Sweat Equity

Welcome to the best creative brainstorming session you've ever had. Hosts Alex Garcia & Brian Blum discuss the biggest marketing moves of the week and show you how you can implement these in your own business. Influencer marketing, growth marketing, content marketing - it's all here. Creativity. Breakdowns. Playbooks. Without the fluff.

This Company is Taking Down Hollywood With Creators

In this episode, I interview Simon Kim, one of the founders of Creator Camp who's building a studio that's empowering creators to take over the big screen. And they're funding the movies themselves. Like Baron Ryan's Two Sleepy People film that was written, shot, produced, and in-theatres in less than 100 days. This is Camp Studios and how they're taking down hollywood.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

12-23
52:08

The 7 Shifts Top Brands Are Quietly Betting On for 2026

In this episode, Brian and Alex break down 7 macro trends influencing performance at big brands in 2026. From nano influencers to live shopping, they cover every marketing trend your brand needs to know about before heading into the New Year.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

12-16
34:34

Brand Predictions To Build A Cult Following In 2026

In this episode, Tatum Brandt makes a comeback on Sweat Equity to discuss brand predictions she’s seen from working with 20+ brands in 2026. And I (Alex) discuss the predictions I’m seeing on the content side. You’re going to learn the opportunities you can take advantage of to build a cult following next year.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

12-10
01:11:39

The 22 Immutable Laws Of Content (Don't Break These)

There's law brands can't break if they want to win in 2026. In this episode we go over the first 11.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

12-02
36:39

The Viral Marketing Cheat Code: 7 Steps To Guarantee A Winning Campaign

Brian and Alex break down the exact 7-step framework major brands use to engineer viral campaigns. This isn't about getting lucky, virality is a repeatable science, and they walk through real examples showing how any brand can apply this system to create a viral moment.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

11-25
24:47

Decoding The 4 Reasons Brand FAIL (and how to avoid)

In this episode, Brian & Alex decode the 4 reasons why all brands fail. Brian uses examples like Prime, Lulu, On, Hims, AllBirds, and more to show how brands have either fallen victim to these or overcame them. Drop a comment for what you want to see next! As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

11-18
23:16

The Art Direction Playbook for Brands (From A to Z)

Everyone's hyper-focused on art direction right now, but they're missing the point. It's not about copying cool aesthetics, it's about using art direction to build a world people can feel. Alex breaks down the four reasons why art direction matters in 2026 and why every design decision needs to be meaningful. He uses examples from Tyr's Maverick campaign, Bandit Running, House of Errors, and more. As always, appreciate you all listening.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

11-11
27:23

If You're Starting On LinkedIn In 2026, Do This

In this episode, Tommy (who's agency creates LinkedIn content for a living) breaks down how brands and myself (Alex) can win on LinkedIn. Not just the opportunities but the tactical content formats and types to execute asap. Then Tommy continues to walk Alex through where he sees the platform going in 2026 and how to take advantage of it.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

11-04
49:29

Creating Viral Content Ideas For Our Subscribers Brands (No prep)

We’re back with more live audits of your brands. For each brand, we cooked up a unique & actionable content strategy. Want your brand to be audited next? Drop it in the comments below and tell us why we should pick yours.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

10-28
36:56

Revealing Psychological Tactics Used By $100M Brands (No Gatekeeping)

Brian & Alex dive into the elite marketing tactics of Norse Organics, Froya and Arctic Goddess to spot trends and patterns any business owner can use in their funnel. Stick around for the 6 components of a high converting landing page, UGC script writing frameworks and how to leverage social proof to build trust.-------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

10-21
30:18

How To Make Your Content Addictive in 29 Mins

In this episode, you'll learn how to:Create a hook that's unique to you as a creator or brandCreate content at scaleDevelop your brand social showsDevelop a content setAs always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

10-14
28:45

The Untold Secrets Behind a $200M Beauty Empire

Brian sits down with Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, founders of Beekman 1802, for a live-recorded conversation in NYC. They share behind-the-scenes retail stories, tactics for building loyal communities, and insights from their new book, GOAT Wisdom.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

10-07
44:24

Content Strategists Create Viral Content Ideas For 3 Brands Live (No Planning)

We asked all of you to submit your brands, and we picked a few to audit live on the pod. For each brand, we cooked up a unique & actionable content strategy. Want your brand to be audited next? Drop it in the comments below.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

09-30
34:19

Unlock Your Brand's VIRAL Storytelling Potential (The 2025 Playbook)

From packaging to storytelling, Brian and Alex talk about all things top-of-funnel content. Expect to learn how you can master viral brand storytelling, with Heritage Ring as the perfect case study.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

09-23
23:08

How I Would Build A Creator Marketing Strategy In 2026

Alex sits down with Yash Chavan, founder of Saral, to break down how to win the next era of influencer marketing. From spotting outlier creators and packaging campaigns to building brands on a budget, they reveal the biggest shifts in 2025 and bold predictions for 2026.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

09-16
47:39

How Brands Can Master Content in 2026

Alex and Brian are back to break down how to win on social in 2026. Alex dives into why brands need to act as TV channels to create viral series that keep audiences hooked across platforms. Brian unpacks how social drives real-world retail traffic and the wild spillover effects that viral content can create.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

09-09
53:45

Why Nobody Trusts Your Brand (And How To Fix)

In this episode, Brian uses 3 real-world examples of how to build in public, create social proof, and showcase subject matter expertise. These strategies don’t just get you eyeballs - they also help you stand out against the wave of AI creative that is flooding the market. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll catch you next week in the studio!As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

09-02
19:40

10 Content Styles To Blow Up Your Brand in 2025 (steal these)

Alex is back breaking down 10 pieces of standout content to uncover what makes them go viral. From Deer Island Golf to Nude Project to the Ritz Paris, he unpacks the creative details that turn campaigns from good to unforgettable. As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

08-26
26:46

7 Binge-Worthy Brand Strategies You’ll Want to Copy

In this episode, Alex takes the lead in discussing how to create a series of episodes centered around your brand's story. Using examples like Yianni Mavrakis’s bowling alley and Fireproof Coffee’s art direction, he shows how to structure narratives and themes that turn your brand into binge-worthy content.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

08-19
19:30

The $500M Micro-Influencer Strategy That Nobody is Talking About

Brian & Alex take this episode to discuss the new-age micro-influencer playbook. This modern content engine is on the cutting edge and is successfully utilized by brands like Comfrt and Haus. Brian breaks down an actionable playbook for brands of any size, and explains how his own agency is putting this into practice. Stay tuned for part 2!As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1

08-12
23:43

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