What if you could pack your grand opening with nearly 300 customers—without spending a dime on ads? Moya McIntyre, owner of Stargazer and Springdale Station, did exactly that.

In this episode of Brand & Banter, Moya pulls back the curtain on how influencer marketing fueled Stargazer’s launch, making it one of the hottest new spots in Austin. No big ad budgets, no gimmicks—just a smart, strategic approach to leveraging local influencers in the hospitality space.

Stargazer

Springdale Station

This week’s Marketing Brief is a spicy one. Two brands stole the spotlight—one for all the wrong reasons, and one for doing absolutely nothing (on purpose).

Poppi’s influencer vending machine stunt sent the internet into a full meltdown. Were the flashy $25K vending machines a brilliant marketing move, or did they scream tone-deaf excess? We’re breaking down both sides of the debate—and how Olipop swooped in and stole the narrative.

Meanwhile, Duolingo pulled off the cheapest, most effective marketing play of the week. Their beloved green owl “died” (RIP Duo), and suddenly, everyone—from fans to rival mascots—was mourning the loss. The result? Millions of views, sky-high engagement, and proof that owning the news cycle beats chasing it.

One brand spent a fortune, the other spent nothing. Both got people talking. But which one really won?

Hit play to find out. Then tell me where you stand—team Poppi or team Olipop? Let’s debate it on IG: @theAmandaShuman

LINKS:

Read the full Poppi controversy story

Duolingo's Death

What if a cookie could be as exclusive as a Birkin bag? That’s exactly what Last Crumb has done—turning baked goods into a coveted luxury experience that sells out in minutes.

In this episode, we sit down with Raphael Farasat, founder of Truffl and the branding genius behind Last Crumb, to break down:

• How they built a $140-a-box cookie brand that people fight to get their hands on.
• The psychology behind exclusive drop models (and why they drive insane demand).
• Why copywriting, packaging, and storytelling matter just as much as the product itself.

If you’ve ever wondered how to take a product from ordinary to obsession-worthy, this is the episode for you. Hit play and get ready to take notes.

Last Crumb Website

Last Crumb Instagram

Truffl Branding Agency

The Super Bowl isn’t just about football—it’s the biggest night for brand storytelling. In this Marketing Brief, I’m breaking down the standout ads of 2025. From Coors Light’s Slow Monday sloth to Liquid Death’s Safe for Work genius, these brands went all in. Some made us laugh (Bud Light’s backyard bash), some made us cry (Dove’s These Legs), and others had us questioning our bathroom break strategy (looking at you, Angel Soft).

I’ll cover what worked, what didn’t, and why AI felt more like a trend than a tactic this year. Plus, one ad spent $16M—was it worth it?

Hit play to hear my breakdown of the best (and most unexpected) Super Bowl ads. Then, tell me your favorites over on Instagram @theAmandaShuman.

🔗 Watch the ads here:

• Coors Light – "Slow Monday"
• Angel Soft – "Potty-tunity"
• NFL – "Somebody"
• Taco Bell – "Celebration of Fans"
• Liquid Death – "Safe for Work"
• Bud Light – "Big Men on Cul-de-Sac"
• Duracell – "Brady Reboost"
• Dove – "These Legs"

Some brand moves make you stop and think, “Genius.” Others? Not so much.

In this week’s Marketing Brief, we’re looking at two brands making big plays—one that had everyone talking (and selling out) in record time, and another that proves not all partnerships are created equal.

Hit play for a quick breakdown of what worked, what flopped, and what marketers can take away from it all.

Soup Drops

The most liked F1 post on Instagram ever

Who were the it brands of 2024? Some you’d expect—others might surprise you. In this bonus episode of Brand & Banter, we’re looking at Ad Age’s hottest brands list and breaking down why they dominated. From major comebacks to viral moments, these brands made waves—so what can we learn from them?

Hit play to find out which brands topped the list, the marketing moves that got them there, and what it means for 2025.

Hottest Brands of 2024 on AdAge

Tired of being the only one selling in your business? Wondering how to build a sales team that doesn’t just survive but scales with you? Enter Jessica Marx—a Forbes-recognized business advisor and sales powerhouse.

In this episode, Jessica breaks down exactly what it takes to build and train a small (but mighty) sales team that grows your revenue while giving you back your time. From finding the right people to setting realistic KPIs and mastering conversions, Jessica shares the no-fluff strategies she uses with 7- and 8-figure founders to create sales teams that scale.

We also dive into:

• The biggest mistake founders make when hiring for sales.
• Why marketing and sales need to be besties (not frenemies).
• How to let go of control and empower your team to sell without you.

Whether you're just starting to build your team or looking to level up an existing one, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you scale smarter—not harder.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Tailored Premier Advisory

Millons Were Made Podcast

Jessica Marx Instagram

In this week’s Brand & Banter bonus episode, we’re diving into three marketing stories you need to know. From a clever commercial redefining generational storytelling, to a beer brand chilling its way into beauty trends, and a household name marking 100 years with a bold refresh—this episode is packed with inspiration for marketers ready to think outside the box.

Curious? Hit play and let’s banter about what’s making waves in the marketing world this week!

From this episode:

Generation Beta Commercial

Coors Light Face Roller

Kleenex

“Can I have $9?” That single question launched Liz Wilcox’s boldest move yet: a low-cost email marketing membership that now boasts 4,000+ members and a cult-like following. In this episode, Liz joins Amanda to spill all the details—how she built a thriving community at a price point that breaks every “charge your worth” rule and why her strategy works.

From her audacious launch email to the marketing tactics that keep her churn rate at just 5%, Liz shares the real, unfiltered story behind her membership model. You’ll hear how she leverages other people’s platforms, the tweaks she made to retain members, and why creating value doesn’t always mean charging a premium.

Whether you’re building a membership, looking for fresh marketing inspiration, or just love hearing how bold moves pay off, this episode is packed with insights you can steal and use in your own business.

Ready to banter with the queen of $9 magic? Hit play and join the conversation!

From the Episode:

Join Liz's $9 membership: https://carrylovedesigns--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/?ref=podcast

Follow Liz Wilcox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelizwilcox/

Introducing our new Brand & Banter bonus series—where we skip the fluff and talk about genius marketing campaigns from the week.

In this kickoff bonus, we’re breaking down three campaigns that stopped us in our tracks: Avocados From Mexico’s AI-fueled guac brilliance, Coors Light turning Monday fails into marketing wins, and Severance bringing corporate weirdness to Grand Central.

Big brands, bold moves, and plenty of lessons to steal for your own playbook.

Think of these episodes as a coffee break with your marketing bestie—short, sharp, and guaranteed to leave you inspired (and maybe craving chips and dip).