Content That Moves - The Brand Storytelling Podcast

Nathan Smith, General Manager of Global Brand Marketing and Drake Springer, Head of Creative Production at Delta Air Lines, share how Delta created Why We Dream—a feature-length documentary made with the Best Defense Foundation that follows World War II veterans returning to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. They unpack the bold leap into long-form storytelling, the creative hurdles along the way, an unexpected collaboration with Hans Zimmer, and how the film is catalyzing Delta’s broader push into branded entertainment.

Alyssa Foster, who leads Brand Partnerships and Entertainment PR at Southwest Airlines shares insights into how Southwest uses storytelling to connect with travelers, highlight the heart of its people, and create authentic brand moments. From their groundbreaking short film "Alone in Tombstone" to leveraging micro-influencers for campaigns like "Summer of Go," Alyssa gives us an inside look at how Southwest is redefining airline marketing.

Michael Sternoff, Principal Creative Director at Amazon’s Project Kuiper does a deep dive into the art of authentic brand storytelling. He discusses the hero’s journey, the power of spotlighting real people over celebrities, and how brands can take a supporting role in stories that resonate.

Discover how the LA Times is redefining branded content with emotional impact at the core. Kristen Berke, Vice President of National Advertising and Branded Content, shares how her team blends editorial storytelling with platform-specific strategies to create engaging narratives. From Oscar-winning short documentaries to innovative brand collaborations, they are proving the power of stories that connect deeply with audiences.

Ramon Soto, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Northwell Health reveals a powerful lesson in how Northwell’s innovative partnership model that puts purpose before profit is reshaping the future of their branded content. By offering filmmakers unprecedented access to their hospitals and healthcare teams, Northwell has elevated their brand while fostering deeper audience connections with their customers. It’s a lesson in how other brands can achieve social good and business success through collaboration in creative storytelling.