Giant Stories https://mediumgiant.co/ en While the tools we have at our disposal to create and share stories have never been more broad and varied, the fundamentals of great storytelling remain as transcendent as ever. Despite the headwinds our industry faces, clients and brands will always covet companies that remain steadfast — with a steady eye on culture, an understanding of the business dynamics at hand, and a commitment to the fundamentals of what makes a great story.  Join us for compelling conversations with some of today's most influential and relevant storytellers. You’ll be inspired by their journey and learn how the power of story has transformed their brands, their companies, and their careers. – Giant Stories is a production of Medium Giant, a full-service creative marketing agency based in Dallas and Tulsa — and a sister company to The Dallas Morning News. We believe storytelling is a beacon in the static white noise and come from a 140-year-proud tradition of storytelling and connecting people. Our team includes more than 100 creative storytellers applying our sensibility to our clients’ business acumen. If you're interested learn more about how to use storytelling to accelerate your business velocity, visit us at MediumGiant.co https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b0b84a0c-76b5-11ef-a97d-c36483f8ff26/image/1372732b73eda3fb98c5b14a4d5ad1e2.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Giant Stories https://mediumgiant.co/ no episodic How the Power of Storytelling Creates Change and Inspires Believers Medium Giant While the tools we have at our disposal to create and share stories have never been more broad and varied, the fundamentals of great storytelling remain as transcendent as ever. Despite the headwinds our industry faces, clients and brands will always covet companies that remain steadfast — with a steady eye on culture, an understanding of the business dynamics at hand, and a commitment to the fundamentals of what makes a great story.  Join us for compelling conversations with some of today's most influential and relevant storytellers. You’ll be inspired by their journey and learn how the power of story has transformed their brands, their companies, and their careers. – Giant Stories is a production of Medium Giant, a full-service creative marketing agency based in Dallas and Tulsa — and a sister company to The Dallas Morning News. We believe storytelling is a beacon in the static white noise and come from a 140-year-proud tradition of storytelling and connecting people. Our team includes more than 100 creative storytellers applying our sensibility to our clients’ business acumen. If you're interested learn more about how to use storytelling to accelerate your business velocity, visit us at MediumGiant.co While the tools we have at our disposal to create and share stories have never been more broad and varied, the fundamentals of great storytelling remain as transcendent as ever.


Despite the headwinds our industry faces, clients and brands will always covet companies that remain steadfast — with a steady eye on culture, an understanding of the business dynamics at hand, and a commitment to the fundamentals of what makes a great story. 

Join us for compelling conversations with some of today's most influential and relevant storytellers. You’ll be inspired by their journey and learn how the power of story has transformed their brands, their companies, and their careers.

–

Giant Stories is a production of Medium Giant, a full-service creative marketing agency based in Dallas and Tulsa — and a sister company to The Dallas Morning News. We believe storytelling is a beacon in the static white noise and come from a 140-year-proud tradition of storytelling and connecting people. Our team includes more than 100 creative storytellers applying our sensibility to our clients’ business acumen.

If you're interested learn more about how to use storytelling to accelerate your business velocity, visit us at MediumGiant.co

]]> Medium Giant distribution@spokenlayer.com Leading a Beloved Brand Through Change — With Southwest Airlines’ Julia Melle In this episode of Giant Stories, host John Kiker sits down with Julia Melle, Director of Brand and Content at Southwest Airlines, to discuss what it means to steward one of the most beloved brands in America through a moment of transformation.Julia shares her journey from agency creative to in-house brand leader — with career stops at Leo Burnett, Publicis, and The Richards Group — and explains how those experiences shaped her approach to storytelling, brand architecture, and customer insight.From helping bring Southwest’s iconic personality back to life to navigating major shifts like the airline’s move to assigned seating, Julia discusses the balance between honoring brand heritage and evolving to meet modern customer expectations. Along the way, she reflects on the evolving role of creative leaders, the power of data-informed storytelling, and why the most meaningful brand stories often come from the people behind the brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:30:00 -0000 full Medium Giant In this episode of Giant Stories, host John Kiker sits down with Julia Melle, Director of Brand and Content at Southwest Airlines, to discuss what it means to steward one of the most beloved brands in America through a moment of transformation.Julia shares her journey from agency creative to in-house brand leader — with career stops at Leo Burnett, Publicis, and The Richards Group — and explains how those experiences shaped her approach to storytelling, brand architecture, and customer insight.From helping bring Southwest’s iconic personality back to life to navigating major shifts like the airline’s move to assigned seating, Julia discusses the balance between honoring brand heritage and evolving to meet modern customer expectations. Along the way, she reflects on the evolving role of creative leaders, the power of data-informed storytelling, and why the most meaningful brand stories often come from the people behind the brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode of Giant Stories, host John Kiker sits down with Julia Melle, Director of Brand and Content at Southwest Airlines, to discuss what it means to steward one of the most beloved brands in America through a moment of transformation.
Julia shares her journey from agency creative to in-house brand leader — with career stops at Leo Burnett, Publicis, and The Richards Group — and explains how those experiences shaped her approach to storytelling, brand architecture, and customer insight.
From helping bring Southwest’s iconic personality back to life to navigating major shifts like the airline’s move to assigned seating, Julia discusses the balance between honoring brand heritage and evolving to meet modern customer expectations. Along the way, she reflects on the evolving role of creative leaders, the power of data-informed storytelling, and why the most meaningful brand stories often come from the people behind the brand.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1944 What Brain Health Can Teach Us — With Laura Bloom Gordon In this episode of Giant Stories, seasoned marketer Laura Bloom Gordon shares how her career journey — spanning global brands, major retailers, and media organizations — has shaped the way she communicates one of the most complex subjects in the world: brain health.As the Chief Marketing Officer at Center for BrainHealth, she talks about how science becomes a story, how data becomes meaning, and how communicating brain health ultimately requires the same tools great brands use: clarity, emotional resonance, accessibility, and courage.She also breaks down — beautifully and practically — how every person can strengthen their brain, improve cognitive reserve, and rethink what’s possible at any age.Episode highlights include:How Laura’s career-long thread of innovation and transformation informs her current roleThe transformational power of brand-building — and how scrappiness can be a superpowerWhy compassion is one of the most powerful brain enhancersThe surprising, simple daily habits that measurably strengthen your brain — and how to “think about how you think” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mon, 02 Feb 2026 23:30:00 -0000 full Medium Giant In this episode of Giant Stories, seasoned marketer Laura Bloom Gordon shares how her career journey — spanning global brands, major retailers, and media organizations — has shaped the way she communicates one of the most complex subjects in the world: brain health.As the Chief Marketing Officer at Center for BrainHealth, she talks about how science becomes a story, how data becomes meaning, and how communicating brain health ultimately requires the same tools great brands use: clarity, emotional resonance, accessibility, and courage.She also breaks down — beautifully and practically — how every person can strengthen their brain, improve cognitive reserve, and rethink what’s possible at any age.Episode highlights include:How Laura’s career-long thread of innovation and transformation informs her current roleThe transformational power of brand-building — and how scrappiness can be a superpowerWhy compassion is one of the most powerful brain enhancersThe surprising, simple daily habits that measurably strengthen your brain — and how to “think about how you think” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode of Giant Stories, seasoned marketer Laura Bloom Gordon shares how her career journey — spanning global brands, major retailers, and media organizations — has shaped the way she communicates one of the most complex subjects in the world: brain health.
As the Chief Marketing Officer at Center for BrainHealth, she talks about how science becomes a story, how data becomes meaning, and how communicating brain health ultimately requires the same tools great brands use: clarity, emotional resonance, accessibility, and courage.
She also breaks down — beautifully and practically — how every person can strengthen their brain, improve cognitive reserve, and rethink what’s possible at any age.
Episode highlights include:
How Laura’s career-long thread of innovation and transformation informs her current role
The transformational power of brand-building — and how scrappiness can be a superpower
Why compassion is one of the most powerful brain enhancers
The surprising, simple daily habits that measurably strengthen your brain — and how to “think about how you think”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2381 no Storytelling that Sells and Serves — with Natalie Yancy From the enduring value of print to the rising role of AI in marketing, Natalie unpacks the tools, tactics, and truths behind modern media — and why authenticity, relevance, and community connection will always matter most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:01:00 -0000 full Medium Giant From the enduring value of print to the rising role of AI in marketing, Natalie unpacks the tools, tactics, and truths behind modern media — and why authenticity, relevance, and community connection will always matter most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices From the enduring value of print to the rising role of AI in marketing, Natalie unpacks the tools, tactics, and truths behind modern media — and why authenticity, relevance, and community connection will always matter most.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1684 Signs, Strategy, and Storytelling: Inside Tire Discounters’ Unique Brand Voice — with Crissy Niese In this episode of Giant Stories, we sit down with Crissy Niese, the Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of Tire Discounters, to explore how a Cincinnati-based, family-owned company has grown from a one-bay garage into one of the nation’s largest independent tire and automotive service chains. Episode highlights include: The origins of Tire Discounters and its family-owned ethos Why storytelling is the foundation of Tire Discounters’ brand strategy The surprising power of humor and humanity in a traditionally “unsexy” industry Creating brand equity through cheeky signage, radio jingles, and character-driven ads How Tire Discounters brings employees and customers into the brand narrative Turning a transactional industry into a relationship-driven business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Sat, 16 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0000 full Medium Giant In this episode of Giant Stories, we sit down with Crissy Niese, the Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of Tire Discounters, to explore how a Cincinnati-based, family-owned company has grown from a one-bay garage into one of the nation’s largest independent tire and automotive service chains. Episode highlights include: The origins of Tire Discounters and its family-owned ethos Why storytelling is the foundation of Tire Discounters’ brand strategy The surprising power of humor and humanity in a traditionally “unsexy” industry Creating brand equity through cheeky signage, radio jingles, and character-driven ads How Tire Discounters brings employees and customers into the brand narrative Turning a transactional industry into a relationship-driven business Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode of Giant Stories, we sit down with Crissy Niese, the Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of Tire Discounters, to explore how a Cincinnati-based, family-owned company has grown from a one-bay garage into one of the nation’s largest independent tire and automotive service chains.


Episode highlights include:


The origins of Tire Discounters and its family-owned ethos

Why storytelling is the foundation of Tire Discounters’ brand strategy

The surprising power of humor and humanity in a traditionally “unsexy” industry

Creating brand equity through cheeky signage, radio jingles, and character-driven ads

How Tire Discounters brings employees and customers into the brand narrative

Turning a transactional industry into a relationship-driven business

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2322 no Built by Locals, Made for the World: The Heart Behind the Dallas Rebrand — with Jennifer Walker In this episode of Giant Stories, host John Kiker sits down with Jennifer Walker, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Dallas, for an honest, insightful, and energizing look at how a bold brand transformation is reshaping how the world sees Dallas — and how Dallas sees itself. Jennifer and her team are on a mission: take Dallas from a city with strong name recognition but low tourism consideration and turn it into a top-tier global destination. This is more than a logo or a campaign — it’s a unifying story rooted in people, culture, innovation, and swagger. You’ll hear how Visit Dallas’ “Can-Do” brand was built from the inside out, beginning with robust community input, strategic storytelling, and a vision for long-term economic and emotional impact. From spotlighting local luminaries and telling good stories, to preparing for FIFA and shaping how international visitors experience Dallas, this episode is a must-listen for brand builders, city leaders, and anyone curious about how bold ideas can become intentional brand movements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:54:00 -0000 full Medium Giant In this episode of Giant Stories, host John Kiker sits down with Jennifer Walker, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Dallas, for an honest, insightful, and energizing look at how a bold brand transformation is reshaping how the world sees Dallas — and how Dallas sees itself. Jennifer and her team are on a mission: take Dallas from a city with strong name recognition but low tourism consideration and turn it into a top-tier global destination. This is more than a logo or a campaign — it’s a unifying story rooted in people, culture, innovation, and swagger. You’ll hear how Visit Dallas’ “Can-Do” brand was built from the inside out, beginning with robust community input, strategic storytelling, and a vision for long-term economic and emotional impact. From spotlighting local luminaries and telling good stories, to preparing for FIFA and shaping how international visitors experience Dallas, this episode is a must-listen for brand builders, city leaders, and anyone curious about how bold ideas can become intentional brand movements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode of Giant Stories, host John Kiker sits down with Jennifer Walker, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Dallas, for an honest, insightful, and energizing look at how a bold brand transformation is reshaping how the world sees Dallas — and how Dallas sees itself.


Jennifer and her team are on a mission: take Dallas from a city with strong name recognition but low tourism consideration and turn it into a top-tier global destination. This is more than a logo or a campaign — it’s a unifying story rooted in people, culture, innovation, and swagger.

You’ll hear how Visit Dallas’ “Can-Do” brand was built from the inside out, beginning with robust community input, strategic storytelling, and a vision for long-term economic and emotional impact.

From spotlighting local luminaries and telling good stories, to preparing for FIFA and shaping how international visitors experience Dallas, this episode is a must-listen for brand builders, city leaders, and anyone curious about how bold ideas can become intentional brand movements.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2139 Helmets Off: How the NFL is Winning with Global Storytelling — with Marissa Solis In this episode of Giant Stories, we sit down with one of today’s most dynamic marketing leaders, Marissa Solis, Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing for the NFL. From transforming fan engagement to expanding the NFL’s global reach, Marissa shares how one of America’s most iconic brands continues to evolve through the power of storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Fri, 25 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0000 full 1 12 Medium Giant In this episode of Giant Stories, we sit down with one of today’s most dynamic marketing leaders, Marissa Solis, Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing for the NFL. From transforming fan engagement to expanding the NFL’s global reach, Marissa shares how one of America’s most iconic brands continues to evolve through the power of storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode of Giant Stories, we sit down with one of today’s most dynamic marketing leaders, Marissa Solis, Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing for the NFL.


From transforming fan engagement to expanding the NFL’s global reach, Marissa shares how one of America’s most iconic brands continues to evolve through the power of storytelling.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2312 no Bringing the FIFA World Cup to North Texas — with Monica Paul Episode highlights include: A behind-the-curtain look at the bid process for hosting the FIFA World Cup How North Texas positioned itself as a prime location for the event — and what makes its sports culture unique The impact of bringing global audiences to North Texas and the massive infrastructure efforts needed to prepare for the World Cup The economic and cultural impact of hosting nine matches in the metroplex — and the collaboration required between cities A sneak peek into the plans for FIFA World Cup fan festivals, concerts, and immersive experiences How major sporting events leave a lasting legacy in the community and why Dallas is already thinking ahead to a future Women’s World Cup bid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0000 full 1 11 Medium Giant Episode highlights include: A behind-the-curtain look at the bid process for hosting the FIFA World Cup How North Texas positioned itself as a prime location for the event — and what makes its sports culture unique The impact of bringing global audiences to North Texas and the massive infrastructure efforts needed to prepare for the World Cup The economic and cultural impact of hosting nine matches in the metroplex — and the collaboration required between cities A sneak peek into the plans for FIFA World Cup fan festivals, concerts, and immersive experiences How major sporting events leave a lasting legacy in the community and why Dallas is already thinking ahead to a future Women’s World Cup bid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Episode highlights include:


A behind-the-curtain look at the bid process for hosting the FIFA World Cup


How North Texas positioned itself as a prime location for the event — and what makes its sports culture unique


The impact of bringing global audiences to North Texas and the massive infrastructure efforts needed to prepare for the World Cup


The economic and cultural impact of hosting nine matches in the metroplex — and the collaboration required between cities


A sneak peek into the plans for FIFA World Cup fan festivals, concerts, and immersive experiences


How major sporting events leave a lasting legacy in the community and why Dallas is already thinking ahead to a future Women’s World Cup bid

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2267 no Defining the Storytelling Edge — with Medium Giant’s Shawn Kruggel and Lizzy Bakhaus Episode highlights include: The Foundations of Great Storytelling: What makes a brand story compelling, and why authenticity is key. Medium Giant’s Storytelling Framework: The unique exploration of critical context to earned ending. The Role of AI in Creativity: When to embrace automation and when human insight matters most. Reach vs. Resonance: How brands can balance data-driven tactics with emotional connection. The Future of Storytelling in Marketing: Emerging trends in brand ecosystems, influencer marketing, and strategic consulting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 26 Feb 2025 22:20:00 -0000 full 1 10 Medium Giant Episode highlights include: The Foundations of Great Storytelling: What makes a brand story compelling, and why authenticity is key. Medium Giant’s Storytelling Framework: The unique exploration of critical context to earned ending. The Role of AI in Creativity: When to embrace automation and when human insight matters most. Reach vs. Resonance: How brands can balance data-driven tactics with emotional connection. The Future of Storytelling in Marketing: Emerging trends in brand ecosystems, influencer marketing, and strategic consulting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Episode highlights include:


The Foundations of Great Storytelling: What makes a brand story compelling, and why authenticity is key.


Medium Giant’s Storytelling Framework: The unique exploration of critical context to earned ending.


The Role of AI in Creativity: When to embrace automation and when human insight matters most.


Reach vs. Resonance: How brands can balance data-driven tactics with emotional connection.


The Future of Storytelling in Marketing: Emerging trends in brand ecosystems, influencer marketing, and strategic consulting.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2688 no From Convenience to Pop Culture: How 7-Eleven Tells Its Story — with Marissa Jarratt Episode highlights include: The accidental way Marissa fell in love with brand marketing after initially pursuing a career in finance The story framework that 7-Eleven uses in all its marketing, communications, programming, development, and partnerships Why “conflict” is so important to brand storytelling — and how 7-Eleven activates the brand’s conflict of amusing vs. essential How launching a Slurpee into space showcased just one way 7-Eleven contextualizes its marketing to its audiences The role of “car culture” in 7-Eleven marketing — and what they learned from their fans How 7-Eleven approaches sustainability for the short-term and long-term future The three ways that 7-Eleven is navigating Generative AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 23 Jan 2025 18:00:00 -0000 full 1 9 Medium Giant Episode highlights include: The accidental way Marissa fell in love with brand marketing after initially pursuing a career in finance The story framework that 7-Eleven uses in all its marketing, communications, programming, development, and partnerships Why “conflict” is so important to brand storytelling — and how 7-Eleven activates the brand’s conflict of amusing vs. essential How launching a Slurpee into space showcased just one way 7-Eleven contextualizes its marketing to its audiences The role of “car culture” in 7-Eleven marketing — and what they learned from their fans How 7-Eleven approaches sustainability for the short-term and long-term future The three ways that 7-Eleven is navigating Generative AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Episode highlights include:


  • The accidental way Marissa fell in love with brand marketing after initially pursuing a career in finance
  • The story framework that 7-Eleven uses in all its marketing, communications, programming, development, and partnerships
  • Why “conflict” is so important to brand storytelling — and how 7-Eleven activates the brand’s conflict of amusing vs. essential
  • How launching a Slurpee into space showcased just one way 7-Eleven contextualizes its marketing to its audiences
  • The role of “car culture” in 7-Eleven marketing — and what they learned from their fans
  • How 7-Eleven approaches sustainability for the short-term and long-term future
  • The three ways that 7-Eleven is navigating Generative AI

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2472 no The Real Deal: Why Authentic Storytelling Matters for Brands — with Paige Guzman In this episode, Paige shares her brand experience and insights with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, including: The origin stories behind brands like Lagunitas and Mezzetta — and why authenticity matters How to appeal to consumers emotionally and deliver content that makes an impact Why brands birthed in boardrooms can be more challenging to build stories around The challenges of finding influencers who have a meaningful connection with the brand Where she sees a huge opportunity for unfulfilled stories in the market Her predictions for how storytelling will evolve over the next five years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 21 Jan 2025 18:00:00 -0000 full 1 8 Medium Giant In this episode, Paige shares her brand experience and insights with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, including: The origin stories behind brands like Lagunitas and Mezzetta — and why authenticity matters How to appeal to consumers emotionally and deliver content that makes an impact Why brands birthed in boardrooms can be more challenging to build stories around The challenges of finding influencers who have a meaningful connection with the brand Where she sees a huge opportunity for unfulfilled stories in the market Her predictions for how storytelling will evolve over the next five years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Paige shares her brand experience and insights with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, including:


  • The origin stories behind brands like Lagunitas and Mezzetta — and why authenticity matters
  • How to appeal to consumers emotionally and deliver content that makes an impact
  • Why brands birthed in boardrooms can be more challenging to build stories around
  • The challenges of finding influencers who have a meaningful connection with the brand
  • Where she sees a huge opportunity for unfulfilled stories in the market
  • Her predictions for how storytelling will evolve over the next five years

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1980 no How 105 Moons Sparked the Importance of Every Individual’s Story and Truth in Leadership — with Jackie Insinger In this episode, Jackie shares her own sparks of leadership inspiration with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, including: Why having a rich diversity of perspectives — individual stories — can influence better decision-making, greater innovation, and bigger outputs Why we can’t manage through change in today’s VUCA world — and what to do instead The critical impact of psychological safety — and why encouraging courage is necessary for innovation, growth, and success What “Ted Lasso leadership” can show us about the intersection of transparency, authenticity, and positivity How the “power lead” technique can help set a positive tone Why creating smaller finish lines is a game-changer for maintaining momentum  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Sat, 14 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0000 full 1 7 Medium Giant In this episode, Jackie shares her own sparks of leadership inspiration with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, including: Why having a rich diversity of perspectives — individual stories — can influence better decision-making, greater innovation, and bigger outputs Why we can’t manage through change in today’s VUCA world — and what to do instead The critical impact of psychological safety — and why encouraging courage is necessary for innovation, growth, and success What “Ted Lasso leadership” can show us about the intersection of transparency, authenticity, and positivity How the “power lead” technique can help set a positive tone Why creating smaller finish lines is a game-changer for maintaining momentum  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Jackie shares her own sparks of leadership inspiration with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, including:

  • Why having a rich diversity of perspectives — individual stories — can influence better decision-making, greater innovation, and bigger outputs
  • Why we can’t manage through change in today’s VUCA world — and what to do instead
  • The critical impact of psychological safety — and why encouraging courage is necessary for innovation, growth, and success
  • What “Ted Lasso leadership” can show us about the intersection of transparency, authenticity, and positivity
  • How the “power lead” technique can help set a positive tone
  • Why creating smaller finish lines is a game-changer for maintaining momentum 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2193 no From Pizza Coupons to PCs: How Insights Drive Stories – with Lance Hill In this episode, Lance sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to discuss: How building content around tater tots and milkshakes laid an early foundation for Lance’s career journey Why it takes art and science to fuel storytelling The integral role and appeal of authenticity in marketing — and how nuance can be a game-changer Why playing it safe is clamping down on creativity The role of technology in our current world and how it has changed how we work — and create content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000 full 1 6 Medium Giant In this episode, Lance sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to discuss: How building content around tater tots and milkshakes laid an early foundation for Lance’s career journey Why it takes art and science to fuel storytelling The integral role and appeal of authenticity in marketing — and how nuance can be a game-changer Why playing it safe is clamping down on creativity The role of technology in our current world and how it has changed how we work — and create content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Lance sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to discuss:

  • How building content around tater tots and milkshakes laid an early foundation for Lance’s career journey
  • Why it takes art and science to fuel storytelling
  • The integral role and appeal of authenticity in marketing — and how nuance can be a game-changer
  • Why playing it safe is clamping down on creativity
  • The role of technology in our current world and how it has changed how we work — and create content

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2056 no From The Gap to Bay Club: Why It’s Important to “Keep it Real” – with Tracy Cioffi In this episode, Tracy sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to discuss: How her time at The Gap, Sur la Table, and more shaped her perception of brand story — and its importance The specific qualities she looks for when she’s telling brand stories How she “keeps it real” at Bay Club ay Club’s unique approach to connecting with members of all ages — and what other brands can learn from it How she sees storytelling evolving — why she actually hopes it slows down Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:20:00 -0000 full 1 5 Medium Giant In this episode, Tracy sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to discuss: How her time at The Gap, Sur la Table, and more shaped her perception of brand story — and its importance The specific qualities she looks for when she’s telling brand stories How she “keeps it real” at Bay Club ay Club’s unique approach to connecting with members of all ages — and what other brands can learn from it How she sees storytelling evolving — why she actually hopes it slows down Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Tracy sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to discuss:

  • How her time at The Gap, Sur la Table, and more shaped her perception of brand story — and its importance
  • The specific qualities she looks for when she’s telling brand stories
  • How she “keeps it real” at Bay Club
  • ay Club’s unique approach to connecting with members of all ages — and what other brands can learn from it
  • How she sees storytelling evolving — why she actually hopes it slows down

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2013 no Building Real Stories from the Ground Up – with Joan Cetera In this episode, Joan shares with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant: How she parlayed her experience from highly palatable food at Frito-Lay to heavy-duty machinery at Caterpillar How Caterpillar’s brand story has built a name for itself in our culture — right down to actor Ryan Gosling’s cap in The Fall Guy Why a compelling “story arc” is essential for good brand storytelling Why it’s important to get employees excited about their company’s story — and how to do it Why homing in on humor and moments of joy can be a game changer in storytelling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000 full 1 4 Medium Giant In this episode, Joan shares with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant: How she parlayed her experience from highly palatable food at Frito-Lay to heavy-duty machinery at Caterpillar How Caterpillar’s brand story has built a name for itself in our culture — right down to actor Ryan Gosling’s cap in The Fall Guy Why a compelling “story arc” is essential for good brand storytelling Why it’s important to get employees excited about their company’s story — and how to do it Why homing in on humor and moments of joy can be a game changer in storytelling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Joan shares with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant:

  • How she parlayed her experience from highly palatable food at Frito-Lay to heavy-duty machinery at Caterpillar
  • How Caterpillar’s brand story has built a name for itself in our culture — right down to actor Ryan Gosling’s cap in The Fall Guy
  • Why a compelling “story arc” is essential for good brand storytelling
  • Why it’s important to get employees excited about their company’s story — and how to do it
  • Why homing in on humor and moments of joy can be a game changer in storytelling

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2030 no How a Newsroom Thinks About Storytelling – with Katrice Hardy In this episode, Katrice shares with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant:   What makes a great story from the perspective of an editor How the multifaceted nature of storytelling formats can be used to meet people where they are The surprising correlation between journalism and advertising when it comes to storytelling Why it’s so important to bring light to stories that would otherwise go untold How journalistic storytelling is going to evolve over the next decade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 17 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000 full 1 3 Medium Giant In this episode, Katrice shares with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant:   What makes a great story from the perspective of an editor How the multifaceted nature of storytelling formats can be used to meet people where they are The surprising correlation between journalism and advertising when it comes to storytelling Why it’s so important to bring light to stories that would otherwise go untold How journalistic storytelling is going to evolve over the next decade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Katrice shares with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant:

 

  • What makes a great story from the perspective of an editor
  • How the multifaceted nature of storytelling formats can be used to meet people where they are
  • The surprising correlation between journalism and advertising when it comes to storytelling
  • Why it’s so important to bring light to stories that would otherwise go untold
  • How journalistic storytelling is going to evolve over the next decade

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1400 no Elevating the Stories of Black Creators — with Justin Adu In this episode, Justin sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to share: The impact of a people-first approach and how it can bring underrepresented stories to life Why having diverse voices across every storytelling platform is important The elements that make for an attention-grabbing, authentic brand story Why outside-the-box thinking and taking risks is worth it How agency collaboration — in and out of the office — is a game changer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0000 full 1 2 Medium Giant In this episode, Justin sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to share: The impact of a people-first approach and how it can bring underrepresented stories to life Why having diverse voices across every storytelling platform is important The elements that make for an attention-grabbing, authentic brand story Why outside-the-box thinking and taking risks is worth it How agency collaboration — in and out of the office — is a game changer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Justin sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to share:

  • The impact of a people-first approach and how it can bring underrepresented stories to life
  • Why having diverse voices across every storytelling platform is important
  • The elements that make for an attention-grabbing, authentic brand story
  • Why outside-the-box thinking and taking risks is worth it
  • How agency collaboration — in and out of the office — is a game changer

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1936 no The Magic of Turning Wishes Into Stories – with Kim Elenez In this episode, Kim sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to share: Why authenticity is fundamental to a brand story that has staying power Her “bite, snack, meal” approach to storytelling How micro-moments and unthinkable realities can create extraordinary stories Her perspective for breaking through the clutter and noise Powerful takeaways from wishes granted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Sun, 06 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0000 full 1 1 Medium Giant In this episode, Kim sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to share: Why authenticity is fundamental to a brand story that has staying power Her “bite, snack, meal” approach to storytelling How micro-moments and unthinkable realities can create extraordinary stories Her perspective for breaking through the clutter and noise Powerful takeaways from wishes granted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Kim sits down with John Kiker, president of Medium Giant, to share:

  • Why authenticity is fundamental to a brand story that has staying power
  • Her “bite, snack, meal” approach to storytelling
  • How micro-moments and unthinkable realities can create extraordinary stories
  • Her perspective for breaking through the clutter and noise
  • Powerful takeaways from wishes granted

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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