Merrick Studios Launches with Heavy Hitters and a New Way to Podcast

Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Merrick Creative Debut Culture-Forward Network That Makes Producing, Recording, and Editing Effortless

Unglossy Hosts and Merrick Studio Co-Owners Tom Frank, Bun B and Jeffrey Sledge

Houston, TX — Thursday, August 21, 2025 — Merrick Creative, in partnership with Grammy-nominated rapper and entrepreneur Bun B and music industry veteran Jeffrey Sledge, today announced the official launch of Merrick Studios—a culture-forward podcast network rooted in hip hop but built for a broader audience.

Unlike most new podcast networks, Merrick Studios launches with a fully stocked lineup—multiple shows already packed with episodes and marquee guests—along with a creator-first model that makes producing, recording, and promoting podcasts effortless.

“At Merrick Studios, we’re not just building a network of shows—we’re building a family of creators,” said Bun B. “When you’re part of this network, you’re never on your own. You have the full weight of our production team, promotional reach, and monetization strategies behind you, plus the ability to collaborate and cross-promote with other hosts. That’s how great conversations find bigger audiences.”

From AI-powered production tools to seasoned editorial guidance, Merrick Studios handles the technical heavy lifting so hosts can focus on the creative work that makes their shows shine. The result: polished, compelling conversations without the production headaches.

The network’s fall lineup features:

  • Unglossy — Hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge, spotlighting cultural powerhouses such as Keenan Scott II, Marcus Samuelsson, Eric Liedtke and Andre Reed.

  • Mixed and Mastered — Jeffrey Sledge with the music executives, producers, and creatives shaping modern music.

  • Pitch Lab — Entrepreneurs and creatives sharpen their ideas through candid critique.

  • The Love/Hate Relationship with Comic Culture — Pete Rock, Mickey Factz, and Tat Wza on comics, movies, and fandom.

  • Pendulum Podcast – Guest lectures encompassing some of the greatest rappers of our time brought to you by Pendulum Ink, a school for lyricism.

  • PlaceShaper — Stories from the people redefining real estate, design, and community.

  • The Juniata Men’s Basketball Show — Inside access to one of Division III’s standout programs.

  • Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue – Honest conversations on loss, love, and healing with Yvette Dávila and Dionne C. Monsanto.

  • The Grey Area – Dante Ross exploring the common ground where artists of every walk of life connect, collide, and create.

Tom Frank, Co-Founder of Merrick Studios and CMO of Merrick Creative, added: “Podcasting can be isolating when you’re doing it alone. We’re here to change that. By bringing shows together under one roof, giving them the resources to create world-class content, and amplifying their reach through the power of the network, we’re creating something bigger than any one show.”

About Merrick Studios
Merrick Studios is a culture-forward podcast network created by Merrick Creative, Bun B, and Jeffrey Sledge. Rooted in hip hop but built for a broad audience, the network delivers smart, soulful, and unfiltered conversations. With a deep slate of existing shows, advanced production tools, and a collaborative community of creators, Merrick Studios makes it easy for hosts to focus on great storytelling while the network handles production, promotion, and monetization.

Advertising & Show Submissions
Interested in advertising across our shows or pitching a new concept? Visit wearemerrickstudios.com/advertising-opportunties or email hello@merrickcreative.com.


Contact:
Merrick Creative
jhampton@merrickcreative.com
443/814-0693

Thomas Frank

Partner, Chief Creative Officer at Merrick Creative. Brand and Marketing Specialist, Designer, Entrepreneur, Podcaster

https://merrickcreative.com
Next
Next

Houston Chronicle: Bun B teaming with Merrick Creative to launch podcast network