Marketing Brew Weekly

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re diving into the trend of corporate employees becoming brand ambassadors, with a spotlight on the “Staples Baddie”. Should more companies be relying on their employees to create their own content, or should they have more control over the process? The Staples Baddie shares tips on what to post, how it’s lead to  greater in-store foot traffic, and what makes the content authentic. 

00:00: Intro 

02:42: Who is Staples Baddie

04:00: Brands not on board with employee ambassadors 

04:52: Why this works for Staples

08:39: An increase in foot traffic for stores

09:52: People want IRL experiences

11:42: Other brands using this trend

14:00: Proof of reality social trend 

15:00: Why brands won’t try this

21:20: Employees have to be happy at their job for it to work 

This episode is presented by Disney Campaign Manager. For more information: https://www.disneycampaignmanager.com/

Read more from the Staples Baddie: https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/2026/03/16/staples-baddie-interview-marketing-lessons

Join us this May for the Marketing Brew Social & Creator Marketing event, covering what’s driving real ROI in the creator economy right now. If you’re in NYC, we’d love to meet you in-person. Tickets and info here: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events/the-next-phase-of-social-and-creator-marketing?utm_campaign=mkb_me_022526&utm_content=show_notes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=mkb 

For more upcoming Marketing Brew events: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events

Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/

Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew

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Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best. 

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, Jennimai is fresh from her trip to SXSW in Austin, TX and reports back on the biggest convos she had (and overheard) at panels, activations, and throughout the event. From creators to AI, and even a mix of both, we’re discussing the major themes marketers were discussing on the ground, and where we can expect to see them in action next. 

00:00: Intro 

00:35: Overall themes of SXSW this year

03:00: Convergence at the conference 

04:30: Bringing creators into legacy spaces 

10:45: Activations geared towards creators

14:54: The state of experiential at SXSW 2026

16:22: AI conversations at the festival 

20:47: Agentic AI in shopping and consumer world

24:39: NBCU AI agent product

This episode is presented by Disney Campaign Manager. For more information: https://www.disneycampaignmanager.com/

Join us this May for the Marketing Brew Social & Creator Marketing event, covering what’s driving real ROI in the creator economy right now. If you’re in NYC, we’d love to meet you in-person. Tickets and info here: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events/the-next-phase-of-social-and-creator-marketing?utm_campaign=mkb_me_022526&utm_content=show_notes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=mkb 

For more upcoming Marketing Brew events: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events

Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/

Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew

Follow Marketing Brew

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbrew/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/

Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best.

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re discussing the burger drama and the way each brand is responding to the McDonalds CEO taking a “big” bite from their new Big Arch burger. Burger King, Jack in the Box and even Freddy’s jumped in by handing execs their own products to show off just how big their bites can be. But are consumers on board – and hungry for burgers? 

00:00: Intro 

01:56: Reacting to the McDonald’s CEO video

03:55: The burger drama is getting weird

06:27: Backlash to the video

09:48: What are the pros and cons and other examples 

11:24: Sassy social media

15:00: Campaigns aligning with brand identity

16:09: How will McDonald’s react

17:24: Why this happening on social matters 

19:32: Not all CEOs are made for social 

This episode is presented by Disney Campaign Manager. For more information: https://www.disneycampaignmanager.com/

Join us this May for the Marketing Brew Social & Creator Marketing event, covering what’s driving real ROI in the creator economy right now. If you’re in NYC, we’d love to meet you in-person. Tickets and info here: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events/the-next-phase-of-social-and-creator-marketing?utm_campaign=mkb_me_022526&utm_content=show_notes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=mkb 

For more upcoming Marketing Brew events: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events

Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/

Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew

Follow Marketing Brew

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbrew/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/

Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best.

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re discussing protein maxxing, the health trend you’re seeing everywhere: from Super Bowl commercials to sparkling protein water and even protein Doritos (?!), if it feels like every brand is adding protein to their offerings, it’s because they are. We break down how this is directly connected to GLP-1s, if it’s actually benefitting brands, and if we can expect to see the same from Big Fiber. 

00:00: Intro 

00:42: Is protein everywhere these days?

02:38: Products that magically now have protein

07:05: Why are we hearing about protein all the time now

13:00: The connection to GLP 1’s

17:30: Is it oversaturated now?

21:10: Is fiber the next hot ingredient

This episode is presented by Disney Campaign Manager. For more information: https://www.disneycampaignmanager.com/

Join us this May for the Marketing Brew Social & Creator Marketing event, covering what’s driving real ROI in the creator economy right now. If you’re in NYC, we’d love to meet you in-person. Tickets and info here: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events/the-next-phase-of-social-and-creator-marketing?utm_campaign=mkb_me_022526&utm_content=show_notes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=mkb 

For more upcoming Marketing Brew events: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events

Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/

Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew

Follow Marketing Brew

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbrew/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/

Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best. 

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re breaking down the “Legendary February” that Peacock is touting–but wondering if it will lead to a Measly March once the Olympics are done? We’re discussing the winning strategies the steamer has used for the Olympics, Super Bowl and even Traitors, and offer suggestions on how they can keep subscribers from churning. 

00:00: Intro 

01:20: Our favorite Olympic events 

02:30: The Olympics moment on Peacock

08:30: Using the Peacock app 

11:40: Peacock owning sports and the ads that come with it

18:20: The Traitors crossover

22:00: How can Peacock build off this momentum

Join us this May for the Marketing Brew Social & Creator Marketing event, covering what’s driving real ROI in the creator economy right now. If you’re in NYC, we’d love to meet you in-person. Tickets and info here: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events/the-next-phase-of-social-and-creator-marketing?utm_campaign=mkb_me_022526&utm_content=show_notes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=mkb 

For more upcoming Marketing Brew events: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events

Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/

Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew

Follow Marketing Brew

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbrew/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/

Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best.

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re discussing the pros and cons of trying to sell a project with a showmance. Inspired by the Wuthering Heights movie, we had to wonder if the stars’ off-screen chemistry could really sell movie tickets. Plus, what happens when reality TV and influencer couples break up: who gets the social media accounts and the brand deals? 

00:00: Intro 

01:36: Wuthering Heights hype 

06:15: Why try a showmance or fauxmance as marketing

10:46: Reality dating shows and influencer brand deals 

15:50: Short form dating shows 

19:31: Risks and rewards of using showmance as marketing 

Join us in NYC next week for The Science of AI, breaking down what’s actually working in AI for marketers – last few tickets available here:

https://www.marketingbrew.com/events/the-art-and-science-of-ai-in-marketing?utm_campaign=mkb_me_022526&utm_content=show_notes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=mkb

For more upcoming Marketing Brew events: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events

Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/

Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew

Follow Marketing Brew

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbrew/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/

Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best. 

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, we’re taking a look at the state of sports betting and realizing…the gambling ads during the Super Bowl were actually pretty light this year? Marketing Brew Senior Reporter Alyssa Meyers joins us to explain why some gambling companies skipped the big game entirely, and where they plan to spend instead. Plus, the ways prediction market companies like Kalshi and Polymarket are marketing themselves, and we look ahead to figure out where the world of sports betting might be heading in its next era. 

00:00: Intro 

00:38: Sports betting brands with Super Bowl ads

06:00: User retention for sports betting brands

08:20: Sports betting vs prediction markets 

11:35: What are betting brands focused on for marketing 

16:35: What’s next for sports betting

Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/

Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew

Follow Marketing Brew

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/

Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best.

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week, since it is our literal Super Bowl, we’ve got a bonus episode for you where we’ll react to some of the weirdest and wildest commercials from the big game this year. From fibermaxxing to back flips to bran cereals, we’ll give our take on which ads got really creative, which…don’t think too hard about it, and which one may have missed the mark on their image rehabilitation. 

00:00: Intro 

00:40: Instacart featuring Ben Stiller and Benson Boone

02:50: Xfinity featuring Jurassic Park cast

06:08: Raisin Bran featuring William Shatner 

08:48: Hims & Hers Succession vibes 

11:24: Ring and cute puppies

14:15: Fanatics featuring Kendall Jenner

17:12: Hellmann’s featuring Andy Samberg 

Watch the ads: 

Instacart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTleZejhlqk 

Xfinity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKwxWPp2dhw 

Raisin Bran: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf64Okfdc6Y 

Hims & Hers: https://www.youtubdfe.com/watch?v=aZ7Z5LTJWHM 

Ring camera dog finder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OheUzrXsKrY  

Fanatics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfLUbLIULDw 

Hellmanns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc0kbiVbuzs 

Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/

Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew

Follow Marketing Brew

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbrew/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/

Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best. 

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the creative strategies and themes around many of the Super Bowl commercials this year. If you think you’re hearing a lot of Dad Rock, or seeing a lot of reminders to eat your fiber, or somehow feeling nostalgic, that’s on purpose. And, you may be seeing less AI ads than you think.

00:00: Intro 

01:05: Nostalgic ads with retro TV nods

04:35: Retro music and Dad Rock 

08:30: Health, wellness, and GLP 1s

16:11: Potty humor 

21:09: Who will actually stand out 

22:40: Will there be much AI

Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/

Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew

Follow Marketing Brew

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/

Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best. 

Welcome to Marketing Brew Weekly! This week we’re discussing the way brands are planning their Super Bowl strategy, and why that means you’ve probably seen a lot of big game ads already. Kelsey Sutton and Katie Hicks are joined by Marketing Brew Senior Reporter, Alyssa Meyers, to break down what matters most to brands when it comes to media planning, social strategy and more. From regional buys to experiential activations, these are some of the unique ways you can expect brands to show up in and around the game. 

00:00: Intro 

01:06: The teaser approach 

06:50: Regional buys 

09:08: The social media aspect

12:30: Experiential activations 

18:02: Beer brand teasers

28:50: Brands reacting on social

Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/

Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:  

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew

Follow Marketing Brew

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbrew/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/

Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best.