Shows
In the DemoBEST OF: Why We Do ThisWe're taking a short break so we wanted to share this Best Of In the Demo podcast episode with you.This episode first aired June 13, 2024.We've been having a great time for 30+ episodes complaining about bad research, reporting, and punditry (and book-writing) about generational narratives. Who doesn't love-to-hate a good "Millennials killed some industry" story? But there are real stakes here, for how companies hire employees, invest resources, and plan marketing campaigns; for politicians and policy makers about who they want to serve or punish, and how they want to build their coalitions; and...
2024-09-261h 03In the DemoBEST OF: Mediated Sex with Katy Coduto, PhDWe're taking a short break so we wanted to share this Best Of In the Demo podcast episode with you.This episode first aired August 31, 2024.The story about Millennials and dating is all about apps, sexting and ghosting - the habits of the toxically online. But it’s not all toxic - it can help people discover how to be intimate and confident in their romantic relationships. Still, real concerns about privacy and security abound. We sat down with Katy Coduto, PhD, an assistant professor of media studies at Boston University and author of th...
2024-09-191h 07In the DemoBEST OF: Who Owns the 90s? with Rob HarvillaWe're taking a short break so we wanted to share this Best Of In the Demo podcast episode with you.This episode first aired on April 18, 2024.The nostalgia and ownership that younger generations feel toward the music and culture of the 90s is fascinating. In this episode of In The Demo, Farrah and her guest Rob Harvilla, host of the 60 Songs that Explain the '90s podcast, explore why the decade holds such a powerful allure for those who never experienced it firsthand.They discuss what accounts for this cross-generational appeal...
2024-09-121h 05In the DemoBEST OF: Generations Are Culture, with Anne Helen PetersenWe're taking a short break so we wanted to share this Best Of In the Demo podcast episode with you.This episode first aired on May 16, 2024.Millennials are reframing their generational identity as they enter homeownership and parenthood, but broken systems remain. Nostalgia for a pre-internet era offers an escape, and reflects a yearning for IRL experiences and human connection in an automated and mediated world.Anne Helen Petersen, author and cultural critic, joins host Farrah Bostic to discuss the evolving narratives surrounding millennials and Gen Z. They explore how the...
2024-09-051h 11In the DemoBEST OF: Why Pew Stepped Away from Generations, with Kim ParkerWe're taking a short break so we wanted to share this Best Of In the Demo podcast episode with you.This episode first aired on July 18, 2023.BREAKING (kidding, sort of). In late May, Pew Research announced they would "only do generational analysis when we have historical data that allows us to compare generations at similar stages of life" after a year-long analysis of their own approach to reporting on differences by generations, and the overall landscape of such content and reporting. This announcement supports a lot of what Farrah and Adam have been circling...
2024-08-291h 01In the DemoBEST OF: The Quote That Started the MythWe're taking a short break so we wanted to share this Best Of In the Demo podcast episode with you.This episode first aired February 9, 2023.In this episode, Farrah and Adam look more closely at the beginnings of the Millennial Myth, literally the opening quote of Millennials Rising. We discuss how much of the myth hangs on one short quote written in an essay by a (then) high school girl living in McLean, Virginia where the authors set their work. Then, Adam talks to the woman behind that very quote to understand how she...
2024-08-2235 minIn the DemoWe Have to Talk About Jean, Part 2Generational stereotypes and the flaws in popular research on Millennials and Gen Z are dissected, revealing how cherry-picked data and misleading interpretations shape public perception. In this episode of In The Demo, we continue our deep dive into the work of Jean Twenge, questioning some of her methods as well as biases in her research on generational traits. We analyze the structure and content of books like iGen and Generations, specifically how authors manipulate data and rely on anecdotal evidence to support predetermined narratives. The conversation also touches on broader themes of individualism, collectivism, and the...
2024-07-261h 11In the DemoWe Have To Talk About Jean, Part 1Millennials Rising may have kicked off the race to define the Millennial generation, but one author in particular has become the singular thought leader among commentators, researchers, and others: Jean Twenge. Her books iGen and Generations helped her move from toiling in academic obscurity to shaping the discourse. In this episode of In the Demo, hosts Farrah Bostic and Adam Pierno critically examine Jean Twenge's work, particularly her two most recent books iGen and Generations. They explore the transition from academic research to popular nonfiction, questioning her data sources, her analytical frames, and her conclusions. The...
2024-07-111h 04In the DemoWasted with Further&FurtherGen Z is far more complex and resourceful than popular stereotypes suggest — intimate conversations with young people show us how they're navigating an increasingly challenging world. Their attitudes towards work, creativity, and personal fulfillment tell us a lot about how this generation is forging its path. In this episode of In the Demo, host Adam Pierno speaks with filmmakers Branden Mayer and Max Goldstein about their documentary ‘Wasted’. The film explores the lives of Gen Z individuals in Vancouver, challenging common misconceptions about their work ethic and aspirations. Mayer and Goldstein discuss their research methodology, the process...
2024-06-2753 minIn the DemoWhy We Do ThisWe've been having a great time for 30+ episodes complaining about bad research, reporting, and punditry (and book-writing) about generational narratives. Who doesn't love-to-hate a good "Millennials killed some industry" story? But there are real stakes here, for how companies hire employees, invest resources, and plan marketing campaigns; for politicians and policy makers about who they want to serve or punish, and how they want to build their coalitions; and for journalists and commentators who can popularize and spread these narratives in ways that permeate the public consciousness. These things matter - they affect how we see ourselves in the...
2024-06-131h 02In the DemoIt's the PhonesSocial media and smartphones are causing an epidemic of mental illness and anxiety among Gen Z, according to some prominent thinkers - but are these sweeping claims backed by evidence? Maybe the answer is: it's complicated, and jumping to simplistic conclusions is at best useless and at worst, dangerous.In this episode, we talk about recent discussions about the work of psychologist Jonathan Haidt (often in collaboration with generational researcher Jean Twenge), who argue tech is wreaking havoc on young people. We talk about flaws in the arguments, discuss other factors that contribute to these trends...
2024-05-301h 05In the DemoGenerations are Culture with Anne Helen PetersenMillennials are reframing their generational identity as they enter homeownership and parenthood, but broken systems remain. Nostalgia for a pre-internet era offers an escape, and reflects a yearning for IRL experiences and human connection in an automated and mediated world.Anne Helen Petersen, author and cultural critic, joins host Farrah Bostic to discuss the evolving narratives surrounding millennials and Gen Z. They explore how the optimism of the 90s and early 2000s has given way to disillusionment, the impact of political polarization on younger generations, and the collective burnout experienced by a society that glorifies productivity...
2024-05-161h 11In the DemoGenerational Slang with Rebecca JenningsPreconceived notions and media narratives have warped perceptions of social media and internet culture, shaping misleading stories about generations. A critical look beyond the headlines reveals the complex realities of how people of all ages engage with online platforms in nuanced ways.Farrah Bostic and Adam Pierno welcome Rebecca Jennings, a reporter at Vox covering internet culture, to unpack the flawed assumptions and evolving trends shaping discourse around TikTok, influencers, and generational divides. Together, they explore how content creation, viral sensations, and the quest for fame and money online impact society in ways that often defy...
2024-05-021h 08In the DemoWho Owns the 90s? with Rob HarvillaThe nostalgia and ownership that younger generations feel toward the music and culture of the 90s is fascinating. In this episode of In The Demo, Farrah and her guest Rob Harvilla, host of the 60 Songs that Explain the '90s podcast, explore why the decade holds such a powerful allure for those who never experienced it firsthand.They discuss what accounts for this cross-generational appeal, from the mythologizing of the 90s in media to the enduring impact of the era's defining genres and artists. And they discuss how technology and cultural shifts of the past 30 years...
2024-04-181h 04In the DemoMeet Gen AlphaGrowing impatience with generational stereotyping has sparked a critical reexamination of how we categorize and analyze age cohorts. Despite Generation Alpha still being born, that won't stop consultants and pundits from making sweeping predictions about who they will be and laying out dubious prescriptions for how they should be raised. By scrutinizing the motives behind labeling Generation Alpha, the absurdity of predicting the traits of a generation that hasn't fully arrived becomes apparent.Farrah and Adam discuss the cyclical nature of generational myths, the societal anxieties they reveal, and the problematic values emerging from Gen Alpha's...
2024-04-041h 15In the DemoThe Demographic CliffThe demographic cliff - a controversial idea that declining population growth will trigger economic disaster. But is it real or just sensationalized clickbait pushed by those with an agenda?Investment advisor Harry Dent popularized demographic cliff fears in the mid-2000s to sell his financial advice (and a book, of course). From there, it became a favored trope in education, where school administrators - from K-12 to college - worried about not having enough enrolled students. Recently, concerns have shifted to plummeting birth rates in South Korea, China, and Canada. But throughout history, similar narratives have...
2024-03-2151 minIn the DemoQuiet QuittingWhen the Millennials came of age to enter the workforce (which took nearly 15 years) the media was awash in headlines about how to cater to this powerful new generation. Today, the headlines have turned to Gen Z. Farrah and Adam go deeper than the headlines to reveal that the story is still about Millennials. Reminiscent of the treatment of Gen X, Gen Z is constantly compared to their elders, but worse, many writers and researchers are lumping Millennials and Gen Z together. Mentioned Resources: Email-gated landing page: https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/w...
2024-03-071h 08
In the DemoClash of SegmentationsIn this episode, Farrah and Adam discuss the role and effectiveness of strategy in advertising, including how connected it needs to be to cultural trends, consumer insights, and business realities. And then - they take a deep dive into an article by Richard Huntington in WARC, "The Future of Strategy 2023: Marketing is in desperate need of a reality check" in which he agrees with our premise that generational segments are astrology for marketers - but uses this as a cudgel against all segmentations, which we don't care for, frankly.Also mentioned, Farrah's piece, "There's no such...
2024-02-221h 15In the DemoClash of SegmentationsIn this episode, Farrah and Adam discuss the role and effectiveness of strategy in advertising, including how connected it needs to be to cultural trends, consumer insights, and business realities. And then - they take a deep dive into an article by Richard Huntington in WARC, "The Future of Strategy 2023: Marketing is in desperate need of a reality check" in which he agrees with our premise that generational segments are astrology for marketers - but uses this as a cudgel against all segmentations, which we don't care for, frankly.Also mentioned, Farrah's piece, "There's no such...
2024-02-221h 15In the DemoA Word From Our SponsorsThe best advertising reveals something you’ve thought for a long time about a product, service or its users (or yourself!) and presents in an unexpected way. Either for a laugh or some emotional response. Today, we’re seeing advertisers take broad stereotypes of generational segmentations and paste them directly into ads. The results are, um, not great. MENTIONED RESOURCES:2024 Lamb: The Generation Gap Coinbase: GenerationsJP Morgan Chase: Meet the JennifersTide - quiet timeThe Musings of an Opinionated Sod - Sorry, dear Rob Campbell, Farrah misattributed your blog title to Dave Trott!!! For shame!
2024-02-081h 01In the DemoMillennial PerennialsAdam and Farrah commence a new season, and in the spirit of the new year, take a look at recent Millennial headlines and found that... nothing has changed, and nothing ever will.Links:Jodie Foster on Gen ZThe ironic reason Gen Z are ageing faster than millennials — MetroThe Plastic Surgery Trend Gen X, Millennials, & Gen Z All Agree On — The Zoe ReportHow you wear a scarf can reveal if you're Gen Z or Millennial — New York PostGen Z's throwback ‘chunky highlights’ hair trend makes millennials cringe: 'Don't do it!' — New York PostMillennials are ditching 'sad beige...
2024-01-251h 00In the DemoLet's give thanksWe are taking this Thursday off for Thanksgiving, sorry to our non-American listeners! We will be back with one more episode in December before pausing to work on Season 2, which is already under way. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or your podcast app of choice. You can email us with questions or thoughts - adam@inthedemopodcast and farrah@inthedemopodcast. In The Demo, a podcast about how stories of groups are created, subverted and destroyed. On the first season, we pursue the origins of the Millennial Myth. Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head...
2023-11-2302 minIn the DemoS1E20: The Newly OldsIs your generation your identity? What happens when your actual life starts to veer away from the story of your life? In this episode, we take a look at the way some members of the Millennial generation are starting to experience a mid-life identity crisis as they realize that they did in fact become married, home-owning, parenting adults with retirement savings. We examine these "getting older" Millennial narratives and what the data tells us about what's really going on with Millennials (on average). Highlights:Generational differences and life experiences. 5:35Millennial identity and generational anxiety. 12:20Gen X...
2023-11-101h 14In the DemoS1E19 - Is Millennial Intimacy Going to Save Us?Adam and Farrah regroup to discuss what they've learned from past episodes featuring Cindy Gallop, Katy Coduto PhD, and Cristen Dalessandro PhD (find them in the feed!!) about Millennial sex, dating, and intimacy. You know, the stuff you have to deal with before you even get to worrying about whether they're getting married on time and having enough kids!Intimacy, relationships, and generational differences. 0:00Gender roles, relationships, and technology. 7:22Dating apps and their impact on society. 12:34The impact of social media on self-awareness and relationships. 20:21Gender roles, attraction, and media influence. 25:33Millennials, Gen Z, and inter...
2023-10-2746 minIn the DemoS1E18: Intimate Inequalities with Cristen DalessandroOur third installment in a series of episodes exploring the part in between hookup culture on college campuses, and "failure to launch" narratives about Millennials living at home instead of getting married and starting families: those years when you're an adult, working, and figuring out what you want in a relationship (if you even want one). In previous episodes we looked at the "social sex revolution" championed by Cindy Gallop, the world of online dating apps and sexting with Katy Coduto, and now we turn to the less overtly sexy but just as consequential parts of...
2023-10-121h 06In the DemoS1E17: Extremely Online with Taylor LorenzWe're joined by Taylor Lorenz, author of Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet to talk about how she had a front-row seat to many of the changes in media, memes, and Millennials over the course of her career from tabloid blogger to feature reporter for The Washington Post. We talk about the role of social media, the way incentives for media companies have evolved, how she proved internet culture was a beat, and how memes get amplified into mass culture - and what all this means for generational identities....
2023-09-2843 minIn the DemoS1E16: Book Club! The Selfie Vote by Kristen Soltis AndersonWe started with headlines from the New York Post and other extremely online publications and our research overall has shifted heavily into the journalistic media narrative arc that has been assigned to Millennials; a group we’re not even sure we would say exists. Now we decided we need to read the most visible and influential books over the past 20 years that coincided with shifts in the story. Up first, Kristen Soltis Anderson’s 2015 book The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials Are Leading America (And How Republicans Can Keep Up).Find the book here: https://www.amazon.com...
2023-09-141h 12In the DemoS1E15: Mediated Sex with Katy Coduto, PhDThe story about Millennials and dating is all about apps, sexting and ghosting - the habits of the toxically online. But it’s not all toxic - it can help people discover how to be intimate and confident in their romantic relationships. Still, real concerns about privacy and security abound. We sat down with Katy Coduto, PhD, an assistant professor of media studies at Boston University and author of the forthcoming Technology, Privacy, and Sexting: Mediated Sex.Find out more about Katy here: https://kdcoduto.comIntroductionThe ro...
2023-08-311h 07In the DemoS1E14 - The (Millennial) Social Sex Revolution, with Cindy GallopWe're starting a mini-series on intimacy. First up, Cindy Gallop is the founder and CEO of Make Love Not Porn. They are pro-sex pro-porn Pro-knowing the difference. It's her personal experience with Millennial lovers that opened her eyes to the challenges they were faced with in relationships. Intimacy has been pushed out of culture, and replaced with a variety of distractions, entertainments and stories. Cindy's direct style makes her a sought after voice in this conversation. As you'll hear, she's seen the challenge up close and personal.Learn more https://cindygallop.com/ and makelovenotporn.tv
2023-08-1756 minIn the DemoS1E13: The flattening with Benish ShahGeneralizations can be damaging. In this episode, Benish Shah joins us for a conversation about how marketers, in an attempt to simplify the huge Millennial consumer group, over-simplified them en masse. She looks at how power structures are shaped, people on the margins are held there and others are pushed there by the narrative perpetuated to make it easier to sell things.Benish Shah is a marketer, builder and advisor to companies and brands around the world. Learn more here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benishshah/Every generation is the next great generation. (6:13)
2023-08-0155 minIn the DemoS1E12 - Breaking news in demographics with Kim Parker, Pew ResearchBREAKING (kidding, sort of). In late May, Pew Research announced they would "only do generational analysis when we have historical data that allows us to compare generations at similar stages of life" after a year-long analysis of their own approach to reporting on differences by generations, and the overall landscape of such content and reporting. This announcement supports a lot of what Farrah and Adam have been circling while conducting their research into the Millennial narrative, and Pew's got the data to explain why their approach makes so much sense. Kim Parker, director of social trends research at Pew...
2023-07-181h 01In the DemoS1E11 Looking at the narrative with Christina BlackenThe Millennial Myth was created in the late 1990's to help provide context about the coming juggernaut of a generation. As with most stories about huge groups, the narrative held on to broad generalizations and chose odd anecdotes to incorporate, while eschewing other detailed experiences and perspective. Early on, people on the fringes took notice, and have been hanging on ever since. We spoke to author expert on narratives and Founder of The New Quo, (https://www.thenewquo.com/) and host of the Sway Them in Color podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sway-them-in-color/id1487837712) to help add...
2023-06-121h 15In the DemoS1E10 The idealistsIn the beginning was the word, and the word was hopeful. Or optimistic. Or idealistic. The people crafting the Millennial Myth branded 70 million people as bright eyed and positive that they would make the world a better place. Which is a bit weird because very clear recurring data show that they were no more or less idealistic in their senior year of high-school as the generations before or after them. No more trusting of government. Millennials were defined in this way and have been held to account for the label for the next 20 years and counting....
2023-05-0257 minIn the DemoSIE9 Rose Cameron is taking the long view - Audio only BONUS episodeThis is a bonus, audio-only episode. Did you even know In The Demo is found on YouTube? We were a little surprised, too. You can find In The Demo on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@inthedemopodcast1834Rose Cameron joins Farrah and Adam to talk about her work leading research of the Millennial generation going back to when they were still just babies. Working for global brands, she saw first-hand some of the drivers of the interest in this audience; deemed both an opportunity and a threat. Maybe more importantly they were viewed as...
2023-04-0748 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingGaming in culture with Jamin WarrenShall we play a game? Sorry, couldn't resist and I know that only people over 40 will get the joke. Jamin Warren of Twofivesix has been working in gaming for long enough to see the influence of games come full circle. Before, games tried to capitalize on pop culture, like films (anyone played the ET game?) but for the past decade, games have become a source of influence of pop culture (see: The Last of Us). Jamin takes us through what gaming means to people and how that influence plays out.
Find Jamin Warren at https://twofivesix.co...
2023-03-2837 minIn the DemoBONUS EPISODE: ElizaThis episode features our robot Eliza. She queried her cousin, ChatGPT, to write a summary of the Millennial generation. We think they nailed it. Let Farrah and Adam know what you think they got right and wrong by crawling the open web and twenty years of content marketing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-03-1701 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingAre dating apps video games with Katy CodutoYou are no doubt familiar with some of the elements of dating apps that have become UX and pop culture staples. For some of you, you're all too familiar with the ways gamified UX features affect approach to dating. Dr. Katy Coduto can explain why. She's been researching dating apps and behaviors for years. A researcher and Assistant Professor at Boston University (go Terriers!), she's been looking at the ways each swipe and tap has impacted the dating scene and the people living it on a day-to-day basis. She has insights into how the UX we use can become th...
2023-03-1441 minIn the DemoS1E8 Cash rules everything around meThis time, Farrah and Adam look at the supposedly 100 million people–well, not people–CONSUMERS that had marketers mouths watering. We look at how that plan to receive and sell to Millennials drove the wishful thinking about their behavior and preferences, along with how it might reshape workplaces. In The Demo, a podcast about how stories of groups are created, subverted and destroyed. On the first season, we pursue the origins of the Millennial Myth. Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy of, The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy focused on helping busi...
2023-03-1049 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingLisa Heyamoto is helping unbreak newsYou've probably read or heard a lot about the plight of news in America, and specifically how local news has shrunk over the years. LION is an organization started to help more local groups successfully report their local news. Lisa Heyamoto, Programming Director, Membership Education at LION helps develop tools and training to help these local groups thrive. We talk about how they approach tools and training, and where she sees needs among these startups and entrepreneurs.
Find Lisa Heyamoto at LIONpublishers.com
The Strategy Inside Everything is produced by me, Adam Pierno. If you li...
2023-02-2839 minIn the DemoS1E7 Behind the research curtain with Paul SolderaIn this episode, Farrah and Adam talk about the research that went into Millennials Rising. As always, they have questions. An entire generation–supposedly 100 million people–defined by one survey in one school district? Farrah talks to quantitative researcher, Paul Soldera, who opens the curtain on segmentation and best practices in the most interesting conversation on research methodology that you will hear this year.In The Demo, a podcast about how stories of groups are created, subverted and destroyed. On the first season, we pursue the origins of the Millennial Myth. Farrah Bostic is the founder and...
2023-02-2351 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingDon Caldwell on the evolution of memesIf you're interested in memes, this show is for you. Managing director at Literally Media and Editor in chief of Know Your Meme, Don Caldwell joins Adam to talk about how memes have evolved from the early days of the commercial internet and how they look like they'll change going forward. Don's been at Know Your Meme for some of the memes that pop in your head when you describe what memes mean, the context he provides is rich.
Find Don at knowyourmeme.com and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-caldwell-67b39016/
A great c...
2023-02-1450 minIn the DemoS1E6 The quote that started the mythIn this last episode, Farrah and Adam look more closely at the beginnings of the Millennial Myth, literally the opening quote of Millennials Rising. We discuss how much of the myth hangs on one short quote written in an essay by a (then) high school girl living in McLean, Virginia where the authors set their work. Then, Adam talks to the woman behind that very quote to understand how she feels the myth has defined, served and punished her generation.In The Demo, a podcast about how stories of groups are created, subverted and destroyed. On...
2023-02-0936 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingSPECIAL EPISODE: Nishita Tamuly is gently powering through with Kaitlin Maud-MoonHave you ever felt like you hit the wall? How did you get through it when you know stopping isn's a long term solution. Nishita Tamuly joins the show and talks about what's she has discovered about intention as a powerful force for overcoming burnout. She's joined by the one. The only. Kaitlin Maud-Moon (horn sound effect here).
Find Kaitlin at: https://kaitlinmaud.com/ Kaitlin - sincere thanks for hosting this conversation.
But wait? Where the hell is Adam? He's been working on a new show, In the Demo, all about the origins of the Mi...
2023-01-3150 minIn the DemoS1E5 The gang goes to McLean!In the last episode, Farrah reveals the source text for the Millennial Myth was written by an economist and a cultural commentator based on light research they did in McLean, VA in the late 1990's. Farrah and Adam asked themselves, is McLean an appropriate stand in for the entire world? The entire U.S.? As it turns out, it might not be an appropriate representative sample for the state of Virginia. Farrah and Adam compare the U.S. census around the time of this book and since to shed light on possible challenges to the conclusions of the book...
2023-01-281h 01In the DemoS1E4 Millennials RisingThey've found it! Hours of research and hundreds of clicks on Google spam links have led to the beginning. Farrah has found what we believe is the source text. A pseudo ethnography by a economist and a cultural commentator published in 2000. The ur text is (appropriately) called Millennials Rising. Farrah and Adam discuss the book and its background and attempt to track the sources cited within for clues to an earlier text. In The Demo, a podcast about how stories of groups are created, subverted and destroyed. On the first season, we pursue the origins of...
2023-01-0546 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingWhere we go wrong with performance improvement with Carla FowlerHow much time do you spend thinking about how you might perform better - at your job or in other areas of your life. Just in time for your new year's resolution, Dr. Carla Fowler is thinking about it for you. After leaving a pursuit of medicine, she realized she wanted to help people, but in a different way. She's gone on to build THAXA Executive Coaching. In this revealing conversation, she and Adam discuss where knowledge workers often go wrong when they approach performance improvement, and how they might think about it more productively.
Find Carla F...
2022-12-2746 minIn the DemoS1E3 Unraveling the Millennial MythIn Episode 3, Farrah and Adam look at the misguided reporting on data that positioned Millennials as over-indexing on trust of government and leaders. In this follow-up conversation, they examine the split in the story, in which the media begins to look less certain that Millennials are the saviors of America's future. The bifurcation of the original, straightforward story leads to the unraveling of the powerful myth spun in the early 2000's. The narrative mirrors the shift from the optimistic end of history rhetoric to Great Recession nihilism, with one generation treated as the fulcrum.In The...
2022-12-2247 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingSPECIAL EPISODE: Kaitlin Maud-Moon hosts Ezra Englebardt and Matt RainoneHow do the skills you learn in one industry set you up for future career success in another? Both Ezra Englebardt and Matt Rainone started inside ad agencies working on planning and strategy. Now, they're both in house at CVS Health moving forward complex and occasionally sensitive comms efforts, using some of those same skills. In this conversation, you'll hear how they think about their time in agencies and how they value the lessons they learned there in their day to day. This conversation is graciously hosted by former guest, friend of the show, talented strategy consultant and good...
2022-12-1348 minIn the DemoS1E2 State of love and trustIn the beginning, there was the word. And the word was trust. Initial reports told us that Millennials were trusting in government institutions and authority. Over time, we have seen that shift as Millennials (and um, the rest of us) were witness to the failures of the banking industry, the federal and local government and other institutions over time. In this episode, Farrah and Adam find some data from the early days that served as the basis for some of these conclusions on trust, but look at them in comparison to other generations surveyed at that same young age...
2022-12-0839 minIn the DemoS1E1: Current headlinesSeen any good headlines about Millennials lately? Do they seem a tiny bit slanted? Why does the entire world believe every Millennial eats avocado toast for every meal? In this episode we look at some of the wildest headlines and examine what may be behind the editorial angle and the reasons why? This leads us to think about the current trajectory of the story and how it's changed over time. In The Demo, a podcast about how stories of groups are created, subverted and destroyed. On the first season, we pursue the origins of the Millennial...
2022-12-0143 minIn the DemoS1E0: We have questions about MillennialsHow on earth did Millennials go from being the glowing, favorite child of an entire nation–our primary source of hope for the future–into the enemy? The bad guys. Murderers. Sort of. Killers of the housing market, fast food and the napkin industry. For 20 years, we've observed and participated in the crafting and re-crafting of this narrative to help sell things from policy, economic strategy and yes, um, napkins. In The Demo, a podcast about how stories of groups are created, subverted and destroyed. On the first season, we pursue the origins of the Millennial Myth...
2022-12-0117 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingNick Bond found real metrics for a scripted sportHow many times have you come up with an idea, and then you have no idea how to measure it to see if it's successful? Nick Bond writes (and thinks and dreams) about professional wrestling. While acknowledging that WWE promotes a scripted sport, which he describes as subjective, Nick identified a clever way to measure how wrestlers are performing over time. In this fast-moving conversation, Nick talks about what he was trying to solve for, how he found a model to build on and how he continues to refine his POP Plus metric, now used by The Ringer to...
2022-11-2951 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingIntroducing: In the Demo - a new podcast from Adam PiernoA new podcast from the makers of The Strategy Inside Everything.
How did the generation defined by hope become the enemy? Where do stories this big come from? And why does it matter?
Introducing, in the demo. A new podcast about how stories of groups are created, subverted and destroyed. On the first season, experienced strategists and researchers Farrah Bostic and Adam Pierno pursue the origins of the Millennial Myth.
Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy of, The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy focused on helping business leaders make decisions. Adam Pierno, author and brand c...
2022-11-2201 minIn the DemoIntroducing In The DemoHow did the generation defined by hope become the enemy? Where do stories this big come from? And why does it matter?Introducing In The Demo; a new podcast about how stories of groups are created, subverted and destroyed. On the first season, experienced strategists and researchers Farrah Bostic and Adam Pierno pursue the origins of the Millennial Myth.Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy of, The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy focused on helping business leaders make decisions. Adam Pierno, author and brand consultant and managing director...
2022-11-2001 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingThe art (and science) of the conversation with Brooke SellasAuthor Brooke Sellas (she's still getting used to that descriptor) has been leading and measuring conversations for years. As CEO of B Squared Media, she's developed a model for metrics that have meaning and help organizations understand what is happening and why. Instead of generic measures linked to 'engagement' she reports on a return on conversation that has elasticity to better capture the needs of the particular organization, and those it is conversation with. Her book, Conversations That Connect, maps her creation of the model and how to best use it.
Find Conversations That Connect here: https://w...
2022-11-1547 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingAmanda Brennan explores the connection between memes and cultureEver wonder why a meme resonates with you so hard? Ever catch yourself realizing the dumb looping video you just giggled at and retweeted is actually a clever commentary on a common social convention? Ever apply library science skills to one of the largest meme data sets in the world? Okay, two out of three ain't bad. Amanda Brennan joins Adam to talk about her path into the world of internet culture and memes, and how she makes sense of it all. Her passion for memes is rivaled by her understanding of the form.
Find Amanda on T...
2022-11-0142 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingAric Wood is focused on actionIf you are a regular listener to this show, you probably make plans for a living. Ever feel like the job stalls out in Google Slides? Like, you work on the thinking but seeing it take flight is never quite right? Aric Wood of XPLANE gets strategies airborne for a living. He wrote a book, called The Strategy Activation Playbook, which Adam dug so much while preparing for this conversation, that he read it a second time. This conversation covers the how and why of this book, which will seem pretty clear, but the level of detail in the...
2022-10-1846 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingKaitlin Maud Moon on perpetual forward motionEver meet someone and feel like you've known them your whole life? This episode captures that feeling in real time. The amazing Kaitlin Maud Moon was kind enough to join the show to talk to Adam about her non-linear career path and the inspiration for her pursuit of a degree beyond that work. She's thoughtful about how each body of work informs and enhances the other, and how she tapped into a plan that may have been there all along that.
You can find Kaitlin at her site: http://www.kaitlinmaud.com/ and on Twitter (that's where...
2022-10-0441 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingNeil Parker knows where brands are goingCo-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at co:collective, Neil Parker joins Adam to talk about his experience in corporate strategy and how it's informed his thinking about brands. As context changes, brands change. As the meta context changes, the needs for brands to exist change. His perspective as a consultant provides an outlook unique in the world of brand strategy, as he considers how brand managers can shift from the pure focus on ROI metrics to more meaningful outcomes. You can find Neil at co:collective or on Instagram. You may also like our episode with co:collective's Kit...
2022-09-2039 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingWhat conditions make great work possible with Katie DrekeKatie Dreke has a lot of experience helping people get above the bar. Better thinking, better work, better outcomes. In agencies and global brands, she has tested ways to get people to feel and do their best work. In this conversation, Katie and I explore the conditions that help people perform and some of the specifics Katie has tried in her career at Nike, Adidas and others.
If you haven't already, you should go back right now and listen to my earlier conversation with Katie.
You can find Katie here on Twitter: https://twitter.com/k...
2022-09-0647 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingJoey Camire on caringBefore all this talk of "quiet quitting," Joey Camire noticed people just tapping out of their work and other responsibilities. He realized there was something big going on, something beyond apathy and approaching nihilism. With waves of bad news, how can we reach people to reengage them, and apply meaning where they may have lost it? This conversation touches on ways we put humanity first, and manage what is in our control to inspire others. Joey is principal and managing director at Sylvain.
You can find Joey here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjoeycamire/, he talks more a...
2022-08-2346 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingAdrian Ho is putting in the workWhen Adrian Ho founded Zeus Jones, he had a vision to be a partner that would help solve deeper business problems than the ad agencies in which he got his start. Over time, the firm did just that. Seeing there was more to do to drive change in the world, through business, he and Zeus Jones launched the Demos investment fund to support startups innovating towards a better world. After knowing Adrian by reputation and mutual friends for a long time, we finally connected to talk about his start, training and outlook on improving things around us.
2022-08-0945 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingMirror Thinking with Fiona MurdenI was wondering about role models, especially in the type of work where people are being assigned to do things that they have never done. I didn't have to look far to find the excellent book Mirror Thinking, and its author, Fiona Murden. She is an Organizational Psychologist and the founder of Aroka Ltd. She joined me to talk about how we learn by taking cues from people who set an aspirational example, and where to find those when its not immediately clear.
Find Fiona at www.fionamurden.com and her podcast Dot to Dot.
Find...
2022-07-2636 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingDavid C. Lowery on finding your audienceAggregator platforms are always talking about finding new content relevant for you; Netflix, Google, Amazon, Spotify. David C. Lowery has spent a lifetime figuring out first-hand how to find and curate audiences for his own bands, Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker, and now teaching all he’s learned as a Senior Lecturer at University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. He breaks down how audiences were discovered and nurtured, pre-algorithm.
The Strategy Inside Everything is the podcast for people who think for a living. If you have an idea, a question or you want to push back o...
2022-07-1252 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingSara Lobkovich isn't afraidThe initial prompt for this conversation was "What would you accomplish at your job if you had no fear of losing it?" Sara Lobkovich is the perfect person to respond. She not only helps organizations identify and navigate positive change, but she's been challenging her perception of fear in activities like climbing and motorcycling her whole life. What follows is an honest, raw conversation with someone who is keenly aware of the line between security and fear and the benefits of balancing both.
You can find Sara at Red Currant. https://redcurrantco.com/ and subscribe to her n...
2022-06-2850 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingTimothy Summers' very practical plans for web3Dr. Timothy Summers is Executive Director of Product Development of Digital Trust and Lead of Pocket initiative at Arizona State University and CEO at Summers & Company. He has the knowledge and expertise that would make some people tough for laypeople to understand. But he approaches problem solving and opportunities with practicality that is energizing. I took this opportunity to ask him about how web3 might become the thing we've been reading speculation about, and he had some characteristically intelligent and down-to-earth thoughts on the subject, coming from his work at ASU.
You can find Timothy on Twitter a...
2022-06-1442 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingGo Luck Yourself with Andy NairnAt the end of every episode of How I Built It, host Guy Raz asks extremely successful founders whether hard work and smarts played as much of a role as luck. Andy Nairn is the founder of Lucky Generals. He's been paying attention to the role that luck plays in life and brand success, since before stumbling on that name almost ten years ago. Now he's written a book, Go Luck Yourself, to put the stories in context and explaining how to recognize and take advantage when luck smiles on your business and brand.
Proceeds from the b...
2022-05-3142 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingCraig Elimeliah is respectfully obsessedLike many of our guests, Craig Elimeliah thinks a lot about things. But he's thinking a lot about a lot of things, and trying to assemble the pieces to understand patterns. From his early start studying the Talmud, through finding his way in the early commercial web, he's developed a passion for understanding the end user. Now, he's leading teams and passing on that obsession with cross-discipline teams at VMLY&R. He talked to Adam about just how he approaches that.
You can find Craig on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CraigElimeliah
The Strategy Inside Everything i...
2022-05-1739 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingMapping new experiences with Sanya DeshpandeAfter years of traditional strategy training at shops VMLY&R and PHD, Sanya Deshpande was inspried by the offering of Oura Ring. She talks about what elements of her experience have served her in this new world, and what she's had to learn and help create.
You can find Sanya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanyadeshpande/
The Strategy Inside Everything is the podcast for people who think for a living. If you have an idea, a question or you want to push back on something you hear in this episode, go to https://tha...
2022-05-0336 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingKate Knibbs is making things interestingKate Knibbs is a senior writer for Wired. In her work, she wants stories to be true and interesting. In pursuit of those goals Kate is a determined researcher. In this conversation, she shares her process and talks about stories which presented unexpected turns in the reporting which lead to better–that is more truthful and interesting stories. Strategists and knowledge workers of all kinds can benefit from this insightful approach.
Kate can be found on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Knibbs and Wired: https://www.wired.com/author/kate-knibbs/
We discussed two stories you will pro...
2022-04-1941 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingCarolina Cruz-Letelier is a realistic optimist.Carolina Cruz-Letelier has seen career growth from a lot of different angles. From brand side to agency side to jumping to new cities without a job, she's had a chance to think about how people adapt to new teams and organizations, and what prevents success there. Over the wild (understatement?) past years, she's been working with her team at MUH-TAY-ZIK | HOF-FER, to figure out what "culture" really is in the agency and how a new, largely remote team can come together in spirit to deliver great work, and feel like a cohesive unit.
The Strategy Inside Everything is...
2022-04-0545 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingJust how much do you need to know with Adam NaymanAdam Nayman is a film critic, lecturer, and author. In an interview he posted with the maker of the film The Empty Man (which I loved), Adam presses the director on other films he was reminded of or felt was referenced. The interview raised some questions for me about my approach to starting a new strategy assignment. How much do you need to know, to feel like you understand? How much information is too much? What is reasonable. This conversation stays rooted in film, but the bread crumbs to other types of thought work are certainly there. Adam Nayman’s...
2022-03-2753 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingShare this experience with Jenny NicholsonJenny Nicholson, Executive Director, Brand Experience at McKinney began her career as a copywriter. But before landing in advertising, she earned a Master's degree in Social Work. She's always been in touch with how people think and make decisions. Despite working on beautiful and compelling creative, she wondered traditional advertising channels were the most impactful tool which led to the creation of Spent, a game that puts the player in the position of having to make the hard choices necessary to stretch a small household budget over the course of a pretty typical month. Ten years later, this game...
2022-03-0846 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingAsking Neil Sahota how artificial intelligence will displace thought workersChief Innovation Officer at UC Irvine and UN Advisor on AI, Neil Sahota, joins a lively discussion with host Adam Pierno on how AI is improving. Improving means getting smarter, but also carving out niches for applications. This wide ranging conversation touches on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and thinking beyond automation. Neil shares examples of eye opening work being done by AI, like a film trailer cut from the full feature with no human editor... See it here.
Find Neil on his website, LinkedIn and on Twitter.
The Strategy Inside Everything is the podcast for pe...
2022-02-2237 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingColin Mitchell on the Virtues of understanding your audienceColin Mitchell has come from a traditional planning background at BMP and other shops famous for planning and creative, along with a stop at McDonald's before his current role at Virtue, the agency powered by Vice. Adam and Colin discuss how that planning education from the pre-digital era has informed the powerful work they're doing now to tap into culture and sub-culture trends.
You can learn more about Virtue here: https://www.virtueworldwide.com/.
The Strategy Inside Everything is the podcast for people who think for a living. If you have an idea, a question or y...
2022-02-0841 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingReginald Cash is thinking beyond platformsReginald Cash, CEO of 3BLACKDOT joins Adam for an in-depth discussion about how creators are transcending (escaping?) the confines of platforms through their own creativity. His background spans the NY party scene and top-levels of high finance communications, providing a different prism to the oft rehashed world of creators, looking at it beyond typical marketing implications.
Find more about Reg here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-cash-3614a898/
Learn about 3BLACKDOT: https://www.3blackdot.com/
The Strategy Inside Everything is the podcast for people who think for a living. If you have an idea...
2022-01-2538 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingIntroduce yourself to Christina GarnettWhere do you fit in and why? Christina Garnett has figured out that people rarely fit in to communities that aren't welcoming. She's been single-handedly making Twitter friendlier (put her on the payroll, cowards!) and sharing insights about how to nurture meaningful communities. If you're a long-time listener, you know I come back to this topic often. See Darien LaBeach's episode for another solid conversation on this topic. It's a recurring passion of mine because I've always felt like an oddball, and am trying to learn what happens inside of groups that gives them their characteristics. Good news, Christina...
2022-01-1150 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingMaking a list with Joe ColeJoe Cole joined me from his cross-country travel to share what he's learned building a list of what agencies are serving the interests of oil and fossil fuel companies at Clean Creatives. He's been rallying creative people–and others (that's important) to bring that work into the light, and make it plain who is taking the money. We all have a choice what type of work we do. Joe's work as a creative recruiter with We Are Rosie has shown him that people have more of a voice than ever, and want to work with companies they can be pr...
2021-12-2846 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingLeslie Short navigates uncharted watersLeslie Short studies workplace dynamics and to identify how diversity, equity and inclusion can be better woven in–sometimes in places where it has never been considered. Her approach is practical, pragmatic. I was fortunate to speak with her and learn more about the questions she asks, and how she addresses some of the biggest challenges in this space.
For more information on Leslie Short, visit The Cavu Group.
The Strategy Inside Everything is the podcast for people who think for a living. If you have an idea, a question or you want to push back...
2021-12-0348 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingCharlie McKittrick is exploring spaceI had to take a break from publishing. Truth, I got extremely busy at my full-time job, some challenging freelance strategy projects for brands, and little disinterested in extra effort beyond all of that.
The Strategy Inside Everything is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Thanks for hanging in there while I paused. When I tried to turn the podcast and newsletter machine back on, nothing really happened. Like a lot of procrastination, I assumed it was all about the build up of...
2021-11-1941 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingFinding your way with Katie DrekeAll day long, you hear challenges and create plans to navigate through them. Briefs, decks whatever. You put in writing the plan for how to get from the place the organization or brand is in today to where it needs to be. Where are you today? Are you where you need to be? If not, how do you approach that challenge? Here's an idea for you: write a brief for you. Strategists are brilliant at framing a problem and mapping the way out, but often pretty terrible at doing this for themselves. I spent some time writing a brief...
2021-05-2546 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingBen Perreira is learning through repetitionHow often do you look back at your old work? A funny thing happened during the recording of this episode. My guest, Ben Perreira began describing something he had done earlier in his career and made an off-hand joke about a decision he made. But we continued to discuss, and he arrived at an insight about what he learned from that experience. I got the feeling he hadn't thought much about that before, as in, he hadn't consciously recognized the lesson that he had clearly internalized.
The Strategy Inside Everything is the podcast for people who think fo...
2021-04-2838 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingYou can trust Margot BloomsteinI spoke with the author of Trustworthy, How The Smartest Brands Beat Cynicism and Bridge the Trust Gap, Margot Bloomstein about how some brands design their communication and UX around building and maintaining trust, so their customers don't feel icky. In the book, she uses a collection of great examples to make her points, and goes pretty deep on the work they did to identify the point of trust and keep improving on that front.
Links:
https://appropriateinc.com/trustworthy/
Here is a transcript of the episode: http://adampierno.com/you-can-trust-margot-bloomstein/
The St...
2021-03-3145 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingDon't worry, Amy Kean is working on the solutionYou are going to enjoy my conversation with the incredible Amy Kean. She is a force of nature. She is an author, the founder of Six Things Impossible and co-founder of DICE (Diversity & Inclusion at Conferences and Events). She is inspiring because she strikes me as the kind of person who has ever backed down from a challenge, and probably intimidates challenges into backing down from her. Amy is thinking about how to tackle problems that seem too big to address. She let me help for about 40 minutes and I am better for the time.
Find Amy Kean at...
2020-12-1639 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingUnderstanding aspiration with Nadia Tuma-WeldonI spoke with Global Luxury Practice Lead at McCann World Groupand Global Director of McCann Truth Central, Nadia Tuma-Weldon. She's spent years researching and understanding luxury consumers and brands. Nadia has a fantastic perspective on why we choose what we choose, and how aspiration for luxury serves as the ultimate distillation of aspiration that many brands can learn from. We discussed some of what's changed and some of what is the same.
Transcript is available here: http://adampierno.com/?p=1677
Want to read some fiction? I am testing a new novel, Negative Edge. You can read it...
2020-12-0241 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingGunny Scarfo knows how you feelGunny Scarfo, co-founder of Nonfiction Research (https://nonfiction.co/) joined me to talk about the findings and their unique perspective on research. Nonfiction blends qualitative and quantitative methods to reveal stories that might not be discovered otherwise. Read the research here: https://nonfiction.co/americas-secret-playlists
Go ahead and exercise your peepers with this transcript: http://adampierno.com/gunny-scarfo-knows-how-you-feel/
Hey, you might be a listener and have no idea, but I’ve written some books. You can find Under Think It (a marketing strategy handbook) and Specific (a book about trying to build brands in a world...
2020-11-1142 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingZoe Scaman asks 'Who's really in control of this idea?'I read this presentation by Zoe Scaman, founder of Bodacious, and asked to discuss her thinking on the changing nature of fandoms and how that drives brand and businesses forward. She's presented this at high profile events, like Zee Melt, so it was fantastic to talk to Zoe in depth about how she's seeing this applied in the world of consumer brands.
Find Zoe on Twitter and Substack.
You can enjoy this transcript of our conversation at adampierno.com.
The Strategy Inside Everything is the podcast for people who think for a living. If...
2020-10-2840 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingBeing intentional with Rana SidahmedThis could be as simple as work style. But it could me more important, like political views that just clash, or ends with which I don't agree. I had the pleasure of discussing aligning values and outputs with the dynamic Rana Sidahmed from Avery Dennison. In this conversation, she tells me how her team works with partners and leads them to solutions in sustainability that were previously not possible at scale. It's a lesson about leading and learning from one another.
This episode was recorded before things really changed. If it sounds like a conversation from another time, i...
2020-07-1535 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingWhat will Kenneth Kinney be watching?I reached out to Kenneth Kinney who has been mastering video media and a leader in addressable television advertising since before I knew it was possible. He is noted speaker and expert on media strategy and he has a vision for how the current state of things will lead to changes in a broad collection of industries that contribute to and benefit from the content we consume.
Links:
https://www.asharksperspective.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethkinney/
You can get a pretty rough AI generated transcript here: http://adampierno.com/what-will-kenneth-kinney-be-watching/ while booking...
2020-05-0834 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingAll that inspires Keith StoeckelerI’ve been thinking too much, not sure about you. We’re buried by news. Almost all of it, awful. So, I’ve been looking for sources of inspiration, good news, brightness in the dark and other cliches. One of my favorites of the month is this Twitter account that just showcases cool street art. It’s a wonderful testiment to creativity and ingenuity and the person who operates it is prolific. But I can’t help but wonder why the resonance of the bad news still seems to outlasting the good. Perhaps humans are just wired to register threats? Is it shee...
2020-03-2437 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingJocelyn S. Lai sees the way recruiting has changedJocelyn S. Lai has been identifying and recruiting talent for a long time. She joins Adam to discuss the ways the needs of both the market and the talent have changed. Her role has shifted from agency recruiter to building a team at Duolingo, providing a broad perspective.
Get full access to The Strategy Inside Everything at adampierno.com/podcast-lander
Hey, you might be a listener and have no idea, but I’ve written some books. You can find Under Think It (a marketing strategy handbook) and Specific (a book about trying to build brands in a...
2019-12-2434 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingChris Sietsema builds SEO and businessesAdam had the pleasure of chatting with my old friend Chris Sietsema of Teach to Fish Digital. He saw what agencies looked like, how they were viewed by clients and figured out his own path. We talk about how individual tactics build the brand. His perspective is a valuable way to understand how our traditionally disconnected tasks get us to our goals. Special bonus for listeners of The Strategy Inside Everything. Use the promo code ADAM50 to save $50 on your tickets for Internet Summit 2019 being held Raleigh, NC, November 12-14. Get full access to The Strategy...
2019-10-0845 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingGrant Owens on the conditions that create disposable brands.The brilliant Grant Owens joins Adam today to talk about turnover in brand. How the fail fast mantra has changed the way brands are approached and built by corporations, and the way they are considered or received by their intended customers. Finally an episode that didn't start as a Twitter thread! Grant joins us from Critical Mass where he is Chief Strategy Officer. Get full access to The Strategy Inside Everything at specific.substack.com/subscribe
2019-09-1839 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingIt's all a game to Angela Natividad – or a sport.Hurrah's Angela Natividad made time on the Fourth of July to chat with Adam about how esports are blowing up, and what outsiders misunderstand. This is easily one of our favorite conversations of the season. Get full access to The Strategy Inside Everything at specific.substack.com/subscribe
2019-07-3139 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingAna Andjelic on brands in retail, digital and luxuryAna Andjelic is a formidable thinker on brands, retail, digital and as a doctor of sociology, behavior. She also has an amazing understanding of the luxury market having spent years working in and studying luxury categories and consumers. She joins Adam today to talk about the confluence of digital, retail, luxury and brand when behavior is swirled together. Get full access to The Strategy Inside Everything at specific.substack.com/subscribe
2019-05-2139 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingBrittany Hill matching cause with corporationsBrittany Hill leads Catalist, a company designed to make sense of the purpose movement. She talks with Adam about the strategy she and her team employ with brands to apply purpose where it makes sense, and when to opt out. Transcript: Adam Pierno: All right. Welcome back to another episode of The Strategy Inside Everything. This show is going to be different. I think I say that every time, Jesus, but it is going to be different because we're taking a look at a new facet of strategy and some new dimension of what we're doing...
2019-01-1532 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingGareth Kay on planning in the USAGareth Kay of Chapter joins Adam today to talk about the way planning has changed from its introduction. His perspective on planning from both sides of the Atlantic (and some on the Pacific as well) frames up this discussion very well. He takes Adam to school. Enjoy. *Note: If you haven’t heard Rachel Mercer’s episode, you may want to listen first. She makes light of how we have augmented English planning which was the impetus for this conversation with Gareth Kay.* Get full access to The Strategy Inside Everything at specific.substack.com/subscribe
2019-01-0241 min
The Strategy Inside EverythingAdam Singer: The kids aren't so alrightAdam Singer is extremely observant. That's what's made him an expert on Google's tools for marketers, but also what makes him an interesting follow on Twitter. He's been outspoken on the challenge the young face in booming places like San Fransisco.
Get full access to The Strategy Inside Everything at adampierno.com/podcast-lander
Hey, you might be a listener and have no idea, but I’ve written some books. You can find Under Think It (a marketing strategy handbook) and Specific (a book about trying to build brands in a world that doesn’t want any...
2018-11-2746 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingJay Baer: Talk TriggersJay Baer has been figuring out how to get people talking about brands for a long time. His book Talk Triggers dives deep into the psychology of what makes brands and products worth talking about and what makes people actually talk - and not just take note. This is a fun chat with an interesting guest. Also, Jay admits that host Adam Pierno is his-and we quote- “inspiration.”
2018-10-3038 minThe Strategy Inside EverythingMike Monello helps you re-tell the storyMike Monello visits with Adam Pierno to talk about storytelling. Stop, don't leave. Not storytelling in the cliché marketing way. Mike and his team at Campfire have an approach that is more about getting a person who hears the story to want to learn more or retell it. He's been doing this for HBO and other crazy properties - going all the way back to the launch of the original Blair Witch Project which changed the way movies are promoted and even produced (see: modern found footage category). This is a great one.
2018-07-2650 min