Memberships are everywhere. That doesn’t mean they’re working.

In this episode of Ducks Unplugged, we go deep on memberships — the good, the bad, and the ones that probably shouldn’t exist at all. We talk through why so many brands rush to launch a membership, what actually makes one valuable, and where things tend to fall apart.

We break down:
- The real difference between memberships, subscriptions, and loyalty programs
- What separates a compelling membership from a forgettable one
- Common mistakes brands keep making (yes, we’re looking at you)

And our favorite part: The Membership Draft — where we pair real brands with the membership ideas they should be launching.

Plus, Deanna learns what a Kölsch is. That alone might be worth the listen. 🍺

🎧 Membership Madness: Unplugged — streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

Everyone loves a comeback. From nostalgic brands and ‘90s icons to athletes, marketers, and real-life underdogs—there’s something about the rebound arc that hits every time.

In this episode of Ducks Unplugged, we dive into the power of the comeback:
🎯 Why redemption arcs resonate in marketing and life
🧃 Can nostalgic brands get a modern-day glow up? (BlackBerry, Rainforest Café...we’re looking at you)
🔥 Our Hot Take: Why isn’t there more guerrilla marketing?

Plus, Ashley and Deanna reveal which comebacks they’d love to see most.

🎧 Stream Comeback Stories: Unplugged wherever you get your podcasts—and tell us: what brand, celeb, or trend deserves a comeback?

We're kicking off 2026 with big energy and a fresh mindset. In this episode, we’re talking about what it means to reset, recharge, and refocus—for your life and for business. This one’s full of insight and energy:

🧘‍♀️ What we’re leaving behind in 2025
📈 What we’re bringing into 2026
🎯 Predictions for the year in marketing
🎲 A 2026-themed Would You Rather game
😳 Brand-new What the Duck moments

🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts and start your year unplugged.

This was supposed to be a mini… but the Ducks got carried away.

In this full-on forecast episode, Ashley and Deanna look into their crystal ball and share their boldest predictions for 2026 — from marketing trends to business shifts to totally unhinged cultural guesses (aliens, anyone?)

✨ Will AI keep dominating?
📈 Is it the year of the boutique agency?
🧠 And what exactly does it mean to “start the year strong”?

You’ll laugh, you’ll think, and you might just spot a trend before it hits the mainstream.

🎧 Listen to Predictions: Unplugged

Happy Holidays from Ducks Unplugged! 🎄

This episode is wrapped in festive chaos and sprinkled with all the marketing magic (and meltdowns) December has to offer. From wild Christmas sweaters to the most mind-blowing way to tie your shoes (seriously 🤯), we’re here to spread cheer — and maybe a little unfiltered advice.

✨ Highlights include:
📞 The Holiday Crisis Hotline — listeners called in, we gave real(ish) solutions
🎯 Naughty or Nice: Marketing Edition
🥂 A heartfelt toast to 2025
🎁 And of course, our weekly What the Duck?!

Tune in for holiday laughs, last-minute insights, and a reminder that you’re not alone in the December madness.

You don’t always know it’s an ick… until it icks. 😬

In this episode, we unpack the rise of “the ick” — where it comes from, how personal icks can be, and how brands (for better or worse) try to use icks in marketing. Can marketers successfully lean into consumer turn-offs? Or does it backfire?

Plus:
🔥 This week’s Marketing Hot Take
⚡ A rapid-fire round of Ick or Not That Deep? Play along!

🎧 Tune in now to The Icks: Unplugged!

2-4-6-8 — who do we appreciate? Mascots!

In this episode, we're diving headfirst into the world of brand mascots. From the psychology behind why they work, to which ones are boosting brands… and which ones might actually be holding them back (hot take: is Flo from Progressive past her prime?).

Who’s your favorite mascot of all time? Did they make our list?

We’re also playing a game called Mascot Confessionals, where we imagine what mascots would say if they could finally speak their truth. 

And for the first time ever… Deanna didn’t do her homework (but don’t worry — Ashley's got it covered).

🎧 Listen to The Mascot Effect: Unplugged wherever you get your podcasts.

What do Victoria’s Secret, Peloton, and Toys R Us all have in common? They’ve made it to the hot seat on this week’s Fix That Brand episode!

Join Ashley and Deanna as they go full strategy mode—rewriting taglines, reimagining brand positioning, and dishing out fresh marketing ideas to bring these iconic brands into their next era. Spoiler: we’re not afraid to say what needs to be said.

Plus, in this week’s Marketing Hot Take, we’re shouting out Bark for their email game (yes, we open every single one).

🎧 Tune in to Fix That Brand: Unplugged, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

🔁 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and send us the brands you think need a glow-up!

Pour the gravy and grab a seat — it’s a Ducksgiving special!

In this episode of Ducksgiving: Unplugged, Deanna and Ashley carve into the Thanksgiving marketing landscape and uncover the truth behind marketing at this time of year. From tear-jerker ads to retail hysteria, we explore why brands go one of two ways — heartfelt or frenzied — and which actually works. We share the campaigns that hit us in the feels… and the ones that missed the mashed potatoes entirely.

🦃 Each Duck also shares two things they’re truly grateful for this year — and two things they’ve officially had ENOUGH of. (Yes, we went there.)

🦃 And who doesn't love some brand superlatives? The Golden Turkey Award? The Crazy Uncle Award? And whose not invited back next year?  We give our honest (and unfiltered) takes on which brands earned a seat at the Thanksgiving table.

It’s fun. It’s real. It’s a little roasted.
😉 Pull up your stretchy pants and give us a listen — it’s Ducksgiving!

It’s our monthly Duck Debate… Thanksgiving style! 🍗🍂

This one is stuffed with opinions, laughter, and a few debates that may ruin family dinners forever. We're diving headfirst into holiday hot topics like:

🥧 Is pie really a Thanksgiving-worthy dessert?
🍎 Is apple picking totally overrated?
🍺 Should kids be allowed in breweries?
🦃 And which of these horrifying fake side dishes would YOU rather eat?

🎧 Listen to Duck Debate (Turkey Day Edition): Mini.