Grapple is a podcast centered on people living and working in distressed communities, exploring economic and social change through personal narrative. The visual identity needed to feel impactful without appearing overly polished. It had to remain respectful to the subject matter while retaining a sense of grit and authenticity.

The primary logo is built around typography that feels worn but enduring. Subtle distressing within the letterforms suggests history and resilience rather than damage, reinforcing the idea of communities that have weathered change over time. The balance between structure and imperfection creates tension that mirrors the podcast’s themes of struggle, adaptation, and persistence.

The broader identity extends beyond the mark itself. Rather than isolating the logo from its context, it is integrated directly into real-world imagery from the communities the podcast covers. This approach grounds the brand visually in lived environments and reinforces that Grapple is rooted in real stories and real places. The result is an identity that feels honest, connected, and immersive across podcast platforms and promotional materials.