Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brendan Kaminsky.

Founder of B Known Agency, a boutique branding and digital marketing firm specializing in sports and entertainment. Kaminsky shares his journey from consulting, to working at ESPN, to eventually launching his own agency. He discusses helping major personalities like Stephen A. Smith, Jalen Rose, Harrison Barnes, and Rich Eisen develop strong social media identities and storytelling strategies. 

Brendan explains why he left ESPN after six and a half years—despite the security, prestige, and Disney benefits—to pursue entrepreneurship. He describes how brand building has shifted from traditional media to a landscape where relatability, vertical video, audience engagement, and consistent content matter more than follower counts. 

He also talks about the pressure of managing public-facing work in real time, the importance of being accessible to high‑profile clients, the rising role of AI in content creation, and how social platforms have become core to modern marketing strategies.

Additionally, Brendan shares specific examples of working with Jalen Rose on mixing sports commentary with community-focused storytelling and describes how Rich Eisen’s annual “Run Rich Run” 40‑yard dash evolved into a signature charitable brand moment. 

The interview closes with insights on relationship-building, authenticity, and visibility—reinforcing that in the digital era, it’s not just “who you know,” but who knows you. 

PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW1. To highlight Brendan Kaminsky’s entrepreneurial journey

McDonald explores how Kaminsky transitioned from a major corporation (ESPN) to founding a successful agency. 

2. To educate listeners on the evolving world of branding and digital media

Kaminsky explains how branding now depends on relatability, vertical video, and engagement over follower count. 

3. To provide actionable guidance for entrepreneurs and creators

The interview teaches how consistency, accessibility, and storytelling help build a recognizable digital brand. 

4. To show how athletes and media personalities use content to expand influence

Brendan walks through real client strategies—from Jalen Rose’s community work to Rich Eisen’s fundraising dash. 

5. To explore the role of AI in modern marketing

Kaminsky discusses how AI assists with analytics, research, and identifying viral content moments. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS1. Relatability drives modern branding

People connect with authenticity, not polished promotion. Talk to your audience, not at them. 

2. Engagement matters more than follower count

Algorithms reward content that resonates, regardless of how many people follow you. A creator with 10,000 followers can hit a million views. 

3. Social media requires presence and accessibility

High-profile clients expect responsiveness; being available is key to agency success. 

4. Vertical video is the new standard

Optimizing content for mobile consumption is essential—TV graphics no longer dictate how content is built.

5. AI is an asset, not a threat

Kaminsky uses AI for virality scoring, caption suggestions, research, and identifying strong clips from long-form content. 

6. Data tells the story

Success can be clearly measured through views, engagement, and growth—unlike billboards or traditional media. 

7. Use “hot topics” to highlight deeper work

For clients like Jalen Rose, trending sports conversations help drive attention to community-focused initiatives like his leadership academy. 

8. Brand moments can start from something small

Rich Eisen’s 40-yard dash evolved into a signature charity event and content anchor.

9. Entrepreneurship requires trusting your gut

He left ESPN without telling anyone beforehand to avoid discouragement—because he felt the pull to build his own vision. 

10. Visibility creates opportunity

In the digital era, it’s not just who you know—it’s who knows you. 

NOTABLE QUOTESOn entrepreneurship
“I trusted my gut… I didn’t tell one person I was leaving ESPN because I didn’t want anyone to make me doubt myself.” 

On branding
“People want to relate to you. They want to get to know you.” 
“Talk directly to your audience.” 

On social metrics
“It’s become a lot more about engagement and views than total follower number.” 

On accessibility
“You could be the best at your job, but if a client can’t reach you, it doesn’t matter.” 

On visibility
“It’s not about who you know—it’s about who knows you.” 

On AI
“AI is absolutely an asset… it helps us with research, analytics, even virality scoring.” 

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-money-making-conversation-28341098/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">iHeartRadio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-making-conversations-master-class/id1264705641" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAQdTXqAnhGwxrsjFa5y" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/">www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/</a> or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.&nbsp; I want to alert you, so you don&rsquo;t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.&nbsp; Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brendan Kaminsky.
Founder of B Known Agency, a boutique branding and digital marketing firm specializing in sports and entertainment. Kaminsky shares his journey from consulting, to working at ESPN, to eventually launching his own agency. He discusses helping major personalities like Stephen A. Smith, Jalen Rose, Harrison Barnes, and Rich Eisen develop strong social media identities and storytelling strategies.&nbsp;
Brendan explains why he left ESPN after six and a half years&mdash;despite the security, prestige, and Disney benefits&mdash;to pursue entrepreneurship. He describes how brand building has shifted from traditional media to a landscape where relatability, vertical video, audience engagement, and consistent content matter more than follower counts.&nbsp;
He also talks about the pressure of managing public-facing work in real time, the importance of being accessible to high‑profile clients, the rising role of AI in content creation, and how social platforms have become core to modern marketing strategies.
Additionally, Brendan shares specific examples of working with Jalen Rose on mixing sports commentary with community-focused storytelling and describes how Rich Eisen&rsquo;s annual &ldquo;Run Rich Run&rdquo; 40‑yard dash evolved into a signature charitable brand moment.&nbsp;
The interview closes with insights on relationship-building, authenticity, and visibility&mdash;reinforcing that in the digital era, it&rsquo;s not just &ldquo;who you know,&rdquo; but who knows you.&nbsp;
<hr>
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To highlight Brendan Kaminsky&rsquo;s entrepreneurial journey
McDonald explores how Kaminsky transitioned from a major corporation (ESPN) to founding a successful agency.&nbsp;
2. To educate listeners on the evolving world of branding and digital media
Kaminsky explains how branding now depends on relatability, vertical video, and engagement over follower count.&nbsp;
3. To provide actionable guidance for entrepreneurs and creators
The interview teaches how consistency, accessibility, and storytelling help build a recognizable digital brand.&nbsp;
4. To show how athletes and media personalities use content to expand influence
Brendan walks through real client strategies&mdash;from Jalen Rose&rsquo;s community work to Rich Eisen&rsquo;s fundraising dash.&nbsp;
5. To explore the role of AI in modern marketing
Kaminsky discusses how AI assists with analytics, research, and identifying viral content moments.&nbsp;
<hr>
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Relatability drives modern branding
People connect with authenticity, not polished promotion. Talk to your audience, not at them.&nbsp;
2. Engagement matters more than follower count
Algorithms reward content that resonates, regardless of how many people follow you. A creator with 10,000 followers can hit a million views.&nbsp;
3. Social media requires presence and accessibility
High-profile clients expect responsiveness; being available is key to agency success.&nbsp;
4. Vertical video is the new standard
Optimizing content for mobile consumption is essential&mdash;TV graphics no longer dictate how content is built.
5. AI is an asset, not a threat
Kaminsky uses AI for virality scoring, caption suggestions, research, and identifying strong clips from long-form content.&nbsp;
6. Data tells the story
Success can be clearly measured through views, engagement, and growth&mdash;unlike billboards or traditional media.&nbsp;
7. Use &ldquo;hot topics&rdquo; to highlight deeper work
For clients like Jalen Rose, trending sports conversations help drive attention to community-focused initiatives like his leadership academy.&nbsp;
8. Brand moments can start from something small
Rich Eisen&rsquo;s 40-yard dash evolved into a signature charity event and content anchor.
9. Entrepreneurship requires trusting your gut
He left ESPN without telling anyone beforehand to avoid discouragement&mdash;because he felt the pull to build his own vision.&nbsp;
10. Visibility creates opportunity
In the digital era, it&rsquo;s not just who you know&mdash;it&rsquo;s who knows you.&nbsp;
<hr>
NOTABLE QUOTES On entrepreneurship
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I trusted my gut&hellip; I didn&rsquo;t tell one person I was leaving ESPN because I didn&rsquo;t want anyone to make me doubt myself.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On branding
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;People want to relate to you. They want to get to know you.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Talk directly to your audience.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On social metrics
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s become a lot more about engagement and views than total follower number.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On accessibility
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;You could be the best at your job, but if a client can&rsquo;t reach you, it doesn&rsquo;t matter.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On visibility
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not about who you know&mdash;it&rsquo;s about who knows you.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On AI
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;AI is absolutely an asset&hellip; it helps us with research, analytics, even virality scoring.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

Brand Building: He gives insights on relationship-building, authenticity, and visibility—reinforcing that in the digital era, it’s not just “who you know,” but who knows you.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/522b2d1c-dbc0-416a-bd5c-b4000132f6d1/transcript