Hyphenate - Conversations with Connectors

On today’s show I talk with Marshall Eskowitz, an innovator for the interest of brands in the entertainment space. He pioneered live stream concerts in the early days of Covid and has found ways to pivot in an industry that often gets disrupted. 

We talk through:

• Finding his ownable lane in the music industry with the choice to specifically represent a brand’s interest. 
• How he guides clients to strategically spend their money in the music space. 
• The important role the music industry plays as a marketing tool for brands. 
• Amplifying a marketing message by applying it through the lens of entertainment
• And so much more!

How do you go from growing up on a farm to singing with Sonny and Cher to becoming a mega-agent for some of the world’s largest country music acts? On today’s episode my guest, Rod Essig, is sharing his story of how he did just that by seeing opportunities… and going for them.

In today’s episode we’re exploring:

• Rod’s experience being drafted into the military and how he got to sing with Sonny and Cher
• How he signed and built relationships with artists such as Taylor Swift and Jim Croce
• The way Rod determines who he works with
• Where his positivity comes from, and the message from his dad that has stuck with him for years helping him stay upbeat
• How live music is evolving in the time of COVID
• And more!

Connect with me online:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HyphenatePod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyphenatepod/

If your instincts have told you that the commercial path isn’t right for you, then you might have something in common with today’s amazing guest, Heidi Kelso. The simple default would be to call her a TV Producer, but through Heidi’s journey and professional transformation she has proven to be a creative force not only in media, but also the world of fashion. 

In today’s episode, we discuss adapting to what the market dictates and the move from long form programming to short form content. We discuss how her global travel led to her transitional wardrobe line and the importance of listening to her gut. She talks us through some advice for achieving big goals and using instinct to guide you and much more!

Connect with me online:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HyphenatePod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyphenatepod/

Who knew lessons from improv comedy could help with special education teaching? Today’s guest did just that. In today’s episode, Assiatou shares her story of how she learned to break away from people pleasing, listen to her intuition, and lean into what her soul aches to do. Join us as we explore her journey from aspirations as an actress, to how she found her passion for early childhood special education, to comedy, and how she connects the dots to excel at it all.

We’re exploring:

• The moment Assiatou started to stop putting her parents’ desires before her own and started following her own dreams
• How a spontaneous offer to volunteer at a preschool and a special 3.5 year old student sparked her passion for early childhood education
• The sudden family medical emergency that triggered her move to follow her intuition and start doing improv comedy
• And more!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HyphenatePod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyphenatepod/

Popular culture has a massive influence on our collective lives and this effect has never been greater or more deliberate. In today’s episode, I talk with my lifelong collaborator Jae Goodman. Jae is a massive presence in marketing and entertainment, creating brands and meaningful content in innovative ways. Join us today as he shares his story of how he hyphenates.

We discuss: 

• How his formative years molded him and ultimately led to his career as a writer.
• Actual culture vs. interruptive culture and the move out of traditional advertising.
• The moment he realized advertising wasn’t the career for him, and the steps he took to change careers.
• Advice for others with creative ideas who don’t know what to do with them.
• The role resiliency, humility, and collaboration played in his professional life.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HyphenatePod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyphenatepod/

Starting or changing something is HARD. That's why I created this podcast; for anyone who has ever had an idea, ambition, or frustration they want to do something about.

Join me, Matt Rotondo, every Monday for inspirational interviews with guests who have all turned ideas into action and share an optimism, sense of possibility, and resolve that's infectious.