The History Factory Podcast

In our latest podcast episode, we gave the mic to our own people to discuss our recently released report, “The Heritage Gap.” CEO Jason Dressel is joined by Adrian Gianforti, Director of Marketing and Communications, Erin Narloch, Senior Director of Business Insights and Performance, and Andrew Rugg, President of Certus Insights, to discuss key findings from the report and History Factory’s new Brand Heritage Index. The group explores how brands use heritage to engage audiences, the role of nostalgia and the potential of brand storytelling on social media. Tune in to learn how history can drive business success.

Join us on the open road to celebrate the Ford Mustang’s 60th birthday with Ted Ryan, Ford’s archives and heritage brand manager. He and History Factory CEO Jason Dressel discuss the iconic vehicle’s seven generations and its impact on pop culture—including its appearance in more than 8,000 movies and videos—and the most popular models today. Ryan talks about the transformation of the Mustang model, still one of the most popular sports coupes in the world, and its underlying design thinking over the decades. He also shares some stories from Ford’s archives, the Ford Heritage Vault, which has seen 30 million searches and 7.7 million downloads since its launch. Show Notes: As the archives and heritage brand manager for Ford Motor Company, Ted Ryan “has the coolest job,” a comment he often gets when people meet him for the first time and find out what he does for a living. His response is, “Indeed, I do!” In his role overseeing Ford’s archives, Ryan tells stories about the company’s rich heritage to internal and external audiences. While he is not a car collector, his father is and owns a 1931 Model A, a 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Continental Cabriolet, a 1957 Continental Mark II and a 2002 Thunderbird. Two of Ryan’s favorite photos are of him with his father and 1966 Mustang and of him with his three sons with his 2020 Mustang. Ford cars are in his blood.

In this episode, we dive into nostalgia’s dual role as a management and creative tool. Dr. Agnes Arnold-Forster and History Factory’s Erin Narloch discuss how nostalgia is used in marketing to evoke emotional connections with brands and how organizations use it as a management tool to foster employee loyalty and engagement. Tune in for this conversation on the enduring influence of nostalgia.

In this episode, host Erin Narloch sits down with author and social historian Virginia Nicholson to discuss her latest book, All the Rage: Stories from the Front Line of Beauty Virginia, known for her compelling exploration of women’s lives and social history, shares insights from her research into the complex relationship between women and their appearance. They delve into how societal expectations and technological advancements have shaped beauty standards over time.Virginia provides a fascinating look at how women have navigated the challenges of appearance in their quest for autonomy and identity. Tune in for a captivating conversation that unpacks the intricate connections between history, beauty, and power.

In this episode of “The History Factory Podcast,” Jason Dressel sits down with Dr. Clay Routledge, a leading expert in existential psychology and human motivation. They delve into the complex, often misunderstood emotion of nostalgia, which is deeply influential in our lives. Dr. Routledge discusses his research on how nostalgic feelings can be a powerful tool for organizations and individuals alike, helping build more meaningful lives and improve workplace culture. Drawing from his extensive background in psychology, Dr. Clay Routledge offers insights into how companies can harness nostalgic feelings to enhance their products, services, and overall brand experiences.

In the latest episode of “The History Factory Podcast,” CEO Jason Dressel and Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff, an esteemed historian and sports diplomacy expert, have a riveting conversation about the multifaceted role of businesses and brands in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. They discuss the intricate involvement of conglomerates like LVMH, exploring these organizations’ creative contributions to the games and the broader implications for global diplomacy and economic impact. Navigating topics such as the evolving objectives of Olympics sponsorship, the challenges the IOC faces, and the legacy of infrastructural projects in Paris, the episode offers insights into how the Olympic Games serve as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international collaboration.

In this episode, host Jason Dressel sits down with Madeline Qi and Tyler Albertario from GLAAD organization to explore the organization’s history and profound impact on LGBTQ+ advocacy and culture. As we celebrate Pride Month and reflect on the legacy of the Stonewall Uprising, Madeline and Tyler discuss GLAAD’s unique approach to advancing LGBTQ+ rights through media and popular culture. Madeline, GLAAD’s Operations Manager, provides insights into the organization’s current initiatives, while Tyler, a dedicated LGBTQ+ historian, and GLAAD’s archivist, shares his perspective on preserving and promoting LGBTQ+ history. Tyler is also working on a book about the New York Gay Liberation Front for Rutgers University Press. Join us as we delve into GLAAD’s pivotal role in shaping narratives and perceptions, past and present.

In this episode, host Erin Narloch sits down with Anders Sjöman, an expert in history marketing and preservation, at the renowned Center for Business History in Stockholm. Together, they delve into the fascinating world of business archives and the power of storytelling in corporate heritage. Anders shares his personal journey, from a background in economics to his pivotal role in preserving and leveraging Sweden's business history.

In this episode, host Jason Dressel interviews Lou Ferrante, a former mafia associate turned author, about the history of the American Mafia. Ferrante traces the mafia’s origins to Sicily in the Middle Ages and explores its evolution in American society. He discusses mafia ethics, business practices, and their impact on various industries, providing nuanced perspectives. He challenges misconceptions, highlighting the violent and illegal nature of the mafia, offering insights into the complex world of the mafia.

History Factory’s Erin Narloch, senior director of business insight and performance, sits down with Brigette Jones, public historian, consultant and researcher, to discuss the current state of brands leveraging or adopting inclusive practices to better connect to their customers while also acknowledging their pasts. Via the “Journey to Jubilee” tour she created conveying the stories of enslaved people at Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee, Jones ended up consulting with one of the top fashion brands of our era, Tommy Hilfiger. According to Jones, the simple act of showing more empathy not only creates a bedrock for an organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices but is also good for its bottom line. Tune into this episode to hear more.