How did a CCO, a music industry veteran, and a hip-hop artist come together to explore the intersection of branding and culture? In this episode, discover the invisible thread that connects hosts Tom Frank, Jeffrey Sledge, and Mickey Factz, forming the foundation of Unglossy.

First, we dive into Jeffrey Sledge’s remarkable career. Known as one of "Hip-Hop’s Most Impactful Black Music Executive," Jeffrey recounts his transformative years at Jive Records, where his broadened perspective beyond New York artists, helped diversify his reach across the country. Hear how Jeffrey scouts talent, nurtures emerging artists, and makes bold moves—like recognizing the potential in the viral hit "Stanky Leg" and helping Shaquille O'Neal transition from the basketball court to the music studio.

Mickey shares his own perspective, detailing his initial encounter with Jeffrey and reflecting on his experiences touring with Nas and crossing paths with Lupe Fiasco while working as an editor for Laced Magazine. Although Mickey eventually signed with Jeffrey, the experience was far from the Hollywood depiction.

Tom adds his story, recounting a pivotal assignment that brought him face-to-face with Lupe Fiasco at SXSW. The encounter sparked a long-lasting creative partnership and led to Tom working with Lupe as the creator, producer, and co-host of the popular Lupe and Royce podcast. The show facilitated deep discussions on everything from music to social issues and laid the groundwork for the formation of Unglossy.

Tune in to hear the journey that brought these three hosts together, the surprising connections, and their favorite episodes to date.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/.

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Get ready to be inspired by Stirman, a visionary who has left a lasting impact on the tech and mindfulness landscapes. He shares his transformative journey of building Medium, the platform that bridged long and short-form writing, and his personal story of discovering meditation amidst the high-pressure of Silicon Valley, leading to a more grounded family life. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at Medium's creation and Sturman’s decision to leave.

Stirman also discusses his encounter with George Mumford, mindfulness coach to NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, and how it inspired him to found Lucid, scaling mindfulness training globally. With real-world success stories from athletes and executives, this chapter showcases the shift from skepticism to mainstream acceptance of mindfulness.

We also dive into Sturman's time at Facebook and the emotional journey behind the launch and closure of the Bars app. From childhood piano lessons to his passion for hip-hop, he reflects on the release of his album "Beats for Friends," featuring contributions from the Bars community. Tune in for insightful anecdotes, industry wisdom, and a celebration of creativity and mindfulness.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/.

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What happens when a tech visionary starts his journey in an auto repair shop with no mechanical knowledge? In this captivating episode, Jason Stirman, a multifaceted innovator, shares his unconventional path from running a failing business to making significant strides at Twitter and Medium. We dive into his early challenges, managing unreliable employees, and dealing with dissatisfied customers, revealing how these initial setbacks sharpened his business acumen and conflict resolution skills.

Get ready to hear Stirman's nostalgic trip back to the early days of Twitter, packed with memorable anecdotes, including Snoop Dogg’s visit to the office. This episode explores not just the evolution of a social media giant, but the cultural impact it’s had ever since.

We delve into Stirman's friendship with Ev Williams, uncovering how their collaboration at Twitter and Medium, shaped the digital landscape. Discover the passion behind their efforts to create platforms that balance media consumption, foster thoughtful writing, and champion the exchange of ideas. Tune in for an episode filled with personal stories, insightful reflections, and the raw truth about combining vulnerability, creativity, and cultural branding.

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/.

Send us a text

Support the show