Podcasts about brands

The hosts recap a whirlwind week of back-to-back events in L.A., celebrating standout competitions, emerging brands, and generous mentorship from seasoned founders at Nosh Live and BevNET Live. From Projo's big win in the New Beverage Showdown to celebrity cameos by Ryan Phillippe and Khloé Kardashian, the energy never let up.  Show notes: 0:25: A Fickle Judge. Generous Sharks. Competition BTS. Mochi Magic. A "Dirty" Brand. – The hosts reflect on the high level of professionalism from their teams, enthusiastic attendee feedback, and the inspiring presence of seasoned founders who generously mentored early-stage entrepreneurs. They highlight BevNET's New Beverage Showdown and its winner protein coffee brand Projo, and the Nosh Pitch Slam, won by BFY gummy brand Rotten Candy. The team also celebrates memorable founder presentations, global flavors, and emerging brands across food and beverage. Ray recalls celebrity moments that added extra buzz, from Ryan Phillippe's surprise appearance as a beverage enthusiast to Khloé Kardashian sampling products backstage. He also praises an upstart hangover-recovery brand and a Portland-based RTD cocktail company, and a new line of cinnamon drinks. Brands in this episode: Dirty Saint, mōcean, Stursi, Projo*, NO CAP!, TIZZ, Rhinestone, Oh So Easy!, Djablo Sauce, Keya's Snacks, Xinca Foods, Shooka Sauce, Rotten, Poppi, Khloud, Sweety, Fly By Jing, Nixie, Late July, Fishwife, Pretty Tasty, Biolyte, Straightaway Cocktails

Get My Brand Masterlist ⁠https://drchristiangonzalez.com/best-brands-form-2-2/ Get Probiotics Guide https://drchristiangonzalez.com/probiotic-pdf-request-form/ Episode Description You trust the probiotic label that says "clinically studied strains" and "supports gut health." But a shocking new investigation reveals most brands can't prove it. Dr. Christian Gonzalez reached out to 56 of the biggest probiotic companies—including Seed, VSL#3, Garden of Life, Ritual, and Thorne—with one simple request: show proof your strains survive stomach acid, maintain potency through expiration, and are tested for heavy metals, yeast, and mold contamination through Certificates of Analysis (COAs). The results? Fifty-three brands disappeared, dodged questions, or flat-out refused to respond. Only THREE companies could stand behind their claims with real data. This isn't about being picky—it's about protecting your gut microbiome, immune system, and mental health from paying premium prices for mystery powders. When you consume contaminated or ineffective probiotics daily, you're wasting money on dead bacteria that never colonize your gut—or worse, introducing toxins that worsen bloating, immune stress, and digestive dysfunction. The hidden problems lurking in popular probiotic supplements: • Dead on arrival strains that can't survive stomach acid or bile—rendering them completely useless before reaching your intestines • CFU deception: potency guaranteed only at manufacturing, not expiration—meaning you're getting a fraction of what's promised • Heavy metal contamination including lead, arsenic, and cadmium that accumulate in your system and disrupt gut healing • Mold, yeast, and bacterial contamination from compromised sourcing and manufacturing that can trigger inflammation and immune reactions • Unverified strain claims with zero genetic testing to prove what's actually in the capsule matches the label • Proprietary blends designed to hide inferior ingredients and avoid accountability for specific strain efficacy In this episode, Dr. Christian Gonzalez exposes the 2025 Probiotic Purity Audit and reveals: • The full list of 56 brands tested—and which major names refused to respond or failed safety and efficacy standards • The ONLY 3 probiotic brands that passed with radical transparency, clean COAs, survivability data, and verified potency at expiration • The $70+ billion marketing manipulation behind "clinically studied" and "gut health support" claims that mean nothing without third-party verification • Strain specificity: why this is the only metric that matters for true gut colonization and therapeutic benefit • How contaminated probiotics actively harm your microbiome, worsen digestive symptoms, and waste your money on expensive filler • The gut-brain axis disruption, immune dysfunction, and inflammatory cascade triggered by low-quality probiotic supplementation This episode goes beyond gut health—it's about understanding that your microbiome controls everything from mood and immunity to hormone balance and disease prevention. It's about taking back control of what colonizes your body every single day, and demanding transparency from an industry built on marketing hype, not real science. The probiotic industry doesn't want you asking these questions. But your gut health depends on it. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:15 - Why Most Probiotics Don't Actually Work 2:42 - CFU Numbers: The Marketing Trick Companies Use 3:33 - What Happened When I Contacted 56 Brands 5:16 - The Testing Standards Every Probiotic Should Meet 6:55 - Companies That Didn't Make the Cut 8:55 - The Strain Specificity Problem Explained 10:28 - Hidden Contamination Risks in Probiotics 12:24 - Final Results & Download the Master List

In this episode, Donny discusses the branding of various political figures and events, focusing on Donald Trump's declining approval ratings and the implications of economic issues like inflation and layoffs. The conversation also touches on the political shift in Miami with the election of a Democratic mayor, cultural trends reflected in Google searches, and the empowerment of women in the workforce. The episode concludes with a look at notable figures in entertainment and the significance of Pantone's color choice for the upcoming year. Takeaways: Trump's failure to address affordability is a major mistake. Miami's political landscape is shifting with new leadership. Economic concerns like layoffs are at an all-time high. Gen Z's approval of Trump has drastically declined. Silver prices have surged, indicating economic shifts. Bob Dylan continues to tour despite his age. Women are increasingly becoming the primary earners in families. Pantone's color of the year reflects societal needs for tranquility. Cultural trends are shaping public interest and search behaviors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2026 Content Predictions (Backed by Data)And What High-Earning Brands Are Doing to Adjust NOWThis episode? Buckle up because this isn't just a content pivot. This is a consumer revolution. Founder-led brands with clear positioning, proof-packed content, and an actual system are the only ones still scaling right now.That's not my opinion. That's what the data says.Here's the brutal truth:The old way of doing content?Gone. Buried. Over.In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly what's changing in 2026 and why your content and marketing plan have to evolve if you want to stay in the game.This isn't a content shift. It's an entire internet and industry shift. And if you're still playing like it's 2024 or 2025?You're gonna get left behind or become extinct.We're covering:

The Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the FIFA World Cup are all happening in 2026 — and they're not just sporting events. They're cultural events powered by identity, influence, community, and the underrepresented audiences shaping modern fandom. The brands that win next year won't be the ones with the biggest budgets — they'll be the ones with the deepest cultural understanding and the strongest consumer trust. In this episode of Frictionless Growth Marketing, Sonia Thompson — inclusive growth and customer experience strategist — sits down with Cesar Martinez, Chief Commercial Officer at Sonoro, the largest multicultural podcast network in the world. Together, they break down: • Why major 2026 cultural moments (Super Bowl, Olympics, World Cup) require a new marketing playbook• The identity-led communities driving modern sports fandom — and why they're essential for brand growth• How to connect meaningfully with Latino, Gen Z, and multicultural audiences (without pandering or stereotypes)• Why cultural competency is now a growth strategy, not a “nice to have”• The risks of getting it wrong — and the long-term benefits of getting it right• How brands of ANY size can show up in culture (even without a big-game budget) If your brand wants to grow in 2026 and beyond, this episode will show you exactly how to remove friction, build trust, and create marketing that resonates in moments that matter. Because the brands that understand and participate in culture will win next year and beyond. Work with Sonia Unlock sustainable, frictionless growth in your business: Friction Finder™ Growth Audit — Identify the friction points pushing customers away and learn exactly how to fix them - https://www.frictionlessgrowthlab.com/frictionfinder/ Frictionless Growth Roadmapping Session™ — Build a clear, confident plan for sustainable growth with today's customer - https://www.frictionlessgrowthlab.com/roadmapping/ Inclusive Growth Retainer — Partner with Sonia to optimize your customer journey, marketing, and experience for long-term growth - https://www.frictionlessgrowthlab.com/retainer Links from the episode: Sonoro - https://sonoromedia.com/ Cesar Martinez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesar-martinez-1b34376/

In today's episode, I'm sharing the powerful insights I walked away with after spending last week inside a mastermind surrounded by entrepreneurs playing at an incredibly high level. The conversations, behind-the-scenes access, and the way these leaders think completely expanded my perspective on brand, content, team, and what it really takes to grow. If you're ready to think bigger and approach your business with renewed clarity and focus, this episode will spark something for you.

Natalia Chappell is the founder of Natalia Chappell & Co, a UK-based consultancy helping luxury and lifestyle brands scale sustainably. Previously, she led marketing for THG's luxury division, working with brands like Coach and Ralph Lauren across price points from hundreds to thousands of pounds.In this episode of DTC Pod, Natalia breaks down what it really takes for US brands to win in the UK—and why so many get it wrong. She shares the full-funnel mistakes she sees premium brands make over and over, why some household US names thrived in Britain while others quietly retreated, and what's actually driving results on Meta right now. She also gets into how to connect with younger consumers who think differently about spending, and why the old playbook of polished content isn't cutting it anymore. Plus, her journey from corporate marketing leader to female founder, and what she wishes more people understood about building a business as a woman.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Lessons from high-growth UK e-commerce brands 2. Creating sustainable, holistic marketing strategies3. Using data and analytics to drive channel mix decisions4. Optimizing for paid and organic synergy5. Landing page and website audit best practices6. UGC, influencer, and creator partnership frameworks7. Onboarding and managing creators for conversion and brand fit8. Navigating UK logistics, customs, and local expectations9. How to adapt brand voice and content for UK consumer10. UK cultural moments and how to plan campaigns around them11. Success stories (Drunk Elephant, Ralph Lauren, Coach) and why some US brands flop12. Digital-first approaches to brand building13. Upcoming trends—partnership ads, authentic content, and Gen Z consumers14. Supporting and growing as a female founder in e-commerceTimestamps00:00 Introduction to DTC POD and episode with Natalia Chappell01:18 Natalia's background: fashion, digital marketing, luxury brand experience03:26 Lessons learned building luxury and beauty e-commerce teams05:16 Becoming a female founder and launching Natalia Chappell & Co07:22 The type and scale of brands Natalia's agency works with09:07 Optimizing paid-to-organic mix for sustainable growth12:12 Data, analytics, and the importance of first-party data integrity13:33 Why understanding inventory and offer depth matters before scaling ads16:26 Building a marketing flywheel that feeds itself18:50 Audience segmentation, CRM, and conversion optimization20:08 Attribution modeling and keeping data integrations clean22:29 Organic growth: auditing website, SEO, landing pages, and reviews24:03 Content strategy: authentic UGC, influencers, and the UK market26:58 Equipping creators for conversion, not just reach29:25 Structuring affiliate and creator programs, commissioning vs. flat fees33:01 Logistics: Warehousing, customs, and UK delivery expectations36:54 Adapting voice, copy, and calendar to resonate in the UK38:34 Brand case studies: Drunk Elephant, Coach, Ralph Lauren41:09 Why some US brands struggle in the UK (Forever 21, etc.)44:21 Trends to watch: partnership ads, content authenticity, Gen Z targeting47:25 Where to find and connect with Natalia ChappellShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokNatalia Chappell - Founder of Natalia Chappell & Co.Blaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Collab with Artlist and get 2 extra months for free here:https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Jeff Su. He's an ex-Google employee, turned full-time creator and AI educator. Jeff helps solopreneurs and creators turn AI tools into real leverage, not just shortcuts.In this episode, Jeff shares why AI-native creators will outpace everyone in 2026, how to use AI to replace a 10-person content team, and why good prompts are built on systems, not templates. He also breaks down his repurposing workflow, the red team prompt strategy, and why AI won't replace you, but a smarter creator using AI will.Check out Jeff here:https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@JeffSu⁩  https://www.instagram.com/j.sushie/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro1:03 – How Creators Can Use AI as a Tool, Not a Threat2:53 – AI Isn't Replacing You—Bad Creators Are Replaceable4:16 – Why AI Content Won't Kill Human-Made Content5:12 – Using AI at Google vs. as a Creator6:49 – What Are Gemini Gems and How Do They Work?8:09 – ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini: Which AI for What Task?10:41 – Why Most People Should Start with ChatGPT12:03 – AI's Impact on Solo Creators and Business Scaling12:44 – The Smart Way to Create 50+ Podcast Clips a Month14:18 – Sponsored Segment: Artlist15:49 – The Biggest Trap Creators Fall Into with AI18:59 – A Hybrid Approach to AI Video Clipping20:32 – The 3 Levels of AI Fluency: Curious, Literate, Native22:19 – Why You Need to Use Text Expanders for Prompting23:18 – Text Expander Tools: Alfred, Raycast & More25:39 – Getting Better AI Results Starts with Better Prompts26:28 – Why Most People Never Advance with AI Tools28:57 – There's No AI Playbook (Yet)—And Why That Matters32:02 – Winning Skeptics Over to the Power of AI33:21 – Reverse Prompt Engineering Explained35:28 – Building a Prompt Database in Notion37:50 – Organizing Your AI Workflow Like a Pro39:21 – Jeff's Research Process Using ChatGPT & Notion41:25 – What is Red Teaming and How to Use It With AI43:12 – Behind Jeff's YouTube Workflow: From Idea to Upload46:02 – How AI Helps Explain Complex Concepts Clearly47:12 – What to Include in Your ChatGPT Custom Instructions50:02 – Evergreen vs. Limiting Custom Instructions50:58 – Why Custom Instructions Can Hurt More Than Help52:53 – Best Practices for Structuring Effective Prompts54:50 – How Prompting Is Like Excel Shortcuts for AI56:16 – Why You Need Battle-Tested Prompts for Your Workflow1:01:33 – Why Reverse Prompting Saves You Hours1:02:13 – Prompting with Hashtags & XML: Advanced Tips1:04:09 – Using AI to Improve Video Prompts for GenAI Tools1:07:05 – Notion Setup: Jeff's Full YouTube Content System1:10:05 – Using AI to Add Clarity Without Losing Personality1:11:33 – Avoid the “Curse of Knowledge” With AI Assistance1:13:40 – How Custom Instructions Shape AI Tone of Voice1:14:40 – Where Most People Go Wrong With Custom Instructions1:16:36 – How Overly Specific Instructions Pigeonhole AI1:17:46 – Bad vs. Good Examples of Custom Instructions1:19:19 – AI Bias: Why Tools May Overfit to Your Role1:20:06 – Best Custom Instructions for General Use1:26:06 – How AI Boosts Productivity Across Roles1:27:15 – Final Tips for Personalizing AI Assistants1:29:36 – Balancing Efficiency With Authenticity in Content1:32:19 – Post Pod DebriefIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/

I had the incredible opportunity to bring together some of the brightest minds in the creator economy for an evening of candid conversation about where this industry is headed. From ad tech innovations to creator authenticity, we covered the full spectrum of what it takes to turn creator content into scalable, revenue-generating partnerships. Conor McKenna from Luma and Zoe Soon from the IAB kicked things off with a macro view of the space, discussing how fragmented media is creating massive opportunities for technology to step in. We explored why brands are shifting budgets at unprecedented rates, with Unilever committing 50% of marketing spend to creator-related initiatives.The evening featured deep dives into brand integration strategies with Ali Parish from Blue Hour Studios and Jeremy Stewart from VuePlanner, followed by an eye-opening discussion with Arthur Leopolod from Agentio about how AI and automation are revolutionizing creator advertising. Perhaps most compelling was hearing directly from Sydney Jo, the creator behind the viral Group Chat series, and her manager Haley Friedman from Made By All about the reality of building a creator business. From navigating brand negotiations to maintaining creative authenticity, this conversation revealed both the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of digital storytellers._______________________________________________Key Highlights

Audio has a magic all its own. The power to connect deeply, inspire emotion, and build lasting trust. In this week's episode, Jim Stengel sits down with Jenny Nelson, Chief Marketing Officer of Audacy, one of the nation's leading multi-platform audio content and entertainment companies. Founded in 1968 (then known as Entercom Communications Corporation) and rebranded as Audacy, Inc. in 2021, the company grew from a traditional radio broadcaster into one of the U.S.'s leading multi-platform audio content and entertainment companies.With over two decades in the industry, Jenny has become an authority on how sound drives emotion, performance, and brand growth. From her early days at BBDO to her pivotal role guiding Audacy's transformation from a traditional broadcaster to a digital-first audio powerhouse, Jenny shares invaluable lessons on brand storytelling, creativity, and the future of audio marketing.Recorded live at the ANA Masters of Marketing in Orlando and powered by TransUnion, this conversation explores what it truly means to create, and harness, the magic of sound.---Learn more, request a free pass, and register at iab.com/alm (utm: https://www.iab.com/events/annual-leadership-meeting-2026/?utm_source=ad&utm_medium=The+CMO+Podcast) Promo Code for $500 of ticket prices: ALMCMOPOD26---This week's episode is brought to you by Deloitte, TransUnion and the IAB.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From a buttery Bojangles biscuit to a classic cold bottle of Cheerwine — these brands do not just sell a product, they sell the “South.” Through commercials, slogans and stories, we're diving into the world of Southern brands and how they shape identity, nostalgia, and market the region to itself and all around the world.

If you're using AI to chase shortcuts or avoiding it altogether, you're already behind. In this episode of the Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast, Rory and AJ Vaden pull back the curtain on how they're integrating AI into the core operations of Brand Builders Group—not with hype, but with hard-won, real-world systems that are actually working right now. After years of testing and building, they've developed a practical approach to AI that helps them scale without sacrificing the human strategy that makes their brand magnetic. This isn't about chasing shiny objects—it's about leveraging intelligent tools to build a high-trust, high-impact business that runs without burning you out. If you're tired of trading time for money and want to build a business that grows with or without you, this conversation is your next step. Inside this episode: Why most entrepreneurs mistake growth for scale—and stay stuck because of it The two-audience framework that allows you to serve your clients and your team with AI Why BBG ditched generic tools to build a proprietary bot suite The most powerful, practical use-cases of AI Rory and AJ are using today How AJ is cutting hiring time in half while improving quality across the board Time-saving strategies they're applying both at home and in business Why most AI strategies fail—and what to do differently If you want to scale smart and stay relevant, this episode is a must.   DOWNLOAD OUR FREE AUDIOBOOK: wealthyandwellknown.com/audiobook

Hiyo's founders turned a personal wake-up call into one of the fastest-growing adult non-alcoholic beverage brands in the country. Built on sharp strategy, standout design, and disciplined execution, Hiyo is now scaling nationally — including a newly inked Live Nation partnership placing the brand in major venues across the U.S.  In this episode, we sit down with Hiyo's three co-founders, Evan Quinn, Cygne Cooper and George Youmans, who discuss how this SoCal-born "social tonic" is redefining moderation, unlocking category whitespace, and proving that thoughtful focus can outpace flashy niche plays. Show notes: 0:25: Evan Quinn, Cygne Cooper & George Youmans, Co-Founders, Hiyo – Evan and George reflect on how simultaneous family crises related to alcohol prompted them to cut back on drinking and inspired them to create Hiyo. Cygne discusses how she crafted the SoCal-inspired brand identity and sunset-themed packaging. George notes that Hiyo was initially a DTC brand and grew carefully into retail once operations were strong and consumer demand was clear. Cygne talks about how Hiyo's booth at Expo West 2024 created an energetic, immersive experience before the founders explain how merchandising strategy varies by retailer, with Hiyo fitting either near alcohol or within functional beverage sets. George talks about Hiyo's national partnership with Live Nation, requiring tight coordination across design, production, logistics, and on-premise education. Brands in this episode: Hiyo, Liquid Death

What is UGC - Full Breakdown https://youtu.be/vDWzpP1OdIQGet my FREE Guide to go from 0 to $3k/mo as a UGC Creator - https://ugcmasteryacademy.com/opt-in-guideIf you want to see if me and my team can help you get to $5k-$15k/month as a UGC creator book a call here - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/mmugcmastery?setter=Youtube

Closing the Gap Between Customer Expectation and Customer Experience  Shep interviews Peter Cross, customer behavior expert, keynote speaker, and author of  Start with the Customer: How to Deliver World-Class Customer Service. He talks about the importance of company culture in delivering amazing experiences and how to close the gap between customer expectations and their lived experiences.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    How can brands empower employees to deliver exceptional customer experiences?  What are the most common changes in customer expectations in recent years?  How does technology, such as automation and AI, impact customer service delivery?  How can organizations make customers feel valued, even when their requests can't always be fulfilled?  What role should leadership play in promoting a culture of excellent customer service?  Top Takeaways:    Technology may be advancing quickly, but customer needs have stayed the same. Customers still want trust, transparency, inspiration, expertise, and genuine human connection. While new technology like AI and digital experiences can make customer service easier, it's important not to lose sight of what customers truly expect from you.   Modern customers compare every experience they have to the best companies, not just  direct competitors. Brands need to aim for world-class service, no matter the industry, in order to thrive.  Customers are not always right. They sometimes have unrealistic expectations or behave poorly. Regardless, even though employees shouldn't have to deal with unreasonable requests, they should always make customers feel valued and listened to.  Customers come with expectations, whether they say it or not. When there is a gap between what customers hope for and what actually happens, problems can occur. The goal is to always listen to what the customers need and aim to close the gap with every interaction.   Brands don't need to go over the top to close the expectation gap. All brands need to do is what they promised their customers. When customers say, "they are always friendly, always helpful, always knowledgeable," the word "always" in front of all those expectations describes where amazement happens.  Customer service is cultural. It's a team effort. Every person in the organization, from the leadership to the newly hired employees, is responsible for delivering an amazing customer experience.   Customers are willing to pay more for service that is friendly and, more importantly, convenient. Making it easy and pleasant to do business with you should always be a top priority. Convenience and friendliness are more than just nice. They are what keeps customers coming back.  Plus, Shep and Peter discuss more insights from new research by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS) and Start with the Customer. Tune in!  Quote:   "How meeting customer needs may have changed because of technology, but the needs themselves haven't changed at all. They still want to be inspired. They want trust, transparency, and connection."  About:    Peter Cross is a customer behavior expert, consultant, speaker, and the co-author of Start with the Customer: How to Deliver World-Class Customer Service. He is Vice President at the Institute of Customer Service, an Ambassador for the Retail Trust, and a Leader in Residence at the University of Leeds.   Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Emma sits down with Mike O'Donnell, SVP Innovation and Business Transformation at Flywheel, to break down the real impact of AI-powered search on consumer behavior and brand strategy. Mike shares why consumers are embracing generative tools like Amazon's Rufus, how brands can adapt their content and measurement strategies for the new world of AI search, and what mass personalization means for the future of commerce. The conversation covers why consistent product data matters more than ever, how clean rooms and AI are unlocking audience-led advertising, and what Flywheel is building to help brands move from channel-based thinking to true return on consumer. Packed with practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the evolving commerce landscape.Read the white paper, "From powerless to proactive: How brands can own the AI search revolution" here.

What really happens behind the scenes of one of America's FASTEST growing brands?In today's vlog, you'll see it all — the real work behind building Johnny Slicks, our team culture, the chaos of filming days, and even a first look at the NeurovaLabs VR headset designed to increase blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and help repair TBI/PTSD symptoms.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how LGBTQ+ streaming platform Revry has been able to gain traction in a crowded, highly competitive streaming TV universe; what advertisers misunderstand about marketing to the queer community; and some examples of when queer representation in media hit the nail on the head—and when it missed the mark. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with analysts Paola Flores-Marquez and Emmy Liederman, and Revry CEO and Co-Founder Damian Pelliccione. Listen everywhere, and watch on YouTube and Spotify.   To learn more about our research and get access to PRO+ go to EMARKETER.com   Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/ For sponsorship opportunities contact us: advertising@emarketer.com For more information visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com    For a transcript of this episode click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-behind-numbers-better-understanding-lgbtq-media-content-and-brands-queer-audiences-revry   © 2025 EMARKETER   Campaigns take flight with Viasat Ads. Unlock access to over 250 million passengers annually across leading global airlines, with high-engagement ad formats and real-time delivery. Viasat Ads provides access to a verified audience in a captive environment, so your message reaches passengers when they are ready to engage. Join their journey with Viasat Ads.

Shopify went dark on Cyber Monday. Amazon glitched and wiped deal badges across Black Friday and Cyber Week. Sellers relying on one platform got crushed. But diversified brands kept growing because TikTok, Shopify, Amazon, and email all picked up the slack.Factories across China and Vietnam are now slowing down early ahead of Lunar New Year, which means your Q2 inventory window is already shrinking. TikTok Shop continues its retail takeover, and AI is rewriting the rules for product discovery, listing visibility, and who gets recommended.In today's Week in Review, you'll hear what actually happened inside Shopify and Amazon during the meltdown, how operators protected their revenue, what you must do before January hits, and why 2026 will reward brands who diversify and think like CEOs, not dabblers.✅ Do not wait on inventory. China and Vietnam are already winding down for Lunar New Year. If you don't finalize orders soon, your production moves into April or May.✅ Shopify crashed and Amazon glitched deals. Operators with omnichannel setups absorbed the hit. Single-channel sellers got wrecked.✅ Maximize profits in December instead of scaling losers. Double down on your highest-converting SKUs, best reviews, and fastest shipping.✅ TikTok to Amazon is the new performance pipeline. UGC targeting Amazon searches drove major lifts last week.✅ AI is the new e-commerce gatekeeper. AI agents are scraping, rewriting, and interpreting your listings. Machine-friendly listings now determine visibility.

What separates a successful snack from the pack? Storytelling can be effective and important to sustaining a brand. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Jason Liebig, Brand History Expert, Television Host Jason is a noted brand historian, consultant, television personality and speaker, known for his deep knowledge of consumer brands and behavior. In demand for his unique perspective and captivating storytelling, he's often referred to as "The Indiana Jones of Brands" due to his extensive archive and collection of vintage brand packaging, numbering at over 100,000 pieces.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Would you ever walk away from a "dream job" to start over from scratch? And if you've spent years building a career inside big brands, does it ever feel like it might be too late to launch your own agency? Most people talk about leaving their corporate job to chase something bigger. Very few actually do it, and even fewer jump without a parachute. Today's featured guest is one of those rare ones. After nearly two decades leading social, content, and influencer teams for household brands, he walked away from his so called dream job to start his own shop without any safety net. Today, he calls himself a brand guy who happens to own an agency. Eric Gray is the owner of Maverick Content Studio, a twelve person, social-first agency for Fortune 500 brands. After a long and successful career in corporate, where he spent eighteen years building high performing social and content teams for companies like Universal Parks & Resorts, Eric realized he did not want the future he saw in front of him. He left Universal with two months of savings and zero clients. His story is a blueprint for leaders wondering whether to leave corporate and build something of their own Today his team works with brands like Advent Health, Winn-Dixie, and Travel + Leisure, helping them build audience, loyalty, and relevance through social-first content. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why target Fortune 500 brands? Why most agencies fail at building their own brand. Leaning on the power of personal brands. The hardest challenge of growing a young agency. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Walking Away from the Corporate Dream Job At age forty-one, Eric had success on paper but a growing dissatisfaction in real life. He was leading big teams, holding a prestigious role, and doing work others envied. But he felt stuck inside a corporate machine that limited purpose and impact. Although he's thankful for the time he spent in that world, he didn't believe he was living his full purpose inside an organization with lots of bureaucracy. With the support of his family and his pastor, Eric decided he didn't want to get to his later years wishing he had taken more risks and took the jump to find out what could happen if he bet on himself. Leaving was messy, scary, and absolutely not the playbook move. No freelancing ramp up. No contracted clients. It was no tidy transition. Yet he trusted that his experience and network would open the next chapter. Looking back, it did. Why Target Fortune 500 Brands? Most new agency founders start small. Eric went in the opposite direction. He targeted enterprise brands from day one because that is where his expertise lived. He had already built the blueprint inside Universal Parks & Resorts and believed he could help other brands treat social as more than an afterthought. Eric knew many enterprise brands still underinvest in social. They focus on one big campaign or hero asset while ignoring the loyalty and connection that is built through consistent storytelling. His agency's entire model revolves around what he calls the connection strategy. It is the belief that brands win when they create emotional relevance around the stories customers already care about. Furthermore, large brands have large scopes, which also means you do not need forty clients. You just need the right five. That became a core advantage as they started growing. Building the Early Client List Through Relationships Eric did not cold call or blast DMs. He leaned into what he had spent years building. A strong network with strong relationships. Most of their early clients came from people who had worked with Eric before, or from friends of those people inside other major brands. Big companies talk to each other more than you think. This doesn't mean it was easy for them. They still have a lot of work to do to break through. But if you invest in your network before you need it, it becomes your biggest shortcut when you step into entrepreneurship. Why Most Agencies Fail at Building Their Own Brand But Eric points out that almost no agencies truly build their own brand. They hide behind their walls and hope referrals save them. Others talk about themselves, focusing mainly on their people, process, and portfolio. Meanwhile they tell clients to produce consistent content, invest in story, and build an audience. When Eric launched Maverick, he refused to be another guy who leaves a corporate job and posts the generic LinkedIn announcement. He started building his personal brand alongside the agency's brand from day one, and worked with his wife to make his agency look and feel much larger than its actual humble beginnings from their home offce. Perception matters if you want to enter rooms above your weight class. The Power of a Personal Brand Eric leaned into his background in sports radio and launched the Radical Content podcast. Within a few months he secured major guests like the former CMO of Chick-fil-A, the head of digital for NASCAR, and leaders from Crocs and other major brands. Those interviews became relationships. Those relationships became visibility. And that visibility opened doors for the agency. The agency's channels became secondary to Eric's personal channels. Not because the company brand did not matter, but because personal brand builds trust faster than corporate messaging. Systems, Volume, and Practicing What You Preach Eric put serious resources into his content system. It started rough, with a single producer who did not fully work out. But it evolved into an eight person content ecosystem producing weekly episodes, daily clips, statics, and text posts. He treats his own brand as the test kitchen for the strategies they deploy for clients. When you do that, the content feels authentic and the results are real. For him, if you stay in the background and don't talk about who you are and what you do, you're losing valuable opportunities to build your audience. You should be the guinea pig for everything you sell. The Hardest Challenge of Growing a Young Agency Two types of struggles hit new founders: agency struggles and the first time entrepreneur struggles. On the agency side, Eric is unrelenting on talent. He will not hire someone just because they have experience. Their standards are high, which means the search takes longer. Orlando is growing but not a major market for high level social and content talent. They once received nine hundred applicants for a creative director role. On the founder side, the hardest challenge is mental. Building a company that feeds twelve families is a heavy responsibility. The expectations you have for where you think you should be often do not match where you actually are. That gap can mess with your head. Eric uses a list of personal non negotiables to stay mentally sharp: hard morning workouts, time with faith, reading goals daily, taking short breaks during the day, reviewing priorities, and going to bed on time. The last one is the hardest for him. But like most discipline problems, skipping the basics is usually what leads to feeling off. Why Agency Entrepreneurship Requires a Long Game Mindset For Eric, entrepreneurship is staring the hard thing in the face and moving forward anyway, which is where his non-negotiables come in. For his part, Jason has always treated entrepreneurship as a game. Sometimes you do everything right and still get hit with a bad roll of the dice. The goal is not perfection. It is persistence. The memories you keep are rarely the easy seasons. They are the nights you and your team fought through the hard stuff. For this reason, his advice for agency owners is to have fun along the way. Don't wait until your kids are grown or your agency is sold to live. Make the journey the part you enjoy. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

The 2026 Blueprint for Growing Your Clothing Brand (What Actually Works Now)Make Designs (with discount)

"Send me a text"In this episode, you'll discover why Q5 marketing is actually the best time to acquire new supplement customers all year. Learn how to leverage 20-30% lower ad costs, capitalize on the "New Year, New Me" mindset before it peaks, and turn holiday browsers into committed subscribers while your competition sleeps.We break down the exact psychology shifts that happen after Christmas, the messaging pivots you need to make, and the three-layer campaign structure that turns Q5 into your most profitable acquisition period. Plus, the seven deadly mistakes supplement brands make that cost them thousands in easy revenue. Time to play the fifth quarter.If you're interested in working with me and my team to improve your supplement business. You can learn more at my website https://creativethirst.com Click here to grab your copy of the Health Supplement Ad Swipe Guide. Discover what really works in funnel marketing Need help increasing sales on your own? Click here Stuck at $1 - $5M in revenue? Click Here Case Study on how Creative Thirst added over $200,000 for one supplement brand

This week, we look at copycat brands.Even though they walk a razor's edge legally, copycat brands seem to pop up all over the world.You may like Walmart here, but there's a Wumart in China.You may like North Face apparel, but did you know there was a South Butt brand?And, we'll tell the story of a copycat cookie that overtook the original to become the best-selling cookie in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From tennis rackets to Beyoncé, Microsoft to Apple…brand legends David Aaker and Marcus Collins have seen it all, and they're here to close out our series with a masterclass on brand-led leadership.In the final episode of this season of The Brand Builder's Playbook, hosts Jim Stengel and Ryan Barker reflect on the journey through our previous seven episodes before welcoming two of the biggest voices in marketing: David Aaker, often called the “Father of Modern Branding,” and Marcus Collins, award-winning marketer, author, and cultural expert. Together they dig into what it takes to get true buy-in for brand inside organizations, the traps of short-termism, and why culture, conviction, and clear differentiation are the ultimate energizers for growthFrom the evolution of brand equity to the five B's framework, from the lessons of Steve Jobs to the rise of cultural resonance, this finale ties the whole playbook together, offering both inspiration and practical tools for brand builders at every level.Closing thought: great brands don't just sell, they lead. And the smartest leaders put brand at the center of every decision.th David Aaker and Marcus Collins—If you've enjoyed this series, please share it with your team, your friends, or anyone passionate about building brands. Join in the conversation below…tell us what you've learned and what you'd love to hear in Season 2!—Download this week's worksheet: https://bit.ly/4qDgxKGRead about upcoming episode topics and guests here: https://bera.ai/podcast/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nosh Live is buzzing — but did Mike snag that selfie with Khloé? On location in Marina Del Rey, the hosts sip on Erewhon's spicy bone-broth hot chocolate, unpack two landmark lawsuits, and dream of their next visit to 7-Eleven (yes, really). They also serve up hot takes on everything from tempeh chips and plant-based cookie dough to "cultured" drinks and cheese crisps. Show notes: 0:25: Runway Ruckus. Excited About Events. Bones & Chocolate. S.F. & Costco File Suit. Eggs, Tempeh & Dough. – Travel mishaps hit Mike once again, but everyone's amped for the L.A. events. Ray sips on Spindrift's yuzu mandarin sparkling water before John shares cups of Erewhon's bone-broth hot chocolate and Jacqui munches on one of Unite's globally inspired protein bars. The conversation shifts to industry news, including San Francisco's lawsuit against makers of ultra-processed foods, Costco's legal effort to recoup tariffs, and Hershey's limited-edition Dubai chocolate bar. Ray heralds the U.S. arrival of 7-Eleven's viral egg salad sandwiches and John shares samples of Mamame's tempeh chips, Doughy's plant-based cookie dough, kombucha from Costa Rica, and cheese crisps.  Brands in this episode: Khloud, Fly By Jing, Spindrift, Fond Regenerative, UNiTE, Mr. Goodbar, Kewpie, Mamame, Doughy, Kombucha Culture, Sonoma Creamery

On the Glossy Podcast, senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi and international reporter Zofia Zwieglinska break down some of the biggest fashion news of the week. This week, we're talking about the CFDA banning the use of fur in shows on its official New York Fashion Week calendar, following similar decisions by fashion weeks in London, Copenhagen and Berlin. We also discuss the U.K. banning ads from brands like Nike, Superdry and Lacoste over misleading sustainability claims. Lastly, we discuss the Prada-Versace deal, which officially closed this week, just a day before creative director Dario Vitale departed the company. Vitale served as Versace's creative director for only nine months. Later in the episode, Zofia is joined by Leanne Elliott Young, CEO of the Institute of Digital Fashion, to discuss the growing use of digital passports in the fashion industry. Digital product passports, or DPPs, embed product data into a scannable code that lets both retailers and customers track an item's provenance. The idea is to make authentication easier and keep a record of the chain of possession of an item, particularly a luxury item, over the course of its life. The E.U. recently passed a regulation requiring all products sold starting in 2027 to have a DPP, forcing brands to start thinking about implementing this feature. The Institute of Digital Fashion is consulting with brands to help prepare for that rollout.

Richard Shotton is a behavioral science expert, author, and consultant specializing in applying psychological research to marketing and consumer behavior. He is best known for his bestselling books "The Choice Factory" and "The Illusion of Choice", which reveal how insights from behavioral science can influence decision-making and brand success. With over two decades of experience in advertising, Shotton works with leading companies to apply evidence-based strategies that drive real-world results. He is also a sought-after speaker, known for making behavioral science practical, engaging, and actionable.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Who benefits from this conversation and book overview(00:44) – Behavioral science applied to business and marketing(01:28) – Psychology principles also shaping personal brands(02:45) – Focus vs variety: the goal dilution effect(03:52) – Study showing multiple benefits reduce credibility(05:27) – Why people trust specialists over generalists(07:06) – Restaurant and brand examples proving focus wins(07:54) – Five Guys story: simplicity and specialization(09:46) – How focus improves both product and perception(10:39) – Exceptions like Amazon and Google's success(12:14) – Why AI brands should emphasize specialization(17:13) – Applying focus and credibility to personal branding(18:55) – The Pratfall Effect: admitting flaws builds trust(21:30) – Using weaknesses to strengthen authenticity(24:11) – Price perception: high cost implies high quality(26:22) – Smart ways to admit flaws and gain believability(27:27) – Case studies: Avis, Buckley's, and embracing flaws(31:07) – Kraft's hidden reformulation and expectation bias(35:31) – Eco-friendly bias and performance expectations(38:40) – The Zeigarnik Effect: memory from incomplete tasks(43:26) – KFC secrecy and Coca-Cola mystery as engagement tools(45:28) – Illusion of effort: visible work increases perceived value(49:20) – Transparency in design: Dyson, kitchens, and websites(54:27) – Behavioral biases as flexible tools for persuasion(57:01) – Testing ideas ethically through observation(1:02:43) – Liquid Death and breaking conventions to stand out(1:07:04) – Repetition and the mere exposure effect(1:10:40) – False consensus: marketers aren't their audience(1:12:18) – Main takeaway: remove barriers, make it easyLearn more about RichardAstroten - Richard's CompanyAmazon Book Link - Hacking the Human MindChoice FactoryWatch full episodes on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@seankim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/heyseankim

Foodservice operators are embracing fresh, innovative marketing strategies that are essential for staying relevant and successful in today's consumer landscape.This week, Nick Portillo sits down with Kate Finley, Founder of Belle Communication, to uncover the wide-ranging opportunities for financial growth in the foodservice industry. Kate shares how strategic storytelling and authentic brand communication can set companies apart in an increasingly crowded market. She shares insights from her extensive experience helping food brands build genuine connections with their audiences and explains why transparency and trust matter more than ever.Listen as Nick and Kate explore the rapid evolution of marketing in the rise of digital platforms.RESOURCESPortillo SalesBelle CommunicationsCONTACT Nick: nick.portillo@portillosales.com

In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives deep into one of the most fundamental marketing shifts of our time — the emergence of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). As AI-powered discovery tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, Reddit Answers, TikTok Search, and more evolve, traditional SEO strategies are no longer enough. Ross unpacks how marketers need to rethink content creation, distribution, and visibility across platforms, focusing not just on ranking, but on being cited, trusted, and remembered. Whether you're an SEO pro, a content marketer, or someone navigating the changing digital landscape, this episode offers a powerful perspective on where discovery is heading and how you can position your brand for success. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. The Shift from Traditional SEO to GEO - The discovery journey is changing — not all search begins (or ends) on Google. - GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is not just about keywords and backlinks, but about engaging with AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, You.com, Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, and more. - Terminology wars (AISEO, AEO, GEO) are less important than understanding the strategic implications of the shift. 2. Where AI Discovery is Happening - AI overviews and LLMs (large language models) pull data from varied sources, not just webpages — Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, and UGC are key. - Clicking is becoming less important as AI agents deliver answers before users even leave the platform. 3. YouTube's Role in GEO - YouTube isn't just social media — it's the second-biggest search engine and a major citation source for LLMs. - Talking head videos, product comparisons, and keyword-aligned titles matter more than ever. - A poor YouTube strategy (short, shallow clips) means your audience never finds you. 4. Listicles, PR, and Affiliate Strategy in the AI Age - AI often weighs citations based on list ranking — being #8 consistently limits visibility. - Your affiliate and digital PR strategies must now consider how high you appear on listicles that AI sources from. - Move beyond backlinks to placements, citations, and brand mentions across high-impact domains. 5. Tailoring Content for Audience-Specific Queries - LLMs recognize nuances: “best for beginners” vs. “best for enterprise” matters. - Brands should create multiple landing pages tailored to different personas (as long as it's high quality and not duplicated). 6. The Difference Between SEO and GEO - GEO includes SEO, but it's broader — it encompasses TikTok search, Instagram Reels, Reddit, and any platform with discovery. - GEO is about visibility in AI-powered interfaces, not just search rankings. 7. The Predictive Future of Discovery - Personalized AI results are here: Google's AI Overviews may use Gmail, Calendar, Chrome history to shape responses. - The future consumer journey might completely bypass websites and search engines. Resources & Tools:

It's time to drop Ep. 47 of the Between 2 Brands #podcast with Bill Petrie. This week Bill shares his thoughts on the potential end of social listening brought on by AI bots. After that, he's joined by Lisa Bibb, the Executive Director of both GAPPP and VAPPA where they discuss her journey in the promotional products industry as well as have a robust chat about the regional association community. Plus, we can't have Lisa on without taking a deep dive into the (in)famous Promotional Products Professionals page on Facebook. You really don't want to miss this one! HUGE thanks to our pals over at SHEPENCO for sponsoring this fine broadcast. For 90 years – and four generations of family ownership – they have defined stability by caring about the success of their distributor partners. Head over to shepenco.com to start your next project today!

Fashioncast® Episode #56, November 21, 2025 Tracey Panek, Historian at Levi Strauss & Co., Iconic American Fashion Brands (Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary, Part 1) In this episode, listeners are introduced to Tracey Panek, Historian and Archivist at Levi Strauss & Co., as Fashioncast commences its tribute to renowned American fashion brands. Since 2014, Tracey has served as an authoritative source on all matters related to Levi's. With both undergraduate and graduate degrees in history, coupled with extensive experience as an archivist and historian for major corporations, Panek currently holds one of the most sought-after positions in the fashion industry.Panek's dedication to her profession is evident as she recounts Levi Strauss's immigration from Germany to New York in 1853, where he established a dry goods store before relocating to San Francisco to further the business during America's Gold Rush era. This narrative highlights a journey marked by resilience and ambition amidst the challenges of a rapidly growing nation. Levi Strauss & Co., both as a business and a distinguished fashion brand, represents the essence of Americana. To showcase and preserve its history, Levi's is among the select companies in the United States to operate a substantial public museum, “The Vault,” located at its San Francisco headquarters. The company also maintains an extensive private archive containing thousands of items related to Levi's. Both the museum and archive are regularly utilized by Levi's designers as sources of inspiration and guidance for design. Listening to Panek systematically outline the extensive history of Levi's is informative. The discussion covers significant milestones such as the introduction of the pocket rivet patent in 1873, the brand's emergence into casual fashion through Vogue, its cultural influence during the 1960s, and subsequent international growth driven by World War II and the Vietnam War. Furthermore, ongoing innovation is an integral aspect of Levi's corporate identity and has contributed to the company's continued success over its 172-year history. We invite you to enjoy this first episode as we kick off our celebration of America's 250th anniversary by honoring Levi Strauss & Co., recognized as one of the nation's most distinguished and iconic fashion brands throughout its history. https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyepanek/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTkLUPTtL2Y Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Franchise Marketing Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Angela Olea and Liberty Bernal, they are the powerhouse leadership team behind Sweet Influencers, the first AI-powered influencer marketing platform built by franchisors, for franchisors. Angela, a visionary founder in senior care and franchising, previously built Assisted Living Locators into a national brand and continues […]

Abir Syed is an accountant turned marketer turned chief financial officer. He says ecommerce marketing success largely depends on creative volume, and few merchants have exhausted any channel, much less Meta.Abir is co-founder of UpCounting, an accounting and fractional CFO firm in Montréal, Canada. In this episode, he shares common financial mistakes of merchants, key metrics to monitor, and, yes, how to grow ecommerce ad revenue on Meta.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/cfo-brands-rarely-max-out-meta-adsFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com 

Sponsored By: → Cornbread Hemp | For an exclusive offer go to cornbreadhemp.com/drg and use promo code DRG and take advantage of holiday BOGO savings and enjoy free shipping on orders over $45!  → Puori | Go to puori.com/drg and use code DRG and save 32% on your first subscription order. If it's not your first, then get 20% off site wide. The code works on already discounted subscriptions. Get My Brand Masterlist ⁠https://drchristiangonzalez.com/best-brands-form-2-2/ Episode Description You trust the electrolyte label that says "clean hydration" and "pure minerals." But a shocking new investigation reveals most brands can't prove it. Dr. Christian Gonzalez reached out to 33 of the biggest electrolyte companies—including Liquid I.V., LMNT, Ultima, Nuun, and Trace Minerals—with one simple request: show proof your minerals are tested for heavy metals, PFAS, mold, and contaminants through Certificates of Analysis (COAs). The results? Twenty-five brands disappeared, dodged questions, or flat-out refused to respond. Only EIGHT companies could stand behind their claims with real data. This isn't about being picky—it's about protecting your cellular function, nervous system, and hormonal balance from daily toxic exposure. When you consume contaminated electrolytes multiple times a day, you're compounding exposure to chemicals that disrupt every electrical signal in your body, from mood regulation to heartbeat. The hidden contaminants lurking in popular electrolyte powders: • PFAS (Forever Chemicals) linked to hormonal imbalance, thyroid disruption, and immune dysfunction • Heavy metals including arsenic, lead, and cadmium that accumulate in tissues and impair detoxification • Mold and bacterial contamination from compromised mineral sourcing and manufacturing • Synthetic fillers like artificial sweeteners, colors, and flow agents that burden your liver • Toxic packaging that makes the container itself part of the contamination problem In this episode, Dr. Christian Gonzalez exposes the 2025 Electrolyte Purity Audit and reveals: • The full list of 33 brands tested—and which ones refused to respond or failed safety standards • The ONLY 8 electrolyte brands that passed with transparency, clean COAs, and verified testing • Why major names like Liquid I.V., Ultima, Nuun, Dr. Berg, and Thorne couldn't (or wouldn't) provide proof • The marketing manipulation behind "clean hydration" and "pure mineral" claims • How to identify truly clean electrolytes and protect yourself from daily mineral contamination • The cellular damage, hormonal disruption, and nervous system dysfunction caused by chronic electrolyte toxin exposure This episode goes beyond hydration—it's about understanding that electrolytes control your body's cellular electricity. It's about taking back control of what you put in your body every single day, and demanding transparency from an industry built on marketing hype, not real science. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:34 - The Truth About Electrolytes & Nervous System Health 4:22 - What We Asked Every Company (Testing Criteria) 5:56 - Companies That Failed Transparency Standards 8:27 - How Sodium & Potassium Balance Affects Hydration 9:36 - Why Food-Based Formulas Need Heavy Metal Testing 10:43 - The Role of Magnesium in 300+ Body Functions 11:50 - High Sodium Without Potassium: The Cortisol Connection 12:58 - Why Whole Food Ingredients Absorb Heavy Metals 14:55 - How TMG Supports Your Methylation Cycle 16:07 - Potassium's Role in Preventing Anxiety & Heart Palpitations 16:52 - Fulvic & Humic Minerals: Ancient Soil vs Salt-Based 18:05 - Final Results: Only 8 Brands Passed Full Testing

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In this episode the conversation explores the concept of branding in various contexts, including politics, consumer behavior, and cultural impact. The discussion highlights significant events and trends, such as holiday shopping statistics, celebrity news, and unique political campaigns. The episode also touches on societal expectations regarding adulthood and concludes with a heartwarming story of kindness in the community. Takeaways Political branding can lead to controversies and conflicts of interest. Consumer behavior is shifting towards necessities over discretionary spending. Holiday shopping trends indicate a record-breaking season despite economic disparities. Celebrity actions can have significant cultural impacts, as seen with Jimmy Cliff and Sabrina Carpenter. Unique political campaigns can emerge from unexpected figures, like the ShamWow pitchman. Art and historical artifacts can fetch millions, reflecting cultural value and economic trends. Understanding adulthood is evolving, with new studies suggesting maturity comes later than previously thought. Online content designed to provoke outrage is a growing concern in media. Acts of kindness, like the mom on the plane, can inspire community spirit and positivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Ross McKay, second-time founder, brand architect, and the mind behind Cadence, the $2 sports drink built like a luxury brand.Ross previously built Daring Foods into a nine-figure company, and now he's moving faster, smarter, and with way more edge. In this episode, he shares how to build a brand that people brag about, why speed beats capital, and what it really takes to scale from startup to shelves in Target, Walmart, and GNC.We get into why most founders focus on the wrong metrics, how to stand out in crowded categories, and why Ross thinks distribution doesn't matter, velocity does. You'll also hear how he hires, how he sets boundaries, and why the secret to Cadence's success is obsession-level execution.Check out Ross here:https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@RossMackay1⁩  https://www.instagram.com/rossmackay/https://www.instagram.com/cadence/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro1:14 – What Ross Is Doing Differently This Time2:50 – The Power of Saying No3:54 – Raising $150M and Losing Control4:37 – How He Kept Control at Cadence6:40 – Why He Only Raises From People He Likes7:28 – Branding That Breaks Through the Noise11:00 – Brand or Product: What Comes First?12:20 – 600 Runners Showed Up for Day One14:04 – Personal Brand Kickstart14:29 – How Ross & George Launched With $240K16:42 – Beverage vs Powder: Why They Went Hard Mode18:57 – The Exact Moment They Knew It Was Working21:11 – The Secret to Getting Repeat Customers22:53 – How Cadence Became a Fridge Trophy26:13 – Making Money at $2.50 a Can27:54 – Competing With Gatorade (Not Hipster Brands)28:44 – Why Store Count Is a Vanity Metric30:28 – Ross's Speed Strategy for Beating Big Brands31:37 – Can You Stay Fast While Scaling?34:03 – His First Hires & Who He Looks For35:32 – Where His Relentless Drive Comes From37:43 – Building a Billion-Dollar Brand With Boundaries41:06 – Never Too High, Never Too Low41:56 – How Cadence Is Built to Scale Fast44:30 – The Real Game Behind Shelf Placement46:04 – What Happens When You Flop in Retail47:52 – Using Sales Data to Break Into Big Stores50:05 – His Pitch to Take Over Retail51:49 – Why Cadence Isn't Just a Trendy Brand52:30 – Going Head-to-Head With Beverage Giants54:01 – How He Gets Retailers to Say Yes55:16 – Outselling 50 Brands at GNC56:22 – Why Every Retailer Gets a Unique Offer58:55 – The $2 Luxury Philosophy1:01:55 – What Your Fridge Says About You1:03:29 – How Ross Obsesses Over the Consumer1:07:20 – Why Cadence Doesn't White Label Anything1:08:43 – This Can Is Their Best Marketing Tool1:13:28 – The Truth About Distribution Obsession1:15:51 – The Only KPI That Matters in Retail1:17:57 – You'll Never Beat Big Brands on Capital1:21:41 – How He Makes Million-Dollar Decisions Fast1:23:52 – Speed vs Scale: Keeping the Culture Intact1:26:29 – How He Handles Pressure in High Stakes1:28:24 – Why Ross Is Gunning for a Billion in Revenue1:30:08 – Leading When Everything's on Fire1:32:03 – Real Talk for Founders Building from Scratch1:33:06 – Post Pod DebriefIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/

Your funnel isn't broken, but your nerve is. “Best practices” are just average practices with better PR. If every headline, homepage, and hot take sounds the same… what's the one bold move that makes you unforgettable?In this episode, Udi Ledergor, Chief Evangelist at Gong and author of Courageous Marketing, torches the safe playbook and helps us build a braver one: a sharp, differentiated POV that slices through “sea of sameness” B2B. We get brutally practical on how to stop shipping beige content, why the CEO (not marketing) owns the brand, and how psychological safety unlocks the kind of creative risks that actually move pipeline. We also cover:Why “best practices” guarantee mediocrity and how to replace them with courageous bets.How to punch above your weight at tentpole events without buying the $500K booth.The 3-part brand promise test (and how most orgs break it in customer support).How to interview your CEO and Sales for risk tolerance before you take the job.Using AI to kill drudgery, not taste so your POV stays unmistakably human.

You Can Follow Alexandra here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsalexandrapage/X: https://www.x.com/@itsalexndrapage/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsalexandrapage/Alexandra's Freebie for Creators: https://link.vayda.studio/luxeugckitAlexandra's Template Bundle for Creators: https://link.vayda.studio/luxeugcbundleMeet my student, Alexandra. What actually moves the needle when it comes to landing UGC deals How to build a portfolio that truly reflects your value Why negotiation and follow-up are non-negotiable The mindset required to treat your creator work like a real business.Ready to start pitching like Alexandra? Learn more about the Pitching to Brands Master Course here: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/ When she first enrolled in our Pitching to Brands Master Course, she had only 174 followers ... but everything changed once she learned how to confidently pitch and position herself as a UGC creator. In today's episode, Alexandra shares how she went from feeling unsure and “not ready” to landing paid brand deals and building a thriving UGC business while living abroad. She opens up about the mindset shifts that helped her take action, what it was like to pitch with a small audience, and how the strategies she learned inside the course completely transformed her approach to brand collaborations.We dive into: If you've ever thought you need thousands of followers to work with brands, Alexandra's story proves otherwise. Whether you're brand new to UGC or looking to grow your paid partnerships, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable advice, and proof that you can start right where you are.SAVE $500 using code: STUDENT::::Sidewalker Daily is your go-to resource for Creators and Influencers who want to land paid brand deals, make money doing what they love, and build a successful business with the right tools and strategies.

In this conversation, John Tran talks about joining Vita Coco to help evolve their sustainability and social impact programs at the same time that were becoming a publicly traded company and going through the rigorous B Corp Certification process. He shared how they shifted their impact efforts from a collection of passion projects to a more coordinated and comprehensive ESG framework focused on protecting natural Resources, building thriving communities, and championing health & wellness. John then detailed some impact programs, like their ambitious goal of distributing and planting 10 million seedlings and trees globally! This conversation also covers the health benefits of coconut water, some big challenges in the coconut industry, and the importance of collaborating with local organizations to maximize impact in farming communities. John wraps up by sharing that a better world is one in which everyone is thriving, economically, socially, and beyond.Takeaways:Vita Coco became B Corp Certified and a publicly-traded, Public Benefit Corporation in 2021.Vita Coco's ESG framework focused on protecting natural Resources, building thriving communities, and championing health & wellness.Coconut water has 3.5X the electrolyte of common sports drinks.Aging trees have lower yields, which makes it harder to keep up with demand and reduces farmer income. Over a million seedlings have been distributed, with a goal of 10 million seedlings by 2030.The Vita Coco Community Foundation was founded to make sure that everyone in the coconut industry is thriving.Collaboration with local organizations is crucial for their impact programs.They partner with indigenous communities to train farmers in regenerative agriculture practices.Sound bites:“As brands come online with B Corp certification, it really gives us some kind of litmus to understand where we stand within the sustainability and social governance spaces.”“When you have many passionate people who are driving their passion projects, there isn't always a clear framework in terms of what we're driving towards.”“I very much see myself as kind of an accelerator to be able to support a lot of the projects that are existing within the organization.”“Coconut farming communities are just so inherent to our business, right? They are the heart of our business. And without them, there's really no VitaCoco.”“We want to create more economic empowerment within farming communities and more upward mobility by way of our impact programs.”“The great thing about coconut water is natural hydration. It has three and a half times the electrolytes of more common sports drinks.”“Finding what you're good at and what you're passionate about is really one of the keys to success of this role in any kind of role you'll have within sustainability.”Links:John Tran on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tran-07047715/Vita Coco - https://vitacoco.com/Vita Coco on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vita-coco-company/Vita Coco on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VitaCocoUS/Vita Coco on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vitacocoVita Coco on X - https://x.com/vitacocoVita Coco on SnapChat - https://www.snapchat.com/@vitacocoVita Coco on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@vitacoco?…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you think about brands that have truly reshaped an entire category, few have done it as quickly or as effectively as Chipotle Mexican Grill, a brand that turned fast food into fast casual, and purpose into a powerful growth engine.Jim's guest this week is Chris Brandt, the President and Chief Brand Officer of Chipotle and one of the most respected marketers in the industry. Since joining the company in 2018, Chris has helped transform Chipotle into a purpose-driven lifestyle brand; making it more visible, relevant, and culturally resonant than ever before. Under his leadership, Chipotle has doubled in size, launched some of the industry's most creative campaigns, and become one of the most admired brands in the world.Before joining Chipotle, Chris built his marketing foundation at three of the great brand academies--General Mills, Coca-Cola, and Yum! Brands--where he helped launch legendary platforms like Taco Bell's “Live Más” and Doritos Locos Tacos. Today, he brings that same mix of creative courage, data-driven insight, and cultural intuition to Chipotle, where purpose and performance go hand in hand.Tune in for a conversation with a Chief Brand Officer who truly loves his job!---Recorded live at the ANA Masters of Marketing in Orlando, powered by TransUnion. Here we go.---Learn more, request a free pass, and register at iab.com/alm (utm: https://www.iab.com/events/annual-leadership-meeting-2026/?utm_source=ad&utm_medium=The+CMO+Podcast) Promo Code for $500 of ticket prices: ALMCMOPOD26---This week's episode is brought to you by Deloitte, TransUnion and the IAB.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most car care brands do not want you watching this. Today I'm breaking down the real truth about how detailing products are made, how private labeling works, and why so many brands rely on marketing instead of real chemistry. I've been behind the scenes for years—fulfilling products, private labeling, working with manufacturers, and now developing my own formulas with a chemist. I've seen how this industry really operates, and very few people talk about it honestly. In this episode, I cover: • The truth about private label products • Why most brands don't make their own formulas • How easy it is to white-label average or poor products • Why packaging often sells more than actual chemistry • The real margins and how they drive decisions • Why many influencers recommend certain products • How detailing products are actually made behind the scenes • What cheap formulas skip and why performance suffers • How my own development process works • Why I'm trying to build Jimbo's Detailing differently I also share what goes into products like Picture Perfect Polish, The Super Soaper, Gloss Boss, and more—how they're tested, developed, and refined. Building products the right way is slower and harder, and it takes time to show people the difference. But this episode explains exactly why I'm doing it this way. If you want honest, transparent insight into the detailing world, this podcast will be valuable. Products mentioned: The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-super-soaper Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/picture-perfect-polish Gloss Boss Ceramic Coating: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-gloss-boss Tough As Shell: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/hard-as-shell-ceramic-spray Complete Cabin Cleaner: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/complete-cabin-cleaner Jimbo's Detailing on Amazon: https://amzn.to/43bHBWC

The Critical Role of Emotional Branding with Jean-Pierre Lacroix - Discover the Think Blink Manifesto. In this episode of Brands on Brands, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president of SLD Global Branding and Design Agency, discusses the importance of emotional branding and the impact of split-second connections. Jean Pierre delves into the concept of defining emotional equity, the significance of empathy in branding, and strategies to build deep emotional connections with audiences. He also introduces his latest book, 'The Think Blink Manifesto,' which provides a roadmap for brands to foster lasting emotional connections. 01:04 Understanding Emotional Branding  03:37 Strategies for Building Emotional Connections 05:23 Creating Empathy and Eliminating Friction 15:54 The Importance of Visual Memories 22:47 Building Your Brand Through Personal Stories  32:52 Future-Proofing Your Brand  35:25 The Trust Ladder: Steps to Building Credibility 40:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is the Brands On Brands Podcast with Brandon Birkmeyer www.brandsonbrands.com Don't forget to get your own personal branding scorecard at: https://www.brandsonbrands.com/scorecard CONNECT WITH ME Connect with me on social media: https://www.brandsonbrands.com/mylinks READ MY BOOK - FRONT & CENTER LEADERSHIP I launched a new book and author website. Check it out here. https://www.brandonbirkmeyer.com/fcl CHECK OUT MY COURSES Get tactical trainings and access to one-on-one coaching! https://www.brandsonbrands.com/courses SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER Get the latest news and trends on all things personal branding and the creator economy. https://www.brandsonbrands.com/newsletter

Learn how one of the world's biggest restaurant companies is turning data and AI into a recipe for global innovation. Cameron Davies, Chief Data Officer at Yum! Brands, shares how he's combining strategy, technology, and change management to drive gobal growth. He explains how Yum! is building AI literacy from the top down, reimagining operations with generative AI, and partnering with NVIDIA to scale innovation. Cameron reveals what true data leadership looks like, balancing bold ideas with business impact, and proving transformation starts with people, not technology.Key Moments:Start with the Business Problem, Not the Tech (04:27): Cameron recalls advice from a mentor, “start with the business problem down, not the technology up.” He emphasizes that innovation only matters when it solves real business challenges, reminding data leaders not to get enamored with the “cool” factor of technology at the expense of impact.Balancing Global Scale with Local Agility (07:45): Cameron unpacks the challenge of scaling analytics across 160 countries and four major brands, 98% of which are franchise-owned. He explains how Yum! balances centralization and autonomy, ensuring smaller markets have a voice while global teams leverage shared technology and insights.Building AI Literacy from the Top Down (13:44): Cameron describes Yum!'s investment in digital upskilling, from Harvard-led training for executives to hands-on AI workshops for employees. He outlines how the company is embedding AI tools, like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, into daily workflows to build confidence and accelerate adoption.Digitizing the Restaurant: Byte By Yum! (17:18): Cameron introduces Byte By Yum!, a suite of proprietary software that simplifies restaurant operations. He explains how it unifies e-commerce, point-of-sale, voice AI, and kitchen systems to make running a restaurant easier and more efficient in an increasingly complex digital environment.Partnering with NVIDIA to Power the Future (25:12): Cameron shares how Yum!'s strategic partnership with NVIDIA is fueling next-generation restaurant innovation. He reveals how the collaboration gives Yum! early access to cutting-edge AI engineering and product strategy, extending his team's capabilities with some of the best minds in the field.Key Quotes:“Technology's actually a whole lot easier than people, and the more successful the people are, the harder it is to get them to change.” - Cameron DaviesThe business problem is the business problem. You never have as much data as you want, as fast as you want, as cleanly as you want. People are always people, but the opportunities are always the opportunities.” - Cameron Davies“I think sometimes we get so enamored with the technology… We forget it's all in the service of a business problem.” - Cameron DaviesMentionsByte By Yum!Yum! Brands to accelerate AI innovation in an industry-first collaboration with NVIDIA2025 AI & Data Leadership Executive Benchmark SurveyGuest Bio Cameron Davies currently serves as the Chief Data Officer at Yum! Brands since July 2020. Prior to this role, Cameron held the position of Senior Vice President of Corporate Decision Sciences at NBCUniversal, Inc. from September 2013 to July 2020, overseeing the Corporate Management Sciences and NBCU News Group Insights teams, focusing on advanced analytics and data strategies. Cameron's career at Walt Disney Co. spanned from October 1996 to September 2013, where responsibilities included leading the Walt Disney World Resort Forecast and Planning teams and managing global Yield Management. Cameron established and led the Corporate Center of Excellence in Management Science and Integration, collaborating with Disney executives on analytics initiatives. Earlier in the career, from May 1989 to June 1996, Cameron served as a Professor of Finance and Accounting at Pensacola Christian College, teaching various business courses. Cameron holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing Research and Operations Management from the UWF Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business/Accounting from Pensacola Christian College. Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.

This week, in honor of National Cookie Day, we look at the vocabulary split between British and American English, including the differences between a cookie and a biscuit, and the two meanings of "pudding." Then, we look at anthimeria, the advertising trend of turning one part of speech into another, as in the slogan "Together makes progress."The anthimeria segment was by Ben Yagoda,whose books include "Gobsmacked! The British Invasion of American English" and the novel "Alias O. Henry." His podcast is "The Lives They're Living."

On today's episode we discuss some tips for cold-weather kayak fishing, we take an in-depth look and compare 4 of the biggest names in braided line, and more!

On today's episode, I'm sitting down with fashion creator and former Revolve buyer, Sara Walker—better known online as StyledSara—to trace her journey from Seattle college intern to building one of the most trusted fashion voices on Instagram and TikTok. Sara shares how she broke into the fashion industry without traditional experience, the persistence that landed her a role at Revolve during a hiring freeze, and what being a buyer actually means when it comes to curating trends for millions of shoppers. We get into the early days of StyledSara—from posting OOTDs for 30 days straight and gaining 10K followers overnight to realizing her account was becoming a full-time career. Sara also dives into how to build genuine relationships with brands, the winter trends she's loving, her holiday party styling formulas, and where she recommends saving vs. splurging this season. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow online, break into fashion, or elevate their winter wardrobe. Enjoy!To connect with Sara on Instagram, click HERE.To connect with Sara on Tiktok, click HERE.To connect with Sara on Substack, click HERE. To connect with Siff on Instagram, click HERE.To connect with Siff on Tiktok, click HERE.To learn more about Arrae, click HERE. To check out Siff's LTK, click HERE.To check out Siff's Amazon StoreFront, click HERE. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.It's currently the BON CHARGE Holiday Sale so you can save a massive 25% off. Just head to boncharge.com and your 25% off code will be automatically added to your order. The sale will end on 31st December 2025, so hurry and don't miss this massive change to save big on your favorite BON CHARGE products.If you have been eying the internet famous 12 piece cookware set, now is the perfect time to buy! You can shop Caraway Risk-Free! Enjoy fast, free shipping, easy returns, and a 30-day trial. Plus, if you visit Carawayhome.com/DREAMBIGGER you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase. This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/DREAMBIGGER or use code DREAMBIGGER at checkout. Caraway. Non-Toxic cookware made modern.Give the gift of glow this holiday with our listener discount on OSEA's clean, clinically tested skincare. Just use code DREAMBIGGER for 10% off your first order sitewide at OSEAMalibu.comGet $25 off your first purchase when you go to TheRealReal.com/dreambiggerGo to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy's filter subscription. And look for other Canopy products such as the Canopy Bath and Shower Filter. Even better, use code DREAMBIGGER at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase. Your skin will thank you!Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bringing a hit international food brand to the U.S. sounds glamorous, but behind every success story is a maze of challenges most consumers never see. In this special crossover episode of Taste Radio and the Nombase Podcast, Lucía Conejo-Mir of Ines Rosales and Jennifer Donnellan of Lakrids by Bülow reveal the real work behind breaking into the American market.  From reinventing packaging and pricing to navigating cultural habits, supply-chain surprises, and the art of getting consumers to try something new, their stories are rich with hard-won insights and candid surprises. Show notes: 0:25: Lucía Conejo-Mir, Ines Rosales & Jennifer Donnellan, Lakrids by Bülow – Lucía highlights the origins of Ines Rosales – founded in Spain in 1910 – and how the brand adjusted its approach to marketing, packaging and merchandising for the U.S. market. Jennifer outlines a similar but more modern journey for Lakrids by Bülow, founded in 2007 to elevate Scandinavian licorice. Despite Germany being the company's primary market, unexpected U.S. DTC growth revealed strong demand, but the brand needed to rethink its labels and flavor cues for American consumers. Both Lucia and Jennifer discuss major operational hurdles for selling in the U.S., including strict packaging rules, and a fragmented U.S. market that requires regional strategies and a thoughtful pricing architecture. They concur that patience, persistence, and relationships matter as does adapting without losing authenticity, and treating the U.S. as a complex but rewarding long-term opportunity. Brands in this episode: Ines Rosales, Lakrids by Bülow