In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Ryan Holck, the founder of Distill Your Brand, to explore the art and power of storytelling in business. Ryan shares his unique journey from musician to marketer, revealing how his love for creativity and his knack for distilling complex conversations into clear, impactful messages shaped his career. Ryan dives deep into the importance of branding, discussing how businesses can connect authentically with their audience by focusing on what truly matters—their story.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

Throughout the episode, Ryan opens up about his transition from being hands-on in the creative process to taking a more strategic role, emphasizing the significance of knowing your core message and the value of storytelling. He provides insights into how businesses can effectively communicate their value proposition by stripping away unnecessary details and focusing on the heart of their message. Ryan’s candid reflections on leadership, the challenges of running a business, and the need to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs and creative rebels alike.

Whether you’re just starting your business or looking to refine your brand, Ryan’s advice on curating and communicating your story will inspire you to rethink how you present yourself to the world. Tune in for a conversation packed with wisdom, humour, and actionable tips that can help you elevate your brand storytelling to the next level.

“If you can connect the story to your message, it drives it home and makes it memorable.”
“The only way to discover who you best serve is to continue in the process, even if it means failing often.”
“Give yourself the freedom to fail and to fail often.”
“We have to be willing to tell the stories that connect with our audience, not just the ones that make us feel good.”

Ryan Holck’s journey from music to marketing.
The power of storytelling in creating authentic brand connections.
Ryan’s shift from deliverables to strategy and the challenges that came with it.
The importance of defining and focusing on the core message of your brand.
Insights into managing creative teams and the balance between freedom and deadlines.
The role of failure in the creative and entrepreneurial journey.
How businesses can hone their message to connect better with their audience.

Distill Your Story - Ryan Holck’s website (https://distillyourstory.com/)
Ryan on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/rholck)
Ryan on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/distillyourstory/)
Ryan on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanholck/)

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Ryan Holck, DISTILLYOURSTORY.COM

In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Lauri Smith, a soulful speaking coach for sensitive visionaries, ambitious empaths, and loving rebels. Lauri shares her journey from an imaginative child enacting stories in her backyard to becoming a passionate advocate for authentic, soulful speaking. Her work is rooted in her early experiences with theater, where she discovered the transformative power of presence, empathy, and breath.

This episode is sponsored by Make More Creative, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

Throughout the episode, Lauri delves into the challenges of being an empath and how she manages emotional boundaries, both in her personal life and in her work with clients. She emphasizes the importance of doing things your way, particularly for rebels in waiting who are just stepping into their power. Lauri’s insights into the art of speaking from a place of deep authenticity provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through their voice.

Listeners are also treated to stories from Lauri’s time in the theater, her love for dark chocolate and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and her reflections on the energetic exchange between a speaker and their audience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to find and express their true voice in the world.

“We need all of the soulful voices playing full out to raise human consciousness.”
“When we make our energy bubble small, it makes whatever we’re feeling more intense. Expanding it allows us to transform the vibe in a room.”
“Speaking from a place of deep authenticity is where real resonance happens.”
“My process is helping people reawaken the kind of resonance that makes your hair stand up on end.”

Lauri’s journey from childhood storytelling to becoming a soulful speaking coach.
The influence of theater on Lauri’s approach to speaking and coaching.
The concept of “soulful speaking” and its impact on raising human consciousness.
Lauri’s strategies for managing empathy and emotional boundaries.
The importance of doing things your way and staying true to your unique voice.
Stories from Lauri’s theater experiences, including her time directing and performing.
Lauri’s love for dark chocolate and her connection to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
The energetic exchange between a speaker and their audience, and how to harness it.
Practical advice for rebels in waiting on stepping into their power.

Lauri Smith’s Website: Voice Matters (https://voice-matters.com)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/)| LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/)
Theater Lunatico (https://theatrelunatico.wordpress.com/)

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Lauri Smith, Voice-Matters.com

In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dean Dargie sits down with Chris Donaldson, a 65-year-old property developer from Belfast, Ireland, who has led a life filled with audacious adventures and diverse careers. From starting his career in a retail furniture shop to becoming a master franchisee for ladies’ gyms, dabbling in mobile apps in Dubai, and eventually becoming an author, Chris has done it all.

This episode is sponsored by Make More Creative, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

Chris shares his remarkable journey of riding a motorcycle from Belfast to Australia, a trip inspired by a magazine article he read as a teenager. His initial journey was interrupted by geopolitical events, leading him on an unplanned adventure through Europe, Africa, and the Americas. His tale is one of resilience, endurance, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Chris also talks about the unexpected hospitality he encountered in Iran, the challenges of crossing the Sahara Desert, and the life lessons he learned along the way.

BUY HIS BOOK>> GOING THE WRONG WAY

Now semi-retired and developing properties in Belfast, Chris is not one to sit still. He has plans to ship his beloved Moto Guzzi from Melbourne to the United States, continuing his global journey. This episode is a testament to living life fully, embracing the unexpected, and always planning the next adventure.

“The magic started because I realized you’re living by the day, living for the day.”
“If I can write a book, anybody can.”
“Just get off your ass and do it.”
“Ignorance is bliss in a way because if I’d known where I was gonna go, I might not have gone there.”
“Adventure before dementia.”

• Chris’s diverse career from retail to fitness, mobile apps, and writing.
• The inspiration behind his epic motorcycle journey.
• The impact of geopolitical events on his travel plans.
• Chris’s encounters and experiences in Iran and Sudan.
• The challenges and lessons from crossing the Sahara Desert.
• The importance of living in the moment and embracing unpredictability.
• Chris’s ongoing plans to continue his global motorcycle adventure.
• Reflections on the changing dynamics of life in his 60s.

Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Chris Donaldson, GOING THE WRONG WAY