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PODCAST

The Speak Easy Podcast

Jen Estill and Karen Stefl — creative studio entrepreneurs, brand and video experts, boss ladies, moms

Hi. Jen Estill and Karen Stefl here. In The Speak Easy Podcast, we share years of expertise in marketing, branding, video production, strategy—not to mention management, employee development, mentoring, sales, creativity, maintaining life balance, managing money, and.. you get the idea. It takes a lot to keep a couple of creative studios thriving. We developed this podcast after years of "how do you..." boss lady conversations. It was clear that if we were both in such similar places with regard

business

All Episodes

00:12:56

Case Study: Building Brand Awareness with Redhead

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/10/08

If you've ever wondered whether investing in brand awareness is actually worth it, this episode is for you. We dig into why brand awareness gets dismissed as too "soft" to measure, how to actually track it in meaningful ways, and why prioritizing it can transform your marketing results. The reality is simple: customers acquired through product marketing leave the moment a better deal comes along. Customers who connect with your brand stick around, advocate for you, and drive long-term growth that

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00:16:09

Get Selective With Your Social Media Strategy

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/09/24

Sometimes the best lessons come from losing something you thought you needed. When Karen lost her Facebook page and realized it wasn't the end of the world, it sparked a bigger conversation about how we approach social media strategy. The truth is, most of us are maintaining profiles on platforms that aren't moving the needle while scrambling to keep up with whatever trendy app just launched.In this episode, we get real about multi-channel social media strategy and why quality beats quantity every

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00:18:26

How We Prioritize Our Day

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/09/09

If you’re like us, some days your desk looks like a command center. Other days, it looks like a scrap pile of to-do lists, personal reminders, and ideas in progress. The reality is, most of us don't have a perfect system for prioritization — and that's especially true when we're overwhelmed, which is ironically when we need one most.In this candid episode, we compare notes on our different approaches to staying organized, from digital versus paper systems to the power of setting tomorrow's

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00:18:32

Case Study: Video Marketing Trends with Render

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/08/26

Video marketing isn't what it used to be — and that's both exciting and overwhelming. Between short-form content, interactive features, immersive experiences, and personalized feeds, the landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. But here's the thing: tracking video trends isn't about keeping up with every shiny new feature. It's about staying strategic and knowing which tools actually serve your brand's goals.In this episode, Karen breaks down the current state of video marketing, from

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00:13:17

The Difference Between Affordable and Cheap

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/08/15

Every business has budget constraints, but here's what we've learned: cheap and affordable aren't the same thing. Cheap is about paying as little as possible; affordable is about getting the most value for the right price. One leaves you wanting more, the other leaves you satisfied with smart trade-offs that actually move your business forward.In this episode, we break down how to spot the warning signs of "cheap" and share practical ways to identify affordable options in the creative industry. We

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00:16:37

The Danger of Jumping to Conclusions

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/07/30

We've all seen internet trolls who jump straight to outrage without understanding the full story. But here's the uncomfortable truth: We all do this sometimes. In our everyday work and relationships, we jump to conclusions, assign motives, or make decisions based on half the story. It's human nature to want to find an explanation and solve problems quickly, but that instinct can backfire spectacularly. In this episode, we dig into why our brains are so quick to fill in the gaps with assumptions —

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00:20:21

Case Study: Brand Marketing with Redhead

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/07/15

Brand marketing vs. performance marketing. It's not about picking sides — it's about understanding the dance. Performance marketing drives the clicks and the sales, but brand marketing? That's the reason anyone cares in the first place.Here's what most people miss: these two approaches work better together than apart. Drawing insights from Nielsen research showing that 71% of people say they’re more likely to buy from a brand they recognize, we explore how brand marketing creates the conditions

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00:15:16

Quick, Send the Heads-Up Email

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/07/01

Here's what we know: People don't like surprises, especially unpleasant ones, and when information is missing, they'll fill in the gaps — rarely with generous assumptions. We break down why proactive communication with clients, your team, and even in your personal life feels harder than it should be, then share strategies for getting ahead of the narrative. From understanding why we avoid these conversations (spoiler: we assume people know more than they do) to crafting that perfectly timed heads-up

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00:20:37

The Bad and the Ugly

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/06/18

If you've ever felt like you need to have it all together before you can lead effectively, this episode is for you. No judgment here — we've all been there! In this candid conversation, we're sharing our own messy truths, from Jen's permanently grimy oven and abandoned Christmas card habit to Karen's perfectionism paralysis and lone wolf tendencies.This isn't just therapeutic oversharing — there's strategic value in recognizing where you fall short. When you stop apologizing for things that make

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00:18:58

Why Ongoing Budgets Beat One-Off Projects

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/06/04

If you’ve ever launched a website or video and walked away, this one’s for you. No worries, we’re not judging! It’s a common trap to fall into, and when you ignore it, it quickly becomes a pain to update. But in today’s world, where your brand story is always in motion, marketing needs to be treated as an ongoing, strategic effort. In this episode, we’re making the case for retainer-style budgets and maintenance models that reflect how content actually works: continuously, iteratively, and in

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00:11:29

Color: Why Hue Matters in Marketing, Design & Video

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/05/20

Color isn’t just a finishing touch — it’s a strategic tool that influences perception, emotion, and behavior. In marketing and branding, it’s one of the first things people notice and one of the most powerful ways to communicate without saying a word. But great color doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, skill, and an understanding of how color really works across mediums.In this episode, we share real-life client stories, break down color theory, and explore how things like lighting,

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00:12:20

It Doesn't Work!

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/05/06

In our latest episode, we talk about why social media ads might not be delivering, when they can be effective (hint: brand-building > promotion), and why it’s critical to stop thinking of social media as your only marketing plan. We also challenge you to consider how you’d communicate your message if social media didn’t exist at all. From Super Bowl spots to smart, scrappy strategies — this one’s full of tough love and practical insight.

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00:17:00

What Type of Brand Are You? (And Why the Distinction...

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/04/22

Every brand has its own unique challenges — but not every brand should be approached the same way. In this episode, Jen shares four brand categories she and her team at Redhead work with most often: corporate, place-based, boutique, and entrepreneurial. From the layers of stakeholder input in corporate branding to the emotional nuance of placemaking, we break down how each type calls for a tailored approach to strategy, voice, and visual identity.We talk about how understanding your brand’s

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00:17:23

Micromanaging and Control: When To Let Things Go

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/04/08

No one likes a boss breathing down their neck — but when you're the one in charge, knowing how much oversight is too much can be tricky. In this episode, we dig into the blurry line between healthy control and full-blown micromanagement. From trust issues to outcome-based leadership, we explore how leaders can maintain structure and accountability without disempowering their team.Drawing on insights from Harvard Business Review's “The Anxious Micromanager,” we look at how anxiety and lack of

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00:17:51

Lightning Round: What's Important

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/03/25

As entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders, we’re constantly making decisions — about strategies, budgets, and even where to focus our energy. But how often do we pause to ask: "Do I need this, or do I just want it?" In a world filled with tempting new tools, trends, and shiny distractions, knowing the difference can be the key to growth — or the reason we stay stuck.In this episode, we put that question to the test with a mix of lighthearted and thought-provoking scenarios. From the

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00:15:53

Case Study: Storytelling Essentials with Render

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/03/11

Whether you’re crafting a brand message, delivering a speech, or simply trying to make an idea stick, the way you tell your story matters. Knowing your audience, embracing personality, and making messages actionable ensures that stories don’t just entertain — they inspire and drive real impact.Using Gustav Freytag’s classic story arc as a guide, Karen takes us through Render's process for engaging an audience from start to finish. Join us as we dissect how the right storytelling approach can

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00:13:39

Fighting Words: ‘Fire Your Comms Person’

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/02/26

Many organizations rely on small, overburdened marketing and communications teams, expecting them to do it all and inadvertently setting them up to fail. In this episode, Jen and Karen challenge the traditional hiring model and explore why a fractional or agency-based strategy could be a smarter, more cost-effective solution.Tune in as we break it down: why the “comms department of one” is never a magic fix; why adding another full-time hire isn’t always the answer; and how leveraging agency

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00:10:11

Clients You Can't Help But Love

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/02/10

This week’s topic is all about appreciation. After all, who do we love more than our clients? Their trust, collaboration, and vision make our work possible, allowing us to take on impactful projects that drive real change. Beyond just delivering services, we’re deeply invested in their success, fostering relationships built on communication and shared goals.Listen in as we dive into the ripple effect of small business support, how each investment circulates through communities, and why working

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00:22:39

Case Study: Redhead's 25th Anniversary

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/01/27

In this episode, Jen and Karen reflect on Redhead's 25-year path of growth and reinvention, from its beginnings as a small freelance graphic design business to a powerhouse of strategic brand consulting. They explore how the company has evolved while staying true to its core belief: that a strong, authentic brand identity is the foundation of success.Redhead's story is one of adaptation, growth, and enduring commitment to the power of branding. For Redhead, a brand goes beyond visuals or slogans —

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00:12:02

Pet Projects & Why They Matter

The Speak Easy Podcast ·

2025/01/15

Pet projects are more than hobbies — they’re a lifeline for creativity and connection. In the fast-paced world of deadlines and deliverables, carving out time for passion-driven work can energize teams, spark innovation, and foster camaraderie. These pursuits allow space to experiment, fail, and grow, creating a culture that values more than just productivity.In this episode, we unpack the importance of pet projects and how they build stronger teams and businesses. Karen shares insights from

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233 results

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