Ad-venturous

That weird, cozy week between Christmas and New Year’s isn’t just for leftovers and movie marathons; it’s one of the most overlooked opportunities in marketing.In this episode, Avery breaks down what “Q5” really is, why CPMs drop while audiences scroll endlessly, and how smart brands use this window to squeeze in extra revenue before year-end. From verticals that thrive (wellness, fitness, CPG) to creative angles that actually work (“Santa didn’t get you what you wanted?”), this is your guide to turning holiday downtime into serious results.#Ecommerce #MarketingPodcast #DigitalMarketing #DTC #Q5 #MediaBuying #AdCreative #HolidayMarketing #BrandStrategy00:00 – Introduction: What “Q5” Actually Is and Why It Matters04:00 – Who Wins in Q5: The Verticals That Thrive06:00 – Why “New Year, New You” Is Dead (and What To Say Instead)09:00 – How To Nail CPG & Wellness Subscription Strategy17:00 – Q5 Offer Strategy: Turning Downtime Into Revenue21:00 – Winning Angles: Bad Gifts, Holiday Stress, and “Treat Yourself”25:00 – What Not To Do: Avoiding the Holiday HangoverWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

Gifting isn’t just a holiday afterthought. It’s one of Q4’s biggest growth levers. In this episode, Avery breaks down how to build a real gifting strategy that goes beyond discounts and flash sales.Learn how to: 🎁 Map your customer’s gifting journey 💡 Connect emotional reactions to your product’s key USPs 📈 Build a creative range that actually converts 🛍️ Optimize post-click experiences for high-intent shoppersIf your ads are only focused on “the sale,” you’re missing one of the most powerful opportunities of the season.#AdventurousPodcast #DTCMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #Q4Strategy #GiftingStrategy #AdCreative #MetaAds #PerformanceMarketing #MarketingPodcast #EcommercePodcast #DigitalMarketing #PaidSocial #MarketingTips #ItsGivingGifting #Q4Marketing #AdStrategy #BrandBuilding #CreativeStrategy #DTCBrands00:00 – Introduction: Why Gifting Deserves Its Own Strategy04:00 – Mapping the Gifting Journey (Who’s Buying and Why)10:00 – Turning Product USPs Into Thoughtful Gift Moments15:00 – Building Gifting Creative That Converts20:00 – Post-Click: Landing Pages and Checkout That Simplify Gifting25:00 – Stop Making Gift Guides — Do This InsteadWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

Big Milk is back. 🥛In this episode, Avery breaks down how challenger brands can stand out when they’re up against legacy giants. Using Oatly’s cheeky, copy-driven approach as a case study, she explores what it really takes to differentiate, from breaking category conventions and rethinking PDPs to using humor and design as your secret weapons.If you’re fighting for attention in a space dominated by the “big guys,” this episode’s for you.#DTC #MarketingPodcast #Adventurous #BrandStrategy #CreativeStrategy #Ecommerce #PerformanceMarketing #Advertising #DigitalMarketing #BrandBuilding #ChallengerBrands #AdCreative #MediaBuying #CRO #LandingPageOptimization #Oatly #CreativeTesting #ContentStrategy #MarketingTips #MarketingEducation #DTCMarketing00:00 – Introduction: Why going up against legacy brands matters02:30 – Oatly vs. Dairy Milk: Playful disruption done right05:00 – Humor + Copy: Your most powerful differentiators10:30 – Design and packaging as competitive advantage13:00 – Landing pages that turn curiosity into customers20:00 – Above-the-fold testing and CTA tweaks that drive results31:00 – Pilothouse’s Warp Drive: Testing at scale37:00 – Avery’s Q4 advice + final takeawaysWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

No one trusts you. Yet.In a world where anyone can start a brand, trust is your biggest advantage, and social proof is how you earn it.In this episode, Avery breaks down how to use reviews, comments, and community interaction to make your ads more believable, your customers more confident, and your brand more human.From reputation building to leveraging social proof across every stage of the funnel, this episode is your roadmap to making people actually believe you.Trust isn’t bought. It’s built.#AdventurousPodcast #DTC #SocialProof #BrandTrust #EcommerceMarketing #DigitalAdvertising #AdStrategy #CreativeTesting #MarketingTips00:00 — Introduction and Why No One Trusts You (Yet)02:45 — How DTC Changed Trust Forever05:00 — You’re Not a Person, You’re a Brand10:00 — Building Social Proof That Converts20:00 — Turning Comments Into Conversions26:00 — Trust Isn’t Bought. It’s Built.Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

We’re in the thick of Q4.AKA, the most chaotic, high-stakes, and exciting time of the year for ecommerce brands. In this episode, Avery breaks down the best practices for crafting sale ads that actually work during peak season.From keeping your offer simple to balancing scrappy and polished creative, staying prepared for last-minute pivots, and nailing your post-click experience, this episode is your quick-hit checklist for ads that convert.Breathe, simplify, and make it sell.#Q4Marketing #EcommerceTips #AdCreative #BlackFridayAds #CyberMonday #DTCTips #MarketingPodcast #PerformanceMarketing #CreativeStrategy #MetaAds #DigitalAdvertising #BrandGrowth #AdventurousPodcast #PilotHouse #AveryValerio #SaleStrategy #Q4Sales #MarketingBestPractices #AdOptimization #EcommerceMarketing0:00 — Introduction2:00 — Keep It Simple: The Power of Clear Offers7:00 — Build a Full Creative Range (Scrappy to Polished)11:00 — Be Prepared: Ads for Every Scenario14:00 — Don’t Forget Post-Click Strategy18:00 — Slow Down, Analyze, and Enjoy Q4Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

There’s a fine line between standing out and turning people off. In this episode, Avery unpacks the difference between differentiation and alienation—and why brands that mistake one for the other risk losing relevance fast.From Refy’s “Iconic Never Gets Old” campaign to the downfall of try-hard “pick-me” branding, Avery explores how intention, optimism, and care separate the brands that build connection from the ones that repel it.#MarketingPodcast #BrandStrategy #CreativeMarketing #Differentiation #BrandBuilding #AdventurousPod #DTCPodcast #MarketingTrends #BrandIdentity #ContentStrategy #Advertising #RefiBeauty #AveryValerio #EcommerceMarketing #MarketingInsights #CulturalBranding #BrandVoice #MarketingCommunity #SocialMediaStrategy #CreativeStrategy00:00 — Introduction: Differentiation vs. Alienation - The Fine Line Every Brand Walks02:00 — Pumpkin Spice, Pick-Me Energy, and the Problem With “Relatable” Brands06:00 — Refy’s “Iconic Never Gets Old” Campaign Breakdown07:00 — Why Aging (and Evolving) Is the Ultimate Brand Advantage19:00 — How to Stand Out Without Turning People Off28:00 — Differentiation Is Hope; Alienation Is FearWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

Winning ads start with strong angles. In this episode, Aves Valerio breaks down her “Try-Angle Method” for developing ad angles that connect across personas, platforms, and funnel stages. From spotting the difference between features and benefits, to avoiding the trap of “just vibes” creative, you’ll learn how to build angles that scale and keep working long-term.#AdventurousPodcast #MarketingAngles #DTCMarketing #AdStrategy #CreativeStrategy #DigitalMarketing #AdCreative #MediaBuying #GrowthMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #ContentStrategy #MarketingTips #BrandStrategy #Advertising0:00 — Introduction2:00 — Why vibes and aesthetics alone won’t scale your brand5:00 — Back to strategy: personas, segmentation, and angle psychology9:00 — Features vs. benefits: the foundation of strong angles21:00 — Introducing the Try-Angle Method (upside-down triangle framework)26:00 — Middle-funnel angles: creating curiosity and avoiding insider lingo34:00 — Testing angles the right way (and why most brands waste them)Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

What’s holding so many founders and marketers back? Fear of being “cringe.”In this episode of Ad-venturous, Aves breaks down why cringe culture is killing creativity, how authenticity fuels community, and why your next stage of growth might be waiting on the other side of Cringe Mountain.You’ll hear:Why “trying too hard” is actually a superpower.How founder-led content drives brand scale.The mindset shifts that help you post, build, and sell without fear.#Adventurous #Podcast #MarketingPodcast #DTC #DirectToConsumer #BrandBuilding #CringeCulture #Authenticity #FounderLed #ContentStrategy #CommunityBuilding #MarketingMindset #CreativeStrategy #FearlessBrands #ScaleWithAuthenticity0:00 – Introduction3:00 – Effort Over Talent10:00 – Redefining Cringe22:00 – Authenticity That Scales28:00 – Breaking Through Cringe MountainWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

Want to stop creating ads in chaos and start building content that actually scales? In this episode of Ad-venturous, Aves shares her proven creative workflow system, including the monthly ads planner she uses with high-scale brands at Pilothouse.You’ll learn how to:Run monthly lookbacks to uncover winning (and “spicy”) adsTurn unorganized ideas into testable conceptsBalance high-volume output with strategic creative diversityBuild a repeatable system that fuels both short-term wins and long-term growthPlus, Aves walks through her daily and monthly planning tools, why creative is a “muscle” you can train, and how to make sure your content never drifts from strategy.#CreativeWorkflow #AdCreative #MarketingStrategy #ContentPlanning #CreativeProcess #WorkflowHacks #DTCPodcast #PerformanceMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #AdOptimization #MediaBuying #MarketingGrowth #ProductivityTips #CreativeTools #MarketingWorkflow #ContentStrategy #AdsThatScale0:00 Introduction2:00 Why monthly creative analysis beats week-to-week thinking5:00 Creativity as a muscle: building consistency through reps10:00 Inside the Monthly Ads Planner: planning, brainstorming, and lookbacks13:00 Top ads, bottom ads, and “spicy ads” — how to learn from all three22:00 From idea overload to execution: killing your darlings & prioritizing30:00 Postmortems that turn chaos into clarity for future campaignsWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

Here’s how to win Q4 without burning out your ad budget. Aves breaks down why creative diversity beats raw volume on Meta and walks through the exact workflows to keep your top of funnel fresh and converting.You’ll learn:The Hook Lab method to test 3–5 second openings the right wayWhat to do when costs are low but conversions lagHow to flip statics into video and video into statics that actually sellSmart ways to align post-click with pre-click for faster winsWhen to push engagement pieces to organic and when to iterate for performanceQuick checks for Amazon storefronts and A+ content before shipping cutoffsBuild a diverse creative engine, lower fatigue, and scale with confidence.Want hands-on help for Q4? Visit pilothouse.co and mention Ad-venturous.#adcreative #dtcmarketing #q4strategy #creativediversity #metamarketing #media buying #digitalads #ecommercemarketing #adcreativeinspiration #adstrategy #brandgrowth #adtesting #socialads #facebookads #tiktokads #ugccontent #creativeiteration #marketingpodcast #onlinemarketing #directtoconsumer00:00 – Introduction: Why creative diversity beats volume this Q405:00 – Hook Lab: testing 3–5 second openings15:00 – Scenario playbook: high cost, low conv., high engagement32:00 – Static ↔ Video swaps that scale42:00 – Daily workflow for building creative diversityWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

AI isn’t going anywhere, but does it really have a place in creative work? In this episode of Ad-venturous, we break down the buzzy conversation around “taste” in marketing and why it might be the wrong skill to obsess over.Using Julia Child and Anna Wintour as case studies, we explore the difference between taste (personal, subjective, and often a privilege) and discernment (the ability to judge and make the right calls for your brand). From Liquid Death’s scrappy AI campaigns to Diptyque’s artistry-driven ethos, we’ll look at how brands can, and should, decide when generative AI makes sense.If you’re wondering how to navigate AI without losing your brand’s soul, this one’s for you.#AI #GenerativeAI #AIMarketing #DigitalMarketing #AdTech #MarTech #CreativeStrategy #BrandStrategy #ContentMarketing #Advertising #MarketingPodcast #TasteVsDiscernment #BrandBuilding #DTCMarketing #CreativeLeadership #MarketingTrends #PodcastEpisode #NewPodcast #BusinessPodcast00:00 – Intro: AI, Taste, and Why This Conversation Matters03:00 – The Polarized AI Debate: Missing the Nuance05:00 – Taste as Privilege vs. Luxury07:00 – Why AI Will Never Have Taste10:00 – Julia Child: Learning Taste Through Experience18:00 – Anna Wintour: Discernment Over Taste29:00 – Liquid Death vs. Diptyque: When AI Works and When It Doesn’tWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

When it comes to ads, sound is more than background noise; it’s a performance driver. In this episode of Ad-venturous, Aves breaks down how audio choices shape attention, emotion, and conversions. From stronger voiceover scripts to smart use of trending sounds and even ASMR, discover how to make your ads not just look good, but sound unforgettable.#AdventurousPod #DTCMarketing #AdCreative #AudioMarketing #VoiceoverTips #TrendingSounds #MarketingStrategy #PerformanceMarketing #CreativeStrategy #SoundMatters00:00 Introduction – Why sound matters in ads03:00 From Silent Scrolls to Sound-On – How TikTok and Reels changed consumer behavior06:00 Voiceovers That Convert – Strong scripts vs. lazy hooks09:00 Stop Using “Stop Scrolling” Hooks – Why overused intros fail11:00 The Language Gap – Speaking your customers’ language14:00 What Seinfeld Can Teach Marketers – Shared culture and belonging18:00 Trending Sounds & Expiration Dates – Fun, fast, but short-lived27:00 ASMR & Product Sound Design – When sensory audio sellsWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

Labor Day isn’t just another sale. It’s the launchpad into your biggest promo season. In this episode, Aves breaks down a creative checklist to make sure your content actually drives clicks and conversions. From UGC, CGC, and EGC to static ads, lo-fi trends, and landing page tweaks, you’ll get practical ideas to set your brand up for Labor Day wins that roll straight into Q4.#LaborDayMarketing #EcommerceMarketing #AdCreative #ContentStrategy #DTCMarketing #HolidayCampaigns #MarketingPodcast #BrandGrowth #Q4Prep #DigitalAdvertising00:00 Introduction02:00 Sales strategy — beyond blanket discounts06:00 UGC, CGC & EGC — creative buckets to prep12:00 Short-form video hacks that drive clicks18:00 Employee-generated content for agility19:00 Static ads — text, overlays & founder letters26:00 Lo-fi creative — when scrappy works (and when it doesn’t)31:00 Landing pages — patching the leaky bucketWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

Scaling your Meta ads shouldn’t feel impossible. But if you’re stuck, you might be making one (or more) of these six mistakes.In this solo episode, Avery shares the most common issues spotted during ad account audits (from limited creative range to soulless ad libraries) and how each one can quietly cap your growth.You’ll learn what to cut, what to double down on, and how to build ads that balance brand and performance so you can unlock sustainable scaling.Whether you’re running a $50M brand or just starting out, these fixes can change your results fast.#MetaAds #MetaMarketing #FacebookAdsTips #FacebookAdStrategy #ScalingMetaAds #MetaAdCreative #MetaMediaBuying #MetaAdOptimization #MetaAdMistakes #MetaScaling #MetaAdAccountAudit #MetaAdsManager #MetaAdPerformance #MetaAdsForEcommerce #MetaAdGrowth00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:43 - The Creative Mix That Scales — Are You Getting It Wrong? 00:04:59 - The Founder Story Move You’re Probably Ignoring 00:08:05 - Why “Spaghetti at the Wall” Is Killing Your Ad Performance 00:09:58 - The Harsh Truth About Long Videos on Meta 00:12:52 - The Placement Mistake That’s Tanking Your Results 00:15:01 - The Soul Problem in Your Ad Library (and How to Fix It) 00:17:44 - Brand vs. Performance — Why the Divide Is Holding You BackWork with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

Q4 might feel far away—but blink and it’s Black Friday. In this episode, Avery kicks off a special Q4 prep series focused on setting your brand up for sanity and scale. From stocking the pond with high-intent audiences to analyzing last year’s creative, locking in your marketing calendar, and prepping evergreen sale ads, this is everything you wish you’d done early… delivered right on time.Whether you’re a brand operator or creative lead, now’s the moment to plan ahead so you’re not scrambling come November. Future you will be very, very grateful.Timestamps:00:00 Start prepping for Q402:50 Stocking the pond explained06:30 Building an email list and collecting data10:15 Creative analysis for Q4 planning14:00 Why every brand needs a marketing calendar18:40 Preparing evergreen sale ads21:40 The reality of creative agility during BFCM25:30 Planning holiday shoots with ad usage in mind29:10 Using brand-specific sales moments32:00 Peak vs valley planning with calendars35:00 Final thoughts and helpful templatesHashtags:#Q4Planning #EcommerceStrategy #DTCPodcast #MarketingCalendar #CreativeStrategy #StockThePond #HolidayPrep #DTCMarketing #AdCreative #RetentionMarketing #BlackFridayPrep #AuntieAvery #MarketingTips #PerformanceMarketing Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

What do lipstick sales, luxury smoothies, and little online indulgences have to do with your acquisition strategy?In this episode, Avery breaks down the cultural and economic forces behind the “lipstick effect” and the rise of the “little treat economy”—and how these trends shape the way modern consumers buy. You’ll learn how to use these insights to identify your tier-one products, simplify the path to conversion, and build strategies that hold up no matter what the economy throws your way.If you’re thinking about how to optimize acquisition before Q4, this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 Lipstick Effect and consumer behavior02:00 Understanding economic cycles in marketing04:00 Debunking recession indicators10:00 Rise of little treat culture18:00 Tiered product strategy and customer acquisition21:00 Diptyque case study on entry products30:00 Balancing short-term wins with long-term strategyHashtags:#EcommerceStrategy #DTCMarketing #AcquisitionTactics #PerformanceMarketing #ConsumerBehavior #LipstickEffect #LittleTreatCulture #DopamineEconomy #CulturalTrends #MarketingPsychology #MarketingStrategy #DigitalMarketing #BrandBuilding #Q4Prep #CustomerAcquisition Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

What do Karl Marx, TikTok slang, and the 2025 Superman reboot have in common? In this episode, Aves dives into the idea of resonance—what it is, how to spark it, and why timing and culture matter more than ever for brands trying to stay relevant.We break down:The surprising origin story of Superman (hint: he started as a villain)What “reheating your nachos” has to do with brand buildingWhy Gen Z is obsessed with hopeful heroesAnd how to create resonance by actually understanding your customersIf your brand growth is feeling cold and stale, it might be time to revisit your original nachos. Let’s talk taste, timing, and why those silly little shorts matter.Timestamps:00:00 Culture shifts and brand resonance02:00 Hope Core, TikTok slang, and the nachos metaphor06:00 The untold origin story of Superman14:00 How Superman finally got published20:00 What makes the 2025 reboot resonate25:00 How brands can build long-term resonance30:00 Final thoughts on timing, taste, and customer understandingHashtags:#MarketingStrategy #BrandResonance #CulturalRelevance #Superman2025 #DTCMarketing #CreativeStrategy #AdvertisingPodcast #BrandBuilding #HopeCore #GenZMarketing #ConsumerBehavior #TikTokTrends #RebootCulture #MarketingInsights #PopCultureMarketing #BrandRevival #JamesGunn #PodcastForMarketers #StorytellingInMarketing #EmotionalResonance Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

What’s the difference between UGC, CGC, and EGC—and why does it matter?In this episode, we break down the “big three” of creator content:🧍‍♀️ User-Generated Content (UGC): Authentic, messy, and made by real customers.🎥 Creator-Generated Content (CGC): Polished, paid-for, and built with marketing goals in mind.💼 Employee-Generated Content (EGC): A rising star that’s human, honest, and powerful.Avery shares how each content type works, when to use them, and what kind of results to expect—plus real-world examples from brands like Coach.If you’re building a content strategy and want to know where to invest (and what to stop doing), this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 Understanding UGC, CGC, and EGC02:00 Why creating content yourself matters05:00 What makes good user generated content10:00 Building community through UGC14:00 Creator generated content vs UGC18:00 Tips for original and high-performing CGC22:00 Employee generated content examples26:00 Why EGC works in organic and paid strategies29:00 When to use each content typeHashtags:#UGC #CGC #EGC #UserGeneratedContent #CreatorMarketing #ContentStrategy #PerformanceMarketing #DTCMarketing #MarketingPodcast #BrandBuilding #EmployeeGeneratedContent #SocialMediaMarketing #AdCreative #DigitalMarketing #CreatorEconomy #MarketingTips #PodcastClip #MarketingInsights #ContentMarketing #ScaleWithContent Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

What do Michelangelo, Charlie XCX, and a candy-loving Victorian man-child have in common? A bold artistic vision—and a lesson in trusting it.In this episode of Ad-Venturous, Aves dives deep into one of the weirdest and most iconic ads of all time: the Starburst “Berries and Cream” commercial. From the origins of Little Lad to their 2021 TikTok resurgence, we unpack how performance art, absurdity, and brand trust collided to create a cultural phenomenon.You’ll learn: 🎨 Why the best ads are built on big creative risks 📉 Why failure is part of the process (and why that’s good) 👩‍🎨 How brands can be containers for real artistry ⚠️ What AI can’t replicate—and why that matters now more than everWe go from the Sistine Chapel to Starburst, from performance artists to KPIs. And it all makes sense in the end. Mostly.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:00 What Michelangelo’s creative process teaches us06:00 The absurd genius of the Little Lad Starburst ads12:00 Jack Ferver and the real story behind Little Lad18:00 The case for weird, artist-led advertising24:00 How to build a creative-first brand28:00 Final advice: Make content worth looking atHashtags:#AdCreative #MarketingPodcast #BrandStrategy #CreativeMarketing #AdvertisingInsights #PerformanceMarketing #DTCMarketing #StarburstAds #LittleLad #BerriesAndCream #CreativeStrategy #MarketingTips #AdBreakdown #TikTokMarketing #CulturalMarketing #AIvsCreativity #ViralAds #CampaignStrategy #PodcastForMarketers Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast

What do Apple’s iconic “Get a Mac” ads and political campaigns have in common? A little-known framework that shapes how people think—and buy.In this episode, Avery breaks down the message box: a dead-simple, wildly effective strategy tool used by political pros (and now, smart marketers) to craft campaigns that stick.You’ll learn:What the four quadrants of a message box are—and how to fill them inWhy “us vs. them” thinking still works (when used strategically)How Apple made PCs look like the sad boyfriend you settle forWhy consistent messaging beats clever taglinesIf you’re a creative, strategist, founder, or just love decoding the psychology of advertising, this one’s for you. Timestamps:00:00 Get a Mac Ads and Message Boxes04:58 Justin Long and Cultural Context of the Campaign08:55 Intro to the Message Box Framework14:52 Breaking Down the Us on Us Quadrant19:52 Understanding Us on Them with Brand Rivals27:02 The Power of Pity in Messaging30:00 Them on Us: Preparing Your Defense32:52 Them on Them: Studying Competitor Messaging36:00 Creating Your Headline and Campaign Strategy38:00 Consistency Is the Secret WeaponHashtags:#MarketingStrategy #CreativeStrategy #DTCMarketing #AdPsychology #PoliticalStrategy #MessageBox #BrandPositioning #AppleAds #BrandMessaging #ConsumerPsychology #MarketingFrameworks #AdCreative #FounderMarketing #ContentStrategy #MarketingTips #MessagingMatters #EcommerceMarketing #MediaStrategy #StorytellingInMarketing #MarketingPodcasts #MarketingTools #StrategicComms #DirectToConsumer #AdvertisingInsights Work with Pilothouse: ⁠https://www.pilothouse.co/get-in-touch?utm_source=dtc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=e&rPodcast⁠Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DTCPodcastSubscribe to DTC: ⁠https://www.directtoconsumer.co/⁠Listen to DTC Podcast: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dtcpodcast