On the debut episode of "Mixed and Mastered," Jeffrey Sledge sits down with A&R visionary Sean Barron to uncover the untold stories behind modern music’s biggest stars. From discovering Drake on MySpace to shaping hits at Atlantic Records, Barron shares how instinct, hustle, and timing propelled him from Buffalo to the industry’s inner circle. With behind-the-scenes insights on working with talents like Miguel, Frank Ocean, and Bruno Mars, this episode offers a rare look at the art—and heart—of making music that lasts. 

Subscribe and listen to the full episode at https://mixedandmasteredpod.buzzsprout.com/

Unglossy will be back later this week with playwright, poet, actor, director, and producer, Keenan Scott II.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/

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Unglossy presents a new podcast from Merrick Studios.

Mixed and Mastered is the podcast where the untold stories of the music industry come to life. Hosted by Jeffrey Sledge, a veteran music executive and former VP of A&R at Atlantic Records and Jive Records, each episode dives deep into the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of the people shaping the sound of today. From label executives and producers to artists, songwriters, and managers, Jeffrey brings you behind the scenes to meet the minds driving the industry forward. There’s a gap in the marketplace for these voices, and Mixed and Mastered is here to fill it—one conversation at a time. Because the best stories are told by those who lived them.

Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://mixedandmasteredpod.buzzsprout.com/

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Grab your red hat and buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the unstoppable universe of TT the Artist—a visionary multimedia maestro who’s danced her way through both music and film with fearless creativity. In this episode, TT spills the tea on a life-changing mishap (because who hasn’t accidentally lost priceless footage?) that ended up fueling her drive instead of derailing her dreams.

We’ll learn how community and camaraderie are her secret sauce, offering not just moral support but also fresh chances for collaboration in an industry that changes faster than your favorite streaming queue. TT also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her Netflix doc, Dark City Beneath the Beat, highlighting Baltimore’s electrifying music scene and reminding us how powerful real-life stories and representation can be.

And just when you think it can’t get better, TT dishes about her new project, Denim, where she’s shining a spotlight on LGBTQIA+ creatives and championing inclusivity in the arts. Throughout our chat, you’ll find loads of inspiration to keep pushing forward, discover your own artistic flair, and form those all-important creative alliances.

So, hit subscribe, and join us as we celebrate creativity, resilience, and empowerment. Because if TT can spin a near-catastrophe into a catalyst for success, just imagine what you can do!

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/

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Tom, Mickey and Jeffrey are back for a new season of Unglossy. In this compelling episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Mitchell S. Jackson opens up about his remarkable journey from the tough streets of Portland, Oregon, to becoming a celebrated writer and educator. Mitchell shares intimate stories of balancing street life with academics, the transformative power of writing, and the challenges of teaching during a global pandemic. He reveals how his time in prison and the long, arduous process of writing his debut novel, The Residue Years, shaped his identity and artistic vision. Alongside reflections on winning the Pulitzer and the evolving role of public intellectuals, Mitchell dives into the unexpected intersections of music, NBA fashion, and cultural narratives in his latest book, Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, authenticity, and the enduring art of storytelling.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/

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What if your worst job became the catalyst for a legendary career in global marketing? Join us as we unravel the incredible journey of Troy White, who went from being dubbed the worst bank teller in Pennsylvania to a trailblazer in lifestyle marketing. Discover the secrets behind this HOWARD grad's astounding accomplishments, such as his pivotal role at SONY Music and his groundbreaking work in the music industry during the transformative 80s and 90s. With stories featuring music icons like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Sade, Troy paints a vivid picture of how culture and branding come together to create magic.

Our conversation with Troy takes an awe-inspiring turn as we navigate his entrepreneurial ventures. He shares candid insights into the birth of WYTEHOUSE Marketing and the strategic genius behind political campaigns for notable figures like Mayor Bloomberg and Barack Obama. Troy's innovative approach to marketing in diverse cultural landscapes, from Harlem to Nairobi, illuminates the transformative power of community engagement. Through his experiences, we explore how personal growth and adaptability can lead to monumental success in the ever-evolving world of marketing.

As Troy takes us from the bustling streets of New York to the energetic vibes of Nairobi, he imparts invaluable lessons on the importance of understanding cultural nuances. His passion for coaching and community involvement shines through, especially in his work with basketball programs for underprivileged youth. Troy's tales of international travel and cultural bridging are enriched by his humor and humility, offering a captivating narrative that celebrates the evolution of marketing and the boundless potential of virtual and augmented reality. Tune in for a laughter-filled, insightful episode that promises to inspire and entertain. Plus learn more about Troy’s upcoming Homecoming Kenya Trip 2025.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/

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Have you ever wondered why your favorite artists are struggling despite millions of streams? Creative work isn't always valued as it should be, especially in the digital age. Join us for a hilarious yet enlightening talk with William "Classic" Thomas, a visionary content creator and brand strategist, as he shares unconventional strategies for breaking through the commodification of creativity. We'll even take a detour to discuss "baby bananas" and the quirky side of online sales, ensuring a few laughs along the way.

With insights from fast-paced product development to the intricacies of creative marketing, this episode uncovers the art of balancing passion and profitability. Hear how independent brands can outmaneuver industry giants by leveraging audience feedback and authentic collaboration. Plus, follow a personal tale of transitioning from music to film, driven by the relentless pursuit of passion and perspective, and how this can fuel innovative content creation.

This episode is your guide to connecting with audiences, building genuine narratives, and navigating the complex world of digital content with confidence.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/

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Isaac Hayes III, a visionary entrepreneur and tech innovator, joins Tom and Jeffrey to talk about the journey behind Fanbase, a platform poised to change the game in content creation and monetization. Imagine a space where creators can truly own their narratives and get paid directly for their influence—Isaac shares how this idea became a reality. He opens up about the moment he saw the need to bridge the gap between social media platforms and Black culture, inspiring him to create Fanbase’s subscription model, which challenges the norms of traditional engagement.

From the music world to the tech space, Isaac’s journey is full of lessons in resilience and ingenuity. He delves into his experience bootstrapping Fanbase without traditional venture capital, drawing connections between the power dynamics of record labels and venture funding. With insights into pivotal choices—like bringing on CTO Ramiro Cánovas—Isaac takes us behind the scenes to see how Fanbase’s unique subscription model was built to offer monetization opportunities similar to streaming services.

We explore the future of content creation and what a decentralized model could mean for influencers, brands, and the broader tech landscape. Isaac sheds light on his journey to raise $10 million through equity crowdfunding, highlighting how ownership and community support are reshaping tech. Plus, he shares his perspective on a key issue—music rights and how they’ve been handled in recent years, including his thoughts on the controversy surrounding music use in the Trump campaign.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of innovation, equity, and the power of creators to shape the digital future.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/

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Unlock the secrets of equity crowdfunding (yikes! that's another 25 cents for the swear jar), scratch that, "community round" with our insightful guest, Jonny Price – VP of Fundraising at WeFunder. Learn how the 2012 JOBS Act has transformed the way everyday Americans can engage in pre-IPO investments, making it accessible beyond the traditional wealthy elite. Embark on a captivating journey as we explore Jonny's personal story of transitioning from a consulting career in London to impacting lives through Kiva's crowdfunded microloans in the United States.  

Imagine a world where investment opportunities are not confined to an exclusive circle but are open to everyone. Jonny demystifies the legal and strategic complexities of raising capital and shares how WeFunder empowers anyone to make meaningful contributions to the startup ecosystem, leveling the playing field for all investors.

We delve into the successes of guys like Troy Carter and Nas in angel investing and explore how platforms like Wefunder are reshaping capitalism. Emphasizing the importance of community funding, the guys discuss how democratizing investment can reduce wealth concentration and empower diverse communities. 

Tune in to a thought-provoking conversation about the future of investment, the power of diverse voices, and the innovative spirit driving a financial revolution.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/.

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How did a CCO, a music industry veteran, and a hip-hop artist come together to explore the intersection of branding and culture? In this episode, discover the invisible thread that connects hosts Tom Frank, Jeffrey Sledge, and Mickey Factz, forming the foundation of Unglossy.

First, we dive into Jeffrey Sledge’s remarkable career. Known as one of "Hip-Hop’s Most Impactful Black Music Executive," Jeffrey recounts his transformative years at Jive Records, where his broadened perspective beyond New York artists, helped diversify his reach across the country. Hear how Jeffrey scouts talent, nurtures emerging artists, and makes bold moves—like recognizing the potential in the viral hit "Stanky Leg" and helping Shaquille O'Neal transition from the basketball court to the music studio.

Mickey shares his own perspective, detailing his initial encounter with Jeffrey and reflecting on his experiences touring with Nas and crossing paths with Lupe Fiasco while working as an editor for Laced Magazine. Although Mickey eventually signed with Jeffrey, the experience was far from the Hollywood depiction.

Tom adds his story, recounting a pivotal assignment that brought him face-to-face with Lupe Fiasco at SXSW. The encounter sparked a long-lasting creative partnership and led to Tom working with Lupe as the creator, producer, and co-host of the popular Lupe and Royce podcast. The show facilitated deep discussions on everything from music to social issues and laid the groundwork for the formation of Unglossy.

Tune in to hear the journey that brought these three hosts together, the surprising connections, and their favorite episodes to date.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/.

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Get ready to be inspired by Stirman, a visionary who has left a lasting impact on the tech and mindfulness landscapes. He shares his transformative journey of building Medium, the platform that bridged long and short-form writing, and his personal story of discovering meditation amidst the high-pressure of Silicon Valley, leading to a more grounded family life. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at Medium's creation and Sturman’s decision to leave.

Stirman also discusses his encounter with George Mumford, mindfulness coach to NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, and how it inspired him to found Lucid, scaling mindfulness training globally. With real-world success stories from athletes and executives, this chapter showcases the shift from skepticism to mainstream acceptance of mindfulness.

We also dive into Sturman's time at Facebook and the emotional journey behind the launch and closure of the Bars app. From childhood piano lessons to his passion for hip-hop, he reflects on the release of his album "Beats for Friends," featuring contributions from the Bars community. Tune in for insightful anecdotes, industry wisdom, and a celebration of creativity and mindfulness.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/.

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