Right About Now - Legendary Business Advice

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Chad Bronstein and Terri Francis to explore what it takes to build a brand in a highly competitive industry.

Drawing from their experience launching Real American Beer, the conversation dives into the realities of distribution, the importance of relationships, and the challenges of scaling without massive resources.

They also discuss how marketing, culture, and lifestyle integration play a critical role in long-term success—and why understanding your ecosystem matters more than ever in today’s business environment.

🔑 Topics Covered

Distribution challenges and the three-tier system

The role of relationships in business growth

Scaling a brand without large budgets

Marketing strategies in competitive industries

Building a lifestyle-driven brand

Long-term growth and ecosystem thinking

🤝 Connect with the Hosts & Guests

Ryan Alford 

https://www.ryanisright.com

Chad Bronstein and Terri Francis

Website — https://therealamerican.com

https://www.realamericanfreestyle.com/

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/drinkrab

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Ashley Stahl to explore what it really takes to build a personal brand that creates opportunities.

Ashley breaks down the critical difference between credibility and authority, and why many professionals get stuck building experience without ever becoming known for it. She shares how leveraging platforms like TEDx and YouTube can accelerate visibility—and how one well-crafted message can compound over time.

This episode is packed with practical insights on positioning, messaging, and how to turn attention into something meaningful—whether that’s clients, speaking opportunities, or long-term brand equity.

🔑 Topics Covered

Credibility vs authority in personal branding

Building visibility that actually converts

The role of TEDx and long-form content

Why messaging matters more than volume

Turning attention into business opportunities

How to identify and communicate your unique value

🤝 Connect with Ashley Stahl

https://wisewhisperagency.com

https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl

🤝 Connect with Ryan Alford

https://www.ryanisright.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Dave Charest to discuss how AI is reshaping the way small businesses operate.

Dave shares insights from recent research showing that more than half of small business owners are already using AI—and why many are increasing their marketing efforts despite economic uncertainty. The conversation explores how AI improves efficiency, helps business owners make smarter decisions, and enables them to compete at a higher level.

They also cover practical strategies around email marketing, social media, and audience building—highlighting why owning your customer relationships is more important than ever.

Topics Covered

AI adoption among small businesses

Efficiency vs overcomplication with AI

Marketing trends and budget shifts

Email marketing vs social media strategy

Building and owning your audience

Data-driven decision making with AI

Common mistakes small business owners make

Connect with Dave Charest

https://www.constantcontact.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecharest

Connect with Ryan Alford

https://ryanalford.com

https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Ken Goldin to explore how collectibles evolved into a massive global market.

Ken shares how he built Goldin Auctions by focusing on attention, audience growth, and long-term brand strategy—often prioritizing exposure over immediate profit. The discussion breaks down how value is created through storytelling, positioning, and market psychology.

They also examine the risks within today’s market, including speculation, overvaluation, and why vintage collectibles remain the most stable long-term investment.

Topics Covered

Growth of the collectibles market

Marketing vs. product in value creation

Risk and speculation in modern collecting

Vintage vs. modern investment strategy

Building audience and brand equity

How media expanded the hobby

Connect with Ken Goldin

https://goldin.co

https://www.instagram.com/kengoldin

https://x.com/kengoldin

Connect with Host — Ryan Alford

Website: Ryanisright.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

AI is making content faster—but not necessarily better. In this episode of Right About Now, John Benson joins Ryan Alford to break down what actually makes content convert in the age of AI.

From inventing the video sales letter (VSL) to building AI tools that replicate high-converting copy, John shares how persuasion hasn’t changed—even as technology has. The real edge isn’t automation, it’s understanding human values and aligning messaging with what people already believe.

They also explore how entrepreneurs should think about AI as a “second brain,” why most AI-generated content fails, and how to use values-driven messaging to attract the right audience—and repel the wrong one.

If you’re using AI for content, marketing, or growth, this episode will completely change how you think about what actually works.

Topics Covered

The origin of the video sales letter (VSL) and why it still works

Why most AI-generated copy fails to convert

The role of human psychology in persuasion

“So that you can…” — the most powerful copywriting framework

How values-driven messaging attracts better customers

AI as a “second brain” for entrepreneurs

The future of AI, copywriting, and marketing

Connect with Guest — John Benson

Website: https://bnsn.ai

Free Buyer Profile Tool: https://freebuyerprofile.com

YouTube: https://johnbenson.com/youtube

Connect with Host — Ryan Alford

Website: https://ryanalford.com

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-with-ryan-alford/id1498865831

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford