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

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. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠vnyl.me/makingthebrand⁠

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. ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠vnyl.me/makingthebrand⁠

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. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠vnyl.me/makingthebrand⁠

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 campaignThe specific ways they sparked excitement on the Las Vegas strip and on social mediaThe perfect Taylor Swift lyric that led to a viral tweetHow the city marketed to both locals and touristsThe misconceptions about government social media Why Taylor Swift's tour is such an opportunity for cities across the countryWhat 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. ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠vnyl.me/makingthebrand⁠

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 powerhouseWorking with massive celebrities: Gain insights into the unique dynamics and experiences of collaborating with some of the world's biggest starsOvercoming imposter syndrome: Cassie candidly addresses the challenges of imposter syndrome and shares her strategies for conquering self-doubtFinding creative inspiration: Learn where Cassie finds her creative spark and how she translates it into successful marketing campaignsManaging 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!

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 LinkedInJoe's experiences on LinkedIn and why he prioritizes the platformWho LinkedIn is right for and what kind of goals you should haveExperimenting on LinkedIn and the formats/posts that perform wellWhether LinkedIn is as formal or stuffy as people may thinkDealing with imposter syndrome on LinkedInThe advantages of LinkedIn and what it does better than other platformsLinkedIn 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

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!⁠ 💌

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 GoodsThe differences between marketing a celebrity brand versus a non-celebrity brandTrends and insights in the celebrity branding spaceIndustries that work well with celebrity branding and potential drawbacksHow celebrities use social media to promote their brandsWhat makes a celebrity brand feel authenticNotable 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 TwitterDhruv’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

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 Access the show notes here!

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. ⁠ ⁠vnyl.me/makingthebrand Access the show notes here! 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.

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 successfulThe evolution of the show's reputation from addressing contemporary issues to showcasing immaturity and irresponsible behaviorThe importance of vulnerability in creating compelling content and how The Real World's focus on personal struggles and growth contributed to its popularityThe show's place in pop culture and its influence on reality TV and youth cultureThe casting process for the show and what might have been involved in selecting the right candidatesWhat 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 InstagramPodcasts: Show Up on Video and Daily Dose of DanaWebsite: 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.  vnyl.me/makingthebrand Access the show notes here!

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 fameThe iconic merchandise that helped solidify their imageGinger Spice's unforgettable Union Jack dress and its coverage in the pressThe lasting impact of Girl Power and how it empowered young women everywhere to be themselves and pursue their dreamsThe 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.  vnyl.me/makingthebrand  Access the show notes here!

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

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.  Follow Ngozi on LinkedIn 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

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. Learn more about TSwift Dance Party CA Follow @tswiftdancepartyca 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!

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 narrativeOkCupid's masterful use of pop culture and trending topics to spark social conversationsThe surprising trends that separate millennial daters and Gen ZHow OkCupid incorporates storytelling and successful love stories into their messagingStrategies 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!

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!

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

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.