Brand on the Rocks

Marketing is noisy. Your customers are distracted. And if your message isn’t clear, you’re leaving money on the table. That’s where Brand on the Rocks comes in. Hosted by Ryan Holck, creator of Distill Your Story, this show cuts through the clutter and serves up marketing insights in neat, sip-sized pours you can actually use. Every week you’ll get one of three pours: ~ Straight Up (Solo Shots): Ryan distills complex marketing concepts into quick, practical lessons you can take straight to your business. ~ Shared Pours (Conversations): Honest, engaging interviews with entrepreneurs, marketers, and creators who’ve built brands people actually remember. ~ On the Rocks (Real-World Reviews): Live audits and breakdowns of real websites, campaigns, and messaging, Showing what works, what doesn’t, and how to fix it. If you’re ready to cut the jargon, sharpen your story, and pour more clarity into your marketing, this show is for you. It’s time to put your Brand on the Rocks.

#7: How to Audit Your Website Messaging for Clarity That Converts with Ryan Holck 11/11/2025

#7: How to Audit Your Website Messaging for Clarity That Converts with Ryan Holck In this “On the Rocks” episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck tackles one of the most overlooked – yet absolutely essential – aspects of brand marketing: website messaging. Whether your site is the digital front door of your business or the first impression you make on potential customers, Ryan makes it clear that how you communicate your story online is make-or-break. Get ready for a practical, hands-on audit: Ryan lays out the exact steps you need to follow to evaluate your website’s messaging for clarity, effectiveness, and action. He breaks down the process into three strategic “tests”: The Clarity Test – Can a stranger answer four crucial questions from your homepage in under seven seconds? If not, your story might be getting lost. The Headlines Test – Ryan shows you how to pull your headlines into a doc and judge whether they stand alone to tell your brand’s story, appeal to your customer’s actual search terms, and reinforce your process and value. The Calls to Action Review – Are your visitors overwhelmed with too many options, or left wondering what to do next? Ryan teaches you how to tally and evaluate your actionable buttons, links, and offers so every visitor knows exactly what you want them to do. But this isn’t just theory: Ryan walks through a real-life, rapid-fire website audit for a friend’s business, revealing how these principles play out—and where most sites fall short in converting visitors into leads. If you’re a small business owner, solopreneur, or passionate entrepreneur, you’ll walk away from this episode with a direct, step-by-step blueprint for transforming your website from a passive “about us” page into an active sales tool that keeps your messaging bold and your brand unforgettable. Ready to distill the clutter and sharpen your website’s impact? Listen to the episode, grab the downloadable audit guide from the show notes, and follow Brand on the Rocks for more straight-up insights on marketing, messaging, and making your brand stick. Pour yourself your favorite drink, hit play, and commit to clarity—your business will thank you. -- Episode Resource -- Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at . Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at . 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 . -- #BrandOnTheRocks #WebsiteAudit #MessagingClarity #BrandStrategy #SmallBusinessMarketing #SolopreneurTips #EntrepreneurLife #WebsiteTips #LandingPage #ClearMessaging #ContentAudit #MessagingAudit #BusinessGrowth #LeadConversion #CallToAction #HeadlineTips #WebsiteAuditChecklist #MarketingAdvice #MessagingMatters #MarketingPodcast /episode/index/show/bc6b1c50-7392-4f43-8b8c-a8f1040535e7/id/38803275

#6: From Confusion to Trust | Building Brand Consistency Across Every Touchpoint with Adam McLaughlin 11/05/2025

#6: From Confusion to Trust | Building Brand Consistency Across Every Touchpoint with Adam McLaughlin In this episode of Brand on the Rocks, Ryan Holck is joined by guest Adam McLaughlin for a candid “shared pour” conversation on a topic that every leader, marketer, and entrepreneur wrestles with: clarity. Together, they dig deep into the practical reasons why clarity isn’t just a nice-to-have for your brand, it’s the spark that exposes confusion and sets the stage for true consistency, trust, and lasting customer relationships. Episode highlights include: Adam’s unique ladder approach to brand trust, breaking down how clarity leads to consistency, consistency builds trust, and trust drives referrals and repeat business. Real-world stories, including the fastest plumber in town and a rocky automotive repair experience, revealing how small gaps in consistency erode customer confidence—no matter how good your messaging is. Actionable steps for leaders: Learn how to uncover your organization’s true values and bridge the gap between internal culture and customer experience. Adam and Ryan walk through practical litmus tests for clarity and discuss ways to involve both your team and your customers in building a trustworthy brand. Why documenting your values isn’t enough—and what it really takes to drive clarity across every touchpoint, from your front desk to your social media voice. Candid moments on how exposed confusion can actually make your brand healthier, stronger, and more memorable. Whether you’re the CEO of a growing company, a marketer looking to tighten up your messaging, or a solo entrepreneur ready to start out right, this conversation will give you concrete tools, fresh insights, and—possibly—a shot of courage to tackle the confusion brewing under the surface. So pour yourself a glass, subscribe to Brand on the Rocks, and tune in to “Building Brand Consistency Across Every Touchpoint.” Get practical wisdom you can use to craft a brand experience that builds trust—no matter how many colored shirts your team wears. Hit follow so you don’t miss the next pour of brand strategy and candid advice! -- Connect with Adam McLaughlin: -- Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at . Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at . 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 . -- This episode we are parnered with The Thing Orlando. A live event for leaders ready to scale what’s working and move faster with clarity and momentum. This three day event is November 14-16 at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, FL. For details visit and use code IMWITHRYAN for 10% off your registration -- #BrandOnTheRocks #ClarityExposesConfusion #BrandStrategy #MarketingTips #BusinessGrowth #ContentMarketing #BrandClarity #TrustBuilding #ConsistentBranding #BrandCulture #CustomerExperience #ValueDrivenBusiness #Leadership #MessagingMatters #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #AdamMcLaughlin #RyanHolck #BrandAudit #CustomerTrust #MarketingStrategy /episode/index/show/bc6b1c50-7392-4f43-8b8c-a8f1040535e7/id/38803290

#5: Distilling Your Brand Story | Three Steps to Clear Messaging that Connects with Ryan Holck 10/28/2025

#5: Distilling Your Brand Story | Three Steps to Clear Messaging that Connects with Ryan Holck In this straight-up episode of Brand on the Rocks, Ryan Holck invites you to take your bold business ideas and distill them down into crystal-clear messaging that actually works. Drawing inspiration from the art of distilling high-quality spirits, Ryan walks listeners through a three-step brand clarity framework designed to cut through the marketing noise: knowing your big story, simplifying your message, and building a strategic plan for sharing it. Tune in as Ryan shares practical insights and analogies, from closet choices to Lego manuals, that make the sometimes-daunting process of message refinement accessible and actionable. Discover the power of asking the right questions to identify your core brand message, learn how to break complex ideas into bite-sized, high-proof stories, and get inspired to map out your marketing efforts so every piece fits together with purpose. Episode Highlights: Discover why complexity in messaging often pushes customers away, and how to solve it Hear Ryan’s personal reflections from distillery tours and lessons with business coach Terry Weaver Learn the parallels between distilling spirits and distilling stories, plus the key ingredients of brand clarity Get practical questions to ask yourself to hone your brand message for any context, audience, or channel Explore real business examples, from Apple Watches to local formalwear, that demonstrate strategic storytelling in action Takeaways: Whether you’re a business owner, consultant, or marketer responsible for brand growth, you’ll walk away with a blueprint for clarifying your big idea, communicating with impact, and building lasting customer relationships. Ryan’s framework will help you avoid information overload, focus on what matters, and position your brand as both memorable and trusted. Pour yourself a glass, settle in, and get ready to sharpen your message, so every time you speak, your audience listens and responds. Hit play and be sure to follow Brand on the Rocks for more clarity, strategy, and bold conversations each week. -- Episode Resource: -- Cut through the noise and create a brand story that connects with your customers. Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at . Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at . 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 . -- This episode we are partnered with The Thing Orlando. A live event for leaders ready to scale what’s working and move faster with clarity and momentum. This three day event is November 14-16, 2025 at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, FL. For details visit and use code IMWITHRYAN for 10% off your registration -- #BrandOnTheRocks #BrandStrategy #BrandStory #MessageClarity #MarketingTips #ContentDistillation #BusinessGrowth #Storytelling #EntrepreneurTips #MarketingStrategy #BusinessClarity #DistillYourStory #BrandMessaging #CustomerJourney #PodcastClips #MarketingAdvice #BusinessOwner #ConsultantTips #CoachLife #BrandClarity #ThreeStepProcess #MarketingFramework #AudienceEngagement #BusinessPodcast #MarketingSuccess /episode/index/show/bc6b1c50-7392-4f43-8b8c-a8f1040535e7/id/38796320

#4: From Campfires to Conferences | Mastering the Art of the Elevator Pitch with Adam McLaughlin 10/21/2025

#4: From Campfires to Conferences | Mastering the Art of the Elevator Pitch with Adam McLaughlin Want a Game Changing Elevator Pitch? In this episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck welcomes Adam McLaughlin, founder of Trust Marketing Agency and seasoned digital nomad. Not only does Adam run his business from the road (campgrounds, foreign countries, and even driveways!), he’s perfected the art of making first impressions count. Especially when every chat around the campfire could be a potential business moment. Here’s what you’ll get in Episode 4: Elevator Pitches That Actually Work Ever blurted out your entire business catalog in 60 seconds and gotten nothing but blank stares? Adam’s heard over 2,000 pitches from fellow RVers and entrepreneurs, and he shares why most fall flat and how to make yours stand out. The Power of Curiosity Adam breaks down his secret: “I peel digital onions.” His pitch isn’t about listing every service, it’s about sparking questions and conversation. Learn how to open story loops so people want to ask for more info. Creating Hooks That Start Conversations, Not Monologues From “I sell castles” (the realtor angle!) to “I make mattresses fatter” (financial planning with a twist), Adam and Ryan riff on how clever, memorable lines get people leaning in. Context Is King Ryan shares lessons on reading the room and tailoring pitches to your audience, and why sometimes, less is more. Turning Connections Into Opportunities It’s not about closing a deal in an elevator ride; it’s about opening the door for the next conversation. Adam and Ryan give tips to leave listeners itching to follow-up. Whether you’re networking, traveling, or just meeting someone new in line at the coffee shop, the episode is full of actionable advice to help you rethink your message and build trust. -- Connect with Adam McLaughlin: -- Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at . Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at . 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 . -- This episode we are parnered with The Thing Orlando. A live event for leaders ready to scale what’s working and move faster with clarity and momentum. This three day event is November 14-16 at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, FL. For details visit and use code IMWITHRYAN for 10% off your registration -- #BrandOnTheRocks #MarketingStrategy #TrustMarketing #DigitalNomad #EntrepreneurLife #BrandBuilding #ElevatorPitch #Messaging #BusinessGrowth #NetworkingTips #NomadEntrepreneur #Storytelling #PersonalBranding #BusinessConversations #MarketingAgency #RemoteWork #BrandTrust #AgencyLife #BusinessTips #NetworkingEvents /episode/index/show/bc6b1c50-7392-4f43-8b8c-a8f1040535e7/id/38650015

#3: Building Brand Trust | Lessons from Maxwell House and Walmart 10/14/2025

#2: Brand Messaging | Three Stories Every Business Must Master with Ryan Holck 10/07/2025

#2: Brand Messaging | Three Stories Every Business Must Master with Ryan Holck 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. -- Episode Links & Resources -- Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at . Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at . 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 . /episode/index/show/bc6b1c50-7392-4f43-8b8c-a8f1040535e7/id/38498370

#1: Clarity | Transforming Confusing Brand Stories into Memorable Messages with Ryan Holck 09/29/2025

Brand on the Rocks: Trailer | Bold Ideas, Clear Messaging, Straight Up 09/23/2025

Brand on the Rocks

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