What makes a story unforgettable?

In this episode of Creative Crush, Storythings’ Hugh Garry is joined by Paul Afshar, CMO at Paybis, to explore the book he returns to time and again: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.

Paul shares why this modern retelling of Greek mythology resonated so deeply that he included a passage from it in his wedding vows, and why he believes the most compelling stories are often the ones history leaves in the margins.

Together they discuss overlooked characters, the power of beautiful writing, finding comfort in culture during difficult periods of life, and why the right book can arrive exactly when you need it.

Also, Hugh creates new word... "sob-a-thon". Press play and find out what that means!

Need help with your content strategy and development? We'd love to help! Get in touch.

Visit: www.storythings.com

Host: Hugh Garry
Producer: Chris Mitchell
Branding: Darren Garrett

Creative Crush is the podcast where marketing's sharpest minds step away from the brand to talk about the piece of culture they return to again and again. 

Produced by Storythings.

What can a century-old art movement teach us about building modern businesses?

In this episode of Creative Crush, Storythings’ Hugh Garry sits down with Adam Lawrenson, Co-Founder at Bowbridge, to explore his unlikely creative obsession: Bauhaus.

Adam shares how discovering the Bauhaus while studying history of art and philosophy transformed the way he thought about creativity. What began as an ambition to become an artist became a lifelong fascination with the idea that great design isn't just beautiful - it's useful.

From graphic design and architecture to branding, product design and venture building, Adam explains how the Bauhaus philosophy has quietly influenced every stage of his career, and why bringing together people with different skills remains the key to solving complex problems.

It's a conversation about creativity, commerce and the surprising power of building things that last.

Special thanks to Glyn Britton for recommending Adam to join us on the podcast.

Creative Crush is the Storythings podcast where Hugh Garry talks to CMOs and creative leaders about the books, films, albums, people and ideas that have inspired their lives and careers.

Need help with your content strategy and development? We'd love to help! Get in touch.

Visit: www.storythings.com

Host: Hugh Garry
Producer: Chris Mitchell
Branding: Darren Garrett

This episode was actually recorded as our pilot but the creative love affair you’re about to experience is actually an infatuation and we love it! Storythings’ Hugh Garry met up with long time friend of the business, Graham Wylie (Senior Director of Marketing at Sage) to deep dive into his love of HBO’s, The Last Of Us, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

Graham’s child-like innocence bubbles to the surface as soon as he locks in on his love of the show. but he also takes us beyond the small screen and has multiple fan boy moments over the book and video game - which we call a “Super Format” here at Storythings. The Last Of Us is a big part of Graham’s world and his pupils become pulsating hearts when he talks about world building, the jaw-dropping narrative arcs and how he’s bonded with his children who also share a love of show.

This is a creative conversation not just for fans of The Last Of Us but for people who fan the fire of their fandom on multiple levels.

Creative Crush is the Storythings podcast where Hugh Garry talks to CMOs and creative leaders about the books, films, albums, people and ideas that have inspired their lives and careers.

Need help with your content strategy and development? We'd love to help! Get in touch.

Visit: www.storythings.com

Host: Hugh Garry
Producer: Chris Mitchell
Branding: Darren Garrett

For the second episode of Creative Crush, Storythings’ Hugh Garry sits down with Jinal Shah (Chief Customer & Marketing Officer at Zip US) to talk about her creative fascination with Musician, Jon Batiste and Writer, Suleika Jaouad.

Jinal travels back through time to share how she first fell in love with the creative power couple, explores their intangible bond that transcends formats and dives into Suleika’s mantra of “creativity is an act of survival”. Jinal and Hugh also compare notes on the American Symphony documentary (streaming on Netflix), which stars both Jon and Suleika and what they learned about rebounding and resilience.

From “isolation journals” to multiple Grammy Awards and even last minute fandom of The Beatles (it’ll make sense!), this is a conversation for serial creatives who aim to be in harmony with the world and themselves. 

Creative Crush is the Storythings podcast where Hugh Garry talks to CMOs and creative leaders about the books, films, albums, people and ideas that have inspired their lives and careers.

Need help with your content strategy and development? We'd love to help! Get in touch.

Visit: www.storythings.com

Host: Hugh Garry
Producer: Chris Mitchell
Branding: Darren Garrett

In the first episode of Creative Crush, Glyn Britton (CMO of SQE), joins Storythings' Hugh Garry to share his creative love affair with Parade by Prince.

For Glyn, this is the album that made his heart flutter as a young teen, expanded his world growing up in a quiet Northern English town and stayed with him throughout his journey into marketing.

Glyn also shares why he thinks Under The Cherry Moon (the film to which Parade is the soundtrack) is a dud. From favourite deep cuts to the engineers behind the recording, Glyn and Hugh explore the musicianship, mystery and relentless work ethic that made Prince unlike anyone else.

Creative Crush is the Storythings podcast where Hugh Garry talks to CMOs and creative leaders about the books, films, albums, people and ideas that have inspired their lives and careers.

Need help with your content strategy and development? We'd love to help! Get in touch.

Visit: www.storythings.com

Host: Hugh Garry
Producer: Chris Mitchell
Branding: Darren Garrett