Episode notes
This week, we’re going all in on microdramas – and we aren’t alone. Brands and streamers are turning to short-form videos to sell products, but will this trend last longer than a mini episode? We take a look at the length, home, production value, and risks of investing in microdramas, and share thoughts on which brands might want to jump in, or keep scrolling. 00:00: Intro 02:35: Microdramas are inexpensive 05:10: Made for different platforms 11:40: Is the goal for completion or consumption 14:00: Brands as entertainment companies 16:50: Is it for every brand 21:00: How is AI being used for…
Marketing Brew Weekly
by Morning Brew Inc. · English · Business
Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best.
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19 Aug 2026 · 33 min
Pop-Ups Pop Off: How to Make Your Experiential Event Effective
This week, we’re talking all things pop-ups: is the goal for brands to get attention, generate online buzz, test out products, gain new customers, or something else entirely? We break down a pop-up vs. a stunt, explain how a line outside can do all the heavy lifting for your marketing, and share our thoughts on some of the most effective recent pop-ups that have given us FOMO. 00:00: Intro 01:30: Difference between a pop-up and a stunt 04:30: What is the point of a pop-up 08:30: Using social to tell the story of your pop-up 14:00: Are we at pop-up fatigue 16:20: What physical merch do people…
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12 Aug 2026 · 33 min
The Dos and Don’ts of a Logo Refresh
This week, we’re taking a look at the brands that have done a logo refresh – the right and wrong ways. From Spotify’s limited edition disco ball drama to Levi’s World Cup win, we run through the hits and misses of rolling out a new icon for your brand. 00:00: Intro 02:00: Why do brands change their logos 04:40: Risks of changing logos 08:40: Levi’s World Cup logo change 12:50: Spotify’s disco ball 16:40: Mountain Dew 20:15: Gap’s 2009 rebrand fail 22:30: Hopping on the Taylor Swift brand 25:00: Brands being cringe in the comments 28:00: Which brands could use a logo update For more upcoming…
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5 Aug 2026 · 29 min
Creators in the C-Suite? Why It's Happening More Than You Think
This week, we’re exploring the latest trend of creators snagging C-Suite titles – but which ones are legit and which ones are for show? From Jake Shane touting a German candy brand to Vivian Tu’s actual financial advice, we look at the actual titles and the work behind them. Plus, when is perceived authenticity the least of your risks when it comes to naming a creator to your executive team? 00:00: Intro 00:40: Examples of creators with C-suite titles 02:15: The difference between real and made up titles 04:00: Does the audience care if it’s a real job 08:15: Why is the title necessary…
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22 Jul 2026 · 30 min
Attention Marketers: You Are Trapped in an AI Bubble
This week, we’re looking at the very large gap between the marketing industry’s love for AI, and the consumer sentiment that reveals precisely the opposite. New research has customers declaring their strong annoyance for the technology, so why do marketers insist on using it for everything from ideation to creative content? And is there a way for brands to stand out with a different approach? 00:00: Intro 03:00: New poll reveals consumers’ annoyance with AI 06:20: Exploring the bubble 08:40: Is all AI just AI slop 10:15: Perception of AI ads 15:00: Brands avoiding AI are generating good will…
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15 Jul 2026 · 28 min
Affordability Marketing is Not for All Brands
This week, we’re diving into the dos and don’ts of affordability marketing. It’s not for all brands, but some have figured out the ways to keep customers with long-term strategies, while others are opting for a quick, catchy moment. How do you make consumers feel valued and savvy, while still providing a good deal? 00:00: Intro 01:55: Food brands embracing affordability marketing 03:00: Non food brands doing the same 05:20: Risking a lack of genuine feelings 07:00: Can brands implement long-term strategies 08:50: Relative to your competitor strategy 13:00: Importance of rewards programs…
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8 Jul 2026 · 27 min
Culture, Community & Sports: America 250’s Key Campaigns
This week, we’re taking a look at the way brands navigated celebrating America 250 in a variety of ways. From focusing on big national sports moments like this year’s Olympics and the World Cup, to celebrating their own company anniversaries, and most importantly, doing their best to unite Americans of all backgrounds via everything from action stars to apple pies. 00:00: Intro 02:45: How brands approached America 250 05:30: What do brands normally do for July 4 06:30: Brands celebrating their own anniversaries 10:15: How do global brands tap into this moment 13:00: Can brands look toward…
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7 Oct 2026 · 33 minNew
How to Make Brand Merch That Doesn't Suck
Do you need Chili’s cowboy boots? What about another tumbler, even if it’s limited edition? We’re discussing some of the most memorable brand merch and deciding if we Love It or if it’s total Landfill. Marketers take note: we don’t need a tote! 00:00: Intro 02:05: What makes good brand merch 09:00: Love It or Landfill: Walmart Rotisserie Chicken purse 14:00: Patagonia zip ups 16:30: Whole Foods x FishWife tote bag 18:30: Cosmopolitan yogurt 20:00: Chili’s x Tecova’s Booth Boots 22:40: Pizza Hut lamp bucket hat 23:55: McDonald’s charging buddy 25:40: Starbucks tumblers This episode is…
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30 Sep 2026 · 33 min
The CMO Gets a Rebrand
The role of CMO isn’t quite dead…yet. But it’s definitely going through a rebrand. Senior Reporter Kristina Monllos joins us this week to discuss our latest State of the Industry report to discuss our findings on where CMOs stand in a world of AI and GTM and Chief Entertainment Officer roles, and how the title could be changing in the future. 00:00: Intro 02:28: Do companies need a full time CMO 12:30: Can CMOs withstand pressure from AI 22:10: CMO title is getting a rebrand This episode is presented by Roku Ads Manager. For more, use code BREW5K at advertising.roku.com/marketingbrew…
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23 Sep 2026 · 34 min
We Rank the Best Brand Mascots
Is Tony the Tiger actually a grrrreat mascot? We threw him, plus 12 of his mascot friends, into a new segment we’re calling Marketiering, to find out where some of the most recognizable and iconic mascots actually fall. From Duolingo to McDonald’s, we assess whether the famous fuzzy, creepy, and just plain WTF faces were actually good or bad for their brands. 00:00: Intro 02:28: A brief history of mascots 06:15: Quaker Oats 08:05: Duolingo 10:35: State Farm 12:40: Liberty Mutual 14:35: Aunt Jemima 16:00: McDonald’s 18:20: Tony the Tiger 20:25: Jack in the Box 22:15: Ellie the Elephant 24:10:…
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16 Sep 2026 · 33 min
Drafting The Best Brand Tactics For Football Season
It’s football season and if your brand is looking to go beyond the logo slap, we’re drafting our favorite nontraditional marketing moves on and off the field. From coach partnerships to flag football, there are so many opportunities for your brand to get in the game that can prove to be a total touchdown, without the billion dollar budget. 00:00: Intro 02:10: Fashion and merch collabs 06:00: Original longform content 11:20: Fan activations 15:00: Athlete partnerships and NIL 16:50: Flag football 19:00: Social appearances 21:00: Coach content 24:00: Football podcasts 25:30: WAGs partnerships…
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