MOCK, the podcast

Join Don and Cuyler as they unpack a strange truth about branding: some companies don't die, they mutate. They trace the weird afterlife of AOL, Yahoo, MySpace, Alexa, Crocs, JC Penney, and Chuck E. Cheese, asking what actually keeps a brand alive long after it should have disappeared. It's a lively conversation about nostalgia, brand relevance, and the generational logic behind the marketplace's strangest holdouts.

Join Don and Cuyler as they trade takes on Iron Maiden's 50th anniversary tour, then follow that thread into a much bigger story: what actually makes a comeback work. They trace the parallels between legacy acts and legacy brands, comparing revivals from Old Spice, Hostess Twinkies, BlackBerry, Apple, Burger King, and Pizza Hut. It's a lively conversation about nostalgia marketing, brand equity, and knowing when a brand needs real reinvention versus when it just needs to remember what made people love it in the first place.

Join Don and Cuyler as they trade takes on Instagram’s new word mark, then follow that thread into a much bigger story: what makes a rebrand feel modern without erasing the character people already love. They trace the redesign choices, brand strategy, and audience reactions behind Instagram’s update — and compare it with rebrands from Gap, Taco Bell, Ford, Coca-Cola, American Airlines, and the Big Ten. It’s a lively conversation about logo design, brand equity, and why some visual changes quietly become the new normal while others trigger an instant backlash.

Join Rob and Don as they trade takes on the summer's big movie, then follow that thread into a much bigger story: a scrapped parking-deck idea that quietly turned into a real Atlanta business. They trace the years of redesigns, dead ends, and hard conversations it took to get there — and drop a few hints about what it means for what's next at MOCK. It's a lively conversation about entrepreneurship, real estate strategy, and how a ridiculous idea earns its way into becoming a legitimate company.

Join Rob and Don as they unpack a deceptively simple question: what is an advertising agency? After a quick World Cup catch-up, they explore how agencies have evolved from full-service creative partners into a fragmented landscape of specialists, independent shops, and tailored client teams. It’s a lively conversation about technology, media, measurement, the changing needs of smaller businesses, and how finding the right agency relationship can make better work possible.

Join Rob and Don as they discuss World Cup drama, creative production, and the art of making memorable photo and video shoots. From food styling and pet shoots to pool campaigns, dodgeball spots, and alien invasion miniatures, they show how teamwork, specialization, and a great on-set vibe turn wild ideas into standout work.

Join Rob and Don as they explore the surprising power of outdoor advertising and the creative ways brands turn billboards into unforgettable moments. From weather-reactive campaigns to clever long-running mascots, they break down how smart storytelling, humor, and bold ideas help brands stand out in a noisy world. It’s a lively conversation about why outdoor ads still work, what makes them memorable, and how great marketing can turn even a simple board into a cultural talking point.

Join Rob and Don as they unpack the wild world of FIFA brand policing, where stadium logos disappear, jerseys get censored, and sponsors fight for every inch of attention. With sharp humor and insight, they explore the strange lengths brands go to protect their turf and what it reveals about marketing, power, and the beautiful game.

Join Rob and Don as they dive into the fascinating world of cult followings and brand loyalty. Discover how brands like Buc-Ee’s and Yeti have turned everyday items into cultural icons, and why Rush's new drummer is winning over fans with authenticity. With humor and insight, they unravel the psychology behind brand devotion and how storytelling creates unbreakable bonds. Tune in for a lively discussion that blends wit, wisdom, and a fresh perspective on what makes us loyal to the brands and bands we love.

Join Rob and Don as they explore the unexpected ties between Memorial Day and marketing magic. Discover how this holiday became a hotspot for car sales and BBQ brands, turning nostalgia into a sales powerhouse. With humor and insight, they reveal the secrets behind holiday promotions and how you can navigate them like a pro. Tune in for a lively discussion that blends wit, wisdom, and a fresh perspective on holiday marketing.