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Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture Twist

Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture Twist

By Brianne Fleming

A podcast about brands and boy bands! Making the Brand is where marketing and pop culture collide. Each episode shares unforgettable marketing lessons behind music, TV, movies, and trending topics, past and present. And with a sprinkle of '90s and Y2K nostalgia, this podcast is the perfect place to fangirl AND learn 😍

New episodes every other Wednesday
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#14 - Just Dance: What Makes TikTok Tick

Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture TwistJan 17, 2020

00:00
11:03
#104 - Goodbye Nostalgia? Adapting Marketing in a Fragmented Culture w/ Ted Harrison

#104 - Goodbye Nostalgia? Adapting Marketing in a Fragmented Culture w/ Ted Harrison

In a world where nostalgia once reigned supreme in marketing, there's a shift happening. Join us in this episode as we sit down with Ted Harrison, founder of neuemotion, to explore how nostalgia as we know it is evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities for marketers.

We'll Cover:

  • Millennial vs. Gen Z Nostalgia: We dive in on how our shared experiences differ. We also reminisce about the one commercial every millennial remembers.
  • CRUNCH Framework Exploration: Ted breaks down the CRUNCH framework, highlighting its relevance in today's marketing landscape.
  • The Fading Allure of Nostalgia: We discuss the challenges marketers face as nostalgia loses its grip in a society fractured by diverse interests.
  • Navigating Fragmentation: Explore innovative strategies for brand connection amidst a cultural landscape where memories are scarce.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on crafting compelling marketing campaigns in an era where nostalgia runs dry.


Connect with Ted:


This episode is sponsored by Klaviyo. They recently introduced Klaviyo AI, which is like a marketing crystal ball! It takes the guesswork out of content creation!

Work smarter with tools that help you:

• Create targeted segments without sifting through lists

• Write and A/B test subject lines

• Determine the best send time

• Develop smart SMS campaigns AND replies

• Translate audience data into actionable insights


See how it works: https://bit.ly/3T1N5hF

Mar 20, 202451:56
#103 - Dave Portnoy's Pizza Power: Harnessing Influence to Help Small Businesses

#103 - Dave Portnoy's Pizza Power: Harnessing Influence to Help Small Businesses

Would you ever consider yourself an influencer? Spoiler alert: you are one.


In this episode, we discuss everyone's power to influence and make an impact in your community, with a little inspiration from Dave Portnoy's One Pizza Bite Reviews. Dave is the controversial founder of the multimedia company and pop culture website, Barstool Sports — and it turns out, people either love him or hate him!


But one positive thing Dave does is put small businesses on the map. I share how one simple video made an impact for a local pizza shop here in South Florida.


I also share how you can inspire your own customers to leave reviews and amplify your business!


This episode is sponsored by Klaviyo. They recently introduced Klaviyo AI, which is like a marketing crystal ball! It takes the guesswork out of content creation!

Work smarter with tools that help you:

• Create targeted segments without sifting through lists

• Write and A/B test subject lines

• Determine the best send time

• Develop smart SMS campaigns AND replies

• Translate audience data into actionable insights


See how it works: https://bit.ly/3T1N5hF




Mar 06, 202413:40
#102: Pop Culture in the Classroom —Lessons from Trending Topics w/ Kate Stewart

#102: Pop Culture in the Classroom —Lessons from Trending Topics w/ Kate Stewart


In this episode, we explore the intersection of PR and social media education with Kate Stewart, an assistant professor at Jacksonville State University!

  • Kate shares insights into her courses, preparing students for diverse job roles in PR and social media.
  • She discusses her innovative teaching style, which incorporates pop culture references to engage students effectively.
  • We delve into the power of pop culture in the classroom, making complex concepts relatable and captivating students across generations.
  • Kate challenges stigmas associated with social media education and emphasizes the value of internships in the industry.
  • She offers valuable advice to aspiring social media professionals, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and staying current with industry trends.


Kate also mentioned several resources to help anyone stay up-to-date in pop culture, trending topics, and the social media industry. Here are the links!


BLOG: Homemade Social, boutique marketing agency in Phoenix, AZ  https://www.homemadesocial.com/blog

 

TWITTER FOLLOW: Annie-Mai shares social media platform updates every Wednesday on Twitter 

https://twitter.com/anniemaisocial/status/1750195832995852611?s=20
NEWSLETTER: girlpowermarketing Weekly Social Media Tea

https://www.girlpowermarketing.co.uk/newsletter


NEWSLETTER: Matt Navarra's Geekout Newsletter 

https://geekout.mattnavarra.com/

 

PODCAST: Talking Points

https://open.spotify.com/show/6zoUhcIKRzONWMj0DVhUSGsi=ab35143e131a488f&nd=1&dlsi=7f932e0021f04292

 

NEWSLETTER: ICYMI | weekly creators and social media pro insights 

https://liahaberman.substack.com/

PODCAST: “Curious and Interesting,” a two-minute podcast on what’s new and intriguing in the world of advertising and research 

https://jcira.buzzsprout.com/

NEWSLETTER: Social Cat | influencer insights 

https://influencerinsights.thesocialcat.com/


NEWSLETTER: Marketing Millennials 

https://themarketingmillennials.com/podcast/

Kate is an absolute gem who you'll want to follow! Connect with her on social at @thekatestewart:


For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 ⁠⁠https://briannefleming.com/newsletter


Tune in to gain valuable insights and guidance from Kate, a seasoned educator and PR expert, whether you're a student exploring social media studies or a newcomer to the field.

Feb 21, 202456:23
#101: Behind the Screens - Inside Gillette Stadium's Fan Engagement Strategy
Feb 07, 202401:00:18
#100 - Game Changer: Navigating NIL Strategy for Student Athletes w/ Ben Chase
Jan 24, 202401:00:30
#99 - Social Media Storytelling in Music City: Insights from Grand Ole Opry's Social Media Manager, Jenn Crim
Jan 10, 202442:43
#98 - Behind the Beads: Little Words Project's Big Pop Culture Impact
Dec 20, 202351:40
#97 - The Good, the Bad, and the Unforgivable: Breaking Down Celebrity Apologies w/ Beth Booker
Dec 14, 202348:50
#96 - Unfollow: Navigating Divorce in the Social Media Era w/ Kara Francis

#96 - Unfollow: Navigating Divorce in the Social Media Era w/ Kara Francis

In this episode, we do a deep dive into the celebrity divorces of 2023 — the good, the bad, and the messy! Kara Francis, a seasoned divorce lawyer turned coach, discusses and the challenges that come with ending a relationship in the age of social media.

What to Expect:

  • Celebrity Divorces Unveiled: We dive into the high-profile divorces of the past year, dissecting headlines and discussing the unique challenges faced by celebrities in the public eye.

  • Social Media's Role: Kara shares valuable insights into the impact of social media on the divorce process, offering practical tips on navigating the digital landscape while safeguarding your well-being and privacy.

  • Empowerment Amid Change: Beyond legalities, we explore the shifting stigmas surrounding divorce. Kara discusses how individuals are reclaiming their power, finding strength in vulnerability, and embracing new beginnings with confidence.

  • Practical Tips for Consideration: Kara doesn't just share insights; she provides actionable tips for anyone considering divorce. Gain valuable advice on preparation, effective communication, and self-care during this challenging time.

Whether you're personally navigating a divorce, supporting someone through it, or just curious about the evolving dynamics of relationships, this episode is a must-listen.


Visit Kara's website: https://www.karafranciscoaching.com/

Follow Kara on Instagram: @karafranciscoaching

Connect with Kara on LinkedIn


Special thanks to Fresh Starts Registry and their founders Olivia and Jenny for inspiring this episode and connecting me to Kara! If you're navigating a life change, check out their site here.


And if you're on the job hunt in the marketing world, check out Olivia's job listing site, YentaList.com!

Dec 06, 202332:29
#95: Beanie Mania - Building a Digital Empire in the Beanie Baby Boom w/ Brent McCreary
Nov 29, 202341:48
#94 - The 'Girl Boss' is Dead... 'Lazy Girl Job' is Trending 🔥

#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. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vnyl.me/makingthebrand⁠

Aug 23, 202311:18
#93 - How Taylor Swift Manifested my Viral Moment
Aug 02, 202321:16
#92 - Laughs & Likes: Matt Rife's Lesson in Social Media Engagement
Jul 26, 202312:42
#91 - Marketing in a Barbie World w/ Moshe Isaacian
Jul 19, 202330:01
#90 - The Eras Tour (Vegas Edition): How Cities are Becoming Swifties w/ Jennifer Davies & Kira

#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:


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. ⁠⁠

⁠⁠vnyl.me/makingthebrand⁠






May 31, 202330:50
#89 - From Idols to Clients: Turning Fandom into Business w/ Cassie Petrey

#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. ⁠

⁠vnyl.me/makingthebrand⁠


Access the show notes here!

May 17, 202350:22
#88 - The Social Network that Loves You Back: How LinkedIn Fuels Career Growth

#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!


Follow Joe Ray on LinkedIn!


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

May 03, 202333:28
#87 - It's Gonna Be a Meme! w/ Kianna Davis [REPLAY]
Apr 26, 202342:23
#86 - Branding with Star Power: Celebrity Packaged Goods w/ Dhruv Patel

#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:


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


Apr 05, 202352:02
#85 - Celebrity Audition Stories That Will Inspire Your Job Search Game
Mar 29, 202318:11
#84: Uncovering the Art of Storytelling in American Idol Auditions
Mar 22, 202316:11
#83 - Real Talk: Analyzing the Legacy of MTV's The Real World w/ Dana Bowling

#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!

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. 

vnyl.me/makingthebrand



Access the show notes here!


Mar 15, 202351:31
#82 - From Wannabes to Icons: The Marketing and Strategy Behind the Spice Girls
Mar 08, 202309:17
#80: Why Even Kim Kardashian Needs Influencers w/ Ngozi Musa
Feb 22, 202334:02
#79 - Marketing Taylor Swift Dance Parties w/ Victoria Morton
Feb 15, 202329:10
#78 - The Data Behind Dating ❤️‍🔥 w/ Michael Kaye of OkCupid

#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

For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 https://briannefleming.com/newsletter


Access the show notes here!

Feb 08, 202337:39
#77 - Get New Music on Your Doorstep w/ Nick Alt of VNYL

#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 👀


For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 https://briannefleming.com/newsletter


Access the show notes here!

Feb 01, 202348:03
#76 - From Fan to Author: How Karah-Leigh Hancock Built the BSB Fangirls Community
Jan 11, 202346:15
#75 - Equinox's NYE Backlash and the Future of Fitness

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

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.
Dec 28, 202213:15
#74 - Taylor Swift's Genius Writing Categories & Easier Content Creation
Dec 21, 202213:30
#73 - Get Your Email & Newsletter *NSYNC w/ Liz Wilcox
Dec 14, 202246:01
#72 - Brands are Swifties Too! Going Viral on the Brand Account w/ Nicole Tabak
Dec 07, 202250:45
#71 - When Passion Meets Purpose – ESLLA Luxury Vegan Leather w/ Leigh Dorough and Charlotte Wienckoski
Nov 30, 202245:10
#70 - Growing Up on Teen Magazines: Where are they Now? w/ Angel Martinez
Nov 23, 202238:42
#69 - How to Have a Ball on Social Media w/ Kevin Graham of MANSCAPED🥜
Nov 16, 202231:30
#68 - Turn Your Leads into Believers, Inspired by Ted Lasso
Nov 09, 202207:42
#67 - Let's go the Mall! Celebrating @OviedoMall, the Most Underrated Twitter Account
Nov 02, 202253:46
#66 - MMMBop Your Marketing and Fundraising
Oct 26, 202213:09
#65 - Get Your Marketing On: Learning From Missy Elliott's Genius w/ Codi Dantu-Johnson
Oct 19, 202238:22
#64 - Becoming Iconic: How the Backstreet Boys Stand the Test of Time w/ Danielle Spurge-Swavely
Oct 12, 202255:45
#63 - How to Be Extremely Online Like Lizzo

#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!


Access show notes here

Aug 31, 202209:55
#62 - Kelly Clarkson Proves Karaoke is Your Key for Better Social Media Content
Aug 24, 202211:21
#61 - How to Repurpose Content Like Jerry Seinfeld
Jun 13, 202212:38
#60 - How the Boy Band Wars Can Boost Your Social Media Engagement
Jun 06, 202209:48
#59 - It's Gonna Be a MEME! w/ Kianna Davis
Apr 21, 202241:32
#58 - Taking Marketing on Tour w/ Jess of Roadie Social
Feb 22, 202201:04:36
#57 - Want to Get Hired? T-Pain Says You Need a Personal Website
Feb 14, 202209:49
#56 - All The Small Things Content Creators Have to Do
Dec 02, 202112:30
#55 - Romy & Michele's High School Reunion is the Perfect Personal Branding Metaphor
Sep 13, 202105:54
#54 - How Did MTV Collect UGC in the Year 2000? Tips to Make the Most of User-Generated Content
Aug 11, 202110:18