Advertise on podcast: Brand Story

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

In this highlight episode, we revisit some of our favorite moments from Season Five of Brand Story. The conversation reflects on what it takes to build brands people believe in, how marketers should think beyond surface-level metrics in a zero-click landscape, and what it means to lead creative work with intention. 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/season-five-favorite-moments/ 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 (1:05) Happiness Advantage — Mark Lester (Ep 90) (4:02) Zero-Click Marketing — Rand Fishkin (Ep 91) (6:28) Collaborative Leadership — Aya Baeshean (Ep 87) (9:55) Brand Transformation — Simon Hill (Ep 97) (12:51) Building Brand Loyalty — Phyllis Rothschild (Ep 95) (15:35) Keeping Creativity Alive — Brian Thibodeau (Ep 98)

100 episodes in, one thing is clear: creativity is still human at its core. For our 100th episode, editor and educator Scott Witthaus returns to reflect on the creative industry, the importance of stepping away, the rise of AI, and why our humanity is still our greatest differentiator. This episode touches on finding clarity and inspiration outside of work, the danger of an “always-on” creative culture, and how AI is changing (not replacing) creative work. 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/the-creative-reset/ 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 (0:00) Mentoring and Industry Insights (2:58) The Importance of Taking Breaks (6:02) Travel and Storytelling (12:33) Mentoring the Next Generation (15:34) AI's Impact on Creativity (18:01) Human Touch in Storytelling (31:12) The Role of AI in Storytelling (37:09) Human Experience Design and Its Importance (41:45) The Inspiration Series: Human Stories in Advertising (48:11) Giving Back: Nonprofits and Community Engagement

Data is everywhere. But making sense of it? That’s where the real work begins. In episode 99 of Brand Story, Laura Grover, Senior Vice President and Head of Client Solutions at EDO, Inc., shares why traditional metrics like reach and clicks don’t always tell the full story. She also discusses how AI is reshaping search and measurement, what marketers can learn from sports audiences, and why curiosity is still the most valuable skill in a data-driven world. 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/marketings-measurement-reset/ 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 Laura Grover, EDO, and Marketing Measurement (03:06) The Importance of Meeting Clients Where They Are (05:57) Evolution of Advertising Metrics (09:01) The Role of AI in Search and Measurement (11:55) Measuring NFL Advertising Effectiveness (15:08) The Impact of Women's Sports on Advertising (18:00) Programmatic Advertising and Client Success Stories (20:25) Maximizing Creative and Media Efficiency (24:12) The Evolution of Measurement in Advertising (27:40) Confidence in Analytics and Asking Questions (29:08) Advice for Newcomers in Measurement (32:44) The Importance of Generalist Skills in Measurement (34:56) Harnessing AI for Creative Analysis (36:12) Outcomes as a New Standard of Measurement

When creativity hits a wall, what keeps you moving? For creative director and educator Brian Thibodeau, it’s curiosity, empathy, and a relentless drive to connect. In episode 98 of Brand Story, he and host Steve Gilman explore how art, teaching, and storytelling fuel a creative life and how empathy helps drive good design. 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/keeping-creativity-alive/ 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 Brian Thibodeau (01:52) The Quarantine Portraits Project (08:30) Navigating the Creative Path (11:06) Creative Collaborations and Projects (17:00) Disney, Nissan, Rogue One, and the Nissan Rogue (21:43) Exploring Ecotourism and Creative Assignments (22:52) The Importance of Teaching and Mentorship (34:18) End of Day Art: A Creative Movement

Here’s the truth about brand. It isn’t one-dimensional. The strongest brands create experiences across every sense, building memories that last long after a purchase. In episode 97 of Brand Story, Simon Hill, President, FutureBrand North America, shares how the best brands stand out in markets where products often look the same. We explore the frameworks FutureBrand uses to align leaders and global teams, how emotion tips decisions, and why consistency across every sense matters more than ever. 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/transforming-brands 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 & Simon Hill Welcome (01:22) Leading the London 2012 Olympic Bid (04:50) Lessons from Global Brand Campaigns (09:10) Shifting from Advertising to Brand Strategy (13:05) Working Closely with CEOs & Leaders (15:53) Making Brands Experiential & Human (18:33) The Transformation Ladder (23:40) The Future of Branding & Human Experience (27:06) Being Open to The Power of Brand (29:16) The Power of Human Insight (32:48) Swimming the English Channel for Charity (34:10) Fear, Adventure & Resilience (36:30) Embracing Competition & Growth (38:07) This Chapter of Life Investment (38:58) Advice to My Younger Self

Bad bosses are everywhere. We’ve all worked with them, and if we’re honest, we’ve all had moments where we’ve been them. In episode 96 of Brand Story, Mita Mallick, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Best Selling Author, returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight. We explore why toxic behaviors are so persistent in the workplace, how leaders can recognize when they’re slipping into bad habits, and what it takes to build cultures that people actually want to be part of. 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-devil-emails-at-midnight/ 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 (2:37) Why Write About Bad Bosses (6:56) Owning Our Own Mistakes (9:00) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - Spotlight Stealer (13:52) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - Medusa (19:30) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - The Grieving Boss (25:02) Common Behaviors of Bad Bosses - Toxic Positivity (30:25) The Devil Emails At Midnight (33:30) Self Awareness & Humility (35:43) What's Next & Final Takeaways

How do you stand out in a crowded market where products all look the same? By building a brand that’s authentic, consistent, and audience-first. In episode 95 of Brand Story, we speak with Phyllis Rothschild, CMO of Pete & Gerry's Organics, to explore how she helped turn a commodity into a mission-driven brand that people trust and stay loyal to. From redefining what loyalty really means to balancing creativity with consistency, this conversation highlights the marketing principles that make any brand stronger. 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/building-brand-loyalty 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) From Consulting to CMO (04:42) The Heart of Brand Loyalty (07:23) Mission Meets Marketing (11:44) Packaging & Brand Identity (13:19) Two Brands, One Family (16:26) Consumer Experience & Health Consciousness (18:52) Cutting Through Confusion (21:52) Educating at Shelf (24:25) Opportunities & Threats in Premium Eggs (29:00) Building Loyalty Beyond Discounts (30:34) Navigating Risk & Adventure in Marketing (34:55) Finding Joy in the Journey

Toby Myles, Strategic Copywriter, knows the power of a good story, and she’s built her business on helping others tell theirs. In episode 94 of Brand Story, she talks about why storytelling is the most human (and effective) marketing tool we have and how to spot stories hiding in plain sight. From her Spoonful of Comfort email marketing story to her Core 8 Story Hub framework, Toby offers insight on building genuine connections, creating empathetic campaigns, and making space for the moments that matter most. 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/authentic-storytelling/ 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 Toby Myles (02:21) The Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship (06:25) Storytelling Roots and the Power of Listening (10:47) The Email That Changed Everything (14:47) Building the Core 8 Story Hub (20:20) Launching Her Origin Story (25:54) Rewriting the Rules of Work and Life (29:14) Fear, Adventure, and Doing It Her Way (31:37) This Chapter of Toby's Life

In episode 93 of Brand Story, we sit down with John McNeil, Founder & CEO of John McNeil Studio, for a candid conversation about what it really means to build a brand. From his early days in traditional agencies to pioneering the studio model, John shares how his team helps brands move beyond deliverables to a system where everything from strategy to media to brand experience works together. 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/creativity-in-business/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmcneil/ https://www.johnmcneilstudio.com/ 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) John's Early Agency Years (04:43) Breaking into Creativity (09:04) Founding John McNeil Studio (11:50) Everything is Media (16:00) Rethinking the Brand Process (18:25) The Promise and Pitfalls of AI (24:25) Authenticity as a Differentiator (29:23) Strategy + Creativity as One (48:45) The Power of Brand Labs (51:55) Looking Ahead: The Studio Model

In episode 92 of Brand Story, we welcome back Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO of SparkToro, to talk about brand vs. algorithm, the value of real audience research, and the dangers of chasing attention without purpose. He shares the story behind SparkToro, why so many marketers don’t actually know their audience, and how optimizing for vanity metrics can lead you astray. 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/branding-beyond-algorithms/ 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) The Birth of SparkToro: Audience Intelligence Unleashed (08:44) Inertia in Marketing: The Resistance to Change (21:20) Brand Over Algorithm: The Difference Between Gaming the System and Optimization (28:37) Building Real Value vs. Surface Engagement (35:36) Brand Story Podcast Engagement - Short vs. Long Clips (39:48) Entrepreneurship: Risk vs. Control (49:40) Exploring Possible Futures

In today’s digital landscape, marketers are being asked to do more with less—less clarity, less control, and often, less trust in what’s actually working. To explore this shift, we sat down with Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO of SparkToro, to unpack what’s changing, what’s still true, and what marketers need to relearn to build brands that actually resonate. From zero-click search to the surprising power of so-called “vanity metrics,” this episode challenges the way we think about digital success and makes the case for more thoughtful, audience-first marketing. 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/marketing-in-a-zero-click-world/ 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 Brand Story and Rand Fishkin (03:55) The Importance of Understanding Your Audience (09:34) Navigating the Zero-Click Search Era (17:45) The Shift in Marketing Attribution and Measurement

What if happiness is the most powerful brand strategy no one’s paying attention to? Mark Lester, Co-Founder and CSO at Squint, joins us to talk about how brands can drive massive impact, not by leaning harder into industry claims or trend forecasts, but by reconnecting with something far more fundamental: joy. From reimagining Ollipop as a “happiness drink” to rebuilding brand trust one hike at a time, Mark shares how deep listening, emotional resonance, and strategic empathy can transform the way brands show up in the world. 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/the-happiness-advantage 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 Mark Lester (01:29) Mark's Journey to Launch His Own Agency, Squint (09:11) The Unhappiness Crisis & The Happiness Advantage in Brand Strategy (14:10) Case Study: The Success of Ollipop (22:57) Working with Nike on Women's Sports (26:55) The Importance of Relationships in Business (31:17) Empathy and Listening in the Industry (35:44) The Role of Hospitality in Branding (40:31) Embracing Responsibility and Peak Performance (43:04) Advice for Younger Marketers

Creative leadership, brand strategy, and the future of the industry—Troy Hitch, Global Chief Creative Officer at RAPP, shares how he approaches it all. From empowering teams to rethinking the role of brand in an AI-driven world, episode 89 explores what it means to lead well and build work that resonates. 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-evolution-of-branding/ 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) - Intro: Troy Hitch’s Path from Theater to Advertising (01:26) - Creativity Born from Theater & Early Career Lessons (05:01) - You Suck at Photoshop and the Dawn of Branded Content (09:51) - The RAPP Journey: Leadership and Innovation at Omnicom (13:02) - Leading Global Creative Teams (14:43) - AI, Cost Pressures & The Changing Creative Landscape (18:08) - The Ego Epiphany: Redefining Creative Leadership (23:30) - Supporting Teams Through Change and Uncertainty (27:36) - The Future of Brand: AI, Empathy & Individual Relevance (31:43) - Brand as a Harmonizing Signal in a Noisy World (41:07) - Advice to His Younger Self – Don’t Not Do That Thing

Gina Grillo, President and CEO of The ADVERTISING Club of New York, joins us on episode 88 of Brand Story to talk about building community in advertising, staying relevant through change, and why it’s time to rethink who gets a seat at the table. From championing diversity to shaking up the ANDY Awards, Gina shares what it takes to lead with intention—and why bravery still matters in creative work. 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/community-in-advertising 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) - Intro: How Gina Grillo chose a creative career over the financial industry (04:56) - Navigating Industry Change (07:00) - Building Diversity & Early Career Programs (12:46) - Influential Mentors & Industry Inspiration (15:32) - The Future of the ANDYs & Championing Creativity (24:24) - A Personal Chapter: What’s Next for Gina (25:46) - Advice to Her Younger Self - Take on Responsibility