Legends of the Brand

About Legends of the Brand

A look at the people behind the brands; the characters, stories and insights that combine to make up the personality of many of the brands we know.

Publisher

Phil Gordon

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Oct 2020

Latest episode

23 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

115 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Dec 2025

   Henry Druce: Trust, Testing and the Soul of Skiing - Part 2

   In Part 2 of my conversation with Henry Druce, we explore the shift from a demanding media career to a renewed, more personal relationship with skiing and storytelling. Henry talks openly about burnout, deadlines, and the moment he realised he no longer felt the spark that once drove his work — a turning point that led him to step away from traditional publishing and rediscover his love for the mountains. We also delve into his involvement with Snow Camp, his hosted trips, and the evolving challenges facing the snowsports industry today, from accessibility to generational change. A thoughtful, warm, and insightful episode revealing the human side of one of the UK’s most respected ski journalists. Follow Henry on IG @Henryskier Find out more about snowcap here: www.Snow-camp.org.uk (www.Snow-camp.org.uk) Book your next holiday with VIP Chalets www.vip-chalets.com (www.vip-chalets.com) Get your first or next pair of ski boots sorted in the comfort of your home with Hike and Ride www.hikeandride.co.uk (www.hikeandride.co.uk) _____ In Part 2, Henry Druce returns to talk about the personal evolution behind his long career in snowsports media. While many imagine ski journalism as all glamour and powder days, Henry lifts the curtain on the pressure, deadlines, and constant output that defined much of his time in publishing. He shares candid reflections on the moment he realised he’d written the same kind of editor’s letter dozens of times — a sign that the passion had dulled and a change was needed. Stepping back allowed Henry to find a more balanced, fulfilling relationship with skiing. Today he mixes freelance work, writing, and hosting ski trips, rediscovering the joy that first drew him to the sport. Henry also speaks passionately about his work with Snow Camp, a charity harnessing snowsports to support young people with life skills, mentoring, and mental wellbeing. Giving back has become an important part of his career’s new chapter, including matched donations through his hosted trips. We explore the broader landscape of snowsports: misconceptions around skiing, the myth of heli-skiers “jumping out” of helicopters, the rising cost of participation, and the challenge of attracting new and more diverse audiences into the mountains. Henry raises important questions about representation in snowsports and whether the industry is doing enough to welcome the next generation. We also discuss 333 Random Acts of Kindness, a project Henry took on during the pandemic that grew into something far more meaningful, reminding him how much connection and kindness can shape a life. The episode closes with Henry’s signature warmth and humour — from his love of flamboyant shirts to reflections on authenticity, fun, and the kind of legacy he hopes to leave. Key Themes Burnout, reinvention, and rediscovering passion The reality behind magazine publishing Snow Camp and giving back through snowsports 333 Random Acts of Kindness Hosted ski trips and a new chapter of work Misconceptions about skiing The future of snowsports: cost, diversity, accessibility New ways people are discovering skiing (festivals, events) Legacy, fun, and being memorable for the right reasons

2. 

   17 Dec 2025

   Henry Druce: Trust, Testing, and the Soul of Skiing - PART 1

   In Part 1 of my conversation with Henry Druce, we explore the early experiences and career moments that shaped one of the most influential voices in UK snowsports journalism. From discovering skiing on a formative trip to Italy, to working ski seasons in the Alps, to building a career across newspapers, magazines, and some of the most widely read ski publications in the country, Henry shares how passion for the mountains led him into storytelling. We talk about journalism before the digital age, the responsibility that comes with influence, and how trust, independence, and camaraderie became cornerstones of ski media. Follow Henry on IG @Henryskier Check out www.snow-camp.org.uk www.vip-chalets.com ____ Show Notes In Part 1 of my conversation with Henry Druce, we step back to explore the roots of a career that has helped shape the UK snowsports industry for more than two decades. Henry reflects on his earliest skiing memories, discovering the sport through an organised trip to Italy and quickly realising that skiing offered something far beyond just the sport itself — community, camaraderie, and a sense of escape. From ski seasons in Méribel and Megève to working resort jobs and carving fresh tracks long before the lifts were busy, these experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong relationship with the mountains. We trace Henry’s path into journalism, from teenage work experience on local newspapers to studying in Bristol, where writing, creativity, and a slightly mischievous sense of humour played an important role in shaping his voice. Henry shares how early opportunities in magazines and newspapers helped him learn the craft properly — rewriting copy, sharpening headlines, and understanding the responsibility that comes with the written word. The conversation also explores the shift from arts and general journalism into outdoor and snowsports media, including Henry’s time at specialist magazines and his eventual involvement with major national titles. We discuss how ski journalism once operated in a very different media landscape, and how trust, independence, and credibility were essential when a single review could influence buying decisions across the industry. This episode sets the scene for Part 2, where we dive deeper into ski testing, industry responsibility, and the evolving relationship between media, brands, and skiers. Key Themes in Part 1: Early skiing memories and falling in love with mountain life Ski seasons, camaraderie, and resort culture Learning journalism before the digital era Trust, credibility, and influence in ski media How passion for skiing shaped a career in storytelling Setting the foundations for Henry’s role in UK snowsports journalism Follow Henry on IG @Henryskier Check out www.snow-camp.org.uk www.vip-chalets.com

3. 

   13 Dec 2025

   Leon Butler - Finding the Story in "The Moments In Between" - Part 2

   In Part 2 of my conversation with photographer and storyteller Leon Butler, we explore the realities of creative life in the outdoor industry — from navigating free-work culture to understanding how a photographer places value on their craft. Leon talks openly about awards, trends, client expectations, and staying true to your style. He also shares the story behind one of the most meaningful projects of his career and offers simple, powerful advice for anyone wanting to take better photos on their next adventure. A thoughtful, grounded conversation for anyone who loves creativity, mountain life, or the behind-the-scenes of outdoor storytelling. _________ Full Show Notes In Part 2, Leon Butler returns to unpack the deeper layers of photography, creativity, and the changing landscape of visual storytelling in the outdoor world. We begin with a candid discussion about free-work culture and the challenge of assigning value to an image when the industry increasingly measures success through likes, clicks, and visibility. Leon shares how a photograph isn’t priced by the hour it takes to shoot it but by the years of learning, experience, and problem-solving behind it. Leon also talks about being named World Mountain Bike Awards Photographer of the Year 2024 — what the recognition meant, why peer validation matters, and why awards rarely change the day-to-day reality of being a working creative. We dive into the fast-moving world of creative trends, how to stay aware of them without losing your identity, and why guiding clients is just as important as following a brief. One of the highlights of the episode is Leon’s story about a gold-mining-inspired project in New Zealand — a blend of history, backcountry travel, and mountain biking that became one of his proudest achievements and even found its way into the New Zealand National Archive. The phrase “same dirt, different reward” became the heartbeat of the story. We also examine the ethics of shooting in the backcountry, the balance between ambition and safety, and how environmental impact intersects with creative choices. Leon closes the episode with his biggest photography tip for anyone heading on holiday: focus on composition. A shift in perspective, a foreground element, or a moment of thought before pressing the shutter can transform even a phone photo into something meaningful. We finish with the signature Legends of the Brand closing questions, where Leon reflects on his personal brand (“a storyteller”), his desire to inspire more people into outdoor sports, and the legends who inspire him. Episode Themes: Free-work culture and creative value Awards vs real-world career impact Trends vs timeless style Guiding clients in the creative process Backcountry ethics, safety, and environmental awareness “Same dirt, different reward” — Leon’s most meaningful project How to take better photos with your phone Storytelling, legacy, and outdoor inspiration https://www.visualyarn.com/ Leon’s Profile linkedin.com/in/leonbutler1 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonbutler1)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

95

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.