Mekanism And Jason Harris - Podcast Details

Shows

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#93: AI-Native Storytelling Is Already Here | Jason Zada, Founder of Secret LevelAI isn’t just speeding up production—it’s rewriting the rules of storytelling.In this episode, Jason sits down with award-winning director and creative pioneer Jason Zada, founder of the AI-native entertainment studio Secret Level. From Elf Yourself to Take This Lollipop to an AI-generated Coca-Cola ad that sparked headlines and backlash, Zada has spent his career pushing the boundaries of how audiences engage with content.They dive into the power of participatory storytelling, what it means to build with AI from the ground up, and why creative leaders need to think less like t...2025-08-0435 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#92: When Creative Trust Changes Everything | Kate Torrance, VP of Brand at SickKids & Josh Budd, CCO at Citizen RelationsHow do you take a hospital’s 150th birthday and make it feel like a city-wide celebration instead of just a line in a press release?In this episode, Jason sits down with Kate Torrance, VP and Head of Brand at SickKids, and Josh Budd, Chief Creative Officer at Citizen Relations, to unpack one of the boldest healthcare campaigns in recent memory. They share how SickKids transformed a milestone into a powerful storytelling opportunity through creative risk-taking, clear brand strategy, and a true partnership between client and agency. From crafting 150 stories of im...2025-07-2039 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#91: Build Bold. Invest Early. Stay Human. | Ben Lerer, Founder of Thrillist & MP at Lerer HippeauHe built Thrillist. He bet on media. Now Ben Lerer is navigating a world obsessed with AI.In this episode, Jason sits down with Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist, creator of Group Nine Media, and now Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau. They talk about the shifting tides of media, tech, and early-stage investing. From building one of the first great digital brands to navigating the rise of creators, platforms, and AI, Ben shares hard-earned insights on what it takes to survive—and thrive—through disruption.Key Takeaways:2025-07-0734 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: Launching a Product in Uncertain TimesLaunching a new product is never easy. But doing it during economic uncertainty? That’s a whole different challenge.In this mini episode, we explore how today’s shifting landscape—from tariffs to market instability—requires a smarter, more agile approach.Jason shares three core principles that can help entrepreneurs and innovators not just survive, but thrive during turbulent times. Key Takeaways:Agility beats the grand revealFocus on value without slashing pricesHarness power of community and brand trustBrought to you by Mekanism. 2025-06-3005 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#90: What Marketers Can Learn from StockX (and Its Sneakerhead Hype Machine) | StockX CMO Nicholas KarratNot every brand explodes. Some rise slowly, and win big.In this episode, Jason talks with Nicholas Karrat, CMO of StockX, about the Soul & Science of marketplace models—and what it takes to build brand trust, cultural relevance, and business performance at the same time. A veteran marketer with experience across Fortune 100 companies and DTC startups, Nick has held leadership roles at AT&T, Citibank, Plated, Boll & Branch, and Tommy John. Now at the helm of marketing for StockX, he’s focused on staying true to the brand’s core while expanding its reach.2025-06-2336 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: What the Adidas Pet Collection Gets Right (and What It Misses)🐶 Adidas just launched a China-exclusive pet collection—and it’s more than just cute.In this Soul & Science mini, Jason unpacks the marketing strategy behind Adidas Originals’ latest capsule: apparel and accessories designed for pets and their owners. Matching outfits? Yes. Global rollout? Not yet.For marketers, this launch raises big questions:🧠 Is this a clever test-market move or a missed brand moment?📍 Why China first—and why not global?📱 How could influencer strategy have amplified the rollout?Whether you're building brand love or exploring new categories, there's a lot to learn from...2025-06-1602 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#89: Building Brands from the Inside Out | Bryant Brennan, Chief Creative Officer at FiCreative teams have the most impact when they’re trusted stewards of the brand—not just executors.In this episode, Fi’s Chief Creative Officer Bryant Brennan joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of in-house creativity, product-first marketing, and building brands with staying power.From launching Nook at Barnes & Noble to scaling Peloton’s creative team into an award-winning force, Bryant shares how to align teams, collaborate with agencies, and use design to drive results. He also shares how Fi brings those lessons to pet tech—blending emotion, data, and surprising uses of AI.2025-06-0938 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: The Return of HBO MaxWhat do you call a streaming service that can’t sit still? Apparently, HBO Max… again.In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks why the HBO brand is once again reclaiming its name, and what this says about brand equity, consumer sentiment, and the fine art of knowing when to walk it back. From Gap to Tropicana to the Twitter-that-shall-not-be-named, some branding detours are better left reversed.Key Takeaways:✅ Don’t mess with strong brand equity—especially when it’s called “HBO.”✅ A reversal doesn’t have to be a failure if you own it...2025-06-0203 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#88: Why Purpose Still Matters | Bill Oberlander, Founder & Creative Chairman at OBERLANDWhy does doing good still feel risky in the boardroom even when it’s good for business?In this episode, OBERLAND Founder & Creative Chairman Bill Oberlander joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of purpose-driven marketing and talk about why creativity, commerce, and consciousness can (and should) coexist.Bill shares his journey from Madison Avenue to launching a values-first agency that's now AdAge’s Purpose-Led Agency of the Year. He opens up about building OBERLAND from scratch, pitching campaigns like ELF’s So Many Dicks, and why he believes hustle, resilience, and un...2025-05-2833 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#87: B2B Marketing Shouldn’t Be Boring | Jim Lesser, Chief Brand Officer at ServiceNowJust because it’s B2B doesn’t mean it has to be boring.This week on Soul & Science, Jason sits down with Jim Lesser, Chief Brand Officer at ServiceNow, the enterprise platform helping organizations simplify workflows and put AI to work across their business.Before stepping into the world of B2B tech, Jim led award-winning campaigns as CEO and Executive Creative Director at BBDO San Francisco, including the well-known "Imagine the Possibilities" campaign for Barbie. He shares how creative thinking, operational reinvention, and a people-first approach have shaped his leadership path.2025-05-1237 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: Why Do Influencers Start Beverage Brands?From Prime to Chamberlain Coffee, influencers are making serious moves into the beverage aisle.In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks the rise of creator-led drink brands—and why the beverage industry has become the go-to playground for digital tastemakers. With built-in audiences and high margins, the formula is simple: influence + hydration = $$$.Key Takeaways:✅ Beverages are easy to produce and offer premium profit margins.✅ Built-in audiences become built-in distribution channels.✅ Drinks match the lifestyle-driven narratives influencers are already selling.Forget merch drops. The new influencer flex? Something you can sip...2025-05-0503 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: Leadership in Times of UncertaintyIn a world that feels more chaotic by the day, leading with clarity has never been harder — or more important.In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason explores how leaders can navigate the “liminal experience” of constant change. From reaffirming values to strengthening team bonds, he breaks down the strategies that help leaders anchor themselves—and their organizations—when everything else is shifting.Key Takeaways:✅ Ask the big questions: What do you value, where do you stand, and how can you move ahead?✅ Focus on fundamentals: core purpose, collaboration, and resilience.✅ Lead with stability and hope, even w...2025-04-2104 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#86: AI vs. Human Creativity: Why Brands Still Resist the Future | Fredrik Thomassen, Co-founder & CEO of SupersideWhy are brands still hesitant to embrace AI in creative work—even when it delivers faster, cheaper, and often better results?In this episode, Superside co-founder & CEO Fredrik Thomassen joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of AI-powered creativity—and why the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t the technology, but human resistance to change.Fredrik shares how Superside is reshaping the creative industry, using AI to optimize workflows, scale production, and help brands break through the noise. He reveals the surpri...2025-03-1731 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#85: The Art of Executive Coaching | Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach, on Leading with Vision (Part 2)How do you go from leading an agency to coaching the next generation of leaders?In Part 2 of our conversation, Rob Schwartz—former CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day and now an Executive Coach—talks with Jason about the Soul & Science of Coaching. He shares his philosophy on guiding teams, unlocking creative potential, and moving businesses from transactional back to transformational.Rob breaks down where and how his GROW coaching framework works best, why deep listening is a leadership superpower, and how simply showing up—whether for a client, a team, or yourself—can make...2025-03-0322 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#84: From Creative to CEO | Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach, on Leading with Vision (Part 1)How do you turn creative vision into leadership success—and inspire a team to grow through disruption?This week, Jason dives into the Soul & Science of Creative Leadership with Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach and former CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day. Rob’s journey from copywriter to CEO is a masterclass in creative transformation. Using his philosophy of “Clarify, Simplify, Unify, Amplify,” Rob revitalized TBWA\Chiat\Day New York and led iconic brands like Nissan, Visa, and McDonald's to global success.Rob shares how his bias towards action and deep listening skills shaped his leadership style, a...2025-02-2421 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#83: Innovative Partnership | Dustin Baker & Maya French, Co-founders of HappyPopThis week, Jason explores The Soul & Science of Entrepreneur Partnerships with Dustin Baker and Maya French, co-founders of HappyPop. As the driving forces behind Koia and now HappyPop, Dustin and Maya have redefined what it means to create purposeful products in the competitive beverage industry.Discover how their unique partnership has evolved over a decade, how they turned personal challenges into groundbreaking products, and why community is at the heart of their mission to deliver happiness and wellness to all.What’s Inside:How Dustin and Maya’s entrepreneurial chemistry fuels their success.Lessons from launching Koia, a plan...2025-01-0637 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#81: Disrupt and Scale | Erika Badan, CEO at Food52Let's talk about the Soul & Science of disrupting an industry and scaling a business. This week, Jason sits down with Erika Badan, CEO of Food52, to discuss her journey from early career uncertainty to becoming a leader in the home goods and lifestyle industry.Erika shares how her time at Barstool Sports taught her to embrace risk, her vision for reimagining Food52’s role in the market, and the importance of building brands that connect authentically with their communities. From navigating investor relationships to cultivating a team capable of disruption, Erika’s insights offer a fresh pers...2024-12-0937 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: What happened? From Brat Summer to Fascist FallThere’s just one day left before the election, and Kamala Harris has recently intensified her critique of Donald Trump, calling out his "unstable" and "fascist" tendencies. In this mini episode, Jason talks about why, as a Harris voter, her campaign’s strategic pivot to a tougher tone aimed at swaying independents and energizing her base might not have been the best move. Brought to you by Mekanism.2024-11-0404 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: The Future of Influencer MarketingHow is influencer marketing evolving in the creator economy? In today's mini episode, we explore the shift from one-off campaigns to building long-term relationships with micro-creators who drive engagement and authenticity. Plus how we here at Mekanism are leading the way by leveraging creator networks to foster genuine connections, fill content gaps, and optimize strategies for lasting brand success.Brought to you by Mekanism. 2024-10-2803 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#80: Walmart US SVP and CMO William White | The Soul & Science of Retail MarketingBuilding a lasting brand is all about balancing long-term strategy with short-term wins. In this episode of the Soul & Science Podcast, Jason sits down with William White, SVP and CMO at Walmart, to talk about the secret sauce marketers can use to drive both ongoing engagement and immediate business results.With a career spanning several major brands like Coca-Cola, Target, and KitchenAid, William shares insights on the world of long-term brand building for some of the largest brands in retail. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How to balance long-term brand strategy with t...2024-10-2136 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: Mekanism’s New ValuesIs it time to update your company values? In today’s mini episode, we dive into why values matter and we’ll share the six new guiding principles at Mekanism. From embracing bold creativity to fostering teamwork and innovation, these values will help us redefine our company’s future.Brought to you by Mekanism. 2024-09-1604 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindNew Balance CMO Chris Davis | 116 Years Young - Inside New Balance’s Brand TransformationHave you been watching the olympics? We certainly have been here at the Mekanism offices, and it’s inspired us to revisit this amazing conversation with New Balance CMO Chris Davis. New Balance is not only “the shoe brand of choice for film stars, athletes and supermodels,” according to Urban Journal, it’s the brand for “the biggest, hype-inducing names on the street right now.” As CMO of the hotly resurgent brand, which was born in 1906, Chris Davis applies a risk/innovation model which puts 50% of the marketing budget into proven, demand-creation tactics, 30% into calculated risks (NFTs, for exa...2024-08-0530 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#71: The Soul & Science of Re-wilding | Director of Marketing and Brand for Re:wild Carrie HutchisonIn this episode of the Soul & Science podcast, we are joined by Carrie Hutchison, the Director of Marketing and Brand at Re:wild. Re:wild is an environmental organization that recently partnered with Mekanism’s brand partner, Culturelle Probiotics to bring awareness to an untraditional cause- the endangerment of the human gut microbiome.Carrie started her career in sustainability and marketing with National Geographic as their Director of Corporate Communications and has worked with universities such as Georgetown. Now, she campaigns for sustainability in brands and the planet around the world. In today’s episo...2024-06-0341 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#69: The Soul & Science of Mindfulness | Dan Harris, ABC Journalist and AuthorIt’s easy to get lost in the details of those everyday small inconveniences – what’s for dinner tonight, that looming deadline, whether or not your joke landed in that meeting earlier. It’s also just as easy to switch our brains to autopilot when they get overwhelmed and disappear into social media or TV. And what about that narrator in our heads? The constant critic. The complainer. It really doesn't serve us. But the simple practice of mindfulness might offer a solution. And our guest this week believes that everyone can be at least 10% happier if they work mind...2024-04-2246 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#66: The Soul & Science of Airlines | Alaska Airlines Managing Director of Marketing and Advertising Eric EdgeModern-day flying has become more of a chore than an adventure. If you’ve read any headlines about the airline industry in recent years, it’s clear that many customers are apathetic about which carrier they fly with. Long delays and cancellations, poor customer service, and fluctuating pricing all leads to a sourness in the industry. So how can an airline fly themselves back to customers' good graces? This week, we aim to answer that question with Eric Edge, Managing Director of Advertising and Marketing at Alaska Airlines. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 2024-03-2541 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: Winning PR StrategiesHow crucial to your brand’s success is PR really? Today, we’re talking about the four main reasons you need to invest in your PR strategy. Amplified media coverage for faster brand recognition, improved website traffic and SEO, strategic crisis management, and solidified thought leadership; these aspects are vital for enhancing your brand’s visibility, credibility, and resilience. Brought to you by Mekanism. 2024-03-2104 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#65: GIPHY Editor In Chief, Tyler Menzel | The Soul & Science of GIFsWhat’s your favorite GIF? Today, we’re sitting down with the Editor-in-Chief at GIPHY, Tyler Menzel. With a passion for creativity, authenticity, and the power of fun, Tyler has been instrumental in driving GIPHY’s success in the world of digital content. He provides oversight and mentorship for all aspects of content on GIPHY, including partner content acquisition strategy, original content creation, search and trending algorithm refinement, and moderation guideline creation and enforcement. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: Creativity and authenticity are at the core of Giphy's approach to curating engaging content and fostering...2024-03-1844 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: Navigating AIWe all know that AI has reshaped the landscape of marketing and advertising forever. But how familiar are you with generative vs. predictive AI? This week, we’re breaking it down. Predictive AI aids in informed decision-making, targeting audiences, optimizing ad placement, and forecasting campaign results. Generative AI accelerates creative work by assisting in content creation, copywriting, and generating images and videos for marketing materials. Tune in for a concise breakdown of AI's applications in advertising agencies.Brought to you by Mekanism. 2024-03-1405 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#64: An End To Rise and Grind Culture | Todd Anderson, Founder of Dream RecoveryRise and grind or work yourself into the ground? In the past few years, a sole focus on constant productivity and hustle has spread throughout the world of marketing and business, and frankly, it’s burning people out. This culture of overworking is forcing some people to live on autopilot and burn out. Let’s be honest for a moment: Nothing good is ever created after 10 cups of coffee and only 3 hours of sleep. Today, I’m sitting down with the founder of Dream Recovery, Todd Anderson, to reshape the stigma around rest and recovery. Before startin...2024-03-1150 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: Three Laws to Live ByWhen you’re presented with a problem, how do you go about solving it? This week, we introduce three powerful laws that can transform the way you tackle challenges in life.Kidland's Law: If you can write the problem down clearly, then the matter is half solved.Gilbert's Law: The biggest problem with a job is that no one tells you what to do.Falkland's Law: If you don't have to make a decision, don't make a decision.These three laws offer invaluable insights into problem-solving and decision-making. Apply them in your daily life to overcome challenges with cl...2024-03-0704 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindGirl Scouts of the USA CMO Jocelyn Johnson | Learn, Earn, Return (2023)This week, in honor of Women’s History Month, we’re re-sharing an amazing conversation from last summer where we spoke with Jocelyn Johnson. Jocelyn is a proud Girl Scout alum and Lifetime Member and she joined Girl Scouts of the USA as CMO in 2021.Jocelyn is a brilliant marketer and a champion for the future females of the world.Before joining Girl Scouts of the USA, Jocelyn worked at General Electric, where her focus on data-centric marketing strategies helped grow revenue from $50 million to $20 billion.In this epis...2024-03-0429 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: What makes a brand partnership work?What makes a brand partnership align or clash? In this episode, we talk about how collaborations between brands, whether similar or vastly different, can skyrocket brand visibility and reach. From the massive Barbie movie collaboration that turned everything pink to high-profile partnerships like GoPro and Red Bull's space jump and the unexpected yet trendsetting Balenciaga and Crocs duo, this episode explores the strategic brilliance and potential pitfalls of brand alliances. Brought to you by Mekanism. 2024-02-2906 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#63: The Future of the Ad Agency Network | Brett Marchand, CEO at Plus CompanyThe marketing world is a constantly changing field. From the introduction of different mediums to the evolution of technology like AI, the only constant I can expect in my industry is change.Today, I’m sitting down with my friend, colleague, and now my boss, Brett Marchand, CEO of Plus Company. Plus Company is a marketing and branding powerhouse, having integrated dozens of agencies, including Cossette, We Are Social, and Mekanism. Before Brett Marchand was heading one of the world's largest media and marketing firms, Brett was a marketing native. He championed campaigns at P...2024-02-2644 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing MindMini: How important is company culture?Is company culture the secret sauce that sets thriving businesses apart? From the inception of Mekanism, culture has been paramount, shaping behaviors and interactions within and beyond the office walls. Explore the significance of values, from entrepreneurial spirit to collaborative mindset, driving success and innovation. Discover the pivotal role of leadership in upholding and evolving cultural norms, alongside the necessity of periodic value reassessment. Brought to you by Mekanism. 2024-02-1607 min

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind#62: Simplifying the Wellness Sector | Ned Co-founder Adriaan ZimmermanWhen it comes to marketing wellness products, a lot of brands make a lot of big claims. But how do consumers figure out who to trust and what’s best for them? Today’s episode is all about demystifying the world of wellness marketing with the co-founder of Ned, a wellness brand that offers simple and effective natural remedies.Adriaan Zimmerman, who co-founded Ned in 2018, is an entrepreneur and brand-builder. Prior to co-founding Ned, he was a founding partner of BroBible.com, a popular men’s lifestyle and entertainment brand that grew to over 15 millio...2024-02-1245 min