The Speak Easy Podcast

Here's what we know: People don't like surprises, especially unpleasant ones, and when information is missing, they'll fill in the gaps — rarely with generous assumptions. We break down why proactive communication with clients, your team, and even in your personal life feels harder than it should be, then share strategies for getting ahead of the narrative. From understanding why we avoid these co...

If you've ever felt like you need to have it all together before you can lead effectively, this episode is for you. No judgment here — we've all been there! In this candid conversation, we're sharing our own messy truths, from Jen's permanently grimy oven and abandoned Christmas card habit to Karen's perfectionism paralysis and lone wolf tendencies. This isn't just therapeutic oversharing — there'...

If you’ve ever launched a website or video and walked away, this one’s for you. No worries, we’re not judging! It’s a common trap to fall into, and when you ignore it, it quickly becomes a pain to update. But in today’s world, where your brand story is always in motion, marketing needs to be treated as an ongoing, strategic effort. In this episode, we’re making the case for retainer-style budgets...

Color isn’t just a finishing touch — it’s a strategic tool that influences perception, emotion, and behavior. In marketing and branding, it’s one of the first things people notice and one of the most powerful ways to communicate without saying a word. But great color doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, skill, and an understanding of how color really works across mediums. In this episod...

In our latest episode, we talk about why social media ads might not be delivering, when they can be effective (hint: brand-building > promotion), and why it’s critical to stop thinking of social media as your only marketing plan. We also challenge you to consider how you’d communicate your message if social media didn’t exist at all. From Super Bowl spots to smart, scrappy strategies — this one’s...

Every brand has its own unique challenges — but not every brand should be approached the same way. In this episode, Jen shares four brand categories she and her team at Redhead work with most often: corporate, place-based, boutique, and entrepreneurial. From the layers of stakeholder input in corporate branding to the emotional nuance of placemaking, we break down how each type calls for a tailore...

No one likes a boss breathing down their neck — but when you're the one in charge, knowing how much oversight is too much can be tricky. In this episode, we dig into the blurry line between healthy control and full-blown micromanagement. From trust issues to outcome-based leadership, we explore how leaders can maintain structure and accountability without disempowering their team. Drawing on insig...

As entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders, we’re constantly making decisions — about strategies, budgets, and even where to focus our energy. But how often do we pause to ask: "Do I need this, or do I just want it?" In a world filled with tempting new tools, trends, and shiny distractions, knowing the difference can be the key to growth — or the reason we stay stuck. In this episode, we pu...

Whether you’re crafting a brand message, delivering a speech, or simply trying to make an idea stick, the way you tell your story matters. Knowing your audience, embracing personality, and making messages actionable ensures that stories don’t just entertain — they inspire and drive real impact. Using Gustav Freytag’s classic story arc as a guide, Karen takes us through Render's process for engagin...

Many organizations rely on small, overburdened marketing and communications teams, expecting them to do it all and inadvertently setting them up to fail. In this episode, Jen and Karen challenge the traditional hiring model and explore why a fractional or agency-based strategy could be a smarter, more cost-effective solution. Tune in as we break it down: why the “comms department of one” is never...

This week’s topic is all about appreciation. After all, who do we love more than our clients? Their trust, collaboration, and vision make our work possible, allowing us to take on impactful projects that drive real change. Beyond just delivering services, we’re deeply invested in their success, fostering relationships built on communication and shared goals. Listen in as we dive into the ripple ef...

In this episode, Jen and Karen reflect on Redhead's 25-year path of growth and reinvention, from its beginnings as a small freelance graphic design business to a powerhouse of strategic brand consulting. They explore how the company has evolved while staying true to its core belief: that a strong, authentic brand identity is the foundation of success. Redhead's story is one of adaptation, growth,...

Pet projects are more than hobbies — they’re a lifeline for creativity and connection. In the fast-paced world of deadlines and deliverables, carving out time for passion-driven work can energize teams, spark innovation, and foster camaraderie. These pursuits allow space to experiment, fail, and grow, creating a culture that values more than just productivity. In this episode, we unpack the import...

It’s a new year, which means culture is telling us it’s time to write resolutions. But hard refreshes aren’t for everyone. (We believe cold turkey is best served as a sandwich after Thanksgiving instead.) For some, however, this can be an ideal time to set intentions and plot paths for growth. So: What’s on the horizon for 2025, and what do we want to put into the universe? This episode, we discus...

Traveling across the country to collaborate with clients and bring their visions to life through expert storytelling and dynamic production? That’s Render Studios’s bread and butter. That said, coordinating large-scale film projects across multiple locations is a process that goes far beyond capturing great footage alone. From managing remote location scouting and navigating local rules to maintai...

Have you ever met an entrepreneur who views networking as a solo sport? It’s surprising, especially in the service business world, where relationships are the foundation of success. In this episode, we explore how collaboration and generosity can strengthen your network, your reputation, and ultimately, your opportunities. Sharing a "give first" approach can transform your entrepreneurial journey...

There’s an art to navigating tricky projects while maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional service. Whether you're navigating a tight deadline or dealing with evolving client demands, success in these scenarios often comes down to communication and trust. When tasked with a project that’s more of a sprint than a marathon, maintaining clear, consistent team communication saves time, r...

A lesson shared by many entrepreneurs and parents is this: Time is limited, and you can’t do everything all the time for everyone. Combine that truth with the knowledge that every stage of your children’s development requires an entirely different playbook of parenting skills, and it's easy to lose sight of any plans you made to intentionally showing up for all of life’s responsibilities. Pulling...

Creative burnout is something many face. In this episode, we dive into how to recognize the signs and navigate through it. Whether it’s struggling to focus, feeling uninspired, or simply pushing too hard without taking time to recharge, burnout can stop creativity in its tracks. Learning the tell-tale signals that it’s time to step back and refuel not only helps you better look after yourself, but...

In our latest case study, we dive into Redhead’s work supporting the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) on marketing for the Michigan Children’s Savings Account Network. The Network, consisting of 17 programs across the state, aims to help students save for their postsecondary education through Children's Savings Accounts (CSAs). Recognizing the marketing capacity chall...

In this episode, we’re exploring the difference between task-oriented and objective-oriented thinking. Focusing on the task at hand may feel like less mental labor, but it's important to remember that tasks are only one part of addressing a larger challenge. By aligning your work with the larger objective, you'll not only accomplish more but also approach your tasks with greater purpose and owners...

In this episode, we dive into the dilemma of reaching the top and wondering, "Am I done yet?" Spoiler alert: not quite. We explore that feeling of having climbed the career ladder, only to find the horizon still stretching far and wide. When you’ve hit your goals and the view from the top is fantastic, what’s next? We discuss the signs of burnout, the pressure that comes with success, and how to k...

When it comes to video marketing, the key to maximizing reach and enhancing brand visibility is starting with a solid distribution strategy. Whether earned, owned, or paid, each channel requires a different approach to craft a video that resonates with a distinct audience. Measuring the effectiveness of these strategies is crucial to ensuring that each video effort achieves its intended impact. In...

Carving out your own path as a business owner demands a little rule breaking from time to time. Whether it’s a social norm or personal directive, it’s easy for our ways of being to spiral down the rabbit hole from routine to rule to barrier to success. If you find yourself stuck in that place, it’s time to start poking holes in your modus operandi. We’ll be the first to admit this process isn’t ea...

Marketing is a lot like starting a garden. It’s all about planting a seed and knowing that with careful planning and attention, you’ll reap the results of your harvest. Even those of us with the furthest thing from a green thumb know that you can’t plant a seed one day, then expect to be able to pluck fully grown fruit from it the next. Organic growth takes time, and just like with gardening, if y...