Strange Currencies

Sean Ryan has real conversations with founders, CEOs, and marketers to learn about what they do, why they do it, and how it's changed since they started. Sharing their Strange Currencies. Grab a cup of coffee and listen each week. Sean Ryan is the co-founder of Rotary Digital, a media company of newsletters for guys. Reach your ideal customer audience by advertising with Rotary Digital. Bonus points if you love chocolate as much as Sean does. Have a chocolate chat with Sean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanryanaccelerator/

Alex Portera: The Adventure Behind Rally On Media

"I fell in love with filmmaking."Sean, host of Strange Currencies, hangs with Alex Porter, founder and CEO of Rally On Media, to learn about an adventure from spreadsheet number crunching at Deloitte to embarking on adventurous road trips that sparked his passion for filmmaking. Diving into Rally on Media's transition from brand documentaries to crowdfunding video production, especially during the pandemic. Alex shares insights on the importance of storytelling in fundraising, the differences between equity crowdfunding and traditional VC funding, and the emotional connections and storytelling that drive successful campaigns. Learn how  @rally-on-media  helps producers at top brands create more great videos without the stress and high costs: https://www.rallyonmedia.com/Follow Alex's journey by connecting with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-portera/ @StrangeCurrencies-SeanRyan  is sponsored by Rotary Digital. Daily inbox for guys, navigating digital media sucks. We aim to provide some interesting roadmaps. Sign up for free: https://www.rotarydigital.net/#crowdfunding #storytelling #videoproduction #digitalmarketing Chapters00:00 Introduction to Strange Currencies and Alex Porter02:56 From Consulting to Adventure: The Birth of Rally On Media06:00 The Journey of Filmmaking and Storytelling08:59 Transitioning to Crowdfunding: The Impact of the Pandemic11:49 Understanding Equity Crowdfunding vs. Reward Crowdfunding14:55 Crafting Compelling Stories for Successful Campaigns18:01 Balancing Production and Client Acquisition in a Growing Agency20:53 The Emotional Connection in Storytelling23:59 Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding vs. Traditional VC Funding27:01 The Importance of Community and Brand Advocates29:53 Personal Habits and Business Practices for Success32:59 Favorite Books and Podcasts for Inspiration

04-15
37:50

Episode 9 Part 2: Ryan Coulter - Building the Category & Owning the Pocket

Welcome to Strange Currencies, a podcast where Sean Ryan, Co-Founder of Rotary Digital, sits down with people he admires to discuss the challenges of building a brand. In Episode 9 Part 2, Ryan Coulter, the James Brand, joins to discuss breaking trail in the ‘everyday carry’ category- including pocket knives and carabiners. He talks about utilitarian values while expanding the portfolio outside of just ‘outdoorsy’ sharp knives.

03-29
40:29

Episode 9 Part 1: Ryan Coulter - Aligning the Brand Mission

Welcome to Strange Currencies, a podcast where Sean Ryan, Co-Founder of Rotary Digital, sits down with people he admires to discuss the challenges of building a brand. In Episode 9 Part 1, Ryan Coulter, the James Brand, joins to discuss how his experiences at Burton and Nike influenced how he runs his EDC accessories brand. ‘Modern Minimal Everyday Carry’ has become not just a phrase but a mission. Also, he advocates for an entrepreneur to have a varied number of experiences in the corporate world to learn different models to running a brand and creating a brand mission. 

03-29
30:45

Episode 8 - Part 2: Brad Neathery - Honoring Partnerships & Stewarding Creation

Brad Neathery, Oak and Eden, joins to discuss the importance of partnerships and honoring your partners’ skillsets when building a brand under a shared vision. In addition, when it comes to branding, giving creatives the space to operate and produce amazing content.

03-15
37:34

Episode 8 - Part 1: Brad Neathery - Leaning Into Customer-Driven Creativity

Brad Neathery, Oak and Eden, joins to discuss using past wisdom learned with his print publication Modern Huntsman to tell novel stories. Positioning and perception is crucial to whether or not a brand succeeds, particularly in the whiskey industry. It’s a combination of a quality product and unique branding, with an emphasis on functionality not just aesthetics. In addition, he talks of how a 1/1 bottle idea led to a test kitchen in Texas, and a customer driven portfolio.

03-15
37:05

Episode 7 - Part 2: Alex Realmuto - Autonomy Leads to Strategic Prosperity

Welcome to Strange Currencies, a podcast where Sean Ryan, Co-Founder of Rotary Digital, sits down with people he admires to discuss the challenges of building a brand. In Episode 7 Part 2, Alex Realmuto, Founder and CEO of Rubik’s Agency, discusses the growth methodology at his agency, focusing on leveraging technologies to allow his team to be strategic and provide a boutique level of care to clients.

03-01
31:21

Episode 7 - Part 1: Alex Realmuto - Wholistic Growth Marketing Through Integrity & Brand Extension

Welcome to Strange Currencies, a podcast where Sean Ryan, Co-Founder of Rotary Digital, sits down with people he admires to discuss the challenges of building a brand. In Episode 7 Part 1, Alex Realmuto, Founder and CEO of Rubix Agency,  joins to discuss how his agency interacts with brands and utilizes affiliate marketing & complimentary partnerships in performative PR.

03-01
34:01

Episode 5 - Part 2: Luke Mcalpine - Cutting Through the Distraction

Welcome to Strange Currencies, a podcast where Sean Ryan, Co-Founder of Rotary Digital, sits down with people he admires to discuss the challenges of building a brand. In Episode 5 Part 2, Luke Mcalpine, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Taylor Stitch, discusses how technology can sometimes hinder a company's ability to scale, to cut through the noise, and to remain true to the mission.

02-01
12:51

Episode 5 - Part 1: Luke Mcalpine - Different But Durable

Welcome to Strange Currencies, a podcast where Sean Ryan, Co-Founder of Rotary Digital, sits down with people he admires to discuss the challenges of building a brand. In Episode 5 Part 1, Luke Mcalpine, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Taylor Stitch, joins to discuss how to build a brand related to your interests and how to prioritize durability in craftsmanship to break the cycle of disposable consumption.

02-01
30:23

Episode 3 - Part 2: Sean Frank - An Obsession, Not An Occupation

Welcome to Strange Currencies, a podcast where Sean Ryan, Co-Founder of Rotary Digital, sits down with people he admires to discuss the challenges of building a brand. In Episode 3 Part 2, Sean Frank, CEO of Ridge, discusses the mindset you need to start a business, particularly in E-commerce, in modern day America. It has to be an obsession and your main mission, otherwise it will more than likely fail.

01-05
15:36

Episode 3- Part 1: Sean Frank - Master of One

Welcome  to Strange Currencies, a podcast where Sean Ryan, Co-Founder of Rotary  Digital, sits down with people he admires to talk about the challenges  of building a brand. Sean Frank, CEO of Ridge, joins to discuss setting up the infrastructure for success, honing in and perfecting one product line before expanding the portfolio.

01-05
27:17

Episode 1 - Part 2: Rick Wittenbraker - Sincerity in Scaling

Welcome to Strange Currencies, a podcast where I sit down with people I admire to talk about the challenges of building a brand. In Episode 2, Rick Wittenbraker, CMO of Howler Brothers, dives into the strategies and best practices that he's used when scaling a business. The key is to put people over profit and ensure that you have the right people in the right seats to effectively and efficiently grow.

12-06
30:26

Episode 1 - Part 1 : Rick Wittenbraker - Versatility from the Water to the Watering Hole

Welcome to Strange Currencies, a podcast where I sit down with people I admire to talk about the challenges of building a brand. In this inaugural episode, Rick Wittenbraker, CMO of Howler Brothers, joins to discuss the influences and events that lead to the creation of a fashion brand that doesn't compromise form & function. 

12-06
30:05

John Thompson: Adventures in Creative Writing at Huckberry

Want to find your voice and stand out in an authentic way in a sea of AI-based content? John (JT) shares his journey, with host Sean Ryan, into copywriting and his role at  @Huckberryco  , while emphasizing the importance of brand voice and identity. Unlock the secrets of creativity in marketing with our special guest, John Thompson, Huckberry’s talented copywriter. From his beginnings in freelancing for men's style and grooming to working with renowned brands like BroBible and Men's Health, JT's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we explore how he expertly crafts Huckberry's voice, weaving together newsletters, product descriptions, and campaign taglines in a way that aligns commerce with creativity.JT closes with insights for aspiring copywriters, highlighting the need for authenticity and passion in their work (and continue to write in a human way).Learn why two million men look forward to reading daily content from Rotary Digital: rotarydigital.netHuckberry has sweet threads (Sean won't stop going on about them): https://huckberry.com/Connect with JT on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmthompson1/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Creative Conversations01:51 Journey into Copywriting04:18 Responsibilities at Huckberry07:34 Aligning Brand Voice and Identity 09:19The Role of the Journal in Huckberry's Ecosystem12:10 Highlighting Successful Campaigns14:10 Integrating New Brands into Huckberry16:19 Understanding the Audience19:49 Defining Success in Copywriting23:50 The Evolution of SEO and Its Human Element 29:00 Finding Inspiration and the Writing Process34:02 Navigating Substack and Defining Success40:08 Advice for Aspiring Writers and the Role of AI #copywriting #digitalmarketing #branding #authenticity #huckberry #writing #contentcreation

04-08
46:01

Jeff Eisenberg: Time to Up Your Sales Game

Sean and Jeff dive into the evolution of sales, exploring how technology has revolutionized outreach and relationship-building. They emphasize the power of empathy in sales, the challenges of training and motivating remote teams, and the need for clear communication to cut through today’s digital noise. This conversation underscores the importance of adapting to shifting dynamics while maintaining deep, meaningful connections with clients. Sean shares proven strategies for effective outreach, focusing on understanding buyer motivations and using tech to create personalized experiences. As well, he stresses the value of face-to-face meetings, trust-building through empathy, and creative tactics like gifting and tracking engagement metrics to foster stronger client relationships.Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn:   / jeffrey-eisenberg-6144263  Learn more about Media Intercept: https://www.mediaintercept.com/Connect with Sean to discuss how one should dip their chocolate in their coffee after a cold shower:   / seanryanaccelerator  Learn more about the Podcast Sponsor Rotary Digital. Find out why 2 million men love these daily emails: https://rotarydigital.netElijah, Your Podcast Sidekick, does the behind the scenes magic. His portfolio: https://yourpodcastsidekick.com/p/yps...#sales #technology #relationships #empathy #training #communication. #digitalmarketing Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sales Evolution02:49 The Impact of Technology on Sales05:47 Building Relationships in a Digital Age09:03 The Role of Empathy in Sales11:57 Training and Motivating Sales Teams14:48 Effective Communication Strategies18:10 Navigating the Sales Landscape Today25:50 Effective Outreach Strategies28:14 Leveraging Technology in Sales31:28 Understanding Buyer Engagement34:07 Personalization in Sales Communication37:31 Creative Approaches to Client Engagement40:14 The Importance of Face-to-Face Meetings43:36 Building Trust and Empathy in Sales

03-21
51:08

Sean Bandawat: Building a Pizza Empire: Lessons from the Ground Up | Strange Currencies

"It's all about acquiring customers at a low cost."CEO of Liquid Ventures and founder of Rupiani's Pizza, Sean Bandawat, shares his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned along the way. From the inception of his first business to the successful launch of Rupiani's, he discusses the importance of differentiation in a competitive market, the role of technology in food delivery, and the significance of mentorship and feedback. The conversation also touches on daily habits that contribute to productivity and the future vision for Rupiani's Pizza.Learn more about the story behind this Chicago deep dish pie: https://www.rupianis.com/pages/our-storyHang out with the other Sean, Strange Currencies Host, lover of chocolate and coffee:   / seanryanaccelerator  Chat about Pizza, and other Ventures, with this Sean:   / sean-bandawat  Thanks for sponsoring this episode, Rotary Digital. Learn why 2 million men adore these inspirational emails on the daily: https://www.rotarydigital.net/Like being creative? Nerd out on podcasts? Say hi to this quirky podcast creative type:   / elijah-drown  Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Competitive Advantage02:57 The Journey of Rupiani's Pizza06:11 Lessons from Early Failures08:59 Differentiation in the Pizza Market11:55 Technology and Logistics in Food Delivery14:58 Funding and Business Operations17:56 Daily Habits and Productivity21:04 The Importance of Feedback and Mentorship23:58 Future Plans for Rupiani's Pizza#digitalmarketing #entrepeneur #building #growth #chicago

03-19
29:35

Noelle Spagna of Motley Fool: Power of Relationships

"I always say 100% that I'm almost surprised."Sean Ryan, host of Strange Currencies, sits down with Noelle Spagna, an experienced affiliate manager at the Motley Fool and dive into Noelle's journey into affiliate marketing, the evolution of the industry, and the importance of building relationships in a post-COVID world. As well, touching on the unique positioning of the Motley Fool in the financial guidance space, daily operations and challenges in affiliate management, personal wellness practices, and the significance of networking and mentorship in career growth. Noelle shares valuable insights and resources for personal and professional development, making this episode a rich source of information for listeners interested in marketing, finance, and personal growth.The affiliate marketing industry is relationship-driven and has evolved significantly over the years.Connect with Nicole Spagna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelle-spagna-93442914/Learn more about investment advice from Motley Fool: https://www.fool.com/Rotary, this podcast sponsor, is a rad publication for modern men: https://www.rotarydigital.net/Chapters00:00 Introduction01:03 Noelle's Journey into Affiliate Marketing02:51Evolution of Affiliate Marketing05:53 Building Relationships in a Post-COVID World08:55 The Motley Fool's Unique Positioning11:46 Daily Operations and Challenges in Affiliate Management15:07 Personal Habits and Wellness Practices19:04 Networking and Mentorship in Career Growth22:54 Resources for Personal and Professional Development#digitalmarketing #b2bpodcast #affiliatemarketing #career

03-06
31:19

Jeff Eisenberg: Time to Up Your Sales Game

This conversation underscores the importance of adapting to shifting dynamics while maintaining deep, meaningful connections with clients. Sean and Jeff dive into the evolution of sales, exploring how technology has revolutionized outreach and relationship-building. They emphasize the power of empathy in sales, the challenges of training and motivating remote teams, and the need for clear communication to cut through today’s digital noise. Sharing proven strategies for effective outreach, focusing on understanding buyer motivations and using tech to create personalized experiences. Stressing the value of face-to-face meetings, trust-building through empathy, and creative tactics like gifting and tracking engagement metrics to foster stronger client relationships.Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-eisenberg-6144263/Learn more about Media Intercept: https://www.mediaintercept.com/Connect with Sean to discuss how one should dip their chocolate in their coffee after a cold shower: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanryanaccelerator/Learn more about the Podcast Sponsor Rotary Digital. Find out why 2 million men love these daily emails: https://rotarydigital.netElijah, Your Podcast Sidekick, does the behind the scenes magic. His portfolio: https://yourpodcastsidekick.com/p/yps-overview#sales #technology #relationships #empathy #training #communication. #digitalmarketing Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sales Evolution02:49 The Impact of Technology on Sales05:47 Building Relationships in a Digital Age09:03 The Role of Empathy in Sales11:57 Training and Motivating Sales Teams14:48 Effective Communication Strategies18:10 Navigating the Sales Landscape Today25:50 Effective Outreach Strategies28:14 Leveraging Technology in Sales31:28 Understanding Buyer Engagement34:07 Personalization in Sales Communication37:31 Creative Approaches to Client Engagement40:14 The Importance of Face-to-Face Meetings43:36 Building Trust and Empathy in Sales

03-03
51:08

Dan Noveas: Arbitraging Pokemon Cards helped Fund Mode Mobile

"We pay you to stream music." Dan Noveas, CEO of Mode Mobile, about the evolution of their company from a series of app experiments to a revolutionary earn OS that pays users for their engagement. Dan shares his entrepreneurial journey, including early ventures in arbitrage and the lessons learned from the hardware industry, ultimately leading to a focus on software solutions. Noveas reflects on his experiences in business school, the value of connections, and the lessons learned from failures. Want to own a piece of mode mobile? Learn how: https://invest.modemobile.com/ Find out why nearly 2 million modern men looki forward to these daily emails: https://www.rotarydigital.net/ The episode was produced by Elijah. Learn more about this podcast sidekick: https://yourpodcastsidekick.com/p/yps-overview Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Strange Currencies and Mode Mobile 02:52 The Evolution of Mode Mobile: From Apps to Earn OS 06:12 Launching the Earn Phone: A New Market Approach 09:05 Market Opportunities: Understanding Global Dynamics 11:57 Lessons from Hardware: The Shift to Software 14:46 Entrepreneurial Journey: Early Ventures and Insights 18:06 Arbitrage and Innovation: The Path to Success 21:03 Reflections on Education and Entrepreneurship 30:58 The Value of Education and Networking 36:46 Entrepreneurial Milestones and Aha Moments 42:48 Navigating Business Challenges and Crowdfunding Innovations 49:35 Empowering Users and Investors through Community 55:20 Personal Development and Daily Habits

02-06
01:01:27

Ben O'Meara: Evolution of Huckberry's Vision

""We fail every week." Sean Ryan is joined by Ben O'Meara to talk about the journey of Huckberry, the role of a Chief Brand Officer, and the importance of storytelling and community engagement in branding. Ben shares his personal journey to Huckberry, the evolution of the brand's vision, and how they integrate products into their storytelling. They also touch on the show 'Dirt' and the significance of maintaining a personal connection with customers as the brand grows. Ben and Sean talk about art, music, and learning to play the drums. As well, maybe getting more into writing on the personal side (to take after Ben's family of journalists and advertising pros. * Check out the cool shit Ben's doing: https://www.instagram.com/bennyohh/?hl=en * Enjoy the love that goes into producing Dirt: https://huckberry.com/dirt * Buy quality clothes from a big company that still feels small and quaint: https://huckberry.com/ * Find out why 2 million men avoid navigating social media and read this on the daily instead: https://www.rotarydigital.net/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Strange Currencies 02:54 Ben O'Meara's Journey to Huckberry 06:11 The Evolution of Huckberry's Brand Vision 08:58 The Role of a Chief Brand Officer 12:00 Involvement in the Show 'Dirt' 15:08 Product Integration and Storytelling 17:57 Community Engagement and Brand Identity 21:12 Successful Collaborations and Learning from Failures 26:44 Creative Ventures and Customer Confusion 29:04 The Rewards of Leadership and Team Growth 31:30 Pursuing Personal Passions and Skills 36:35 The Importance of Writing and Storytelling 38:25 Influences and Personal Development 40:47 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones 43:01 Daily Habits for Success 45:52 Books, Podcasts, and Music Discoveries

01-31
53:30

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