The Farrynheight Podcast

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SAVI Moves: Savannah Engel on Style, Strategy, and Storytelling Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

PR is not for the faint of heart—it’s cliques, war rooms, and more than a few late nights. But Savannah Engel, Founder of SAVI PR, hasn’t just survived it; she’s turned the chaos into a career that’s helped define a generation of fashion marketing.

From early stumbles and tough feedback to finding her rhythm, Savannah used grit, persistence, and her instinctive social wizardry to carve her path. She’s proof that what begins as “soft skills” can become the sharpest edge, transforming social grit into professional gold.

Together, she and Farryn trade stories about 20-hour days, the power of your network, why hiring is about personality as much as merit, and how blurred lines between work and life can create both magic and mayhem. They’re candid about the love of career, the myth of “having it all,” and the radical self-belief it takes to keep going anyway.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Casual Beginnings and Personal Reflections

09:00 Navigating Career Paths in PR and Fashion

20:01 Work Ethic and the Changing Landscape of Employment

29:59 Self-Discovery and Confidence in Professional Growth

30:50 Finding Passion in Work

32:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery

33:51 Overcoming Challenges and Insecurities

36:06 Building a Brand and Team Culture

39:06 Creativity in Marketing Strategies

42:25 The Reality of Hard Work in PR

46:02 Navigating Success as a Woman

49:15 The Complexity of Relationships and Success

54:54 Lessons Learned Through Experience

58:05 Advice for Newcomers in PR

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Growing the Game: Radhika Duggal on Marketing Major League Soccer Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Soccer may be the world’s game, but for Radhika Duggal, it’s also a masterclass in marketing, leadership, and consumer obsession. As CMO of Major League Soccer, she’s redefining how a league connects with its fans—through innovation, resilience, and a culture of care that puts people first.

Radhika pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to market a league that’s growing at record pace. From embracing imperfection as a strategy (yes, really) to building a culture of care and speed, she shares how consumer behavior and team dynamics intersect to create moments of fandom that last a lifetime.

We cover it all: resilience in leadership, why feedback is the ultimate gift, the art of operationalizing innovation, and how soccer’s global DNA makes it uniquely positioned to unite rather than divide.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:10 The Role of CMO in Major League Soccer

06:44 Embracing Imperfection and Learning

09:28 Navigating New Challenges in a New Industry

12:33 Goals and Team Dynamics

15:36 Operationalizing Speed and Communication

18:24 Building a Culture of Care and Trust

21:09 Defining Great Leadership

22:53 Feedback and Growth

25:48 Consumer Behavior Insights

28:28 Driving Fan Growth and Engagement

31:00 Measuring Fandom and Emotional Connection

35:07 Innovation in Marketing for MLS

37:10 Understanding Consumer Behavior

39:39 Real-Life Consumer Insights

42:11 The Thread of People in Career

43:55 Resilience as a Key Skill

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The Business of Influence & Investing with Jaclyn Johnson Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

What does it really take to rewrite your story?

Jaclyn Johnson, Founder & CEO of Create & Cultivate, joins Farryn to unpack the messy, beautiful, and often invisible work of transformation in business and life. From grappling with identity crises after stepping down as CEO, and then returning, to redefining what success means beyond hustle culture, Jaclyn’s journey is a masterclass in owning your boundaries, embracing vulnerability, and learning that sometimes walking away is the boldest act of self-love.

They dive deep into how mentorship, masterminds, and community fuel resilience, why asking for more is a revolutionary act for female entrepreneurs, and how personal challenges born of burnout and divorce can lead to unexpected growth and clarity.

This episode isn’t just about pivoting a business, it’s about pivoting your life with conviction, courage, and a fierce commitment to showing up authentically on your own terms. Because in a world full of noise and pressure, the real success is learning how to define your own rules and find joy in the journey.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Navigating Change: A Post-COVID Reflection

01:05 The Art of Pivoting: Adapting to New Realities

03:03 Identity Crisis: The CEO Transition

06:53 Masterminds and Mentorship: Building Connections

09:03 Vulnerability in Business: Lessons from Burnout

12:08 Redefining Roles: From CEO to Chief Creative Officer

13:57 Success and Failure: A Fluid Definition

16:13 Learning from Failure: The Wine Venture

19:57 Ego and Self-Love: The Courage to Step Back

23:16 Owning Your Boundaries and Conviction in Business

24:40 Understanding Your Value and Asking for More

26:14 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Know Their Worth

28:09 The Shift from Hustle Culture to Embracing Femininity

32:31 Navigating Personal Challenges and Professional Growth

36:56 The Journey of Acceptance and Self-Reflection

43:14 Defining Success on Your Own Terms

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Building Better: Ancient Crunch CEO Steven Rofrano on Why Simplicity is the Ultimate Innovation Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

The future of snack foods is here, and Ancient Crunch is leading the charge.

Steven Rofrano, CEO of Ancient Crunch, isn’t here to disrupt the chip industry. He’s here to rebuild it. With a deep respect for tradition, a sharp eye on quality, and zero tolerance for BS ingredients, Ancient Crunch, the makers of MASA and Vandy, is redefining what “better-for-you” should mean in the CPG space.

From vertical integration to viral marketing, Steven joins Farryn to share what it really takes to build a brand that consumers not only taste, but trust. They unpack the critical (and often chaotic) path of launching a CPG company, why real food deserves better storytelling, how moments of validation can keep founders fueled through the grind, and what happens when you decide to challenge the food system from the inside out.

It’s a conversation that spans gut health, grit, and the real responsibility of making products that do more than just sell. If you’ve ever wondered how to create food that’s good for people and the planet—and make it cool in the process—this one’s for you.

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Code: FARRYN

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Worth 25% off first-time orders.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:57 The Factory and Vertical Integration

04:16 The Journey to Founding the Company

10:55 Moments of Validation and Growth

14:03 Key Components of Success

18:39 Building Brand Loyalty and Retention

25:12 Future Product Development and Vision

35:30 Navigating Challenges as a Founder

54:47 Qualities of a Successful Leader

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The Business of Truth: Building a Brand People Believe In According to The New York Times’ Amy Weisenbach Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

Great marketing isn’t just strategy. It’s human.

Amy Weisenbach, SVP and Head of Marketing at The New York Times, joins Farryn to unpack the kind of marketing that sits at the intersection of trust, storytelling, and true consumer understanding. Together, they explore what it takes to build a brand that’s not just seen—but believed.

They dissect the importance of marketers to understand consumer needs, navigating tension between business goals and brand values and the art of saying no to maintain brand integrity. They also explore the balance between cultural relevance and brand partnerships, emphasizing that marketing is a universal practice rooted in human connection.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Marketing and Teaching

02:23 The Journey into Marketing Leadership

05:23 Understanding Consumer Needs

08:15 The Role of Trust in Media

11:26 Building Brand Confidence

14:07 The Importance of Storytelling in Marketing

17:22 Navigating Brand Strategy Challenges

20:11 Teaching Marketing and Leadership

23:02 The Art of Saying No in Marketing

26:07 Cultural Relevance and Brand Partnerships

29:00 Future Directions in Brand Marketing

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Centering Creativity: A Conversation with Alex Center of CENTER Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

What if care—not capital or clout—is the real secret to building a successful brand?

Alex Center, the founder of branding and design studio CENTER, joins Farryn to explore why care is the most underrated asset in the business of branding. From his early days designing for Coca-Cola’s Vitaminwater to launching the non-alcoholic beer brand Bero, Alex shares how emotion, empathy, and human truth fuel the most iconic brands.

Together, they dig into the power of simplicity, the emotional undercurrent of good design, and the invisible labor of pulling the story out of a founder. It’s about cultural relevance, sure, but it’s also about heart.

This is a conversation about more than just fonts and colors; it’s an exploration of why branding is really an act of love, and how showing up with care, curiosity, and courage can turn an idea into something unforgettable.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Setup

03:04 The Power of Brand Connection

05:58 Design Beyond Aesthetics

08:54 Navigating Client Expectations

11:53 The Importance of Care in Branding

15:06 Cultural Relevance in Brand Building

18:02 Launching a Non-Alcoholic Beer Brand

22:21 The Journey of Brand Creation

26:11 The Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

34:46 Personal Growth Through Leadership

39:14 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Change

44:30 The Importance of Team Culture

48:55 Defining Brand Identity and Legacy

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Swipe Right: How Stephanie Danzi is Building Tinder’s Global Brand Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

In a world of swipes and stats, can real connection still be the end goal?

Stephanie Danzi, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Tinder, joins Farryn to talk about the ever-evolving world of dating, identity, and what it really means to build a brand in a category where connection is the product. She reveals why great marketing is less about chasing trends and more about knowing who you are.

They explore how AI is redefining dating experiences, why branding should be treated as a service to the business, and the bravery required to take big swings in a space where cultural perception meets human vulnerability. From building internal alignment to launching Tinder’s first global campaign, Stephanie shares the importance of finding your voice, cultivating talent, and designing with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Navigating Life Changes: Relocation and Discovery

03:09 The Impact of COVID-19 on Life Choices

05:52 The Evolution of Dating: From Apps to Real Connections

08:51 Marketing in the Dating Space: Challenges and Opportunities

12:05 Nostalgia and Modern Dating: Bridging the Gap

15:08 Self-Discovery Through Relationships: Visitors vs. Residents

17:56 The Role of AI in Enhancing Dating Experiences

21:13 Brand Marketing in the Dating Industry: Balancing Performance and Connection

28:27 Building a Brand: The Journey of Tinder

30:30 Finding Allies and Safe Spaces in Marketing

32:58 The Importance of Measurement in Marketing

34:30 Brand as Service: Internal and External Perspectives

36:05 Taking Big Swings: The First Global Campaign

39:15 Balancing Discipline and Freedom in Brand Strategy

40:45 Creating Space for Team Growth and Creativity

46:14 The Joy of Cultivating Talent in Marketing

48:18 Navigating Bravery in Marketing Decisions

50:30 Finding Your Voice and Product-Market Fit

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The Person Behind the Founder Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, Farryn gets personal. She is pulling back the curtain on the invisible parts of her journey: the self-doubt, the imposter syndrome, the moments you want to quit but preserve instead. This is less about answers and more about permission. Permission to struggle. Permission to lead while still figuring it out. And permission to grow: slowly, imperfectly, and honestly.

Farryn opens up about the courage it takes to lead with vulnerability, and why “being a freshman again” in your career might just be your biggest asset. She explores what it means to lead with your whole self, why culture starts from the inside out, and how the choice to work on yourself is the most powerful business decision you can make.

Who you are at home, in the quiet, in the in-between—that person is running the company too.

This is for the founders, the leaders, anyone building something from scratch—while rebuilding themselves in the process.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Embracing Mental Health in Leadership

02:53 Navigating Self-Doubt and Founder's Journey

06:00 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

08:52 The Importance of Perseverance and Hard Work

12:09 Growth Mindset: Embracing the Freshman Experience

15:02 Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture

17:53 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Leadership

20:45 Mindful Leadership and Self-Care

24:11 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

27:05 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Awareness

29:54 Choosing to Prioritize Mental Health

33:10 The Power of Choice in Leadership

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