail space. * How he transferred the skills and fundamentals he learned working for a big food company and used them to help build HighKey. * Why he calls his career change "Project Timberlake" (and eventually "Project Jay-Z.") * HighKey's continued plans to expand its retail footprint. * How the brand tackled the pandemic and economic downturns. * Advice for other entrepreneurs considering startup brands.   Join Ramon Vela and Joe Ens as they break down the inside story on The Story of a Brand.   For more on HighKey, visit: https://highkey.com/    For more on the Institute for Mindful Leadership, visit: https://instituteformindfulleadership.org/   Subscribe and Listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand,” or click here to listen on your favorite podcast player: Listen now.   *   This episode is brought to you by Ordergroove.   It's time to let your customers enjoy the products they love without the friction of reordering...   That's why innovative brands like Peet's Coffee and Il Makiage rely on Ordergroove's subscription solution to build long-lasting relationships that drive recurring revenue.   From enrollment incentives to churn-fighting AI, Ordergroove gives your business the tools it needs to be a subscription success story.   Book a demo today and receive 2-months off your contract. Visit https://www.ordergroove.com/story/ 

This episode is brought to you by Ordergroove.   HighKey's mission is to drive sugar out of the American diet, says Joe Ens, CEO of the brand that creates snacks that are low in carbs and sugar but taste as good as the original treats.   "There is a seismic shift that's going on on the American diet where people, whether it be because of biotechnology, wearing a watch, wearing a ring or even a glucose monitor, I think they are now starting to realize how much sugar is not hidden maliciously but embedded within their food," Joe says.   The reality is that people realize consuming too much sugar has had real consequences over the past few decades.   "It's not political for us. We're a sassy brand. We're kind of light-hearted. We don't take ourselves too seriously," he says. "We just want to make sure people have the options to make better choices."   The tale of HighKey is culinary-inspired, Joe says. One of the company's co-founders ran a James Beard Award-winning restaurant and had the background to find just the right balance of natural sweeteners - like monk fruit, stevia,, and erythritol and other ingredients that proved key to baking their goods.   These days, competitors are beginning to catch up on the no-sugar campaign. But that's not necessarily bad news for HighKey. The brand can now approach manufacturing partners more quickly than in the early days.   In Part 1, Joe talks about:   * His appreciation for the person who introduced him to the power of gratitude and the role gratitude plays in becoming a successful entrepreneur. * The brand's goal for 2025 is to drive 10 million pounds of sugar out of the American diet. * Why taste is so important in the natural food space. * The culinary inspiration behind the company's formation. * The brand vision is to be the leader in low-sugar snacking.   Join Ramon Vela and Joe Ens as they break down the inside story on The Story of a Brand.   For more on HighKey, visit: https://highkey.com/    For more on the Institute for Mindful Leadership, visit: https://instituteformindfulleadership.org/   Subscribe and Listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for “The Story of a Brand,” or click here to listen on your favorite podcast player: Listen now.   *   This episode is brought to you by Ordergroove.   It's time to let your customers enjoy the products they love without the friction of reordering...   That's why innovative brands like Peet's Coffee and Il Makiage rely on Ordergroove's subscription solution to build long-lasting relationships that drive recurring revenue.   From enrollment incentives to churn-fighting AI, Ordergroove gives your business the tools it needs to be a subscription success story.   Book a demo today and receive 2-months off your contract. Visit https://www.ordergroove.com/story/ 

In this episode, Taste Radio's hosts discussed new products in several food and beverage categories, including a nootropic-boosted hydration drink brand launched by an NFL star and NFT icon, a nostalgia-inspiring cinnamon spread, RTD milk teas and spiked tonics, artisanal and low-sugar sweets and perhaps the best-tasting tortillas on the market. They also riffed on recent work travel, this weekend's Specialty Coffee Association trade show and a major funding round for a platform brand of experimental condiments and beverages. Show notes: 0:37: Come To Our Open House. Jacqui Is A Camogie Champion. Ray Doesn't Ski. And Gluten Is One Of The Tastiest Things In The World. – The show opens with a chat about Jacqui's prowess in a sport called Camogie, Ray's recent visit to Vail, Colorado, where he attended a business conference focused on the interaction of health, food and nutrition and a call to entrepreneurs and industry executives to register for tickets to an open house at BevNET HQ later this month. The hosts also offered their take on the launch of “Local Weather,” encouraged listeners to register now – and save money – for the BevNET Live and NOSH Live Summer 2022 conferences and spoke about why gluten-free products should no longer taste like… gluten-free products. Later, they talked about new tea and treats to hit the market and why we're loving canned wine these days. Brands in this episode: Gotham Greens, The New Primal, Verde Farms, Health-Ade, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Nomadica, Acid League, Local Weather, Beckon Ice Cream, Shire City Herbals, St. Hildie's Spiked Tincture Tonics, Vista Hermosa, The Greater Knead, Twrl Milk Tea, Half Day Tea Tonics, HighKey, Snickers, Twix, Gigantic Candy