Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Jay Acunzo, JAYACUNZO.COM

In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie chats with Jay Acunzo, who passionately shares how to captivate an audience by focusing on resonance over superficial metrics.

Jay discusses his approach to meaningful content creation, emphasizing the importance of making genuine connections rather than chasing vanity metrics. He passionately advocates for creating content that deeply resonates, using his own experiences to illustrate how authenticity can elevate a brand beyond mere numbers.

Throughout the conversation, Jay elaborates on the pitfalls of prioritizing reach over resonance, detailing how this can lead to empty engagements and a lack of fulfillment in creative work. He underscores the value of impactful storytelling that connects emotionally with audiences, offering actionable advice for creators to enhance their craft.

The episode also dives into Jay's current projects, including his work with Creator Kitchen and his upcoming podcast, highlighting his commitment to supporting and inspiring a new generation of content creators. Jay’s insights provide a roadmap for building more substantive and rewarding interactions in the digital space.

"We should care more about resonance to build our causes than reach."
"The internet drags us towards empty followers and vanity metrics."
"Resonance over reach, that's what the work is for, not reach."
"The asterisk represents a universe of possibility in storytelling."

Resonance vs. Reach:
Jay discusses the importance of creating content that resonates deeply rather than focusing on expanding reach.
Storytelling Techniques:
Exploration of storytelling elements like the "open loop" and the use of tension.
Creative Practices:
Insights into Jay's creative processes and how he nurtures creativity through structured practices.
Creator Kitchen:
Discussion on Jay's initiative to help content creators enhance their craft and develop their unique voices.
New Projects:
Jay talks about his upcoming podcast and past experiences that shape his current endeavors.

Jay Acunzo's Website (https://jayacunzo.com/)
Jay Acunzo on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/in/jayacunzo)
Jay Acunzo on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jacunzo/)
Creator Kitchen (https://creatorkitchen.com/)
How Stories Happen Podcast (https://jayacunzo.com/how-stories-happen-storytelling-podcast)

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Erica Wiederlight, WETHELIGHT.ORG

In this episode of the RebelRebel Podcast, Michael Dargie is joined by Erica, a dynamic confidence coach from WeTheLight.org. Erica shares her intriguing journey from New York to Florida, delving into her transition from an acting career to empowering individuals through confidence coaching.

She discusses her unique approach to enhancing one's self-love, dating, and sexual empowerment through what she calls a "mojo makeover." Erica’s infectious energy and insightful stories highlight the profound impact of embracing pleasure as a transformative tool for personal growth.

Listeners will discover how Erica helps people find their spark and the joy in reclaiming their inner confidence, one mojo at a time.

1. "I take people that feel dusty crusty down on themselves and take them on the journey to feel empowered, alive, radiant, fabulous."
2. "It's so amazing to see people do this work."
3. "The universe is flirting with me, and I hate it, but I love it."
4. "Pleasure isn't dirty, and pleasure can be a healing modality."
5. "The reward is bigger than the fear."

• Erica's background from acting to confidence coaching.
• The concept of a "mojo makeover" and its impact on individuals.
• Insights into the transformative power of acknowledging and embracing personal pleasure.
• Erica's transition from New York to Florida and how it influenced her life and career.
• Practical advice for listeners on how to incorporate small, pleasure-filled moments into daily life.

• WeTheLight.org (Erica's website)
• Erica on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wethelight_llc)
• "Queer Eye" on Netflix
• "Pussy: A Reclamation" by Regina Thomashauer

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Wayne Mullins, UGLYMUGMARKETING.COM

In this episode of the RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Wayne Mullins, founder of Ugly Mug Marketing, to explore the profound world of marketing that transcends traditional advertising. Broadcasting from the quaint town of Alexandria, Louisiana, Wayne shares his unique journey from mowing lawns to crafting a leading marketing firm that defies geographical and conventional boundaries.

The conversation delves into the heart of what marketing truly involves—far beyond just ads—to include every touchpoint of a business, from customer service to the aesthetics of a storefront. Wayne discusses how Ugly Mug Marketing has achieved global reach and influence from a small town, emphasizing the power of transforming customers into brand evangelists.

Wayne's personal story of growth, from his early challenges in sales to the eventual realization that success in business mirrors personal development, offers invaluable lessons. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in actions, understanding the difference between marketing and advertising, and fostering a trust-based company culture that thrives on accountability.

"Marketing is about everything from the way the front of our building looks to the way we answer our phones."
"We've attracted clients from around the world because we understand the power of turning customers into evangelists."
"Consistency creates miracles."
"We judge others by their actions, ourselves by our intentions."

• Introduction to Wayne Mullins and Ugly Mug Marketing.
• Differences between marketing and advertising.
• Impact of a small-town business on a global scale.
• The importance of brand evangelists.
• Insights into building a trust-centered business culture.
• Wayne's personal journey from lawn care to marketing.
• The role of consistency and mindset in personal and professional success.

Ugly Mug Marketing (https://uglymugmarketing.com)
Ugly Mug Marketing on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/uglymugmarketing/)
Wayne Mullins on Instagram (https://instagram.com/fireyourself)
Ugly Mug Marketing on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/uglymugmarketing/)
Ugly Mug Marketing on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fireyourself/)

The Art of Living by Epictetus
The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest

*When you buy a product using a link on this page, The RebelRebel Podcast receives a portion of the revenue from your qualifying purchases as part of the Amazon Associates Program. Thank you for your support.

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: RJ Grimshaw, RJGRIMSHAW.COM

In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with RJ Grimshaw, the former President of Unify Equipment Finance and the founder of ABLE Leadership. RJ shares his journey from running a family-funded bar to leading a significant equipment finance company and eventually starting his own leadership firm.

Learn the keys to becoming a successful entrepreneur in this video. Whether you're starting your own business or innovating within a company, these tips will help you on your path to success in entrepreneurship.

RJ dives deep into the concept of intrapreneurship, emphasizing the importance of fostering an innovative culture within organizations. RJ’s insights extend beyond corporate strategies to personal anecdotes and lessons learned from life, making this episode a treasure trove of wisdom for entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

"Entrepreneurship helped propel my career."
"We throw away job descriptions."
"75% of employees believe they have ideas to move the business forward."
"You can't see the label because you're in the jar."

RJ discusses his transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship.
Insight into intrapreneurship and its impact on corporate culture.
RJ reflects on the growth from $13 million to $120 million in revenue under his leadership.
Discussion on the systematic approach to employee engagement and innovation.
Personal stories from RJ’s early career and family influences.

RJ Grimshaw website (https://rjgrimshaw.com/)
RJ on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/rj_grimshaw/)
RJ on Facebook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjgrimshaw/)
RJ on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjgrimshaw/)

"Reimagine" by Tom Peters
"Double Double" by Cameron Herold
"EOS Traction" by Gino Wickman
"Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
"E-Myth" by Michael E. Gerber

*When you buy a product using a link on this page, The RebelRebel Podcast receives a portion of the revenue from your qualifying purchases as part of the Amazon Associates Program. Thank you for your support.

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Christina Lenkowski, PUBLICITYXCHRISTINA.COM

In this enlightening episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Christina Lenkowski, a formidable force in the realm of podcast publicity. Christina delves into her journey from a burgeoning PR expert in the comic industry to establishing her own niche agency that specializes in securing podcast spots for clients. Her story unfolds a strategic pivot from broad-based PR efforts to mastering podcast publicity, attributing her success to the power of niching down. Christina shares her insights on the potential of podcasts as a platform for visibility, her approach to creating a business that offers guaranteed results, and why it's crucial to stay true to your authentic self in business. Listen as she articulates the significance of giving a voice to others and making an impact in the world of public relations.

"The more rebels that are out here talking about what they do, the more things change."
"I believe in podcasts as a very valid form of publicity."
"When you niche down, you stand out and can charge more."
"The worst thing that can happen is you do not put yourself out there."

Christina's backstory and her early career in PR for Dark Horse Comics.
The transition from working at PR agencies to founding her own specialized agency.
Discussion on the importance of niching down to enhance business focus and client results.
Christina's philosophy on the value of visibility and her strategies for helping clients achieve it.
Insights into personal growth and the balance between professional ambitions and personal passions, including her love for BTS and Korean pop culture.

Christina's Website (https://www.publicityxchristina.com/)
Christina on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Publicity-by-Christina-110814573997702)
Christina on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/publicityxchristina/)
Christina on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinastew)

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Lou Maxon, LOUMAXON.COM

Lou Maxon, a distinguished figure in the realms of branding and design, shares his fascinating journey with host, Michael Dargie on the RebelRebel Podcast. From the early influence of his father's post-production work to founding a brand and design firm in Washington state, Lou has consistently demonstrated his commitment to creativity and storytelling. He recalls his childhood fascination with the design process, his formative experiences in the magazine industry, and his eventual transition into branding, highlighting the interplay between his past and current endeavours.

Lou's unique office space, a studio set on rails in the Pacific Northwest, epitomizes his innovative spirit. This unconventional workspace, surrounded by the rich history of railroads and his family's legacy in advertising, provides a dynamic environment for creativity and reflection. Moreover, Lou's work extends beyond traditional design boundaries, as illustrated by his project involving stop-motion animation for a digital brand campaign, showcasing his ability to humanize digital spaces through meticulous craft and storytelling.

Throughout the episode, Lou underscores the importance of maintaining passion for one's work despite technological changes and industry challenges. He advocates for finding joy in creation, focusing on meaningful collaborations, and the significance of storytelling in branding. His story is a testament to the power of creative resilience and the endless possibilities that arise from staying true to one's artistic convictions.

"I've tried as hard as I could to run the other way, but here we are."
"A great new business strategy is to do a good job, leave, and then have them hire you back."
"It's not architecture that's like 'here I am.' It's designed to seamlessly vanish."
"Never lose caring about the work. It's easy to be cynical...but there's always this lament from creatives about losing the craft."
"Projects can be in the rearview mirror, but it's really the people that travel with you to the future projects."

Lou's early exposure to design and his path to founding a brand and design firm.
The story behind Lou's unique office space on rails, blending creativity with the natural environment.
The challenge and fulfillment of working on a stop-motion animation project for a digital brand campaign.
Insights into maintaining creativity and passion in a changing industry.
The importance of storytelling in design and branding.

Lou Maxon website (https://loumaxon.com)
Maxon House website (https://maxonhouse.com)
Lou Maxon LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-m-206938a7/)
Maxon Railway Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/maxon_railway/)
Maxon House on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/maxon_house/)
Olson Kundig, Architectural Firm (https://olsonkundig.com)
Not To Scale, Animation Production Company (https://nottoscale.tv)
McDonald's Fanual Report (https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/fan-personas-2022-fannual-report.html)

*When you buy a product using a link on this page, The RebelRebel Podcast receives a portion of the revenue from your qualifying purchases as part of the Amazon Associates Program. Thank you for your support.

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: John Lumgair, JAZZCOW.CO.UK

This episode of The RebelRebel Podcast features an engaging conversation between host Michael Dargie and guest John Lumgair, the creative mind behind an animated sitcom project called Jazz Cow. Lumgair shares the origins and inspirations behind Jazz Cow, an animated sitcom about a jazz-playing cow leading a resistance movement against algorithms, fake filters, and a technocracy that diminishes human creativity and interaction.

The story unfolds as Lumgair describes the project's journey from a humorous concept among friends to a potential animated series seeking funding through Kickstarter. The conversation delves into Lumgair's past, exploring his love for drawing, animation, and storytelling, which eventually led him to create Jazz Cow.

The discussion also touches on Lumgair's challenges and aspirations, highlighting the importance of community, creativity, and perseverance in the face of technological conformity.

"Jazz Cow is about a jazz playing cow... leading the resistance against algorithms and fake filters."
"The world we're surrounded by now, with all these technocratic... people, they have disproportionate influence in our lives."
"I haven't given up on my trumpet... even when I've been poor, I've never sold it."
"Animation takes ages, and the writing process... writers don't get paid enough, which is always a problem."

• Introduction of Jazz Cow, an animated sitcom about a jazz-playing cow leading a resistance movement.
• John Lumgair's background in animation and storytelling.
• The inspiration behind Jazz Cow and its journey from concept to Kickstarter project.
• Challenges faced by creatives in a world dominated by technology and algorithms.
• The importance of community and collaboration in creative projects.

• John Lumgair on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlumgair/
• Quirky Motion on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quirkymotion/
• Quirky Motion on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quirkymotion
• Jazz Cow project website: https://jazzcow.co.uk

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Amir Shiekh, PONDERLY.COM

In this thought-provoking episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, Michael Dargie engages with Amir Sheik, the visionary behind Ponderly.com, a unique platform designed to foster understanding and dialogue across diverse perspectives.

Born from Amir's frustration with societal divisiveness and his subsequent determination to be part of the solution, Ponderly emerges as a beacon of hope in a sea of echo chambers. Amidst the backdrop of COVID's global introspection, Amir shares the journey from concept to reality, highlighting the platform's commitment to presenting issues from multiple angles to empower informed decision-making.

This conversation delves into the essence of Ponderly's mission, the challenges of neutrality, and the profound personal growth that fuels Amir's dedication to constructive discourse. Join us as we explore how Ponderly aims to change the way we consume information and interact with opposing viewpoints, all while navigating the intricacies of content creation, user engagement, and the endless pursuit of common ground.

Stuff Amir Says

"We're expecting the user to take that and then make informed decisions. We are neutral as a platform."
"Not everything is interestingly controversial... It's not really a debate."
"Most people are not dumb or intelligent... It's just very complicated."
"Instead of trying to fight fire with fire, let's find a way to get people together."

Episode Highlights

• Introduction to Amir Sheik and the inspiration behind Ponderly.
• The development journey of Ponderly from concept to platform.
• Discussing the unique content approach of presenting multiple perspectives.
• Exploring the challenges of maintaining neutrality and engaging users.
• Amir's personal journey of changing viewpoints and understanding.
• Strategies for fostering respectful dialogue and protecting platform users.
• The role of content moderation and the importance of the First Amendment.
• Future plans for Ponderly and the quest for investor engagement.

Links from Episode

• Ponderly Website (https://ponderly.com)