Episodes

  • Storytelling that Sells and Serves — with Natalie Yancy

    Storytelling that Sells and Serves — with Natalie Yancy
    Sep 12 2025
    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
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    28 mins
  • Signs, Strategy, and Storytelling: Inside Tire Discounters’ Unique Brand Voice — with Crissy Niese

    Signs, Strategy, and Storytelling: Inside Tire Discounters’ Unique Brand Voice — with Crissy Niese
    Aug 16 2025
    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
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    39 mins
  • Built by Locals, Made for the World: The Heart Behind the Dallas Rebrand — with Jennifer Walker

    Built by Locals, Made for the World: The Heart Behind the Dallas Rebrand — with Jennifer Walker
    Jul 14 2025
    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
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    36 mins
  • Helmets Off: How the NFL is Winning with Global Storytelling — with Marissa Solis

    Helmets Off: How the NFL is Winning with Global Storytelling — with Marissa Solis
    Apr 25 2025
    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
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    39 mins
  • Bringing the FIFA World Cup to North Texas — with Monica Paul

    Bringing the FIFA World Cup to North Texas — with Monica Paul
    Mar 26 2025
    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
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    38 mins
  • Defining the Storytelling Edge — with Medium Giant’s Shawn Kruggel and Lizzy Bakhaus

    Defining the Storytelling Edge — with Medium Giant’s Shawn Kruggel and Lizzy Bakhaus
    Feb 26 2025
    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
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    45 mins
  • From Convenience to Pop Culture: How 7-Eleven Tells Its Story — with Marissa Jarratt

    From Convenience to Pop Culture: How 7-Eleven Tells Its Story — with Marissa Jarratt
    Jan 23 2025
    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
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    41 mins
  • The Real Deal: Why Authentic Storytelling Matters for Brands — with Paige Guzman

    The Real Deal: Why Authentic Storytelling Matters for Brands — with Paige Guzman
    Jan 21 2025
    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
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    33 mins