Launch Lab

Episode 3: Gladden the Heart — How Brand, Story, and Digital Strategy Fuel a MissionIn this episode of Launch Lab, we’re spotlighting one of our newest and most meaningful client partnerships: Gladden the Heart, a unique charitable foundation built to help generous donors make the greatest possible impact on people who are often overlooked — the poor, the hungry, immigrants, veterans, families facing medical crises, and more.Joining us are Anna Ero, Director of Marketing, and Reverend Gary Charles, Program Director, fresh off a 45-year career in pastoral ministry. Together, they share:How Gladden the Heart began as a rare idea: a private equity model, but for charitiesWhat they’ve learned in their first year funding organizations doing frontline, life-changing workReal stories behind their earliest gifts — including emergency relief for Texas flood victimsHow branding, a clear website, and strong SEO help the foundation earn trust and reach the donors and organizations who need them mostWhat the next 5 years look like for their missionWe had the privilege of helping Gladden the Heart shape their brand, logo, and website — and now their digital presence as they prepare to scale their impact nationwide.Sit back and enjoy our conversation with Gladden the Heart.

Welcome back to Launch Lab, the behind-the-scenes audio journal where we share the raw, real process of launching creative passion projects from the ground up.In this episode, host Michael Vicinelly walks us through the origin story of BRUH, a food podcast born out of kitchen conversations with chef and co-host Tony. From idea spark to naming struggles, co-host recruiting, branding, tech setup, and ultimately publishing and evolving the show—this is a transparent look into how a podcast (and brand) gets made.You’ll hear about:The roots of BRUH in a Kalamazoo kitchenHow Michael and Tony formed their on-air chemistryThe decision to prioritize audio over videoTools like Riverside, Patreon, and SubstackThe broader Launch Lab ecosystem, including FITS Dad, Michigan Red Hot Sauce, and coaching/course programsIf you're building your own thing—or just curious how others figure it out as they go—Launch Lab is your place. Hit follow and stick around.🔗 Subscribe to BRUH at bruhpodcast.com🧠 Explore FITS Dad on Substack🎧 Support the show on Patreon for $1/month for exclusive full video episodes

In our very first episode, host Michael Vicinelly sets the stage for what Launch Lab is all about: testing bold ideas, building real businesses, and sharing the behind-the-scenes journey as it happens. From launching a hot sauce brand to creating an AI-first marketing masterclass, we're taking you inside the experiments—wins, fails, and all.This isn’t just theory. It’s a look at how we use strategy, tech, and creativity to launch actual products and services. Whether you’re a business owner, creator, or curious listener, this is your lab too.Follow along and get inspired to launch your own thing.