Ducks Unplugged

Welcome to Mythbusters: Unplugged! We’ve all heard the agency rumors: bigger agencies mean bigger results, agencies only care about creative, and in-house teams can do it all. But are those really true—or just myths that need busting? In this episode, we’re pulling no punches and tackling the misconceptions we hear all the time. Then, we turn the tables and debate some of life’s juiciest non-agenc...

How do you sell the same product to totally different generations? We’re putting our sales caps on and turning this episode into a real-life round of Shark Tank, as Deanna and Ashley go head-to-head with audience-tailored pitches. Five product categories. Four different generations. One wild ride. ⚡ Electric toothbrushes for Gen Z? 🛌 Why Gen X shouldn’t “sleep” on the luxury mattress industry (s...

Is it buzz-worthy or just…busted? In this episode of Ducks Unplugged, we’re talking about the brands that know how to build hype—and the ones that crash and burn trying. From Liquid Death’s cult following 💀 to product launches that should’ve stayed in the drafts, we’re breaking down how hype can create real magic… or total mayhem. What’s inside: • A “What the Duck” rant aimed squarely at Meta • W...

We went deep into the weird corners of the internet… and found some absolutely insane products. In this mini episode of Ducks Unplugged, we’re playing Buy It, Gift It, Shelve It — your new favorite unhinged product game. From glow-in-the-dark toilet paper to a hot dog toaster (yes, really), we’re asking the big questions: ➡️ Would you actually buy this? 🎁 Would you gift it (even as a white elepha...

🎉 Game on, marketers! In this episode of Ducks Unplugged, we're bringing the fun—and the pickles. Yep, pickles are having a moment, and we’re here for it. 🥒 We kick things off with a little “What the Duck?” and a couple of solid dad jokes before diving into why levity belongs in every marketing campaign. Because let’s face it—marketing should be fun. And fun? That’s where the magic happens....

Class is in session! Put down your pencil and pay attention as we flip through the brand yearbook in this episode of Ducks Unplugged. 👩‍🎓📓 Remember high school superlatives? Well, we’re giving them a marketing makeover. From Most Athletic to Best Couple to Class Clown and more, we’re handing out the titles and deciding which brands deserve the crown. 🎧 Listen to Marketing Superlatives: Mini—wh...

Welcome to the debut of our Backstory series! Asking the right questions? It’s not just for first dates and reality TV confessionals. It's the foundation of killer client relationships, brand building, and campaigns that actually convert. In this episode, we’re flipping the mics on ourselves and asking the hard hitting questions! Deanna and Ashley interview each other to uncover what really m...

🚩 Red flag or ✅ green flag? We're throwing down some serious opinions in this sassy hot-take episode of Ducks Unplugged. Erin's back in the studio, and we're tackling everything from relentless positivity (is this actually a red flag?) to wearing socks to bed. Oh—and if you're out here talking on speakerphone in public... we have thoughts. Play along and wave your own flags—w...

🚨 This one’s a bit different—made special for our REALITY TV FANS. We’re sipping Loverboy and spilling the tea on how reality TV became a business powerhouse. From iconic franchises to influencer-led empires, reality stars are out here building brand deals, e-commerce empires, and cult followings like it’s their job (because it is). Not everyone gets it right—but those who do? Chef’s kiss. We als...

That’s it—we’re starting the timer on these hot takes! In this Rapid Fire Reactions: Mini episode of Ducks Unplugged, we’re joined once again by Erin Campbell for a high-stakes (and highly entertaining) timed round of hot takes on trending topics in marketing, pop culture, and work-life. Each of us only gets ONE PASS... so use it wisely. We’re dishing on: – The “goodnight” trend (we ship it) – Whe...

Alright brands, it’s 2025—let’s talk micro-moments as a way of connecting with your customer. Conference swag bags? Ashley’s ride-or-die for these babies, but some of those other branded micro-moments? They need a vibe check. We’re picking them at random from a bowl and deciding if they get to stay, need a major makeover, or if it’s just time for the trash. And since we’re feeling festive, we’re i...

In this Ducks Unplugged mini-episode, Deanna’s giving the big 5-0 a glow-up! ✨ It’s not about slowing down—it’s about rethinking milestones and making them mean something fresh. Ever thought about how YOU would rebrand a major life milestone? What’s on your bucket list? Something wild, something exciting? We’re diving into some life edition “What If” questions, too—because why not? 🎧 Listen now...

Get ready—we’re diving deep into the world of wild, weird, and wonderful jobs you never knew existed! 🤯 Could you handle being a professional cuddler? What about testing brand-new amusement park rides—brave enough to be first in line? In this Ducks Unplugged mini-episode, we’re asking: Wait, that's a real job? Would we do it? Could we actually pull it off? (Spoiler: some of these are WAY har...

Buckle up, we’re officially entering our collab era! From epic brand match-ups to reality-TV royalty (Bravo collabs, anyone?), we’re breaking down what makes collaborations legendary. Are collabs strictly Gen Z territory, or can everyone get in on the fun? Crocs—we see you crushing it every time, and Bravo’s Kyle Cooke, we've got some spicy collab ideas you'll love! Plus, don’t miss our...

Who doesn't love a good rebrand? In this episode, we share the story behind the Blue Duck Agency rebrand—and trust us, it started in the most unexpected way. The real fun (and chaos) came when Deanna and Ashley realized that rebrands are not for the faint of heart. Spoiler: we made it through and came out stronger on the other side. Plus, we're diving into all things "rebrand"!...

🚨Alert: You don’t want to miss this episode!🚨 Welcome to the brand-new Ducks Unplugged studio! In this special episode, we explore a world of "what ifs" that you won’t want to miss. What if we re-imagined a brand for an unlikely audience? What if brands were people? Where would Google go on vacation? Would brands have dating profiles (and how unhinged would Taco Bell's be)? 😅 We...

In this episode of Ducks Unplugged, we’re joined by two of our amazing Blue Duck Agency creatives—Sara Winslow, Creative Director, and Jen Carney, Art Director—to explore how we would give some well-known brands a glow up. Can Celtics' fans handle a rebrand? Why is Goo Gone such a miracle product? Plus, we dive into a new segment, Ducks Unhinged, where we share the craziest work and work-adja...

In this episode of Ducks Unplugged, we’re joined by Deanna's daughter, and our resident Gen-Z expert, Amy to tackle the generational marketing landscape. From how to make your brand relevant to Gen Z—authenticity and honesty are the name of the game—to why non-digital channels shouldn’t be ruled out to reach this generation. And let’s not forget Gen X and Boomers, who are doing the majority o...

In this Ducks Unplugged mini-episode, we’re diving into cool apps you need to know! We’ve crowdsourced a list of apps that’ll make your life easier, more exciting, and maybe even a little more fun. From ChatGPT (yes, it’s on mobile!) to Good Reads, and even a Flush Toilet Finder App—we’ve got something for everyone. And yes, we have multiple toilet apps on the list. 😂 🎧 Listen now and tell us yo...

In this Ducks Unplugged mini-episode, we’re playing a game of Marry, Date, Ghost with top brands—like Amazon, Starbucks, Hermes (how do you pronounce that?) and Bravo. Yes, you read that right. Because of course we would, we’re marketers! How could we ever choose between these iconic brands? Listen along as Deanna and Ashley debate who they'd marry, who they'd date, and who they'd g...

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into a live brainstorm to reimagine iconic brands—no pressure, right? Join us as we give our takes on Black Friday, Netflix, and Match.com. Oh, and Netflix, we've got a new product package for you—you're welcome! Plus, a round of hot takes (FYI—annual performance reviews are out) and the work hacks we use here at Blue Duck Agency to keep things rol...

Can you guess these Gen Z phrases? In this episode we're joined by special guest, Amy our resident Gen Zer who is here to remind us just how old we actually are. We were hoping to "leave no crumbs" but accidentally gave Amy the "ick". Listen as we get schooled by Amy and laugh at our own “old” moments. Spoiler alert: things get cringey, but it’s all in good fun! 🎧 Listen...

In this mini episode of Ducks Unplugged, we’re diving into our first-ever Ducks Debate—where Ashley and Deanna go head-to-head on the "really important" stuff. Like… – Does the middle seat get both armrests? – What is the superior Starburst flavor? – What is going on with LinkedIn right now? – And our biggest disagreement yet: should you make the bed right when you wake up? No business b...

Welcome to Ducks Unplugged! In the very first episode, The Beginning: Unplugged, Deanna and Ashley are pulling back the curtain—fresh takes, a few laughs, and a lot of realness. Today, we’re talking about: – Niche Cheetos collecting (yes, it’s a thing) – Why reality TV is marketing – The worst job interview question we’ve ever heard – A round of "rapid fire questions" to get to know us a...

What do vodka, emus, and Formula 1 have in common? They’re all proof that great marketing grabs attention—and holds it. In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Winslow, Creative Director at Blue Duck Agency, for a candid conversation about what makes marketing work, why creative reviews sometimes feel like a boxing match, and how to keep the "reins" without losing the magic. Plus, hear the...