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The Speak Easy Podcast
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Hi. Jen Estill and Karen Stefl here. In The Speak Easy Podcast, we share years of expertise in marketing, branding, video production, strategy—not to mention management, employee development, mentoring, sales, creativity, maintaining life balance, managing money, and.. you get the idea. It takes a lot to keep a couple of creative studios thriving.
We developed this podcast after years of "how do you..." boss lady conversations. It was clear that if we were both in such similar places with regard to business growth, and personal growth, and work/life/motherhood/bossland balance, then other women may be, too. We'd been sharing confessions over cocktails for quite a while—solving problems, asking for advice, and whispering the secret fears and disappointments that successful women are never supposed to have. (You've had those, right? It's not just us?)
Thus, Speak Easy was born. Our goal and our promise is to speak with honesty about the challenges that experienced women in the creative industry face. To create a community where we can support one another and abandon the mantra that we put on a good face and make it look like we have it all together, even when we don't. You can expect honesty, complete vulnerability and even a good laugh.
And cocktails. You can expect cocktails.
We developed this podcast after years of "how do you..." boss lady conversations. It was clear that if we were both in such similar places with regard to business growth, and personal growth, and work/life/motherhood/bossland balance, then other women may be, too. We'd been sharing confessions over cocktails for quite a while—solving problems, asking for advice, and whispering the secret fears and disappointments that successful women are never supposed to have. (You've had those, right? It's not just us?)
Thus, Speak Easy was born. Our goal and our promise is to speak with honesty about the challenges that experienced women in the creative industry face. To create a community where we can support one another and abandon the mantra that we put on a good face and make it look like we have it all together, even when we don't. You can expect honesty, complete vulnerability and even a good laugh.
And cocktails. You can expect cocktails.
234 Episodes
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Think about how different perspectives create magic. The best friend groups, book clubs, and communities outside of work aren’t just “life hacks” or productivity tools — but what they offer is far more powerful. They support you, balance you, and push you to grow. The real value of shared-interest communities isn’t in everyone nodding along; it’s in what happens when different minds meet. You spark new ideas, make meaningful relationships, and create spaces for healthy debate. In this episode, we share stories from our own book clubs and explore why finding your crew — the people who challenge and champion you — is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
If you've ever wondered whether investing in brand awareness is actually worth it, this episode is for you. We dig into why brand awareness gets dismissed as too "soft" to measure, how to actually track it in meaningful ways, and why prioritizing it can transform your marketing results. The reality is simple: customers acquired through product marketing leave the moment a better deal comes along. Customers who connect with your brand stick around, advocate for you, and drive long-term growth that compounds over time. We share practical strategies for building awareness that matters and explain why this underrated metric deserves more of your attention and budget.
Sometimes the best lessons come from losing something you thought you needed. When Karen lost her Facebook page and realized it wasn't the end of the world, it sparked a bigger conversation about how we approach social media strategy. The truth is, most of us are maintaining profiles on platforms that aren't moving the needle while scrambling to keep up with whatever trendy app just launched.
In this episode, we get real about multi-channel social media strategy and why quality beats quantity every single time. We explore why different audiences live on different platforms, and why expecting one channel to do everything for everyone is a recipe for mediocre results. This isn't about abandoning social media — it's about using it strategically, focusing your energy where it actually matters, and showing up consistently in the places where your audience is already paying attention. Sometimes letting go is the most strategic move you can make.
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#creativity #socialmedia #socialmediastrategy #smallbusiness #creativeindustry #podcast #midwestpodcast #michiganpodcast #workpodcast #marketing #videography #career #cocktail
If you’re like us, some days your desk looks like a command center. Other days, it looks like a scrap pile of to-do lists, personal reminders, and ideas in progress. The reality is, most of us don't have a perfect system for prioritization — and that's especially true when we're overwhelmed, which is ironically when we need one most.
In this candid episode, we compare notes on our different approaches to staying organized, from digital versus paper systems to the power of setting tomorrow's priorities before you go to bed tonight. Tune in as we sort through organizational struggles, share what's working (and what isn't), and admit that sometimes we don't have it all figured out — but we're learning as we go.
Video marketing isn't what it used to be — and that's both exciting and overwhelming. Between short-form content, interactive features, immersive experiences, and personalized feeds, the landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. But here's the thing: tracking video trends isn't about keeping up with every shiny new feature. It's about staying strategic and knowing which tools actually serve your brand's goals.
In this episode, Karen breaks down the current state of video marketing, from foundational content that builds trust over time to disposable content designed for immediate impact. Whether you're just getting started with video or looking to refine your strategy, this episode gives you the framework to make smarter decisions about where to invest your time and budget in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Every business has budget constraints, but here's what we've learned: cheap and affordable aren't the same thing. Cheap is about paying as little as possible; affordable is about getting the most value for the right price. One leaves you wanting more, the other leaves you satisfied with smart trade-offs that actually move your business forward.
In this episode, we break down how to spot the warning signs of "cheap" and share practical ways to identify affordable options in the creative industry. We explore why expertise often equals affordability, how good planning saves money in the long run, and what to look for in partners who understand your business goals. From understanding the hidden costs of cutting corners to making smart investments in creative problem solving, we give you a framework for budget decisions that actually serve your long-term success.
We've all seen internet trolls who jump straight to outrage without understanding the full story. But here's the uncomfortable truth: We all do this sometimes. In our everyday work and relationships, we jump to conclusions, assign motives, or make decisions based on half the story. It's human nature to want to find an explanation and solve problems quickly, but that instinct can backfire spectacularly.
In this episode, we dig into why our brains are so quick to fill in the gaps with assumptions — often wrong ones. Sharing real examples from our work-lives, we explore what's really happening when we assume the worst and talk about practical ways to slow down, ask better questions, and let curiosity lead instead of assumptions. Because when you take the time to get the full picture, you'll find better outcomes every time.
Brand marketing vs. performance marketing. It's not about picking sides — it's about understanding the dance. Performance marketing drives the clicks and the sales, but brand marketing? That's the reason anyone cares in the first place.
Here's what most people miss: these two approaches work better together than apart. Drawing insights from Nielsen research showing that 71% of people say they’re more likely to buy from a brand they recognize, we explore how brand marketing creates the conditions where your performance marketing can actually work. Tune in as we break down the difference between transactional and relational marketing, why consistent storytelling matters more than you think, and how values-driven messaging builds the kind of loyalty that turns into long-term business growth.
Here's what we know: People don't like surprises, especially unpleasant ones, and when information is missing, they'll fill in the gaps — rarely with generous assumptions. We break down why proactive communication with clients, your team, and even in your personal life feels harder than it should be, then share strategies for getting ahead of the narrative. From understanding why we avoid these conversations (spoiler: we assume people know more than they do) to crafting that perfectly timed heads-up email, we explore how transparent communication builds trust and prevents those awkward moments when everyone's caught off guard. It's not about having everything perfect; it's about communicating with intention before situations spiral out of control.
If you've ever felt like you need to have it all together before you can lead effectively, this episode is for you. No judgment here — we've all been there! In this candid conversation, we're sharing our own messy truths, from Jen's permanently grimy oven and abandoned Christmas card habit to Karen's perfectionism paralysis and lone wolf tendencies.
This isn't just therapeutic oversharing — there's strategic value in recognizing where you fall short. When you stop apologizing for things that make you who you are and understand that your personal standards don't apply to everyone else, you free up mental energy for what actually matters. We explore how self-awareness translates to better leadership and more authentic connections. It's about working with your natural tendencies rather than against them and building systems that account for your actual human limitations. Because people don't follow perfect leaders — they follow authentic ones.
If you’ve ever launched a website or video and walked away, this one’s for you. No worries, we’re not judging! It’s a common trap to fall into, and when you ignore it, it quickly becomes a pain to update. But in today’s world, where your brand story is always in motion, marketing needs to be treated as an ongoing, strategic effort. In this episode, we’re making the case for retainer-style budgets and maintenance models that reflect how content actually works: continuously, iteratively, and in partnership.
We explore how consistent investment leads to better outcomes, more efficient use of time and resources, and greater flexibility when the unexpected happens. Planning for ongoing care keeps your tools from becoming outdated, your messaging fresh, and your brand infrastructure responsive. It’s not just about having a polished launch — it’s about keeping things healthy, aligned, and ready for what’s next.
Color isn’t just a finishing touch — it’s a strategic tool that influences perception, emotion, and behavior. In marketing and branding, it’s one of the first things people notice and one of the most powerful ways to communicate without saying a word. But great color doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, skill, and an understanding of how color really works across mediums.
In this episode, we share real-life client stories, break down color theory, and explore how things like lighting, wardrobe, and even shadows can influence your final product. Whether you’re building a brand, producing content, or just trying to make your stuff look better, understanding color helps you get the most out of your creative investment.
In our latest episode, we talk about why social media ads might not be delivering, when they can be effective (hint: brand-building > promotion), and why it’s critical to stop thinking of social media as your only marketing plan. We also challenge you to consider how you’d communicate your message if social media didn’t exist at all. From Super Bowl spots to smart, scrappy strategies — this one’s full of tough love and practical insight.
Every brand has its own unique challenges — but not every brand should be approached the same way. In this episode, Jen shares four brand categories she and her team at Redhead work with most often: corporate, place-based, boutique, and entrepreneurial. From the layers of stakeholder input in corporate branding to the emotional nuance of placemaking, we break down how each type calls for a tailored approach to strategy, voice, and visual identity.
We talk about how understanding your brand’s category can help you choose the right creative partner, avoid costly missteps, and ultimately build something that resonates with the people who matter most — whether that’s leadership, customers, peers, or influencers. Inspired by Redhead’s blog post “The 4 Types of Brands We Build (and Why the Distinction Matters)”, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the world of brand strategy or rebranding.
For more on this topic, read the blog post here: https://redhead.studio/blog/4-types-brands-we-build-and-why-distinction-matters
No one likes a boss breathing down their neck — but when you're the one in charge, knowing how much oversight is too much can be tricky. In this episode, we dig into the blurry line between healthy control and full-blown micromanagement. From trust issues to outcome-based leadership, we explore how leaders can maintain structure and accountability without disempowering their team.
Drawing on insights from Harvard Business Review's “The Anxious Micromanager,” we look at how anxiety and lack of preparation often fuel micromanaging behaviors — and what you can do instead. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into a management role, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical take on how to lead without smothering.
Read "The Anxious Micromanager" here: https://hbr.org/2023/09/the-anxious-micromanager
#growth #micromanging #lettinggo #smallbusiness #creativeindustry #podcast #midwestpodcast #michiganpodcast #workpodcast #marketing #videography #career #cocktail
As entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders, we’re constantly making decisions — about strategies, budgets, and even where to focus our energy. But how often do we pause to ask: "Do I need this, or do I just want it?" In a world filled with tempting new tools, trends, and shiny distractions, knowing the difference can be the key to growth — or the reason we stay stuck.
In this episode, we put that question to the test with a mix of lighthearted and thought-provoking scenarios. From the practical to the absurd, we explore the gray areas of what truly counts as a necessity. Tune in for an entertaining and insightful conversation that just might change how you prioritize what really matters.
Whether you’re crafting a brand message, delivering a speech, or simply trying to make an idea stick, the way you tell your story matters. Knowing your audience, embracing personality, and making messages actionable ensures that stories don’t just entertain — they inspire and drive real impact.
Using Gustav Freytag’s classic story arc as a guide, Karen takes us through Render's process for engaging an audience from start to finish. Join us as we dissect how the right storytelling approach can transform communication and leave a meaningful impression.
Many organizations rely on small, overburdened marketing and communications teams, expecting them to do it all and inadvertently setting them up to fail. In this episode, Jen and Karen challenge the traditional hiring model and explore why a fractional or agency-based strategy could be a smarter, more cost-effective solution.
Tune in as we break it down: why the “comms department of one” is never a magic fix; why adding another full-time hire isn’t always the answer; and how leveraging agency expertise can provide more value, creativity, and strategic support. From avoiding burnout to accessing top-tier talent across multiple disciplines, we offer a fresh perspective on rethinking capacity and maximizing marketing impact.
This week’s topic is all about appreciation. After all, who do we love more than our clients? Their trust, collaboration, and vision make our work possible, allowing us to take on impactful projects that drive real change. Beyond just delivering services, we’re deeply invested in their success, fostering relationships built on communication and shared goals.
Listen in as we dive into the ripple effect of small business support, how each investment circulates through communities, and why working with bold, mission-driven clients makes our work so fulfilling. From economic development to transformative initiatives, we’ll explore how these partnerships create lasting impact — and why we’re so grateful to be part of the process.
In this episode, Jen and Karen reflect on Redhead's 25-year path of growth and reinvention, from its beginnings as a small freelance graphic design business to a powerhouse of strategic brand consulting. They explore how the company has evolved while staying true to its core belief: that a strong, authentic brand identity is the foundation of success.
Redhead's story is one of adaptation, growth, and enduring commitment to the power of branding. For Redhead, a brand goes beyond visuals or slogans — it embodies an organization’s identity, values, and purpose, shaping how it connects with the world. Tune in as Jen shares lessons learned from 25 years of helping brands thrive.
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