Brand Story Podcast
The Brand Story podcast features in-depth conversations with marketers, leaders, and brand storytellers about their professional journeys and the impact they’re making on the world around them.


The Impact of Culture featuring Dr. Marcus Collins
Best-Selling Author & Marketing Professor at University of Michigan
The Impact of Culture
Culture influences more than we may realize. From what we wear, who we marry, and what we support, culture is one of the most influential forces on human behavior. Yet for as often as the word is used, it’s seldom fully understood. In this episode of Brand Story, we unpack what culture is with Dr. Marcus Collins, Marketing Professor at the University of Michigan and Best-Selling Author of the book, For the Culture, and explore the relationship it has with human behavior.

Brand Story Breakroom: Listener Q&A — Leadership, Threads, and More featuring Lindsey Laughlin and Steve Gilman
Brand Story Breakroom: Listener Q&A — Leadership, Threads, and More
Gravity Group’s President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share stories from the world of brand and marketing, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, they answer quickfire questions from listeners about leadership, Threads, and myths about brand and marketing.

Brand Story Breakroom: Lifestyle Branding with YETI and Disney featuring Lindsey Laughlin and Steve Gilman
Brand Story Breakroom: Lifestyle Branding with YETI and Disney
Gravity Group’s President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share stories from the world of brand and marketing, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, they discuss lifestyle branding with YETI and the story of Disney California Adventure Park’s brand withdrawal.

The Empowered No featuring Vanessa Patrick
Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Marketing at the University of Houston
The Empowered No
Have you ever said yes to something you wanted to say no to? Vanessa Patrick hears it all the time, which is why her new book, The Power of Saying No, is here to help reshape that mindset. In this episode of Brand Story, we talk with Vanessa about the art of empowered refusal, and how saying no isn’t a rejection. She shares personal anecdotes and tips for how you can reshape your thinking and better prioritize what’s important. Because while saying no can be difficult, it doesn’t have to be.

Reimagining Inclusion featuring Mita Mallick
Head of Inclusion, Equity, and Impact at Carta and Co-Host of Brown Table Talk
Reimagining Inclusion
Reimagine Inclusion – a message Mita Mallick hopes we all take to heart, and also the title of her new book. As a returning guest on our podcast, Mita breaks down what inclusivity really looks like both in the workplace and our professional lives. She shares examples of real struggles she’s experienced, and provides tips to help you on your own personal journey as an ally. Because whether you were ever picked last for a sports team or left off an event list, it’s a very human thing to feel excluded, so how do we help prevent it for others?

Brand Story Breakroom: Coke and Pepsi featuring Lindsey Laughlin and Steve Gilman
Brand Story Breakroom: Coke and Pepsi
Gravity Group’s President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share stories from the world of brand and marketing, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, they discuss some of Coke’s standout marketing campaigns and the recent Pepsi visual identity rebrand.

Building Brand Value featuring Carolyn Walker
CEO and Managing Partner of Response Marketing
Building Brand Value
What makes a brand? Carolyn Walker would say it all boils down to the customer experience. As the CEO and managing partner of Response, an independent marketing agency, Carolyn develops creative solutions to help build brands and focus on long-term loyalty. In this episode of Brand Story, we hear from Carolyn about balancing brand building with performance marketing, and the impact your customer’s brand experience has on your brand’s reputation.

Brand Story Breakroom: Consistency and Knowing Your Audience featuring Lindsey Laughlin
Brand Story Breakroom: Consistency and Knowing Your Audience
Gravity Group’s President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share stories from the world of brand and marketing, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, they discuss the importance of knowing and connecting with your audience and having consistency in both your internal and external messaging.

Overcoming Fear and Burnout featuring Jahmaal Marshall
CEO, Counselor, Consultant
Overcoming Fear and Burnout
Wondering how to become a more successful leader? Jahmaal Marshall would say the key lies in self-awareness. As a certified counselor, consultant, and CEO of Listen Then Speak, Jahmaal coaches leaders on identifying their behaviors and how to lean on both their strengths and weaknesses. In this episode of Brand Story, we hear from Jahmaal about the importance of setting boundaries, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and how to find a balance with your team.

Brand Story Breakroom: Chewy and Liquid Death featuring Lindsey Laughlin
Brand Story Breakroom: Chewy and Liquid Death
Gravity Group’s President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share stories from the world of brand and marketing, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, hear why Chewy succeeded when Pets.com failed, and how Liquid Death’s brand position speaks to their audience.