More than the Brand

Lisa has been doing hair for seven years — but her business didn't really take off until she stopped posting just hair photos and started letting people in. 

In this episode, Lisa talks with Matt and Olivia about building a brand through genuine connection, how she approaches content days with clients, and the mindset shift that helped her get comfortable on camera. 

Whether you're a stylist, a service provider, or just someone trying to show up more authentically online, this one's for you.

A podcast about what really goes on behind the scenes of building brands, businesses, and personal platforms. 

We talk marketing, content, branding, community, and the uncomfortable middle between idea and execution.
Built for founders, creators, and business owners who want honest conversations, not recycled advice.


Hosted by Matt and Olivia. Audio-only for now. New episodes regularly.

Listen & subscribe
→ Apple Podcasts
→ Spotify

Follow along
→ Instagram:
@Mattortlieb_
@oliviamckerrow
@ortliebmedia 

In episode 5, we sit down with Kristin Carnegie to talk about the real role content plays in building a business from the ground up.

From growing her personal brand to launching Mondays in Waterloo, Kristin shares how authentic content, community, and consistency helped drive real momentum before and after opening. We get into the difference between organic and paid media, why overly polished brands can miss the mark, and how showing the process often matters more than showing the finished result.

We also break down some of the early numbers behind the launch, including hitting 1 million profile views by week three, adding nearly 1,000 followers in the first five weeks, reaching 27,000 website views, and growing the team to 22 employees, all while relying heavily on organic content and spending just $850 on ads.

This episode is for anyone building a personal brand, growing a business, or trying to create content that actually connects with people.

If you’ve ever felt like social media has to be perfect to work, this conversation will change the way you think about it.

A podcast about what really goes on behind the scenes of building brands, businesses, and personal platforms. 

We talk marketing, content, branding, community, and the uncomfortable middle between idea and execution.
Built for founders, creators, and business owners who want honest conversations, not recycled advice.


Hosted by Matt and Olivia. Audio-only for now. New episodes regularly.

Listen & subscribe
→ Apple Podcasts
→ Spotify

Follow along
→ Instagram:
@Mattortlieb_
@oliviamckerrow
@ortliebmedia 

Episode four is a deep dive into content creation, strategy, and what it really looks like to build something through consistent storytelling.

This conversation explores how content evolves over time, from early experimentation and trial and error to developing a style that actually connects with people. We talk about the balance between authentic content and trending formats, why chasing viral moments is not always the goal, and how creators and businesses can build trust through the stories they share.

We also get into topics like repurposing content across platforms, understanding different audiences, building systems around creative work, and the reality of working closely with clients while still growing your own voice online. There is a lot of honest discussion around what works, what does not, and how to stay creative without feeling boxed in by algorithms or expectations.

If you are building a personal brand, running a business, or trying to create content that feels intentional instead of reactive, this episode offers a real look at the process behind it all.

New episodes every week.

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A podcast about what really goes on behind the scenes of building brands, businesses, and personal platforms. 

We talk marketing, content, branding, community, and the uncomfortable middle between idea and execution.
Built for founders, creators, and business owners who want honest conversations, not recycled advice.


Hosted by Matt and Olivia. Audio-only for now. New episodes regularly.

Listen & subscribe
→ Apple Podcasts
→ Spotify

Follow along
→ Instagram:
@Mattortlieb_
@oliviamckerrow
@ortliebmedia 

In this episode, we sit down with Cassidy Clemmer to talk about the real side of building a creative career and why consistency matters more than chasing perfect content.

From photography school to brand campaigns, Cass shares how shadowing other photographers, building relationships, and staying authentic has helped her grow her business. We dive into imposter syndrome, the pressure creators feel to show up online, and the challenge of balancing personal identity with professional content.

This conversation is packed with insight for small businesses, brands, and creators trying to build stronger content without feeling forced or fake.

Inside this episode:

• why consistency always wins over perfection
• what brands actually look for when hiring creators
• how spec work and passion projects open doors
• building trust through content instead of chasing trends
• navigating imposter syndrome while growing your business

If you’re creating content, hiring creatives, or trying to show up online in a more honest way, this episode will give you practical takeaways you can actually use.

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A podcast about what really goes on behind the scenes of building brands, businesses, and personal platforms. 

We talk marketing, content, branding, community, and the uncomfortable middle between idea and execution.
Built for founders, creators, and business owners who want honest conversations, not recycled advice.


Hosted by Matt and Olivia. Audio-only for now. New episodes regularly.

Listen & subscribe
→ Apple Podcasts
→ Spotify

Follow along
→ Instagram:
@Mattortlieb_
@oliviamckerrow
@ortliebmedia 

Dallas Kipfer has lived every side of the game. Three-time Team Canada alumni, long-time coach, and someone who’s spent years right in the middle of high-level softball.

In this episode, Dallas walks through his path from dropping out of college and framing houses to building DK Softball, coaching at Conestoga, working with the Mo Bearcats, partnering with Rawlings Canada, and still competing at the national level.

We talk about what actually drives long-term athlete development: confidence, mindset, consistency, and building good people before great players. Dallas shares how he earned his spot with Team Canada, why he stopped chasing analytics in content, how he creates a culture athletes want to be part of, and what he wishes more coaches and parents understood about standards, failure, and growth.

If you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or anyone building something that requires discipline and leadership, there’s a lot in this one.

A podcast about what really goes on behind the scenes of building brands, businesses, and personal platforms. 

We talk marketing, content, branding, community, and the uncomfortable middle between idea and execution.
Built for founders, creators, and business owners who want honest conversations, not recycled advice.


Hosted by Matt and Olivia. Audio-only for now. New episodes regularly.

Listen & subscribe
→ Apple Podcasts
→ Spotify

Follow along
→ Instagram:
@Mattortlieb_
@oliviamckerrow
@ortliebmedia 

An unfiltered first conversation. We talk about why Club 60 almost stayed an idea, what it actually takes to build an online platform from scratch, and the real decisions behind branding, content, and going all in. 

From community and accountability to marketing strategy, creative overwhelm, and betting on yourself before anything exists. 

This episode is messy, honest, and exactly how the early stages really feel.

A podcast about what really goes on behind the scenes of building brands, businesses, and personal platforms. 

We talk marketing, content, branding, community, and the uncomfortable middle between idea and execution.
Built for founders, creators, and business owners who want honest conversations, not recycled advice.


Hosted by Matt and Olivia. Audio-only for now. New episodes regularly.

Listen & subscribe
→ Apple Podcasts
→ Spotify

Follow along
→ Instagram:
@Mattortlieb_
@oliviamckerrow
@ortliebmedia