Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture Twist

No matter your relationship status, you need to hear this episode with Michael Kaye of the online dating app, OkCupid! Michael is the Head of Global Communications and is sharing the brilliant ways they use data and insights to engage their app users. In this episode, we cover: The stigmas of online dating and how OkCupid changes the narrative OkCupid's masterful use of pop culture and trendin...

We've come a long way from illegally downloading music on Napster and Limewire in the Y2K era. These days, we're willing to spend big bucks on everyone's favorite new (but old!) music format: vinyl records. 43.46 MILLION vinyl albums were sold in 2022!  In this episode, I chat with Nick Alt , the CEO and founder of VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that sends uniquely curated music...

Every fandom has their community where they go to connect with other fans to talk about their favorite thing. There's usually someone who has to lead the charge, be a source of information, and create excitement within the fandom. And as a Backstreet Boys fan, I’m excited to chat with Karah-Leigh Hancock, who is the owner of BSB Fangirls and also the author of an upcoming book celebrating BSB’s 30...

If fitness is part of your New Year's Resolution, Equinox is telling you to take it somewhere else. In this episode, I share more about the backlash that ensued when they banned new members on January 1st. I also shine a light on Peloton and how 'extertainment' is the future of fitness. OH and JC Chasez of *NSYNC gets a shoutout. 

I'm always trying to understand Taylor Swift's genius writing brain. In this episode, we review the writing categories she uses to group her lyrics and help make the writing process a bit more imaginative. And the best part? We can take inspiration from her framework and apply it to our own content creation. I explain how! Episode resources: Content Formula Article with more examples! Download you...

Liz Wilcox is a diehard *NSYNC fangirl AND email marketing expert. She dropped some actionable takeaways to help you turn your email subscribers into friends who will gladly become your customers! Hear her share the biggest advantage small businesses have, as well as the one simple section you can add to your emails RIGHT NOW to boost conversions. I found myself taking notes throughout this episod...

When Nicole Tabak saw Taylor Swift trending ahead of her latest album release, she decided to jump in on behalf of her client... Harvard Online. Her thread comparing Taylor Swift albums as Harvard courses went viral. Hear Nicole tell the story and share why brands are Swifties too. Access the show notes Subscribe to Nicole's social media and mental health newsletter, Social Media Detox .  Fol...

In the fall of 2021, my paths crossed with Leigh Dorough — an entertainment executive turned entrepreneur, and proud wife of Howie Dorough from my beloved Backstreet Boys! Leigh told me she was working on launching a new brand that was close to her heart — ESLLA. And it's now come to life! I had to invite her on the show to tell us about it! ESLLA stands for Ethically Sourced Luxury Leather Altern...

From Seventeen to Tiger Beat, YM, J-14 and more, an entire generation of teen girls grew up reading magazines. I spoke with Angel Martinez, who wrote an incredible article on this subject for Vice. She shares the history of teen magazines, how brands started targeting teenagers, and how they've evolved over the years. Access the show notes here Read the Vice article here: The Teen Magazine Raised...

Kevin Graham manages social media for MANSCAPED — a men's grooming company that sells... ball trimmers. Even as a woman who is clearly not the target user, I can't help but love MANSCAPED's content. Hear Kevin share how he uses creativity, pop culture, and some occasional NSFW humor to bring the brand to life. Access the show notes here Follow Kevin on Twitter! https://twitter.com/communitykev_ Fo...

In the lovable Apple TV series, Ted Lasso, the title character played by Jason Sudeikis has a one-word message to help his players get in the game: Believe. It turns out that this simple, yet powerful lesson from the locker room can also apply to your marketing. In this episode, we break down the difference between brand marketing and direct response marketing. We also go over how they work togeth...

My favorite brand on Twitter isn't a Fortune 500 company... it's the Oviedo Mall. I'm chatting with the mastermind behind the witty account, Josh Gunderson. His approach to social media is something both big and small brands can learn from.  Access the show notes here Follow @OviedoMall on Twitter! Follow @JoshGunderson For marketing and pop culture wisdom sent straight to your inbox, subscri...

Is Hanson a boy band? Maybe, maybe not... but one thing is for sure, nonprofits are always looking for creative ways to fundraise! In this episode, I'm sharing a story about the genius way my classmates raised money with a little help from MMMBop, along with some other nuggets of marketing wisdom for those working in the nonprofit world.  For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to...

In this episode, social media pro Codi Dantu-Johnson shares five marketing lessons we can learn from Missy Elliott... and these lessons are so great that even Missy Elliott herself agreed! Codi also shares some the hard truths about social media right now. Follow Codi on Twitter at @codishaaa Work with Codi — Mini Media Marketing For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, s...

This episode is over three years in the making! I get the chance to interview my BSB BFF, Danielle Spurge-Swavely. We met online in a BSB fan group and now she is my go-to concert sidekick. And honestly, Danielle is the reason this podcast exists. In this episode, we discuss how the Backstreet Boys became the best-selling boy band of all time.  For marketing and pop culture lessons sent strai...

Who would you consider to be the most engaged celebrity on social media? I can't help but notice that Lizzo is everywhere! How does she do it?! Here's how you can become a more efficient content creator so you can build your own community.  This episode was brought to you by Attentive — a company helping thousands of innovative brands drive sales with text messaging. Did you know over 81% of...

Kelly Clarkson is more than just one of the greatest voices of our generation. She is also an Emmy-award winning talkshow host. A big part of the show's promotional strategy is their daily #Kellyoke segment where she does her own rendition of a popular song. Listen to this episode to hear how karaoke may be a game-changer for your own social media content. For marketing and pop culture wisdom sent...

As marketers, there are SO many channels to keep up with, it can be exhausting. Do you need fresh ideas EVERY single day? Take it from a comedian as successful as Jerry Seinfeld... the answer is no! In this episode, we talk about how to repurpose content to make you a more efficient and strategic content creator.  Subscribe to my newsletter for more marketing and content wisdom inspired by po...

Declaring your side of the boy band wars was one of the main ways millennial girls around the world expressed themselves. The question of ‘Backstreet Boys or *NSYNC’ sparked impassioned debates at every slumber party. So what does this have to do with marketing? Well, giving your audience a a way to express their allegiance is sure to boost social media engagement.  Check out this episode tha...

Boy bands and memes are colliding on this episode! I had the chance to interview Kianna Davis, the original creator behind a meme we all know and love, the IT'S GONNA BE MAY meme featuring Justin Timberlake. Hear the story about how she came up with this meme in 2012, and the cool things that have happened since. We also touch on the importance of giving credit to creators like her.  Follow K...

In this episode, I had the chance to interview Jess Sanfilippo, the founder of Roadie Social. Jess is setting out to help musicians create better experiences and foster a deeper connection with fans through social media. She shares her entrepreneurial journey — spoiler alert – Harry Styles is a big part of it! We also hear Jess's tips for how any brand can build stronger relationships with their a...

In the age of social media, do you need a personal website to showcase your work? According to T-Pain, the answer is yes. Listen as we explore all the reasons a personal website is one of the best investments you can make in your career. For marketing and pop culture wisdom sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 Access show notes

From blogs to video, social, email, and everything in between, content creation is a bit of a bear! It goes beyond just the idea and the piece of content itself. Just when you thought your work was done, you also have to complete several smaller steps and details to optimize your work. As Blink-182 said, "Work sucks, I know." Here are all the small things that can make or break your content. ...

You may know Romy & Michele's High School Reunion as one of the most beloved comedies of the '90s, but it's actually about personal branding. Here are some personal branding lessons inspired by this iconic film!  For marketing and pop culture wisdom sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌

Sharing user-generated content in the age of social media is simple! But what was it like in the year 2000? How did brands hold contests or gather earned media? In this episode, we go down memory lane to hear how MTV's Total Request Live collected UGC. We'll also share some tips on how to make the most of your UGC. Spoiler alert: some UGC is good, but not good enough.  For marketing and pop c...