Two iconic American companies (Cracker Barrel and MSNBC) just unveiled major rebrands, and both of them left most people asking the same thing: What were they thinking?

In this episode, I break down what these companies were trying to achieve, why their updates feel generic and forgettable, and what you can learn from their branding missteps.

Cracker Barrel ditched its namesake barrel, while MSNBC (now MS NOW) rolled out a new name and tagline so bland it could be for any news station. Both updates are cleaner, more modern… and far less meaningful.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why Cracker Barrel’s “clean” new logo actually muddies the brand
• The real story behind MSNBC’s forced name change, and how they wasted a golden opportunity
• How nostalgia is a superpower in the AI era (and why Cracker Barrel’s ignoring it is a huge mistake)
• The difference between a clean logo and a clear one
• When rebranding makes sense, and when it just confuses your audience
• Why playing it safe is the riskiest branding move you can make

A good rebrand should double down on what makes you, you. These didn’t.

Do you have a question or just need to vent about your marketing frustrations? Send it to [email protected], and I might just answer it in a future episode.

FRUSTRATED BY YOUR MARKETING? is hosted by Jim DeMicco and presented by SkyeLine Studio.

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