Ash Said It® Show

This episode features Nicky Heckles, Vice President of Global Marketing for Smirnoff (Diageo). Dive deep into the Smirnoff marketing strategy that's fueling its success and discover how this iconic brand is dominating the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) market and authentically connecting with Gen Z consumers. The episode reveals the playbook behind the viral success of the Smirnoff Ice campaign, a masterclass in self-aware humor and Gen Z authenticity. * Beyond Impressions: Heckles shares the secret to measuring genuine impact and consumer resonance, moving beyond surface-level vanity metrics like impressions. The key is analyzing metrics related to brand advocacy, affinity, and...

The Ash Said It Show gets an exclusive featuring Matt Janz, a key leader at Deep Roots Harvest. This conversation offers a high-level, strategic deep dive into how to build a dominant, trusted, and compliant Cannabis Brand in a hyper-regulated environment. Matt Janz provides an unparalleled look at how Deep Roots Harvest translates its 'Farm to Body' commitment—the transparency of seed-to-sale vertical integration—into compelling Marketing Content that effectively bypasses competitors focused solely on price. The conversation reveals top creative strategies used to navigate Nevada's notoriously strict cannabis advertising regulations (including the rigid 71.6% minimum adult audi...

Kirsten Maitland, co-founder and "CheeseMaster" of the critically acclaimed Rebel Cheese, recently joined The Ash Said It Show to pull back the curtain on the brand’s meteoric rise. From military discipline to the largest vegan brie cavein the country, Maitland shared the surprising secrets behind her Shark Tank success and how she’s converting die-hard dairy lovers one creamy, cultured wheel at a time. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in vegan food innovation, conscious business growth, and the power of a daring career pivot. Maitland was clear that the brand's success in crea...

Naia Lewis, founder of Walters Way Publishing, sits down exclusively with The Ash Said It Show to discuss diverse children's books, Jamaican Patois literacy, and cultural representation in publishing. What You'll Discover in This Episode: * Filling the Representation Gap: Hear Naia Lewis's inspiration for starting Walters Way Publishing and her mission to address the critical lack of diverse characters and authentic cultural experiences in the children's book market. * The Power of Patois: Explore how Naia's books specifically validate the lived experiences and languages of children in the Jamaican diaspora. Learn about the profound impact of...

This episode features key insights from Tony Sandrew of the renowned Aurora Theatre. Celebrating its milestone 30th Anniversary Season, the conversation delves into why the Lawrenceville theatrecompany has become a cultural landmark and a major draw for Atlanta professional theatre audiences, attracting patrons from far and wide. 🌟 Why Aurora Theatre is a Standout Cultural Cornerstone According to Tony Sandrew, the Aurora Theatre's enduring success is rooted in two core principles: a deep commitment to community and a fearless approach to diverse programming. The theatre provides high-quality, accessible professional theatre that genuinely reflects the experiences of its div...

The Ash Said It Show just teed up an amazing chat with Ben Helmrath, VP of Hard Goods for PGA TOUR Superstore—your go-to spot for everything golf equipment! Seriously, the game has totally changed, and Ben explains why golf is hotter than ever, shifting from just a sport to a full-blown Golf Lifestyle Revolution. Think about it: new fans like LeBron James and Bronny are getting into it, and major excitement is building around brands like Tiger Woods' Sun Day Red! Ben breaks down all the trends you need to know, from the course to your couch.<br...

Hey, flavor fanatics! You HAVE to check out this sizzling, exclusive interview with the CEO of Side of Pepper LLCon The Ash Said It Show! This isn't just about spice; it's about a food revolution born from pure passion. Get ready to ditch your basic pantry—this brand is far from ordinary! From "Aha!" to Authenticity: The Side of Pepper Story The CEO shared their inspiring "Aha!" moment—it wasn't just a recipe, but a burning desire to give everyday meals unparalleled, bold flavor. * Spice Specialists: While competitors water down their offerings, Side of Pepp...

Dr. Karin Luise, the renowned spiritual psychologist and best-selling author of “The Fatherless Daughter Project,” offers an exclusive look into the ALIVE Collective Story Stage on the Ash Said it Show. The Collective, which has evolved into a movement for authentic living, addresses the modern epidemic of isolation by providing a space for personal reinvention and community connection. The ALIVE Collective Mission: Connection is the New Currency The ALIVE Collective was created to serve the universal need to rebuild after major life shifts, loss, or professional change. Dr. Luise passionately asserts that human connection is the "new...

In this exclusive interview with Eric Yaverbaum, CEO of Ericho Communications and author of the definitive bestseller Public Relations for Dummies. Yaverbaum dissected the central paradox in marketing today: why are major brands rejecting AI in their advertising, even as the tech industry pours billions into automation? Yaverbaum explained that this “anti-AI” trend is not a technological rejection, but a highly strategic public relationsmove. It’s a response to a deep-seated crisis of consumer trust and a sophisticated way to achieve competitive advantage in a hyper-digital world. The Core Paradox: Consumer Trust and the Anti-AI Trend<...

CEO Phil Trapkin's journey to creating BlissTrax started over two decades ago with his personal discovery: syncing music to his running pace significantly elevated his workouts. This early experience in marrying rhythm with movement was the seed. The idea fully came to life when he was later introduced to the concept of binaural beats, leading to the insight that sound technology could be engineered to guide the brain into specific states while the body is active. BlissTrax was born from the desire to offer a simple, accessible tool for stress relief that doesn't require users to sit still. 🧘 Wha...

Food historian and acclaimed author Becky Libourel Diamond provides an exclusive look inside her spectacular new release, The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook, during an in-depth interview on The Ash Said It Show. This summary is a must-read for holiday bakers and food history enthusiasts seeking to bring 19th-century elegance to their modern Christmas celebrations. The Mystery of the Sugar Plum Revealed Becky definitively solves the mystery of the legendary sugar plum. She reveals the surprising truth: these historic confections are not sugary plums, but highly prized, expensive spice-coated nuts and seeds, meticulously layered in candy. This...

Lila Owens, the founder of Cupcakin' Bake Shop, joined The Ash Said It Show for an exclusive interview, detailing her journey from a home-based business to a successful bi-coastal brand. Expansion, Innovation, and Community * Bay Area to Buckhead: Lila discussed the strategic decision to choose Buckhead for her second Atlanta location, offering insights into how the burgeoning Atlanta dessert scene compares to the established California market. * The Art of Flavor: We explored Cupcakin's commitment to innovation, focusing on the creative process behind developing their beloved "Flavor of the Month" and the new Custom Cake...

We sat down with Urthy Co-founder Jen for a brilliant conversation that explored the roots of the clean living brand, the philosophy behind its luxurious products, and Urthy's exciting future. This interview is a must-listen for anyone passionate about wellness, entrepreneurship, and clean, high-end skincare and home goods. Urthy: Born from Necessity, Rooted in Purpose Jen shared the deeply personal journey behind creating Urthy, explaining that the brand was truly "born out of necessity." * The Gap: Jen recognized a critical gap in the market: a lack of products that were genuinely clean (free from harmful...

Get ready for the most thrilling Halloween season yet! In an exclusive interview on the "Ash Said It Show," featuring Shane from Atlanta Bar Tours, it was officially declared: Atlanta is the Halloween Headquarters of the Southeast!This year, the city is set to host an unparalleled series of can't-miss Halloween parties, promising the ultimate celebration across the most exhilarating weekends. Unmatched Halloween Revelry Across Atlanta With a multitude of Atlanta's premier bars, clubs, and restaurants participating, attendees are guaranteed an unparalleled Halloween experience. Prepare for a spectacular display of amazing costumes, spine-tingling music, and ghoulishly...

In a captivating and inspiring exclusive on the Ash Said It Show, founder Lilith of Lit with Lilit LLC dives deep into her philosophy of turning everyday luxury into a meaningful lifestyle. This interview summary highlights how Lilith is pioneering a unique space in the Atlanta candle market by blending high-end decor with immersive DIY experiences. Reclaiming the Word "Lit" For Lilith, the name "Lit with Lilit" is more than trendy slang—it’s a powerful mission statement. She explains her aim to redefine 'lit' beyond just a good time, leveraging it to encompass creativity, purpose, and...

In this mouthwatering episode of The Ash Said It Show, Ash Brown sits down with Chef Andrea Young, founder of Sweet Vegan NYC, to explore the delicious world of plant-based chocolate and the exciting launch of two new flavors: Cranberry Passion Bark and Espresso Blueberry Bark. 🍫 Inside the Flavor Lab Chef Andrea shares the creative inspiration behind these bold new vegan chocolate bark flavors. Discover what makes Cranberry Passion and Espresso Blueberry stand out—and what first-time tasters can expect from their rich, guilt-free indulgence. 🌿 Healthy, Guilt-Free Chocolate That Delivers Built on a mission of wellness and clea...

MIMMS Museum of Technology and Art founders, Karin and Lonnie, recently joined The Ash Said It Show for an exclusive interview, providing an in-depth look at their new, highly-anticipated iNSPIRE exhibit. The conversation covered the museum's origin story, the curation process for the largest public collection of Apple products ever assembled, and the unique intersection of technology and art. The Vision: Why a Museum for Tech? The founders first discussed the driving force behind the museum's creation. They detailed the specific inspiration that led to the launch of a highly shareable social media campaign, "Show Us...

Author Paula Franklin recently sat down with The Ash Said It Show for an exclusive interview to discuss her raw and riveting memoir, Fear Unraveled: A Journey Through Life, Bikers, Boaters, and the Bible. Blending humor, heartbreak, and spiritual transformation, Paula’s book offers a deeply personal look at her unconventional life—from growing up near the Blackstone Rangers in Chicago to finding redemption through faith. 📘 About the Book: Fear Unraveled Fear Unraveled is a confessional-style memoir filled with short, punchy stories—most under a page—organized by age and life stages. Paula’s writing is intentionally candid, often...

In this exclusive episode of the Ash Said It Show, host Ash Brown reconnects with Chris Kiser, CEO of Spice World Inc., to explore the latest innovations in garlic and ginger products, seasonal cooking inspiration, and what’s trending in flavor as we head into the holidays. Listeners will discover: 🧄 The launch of Fresh Diced Garlic and Peeled Ginger — now available in produce sections nationwide 🌶️ The buzz around Ginger & Garlic Fusion, a bold new flavor combo designed for easy, elevated meals 🍽️ Tips for creating crowd-pleasing dishes for tailgates, family gatherings, and holiday parties 📊 Consumer insights driving Spi...

In this exclusive holiday-season episode of the Ash Said It Show, we sit down with Tricia Ekholm from Atlanta Ballet to explore their upcoming season — including the return of their iconic production of The Nutcracker at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Whether you're a seasoned ballet lover or a first-time attendee, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at: 🎄 What’s new in The Nutcracker 2025 🎨 The highly anticipated spring premiere of Frida, a bold new ballet celebrating Frida Kahlo, the legendary Mexican artist 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Atlanta Ballet’s family-friendly performances and how they’re designed to welcome all ages 🩰 Dance classes f...