Hosted by Rachel Nussbaum, CEO & Executive Producer at Specular Studios, and Sam Neukom, Founder of Northbound, a brand strategy agency
Deeper audience connections require more than traditional marketing and content.
Brand Story Lab
The Podcast
…behind memorable brand storytelling that actually works.
The brands that thrive are the ones that understand how to create authentic connections through strategies and creativity that truly reflect their brand values.
join us while we chat about...
Join us while we chat about how innovative companies are connecting with people to grow their business—from brand creation to branded entertainment, from employee engagement to outbound marketing.
Through in-depth case studies like Allbirds' storytelling experiments and eBay Motors' community-driven series, you'll discover..
the creative process
distribution strategies
& strategic thinking
What's on Our Minds (and Mics)
Why most brands sound exactly the same—and how to find the one story only you can tell. We're obsessing over strategy fundamentals, origin myths, and cutting through corporate speak to uncover what actually makes you different.
Brand Strategy & Story DNA
Brands are becoming studios, and we can't stop talking about it. Dissecting hits like Indeed's Rising Voices and Marriott's Travel by Design to figure out what separates compelling content from expensive mistakes.
From Ads to Entertainment
The uncomfortable conversations about selling branded content to skeptical executives, proving ROI when metrics are murky, and rebuilding trust in an age where everyone assumes you're lying. Real talk on budgets, buy-in, and results.
Making It Happen
01.
Authenticity is Your Competitive Advantage
02.
Entertainment Beats Interruption
03.
Vision, Engagement, and Experience: The Three Pillars of Memorable Brand Stories
Consumers can instantly detect inauthentic messaging. Whereas brands that lead with genuine stories, vulnerability, and consistent values create lasting emotional connections. Trust is built gradually through intentional communication and delivery. It’s truly your most valuable brand asset.
Authenticity is Your Competitive Advantage
The most successful branded content doesn't interrupt the audience experience—it enhances it. By creating content that audiences actually want to watch and engage with, brands can achieve deeper connections and measurable ROI while championing causes that matter to their communities.
Entertainment Beats Interruption
Effective brand storytelling requires a systematic approach that connects leadership vision, employee engagement, and customer experience. When your brand strategy, narrative architecture, and creative execution are aligned, you create memorable brands that serve as emotional shortcuts for consumers.
