The Brand Muffin

When Adobe joined Bluesky, they weren't expecting a curse from Ra. But that's exactly what they got—and a whole lot more. In this episode, we dive into how a simple “hello” post became the flashpoint for years of creator frustration—over subscription pricing, AI policies and heavy-handed terms of service.   Was Adobe's stumble just a bad day on social—or the sign of a much bigger problem? We break down the backlash, the brand missteps, and what happens when a creative giant loses its way.   Empires don't fall overnight, but trust is a tricky thing—and Adobe might be running out of it. 

In today's polarized world, silence isn't just golden—it might be dangerous. But should brands step into the fray, or is neutrality the smartest move?    Some say taking a stand builds loyalty, while others argue it's a fast track to alienating half your audience.    From Nike's bold moves to Disney's missteps, we break down when taking a stand works, when it backfires, and why the biggest risk isn't speaking out—it's doing it poorly.

Numbers or instincts? Analytics or audacity? On this episode, we're diving into the ultimate creative showdown: data vs. intuition. From Netflix betting big on Stranger Things to Nike's game-changing Kaepernick campaign, we explore how brands mix spreadsheets with sparks of genius to craft magic. Clarity vs. courage—who wins?  And where does AI fit into the battle royale of decision-making? Oh, and Ian's got some groveling to do after a three-month hiatus. New-dad life or just plain lazy? You decide. Either way, we're back—and we've got plenty to say.

From the godfather of gangsta rap to the golden boy of the Olympics—how did Snoop Dogg manage to reinvent himself so completely? In this episode, we dive deep into Snoop's incredible brand evolution—culminating in his surprising and unforgettable presence at the 2024 Summer Games. Snoop's transformation isn't just a change in sound and style; it's a masterclass in branding. How does an artist go from glorifying the gritty streets of Long Beach to become a cultural ambassador with massive, broad appeal? From music to movies, cannabis to cookbooks, we'll explore his moves and how each pivot builds upon itself. Snoop's been dropping it like it's hot for decades—and proving that the coolest move in branding is staying true and taking risks.

Is Nike's latest ad campaign for the Olympics too honest? In this episode, we delve into the controversial spot that has everyone talking.   The sportswear giant has blown up the internet with its "Winning Isn't for Everyone" campaign, challenging the feel-good narratives that dominate the sports world. Nike's bold move is more than just an ad—it's a manifesto. Anchored by the haunting voice of Willem Dafoe, it tackles the darker themes of athletic ambition: obsession, lack of empathy and the relentless pursuit of victory.   Is this a celebration of the competitive spirit, or does it glorify a ruthless mentality? Are we witnessing a return to Nike's classic roots, or an audacious rebrand? Does Nike's unapologetic approach redefine what it means to be a winner—and if so, does it cross the line?   You might just find yourself asking, "Am I a bad person for loving it?"

In advertising, the next big idea is sometimes just a green initiative. So in this episode, we ask: Is regenerative branding the future, or just a recycled trend? From Patagonia's activism to Microsoft's ambitious carbon goals, we explore brands that aim past profit to champion real societal value. But are brands actually committed, or is it all greenwashing? Who's authentic, and who's just looking to score points? And how do regenerative initiatives ladder up to almighty brand storytelling and identity?  Ian has statistics. Josh has agita. Let's get into it.

Spend just a few minutes on your favorite social platform, and it feels like every other post is a sponsored ad from yet another influencer. So, is this the pinnacle of customer engagement, or just a phase we're destined to swipe past? From Instagram's inception to TikTok's trendsetters, we're dissecting the rise, reach, and real impact of mega- and micro-influencers. Are brands poised to pivot? Does influencer authenticity matter? And is Josh actually optimistic for a change? Join us as we dive into the evolution, saturation, and future of the influencer ecosystem, exploring whether we're over the influence—or just getting started.

It wasn't so long ago that if you wanted to do the best work, you went with the big shop. Larger agencies always had the upper hand. More budget. More resources. More three-martini lunches. But as tools and technologies are increasingly democratized, smaller teams are leveling the playing field. And brands are shifting dollars to engage more niche agencies who aren't necessarily full-service, but fully capable of getting the job done. So while we don't expect big agencies to go anywhere, when it comes to opportunities for the “little shop”, we suddenly see more.

Yes or no, can brands stay authentic in the era of AI? . . . . . . It's okay. Take your time. We've got nowhere to be.   Come along as we ponder the intersection of AI and genuine substance. Are brands that are built on a perceived platform of “realness” at a disadvantage? Do consumers actually care if AI is used in branding and marketing efforts?   Josh maintains his trademark optimism as we explore what it means to be “authentic”—and if it even matters.

The times they are a-changin.' Bob Dylan said it, so we're gonna talk about it. Welcome to the AI era.   The rise of large language models, generative output and multi-modal engagement is truly upon us—and we're all on notice. But is this the end of creative and branding professionals? Is AI going to replace agencies as we know them? Or is it just the beginning of better and faster—merging unprecedented technological capabilities with human intuition and empathy? Josh thinks we're in trouble. But he always thinks that.

Shoot it on GoPro. Build it with AI. Hire Jennifer Coolidge.   Too often, creative teams are asked to ideate around a technology, a tool or a talent— before any thought is given to an actual concept.   Has the great art of concepting disappeared? Are today's production timelines and content demands too constrained for fully-fleshed campaign ideas to emerge?   In this episode, Josh and Ian ask What's the Big Idea—and where has it gone? And Jennifer, if you're listening, we love you.

We all know that ‘X' marks the spot. But has it missed the mark? Twitter's rebrand is playing out in real-time for all to see. Rarely—if ever—has brand evolution taken place so publicly, and it raises several questions. Chiefly, are these transparent iterations a good thing for the company? For the platform? For the user base? Does this in-full-view process engender trust? Or does it reveal a lack of direction and reckless decision making?   Say what you will, but don't tweet. ‘Cause you can't. ‘Cause it doesn't exist. ‘Cause brand.

We're swimming in a sea of sameness. HBO Max recently rebranded as Max—and adopted a blue color scheme for its application tile. Just like DirecTV. And Prime Video. And Paramount+. And Disney+. And CBS Sports. And FoxNow. And MSNBC. And. And. And. Cool-color palettes have always been the bastion of Big Tech. But should entertainment brands really be following suit? Are they missing an opportunity to differentiate? Does it even matter? And if it doesn't—what does that say about brand strategy overall? I guess that's why they call it the Blues.

We're going full cringe with this one.  From Can we do just one more edit?...to We've written some headlines to get you started…to the classic, I think we should make the logo bigger—our clients sure know how to rub us the wrong way sometimes. But is it really their fault? Or are we as creative partners actually to blame for these FML/SMH/$%&*# requests? Listen in as Ian and Josh do their best not to turn into angry old men…

You've come a long way, baby. That was the slogan in 1968 for Virginia Slims cigarettes, and one could say the same for ad agencies today. But how far have we come? And have we taken on too much? Are creative agencies now jacks of all trades, but masters of none? And with the rise of generative AI and the unrelenting pace of technology, what does the future hold for the humble agency? Let's look back. Let's snap forward. Let's try not to trigger vertigo in the process.

There's creative, and there's copy. And there's the problem. It's true that black-on-white text isn't as sexy as the final layout, but words matter. Copy and design are like PB&J. Or peanut butter and chocolate. Or peanut butter and cucumber—oh, you don't think so? Have you never enjoyed Thai food? Copy. is. creative. And while we're on our soapbox, enough with the Oxford comma already.

Are creative awards worth pursuing? Do the clients actually care? Is it worth enduring a dry chicken dinner just to receive tepid applause from colleagues who wish they were accepting the award instead of us? Or do the awards represent a means to entice our community to gather, celebrate work that pushes our industry forward, and inspire our teams to go bigger, bolder and better? Josh has some thoughts. Ian has some ADDYs. Let's get into it.

Ah, the almighty Brief. We bow before its importance. We cringe at its construction. We debate its merits, we challenge its purpose and we sure as hell acknowledge its divisive nature. Without a brief, there's no compass. But it has to be a good brief—one that informs, but doesn't constrain. And therein lies the rub—and the conversation.

“Make us look like Apple”—it's a phrase creatives hear over and over. So we're kicking off the podcast with a discussion about Apple's influence on the creative industry. How did one brand become the North Star for all aspirational companies? Is it wrong to want to emulate Apple's success? Is it even possible? And even it is possible, is it advisable? Is Apple a brand master, or a brand menace?

Hi. We're Josh and Ian, and we work in creative branding. What's that you ask? Well it's not marketing. Except it sorta is. And it's definitely not advertising. Except advertising wouldn't exist without it. And it has nothing to do with sales, PR, communications, lead generation or talent acquisition.Except you can find our work in all of that. Yes, the world of creative branding is messy, misunderstood and often maligned—and that's why we're here. To give voice to our community. To debate, dispute and discuss. To share opinions. To drop F-bombs. To give a shit. This is The Brand Muffin. This is our creative. This is getting long. Ugh, copywriters…