The AI Marketing Companion

On this episode, Mark rants about the destructive social media monetization model. Mark and Brooke also dissect the exploding world of online mental health and the fastest-growing job title in the land!

The new show features interesting takes on media and soccer, an amazing pandemic pivot from a luxury brand, deer in compromising positions, and a discussion of the marketer as an artist.

Non-human, AI-generated influencers are now generating millions for their paid sponsors. They don't get sick, they don't complain and they are a significant marketing mega-trend.

Fake news is just the beginning. New technology will allow anyone to create Hollywood-quality effects and replicate humans with uncanny accuracy. What are the implications for society, business and marketing?

In this special episode, Mark Schaefer discusses the stressful realities of the pandemic on his life and urges listeners to consider their historical narrative.

As the pandemic wears on, new customer wants and needs provide opportunities for marketers. Mark and Brooke look at the big word for the next two years: COMFORT.

There is a small edit needed here. Brooke's audio weirdly cut out and then we resumed Marketing dress for success Has Zoom changed the rules for business decorum or should do the rules of "Dress for Success" still apply? Brooke and Mark debate this plus in-home drones and when the power of celebrity endorsements work TOO well!

With all the changes in the world, it's a good time to pause and reflect on the ideal skillset for a marketing career. How has the pandemic changed marketing careers? What is the best way to keep your skills current? Google and other companies saying that a college degree is not important in some tech careers any more. Will that trend move to marketing as well?

Is the hustle culture still relevant in a pandemic era? What does gerbil food and CBD oil have to do with anything? And why are people seeing more UFOs? Mark and Brooke tackle these questions and more on the Marketing Companion's 200th episode!

The pandemic has created an immense challenge for creatives who depend on live sets and collaborations. Mark and Brooke explore the ups and downs of the creative process in a crisis. When will the new TV content come back?

In this special episode, Mark Schaefer talks with Adidas global brand communications director Fabio Tambosi. We explore how the pandemic is re-defining sports, the consumer behaviors that are changing forever, the eCommerce surge, how Adidas pulled off the world's biggest social media hack, and business lessons from LeBron James.

Fashion, food, music, even love ... the pandemic is changing our lives in surprising ways -- with deep implications for marketers. You'll enjoy these insights into the emerging "cottage core" trend, how business can save music, and what happens to love in a crisis.

Mark and Brooke go toe-to-toe in an episode that covers Instagram fetishes, LinkedIn spam, Facebook boycotts, influencers united, and the reason everyone loves Mark Schaefer's feet.

Mark and Brooke examine emerging research that may indicate key post-pandemic consumer changes. Among the insights in this episode is the indication that children have taken over the eCommerce function for the family. Other topics include comfort spending, commerce levels, BOPIS, and new digital advertising trends.

Mark and Brooke dissect an extraordinary piece of thought leadership from author Martin Lindstrom. Lindstrom creates a data-based view of the likely "new normal" and this episode explores the implications for the new "imbalances" and marketing professionals.

Mark and Brooke discuss an explosive revelation from the Facebook strategy playbook: The company is mindfully encouraging extremism, ignoring warnings from 2016 that the platform was contributing to hate and polarization. The hosts also discuss the emerging importance of corporate communities and the post-pandemic normal.

Technology is creating incredible opportunities to connect with customers in meaningful new ways. Mark and Brooke look at some of the most exciting examples of how marketing and customer connection might be transformed.

Mark Schaefer returns to the show after recovering from COVID-19 and relates three lessons of his experience, including an unexpected insight with long-term implications for the world. Mark and Brooke reflect on the impact on their own businesses and how they are being inspired during this crisis.

Guest host Mathew Sweezey joins Brooke Sellas to talk about his new book, The Context Marketing Revolution. Together, we discuss the five context elements needed to create better customer experiences.

Guest host Katie Robbert joins Brooke Sellas to discuss how brave brands stay relevant in times of crisis, including advice from other top marketing experts, a note on advertising, and which tools are making work-from-home easier.

Mark and Brooke dissect important new research to find some surprising shifts in the use of social media, smart speakers, podcasting consumers. We reveal the identity of listener number one million!

Mark Schaefer shares his view of personal and business priorities in this time of extreme disruption and loss.

Mark and Brooke dissect a variety of trends including an experiential marketing plan that includes "full body towelettes," innovations from Twitter and LinkedIn, a discussion of slow tech adoption, and a personal reflection from Mark on his competition.

On the latest show, Mark and Brooke announce a contest to honor the one millionth download of The Marketing Companion podcast! Could YOU be the lucky winner? The hosts also cover big news from the podcasting world plus innovations coming from Twitter and Instagram.

New statistics show that blogging activity has slumped after a decade of continuous growth. Mark and Brooke examine the true story behind blogging in the content ecosystem and also discuss an integrated marketing trend, the marketing ideas consumers love most.