179. How to Tell Stories so Good Your Brand Sells Itself ft. Brendan Kane
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Brendan Kane - author, speaker, and founder of Hook Point, who’s helped brands like Taylor Swift and MTV generate billions of views through storytelling.In this episode, we dive into why storytelling is the #1 skill for creators in 2026, how to craft viral formats, and how to turn attention into income.If you’re a creator or founder looking to master storytelling and grow your brand, this one’s a must-listen.Want to go deeper on what Brendan shared today?Grab a FREE copy of his latest book and discover the proven system behind 60+ billion views 👇https://hookpoint.com/505Inside, you’ll learn:• How to engineer viral storytelling, not hope for it• The repeatable formula used to generate over 100 million followers• The psychological patterns that make people stop scrolling and start paying attentionConnect with Brendan:📱 instagram.com/brendankane🎥 youtube.com/brendankane🌐 hookpoint.comSUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro1:03 – Why Storytelling Beats Every Algorithm4:16 – How to Become a Better Storyteller on Social6:02 – Why Social Media Rules Don’t Actually Change8:53 – Finding the Right Content Format for You11:27 – Authenticity vs. Imitation: What Audiences Feel Instantly12:55 – Personal Brand Kickstart 13:19 – The Key Ingredients of a Great Story17:01 – How Tension Keeps Viewers Hooked17:46 – The 6 Communication Types That Shape Your Content22:12 – Why Most Brands Fail to Connect Emotionally26:20 – How to Script Content That Actually Performs30:02 – Best Performing Formats for Real Estate, Law & More31:42 – The General Principle: How to Go Broad Without Selling Out33:54 – Building Trust Before You Sell35:58 – Why Views Don’t Equal Sales37:53 – Turning Attention Into Income39:30 – Optimizing Your Backend Systems for Growth42:12 – Production Quality vs. Performance43:48 – Why You Should Study (Not Compare) Big Creators48:36 – Viral Content Comparison Challenge59:34 – Dissecting the “How Do You Know” Format1:00:17 – What Makes a Low-Production Video Go Viral1:01:06 – Why Simple Storytelling Still Wins1:02:55 – How to Build Emotional Hooks into Any Video1:05:53 – More Viral Content Comparison1:12:01 – Why the Video Performed Better1:15:06 – The Golden Triangle1:15:41 – Comparing 505 Instagram Reels1:19:04 – The Data Behind Great Hooks1:20:47 – You’re Not Shadowbanned — You’re Misreading the Metrics1:22:58 – Hook Point’s Process for Analyzing Formats1:23:59 – Why Some Hooks Don’t Convert1:26:11 – Telling Stories That Stick1:28:32 – Avoiding the Trap of Trend-Chasing1:29:43 – The Power of Pattern Recognition in Content1:31:39 – Storytelling ≠ Viral — It’s About Connection1:33:32 – How to Turn Insights into Actionable Strategy1:34:23 – What Makes a Great Hook1:37:36 – Applying Hook Point to Your Own Content1:39:33 – Final Takeaways with Brendan Kane1:42:10 – Post-Pod DebriefIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
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178. Personal Branding is hard until you do this ft. Adrian Per
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Adrian Per - Content creator, director, and storyteller who’s built one of the strongest personal brands in the creator space.In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to stand out online — how to turn your limitations into your unique style, build a brand that connects instead of copies, and stay authentic in a world full of trends.If you’re a creator looking to build a personal brand that actually lasts, this episode is your playbook.Check out Adrian here:https://www.instagram.com/omgadrian/https://www.content-college.com/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro1:12 – Why copycat creators fail to build true brands4:02 – What makes people actually stop scrolling8:16 – Creating for yourself vs. the audience9:31 – The problem with “viral hook” culture11:15 – Why not all views and followers are equal13:13 – How traditional brands can learn from creators15:29 – Personal Brand Kickstart15:54 – The 5 most important traits for creators in 202618:06 – How to use AI as a creative tool, not a crutch20:15 – The one thing AI will never replace23:43 – Turning your limitations into your superpower25:56 – Overcoming insecurities as a creator28:48 – The viral video that changed Adrian’s life30:50 – Why perfection kills relatability32:59 – Embracing imperfection & showing your real story34:48 – Playing it safe is actually risky39:11 – How Adrian feels about copycats45:48 – When your idea transcends you and shifts culture49:47 – The power of world-building in your content51:28 – What’s in Adrian’s Camera Bag56:09 – The truth about Sony, Canon, and camera preferences1:06:34 – How DJI is changing the game for solo creators1:09:26 – How Adrian removes friction from his workflow1:13:49 – Batch shooting content1:15:19 – Why every creator needs structure1:18:23 – How to protect your creative energy1:21:31 – Building longevity in the creator economy1:26:56 – Advice to creators who feel stuck1:28:19 – How to find your unique lane online1:31:29 – The one mindset shift that changed everything1:33:17 – Adrian’s philosophy on success & creativity1:36:07 – Final takeaways and reflections1:42:14 – Why your story is your greatest advantageIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
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177. How to Make Your Brand So Magnetic They Stop Scrolling ft. Erica Mallett
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Erica Mallett - brand strategist, creator, and former national radio host who helps people become a category of one using the science and psychology of icons.In this ep, Erica breaks down the psychology behind magnetic personal brands: why connection beats attention, why copying others kills your magnetism before it starts, and how to build a belief-based brand that people actually rally behind. We dive into the frameworks behind cult-like audiences - from The Enemy Effect and Cringe Mountain to why “different” will always beat “better.”If you want to stop blending in, find your voice, and create a brand that people believe in, this episode is your exact playbook for standing out online and building a community that truly connects.Check out Erica here:https://www.youtube.com/ @ericamallett https://www.instagram.com/erica_mallett/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro1:05 - What makes a personal brand magnetic1:45 - Who is Erica Mallett?3:45 - Why clarity matters more than consistency5:48 - The three pillars of a magnetic brand7:14 - Why copying others kills your magnetism9:49 - The power of being polarizing online12:40 - How to create belief-based content14:29 - Personal Brand Kickstart14:53 - How to find your 3 core brand themes16:50 - Cringe Mountain: why feeling cringe means growth24:26 - The Enemy Effect: building cult-like audiences28:09 - Why shared opposition builds community30:07 - How Taylor Swift uses enemies to unite fans32:34 - Turning ideology into brand identity34:06 - Why connection beats attention36:25 - How to make people believe in your brand37:33 - Frameworks behind brand magnetism38:22 - Why storytelling creates emotional resonance40:13 - Why authenticity isn’t enough anymore42:08 - How to speak directly to your people43:51 - The biggest mistakes creators make with branding45:18 - How to build long-term loyalty with your audience47:57 - The difference between good content and good branding50:46 - How to say the same message a thousand ways52:38 - The power of repetition and recognizable ideas55:07 - Why your brand should feel like a movement57:31 - Building a category of one59:37 - How to stay consistent without losing creativity1:01:59 - The internal work behind a strong personal brand1:04:29 - How to find your unique perspective1:06:31 - Why over-polishing kills connection1:09:37 - How to find your authentic tone1:11:03 - The role of emotion in brand loyalty1:13:33 - Why perfection kills relatability1:15:33 - Different is better than better1:17:11 - Why your brand’s quirks are your superpower1:18:37 - The mindset shift to build a belief-based brand1:21:46 - Why most creators play too small1:25:55 - How to break through creative insecurity1:27:55 - Becoming the kind of brand people root for1:28:54 - Why conviction matters more than confidence1:31:24 - How to attract your dream audience1:34:10 - Building a timeless personal brand1:37:15 - The secret to creating an unshakable brand voice1:39:05 - Post Pod DebriefIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
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176. How to Make 10x More Money (as a Small Personal Brand)
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartGet 2 months free of Motion Array here:https://motionarray.com/?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re breaking down one of the biggest creator myths: that brand deals are the only way to make money. In this episode, we share the 7 income streams every creator should build, from digital products to cohorts and consulting, so you’re not relying on one-off sponsorships.We’ve made over $1M through our personal brands, and we’re showing you exactly how to do the same. Whether you’re a freelancer or creative business owner, this is your blueprint for turning your personal brand into a real business.SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro0:26 - Brand Deals13:12 - Digital Products15:08 - Motion Array 16:02 - Back to Digital Products24:37 - Cohorts32:22 - Ad Revenue38:10 - Affiliate Marketing44:23 - Consulting50:06 - Merchandise56:12 - Creator Pitfalls1:01:38 - Rock TalkIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
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175. How to Build an Audience That Begs to Buy Anything ft. Sabri Suby
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Sabri Suby. He's a serial entrepreneur, Shark Tank investor, and founder of King Kong, the digital agency that’s generated over $7.8 billion in sales for clients.In this ep, Sabri breaks down the psychology behind brands people obsess over: why scarcity and friction actually make your product more desirable, why the first sale should start a relationship (not end it), and how premium positioning attracts better clients with less stress. We dive into cult-like brand building, the mistakes that keep most businesses broke, and how to craft offers so powerful that customers beg to pay you.If you want to stop selling like everyone else, learn the blueprint luxury brands use to command premium pricing, and build a brand that customers line up for, this episode is your exact playbook.Check out Sabri here:https://www.youtube.com/ @SabriSubyOfficial https://www.instagram.com/sabrisuby/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 - Trailer1:15 - What Luxury Brands Know About Buyer Psychology2:18 - Lessons Small Businesses Can Steal from Rolex & Louis Vuitton5:54 - Designing a Premium Customer Experience8:39 - Why Showmanship Creates Loyalty10:37 - Learning from Luxury Hotels & Concierge Services12:20 - The Difference Between Cheap Clients and Premium Clients14:36 - Artlist15:28 - Do Waitlists Still Work in 2025?17:58 - Sales as Seduction & Playing Hard to Get19:37 - $2K Gyms and the Power of Environment22:24 - Information Asymmetry: How Luxury Brands Control the Sale24:43 - Why Higher Prices Need More Friction27:54 - Qualifying Buyers and Saying No to Clients30:59 - Personal Brand Kickstart31:23 - Why Your First Product Should Be Free33:20 - Building a Product Suite Around One Problem34:29 - Scaling Pains: Leadership and Fulfillment at 100+ Employees37:52 - How to Inject Vision and Energy into Your Team41:13 - Sell What They Want, Give What They Need45:14 - Funnels That Actually Work in 202549:00 - The Future of VSLs in an AI World51:18 - Sabri’s Content Flywheel Strategy53:56 - Paid Ads Metrics That Matter55:56 - Building a Customer Journey that Converts58:46 - Why Most Agencies Stay Small1:02:32 - The Moral Obligation to Sell if You’re the Best1:06:28 - Copywriting: It’s Not How You Say It, It’s What You Say1:08:19 - Why Scarcity and Friction Increase Desire1:11:20 - Selling the Dream vs. Selling the Work1:16:46 - How to Make Customers Beg to Buy1:20:56 - Shark Tank1:26:02 - The Economics of High-Ticket Offers1:29:40 - Sabri on Organic Content vs. Ads1:35:25 - Why Status Is the Ultimate Currency1:40:59 - Consulting for 5051:47:49 - Advice to Your 18-Year-Old SelfIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
This is a podcast for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to live outside of society's normal boundaries. We are here to share our experiences, answer questions, and feature impactful guests with incredible insights. We also share our stories and make each other laugh.
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