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Uncommon Brands

Uncommon Brands

Written by: Parker Nash
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About this listen

How do you build a DTC brand that breaks out in a noisy world? The Uncommon Brands podcast interviews founders of fast-growing DTC, e-commerce, and consumer product brands with unique products and marketing strategies. In each episode, we dive into how these stand out brands built their business by going against the grain. This podcast is for any DTC brand founder, entrepreneur, and executive looking to build a stand out brand. Host Parker Nash spent more than a decade working at Nike where he learned first-hand how one of the greatest brands in the world develops product and marketing that turns customers into raving fans.Parkertnash.com Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Building a Superfood Empire, Anna Rooke, Akasha Superfoods
    Feb 23 2026

    Join Parker Nash and Anna Rooke, CMO and Co-founder of Akasha Superfoods, for a deep dive into health, wellness, and organic growth. Anna shares her journey with sea moss, from making gels in her kitchen to becoming a category creator on retail shelves. This episode is a masterclass in using short-form video to overcome low product awareness and dominate a new market without spending a dollar on paid ads.

    What was covered:

    • The challenge of creating a shelf-stable product
    • Why Akasha's initial target audience hypothesis was wrong
    • Anna's organic growth strategy
    • How to create irresistible storytelling videos
    • Why TikTok Shop is the new QVC and how to succeed on the platform
    • Lightning Round: Fun facts about Sea Moss, health hacks, and advice for founders


    Akasha Superfoods Links:

    Website: https://www.akashasuperfoods.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akashasuperfoods/?hl=en

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@akashasuperfoods


    Parker Nash Links:

    Website: parkertnash.com

    LinkedIn: Parker Nash

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    36 mins
  • Capturing moments that matter, Garrett Peters, Duncan & Stone
    Feb 16 2026

    Today on the show, we have Garrett Peters, the co-founder and CEO of Duncan and Stone Paper Company. Duncan and Stone specializes in beautifully designed, keepsake notebooks and journals featuring simple guided prompts to easily capture important life moments. Garrett shares the company's journey, from its 2020 launch with a handful of items to its current portfolio of over 50 products.

    Garrett discusses the challenge of building a brand and audience primarily on a platform like Amazon and the strategic shift they made toward their own website to foster customer engagement through email and social media. He also emphasizes the critical role of product quality, timeless design, and a thoughtful customer experience in building a loyal customer base and driving organic growth.

    What we covered:

    • The Launch and Hero Products
    • The Shift from Amazon to Direct-to-Consumer
    • Product Design Philosophy and Delivering a Great Customer Experience
    • Q4 Holiday Sales Strategy: Making One Simple, Clear Offer
    • The Importance of Clarity in Product Offerings

    Duncan and Stone Links:

    Duncan and Stone Links: Website: https://www.duncanandstone.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncanandstone/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuncanandStone

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@duncanandstone


    Parker Nash Links:

    Website: parkertnash.com

    LinkedIn: Parker Nash


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    40 mins
  • A sweet business story, Maddie Steitz, Maddie's Natural Sweetener
    Feb 9 2026

    Join Parker Nash in a conversation with Maddie Steitz, the founder and CEO of Maddie's Natural Sweetener. Maddie shares her uplifting journey from working as an assistant to launching her own company, driven by a passion for baking and a commitment to creating a truly healthy alternative.

    Maddie discusses the inspiration behind developing a healthier, natural sweetener that avoids the pitfalls of current market options, such as artificial ingredients and excessive calories. Her product offers a unique, guilt-free indulgence, featuring a proprietary blend of stevia, monk fruit, and other natural ingredients.

    What was covered:

    • The Entrepreneurial Shift
    • Product Science & Manufacturing Challenges
    • Vision for Guilt-Free Treats
    • Marketing & Retail Expansion Strategy

    Maddie’s Natural Sweetener Links:
    Website: https://www.maddiesnaturalsweetener.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddiesnaturalsweetener

    Parker Nash Links:
    Website: parkertnash.com
    LinkedIn: Parker Nash

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    35 mins
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