Episodios

  • The Real Path to Becoming an Athletic Director

    The Real Path to Becoming an Athletic Director
    Mar 5 2026
    What do you do when the path you planned disappears overnight? John Ashaolu went from Division I basketball to coaching, then got fired and had to rebuild from scratch. In this episode of In The Club, John shares how he pivoted into athletic administration, started at the high school level (with zero experience), and worked his way up step by step to become Assistant Vice President for Athletics at Lewis University. We talk about earning his D1 scholarship after growing up in Toronto, why he believes in “taking the stairs,” and how he’s using Fly As One as a rallying cry to break down silos and build real unity across teams, alumni, and campus.
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    23 m
  • The Human Side of Creative Strategy

    The Human Side of Creative Strategy
    Feb 19 2026
    Adam continues his conversation with Chris & Adam, digging into the heart of what makes a truly effective brand: human connection. Adam reflects on his college journey: from architecture to fine arts and how building a deep foundation in creative fundamentals gave him the tools to solve complex problems quickly and confidently. He talks about the importance of active listening, community engagement, and building real relationships: illustrated through powerful examples like a school literacy partnership that dramatically improved reading levels. He also breaks down the difference between marketing and creative, why both must collaborate, and how creatives can position themselves to have greater influence. He closes with practical advice for emerging professionals and the value of sharing your voice, even when it feels vulnerable. Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamswartout/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com
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    37 m
  • Inside the Mind of a Storyteller

    Inside the Mind of a Storyteller
    Feb 6 2026
    Adam Swortout, Director of Creative Strategy at Pick Your Part, is In The Club for a deep dive into how creativity and storytelling power brand transformation. From turning junkyard sales into 80s-style rock concerts to embedding hidden Easter eggs in campaigns, Adam shares how he builds memorable customer experiences with insight, humor, and heart. They discuss the impact of AI, the importance of listening to your audience, and how a former Jungle Cruise skipper turned a love for storytelling into a strategic marketing superpower. This episode is a masterclass in how creativity can drive results, even in the most unexpected industries. Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamswartout/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com
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    37 m
  • Inside the New Era of College Merch

    Inside the New Era of College Merch
    Jan 29 2026
    College merch is evolving fast. In this episode, Chris is back with Kimberly Spino and Erika Austin to explore how modern licensing is reshaping campus branding. They dig into the rising demand for women’s apparel and size-inclusive options, the impact of TikTok and trends like “Bama Rush,” and how social media and vintage gear are inspiring new merch strategies. From candy stripes and Sparty to branded beer and hot sauce, this episode is a tactical look at how collegiate brands are innovating beyond athletics and what it means for the future of licensing. Connect with Erika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-austin-4a23547/ Connect with Kimberly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-spino-5a155b24/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com
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    38 m
  • How Big Ten Schools Build Iconic Brands

    How Big Ten Schools Build Iconic Brands
    Jan 15 2026
    In this Season 7 kickoff, Chris Jaeger welcomes Kimberly Spino and Erika Austin: two powerhouse licensing leaders shaping some of the most iconic brands in collegiate athletics. Together, they unpack the strategy, history, and competitive spirit that drive the Big Ten's most recognizable programs. Erika and Kimberly share how they landed in this niche field and how they’re mentoring the next generation of leaders through ICLA and NIL innovation. Whether you're in licensing, athletics, or branding, this episode is packed with lessons in leadership, creativity, and cross-campus collaboration.
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    36 m
  • From Broadcasting Bloopers to leading Brand Strategy

    From Broadcasting Bloopers to leading Brand Strategy
    Dec 18 2025
    How do you go from newsroom bloopers to leading national brand strategy? In Part 2 of our conversation with Stephen Johnson, we dive into the moments that shaped his mindset: From losing a news package on deadline to designing fish-themed fantasy football merch for charity. Stephen opens up about self-taught creativity, pushing the boundaries of “safe” marketing, and how he balances compliance with storytelling. He also shares why industry leadership isn’t about flashy promises, it’s about consistency, communication, and delivering on what you said you would. Whether you’re in B2B marketing, managing rapid growth, or just trying to keep your creative spark alive, Stephen’s story is packed with practical knowledge. Plus, we settle the ultimate Rockford debate: Uncle Nick’s or Portillo’s?
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    20 m
  • Crisis Comms & Why Marketing Starts with People

    Crisis Comms & Why Marketing Starts with People
    Dec 4 2025
    How do you scale a brand when you’re also scaling a team, message, and mission? In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Johnson, Marketing expert, to talk about the real work behind growth and why it only works when your message is clear. Stephen shares his journey from local newsrooms to national marketing, reflecting on how his Rockford roots and journalism training built a foundation for fast, honest, human communication. From navigating mergers and onboarding 8,000+ new employees to running daily crisis comms and building internal trust, his story is one of clarity, collaboration, and staying grounded when everything grows. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to lead brand strategy across 30+ states, this episode is it.
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    17 m
  • Teaching Retail, Building Brands, and Saying No to Consultants

    Teaching Retail, Building Brands, and Saying No to Consultants
    Nov 20 2025
    He’s taught future CEOs, launched student-run stores, and believes most consultants are a waste of money. In this episode, we’re back with John Talbott, senior marketing faculty at the Kelley School of Business to talk about what 17 years in the classroom has taught him about learning, leadership, and retail. John shares how Kelley trains students for real-world careers, the origin story behind Kelly Outfitters, and why motivation is the most powerful factor in education. He also reflects on post-pandemic retail, how Home Depot outpaced expectations, and why every bank should think more like a store. From early e-commerce to environmental impact, this one’s packed with honest takes and sharp insights from one of the most respected voices in marketing education. Connect with John Talbott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtalbott1/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com
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    27 m