
Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture Twist
By Brianne Fleming
Season 8 coming November 2023.

Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture TwistJan 10, 2021

#95: Beanie Mania - Building a Digital Empire in the Beanie Baby Boom w/ Brent McCreary
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!
Follow Brent on IG: @crazyforconcerts
Follow Brent on X/Twitter: @gaygay4gaga

#94 - The 'Girl Boss' is Dead... 'Lazy Girl Job' is Trending 🔥
From 'girl boss' to 'hot girl walk' and the latest phenomenon, 'girl math'... girl trends are taking over. Is this good or bad?
In this episode, we discuss a thought-provoking Vox article by Rebecca Jennings called "Girl trends and the repackaging of womanhood"
Why are these trends taking off and what can we learn from them? Are they problematic these days (isn't everything??)?
We also discuss a copywriting framework to help you write messaging that resonates with your audience.
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.

#93 - How Taylor Swift Manifested my Viral Moment
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.
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.

#92 - Laughs & Likes: Matt Rife's Lesson in Social Media Engagement
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!
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.

#91 - Marketing in a Barbie World w/ Moshe Isaacian
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:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosheisaacian/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MosheIsaacian
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.
Want more marketing lessons with a pop culture twist? Subscribe to my newsletter! 💌 https://briannefleming.com/newsletter

#90 - The Eras Tour (Vegas Edition): How Cities are Becoming Swifties w/ Jennifer Davies & Kira
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:
- How the digital team prepped their Taylor Swift Eras Tour campaign
- The specific ways they sparked excitement on the Las Vegas strip and on social media
- The perfect Taylor Swift lyric that led to a viral tweet
- How the city marketed to both locals and tourists
- The misconceptions about government social media
- Why Taylor Swift's tour is such an opportunity for cities across the country
- What defined success for this campaign and what the city is planning for next...
Check out the show notes to see some examples and content from the campaign here! Follow the @CityOfLasVegas on Twitter and Instagram.
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.

#89 - From Idols to Clients: Turning Fandom into Business w/ Cassie Petrey
Imagine if the musicians you once idolized became your clients. That's the case for Cassie Petrey, the co-founder of Crowd Surf. Crowd Surf is a digital marketing company with a roster of massive stars including Guns N Roses, Backstreet Boys, Ed Sheeran, and Britney Spears.
In this episode, we discover how Cassie went from running the Backstreet Boys newsletter at age 12 to becoming a marketing leader and prominent figure in the music industry.
We discuss:
- Getting a start in the music industry: Discover how Cassie entered the music industry and built her way up to becoming a marketing powerhouse
- Working with massive celebrities: Gain insights into the unique dynamics and experiences of collaborating with some of the world's biggest stars
- Overcoming imposter syndrome: Cassie candidly addresses the challenges of imposter syndrome and shares her strategies for conquering self-doubt
- Finding creative inspiration: Learn where Cassie finds her creative spark and how she translates it into successful marketing campaigns
- Managing a personal brand: Cassie discusses the importance of managing one's personal brand and leveraging it for professional growth
Follow Cassie: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.

#88 - The Social Network that Loves You Back: How LinkedIn Fuels Career Growth
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!
This episode is sponsored by the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Online. If you're looking to advance your career in communications, their graduate programs offer 8 concentrations and 4 certificates from social media, public relations, digital strategy, web design and more. And with a flexible online program designed for busy professionals, you can move at your own pace. UF is a top #5 public university, so you can be confident in the quality of education you'll receive. Enroll now and take the next step in your career.
LEARN MORE: https://info.jou.ufl.edu/PopChat
![#87 - It's Gonna Be a Meme! w/ Kianna Davis [REPLAY]](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/2398118/2398118-1664138944233-a1648dd4c0118.jpg)
#87 - It's Gonna Be a Meme! w/ Kianna Davis [REPLAY]
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 Kianna on Instagram at @astro_kianna
For marketing and pop culture wisdom sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌

#86 - Branding with Star Power: Celebrity Packaged Goods w/ Dhruv Patel
Get ready to explore the exciting world of celebrity branding! I chat with Dhruv Patel, founder of CelebrityPackagedGoods.com. His website is a detailed directory of celebrity brands and latest news!
In this episode, we discuss
- Dhruv's passion for celebrity branding and what inspired him to create Celebrity Packaged Goods
- The differences between marketing a celebrity brand versus a non-celebrity brand
- Trends and insights in the celebrity branding space
- Industries that work well with celebrity branding and potential drawbacks
- How celebrities use social media to promote their brands
- What makes a celebrity brand feel authentic
- Notable and successful celebrity brands in the industry right now
Dhruv’s newsletter is one of my favorite resources! It features breaking news about celebrity brands, and it’s the most interesting way to stay in-the-know.
Subscribe here: Celebrity Packaged Goods newsletter
Follow:
- @celebritypackagedgoods on Instagram
- @foundedbycelebs on Twitter
- Dhruv’s Twitter
This episode is sponsored by the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Online. If you're looking to advance your career in communications, their graduate programs offer 8 concentrations and 4 certificates from social media, public relations, digital strategy, web design and more. And with a flexible online program designed for busy professionals, you can move at your own pace. UF is a top #5 public university, so you can be confident in the quality of education you'll receive. Enroll now and take the next step in your career.
LEARN MORE: https://info.jou.ufl.edu/PopChat

#85 - Celebrity Audition Stories That Will Inspire Your Job Search Game
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!
This episode is sponsored by the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Online. If you're looking to advance your career in communications, their graduate programs offer 8 concentrations and 4 certificates from social media, public relations, digital strategy, web design and more. And with a flexible online program designed for busy professionals, you can move at your own pace. UF is a top #5 public university, so you can be confident in the quality of education you'll receive. Enroll now and take the next step in your career.
https://info.jou.ufl.edu/PopChat

#84: Uncovering the Art of Storytelling in American Idol Auditions
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.
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.
Clips used in this podcast for critique and commentary are not our property and are being used under fair use. Ownership of these clips remains with their original owners.

#83 - Real Talk: Analyzing the Legacy of MTV's The Real World w/ Dana Bowling
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!
- Socials: Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram
- Podcasts: Show Up on Video and Daily Dose of Dana
- Website: DanaBowling.com
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.

#82 - From Wannabes to Icons: The Marketing and Strategy Behind the Spice Girls
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.
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.

#81 - Kelsea Ballerini's Divorce Album Parallels the Genius Songwriting Behind "All Too Well"
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.
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#80: Why Even Kim Kardashian Needs Influencers w/ Ngozi Musa
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.
Connect with her at @ngozimusa on Instagram and TikTok
For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 https://briannefleming.com/newsletter

#79 - Marketing Taylor Swift Dance Parties w/ Victoria Morton
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.
For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 https://briannefleming.com/newsletter

#78 - The Data Behind Dating ❤️🔥 w/ Michael Kaye of OkCupid
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 trending topics to spark social conversations
- The surprising trends that separate millennial daters and Gen Z
- How OkCupid incorporates storytelling and successful love stories into their messaging
- Strategies for standing out against the competition
Psst... Michael is also sharing a special gift if you're out there looking for love! This episode will fascinate you 💗
Follow Michael on Twitter at @MichaelKayePR
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#77 - Get New Music on Your Doorstep w/ Nick Alt of VNYL
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 just for you!
Why have we seen a huge resurgence in this music pastime? Nick says: "Vinyl is a tangible format... it's nostalgic, it's much more appealing, deserving of attention than just purely listening to music online."
I have to agree that listening to a vinyl record on a turntable is an easy way to elevate your experience as a music fan. And with VNYL, you can unbox something special every month.
Hear Nick share his inspiration for starting VNYL (spoiler: it started thanks to his first job working in a record shop!), why we're so obsessed with nostalgia, and the power of a subscription model to nurture a loyal audience for your business. We also discuss how music discovery has changed over the years, and how influencers are inspiring all of us to spin records.
Check out VNYL.org to create your unique music profile! It syncs with your Spotify account so you can discover vinyl records that fit your vibe. Use this link to get 50% off your first month of 3 records!
P.S. passionate about music? VNYL is hiring! Hear more about the opportunities around the 43:00 minute mark 👀
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#76 - From Fan to Author: How Karah-Leigh Hancock Built the BSB Fangirls Community
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-year legacy.
Pre-order your copy here! The book drops on April 11th.
For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 https://briannefleming.com/newsletter

#75 - Equinox's NYE Backlash and the Future of Fitness

#74 - Taylor Swift's Genius Writing Categories & Easier Content Creation
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:
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#73 - Get Your Email & Newsletter *NSYNC w/ Liz Wilcox
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!
Follow Liz: @thelizwilcox on Instagram
Check out her website! https://lizwilcox.com/
For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 https://briannefleming.com/newsletter

#72 - Brands are Swifties Too! Going Viral on the Brand Account w/ Nicole Tabak
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.
Subscribe to Nicole's social media and mental health newsletter, Social Media Detox.
Follow Nicole on Twitter at @NicoleTabak
For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 https://briannefleming.com/newsletter

#71 - When Passion Meets Purpose – ESLLA Luxury Vegan Leather w/ Leigh Dorough and Charlotte Wienckoski
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!
Learn more about ESLLA on their website: https://eslla.com/
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#70 - Growing Up on Teen Magazines: Where are they Now? w/ Angel Martinez
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.
Read the Vice article here: The Teen Magazine Raised an Entire Generation of Girls
Follow Angel Martinez on Twitter: @angxlmartinez
Follow Angel on Instagram: @AngxlicaMartinez
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#69 - How to Have a Ball on Social Media w/ Kevin Graham of MANSCAPED🥜
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.
Follow Kevin on Twitter! https://twitter.com/communitykev_
Follow MANSCAPED: https://twitter.com/manscaped
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#68 - Turn Your Leads into Believers, Inspired by Ted Lasso
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.
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#67 - Let's go the Mall! Celebrating @OviedoMall, the Most Underrated Twitter Account
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.
Follow @OviedoMall on Twitter!
Follow @JoshGunderson
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#66 - MMMBop Your Marketing and Fundraising
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.
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#65 - Get Your Marketing On: Learning From Missy Elliott's Genius w/ Codi Dantu-Johnson
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
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#64 - Becoming Iconic: How the Backstreet Boys Stand the Test of Time w/ Danielle Spurge-Swavely
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.
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#63 - How to Be Extremely Online Like Lizzo
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 consumers opt into text messages from their favorite brands? Level up your marketing with the power of SMS!
With the holidays coming up, now’s the time to plan how you'll use SMS this shopping season. Fortunately, Attentive made a helpful guide called the "Holiday Marketing Reboot"- full of all the examples and tips you need. AND it has a 90s nostalgia vibe, which I love. Check it out at attentive.com/holiday!

#62 - Kelly Clarkson Proves Karaoke is Your Key for Better Social Media Content
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.
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#61 - How to Repurpose Content Like Jerry Seinfeld
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.
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#60 - How the Boy Band Wars Can Boost Your Social Media Engagement
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.
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#59 - It's Gonna Be a MEME! w/ Kianna Davis
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 Kianna on Instagram at @astro_kianna
For marketing and pop culture wisdom sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌

#58 - Taking Marketing on Tour w/ Jess of Roadie Social
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.
Check out Roadie Social at roadiesocial.com
Twitter and IG: @roadiesocial
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#57 - Want to Get Hired? T-Pain Says You Need a Personal Website
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.
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#56 - All The Small Things Content Creators Have to Do
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.
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#55 - Romy & Michele's High School Reunion is the Perfect Personal Branding Metaphor
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!
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#54 - How Did MTV Collect UGC in the Year 2000? Tips to Make the Most of User-Generated Content
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.
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#53 - Does Madonna Have a Last Name? How to Finally Land on the Right Name for Your Brand
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!
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#52 - The Social Phenomenon Every Marketer Should Know, Thanks to Barbra Streisand
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.
According to The Economist, The Streisand Effect occurs when “efforts to suppress a juicy piece of online information can backfire and end up making things worse for the would-be censor.”
We've seen countless examples of this in pop culture, but also surrounding important public service announcements.
Are your communication efforts backfiring on you? Learn more in this episode!
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#51 - The Content Idea That Always Works, Inspired by Gracie Lou Freebush
OMG, we're back again with season 5! I'm sharing a content idea that works every time and will take the guesswork out of content creation. Thanks to Miss Congeniality for the inspiration on this one!
Follow me on Twitter for more branding fun, @brianne2k

#50 - SPECIAL EPISODE!!! Interview with Backstreet Boy, AJ McLean about Ava Dean Beauty
Am I dreaming?!!? I interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you this special episode where my friends and I INTERVIEW A BACKSTREET BOY!
Long story short, I also co-host a live stream show called Fangirls' Night Out with my friends Danielle, Britt, and Kelsey. Between the four of us and the fangirl powers that be, we made our way to AJ McLean.
In this episode, we talk with AJ and his business partner, Josh Naranjo, about what they learned building a beauty brand.
I highly recommend checking out the recorded live stream video here: https://bit.ly/2Nyr7oN

#49 - How Your Personal Brand Empowers You - Inspired by Britney Spears & Meghan Markle
If you watched the Framing Britney Spears documentary and Oprah's interview with Meghan Markle, you learned how the tabloids destroyed their mental health. They were powerless to the narrative the press was building.
The tabloids wouldn't have stood a chance if Britney and Meghan were empowered with social media and an online presence.
In this episode, you'll hear the importance of using the platforms at your fingertips to amplify your voice and shape your narrative.

#48 - Crashing the Party: How to Leverage Trending Topics without Getting Canceled
Brands want to be where the people are — that's where trending topics come in! Trending topics are a huge opportunity for brands to humanize themselves and create visibility, but insert themselves into the conversation the wrong way.
In this episode, we break down some brands who have done it right, along with some examples of what NOT to do.

#47 - BONUS Episode: We Want It That Way — How BSB Can Transform their Website w/ Britt Hyatt
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:

#46 - Why You and Your Favorite Musician Should Focus on a Personal Website w/ Britt Hyatt
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: