100 episodes in, one thing is clear: creativity is still human at its core. For our 100th episode, editor and educator Scott Witthaus returns to reflect on the creative industry, the importance of stepping away, the rise of AI, and why our humanity is still our greatest differentiator. This episode touches on finding clarity and inspiration outside of work, the danger of an “always-on” creative culture, and how AI is changing (not replacing) creative work.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-creative-reset/

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(0:00) Mentoring and Industry Insights

(2:58) The Importance of Taking Breaks

(6:02) Travel and Storytelling

(12:33) Mentoring the Next Generation

(15:34) AI's Impact on Creativity

(18:01) Human Touch in Storytelling

(31:12) The Role of AI in Storytelling

(37:09) Human Experience Design and Its Importance

(41:45) The Inspiration Series: Human Stories in Advertising

(48:11) Giving Back: Nonprofits and Community Engagement

Data is everywhere. But making sense of it? That’s where the real work begins. In episode 99 of Brand Story, Laura Grover, Senior Vice President and Head of Client Solutions at EDO, Inc., shares why traditional metrics like reach and clicks don’t always tell the full story. She also discusses how AI is reshaping search and measurement, what marketers can learn from sports audiences, and why curiosity is still the most valuable skill in a data-driven world.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/marketings-measurement-reset/

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For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

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(00:00) Introduction to Laura Grover, EDO, and Marketing Measurement

(03:06) The Importance of Meeting Clients Where They Are

(05:57) Evolution of Advertising Metrics

(09:01) The Role of AI in Search and Measurement

(11:55) Measuring NFL Advertising Effectiveness

(15:08) The Impact of Women's Sports on Advertising

(18:00) Programmatic Advertising and Client Success Stories

(20:25) Maximizing Creative and Media Efficiency

(24:12) The Evolution of Measurement in Advertising

(27:40) Confidence in Analytics and Asking Questions

(29:08) Advice for Newcomers in Measurement

(32:44) The Importance of Generalist Skills in Measurement

(34:56) Harnessing AI for Creative Analysis

(36:12) Outcomes as a New Standard of Measurement

When creativity hits a wall, what keeps you moving? For creative director and educator Brian Thibodeau, it’s curiosity, empathy, and a relentless drive to connect. In episode 98 of Brand Story, he and host Steve Gilman explore how art, teaching, and storytelling fuel a creative life and how empathy helps drive good design.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/keeping-creativity-alive/

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For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

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Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) Introduction to Brian Thibodeau

(01:52) The Quarantine Portraits Project

(08:30) Navigating the Creative Path

(11:06) Creative Collaborations and Projects

(17:00) Disney, Nissan, Rogue One, and the Nissan Rogue

(21:43) Exploring Ecotourism and Creative Assignments

(22:52) The Importance of Teaching and Mentorship

(34:18) End of Day Art: A Creative Movement

Here’s the truth about brand. It isn’t one-dimensional. The strongest brands create experiences across every sense, building memories that last long after a purchase. In episode 97 of Brand Story, Simon Hill, President, FutureBrand North America, shares how the best brands stand out in markets where products often look the same. We explore the frameworks FutureBrand uses to align leaders and global teams, how emotion tips decisions, and why consistency across every sense matters more than ever.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/transforming-brands

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction & Simon Hill Welcome

(01:22) Leading the London 2012 Olympic Bid

(04:50) Lessons from Global Brand Campaigns

(09:10) Shifting from Advertising to Brand Strategy

(13:05) Working Closely with CEOs & Leaders

(15:53) Making Brands Experiential & Human

(18:33) The Transformation Ladder

(23:40) The Future of Branding & Human Experience

(27:06) Being Open to The Power of Brand

(29:16) The Power of Human Insight

(32:48) Swimming the English Channel for Charity

(34:10) Fear, Adventure & Resilience

(36:30) Embracing Competition & Growth

(38:07) This Chapter of Life Investment

(38:58) Advice to My Younger Self

Bad bosses are everywhere. We’ve all worked with them, and if we’re honest, we’ve all had moments where we’ve been them. In episode 96 of Brand Story, Mita Mallick, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Best Selling Author, returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight. We explore why toxic behaviors are so persistent in the workplace, how leaders can recognize when they’re slipping into bad habits, and what it takes to build cultures that people actually want to be part of.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-devil-emails-at-midnight/

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

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Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) Introduction

(2:37) Why Write About Bad Bosses

(6:56) Owning Our Own Mistakes

(9:00) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - Spotlight Stealer

(13:52) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - Medusa

(19:30) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - The Grieving Boss

(25:02) Common Behaviors of Bad Bosses - Toxic Positivity

(30:25) The Devil Emails At Midnight

(33:30) Self Awareness & Humility

(35:43) What's Next & Final Takeaways

How do you stand out in a crowded market where products all look the same? By building a brand that’s authentic, consistent, and audience-first.

In episode 95 of Brand Story, we speak with Phyllis Rothschild, CMO of Pete & Gerry's Organics, to explore how she helped turn a commodity into a mission-driven brand that people trust and stay loyal to. From redefining what loyalty really means to balancing creativity with consistency, this conversation highlights the marketing principles that make any brand stronger.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/building-brand-loyalty

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

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(00:00) From Consulting to CMO

(04:42) The Heart of Brand Loyalty

(07:23) Mission Meets Marketing

(11:44) Packaging & Brand Identity

(13:19) Two Brands, One Family

(16:26) Consumer Experience & Health Consciousness

(18:52) Cutting Through Confusion

(21:52) Educating at Shelf

(24:25) Opportunities & Threats in Premium Eggs

(29:00) Building Loyalty Beyond Discounts

(30:34) Navigating Risk & Adventure in Marketing

(34:55) Finding Joy in the Journey

Toby Myles, Strategic Copywriter, knows the power of a good story, and she’s built her business on helping others tell theirs. In episode 94 of Brand Story, she talks about why storytelling is the most human (and effective) marketing tool we have and how to spot stories hiding in plain sight. From her Spoonful of Comfort email marketing story to her Core 8 Story Hub framework, Toby offers insight on building genuine connections, creating empathetic campaigns, and making space for the moments that matter most.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/authentic-storytelling/

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) Introduction to Toby Myles

(02:21) The Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

(06:25) Storytelling Roots and the Power of Listening

(10:47) The Email That Changed Everything

(14:47) Building the Core 8 Story Hub

(20:20) Launching Her Origin Story

(25:54) Rewriting the Rules of Work and Life

(29:14) Fear, Adventure, and Doing It Her Way

(31:37) This Chapter of Toby's Life

In episode 93 of Brand Story, we sit down with John McNeil, Founder & CEO of John McNeil Studio, for a candid conversation about what it really means to build a brand. From his early days in traditional agencies to pioneering the studio model, John shares how his team helps brands move beyond deliverables to a system where everything from strategy to media to brand experience works together.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/creativity-in-business/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmcneil/

https://www.johnmcneilstudio.com/

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

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(00:00) John's Early Agency Years

(04:43) Breaking into Creativity

(09:04) Founding John McNeil Studio

(11:50) Everything is Media

(16:00) Rethinking the Brand Process

(18:25) The Promise and Pitfalls of AI

(24:25) Authenticity as a Differentiator

(29:23) Strategy + Creativity as One

(48:45) The Power of Brand Labs

(51:55) Looking Ahead: The Studio Model

In episode 92 of Brand Story, we welcome back Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO of SparkToro, to talk about brand vs. algorithm, the value of real audience research, and the dangers of chasing attention without purpose. He shares the story behind SparkToro, why so many marketers don’t actually know their audience, and how optimizing for vanity metrics can lead you astray.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/branding-beyond-algorithms/

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Chapters:

(00:00) The Birth of SparkToro: Audience Intelligence Unleashed

(08:44) Inertia in Marketing: The Resistance to Change

(21:20) Brand Over Algorithm: The Difference Between Gaming the System and Optimization

(28:37) Building Real Value vs. Surface Engagement

(35:36) Brand Story Podcast Engagement - Short vs. Long Clips

(39:48) Entrepreneurship: Risk vs. Control

(49:40) Exploring Possible Futures

In today’s digital landscape, marketers are being asked to do more with less—less clarity, less control, and often, less trust in what’s actually working. To explore this shift, we sat down with Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO of SparkToro, to unpack what’s changing, what’s still true, and what marketers need to relearn to build brands that actually resonate. From zero-click search to the surprising power of so-called “vanity metrics,” this episode challenges the way we think about digital success and makes the case for more thoughtful, audience-first marketing.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/marketing-in-a-zero-click-world/

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Brand Story and Rand Fishkin

(03:55) The Importance of Understanding Your Audience

(09:34) Navigating the Zero-Click Search Era

(17:45) The Shift in Marketing Attribution and Measurement