When we started Marketing Sweats, I just wanted to have real conversations with real marketers about the heart, soul and sweat that goes into this job.

A Childhood Dream Turned Podcast Reality

When I was little, I wanted to be Rikki Lake. (Yes, really.) I loved the idea of asking people questions, learning about their lives and keeping the conversation going.

Later, I dreamed of hosting a radio show laughing, learning and connecting with people. So, when the podcast era hit, it just clicked: We could do this at Simantel.

We could create a space to talk about the “sweat” behind marketing — the long hours, late nights, creative challenges and meaningful wins that make this industry one of the most inspiring (and sometimes exhausting!) in the world.

That’s where the idea for Marketing Sweats was born. A podcast for marketers, creatives and leaders who believe the hard work is worth it.

How “Marketing Sweats” Got Its Name

I’ll be honest … I hated the name at first. “Marketing Sweats” sounded dangerously close to “Meat Sweats,” an inside joke at Simantel thanks to our annual Smoke on the Water BBQ event.

But credit goes to Maggie Whalen-Misselhorn, one of our former owners and creative directors, who saw the vision before I did. She understood both me and the marketers we were speaking to. The intersection between grit, grace, strategy and sweat, became the foundation of our brand.

And now? The name fits perfectly. People get it. This job is messy, meaningful and full of passion and that’s exactly what the show celebrates.

Launching With a Legend

How many people can say they kicked off their first-ever podcast with Mike Rowe?

Mike, who was serving as a spokesperson for Caterpillar at the time, graciously agreed to join me for our very first episode, live in front of an audience.

I was terrified. Here I was, brand new to podcasting, sitting across from one of the most seasoned storytellers in the world. But Mike couldn’t have been kinder. He carried me through those first few moments and gave me advice I still use today: “Name the nerves.”

By simply acknowledging the fear, he said, you take away its power. And he was right.

That moment set the tone for everything that followed.

Favorite Conversations Through the Years

Since that first episode, we’ve talked to some of the biggest thinkers and boldest voices in marketing, and I’ve learned something from every single one of them.

Rishad Tobaccowala, futurist and author, was one of my dream guests. I had just finished his book when he said yes to being on the show, and I was ecstatic. Later, I met him in Iceland at a conference, and true to form, he was as grounded and genuine as they come.

Another unforgettable guest? Bob Hoffman, “The Ad Contrarian.” Bob challenges everything we think we know about advertising, and our conversation did exactly that. He’s a reminder that sometimes the most disruptive thing you can do is simply ask, “Why?”

And then, of course, there’s our Point of Pride series — episodes featuring Simantel employees sharing their own stories. Those are always some of my favorites. Because as much as I love interviewing big names, there’s something incredibly rewarding about spotlighting the people I get to work with every day.

The Real Work Behind the Mic

This podcast has always been about the real work; the kind that doesn’t make it to the highlight reel.

Let’s be real. Not every episode has gone perfectly.

There was the time the lights went out mid-interview, and the IT team was literally crawling under my desk to fix it. (Yes, while we were still recording.)

Or the season I wore a sweatband the entire time because I thought it was on-brand. Spoiler alert: it was not.

And fun fact — our tech team can apparently tell when you accidentally spit into a mic. (Gross, I know.)

But honestly, that’s part of what I love about Marketing Sweats. It’s not perfect. It’s real. And that’s exactly what makes it work.

The Anatomy of a Marketing Sweats Conversation

Every episode follows a simple rhythm:

    • The Big Picture: Who are you? What’s your story, personally and professionally?
    • The Deep Dive: What’s your area of expertise? What do you believe about the work?
    • The Leadership Lens: What have you learned that others can take with them?

We end each episode with one of my favorite traditions. I call it “a question for another.” Every guest leaves a question behind for a future guest, which keeps the curiosity (and humility) flowing. Because none of us are experts in everything. And that’s the beauty of it.

What’s Next: Evolving for the Next 100

As we head into our 100th episode, I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s next.

I want to keep experimenting. Maybe more short-form content, quick thought-starters or even live roundtables. I also want to share more of my own voice on leadership, marketing and self-discovery.

And yes, my team (and my 12-year-old daughter) keep telling me to join TikTok. We’ll see.

Episode 100: Full Circle With Jim Simantel

It feels incredibly special that our 100th episode features none other than Jim Simantel, the founder and original creative mind behind our agency. Years ago, when I started Marketing Sweats, I told myself that if I reached 100 episodes, I would invite Jim Simantel back to the agency and ask him to tell us the story of this amazing company.

Jim’s story is where it all began. More than 40 years ago, he moved his family from Chicago to Peoria, walked into Caterpillar, and won the project that launched this agency. His creativity, courage and commitment to relationships built the foundation that Simantel still stands on today.

Our conversation for this episode was full of laughs, memories and gratitude. Sitting across from Jim felt like looking at our agency’s DNA — creativity, curiosity and care.

It was the perfect reminder that the stories we tell, whether in marketing, leadership or life, always start with people who dare to do something different. Simantel is my home and I’m so thankful for what Jim built for us and for coming back to share his story. Keep an eye out for his episode launching November 13.

Gratitude for the Team

Before I wrap this up, I have to thank the incredible team who makes this podcast possible.

Carrie Thompson has been my steady partner and producer for the last four years. Chris Moehn continues to bring creative design and brand direction that keep the show feeling fresh. And our web, social and IT teams at Simantel are the reason these stories reach the world every season.

This podcast is a team effort and I’m lucky to have the best team in the business.

Looking Back — and Ahead

After 100 episodes, I can honestly say this: consistency matters.

Even if someone doesn’t listen to every episode (or even a full one), showing up authentically and consistently is what builds trust. And that’s what great storytelling, great brands and great leadership are all about.

Marketing Sweats has never just been about marketing. It’s about people — the thinkers, dreamers and doers who make the work matter.

Here’s to 100 episodes down … and so many more to come.

If you’ve listened before, thank you. And if you haven’t yet, check it out at MarketingSweats.com or wherever you get your podcasts. I think you’ll find a story (or a person) that sticks with you.