
Branded
Larry Roberts & Sara Lohse
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Top 10 Branded Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Branded episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Branded for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Branded episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

12/31/24 • 34 min
- Optimize Your Audio Equipment: Bernie emphasizes the importance of understanding and testing your audio setup. Much like an athlete reviews recordings to improve performance, tweaking angles and distances can make a significant difference in sound quality.
- Perception in Virtual Environments: How you present yourself online critically impacts how you're received. Professionalism in both appearance and sound negates assumptions about your work quality, stressing that even in audio-focused platforms, visual preparation matters.
- Background and Lighting Tips: To maintain a professional look, use non-distracting backgrounds that match the context of your presentation. Optimize lighting according to your skin undertones, and consider consulting makeup experts for the best setup.
- Virtual Event Strategy: Consistency and strategic platform use like LinkedIn for invites and follow-ups are essential. Your events should offer value and insights into your personality and expertise to foster ongoing engagement rather than immediate sales.
- Effective Follow-Up: Convert event attendees into clients by making multiple touchpoints—often 12 to 15 are required. Utilize tools like CRMs and ChatGPT to streamline and personalize follow-up messages, ensuring your communication is both consistent and compelling.
We hope you find these insights valuable as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of virtual branding. Don’t forget to subscribe to "Branded" for more weekly episodes that help you build and maintain a winning brand. [embed]https://youtu.be/4fRKYRRHzew[/embed] About Bernie DeSantis III Bernie DeSantis III is the owner of Insignia Training Partners, a full-service learning and development company specializing in outsourced or “Fractional” training services for businesses. Put another way, Insignia is a Training Broker. Bernie brings over 2 decades of experience in training leadership, facilitation, design, and production of virtual events, webinars, workshops, and masterclasses, in unique niche and well-travelled markets. With a passion for fostering genuine relationships and communication, Bernie places a high value on the human element in business. He understands that success is not merely about money and numbers but about building meaningful relationships and consistently delivering exceptional service. If you see Bernie on the streets, you will know him by his EPIC mustache. Seriously, he is probably twisting and training his stache like a cartoon villain right now. Bernie brings a unique blend of real-world experiences and high energy facilitation to training. Engagement and connection are the elements most often missed in training programs, and Bernie’s team brings that in Spades. Insignia collaborates with businesses of all sizes, regardless of industry, to streamline and enhance their corporate training initiatives. Whether it's training new hires to sell widgets, software implementations, soft skills virtual workshops and webinars, strategy, coaching, or designing bespoke leadership development programs, we deliver efficient and cost-effective solutions, Bernie's commitment to excellence is unwavering. Bernie's leadership is guided by a set of core beliefs that include the importance of punctuality, integrity, continuous improvement, and the value of simplicity. His philosophies emphasize the significance of relationships and learning from every experience. In addition to his role as a business leader, Bernie is the President of Growth Mode Engaged, a National B2B Success Champion networking group. Bernie is father to a stepson and daughter. Bernie is also an ordained “Dude,” and legally authorized to perform wedding ceremonies and what have you in most states. https://insigniatraining.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/badiii/ ht...

05/14/24 • 28 min

04/22/25 • 32 min
Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
This week, we dove into a topic we’ve never fully tackled before: full funnel marketing—and how out-of-home advertising, specifically digital billboards, can play a bigger role in your brand-building than you might have imagined. To dig into this, we sat down with RJ Schultz, COO of Blip, an ad tech company making it radically easier and more affordable for brands big and small to run digital billboard ads.
RJ’s background is both fascinating and relevant—before venturing into the advertising world, he worked at Amazon, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Pentagon, and he holds an MBA from Duke. His unique perspective blends psychology, tech, and marketing strategy, which made for an enlightening conversation about driving demand, creating trust, and converting customers efficiently.
In this episode, we break down what full funnel marketing really means, clarify common misconceptions about “top” or “bottom” of the funnel, and explore when and how billboards (yes—even if you aren’t McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A) can boost brand awareness and overall campaign effectiveness. We even learned just how affordable modern billboard ads can be, and heard some truly creative, even petty, case studies in out-of-home advertising.
Here’s what we covered:
- What actually is full funnel marketing? RJ explains each stage—awareness, trust, conversion—and how smart marketers match ad mediums to the right customer journey point.
- Myths about billboards: Are they only for the biggest brands? Why is “Eat More Chicken” an awareness success, even without a QR code?
- The surprising psychology that makes the billboard + social combo so effective (think survival instincts and subconscious brand recall).
- How small and mid-sized businesses can affordably get their brand “in the sky,” and why this still works even if you’re just starting out.
- Real-life stories, like personalizing billboards for conference attendees and cheeky brand rivalries making the most of strategic placements.
5 Key Takeaways:
- Full Funnel Means Full Journey: Effective marketing isn’t just shouting for attention—it’s systematically moving your audience from awareness (top), to trust (middle), to conversion (bottom) using different tactics and mediums at each stage.
- Billboards Build Familiarity (When Used Smartly): Don’t expect a billboard to directly drive immediate clicks or visits. Instead, digital billboards excel at planting your brand in customers’ minds—so your later calls to action (online or in-person) pack a stronger punch.
- The Power of Multi-Channel Marketing: RJ walked us through a McDonald’s case study: pairing Facebook ads and billboards in the same markets increased sales by over 700%, compared to Facebook-only markets. The magic happens when customers see your brand in multiple places, creating subconscious recognition and trust.
- Digital Billboards Are Affordable and Accessible: Forget what you think you know—thanks to tech platforms like Blip, placing your ad on a digital billboard can cost as little as $0.08 per impression. Even small businesses can run highly local, highly visible campaigns for a few thousand dollars a month, or even less for targeted, short bursts.
- Creativity—and Even Pettiness—Wins: Whether it’s Buccee’s witty highway countdowns, a rapper promoting tickets, or a company targeting a competitor who just canceled their subscription, the most memorable billboard campaigns use humor, surprise, and clever tactics that spark conversations (and selfies).
If you want to experiment with digital billboards for your own brand, RJ and Blip are making it easier than ever—with no long-term contracts or massive minimums, and even some special offers for Branded listeners.
Thanks for tuning in—and be sure to hit subscribe to keep getting fresh ideas for building your brand from the top of the funnel (and beyond) every week!

Branded Podcast Trailer
Branded
05/16/23 • 2 min
Welcome to "Branded," your comprehensive guide to creative branding, hosted by Larry Roberts and Sara Lohse.
"Branded" isn't just a podcast - it's a roadmap to building a successful brand. The show provides a deep dive into the core components of personal branding, from creating a unique brand identity and developing a compelling value proposition to mastering social media strategies and understanding SEO. Larry and Sara also discuss the importance of authenticity, consistency, and storytelling in creating a brand that resonates with your target audience.
In a world where everyone is trying to stand out, "Branded" gives you the tools, strategies, and inspiration you need to build a personal brand that truly makes a difference. Tune in to start your personal branding journey today!
Remember: it's not about who you know; it's about who knows you. Let "Branded" help you make your mark.

02/20/24 • 26 min

06/25/24 • 45 min

04/23/24 • 27 min
Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
On this episode, we're talking about an easy way that you can grow your brand, position yourself as a thought leader, and establish your authority in your niche: ebooks!
Publishing an ebook is not hard and we're sharing our methods for creating them. Not only do they help with SEO and credibility, they can be used to grow your email list to turn people into leads.
Key takeaways:
1. Ebooks as Branding Tools: Larry and Sara stress the importance of ebooks in establishing yourself as a thought leader, branding, and potentially laying the groundwork for writing full-fledged books. Ebooks can serve as authoritative pieces that associate your name with a particular subject matter.
2. Leveraging Speaking Engagements: Both hosts have experience in integrating ebooks with their speaking engagements. They suggest using ebooks as follow-up material for audiences, providing in-depth knowledge on the topics discussed on stage. QR codes are mentioned as a great tool to distribute these ebooks during presentations.
3. Lead Generation: Sara explains that offering free ebooks in exchange for email addresses can be a powerful lead generation tool. This method not only provides value through the ebook but also enables continued marketing through an email series to the recipients, furthering business opportunities.
4. Content Creation with AI: Larry mentions his use of AI tools such as ChatGPT to create ebooks quickly. He describes the ease of generating outlines and full chapters, suggesting that AI can streamline writing and reduce the workload substantially, highlighting the efficiency that technology can bring to content creation.
5. Personalization and Brand Consistency: Discussing ebook designs and themes, Sara emphasizes tailoring the content to the target audience while maintaining her voice and brand identity. Larry also talks about having consistent branding throughout his AI-proof series, thereby reinforcing brand recognition.
Bonus Takeaway: Domain Names for Ebooks: In the wrap-up of the podcast, Sara and Larry discuss purchasing custom domain names for each ebook as a strategy to simplify the sharing process and add credibility. They emphasize the ease and potential low cost of buying domain names aligned with the ebook topics.

03/11/25 • 44 min
Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding.
In today’s episode, Sara fumbled her way through a conversation with Daniel Goddard, a former actor known from his roles in shows like "Beastmaster" and "The Young and the Restless." Daniel has since transitioned into the digital marketing realm and now focuses on developing AI networking applications. We journey through Daniel’s fascinating career transformation from acting to becoming an entrepreneur in the tech space, and how he leverages his past experiences in branding himself as an actor to now aiding others in building their brands.
Daniel shares his insightful perspective on branding, community-building, and authentic connections in an increasingly digital world. We explore his current projects, including "Disco," an AI-powered networking app designed to create genuine connections among users based on shared interests and proximity.
Key Takeaways:
- Evolution from Acting to Branding: Daniel transitioned from a vibrant acting career, starring in over a thousand episodes of "The Young and the Restless," to establishing his own digital marketing and AI networking business. His acting career reinforced essential branding skills that are now applied to building cohesive brand strategies for others.
- Understanding and Building a Brand: Throughout his career, Daniel identified the importance of branding consistency and evolution. He emphasizes finding a niche and constantly expanding it while catering to its audience.
- The Power of Community in Branding: Daniel discusses how creating a community around shared interests reinforces brand loyalty. Back in his acting days, fan interactions highlighted the collective power of community engagement, which he now channels into his networking platform.
- Navigating Social Anxiety with Technology: The "Disco" app, a project Daniel is passionate about, is built to combat social anxiety by helping people find common ground through an easy-to-use, GPS-based networking system. The app matches users through shared interests designated by hashtags, facilitating genuine connections bolstered by AI-aided conversations.
- Authenticity in Digital Interaction: While AI often feels artificial, Daniel's approach is to use AI to nurture authentic human interaction, helping people focus on meaningful connections rather than superficial online interactions. The overarching theme is leveraging AI to create genuine connections in professional and personal settings.
Join us as we learn from Daniel’s journey in branding—from the charming world of soap operas to the innovative realms of tech entrepreneurship. Embrace the lessons of how branding, authenticity, and community-build are interwoven, and discover how you might apply these insights to your own personal or professional brand.

12/17/24 • 37 min
- The Importance of Humility in Leadership: Noelle emphasizes that great leaders are humble and perpetually willing to learn. Admitting what you don’t know and seeking guidance can significantly enhance your leadership capabilities.
- Resilience in Overcoming Adversity: Noelle's story of being wrongfully expelled from college and then returning to graduate with honors is a powerful testament to resilience. This demonstrates that setbacks can be the catalyst for personal and professional growth.
- Good Leaders vs. Bad Leaders: Not only can we learn from good leaders, but bad leaders often teach us what not to do. Noelle highlights key traits like collaboration, compassion, and understanding as essential components of effective leadership.
- Running as a Metaphor for Leadership: Noelle's running streak symbolizes the importance of consistency and discipline in leadership. Regular, small efforts can lead to substantial personal development and well-being, crucial for anyone in a leadership role.
- Self-Assessment and Personal Growth: Noelle advocates the use of self-assessment tools to identify strengths and weaknesses as a leader. Honest evaluation and continuous improvement are pivotal for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.
We hope you find this episode as enlightening and inspiring as we did. Don’t forget to check out Noelle’s consulting company, Tri Skill Consulting, and follow her on LinkedIn to keep up with her latest insights. Stay tuned, subscribe, and join us for more episodes of Branded as we continue to explore the nuanced world of personal and professional growth! [embed]https://youtu.be/eEgB05eC9a8[/embed] About Noelle Labrie Noelle Labrie brings 20 years of learning and development experience to the table, having worked internationally in the Middle East and Central America across industries like food and beverage, theme park guest relations, and call centers. Her focus has always been on service—whether helping new managers grow or developing seasoned leaders. With a deep belief in servant leadership, she strives to empower employees and clients so they can better serve their customers and colleagues. Noelle doesn't create leaders; she encourages people to unlock their own potential and discover the leader within. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelle-labrie-94158856/ Linktr.ee - https://linktr.ee/triskillconsulting Website - https://www.tri-skillconsulting.com/

01/28/25 • 34 min
- Scope of Genius: Share posts related to your expertise and how you help your clients.
- Fascination: Talk about topics outside of work that you are passionate about to keep all parts of your network engaged.
- Window into Your World: Post content that shows a more personal and vulnerable side, giving your network a deeper connection to you.
Embrace Authentic Networking: Networking on LinkedIn is pivotal. Liam advises to proactively connect with individuals and start meaningful conversations. LinkedIn’s platform allows for endless networking opportunities, making it easier to maintain and grow professional relationships compared to traditional networking events. Encourage Employees to Build Personal Brands: For businesses, Liam highlights the benefits of encouraging employees to develop their personal brands. Empowering staff to share their professional experiences and achievements can enhance the company's visibility and culture. This engagement also builds trust and demonstrates the company's commitment to employee growth and authenticity. We hope you find this episode as enlightening and valuable as we did. Remember, your LinkedIn presence can significantly impact your personal brand and professional opportunities, so take these insights to heart and start optimizing your profile today. Follow and connect with Liam on LinkedIn to stay updated with more of his insights and strategies. And don’t forget to subscribe to Branded to keep receiving outstanding episodes like this one every week. [embed]https://youtu.be/vFbnm1mKmrU[/embed] About Liam Darmody Liam is a personal brand and social selling strategist who helps entrepreneurs & executives build magnetic brands that attract clients, talent, and opportunity on Linkedin. Prior to founding Liam's Brand Stand, Liam led go-to-market operations at several high profile startup and mid-market technology companies, several of which were acquired for 9 & 10-figure sums. When he's not working, he can be found spending time with his wife and two kids in Raleigh, NC and sampling hot sauces from his vast collection. linkedin.com/in/liamdarmody1 liamsbrandstand.com
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FAQ
How many episodes does Branded have?
Branded currently has 102 episodes available.
What topics does Branded cover?
The podcast is about Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Branded?
The episode title 'Personal Brands in Action: Outlier Podcast Festival and Being a Thought Leader' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Branded?
The average episode length on Branded is 29 minutes.
How often are episodes of Branded released?
Episodes of Branded are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Branded?
The first episode of Branded was released on May 16, 2023.
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