PODCAST · business
Brand on the Rocks
by Ryan Holck
Your customers are distracted. And if your message isn't clear, you're leaving money on the table. That's where Brand on the Rocks comes in. Hosted by Ryan Holck, creator of Distill Your Story, this show cuts through the clutter and serves up marketing insights in neat, sip-sized pours you can actually use. Every episode you'll get one of three pours: Straight Up (Solo Shots): Ryan distills complex marketing concepts into quick, practical lessons you can take straight to your business. Shared Pours (Conversations): Honest, engaging interviews with entrepreneurs, marketers, and creators who've built brands people actually remember. On the Rocks (Real-World Reviews): Live audits and breakdowns of real websites, campaigns, and messaging, Showing what works, what doesn't, and how to fix it. If you're ready to cut the jargon, sharpen your story, and pour more clarity into your marketing, this show is for you. It's ti
Episodes
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The Psychologically Safe Sales Method: How to Sell Without the Ick Factor with Julie Jones
Ready to transform your sales conversations from awkward to authentic? In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, the conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build trust while selling—and why typical high-pressure tactics are driving clients away instead of drawing them in. Forget...
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Origin Stories That Stick: The Repeatable Framework Every Founder Needs with Ryan Holck
What’s the story behind your business, and can you tell it clearly enough that people remember it, repeat it, and trust it? In this episode of Brand on the Rocks, Ryan Holck takes you behind the bar to unpack the power of origin stories, the “why” behind your work, and what it really takes to…
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Why Better Marketing Won’t Fix a Broken Team (The LEARN Framework for Leaders) with Jim Carbaugh
Ready to lead your team (and yourself) with clarity? On this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck sits down with leadership guide Jim Carbaugh for a dynamic pour of wisdom on why most marketing problems are actually leadership problems in disguise, and what to do about it. Here’s what’s on…
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Brand Messaging Clarity: The Four Cs Every Entrepreneur Needs with Ryan Holck
Ready to make your business unforgettable—and actually get your message heard? In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Speaker A goes solo from the studio to break down a recurring struggle for business leaders everywhere: standing out and truly connecting (not just selling) in a noisy world.…
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Why Repelling the Wrong People Grows Your Brand and the Network You Actually Need with Diana Alt
What if your brand’s real superpower isn’t attracting everyone. But boldly repelling the wrong crowd? In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck is joined by executive and career coach Diana Alt for a candid, energetic conversation on why brands (and people) need to stop fearing…
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Why Transactional Networking Is Killing Your Growth (And the Relational Shift Every Founder Needs)
Feel like networking events leave you cold, or your business connections never go deeper than a quick card swap? In this solo episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck cuts through the noise on transactional networking and dives into why building real, relational networks is the secret to brand...
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Trust Is Your Bottom Line: Building a Brand That Survives the AI Age with Gal Borenstein
Trust isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s the lifeblood of successful brands. In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck sits down with digital branding leader Gal Borenstein to pour out straight insight on what it really takes to build, protect, and monetize trust in the age of AI and…
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The Audience-First Audit: How to Stop Wasting Marketing on the Wrong People with Ashley Goldsmith
Ever wonder why your marketing sometimes misses the mark—or how to make sure it actually resonates? In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, brand strategist Ryan Holck chats with Ashley Goldsmith, founder of Blue Chair Communications, about bringing clarity, empathy, and true audience-focus back…
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How to Automate Without Losing Your Brand: The Occam’s Razor Rule for Quality Growth w Chad Wooters
Ready to take your brand—and your productivity—to the next level? In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck welcomes AI and marketing systems expert Chad Wooters into the studio for a bold conversation about cutting through the “AI slop” and drowning in productivity hacks. Here’s what you...
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Iterate to Win: Why Marketing Isn’t “Set and Forget” w Haley Walden
In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Haley Walden joins host Ryan Holck for a practical, no-nonsense exploration of brand messaging—how to clarify, iterate, and finally get your story to land with the right audience. Whether you’re a solopreneur, startup founder, or marketing leader, this...
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From Bottleneck to Breakthrough: Setting Creative Teams Free for Business Growth w Jason Squires
Ever feel like your business can only grow as fast as you can do everything? Jason Squires of The Creative Launch and Ryan Holck unpack the tension between business leaders and creatives and how to break the bottleneck by leveraging strengths and building trust. Here is what we cover: The...
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Why Customers Tune Out Your Story (And the 4-Part Fix that Hooks Buyers Fast) with Ryan Holck
In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck dives deep into a challenge every marketer faces: Why aren’t customers listening to your story? Using the unexpected metaphor of a hanger, Ryan Holck unpacks a straightforward, four-part story framework designed to help your brand messages…
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Why Your “To-Do List” Isn’t a Strategy (And How to Plan Marketing That Actually Works) w Ryan Holck
On this episode of Brand On The Rocks, host Ryan Holck invites you to rethink your marketing strategy for the year ahead. Whether you're a solopreneur, a team leader, or part of a growing organization, this deep-dive solo episode is crafted to help you move beyond mere to-do lists and truly...
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Why Good Reviews Fail to Build Trust (And How Story-Driven Testimonials Convert) with Ryan Holck
In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck hops on the mic for a solo "On the Rocks" pour—cutting past the fluff to break down a deceptively simple, crucial distinction: testimonials vs. reviews. Drawing on personal experiences and candid client stories, Ryan Holck explores why relying on...
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Why Your Product Isn’t the Problem (And the Messaging Shift That Sells It) w Ryan Holck
On this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck dives into a challenge every business owner faces but rarely diagnoses correctly: when your product isn't the problem—your message is. Too often, we blame slow sales on ads, algorithms, or even the economy, when in reality, it comes down to how…
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Why Your Business Story Isn’t Landing (And the 4 Fixes That Create Clarity) with Ryan Holck
In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck dives straight into one of the most persistent challenges in business storytelling: the fog that keeps your message hidden from the very people you want to reach. He breaks down the four common ways business stories break down—being incomplete,...
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Storytelling Flywheel: How to Make Your Brand Memorable in Any Room | Live Workshop with Ryan Holck
Welcome back to Brand On The Rocks! In this unique episode, host Ryan Holck takes you inside a live workshop session recorded at The Thing Orlando – a conference for entrepreneurs. Instead of the usual interviews or marketing audits, you'll join Ryan Holck as he helps real business leaders…
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The 7‑Second Website Test: How Clear Messaging Turns Visitors Into Leads w Ryan Holck
In this "On the Rocks" episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck tackles one of the most overlooked – yet absolutely essential – aspects of brand marketing: website messaging. Whether your site is the digital front door of your business or the first impression you make on potential…
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From Consistency to Trust: The Framework for Brands Clients Refer (and Remember) w Adam McLaughlin
In this episode of Brand on the Rocks, Ryan Holck sits down with Adam McLaughlin for a candid “shared pour” on a challenge every leader and entrepreneur faces: clarity. They explore why clarity isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of a trustworthy brand. Adam shares his “ladder of trust” framework:...
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The High-Proof Brand Story: Distill Complex Ideas Into Messaging That Moves with Ryan Holck
In this straight-up episode of Brand on the Rocks, Ryan Holck invites you to take your bold business ideas and distill them down into crystal-clear messaging that actually works. Drawing inspiration from the art of distilling high-quality spirits, Ryan walks listeners through a three-step brand...
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Why Your Elevator Pitch Fails (And the Curiosity-First Fix That Works) with Adam McLaughlin
Want a game-changing elevator pitch? In this episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck sits down with Adam McLaughlin, founder of Trust Marketing Agency and full-time digital nomad. Running his business from campgrounds, foreign countries, and driveways, Adam has mastered the art of making...
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Clarity Is Not a Buzzword: The 4 Questions That Make Your Brand Unforgettable with Ryan Holck
Welcome to the first episode of Brand On The Rocks! Hosted by Ryan Holck, this show is focused on transforming bold, complex business ideas into clear, memorable messages that stand out in today's crowded market. In this kickoff episode, Ryan sets the stage for what you can expect from the…
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The Trust Recession: Avoiding Brand Mistakes That Lose Loyal Customers with Ryan Holck
On this episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck dives deep into the concept of the "trust recession" and why brands are struggling to connect with their audiences in today's noisy marketplace. Using timely case studies from Maxwell House and Walmart, Ryan explores how even legacy brands…
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Win the Narrative: The Three Stories Every Brand Must Master for Growth w Ryan Holck
Ready for a shot of clarity in your marketing? In this straight-up episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck dives right into the heart of branding: the three stories every business owner must master. No fluff, no garnish. Just a pour of insight you can put to work immediately. Drawing...
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#13: Why Your Stories Don't Stick (And How the Hanger Framework Fixes Them) with Ryan Holck
In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck dives deep into a challenge every marketer faces: Why aren't customers listening to your story? Using the unexpected metaphor of a hanger, Ryan Holck unpacks a straightforward, four-part story framework designed to help your brand messages…
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#12: If I Wanted to Plan a Year of Marketing that Actually Converts, Here's What I'd Do w Ryan Holck
On this episode of Brand On The Rocks, host Ryan Holck invites you to rethink your marketing strategy for the year ahead. Whether you're a solopreneur, a team leader, or part of a growing organization, this deep-dive solo episode is crafted to help you move beyond mere to-do lists and truly...
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#11: Why Reviews Don't Sell (And Story‑Driven Testimonials Do) with Ryan Holck
In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck hops on the mic for a solo "On the Rocks" pour—cutting past the fluff to break down a deceptively simple, crucial distinction: testimonials vs. reviews. Drawing on personal experiences and candid client stories, Ryan Holck explores why relying on...
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#10: Stop Blaming Your Offer: How Clear Messaging Unlocks the Sales You Already Deserve w Ryan Holck
On this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck dives into a challenge every business owner faces but rarely diagnoses correctly: when your product isn't the problem—your message is. Too often, we blame slow sales on ads, algorithms, or even the economy, when in reality, it comes down to how…
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#9: 4 Ways Your Brand Story Is Quietly Losing Customers (And How to Fix Each One) with Ryan Holck
In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck dives straight into one of the most persistent challenges in business storytelling: the fog that keeps your message hidden from the very people you want to reach. He breaks down the four common ways business stories break down—being incomplete,...
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#8: From Campfire Tales to Client Wins: A Live Workshop on Storytelling That Sticks w Ryan Holck
Welcome back to Brand On The Rocks! In this unique episode, host Ryan Holck takes you inside a live workshop session recorded at The Thing Orlando – a conference for entrepreneurs. Instead of the usual interviews or marketing audits, you'll join Ryan Holck as he helps real business leaders…
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#7: Is Your Website Costing You Leads? A Simple Messaging Audit for Clarity and Clicks w Ryan Holck
In this "On the Rocks" episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck tackles one of the most overlooked – yet absolutely essential – aspects of brand marketing: website messaging. Whether your site is the digital front door of your business or the first impression you make on potential…
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#6: Build Brand Consistency Across Every Touchpoint So Customers Trust You w Adam McLaughlin
In this episode of Brand on the Rocks, Ryan Holck sits down with Adam McLaughlin for a candid “shared pour” on a challenge every leader and entrepreneur faces: clarity. They explore why clarity isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of a trustworthy brand. Adam shares his “ladder of trust” framework:...
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#5: Distill Your Brand Story: 3 Steps to Messages Customers Actually Remember w Ryan Holck
In this straight-up episode of Brand on the Rocks, Ryan Holck invites you to take your bold business ideas and distill them down into crystal-clear messaging that actually works. Drawing inspiration from the art of distilling high-quality spirits, Ryan walks listeners through a three-step brand...
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#4: From Campfires to Conferences: How to Craft an Elevator Pitch People Repeat with Adam McLaughlin
Want a game-changing elevator pitch? In this episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck sits down with Adam McLaughlin, founder of Trust Marketing Agency and full-time digital nomad. Running his business from campgrounds, foreign countries, and driveways, Adam has mastered the art of making...
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#3: Broken Brand Trust: What Maxwell House and Walmart Teach Us About Forgetting Your Audience
On this episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck dives deep into the concept of the "trust recession" and why brands are struggling to connect with their audiences in today's noisy marketplace. Using timely case studies from Maxwell House and Walmart, Ryan explores how even legacy brands…
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#2: Three Stories Every Business Must Master to Win Trust and Turn Browsers into Buyers w Ryan Holck
Ready for a shot of clarity in your marketing? In this straight-up episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck dives right into the heart of branding: the three stories every business owner must master. No fluff, no garnish. Just a pour of insight you can put to work immediately. Drawing...
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#1: Clarity: How to Turn a Confusing Brand Story into a Message People Can Repeat with Ryan Holck
Welcome to the first episode of Brand On The Rocks! Hosted by Ryan Holck, this show is focused on transforming bold, complex business ideas into clear, memorable messages that stand out in today's crowded market. In this kickoff episode, Ryan sets the stage for what you can expect from the…
more -
Brand on the Rocks: A Podcast for Bold Ideas and Clear Messaging (Straight Up)
Welcome to Brand on the Rocks — the show where we serve bold ideas and clear messaging, straight up. Hosted by Ryan Holck, this podcast helps business owners, consultants, and entrepreneurs cut through the noise with brand stories that actually connect and convert. Each week you'll hear three…
more
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Your customers are distracted. And if your message isn't clear, you're leaving money on the table. That's where Brand on the Rocks comes in.
Hosted by Ryan Holck, creator of Distill Your Story, this show cuts through the clutter and serves up marketing insights in neat, sip-sized pours you can actually use.
Every episode you'll get one of three pours:
Straight Up (Solo Shots): Ryan distills complex marketing concepts into quick, practical lessons you can take straight to your business.
Shared Pours (Conversations): Honest, engaging interviews with entrepreneurs, marketers, and creators who've built brands people actually remember.
On the Rocks (Real-World Reviews): Live audits and breakdowns of real websites, campaigns, and messaging, Showing what works, what doesn't, and how to fix it.
If you're ready to cut the jargon, sharpen your story, and pour more clarity into your marketing, this show is for you. It's ti
HOSTED BY
Ryan Holck
CATEGORIES
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