Brand Story

Hosted by Steve Gilman

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111

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Jul 2026

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About the show

This is Brand Story, where host Steve Gilman talks with those on the front lines of brands: business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketers. Our guests represent a wide variety of roles and industries, but the lessons learned break through those walls, connecting us on shared themes of brand experience, leadership, storytelling and understanding your audience. You’ll hear unique stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from — because stories are what connects us.

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60 recent

August 20, 20261 hr 7 min

Creating Through Change ft. Ted Royer

As technology reshapes the creative industry, the qualities that matter most may be the ones that have always been human. Ted Royer shares his perspective on AI, the changing agency model, building brands through listening, and why creativity requires the courage to experiment, fail, and keep moving forward. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/creating-through-change/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing ), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to Ted Royer 1:40 Folk Devils and the new agency model 11:42 AI's Impact on Creative Work and the Value of Human Judgement 25:00 Fear, Risk, and Building with Optimism 27:47 Brand Purpose, Stakeholder Insight, and Human Connection 34:39 Creator Culture and Brand Authenticity 40:17 Taste, Experimentation, and Developing Young Creatives 50:04 And Then It Just Got Worse: Reflection and Repair 58:30 The Future of Creative Teams 1:01:15 Rebuilding Identity and Advice to a Younger Self

July 23, 202641 min

The First Technology ft. Park Howell

Stories are more than a way to communicate—they're how people make sense of the world. In this episode, Park Howell explores why storytelling is one of humanity's oldest technologies, how authenticity builds lasting brands, and why "artful intelligence" can help amplify human creativity rather than replace it. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing ), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Park Howell (01:55) From Ad Agency to Story-Driven Branding (08:03) Story: Humanity's First Technology (13:33) 600 Episodes: Lessons from a Podcasting Veteran (20:34) Finding Your Authentic Voice (22:58) Artful Intelligence: Re-framing AI (35:58) A Storyteller's Responsibility (& Parting Wisdom)

July 2, 202633 min

The Future of Content ft. William Mellis + Eric Markgraf

The future of content isn't just about new technology—it's about new conversations. William Mellis and Eric Markgraf share the vision behind Jupiter Festival and why they set out to create a new kind of gathering for the industry to learn, collaborate, and shape what's next. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-future-of-content/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing ), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing Chapters: (00:00) — Steve introduces William Mellis and Eric Markgraf and teases the Jupiter Festival. (01:16) Why Launch a New Festival? — The market gap that inspired Jupiter. (04:17) Designing for Networking — Core goals, quality over quantity, and the Cirque du Soleil floor plan. (09:40) A Global Focus — Bringing in international film commissions. (10:50) State of the Content Industry — Growth, fragmentation, and shifting power. (14:00) Brands Taking Back the Narrative — Why brands need to own their own content. (17:40) The Meaning Behind "Jupiter" — How they landed on the name. (21:30) Building Jupiter as a Brand — Long-term vision and top speakers. (25:20) Who Should Attend? — Why Jupiter welcomes aspiring leaders too. (28:44) Closing Thoughts — Final reflections and hopes for year one.

June 11, 202647 min

Curiosity First ft. Diane DiCarlo

Great marketing isn't about saying more—it's about understanding more. In this episode, Diane DiCarlo shares why customer insight is a competitive advantage, how curiosity leads to better strategy, and what organizations can learn when they take the time to listen. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/curiosity-first/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing ), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing (00:00) Meet Diane DiCarlo (05:13) From In-House Marketer to Consultant (09:40) Talking to the Right Audience (15:25) Marketing Isn't Always the Problem (20:15) People Buy Emotionally, Then Defend Logically (25:52) The Surprises Hidden in Surveys (31:18) Common Mistakes Marketers Make (35:23) Marketing in the Age of AI (40:42) Learning That Not Everyone Thinks Like You (42:33) The Free Birding Chapter (45:00) Let Go of the Five-Year Plan

May 13, 202648 min

Ideas That Move People ft. Leeann Leahy

The best ideas don’t just capture attention — they create consequences. In this episode, Leeann Leahy shares why emotionally resonant work matters more than ever, how curiosity fuels creativity, and why agency culture should be built around people, not perks. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/ideas-that-move-people/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing ), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing (00:00) Introduction to Leeann Leahy and Her Journey (06:18) From Big Agencies to Independent Shops (13:29) Why Advertising Has to Mean Something (17:10) Reinventing L.L.Bean Without Losing Its Soul (22:59) How to Connect Emotionally by Being Infectious (24:22) Golden Corral’s Post-COVID Comeback (30:23) Building a Human-Centered Agency Culture (41:06) What the Industry Gets Wrong About Culture (44:20) AI, Humanity, and Ideas That Matter (46:25) Final Thoughts and Advice to Leeann's Younger Self

April 23, 202647 min

Rooted In Purpose ft. Jim Campbell | Brand Story Ep. 106

Building a business isn’t just about what you sell — it’s about what you believe. In this episode, Jim Campbell shares why purpose-driven work matters, how organic agriculture is reshaping the way people think about food, and what it looks like to build a company that puts people, animals, and the land first. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/rooted-in-purpose/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing ), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing (00:00) Introduction – Jim Campbell, President & CEO of New Country Organic (01:38) Jim's Origin Story – From financial services to farming: horses, land, chickens, and finding a mission (03:20) What's wrong with conventional feed and the case for organic (04:48) The Homesteading Movement – Self-sufficiency, the pandemic effect, and why NCO's mission aligns with a growing cultural shift (06:00) NCO's Three Core Missions – Feeding animals well, building soil health, and taking care of people (16:07) Decoding Food Labels: Organic vs. Non-GMO – Why USDA Certified Organic is the gold standard and what "non-GMO" really means (22:56) Backyard Chickens as a Gateway – Why chickens attract new homesteaders, and the very human benefits of connecting with animals (27:52) Custom Feeds & Allergy-Driven Product Development – How customer needs (and a tearful after-hours phone call) shaped NCO's product line (30:06) The Pandemic Demand Surge – A tsunami of new homesteaders and what it revealed about distrust of "Big Food" (35:31) National Expansion: Texas, Nevada & the UK – Growing from Virginia roots to a nationwide (and soon international) footprint (37:58) Supporting the Organic Farming Ecosystem – Buying American organic grains and helping farmers transition away from conventional agriculture (39:17) Customer Care as a Brand Value – Treating every customer like a person, not a ticket (41:48) Vision for NCO's Future – Organic nutrition, soil products, insect protein, and international growth (44:10) Jim's Chapter of Life: Creation – Reflections on entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, and wishing he'd started sooner (46:05) Advice to a Younger Self – Take more risks, find your own thing, and stay curious

March 31, 202644 min

Content That Connects ft. Darren Rayner

Great content doesn’t come from chasing perfection — it comes from creating something people can actually feel. In this episode, Darren Rayner shares how brands can build content systems that connect, why authenticity matters more than ever, and what it takes to stand out in a world flooded with content. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/content-that-connects/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing ), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing (00:00) Introduction to Darren and Magnafire (04:09) The Evolution of Social Media in Brand Strategy (07:11) The Three-Step Content Process (09:56) The Content Pyramid Approach (17:06) The Importance of Audience Understanding (18:24) Emotional Resonance in Content (20:51) Hooks, Kicks, and Engagement Strategies (27:45) Authenticity in Content Creation (30:14) The Role of AI in Content Production (34:39) Innovative Approaches to Content (37:19) Common Mistakes Brands Make (41:07) Life Lessons and Reflections

March 12, 202642 min

Embrace the Process ft. Peter Santana

Careers don’t always follow the path we expect. In this episode, Peter Santana reflects on leaving a stable executive role to pursue work driven by purpose, service, and growth. His story is a reminder that meaningful leadership often begins when we stop chasing the finished product and start embracing the process. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/embrace-the-process Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing ), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing (00:00) Introduction to Peter Santana's Journey (01:44) The Leap of Faith: From CFO to Mission Aviation(07:00) The Impact of Relationships and Gratitude (08:50) Navigating Challenges and Perspective (14:39) Balancing Ambition and Mindfulness (18:12) Embracing Lifelong Learning and Growth (21:28) Overcoming Self-Doubt in Careers (27:45) Empathy in Leadership (34:55) Looking Ahead (39:20) Investing and Embracing the Process

February 19, 202657 min

Creating Relevance ft. Carrie Willetts

Leadership isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about staying relevant, embracing the mess, and protecting culture as you grow. In this episode, Carrie Willetts shares hard-earned lessons on leading at scale, integrating with empathy, and why confidence and community matter more than ever in healthcare. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/creating-relevance/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing ), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing (00:00) Introduction to Carrie Willetts (02:00) The Evolution of Leadership and Culture (05:05) The Importance of Local Presence in Healthcare (09:44) Embracing the Messiness of Leadership (16:09) Advice for Young Leaders (21:11) Communication and Clarity in Leadership (26:15) The Complexity of Integration in Healthcare (31:30) Carrie's Leadership Purpose and Growth (36:45) How to Find Clarity (39:06) Defining Success in Leadership (42:22) A Season of Community (48:45) Working on Communication (51:48) Advice to Your Younger Self

January 22, 202642 min

Engineering Brand Love ft. Rick Milenthal

What happens when marketing becomes more automated, data-driven, and efficient — but less human? In episode 102 of Brand Story, we sit down with Rick Milenthal, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of The Shipyard, to explore why emotion still matters more than technology, how fear can hold brands back, and why understanding people is the key to building brands that last. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/engineering-brand-love Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing ), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing Chapters: (00:00) – Meet Rick Milenthal and The Shipyard (03:10) – Curiosity, fear, and adapting to change (09:01) – Building The Shipyard (11:59) – Engineering brand love and emotional storytelling (23:10) – Culture, leadership, and mental health in agencies (27:21) – Client work spotlight: EVs & Visit California (34:47) – The future of The Shipyard (37:00) – Fear vs adventure in leadership (40:54) – Rick's advice to his younger self