Rebel in the Writer’s Room with Joel Novoa
The RebelRebel Podcast
“I couldn’t afford a Plan B. It was all or nothing.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Venezuelan-American filmmaker Joel Novoa, a passionate storyteller whose journey winds through political unrest, deep personal reflection, and a relentless pursuit of creative expression. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Joel shares how his early life in Venezuela shaped his worldview, teaching him to move forward even when everything around him felt stuck. With both a legal background and a master’s in...
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Villains, Rogues, and Heroes of NYC
The RebelRebel Podcast
“If you want to create change, do it. Don’t wait for permission.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Rebecca Bratspies, a law professor, author, and environmental justice advocate, to explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of New York City’s place names. Her book, Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names, reveals the incredible (and sometimes shocking) stories behind the names of streets, bridges, and parks in NYC. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share...
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Slow Trains and Big Ideas
The RebelRebel Podcast
“You have to be an advocate for curiosity.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie welcomes back Lou Maxon, a creative powerhouse whose journey spans branding, architecture, and the fascinating world of trains. Lou shares insights from his recent travels to Japan, where he immersed himself in the culture, history, and craftsmanship that continues to inspire his work. From exploring Komiko Art House to visiting a hidden model railroad museum in Yokohama, his experiences reinforced the idea that the best bets in life and work are the long ones. This episode is...
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One Golden Nugget For Creative Rebels
The RebelRebel Podcast
“There’s never a perfect time. Just begin.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie welcomes Steven Foster, the founder of One Golden Nugget, to share his remarkable journey through entrepreneurship, personal struggle, and self-discovery. From sleeping in his office during lockdown to creating a global platform that collects and shares wisdom nuggets, Steven’s story is as inspiring as it is humbling. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Steven takes listeners back to his early days when his...
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Taking The Fight Forward
The RebelRebel Podcast
“At what age should I stop achieving? At what age should I stop improving?” When most people hit their 50s, they might slow down, lean into comfort, and start looking forward to retirement. Not Stuart Warren Dansby. He did the opposite—he stepped into the ring. In this powerful episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Stuart to talk about his journey into competitive fighting later in life, a path filled with punches, humility, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your...
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Success Rooted In Resilience
The RebelRebel Podcast
“The secret hack of life is empathy.” In this gripping episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, Michael Dargie sits down with Anthony McDuffie Jr., a man whose incredible life story is a testament to resilience and redemption. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles during a volatile period, Anthony experienced both the warmth of a loving family and the chaos of a troubled community. When tragedy struck, and his father passed away, Anthony’s life spiraled into rebellion, leading to a gang-affiliated crime and a 25-year prison sentence at the age of 17. This episode is sponsored by my new book...
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Middle Earth, Marketing, and Kiwi Birds
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Your dreams matter, but it’s your actions that get you there.” In this inspiring episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, Michael Dargie connects with Callum Armstrong, an environmentalist and entrepreneur from New Zealand, whose work bridges the gap between conservation and business. Callum shares his journey from childhood business ventures to becoming the founder of Paste and Publish, a marketing coaching and consulting company, and Conservation Amplified, a charity aimed at raising awareness and funds for environmental protection. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU,...
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From Archaeology To Voiceovers
The RebelRebel Podcast
“You make your own luck by saying yes to opportunities.” Liz Drury’s journey from an academic career in archaeology to becoming a successful voiceover artist is a masterclass in embracing unexpected opportunities. During this episode, Liz shares how a passion for storytelling and a chance experience with media led her to pivot from academia into the creative world of voiceovers. Liz discusses the evolution of the industry, the challenges posed by AI, and the importance of human connection in narration. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your...
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Bringing Human-Ness Back To Business
The RebelRebel Podcast
“The more technology we embrace, the less we interact on a human level.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie welcomes David Blake, known as the Flip Flop Philosopher. David is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, and advocate for bringing human-ness back to business in an era increasingly dominated by technology. Blake shares his incredible journey of transformation after a life-altering surgery left him temporarily unable to walk, talk, or even hold himself up. This pivotal moment sparked his unique philosophy—embracing the power of “flip-flopping”...
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The Science Behind Better Water
The RebelRebel Podcast
“We’re energizing water in a way that’s scientifically backed. It’s a game changer for performance and recovery.” In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie chats with entrepreneur Krish Sidhu, the visionary behind Evolve Co. and its groundbreaking Perform H2O. Broadcasting from Vancouver, Krish walks us through his latest venture in hydration science—a tech-enhanced water that improves absorption using frequency technology. Developed over ten years with $12.5 million in research, this water’s secret lies in a sticker embedded with thousands of nano layers,...
info_outline“I wish the world realized the importance of curating your own story well.”
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.
Cool Stuff Ryan Says
“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.”
Episode Highlights
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.
Links from the Episode
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