Marketing Brew Weekly

It’s spooky season, but the only thing scary about these horror movie campaigns is how much buzz they could build on a shoestring budget. We’re entering 5 horror movie marketing campaigns into the hall of fame for the way they implemented world-building, generated buzz on forums, and ultimately, got us into our seats at the theater.  00:00: Intro 02:45:  Blair Witch Project 10:10: Longle...

Is it too late to apologize? Well, that’s just one question brands need to ask themselves before posting a graphic of their heavily PR-ed apology after a campaign gone wrong. In this week’s episode, we walk you through the steps to take to decide if and when your brand needs to say “We’re sorry” (and yes, you need to use those exact words), or if you should just sit this one out in an attempt to n...

Do you need Chili’s cowboy boots? What about another tumbler, even if it’s limited edition? We’re discussing some of the most memorable brand merch and deciding if we Love It or if it’s total Landfill. Marketers take note: we don’t need a tote!  00:00: Intro 02:05: What makes good brand merch  09:00: Love It or Landfill: Walmart Rotisserie Chicken purse 14:00: Patagonia zip ups  16:...

The role of CMO isn’t quite dead…yet. But it’s definitely going through a rebrand. Senior Reporter Kristina Monllos joins us this week to discuss our latest State of the Industry report to discuss our findings on where CMOs stand in a world of AI and GTM and Chief Entertainment Officer roles, and how the title could be changing in the future.  00:00: Intro 02:28: Do companies need a full time...

Is Tony the Tiger actually a grrrreat mascot? We threw him, plus 12 of his mascot friends, into a new segment we’re calling Marketiering, to find out where some of the most recognizable and iconic mascots actually fall. From Duolingo to McDonald’s, we assess whether the famous fuzzy, creepy, and just plain WTF faces were actually good or bad for their brands.  00:00: Intro 02:28: A brief hist...

It’s football season and if your brand is looking to go beyond the logo slap, we’re drafting our favorite nontraditional marketing moves on and off the field. From coach partnerships to flag football, there are so many opportunities for your brand to get in the game that can prove to be a total touchdown, without the billion dollar budget.  00:00: Intro 02:10: Fashion and merch collabs ...

Pack your bags, this week we’re discussing the evolution of the brand trip. Namely, we’re looking at Tarte cosmetics, who have become infamous with inviting some of the most famous creators to luxurious destinations, Cocokind who took the approach of appealing to the average customer, and OpenAI, which ran right into the backlash they created from their very first brand trip to the great outdoors....

Does your brand want to comment on social videos? Well, we’ve got a helpful guide you should hear first. From choosing the right content to comment on, to interacting with other brands, we’re breaking down the best ways to leave an impactful comment on TikTok and Instagram posts – and how you can avoid regretting a comment that just doesn’t land.  00:00: Intro 02:00: Did the Wendy’s Twitter a...

This week, we’re talking about the brands implementing a strategy on Substack. While it’s not for everyone, some have cracked the code of sharing behind-the-scenes content, thoughts from founders, and the thoughtful tips newsletter readers have come to expect. But how does this differ from email marketing, and what should brands thinking about joining the platform do before jumping in?  00:00...

This week, we’re talking all things pop-ups: is the goal for brands to get attention, generate online buzz, test out products, gain new customers, or something else entirely? We break down a pop-up vs. a stunt, explain how a line outside can do all the heavy lifting for your marketing, and share our thoughts on some of the most effective recent pop-ups that have given us FOMO.  00:00: Intro 0...

This week, we’re taking a look at the brands that have done a logo refresh – the right and wrong ways. From Spotify’s limited edition disco ball drama to Levi’s World Cup win, we run through the hits and misses of rolling out a new icon for your brand.  00:00: Intro 02:00: Why do brands change their logos  04:40: Risks of changing logos   08:40: Levi’s World Cup logo change 12:...

This week, we’re exploring the latest trend of creators snagging C-Suite titles – but which ones are legit and which ones are for show? From Jake Shane touting a German candy brand to Vivian Tu’s actual financial advice, we look at the actual titles and the work behind them. Plus, when is perceived authenticity the least of your risks when it comes to naming a creator to your executive team? ...

This week, we’re going all in on microdramas – and we aren’t alone. Brands and streamers are turning to short-form videos to sell products, but will this trend last longer than a mini episode? We take a look at the length, home, production value, and risks of investing in microdramas, and share thoughts on which brands might want to jump in, or keep scrolling.  00:00: Intro 02:35: Microdramas...

This week, we’re looking at the very large gap between the marketing industry’s love for AI, and the consumer sentiment that reveals precisely the opposite. New research has customers declaring their strong annoyance for the technology, so why do marketers insist on using it for everything from ideation to creative content? And is there a way for brands to stand out with a different approach?...

This week, we’re diving into the dos and don’ts of affordability marketing. It’s not for all brands, but some have figured out the ways to keep customers with long-term strategies, while others are opting for a quick, catchy moment. How do you make consumers feel valued and savvy, while still providing a good deal?  00:00: Intro 01:55: Food brands embracing affordability marketing 03:00: Non...

This week, we’re taking a look at the way brands navigated celebrating America 250 in a variety of ways. From focusing on big national sports moments like this year’s Olympics and the World Cup, to celebrating their own company anniversaries, and most importantly, doing their best to unite Americans of all backgrounds via everything from action stars to apple pies.   00:00: Intro 02:45: How brands...

This week, we’re coming to you live from Cannes Lions 2026! Editor Kelsey Sutton and reporter Jennimai Nguyen recap some of the convos they’ve had with execs across the week, detail the activations they got to see IRL, and share their biggest takeaways from the year’s most memorable marketing event.  00:00: Intro 01:50: Offline is the new online 04:50: Experiential at Cannes  06:40: Creators are t...

This week, it's a special Monday episode! We’re coming to you from the South of France with the biggest questions on our minds for this year’s Cannes Lions! Is sports marketing just….marketing now? What will creators' impact be this year? And do the actual awards that are given out even matter? We have the answers. This episode is brought to you by pwc, and their new podcast powered by Morning Bre...

This week, we’re examining if brands have actually pulled their support for Pride month, or if they’re just keeping it private now. Some are still shelling out money, others are making their presence known at parades, and others…just aren’t talking about their involvement. But when it comes to Gen Z, some brands will prove they want to be loud and proud about their support for the LGBTQIA+ celebra...

This week, we’re rolling out the best mobile marketing moves to make when considering bus advertising for your campaign. From the Knicks’ DoorDash bus, to The Ordinary’s lessons learned along the way, these are the best tactics for maximum impact.  00:00: Intro 01:36: The DoorDash Knicks bus and popular NYC ads 03:40: Why the Museum of Sex ads are impactful  06:00: How do you measure if it’s worki...

This week, we’re getting ready for the World Cup, as many marketers have been for months and even years. With the help of Senior Reporter Alyssa Meyers, we take a look at the local vs. international branding opportunities, what creators and in-person activations can do to help goals, and how brands can take advantage of this global moment for long-term success.  00:00: Intro 02:30: The World cup b...

This week, we’re talking about the latest Pinterest campaign that encourages users to…get off their phones? With a focus on IRL events, we take a look at how to measure the success of these moments without UGC or typical social analytics, what impact these experiences have after they’re over, and how to positively build community and brand awareness amongst fans and followers.  00:00: Intro 00:40:...

This week, Marketing Brew’s senior reporter Katie Hicks is joined by reporter Jasmine Sheena and senior reporter Alyssa Meyers to discuss the state of Upfronts in 2026. Does anyone besides Big Tech have a chance in the entertainment/streaming world? Did we…learn anything new? Are live events the only programming that matters? And how do creators fit into this landscape?  00:00: Intro 00:55: Main t...

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re taking a look at content creators and brand safety – and how the two can (and can’t) work together. With insight from Grant and Ash, aka A Twink and A Redhead, we get the creator perspective on working with picky brands, and offer reminders for brands who want to risk it all on popular creators.  00:00: Intro, who are creators Grant and Ash, a Twi...

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re taking a look at the brands that made their way into The Devil Wears Prada 2 (and it was fierce competition!), and why it was very different from the original film. Plus, we’re looking at the film’s relationship to Vogue magazine, and partnerships with both luxury and accessible fashion brands. And of course we had to share a few thoughts from thi...