Podcast Summary: Mick Unplugged

Episode: Nick Nanton: Winning Gold with Bourbon, Branding and Bold Moves

Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Nick Nanton
Date: August 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Mick Hunt welcomes Nick Nanton—Emmy Award-winning director, branding mastermind, storyteller extraordinaire, and newly minted bourbon entrepreneur—to share his journey of bold moves, relentless creativity, and the philosophy of “never split the difference.” Together, they explore the power of deep connection, the critical nature of team-building and branding, and how investing in experiences can be more valuable than chasing pure profits. Throughout, Nick’s blend of humility, humor, and insight turns the conversation into a blueprint for meaningful success. The episode is rich in actionable wisdom for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to make their “because” their superpower.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. From a Chance Encounter to Deep Connection

• Airplane Origins: The pair recount meeting on a flight rerouted due to weather—sharing bourbon (illicitly!), swapping stories, and realizing their overlapping circles.
• The Power of Authentic Networking: Both emphasize that meaningful connection transcends shallow introductions—"I'm not ever looking for a shallow conversation. Right. I'm looking for deep connections." – Nick [03:02]
• Memorable Moment: Sharing bourbon on a stranded plane, mingling frustration with camaraderie and spontaneity.

2. The Story Behind “The Difference” Bourbon

• Genesis of the Idea: Nick describes conceiving a bourbon with Chris Voss, author of “Never Split the Difference,” rooted in experiences and playful wordplay [08:15].
• Execution Is About Teams: "If you can build a world class team, you can pretty much accomplish anything you want." – Nick [12:17]
• Business Model Innovation: Rather than going to retail, The Difference is available through an exclusive “Shareholder Society”—a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and investors. "If you are interested in that, then why don't you come join me on this journey?" – Nick [17:12]
• Notable Quote: “Different is better than better. Being better is almost impossible, but being different is pretty easy.” – Nick (crediting Sally Hogshead) [19:34]
• Experiential Focus: Nick’s investment pitch emphasizes experience and community over promised ROI; money is “the cheapest commodity in the world” [17:54]
• Results: The Difference Bourbon has already won six gold medals before even hitting public shelves [06:36].

3. The Making of a 22-Time Emmy Award Winner

• Finding the Path: Nick never set out to be a documentary filmmaker—his journey is marked by experimentation, persistence, and leveraging new technology [21:59].
• Awards As Springboards: "Submit as many as you possibly can because you never know which one you're going to have the luck." – Nick [24:33]
• Lessons from Losses: Not winning can be as clarifying as winning. Submitting broadly and strategically is part of building a credible, recognized career.
• Building Impact Through Credibility: Awards are “shortcuts” to conversations and opportunities, but Nick cautions not to tie self-worth solely to external recognition [27:45].

4. The Essence of Modern Branding

• Brand = Story: “A great brand is a story that other people tell before you walk into the room.” – Nick [30:07]
• Clarity and Consistency: If you don’t articulate your brand, others will—and probably incorrectly. Control your narrative.
• Practical Branding Advice: Start your story at the beginning: Who are you? What was formative? What unique struggles and triumphs made you? Nick cautions against undervaluing innate gifts or lived experience simply because they came easy or seem unremarkable.

5. Core Identity: Husband, Father, Friend

• Family as Bedrock: Despite wild achievements, Nick’s true foundation is family—describing his wife and three kids as the “floor” beneath any risk or setback [35:10].
• Intention is Everything: Intentional relationship-building inside the family gives courage and resilience outside of it. "My baseline is covered because I've poured into them and they're there for me... That's what makes the rest of it just fine." – Nick [36:57]

6. Rapid Fire: Quick Five with Nick Nanton

• Favorite Documentary Directed: The Truth About Reading—Exposes the hidden crisis of adult illiteracy in America, with a focus on hope and solutions [38:05].
• Dream Collaboration: Jackie Chan (plus nods to Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Mark Wahlberg) [39:36]
• Life-Changing Book: The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan [40:24].
• First Concert: They Might Be Giants (second: Sheryl Crow opening for Blues Traveler) [40:37].
• Daily Habit That Fuels Connectivity: Exercise (running or lifting, often with audiobooks or podcasts at 2x speed) and maintaining daily communication with family [41:00].
• Quote: "I have to work out. Like, I have to get my energy out so I can be a normal human... It allows your mind to stay positive and be focused on opportunity and hope." – Nick [41:10]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Community and Uniqueness:
  “If I was offering it the way everyone else offered it, I would be competing... Different is better than better.” – Nick, [19:34]
• On Branding:
  “Your brand is just your story. A great brand is a story that other people tell before you walk into the room.” – Nick, [30:10]
• On Experience Over ROI:
  "If I can create an experience, my goal would be that you do this only for the experience. And if you got money back, it would just be gravy." – Nick, [18:17]
• On Family:
  "My kids practically could give a damn what I'm doing in the world... My baseline is covered because I've poured into them and they're there for me." – Nick, [35:10, 36:57]
• On Team-Building:
  “If you can build a world class team, you can pretty much accomplish anything you want.” – Nick, [12:17]

Key Timestamps

• Airplane Meeting & Connection Story: [01:26–06:34]
• Founding The Difference Bourbon: [07:11–20:30]
• Branding, Awards, and Storytelling: [20:52–34:06]
• Family and Values: [34:06–37:53]
• Quick Five (Rapid Fire Q&A): [37:53–42:23]

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Nick Nanton’s journey is a testament to bold moves, calculated creativity, and always prioritizing connection—whether it’s in business ventures, storytelling, or family. His insistence on clarity of brand, incredible team-building, and doing things “differently” rather than trying to outcompete, offers a powerful roadmap for modern leaders and creators. This conversation is equal parts inspiration, nuts-and-bolts strategy, and heartfelt wisdom—a must-listen for anyone ready to unleash the power of their own “because.”

Connect with Nick Nanton

• Instagram: @nicknanton
• Website: nicknanton.com
• Look out for his upcoming book!

Host’s Closing Reminder:
“Remember, your because is your superpower. Go unleash it.” – Mick Hunt [42:44]