Problem Solvers

Join brand historian Jason Liebig as he reveals the power of nostalgia in branding. He shares how familiar emotions can foster trust, making storytelling a more powerful tool than data. With insights into 'dopamine design,' Liebig discusses how visual elements can evoke joy and nostalgia. Discover how companies like Chewy are harnessing nostalgia in customer care, and learn practical tips for brands to evoke those warm feelings. From business cards to the revival of older ideas, this conversation is a treasure trove for brand founders.

Listener Melissa calls the Help Line today because she's experiencing some analysis paralysis (haven't we all). Jason gives her a formula to help her determine which parts of her work she should change; plus, he shares how to failure-proof her pivot by making it into an experiment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, you can start a million-dollar business in a weekend. Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo and author of the book "Million Dollar Weekend", shares how the foundations of a great business come together quickly, and why it's worth moving fast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Canberos and Michael Edelen, co-founders of Cold-Blooded and Bizarre, share their journey of creating a beloved local brand through community engagement. They reveal how free reptile relocation services and clever marketing tactics, like handing out stickers as mobile business cards, helped establish trust and brand awareness. By prioritizing Google reviews over paid ads and participating in school programs, they turned simple interactions into powerful community touchpoints. Plus, they share some fun insights about a two-headed snake!

You’ve seen Robert Herjavec make deals on Shark Tank, but do you actually know how he thinks? In this candid conversation, Robert breaks down the real questions investors should ask, and the common mistakes founders keep making. He also warns about the wrong lesson some people take from Shark Tank. And yes, if he still thinks about passing on Scrub Daddy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Lew Frankfort joined Coach in 1979, he knew nothing about fashion but he understood people. That skill became the foundation of his leadership and the reason he transformed Coach from a small, overlooked accessories brand into a global powerhouse. In this episode, Lew shares the interview strategy he’s refined over decades and written up in his new book Bag Man. He breaks down the questions he asks, the tests he uses, and the surprising single trait he believes matters more than experience or résumé. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling stuck? Uninspired? Unsure how to find the right answer to the problem you're trying to solve? Scott Anthony can get you unstuck. He teaches strategy at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmout, and is the author of the book Epic Disruptions. He walks us through simple, science-backed strategies to reboot your creativity, the psychology behind peak performance, and why the worst way to solve a problem is to force it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes an idea truly worthy of your time? Nir Zicherman, co-founder of Anchor and former Head of Audiobooks at Spotify, thought he’d left the startup world behind. But he kept wondering if he could help people learn in a better way. And oboe.com was born. In this conversation, Nir and Jason explore how to know when you’ve found something that’s more than a project. It’s your next calling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Jared Foster of Times Ticking bought a small watch shop, he realized one question was killing sales. So he replaced it with a simple, repeatable strategy that made customers feel welcome and ready to buy. That shift helped Times Ticking land on Entrepreneur’s list of America’s Favorite Mom & Pop Shops and turn quick repairs into big sales. This episode is brought to you by CLA. With you on every step of your financial journey. To learn more, visit CLAConnect.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Executive coach Muriel Wilkins joins the show to unpack one of the biggest growth blockers in business. The leader who needs to be involved in everything. Drawing from her new book Leadership Unblocked, she breaks down how that urge forms, why it destroys trust and agency inside organizations, and how to recalibrate your time toward the work that actually drives results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices