Podcast · Arts & Books

JUST Branding

by JUST Branding - by Jacob Cass & Matt Davies · English · Arts & Books

The JUST Branding Podcast, hosted by Jacob Cass & Matt Davies, is the only podcast dedicated to helping designers & entrepreneurs grow brands. Each episode goes deep into the details of the brand building process, with professional insights, actionable tips and resources to help you build better

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 56 min
Latest: 3 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

3 Oct 2026 · 58 min

S08.EP16 - Does Purpose Really Sell? The TOMS Story with Justin Herber

Does purpose really sell? TOMS helped prove that a business could connect commercial growth with positive impact. Its One for One model transformed a simple shoe purchase into a story millions of people wanted to join. Former TOMS brand leader Justin Herber joins us to examine the argument from inside one of the world’s best known purpose led brands. We explore how TOMS became a cultural movement, why its story resonated, what the company got right and wrong, and whether purpose can genuinely produce commercial growth.

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S7 · E15 · 17 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
S08.EP15 — Customer Experience Psychology: How to Build a Memorable Brand with Si Elliott
What makes a customer experience memorable? Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast In this episode, Jacob Cass speaks with customer experience expert and author Si Elliott about the psychology behind how people experience, perceive and remember brands. Drawing from his book, Customer Experience Thinking , Si explains how behavioural science can help brands create stronger customer relationships. They explore the role of expectations, emotion, identity, effort, personalisation and control, along with the small details that can shape an entire experience. They also unpack some of the…
S7 · E14 · 31 Aug 2026 · 51 min
S07.EP14 - Brands, Bots, Buyers: How AI Is Changing Brand Choice with Asha Parmar
AI is no longer simply helping consumers make decisions. It is becoming an active participant in what they discover, trust and buy. Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast In this episode of JUST Branding, Jacob Cass and Matt Davies speak with Asha Parmar, founder of Élan Intelligence, about the changing relationship between brands, buyers and AI. Asha explains how AI is compressing the traditional customer journey, influencing brand discovery and creating a new kind of AI enabled consumer. The conversation explores “machine equity”, the role of reviews and third party conversations,…
S7 · E13 · 13 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
S07.E13 - Why Story Still Wins in Brand Building with Park Howell
Why do stories move people in ways that facts, features and clever messaging rarely can? Learn more at justcreative.com/podcast In this episode, Jacob Cass and Matt Davies speak with Park Howell, Emmy Award winning brand strategist, founder of The Business of Story and one of the world’s leading voices on business storytelling. Park explains why story remains one of the most powerful tools in brand building, what separates a memorable narrative from an interesting one and how brands can shift from simply telling stories to becoming truly story driven. The conversation explores Park’s…
S7 · E12 · 30 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
S07.EP12 - Creative Leadership & The Future of Branding with Ekaterina Solomeina
In this episode, Jacob Cass & Matt Davies sit down with Ekaterina Solomeina, creative director, TEDx speaker, co-founder of Future London Academy, and host of Creative Capes, to explore how branding, design, and creative leadership are evolving. As AI accelerates execution and businesses face more complex cultural, technological, and commercial challenges, the value of creativity is shifting. It is no longer enough for designers and brand leaders to simply make things look good. The real opportunity is to connect creativity to business value, strategic decisions, customer trust, innovation,…
S7 · E11 · 9 Jul 2026 · 56 min
S07.EP11 - Pricing Creative Work with Jonathan Stark
In this episode, Jacob Cass & Matt Davies sits down with Jonathan Stark, pricing expert, author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, host of Ditching Hourly, and co-host of The Business of Authority, to unpack why trading time for money is such a poor fit for expert work. Together, Jacob, Matt and Jonathan explore the difference between fixed fees and true value pricing, how to run better sales conversations, why pricing is deeply connected to positioning, and how authority changes the way clients buy. They also discuss the psychology of charging more, why creatives often underprice their own…
S7 · E10 · 25 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
S07.EP10 - The Science of Brand Associations with Ulli Appelbaum
In this episode of JUST Branding, we’re joined by Ulli Appelbaum, globally respected brand strategist, founder of First The Trousers, and author of The Science of Brand Associations . Ulli has spent years helping organisations understand how brands grow by shaping the associations people hold in memory. In this conversation, we unpack one of the most important and often misunderstood areas of branding: how associations are formed, strengthened, measured, and used to drive real business growth. We explore why some brands own clear memory structures while others remain vague, how emotion and…
S7 · E9 · 8 Jun 2026 · 44 min
S07.EP09 - From Execution to Expertise with David C. Baker
In this episode, Jacob Cass and Matt Davies sit down with David C. Baker, author of The Business of Expertise and one of the leading voices on positioning, specialization, and advisory businesses. Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast Together, they explore what actually becomes valuable in a world where production is abundant. We discuss: • The difference between execution and expertise • Why many creative firms still struggle to position themselves clearly • What clients are really paying for at the highest level • Why judgment, trust, and perspective matter more than ever • How…
S7 · E8 · 25 May 2026 · 42 min
S07.EP08 - Why Most Agencies Sound The Same + How to Really Differentiate with Emily Penny
In this episode, we sit down with brand strategist and verbal identity specialist Emily Penny to unpack the growing challenge of differentiation in an increasingly saturated market. Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast Emily is the creator of the Fully Saturated report and founder of a micro studio focused on positioning and voice. Together, we explore why so many agencies struggle to stand out, what strong positioning actually looks like today, and how agencies can build relevance in an AI-enabled world. We discuss: • Why agency positioning often falls flat • The real meaning of…
S7 · E7 · 9 May 2026 · 55 min
S07.EP07 - Founder Branding with Amelia Sordell
Jacob Cass and Matt Davies speak with Amelia Sordell, founder and CEO of Klowt and one of the leading voices in founder-led marketing. Learn more at justcreative.com/podcast As audiences become more sceptical of faceless companies, founders and leaders are becoming one of the most powerful trust signals a brand can have. The company brand still matters, but increasingly, people want to hear from the people behind the business. Amelia shares why founder branding has become a serious commercial lever, how it differs from company branding, and what CEOs often misunderstand about visibility,…
S7 · E6 · 21 Apr 2026 · 45 min
S07.EP06 - UX & UI — The Brand Experience Gap w/ Alexander Lofthouse
In this episode, Jacob and Matt sit down with Alexander Lofthouse — Senior Designer at Nzime and a specialist in UX and digital experience. Lex and Jacob go back nearly a decade, and after watching her deliver a standout talk at NDC London, it was time to get her on the show. They get into where brand strategy ends and UX begins (and whether that line even makes sense), what happens when brand and product teams are pulling in different directions, and why beautiful brands so often feel terrible to actually use.
S7 · E5 · 31 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
S07.EP05 - Why Most Designers Won’t Last (and What AI Can’t Replace) with James Martin
Why do some designers build lasting careers while others fade out? In this episode of JUST Branding, we sit down with James Martin , founder of Made by James , to unpack what really sustains creative success over time and what quietly destroys it. Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast While many designers are chasing visibility, speed, and short-term attention, James makes the case for something deeper: reputation, craft, taste, and care . We explore why reputation is more valuable than hype, why craft still matters in a world of AI and instant design tools, and why taste remains…
S7 · E4 · 13 Mar 2026 · 58 min
S07.EP04 - Designers Don’t Build Brands with Kevin Finn
In this episode of JUST Branding, Jacob Cass and Matt Davies sit down with Kevin Finn, founder of TheSumOf and author of Brand Principles, to unpack a provocative idea that challenges a core assumption in the branding industry. Kevin argues that designers and agencies don’t build brands. Businesses do. Brands are not logos, identities, or positioning statements. They are the result of consistent delivery, earned trust, and meaning that accumulates over time in the minds of customers. In this conversation, we explore the difference between brand and branding, why many companies claim the…
S7 · E3 · 25 Feb 2026 · 56 min
S07.EP03 - B2B Branding: The Unsexy Truth with Martin Zarian
B2B rebrands do not fail because of the logo. They fail because the organisation was never aligned, the board never believed in it, and the rollout was treated like a campaign instead of infrastructure. In this episode with Martin Zarian of Factory39, we unpack the uncomfortable realities of branding inside complex organisations. If you work with complex B2B organisations or aspire to operate at board level, this conversation will sharpen how you think about brand as a financial asset, not a marketing layer. No fluff. No shiny case studies. Just the operational truth of what it really takes…
S7 · E2 · 5 Feb 2026 · 40 min
S07.EP02 - PR Isn’t Promotion. It’s How Brand Strategy Becomes Real with Nikkia Adolphe
We’re joined by Nikkia Adolphe , Chief Innovation Officer at BrandSavor , to unpack the role PR plays in turning brand strategy into something people actually see, trust, and believe. With over 15 years leading communications and PR strategy for global brands like Amazon, Meta, and Ryder, Nikkia has worked at the sharp end of branding. Where positioning meets public perception. Where reputation is built or quietly eroded. And where strategy either earns attention or disappears.
S7 · E1 · 15 Jan 2026 · 54 min
S07.EP01 - Beyond Personal Branding: Debbie Millman on Character, Symbols, and Brand DNA
We sit down with Debbie Millman, one of the most influential voices in design and brand thinking, to talk about what endures when trends fade and platforms shift. Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast Debbie is the host of Design Matters, the longest running podcast on design, launched in 2005. She is the co founder and chair of the Masters in Branding program at School of Visual Arts, and spent two decades at Sterling Brands leading work for global icons like Burger King and Tropicana. She is also the author of multiple books, including Why Design Matters and Brand Thinking. We go…
S6 · E21 · 29 Dec 2025 · 1 hr
S06.EP21 - Best of 2025 (Season 6)
We’re closing out 2025 with a highlight reel from Season 6 of JUST Branding. This year we sat down with some serious heavy hitters, including Mark Ritson , Rory Sutherland , Marty Neumeier (round two), David Aaker (round two), Laura Ries , plus guests like Simon Dixon (DixonBaxi) , Michael Bungay Stanier , Jay Clouse , and more. In this best of episode, Jacob and Matt pull the sharpest clips, biggest lessons, and most repeated themes that matter if you’re building a brand that lasts. What you’ll hear in this episode Branding basics that still win : meaning, relevance, relationships…
S6 · E20 · 19 Dec 2025 · 57 min
S06.EP20 - From Kickstarter to Cult Brand w/ Brandon Kim, Brevitē
From Kickstarter to thriving brand, Brevitē is a case study in how a challenger wins without a war chest. Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast In this episode of JUST Branding, we sit down with Brandon Kim, co-founder of Brevitē, to unpack how a scrappy Kickstarter project became a beloved camera bag brand for photographers, creators, and everyday explorers. We get into the real strategy behind their early momentum, including how they positioned in a crowded category, what they got right about their audience, and how they balanced instinct, research, and creative direction to build…
S6 · E19 · 20 Nov 2025 · 54 min
S06.EP19 - Make Your Brand Famous with Dan Cushing and Diego Borgo
In this episode, Jacob and Matt sit down with Thumbcorp’s co-founders Dan Cushing and Diego Borgo to unpack what brand fame really looks like in the worlds of blockchain, Web3 and frontier technology. Dan brings decades of creative and planning experience from Levi’s to Stella Artois to Vogue. Diego has helped global giants like adidas, Prada and Salesforce translate complex tech into stories the mainstream actually cares about. Together, they’re building Thumbcorp: an agency that sits at the intersection of visionary technology and the real world.
S6 · E18 · 4 Nov 2025 · 36 min
S06.EP18 - Transforming Amazon: Behind the Brand Overhaul with Koto (James Greenfield)
How do you reimagine one of the world’s most powerful brands? Over 18 months, across 15 global markets, and with 50+ sub-brands, Koto partnered with Amazon to deliver one of the largest brand transformations in recent history. In this episode, James Greenfield , CEO and Founder of Koto, shares the inside story — from simplifying a sprawling brand architecture to modernising the iconic “smile.” Matt and Jacob dive into how to design at scale, build internal alignment, and create systems that drive consistency without killing creativity. A must-listen for anyone managing complex global brands.
S6 · E17 · 21 Oct 2025 · 44 min
S06.EP17 - The Strategic Enemy: Why Great Brands Need a Villain with Laura Ries
In this episode, global branding expert Laura Ries joins Matt and Jacob to unpack her provocative new book Strategic Enemy: How to Build a Brand Position by Fighting Someone Else . Together they explore why great brands need a clear adversary, how to choose the right one, and how this approach sharpens focus, storytelling, and growth. Expect iconic examples, practical frameworks, and fresh inspiration for your next brand strategy session.
S6 · E16 · 2 Oct 2025 · 42 min
S06.E16 - De-Positioning: A Bold New Playbook for Brand Strategy with Todd Irwin
What if the key to standing out wasn’t finding your niche… but attacking the norm? Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast In this provocative episode, we sit down with Todd Irwin , Chief Strategy Officer at Fazer and author of the new book De-Positioning (Amazon), to challenge the status quo of brand strategy. Drawing on decades of experience with both global giants and venture-backed startups, Todd reveals why traditional positioning frameworks are falling short—and how De-Positioning flips the script. You’ll learn: Why most brand positioning fails to drive real impact How to win by…
S6 · E15 · 1 Sep 2025 · 55 min
S06.EP15 - What Smart Brands Do Differently with David Aaker
Branding legend David Aaker returns to JUST Branding to unpack what separates truly strategic brands from the sea of sameness in 2025. We also spotlight the updated edition of Aaker on Branding and wrap with a fast-paced quickfire round you won’t want to miss. If you care about building brands that actually matter—this is essential listening.
S6 · E14 · 29 Aug 2025 · 46 min
S06.EP14 - Why Brands Shouldn’t Rely on Google (+ How to Actually Get Visibility) with Mordy Oberstein
Google is shifting—and fast. Between AI Overviews, zero-click results, and the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT and Perplexity, traditional search isn’t what it used to be. » Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast In this episode, we’re joined by Mordy Oberstein, a leading voice in SEO, to break down what these changes mean for brand builders, marketers, and strategists alike. But this isn’t your standard SEO conversation. We explore: • Why brands should stop relying on Google for discoverability • The difference between being found vs being known • How SEO and branding are more connected…
S6 · E13 · 30 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
S06.EP13 - Branding in an Age of Autocracy: Marty Neumeier on Trust, Truth & Power
As democracy fractures and trust erodes, branding enters unfamiliar territory. What happens to brand building when truth becomes optional and power consolidates? Learn more at www. justcreative.com/podcast In this episode, we’re joined by Marty Neumeier—one of the most influential voices in branding—to explore what it means to design brands in a world increasingly shaped by autocracy, AI, and cultural volatility. We unpack: • Why branding depends on openness, trust, and shared meaning • What AI, media, and power shifts are doing to perception • The risks of brand neutrality—and the cost of…
S6 · E12 · 10 Jul 2025 · 57 min
S06.EP12 - Creator Branding 101: How to Build a Creator Brand, Community & Business That Lasts with Jay Clouse
In this episode, we’re joined by Jay Clouse, one of the most trusted voices in the creator economy and founder of Creator Science, a platform helping creators become professional entrepreneurs. Jay has built a standout brand around clarity, consistency, and community—without chasing hype or shortcuts. We dig into what it really takes to build a brand-led creator business that scales trust and stays aligned.
S6 · E11 · 26 Jun 2025 · 45 min
S06.EP11 - Inside DixonBaxi: Building Brands That Matter with Simon Dixon
In this episode, we go inside the mind of Simon Dixon, co-founder of the global brand and design consultancy DixonBaxi. » Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast Known for shaping bold, human brands for some of the world’s most iconic companies, Simon shares how his team builds what they call Intelligent Identities™—living systems designed for scale, emotion, and relevance. We cover: • The DixonBaxi Way: principles, process, and creative culture • Why emotion—not aesthetics—is the foundation of powerful design • How to build brand systems that stay flexible without losing clarity •…
S6 · E10 · 10 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
S06.EP10 - Problem Framing: Rewire How You Think, Create, and Lead with Rory Sutherland
In this episode of JUST Branding, we’re joined by the brilliant and delightfully unconventional Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, TED speaker, and author of Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don’t Make Sense. Rory takes us deep into the world of problem framing, a powerful technique that flips business challenges on their head to reveal bold, creative brand solutions hiding in plain sight. --- Get £200 off Rory Sutherland’s MAD//Masters programme with code JB200 at checkout. A rare chance to learn applied behavioural science, strategy, and creative problem solving…
S6 · E9 · 29 May 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
S06.EP09 - Coaching for Brand Builders: Guide Clients to Clarity Without Burning Out
In this episode of JUST Branding, we sit down with Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS), the best-selling author of The Coaching Habit, The Advice Trap, and How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, to explore how coaching can become your secret weapon in branding and business. Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast If you’re a creative shifting into strategy, leading workshops, or simply trying to manage client relationships without losing your mind, this one’s for you.
S6 · E8 · 6 May 2025 · 44 min
S06.EP08 - Making Brands Relevant: How to Connect Culture, Creativity & Commerce with Cyril Louis
In this episode of JUST Branding, we sit down with hybrid creative leader Cyril Louis who is Creative Partner at The Royals and the mind behind campaigns for Beats by Dre, EA Games, and Heineken to unpack how brands can become culturally relevant and commercially effective. We explore: • What “brands in culture” really means (hint: it’s more than just riding trends) • The difference between cultural resonance and “culture-washing” • How to authentically engage with cultural movements without getting burned • Practical frameworks to align your brand with the right cultural moments • Why the…

About JUST Branding

JUST Branding is a English arts & books podcast from JUST Branding - by Jacob Cass & Matt Davies. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: JUST Branding - by Jacob Cass & Matt Davies
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 56 min
Latest episode: 3 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1507943911
Rights: 2020 justbranding

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