Intangify

There's a moment when curiosity wins—when someone stops performing the role they think they're supposed to play and starts following what actually interests them. A path that began with teaching history, then jazz, then music copyrights, each shift guided not by ambition but by listening. By asking the right questions. By refusing to treat a conversation like a checkbox.

Matthew Rubin leads business development at Fovea IP, a trademark solutions company operating across 196 jurisdictions worldwide. But the real work—the intangible work that gives Intangify its name—isn't about selling tools. It's about understanding why a brand...

A man sits at his desk surrounded by twenty years of artifacts—a pigskin football, a light-up yo-yo, a bag sealer that became something bigger. He talks about the moment a twist tie annoyed him enough to change it, and how that moment almost passed. How moments always pass. There's a difference between watching and noticing, between seeing something broken and deciding to fix it. This is what happens when someone decides.

Brian Fried has spent two decades helping inventors move from noticing to knowing. With 15 patents and products that made it from garage to QVC shelves, he...

What happens when a lifelong love of live performance turns into a global entertainment powerhouse? In this episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell sits down with Ryan Stana, Chairman & CEO of RWS Global, the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports.

Under Ryan’s leadership, RWS Global has become a trusted partner to brands such as NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, major amusement parks, and cruise lines worldwide—producing everything from theme park spectaculars to Olympic sporting ceremonies. But behind the scale and spectacle lies something deeper: structure, emotional intelligence, and disciplined execution.

Ryan...

What if selling didn't have to feel so…salesy?

In this episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell sits down with Scott Finkelstein, founder of Sales Scalers and seasoned sales leader, to unpack the intangibles of sales success. With decades of experience spanning SaaS, investment banking, and small business coaching, Scott shares the surprising truth that everyone is in sales, whether they realize it or not — and it doesn’t have to compromise authenticity.

Matthew, an IP attorney by trade, opens up about his own resistance to selling, teeing up an engaging conversation about automation vs. humani...

What happens when artificial intelligence creates a viral hit—and no one knows who made it?

In this fascinating episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell sits down with Flavia Murad-Schaal, a Brazilian attorney and expert in IP and entertainment law, to unpack the controversy surrounding “Assina de Ofélia”—an AI-generated Brazilian version of Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia.” The track, which mimicked the voices of two major Brazilian artists without their consent, sparked national buzz—and complex legal questions.

Together, they explore what this viral moment means for copyright, personality rights, platforms, and the law’s str...

What happens when a lifelong David Bowie fan turns a moment of grief into an ever-growing creative project that now spans thousands of posts and interviews?

In this episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell sits down with John Maggiore, New York State Public Service Commissioner and creator of Maggiore on Bowie—a daily blog and weekly YouTube interview series exploring the art, collaborators, and enduring cultural reach of David Bowie.

What began as a one-year Facebook tribute on the day Bowie died has evolved into a years-long exercise in curiosity, connection, and the pure passion of...

What if your podcast wasn’t just content—but a relationship engine? In this episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell sits down with media strategist Ryan Ruff, founder of Ruff Media Group, to break down how podcasts can drive authority, trust, and long-term value—without ever sounding like an ad.

With over a decade of experience helping professionals turn thought leadership into scalable video strategy, Ryan shares what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to launching and sustaining a business podcast. From structure to storytelling, and from pre-production to ROI, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how p...

What happens when your dream name is taken, or your logo no longer reflects who you’ve become? In this episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell sits down with Alicia Nagel, brand strategist, designer, and fractional CMO, to explore the frustration and freedom of being brand stuck.

Together, they uncover how to move from creative paralysis to brand clarity—by discovering, not reinventing, who you really are. With humor, candor, and a few sticky metaphors, Alicia shares how great brands are built on emotion, purpose, and design that actually works.

Whether you’re naming your first...

What happens when a Brooklyn kid with an economics degree, a love of cooking, and a knack for technology helps create one of the biggest entertainment networks in the world—and doesn’t stop there? In this globe-spanning episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell sits down with Larry Namer, co-founder of E! Entertainment Network and author of Off Script: Recipes for Success Never Follow the Crowd.

Larry shares the unexpected, often hilarious, and always enlightening chapters of his multi-decade career—from underground cable splicing in Manhattan to media reform in Russia and China. Along the way, he’s built...

What drives a first-generation immigrant with no college degree and no legal status to build a luxury brand from scratch—and sell it to Procter & Gamble in under 15 years?

In this episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell sits down with Eric Malka, co-founder of The Art of Shaving and founder of Strategic Brand Investments. From humble beginnings to a $100M+ exit, Eric shares the real story behind his entrepreneurial journey—including failure, resilience, and the intangible forces that build lasting brands.

Now an investor and mentor to founders in luxury, beauty, and men’s grooming, Eric o...

Can hype be engineered? Author, speaker, and founder of MicroFame Media, Michael F. Schein joins Intangify host Matthew Asbell for a provocative discussion on the power—and peril—of hype. Drawing from his book The Hype Handbook and decades of experience working with thought leaders and companies, Michael unpacks how strategic emotional triggers can catapult a brand or idea to mass attention.

They also explore the role of intellectual property in storytelling, how to protect big ideas once they catch fire, and why creators often struggle to balance authenticity with influence.

In this episode, you’ll hea...

What does it take to turn a small boutique into a media platform and trusted fashion brand? In this episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell sits down with Dawn Del Russo—fashion expert, QVC brand rep, and founder of Live the Glamour. Dawn shares her journey from running Bella Dawn boutique to becoming a go-to TV style contributor, and why staying true to your brand values matters more than chasing trends.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

What exactly is brand licensing—and why is it so often misunderstood? In this special episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell teams up with IP attorney Dave Johnson to welcome licensing veterans Steven Ekstract and Stu Seltzer, co-authors of Brand Licensing for Dummies.

With decades of experience between them, Steven and Stu break down the business of licensing: what works, what doesn't, and what every entrepreneur, manufacturer, or brand owner needs to know before jumping in. From global partnerships to startup strategy, this conversation is a practical guide for navigating the complex but rewarding world of licensing.

What if marketing wasn’t something you do, but something you are? In this energizing episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell—trademark attorney and champion of intangible value—sits down with Margarita Eberline, founder of Marketing Boss and host of the Care Sandwich podcast.

Together, they unpack how marketing, sales, and networking aren’t dirty words—they’re misunderstood forms of relationship-building and service. With candid stories, cultural insights, and practical frameworks, Margarita reveals how charisma, trust, and alignment drive business success beyond any funnel or strategy.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How do you protect what you can’t see or touch? In this compelling episode of Intangify, host Matthew Asbell—intellectual property attorney and advocate for the unseen value behind innovation—sits down with Adam Torres, co-founder of Mission Matters and a prolific creator who has hosted over 6,000 podcast episodes and helped launch countless others.

Together, they explore podcasting not just as a marketing channel, but as an enduring form of legacy, branding, and intellectual property.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

EPISODE SUMMARY:

An understanding of risks and opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses arising from generative AI

In this episode of Intangify, my guest Maurice Bretzfield will discuss the exciting prospects and opportunities in generative AI

for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses, and some of the associated risks in using it and in not using it!

Visit:
https://mauricebretzfield.com/

EPISODE SUMMARY:

We will address aspects of messaging and storytelling including:

In this episode of Intangify, my guest is Laurence Shanet, an award-winning director, writer, and creative director of films, television and web-based video advertisements, as well as an author and ghost-writer of technical thought leadership articles. We will discuss messaging and storytelling, and the state of creativity in 2023, including 1) what should your message be?; 2) not...

WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE LEARN?

When launching or growing a successful health-tech or fin-tech business, what are the intangibles that make a difference? How do innovation and intangibles impact the future of healthcare?

EPISODE SUMMARY:

Starting and growing a successful health-tech or fintech venture requires an understanding of the landscape and the problem to be solved, development of an innovative product or service that elegantly meets the need, identifying partners and building a team over time, and numerous other intangibles. My guest Chris Ellis discusses Thatch, an all-in-one platform...

WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE LEARN?

Understanding of the impact of changes in law on business decisions.

EPISODE SUMMARY:

Laura Winston discusses her seemingly varied background as a trademark attorney, professor, and amateur glassblower. We consider the ebb and flow of law and its impact on business decisions.

Visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurawinston
https://offitkurman.com/attorney/laura-winston/

WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE LEARN?

Take a moment to consider your health, that of your coworkers, customers, vendor representatives, and their and your respective businesses. Health is a precursor to creativity and sometimes the inspiration behind it. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion of how health plays a role in innovation and impacts the bottom line for an entrepreneur.

EPISODE SUMMARY:

This episode of INTANGIFY follows on a cross-over show in which host Matthew Asbell appeared as a guest on FRANK ABOUT HEALTH on June 8, 2023, 5 pm to discuss the...

WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE LEARN?

An understanding of how communication works or should work, and how and why it sometimes breaks down.

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Intangify, my guest Tony Gerdes, Director of Knowledge and Innovation at my firm, explains the mechanics of communication and how it can break down.

Visit:
http://linkedin.com/in/tonygerdes

WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE LEARN?

Innovation and invention are often the driving force behind entrepreneurship, but obtaining exclusive rights in that creation under a patent is often considered too late or too expensive. Listeners will learn how to navigate the U.S. (and global) patent process in a manner aligned with their business plan and budget.

EPISODE SUMMARY:

Innovation and invention are often the driving force behind entrepreneurship, but obtaining exclusive rights in that creation under a patent is often considered too late or too expensive. My guest, ...