Strange on Purpose artwork

Strange on Purpose

219 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 68 ratings

The Strange on Purpose Podcast tells the stories of professionals shattering the glass ceilings of culture and shows young professionals what happens when you are authentically you, 100% of the time. Highlighting creatives in sports, apparel, lifestyle and beyond, the show aims to connect creatives everywhere to professionals that can help guide them in their individual journey.

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Episodes

MAWdoods

January 03, 2022 12:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MB

In this episode, Izzy interviews MAWdoods. A Green Bay, WI native that creates pieces of art that are originally hand drawn on a Nike shoebox using the Swoosh as part of his #ShoeBoxSeries. MAWdoods talks to us on the inspiration behind his work, the creative process behind it and what's in the near future for him.  Check him out on instagram: https://instagram.com/mawdoods --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Shake James of Black Market, Clicks, J.A.Y. Academy and Sneex

December 19, 2021 12:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MB

In this episode, Izzy chats with the LEGENDARY Shake James about owning a store, some of his influences and sooo much more.  Follow Shake: https://www.instagram.com/shakejmj/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Christian Figueroa of See.Fig

December 13, 2021 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MB

When his parents wanted to narrow him into a path he wouldn't be happy with, Christian Figueroa started a long journey of following his dreams and when an opportunity came to pitch himself to the team at KITH, he didn't let it pass him up. Christian jumps on the pod today to talk about his entrepreneurial journey, breaking into the industry and sooo much more!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Noel Bronson of Bronson & Bronson

November 29, 2021 11:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MB

Noel Bronson is a creative based in The Bronx, NY who lives by the motto that he thinks he created, but is no longer sure “Always Tired, Never Bored”. His fear of boredom has pushed him to work with various brands on various things. Titles don’t mean much to him, but he firmly believes Net 30s should be paid within 30 days. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Sam Hart of Complex

November 29, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

A Jersey boy through and through, meet Sam Hart, Style Director, Brand Partnerships at @complex A dad of 2, San has been a consumer, creative, student and more of the culture for most of his life. He’s an avid sneaker collector and terrible NY sports team fan. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Leland Grossman of kyx.world

November 22, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MB

@leland11 jumps on the pod to talk about all things @kyx.world and his experience working with brands like American Express, Nike, Chipotle, Sprite, H&M, and Allbirds. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Mateen Zar of Social Studies Brand

November 22, 2021 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

Mateen Zar of @socialstudiesbrand joins us to talk about founding his brand, entrepreneurship and what to expect next for the up and coming brand.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Jackie Munroe of ASICS

November 15, 2021 12:00 - 21 minutes - 20.2 MB

In this episode, we talk with Jackie Munroe. The color and materials designer chats with us about her design process, favorite projects and how to break into the industry as a young designer. @jackattack611 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Arwa al Banawi

October 18, 2021 11:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

In this episode, I'm joined by Arwa al Banawi ( @arwaalbanawi ). She's a Founder, Designer and Creative Director from Saudi Arabia. Arwa talks about her journey as a designer, failure and we leave some time to talk about her recent collaboration with Adidas Originals on the Forum ADV.   --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Byron Stewart of Foot Locker

October 11, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB

I'm joined with Byron Stewart (@byronste_if ) of Foot Locker this week to talk about his journey from Amazon to Foot Locker. The marathon includes starting a blog with his brother, working at places like MTV, Highsnobiety, Jimmy Jazz and so much more.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Austin LaBoda of HatClub

October 04, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

Austin has a decade in the hat biz under his belt working with brands such as @47 and @neweracap Austin joins us this season to talk about his journey, the hype around fitters and sooo much more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Hannah Moore of Reebok

September 20, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

After spending 10 years in the agency space, Hannah wanted to her next move to be with a brand. Hannah joins us this season to talk about her journey, what’s new at Reebok and what the future has in store for her. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Carmina Rodriguez-Ruiz of Adidas

September 13, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 12 MB

In the long awaited season opener, Carmina ( @carmisabella ) joins me on a conversation about her journey, generational hesitations and finding yourself in life.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Carmina Rodriguez-Ruiz, Marketing Manager @ adidas Consortium

September 13, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 9.91 MB

In the long awaited season opener, Carmina ( @carmisabella ) joins me on a conversation about her journey, generational hesitations and finding yourself in life. 

Jess Dalton of Dr. Martens

August 17, 2021 10:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

Jess Dalton of @drmartensofficial joins us for a conversation on rejection, being you and sooo much more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Gerardo Ortiz of Malditogedo

August 09, 2021 10:00 - 13 minutes - 12.9 MB

In today's episode Gerardo Ortiz aka Malditogedo jumps on to talk about his upbringing, being a creative, and how the next generation of creatives can pave a path of their own. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Mbiyimoh, Darren and Tony of Tradeblock

July 12, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB

Mbiyimoh ( @redbeemsandmics ), Darren ( @thedarrensmith ) and Tony ( @tony.malveaux ) of Tradeblock ( @tradeblock.us ) jump on the show to talk about the founding story of Tradeblock, raising as black entrepreneurs and new features coming to the app. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Bernadette Little of Adidas

July 06, 2021 12:47 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

Bernie ( @youcancallmebernie ) of Adidas jumps on the pod to talk about her journey from Baltimore to Portland, the creative process and the help she's offering to POC creatives about the sneaker industry. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Priscella Shum of Pyer Moss

June 28, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

Her first break in the industry was at Baby Phat in the early 2000s. Now she works at Pyer Moss. This is the story of Priscella Shum. The half Puerto Rican, half Chinese designer talks about her upbringing, creative influences, working with Madam VP and much more. Follow her journey on Instagram @priscella_styles --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Marina Skye, Founder @ Setbyskye

June 21, 2021 10:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

From her time doing free work to creating at the @trapmusicmuseum, @setbyskye is self taught and gives creatives real advice on getting started. Skye gets real with us about family, building a business and so much more.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Jeremy Green of Calling All Creators

June 14, 2021 13:11 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

Jeremy Green ( @jeremym.green ) of Calling All Creators ( @callingallcreators ) joins Izzy to talk about his journey starting a business in the footwear and design industry, the struggles of being a black entrepreneur, what he's building with Calling All Creators and checks some of the "pledges" these brands made last year.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Lance Troh of Own Kicks

June 10, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

Lance Troh jumps on the pod to talk with Izzy about his upbringing in Africa, goes into detail on launching his own sneaker authentication business ( @ownkicks ) and talks about how reselling sneakers has funded ownkicks since it's inception! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Carli Pacheco of Mofongo Kicks 🇵🇷

June 03, 2021 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MB

Carli ( @carlimofongo ) of @mofongokicks jumps on the pod to talk about his journey from Puerto Rico to New Jersey, the creative bumps along the way and the help he's giving to creatives on the island! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

A conversation with Adidas–How to Get a Sneaker Brand’s Hiring Manager to Notice You

May 27, 2021 11:00 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MB

Izzy was joined by Nick Ziemer (Manager Digital Technology –Footwear, adidas), Bernadette Little (Designer on Global Brand Design, adidas), and Collin Lashway (University Recruiter, adidas). They talked about what it’s like to work at adidas and what the hiring process is like. They gave attendees an inside look at what hiring managers are looking for and what you can do to make yourself stand out as a candidate for the position you are interviewing for. Make sure to follow each one of their...

Jeff Henderson, 15 year Nike Alum and Founder @ AndThem Creative & 99 Products

May 20, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

Jeff Henderson, who worked at Nike for almost 15 years, is the founder of @ninetynineproducts , @goodthin.gs and @andthemcreative . In this episode, Jeff covers the importance of mentorship, getting out of your box and, most importantly, showing your work. Follow Jeff's journey here: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyalanhenderson/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

David Gibson, Global Product Manager at New Balance Lifestyle

May 13, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

Not one to put himself in the spotlight, David Gibson steps up to the plate and educates Izzy on his journey – from an intern at the General Motors factory in Flint to a dream role at New Balance and all the stories in between. D1 athlete, driving across the mitten and sooo much more. You won't want to miss this one. Follow David on Instagram, @mvp.dg --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Oscar Castillo, Founder of Modern Notoriety

May 06, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MB

From Chicago, Oscar Castillo has cemented himself as a go-to resource in sneakers & culture. His company Modern Notoriety has a community of over 750,000 passionate culture seekers.  In this episode, Oscar chats with Izzy on his journey getting started in the industry, what made him start his own business, advice to creatives and most importantly, Oscar gives his no nonsense view on representation in sneakers (or lack thereof) Follow Oscar on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/oscar_c...

Cesar Idrobo, Head Pattern & Sample Maker @ Yeezy

April 29, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MB

From Columbia to Gainesville to Savannah to Calabasas, Cesar Idrobo has had QUITE the journey. In this episode, Cesar chats with Izzy on his journey breaking and maintaining in the footwear industry, the importance of mentorship, advice to creatives and much more! Keep up with Cesar on Instagram & Linkedin --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Lucy Crivelli, Community Manager at Aglet

April 22, 2021 11:00 - 44 minutes - 41.6 MB

In today's episode, Izzy chats with Lucy Crivelli,  Community Manager @ Aglet & Founder of Tomorrow Isn't Promised. Lucy holds nothing back as she talks about her experience in the industry, representation and what's in her future. This episode highlights the immigrant journey, the generational expectation to follow a path and what happens when you don't. Follow Lucy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lucycrivelli/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/sup...

Don Dudley, Director of Marketing @ Foot Locker

April 13, 2021 23:55 - 50 minutes - 46.9 MB

In today's episode, Izzy chats with Don Dudley,  Director of Marketing of Foot Locker & Creative Director of Clean Sneaker Care and Wins Brand. Don spits some knowledge to young professionals trying to break into a new industry and talks about his love for sneakers. This episode captures everything that creatives need to hear, whether just getting started or needing a reminder in a current role. Follow Don on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/staylaced_don/ --- Support this podcast...

Julia Lebosse, Founder of @sneakersbywomen

April 08, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 29.4 MB

In today's episode, Izzy chats with Julia Lebosse, Founder of @sneakersbywomen. Julia shares the inspiration that ignited the account and her future vision for the account. Follow @sneakersbywomen here: https://www.instagram.com/sneakersbywomen/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Craig Lyon, Vice President, Head of Marketing at Connected Cannabis Co. Ex Nike

April 01, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MB

Craig Lyon is a winner and his track record at Nike shows it. From his individual projects to those of the teams he’s led, winning has been a constant. On this episode, we chat with Craig on his journey, advice to creatives and soooo much more!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Kenneth Anand & Jared Goldstein, Authors of Sneaker Law

March 18, 2021 10:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MB

Sneaker Law is a business and legal bible for the sneaker industry and much more. It is also an innovative redesign of the textbook experience. Sneaker Law is the only book that teaches “all you need to know about the sneaker business.” It is digestible and entertaining, taking culturally relevant topics and using them to teach critical information for any anyone. It's authors, Kenneth and Jared, join me on an episode that will educate and inspire you to take action, no matter the field.  ...

Tai Foster, VP, Brand Marketing at Art of Sport & Ben Taylor, Creative Director at Kamp Grizzly - Co-founders at Ren

March 04, 2021 12:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MB

In the first duo guest episode ever, I'm joined by Tai Foster & Ben Taylor. Each of them have pretty recognizable names in the marketing space but they join me to talk about what they're working on together in Ren. They came together because of work but became friends because of their love of basketball & decided to come together on a project pushing the culture forward.   We talk about a ton on this episode with both Tai & Ben having extensive experience in brand building, I pick their bra...

Martha Garcia, Entrepreneur and Communications Expert, Ex Hoka, Teva & Sanuk

February 25, 2021 12:00 - 43 minutes - 40.6 MB

Remember this episode with Martha Garcia. She has 13 years of marketing experience and most recently left her position with Deckers Brands as the former Director of Global Brand Creative & Communications to be her own boss and pave her own path in an industry that desperately needs it. In this episode, Martha answers questions from Sneaker School students and talks about generational expectations, being a latina in the footwear industry and gives advice to people pursuing something they're p...

Lindsay Goldner, Director of Marketing, Chicago Red Stars

February 18, 2021 12:00 - 40 minutes - 37.7 MB

Meet Lindsay Goldner. She's the Marketing Director for the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL. Her background is as diverse as they come with stops at agencies and some time in the gaming industry. As the first episode of the next season of Strange on Purpose this episode covers Lindsay's journey, how important women's sports are to the sports landscape and steps we can take to support professional women's sports today. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Introducing: Strange on Purpose

February 17, 2021 18:08 - 25 seconds - 586 KB

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Alexis Stoll-Scigliano, Director of Brand Marketing, Foot Locker

January 28, 2021 14:56 - 57 minutes - 53.1 MB

For our season finale, Izzy has the pleasure of chatting with Alexis Stoll-Scigliano, Director of Brand Marketing at Foot Locker. Alexis's experience is incredible with stops at And 1, PepsiCo, Agencies, Nielsen, New Balance and so much more. This episode is all about the tenacity & having the confidence in yourself to reach your goals. Follow Alexis on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisstollscigliano/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Enrique Corbi, Sr. Director of Design, UGG

January 26, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 41.5 MB

From Southeast Spain to Santa Barbara, Enrique Corbi's journey is one to keep your eye on. He's building one of the most diverse design teams in all of footwear and together with them, giving UGG Men's a jolt. This episode inspires designers to believe in themselves and shows leaders that if you lead with intention, results will follow.  Follow Enrique on Linkedin and Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Tom Woodger, VP of Global Cultural Marketing at StockX

January 21, 2021 12:00 - 45 minutes - 42.5 MB

Today, Izzy is delighted to have the opportunity to chat with Tom Woodger, VP of Global Cultural Marketing at StockX. Tom's background is incredible with experience working with brands such as AMEX and Sonos, he learned the industry from some of the industries best. Today's episode talks about StockX commitment to communities of color, the verticals the brand focuses on and so much more. Follow his journey here. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Alexander Mayhew, Footwear Designer at Crocs

January 19, 2021 12:00 - 57 minutes - 53.4 MB

Passionate about footwear, design and learning, Alexander Mayhew is a University of Wisconsin - Stout and Pensole Footwear Design Academy alumni. Designing footwear has always been his true passion - from his love for Dunks to designing while everyone else was gaming, he manifested and it worked out. Follow Alexander's journey on Instagram. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Katie Stopera, Jr. Product Line Manager Apparel at PUMA Basketball

January 14, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 46.1 MB

Izzy is honored to sit down with the all time leading scorer in women's basketball for the Lasell Lasers & Jr. Product Line Manager Apparel at PUMA Basketball, Katie Stopera. Ball is truly life with Katie. She's lived and breathed it since she was young. So when the time came to speak up to be apart of the new PUMA basketball team, she was all over it. This episode covers a ton but the overarching theme is that where you come from doesn't define you and it's up to you to brand yourself, befo...

Brittney Perry, Founder at PerryCo. Shoes

January 12, 2021 12:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MB

Lifelong sneakerhead Brittney Perry grew up facing a market saturated by sneakers made for and by men. With few options marketed to women at the time, Brittney resorted to buying men’s sneakers, but felt the need for something more inclusive. In 2015, Brittney launched PerryCo shoes with the mission of creating a genderless sneaker that can appeal to all styles and identities. Follow Brittney's journey: Instagram, Linkedin or PerryCo. Website --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/s...

Jasmine Maietta, Founder of Round 21

January 07, 2021 12:00 - 38 minutes - 35.9 MB

In today's episode, Izzy chats with Jasmine Maietta, Founder of Round 21. Jasmine has an extensive background including stops at Reebok, Under Armour, Hasbro and most recently, Peloton. She started Round 21 in the midst of a global pandemic in April 2020 and hasn't looked back. Collaborating with artists and having Round 21 in the NBA Bubble, Kickstarter and much more. Round 21 is exists to use sport & art as a vehicle for common understanding. Follow the Round 21 story on Instagram and Jasm...

Azeem Khan, Head of Partnerships at Aglet

January 05, 2021 12:00 - 46 minutes - 43.2 MB

In today's episode, Izzy sits down with Azeem Khan, Head of Partnerships at Aglet, the Pokemon Go for Sneakerheads. With degrees in the medical field, Azeem talks about the art of the pivot and how he was able to position himself to monetize his passions. He also talks about his upbringing in an immigrant household and how that shaped his future. Follow Azeem's journey on Instagram, Linkedin and Twitter.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Garrett Lee, Product Manager at Infinite

December 29, 2020 14:49 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MB

Infinite revolutionizes the secondary market for luxury goods, from tracking ownership transfers to creating an entire marketplace for products that have been previously sold. Garrett Lee is the Product Manager for the brand that is seeking to help companies generate revenue and provide authenticity even after a sale.  If you're interested in learning more about Infinite, follow their journey here: Instagram Linkedin Infinite Website --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strange...

muchas gracias

December 22, 2020 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.14 MB

Thank you for listening to this season of the Strange on Purpose Podcast.  The podcast is back in January. Stay tuned! 👀 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/strangeonpurpose/support

Les Green, Vice President of Marketing at Teespring (Ex Nike/Ex Wieden)

December 22, 2020 12:00 - 50 minutes - 46.9 MB

Les Green is an entrepreneurial marketing leader that has spent over 18 years building some of the most successful and relevant youth brands. Innovation and Creativity have been at the forefront of his approach coupled with a relentless commitment to staying connected to youth culture. His experience leading marketing teams has spanned three countries and nearly 10 years giving him a very diverse perspective on brands and consumers. Les has embraced both the art and science of marketing and ...

Taja Keasal, Digital Creator @talks.with.tj

December 17, 2020 12:00 - 47 minutes - 44 MB

Passionate about budgeting and sneakers (specifically NIKE BRAND).  TJ spends her time talking about how a budget can help you save money, make extra debt payments and treat yourself to sneakers, clothes or whatever you love.   If you would like a copy of her free eBook, How to Build a SET Budget: Living for Today and Planning for Tomorrow, While Enjoying the Little Things, email her at [email protected]   Follow TJ's journey: Instagram: http://instagram.com/talks.with.tj YouTube: ht...

Edwin Martinez, Flagship & Concept Store Activation Manager at adidas

December 15, 2020 13:00 - 53 minutes - 49.6 MB

Edwin Martinez felt like an underdog growing up Latino in Southeast Portland. But his hard work and tenacity helped him land his dream job at Adidas. Now he’s dedicated himself to helping people of color enter into the industry that has been riddled with diversity and inclusion issues for years.  This episode covers the ups and downs that came with Edwin's career path and how coffee can help you break into an industry whose jobs have millions of applicants.  Follow Edwin's Journey: Linked...

Twitter Mentions

@mkemisfits 7 Episodes
@morewillie 1 Episode
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@sneakerether 1 Episode
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