The Sponge Show

The Sponge Show
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Expand ourselves by learning from others - we bring in industry and community leaders to learn from their experiences and to explore what else is possible in the community we live in.

Episodes

  1. 12/16/2025

    The Power of Healthy Friction with Jeff Satterberg, Founder at NEXUSSHIFT

    Get our latest State of the Industry Report https://bconnected.myflodesk.com/june-2025-state-of-the-industry-report What if the key to better business decisions wasn't eliminating friction, but intentionally creating it? Jeff Satterberg shares the strategic wisdom he's absorbed from leading transformations across pharmaceutical sales, national beverage distribution, supplement scaling, and complex brand integrations. As founder and CEO of NEXUSSHIFT Consulting and a member of Wisconsin's 2026 Titan 100 class, Jeff brings a people-first approach to organizational change that challenges conventional wisdom. His current work integrating three generational printing companies into the unified Proof brand demonstrates how strategic friction drives stronger outcomes than consensus ever could. // GUEST BIO // Jeff Satterberg helps organizations connect brand, people, and strategy through the complexities of change and integration. Named to Wisconsin's 2026 Titan 100 class, Jeff has led transformations across diverse industries, including pharmaceutical sales at Johnson & Johnson, national beverage distribution with Wirtz Beverage (owners of the Chicago Blackhawks), supplement company scaling, and, most recently, the integration of three established printing companies into the Proof brand. His career pivot from pre-med to organizational transformation was driven by a simple realization: his highest value comes from helping people and organizations succeed through strategic change. // GROWTH WISDOM EXPLORED // Why healthy friction strengthens brands while comfortable consensus weakens them How trust and authenticity drive buying decisions more than features or price The leadership transition from consultant to executor and what it reveals about capability Why asking unbiased questions matters more than having all the answers // CONNECT // Watch full episode: https://youtu.be/06aqNaAQGOs Connect with Brad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradcebulski/ Learn more: https://www.bconnectedllc.com // ABOUT THE SHOW // Brad Cebulski, founder of BConnected, sits down with successful business leaders to absorb the growth wisdom, insights, and hard-earned lessons that have built their organizations. For 14+ years, BConnected has helped business owners transform their social media and content into strategic growth engines. Whether you're a seasoned business owner, an emerging entrepreneur, or leading a growing organization, these conversations provide practical insights that directly connect to measurable growth. Learn from the diverse voices who've navigated the journey before you. Views expressed are the guest's own

  2. 11/18/2025

    Getting Out of Your Own Way: How Delegation Unlocks Exponential Growth with Zach Stuck

    Get our latest State of the Industry Report https://bconnected.myflodesk.com/june-2025-state-of-the-industry-report What's the difference between founders who plateau at five employees and those who build eight-figure businesses? Zach Stuck shares the wisdom he's absorbed from scaling both a growth agency and a portfolio of DTC brands—and why delegation is the strategic inflection point most leaders miss. // GUEST BIO // Zach Stuck is the CEO of Easy Street Brands, a holding company with a portfolio of direct-to-consumer brands, including Hollow Socks. He founded Homestead Studios seven years ago, scaling it to a successful agency before stepping down as CEO three years ago to focus on building and acquiring DTC brands. // GROWTH WISDOM EXPLORED // – The "idea, delegate, idea, delegate" framework for exponential scaling – Why giving team members ownership and autonomy creates compounding growth – The risk calculation: accepting bad hires as learning experiences on the path to finding great ones – Building businesses that grow faster after you step aside // CONNECT // Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W6pQZWl86p0 Connect with Brad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradcebulski/ Learn more about BConnected: https://www.bconnectedllc.com // ABOUT THE SHOW // Brad Cebulski, founder of BConnected, sits down with successful business leaders to absorb the growth wisdom, insights, and hard-earned lessons that have built their organizations. For 14+ years, BConnected has helped business owners transform their social media and content into strategic growth engines. Whether you're a seasoned business owner, an emerging entrepreneur, or leading a growing organization, these conversations provide practical insights that directly connect to measurable growth. Learn from the diverse voices who've navigated the journey before you. Views expressed are the guest's own

  3. 08/28/2025

    Healthcare to Financial Services with Melanie Draheim, CMO of Fox Communities Credit Union

    Download the State of the Industry Report   How do you successfully step into a marketing leadership role when you're entering an entirely new industry?   Melanie Draheim, Chief Marketing Officer at Fox Communities Credit Union, shares the strategic wisdom she has absorbed from mentors, industry transitions, and leading teams through organizational change.   After spending over 12 years in health insurance marketing, Melanie made the bold decision to transition into a leadership role in financial services. Her journey reveals crucial insights about adapting leadership skills across industries, building credibility while learning, and driving meaningful change without dismissing organizational legacy.   // GUEST BIO // Melanie Draheim leads marketing and community engagement at Fox Communities Credit Union, an 87-year-old financial institution serving the Fox Cities area. Her background includes over 12 years at Network Health, where she progressed through marketing, product development, sales, and strategic planning roles. This diverse experience across commoditized industries has given her unique insights into strategic differentiation, customer psychology, and the integration of marketing with broader business growth objectives. She currently oversees partnerships with 600+ nonprofit organizations annually.   // GROWTH WISDOM EXPLORED // - Strategic frameworks for differentiating in commoditized markets - Why customer life outcomes trump product feature messaging - How to identify authentic competitive advantages in saturated industries - Strategic approach to community engagement as business development - Balancing digital efficiency with authentic human relationship building   // CONNECT // Watch full episode: https://youtu.be/Il_Wqf_QXG8 Connect with Brad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradcebulski/ Learn more: https://www.bconnectedllc.com   // ABOUT THE SHOW // Brad Cebulski, founder of BConnected, sits down with successful business leaders to absorb the growth wisdom, insights, and hard-earned lessons that have built their organizations. For 14+ years, BConnected has helped business owners transform their social media and content into strategic growth engines. Whether you're a seasoned business owner, an emerging entrepreneur, or leading a growing organization, these conversations provide practical insights that directly connect to measurable growth. Learn from the diverse voices who've navigated the journey before you.   Views expressed are the guest's own

  4. 07/28/2025

    Leading Through Crisis: Lessons from Appleton's Mayor, Jake Woodford

    Get our latest State of the Industry Report     Ever wondered what it takes to lead 650+ employees through a global pandemic?   Mayor Jake Woodford of Appleton, Wisconsin, shares the wisdom he has absorbed from mentors, crises, and the school of hard knocks.   From taking office during COVID-19 to transforming how an entire city government approaches strategic planning, Jake's journey offers invaluable insights for any leader looking to build trust and get things done.   // GUEST BIO // Jake started as a 29-year-old higher ed administrator who convinced a city of 75,000 to take a chance on him. Now in his second term, he's learned that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about opening up perspectives and building common understanding. His approach transformed Appleton's organizational culture while navigating generational crises.   // GROWTH WISDOM EXPLORED // Why claiming to "own rationality" kills leadership effectiveness How to turn opposition arguments into solution roadmaps (library project case study) Building inclusive processes that actually save time long-term ️ Leading organizational culture change through strategic planning The critical role of mutual trust in leadership effectiveness Starting leadership roles during crisis and finding opportunity in chaos   // CONNECT // Watch video episode: https://youtu.be/H3n5XHROlQc Connect with Brad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradcebulski/ Learn more: https://www.bconnectedllc.com   // ABOUT THE SHOW // Brad Cebulski, founder of BConnected, sits down with successful business leaders to absorb the growth wisdom, insights, and hard-earned lessons that have built their organizations. For 14+ years, BConnected has helped business owners transform their social media and content into strategic growth engines. Whether you're a seasoned business owner, anemerging entrepreneur, or leading a growing organization, these conversations provide practical insights that directly connect to measurable growth. Learn from the diverse voices who've navigated the journey before you.   Views expressed are the guest's own

  5. 05/13/2025

    Why the Past Still Matters (and Always Will): Future History with Dustin Mack from the History Museum at the Castle

    In this inspiring episode of The Sponge Show, host Brad Cebulski sits down with Dustin Mack, the newly appointed Executive Director of the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton, Wisconsin. Dustin shares how his deep passion for history grew from a personal journey of understanding the present through the lens of the past, and how that passion now fuels his mission to make history more accessible, immersive, and relevant to the community. From the bold vision behind the museum's cutting-edge “You Are Here” exhibit to the importance of telling both proud and painful stories from our shared past, this conversation explores how local history can empower identity, empathy, and transformation. But it’s not just about exhibits, it’s about the future. Dustin reveals exciting plans to consolidate cultural assets in the Fox Valley, turning the museum into a hub for arts, history, science, and education. Imagine a vibrant museum campus where kids, families, and tourists can explore astronomy, minerals, local culture, and art all in one block. Whether you’re a lifelong learner, a parent, an educator, or just someone curious about what makes Appleton tick, this episode offers a compelling look at how preserving the past can pave the way to a stronger, more connected future.

    Why the Past Still Matters (and Always Will): Future History with Dustin Mack from the History Museum at the Castle

  6. 04/24/2025

    Breaking the Scent Barrier: How Tied Fragrances is Disrupting an Overpriced Industry

    In this episode of The Sponge Show, host Brad Cebulski sits down with Brady Van De Hey, founder of Tied Fragrances, to unpack how a regular guy with an engineering background challenged the over-sexualized and overpriced norms of the fragrance industry. Sparked by a frustration with the absurdity of celebrity cologne ads, Brady launched his own scent brand—initially dubbed "QuickSpritz"—with a mission to create high-quality, down-to-earth fragrances at a fraction of the cost. From studying top-selling scents and collaborating with fragrance houses to pitching scent prototypes at family gatherings, Brady takes listeners through his scrappy and resourceful journey of bringing a brand to life. What began as a spoof evolved into a heartfelt brand rooted in memory and meaning. Brady and Brad discuss how Tied Fragrances leaned into the wedding industry, tapping into the emotional resonance of scent during life’s most cherished moments. They explore how the brand personalizes each bottle, the business lessons learned while scaling, and the importance of connecting with consumers in a market dominated by luxury façades. This is a refreshingly honest conversation about building a brand with purpose, personalization, and a touch of rebellion.

    Breaking the Scent Barrier: How Tied Fragrances is Disrupting an Overpriced Industry

  7. 04/15/2025

    Breaking the Scent Barrier: How Tied Fragrances is Disrupting an Overpriced Industry

    In this episode of The Sponge Show, host Brad Cebulski sits down with Brady Van De Hey, founder of Tied Fragrances, to unpack how a regular guy with an engineering background challenged the over-sexualized and overpriced norms of the fragrance industry. Sparked by a frustration with the absurdity of celebrity cologne ads, Brady launched his own scent brand—initially dubbed "QuickSpritz"—with a mission to create high-quality, down-to-earth fragrances at a fraction of the cost. From studying top-selling scents and collaborating with fragrance houses to pitching scent prototypes at family gatherings, Brady takes listeners through his scrappy and resourceful journey of bringing a brand to life. What began as a spoof evolved into a heartfelt brand rooted in memory and meaning. Brady and Brad discuss how Tied Fragrances leaned into the wedding industry, tapping into the emotional resonance of scent during life’s most cherished moments. They explore how the brand personalizes each bottle, the business lessons learned while scaling, and the importance of connecting with consumers in a market dominated by luxury façades. This is a refreshingly honest conversation about building a brand with purpose, personalization, and a touch of rebellion.

    Breaking the Scent Barrier: How Tied Fragrances is Disrupting an Overpriced Industry

  8. 01/13/2025

    A Cultural Gem in De Pere: Exploring the Mulva Cultural Center with Marv Wall

    The episode with Marv Wall from the Mulva Cultural Center on The Sponge Show explores the story behind this cultural gem in De Pere, Wisconsin. Marv shares the inspiration for the center, which was a gift from Jim and Miriam Mulva, who wanted to give back to their community. The conversation delves into the center's unique architecture and its vision to provide diverse cultural experiences, from large rotating exhibits to educational programming and community gatherings. The Mulvas' dedication to enriching De Pere through this innovative space is a central theme. Listeners gain insights into the current and upcoming exhibits, including the immersive Sharks exhibit and future attractions like a Star Wars memorabilia collection and displays on spying and navigation. Marv emphasizes the center’s accessibility and affordability, aiming to break the perception of exclusivity and ensure that the space is welcoming to all. The discussion also highlights the center's dining and retail offerings, reinforcing its role as a comprehensive destination for locals and visitors alike. By the end of the episode, listeners will appreciate the Mulva Cultural Center as a hub of learning, exploration, and community connection. Marv’s enthusiasm and the center's commitment to world-class quality make a compelling case for visiting and engaging with its evolving programs. Whether you're drawn by the exhibits, the café, or the sense of community, the center promises a memorable and enriching experience for all.

    A Cultural Gem in De Pere: Exploring the Mulva Cultural Center with Marv Wall

  9. 06/13/2024

    From Opera in New York to Indoor Farming - Alex Tyink from Fork Farms

    Brad Cebulski, the host of The Sponge Show, interviews Alex Tyink, the CEO of Fork Farms, an indoor agriculture technology company. They discuss the origin story of Fork Farms and how growing their own food made them feel better physically and mentally. They talk about the impact of food on our health and the need for fresh, affordable, and high-quality food. They also discuss Fork Farms' market fit, focusing on serving the K-12 education sector and their plans to expand into other verticals. They emphasize the importance of testing, learning, and adapting in entrepreneurship and the need to keep the mission and intentions pure. Things to take away from the episode: Growing your own food can have a transformative effect on your physical and mental well-being. There is a need for fresh, affordable, and high-quality food in our communities. Fork Farms focuses on serving the K-12 education sector and aims to decentralize food production. Testing, learning, and adapting are crucial in entrepreneurship. Keeping the mission and intentions pure can lead to success.

    From Opera in New York to Indoor Farming - Alex Tyink from Fork Farms
  • 9 Episodes

About

Expand ourselves by learning from others - we bring in industry and community leaders to learn from their experiences and to explore what else is possible in the community we live in.

Information

  • Creator
    The Sponge Show
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Sponge Show
  • Show Website
    The Sponge Show