Branding Matters

Send us a text

Today’s episode is titled “How to Become a Better Leader,” and features someone who truly embodies this ideal. Jake Himelstein is the President of BAMKO, a company known for its rapid growth, vibrant organizational culture, and innovative approach to brand merchandising. It also happens to be where I work!

With more than 20 years experience in finance and operations, Jake has led BAMKO through a period of incredible transformation - growing revenue nearly 300%, orchestrating a company-wide rebranding, and cultivating a “team-first” approach that empowers every member of our global team.

Jake’s journey is packed with valuable lessons on leadership, building a resilient culture, and succeeding in highly competitive markets. Whether you’re a business leader, marketer, or someone passionate about personal development, you’ll gain practical insights from Jake’s transparent leadership style, his commitment to growth, and the strategies he uses to inspire excellence at all levels.

If you’re ready to learn what it takes to become a better leader who drives results, and does so by building trust, empowering teams, and embracing change, this is the episode for you.

Support the show

BRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.

About Me
Hey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results!

Need help telling your brand story?
Learn more here.

Let's stay connected!
instagram - @Branding_Badass
linkedIn - Joelly Goodson
website - BAMKO.NET

Send us a text

Today’s episode features an inspiring leader in the marketing world: Marc Binkley, President of the Calgary Marketing Association (CMA). As the head of Calgary’s premier marketing organization, Marc has unique insights into the latest marketing trends, strategies, and the real-world challenges marketers face every day.

Marc brings years of hands-on leadership and a deep understanding of what it takes to build powerful brands and foster marketing excellence. In this episode, he shares actionable advice on how you can elevate your marketing game, stay ahead of industry changes, and create lasting impact for your brand.

If you’re looking for practical tips and a fresh perspective directly from the top of Calgary’s marketing community, you don’t want to miss this conversation!

Support the show

BRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.

About Me
Hey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results!

Need help telling your brand story?
Learn more here.

Let's stay connected!
instagram - @Branding_Badass
linkedIn - Joelly Goodson
website - BAMKO.NET

Send us a text

This episode is hands-down the most popular episode of Branding Matters ever -  and for good reason. I had the incredible privilege of sitting down with the one and only Seth Godin — the iconic branding guru and author behind 21 international bestsellers. His books, translated into 38 languages, include timeless classics like Tribes, Purple Cow (one of my personal favourites), Linchpin, The Dip, and This Is Marketing, among many others. His newest release, The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams, continues to inspire leaders around the world.

Seth also writes one of the most widely read marketing blogs on the planet, and his TED Talks rank among the most viewed of all time.

In this unforgettable conversation, we dig into topics that every brand builder, marketer, and leader will benefit from — from open hiring and the importance of meaningful work to the dangers of false proxies and what it truly means to make a difference.

If you care about leadership, purpose, and building brands that matter, this is one you’ll want to listen to (or re-listen to).

Support the show

BRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.

About Me
Hey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results!

Need help telling your brand story?
Learn more here.

Let's stay connected!
instagram - @Branding_Badass
linkedIn - Joelly Goodson
website - BAMKO.NET

Send us a text

Today’s episode promises a fresh dose of inspiration for marketers, brand leaders, and anyone who’s tired of cookie-cutter content. Joining me is Aidan Brannigan, the creative force behind No Boring Brands - a company that turns conventional branding on its head and proves that marketing doesn’t have to be dull.

Aidan has built his career, and his business, on one bold truth - the right meme, at the right time, can ignite conversations and catapult brands into the cultural spotlight. During our fun conversation, we dig into how memes have become modern marketing superpowers, why humour really does drive engagement, and practical ways brands of all sizes can stand out in a crowded feed.

If you want your brand to be unforgettable, and not just another scroll-past, this is the episode for you. Get ready for actionable insights, Aidan’s best advice for brands looking to level up their meme game, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Support the show

BRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.

About Me
Hey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results!

Need help telling your brand story?
Learn more here.

Let's stay connected!
instagram - @Branding_Badass
linkedIn - Joelly Goodson
website - BAMKO.NET

Send us a text

Get ready for a super inspiring episode of BRANDING MATTERS! Today I'm sitting down with a close family friend - Bryan (Chad) Chadwick. Bryan’s story is wild: he’s done everything from making cool art and writing screenplays to helping global movements and winning a truckload of awards, including honours at Cannes, Clios, and more.

Bryan knows what it takes to build a brand from scratch and stand out in the marketing and creative worlds, but what really sets him apart is how he listens to his gut - that little “nudge” inside that can change everything. During our fun chat, we talk about real moments when Bryan trusted his instincts, and how you can use that same sense to shape your own brand, whether you’re promoting yourself online, pitching clients, or just chasing big ideas.

If you’re in advertising, marketing, or simply want to be memorable, Bryan’s advice is gold for taking your brand to the next level. The stories, wins, and lessons he shares are for anyone ready to break out of their comfort zone and get noticed for what makes them unique. Tune in, get inspired, and start using your “nudge” to build a brand that's genuinely yours!

Support the show

BRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.

About Me
Hey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results!

Need help telling your brand story?
Learn more here.

Let's stay connected!
instagram - @Branding_Badass
linkedIn - Joelly Goodson
website - BAMKO.NET

Send us a text

I'm baaaaack! After taking the summer off to recharge, I’m kicking off a brand new season of BRANDING MATTERS - and what better way to get things started than with my older brother, Scott Goodson, the co-founder of StrawberryFrog and the brains behind Movement Marketing.

Scott’s helped global brands spark real change, won a ton of industry awards, and written the playbook on how to lead a movement instead of just another marketing campaign. If you’re looking to grow your brand, ignite loyalty, or leave your mark, Scott’s insights are pure gold.

If you're ready to dive in and build a brand that truly matters - the fall season premiere starts now!

Support the show

BRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.

About Me
Hey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results!

Need help telling your brand story?
Learn more here.

Let's stay connected!
instagram - @Branding_Badass
linkedIn - Joelly Goodson
website - BAMKO.NET

Send us a text

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back my dear friend Charity Gibson, the Founder and CEO of Paper Plane Coaching Company.

Charity is a true powerhouse in the world of branding and marketing. With her extensive experience as a tenured marketing professional, driven entrepreneur, mentor, social media expert, speaker, copywriter, and podcast host, she has become a go-to authority in helping individuals and professionals craft compelling brand stories across various mediums.

In this episode, Charity opens up about her incredible journey, sharing her experiences with remarkable candor and vulnerability. She bravely discusses her neurodiversity diagnosis and takes us through her inspiring story of overcoming homelessness to becoming the Chief Marketing Officer of a $650 million company. But Charity's story doesn't end there – she's now ventured out on her own, coaching others and helping them build powerful brands of their own.

You won't want to miss this very special episode as Charity shares her expertise on brand development, personal growth, and business strategies. Her insights on how to differentiate yourself are truly invaluable.

Tune in now to hear Charity Gibson's remarkable story and gain priceless branding wisdom that could transform your own journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their brand and make a lasting impact in their field.

Support the show

BRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.

About Me
Hey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results!

Need help telling your brand story?
Learn more here.

Let's stay connected!
instagram - @Branding_Badass
linkedIn - Joelly Goodson
website - BAMKO.NET

Send us a text

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce two extraordinary guests: Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut. As teen co-founders of Small Bits of Happiness, Mercedes and Anastasia are on a mission to help people—especially teens—find joy in everyday moments, build happy habits, and foster stronger connections between parents and teens. Their work has captured attention across North America, from their uplifting podcast Hack Your Happiness, where they interview celebrities, Olympians, and changemakers, to their innovative products designed to boost daily mood and well-being.

Mercedes, the producer and co-host of Hack Your Happiness, is also a writer and editor, sharing insights on happiness and connection in various magazines. Anastasia, a talented fashion designer, leads the creative vision at Small Bits of Happiness, focusing on intentional innovation and community impact.

Together, these sisters are redefining what it means to create positive change as young entrepreneurs in a challenging world. Get ready to be inspired by their passion, creativity, and practical hacks for happiness.

Support the show

BRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.

About Me
Hey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results!

Need help telling your brand story?
Learn more here.

Let's stay connected!
instagram - @Branding_Badass
linkedIn - Joelly Goodson
website - BAMKO.NET

Send us a text

Welcome to the first NEW episode of 2025! Today, I'm sitting down with an extraordinary woman, Jenna Quaranta, also known as JQ. Before you tune in, I want to issue a trigger warning: this episode deals with the sensitive topic of the largest mass shooting in U.S. history.

In our conversation, JQ shares her miraculous survival story from the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas. This horrific event not only changed the trajectory of her life, it also profoundly impacted her career path. JQ opens up about how this traumatic experience led her to become a Certified Mental Health Ambassador as well as launching her hugely impactful sales training business called "Field Sales Method".

Throughout our discussion, JQ reveals how she transformed her harrowing experience into a powerful tool for motivation and inspiration. She talks about leveraging her journey to create a unique personal brand that resonates with others, particularly in the sales industry.

Join us as we explore JQ's inspiring story of resilience, her insights on mental health in the workplace, and how she's using her experiences to make a positive impact in the business world.

Support the show

BRANDING MATTERS is one of the 40 Best Branding Podcasts worldwide. It's one of the 17 Branding Podcasts Worth Your Time in 2025. And it's one of the 20 Great Podcasts to Grow Your Brand.

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating along with a brief review. And don't forget to order your BADASS T-shirt here.

About Me
Hey there, I'm Joelly - the Branding Badass. My BADASS superpower is helping you build a brand that matters. From branded merch to keynote speaking, when you work with me, you get results!

Need help telling your brand story?
Learn more here.

Let's stay connected!
instagram - @Branding_Badass
linkedIn - Joelly Goodson
website - BAMKO.NET