Why do we really buy what we buy?

In this episode of The Two Marketeers podcast, Sean Patrick and Lindsay Waugh go deep on the messy truth about branding: it’s not just about what brands say—it’s about what they say about you. From badge brands that scream status to “quiet luxury” that whispers exclusivity, the conversation dives into how brands become part of our identity, self-worth, and even our emotional reward system.

Whether it’s your morning Starbucks ritual, the quiet confidence of a Celine bag, or proudly rocking high-low style with Walmart and Warhol, this episode uncovers how brand choices reflect who we are, who we wish we were, and how we want the world to see us.

Expect cultural hot takes, marketing confessions, and insights into:

The psychology of luxury and quiet branding

How brand loyalty simplifies decision-making in a world of choice overload

Why brands act like social currency—from high school to middle age

What your “value brand” actually says about your taste

And just when it gets comfortable? Lindsay throws in a political curveball that cuts the convo right at the good part. (Don’t worry—Part Two is coming.)

Happy listening, Marketeers!