As artificial intelligence continues to reshape how organizations access and apply information, many companies are overlooking one of their most powerful resources: corporate archives. Chris Juhasz, senior director of archives at History Factory, explains how archival collections—when properly digitized, structured and made accessible—can serve as a trusted foundation for AI tools and enterprise-wide knowledge systems. These records hold critical context, institutional memory and source-verified data that large language models often lack.

Brewing Up History: A Chat With Dogfish Head Founder Sam Calagione by The History Factory Podcast

Host Erin Narloch sits down with Tara McRae, the new president and managing director of PUMA North America, to unravel the intricate dance between a brand’s storied past and its vibrant future. McRae, a veteran of iconic brands including Bose and Clarks, champions “true authenticity” as the bedrock of a successful brand.

Nina Thomas, director of exhibits and public programs at the Delta Flight Museum, joins host Jason Dressel for an insider’s look at how Delta Air Lines is celebrating 100 years of flight.

History Versus Heritage: Demystifying Brand Storytelling by The History Factory Podcast

In this episode, History Factory’s Erin Narloch interviews longtime employees of the Dickies archives Ann Richardson, director of trend development, and Corinna Wright, senior design manager. Ann and Corinna, who have been with Dickies for 50 and 28 years respectively, discuss their roles in merchandising, product development and the creation of the archives.

What goes into the 75-year legacy of one of the world’s most iconic footwear brands? Erin Narloch interviews Sandra Trapp, senior manager of history management and adidas global brands brand partnerships, on the adidas archival collection, its history and its role in the company. Founded in 2009, the collection holds around 40,000 catalog pieces, including footwear, apparel and file storage equivalent to three kilometers. Erin and Sandra discuss how the archives supported adidas’ 75th anniversary and how pulling out historical assets for the momentous occasion was more than just a blast from the past—it was also a global movement. Tune in to learn more about Sandra and her work at adidas.

Utah State University (USU) owns the Outdoor Recreation Archive, a living archives documenting the history of outdoor gear. Since its inception, it has been accessed by some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including REI, Nike, Columbia and others. Host Erin Narloch sits down with Chase Anderson, industry relations manager for outdoor product design and development and the Outdoor Recreation Archive at USU, and Clint Pumphrey, manuscript curator and program chair for archives outreach and instruction at USU, the duo behind the archives, to discuss what began as a donation of outdoor gear catalogs and has since become a globally recognized resource for students, scholars and leading outdoor brands.

In this podcast episode, we talk with Halley Knigge, REI’s divisional vice president of communications, and Will Dunn, Co-op Living Archive and impact communications program manager, on the creation of REI’s Living Archive and the impact of the collection. The archives includes artifacts from the 1880s to the present day, serving as a portal for business units across the company to access historic gear, oral histories and revolutionary product items. Since its launch in 2024, the archives has fostered employee engagement and inspired product design. Tune in to learn more about how the REI team aims to expand the internal reach and impact of the Living Archive.

In this new episode, Jason Dressel hosts Susan Morrison, author of “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live,” on “The History Factory Podcast.” Morrison discusses Lorne Michaels’ leadership style, emphasizing his intuitive management, remote presence and minimal praise. She highlights Michaels’ ability to maintain SNL’s format while evolving its content, as well as his strategic approach to managing conflicts. Dressel and Morrison discuss Michaels’ influence on American culture and his unique ability to balance work and life. Morrison also shares insights from her extensive research into subjects including Michaels’ decision-making processes and his impact on SNL’s longevity and succession planning.

In our latest podcast episode, we gave the mic to our own people to discuss our recently released report, “The Heritage Gap.” CEO Jason Dressel is joined by Adrian Gianforti, Director of Marketing and Communications, Erin Narloch, Senior Director of Business Insights and Performance, and Andrew Rugg, President of Certus Insights, to discuss key findings from the report and History Factory’s new Brand Heritage Index. The group explores how brands use heritage to engage audiences, the role of nostalgia and the potential of brand storytelling on social media. Tune in to learn how history can drive business success.

Join us on the open road to celebrate the Ford Mustang’s 60th birthday with Ted Ryan, Ford’s archives and heritage brand manager. He and History Factory CEO Jason Dressel discuss the iconic vehicle’s seven generations and its impact on pop culture—including its appearance in more than 8,000 movies and videos—and the most popular models today. Ryan talks about the transformation of the Mustang model, still one of the most popular sports coupes in the world, and its underlying design thinking over the decades. He also shares some stories from Ford’s archives, the Ford Heritage Vault, which has seen 30 million searches and 7.7 million downloads since its launch. Show Notes: As the archives and heritage brand manager for Ford Motor Company, Ted Ryan “has the coolest job,” a comment he often gets when people meet him for the first time and find out what he does for a living. His response is, “Indeed, I do!” In his role overseeing Ford’s archives, Ryan tells stories about the company’s rich heritage to internal and external audiences. While he is not a car collector, his father is and owns a 1931 Model A, a 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Continental Cabriolet, a 1957 Continental Mark II and a 2002 Thunderbird. Two of Ryan’s favorite photos are of him with his father and 1966 Mustang and of him with his three sons with his 2020 Mustang. Ford cars are in his blood.

In this episode, we dive into nostalgia’s dual role as a management and creative tool. Dr. Agnes Arnold-Forster and History Factory’s Erin Narloch discuss how nostalgia is used in marketing to evoke emotional connections with brands and how organizations use it as a management tool to foster employee loyalty and engagement. Tune in for this conversation on the enduring influence of nostalgia.

In this episode, host Erin Narloch sits down with author and social historian Virginia Nicholson to discuss her latest book, All the Rage: Stories from the Front Line of Beauty Virginia, known for her compelling exploration of women’s lives and social history, shares insights from her research into the complex relationship between women and their appearance. They delve into how societal expectations and technological advancements have shaped beauty standards over time.Virginia provides a fascinating look at how women have navigated the challenges of appearance in their quest for autonomy and identity. Tune in for a captivating conversation that unpacks the intricate connections between history, beauty, and power.

In this episode of “The History Factory Podcast,” Jason Dressel sits down with Dr. Clay Routledge, a leading expert in existential psychology and human motivation. They delve into the complex, often misunderstood emotion of nostalgia, which is deeply influential in our lives. Dr. Routledge discusses his research on how nostalgic feelings can be a powerful tool for organizations and individuals alike, helping build more meaningful lives and improve workplace culture. Drawing from his extensive background in psychology, Dr. Clay Routledge offers insights into how companies can harness nostalgic feelings to enhance their products, services, and overall brand experiences.

In the latest episode of “The History Factory Podcast,” CEO Jason Dressel and Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff, an esteemed historian and sports diplomacy expert, have a riveting conversation about the multifaceted role of businesses and brands in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. They discuss the intricate involvement of conglomerates like LVMH, exploring these organizations’ creative contributions to the games and the broader implications for global diplomacy and economic impact. Navigating topics such as the evolving objectives of Olympics sponsorship, the challenges the IOC faces, and the legacy of infrastructural projects in Paris, the episode offers insights into how the Olympic Games serve as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international collaboration.

In this episode, host Jason Dressel sits down with Madeline Qi and Tyler Albertario from GLAAD organization to explore the organization’s history and profound impact on LGBTQ+ advocacy and culture. As we celebrate Pride Month and reflect on the legacy of the Stonewall Uprising, Madeline and Tyler discuss GLAAD’s unique approach to advancing LGBTQ+ rights through media and popular culture. Madeline, GLAAD’s Operations Manager, provides insights into the organization’s current initiatives, while Tyler, a dedicated LGBTQ+ historian, and GLAAD’s archivist, shares his perspective on preserving and promoting LGBTQ+ history. Tyler is also working on a book about the New York Gay Liberation Front for Rutgers University Press. Join us as we delve into GLAAD’s pivotal role in shaping narratives and perceptions, past and present.

In this episode, host Erin Narloch sits down with Anders Sjöman, an expert in history marketing and preservation, at the renowned Center for Business History in Stockholm. Together, they delve into the fascinating world of business archives and the power of storytelling in corporate heritage. Anders shares his personal journey, from a background in economics to his pivotal role in preserving and leveraging Sweden's business history.

In this episode, host Jason Dressel interviews Lou Ferrante, a former mafia associate turned author, about the history of the American Mafia. Ferrante traces the mafia’s origins to Sicily in the Middle Ages and explores its evolution in American society. He discusses mafia ethics, business practices, and their impact on various industries, providing nuanced perspectives. He challenges misconceptions, highlighting the violent and illegal nature of the mafia, offering insights into the complex world of the mafia.

History Factory’s Erin Narloch, senior director of business insight and performance, sits down with Brigette Jones, public historian, consultant and researcher, to discuss the current state of brands leveraging or adopting inclusive practices to better connect to their customers while also acknowledging their pasts. Via the “Journey to Jubilee” tour she created conveying the stories of enslaved people at Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee, Jones ended up consulting with one of the top fashion brands of our era, Tommy Hilfiger. According to Jones, the simple act of showing more empathy not only creates a bedrock for an organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices but is also good for its bottom line. Tune into this episode to hear more.