The Gathering Podcast

AI is changing how people discover brands — but most marketers are either panicking or chasing the wrong things. In this episode, Erik Huberman, founder & CEO of Hawke Media ($600M+ revenue, 6,000+ brands), breaks down the Modern Marketer's Playbook for building trust, visibility, and real growth in an AI-first world.We cover SEO vs. GEO, why trust is your most valuable asset, the biggest AI marketing mistakes to avoid, and what's actually working right now.🔍 Get a free GEO/LLM visibility audit from Eric's team: https://hawkemedia.com/free-consultation/Connect with Erik Huberman:Instagram/LinkedIn: @ErikHuberman🌐 hawkemedia.comTIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Introduction & Why AI Hype Is Overblown2:28 – SEO vs. GEO: What's the Real Difference?9:06 – The 3 Pillars: Awareness, Nurturing & Trust14:06 – Trust & Third-Party Validation16:30 – Nurturing in an AI World29:01 – Biggest AI Marketing Mistakes31:16 – What's Actually Working with AI34:28 – Erik's AI Tech Stack36:41 – The Next 6–12 Months of AI Marketing🎟️ Join us at The Gathering: https://www.thegatheringfestival.com📬 Sign up for our Inner Circle Newsletter for exclusive insights, early access, and behind-the-scenes moments from the world’s boldest brand builders: https://go.thegatheringfestival.com/newsletter🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more legendary content from The Gathering. The Gathering: More than North America's #1 Brand Festival - it's where the world’s boldest brands and leaders build what lasts.Join us October 21–24, 2026 | Banff, Canada.

How today’s most impactful leaders build courage like a muscle, expand their capacity, and create connected cultures that last.In this episode, Mandy Balak sits down with Jon Gordon, Leadership Coach and Best selling author 18 books including The Energy Bus and The Power of Positive Leadership, to explore what it really takes to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction in 2026 and beyond.They unpack why leadership is so much harder in practice than on paper, the core traits that separate leaders who last from those who burn out, and how to build “capacity” so your problems never feel bigger than you. Jon shares candid stories from his own journey—from being naturally negative and almost losing his marriage, to rewiring his brain through 20+ years of daily gratitude walks.From working with Super Bowl–winning coaches and world-class executives, Jon breaks down the habits, practices, and culture-building moves that make a real difference: how to listen like a leader, remove the “pebbles in the shoe” that hold teams back, and turn positive principles into daily practices your people can actually feel.Whether you’re a CEO, founder, or emerging leader, this conversation will help you rethink how you show up for your team—and how to lead with more courage, connection, and hope.Links & Resources:The Energy BusThe Power of Positive LeadershipThe Gathering FestivalConnect with Jon Gordon:Jon Gordon on Instagram (@jongordon11)jongordon.comConnect with Mandy Balak:Mandy Balak on LinkedInIf this episode sparked ideas for your leadership, share it with your team and use Jon’s principles and practices as a prompt for your next leadership meeting.Want to experience this in person?The Gathering brings together senior brand leaders who are building brands that last. If you lead a brand that invests in trust, culture, and transformation, this is your community.🎟️ Join us in Banff, October 21-24, 2026   Premium experience for senior marketers and founders   → ⁠thegatheringfestival.com/tickets⁠📅 Work with us   Brand retreats, Experience Labs, and Events   → Book a discovery call: ⁠thegatheringfestival.com/contact⁠🎧 More resources   → Subscribe to The Gathering Podcast on ⁠ Spotify⁠ or ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠   → Follow @thegatheringfestival on⁠ Instagram⁠ + ⁠LinkedIn⁠ + ⁠YouTube⁠

Get the Pinterest Experiential Brand Principles here: Pinterest PlaybookIn this episode, Mandy Balak sits down with Sean Doyle, Director of Global Brand Experiences and Group Creative Director of Experiential at Pinterest, the “positive corner of the Internet.” They unpack how Pinterest uses real-world experiences to build brand belief, stand out from the “blandemic” of sameness, and turn online inspiration into offline action. From Cannes to Coachella to Davos, Sean shares the experiential principles that guide Pinterest’s most iconic work, how Gen Z is reshaping the experience economy, and why brands can’t afford to ignore IRL connection.Whether you’re a CMO, founder, or creative leader, this conversation will help you rethink how your brand shows up in the real world—and how to design experiences your customers will never forget.Links & Resources:Pinterest Experiential Principles Pinterest Predicts: annual trends reportThe Gathering FestivalMontana Experiential Brand Retreat (limited seats)Connect with Sean & Pinterest:Sean Doyle on LinkedInConnect with Mandy Balak:Mandy Balak on LinkedInIf this episode sparked ideas for your brand, share it with your team and bring the Pinterest principles into your next creative meeting.Want to experience this in person?The Gathering brings together senior brand leaders who are building brands that last. If you lead a brand that invests in trust, culture, and transformation, this is your community.🎟️ Join us in Banff, October 21-24, 2026   Premium experience for senior marketers and founders   → thegatheringfestival.com/tickets📅 Work with us   Brand retreats, Experience Labs, and Events   → Book a discovery call: thegatheringfestival.com/contact🎧 More resources   → Subscribe to The Gathering Podcast on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts   → Follow @thegatheringfestival on Instagram + LinkedIn + YouTube

In this episode of The Gathering Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Eric Nelson, naturopathic doctor and co-founder of Sabi Health, to unpack what sustainable performance actually looks like—and why most high performers are unknowingly trading their health for short-term wins.Eric breaks down the physiological, mental, and emotional trade-offs leaders make when they push too hard for too long, from burnout and nervous system dysregulation to reliance on stimulants, hustle culture, and false productivity. Together, we explore why performance today can quietly sabotage performance tomorrow—and how to build a rhythm that lasts.This is a grounded, honest conversation for founders, executives, creators, and athletes who want to perform at a high level without burning out their future self.This episode explores:Why burnout shows up in over 70% of high-performing professionalsThe difference between short-term performance and long-term capacityHow stimulants, hustle, and overtraining mask deeper issuesThe role of trade-offs—and why ignoring them always catches upWhy “leaving a rep in the tank” applies to work, leadership, and lifeHow sustainable performance is built through structure, margin, and seasonsIf you care about longevity, clarity, and building a life—and career—that’s built to last, this episode is required listening.🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 21–24

In our first episode of 2026, Mandy Balak (President of The Gathering) and Owen Reader, sit down to debrief the lessons learned—and earned—from 2025. From fear and hesitation to edge-work, decisive action, and the power of integration, this is a candid conversation about what it takes to lead when the playbooks are burned.They unpack practical takeaways like studying your edges, packing light (literally and metaphorically), and using the RICE framework (Revenue, Impact, Confidence, Ease) to filter distractions and focus on what actually moves the mission forward.To close, Mandy and Owen share their Word of the Year for 2026—Boldness and Conviction—and challenge listeners to choose their own word, make it visual, and step into the year with intent.This episode explores:Why your “word of the year” often attracts the opposite lessons you needHow fear creates hesitation—and how action breaks the cycleWhat it means to “study your edge” and stop holding backHow to prioritize change using the RICE filter (Revenue, Impact, Confidence, Ease)Why integration (rest + reflection) is part of the work—not a break from itBuilding out loud in a world full of polished, AI-generated sameness🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2026 | October 21–24[Get Tickets Here]

Join Mandy Balak for a real conversation with Kathryn Gordon, author, entrepreneur, and co-author of Relationship Grit, on what it takes to build a relationship that can actually hold your ambition.This episode is for high performers who lead hard, build big, and sometimes forget that your life runs on the strength of your closest relationships. Kathryn shares the “GRIT” framework (God, Resolve, Invest, Together), why weekly check-ins matter, how to handle seasons of intense work, and the simple habits that rebuild trust and connection over time.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “relationship grit” is built in the hard seasons, not the easy onesThe question to ask your partner (or team) to instantly improve communicationHow weekly meetings, one-word intentions, and small investments change everythingWhy “winning arguments” can cost you the relationshipThe rituals that keep high-performance households grounded and strongBook: Relationship Grit (Katherine Gordon + Jon Gordon)Links mentioned:Kathryn on Instagram: @kathryngordonJoin us at The Gathering 2026 | October 20–24Get Tickets Here

High‑performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais joins Mandy Balak to unpack what it really takes to perform under extreme pressure. From coaching Felix Baumgartner’s jump from the edge of space to building a Super Bowl–winning culture with Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks.In this episode you will learn:Why technical skill isn’t enough when the stakes are highHow the best in the world think about fear, risk, and regretPractical ways leaders can train their minds like elite athletesWhy we’re all overtrained and under-recovered—and what to do about itSimple recovery and meeting rituals you can add to your team this weekA powerful, honest conversation about mastering your mind, honoring recovery, and learning to “be about it” in leadership and life.About Dr. Michael GervaisDr. Michael Gervais is a leading high-performance psychologist, author, and podcast host whose career highlights center on his work with elite athletes, Fortune 100 CEOs, and organizations in high-pressure environments. He is globally recognized for developing mental frameworks that enable individuals and teams to excel under stress.Links & Resources Subscribe to the Finding Mastery Podcast and newsletter for high-performance insights:https://www.findingmaster.com/newsletter🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2026 | October 20–24, 2026 ⁠Get Tickets Here⁠⁠⁠Follow us for updates: ⁠Instagram⁠ | Linkedin⁠

The best Gathering yet — and the energy was undeniable.In this special debrief episode, the team sits down to unpack what Winning the Future—Together truly meant, share the top 10 lessons from 65+ sessions, and reflect on the ideas, leaders, and moments that made 2025 unforgettable.From building brands that last to redefining what leadership looks like in the next decade, this is your all-access look behind the curtain at how bold brands and brave leaders are shaping what’s next.If you were in the room, relive the magic.If you missed it, here’s your chance to catch the highlights and fuel your fire for 2026.🎟️ Be part of the next chapter:[Pre-Sales Live] Lock in your spot for The Gathering 2026 at the best price of the year → thegatheringfestival.com/tickets🔥 Elevate your leadership at The Montana Retreat → thegatheringfestival.com/retreats💡 Join our Inner Circle

Big brand moves this week 👇AG1 expands from morning ritual to nighttime sleep with AGZ (a masterclass in owning daily routines).Mid-Day Squares x Coconut Cult drop a collab so hot it crashed the site and sold out in minutes.Emma Chamberlain x Pinterest prove vibe-first product launches can win attention without a 60-slide deck.Christian McCaffrey trades sponsorship for ownership with While on Earth—athletes building brands in real time.Why this matters (for brand leaders): The winners aren’t chasing hype—they’re building rituals, communities, and creator-led collabs that compound over time. Step out of the weeds, get above the noise, and steal these playbook moves for 2026 planning. —🎟 Join us IRL at The Gathering (Banff, AB): Buy your ticket now → https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/ticketsCome home with the clarity, connections, and tools to level up your 2026 strategy. This isn’t a conference—it’s a strategic intervention for leaders who refuse to fall behind. 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your favorite brand move in the comments. Tag us @cultgathering with your takeaways.

This week on The Brand Breakdown, we unpack how bold brands are turning attention into action. Netflix is stepping off the screen with modular, immersive “Netflix House” experiences; Tiffany & Co. shows a masterclass in premium positioning with its US Open takeover and century-long trophy pedigree; Build-A-Bear surprises Wall Street by doubling down on ritual and nostalgia; and pro athletes tap the rise of low/no-alc with community-first beer brands. We dig into what it means to design IRL moments, price for prestige, build generational rituals, and launch products with built-in fandom—so you can apply the same plays to your brand.

This week on The Breakdown, we look at the brand plays winning with fans. The NFL extends its cultural footprint with Crocs, proving comfort and fandom go hand in hand. YETI taps into game-day rituals with team-color drinkware across every major league. And Cracker Barrel’s $700M rebrand shows what happens when a brand forgets what its customers actually want. The thru line? Serving your customers is the smartest way to serve your shareholders.Join us at The Gathering Festival this October 22 - 24, 2025!

In this episode, Owen Reader, Head of Marketing at The Gathering, sits down with Matt Gagnon, founder of Atomic Mornings and speaker on the Human Performance track at The Gathering 2025. Matt has built his practice around helping busy executives reclaim the first moments of their day—transforming morning routines into a foundation for resilience, clarity, and sustainable high performance.Together, they explore why self-care, emotional awareness, and community are non-negotiables for leaders who want to win the future together.This episode explores:Why building a bulletproof optimism mindset is essential in today’s worldHow self-care routines—sleep, nutrition, fitness, stillness, and community—create a foundation for peak performanceThe dangers of comparison, burnout, and isolation for high-performing leadersHow community at The Gathering fuels connection and resilience for executives, creators, and brand buildersGuest’s Social Media: Instagram - @atomicmornings LinkedIn - Matt Gagnon🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22–24 Apply for a Creator Pass: https://go.thegatheringfestival.com/create🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more legendary content from The Gathering. The Gathering 2025Winning the Future — Together.https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/tickets

This week on The Breakdown, we dig into the brand moves making waves: Gap × BÉIS launches a travel-ready collab blending heritage and hype, McDonald’s revives its classic mascots with an adult Happy Meal, and AI influencer Mia Zelu goes viral from Wimbledon without ever attending. We also unpack Guess’ backlash for using AI models in Vogue and Wendy’s moody Wednesday “Meal of Misfortune” on Uber Eats. The common thread? The strongest brands aren’t just selling products—they’re building moments of belonging, nostalgia, and cultural relevance.All links mentioned in the show:https://www.cntraveler.com/story/gap-b%25C3%25A9is-denim-collection%5Dhttps://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/magic-of-mcdonaldland-with-signaturemeal-specialtyshake.htmlhttps://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/ai-influencer-mia-zelu-went-viral-wimbledon-artificial-intelligence-social-mediahttps://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Style/controversy-stirs-ai-generated-models-new-guess-ads/story?id=124271323&https://www.irwendys.com/news/news-details/2025/Theres-Nothing-Happy-About-This-Meal-Wendys-and-Netflixs-Wednesday-Cook-Up-a-Meal-of-Misfortune/default.aspx

This week on The Breakdown, we unpack the boldest moves in brand and culture:• Astronomer’s scandal turned PR masterclass with Ryan Reynolds & Gwyneth Paltrow.• Nike’s “You’ve Already Won” campaign flips performance marketing into emotional storytelling.• American Eagle’s Sydney Sweeney ad—when controversy creates headlines (and headaches).• F1’s growing female fanbase reshaping sponsorships and partnerships.• Liquid Death enters energy drinks, proving challenger brands can stretch their edge.💡 Strategic Shift: The smartest brands aren’t just playing to win—they’re playing to connect.👉 Want more stories like this? 🎟️ See who’s speaking at The Gathering 2025: https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/speakers The Gathering 2025Winning the Future — Together.Join us in Banff, Alberta, October 22–24, 2025, and discover how today’s most admired brands are winning hearts, minds, and markets.Sources mentioned in the show:https://www.fooddive.com/news/liquid-death-to-launch-energy-drinks-entering-23b-category/753337/https://www.businessinsider.com/astronomer-coldplay-viral-video-gwyneth-paltrow-ryan-reynolds-maximum-effort-2025-7https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/golf/nike-drops-tearjerking-scottie-scheffler-ad-after-open-championship-win/ar-AA1IXqDnhttps://www.businessinsider.com/american-eagle-sydney-sweeney-jeans-campaign-controversy-backlash-2025-7https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/health-fitness/formula-one-female-fans?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Join Owen Reader, Head of Marketing at The Gathering, for an energizing conversation with Caleb Clark, Chief Partnership Officer and Founder of hooK + Ladder. Together, they explore what it takes to maintain strong leadership in fast-changing times, how to position yourself to win the future, and the evolving role of a marketer in building high-performing teams. Caleb also shares how to uncover your “zone of genius” — and why tapping into it is key to unlocking your best work.This episode explores:How great leaders sustain vision and performance in uncertain timesThe marketer’s role in shaping culture, not just campaignsStrategies for building teams that consistently outperformHow to identify and operate from your unique zone of genius🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22–24 Get Tickets Here: https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/tickets All the links mentioned in the show: Guest’s Website: https://hldigital.ca Guest’s Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebclark1📲 Follow us for updates and inspiration: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Join Owen Reader, Head of Marketing at The Gathering, for an unplugged conversation with Sloane Brown, CMO of Turtlebox Audio. What started as a need for rugged, high-quality sound outdoors has turned into a brand beloved by hunters, anglers, overlanders, and backyard legends alike.In this episode, Sloane shares how Turtlebox carved out a unique place in the audio industry by going louder, tougher, and more community-driven than the competition.This episode explores:The origin story behind Turtlebox—and the problem it boldly solvedWhy Turtlebox resonates across hobbies, passions, and subculturesHow Sloane approaches marketing a product that became a lifestyleBuilding brand equity in tight-knit, niche communities🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22–24, 2025[Get Tickets Here]Follow us for updates: [Instagram] | [Linkedin]All the links mentioned in the show:Guest’s Website: www.turtleboxaudio.comGuest’s Social Media: @turtleboxaudioSloane Brown on LinkedIn: Connect here

Join Owen Reader, CMO of The Gathering, for a heartfelt and forward-thinking conversation with creator and community-builder Chloë Chapdelaine. With over 600,000 followers across social platforms and a leadership role at Socality, Chloë shares how creators are rewriting the rules of media, storytelling, and community—and why The Gathering is partnering with 250+ creators this year to spark bold collaborations.This episode explores:Why community, not content, is the real driver of influence todayThe rise of creator-led storytelling and what brands can learn from itHow Socality is building meaningful offline relationships in an online worldWhy The Gathering is bringing creators and CMOs together like never before🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22–24 [⁠Get Tickets Here⁠] Follow us for updates: [⁠Instagram⁠] | [⁠LinkedIn⁠]⁠APPLY TO BUY A CREATOR PASS⁠Guest's Website:⁠ www.chloechapdelaine.com⁠ Guest's Social Media: Instagram –⁠ @chloe.chapdelaine⁠ TikTok –⁠ @chloe.chapdelaine⁠Socality:⁠ socality.org⁠ Socality Instagram:⁠ @socality⁠

In this high-impact episode, Mandy sits down with somatics educator and conscious leadership coach Randelle Lusk to explore what it really takes to thrive in high-pressure environments. Randelle shares the science and soul behind her somatic-based framework, RARE Method, and offers grounded, actionable rituals for high performers to regulate their nervous system, sustain energy, and lead with clarity.Whether you're scaling a brand, managing a team, or simply trying to hold it all together—you’ll walk away with tools to pause the pressure, return to presence, and lead from the inside out.Why somatic awareness is the missing key for sustainable leadershipHow nervous system regulation is linked to creativity and high performanceThe difference between pushing through vs. leading in flowHow to recognize when you're operating in “fifth gear” and how to shift✨ You’ll Learn: Small, practical rituals to bring into your daily life—and your team cultureFollow us for updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultgathering/Linkedin: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cult-gathering/⁠Guest’s LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/randelle-lusk-0013b47a👉 Want more stories like this? 🎟️ See who’s speaking at The Gathering 2025: https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/... 📬 Join the Inner Circle for exclusive insights, early access, and behind-the-scenes moments from the world’s boldest brand builders: https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/... 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more legendary content from The Gathering. Join us in Banff, Alberta, October 22–24, 2025, and discover how today’s most admired brands are winning hearts, minds, and markets.BUY YOUR TICKETS: https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/tickets

Join Mandy Balak, President of The Gathering, and Owen Reader, Head of Marketing, for a high-energy conversation with Nicole Wingard—the creative disruptor who turned a marketing internship into a viral movement (and a 1,200% revenue spike).From being rejected (twice) to becoming the face of Mixology's most successful campaign, Nicole opens up about the chaos, pressure, and purpose behind her now-famous can-smashing content. What started as a bold bet turned into a masterclass in brand storytelling, community building, and trusting the process.This is one for the brand leaders, content rebels, and anyone daring to do things differently.This episode explores:🔥 How Nicole turned rejection into rocket fuel (and why persistence still wins) 🎯 The real strategy behind “The Best Marketing Strategy Ever” and what it taught her about virality 📈 Behind the scenes of a 1,200% sales spike—and what brands can learn from it 🧠 Imposter syndrome, audience co-creation, and barfing brilliance on Google Docs 🤝 Why creator-brand trust is the future of marketing—and how to build it from day one🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22–25, 2025 [⁠Get Tickets Here⁠]Follow us for updates: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cultgathering⁠Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/cult-gathering⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠Watch the 2025 Preview on YouTubeGuest’s LinkedIn: Nicole Wingard

Join Mandy Balak, President of The Gathering, and Owen Reader, Head of Marketing, as they sit down with Jillian Frechette, CMO of the New Jersey Devils, for a conversation that blends bold leadership, brand reinvention, and what it means to be truly fan-first. From her Olympic bid work in Calgary to navigating hockey's most competitive market, Jillian shares what it takes to lead with grit, grace, and a challenger mindset.This episode explores:Rebuilding a legacy sports brand in a crowded, chaotic marketWhy the Devils focused on digital first—and fans alwaysThe non-negotiables of leadership when the scoreboard doesn’t reflect the effortHow curiosity, courage, and community fuel the future of sports marketing🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22–25, 2025 [Get Tickets Here]Follow us for updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultgatheringLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cult-gatheringSubscribe to the newsletterWatch the 2025 Preview on YouTubeAll the links mentioned in the show: Guest’s Website: www.nhl.com/devils Guest’s Social Media: LinkedIn – Jillian Frechette

Join Mandy Balak and Owen Reader for a powerful conversation with Tripp Westbrook (Chief Creative Officer) and Steve Smith (Chief Executive Officer) of Firehouse Agency. This episode is a front-row seat into how bold leaders are rewriting the rules of brand building through culture, courage, and unconventional strategy.As we count down to The Gathering x Firehouse: Dallas Edition on May 8, this episode sets the tone. It’s about more than marketing—it's about how bravery is becoming the only strategy that cuts through.This episode explores:Why brand bravery is no longer a risk—it's the requirementHow Firehouse challenges conventional thinking and reframes client problems for standout resultsWhat it takes to build an award-winning workplace culture that fuels creativityWhy now is the time to lead with purpose, not posturingAn exclusive preview of what to expect in Dallas🎟️ Be there: The Gathering x Firehouse – Dallas Edition 📍May 8 | Firehouse HQ | RSVP Free → Reserve Your SpotAll the links mentioned in the show: Firehouse Website: www.firehouse.agency Guest Socials:Tripp Westbrook – LinkedInSteve Smith – LinkedIn

Join Mandy Balak, President of The Gathering, and Owen Reader, Head of Marketing, for a bold and energizing conversation with Lori Hatcher Hillier, Chief Marketing Officer of Kicking Horse Coffee. For nearly three decades, this Canadian-born coffee brand has carved out cult-like loyalty—without ever relying on a traditional marketing campaign. In this episode, Lori unpacks what it means to stay true to your roots, lead with purpose, and wake up and kick ass—every single day.This episode explores:- How Kicking Horse Coffee built a globally recognized brand without advertising- Why bold leadership and unwavering values are key to brand longevity- What “being remarkable” really means—and how the brand lives it daily- How to maintain soul and scale at the same time- What it means to win the future with heart🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22–24 👉 Get Tickets Here: https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/tickets💌Subscribe to the inner circle newsletter for insights: https://go.thegatheringfestival.com/newsletter📲 Follow us for updates: https://www.instagram.com/cultgathering/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cult-gathering/All the links mentioned in the show:Guest’s Website: www.kickinghorsecoffee.comGuest’s Social Media: Instagram – @kickinghorsecoffeeExplore the Kicking Horse Coffee story: Read More: https://www.kickinghorsecoffee.com/pages/our-story🎧 Subscribe to The Gathering Podcast for more real conversations with the brand leaders redefining what’s possible.

In this episode, Owen Reader, Head of Marketing at The Gathering, sits down with Brendon Arnold, VP of Brand at Sherwood Hockey, for a powerful conversation on modernizing a legacy brand while staying true to its roots. Brendon shares how Sherwood is transforming its image to resonate with a new generation of hockey players—while building a brand that competes globally and connects authentically.This episode explores:How Sherwood is evolving from nostalgic icon to Gen Z-relevant challengerThe balance between tradition and modern design in sports brandingWhat Gen Z expects from brands—and how Sherwood is meeting them where they areThe role of community, culture, and creativity in brand-buildingBrendon’s leadership philosophy, daily rituals, and views on the future of sports marketing🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22-25, 2025: https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/tickets-2025⭐️ Subscribe to the Inner Circle Newsletter: https://go.thegatheringfestival.com/newsletterAll the links mentioned in the show:Guest’s Website: sherwoodhockey.comGuest’s LinkedIn: Brendon Arnold

Join Mandy Balak, President of The Gathering, and Owen Reader, Head of Marketing, for a conversation with Melissa Rosenthal, co-founder of Outlever and creative powerhouse behind brands like BuzzFeed, Cheddar, and ClickUp. Melissa shares her perspective on how modern brands can cut through noise, bring messages to market with impact, and tap into the fast-moving economy of attention.With deep roots in viral media and brand storytelling, Melissa offers a powerful lens on what it takes to create relevance, build cultural momentum, and move at the speed of modern media.How media consumption has shifted—and what that means for marketersWhy message simplicity is key to cultural relevanceTactical ways to spread ideas in the attention economyThe balance between brand control and letting ideas grow organically🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22-25, 2025: https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/tickets-2025Subscribe to the Inner Circle Newsletter: https://go.thegatheringfestival.com/newsletterThis episode explores:All the links mentioned in the show:Guest's Website: Outlever Guest's LinkedIn: Melissa Rosenthal

Join Mandy Balak and Owen Reader as they chat with Rick E. Wittenbraker, VP of Business Development at Howler Bros, who shares 11 years of wisdom on leadership and brand building. Learn how to craft a brand’s character, define core values, and establish a lasting identity that stands for who you are.This episode explores: • Leadership lessons from a seasoned industry pro • The journey of building and defining brand character • The importance of core values in sustaining brand success🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22-24 → https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wittrick/

Join Mandy Balak and Owen Reader as they explore the art of pausing and authentic leadership with Fish Fischer, Founder and CEO of Somatic Breathwork. Discover how tuning in and embracing the pause can lead to more genuine leadership, stronger culture, and daily practices that nurture self-growth.This episode explores: • The transformative power of taking a pause • Authenticity as a cornerstone of leadership and culture • Daily practices for self-guidance and growth🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22-24: https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/tickets-2025Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fishfischer/

Join Mandy Balak, Owen Reader, and the Dubai Future Foundation team at SXSW as they explore the future of humanity and technology with Abdulaziz AlJaziri from the Museum of The Future. This conversation is all about a human-focused, structured approach to innovation and the role society plays in shaping our future.This episode explores: • A visionary look at the future of humans and technology • How a structured, human-focused approach drives innovation • The societal role in shaping future advancements🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22-24 → https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulaziz-aljaziri-8040b043/

Join Mandy Balak and Owen Reader as they sit down with Gary Coichy, Founder and CEO of Pod Digital—the first and largest multi-podcast network in the USA. In this episode, they explore how diverse creators are celebrated, why YouTube is the top platform for podcast consumption, and the future of digital content creation.This episode explores: • The rise of diverse creators and inclusive podcasting • Inside Pod Digital’s innovative multi-podcast network • The role of YouTube in the podcast consumption landscape🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22-24 → https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garycoichy/

Join Mandy Balak in an intimate chat with Anick Beaulieu, CEO of C2, as they dive into the power of immersive experiences. Explore how stepping out from behind the Zoom screen can ignite creativity and collaboration, and learn about the C2 theme, its amazing speakers, and how they’re winning the future in 2025.This episode explores: • The transformative power of immersive environments • Stepping out of the daily grind for creative breakthroughs • How C2 is shaping the future through innovation and collaboration🚀 Join the conversation!Attend The Gathering 2025 | October 22-24, Banff, Alberta → https://www.thegatheringfestival.com/

Join Mandy Balak, President of The Gathering, and Owen Reader, Head of Marketing, as they sit down with Xanthe Wells, VP of Global Creative at Pinterest. As a creative leader shaping one of the most inspiring platforms on the internet, Xanthe brings a unique perspective on how brands, advertisers, and everyday users can tap into the power of inspiration, positivity, and visual discovery to shape the future.In this episode, we’ll dive into Pinterest Predicts 2025, Pinterest Palette, and how Pinterest continues to lead with purpose—creating a safe, inclusive, and distraction-free space online.🚀 Key Takeaways:Top creative trends from Pinterest Predicts 2025 and how brands can leverage themHow Pinterest Palette sets the tone for color trends and visual storytelling in 2025Why Pinterest is designed to be a positive corner of the internet—and what that means for brands and creatorsThe role of inclusivity, inspiration, and ethical advertising in today’s digital landscapePinterest’s commitment to distraction-free schools—and the launch of its groundbreaking test module🚀 Join the conversation!Attend The Gathering 2025 | October 22-24, Banff, Alberta → [Get Tickets Here]Follow Xanthe Wells & Pinterest | [Pinterest Link] [LinkedIn]Explore Pinterest Predicts 2025 | [Link to Trends Report]🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Gathering Podcast for more high-performance leadership and brand insights!

Join Mandy Balak, President of The Gathering, and Owen Reader, Head of Marketing, as they sit down with marketing powerhouse Veronica Romney—keynote speaker, strategist, and author ofIdentity Marketing. With nearly two decades of experience working alongside some of the world’s most influential brands, Veronica has revolutionized the way businesses cultivate lifelong customer loyalty.In this episode, we explore the shift from "Buy This" to "Be This," why brand identity is more crucial than ever, and how leaders can future-proof their marketing strategies. From breaking down theIdentity Code to discussing the evolving consumer landscape, this conversation is packed with insights to help brands of all sizes stay ahead of the curve.🚀 This episode covers:✅ What Identity Marketing is and why it’s a game-changer✅ How brands can create an unshakable identity that fosters deep loyalty✅ The biggest mistakes leaders make when trying to connect with their audience✅ Strategies to future-proof your brand in an ever-changing world✅ Veronica’s take on what it means towin the future in 2025🎟️Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22-24 → [Get Tickets Here]🔗All the links mentioned in the show:Guest's Website: [VeronicaRomney.com]Guest’s Social Media: [LinkedIn] |[Instagram]📖 Grab a Copy ofIdentity Marketing →[Book Link]🎧 Listen to Veronica’s podcastThe Rainmaker Podcast📲 Follow us for more high-performance leadership and brand insights:[Instagram] | [LinkedIn] | [Facebook] | [YouTube]

Join Mandy Balak, President of The Gathering, and Owen Reader, Head of Marketing, for a conversation with James Lawrence, aka the Iron Cowboy, as they dive into what it takes to redefine the impossible. James completed 100 consecutive full-distance triathlons in his Conquer 100 journey and was named one of Sports Illustrated’s Top 50 Fittest Freaks alongside LeBron James and Conor McGregor. In this episode, James shares the mindset, resilience, and lessons behind his record-breaking feats.This episode explores:How James approached the mental and physical challenges of completing 100 triathlons in 100 daysWhy embracing discomfort is essential for personal and professional growthThe importance of building a support team to achieve your biggest goalsHow James’s mission inspires others to conquer their own challenges🎟️Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22-24[Get Tickets Here]📲 Follow us for updates and inspiration:⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ |⁠ YouTubeAll the links mentioned in the show:Guest's Website: www.ironcowboy.comGuest's Social Media: Instagram - @ironcowboyjamesOther Resources Mentioned:James Lawrence's book,IRON HOPE:Buy it hereWatch theConquer 100 documentary:Stream it here

Join Mandy Balak, President of The Gathering, and Owen Reader, Head of Marketing, in our debut episode as they reflect on the highs, lows, and everything in between from 2024. Mandy and Owen share lessons learned, the themes that shaped the year, and the challenges they faced in bringing The Gathering to life. This candid conversation also offers a sneak peek at what’s ahead for 2025, setting the stage for another year of bold ideas and unforgettable moments.This episode explores:Key lessons learned from The Gathering in 2024The themes and challenges that shaped the yearWhat’s coming in 2025 and how we’re redefining the future🎟️Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22-24Get Tickets Here📲 Follow us for updates and inspiration:⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ LinkedIn⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ |⁠ YouTube📧Contact us:For inquiries, reach out to Mandy Balak at [email protected] the links mentioned in the show:Website:The Gathering SummitGuest’s Social Media:Mandy Balak:Instagram,LinkedinOwen Reader: LinkedIn