History Factory Plugged In is back with a new episode focused on the concept of nostalgia and its power to evoke strong memories and motivate behaviors. Host Jason Dressel talks with Kristyne Batcho, psychology professor at New York’s Le Moyne College, about her field-leading research on the subject. Jason also chats with History Factory’s new senior director of creative, Corrie Commisso, about how brands have harnessed nostalgia for marketing, plus some recent pitfalls we’ve seen.

Company history comes alive with History Factory Plugged In. We explore the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com

Ep. 30: The Pull of the Past with Professor Kristyne Batcho

“History Factory Plugged In” is back with a new season, kicking off with an interview with Stephen J.A. Ward, Ph.D., author, professor and internationally recognized media ethicist. In the wake of various scandals and a name change from the company formerly known as Facebook, we discuss the current media landscape, how we got here and his prescriptions for a brighter future.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

E37: Social Media Ethics with Stephen J.A. Ward

History Factory Plugged In makes its return with a new episode on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We talk to Alan Kelly, president and founder of Playmaker Systems, a strategy and analytics firm, about the role of persuasion, influence, PR and rhetoric in the ongoing war.

Alan has published numerous papers including Decoding Crimea, a 2020 breakthrough analysis of Vladimir Putin’s influence strategy, and has been a featured analyst on Plays for the Presidency, a weekly radio series on the non-partisan Sirius XM satellite channel P.O.T.U.S. 124.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

S2 E1: The Invasion of Ukraine and the Art of Persuasion with Alan Kelly

On the latest installment of “History Factory Plugged In,” host Jason Dressel reminisces about his childhood growing up on a farm in North Carolina. We welcome Neil Dahlstrom, author and Branded Properties and Heritage Manager at John Deere, to discuss his latest book, Tractor Wars: John Deere, Henry Ford, International Harvester, and the Birth of Modern Agriculture. The two talk about the development of the tractor industry in America and muse on what a day in the life of a corporate archivist entails.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

S2E3: Tractor Wars with Neil Dahlstrom

“History Factory Plugged In” welcomes Pete Asch, corporate archivist and corporate communications manager for the New York Stock Exchange and executive producer of “Inside the ICE House,” a podcast produced by International Exchange, to celebrate the 230th anniversary of the NYSE’s founding. 

 We cover the Exchange’s origin story, how it uses its archives to link past to present, and what the future might hold for one of the most influential organizations in the world.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

S2E4: NYSE Turns 230 with Pete Asch

“History Factory Plugged In” returns with guest Lisa Napoli, author and journalist, to discuss the 42nd anniversary of CNN’s founding. In the episode, we talk about how the network came to be, how it survived through its early years, and how it became the international news juggernaut it is today.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

S2E5: The Birth of CNN With Lisa Napoli

“History Factory Plugged In” wishes the Union Pacific Railroad a happy 160th birthday! To mark the milestone, we welcome John Turner, senior vice president of the Harriman Dispatch Center and network planning at Union Pacific, to talk about the history of the company, where it is today and where it’s going.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

S2E6: History of Union Pacific with John Turner

“History Factory Plugged In” welcomes Ford Archives and Heritage Brand Manager Ted Ryan. He and host Jason Dressel, CEO of History Factory, discuss how the company uses its history and archives to help with future-focused branding and marketing initiatives such as the relaunch of the Ford Bronco and the limited anniversary edition of the Ford Mustang.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

S2E7: Ford Archives with Ted Ryan

Just in time for National Blue Jeans Day, “History Factory Plugged In” welcomes Levi Strauss & Co historian and archives manager Tracey Panek. She and host Jason Dressel, CEO of History Factory, discuss the globally known heritage brand’s origins during the gold rush of 1849 and the birth of the modern blue jeans that would ultimately take the pop culture and fashion world by storm.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

S2E8: National Blue Jeans Day with Levi Strauss & Co

Host Jason Dressel talks with historian and author Jan Lucassen about the history of work as chronicled in Lucassen’s book “The Story of Work: A New History of Humankind.” They cover topics including the evolution of hunting and gathering societies, the development of farming and agriculture, the Industrial Revolution and, most recently, the proliferation of remote work. Lucassen also shares what the future might hold for labor markets.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations and delve into industry trends in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

S2E9: The History of Work with Jan Lucassen

Ahead of CES, the annual bellwether event for technology and consumer electronics, we sat down with Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), to discuss the organization’s evolution during his 40-plus year tenure, CES’ transformation into a truly global event, and how the show pushes to solve the world’s problems.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations and delve into industry trends in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com

S2E10: CES with Gary Shapiro

In recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, History Factory’s Jason Dressel sits down with author Karen Baum Gordon to discuss her book The Last Letter: A Father’s Struggle, a Daughter’s Quest, and the Long Shadow of the Holocaust, which explores the Holocaust’s impact on her family through the generations, the lost fragments of her family’s history, and her own Jewish identity.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations and delve into industry trends in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com

S2E11: Holocaust Remembrance Day with Karen Baum Gordon

As the U.S. banking world grapples with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, we explore what makes this banking crisis unique from a historical perspective on this month’s “History Factory Plugged In.” History Factory’s founder, Bruce Weindruch, joins CEO Jason Dressel to discuss the sequence of events that led to this, as well as the vulnerabilities of the banking system overall.

Company history comes alive with “History Factory Plugged In.” We explore the rich heritage of major organizations and delve into industry trends in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have questions, comments or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

S2E12: The Collapse of Silicon Valley Bank

We’re starting fresh this season. For starters, we decided to go back to basics and rebrand as the History Factory Podcast. Why? Because we want to continue to serve you, our listeners, with content that best fulfills our mission of making clients’ history and heritage infinitely useful in pursuit of their missions. And that starts with our name. 

For fans of “History Factory Plugged In,” fear not: This doesn’t represent a departure so much as an evolution of the same great content you love. Our new format will feature guest hosts and a slate of all-star guests from some of the world’s leading companies.

This week’s episode features Scott Reames, Nike’s former corporate historian and head of the Department of Nike Archives (DNA). Scott recently retired and spent some of his newfound free time speaking with guest host Erin Narloch, History Factory’s senior director of business insight & performance. The two discussed the hit movie “Air,” how DNA came to be, the value and uses of the Nike archives, and more.

S3E1: The Department of Nike Archives (DNA) with Scott Reames

In the second episode of the History Factory Podcast, CEO Jason Dressel sits down with Amy Bernstein, editor of Harvard Business Review. They discuss HBR’s 100 years of thought leadership, including its origin story as a quarterly magazine and its growth into the multimedia giant it is today. Facilitating worldwide discussions among the biggest business leaders, HBR has published some of the most influential ideas in the history of modern business—including scientific management, disruptive innovation and emotional intelligence—and transformed how companies are run. The pair also dive into HBR’s book, “HBR at 100,” which contains the publication’s most influential articles from the past 100 years, and talk about what went into curating the selection and how the publication’s focus has evolved to serve  an increasingly complicated world and global audience.

S3E2: Harvard Business Review’s Centennial with Editor Amy Bernstein

On the latest episode of “The History Factory Podcast,” Jason Dressel hosts New York Times columnist and author James Stewart to discuss his and co-author Rachel Abrams’ new book “Unscripted: The Epic Battle for a Media Empire and the Redstone Family Legacy.” Listen to learn more about how the ViacomCBS empire and Redstone family dynamic are reminiscent of the hit HBO show “Succession.” Beyond boardroom drama, Stewart also traces how this family’s story reflects larger shifts in corporate culture in America, including changes to the media and entertainment landscape, the impact of the #MeToo movement, and trends in corporate governance and succession planning.

S3E3: Unscripted: The Battle Over a Family-Owned Media Empire with James Stewart

“The History Factory Podcast” welcomes Dave Moore, archive and digital asset manager at Carhartt, to chat with guest host and History Factory Senior Director of Business Insight and Performance Erin Narloch. The two discuss Carhartt’s origins, why it is synonymous with quality work apparel, its evolution into a brand that influences celebrity fashion, and how it uses its archives to authenticate its brand positioning, develop products and connect with its consumer communities.

S3E4: Carhartt’s Heritage and the Values That Guide the Brand with Dave Moore

Author, speaker, futurist and consultant Mark Schaefer joins “The History Factory Podcast” to discuss the past, present and future of marketing and share insights from his latest book, “Belonging to the Brand: Why Community is the Last Great Marketing Strategy.”

S3E5: Belonging to the Brand with Mark Schaefer

Historian and consultant Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff sits down with us on the next episode of “The History Factory Podcast” to talk about the history of basketball, its rise in popularity over time and the sport’s globalization. As the NBA season kicks off this week, History Factory CEO Jason Dressel dives into the history of basketball and how we might have the wrong idea about the French.

S3E6: France and the Making of a Global NBA and WNBA

Historian and archivist Catherine Acosta from Vans joins History Factory’s Erin Narloch for a behind-the-scenes take on the iconic Southern California brand. In a conversation covering topics including “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” common challenges and the corporate archivist role today, Catherine breaks down how Vans is bringing its heritage to modern-day marketing, product development and more.

S3E7: The Power of Vans, Off The Wall Since 1966

History Factory’s CEO Jason Dressel interviews Ryan Craig, Managing Director of Achieve Partners and author of "Apprentice Nation: How the "Earn and Learn" Alternative to Higher Education Will Create a Stronger and Fairer America."

S4E1: Future-Proof Education: Apprenticeships & the Experience Gap

History Factory’s Erin Narloch, senior director of business insight and performance, sits down with Brigette Jones, public historian, consultant and researcher, to discuss the current state of brands leveraging or adopting inclusive practices to better connect to their customers while also acknowledging their pasts. Via the “Journey to Jubilee” tour she created conveying the stories of enslaved people at Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee, Jones ended up consulting with one of the top fashion brands of our era, Tommy Hilfiger. According to Jones, the simple act of showing more empathy not only creates a bedrock for an organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices but is also good for its bottom line. Tune into this episode to hear more.

From Journey to Jubilee—Where Empathy and History Collide with Brigette Jones

In this episode, host Jason Dressel interviews Lou Ferrante, a former mafia associate turned author, about the history of the American Mafia. Ferrante traces the mafia’s origins to Sicily in the Middle Ages and explores its evolution in American society. He discusses mafia ethics, business practices, and their impact on various industries, providing nuanced perspectives. He challenges misconceptions, highlighting the violent and illegal nature of the mafia, offering insights into the complex world of the mafia.

The Untold Story: Exploring the American Mafia with Louis Ferrante

In this episode, host Erin Narloch sits down with Anders Sjöman, an expert in history marketing and preservation, at the renowned Center for Business History in Stockholm. Together, they delve into the fascinating world of business archives and the power of storytelling in corporate heritage. Anders shares his personal journey, from a background in economics to his pivotal role in preserving and leveraging Sweden's business history.

Anders Sjoman S4 Ep4

History Factory Plugged In

Welcome to our inaugural show!

Company history comes alive with History Factory Plugged In. We look at the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com. 

#HFPLUGGEDIN @HF_PLUGGEDIN WWW.HISTORYFACTORY.COM

Ep. 1: Labor Day

History Factory Plugged In

For this episode, we'll be discussing some history with college football and the NFL. We'll also be joined by Pete Abitante, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, about the 100th year celebration of the NFL. 

Company history comes alive with History Factory Plugged In. We look at the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com. 

#HFPLUGGEDIN @HF_PLUGGEDIN WWW.HISTORYFACTORY.COM

Ep. 2: Football in America

In this week's episode host Jason Dressel explores the history of Halloween and the business around the spookiest of holidays. He and guest Bruce Weindruch of History Factory also discuss the week's most attention grabbing business news stories.

Company history comes alive with History Factory Plugged In. We look at the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

Ep. 5: Halloween

In this week's special holiday episode host Jason Dressel explores the history of Thanksgiving with author Melanie Kirkpatrick, and talks with B&G Foods, owners of the Green Giant brand, about its latest world record breaking green bean casserole and its involvement in the Macy's Day Parade.

Company history comes alive with History Factory Plugged In. We look at the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

To read more of Melanie Kirkpatrick's book, visit: amzn.to/2pXKg7S

Ep. 6: Thanksgiving

Host Jason Dressel welcomes back professor of history and religion, Lisa Bitel, to talk about who St. Patrick was, some common misconceptions about him and how we celebrate today the story of the patron saint of Ireland. We also welcome Graybar's Director of Strategic Communications, Carrie Johnson, to talk about the company's origins, and little known stories from its founder and history.

If you enjoy the podcast, don't miss the opportunity to hear Carrie speak at the Anniversary Marketing Summit, where she'll share more about the company's successful 150th anniversary.

Company history comes alive with History Factory Plugged In. We look at the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

Ep. 12: St. Patrick's Day and Graybar Origin Story

This week on History Factory Plugged In host Jason Dressel welcomes a number of History Factory colleagues in our first ever video podcast. We discuss the history of the meme, which has become increasingly important to keep us sane during the #coronavirus era, and share some of our favorites from the past few weeks of quarantine.

Feel free to listen to the podcast, or, join us on our youtube channel to watch the visual component of our podcast: https://bit.ly/2Si6snU

Company history comes alive with History Factory Plugged In. We look at the rich heritage of major organizations in this thought-provoking podcast. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas to share, please email us at pluggedin@historyfactory.com.

Ep. 15: A Brief History of Memes

Join us on the digital airwaves with The History Factory Podcast, which takes a refreshing look at the rich and sometimes provocative heritage of major U.S. and global organizations. Host Jason Dressel, Managing Director at History Factory, and his guests explore current events and other topics related to business heritage. Company history comes alive in this engaging, thought-provoking show.

The History Factory Podcast

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