Beyond the Swag is a straight-talk podcast that explores what really happens behind branded merchandise, promotional products, and apparel—not the glossy highlight reels, but the decisions, mistakes, strategies, and people that shape the industry. Hosted by Kevin Patrick, the show goes past logos and giveaways to unpack how swag is actually used to grow businesses, build culture, win clients, and sometimes fail when done wrong. Each episode features honest conversations with founders, operators, suppliers, distributors, marketers, and brand leaders who share real stories, hard lessons, and practical insights from the trenches. This isn’t a sales pitch or a trend-chasing show. It’s a no-fluff look at the business side of branding—how products are made, why certain strategies work, where the industry is broken, and what it will take to raise the standard. If you care about quality, execution, and using branded products as a real business tool—not just “free stuff”—this show is for you
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Contact path
Verified email
Booking probability
28%
Guest openness
Selective
Verified email on file
80/100
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Beyond the Swag: Merch is MediaPodcast is a business podcast hosted by Kevin Patrick, with 9 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.
About the host
Kevin Patrick hosts Beyond the Swag: Merch is MediaPodcast, a business show with 9 episodes published.
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Beyond the Swag: Merch is MediaPodcast
Everything Is a Signal. Are You Reading Yours?
Apr 22, 20261h 14mS0
<p>In this episode of Beyond the Swag, Kevin sits down with Icare Duplessy to unpack a powerful idea: Everything is a signal. Most companies just don’t know how to read it.<br /></p><p>A website visit is a signal.<br />A booked call is a signal.<br />A conversation is a signal.<br />Even a piece of merch is a signal.<br /></p><p>The brands that win aren’t the loudest. They’re the most aware. They detect signals earlier, interpret them better, and act at the right moment.<br /></p><p>This conversation dives into how si...
<p>In this episode of Beyond the Swag, Kevin sits down with entrepreneur Mathieu Bélanger to talk sales systems, marketing automation, AI — and the gap most companies don’t see coming.</p><p><br />As automation tools like HubSpot and AI platforms make it easier than ever to scale outreach, generate content, and optimize funnels, one question becomes unavoidable:<br />If everything is automated… what actually makes you memorable?</p><p><br />Mathieu shares his perspective on building scalable sales engines, aligning marketing with revenue, and leveraging data without losing the human connection that closes deals.<br />The conversation explore...
<p>In this episode of Beyond the Swag, Kevin sits down with Matt Watson, CEO and Creative Director of Watson Creative, to unpack a simple but powerful truth:<br />Great merchandise isn’t decoration. It’s meaning.<br />Early in his career at Nike, Matt watched how a shirt, a hat, even a pair of socks could carry a story. People didn’t wear them because they were free. They wore them because they stood for something. They signaled belonging. They sparked conversations in airports, gyms, and coffee shops around the world.<br /><br />In this conversation, Kevin and Matt explor...
Personal Branding in 2026: Standing Out in an AI World
Apr 1, 202655 minS0
<p>In this episode of Beyond the Swag, Kevin sits down with Jason Hunt, CMO and Co-Founder of Merged Media, to unpack what personal branding will look like in 2026 — in a world where AI can generate content in seconds.<br />When everyone has access to the same tools, what actually makes you different?<br /><br />Jason shares his perspective on how AI is reshaping marketing, why personal brands may outperform corporate brands in the years ahead, and what it will take to stand out when content is no longer the barrier to entry.<br /><br />The conversation dives into trust, di...
Merch with a Mission: How to Transform Lives Through Brand
Mar 25, 20261h 6mS0
<p>In this episode of Beyond the Swag, Kevin sits down with Logan Altman of Doing Good Works to explore how merchandise can do more than build visibility — it can build community.<br /><br />Logan shares how purpose-driven brands can use merchandise to transform lives, connect people, and amplify missions that matter. This isn’t about giveaways or logo placement. It’s about intention, authenticity, and aligning products with purpose.<br /><br />The conversation dives into how merch can create belonging, strengthen loyalty, and spark real-world impact when it’s rooted in something bigger than marketing.<br />If you believe a brand...
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