Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture Twist

Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture Twist

By Brianne FlemingBusinessMarketing
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Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture Twist episodes

  • #84: Uncovering the Art of Storytelling in American Idol Auditions

    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.

    17 min
  • #83 - Real Talk: Analyzing the Legacy of MTV's The Real World w/ Dana Bowling

    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 successful
    • The evolution of the show's reputation from addressing contemporary issues to showcasing immaturity and irresponsible behavior
    • The importance of vulnerability in creating compelling content and how The Real World's focus on personal struggles and growth contributed to its popularity
    • The show's place in pop culture and its influence on reality TV and youth culture
    • The casting process for the show and what might have been involved in selecting the right candidates
    • What 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 Instagram
      • Podcasts: Show Up on Video and Daily Dose of Dana
      • Website: 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!


        52 min
      • #82 - From Wannabes to Icons: The Marketing and Strategy Behind the Spice Girls

        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 fame
        • The iconic merchandise that helped solidify their image
        • Ginger Spice's unforgettable Union Jack dress and its coverage in the press
        • The lasting impact of Girl Power and how it empowered young women everywhere to be themselves and pursue their dreams
        • The 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!

          10 min
        • MTB News: Chris Rock, Creed III, and the Power of Perfect Timing

          In this episode, we cover the weekend's buzz-worthy pop culture topics with a marketing twist:

          • Michael B. Jordan's directorial debut and Creed III's marketing campaign
          • Chris Rock makes history with Netflix's first live event, and he of course addresses the Will Smith slap
          • Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes confirm their relationship and are riding the wave of press
          • Ted Lasso x Jeni's Ice Cream collab
          • Acts of kindness of Dave Grohl and Martin Short

          • Links from this episode:

            • Creed III Marketing Recap, Cinematic Slant by Chris Thilk
            • Marketers weigh in on Ted Lasso x Jeni's during #PopChat

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


              21 min
            • #81 - Kelsea Ballerini's Divorce Album Parallels the Genius Songwriting Behind "All Too Well"

              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

              16 min
            • MTB News: Selena Gomez Quits TikTok, Ryan Reynolds new boy band project, Crises at the Oscars, and More

              In this episode of MTB News:

              • Selena Gomez becomes the most-followed female person on Instagram, then quits social media. Is follower count all it's cracked up to be?
              • Anything Ryan Reynolds touches turns to marketing gold. Hear about his new boy band series!
              • After the infamous Oscars slap, the Academy is creating a crisis team. How will this unfold?
              • Want to see the Jonas Brothers on Broadway? You may have to empty your savings.
              • For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 https://briannefleming.com/newsletter

                17 min
              • #80: Why Even Kim Kardashian Needs Influencers w/ Ngozi Musa

                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

                35 min
              • MTB News: Kelsea Ballerini's Divorce Album, Selena Gomez Trolls, BookTok, Ted Lasso, & More

                Today on MTB News:

                • Kelsea Ballerini drops a surprise divorce album and will appear on SNL
                • Should you respond to your haters in the comments? Selena Gomez did
                • The #1 book on Amazon is all thanks to a viral TikTok
                • BookTok is getting all of us to read more
                • Ted Lasso season 3, coming soon!
                • I do not own the rights to the songs used in this episode. They are included for commentary and critique. 

                  23 min
                • #79 - Marketing Taylor Swift Dance Parties w/ Victoria Morton

                  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!

                    30 min

                  About Making the Brand | Marketing with a Pop Culture Twist

                  From the publisher's feed

                  A podcast about brands and boy bands! Making the Brand is where marketing and pop culture collide. Each episode shares unforgettable marketing lessons behind music, TV, movies, and trending topics, past and present. And with a sprinkle of '90s and Y2K nostalgia, this podcast is the perfect place to fangirl AND learn 😍