Episodes

What if burnout has less to do with long hours and more to do with misalignment? In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris sits down with Naomi Asher, founder of The Maven Consulting, leadership consultant, speaker, and author, to unpack the real causes of burnout and why so many organizations are missing the warning signs. Naomi shares her journey from nonprofit executive to entrepreneur, explains how values alignment, conflict, and leadership development impact organizational health, an...

Bob Winter, Chief Creative Officer at Supergood and creator of Bud Light's legendary Real Men of Genius campaign, joins Chris on this episode of We Built This Brand to explore how AI is reshaping the creative industry. From building award-winning campaigns to leading an AI-native agency, Bob explains why human creativity remains the driving force behind great brands, and how marketers can embrace AI without losing what makes their work original. Show Highlights: (00:00) Human Plus AI Creativity...

Jonathan Halley didn't set out with a master plan to build one of East Tennessee's most recognized creative agencies, but a drone, a viral video, and a willingness to say yes changed everything. In this episode of We Built This Brand, Jonathan shares the story behind founding Big Slate Media, growing from a one-person operation into a 30+ person production company and creative agency, and what he's learned about leadership along the way. He opens up about hiring his first employee, learning ...

In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris sits down with Brad Scott, Founder and Principal of Applied Design, to explore how a rebranding project for the Braille Institute led to the creation of Atkinson Hyperlegible, an award-winning typeface designed to improve readability for people with low vision. Brad shares his journey from interior design to leading branding initiatives for organizations like Grand Central Terminal and the World Trade Center, while discussing the principles of univer...

In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris sits down with Mary Walker to talk about the hidden business side of nonprofits. From fundraising strategy and board leadership to navigating crises like COVID and government funding delays, Mary shares practical lessons on building sustainable organizations that can truly make an impact. Plus, hear the incredible story behind her family’s century-old Knoxville automotive business and how it inspired Leafspring. Show Highlights: (01:47) Marys Career...

What happens when brands give up control and trust the story? In this episode of We Built This Brand, Kirstin Falk of Breakwater Studios shares how award-winning, human-centered films are created without scripts, why uncertainty is the new normal for brands, and how powerful storytelling can build real emotional connection. From working with global brands like L’Oréal and McDonald’s to winning Academy Awards, this conversation explores the intersection of creativity, strategy, and authenticity i...

Andrew Parrott, founder of Logic Marketing and partner at Brainchild Creative, shares a raw and powerful story of addiction, recovery, and redemption, and how those experiences shaped his approach to business and branding. From homelessness and a near-fatal past to building a multi-faceted marketing and experiential agency, Andrew dives into authenticity, risk-taking, and why your scars might be your greatest asset. This episode is a deep, honest look at what it really means to build something t...

What does it take to reinvent a 100-year-old brand? In this episode or We Built This Brand, Diana “DQ” Quinmoen, Head of Design at Colle McVoy, shares how her team helped La-Z-Boy rediscover its soul and transform from a furniture brand into a full sensory experience. From brand scent and store experience to AI-powered activations and the “ah-place” philosophy, this conversation explores how modern brands must think beyond campaigns and build systems that connect emotionally at every touchpoint....

Tom Woodard spent decades shaping iconic advertising, from voicing the famous Budweiser frogs to producing national jingles for brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. Now he’s channeling that creative experience into something bigger: The Ability Machine, a marketing initiative that intentionally collaborates with creatives with disabilities. In this episode of We Built This Brand, Tom shares his journey through the golden era of advertising, the story behind one of the most memorable Super Bo...

What does it really take to turn creator passion into a sustainable business? In this episode of We Built this Brand, Becky Owen breaks down the reality behind the creator economy, from pricing your worth and avoiding burnout to why AI isn’t a strategy (and never should be). We explore how creators can build long-term influence without launching a brand, the danger of “AI-for-AI’s-sake,” and why nostalgia, instinct, and human creativity still matter more than ever. A must-listen for creators, ma...

Join Chris as he sits down with Halee Sprinkle, founder of Check Yourself Marketing, to explore the human side of social media. From the very origins of “social media” to the challenges of maintaining mental health in a digital world, Halee shares hard-earned insights on entrepreneurship, authenticity, AI, and community-driven marketing strategies that actually deliver results. Whether you’re a small business owner or a seasoned marketing professional, this conversation will leave you inspired, ...

As we close out the year, We Built This Brand takes a step back to reflect on the conversations that defined it. This special year-end recap revisits the moments, ideas, and voices that shaped our understanding of what it really takes to build something meaningful. From honest conversations about creativity, ambition, and identity to stories of culture, community, and brands that endure, this episode highlights the human side of brand building. Across these conversations, one theme kept surfac...

In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris chats with Vince Wang, Chief Marketing Officer at Mustard Love, the platform helping restaurants connect with local influencers and track real ROI. Vince shares how data-driven marketing and startup experience shaped his approach to influencer campaigns that actually drive business results. A must-listen for marketers, restaurant owners, and creators looking to turn influence into measurable impact. Show Highlights: (00:21) Meet Vince Wang (01:25)...

We’re wrapping up our LA interview series with a bang. Thai Randolph and Katie Soo join Chris Hill and Adhrucia Apana to talk brand leadership, creative growth, and what it really takes to stay ahead in a fast-changing world. Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:47)Meet the Guests: Katie Sue and Ty Randolph (01:19) Ty Randolph's Career Journey (02:55) Katie Sue's Career Highlights (07:15) Brand Building Insights from Katie Sue (09:06) Advice for Aspiring Brand Builde...

Host Chris Hill talks with Adhrucia Apana and Charles Allen, co-founders of Curiosity Entertainment and Storyteller Publishing, about building brands through authentic storytelling. They explore why story is still king, how authenticity drives community, and what it takes to grow a creative brand in the age of AI. Listen now to discover how they’re putting artists first and reshaping the future of storytelling. (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome (01:05) Arusha's Journey into Film and TV ...

Join Chris Hill and Adhrucia as they sit down with Ted Schilowitz, a 40-year entertainment veteran who’s shaped the evolution of digital cinema, immersive experiences, and AI-driven storytelling. From his early days producing children’s TV in Florida to pioneering desktop video with Apple, co-founding Red Digital Cinema, and advising major studios on the future of entertainment, Ted shares his insights on technology, creativity, and the democratization of filmmaking. Show Highlights: (00:00) In...

Chris Hill and Adhrucia Apana sit down with Stacy Spikes, co-founder and CEO of MoviePass, to talk about disrupting Hollywood, rebuilding an iconic brand, and the launch of MoviePass’ new fantasy sports league for moviegoers. Stacy shares lessons from his incredible founder journey, what it takes to innovate in an industry resistant to change, how to turn setbacks into breakthroughs, and why building a lasting brand means creating a culture around an activity. Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduct...

World champion triathlete turned Oscar-winning filmmaker Lesley Paterson joins Chris Hill and Adhrucia to talk about building Brave Art Entertainment, the power of resilience, and how great stories are born from grit. From All Quiet on the Western Front to new global projects with Idris Elba, Lesley shares what it takes to turn creative conviction into a brand that lasts, both on the course and on the screen. Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Host Welcome (00:35) Guest Introduction...

On this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris Hill sits down with Gwen Simpson of Phoenix Rising Consultants. Gwen shares her unique approach to human capital development, blending intuition, positive psychology, and conscious leadership to help individuals and businesses thrive. From startups to established companies, discover how human connection, mindfulness, and purpose-driven strategy can transform your brand and your life. Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Host Welcome (00:28) Gu...

In this episode of We Built This Brand, host Chris Hill and co-host Adhrucia Apana sit down with filmmaker and entrepreneur C. Craig Patterson, founder of Everyday Mischief, to explore the intersection of AI, filmmaking, and media innovation. Discover how cutting-edge tools like virtual production stages and clean AI models are transforming the creative process, from concept to screen. Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or tech enthusiast, this conversation offers insight into buildin...

In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris Hill and co-host Adhrucia Apana sit down in Los Angeles with realtor, author, and speaker Troy Palmquist. Troy shares his 23-year journey in real estate, from accidentally landing his first job at 20 to building multiple brokerages and helping shape the future of real estate tech. After a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Troy found new purpose in helping others grow their businesses with authenticity and intention. Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduct...

Join Chris as he sits down with James, Executive Creative Director at Arnold, to explore the art of building unforgettable brands. Inspired at 14 by a single Nike ad, James went on to shape work at legendary agencies like DDB, Fallon, and Goodby Silverstein. In this episode, he shares the philosophy behind Arnold’s bold “brilliantly boring” campaign for PNC Bank, why the riskiest move a brand can make is being forgettable, and the lessons he’s learned from leading creative teams and iconic ca...

On this episode we sit down with Greg Logan, an award-winning creative director turned reality TV creator, to explore why so many brands talk about “storytelling” but rarely know how to do it. From his early days at Leo Burnett to founding Narrativity, Greg reveals how he fuses Hollywood’s proven storytelling formulas with brand strategy to transform businesses into loved brands. Packed with insider anecdotes, practical frameworks, and eye-opening case studies, this episode will change how you t...

In this episode of We Built This Brand, Joshua Kopac shares his unique journey, starting with being expelled from high school at 13 for hacking and building a million-dollar business by 16. After a life-changing car accident, he shifted his mindset and approach. Now the founder of Be Kept Up, a digital marketing agency focused on affiliate marketing, Joshua talks about the power of adaptability, building systems, and how AI is transforming business. His story is one of resilience, gratitude, and...