Defining Next

What happens when you realize the conversations we have daily barely scratch the surface?

Kate Terentieva, the founder of Off the Record, set out to change that.

In this episode, I sit down with Kate to talk about her journey from creative director in the ad world to launching a product that’s all aboutreal connection. Off the Record is more than just a card game—it’s a tool for fostering deeper, more meaningful conversations.

We get into:

• The problem with surface-level conversations (and why we crave more)
• How the mechanics of Off the Record encourage vulnerability
• The unexpected places the game has made an impact—from team-building to date nights
• What it takes to launch a product-based business and build a brand beyond marketing
• The power of community, word-of-mouth growth, and an unexpected celebrity endorsement 👀

The pandemic changed the way we connect—and Kate’s mission is to help us rebuild those connections in a way that feelsgenuine. If you’ve ever wished your conversations went beyond small talk, this episode is for you.

Kate’s Social Links: https://playofftherecord.com/

https://www.instagram.com/katarinaterentieva/

https://www.tiktok.com/@katarinaterentieva  

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

OTR’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playofftherecord

Episode Highlights:

03:13 → The problem with superficial conversations (and why Off the Record is the antidote)
06:00 → How the game is structured to create natural, engaging discussions
11:25 → Why deeper conversations are essential for stronger relationships
19:14 → What Kate learned from launching a product-based business
26:29 → The role of authentic connection beyond just marketing strategies
31:31 → The power of word-of-mouth and an unexpected celebrity endorsement
39:20 → Where Off the Record is headed next

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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/zayner/falling

License code: U0BDBN1OTOYR4U6H

Welcome to the very first episode ofDefining Next! In this quick preview, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I started this podcast, whatDefining Nextis all about, and the kinds of conversations you can expect. Think founder stories, creative breakthroughs, and the messy, game-changing moments behind building a brand that leads. If you’re a founder, creative, or just someone who loves a behind-the-scenes look at the brands shaping culture—this is for you.

Hit play, and let’s get into it.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/zayner/falling

License code: NPAOG5KEBRK48Z7A