Marketing Brew Weekly

Pop-Ups Pop Off: How to Make Your Experiential Event Effective Aug 19, 2026 2001 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: Intr

The Dos and Don’ts of a Logo Refresh Aug 12, 2026 2006 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 chan

Creators in the C-Suite? Why It's Happening More Than You Think Aug 5, 2026 1750 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? 

Microdramas Are a Mega Trend Jul 29, 2026 1632 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: Microdr

Attention Marketers: You Are Trapped in an AI Bubble Jul 22, 2026 1773 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?

Affordability Marketing is Not for All Brands Jul 15, 2026 1707 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:

Culture, Community & Sports: America 250’s Key Campaigns Jul 8, 2026 1628 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 bra

Cannes Lions 2026: The Biggest Takeaways & Trends Jul 1, 2026 1763 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

Our Burning Questions for Cannes Lions 2026 Jun 22, 2026 1562 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 B

Is a DEI Pullback Preventing a Pride Marketing Comeback? Jun 17, 2026 1564 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

Catch The Bus (And Their Attention) With These Mobile Marketing Moves Jun 10, 2026 1535 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

The World Cup’s Marketing Moment is Here Jun 3, 2026 1947 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 c

How Online Brands Are Creating Offline Impact May 27, 2026 1772 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

Who Are Upfronts Even For? May 20, 2026 1690 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: Ma

How Creators Are Redefining Brand Safety May 13, 2026 1855 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

The Devil Wears… Old Navy? Plus Big Tech Takes on the Met Gala May 6, 2026 1780 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

The Best Way to Activate Fandoms for Your Marketing Apr 29, 2026 1937 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re feeling the heat and discussing the ways the female gaze and fandoms are changing advertising. From hot Heated Rivalry stars to beauty brands embracing the next It Boys, these are the ways brands are getting fans to do their marketing for them. 00:00: Intro 02:50: Heated Rivalry stars in steamy ads 11:12: The new It Boy 12:50: Fandom is

Brands Gamble on Prediction Markets Marketing Apr 22, 2026 1644 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re making our bets on the future of prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket. Should brands take the risk of partnering with them when their future is so unclear, or is it worth the shiny, new audience? From their involvement in everything from global news to grocery stores, we weigh the pros and cons of predicting. 00:00: Intro 02:53:

From Bieber to Billboards: The Brands Winning Coachella Apr 15, 2026 1883 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re putting on our flower crowns to discuss all things music festival marketing. Right in the middle of both Coachella weekends, we talk billboards and Bieber, activations and influencers, and of course, fomo and the future of festivals. Plus, Brian Rappaport, CEO of Quan Media Group and Meredith Diehn, SVP of Marketing at goodwipes weigh in on how th

Why Brands Are Using Music Videos as Marketing Apr 8, 2026 1749 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re looking at the way marketers are making music videos for their brands. That’s right, many brands are using their own in-house entertainment studios to tap into nostalgia ot Gen Z trends, and give people a little song and dance to get them interested in their products. From using humor to choreographed routines to heartfelt covers of songs, these a

The Brands Braving It All for April Fools Apr 1, 2026 1756 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re talking April Fools – no, really, we are! We take a look back at the beginning of brands pulling a switcheroo on consumers, and give our take on those brave enough to be the butt of the joke in 2026. Plus, why this brand holiday can actually work in favor of smaller brands entering the convo, but backfire on those that do it too well – or too wron

What The “Staples Baddie” Teaches Us About Corporate Creators Mar 25, 2026 1825 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re diving into the trend of corporate employees becoming brand ambassadors, with a spotlight on the “Staples Baddie”. Should more companies be relying on their employees to create their own content, or should they have more control over the process? The Staples Baddie shares tips on what to post, how it’s lead to greater in-store foot traffic, and w

What Marketers Are Talking About After SXSW 2026 Mar 18, 2026 1934 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, Jennimai is fresh from her trip to SXSW in Austin, TX and reports back on the biggest convos she had (and overheard) at panels, activations, and throughout the event. From creators to AI, and even a mix of both, we’re discussing the major themes marketers were discussing on the ground, and where we can expect to see them in action next. 00:00: Intro

Brands Bite Into Burger Marketing Mar 11, 2026 1664 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re discussing the burger drama and the way each brand is responding to the McDonalds CEO taking a “big” bite from their new Big Arch burger. Burger King, Jack in the Box and even Freddy’s jumped in by handing execs their own products to show off just how big their bites can be. But are consumers on board – and hungry for burgers? 00:00: Intro 0

Are We Maxxed Out on Protein Marketing? Mar 4, 2026 1746 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re discussing protein maxxing, the health trend you’re seeing everywhere: from Super Bowl commercials to sparkling protein water and even protein Doritos (?!), if it feels like every brand is adding protein to their offerings, it’s because they are. We break down how this is directly connected to GLP-1s, if it’s actually benefitting brands, and if we

Can "Legendary February” Lift Peacock to Premier Status? Feb 25, 2026 1890 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re breaking down the “Legendary February” that Peacock is touting–but wondering if it will lead to a Measly March once the Olympics are done? We’re discussing the winning strategies the steamer has used for the Olympics, Super Bowl and even Traitors, and offer suggestions on how they can keep subscribers from churning. 00:00: Intro 01:20: Our f

Do Audiences Love a ‘Showmance’ as Marketing? Feb 18, 2026 1794 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re discussing the pros and cons of trying to sell a project with a showmance. Inspired by the Wuthering Heights movie, we had to wonder if the stars’ off-screen chemistry could really sell movie tickets. Plus, what happens when reality TV and influencer couples break up: who gets the social media accounts and the brand deals? 00:00: Intro 01:36

Sports Betting’s Marketing Strategy: Less Brand Awareness, More VIPs Feb 11, 2026 1646 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re taking a look at the state of sports betting and realizing…the gambling ads during the Super Bowl were actually pretty light this year? Marketing Brew Senior Reporter Alyssa Meyers joins us to explain why some gambling companies skipped the big game entirely, and where they plan to spend instead. Plus, the ways prediction market companies like Kal

Reacting to 2026 Super Bowl Commercials Feb 8, 2026 1445 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, since it is our literal Super Bowl, we’ve got a bonus episode for you where we’ll react to some of the weirdest and wildest commercials from the big game this year. From fibermaxxing to back flips to bran cereals, we’ll give our take on which ads got really creative, which…don’t think too hard about it, and which one may have missed the mark on their im

Super Bowl Commercials Are Betting Big on Toilet Humor Feb 4, 2026 1738 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the creative strategies and themes around many of the Super Bowl commercials this year. If you think you’re hearing a lot of Dad Rock, or seeing a lot of reminders to eat your fiber, or somehow feeling nostalgic, that’s on purpose. And, you may be seeing less AI ads than you think. 00:00: Intro 01:05: Nostalgic ads with retro TV n

Why Have We Seen So Many Super Bowl Ads Already? Jan 28, 2026 1584 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the way brands are planning their Super Bowl strategy, and why that means you’ve probably seen a lot of big game ads already. Kelsey Sutton and Katie Hicks are joined by Marketing Brew Senior Reporter, Alyssa Meyers, to break down what matters most to brands when it comes to media planning, social strategy and more. From regional buys to

Brands Are Producing Entertainment Content Now — But Should They? Jan 21, 2026 1747 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the move many brands are making, creating their own content in-house. As brands move to become their own entertainment studios, we take a look at which are doing long-form content best, the costs that come with producing video and social, and the way these brands can actually make their mark in this space. 00:00: Intro 00:36: Gap’s

How Brands Can Embrace the 'Heated Rivalry' Hype Jan 14, 2026 1862 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the same thing everyone is discussing: Heated Rivalry! We break down how this Canadian series became a megahit, the fandom the stars have already cultivated, and why romance is really having a moment. But: are brands getting in on it? From the brands mentioned in the show, to the ones totally fumbling the bag, we let marketers know how t

How AI Will Reshape Marketing in 2026 Jan 7, 2026 1778 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the 2026 AI trends all marketers need to know — and will probably be using. From brand discovery to content creations to the latest revelations at CES this week, we’re breaking down the ways AI will be implemented, shamed, and celebrated in the year ahead. 00:00: Intro 00:38: AI discourse at CES 03:56: How marketers will use AI in

Predicting 2026’s Biggest Marketing Trends Dec 31, 2025 1376 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing all the biggest marketing trends we expect to see in 2026…and maybe a few we hope don’t return. From economic restrictions to social predictions, the importance of IRL events and the polarization of AI, these are our best guesses as to where marketers will be spending their time and money in the new year. 00:00: Intro 00:39: The eco

Best Marketing of 2025: From Top Collabs to Taylor Swift Dec 24, 2025 1393 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the hits, misses, and Taylor of it all as we look back on 2025’s best marketing campaigns throughout the year. We’ll be celebrating the best collabs, the best use of a celebrity, and the anti-AI campaign that had us cheering (and posing). Plus, we’ll share our own picks for the moments we’ll remember best from the year. 00:00: Intro

We’re in a K-Shaped Economy. How Will Brands React? Dec 17, 2025 1845 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the current K-Shaped Economy and how brands are reacting. We take a look at the luxury brands leaning into aspirational marketing, and those embracing affordability. Plus, what about the brands in the middle — is it possible to be aspirational and affordable at the same time, and has anyone figured out how to present that message to cust

Is Ragebait A Viable Marketing Strategy? Dec 10, 2025 1871 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing Oxford University’s Word of the Year: Ragebait. From Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign to E.l.f. Choosing to partner with Matt Rife, were these marketing moves worth it for the brands? We touch on controversial Skims products and Coca-Cola using AI in their ads, and discuss which campaigns were fueled by bots — and wonder if it ev

What Any Marketer Can Learn From Netflix’s Massive Moment Dec 3, 2025 1934 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing how Netflix became the masters of marketing. With the final season of “Stranger Things” upon us, we discuss the brand collabs and major marketing moments the streamer has implemented to make the sci-fi show one of their biggest ever. We also discuss Netflix House and how the company has managed to bring IRL experiences and merch to their

How Marketers Are Breaking Through the Black Friday Noise Nov 26, 2025 1717 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the best ways for marketers to navigate their strategies for these days in 2025. How can brands make sure their SMS messaging hits the right tone? Do real Black Friday deals even exist any more? Is Amazon the only brand really owning this time of year? And our hosts share their ideas to get people excited

Wicked Successful: How 400 Partnerships Elevated ‘Wicked: For Good’s Marketing Strategy Nov 19, 2025 2052 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the marketing strategy behind the back-to-back Wicked movies, in honor of this week’s release, Wicked: For Good. In this episode, the hosts compare the budget and branding strategies used for both the first installment in the Wicked films, as well as the latest release, Wicked: For Good. They also review some of the 400 brand partnership

Are Branded Weddings Cringe or Cute? Nov 12, 2025 1665 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the rise of branded weddings: are they cute or cringe? Is the positive sentiment worth it for the brands or could it backfire? From a Hellmann’s Mayo wedding to getting hitched at the Taco Bell Cantina, we break down the opportunities and missteps of letting a brand plan (and pay for!) your big day. Plus, we take a look at other wedding-

How Brands Reached Runners and Spectators During the NYC Marathon Nov 5, 2025 2027 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing how the new movie Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is using the recent Louvre robbery as a part of its marketing for the film’s release this month, how brands were able to incorporate marketing moments into the NYC marathon for runners and spectators alike, why Netflix is betting big on its ads business, and what the TikTok awards can do fo

What Marketers Can Learn From Zohran Mamdani’s Campaign Oct 29, 2025 2258 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the way Hatch has responded to unserious criticism about its latest spooky ad, what marketers can learn from the way Zohran Mamdani has used branding throughout his campaign for NYC mayor, what’s going on with dupe culture and where is it heading, and we rate some of the good and bad branded Halloween costumes this year. 00:00: Intro

What The Spotify/Netflix Deal Means for YouTube and Podcasts Oct 22, 2025 1921 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing Heineken’s billboard reaction to Friend AI’s ads, the Spotify deal to bring The Ringer’s video podcasts to Netflix and what that means for YouTube and other platforms, the reasoning behind Apple TV dropping the plus sign from their name, and how man on the street videos are now turning into brands on the street videos as ads get in on th

LeBron James and The Risk of Celebrity Fake-Outs Oct 15, 2025 1958 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing Timothee Chalamet’s “Marty Supreme” promo plans, LeBron James and the risk of a celebrity fake-out when it comes to advertising with brands, why so many celebrities all seem to be starting their own ad agencies lately, and how Friend AI really failed to make friends – especially in the NYC subways. 00:00: Intro 00:40: Timothee Chala

“Oscars For Creators” And AI Adoption In the Ad Industry Oct 8, 2025 2069 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the latest in the WNBA war of words over brand deals, the rise of commerce media with the announcement of Amex Ads, Sora 2 and the state of the industry’s AI adoption for better or worse, and Instagram’s launch of the “Oscars for creators” with Rings and what that really means for reels. 00:00 Intro 00:33 WNBA compensation talks get

Bad Bunny Takes Center Field and Netflix’s New Ad Deal Changes The Game Oct 1, 2025 1911 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing Meta’s new Vibes and the rise of AI video platforms, Bad Bunny performing at the Super Bowl and likely bringing top brands with him, Netflix’s big new deal with AB InBev and how it could change the game for ad revenue in the streaming world, and the latest updates on the TikTok deal and how it could impact advertisers and creators. 0

The Rise of LinkedInfluencers and the Return of Pumpkin Spice Everything Sep 24, 2025 1816 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the blind box trend going bust, the reality TV to influencer pipeline inspired by Taylor Frankie Paul as the new Bachelorette, the rise of the LinkedInfluencer and how the platform can adapt, and everyone’s favorite: pumpkin spice season is here – but should some brands sit this one out? 00:00 Intro 00:35 Blind boxes go bust 04:32

The Summer Brands Turned Pretty & Awards Show Ads Sep 17, 2025 1815 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the latest on the potential TikTok ban, how brands are using award shows to their advantage, why Salish Matter really matters — especially when it comes to the power of Gen Alpha, and the surprising reason why your favorite sports team got in on the internet action of The Summer I Turned Pretty. 00:00 Intro 00:39 A TikTok ban update

Labubus Win the US Open and American Eagle’s Sydney Sweeney Bet Pays Off Sep 10, 2025 1619 Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing Nike’s new ad for Gen Z, why American Eagle continues to win the denim wars, how Labubus really took the spotlight at the US Open, and which brands tried their best to capitalize on Taylor Swift’s big news. 00:00 Intro 00:35 Nike’s new slogan 04:17 American Eagle continues to soar 12:32 Labubus win the US Open 19:05 Taylor Swift’

Introducing Marketing Brew Weekly Sep 3, 2025 50 Welcome to the Marketing Brew Weekly show! The team behind the powerhouse Marketing Brew newsletter will now keep you up to date on the latest in marketing, advertising, and culture in podcast form too! Every Wednesday, join hosts Jennimai Nguyen, Kelsey Sutton, and Katie Hicks for a gab sesh featuring breakout social campaigns, rebrands gone wrong, and industry trends the internet can’t stop talk

Episodes

Recommended