With the massive impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare industry, many people are anxiously talking about what things will look like in the “new normal.” But in reality, we have no idea what “normal” will look like, or even when things could be deemed “normal.” The truth is, we’re living in a “no normal” environment, and in terms of healthcare, it may take many months or even years for anything resembling “normal.” That said, we can’t let that stop us from moving forward. We must learn to live with and succeed in the uncertainty. In this podcast, we share the latest industry trends, research, as well as stories from those within and outside of the industry to help health system marketers navigate the No Normal successfully.
On this episode of The No Normal Show, we jump headfirst into HBO Max's brand whiplash and why identity confusion can be a slow burn for brand trust. Leaning into the theme of brand reputation with our new TheFuture of the CMO report in hand, Desirée, Chris, and Chief Communications Officer at BPD, Ryan Colaianni, highlight what it means to be a healthcare CMO's in 2025. Should CMOs stay in their marketing lane, or take the comms wheel and drive reputation, strategy, and even policy influence? The team gets into the tension between doing more and doing it well—and why the structure of the CMO's team might be the real power play. This episode is your roadmap to relevance. Tune in now.Download our latest report, The Future of the CMO.Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind, our newsletter featuring a mashup of the boldest ideas, sharpest takes, and most rewind-worthy moments from our podcast — right here.
YouTube is transforming into a streaming powerhouse and the Chief Marketing Officer role is evolving. This episode of The No Normal Show explores the quiet, but powerful, shifts shaping healthcare marketing today.Stephanie and Desirée discuss how the focus of marketing is moving beyond traditional brand buzz and viral moments—and toward something more enduring: influence through community, trust, and relevance. They reflect on how SHIFT Nursing, a collaboration between BPD and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, built momentum beyond traditional campaigning by helping real nurse leaders drive conversation and change from the inside out. While mass reach can still drive broad impact, meaningful influence is increasingly coming from smaller, trusted circles—where the right voices carry the message forward.If you're rethinking how to measure success, or how to create marketing that sticks, this episode offers insights into the power of storytelling, specificity, and shared ownership.Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind, our newsletter featuring a mashup of the boldest ideas, sharpest takes, and most rewind-worthy moments from our podcast — right here.
"The boring spot in healthcare is taken," says Nicole Baxter, Chief Brand Officer at HCA Healthcare. She shows up every day with bold brand ideas that move healthcare beyond the sea of sameness. We sat down with Nicole for a candid, high-energy conversation on what it takes to build a great brand from the inside-out.Nicole shares her career story from Canadian roots to becoming one of the most visionary brand voices in the industry. She shares how brands like Snoop Dogg, the WNBA, and even Wonder Bread shape her thinking—and why innovation, risk-taking, and emotional relevance are non-negotiables in today's healthcare landscape.From internal engagement to external impact, Nicole reminds us why listening deeply, leading with empathy, and saying “yes” to crazy ideas might be the best branding strategy of all.Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind, our newsletter featuring a mashup of the boldest ideas, sharpest takes, and most rewind-worthy moments from our podcast — right here.
In this episode of The No Normal Show, Desiree Duncan and Chris Bevolo highlight the cultural crossfire brands are navigating today. From Nike's controversial “Never Again” billboard to NYU Langone's controversial Super Bowl ad, they explore how even well-intentioned moves can result in backlash in a world of unapologetic commentary and hypersensitive audiences. Fresh from his recent Becker's and HMPS panels to duo recap conference trends and topics — highlighting AI disruption and the marketing ROI challenge that just won't go away. For healthcare marketers trying to lead bold while avoiding missteps, this episode is for you.Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind, our newsletter featuring a mashup of the boldest ideas, sharpest takes, and most rewind-worthy moments from our podcast — right here.
Mass media is going in a different direction. Livestreams from Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour didn't come from networks—they came from fans, forming a holistic approach to community engagement. In this episode of The No Normal Show, Desirée, Stephanie, and guest Mario Nichols, producer of The No Normal Show, unpack the shift happening in media, influence, and consumer trust. This episode digs into fan-powered content, the White House pushing AI into public education, and the transformation of mass media. Niche creators and everyday voices are now shaping public opinion. So, how can your brand level up?Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind, our newsletter featuring a mashup of the boldest ideas, sharpest takes, and most rewind-worthy moments from our podcast — right here.
Gen Z is ditching smartphones, digital clutter, and nonstop notifications in favor of a simpler, more nostalgic life—and brands need to pay attention. In this episode of the No Normal Show, Stephanie, Desirée, and Chris unpack the rise of "digital minimalism" (or Digman, if you dare) and what it signals for marketers trying to stay culturally relevant. Plus, they connect the dots between Kendrick Lamar's culture-defining moments, Gatorade's newest campaign win, and Meta's latest monopoly drama. Ready to rethink your marketing strategy for a world that's tired of the scroll? Tune in now.Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind, our newsletter featuring a mashup of the boldest ideas, sharpest takes, and most rewind-worthy moments from our podcast — right here.Our new white paper, The Future of the CMO, is now available! Download our latest report here.
BPD's latest report outlines the threats facing CMOs—and reveals the bold opportunities to lead, influence, and transform from the inside out. In this episode, Stephanie, Desirée, and Chris take a deep dive into The Future of the CMO, BPDs latest report, unpacking how marketing leaders can expand their influence, claim greater value, and lead transformation inside the health system enterprise. Plus: a spirited debate on speculative fiction, Des' surprising pick, and why metaphors might just be magic. Subscribe to the No Normal Rewind for early access to all of BPD's thought leadership—and a front-row seat to the future.Check out our latest report: "The Future of the CMO"
There's A LOT out there that's swirling into the pressure cooker that is today's healthcare economy. On this episode of TheNo Normal Show, Stephanie, Desirée, and Chris break down the cascading impact of policy shifts and economic trends—from DEI backlash and NIH cuts to tariff-induced inflation and Medicaid shakeups. What does this all means for CMOs, marketers, and the future of care access in America? Plus, a farewell to White Lotus, the curious case of a pina colada coffee creamer, and the underrated brilliance of Black Mirror's health-tech commentary. This episode is quite sunny with a chance of rain. Tune in now.Our new white paper, The Future of the CMO, will be available early to subscribers! You can sign up here or even subscribe via BPD's LinkedIn.
The creative bar is high—and healthcare marketing is rising to meet it. Award season is about more than applause; it's proof that bold ideas with real impact matter. This episode is your backstage pass to the sharpest thinking and fearless creativity in healthcare today. Stephanie, Desirée, and BPD's Chief Creative Officer Mindy Adams unpack what it takes to stand out—from judging the Effies to pushing SHIFT Nursing for a Webby. Plus, a Cannes Lions roundup (yes, even the cement company campaign).Vote SHIFT. Name your AI. Throw an unhinged dinner party. Press play.Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind, our newsletter featuring a mashup of the boldest ideas, sharpest takes, and most rewind-worthy moments from our podcast — right here.
Barbie's showing love to future doctors. People are crowdfunding their hospital bills. And ChatGPT just dropped an image update so powerful, it might make your designer sweat. On this episode of The No Normal Show, Desirée, Stephanie, and Chris unpack the game-changing upgrade from OpenAI that makes photorealistic image generation feel real. From Bill Gates suggesting humans could be irrelevant within a decade, to the new frontier of visual storytelling and the copyright chaos of Studio Ghibli-style AI fan art, we explore what this all means for marketers, healthcare brands, and creatives. The AI race is speeding up—are you even on the track? Tune in now.Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind, our newsletter featuring a mashup of the boldest ideas, sharpest takes, and most rewind-worthy moments from our podcast — right here.The No Normal Rewind is now on LinkedIn! Follow BPD for more updates!
From highlight reels to headlines, culture is shifting—and healthcare marketing needs to keep up. In this episode we get into why the moment is overtaking the message. We unpack the Meta tell-all Careless People, dissect the rapid-fire chaos of tech and policy updates (hello, Policy ICU), and explore how fan fiction, fantasy leagues, and even SNL are reshaping engagement in real time. Plus, we break down what it all means for brands trying to show up authentically in the age of short attention spans and hot takes. Ready to rethink your media mix? Tune in now.Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind, our newsletter featuring a mashup of the boldest ideas, sharpest takes, and most rewind-worthy moments from our podcast — right here.The No Normal Rewind is now on LinkedIn! Follow BPD for more updates!
Gen X—the so-called “forgotten generation”—has officially entered the chat. In this episode of the No Normal Show, Desirée and Chris goes deep into why Gen X deserves more attention in healthcare marketing. Sandwiched between two larger, louder generations, they've been overlooked for years—but as they take on the role of both patient and caregiver, their influence on healthcare decisions is bigger than ever.From their skeptical, independent nature to their deep distrust of inauthentic marketing, Gen Xers don't buy into fluff. Let's be clear—if your healthcare brand isn't speaking to them in a real, no-BS way, you're missing a massive opportunity.We break down why this “forgotten middle child” should be at the center of healthcare strategy, how their unique experiences shape their expectations, and what health systems need to do to reach them before it's too late.Click to subscribe to our newsletter.
The Funnel Wars just took another unexpected turn. Walgreens is going private, VillageMD may be on the chopping block, and the retail health revolution isn't playing out as planned. So, what does this mean for primary care, health systems, and the future of patient access? In this episode, Stephanie, Desirée, and Chris break down the uncertain state of primary care, the surprising gaps in the modern CMO role, and whether technology can fill the growing void in frontline healthcare. Plus, Chris drops some folk song wisdom, Desirée gives us a reality check on Walgreens' consumer experience, and Stephanie sounds the alarm on an emerging healthcare crisis. Is primary care dead? Or just evolving? Tune in now.Click to subscribe to our newsletter.Click to check out Joe Public 2030.
From Eli Lilly's provocative Oscars ad to AI-powered therapy backlash, this episode of The No Normal Show goes deep into the forces reshaping trust in healthcare. The latest data from The Wall Street Journal shows confidence in doctors is plummeting, AI is disrupting care delivery, and alternative health movements are gaining ground. What does this mean for healthcare leaders? How should marketing teams rethink their approach to patient engagement and brand credibility? We break down the key trends, the marketing implications, and what healthcare brands must do to stay ahead. Let's chat.
What do a fictional death, a DOJ investigation, and Kendrick Lamar have in common? In this episode of the No Normal Show, Desirée, Stephanie, and Chris connect the dots between pop culture, marketing, and the ever-evolving world of healthcare. They revisit Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance—and what it all says about the game of strategy. Plus, they unpack the messy brilliance of White Lotus Season 3 and debate whether Duolingo's owl met a just end. But it's not all fun and games—big questions arise as they dig into the DOJ's investigation into UnitedHealthcare's Medicare billing and the ethical gray areas of media buying. In a world where truth is up for grabs, how can healthcare brands build trust? Tune in to find out.Click to subscribe to our newsletter.Click to check out Joe Public 2030.
As healthcare costs rise and institutions face increased scrutiny, a new battle is emerging. Will governmental policy and public skepticism reshape the industry? How will funding cuts impact hospitals and research? In this episode, we unpack the shifting landscape and what it means for the future of healthcare.Click to subscribe to our newsletter.
Let's talk all things Super Bowl! In this episode, Desiree and Stephanie are joined by Mindy Adams, Chief Creative Officer at BPD, as we break down Super Bowl LIX. We explore ads that stood out, the cultural significance of Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance, how healthcare brands are showing up (or missing the mark) in major media moments, the impact of AI in advertising, and the power of storytelling in shaping public perception.Click to subscribe to our newsletter.
What an exciting time to be alive and to also be...AI? In this episode of The No Normal, Emily Baker, AVP of Engagement, joins Des and Stephanie to discuss the emergence of AI agents that can perform tasks for users, the implications for marketing and content creation, and the disruption caused by DeepSeek in the competitive AI landscape.AI has been an exceptional tool for creatives and non-creatives alike to bring their ideas to life. So why the backlash? We touch on this and other important topics as we cover Stephanie Wierwille's latest blog for BPD, "The AI Era: The Golden Age of Healthcare Marketing," which emphasizes the importance of innovation, the democratization of creativity, and the need for marketers to adapt to new technologies while maintaining a human touch.Read Stephanie's blog, "The AI Era: The Golden Age of Healthcare Marketing".Subscribe to our newsletter
SO much has happened in the past couple of weeks and we're here to talk all about it! In this episode of The No Normal Show, hosts Stephanie, Chris, and Desireé discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, highlighting new concepts like Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). We explore the implications of advancements in AI and the philosophical questions they raise about humanity and consciousness. Will AI actually end up telling us what to do?! We then shift to chat about the importance of community and human connection in today's digital age, covering books like Robert D. Putnam's 'Bowling Alone' and the documentary 'Join or Die'. And we get into a hot debate about the implications of recent changes in social media policies. Will it be a hellscape or do we remain hopeful in 2025? Find out now.
We had an amazing time at last month's Joe Public Retreat digging into healthcare marketing's most pressing issues with CMOs across the nation. We're bringing you all the hot takes, right here! In this episode, Chris Bevolo returns to the show as a permanent host and chats with Stephanie about the three-day event in Charleston, SC. We explore the pressures CMOs face and the urgent need for a shift in their roles to address market dynamics and stakeholder engagement. From Paul Keckley's insights on economic pressures to Dr. Marcus Collins' bold vision for branding as community-building, and Paul Roetzer's groundbreaking takes on AI in healthcare marketing—we're covering it all. Tune in!
Join us as we time-travel back to the HLTH 2024 conference in Las Vegas. In this exclusive interview with Andy Beckman, Director of Sales at Garmin Health, we explore the cutting-edge role of wearables, AI, and data in shaping a consumer-centered health universe. Andy shared Garmin Health's innovative uses of data to center its marketing and experiences around communities of consumers—like runners or aviators. If you're considering leaning into community-based product development and marketing, this conversation is for you!
In this episode, Desiree is joined by Frank Carter, Vice President of Brand at AdventHealth; Michelle Figuero, Founder of Good News Movement; and Julie Bricker, VP of Media Innovation and Integration at BPD. Together, we discuss the successful partnership between AdventHealth and Good News Movement, highlighting their unconventional marketing strategies in healthcare to tell stories—emphasizing the importance of human connection in healing.
The BPD team hit HLTH 2024 in Vegas last month, and we're still buzzing about it! From real strides being made in women's health, to the never-ending AI hype, to the latest in primary care "funnel wars", we're breaking down the biggest takeaways and talking about what they mean for the future of health.
Is your marketing team ready for the AI revolution? We sat down with Paul Roetzer, Founder and CEO of the Marketing AI Institute, to discuss how CMOs and healthcare marketers can approach AI in 2025. Healthcare marketers are still experimenting with AI—but need to scale, quickly. Ready, set, AI.
Tomorrow is too late, and hospital systems need to act now. In this episode, host Kris Wickline is joined by Kate Caverno and Sarah Mars Bowie, both serving as VP of Communications at BPD. Together, they unpack the growing narrative that hospitals are responsible for skyrocketing healthcare expenses—a perception amplified in the wake of COVID-19 and that has continued to strengthen to the detriment of health systems. The team covers BPD's latest value attack white paper, Tomorrow is Too Late, which highlights the influence of payers and pharmaceutical companies on public opinion, the hurdles hospitals face in communicating their true value, and why building trust with consumers has never been more critical. Tune in now.
In this episode, Desirée Duncan is joined by Yvette Conyers, Associate Dean of Equity Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, and Chelsea Rice, Associate Vice President of Engagement at BPD to discuss the critical themes of health equity and the power of storytelling in nursing. We learn about Yvette's personal journey in nursing, the importance of understanding social determinants of health, and how storytelling can foster deeper connections and understanding in healthcare.
How will social media marketing evolve in 2025? Will Meta AI take off? Will the Metaverse make a come-back? How can marketers create ALL the content needed in an efficient way? How is social mimicking search? We've got our crystal ball out—join us for this peek into a social future.
It's another busy week in healthcare marketing. Meta announced Movie Gen, Google launched AI Overview ads, and Walgreens closed more stores. In this Newsflash x No Normal, we analyze the news and its impact on AI, advertising, and retail health.
For many healthcare marketers, it's 2025 Planning season. Translation: it's time for tough budgeting conversations. Join us as we dig into the data-driven approach that can help CMOs get the marketing budgets they deserve.
New data by EY and the AHA shows that nonprofit health systems give back to communities to the tune of $129B. But in the same week, a new JAMA study focuses in on nonprofit hospitals tax exempt status. In this newsflash episode, we explore these conflicting reports and dig into the ongoing Value Attack on health systems. And—hot off the press, CVS Health is cutting costs—another new entrant to bite the dust? Tune in for all this news and more.
How can we overcome the backlash against DEI initiatives and truly address health equity? Hint, communications plays a vital role. Guests Vanessa Nazario, Chapter President of the South Florida Chapter of the National Association Latino Healthcare Executives, and VP of Communications, Nicole Terry joins our host Desiree Duncan, VP of Health Equity & Inclusion to delve into the crucial themes of health equity, the influence of social determinants on patient outcomes, and culturally competent care being a must for every organization. Don't miss this compelling conversation on how healthcare marketers, communicators, and c-suite level executives can create more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all and grow their market share.
Hospitals and health systems have been in Pixel Mayhem for 2+ years now. But with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' recent decision to drop its appeal in the pixel tracking case—are our pixel tracking troubles finally over? Join us in a discussion about how healthcare marketers can responsibly navigate tracking technology, and balance first- and third-party data for measurement purposes. Tune in.
Check out more of our content surrounding the election: Podcast: Election Year: Navigating Healthcare Through PoliticsBlog: What the presidential election year means for hospitals and health systems
The National Institute for Health Care Management reports that 80% of rural America is medically underserved. Because of this, building relationships and making authentic connections with rural communities is crucial for healthcare brands. In this episode, we discuss our personal experiences with rural communities and the importance of healthcare marketers understanding the needs and interests of these communities for effective marketing.
Nike. Just say the word and brand strategists everywhere go gaga. But today, this storied brand is facing major challenges—Nike's revenue has dipped, digital sales have declined, and the stock price has plummeted. What's the tea? In this episode, we dig into what went wrong, and discuss learnings for healthcare marketers.
What happens when you combine the art of human experiences with the science of data? You get creative Precision Marketing. In this episode, host Desirée Duncan, VP of Health Equity, is joined by Mindy Adams, Chief Creative Officer, and Anne DiNapoli Block, Managing Director of Data Solutions & Analytics—all from BPD—as they discuss Precision Marketing and the intersection of creativity and data, along with some of their favorite campaigns that leverage data to tell stories and personalize messaging, such as Spotify's Wrapped and Google's Year in Search. Take a listen.
Northwell Launches Northwell StudiosAdoption Trends for Generative AI
What defines a game-changing campaign? Is it a community-driven project for a new smartphone launch, or perhaps a daring campaign that challenge digital dating norms? In this episode, Desirée Duncan, VP of Health Equity; Julie Bricker, VP of Media Innovation & Integration; and Christian Barnett, Chief Creative Officer—all from BPD—delve into the game-changing campaigns that inspire us—from Heinz's bold moves to campaigns that keep it real with humor and humanity. Discover how healthcare marketing leaders can draw inspiration to create their own revolution. Learn how healthcare marketing leaders can continue to be inspired to make their own game-changing campaigns by listening now.
Sources from the showGoogle gives up trying to eliminate cookies
What if... healthcare marketers could speak to audiences one-on-one? What if... machine learning underpinned your marketing, getting smarter every day about your audiences, targeting, and creative output? What if... your marketing efforts drove a 10:1 ROI? We dreamed it. And then we built it. Join Precision Marketing experts Anne DiNapoli Block, Managing Director of Data Solutions & Analytics and Micha Siegel, Precision Marketing & Data Strategist for a conversation about how to supercharge your healthcare marketing efforts.
Texas hospital is reportedly 1st in US to use holograms for doctor-patient visitsDeloitte Insights: Building and maintaining health consumers' trust in generative AI
Want to read more about Rome is Burning? Click the link here: Rome is Burning
The Surgeon General is calling for warning labels on social media platforms due to mental health concerns. Yikes. For healthcare marketers, this creates a conundrum—when your business is to support community health, but also benefits from social, where do you stand? Join us as we debate this interesting issue.
In this episode, host Desiree Duncan, VP of Health Equity, is joined by guests Beth Toner, Director of Program Communications for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Dr. Jann Murray-García, Emerita Professor at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis. They discuss the background and impact of SHIFT Film's new documentary, 'Everybody's Work,' which focuses on addressing structural and systemic racism within healthcare and nursing. They explore the presence of racism in healthcare delivery, the need for critical self-reflection and the disruption of harmful scripts, and highlight the importance of storytelling, amplifying voices, and building relationships to address systemic racism.
Articles to check out: TikTok ban set for September argumentshttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/tiktok-ban-challenge-september-arguments/Population shifts, risk factors may triple U.S. cardiovascular disease costs by 2050https://newsroom.heart.org/news/population-shifts-risk-factors-may-triple-u-s-cardiovascular-disease-costs-by-2050Salesforce State of Marketing (PDF)
In this episode, host Desiree Duncan, VP of Health Equity, is joined by Chelsea Rice, Director of Engagement, and Director/Filmmaker Chad Tingle to discuss the making of "Everybody's Work," SHIFT Films' new documentary that addresses racism in nursing. From their conversations about documentaries that have inspired them and the purpose of the SHIFT Nursing platform, to the importance of deep, engaging storytelling, listen as they dive deep into the creative process behind the film and their reactions to the positive responses from nurses and healthcare professionals who appreciate seeing their stories represented.
Articles to check out: Microsoft will build AI into new laptops, firing shot at AppleIntroducing GPT-4oGoogle I/O 2024Apple Will Revamp Siri to Catch Up to its Chatbot Competitors
Newsfeeds are ALL a buzz with opinions and feelings about Walmart shutting down all of its health centers. This is not the first new entrant to launch a big vision for healthcare, only to pull back due to profitability. Can retails hang in the healthcare world? Is primary care truly 'too hard'? Are the Funnel Wars over? Spoiler alert: We don't think so.
We're excited to share that the “No Normal Show" by Revive is now a part of BPD. This is our forum for tossing around thoughts, opinions and ideas on what's new, cool, different, innovative, questionable or otherwise related to how consumers navigate health. In this episode, our host, Stephanie Wierwille, EVP of Engagement at BPD, Jason Brown, CEO of BPD, Jessica Schmidt, President of BPD, and Chris Bevolo, Chief Transformation Officer of BPD, discuss BPD's rebrand and insights from this year's Healthcare Marketing & Physician Summit in Las Vegas and we hear about how healthcare marketers can leverage precision marketing. Later, we dive into "Rome is Burning", Chris Bevolo's philosophy on the uncertain future of chief marketing officers in the healthcare industry and how healthcare marketers can prepare for the unknown.
Patient acquisition is HOT on the minds of healthcare marketers. As the race for first-party data, AI, and personalization heats up, service line marketing ROI has never been more critical. Join Anne DiNapoli Block, Managing Director, Data Solutions & Analytics at BPD; and Ben Fuqua, Senior Vice President of Data & Analytics at Revive as we discuss the challenges, roadblocks, and future of precision marketing.
Election years can bring lots of noise, more media spending, and the politicizing of non-political issues. So how can healthcare brands prepare themselves for the chaos that election years can create? In this episode Evan Harris, Senior Account Supervisor at Revive and Valerie Cole, Senior Director of Integrated Media at Revive share their thoughts on how your organization can be ready to navigate the storms for protecting your reputation, negotiating in a crowded media landscape, and we'll even bust some myths on political advertising.