Branding Matters

Send us a textWelcome to the first NEW episode of 2025! Today, I'm sitting down with an extraordinary woman, Jenna Quaranta, also known as JQ. Before you tune in, I want to issue a trigger warning: this episode deals with the sensitive topic of the largest mass shooting in U.S. history.In our conversation, JQ shares her miraculous survival story from the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas. This horrific event not only changed the trajectory of her life, it also profoundly impacted her career path. JQ opens up about how this traumatic experience led her to become a Certified Mental Health Ambassador as well as launching her hugely impactful sales training business called "Field Sales Method".Throughout our discussion, JQ reveals how she transformed her harrowing experience into a powerful tool for motivation and inspiration. She talks about leveraging her journey to create a unique personal brand that resonates with others, particularly in the sales industry.Join us as we explore JQ's inspiring story of resilience, her insights on mental health in the workplace, and how she's using her experiences to make a positive impact in the business world.Support the showBRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.About MeHey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results! Need help telling your brand story? Learn more here.Let's stay connected!instagram - @Branding_BadasslinkedIn - Joelly Goodsonwebsite - BAMKO.NET

Send us a textToday I'm sitting down with Bill Neff, the Head of Marketing at YETI, to uncover the secrets behind building one of the world's most coveted brands. Bill, a seasoned marketing expert with a passion for adventure, shares invaluable insights on YETI's journey from a hunting and fishing-centric company to a household name.During our fun conversation, Bill emphasizes the critical importance of "finding the gap" in brand building. This strategy involves identifying untapped opportunities in the market and leveraging them to create a unique brand identity. He reveals how YETI has successfully implemented this approach, focusing on two key elements: realness and relevance.Tune in to gain a deep understanding of YETI's marketing strategies, including how the company forges genuine connections with its audience, distinguishes between brand awareness and brand trust, and uncovers unexpected product relevance in niche markets. Bill's expertise offers a masterclass in strategic brand development, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and marketing professionals alike.Support the showBRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.About MeHey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results! Need help telling your brand story? Learn more here.Let's stay connected!instagram - @Branding_BadasslinkedIn - Joelly Goodsonwebsite - BAMKO.NET

Send us a textIn this episode I have the pleasure of welcoming back the incredible Amanda Russell - entrepreneur, professor, and author - who has redefined what it means to build influence in the digital age.During our conversation, Amanda shares actionable insights from her journey as a marketing leader and CMO, revealing how to craft brand strategies that drive real engagement.Tune in to:Learn how to leverage influencer marketing effectively, based on Amanda’s pioneering academic programs at UCLA and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.Gain access to frameworks taught at Harvard, London Business School, and the University of Texas, designed to help you stand out in a crowded market.Understand the difference between popularity and true influence, and how to cultivate lasting relationships with your audience.Hear Amanda’s advice on developing the mindset and skills needed to lead and innovate in today’s fast-changing business landscape.Whether you’re building a personal brand, launching a business, or looking to elevate your marketing game, Amanda’s expertise will equip you with the tools and inspiration to create real, lasting impact.Support the showBRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.About MeHey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results! Need help telling your brand story? Learn more here.Let's stay connected!instagram - @Branding_BadasslinkedIn - Joelly Goodsonwebsite - BAMKO.NET

Send us a textIn this episode I'm sitting down Chantal Miyagishima, the founder of Knitatude. Chantal's remarkable blend of passion and expertise has helped her grow her Instagram account to nearly 250,000 followers -  simply by sharing her love for knitting and consistently providing valuable content to her community. But her story doesn't stop there. With over 14 years of experience in advertising and media, including writing and creating commercials, Chantal brings a wealth of knowledge in crafting compelling messages and connecting with audiences. This background has been instrumental in launching Knitatude, allowing her to position the brand effectively, create engaging content, and foster a thriving, loyal community.What truly sets Chantal apart is her disruptive impact on the knitting industry. She has reimagined what it means to be a modern knitter, breaking away from traditional stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of makers. Through her innovative approach and leadership, Chantal has not only built a brand but also empowered others in the creative community.For anyone looking to build their own brand, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss. Chantal shares how to create authentic content that resonates with your audience, the secrets to growing an engaged community organically, and how to leverage your existing skills to launch and market your passion project. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your brand to the next level, you'll learn practical strategies for turning your expertise into compelling content that drives real engagement and business growth. Support the showBRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.About MeHey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results! Need help telling your brand story? Learn more here.Let's stay connected!instagram - @Branding_BadasslinkedIn - Joelly Goodsonwebsite - BAMKO.NET

Send us a textToday, I’m thrilled to welcome Adam Constantine, Founder and CEO of ACE Creatives, to the show. If you’re thinking about changing careers - or you’re already in the middle of a big professional pivot - this episode is for you.Adam’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention: from pro basketball player to social media mogul and creative agency leader, he’s navigated dramatic career changes while building a powerful personal and professional brand.In our conversation, Adam shares the real-world lessons he learned moving from the court to the creative industry, and how he leveraged storytelling, digital strategy, and networking to make his mark in a completely new field.Whether you’re an athlete, an entrepreneur, or simply someone ready for a fresh start, Adam’s insights on rebranding yourself - both online and off - will give you actionable steps to stand out, connect with your audience, and thrive in your next chapter.So if you’re ready to turn the page and redefine your brand, let’s jump in!Support the showBRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.About MeHey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results! Need help telling your brand story? Learn more here.Let's stay connected!instagram - @Branding_BadasslinkedIn - Joelly Goodsonwebsite - BAMKO.NET

Send us a textIn this episode, I’m thrilled to bring you a special conversation with Mandy Balak - a visionary leader who’s redefining what it means to connect, learn, and lead in the world of branding.Mandy is also the President of The Gathering Festival - an event that’s so much more than a business conference. It’s a brand festival designed for those who crave real conversations, bold ideas, and meaningful connections. Forget lifeless keynotes and stuffy networking; The Gathering is where legendary brands and fearless leaders collide in an immersive, inspiring environment that sparks genuine momentum for your business—no matter its size.Whether you’re a solopreneur, a startup founder, or part of a global brand, The Gathering offers:Access to intimate, off-the-record conversations with the world’s top brand leadersActionable insights from keynotes, masterclasses, and workshops that go beyond the basicsUnique networking experiences that foster authentic relationships and new business opportunitiesImmersive activations and unforgettable moments set against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alberta, Canada.You’ll leave feeling energized, equipped, and ready to take your brand to the next level. And with Mandy’s expertise in building transformative experiences, you’ll get an insider’s look at how The Gathering helps brands—from emerging to iconic—win hearts, minds, and markets.Don’t miss your chance to be part of this movement. Register now for The Gathering Festival and experience the future of branding firsthand. See the links below to secure your spot—because this is where your next big brand breakthrough begins.REGISTER FOR THE GATHERING IN LINK BELOW (GET $100 DISCOUNT WHEN YOU USE PROMO CODE "BRANDINGMATTERS")🔗 https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/CONNECT WITH MANDY IN LINKS BELOW:🔗  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandybalak/?originalSubdomain=ca 🔗 https://mandybalak.com/Support the showBRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.About MeHey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results! Need help telling your brand story? Learn more here.Let's stay connected!instagram - @Branding_BadasslinkedIn - Joelly Goodsonwebsite - BAMKO.NET

Send us a textToday I’m thrilled to welcome back the amazing Bill Petrie, the founder and creative director of Brandivate - a purpose-driven agency that’s become a powerhouse in brand strategy, marketing, and sales innovation. With over 23 years of executive leadership in the promotional products industry, Bill is recognized for his ingenuity, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping businesses grow and stand out in today’s crowded marketplace.Bill’s approach at Brandivate is all about igniting and accelerating client growth through market innovation, purposeful storytelling, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you’re looking to revitalize your brand, develop a cohesive marketing strategy, or execute a full-scale brand launch, Bill and his team bring a wealth of experience and tactical know-how to the table. They collaborate closely with clients to design and implement strategies that not only boost brand visibility but also drive real business results-from increased sales to improved organizational efficiency.What truly sets Bill apart is his passion for mentorship, education, and giving back to the industry. He’s a celebrated speaker, a mentor to many, and a recipient of the 2024 PPAI Distinguished Service Award for his leadership and service in the promotional products space. Bill’s insights are rooted in practical experience, and his candid, bold, and often irreverent style ensures you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to elevate your brand.If you’re ready to learn how to build a better brand, foster deeper connections with your audience, and achieve wild success in your business, you’re in the right place. Support the showBRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.About MeHey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results! Need help telling your brand story? Learn more here.Let's stay connected!instagram - @Branding_BadasslinkedIn - Joelly Goodsonwebsite - BAMKO.NET

Send us a textToday I'm sitting down with Mark Schaefer - a true visionary who helps brands break through the noise and connect with their audiences in unforgettable ways. As the author of several bestselling books and a sought-after keynote speaker, Mark has spent decades helping businesses of all sizes craft strategies that stand out, resonate, and drive results.During our conversation, Mark shares insights from his latest book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. This isn’t just another marketing book—it’s a wake-up call for anyone who wants their brand to thrive in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven landscape. Mark believes the secret to success isn’t trying to outsmart AI; it’s learning how to out-human it. And that’s exactly what he’ll teach us.In this episode, you’ll gain practical strategies to take your brand from ordinary to extraordinary. Mark will show us how audacity—boldness, creativity, and fearless storytelling—can transform the way we approach branding. You’ll learn how to:Craft compelling narratives that captivate your audience.Choose the right platforms to amplify your message effectively.Become a storyteller who inspires loyalty and advocacy from your customers.Mark also shares jaw-dropping case studies from innovative leaders who’ve disrupted their industries and built legendary brands. Plus, he’ll give actionable tips on how you can infuse audacity into your marketing strategy today—whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a global team.If you’re ready to elevate your brand and create deeper connections with your audience, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Support the showBRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.About MeHey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results! Need help telling your brand story? Learn more here.Let's stay connected!instagram - @Branding_BadasslinkedIn - Joelly Goodsonwebsite - BAMKO.NET

Send us a textToday, I'm thrilled to be sitting down with Kate Torrance - the VP and Head of Brand, Content & Communications at SickKids Foundation. With over two decades of experience in advertising and communications, Kate has been instrumental in shaping SickKids' brand strategy and maintaining its position as Canada's top charity brand.At SickKids Foundation, Kate leads the charge in driving awareness and raising funds for The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ranked as the number two pediatric hospital globally. Her expertise has been crucial in launching groundbreaking initiatives like the globally recognized VS brand platform and the innovative Precision Child Health approach.Before joining SickKids, Kate honed her skills at top-tier advertising agencies, where she led national campaigns for renowned brands such as Budweiser, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola. Her diverse experience and passion for making a difference in children's lives make her a fascinating guest for our podcast.Today, we'll explore Kate's journey in brand strategy, her role in SickKids' philanthropic efforts, and how she's helping to shape the future of pediatric healthcare through innovative communication strategies. So, let's dive in and learn from one of the brightest minds in cause-driven marketing and communications!Support the showBRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.About MeHey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results! Need help telling your brand story? Learn more here.Let's stay connected!instagram - @Branding_BadasslinkedIn - Joelly Goodsonwebsite - BAMKO.NET

Send us a textToday I'm sitting down Mordy Oberstein, a renowned expert in the digital marketing landscape. As the Head of SEO Branding at Wix and Founder of Unify Brand Marketing, Mordy has been instrumental in shaping online visibility and fostering community engagement through innovative SEO strategies.In this episode we delve into how SEO can be a powerful tool for enhancing your brand's presence online. By leveraging SEO, businesses can build credibility and grow brand awareness, which are crucial for establishing trust with potential customers. SEO also helps attract qualified traffic, ensuring that your website reaches the right audience, which can lead to increased conversions and revenue. Moreover, SEO is a cost-effective long-term strategy that can improve your marketing ROI and provide a sustainable competitive advantage.During our fun conversation, Mordy shares how to integrate SEO into your branding strategy to boost visibility, credibility, and ultimately drive business growth. Whether you're looking to establish your brand as an industry leader or simply want to enhance your online presence, this episode provides valuable insights into the transformative power of SEO in branding.Support the showBRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.About MeHey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results! Need help telling your brand story? Learn more here.Let's stay connected!instagram - @Branding_BadasslinkedIn - Joelly Goodsonwebsite - BAMKO.NET