Podcast
Unglossy
Hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank, Jeffrey Sledge · EN
Is influence built through hard work—or shaped by the choices no one sees?
Hosted by hip-hop legend Bun B, music industry veteran Jeffrey Sledge, and brand strategist Tom Frank, Unglossy cuts through the noise to explore what really drives creativity, influence, and legacy. No rehearsed talking points. No brand-approved answers—just honest conversations with people who’ve built something real.
Unglossy brings you inside the minds of artists, athletes, founders, and cultural architects to unpack the grind behind the growth: the risks taken early, the setbacks that sharpened the work, and the discipline it takes to turn ideas into impact.
If you care about culture, music, business, branding, or how ideas spread when effort meets opportunity, this is your front-row seat.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @UnglossyPod and join the unfiltered conversation.
Produced by Merrick Studios — where culture takes the mic.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Jemele Hill: Detroit, Defiance, and the Uphill Climb
2w ago01:27:21Tap to summarizeThis week on Unglossy, Jemele Hill joins the fellas for an unfiltered ride through her come-up from Detroit to ESPN, the tweet that changed everything, and the pivot to The Atlantic, Uphill, and Flagrant and Funny with Cari Champion. Plus Dwight Howard's Top 75 snub, Kobe stories, Skip Bayless, the Pistons, and whether Anthony Davis is a Wizard next year. Honest, funny, and Detroit to the core. Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank. The show is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. See all of our our episodes at https://merrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. For early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+
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Tim Frank: Playoffs, Ping Pong Balls, and the Future of the NBA
3w ago01:03:57Tap to summarizeThe NBA's Sr. VP of Communications, Tim Frank, makes history as Unglossy's first two-time guest. Twenty-two years at NBA headquarters, an NBA Championship in year one with the Houston Rockets, four straight WNBA titles with the Comets — Tim has seen it all and isn't afraid to talk about it. Tom, Bun B, and Jeffrey go deep on the Playoffs, the truth behind the Draft Lottery, the new TV rights deal, expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle, and what genuinely worries Tim about the future of the NBA. Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank. The show is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. See all of our our episodes at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. For early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/plus.
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Mark Isham: Scoring Life, Film, and Everything In Between
4w ago00:55:29Tap to summarizeThis week on Unglossy, the fellas sit down with Mark Isham — Grammy-nominated composer and trumpeter behind some of Hollywood's most iconic scores, including Crash, A River Runs Through It, Point Break, and 42. Mark traces the journey from San Francisco's jazz scene to landing a $35 million Disney film with no formal training and 90 bucks in the bank — and how a home-duplicated cassette changed everything. He breaks down what it's really like to score films for Jodie Foster, Robert Redford, and Kathryn Bigelow, the night he rewrote the entire Point Break score, and why silencing self-doubt has been as important as any musical skill. Plus: where film scoring is heading, a new series about the Irish gangs of Brooklyn, and a new album in the works Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank. The show is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. For early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+
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Bomani Jones: Playoffs, Prince, and Perspective
Apr 3001:06:01Tap to summarizeThis week on Unglossy, Bomani Jones joins the fellas and turns a conversation about the NBA Playoffs and NFL Draft into a deeper look at the business of sports—streaming chaos, rising costs, and why access isn’t what it used to be. From there, it goes where it wants: travel, chasing awe around the world, and why a waterfall might hit harder than front-row seats. Plus a no-holds debate on Prince vs. Michael Jackson, influence vs. popularity, and what really shapes culture. Along the way: sneaker resale, concert prices, and an Emmy that may or may not be a “participation trophy.” Smart, funny, and unpredictable—just like Bomani. Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank and is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. Check out this and all our episodes at wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod
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Mark Elias: Acting, Ownership, and Working Title: From Paper to Screen
Apr 901:12:58Tap to summarizeMost actors wait. Mark Elias builds. On this episode of Unglossy, the 9-1-1: Lone Star and Lucifer actor breaks down his journey from Houston roots to Hollywood—then the pivot from chasing roles to creating them. We get into his film We Could Be Heroes, raising money through WeFunder, and what it actually takes to go from idea to screen—plus why ownership changes everything. It all leads to his new podcast on Merrick Studios, Working Title: From Paper to Screen, where he’s documenting the process in real time. This one’s about betting on yourself—and doing the work to back it up. And, don't miss a very special offer for Merrick Studios+ Unglossy is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank. Join the conversation on Instagram @UnglossyPod and get early access plus live events, additional content and more at Merrick Studios+
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Michelle Delamor: American Idol, Ownership & 60 Day Hustle
Mar 2701:02:06Tap to summarizeMost people chase the spotlight. Michelle Delamor learned how to own it. This week on Unglossy, we sit down with the former American Idol standout turned founder, studio executive, and creator of Amazon Prime’s 60 Day Hustle to unpack what really happens after the cameras stop rolling. From auditioning alongside 110,000 hopefuls to navigating the machine of the music industry, Michelle shares how she turned early exposure into long-term ownership—and why building your own platform is the real endgame. We get into the psychology of reality TV, the business behind entertainment, and the hard pivot from artist to entrepreneur. Plus, she breaks down how 60 Day Hustle is flipping the script on competition shows—proving that real pressure, real stakes, and real growth don’t need to be manufactured. Because in this game, talent gets you seen… but ownership changes everything. Unglossy is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank. Join the conversation on Instagram @UnglossyPod and get early access plus live events, additional content and more at Merrick Studios+
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Don Vito: Beats, Business, and Building Beyond Music
Mar 1201:07:07Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Unglossy, we sit down with legendary producer Don Vito for a wide-ranging conversation about hustle, reinvention, and the long road behind the hits. From growing up in Gary, Indiana, to serving in the Marine Corps, to finding his way into Atlanta’s exploding music scene, Don shares the unconventional path that led him to work with artists like Nelly, Ciara, Bow Wow, Cherish, and Kandi Burruss. Along the way, he breaks down the realities of the music business, the difference between making beats and making records, and why some artists reach the top while others sabotage their own success. But Don’s story doesn’t stop with hit records. After navigating the highs and shifts of the music industry, he pivoted into podcasting, digital media, and content strategy, earning the nickname “The Podfather.” In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on how creators can turn podcasts into real businesses—and why most people are approaching it the wrong way. It’s a conversation full of industry war stories, hard lessons, and unexpected insights about building something that lasts in an industry that’s constantly changing. If you care about music, media, entrepreneurship, or the future of podcasting, this is one you don’t want to miss. Unglossy is a Merrick Studios podcast hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank.
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Jay Paterno: Happy Valley, Hard Truths, and Blitzed!
Jan 2701:06:12Tap to summarizeWhere you’re from doesn’t just shape you — it frames how you understand power, loyalty, and loss. Bun B is Houston to the core. Jeffrey Sledge carries New York City wherever he goes. And for Tom Frank, everything starts in State College, Pennsylvania — a town where fall Saturdays felt sacred, Penn State football felt pure, and Happy Valley felt like a place untouched by the rest of the world. Today's guest, Jay Paterno, grew up at the center of that belief system. As a former Penn State assistant coach, trustee, writer, and the son of the late Joe Paterno, Jay lived inside one of the most revered cultures in college sports — and then watched it unravel in public. He speaks openly about legacy, leadership, media narratives, and what it costs to stand inside a storm you can’t control. Not from a distance, but from inside his own family. This isn’t just a backward-looking conversation. Jay takes the same clear-eyed approach to the modern game — NIL, the transfer portal, revenue sharing, gambling, donor influence — and explains why college athletics is no longer what it pretends to be. His new book - BLITZED! The All-Out Pressure of College Football's New Era - pulls back the curtain on a system stretched to its limits, where pressure, money, and identity collide every Saturday. This episode isn’t about defending the past. It’s about context, consequence, and where the game is headed. "Unglossy" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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RE-RELEASE: Mitchell Jackson
Jan 2301:12:13Tap to summarizeOriginally released February 25, 2025 Tom, Mickey and Jeffrey are back for a new season of Unglossy. In this compelling episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Mitchell S. Jackson opens up about his remarkable journey from the tough streets of Portland, Oregon, to becoming a celebrated writer and educator. Mitchell shares intimate stories of balancing street life with academics, the transformative power of writing, and the challenges of teaching during a global pandemic. He reveals how his time in prison and the long, arduous process of writing his debut novel, The Residue Years, shaped his identity and artistic vision. Alongside reflections on winning the Pulitzer and the evolving role of public intellectuals, Mitchell dives into the unexpected intersections of music, NBA fashion, and cultural narratives in his latest book, Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, authenticity, and the enduring art of storytelling. Unglossy is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/ Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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RE-RELEASE: Marcus Samuelsson
Jan 900:58:50Tap to summarizeOriginally released April 18, 2024 "I recently stumbled across the Unglossy podcast – specifically the episode with Marcus Samuelsson. So tasty. I love how he explains cooking through sound." - Leon G. Witness culture and the unexpected converge, revealing the medley of tastes, sounds and experiences that influence the brand that is—Marcus Samuelsson. From a young age, Marcus aspired to be great by recognizing greatness in others. His path to becoming a decorated chef, restaurateur and philanthropist who's accolades include a 2023 Emmy Award (that makes two cameos in this podcast), was powered by creative and cultural experiences from his travels around the world. With restaurants spanning the US, Canada, Bahamas and his native Ethiopia, this eight-time James Beard Foundation award winner has inspired with his lyrical dishes from kitchens located in neighborhoods one might not expect to find them. Journey with us as Marcus dives into the why and how behind his ability to bring people and communities together while blurring the lines between music and cuisine until their cultural significance feels almost one and the same. "Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and learn more at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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