The Stric

What does it really take to turn complex ideas into unforgettable campaigns? In this episode, veteran creative director and copywriter Jim Scott pulls back the curtain on the world of advertising, public affairs, and modern media strategy. From crafting taglines as a young intern to leading campaigns for major brands and advocacy groups, Jim Scott shares how creativity, emotion, and strategy work...

In this inspiring episode, the founder of Pawfectly Delicious shares how a homemade dog treat recipe transformed into a nonprofit that creates meaningful jobs, community, and purpose for disabled adults. From building an inclusive workplace to overcoming the challenges of growing a mission-driven organization, this conversation is full of heart, resilience, and hope. Listen now to hear how one sma...

After gaining hands-on experience running a small business—managing clients, marketing, inventory, and creative work—Katherine Manley hits a breaking point and walks away. What follows isn’t a perfect, polished pivot, but a messy, honest reset: a week of burnout, wandering, talking to local business owners, and slowly understanding her true calling! There’s no overnight success, just small moves:...

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a creative career? In this episode, a photographer shares how a detour into teaching in the Dominican Republic led to an unexpected breakthrough—and why creativity is less about talent and more about adaptability. From pivoting on set to turning downtime into a wildly imaginative “Messy Kids” photo series, this conversation dives into the chaos, improvisat...

Meet the man behind the legendary Noah Shenandoah! John Fogle transformed his role in the community into something genuinely engaging by creating a fun alter ego that interviews small business owners across Shenandoah County. What started as a low-budget, one-man video project quickly grew into a powerful community tool—drawing thousands of views, boosting real foot traffic to businesses, and buil...

Welcome back to The Stric! This week, we’re talking with Tristan Valencia, founder of Thought Process — the strategy and feasibility firm behind large-scale interactive environments, museum installations, touring exhibits, and brand activations that blend creativity with serious technical execution. We unpack the “sticker shock” factor behind immersive installations — why projects that look effort...

In this episode, filmmaker and archival researcher Jessie Herman talks about the art and challenges of uncovering history through archives. Jessie reveals the emotional and ethical complexities of true crime storytelling — she highlights the crucial intersection between legal diligence and creative storytelling, where every document, photo, and quote must stand up to scrutiny and reflect the story...

In this episode, we sit down with James Aita, Director of Strategy and Business Development at Medicomp Systems and an award-winning podcaster. James shares how podcasting has become a powerful tool for connection, thought leadership, and marketing—helping professionals engage their audience while building authentic industry relationships. What is the balance between polished production and access...

How do you turn creativity into strategy—and art into impact? Join us as we sit down with Brad Whitford, Creative Director at DDC Public Affairs, to explore his journey from painting in high school to leading award-winning campaigns for top organizations. Brad shares lessons on empathetic leadership, standing out in a crowded industry, and how AI is reshaping design without replacing the human tou...

We cover a lot in our Season 4 premiere, from the importance of mentorship (however small) doses of coffee (however large ) and the ever-changing landscape of influencers and marketing in 2025. At it's core, it's all about balance --between work and rest, structure and freedom, brands and audiences. Tune in now and let us know how you avoid burnout below!

Lights, camera, creativity! In the latest episode of The Stric from Istrico Productions, Mark and Blake pull back the curtain on how their team adapts to different spaces, tackles complex shots, and brings visual storytelling to life—from dramatic indoor scenes to challenging outdoor setups. Dive into behind-the-scenes secrets on lighting, reflections, camera movement, and more. Perfect for creati...

In this episode, we sit down with dynamic community leader Tammy Gordon, whose journey spans local government, nonprofit work, and remote professional life. She shares how a passion for “fixing what’s broken” has fueled a fulfilling and purpose-driven career. But this isn’t just a story about civic engagement. It’s about the balance between passion and burnout, the challenges of delegation, and le...

This week on The Stric Podcast, we’re diving into all things marketing & social media with Patrick from Volkswagen of America! From leading the Volkswagen Content Studio to navigating the ever-changing landscape of brand authenticity, Patrick shares insights on building a powerhouse content team and how major brands are adapting to social media’s ever-changing landscape. How do brands stay aut...

Spend some time with Ciana Bell, Founder of Storybridge Consulting as she walks us through what it took to start her own company, learn from and ultimately walk away from the agency world, and take a leap of faith into her own potential. Storybridge Consulting offers creative solutions in today’s crowded marketing world - tune in to learn it all!

In this episode, Bree chats with illustrator, comic creator, and caricaturist Howie Noel about his lifelong journey in art - both as a personal outlet and a professional career. They explore the challenges of creative expectations, the power of persistence, and how dedication can lead to unexpected journeys. Listen now!

This episode we feature Vincent Barr, founder and CEO of Operator, a company focused on customer acquisition and demand generation for growth-stage startups. Dive into the world of SEO, CRO, performance marketing, and analytics, and how he expertly leverages those to optimize digital strategies. Vincent argues for a more direct approach where clients interact directly with strategists rather than...

In this episode of The Stric, we explore the power of storytelling in the non-profit world with special guest Josh Kligman, CEO of Storyraise. Josh shares his expertise on how digital innovation is revolutionizing the way non-profits connect with their donors, from leveraging data-driven insights to crafting emotionally compelling narratives, Whether you’re a non-profit leader, fundraiser, or simp...

Tune in to hear our favorite marketing experts weigh in on all sorts of interesting aspects of how to find, retain, and inspire your desired audiences. And, if you want to hear more, check out their full episodes: Sara Khalatbari Joy Morel Stephen McCauley Barry Reicherter Chris Root

The Istrico Team reflects on a year of production, creativity, and strategies for the future. Tune in to see what we've been up to on The Stric!

Welcome to The Stric! 🎉 Bree kicks off this episode featuring Adina Applebaum, a powerhouse who juggles being an immigration attorney, a financial empowerment strategist, a social entrepreneur, and a podcaster. Adina dives right in, sharing her journey from fighting for immigration reform with her legal team to creating Immigrant Finance with her husband, Mau. Inspired by their own struggles, the...

🎧 Tune in to our latest episode where we delve deep into the world of marketing with seasoned professionals. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind building lasting client relationships and driving engagement through authentic storytelling. 👥 Guest Spotlight : Meet Joy Morel, SVP of Marketing at Woebot Health, as she shares insights from her extensive journey in the marketing realm. 🔍 Episode...

In this episode, we're bringing you behind the scenes with our crew as they gear up for a shoot. We've got the whole team here, ready to spill the beans on their favorite on-set meals and the latest tech innovations. Join Bree as she kicks things off with Mark, Blake, Brandon, and Gavin, each sharing their roles and best practices for clients to keep in mind before the Istrico crew rolls t...

Here's what's going on culturally for Bree, Nora, and Gavin. Tune in for interesting headlines of the week, and what to watch!

Vehicle expertise meets workplace culture. We delve into the fascinating world of used cars, company culture, and the stories that connect them. From heartwarming tales of helping consumers make informed decisions to the adventures of traveling across the country, we speak with Chris Basso about real-life experiences and expert analysis. Discover how CarFax fosters a vibrant company culture, keepi...