EP. 20 // Swagger & Slide

He had the swagger. He had the spotlight. He had the NIL deals. So why did Shedeur Sanders fall all the way to the 5th round in the NFL Draft?   In this episode, we unpack the brand that was built around Coach Prime’s son—and why it collapsed under the weight of its own hype. From misplaced bravado to tone-deaf messaging, we explore what happens when a brand grows louder than the performance behind it.

When Adobe joined Bluesky, they weren't expecting a curse from Ra. But that's exactly what they got—and a whole lot more. In this episode, we dive into how a simple “hello” post became the flashpoint for years of creator frustration—over subscription pricing, AI policies and heavy-handed terms of service.   Was Adobe's stumble just a bad day on social—or the sign of a much bigger problem? We break down the backlash, the brand missteps, and what happens when a creative giant loses its way.   Empires don’t fall overnight, but trust is a tricky thing—and Adobe might be running out of it. 

In today’s polarized world, silence isn’t just golden—it might be dangerous. But should brands step into the fray, or is neutrality the smartest move?    Some say taking a stand builds loyalty, while others argue it’s a fast track to alienating half your audience.    From Nike’s bold moves to Disney’s missteps, we break down when taking a stand works, when it backfires, and why the biggest risk isn’t speaking out—it’s doing it poorly.

Numbers or instincts? Analytics or audacity? On this episode, we’re diving into the ultimate creative showdown: data vs. intuition. From Netflix betting big on Stranger Things to Nike’s game-changing Kaepernick campaign, we explore how brands mix spreadsheets with sparks of genius to craft magic. Clarity vs. courage—who wins?  And where does AI fit into the battle royale of decision-making? Oh, and Ian’s got some groveling to do after a three-month hiatus. New-dad life or just plain lazy? You decide. Either way, we’re back—and we’ve got plenty to say.

From the godfather of gangsta rap to the golden boy of the Olympics—how did Snoop Dogg manage to reinvent himself so completely? In this episode, we dive deep into Snoop’s incredible brand evolution—culminating in his surprising and unforgettable presence at the 2024 Summer Games. Snoop's transformation isn’t just a change in sound and style; it's a masterclass in branding. How does an artist go from glorifying the gritty streets of Long Beach to become a cultural ambassador with massive, broad appeal? From music to movies, cannabis to cookbooks, we’ll explore his moves and how each pivot builds upon itself. Snoop’s been dropping it like it’s hot for decades—and proving that the coolest move in branding is staying true and taking risks.

Is Nike's latest ad campaign for the Olympics too honest? In this episode, we delve into the controversial spot that has everyone talking.   The sportswear giant has blown up the internet with its "Winning Isn't for Everyone" campaign, challenging the feel-good narratives that dominate the sports world. Nike's bold move is more than just an ad—it's a manifesto. Anchored by the haunting voice of Willem Dafoe, it tackles the darker themes of athletic ambition: obsession, lack of empathy and the relentless pursuit of victory.   Is this a celebration of the competitive spirit, or does it glorify a ruthless mentality? Are we witnessing a return to Nike’s classic roots, or an audacious rebrand? Does Nike's unapologetic approach redefine what it means to be a winner—and if so, does it cross the line?   You might just find yourself asking, "Am I a bad person for loving it?"

In advertising, the next big idea is sometimes just a green initiative. So in this episode, we ask: Is regenerative branding the future, or just a recycled trend? From Patagonia’s activism to Microsoft’s ambitious carbon goals, we explore brands that aim past profit to champion real societal value. But are brands actually committed, or is it all greenwashing? Who’s authentic, and who’s just looking to score points? And how do regenerative initiatives ladder up to almighty brand storytelling and identity?  Ian has statistics. Josh has agita. Let’s get into it.

Spend just a few minutes on your favorite social platform, and it feels like every other post is a sponsored ad from yet another influencer. So, is this the pinnacle of customer engagement, or just a phase we’re destined to swipe past? From Instagram's inception to TikTok's trendsetters, we're dissecting the rise, reach, and real impact of mega- and micro-influencers. Are brands poised to pivot? Does influencer authenticity matter? And is Josh actually optimistic for a change? Join us as we dive into the evolution, saturation, and future of the influencer ecosystem, exploring whether we're over the influence—or just getting started.

It wasn’t so long ago that if you wanted to do the best work, you went with the big shop. Larger agencies always had the upper hand. More budget. More resources. More three-martini lunches. But as tools and technologies are increasingly democratized, smaller teams are leveling the playing field. And brands are shifting dollars to engage more niche agencies who aren’t necessarily full-service, but fully capable of getting the job done. So while we don’t expect big agencies to go anywhere, when it comes to opportunities for the “little shop”, we suddenly see more.

Yes or no, can brands stay authentic in the era of AI? . . . . . . It’s okay. Take your time. We’ve got nowhere to be.   Come along as we ponder the intersection of AI and genuine substance. Are brands that are built on a perceived platform of “realness” at a disadvantage? Do consumers actually care if AI is used in branding and marketing efforts?   Josh maintains his trademark optimism as we explore what it means to be “authentic”—and if it even matters.