Unglossy

Is influence built through hard work—or shaped by the choices no one sees?

Hosted by hip-hop legend Bun B, music industry veteran Jeffrey Sledge, and brand strategist Tom Frank, Unglossy cuts through the noise to explore what really drives creativity, influence, and legacy. No rehearsed talking points. No brand-approved answers—just honest conversations with people who’ve built something real.

Unglossy brings you inside the minds of artists, athletes, founders, and cultural architects to unpack the grind behind the growth: the risks taken early, the setbacks that sharpened the work, and the discipline it takes to turn ideas into impact.

If you care about culture, music, business, branding, or how ideas spread when effort meets opportunity, this is your front-row seat.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @UnglossyPod and join the unfiltered conversation.

Produced by Merrick Studios — where culture takes the mic.

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Unglossy

Tim Frank: Front Row Seat to the NBA’s Rise

May 07, 2024 • Tom Frank, Mickey Factz, Jeffrey Sledge, Tim Frank • Season 4 • Episode 4

Exploring the Evolution of Basketball Culture

Get ready for an electrifying journey through the heart of basketball culture in Episode 4 of Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture! Hosts Tom, Mickey, and Jeffrey are thrilled to be joined by the NBA’s Sr. VP of Communications, Tim Frank. Join us as we unravel Tim's remarkable career path, from his collegiate days at Notre Dame to his quick rise with the Houston Rockets, who won an NBA championship in his first year, followed by the Comets’ impressive four WNBA championships. Tim then takes us behind the scenes at the NBA Headquarters, where he's been a driving voice for the past 22 years.

But that's just the tip-off! We delve deep into the evolution of the NBA brand, tracing its rise from the Magic/Bird Era to the iconic reign of Jordan, and onwards to the globalization of the league. With Tim's insider perspective, we uncover the strategic maneuvers and pivotal moments that propelled the NBA onto the global stage. This episode is an absolute slam dunk for basketball aficionados and brand enthusiasts alike. Tune in and join the conversation as we decode the essence of the NBA brand. Don't miss out!

"Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/

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