On this episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck dives deep into the concept of the “trust recession” and why brands are struggling to connect with their audiences in today’s noisy marketplace.

Using timely case studies from Maxwell House and Walmart, Ryan explores how even legacy brands can miss the mark when they lose sight of their core audience and try to solve problems their customers don’t actually have.

Through relatable stories and actionable insights, you’ll learn the importance of understanding your audience, aligning your products to their real needs, and the pitfalls of adding flashy features that dilute your brand’s message.

Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or simply interested in the power of clear storytelling, this episode delivers tried-and-true strategies for building trust, growing your brand, and avoiding marketing missteps. Even the ones billion-dollar companies make.

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Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at DistillYourStory.com.

Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at DistillYourStory.com/Website-Blueprint.

Ready to simplify your message and grow your business? Explore Ryan’s Distill Your Story Framework — proven to help entrepreneurs and teams craft clarity that drives revenue. Learn more at DistillYourStory.com.

Ready for a shot of clarity in your marketing?

In this straight-up episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck dives right into the heart of branding: the three stories every business owner must master. No fluff, no garnish. Just a pour of insight you can put to work immediately.

Drawing inspiration from the storytelling prowess of YouTuber Mr. Beast, Ryan unpacks how understanding and communicating your brand’s story can make the difference between building advocates and losing control of your narrative. You’ll hear about real-world challenges (and a few mistakes), plus practical fixes you can plug straight into your messaging strategy.

Episode highlights:

• Discover the three must-tell stories: the audience story (what you tell the world), the results story (what others say about you), and your private narrative (what you tell yourself).
• Learn why clarity isn’t just a marketing bonus; it’s a shield against others writing your brand’s narrative for you.
• Get tactical tips for filtering your story, so you connect with customers in a way that actually sticks.
• Hear how even massive brands like Mr. Beast struggle to control public perception—and what you can borrow from their approach.

Whether you’re wrangling your brand message, building customer trust, or just trying to keep your head straight on tough days, you’ll leave this episode with frameworks you can actually use and a fresh understanding of storytelling in business.

Pour yourself your favorite drink, press play, and let Brand on the Rocks help you cut through the noise. Don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode—and if you’re ready for more bold ideas served neat, join the conversation with Ryan and level-up your brand storytelling today.

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Episode Links & Resources

Mr Beast | Giving 20,000 Shoes to Kids in Africa

Brand Clarity | Finding Your Core Story Worksheet

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Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at DistillYourStory.com.

Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at DistillYourStory.com/Website-Blueprint.

Ready to simplify your message and grow your business? Explore Ryan’s Distill Your Story Framework — proven to help entrepreneurs and teams craft clarity that drives revenue. Learn more at DistillYourStory.com.

Welcome to the first episode of Brand On The Rocks! Hosted by Ryan Holck, this show is focused on transforming bold, complex business ideas into clear, memorable messages that stand out in today's crowded market.

In this kickoff episode, Ryan sets the stage for what you can expect from the podcast: practical solo “straight up” episodes, candid conversations with brand builders, and honest reviews of campaigns and websites.

Ryan explores the foundational belief that clarity is more than a marketing buzzword; it is essential for making your brand unforgettable. Drawing from a personal story about two insurance agents and the impact of distinct customer experiences, he illustrates how effective communication and meaningful impressions determine whether a brand thrives or fades away.

Listen in for four ridiculously simple yet powerful questions that can help you distill your brand story down to its essence. Whether you are a business owner, consultant, or marketer, you will discover practical steps for clarifying your message and ensuring your story is not just told, but truly heard.

Pour yourself a glass, tune in, and start crafting a brand that stands out for all the right reasons.

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Episode Resource

Brand Clarity | Finding Your Core Story Worksheet

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Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at DistillYourStory.com.

Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at DistillYourStory.com/Website-Blueprint.

Ready to simplify your message and grow your business? Explore Ryan’s Distill Your Story Framework — proven to help entrepreneurs and teams craft clarity that drives revenue. Learn more at DistillYourStory.com.

Welcome to Brand on the Rocks — the show where we serve bold ideas and clear messaging, straight up. Hosted by Ryan Holck, this podcast helps business owners, consultants, and entrepreneurs cut through the noise with brand stories that actually connect and convert.

Each week you’ll hear three kinds of pours:

• 🥃 Straight Up (Solo Episodes): Practical branding takeaways you can apply immediately.

• 🍸 Shared Pour (Interviews): Rich conversations with entrepreneurs and marketers mixing real-world experience with clarity-driven insights.

• 🧾 On the Rocks (Real World Reviews): Candid breakdowns of websites, marketing, and messaging so you can see what works (and what doesn’t) in the wild.

If you’ve ever felt like your marketing is fuzzy, your website isn’t pulling its weight, or your message gets lost in the shuffle, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe now and join us for bold ideas, clear messaging, straight up. Because your brand deserves to be remembered.

Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at DistillYourStory.com.

Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at DistillYourStory.com/Website-Blueprint.

Ready to simplify your message and grow your business? Explore Ryan’s Distill Your Story Framework — proven to help entrepreneurs and teams craft clarity that drives revenue. Learn more at DistillYourStory.com.