Business lessons, life, and liquor. Each episode, Jon Umstead and co-host Nic Hess go against the grain to talk straight about entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, leadership, and building something fun from nothing.
Pull up a glass.
Against the Grain Podcast
Against the Grain Available Now at Amazon
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Against the Grain Available Now at Amazon ~~
AG Podcast Ep 11: Events and Dipshittery
Jon and Nic return after a short hiatus to talk through chapter 10 of Against the Grain, focused on hosting and attending events. The episode also shifts into Nic’s Mash, where the conversation turns to AI, how it is changing day-to-day work, and what it means to adapt when an industry changes fast. Jon and Nic cover event strategy from both the book and real life, including book launches, distillery tours, community giveaways, and industry events. They also compare notes on using AI as a practical tool for research, analysis, and marketing, while stressing the need to verify results and stay flexible.
AG Podcast Ep 10: It Ain’t Build It and They Will Come
Jon and Nic sit down with Kim Bartley for a wide-ranging conversation about Jon’s upcoming book, the ideas behind it, and why the book’s themes resonate with real-world business experience. Kim brings a strong marketing lens from her 31-plus years at White Castle and her decade of teaching at Ohio State, giving the discussion practical weight and perspective.
AG Podcast Ep 9: Product Pairing
Jon and Nic talk through how products gain momentum when they travel together, with examples from retail, software, and food pairings like chicken and waffles. They also cover how substitution can open new markets, why anticipation matters before launch, and why leaders should stay close to frontline execution.
AG Podcast Ep 8: Product Placement
Jon and Nic welcome guest Ryan Berry, founder of Berry Digital Solutions and part of the team behind the Logan County Chronicle, to discuss the importance of product placement. Together, the group connects advertising, storytelling, and real-world examples from phones, bourbon, newspapers, and movie placements.