We Built This Brand

Social media isn’t just where brands show up anymore, it’s where customers learn, research, and decide who they trust. In this episode of We Built This Brand , Chris sits down with Luke Leinberger, Global Head of Social Media at Gravity Global, to talk about building a global social strategy, bringing B2C-style storytelling into B2B marketing, and creating content that actually earns attention. Th...

What if better time management isn’t about doing more, but making room for what matters most? In this episode of We Built This Brand , Chris sits down with Samantha Lane, founder of Origami Day, to discuss how a life-changing surgery reshaped her relationship with time and inspired her to build a business around helping others escape overwhelm. Samantha shares the story behind Origami Day, her “Pr...

On this episode of We Built This Brand , Chris sits down with FIG founder Mark Figliulo and Chief Strategy Officer Amber Higgins to talk about the intersection of creativity, data, and storytelling. They break down Fig’s StoryData platform, how data can help creatives make stronger decisions, and why effectiveness matters more than simply making creative production faster or cheaper. They also go...

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, exp...

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...

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...

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 organizatio...

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...

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 Ac...

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 y...

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 mode...

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 j...

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 n...

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 sm...

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 epis...

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 creato...

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 High...

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 o...

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 ins...

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 buil...

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 o...

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 tr...

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 yo...

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 helpi...

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...