#USA #Dallas #Thunderly #Franchise Freaks #Gini Dietrich

Thunderly's 'Franchise Freaks' Podcast Shines at Awards

Recently, Thunderly's podcast titled 'Franchise Freaks' received notable recognition at the 5th Annual Signal Awards, clinching the Bronze in the category dedicated to business figures and entrepreneurs influencing cultural narratives. This accolade exemplifies how the podcast is not just a source of information, but a medium that shapes and defines modern entrepreneurship.

The particular episode that secured this accolade, Episode 22 from Season 2, features Gini Dietrich, the founder and CEO of Spin Sucks, along with the originator of the innovative PESO Model®. In this roughly 15-minute segment, Dietrich delves into the intricacies of how paid, earned, shared, and owned media synergistically function to formulate a comprehensive communications strategy. Released in June 2025, this episode illustrates practical strategies for implementing the PESO framework and offers a glimpse into its prospective evolution.

Jack Monson, the Chief Growth Officer of Thunderly, hosts the podcast and commented on its inception, stating, "Franchise Freaks began as a playful nickname among our team. Launching a podcast focused on franchise marketing was a gamble, given the potential indifference from audiences outside the industry. However, our commitment to showcasing the remarkable entrepreneurial tales within franchising paid off. The positive response has been overwhelming.” This recognition from The Signal Awards Judging Academy—a group loaded with trailblazers in the podcasting world—validates their efforts.

Jemma Brown, General Manager of The Signal Awards, highlighted the rapid evolution of podcasting, stressing, "Podcasting is evolving beyond traditional formats and storytelling methods, and this year’s submissions undeniably reflect that. This year’s winners set the stage for the future of this medium." The Signal Awards aims to spotlight the creative risks being taken, with the winners representing a look ahead at what’s next in podcasting.

Notably, the annual Signal Awards include a Listener's Choice award that enables the audience to vote for their favorite finalists. In 2026, over 260,000 votes from approximately 94,000 listeners were cast, showcasing the engaging nature of the podcasting community.

Scott White, CEO of Thunderly, emphasized the dual benefits of podcasts for franchise brands, stating, "Owned media, like our podcast, serves a dual purpose—nurturing a connection with listeners while also generating expert content that can be leveraged across earned and search channels. The recognition of our episode discussing the PESO Model® exemplifies our commitment to integrating these principles in practice."

Listeners can catch the acclaimed episode on 'Franchise Freaks' by visiting franchisefreaks.fireside.fm/22, or tune in on platforms like Spotify and Amazon Music. The podcast exemplifies innovative marketing strategies and is a medium where valuable insights are shared regularly.

Thunderly itself is a full-service franchise marketing agency that has recently been celebrated for its rapid growth and its strategic marketing initiatives. With a reputation for excellence, Thunderly has been featured in the Inc. 5000 list and Entrepreneur magazine’s rankings of top franchise marketing agencies. The agency employs a unique model, the AIM Model© (Amplified Integrated Marketing), which focuses on aligning various aspects of marketing communications to optimize visibility in a multi-channel environment.

In conclusion, Thunderly’s 'Franchise Freaks' podcast not only entertains but educates and inspires its listeners, making it a commendable player in the ever-evolving world of business podcasts. For more information about Thunderly and their innovative approaches, visit www.thunderlymarketing.com.