Branding Democrats

In this episode of Branding Democrats, we sit down with Corey McGookin, a retired FBI veteran with over 30 years in law enforcement, to unpack the damage Trump has inflicted on America’s institutions.

Corey shares firsthand insights on how Trump’s attacks have eroded public trust in federal law enforcement, the dangers of political loyalty over expertise, and what it means for democracy when law enforcement is weaponized.

We also dive into the broader failures of Democratic messaging — why Republicans have mastered the branding game while Democrats remain on the defensive. Corey lays out a roadmap for how Democrats can reclaim the narrative, stop playing into GOP traps, and effectively communicate their strengths to voters.

This episode pulls no punches in examining the stakes of 2025 and beyond.

Follow Corey on TikTok at @discprofiling for more insights on leadership, law enforcement, and the fight for democracy.

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show. 

In this week’s episode of Branding Democrats, we sit down with Austin, better known as @millennial.elder on TikTok. Austin is a progressive creator and church elder challenging the notion that Christianity belongs to the right. To start the episode, Austin shares his journey into political content, how faith can align with progressive values, and why the Republican Party’s co-opting of religious narratives is deeply misguided.

The conversation then dives into the dangers of rising authoritarianism, and the importance of meeting people where they are. Austin explains how Democrats can better connect with working-class voters, the pitfalls of overused messaging around inflation (yes, we talk about egg prices), and why humanizing policy impacts is more effective than reciting talking points.

We briefly get into some of the outrageous headlines: from the DOGE trial to Elon Musk’s dangerous influence, and why combating disinformation requires authenticity, humor, and a willingness to call out hypocrisy.

To hear more from Austin:

@millennial.elder

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show. 

In this episode of Branding Democrats, we are joined by progressive political creator Zak Kimball (@zak.kimball) to unpack the chaos unfolding under Trump’s second presidency. We dive into the ongoing DOGE controversy, exposing how Elon Musk, despite claiming to make government more efficient, is really just ensuring he gets richer while operating with a massive conflict of interest. Zak breaks down how Trump’s first month in office has already caused economic harm, eroded democratic checks and balances, and set the stage for even more authoritarian overreach.

We highlight the ongoing failure of Democratic messaging—why the GOP stays united around their narratives while Democrats struggle to define their own—and why alternative media and digital creators are now more critical than ever in countering right-wing propaganda. With Musk’s increasing influence over government contracts, Trump’s blatant disregard for legal constraints, and the Supreme Court’s unreliable role as a check on executive power, the stakes couldn’t be higher. 

Despite the grim outlook, the episode ends on a note of action: how social media can still be a force for good, why Democratic messaging must become bolder, and how digital creators can step in where political leaders are falling short.

To hear more from Zak:

Social: @Zak.Kimball

Podcast: United Debates of America Podcast

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show. 

In this episode of Branding Democrats, we sit down with Congressman Mark Pocan to discuss the alarming ways Elon Musk has infiltrated the federal government, dismantling agencies, cutting vital programs, and manipulating policy — all while profiting from billions in government contracts.

Congressman Pocan shares the details behind his newly introduced ELON MUSK Act (Eliminate Looting of Our Nation by Mitigating Unethical State Kleptocracy), a bill designed to bar Musk from holding government contracts while wielding influence over federal decision-making. We also discuss Musk’s illegal access to Treasury Department payment systems and how his unchecked power threatens democracy itself.

But the corruption doesn’t stop there. We also break down Trump’s latest reckless comments on Gaza and examine his motives behind stirring international chaos. With Trump’s authoritarian ambitions becoming increasingly clear, how can Democrats respond? What messaging strategies will bring disillusioned voters into the fold? How can the party move beyond being the “lesser of two evils” and instead communicate its active fight for democracy, economic justice, and everyday Americans?

Finally, the conversation turns to Democratic leadership — where are the Democratic power players, and what should they be doing to counteract this chaos? 

This is a can’t-miss episode for anyone who cares about democracy and knows that Democrats need to fight smarter and harder to defend it.

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show. 

In this episode, we discuss the overwhelming chaos of Trump's early weeks in office, focusing on his executive orders and their damaging impact. We talk about the grant pause, pressure on federal workers to resign, ICE deportations, and other unprecedented disruptions. The hosts explore Trump’s deliberate strategy to "flood the zone" with chaos, a tactic designed to paralyze the media and public, preventing a coherent response to his actions.

A key part of the discussion is how Project 2025 anticipated and enabled this chaos, questioning why so many dismissed its warnings. We analyze whether Americans now recognize the reality of Trump's governance and its long-term consequences.

The episode shifts toward solutions, emphasizing the need for Democrats to recognize these tactics as intentional and respond strategically. Instead of reacting to everything, Democrats should focus on five critical issues: women’s rights, affordable healthcare, gun safety, environmental protection, and affordable housing. We stress the importance of not playing into the media’s normalization of Trump and his extreme policies.

The conversation broadens to discuss the lasting influence of the MAGA movement beyond Trump himself. The hosts examine how Trump’s blame-shifting — targeting DEI, liberals, and government institutions — serves his agenda, and how Democrats must effectively counteract these narratives.

Despite the chaos, we project hope, reminding you all that the pendulum can swing back — if Democrats fight strategically.

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show. 

In this week’s episode of Branding Democrats, we welcome TikTok creator Jessica Christine (a.k.a. Jessica Eubanks), known for her sharp-witted videos trolling MAGAs and creating relatable, anti-Trump content. Jessica shares her journey from posting poetry and trauma support to becoming one of TikTok’s most entertaining progressive voices.

The conversation dives into Jessica's creative process, including her viral prank calls and how she navigates the surreal MAGA bubble with humor and empathy. She also discusses the challenges of addressing political misinformation, her feelings post-election, and her hopes for the future in the face of Trump’s administration.

With the TikTok ban looming, we explore the potential fallout for creators, political messaging, and community-building. We discuss alternative platforms, the role of progressive creators in a divided digital landscape, and how Democrats can use storytelling to strengthen their brand beyond election cycles.

Finally, the episode touches on awakening a cultural movement toward Democratic values and countering the rise of MAGA extremism. Jessica opens up about standing up to her MAGA family, why local politics is critical, and how small actions can ripple into big changes.

🔗 To hear more from Jessica:
@whoisjessicaeubanks
@j.eubanks

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show. 

In this 75th episode of Branding Democrats, we reconnect with painter, photographer, and progressive TikTok creator Dana (@danasinspired). Dana shares her reflections on the post-election landscape, diving into what went wrong for Democrats and what they need to prioritize to rebuild trust and energize the party moving forward.

The conversation touches on the potential TikTok ban and its implications for creators, exploring alternative platforms and strategies for digital political messaging. Dana is a passionate progressive and she gives her perspective on how the party can modernize its messaging to connect with younger voters and foster a culture rooted in empathy, science, and climate action.

From frustrations with Democratic leadership to opportunities for creators to lead the charge, this episode is packed with humor, critiques, and actionable ideas for the future of progressive politics. 

To hear more from Dana:
@danasinspired

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show. 

In this special New Year’s episode of Branding Democrats, we welcome back Daryl Weber — world-renowned branding expert, author of Brand Seduction, and co-author of Branding Democrats. Together, we dive into the challenges facing the Democratic Party as we step into 2025 with an incoming Trump administration.

Daryl shares his thoughts on why Democrats lost the White House, Senate, and House in 2024, reflecting on missed opportunities and the long-term branding issues that plague the party. He explains how Democrats can take inspiration from successful consumer brands, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections, authenticity, and cohesive messaging to build a resonant, lasting identity.

Our conversation also explores Elon Musk’s growing role in GOP dynamics and the rise of class issues in American politics. How can Democrats position themselves as champions of the middle class and expose Trump’s pro-billionaire policies? And what strategies should the party adopt now to rebuild for future elections?

Daryl provides actionable insights on how Democrats can unite around a clear brand, create a cultural shift, and fight for the everyday American.

To hear more Branding Dems:
TikTok: @brandingdems
Read Branding Democrats the Book!

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show. 

In this week’s Branding Democrats episode, we are joined by Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, former New York State Senator, for a deep dive into the world of Democratic branding and strategy. Elijah, a seasoned political strategist and public servant, opens up about the real reasons voters feel disconnected from the Democratic Party and why the brand is failing to resonate, even when Democrats have clear policy successes.

In this conversation, Elijah tackles critical issues, including:

• The Hidden Cost of Deregulation:
• The Branding Crisis:
• Speaking to the Heart of America:
• The Dark Money Dilemma
• Institutional Trust and Corruption:

The episode also discusses the key role of social media in reshaping Democratic messaging, with a special focus on how influencers and grassroots movements can amplify the party’s successes in real time. Elijah believes the answer isn’t just in digital ads — it’s about cultivating ongoing relationships with voters, one conversation at a time, well before the election cycle begins.

To hear more Branding Democrats, follow us on TikTok:
@brandingdems

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show. 

In this episode of Branding Democrats, we welcome back TikTok sensation Damien, also known as Chiodo Supply. Known for his bold, unfiltered commentary, Damien dives deep into the post-election landscape, Democratic messaging, and the challenges ahead.

The discussion kicks off with Damien’s honest reflections on how he was surprised by the election outcome. He explains why Democrats often struggle to connect with working-class voters and what lessons they could learn from the Republicans’ media dominance. We explore how Democrats can build a relatable, long-term narrative and shift their messaging to resonate with more Americans.

Damien also shares his defense of President Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden, arguing that it was the only choice in the face of a corrupt and vengeful political landscape. We discuss the precedent this may set and warn of the dangerous road ahead with Trump’s return to power. 

Later, Damien shares the story of his recent run-in with the Secret Service. We talk about what this encounter means in the grander scheme of posting political content on social media.

Finally, the episode wraps with a look at the latest updates on the TikTok ban and its potential implications. As always, Damien’s unique perspective and fiery passion make for a must-listen episode packed with humor, insight, and actionable ideas.

Tune in for one of our most passionate episodes yet, and don’t forget to follow Damien at @ChiodoSupplyOfficial on TikTok and Instagram.

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show.