Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture

On the debut episode of "Mixed and Mastered," Jeffrey Sledge sits down with A&R visionary Sean Barron to uncover the untold stories behind modern music’s biggest stars. From discovering Drake on MySpace to shaping hits at Atlantic Records, Barron shares how instinct, hustle, and timing propelled him from Buffalo to the industry’s inner circle. With behind-the-scenes insights on working with talents like Miguel, Frank ...

Unglossy presents a new podcast from Merrick Studios.

Mixed and Mastered is the podcast where the untold stories of the music industry come to life. Hosted by Jeffrey Sledge, a veteran music executive and former VP of A&R at Atlantic Records and Jive Records, each episode dives deep into the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of the people shaping the sound of today. From label executives and producers to artists, songwriters, a...

Grab your red hat and buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the unstoppable universe of TT the Artist—a visionary multimedia maestro who’s danced her way through both music and film with fearless creativity. In this episode, TT spills the tea on a life-changing mishap (because who hasn’t accidentally lost priceless footage?) that ended up fueling her drive instead of derailing her dreams.

We’ll learn how community and camar...

Tom, Mickey and Jeffrey are back for a new season of Unglossy. In this compelling episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Mitchell S. Jackson opens up about his remarkable journey from the tough streets of Portland, Oregon, to becoming a celebrated writer and educator. Mitchell shares intimate stories of balancing street life with academics, the transformative power of writing, and the challenges of teaching during a global pandemic...

What if your worst job became the catalyst for a legendary career in global marketing? Join us as we unravel the incredible journey of Troy White, who went from being dubbed the worst bank teller in Pennsylvania to a trailblazer in lifestyle marketing. Discover the secrets behind this HOWARD grad's astounding accomplishments, such as his pivotal role at SONY Music and his groundbreaking work in the music industry during the tr...

Have you ever wondered why your favorite artists are struggling despite millions of streams? Creative work isn't always valued as it should be, especially in the digital age. Join us for a hilarious yet enlightening talk with William "Classic" Thomas, a visionary content creator and brand strategist, as he shares unconventional strategies for breaking through the commodification of creativity. We'll even take a ...

Isaac Hayes III, a visionary entrepreneur and tech innovator, joins Tom and Jeffrey to talk about the journey behind Fanbase, a platform poised to change the game in content creation and monetization. Imagine a space where creators can truly own their narratives and get paid directly for their influence—Isaac shares how this idea became a reality. He opens up about the moment he saw the need to bridge the gap between social media p...

Unlock the secrets of equity crowdfunding (yikes! that's another 25 cents for the swear jar), scratch that, "community round" with our insightful guest, Jonny Price – VP of Fundraising at WeFunder. Learn how the 2012 JOBS Act has transformed the way everyday Americans can engage in pre-IPO investments, making it accessible beyond the traditional wealthy elite. Embark on a captivating journey as we explore Jonny'...

How did a CCO, a music industry veteran, and a hip-hop artist come together to explore the intersection of branding and culture? In this episode, discover the invisible thread that connects hosts Tom Frank, Jeffrey Sledge, and Mickey Factz, forming the foundation of Unglossy.

First, we dive into Jeffrey Sledge’s remarkable career. Known as one of "Hip-Hop’s Most Impactful Black Music Executive," Jeffrey recounts his transf...

Get ready to be inspired by Stirman, a visionary who has left a lasting impact on the tech and mindfulness landscapes. He shares his transformative journey of building Medium, the platform that bridged long and short-form writing, and his personal story of discovering meditation amidst the high-pressure of Silicon Valley, leading to a more grounded family life. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at Medium's creation ...

What happens when a tech visionary starts his journey in an auto repair shop with no mechanical knowledge? In this captivating episode, Jason Stirman, a multifaceted innovator, shares his unconventional path from running a failing business to making significant strides at Twitter and Medium. We dive into his early challenges, managing unreliable employees, and dealing with dissatisfied customers, revealing how these initial setback...

Join us (minus Mickey) as we navigate through technical mishaps and laugh-out-loud moments with our special guests, Eric and Jeff Rosenthal from It's The Real. From their kitchen table in Westchester County to collaborations with hip-hop legends, their journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. These brothers bring authenticity and humor, sharing their evolution from comedic sketch creators to serious documentarians.<...

Ever wondered how a simple apartment podcast evolved into a cultural phenomenon? Join us for Part 2 of our amazing conversation with Eric and Jeff Rosenthal, as they take us through the extraordinary journey from creating comedic sketches to becoming recognized voices in the podcasting world. They open up about the magic that happens when genuine relationships and authenticity become the foundation of your work, sharing unforgettab...

Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Kianna Henson, aka KJ Rose. From her roots in Southside Chicago to her academic achievements at Florida A&M, KJ's story is one of passion, perseverance, and profound success. You'll hear firsthand about her early days overcoming stage fright and then balancing a corporate job with session artist gigs and finally her evolution into a sought-after performance coach.
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Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with KJ Rose as she reveals her transformative journey, from signing to discovering her true calling in coaching. She shares with the guys her invaluable lessons learned from music industry giants like Clive Davis, and how these experiences shaped her passion for helping other artists find their unique strengths.

KJ Rose offers a deep dive into her personalized artist development str...

Ready to dive into a world where music meets marketing? Join us on Unglossy as we sit down with industry veteran Chris Atlas to uncover the symbiotic relationship between music, brand, marketing, and culture. We reminisce about our personal encounters with promotional products from major brands and how they’ve shaped our views, giving you a peek into the unpolished reality behind the glossy ads. Chris shares his incredible journey ...

Ever wonder how marketing magic happens in the music industry? Join us as we sit down for Part 2 of our conversation with the legendary Chris Atlas, the mastermind behind iconic campaigns like Kanye West's "Through the Wire" and Boost Mobile's Rock Corps. Discover the secrets to his innovative strategies, the vibrant atmosphere at Cornerstone, and unforgettable moments like Mickey Factz first encounter with Lupe...

This week on "Unglossy" hosts Tom Frank, Mickey Factz, and Jeffrey Sledge engage in a captivating conversation with Lee Hawkins, a distinguished journalist, author, and musician. Lee shares his remarkable journey from his early days in Minnesota, through his journalism career at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Wisconsin State Journal, to his 19-year tenure at the Wall Street Journal. He highlights pivotal moments, such...

Did you love Zaria from "The Parent 'Hood" as much as Mickey Factz? Get ready to dive into the fascinating journey of Reagan Gomez-Preston. From her early days making waves on "The Parent 'Hood" to achieving lasting success in Hollywood, Mickey reveals his childhood admiration for her, sparking a lively brainstorm about potential 90s TV character crossovers that blend nostalgia with modern storytelling...