Meme Team: Marketing, Culture, Narrative

Description: In this episode, Amanda and Sonia dive into the intricacies of marketing, branding, and the impact of scandals on corporate reputation. They discuss the recent astronomer scandal, the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the implications of AI-driven pricing strategies by Delta. The duo also explores the rebranding efforts of Goodreads and Range Rover, offering insights into the importance of maintaining brand legacy while embracing change.Key Topics:The astronomer scandal and its lessons for crisis management.The end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and what it means for late-night TV.Delta's AI pricing strategy and its potential impact on consumer trust.Rebranding efforts by Goodreads and Range Rover: What works and what doesn't.Chapters:00:00 Introduction 02:01 The Astronomer Scandal15:31 The Late Show Cancellation30:01 Delta's AI Pricing Strategies45:01 Rebranding Efforts from Goodreads and Range Rover58:01 Key Takeaways01:05:01 Closing RemarksFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com

In this episode of the Meme Team Podcast, hosts Sonia Baschez and Amanda engage with guest Vincenzo Landino to explore the intersection of marketing, culture, and technology. They discuss a controversial casting call for gentrifiers, YouTube's new monetization policies targeting AI-generated content, and the rise of AI influencers. The conversation shifts to privacy concerns in social media and the evolving landscape of Formula 1, particularly Apple's interest in acquiring broadcasting rights. The episode concludes with insights on the future of live sports streaming and the role of AI in marketing. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of sports consumption, particularly how technology and social media have changed the way fans engage with sports. They explore Apple's strategic moves in sports broadcasting, including their investments in MLS and F1, and how these decisions reflect broader marketing strategies. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of celebrity promotion and the importance of authenticity in media. Ultimately, they highlight the distinction between attention and influence in modern media, emphasizing the need for brands to navigate this complex landscape effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Meme Team Podcast01:02 Banter of the Week: Andrew Cuomo's Casting Call05:24 AI Slop: YouTube's New Monetization Policies11:23 The Rise of AI Influencers18:47 The Future of Digital Identity and AI in Marketing20:36 AI as a Tool for Marketers23:41 The Evolution of Formula 135:41 Apple's Strategic Moves in Sports Broadcasting43:53 Building for Culture Over Numbers45:59 Apple's Strategic Growth in Sports Media47:35 Liberty Media's Marketing Success48:34 The Evolution of Movie Promotional Content54:06 The Role of Influencers in Modern Media01:00:57 Attention vs. Influence in Marketing01:06:27 Authenticity in Celebrity Marketing01:12:22 New ChapterFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.comVincenzo Landino - @vincenzolandino⁩More about Vincenzo and his newsletter: bizofspeed.com

Sonia and Christina break down consumer brand marketing wins and fails across Apple's glass logo rebrand, Nike's LA murals, Sephora's tone-deaf holiday ad with Mariah Carey, the AI wars between Coca-Cola and Barbour's Wallace & Gromit collab, and the Starbucks bear cup chaos. They also dig into Apple TV's quality-over-quantity approach, consumerism culture, and how brands are staking claims on AI vs craft.Nike Dodgers Murals (00:18-01:53)Apple's Glass Logo Rebrand & Apple TV (01:54-11:03)Sephora's Mariah Carey Holiday Ad Backlash (17:18-27:39)Coca-Cola AI vs Barbour Wallace & Gromit (28:34-37:20)Starbucks Bear Cup Disaster & Consumerism (37:21-47:03)Takeaways & Optimism (47:03-54:20)

From The Office's Kevin trapped in a glass box for Ramp to Lionsgate finally embracing fan editors, this episode unpacks the biggest marketing moves of the week. We break down how a B2B fintech company created the most talked-about experiential campaign, dive into Twitter's game-changing link update, and expose a wild Reddit marketing takedown that cost one company 80% of their revenue.Plus: AMC x Netflix's theatrical partnership, Heineken trolling Friend AI, and why one movie is asking fans to shave their heads. Bonus segment: how a viral YouTube video helped launch an innovative ultrasonic knife.Topics covered:Ramp's viral Office-themed marketing stuntTwitter's new in-platform link browsingLionsgate embracing fan editorsReddit marketing investigationAMC & Netflix partnershipProduct marketing innovationFollow us: @memeteampod (YouTube) @memeteampodcast (Spotify & TikTok) memeteampodcast.com#marketing #socialmedia #contentcreation #marketingstrategy #viralmarketing(00:00-00:42) - intro & celebrating 30 episodes(00:42-02:16) - new balance & shohei ohtani marketing(02:16-03:31) - amc & netflix partnership, k-pop demon hunters(04:34-06:13) - bugonia movie head-shaving stunt & heineken's friend ai campaign(06:32-14:25) - deep dive into ramp's office-themed marketing stunt(14:25-15:53) - discussion on positive vs rage marketing(15:53-31:50) - twitter's new in-platform browsing(31:50-35:13) - reddit marketing investigation case study(35:13-end) - ultrasonic knife invention & product marketing

In today's episode, Sonia and guest Christina Garnett break down three major shifts in marketing: Timothée Chalamet's genius guerrilla campaign for indie ping pong movie Marty Supreme, Taylor Swift's variant overload that's testing even die-hard Swifties, and why politicians desperately need to learn how to make TikToks AND go on 3-hour long podcasts.Plus: Netflix drops "Original," Apple TV loses "Plus," and why these streaming giants don't need to flex anymore. Special guest Christina Garnett drops knowledge on weakening fandoms, the problem with stunt marketing, and why your favorite brands might be trying too hard.Key Topics:How Timothée Chalamet is revolutionizing movie marketingTaylor Swift's variant strategy vs fan fatigueWhy politicians need to master 30-sec vertical videosThe death of streaming service flexingWhen fandoms get tired of your BSTech's obsession with rage-bait marketingThe real reason behind all these rebrandsWhy manufactured authenticity winsGuest: Christina Garnett, author of "Transforming Customer Brand Relationships"00:00 Introduction02:51 The Evolution of Streaming Services05:47 Timothée Chalamet's Unique Marketing Approach23:31 The Risk of Attention-Seeking Marketing33:33 The Evolving Role of Politicians in the Digital Age47:37 The Changing Landscape of Fandoms and Brand Loyalty58:44 Christina Garnett's Book Launch and Marketing Insights01:06:18 Takeaways

This week on Meme Team, Sonia and Amanda dive into four big culture-meets-marketing moments:Taylor Swift x KitchenAid? How brands are borrowing her orange aesthetic to drive hype — without her even collabing.OpenAI’s first brand campaign + "agentic commerce." What instant checkout inside ChatGPT means for small businesses, DTC, and the future of discovery.The unicorn that won F1. How a fan’s sticker turned into a viral, feel-good growth story.Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl. Why skipping a U.S. tour but taking the halftime stage is a masterclass in distribution strategy.From fan whimsy to AI-powered shopping carts, this episode is full of smart plays marketers need to watch.

Halloween re-releases, 3-day theater drops, and brand ads masquerading as short films. This week we unpack how "eventfication" is reshaping entertainment and marketing, why most "make it go viral" mandates miss the point, and what Oura's $875M raise (at an $11B valuation) says about wearables — especially for women.We cover:"Sinners" returns for Halloween and why timing + communal cosplay can revive the box office (and awards chatter).Central Perk Times Square: great IP, mid vibes — how theme builds should feel like the show, not a Starbucks.Sabrina Carpenter x The Muppets: playful brand fit, not tired “women-compete” tropes.Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl theater “soiree”: event-based scarcity, cross-platform numerology, and AMC as a release partner.Virality, properly defined (hat tip: Roy Lee/Cluely): it should multiply traction, not substitute product-market fit.Claude vs. Perplexity ads: two creative directions for the same category, and why brand POV matters more than budget.Oura’s mega round: growth vs. usefulness, the smart-ring moat, and the glaring gap in women’s health insights.Takeaway: Build experiences people want to gather for, make content that deserves amplification, and ship products that solve real problems — especially for the customers you claim to serve.

This episode explores how major institutions are adapting their content strategies for new audiences. We start with Robert Redford's passing, discussing how his work with Sundance created a blueprint for using cultural capital to build new communities. This ties into modern marketing innovations like "The Long Walk's" treadmill screenings—where the medium literally becomes the message.Our guest Caitlin Rease (San Antonio Spurs' content creator) breaks down how sports teams are evolving their content game. She shares insights on their viral food art schedule release and the challenges of real-time social content creation—where you've got minutes, sometimes seconds, to capture and share moments.We dig into how traditionally male-dominated spaces like the NBA are finding creative ways to engage female audiences (partially inspired by the Taylor Swift effect in the NFL). Nike's shift from "Just Do It" to "Why Do It?" shows how even iconic brands are rethinking their approach for Gen Z's more purpose-driven mindset.The key theme throughout: Successful modern marketing requires both speed and cultural awareness—whether you're running social for the Spurs or rebranding Nike's 37-year-old slogan. It's about finding authentic ways to connect with new audiences while keeping your core base engaged.Segments:0:00-4:30: Sundance and Streaming: Redford's legacy meets modern movie marketing4:30-7:00: Hot girl walks and treadmill screenings: Gen Z fitness trends7:00-13:30: Emmys recap: timer drama & award show evolution13:30-22:06: Scrubs to tuxedos: Figs' Emmy night innovation with Noah Wyle22:06-30:00: Nike's gen z pivot: from 'just do it' to 'why do it?'30:00-55:16: Behind the viral food art: Spurs' schedule release innovation55:16: TakeawaysGuest: Caitlin Rease, Content Creator for the San Antonio SpursKey Insights:sports teams adapting content for female audiences post-taylor swift effectreal-time social media challenges in sports coveragecross-demographic collaborations in sports marketingimportance of storytelling in social media, especially with 3-second attention spansMarketing Takeaways:calculated risks can unlock new audiencesunexpected collaborations can refresh standard contentknow your base but don't be afraid to expandtiming and cultural relevance matter

Comms pro Cristin Culver joins Meme Team to dissect Austin, TX's universally-dragged logo rollout, Reese Witherspoon’s shallow AI talking points (and how to master the PR art of bridging), and the Builder.ai collapse (aka why your ship-to-yap ratio matters). We also hit Instagram’s long-awaited iPad app, Threads’ watermarking, HBO’s latest rename spree, and Apple’s just-announced iPhone Air — with a through-line on hype vs. product and why social media is now entertainment first.Chapters:00:00: The new logo for Austin, TX; OpenAI's hiring platform; HBO09:30: Reese Witherspoon's missed opportunity to discuss the future of AI and filmmaking18:03: No seriously, THIS is why women should be using AI...23:50: What went wrong at Builder.ai35:30: Humane's outcome38:39: Apple Vision Pro (and their content misses)41:35: Instagram finally gets its own iPad app and here are the specs.45:11: You can pin your own comments on your IG posts!46:42: Threads' clever logo watermark on iPhone app screenshots47:54: Apple's new iPhone Air announcement just dropped.Follow Cristin Culver: https://x.com/CristinCulverFollow Sonia: https://x.com/SoniaBaschezFollow Amanda: https://x.com/amandanatLearn more at memeteampodcast.com.

In this episode of Meme Team, we break down three major marketing moments: Sabrina Carpenter's masterclass in brand authenticity after her album cover controversy, YouTube's game-changing new "Hype" feature for small creators, and Lionsgate's wild treadmill theater experience for "The Long Walk." From handling haters to innovative marketing stunts, we explore how brands and creators are pushing boundaries in 2025.Key moments:00:00 Intro00:10 Lego's Tom Holland campaign04:20 Sabrina Carpenter vs Tommy from Arkansas17:52 YouTube's new Hype feature28:29 The Long Walk's treadmill theater experience

Join Sonia Baschez and "F1 Guy" Vincenzo Landino as they dive into the exciting announcement of Cadillac's entry into the F1 world for the 2026 season. Discover the strategic marketing decisions behind choosing experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, and explore the marketing implications for Cadillac and the broader F1 community. The conversation also touches on the American identity of the new team compared to existing teams like Haas, and the potential for Cadillac to leverage its brand recognition to attract fans and boost sales.Key Points:- Cadillac's official announcement and its impact on the F1 landscape.- The choice of drivers: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.- Marketing strategies and the role of social media in the announcement.- The significance of Cadillac's American branding in F1.- Insights into the future of F1 and Cadillac's long-term plans.00:00 Cadillac's F1 Announcement Overview02:35 Driver Selection and Team Strategy05:08 Marketing and Brand Building07:21 The Role of Sponsorships and Partnerships10:00 American Identity in F112:48 Future Prospects and Community EngagementGuest: Vincenzo LandinoFollow him on Twitter @VincenzoLandino and learn more at bizofspeed.com.Follow Sonia: @soniabaschezFollow Us:YouTube: @memeteampod Spotify: @memeteampodcast

Join hosts Sonia Baschez and Amanda Natividad as we explore the cultural phenomena of Dubai chocolate and Labubu dolls, the impact of GLP-1 drugs on societal expectations, and the unique marketing strategies behind the film Weapons. We also quickly cover Zohran Mamdani's #zcavenger hunt, the viral success of Netflix's K-pop Demon Hunters, Sydney Sweeney's latest controversies, and the failed Cracker Barrel rebrand. 00:00 Introduction to the Meme Team Podcast01:07 Zohran Mamdani's Innovative Politic Campaign03:39 K-Pop and Theatrical Releases07:14 The Resurgence of Movie Theaters13:43 Cracker Barrel's Rebranding Controversy17:33 The Impact of Branding Changes20:50 Gen Z Trends and Cultural Shifts32:15 The Role of GLP-1 Drugs in Weight Management37:22 Authenticity in Celebrity Endorsements40:11 The Contradiction of Perfection vs. Imperfection44:00 The Impact of GLP-1 Drugs on Food and Fitness45:41 Marketing Strategies in Film: The Case of 'Weapons'01:02:59 TakeawaysGuest: Martin O'Leary - Irish tech marketer who accidentally ended up in fintech in DubaiFollow Us:Martin: @MartinolearySonia: @SoniaBaschezAmanda: @AmandaNatPodcast Socials:YouTube: @MemeTeamPodSpotify: @MemeTeamPodcastCall to Action: Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe for more insights into the world of marketing and virality!

In this episode of the Meme Team Podcast, hosts Amanda and Sonia explore the intersection of marketing, culture, and branding. They discuss the recent rebranding of MSNBC, the legacy of Duolingo's social media strategy, and the backlash against AI personalities. The conversation also touches on creative marketing campaigns, the cultural impact of Taylor Swift, and the importance of authenticity in brand engagement. Additionally, they delve into the evolution of Coach, the impact of tariffs on fashion brands, and the role of CEOs as storytellers. The episode concludes with key takeaways that highlight the significance of understanding consumer insights and the balance between data and creativity in marketing.Chapters00:00 Updates: MSNBC and Duolingo05:40 The Backlash Against GPT-5 and AI Personalities11:12 Taylor Swift's Cultural Impact and Monoculture Marketing16:38 The Role of Brands in Participating in Pop Culture22:08 Tariffs and Their Impact on Coach Handbags29:10 The Timeless Appeal of Coach Handbags36:49 Sustainability and the Launch of CoachTopia47:12 The CEO as Chief Storyteller56:15 Key Takeaways and Insights🎧 Subscribe for more takes at the intersection of marketing, culture, and the internet.Follow Us:Sonia: @SoniaBaschez | bendgrowth.co/yaasAmanda: @AmandaNat | amandanat.comPodcast Socials:YouTube: @MemeTeamPodSpotify: @MemeTeamPodcastDon't forget to leave a review and subscribe for more insights into the world of marketing and virality!

In this bonus episode, Amanda and Sonia discuss Taylor Swift's recent appearance on the New Heights podcast, highlighting her marketing genius, personal insights, and the impact of her presence on the podcast landscape. They explore how Swift's approach to announcing new music and engaging with fans sets a new standard for artists, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection in the digital age.Chapters00:00 Taylor Swift's Impact on New Heights Podcast02:09 The Power of Podcasting for Artists04:49 Taylor Swift's Personal Insights and Fan Engagement06:35 The Business of Music and Artist Ownership09:02 Easter Eggs and Fan Relationships09:45 Navigating Fame and Personal Life12:21 The Art of Marketing and Album Rollout16:30 Takeaways🎧 Subscribe for more takes at the intersection of marketing, culture, and the internet.Follow Us:Sonia: @SoniaBaschez | bendgrowth.co/yaasAmanda: @AmandaNat | amandanat.comPodcast Socials:YouTube: @MemeTeamPodSpotify: @MemeTeamPodcastDon't forget to leave a review and subscribe for more insights into the world of marketing and virality!

Taylor Swift Easter eggs, the GPT-5 backlash, and why your website traffic is tanking — we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, Amanda Natividad and Sonia Baschez unpack how over-hyping products can backfire, why even the biggest sites are losing Google traffic, the surprising comeback of DVDs and VHS, and what Instagram’s newest features mean for creators.Topics covered:Swifties crack the code on Travis Kelce’s New Heights guestGPT-5’s big launch (and bigger disappointment)The decline of organic search and rise of “experiences”Nostalgia marketing and the return of physical mediaInstagram’s new repost, maps, and friends features🎧 Subscribe for more takes at the intersection of marketing, culture, and the internet.Follow Us:Sonia: @SoniaBaschez | bendgrowth.co/yaasAmanda: @AmandaNat | amandanat.comPodcast Socials:YouTube: @MemeTeamPodSpotify: @MemeTeamPodcastDon't forget to leave a review and subscribe for more insights into the world of marketing and virality!

Join Amanda, Sonia, and special guest Chi Thukral as they dive into the world of social media marketing and the logic behind viral content. The episode covers the cultural impact of K-pop, the challenges of bot-driven internet traffic, and the nuances of selling exclusivity in today's market.Key Topics:Introduction and Guest Introduction - Start to 5:00K-pop Demon Hunters and Cultural Impact - 5:01 to 20:00Bot-Driven Internet Traffic - 20:01 to 40:00Selling Exclusivity and Brand Allure - 40:01 to 55:00Takeaways and Closing Remarks - 55:01 to EndGuest: Chi Thukral - Social Media StrategistFollow Us:Chi: @ChiThukralSonia: @SoniaBaschezAmanda: @AmandaNatPodcast Socials:YouTube: @MemeTeamPodSpotify: @MemeTeamPodcastCall to Action: Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe for more insights into the world of marketing and virality!

In this episode of the Meme Team podcast, Amanda and Sonia discuss the recent viral marketing strategies used by companies like Astronomer and American Eagle. They dive into the effectiveness of humor in addressing scandals, the implications of cultural sensitivity in marketing, and the evolving landscape of media influenced by AI. Amanda and Sonia discuss various aspects of modern marketing, including how to track success in PR, the shift from sponsored content to organic outreach, and the significance of human skills in an AI-driven world. They also explore nostalgia marketing, the future of movie marketing, and the recent split of Warner Brothers and Discovery. Chapters:00:00 Intro + Astronomer's Temporary Spokesperson05:05 Controversy in Advertising: Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle15:00 Navigating Cultural Sensitivity in Marketing23:00 The Impact of AI on Media and Marketing Strategies31:31 Tracking Success in PR and Marketing39:35 AI Skills and the Changing Landscape of Marketing Roles46:02 Nostalgia Marketing: Reviving the Past for Modern Audiences52:19 The Future of Movie Marketing and Re-Releases01:00:21 Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com

From political campaigns to fast food fashion, we're breaking down the most interesting marketing moves of 2025. Watch as we analyze how brands are winning (and failing) at authentic engagement, including:• How a politician's candid street interactions beat staged PR • Why Oasis turned Manchester's trams into viral marketing gold • McDonald's clever fusion of western wear and fast food • Nike's surprising move to Substack • How Penguin Books' tweet hit 1B views • The Buffalo Wild Wings vs. Gmail showdownPlus: real talk about why manufactured authenticity is dead, why meeting your audience where they are matters more than ever, and how brands are finding success by taking creative risks in 2025.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Meme Team Podcast01:11 Exploring Viral Marketing Stories02:32 Authenticity in Political Campaigns06:54 Engaging Younger Audiences with Content09:28 Oasis Tour and Hometown Marketing13:32 McDonald's Creative Campaigns20:05 Nike's Move to Substack20:12 Nike's New Publication on Substack25:46 The Power of Viral Marketing and Memes31:41 Engaging with Humor: The Buffalo Wild Wings Example38:04 New ChapterFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com

From F1's innovative approach to female fans to Superman's viral marketing success, we're breaking down how major brands are actually listening to their audiences in 2025. Join Sonia Baschez and guest Christina Garnett as they analyze the wins (and fails) in fan engagement across sports and entertainment.Key topics:• How F1 is revolutionizing female fan engagement• Superman's masterclass in social media marketing• Star Wars: when fan service goes right (and wrong)• The power of authentic fan collaborationChapters00:00 Introduction to Virality and Brand Partnerships01:40 Expanding to New Audiences in F113:31 Superman Marketing Strategies and Fan Engagement18:44 Meme Culture in Movie Marketing21:48 Dystopian Reflections and Cultural Relevance23:20 The Impact of Internet Culture on Film Marketing25:53 Innovative Strategies in Movie Promotion27:55 Fan Culture and Casting Decisions31:19 Navigating Fan Expectations and Criticism in Star Wars37:57 The Importance of Storytelling in Media43:36 Direct-to-Fan Culture and Brand Engagement56:17 Christina's New BookFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.comChristina Garnett - @thatchristinagPre-order Christina's book: amazon.com/dp/1398621323

In this episode of the Meme Team Podcast, hosts Sonia Baschez and Amanda Natividad discuss innovative marketing strategies, focusing on the digital campaigning of Zohran Mamdani, the integration of product placements in films, and the rise of forensic fandom in audience engagement. They explore how brands can creatively connect with their audiences through unique outreach methods, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and cultural authenticity in marketing efforts.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Meme Team00:29 Lego Collaborations: X-Files and F101:15 Innovations in Agriculture: Dyson’s Strawberry Production02:12 Zoran Mamdani’s Campaign Strategy12:48 Apple’s F1 Movie Promotion and Product Placement21:01 Digital Marketing Innovations23:42 The Rise of Forensic Fandom37:02 Delve's Doormat drove $500K in Pipeline44:13: Key Takeaways... Starting with Mamdani's Political Marketing50:24 IP and Fandom: Engaging Hardcore Fans52:09 Creative Marketing: Fun and Whimsy in B2B54:07 Amplifying Marketing Efforts: Taking InitiativeFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com