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© 2026 Tara Ladd
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The straight-talking branding podcast for leaders who refuse to settle.
Brand and Butter delivers no-BS advice on how psychology, strategy, and design create brands that work. Host Tara Ladd, founder of Your One & Only brand design studio, breaks down the real influence and power of branding – how understanding behaviour and cultural shifts can transform how people see, think, and choose.
Sometimes funny, always honest, never dull. This is the podcast that cuts through industry jargon to talk about what actually makes brands stick.
Tara Ladd is the founder of Your One and Only, who design brands that breathe with culture through psychology, strategy, and design.
93 Episodes
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Attention is cheap BUT trust is expensive. In this episode I'm breaking open the “vibe tax”, which is the hidden cost brands pay when they look great but say nothing. We'll tap into how strategy, positioning and proof now beat a glossy feed every day of the week. I specifically mentioning the danger of design-first branding to the mechanics of systems thinking, by laying out how to build an identity that communicates a clear position and holds up under research. If your visuals aren’t landin...
When markets shake, people don’t chase the lowest price... they chase the lowest risk. That single shift explains why discounts fall flat, why 'more features' can backfire, and why clear, consistent branding wins even in a downturn. We dig into safety bias, show how price sends meaning beyond dollars, and map a path to become the default choice without racing to the bottom. Resources: If you're looking to find your gaps, grab our free Brand Gap Finder here – https://youroneandonly.kit.com/17...
The mood has changed, and so has the way people buy. In this episode I'm discussing why bold claims and glossy certainty are falling flat, and how clarity, proof, and psychological safety now drive trust in a noisy feed and a fragile news cycle. We dig into tone and timing, the cost of silence, and how values and presence signal care without slipping into performative noise. And, I refer back to brand strategy and consumer psychology, to show how audiences carry wider distrust from institutio...
Feeling like this January feels different? That's because it is, and you’re not broken; the map is changing. In this episode we dive into why the fresh start effect piles on pressure, how nervous systems ignore calendar flips, and what to do when motivation is high but readiness is low. I'm sharing my personal context, and how to connect lived realities to how we market, lead and build brands that actually fit the moment. If setting goals feels heavy, this one is for you. PS. If you w...
In this episode I’m talking about the thing most brands are pretending isn’t happening: the world has moved on, and your brand probably hasn’t. We’re standing at the edge of the biggest wealth transfer in history, with trillions shifting from Boomers to Millennials and Gen Z... people who don’t buy on “features and vibes,” they buy on values, receipts and whether they actually trust you. I'm discussing what that means for brand building now: why trust is in recession, why performative anythin...
TW: This episode discusses gender-based violence, femicide, child deaths, and systemic failures surrounding these issues. A map of red hearts shouldn’t have to exist, yet Sherele Moody has spent a decade making sure every woman and child lost to violence in Australia is named, counted, and remembered. In this episode I sit down with Sherele to unpack what it takes to build a living memorial that families can search and trust, how patterns emerge when you track every case, and why “awareness...
In this episode, I'm chatting about something that's been on my mind: why are brands spending more on visibility but becoming more forgettable? I share my thoughts on the psychology behind consumer behaviour and how storytelling makes brands memorable. If you want to know how to connect with your audience in a more genuine way then you'll like this one. Listen to see how you can make your brand more memorable. If you want to know where YOUR brand is failing to register? The Brand Gap Finder ...
In this episode of Brand and Butter, I'm diving into the whirlwind that is Black Friday. Ever wondered why we all get caught up in the frenzy of sales and urgency? Let's chat about the psychology behind it and how this U.S shopping spree has taken over the world. We'll explore the ethical questions brands face and how this day reflects our own buying habits and values. Whether you're a brand guru or just curious about the hype, join me for a laid-back conversation that might just change how y...
In this episode I'm talking about the evolving landscape of brand loyalty. As the world changes, so do the ways consumers connect with brands. I discuss why traditional brand loyalty is fading and how brands can adapt to align with modern consumer values. From the impact of societal shifts to the role of identity in purchasing decisions, discover what it takes to build trust and build genuine connections in today's market. Listen in to learn how to manage this new era of branding and en...
In this episode, I'm discussing the challenges and opportunities faced by neurodivergent founders in the business world. I tap into how societal structures often do not accommodate neurodivergent thinking and how this can impact business operations. I also highlight the importance of using AI to systemise processes, the significance of brand strategy and visual identity, and the necessity of building relationships and community for success. She shares her personal experiences and insights on ...
In this episode I'm breaking down the significance of validation in personal and professional growth, emphasising the need for a solid brand strategy in today's changing landscape. I dive into my personal experiences with motherhood and business challenges, and connecting how these experiences shape identity and influence branding. We also tap into behavioural economics, generational perspectives on change, and the importance of understanding audience consumption patterns. Now more than ever ...
In this episode, Kim James, co-founder of Wedge, discusses the evolution of her startup and the importance of content marketing in today's digital landscape. We chat about the crossover of AI and creativity, the importance of understanding audience personas, and the challenges of start ups and building in public. Kim goes into the need for authenticity in personal branding and the power of networking with like-minded people in order to grow. We also touch on finding balance in work and life, ...
Want to see a brand contract break in real time? We dig into Disney’s 1.7M-subscriber drop and why it wasn’t about content quality – it was about identity. Customers don’t just buy the thing; they buy what the thing says about them. When a brand’s actions clash with that self-image, churn isn’t quiet or rational; it’s fast, loud, and contagious. We trace how today’s low-trust, high-speed media ecosystem punishes inconsistency and rewards coherence. From free speech vs hate speech debates to ...
In this episode, I discuss the common hurdles in brand strategy and why many strategies fail to connect with their intended audience. I touch on the importance of a solid brand foundation, the psychological influences on consumer behaviour, and the need for consistency in branding. I break down what's needed to develop effective brand strategies and highlight the significance of understanding audience needs and emotional drivers. The conversation also covers the importance of measuring brand ...
In this episode, I break down the genius behind Ben & Jerry’s brand strategy, and guess what? It’s not just about ice cream. From a little scoop shop in Vermont to an $8 billion Unilever buyout, they’ve stayed loud, proud, and unapologetically activist. We’re talking about what happens when purpose isn’t just slapped on a values page, but baked into the DNA of the business. The risks, the rewards, the occasional controversy – and why their ability to stand for something bigger than desser...
In this episode I dive into the world of cultural intelligence with Dr. Anastasia Kalkalina-Gabriel, author of "Cultural Intelligence for Marketers: Building an Inclusive Marketing Strategy." Join us as we explore the impact of race, gender, and identity on marketing strategies and the importance of inclusive practices. Discover how cultural literacy can transform marketing campaigns and why it's crucial for brands to engage with diverse audiences authentically. Tune in for a thought-provokin...
Ever wondered why some brands stay stuck in your mind while others disappear the moment you scroll past? The answer is in the psychology of memory itself. In this episode, I dive deep into how our brains actually process information, especially when we're overwhelmed (which, let's face it, is most of the time). Drawing from my experience navigating 37+ hospital stays with my son during his liver transplant journey, I share how these high-stress environments revealed crucial insights about com...
In this episode, I'm talking to something that's been grinding my gears lately – the well-intended but misguided attempts at inclusivity that exclude the very people they aim to include. I'm talking about the disconnect between stated values and actual actions that consumers today will immediately recognise. The conversation about being an inclusive brand starts with acknowledging our biases and blind spots. When we only hear from people like ourselves, we create products and messaging that...
Every business challenging the status quo pays hidden costs that traditional businesses don't face - but this "tax" is actually an investment in market leadership. In this episode, Tara shares her journey from seeing inequities at her old agency to building YO&O as a wellness-focused brand studio, revealing how paying the price for being different created her unique competitive advantage. This episode is perfect for any neurodivergent entrepreneurs, wellness brands, and any business tryi...
In this episode, the discussion is on the relationship between colour psychology and branding. I'm emphasising that colour is not simply an aesthetic choice but a strategic tool that can influence consumer perception and behaviour. We dive right into the cultural and contextual nuances of colour, and highlight the importance of understanding audience psychology and memory encoding in effective brand design. Send us a text Visit https://youroneandonly.com.au/ Follow YO&O on IG https...
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