Brandon Gates shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Brandon , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning from the next generation of podcasters, the ones just starting out. As an experienced podcaster and executive producer, it’s easy to get caught up in structure, systems, and strategy. But new creators remind me of the why behind it all, the passion, raw creativity, and willingness to experiment without fear of failure.
I study how they approach storytelling, community building, and authenticity. They’re unfiltered, they’re trying new formats, and they connect with audiences in ways that sometimes we, as veterans, can forget when we’ve been focused on production quality and scaling.
Every time I mentor or collaborate with someone just getting started, I end up learning something new, whether it’s a fresh perspective on audience engagement, a new trend in social media storytelling, or simply the reminder that growth starts with curiosity and consistency.
So in short, I’m learning from the hungry, the curious, and the ones just pressing “record.” They keep me sharp, humble, and inspired.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brandon Gates i’m the executive producer and co-host of The Pull Up Experience, Cleveland’s #1 podcast highlighting entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers who are building something bigger than themselves. Over the past few years, we’ve produced over 300 episodes, grown a community of 20,000+ subscribers, and built a platform that shines a light on stories often overlooked in mainstream media.
What makes The Pull Up Experience unique is that we’re not just a podcast, we’re a movement. We’re creating space for real conversations, raw transparency, and tangible game for people trying to elevate their lives and businesses. Alongside that, I’m also building Podcasters United, a network and event series that connects creatives, podcasters, videographers, and editors so they can learn, collaborate, and grow together.
What keeps me passionate is seeing how storytelling can shift culture. I’m currently focused on expanding our media network, helping new podcasters find their voice, and using our platform to educate and empower the next wave of entrepreneurs and creatives coming out of our city and beyond.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see the world is my relationship with people who believe in potential even when it’s still in progress. Whether that’s family, mentors, or the guests who’ve sat across from me on The Pull Up Experience, those connections constantly remind me that greatness often starts small, messy, and uncertain.
Through podcasting, I’ve had the privilege of learning from hundreds of entrepreneurs and creatives, and it’s taught me that everyone’s journey has value, from the person just getting started to the one already thriving. It changed how I view success: it’s not about perfection, it’s about persistence, purpose, and the people who pour into you along the way.
That mindset shapes everything I do as a host, producer, and community builder because I’ve learned the real power is in pulling each other up.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain the moment I realized my story could help someone else heal. For a long time, I thought I had to carry everything in silence, the losses, the setbacks, the doubt, because that’s what strength looked like. But once I started sharing those parts of my journey through The Pull Up Experience and connecting with other entrepreneurs and creatives, I saw how honesty created connection.
Turning pain into purpose became my power. Every struggle became fuel for impact, a reminder that what I’ve been through wasn’t meant to break me, it was meant to build me. That shift changed everything: how I lead, how I create, and how I show up for others. Now, I use my platform to show people that your scars aren’t signs of weakness, they’re proof that you survived and still chose to build.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the podcast industry tells itself is that numbers equal impact. Too many people chase downloads, followers, and viral clips, but forget that the real power of this medium is connection. Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had never hit a million views, but they changed lives, opened doors, and built relationships that money or metrics could never measure.
Another lie is that you need a big studio, expensive equipment, or corporate backing to create something valuable. That’s false. Some of the most authentic and game changing voices are coming straight from living rooms, barbershops, and community spaces with a single mic and a vision.
At The Pull Up Experience, we’ve proven that you can build something impactful and professional without compromising authenticity. The truth is, podcasting isn’t about perfection, it’s about purpose, consistency, and giving people something real to connect with.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I was someone who pulled others up while I was climbing. That I didn’t just chase success for myself, but used every platform, podcast, and opportunity to open doors for others.
I want my story to be about more than entrepreneurship or media, I want it to be about impact, community, and purpose. That I showed people from my city and beyond that you can build something real, stand on integrity, and still make a difference.
When it’s all said and done, I hope they say I created spaces where people felt seen, heard, and inspired to believe that their dreams were possible too. Because at the end of the day, legacy isn’t about what you have, it’s about how many lives you helped change along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/notyouravgagent
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyouravgagent?igsh=MXh0MTRhcmhyZjhmaA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-gates-48b622b3?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thepullupexp?si=Z4aQRE0RcFR-2K5t
