Brand & Banter

Where bold ideas meet brilliant execution—Brand & Banter is the podcast that dives deep into the genius behind today’s biggest branding wins. Hosted by branding and marketing expert Amanda Shuman, Brand & Banter goes beyond the polished pitch decks and news headlines to uncover the heart of the creative process. Think of it as your chance to eavesdrop on the conversations happening behind the branding curtain.

Buying a Business: The Real Acquisition Playbook (Wildcatter Ranch Case Study) 04/21/2026

Buying a Business: The Real Acquisition Playbook (Wildcatter Ranch Case Study) What happens when you buy a business… and on the very first day, you are already paying for problems you did not expect? For Dr. Kalli Doubleday, that moment came almost immediately after acquiring Wildcatter Ranch. The deal was done, the keys were handed over, and within hours, ownership stopped feeling theoretical and became very real as things started to fall apart. In this episode, we get into what it actually looks like to acquire a business from the inside. Kalli breaks down the decision to buy versus build, what banks really look for during the acquisition process, and why partnerships are often more complex than they appear on paper. She shares what most people underestimate before signing a deal, how quickly operational challenges surface after closing, and what it takes to stabilize a business in real time. We also talk about staffing, systems, and the financial realities of stepping into an existing operation that does not come without its own set of problems. This conversation walks through what it really takes to turn an acquisition into a functioning, sustainable business. From navigating immediate challenges and making high-stakes decisions to thinking long-term about growth, culture, and profitability, Kalli shares what year one actually looks like and what every buyer should be prepared for before making the leap. Links Mentioned Ready to build a brand that actually works for you? Leave a Review: If you loved today’s chat, please leave a review. It helps us to not only keep the banter going but bring even more incredible guests to the mic. Join the Banter: If you are ready to create a cult brand that turns heads and starts conversations, head over to carrylovedesigns.com/podcast to sign up for our email list. You will get fresh marketing insights, bold ideas, and maybe even a little sass delivered straight to your inbox. Thanks for listening and remember, behind every bold brand is a story worth bantering about. Substack → Instagram → /episode/index/show/5e9b5998-5629-4623-bc55-508b2342b597/id/40911860

What Actually Signals 'High-End' to Clients (and What Doesn’t) with Cassie LaMere 04/07/2026

What Actually Signals 'High-End' to Clients (and What Doesn’t) with Cassie LaMere Why do some brands feel instantly high-end… while others never quite get there? For Cassie LaMere, founder of Cassie LaMere Events, that difference comes down to details most people overlook. After spending over two decades working inside luxury fashion, hospitality, and high-end event production, she has seen firsthand what actually shapes a client’s perception and what quietly signals the opposite. Because in her world, “high-end” is not something you say. It is something people feel the moment they experience you. In this episode, we get into what actually communicates a premium experience and where many brands unintentionally miss the mark. Cassie breaks down how language, environment, and attention to detail shape perception, why being immersed in your client’s world matters more than calling yourself luxury, and the subtle shifts that instantly elevate or diminish how your brand is experienced. We also talk about the role of privacy, the importance of anticipating needs, and how pricing, when misaligned, can quietly signal a lack of confidence. This conversation walks through what it really takes to create a brand that feels high-end without needing to say it. From refining how you communicate and present your work to understanding the expectations of a more discerning client, Cassie shares how to build an experience that speaks for itself and earns trust before a single word is said. Links Mentioned Ready to build a brand that actually works for you? Leave a Review: If you loved today’s chat, please leave a review. It helps us to not only keep the banter going but bring even more incredible guests to the mic. Join the Banter: If you are ready to create a cult brand that turns heads and starts conversations, head over to carrylovedesigns.com/podcast to sign up for our email list. You will get fresh marketing insights, bold ideas, and maybe even a little sass delivered straight to your inbox. Thanks for listening and remember, behind every bold brand is a story worth bantering about. Substack → Instagram → /episode/index/show/5e9b5998-5629-4623-bc55-508b2342b597/id/40756750

How Authentic Community Leadership Becomes Your Competitive Advantage 03/24/2026

How Authentic Community Leadership Becomes Your Competitive Advantage What if the real reason people trust your brand has nothing to do with your marketing? For Tori Clark, founder of , community involvement wasn’t a business strategy. It was personal. It started with a childhood shaped by the people who showed up. Raised by a single dad, she grew up surrounded by a community that stepped in, supported her family, and helped guide her path. Years later, when she found herself inheriting a struggling company headed toward bankruptcy, those early lessons about relationships and community suddenly became the blueprint for how she built her brand. In this episode, we get into how Tori built around genuine community leadership and why that relational approach has become one of the brand’s greatest strengths. She shares the difference between transactional giving and real involvement, how she chooses which causes to support, and why showing up with time and talent often creates a deeper impact than simply writing a check. We also talk about how that trust translates into brand awareness, referrals, and a retention rate far above the spa industry average. This conversation walks through what it really looks like to build a business people want to support. From community relationships and team culture to retention, referrals, and long-term brand trust, Tori shares how authentic leadership can create the kind of business growth that no ad campaign can buy. Links Mentioned Ready to build a brand that actually works for you? Leave a Review: If you loved today’s chat, please leave a review. It helps us to not only keep the banter going but bring even more incredible guests to the mic. Join the Banter: If you are ready to create a cult brand that turns heads and starts conversations, head over to carrylovedesigns.com/podcast to sign up for our email list. You will get fresh marketing insights, bold ideas, and maybe even a little sass delivered straight to your inbox. Thanks for listening and remember, behind every bold brand is a story worth bantering about. Substack → Instagram → /episode/index/show/5e9b5998-5629-4623-bc55-508b2342b597/id/40600030