Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture Twist

In this episode, I chat with Brent McCreary, the teenage visionary behind the go-to Beanie Baby information site in the late '90s. Brent takes us on a nostalgic journey, recounting the Beanie Baby mania and sharing insights into the tech stack that powered the site during that era (Geocities, anyone?)

We also discuss why we love to collect things, and the sense of community among Beanie Baby enthusiasts. Brent also dives into the monetization strategies employed during the late '90s compared to today.

Tune in for a fun conversation that intertwines nostalgia, old school tech, and the magic of Beanie Babies!

From 'girl boss' to 'hot girl walk' and the latest phenomenon, 'girl math'... girl trends are taking over. Is this good or bad?

It's been a weird week — I went viral on Twitter (X?) and beyond! In this episode, I share the backstory behind the tweet and what happened next. Hear why trolls are calling me a bitch, and what I said after being approached by the @FuckJerry meme account.

In this episode of Making the Brand, we talk about the TikTok sensation, Matt Rife. The comedian who's breaking records and making millions laugh on social media.

What makes Matt Rife different from most comedians? He doesn't make his act about him. His jokes are about people in his audience.

We discuss why involving your followers is the key to creating a thriving community. From hilarious interactions to surprise moments, we unveil the strategies that make Matt Rife a master of engagement.

We also discuss parallels between Matt Rife's comedy style and Taylor Swift's surprise songs while on tour. What makes this so brilliant? Listen and find out how you can apply lessons from their approach to your social media!

Get ready to experience the ultimate Barbie takeover in this episode! s I sit down with the brand strategist, Moshe Isaacian, whose tweet about the 100+ marketing activations for the upcoming Barbie movie went mega viral

From being an astronaut to a veterinarian, Barbie already does it all, but now she's everywhere, and we mean EVERYWHERE! In this podcast, we'll discuss Barbie's history, exploring how this iconic brand has transcended generations. We'll also dive into Barbie's undeniable impact on pop culture.

Learn how Barbie's 100+ brand activations are popping up in the most unexpected places, and how they've got us all buzzing with excitement!

So, whether you're a Barbie fanatic or simply love a good marketing spectacle, tune in as we celebrate all things Barbie.

Connect w/ Moshe:

When they heard Taylor Swift was coming to town on her Eras Tour, the City of Las Vegas went all-in. In this episode, I chat with Jennifer Davies and Kira Siqueiros from the city's digital team to discuss how they celebrated Taylor Swift's arrival and engaged with her fanbase on social media and beyond.

We cover topics like:

Every millennial got started social networking thanks to MySpace, but there's another platform that deserves some love: LinkedIn. In this episode, I chat with Joe Ray, a marketing and experience manager who shares how LinkedIn can fuel your career growth:

In this episode, we discuss:

• Misconceptions people may have about LinkedIn
• Joe's experiences on LinkedIn and why he prioritizes the platform
• Who LinkedIn is right for and what kind of goals you should have
• Experimenting on LinkedIn and the formats/posts that perform well
• Whether LinkedIn is as formal or stuffy as people may think
• Dealing with imposter syndrome on LinkedIn
• The advantages of LinkedIn and what it does better than other platforms
• LinkedIn Dont's to be aware of

Tune in to the podcast to learn more about these topics and get expert tips on making the most of LinkedIn for your professional growth and career development!

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. 

Get ready to be inspired by this episode! We're taking a cue from celebrities and their audition stories to explore how we can apply their tenacity to job hunting. We're diving into the similarities between auditions and job searches, and uncovering practical tips that can help you stand out in a crowded job market. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspirational wisdom and valuable advice that will help you on your job search journey. So, let's get ready to help you land that dream job!

We're watching TV like it's 2002! In this episode, we delve into the world of American Idol auditions to explore the role of storytelling in the competition. From heartwarming personal anecdotes to inspiring journeys of overcoming adversity, we discover how contestants use their stories to capture the hearts and attention of both the judges and the audience. We explore how the power of storytelling can make a contestant more memorable and build a deeper connection with their audience, helping them stand out from the rest of the pack. Tune in to discover the lessons in vulnerability and storytelling that you can apply in your own life and career.

Get ready to discuss the true stories of seven strangers, picked to live in a house. I'm joined by my friend Dana Bowling - a former casting director, pop culture enthusiast, and video and personal branding coach. In this episode, Dana shares her insights on the enduring influence of MTV's The Real World and its impact on pop culture and marketing. 

We discussed the following:

• Memories of watching The Real World and why the show's concept was so successful
• The evolution of the show's reputation from addressing contemporary issues to showcasing immaturity and irresponsible behavior
• The importance of vulnerability in creating compelling content and how The Real World's focus on personal struggles and growth contributed to its popularity
• The show's place in pop culture and its influence on reality TV and youth culture
• The casting process for the show and what might have been involved in selecting the right candidates
• What makes a good pitch or audition tape from a personal branding perspective, and how to stand out and showcase one's unique personality and experiences

Join us as we delve into the cultural significance of this groundbreaking reality TV show and explore what marketers can learn from its success!

Follow Dana!

We're celebrating Women's History Month the best way we know how - with the Spice Girls... the best-selling girl group of all time!

In this episode, we explore:

• The marketing and strategy that propelled the Spice Girls to worldwide fame
• The iconic merchandise that helped solidify their image
• Ginger Spice's unforgettable Union Jack dress and its coverage in the press
• The lasting impact of Girl Power and how it empowered young women everywhere to be themselves and pursue their dreams
• The importance of embracing your unique personality as your biggest advantage in a world of fierce competition.

Tune in to learn more about the incredible legacy of the Spice Girls and their role in women's history.

Amid Kelsea Ballerini's high-profile divorce from fellow country singer, Morgan Evans, she did what any songwriter would do... she picked up her guitar. Her new EP, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, gives us six heartbreaking songs documenting the downfall of her marriage.

It's such a work of art, even SNL has invited Kelsea to perform on next week's show. 

For this week's remixed episode, we compare Kelsea's songwriting to the genius storytelling behind "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift. It shares a simple technique you can apply to your own writing and content. 

Does your company have a dedicated influencer marketing team? Despite being one of the most influential people on the planet, Kim Kardashian is investing in influencer marketing for her shapewear brand, SKIMS.

On today's episode, I chat with Ngozi Musa, a Harvard grad and influencer marketing manager about sociology and social media, the latest trends in the creator economy, and why bigger influencers aren't always better. She also shares her three categories to keep in mind when sourcing influencers for your brand. 

Is there anything Swifties can't do? In this episode, I chat with Victoria Morton — a marketer by day and Taylor Swift dance party host by night. She co-founded TSwift Dance Party CA and offers a safe space for Swifties to scream the lyrics on the dance floor.

Hear the story of how Victoria turned her passion for Taylor's discography into a community of fellow fans.

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! 

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:

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 episode. For more of Liz's wisdom, be sure to follow her, subscribe to her email list, and even consider joining her incredible email marketing membership. She is truly the Fresh Princess of Email!  

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.

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 Alternatives and offers gorgeous vegan handbags you can truly feel good about. I got the chance to chat with Leigh and her amazing co-founder and friend, Charlotte Wienckoski, about their journey introducing ESLLA to the world.

I'm so inspired by how Leigh and Charlotte are innovating and making a difference with ESLLA. They're bridging the gap between luxury and sustainability, without sacrificing beauty or style.

Listen to this episode to hear them reveal the surprising material they use to make ESLLA products, as well as the story behind the brand and their incredible partnership. And in true Making the Brand fashion, expect some fangirling, too!

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.

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.

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 together to turn leads into believers and then buyers. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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 that introduces 'See and Choose' content and dives into the science of System 1 and System 2 thinking.

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. 

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 audience.

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.

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! 

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. 

If you're anything like me, you've put off launching a blog, podcast, or business idea for far too long because you couldn't land on the perfect name for it. Well, it's a beautiful day to stop overthinking and just do the damn thing!

Here's my best advice on how to pick a name for your brand that not only works, but helps you get going! 

Barbra Streisand's music legacy is undeniable! But she is also credited with helping create a social phenomenon every marketer should know: The Streisand Effect.

Am I dreaming?!!? I interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you this special episode where my friends and I INTERVIEW A BACKSTREET BOY!

My friend Britt and I got so caught up talking about the Backstreet Boys, I had enough content to break it out into a mini bonus episode! 

We do a deeper dive on BackstreetBoys.com and all the potential the band could tap into to bring more excitement to their site. Enjoy!    

Check out Britt online here:

We love to follow our favorite musicians on social media, but very few have us following their websites. Why do they lack consistency, updates, and great content?!

Social media is nice, but your website is your brand's (or band's!) biggest opportunity. In this episode, I chat with my friend, fellow fangirl, and web designer Britt Hyatt about how you AND celebrities can transform your online presence and grow your brand with your website.

Check out Britt online here: