On this episode of Marketing People Love, I sat down with Blake Brown—marketing leader behind standout footwear brands like Kizik and Kuru—to explore what it really takes to make content that connects. From long-form ads like Nike’s “Trial of Luka Doncic” to scrappy TikToks shot on an iPhone, Blake shares how emotion, authenticity, and iteration are the real differentiators in a world flooded with AI tools and goldfish-attention-span myths. We jam on storytelling, creative risk-taking, and why brands need to stop trying to be perfect—and just start being real. Another must-listen episode on Marketing People Love!

In this high-energy episode of Marketing People Love, Ben Perkins, founder of the performance dress shirt brand &Collar, unpacks what it really takes to build a brand people love. From collaborating with world-class creative agencies to launching bold, high-risk campaigns, Ben shares the mindset behind taking creative swings that move the needle—not just on the P&L, but in winning hearts. You’ll hear stories of brand evolution, lessons learned the hard way, and why “safe” might be the riskiest move of all. If you're a marketer, founder, or creative who’s ready to break out of your comfort zone, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and get ready to swing for the fences.

In this episode of Marketing People Love, I spoke to Dan Gladden of Interact Brands to find out what brands need to be considering with their packaging at retail. From the evolution of Dr. Squatch's packaging to the retail transformation of Grüns, Dan unpacks how brands must go beyond packaging and campaigns to create a holistic, emotive presence. Learn why the mantra “challenge the category, not the consumer” is key to cutting through the noise—and how modular design systems and consumer rituals play a crucial role in long-term success. Whether you're launching, scaling, or reinventing a brand, this episode is packed with golden insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Marketing People Love, I sat down with Brett Swensen, the powerhouse behind some of the most successful brands, including Purple and Kizik. Brett’s seen brands go from near 0 to over $100 million in sales, and today, he’s sharing his insights on what it really takes to grow a brand. From the perfect creative formula (grab attention, keep attention, educate & entertain) to the importance of building lasting connections with your audience, Brett breaks it all down. Tune in for an open and honest conversation on the current state of UGC, why formulas matter, and what it’ll take to win in 2025 and beyond.

Meet Joey Kovac, the man behind scaling Manscapes podcast sponsorship channel profitably and is now doing it for a dozen more brands. In this episode of Marketing People Love, I sat down with Joey, now Co-Founder of Podscale to dive into the nuts and bolts of podcast advertising and how it can drive measurable sales for brands. Joey shares insights on what makes a brand ready for podcast advertising, the types of creative that work best, and the crucial metrics for tracking return on the investment. If you’re looking to tap into the power of podcast ads or already experimenting with them, this conversation covers how to scale campaigns effectively and avoid common pitfalls.

In this episode of Marketing People Love, I sat down with Brandon Castaneda, co-founder of EZ Bombs, to discuss how they achieved over $20 million in sales in just one year, leveraging the power of TikTok. EZ Bombs isn't your average spice or condiment—they're spice-infused meat bombs designed to elevate the flavor of meats when cooked in a Crock-Pot. Brandon shares how his team cracked the code for success on TikTok Shop, driving massive engagement from thousands of customers and building a loyal community. From mastering TikTok's platform to navigating potential regulatory challenges, Brandon gives us an inside look at what it takes to build a thriving business with social media at its core. If you've ever wondered how to create a viral brand and win big on TikTok, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, Preston returns for a second time to share his insights on why brands that escape the short-term ROAS feedback loop and focus on long-term brand building are the ones that thrive. He shares actionable things you can do right now in Google Analytics to start getting a sense of the baseline health of your brand - and drawing from his experience growing and exiting Chubbies for nine-figure - he explains why investing in storytelling and customer education pays off in the long run, even when the immediate ROAS isn't through the roof. 

We dive into how spending on high-quality video content can lead to more educated, loyal customers—something a static ad or discount-driven campaign just can't replicate. If you're wondering why some brands are still crushing it years later while others fizzle out, this conversation is for you. Tune in to learn how to put brand building in context and why it's crucial for lasting success.

In this episode of Marketing People Love, we’re talking all things retail - what it takes to get your products on the shelves AND sell – with retail strategist Martin Forde. He breaks down how to avoid botching your rollout, how to know when your brand is truly "retail-ready," and the key metrics you need to track to ensure you're set up for success. Whether you’re a brand just starting out or a seasoned player looking to scale, this episode will help you navigate the complexities of retail and ensure you’re bringing your best to the table. Don’t miss this crucial conversation on how to win big when you launch in stores.

In today's episode, I chat with Anthony Mink, Co-founder of Live Bearded, about their transformative eight-year journey in marketing. Anthony shares the highs and lows of navigating a changing landscape, including the moment their once-successful strategies began to falter. Discover the creative risks they took—like their "Bearded Jesus" campaign—and how humour and authenticity play crucial roles in connecting with audiences. Tune in for actionable insights on refining your brand’s voice, leveraging creativity, and empowering marketing teams to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this episode is packed with nuggets to help you create Marketing People Love.