Building Unconventional Brands with Matt Johnson

Rob Meyerson is a brand consultant, professional namer, and co-author of the sixth edition of Designing Brand Identity. On his previous visit to the show, we discussed his work as a namer. For his return, we zoomed out to focus on how brands of all shapes and sizes can design an effective brand identity. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Rob Meyerson Rob Meyerson is a brand consultant and professional namer who runs Heirloom, an independent brand strategy and identity consultancy. With Alina Wheeler, he co-authored the sixth edition of the bestselling Designing Brand Identity: A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Brands and Branding. Rob is also the author of the book Brand Naming, creator and host of the podcast How Brands Are Built, and a contributor to leading publications such as Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider. From the Show What's in a name? As we know from Rob's last visit to the show, a lot. Designing Brand Identity is a tried and true resource. As Rob notes of the title and scope of the book, “We need all of those words in their biggest sense.” Sadly ... Designing Brand Identity co-author Alina Wheeler passed away recently. AIGA Philadelphia set up a memorial scholarship in her name to honor her legacy. What brand has made Rob smile recently? Rob is a big fan of the sparkling CBD beverage Recess. Why? “You can tell they have a lot of love for design and the name speaks to taking a break.” To learn more, check out Rob’s personal website and find the latest edition of Designing Brand Identity on Amazon. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aisea Laungaue is a Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Anomaly LA. Throughout his global career, his work has sat at the intersection of marketing and entertainment for brands ranging from boy bands to whiskey brands. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Aisea Laungaue Aisea Laungaue was born to Tongan parents in New Zealand, growing up in Australia, and now calls Los Angeles home. All that means is that he has a lot of passports and can quickly tell you when the best times are to organize a call between all those countries. Aisea is Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Anomaly Los Angeles, where he’s overseen its growth from just himself as the first employee to a team of over 100 serving the likes of General Mills, HOKA, Expedia, and Inspire Brands (Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings). His team's work has been recognized everywhere from Cannes and Effies, from the NYPost to Vogue. He was previously Co-Head of Planning at Anomaly New York with leadership stints at Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney and New York and Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles. From the Show What brand has made Aisea smile recently? I was intrigued when Aisea asked if he could share a smile that also made him think. The brand? Building brands for creators, he pointed us to Beyoncé and the recent success of Cowboy Carter. However, it made him think ... You'll have to listen to the show to learn why. Connect with Aisea on LinkedIn and X and check out the Anomaly website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anastasia Kārkliņa Gabriel is a senior insights lead at Reddit and author of the book Cultural Intelligence. Her work as a cultural theorist and strategist helps people use data to understand their audience and explore challenging topics. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Anastasia Kārkliņa Gabriel Dr. Anastasia Kārkliņa Gabriel is a cultural theorist and strategist, specializing in inclusivity within marketing, media, and tech. Currently, a senior insights lead at Reddit, Dr. Gabriel earned her doctorate in cultural studies from Duke University and consulted for the world’s top brands at agencies like Wieden+Kennedy, Dentsu Creative, Kantar, and McCann New York. A lifelong activist, she helps brands ignite cultural innovation and leverage the power of media for good. Her insights have been featured by AdWeek, ANA, AW360, WSJ, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Teen Vogue. She is the author of Cultural Intelligence for Marketers: Building an Inclusive Marketing Strategy, published by Kogan Page. From the Show Connect with Anastasia on LinkedIn. What brand has made Anastasia smile recently? She shared a recent and very on-brand smile from Coca-Cola on their "For Everyone" campaign. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Mustac is Otter PRr's medical and health industry PR specialist. His work helps brands in these complex industries navigate issues including — and especially — crisis communication. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Thomas Mustac Thomas Mustac is Otter PRr's medical and health industry PR specialist. He previously held positions at the Dr. Oz Show and New York Medical College. He has his Master's Degree from Iona University and received an Advanced Certification in Nonprofit Public Relations. He has a diverse background in healthcare, pharmaceutical, telehealth, tech, cosmetics, sports, and interior design public relations. From the Show What brand has made Thomas smile recently? Working in crisis PR, Thomas pointed us to Zara's recent PR challenges. Connect with Thomas on the OtterPR website and on LinkedIn. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Micky Ogando is the founder and principal of creative agency Bakery. Their unique product-led process, cultural expertise, and creative storytelling have helped brands including Nike, DeLorean Motors, Diageo, Kellogg's, Shiner Brewery, and Acadia Health. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Micky Ogando Micky Ogando is the founder and principal of BAKERY, a Creative and Culture agency headquartered in Austin, TX. While Micky has experience working in both award-winning agency networks and boutique shops in his native Dominican Republic and the USA, he considers himself an industry outsider. Right before founding Bakery in 2010, he worked in the wildly creative video game industry, most recently at Bioware/EA Games where his team launched Star Wars: The Old Republic and Mass Effect franchise titles. Bakery’s unique product-led process, cultural expertise, and creative storytelling have helped it establish a growing roster of clients that includes Nike, DeLorean Motors, Diageo, Kellogg's, Shiner Brewery, and Acadia Health. From the Show What brand has made Micky smile recently? "I love this indie agency resurgence," Micky began before pointing us to recent smiles from agencies like Highdive and Orchard with their Ocean Spray work. Connect with Micky on the Bakery website and follow him on Instagram. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Stiven is the founder of Clio Consulting, working as a geek influencer with properties like Star Wars, James Bond, Predator, Aliens, and more. She helps clients #spendthetime with fan communities through social and digital media and (gasp!) in-person events. We geeked out on all of this and more (Star Trek!) this week on the On Brand podcast. About Jenny Stiven Jenny Stiven created Clio Consulting in 2004 to act as an “inside” digital marketing resource for entertainment companies. She has worked with numerous digital agencies in executive roles producing groundbreaking and award-winning campaigns for Fortune 500 entertainment & gaming clients. A long relationship with 20th Century Fox and MGM enabled her to become a geek influencer in the digital and social space – with the Star Wars properties, the James Bond franchise, Predator franchise, Stargate franchise, Aliens and more. She works with both the IP owners and creators to help them communicate, interact, and build a community that lasts. Jenny's mission is to ensure that geek franchises their fandoms have a strong digital foundation for a lifelong relationship. #spendthetime From the Show What brand has made Jenny smile recently? “I have two!” Jenny joked sharing powerful AI smiles from Orange France for their soccer ad and Nicki Minaj's Gag City project. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn and Instagram (she answers all of her DMs!). As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Johnson is the Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at award-winning creative shop HAYMAKER. Throughout his career, Matt has helped build iconic brand such as adidas, The Truth Initiative, Powerade, King's Hawaiian, 23andMe, MillerCoors, ESPN, Instagram, and Microsoft. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Matt Johnson Throughout his career, Matt Johnson has helped build iconic brands for big names like adidas, The Truth Initiative, Powerade, King's Hawaiian, 23andMe, MillerCoors, ESPN, Instagram, and Microsoft. Currently serving as Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of creative agency HAYMAKER, Matt’s thought leadership and expertise have consistently helped his partners win and his strategic insight helped the agency win two Ad Age Small Agency of the Year Awards (2020, 2022), The Truth Initiative win for The Most Effective Brand in North America, and adidas to be named Ad Age’s A-List Marketer of the Year. When Matt isn't making memorial ad campaigns like the most recent Super Bowl spot for Pluto TV, Matt also lends his voice as a voice actor for over 20 years, voicing countless commercials and starring in two critically acclaimed HBO animated series, Ten Year Old Tom and The Life and Times of Tim. From the Show What brand has made Matt smile recently? “I don't want to go too hard at YETI,” Matt joked while also mentioning his love of the recent smile-worthy Super Bowl work for Reece's. Matt's no stranger to Super Bowl ads. Check out HAYMAKER's most recent work for Pluto TV from this year's big game. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn and check out HAYMAKER's work on their website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the 500th episode of the On Brand podcast, I talk to audio research veteran Tom Webster. He shared his state of the podcasting industry, audience research insights, and the various touchpoints in the podcast brand experience. He even told a story about Tom Jones! Don't miss this very special episode of Blossom. Er, I mean — a very special episode of On Brand. And, thank YOU for listening. About Tom Webster Tom Webster is a partner at Sounds Profitable, the leading voice of significance for the digital audio industry, devoted to growing the podcast sector through audio insights, education, and connections. As a 25-year audio research veteran, he is a trusted advisor to the biggest companies in audio and has dedicated his career to the advancement of podcasting for networks and individuals alike. Tom has been a co-author and driver behind some of audio’s most influential studies, including the Infinite Dial® series, Share of Ear®, and The Podcast Landscape. Additionally, he has led hundreds of audience research projects on six continents, for some of the most listened-to podcasts and syndicated radio shows in the world, from Howard Stern to All Things Considered. He's done a card trick for Paula Abdul, shared a martini with Tom Jones, and sold vinyl to Christopher Walken. With Tom’s partnership at its helm, Sounds Profitable is dedicated to setting the course for the future of the audio industry. From the Show What audience research questions should you be asking? Is it the same audience or are they changing? Where are they today? Where does your show fit into their life? Why do they listen to your show? How you can learn more about your listeners. Here's a helpful article Tom wrote at Sounds Profitable on learning more about your listeners. Speaking of listeners ... Listener shoutout! I referenced On Brand listener Mark Gamis. Thanks for listening, Mark! What brand has made Tom smile recently? “I’m going to share a local favorite — Ministry of Supply.” Tom loves their wrinkle-free stage-ready clothes and the entire brand experience. Connect with Tom on LinkedIn and the Sounds Profitable website.   As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate Rush Sheehy is Senior Vice President, Strategy & Insights at GSD&M, an Austin-based agency supporting brands like CapitalOne, Pizza Hut, Southwest Airlines, and Universal. Kate's work helps lead clients in new exciting new directions anchored by strategic insights. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Kate Rush Sheehy Kate Rush Sheehy leads the strategy department at GSD&M, a group of thinkers, makers, and “great question!”-askers that includes brand strategy, comms strategy, and research. She is a passionate builder of ideas and always looks at an opportunity from every conceivable angle to help push the agency’s thinking into fresh new territories. Kate joined GSD&M from Expedia Group where she led global brand strategy and advertising for Vrbo, highlights which include launching the brand in 17 countries and building a creative strategy that justified profitably growing the brand’s media investment by 10x. Prior to that, she opened the Austin office of R/GA where she spent most of her time making Crocs cool again and finding the perfect positioning for a range of Frito-Lay’s brands. From the Show What brand has made Kate smile recently? Kate shared her love of two recent campaigns. First, she loved the recent “DunKings” Super Bowl ad from Dunkin, continuing their Ben and Jen story. She also smiles at the recent GSD&M work for CapitolOne featuring John Travolta reprising his famous Saturday Night Fever strut.  Connect with Kate on the GSD&M website or LinkedIn. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Harms is Chief Growth Officer at youth culture agency Archrival. Through his work with Adidas, Spotify, Red Bull, and YETI, he helps brands connect today's Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Ben Harms Ben Harms, Chief Growth Officer, at youth culture agency, Archrival. Ben speaks to how brands can connect with today's Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences through brand community building, inclusive of influencer/creator marketing. Ben has worked with brands like Adidas, Spotify, Red Bull, Reebok, Hollister, Tommy Hilfiger, Outdoor Voices, and YETI, to strategize and connect with their younger audiences. From the Show Check out Archrival's latest insights on generational brand building which Ben discussed during the show. What brand has made Ben smile recently? Ben shared two very on-brand smile-worthy brands — fashion brand Aimé Leon Dore and e.l.f. Cosmetics. Connect with Ben on the Archrival website or LinkedIn. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices