JinJa Birkenbeuel explores the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and design with guest Alfie Keotter, a designer and architect. They discuss the evolution of the Sundance Film Festival, the often-overlooked role of graphic designers in film, and the importance of storytelling in architecture. Alfie shares his journey from a creative childhood to his experiences in the film industry, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and curiosity in creative work. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the dynamics of creative partnerships, particularly in the context of working with a spouse. They discuss the design process behind the documentary "Sally," emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the value that designers bring to projects. The conversation also touches on innovative materials in architecture and the significance of building a supportive creative community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Honest Field Guide Podcast

02:54 The Evolution of Sundance Film Festival

06:09 The Role of Graphic Designers in Film

08:57 Meet Alfie Koetter: Designer Behind the Film Sally

11:58 Alfie's Creative Journey: From Childhood to Architecture

14:57 The Intersection of Architecture and Graphic Design

17:48 Teaching and Storytelling in Architecture

20:50 Collaboration in Creative Work

24:09 Alfie's Experience in Film and Animation

26:52 The Importance of Curiosity in Education

43:40 Navigating Creative Partnerships

51:09 The Design Process Behind 'Sally'

01:00:56 The Importance of Collaboration in Design

01:11:10 Innovative Materials in Architecture

01:12:21 Building a Creative Community

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Podcast Editing for The Honest Field Guide by Kris Zarnoch

Follow our show on http://www.instagram.com/honestfieldguide.

Music found on this episode is on Apple here https://music.apple.com/us/artist/utah-carol/137984081 and provided courtesy Utah Carol (ASCAP).

All content ©Birkdesign Inc. This podcast represents the personal views of JinJa Birkenbeuel.

Credits

Themesong "Sam's Ranch" provided courtesy Utah Carol. All content and creative @2018 Birk Creative.

In this episode of The Honest Field Guide, host JinJa Birkenbeuel interviews Tracey Panek, the historian and director of archives at Levi Strauss & Co. They discuss the importance of curiosity, the role of an archivist in preserving history, and how fashion intersects with personal identity and culture. Tracey shares her journey from a curious child to a professional archivist, emphasizing the value of storytelling and historical context in the fashion industry. The conversation also touches on the significance of collaboration with designers and celebrities, showcasing how history can inspire modern innovation. In this engaging conversation, Tracey Panek discusses the intersection of history, marketing, and culture at Levi's. She shares insights on the collaboration with Beyoncé, the historical significance of Levi's in American culture, and the brand's connection to figures like Jimmy Carter. The discussion highlights the importance of archives and the joy of discovery in her role as a historian. Tracey also reflects on her favorite moments and objects from her work, including the unique scent of an Einstein jacket, and answers rapid-fire questions about her experiences and preferences.

Our takeaways:

• Gratitude is essential in our daily lives.
• Curiosity drives innovation and creativity.
• The role of an archivist is crucial in preserving history.
• Fashion is a reflection of personal identity and culture.
• Childhood experiences shape our future careers.
• Teachers can significantly influence our paths.
• Engagement with history can inspire modern design.
• Collaboration with celebrities can enhance brand visibility.
• Understanding the past is vital for future innovation.
• Every brand can benefit from having an archivist. Beyoncé's collaboration with Levi's was a significant cultural moment.
• Levi's has a rich history tied to American culture and marketing.
• Jimmy Carter's casual style helped normalize jeans in the White House.
• Archives play a crucial role in preserving brand history.
• The joy of discovery is a key part of being a historian.
• Tracey values the connections made through historical artifacts.
• The scent of Levi's historical clothing can tell unique stories.
• Collaboration with artists is essential for brand authenticity.
• Historical context enhances modern marketing strategies.
• The search for lost artifacts is an ongoing passion for historians.

In this episode of The Honest Field Guide, host JinJa Birkenbeuel engages in a heartfelt conversation with Rene Moshi Macdonald, the founder of Lisou, a luxury women's wear brand based in London. They discuss the challenges of motherhood, particularly for Black mothers, and the importance of community support. Rene shares her journey from Tanzania to the UK, her upbringing in a family dedicated to service, and how her experiences shaped her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. The conversation also delves into the complexities of identity, the perception of African fashion, and the joy that drives Rene's work. In this conversation, Rene Moshi Macdonald discusses the complexities of defining African fashion, the challenges faced by African designers in gaining visibility, and her personal journey as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry. She emphasizes the importance of cultural identity in her designs and the role of mentorship in her creative growth. The conversation also touches on the significance of prints in African culture and the entrepreneurial mindset required to succeed in the fashion world. In this engaging conversation, Rene Moshi Macdonald discusses the significance of patterns in her fashion designs, the challenges of intellectual property in the fast fashion industry, and her creative process. She emphasizes the importance of sustainability in fashion, sharing her brand's commitment to zero waste and ethical practices. The discussion also touches on the role of celebrity endorsements in fashion and concludes with Rene's reflections on meeting influential figures and her aspirations for future travels.The Honest Field Guide Podcast, is a production by Birk Creative and hosted by its President JinJa Birkenbeuel. The show is for people in all dimensions of business, from the C-Suite to the entrepreneur and small business owner. The show shares tools and value to help you navigate the complexities of being a person that uses business to lead. Conversations about business include some of the world’s most successful behind-the-scenes entrepreneurs.Follow us here and on TikTok on@honestfieldguideText The Honest Field Guide at (312) 445-0903.The podcast is recorded and produced by Birk Creative: A creative digital marketing agency assisting its customers to get attention and get to the market. Visit https://www.birkcreative.com/hire-us. Music found on this episode is provided courtesy Utah Carol (ASCAP). All content ©Birkdesign Inc. This podcast represents the personal views of JinJa Birkenbeuel.CreditsTheme song "Sam's Ranch" provided courtesy Utah Carol. All content and creative since @2018 Birk Creative.

Host JinJa Birkenbeuel welcomes Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer at the WNBA's New York Liberty, to discuss her journey in sports branding, the importance of storytelling, and the challenges of navigating a career in a male-dominated industry. Shana shares her experiences from her early days in fashion to her current role in sports, emphasizing the significance of representation and the entrepreneurial spirit. The conversation highlights the power of family support and the drive to create opportunities in the sports world. In this conversation, Shana discusses her journey from being a chemistry student to ESPN to becoming a prominent voice in sports activism, focusing on cultural intersections, representation, and the importance of authenticity in leadership. She highlights her work with the New York Liberty and the significance of their activism in women's sports, particularly in relation to social justice issues. Shana emphasizes the need for inclusive spaces and the impact of representation in sports, showcasing her commitment to amplifying the voices of black women and marginalized communities.

Takeaways

• JinJa Birkenbeuel expresses gratitude for listeners choosing her podcast.
• Shana Stephenson emphasizes the importance of storytelling in sports.
• Shana's journey reflects a non-linear career path, transitioning from chemistry to sports marketing.
• Family support played a crucial role in Shana's career decisions.
• Representation in sports media is vital for amplifying women's stories.
• Shana's passion for sports developed from her upbringing in New York.
• The challenges of breaking into the competitive sports industry are discussed.
• Shana's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her career choices.
• The importance of creating a platform for underrepresented voices in sports is highlighted.
• Shana's experiences illustrate the value of perseverance and self-belief.
• Shana transitioned from ESPN to start her own blog for honest expression.
• Her writing evolved from personal venting to addressing cultural intersections in sports.
• She became a voice for sports activism, focusing on gender and racial inequities.
• Shana's work led to opportunities in media and consulting, enhancing her influence.
• The New York Liberty's activism aligns with Shana's values and mission.
• Authenticity is key to Shana's leadership style and creativity.
• Shana emphasizes the importance of representation in sports organizations.
• Ellie the Elephant symbolizes inclusivity and community engagement.
• Shana believes in creating positive experiences for fans and community members.
• Courage in leadership comes from being true to oneself and one's beliefs.

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In this episode of The Honest Field Guide podcast, host JinJa Birkenbeuel engages in a dynamic conversation with sports entrepreneur Joe Favorito. They explore the intersection of sports, family dynamics, and entrepreneurship, discussing how personal experiences shape perspectives on sports. The conversation delves into the importance of showing up in the business world, the evolving landscape of sports consumption among youth, and the critical role of crisis communications in sports management. Additionally, they touch on issues of diversity and representation in sports, particularly in light of recent discussions surrounding Title IX and its impact on funding for youth sports. In this conversation, Joe Favorito discusses the evolution of women's sports under Title IX, the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, and the challenges of funding for men's volleyball. He shares insights on the lack of diversity in hockey and the cultural barriers that exist, while also emphasizing the importance of storytelling in sports management education at Columbia University. The discussion highlights the engagement of today's students and Joe's aspirations for future roles in sports management.

Takeaways

• JinJa's journey into sports began later in life.
• Family dynamics play a significant role in sports involvement.
• Entrepreneurship in sports requires adaptability and storytelling.
• Showing up is crucial for creating opportunities.
• The future of sports consumption is changing with technology.
• Crisis communications are essential in managing athlete reputations.
• Diversity and representation are vital for the growth of women's sports.
• Youth sports funding is often influenced by larger sports dynamics.
• The media landscape is evolving, but storytelling remains constant.
• Engagement in live sports is crucial for community building. Title IX has significantly impacted women's sports opportunities.
• NIL regulations have created both opportunities and challenges for student-athletes.
• Funding disparities exist in men's sports, influenced by market demand.
• Diversity in hockey remains a challenge due to cultural and financial barriers.
• Storytelling is a crucial skill for students in sports management.
• Today's students are more engaged and media-savvy than ever before.
• Cultural programs in sports can help increase diversity over time.
• The importance of finding a middle ground in NIL compensation.
• Joe Favorito emphasizes the need for effective storytelling in sports careers.
• Future aspirations include running a sports organization.

In this engaging conversation, JinJa Birkenbeuel interviews Darren McKoy https://www.instagram.com/d_dot_mckoy, the creative director of Dr. Martens. They explore themes of optimism rooted in upbringing, the influence of music and sport on creativity, and the journey through education and early career choices that led Darren to his current role. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding both creative and commercial aspects in the fashion industry, as well as the legacy and future vision of the Dr. Martens brand.

Darren discusses the evolution of Dr. Martens as a legacy brand, emphasizing the importance of innovation and cultural relevance. He shares insights into the creative processes behind product development and the role of a creative director. The discussion also touches on identity, representation, and the solidarity among black creatives in the industry. Darren highlights his commitment to empowering future generations and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the business. In this engaging conversation, JinJa Birkenbeuel and Darren McKoy, the creative director of Dr. Martens, explore the essence of brand culture, authenticity, and the deep connections between music and fashion. They discuss the importance of personalized shopping experiences, the impact of passionate individuals within the brand, and the legacy that Darren hopes to leave for future generations. The dialogue also touches on the significance of storytelling, the power of archives in creative inspiration, and the ongoing relevance of beauty and creativity in a rapidly changing world.

Key takeaways

• Optimism is often rooted in one's upbringing.
• Music and sport can be significant creative influences.
• Education can shape but not define one's career path.
• Retail experience provides valuable insights into consumer behavior.
• Creativity can emerge from unconventional experiences.
• Understanding commercial aspects is crucial for creative roles.
• Darren's journey reflects a blend of passion and practicality.
• The legacy of brands like Dr. Martens is multifaceted.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in career development.
• Creativity is not limited to traditional definitions. Innovation is key to keeping legacy brands relevant.
• Subcultures play a significant role in brand evolution.
• A creative director's role involves collaboration and team empowerment.
• Identity as a Black creative shapes professional experiences.
• Solidarity among black creatives fosters community support.
• Empowering future generations is crucial for industry growth.
• Diversity and inclusion should be ingrained in business practices.

• Dr. Martens aims to be a brand for everyone.
• Real change comes from actionable steps, not just discussions.
• Authenticity in brand culture is driven by passionate individuals.
• Wearing Dr. Martens is a bold statement of identity.

• Music and fashion are deeply intertwined with brand identity.
• Creative inspiration can be found in cultural connections.
• The importance of storytelling in preserving brand heritage.

• Elders hold valuable knowledge and stories that enrich our understanding.

Chapters

The Introduction and Setting the Stage

Creative Influences: Music, Sport, and Family

Navigating the Retail Landscape

Defining Creativity and Personal Identity

Innovation and Legacy in Footwear

The Role of a Creative Director

Solidarity Among Black Creatives

Empowering Future Generations

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business

The Impact of Music and Fashion

Creative Inspiration and the Power of Archives

The Importance of Storytelling and Heritage

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Follow our show on http://www.instagram.com/honestfieldguide.

Music found on this episode is on Apple here https://music.apple.com/us/artist/utah-carol/137984081 and provided courtesy Utah Carol (ASCAP).

All content ©Birkdesign Inc. This podcast represents the personal views of JinJa Birkenbeuel.

Credits

Themesong "Sam's Ranch" provided courtesy Utah Carol. All content and creative @2018 Birk Creative.