Shows
Brain Driven Brands41 Things Every (Senior) Creative Strategist Learns Too LateIn this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate play a rapid-fire game of Smash or Pass with some of the most overused, misunderstood, and quietly dangerous ideas in modern marketing. We tear into things most teams can't say out loud… and the ones they're afraid to admit: – Why you can't optimize an emotion that was never there – Why most "testing" is really just for the founder's ego – How beautiful creative can hide a serious idea drought – Why iteration can be growth (but usually isn't) – And how creative fatigue is often just leaders...
2025-12-3022 min
Brain Driven BrandsOur 2026 Predictions: Here's What You Should Bet Money OnWhat's going to happen to DTC in 2026 once the AI noise dies down, tariffs stabilize, and brands stop pretending vibes are a strategy? In this holiday episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate don their ugly sweaters, roast underperforming AI tools, and make real predictions they'd actually put money on. They break down why 2026: Could be a breakout year for disciplined brands Why community is shifting off rented platforms and onto brand-owned ecosystems And why the biggest risk next year isn't effort…it's distraction. You'll hear ta...
2025-12-2322 min
Brain Driven Brands16 Prompts to Rule Them AllIn this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate pull back the curtain on the exact AI prompts they actually use to generate high-performing ad ideas—the ones that don't sound robotic, generic, or like every other brand on the internet. After revisiting one of the show's most-downloaded episodes, Sarah shares why most AI-written copy fails, how she rebuilt her prompts from first principles, and what happens when you tell AI which psychological mechanisms to use before it writes anything at all. Together, they live-test these internal prompts on a real brand ad (cowboy bo...
2025-12-2224 min
Brain Driven BrandsStop Chasing the "Why": Here's How Real People Actually BuyFor years, marketers have been told to "find the why"...which drives Sarah absolutely nuts. 😅 In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah argues with Nate that this idea of the "one true why" is what broke modern marketing. People don't buy for one reason. They buy for many reasons—depending on mood, timing, environment, identity, stress level, and context. The real driver isn't why someone buys. It's when. Using real-world examples (from whiskey splurges to Starbucks rituals to Rolex buyers at different life stages) this conversation breaks down why over-optimizing for a singl...
2025-12-1819 min
Brain Driven BrandsThis 2013 Discovery Explains Why Your Ads Won't Convert We unpack a wild 2013 study by economist M. Keith Chen: proof that the language you speak completely rewires how you save, spend, exercise, plan, and even respond to marketing. Germans retire with more wealth, smoke less, and make healthier choices… not because they're more disciplined, but because their grammar collapses the future into the present. English pushes actions into "later." German makes the future feel like right now. On this episode of Brain Driven Brands, we break down how your phrasing might be creating psychological distance without you realizing it ("you will feel be...
2025-12-1612 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe TikTok FYP Rewired the Brain…Now Your Ads Have to AdaptThis episode was supposed to be about something else entirely…but TikTok's algorithm had other plans. Sarah and Nate fall headfirst into a conversation about why our For You Pages are changing how people perceive content, other people, products, and the world…and what that means for the ads we create in 2026. From cave-death phobias to zoo-bear attack headlines, we unpack why humans are magnetized to bizarre, emotionally charged micro-stories, and why traditional "polished" ads have no chance against that dopamine roulette. They break down: → How the TikTok algorithm broke the entire marketing industry...
2025-12-1116 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Weird Psychology Tactic That's Boosting Conversions by 149%Today's episode cracks open one of the most unintuitive persuasion effects hiding in plain sight: customers are 149% more likely to say yes to an offer… when it's presented as something that wasn't meant for them. Sarah and Nate break down the original Journal of Marketing Research study (2013), walk through real examples from DTC, SaaS, and Nate's own infamous bar-tab email campaign, and show how brands accidentally stumble into this effect all the time. We explore: • why "this isn't usually for you, but…" is irresistible to new customers • how pro-level products trigger aspiration psycholo...
2025-12-0914 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe 3 Forces Behind Every High-Performing Campaign in 2026 Marketers love to argue about tactics: structures, caps, creatives, bids, funnels. But the data from this year paints a different picture: every winning campaign in 2026 will be powered by the same three forces… and almost nobody is preparing for them. In this episode, we pull together the most revealing moments from the show; the ones where emotions spike, buying behavior becomes predictable, and the old rules of persuasion fall apart. You'll hear how valence and intensity shape conversions, why WHEN someone sees an ad matters more than WHO they are, and how abstract language can increase willingness-to-pay by...
2025-12-0221 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Invisible Enemy Strategy: Why Systems Marketing Will Dominate 2026In this episode, we dig up the wild (but true) story of Borax — yes, Borax — and how a forgotten cleaning brand quietly rewired consumer psychology long before Meta ads, hooks, or CTR dashboards existed. What they did was shockingly simple: they stopped selling "soap vs. better soap," and started selling a system their product could sell itself in… while naming an enemy you couldn't see but desperately wanted to defeat. This one hits everything marketers secretly crave: • How to pick a real psychological villain (not your competitor) • Why "incomplete solutions" convert better than "new soluti...
2025-11-2718 min
Brain Driven BrandsBFCM Week Survival Episode: Anxiety, Pressure, and the Real Talk Operators NeedOn this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate dig into what actually helps most during BFCM week: simplifying your work, limiting decisions, touching grass (literally), planning something fun, rewarding yourself for non-revenue wins, and keeping alcohol out of the mix until the storm passes. It's the conversation everyone in DTC needs during the wildest season of the year and the reminder that none of us are doing this alone. 👉 Join my community: skool.com/tether-lab CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/n...
2025-11-2712 min
Brain Driven BrandsConsumers Got Weird This Year: 5 Truths Marketers Aren't Ready ForThis week on Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate crack open 25 Core Identity Maps (CIMs) collected across nearly every category — supplements, apparel, home goods, tech, sleep, skincare — and uncover the five global consumer behaviors defining 2026. These aren't the usual "people want convenience and trust" surface takes. They're weird, psychologically sideways, deeply human patterns emerging across thousands of responses… the kind of stuff your attribution dashboard will never show you. Inside the episode, they break down: Why customers want the feeling of improvement, not the reality of change Why up to 70...
2025-11-2021 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Worst Ad Takes We've Ever Heard (And Why They Refuse to Die)Some myths haunt the ad industry like immortal raccoons rifling through the garbage. In this episode, Sarah and Nate crack open a tweet that asked a simple question: "What's the dumbest take you've heard about running ads?" Turns out…people had thoughts. They wade through the greatest hits — "never turn off an ad," "you gotta season the pixel," "ads hurt organic," "just follow Andromeda best practices," "DR can't build brand," "scale winners 15% a day," — and then get into the deeper psychology behind why these ideas still survive in 2026. Along the way, they break down:
2025-11-1820 min
Brain Driven BrandsYou're Not the Hero: Big Brand Truths Small Brands Hate Hearing (Feat. Will Leach) When a PepsiCo-trained behavioral scientist crashes the studio, things get weird…and wildly useful. In this episode, Will Leach walks us through the emotional math behind why customers buy, why brands plateau, and why most marketers have their goals entirely backward. We dig into why value ≠ "saving money," how DiGiorno tricked America by anchoring against delivery pizza, why buyers change personalities between Monday and Friday, and the surprising reason your brand matters way less than you think. Come for the spicy takes on Coke vs Pepsi, stay for the "Batman vs Utility Belt" analog...
2025-11-1335 min
Brain Driven Brands99% of Marketers Are Using AI Wrong (Including YOU)Most marketers are using AI to replace their thinking instead of sharpen it—and it's showing. In this episode, Sarah and Chase break down why lazy prompting is the reason your creative feels stale, your tests flop, and your "winners" die in two weeks. They'll walk you through 50 wild "what if" experiments that flip marketing psychology upside down and show you how to use AI as a thinking partner, not a content mill. Here's a taste: 🤯 What if checkout pages showed how long you've wanted that product—and how long you'll regret not buying...
2025-11-0616 min
Brain Driven BrandsBoost Your Brand's "Cool" Factor by 20% Using [SECRET PRODUCT]Sarah and Nate dive into one of marketing's strangest scientific findings: launching [secret product] can make your brand 20% cooler. So which product is it? No hints on this one…you'll just have to listen and find out! Source: https://app.sciencesays.com/p/crazy-mini-products-make-your-brand-cool 👉 Join my community: skool.com/tether-lab CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 CoHost: Sarah Levinger Learn more at: https://www.t...
2025-11-0412 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe 8 Marketing Mistakes We Made in 2025 (and How to Fix Them in 2026)2025 was a weird year for marketers..an avalanche of AI hype, output obsession, and soulless creative cycles. In this episode, Sarah and Nate dissect the biggest missteps brands made this year and what needs to change before 2026 hits. From mistaking outputs for outcomes to realizing AI isn't ready to think for us, they break down why "volume" culture is killing creativity and how to rebuild your strategy around clarity, authenticity, and actual human intelligence. Expect hard truths, some laughter about naming cows "Ribeye," and a challenge to run your own "What Could Go Wrong?" meeting before the n...
2025-10-3021 min
Brain Driven BrandsTwo Truths and A Lie: Why the Weirdest Ads Work (and Yours Don't)Ever seen an ad so bizarre you couldn't look away? A woman eating a boiled egg for 90 seconds. A cigarette brand that never showed the cigarette. A $40M Burger King campaign about a guy named Herb who'd never eaten there. In this episode, Nate and Sarah play Two Truths and a Lie: 1980s Ad Edition and then break down why the strangest, most nonsensical ads of the decade actually worked. We'll talk about: 🧠 Semantic Closure — why your brain can't stand an open loop. 🧩 Processing Fluency — how confus...
2025-10-2826 min
Brain Driven BrandsStop Staring at Me: The Weird Psychology of Eye Contact in Ads 👀In this Brain Driven Brands episode, Nate and I unpack a wild little study that found ads can be 30% more effective depending on where your model's eyes are looking. Turns out, the difference between "I trust this brand with my organs" and "why is she looking at me like that?" comes down to whether your product is utilitarian or hedonic (fancy words for "practical" vs "fun"). We break down why eye contact builds trust for supplements and skincare—but looking away sells fashion and for-funsies products. TL;DR: Your model's gaze might be the cheapest co...
2025-10-2308 min
Brain Driven BrandsSarah's $2,000 Haircut: Why "When" Beats "Why" in Marketing Every TimeOn this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah's bad haircut spirals into a four-week behavioral case study—and an accidental masterclass in consumer psychology. From identity triggers ("am I that kind of person?") to timing misfires and disqualifying sales moments, this story exposes how every brand loses money by misunderstanding when a buyer is ready—not why. In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate dissect: → Why "when" your customer feels safe matters more than "why" they buy. → How bias, timing, and trust signals silently make or break conversions. → The $2,000 mistake one salon made...
2025-10-2130 min
Brain Driven BrandsHow to Turn Hate Comments Into Your Best Marketing StrategyWhat if your next viral ad came from your meanest review? In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate dive headfirst into the world of negative feedback, brand psychology, and emotional resilience—starting with a spicy listener review about Sarah's voice. 😅 From Liquid Death's savage comment campaigns to Domino's "We're Sorry for Sucking" rebrand, they unpack how smart brands turn criticism into currency (and why most founders take it way too personally). You'll learn: → Why consumers trust brands that own their flaws → The psychology behind "reversal bias" and "competence signaling" → How to decid...
2025-10-1721 min
Brain Driven Brands🎃 Scary Good Advertising: The Tango Slap, Diamond Shreddies, and the Pepsi RiotIn this Halloween-themed episode, Sarah and Nate dive into the wildest (and weirdest) campaigns in advertising history (the ones that shouldn't have worked… but somehow did.) From the Tango Orange Man who literally slapped sales up 33%, to the Diamond Shreddies intern who made millions by tilting a cereal 45 degrees, to Pepsi's 1992 Number Fever fiasco that sparked riots in the Philippines, this episode is a masterclass in how psychology, timing, and cultural context can make or break a campaign. Expect laughter, disbelief, and plenty of "wait, that actually worked?" moments...plus two challenges for listeners at th...
2025-10-1422 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Weird Ad Length That Drove 40% More TrafficWhat if everything you've been told about the "right" ad length is wrong? In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate dive into a surprising new study showing that one oddly specific video length outperformed the standard 15–30 second format — driving 40% more traffic and 3X engagement. They break down: Why shorter ads spark curiosity (and clicks) while longer ones stall The real "job" of an ad vs. your landing page Why benefit-first storytelling beats pain-point rambling Live ad-read experiments (yes, in u...
2025-10-0722 min
Brain Driven BrandsWhen to Use % Off vs. $ Off DiscountsWe dropped a stat this week that stopped Nate in his tracks: brands can see up to 42% more sales just by framing discounts the right way. No new ads, no extra products...just choosing percent off vs. dollar off at the right moment. In Episode 105, we dig into the psychology behind that lift and why most brands blow Q4 by overcomplicating offers, stacking promos, and teaching customers not to trust them. Inside the conversation: ✅ The science behind when to use % off vs. $ off (and why it changes sitewide vs. single product) ✅ The 5 offer types...
2025-10-0220 min
Brain Driven BrandsSurviving Q4 Burnout: The Real Black Friday Ad Strategy No One Talks AboutThis episode of Brain Driven Brands is a survival guide for founders, media buyers, and creative teams heading into the chaos of Q4. Sarah sits down with Joanna Wallace (VP of Paid Creative @ Bird Dog, formerly HexClad) to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to prep for Black Friday without burning your team out—or losing your sanity. We dig into: ✅ Why burnout hits creative teams hardest in September (and how to stop the slide) ✅ The hidden costs of "just make more ads" during Q4 ✅ How to prep your sta...
2025-09-3031 min
Brain Driven BrandsRetention Marketing Isn't Marketing...It's Habit-Building (with Alyssa Wallace)This week, Sarah and Nate are joined by Alyssa Wallace, retention & lifecycle marketing pro, for a conversation that flips the usual DTC playbook on its head. Here's the hard truth: blasting 100+ AI ads and endless "buy now" emails isn't retention. It's noise. Consumers aren't dumb—they're tired, frustrated, and tuning out. Together, we dig into: Why retention is really about habit-building, not just marketing BDB - Episode 103 The difference between lifecycle vs. loyalty vs. acquisition (and why most brands get it wrong) Why your email list isn't fu...
2025-09-2628 min
Brain Driven BrandsFrom 1,000 Ads to 12: How Smart Brands Are Winning DifferentlyThis episode of Brain Driven Brands is a wake-up call for every founder, media buyer, and creative who's been told the secret is more ads, more volume, more work. Sarah, Nate, and guest Kevin (Head of eCom at High Camp Flasks) pull back the curtain on the creative hamster wheel and share why "a thousand ads a month" isn't just unrealistic—it's wrecking teams, draining budgets, and distracting from what actually drives growth. We dig into: Why Meta's "creative volume" advice is being misapplied How focusing on holistic campaigns (no...
2025-09-2335 min
Brain Driven Brands7 Good Cookies: The Marketing Lie That's Costing You GrowthWe kicked off Season 3 with some heat. 🔥 In this episode, Nate and Sarah talk about why the volume game in ads is broken — and how brands are shooting themselves in the foot by flooding their accounts with 100+ AI-generated ads a week. Spoiler: consumers aren't dumb. They're tired, frustrated, and tuning out repetitive, irrelevant creative. We share some new stats on consumer behavior (61% are less likely to buy after seeing the same ad too many times, 49% flat out refuse). We dig into why volume ≠ diversity, why overloading creative teams is unsustainable, and why the future looks more lik...
2025-09-1827 min
Brain Driven BrandsSteal Your Customers from Your Competitors (the Easy Way)In this episode, Nate and Sarah walk through one of the easiest ways to steal customers from your competitors using psychology and behavior science…by using Consumer Casey as a case study! JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/S...
2025-08-2824 min
Brain Driven BrandsBoost Your Sales by 42%...With ONE Great [Secret]On this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah quizzes Nate on a super secret study that could boost his sales by 42%...if he's only willing to do what Sarah says he should. 😅 Source: https://app.sciencesays.com/p/your-product-benefits-must-seem-related JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more a...
2025-08-2619 min
Brain Driven BrandsStatic Creative Ads, hate it or love it? (Feat. Joanna Wallace)In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, special guest Joanna Wallace joins Nate and Sarah to look at some of Nate's favorite ads and Joanna chimes in on what she likes and might not like. JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twit...
2025-08-2111 min
Brain Driven Brands5 Things Marketers Need to Stop Believing (Feat. Joanna Wallace)In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, special guest Joanna Wallace joins Nate and Sarah to discuss some of the marketing strategies, tactics, methodologies and theory we're just not gonna believe anymore…mostly because we were wrong about them. JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tether...
2025-08-1431 min
Brain Driven BrandsWhat's NOT Working Tells You More About What Will (Here's Why…)ON this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah has beef with Nate, we talk about the Tampon ad that changed a nation, and dissect the real reason your ads aren't working! All this and more… JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/
2025-07-2429 min
Brain Driven BrandsWant to Boost CVR by 5X? Don't test hooks…JUST DO THIS!Sarah and Nate are back for another round of "guess the study"! This time, Sarah quizzes Nate on a marketing study that showed one super secret hack for increasing customer's likelihood to buy by 5.43X! JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twi...
2025-07-2227 min
Brain Driven BrandsOperators Weigh In: Should We Be Using AI in Ecommerce?On this episode of Brain Driven Brands, special guests Grace Clarke (Head of Community at Shopify) and Emmett Naughton (Full Stack Developer at KnoCommerce) join Sarah in a deep conversation that every ecommerce operator should be having right now. With the advent of AI, and it's speedy injection into every workflow across industries, we've seen the productivity power and growth potential behind AI, but there's one thing we should all be asking ourselves… Should we be using AI…at all? JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about ...
2025-07-1734 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Psychology of BundlingOn this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Nate and Sarah take a good look at his bundling strategy and break down the science behind the sell. Nate also makes a sneaky move when he announces a product that might change everything for Original Grain… JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at...
2025-07-1519 min
Brain Driven BrandsTell People to Take Stuff Out of Their Cart…We're Serious.Sarah and Nate break down a super strange, but very psychology-based CRO test, we chat about how bundles have completely changed Original Grain's whole business strategy, and contemplate the meaning of brand. All this and more, on this episode of Brain Driven Brands. JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn mor...
2025-07-1019 min
Brain Driven BrandsAMA: Creative Strategy Edition (Feat. Paige Phillips)On this episode of Brain Driven Brands, we dive deep into the waters of creative strategy with a talented strategist who's fronting one of the largest brands in the industry (and doing it with a great sense of humor). We talk about: How to hire naturally talented creators (and why delivery is more important than scripts). Why you should hire for personality over metrics. The number one thing Sarah's most afraid of when it comes to TikTok. Why some brands win with humor (and others flop). All this and...
2025-07-0332 min
Brain Driven BrandsHow To Hack Into Your Customer's Mind (The Easy Way)After being in business for 12+ years, Original Grain finally made a massive breakthrough that will help them blow past their $30M mark this year. Nate and Sarah walk through one of the most impactful strategies Original Grain has implemented in 2025…one that's so simple, it gets completely overlooked by 99% of brands. Have a listen, take some notes. This one is GOLD. JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and...
2025-06-1733 min
Brain Driven BrandsGet People to Pay More For Your Products…Using PsychologyWe dive in this week with another science quiz! Sarah stumps Nate this week with a scientific study that even she didn't see coming. We break down how this study affects brands (from start ups to 9-fig) and why every marketer should be using this tactic TODAY to increase their customer's willingness to pay by 18.3%! Study source: https://app.sciencesays.com/p/color-saturation-perceived-size JOIN The TETHER Community- https://www.skool.com/tether-lab/about CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.c...
2025-06-1024 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe 3 Messaging Tweaks Behind $1M in SalesDo you love Brain Driven Brands but only have 20 minutes to spare today? We've got some great news for you - in this episode, Sarah and Nate break down the top 3 simple messaging tweaks Original Grain has put in place this year that has made them well over $1M…and they're all psychology-based. Studies referenced: "The effects of repetition frequency on the illusory truth effect" (Hassan & Barber, 2021 – Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications) "The Fresh Start Effect: Temporal Landmarks Motivate Aspirational Behavior" (Dai, Milkman, Riis – 2014, Management Science) "Distinction Bias: Mispre...
2025-06-0518 min
Brain Driven BrandsWhat Really Matters When Building a Creative Team (Feat. Joanna Wallace)In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah sits down with an expert to talk about creative strategy, why most people are bad at using humor in ads, and why the "volume" conversation might be doing more harm than good. Joanna Wallace from Hexclad joins us for an epic conversation…get ready to take notes. Guest: Joanna Wallace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannasloamewallace/ CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podc...
2025-06-0341 min
Brain Driven BrandsSarah Makes Nate Cry (And Yet Another Super Secret Prompt)In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah makes Nate cry with ad copy she created from a super secret prompt. We dive deep into how the prompt works, and why it might just be the best creative strategy tool of 2025! CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: https://www.l...
2025-05-2935 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Tweet Test: What Really Drives Influencer EngagementIn this episode, Sarah quizzes nate on a fascinating study co-authored by Jason Pallant that analyzed nearly 21,000 tweets from celebrity chefs, fashion bloggers, and personal trainers. The surprising insight? The most retweeted posts aren't hot takes or personal facts—they're something much simpler… We dig into: Which tweet styles boost reach (and which kill it) Why storytelling beats facts—even in 140 characters How influencer tone and topic affect virality What brands and marketers can actually do with this If you're...
2025-05-1526 min
Brain Driven BrandsPeople Are Not Price Sensitive. They Are Perception Sensitive.On this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate do a workshop for a brand who put a call out for help on Twitter…with some surprising results. We break down the number one reason why most brands will fail in the next 2-3 years (hint, it's not because you're prices are too high…it's actually the exact opposite), and dive deep into perception theory to help this brand go from super stuck to scaling high. CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natel...
2025-05-0125 min
Brain Driven BrandsReal Science or Total Scam? A Game for Marketing NerdsSarah and Nate are back with a lightening round that will put Nate's knowledge of psychology to the test! We dive into heuristics (mental shortcuts) and do a bonus round on a little-known mental bias that might have Nate stumped… CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: https://www...
2025-04-2928 min
Brain Driven BrandsGet People to Pay 35% More By Using THIS Psych-TacticIn this episode, Sarah and Nate unpack a surprisingly simple psychological switch that leads people to spend 35% more—without discounts, gimmicks, or aggressive upsells. If you've ever written a headline, built a landing page, or tried to justify a premium price—this episode might just change how you sell forever. ( Hint: It's not about being vague or clear. It's about when you're being vague or clear.) Source: https://app.sciencesays.com/p/adapt-language-to-brand-distance CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Ta...
2025-04-2425 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Orange is a Lie: How a Vitamin Deficiency Built an EmpireApples had the head start, a catchy slogan, and decades of trust. So how did oranges swoop in, steal breakfast, and build a billion-dollar juice empire? In this episode, Sarah and Nate break down the biggest fruit war in history—a juicy battle of marketing, identity, and manufactured need. You'll hear: 🍏 Why apples lost, even with "an apple a day" as a slogan. 🍊 How orange growers invented a crisis—and then sold the cure 🧠 The psychological trick that turned a seasonal fruit into a daily ritual ⚔️ The rea...
2025-04-0826 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Tattoo Test: Can Nate Build a Brand Worth Bleeding For?In this episode, we're putting cohost Nate on trial—brand trial, that is. Sarah, Nate, and Tether Insight's new AI research intern, DEX play The Tattoo Test, a brutal brand-building game show where each level challenges Nate to prove his brand is worthy of obsession, devotion... and maybe even a little ink. Guided by Sarah and judged (mercilessly) by Dex—our British, sarcasm-laced AI intern—Nate must face: Level 1: Pick a fight (a real one) Level 2: Design a ritual, not a funnel Level 3: Write a tattoo-worthy tagline...
2025-04-0317 min
Brain Driven BrandsWant to Boost Product Ratings by 32%? DO THIS!!What if one tiny shift in your ads could increase the ratings of your products? In this episode, Sarah and Nate reveal the underrated psychology tactic that boosted product satisfaction by 32% in live tests. This one's fast, practical, and immediately useful. If you're stuck in performance purgatory, this is your way out. Source: https://app.sciencesays.com/p/where-being-creative-truly-matters CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534
2025-04-0124 min
Brain Driven BrandsSarah's Super Secret Chat Prompt + Nate's DiscoveryIn this episode, we get a sneak peek into one of Sarah's newest projects (the BPE) and dissect what Original Grain is doing right…and what they're still missing - more specifically, the killer positioning play they're missing out on! We'll use the BPE to break down: The biggest gap in their brand strategy (and how most brands fall into the same trap). Why "handcrafted" and/or "craftsmanship" isn't a strong enough selling point anymore (and what works instead). How to build a true brand enemy—and why fighting The Disposable Age could make...
2025-03-2031 min
Brain Driven Brands3 Ways to Sell a Lifestyle, Not a ProductSpecial Guest Kevin Luby of High Camp Flasks joins Sarah this week to break down one of the most difficult (and most lucrative) parts of DTC - building a brand voice, personality, and vibe. We work through what High Camp is doing differently this year to accelerate their growth, talk about the levers they need to pull to be able to build brand properly, and debate the difference between "growth" and "brand"...with a shocking result! Special Guest: Kevin Luby Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ T...
2025-03-1833 min
Brain Driven BrandsConversion Play-by-Play: Can This Brand Score the Sale?We're doing a full brand website roast with Consumer Casey on this episode…and the results might shock you! Consumer Casey goes through a complete breakdown of his shopping habits on Caraway's site with some interesting results. We dive into: Which elements are actually working customers towards a purchase. The differences between male/female shopping experiences. The CRO elements that aren't doing anything at all. Why color/shape should be prioritized over everything else. Special Guest: Casey Levinger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cons...
2025-03-1324 min
Brain Driven BrandsJust Apologize: The Psychology Behind ChurnIn this week's episode, Sarah interviews Consumer Casey about a very sensitive topic - why he churned from Nike's ecosystem after being a loyal customer for 2 decades. We break down the psychology behind what happened, why he left, and the impact negative customer experience have on brands as a whole. We also dissect a study that shows you how to increase customer forgiveness by 32% using a simple psychology hack. Source: https://app.sciencesays.com/p/apologies-work-better-than-compensation Special Guest: Casey Levinger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumercasey/ ...
2025-03-1119 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Price Is Wrong: Does Price Really Matter to Customers?Sarah, Nate and Consumer Casey go back to Chat to for another exciting game on pricing! Who will win the 3 round competition of real brands and their pricing decisions! Is it real or is it FAKE? Special Guest: Casey Levinger Instagram: CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/...
2025-03-0736 min
Brain Driven BrandsBuilt to Survive: Why The Brain Hates Your AdsWhat actually makes people convert? 🤔 In this week's episode, Sarah dissects one of her new favorite books on neuromarketing and psychology based advertising. She also sheds light on why most DTC brands ads are "hated" by the brain…and what you can do to change that in 2025 and beyond. Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlevinger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.levinger/ Watch me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwfjt_7PU5N_2fTfHem...
2025-02-2727 min
Brain Driven BrandsHow to Teach Your Team to Activate the Buyer's Brain: (Feat. Dr. Trautmann)In this episode, Sarah sits down with international neuroscience and behavioral expert Dr. Thomas Trautmann to talk about the elephant in the room…THE BRAIN. We uncover the essential neurological processes that are hindering your sales, why your team often says "yes" but means "no", and the one tactic you need to start using in your ads to go from a 20% chance of selling to a 70% chance. Guest: Dr. Trautmann Website: https://www.happy-brains.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomastrautmann/ Learn more at: https://www.teth...
2025-02-2526 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe $100M Marketing CompetitionPossibly one of the most fun episodes we've ever created. In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate go head to head in one of the most challenging Tweet: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1887188821218926618 CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sa...
2025-02-1840 min
Brain Driven BrandsMagically Increase Conversions With This Simple Psych TacticWelcome back to Brain Driven Brands! In this episode, Sarah and Nate break down some of the latest science around conversions, uncovering one of the least known (but highly powerful) psychology tactics that can boost LP conversion rates with just a simple tweak. (Hint: you're probably already using it.) Tweet: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1887188821218926618 Source: CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 L...
2025-02-1325 min
Brain Driven BrandsBoomers Buy…But Not Like THAT (GM101)Boomers have all the money, but most marketers have no idea how to sell to them. If you've ever wondered why your "cutting-edge" ad campaigns are getting ghosted by the 55+ crowd, this episode is for you. Sarah and Nate break down exactly why traditional marketing doesn't work on Boomers—and what actually does. From why they still read long-form copy (yes, even the About Us page) to why a missing phone number on your site makes them assume you're running a scam, this episode is a hilarious yet practical guide to unlocking the $4.4 trillion Boomer buying power....
2025-02-1125 min
Brain Driven Brands7 Things You Need to Stop Thinking as a Marketer (WL&WDJ)In this episode, Sarah and Nate get real…we're diving into some of the biggest marketing blunders, misconceptions, and downright incorrect beliefs that all of us in DTC either used to believe, or currently have so you can avoid the mistakes that will make it harder to grow. CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com...
2025-02-0631 min
Brain Driven BrandsHey Guy, We Need to Talk…(About Generating Market Demand)"Good product generates demand!" FALSE - good product is just a byproduct of demand, and we can prove it. In this episode, Sarah challenges Nate's view on generating market demand and we go DEEP into what market tides are going to do next (hint: behavior is cyclical…everything comes back around). Tweet: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1882471014891651280 CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn mor...
2025-02-0419 min
Brain Driven BrandsOne Word to [Convert] Them All: Here's What It Is!In this episode of Brian Driven Brands, Sarah quizzes Nate on a 1970's study around the simple word that gets people to say "yes" 94% of the time! 🤯 We also dive into how Nate's going to use this in his ads this week as well as one place where he's already using it…and didn't even know it. Tweet: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1881426663348523405 Jame's Clear research: https://jamesclear.com/copy-machine-study CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podca...
2025-01-3022 min
Brain Driven BrandsDON'T Market Your App Until You Listen to THIS!Biggest problem for apps - you can't show transformation…you can only show features. So what should an app founder do to grow their brand? In this episode, Sarah and guest Aazar Shad break down the reality for most app brands (spoiler, it's a freaking hard industry to be in) and chat angles that will not only bypass the brain's natural desire to skip non-video ads, but also tap into what your customers want most. Sarah also uncovers a new message that might help one app brand unlock the growth they've been looking for for years…Even if y...
2025-01-2826 min
Brain Driven BrandsPART 2 Can Sarah Craft an Ad That Converts in Real Time?Sarah puts her skills to the test! In this episode of Brain Driven brands, Sarah interviews a consumer (Consumer Casey), breaks down his deepest desires for a brand, then crafts a sales pitch based on this real-time data in an action-packed showdown that pits marketer against consumer….in other words, will Casey buy? Or will Sarah's marketing chops fail? CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 L...
2025-01-2308 min
Brain Driven BrandsCan Sarah Craft an Ad That Converts in Real Time?Sarah puts her skills to the test! In this episode of Brain Driven brands, Sarah interviews a consumer (Consumer Casey), breaks down his deepest desires for a brand, then crafts a sales pitch based on this real-time data in an action-packed showdown that pits marketer against consumer….in other words, will Casey buy? Or will Sarah's marketing chops fail? CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 L...
2025-01-2124 min
Brain Driven BrandsThis Easy Psych Hack Could Increase Your Sales by 22%We're back with a quiz this week! Sarah quizzes Nate on a new psychology tactic, one that could increase your sales by 22%! And spoiler: it's something you already have access to and can run in an ad in the next 10 minutes… CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: http...
2025-01-1622 min
Brain Driven BrandsYour Customer Avatar Is Wrong (But Don't Worry, So Is Everyone Else's)In today's episode, Sarah roasts the shit out of Nate's customer avatar to show you the real reason why most brands have to spend millions of dollars on advertising just to make ends meet. We also dive into why the traditional customer avatar playbook is broken, the step-by-step process to truly understand your audience, and how you can craft a messaging strategy that actually resonates. Get ready for actionable tips, plenty of laughs, and a few hard truths about the marketing industry's laziest habits. CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com...
2025-01-1427 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Illusion of Data: Why Customers Don't Behave the Way Numbers Predict We all trust data to predict customer behavior…but what if the numbers are straight up lying? In this episode, Nate and Sarah dive deep into why customers often defy what metrics predict and explore the hidden emotional and psychological drivers behind their decisions. CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/S...
2025-01-0223 min
Brain Driven BrandsYour 'Limited-Time Offer' Isn't Fooling AnyoneLess "limited time offers", more "limited product available" - that's the premise of today's episode! Sarah's diving into new research that shows just how limiting our "limited time offers" are for brands, and what to do in 2025 instead. Tweet: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1866913242582257875 CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: htt...
2024-12-2417 min
Brain Driven BrandsLego Made $9.8B Using this One Simple Marketing HackOn this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate break down one of the most interesting brand "comebacks" in history. We also create a brand marketing plan for Original Grain (and poke holes in all of Nate's plans for next year), and discuss why brands shy away from brand marketing…as well as how to dominate with it. Tweet: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1867255989835059322 CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://pod...
2024-12-1927 min
Brain Driven BrandsHow to Build a Creative Team that "Gets it" (Feat. Joanna Wallace)Sarah sits down with super talented creator and Director of Paid Media Creative Joanna Wallace (she's the big brain behind the ads at HexClad) to chat about how we should be looking at creative teams, what makes a good team operate at the highest efficiency and who you should look for when trying to build a team that just "get it". Guest: Joanna Wallace Twitter: https://x.com/JoWall202 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannasloamewallace/ Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x...
2024-12-1233 min
Brain Driven BrandsWhy Your Strategy is Doomed to Fail (and How to Fix It)Sarah and Nate are back again for another episode of Brain Driven Brands where we break down the concept of a "brand within a brand", and why thinking about the foundation of your strategy might be the key factor in your growth this year. CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger
2024-12-1020 min
Brain Driven BrandsWhat Marketers Got Wrong in 2024…and How to Get It Right in 2025On this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah recaps the year, throws it back to the best (and worst) advertising trends of 2024, and gives insight to the behaviors, habits, and needs of the consumers in 2025 so you can stay ahead of the game. Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlevinger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.levinger/ Watch me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwfjt_7PU5N_2fTfHemXXg Thanks to...
2024-12-0524 min
Brain Driven BrandsGut Driven Brands! Nate & Producer Scotty Take Over!Nate and Producer Scotty take over the show as Sarah is out of town. Nate talks how his GUT has driven his marketing chops! We cover his keys to a "Gut Driven Brands!" CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlevinger/...
2024-12-0323 min
Brain Driven BrandsWant to 3X Your CTR? Don't Test Hooks…Just Do ThisNate and Sarah dive deep into the subconscious mind of the consumer in this episode, looking past typical marketing tactics like discounts, offer generation, and messaging, and into the tiny details that influence our decisions the most…with some scary good results! Tweet: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1857104859805208904 Source: https://app.sciencesays.com/p/promotions-in-italics-are-more-effective CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534
2024-11-2614 min
Brain Driven BrandsWhat *Really* Converts? AMA with a Real Customer (Feat. Casey Levinger)On this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Nate has to face his own customer in a no-hold-back, deep conversation about what *really* makes them convert! We dive deep into the customer perception of the OG brand and dissect some ads in real time. Guest: Casey Levinger CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/
2024-11-2121 min
Brain Driven BrandsBoost Sales by 21% By Pricing *Backwards*Sarah brings a new study to the game while Nate contemplates his whole post-BFCM pricing strategy on this episode of Brain Driven Brands! Tweet: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1851323798064075259 Source:https://app.sciencesays.com/p/pick-your-price-boosts-sales CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.tetherinsights.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger...
2024-11-1924 min
Brain Driven BrandsMarketers - Don't Think About WHO, Think About WHENMarketers should stop thinking about WHO and should start thinking about WHEN. Sarah and Nate dive deeper into this new marketing concept to get a better understanding of where marketing is headed in 2025, and why brands should be focused more on WHEN customers feel things, not WHO is feeling them. CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.sarahlevinger.co
2024-11-0520 min
Brain Driven BrandsShould You Brand Market? Or Growth Market?In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah roasts Nate's entire marketing strategy for Original Grain (by request), we discuss why growth marketing is lacking a key element that only brand marketing can solve, and we discuss how to build an entire personality for your brand that will help you bust past the current revenue cap you're stuck at. CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534
2024-10-3122 min
Brain Driven Brands9 Things Marketers Shouldn't Believe About Customers AnymoreCan we just gripe for a minute? Nate and Sarah dig into the top 9 things marketers should STOP believing about their customers and get into some of the most damaging beliefs in the industry (and what we should believe instead!) Tweet: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1790812160135692720 CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.sarahlevinger.co...
2024-10-2427 min
Brain Driven BrandsHow to Build a Psychologically Irresistible Offer (Feat: Nate Lagos)In this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah and Nate go deep into the psychology of good offers. We also chat about: Psychological tactics that get people hooked. Why Red Bull is winning the psychology game after 31 years in the biz. The only psychological offer you should be testing this year. Tweet: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1790796314436911196 CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical a...
2024-10-2219 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Black Friday Strategy No One Talks About (But Should) GET READY FOR BLACK FRIDAY! In this episode, Sarah and Nate walk through Original Grain's BFCM strategy, we stress about the fact that we have 9 days less of advertising time this year, and walk through how the consumers see Black Friday (and how your brand can prep for the best sale ever.) CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www...
2024-10-1027 min
Brain Driven BrandsBoost Engagement by Up to 24% with One Weird EmojiI seriously thought all brands knew this one! In this episode, Sarah breaks down the one emoji you should be using within your ads to boost engagement by up to 24%... SOURCE: https://tips.ariyh.com/p/how-to-use-emojis-effectively Learn more at: https://www.sarahlevinger.co Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlevinger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.levinger/ Watch me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwfjt_7PU5N_2fTfHemXXg Thanks to Cytrus for...
2024-10-0306 min
Brain Driven Brands10 Heuristics to Hack the Human MindIn this episode, Sarah walks through 10 of the best (and little-known) psychological heuristics (or mental shortcuts) you can use to "hack" the human mind so you can resonate deeper with your customers and grow your brand. Learn more at: https://www.sarahlevinger.co Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlevinger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.levinger/ Watch me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwfjt_7PU5N_2fTfHemXXg Thanks to Cytrus for the theme song, "Sky Hi...
2024-10-0118 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Volume vs Precision Creative War: Who Will Win? (Feat. Nate Lagos)In this episode, Nate and Sarah break down why you should stop iterating static ads and focus on testing your messaging instead. We'll chat about why agencies are worried, the magic of identity-focused messaging, and the real difference between grabbing attention vs. capturing intention. Tweet Source: https://x.com/codyplof/status/1824879975323070783 CoHost: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: htt...
2024-09-1717 min
Brain Driven BrandsPositive Customer Feedback Destroyed This Billion Dollar Brand…Sarah and Nate are back for another week of Brain Driven Brands with a cautionary tale about a brand that took their customer's feedback, implemented it, and ended up going under because of it. Tweet:https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1800231848494153811 Guest: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.sarahlevinger.co Twitter: https://x.co...
2024-09-1220 min
Brain Driven BrandsLift Revenue by 13.5% Using This One Weird Psychology Tactic...Nate gives us a bit of an insider's look into OG's multichannel marketing tactics, Sarah goes off the deep end talking about cleaning behavior (and why brands should be filming their customers inside their homes) and we dissect what brands are doing wrong with their direct mail campaigns. Source: https://tips.ariyh.com/p/when-to-use-direct-mail-vs-email Guest: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534
2024-09-1023 min
Brain Driven Brands30 Minute Ask Me Anything with Bryant Jaquez CEO of Buddy LoveGuest Bryant Jaquez joins the podcast this week! And this time, we do more than pick Sarah's brain on generational psychology and growth marketing…we go deep into the strategy every fashion brand should be focused on to make sure their marketing is tailored to the specific emotions of each and every customer they bring in the door! Guest: Bryant Jaquez Twitter: https://x.com/BryantJaquez Learn more at: https://www.sarahlevinger.co Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in...
2024-09-0528 min
Brain Driven BrandsWait, Are We Really Wasting 50% of Our Ad Budget Every Month?In this episode, guest Nate Lagos tells Sarah she's absolutely wrong about the 50% wasted budget stat, we talk about what brands should prioritize when it comes to their tech stack, and we do a deep dive into what's wrong with our view of ads when it comes to business growth. Tweet source: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1807875995594088788 Guest: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 ...
2024-09-0320 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe Most Successful Brands I Know Only Run 4 Types of Ads…Oh man…this conversation is one of the best talks we've had in a while! Sarah and Nate chat about the 4 ads all successful brands have in common, and how to tell if you're running those ads currently. We also chat about what you're actually competing with when you run ads as a brand, and how to use the 4 core ad types to win. Tweet source: https://x.com/SarahLevinger/status/1810378706466009248 Co-Host: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate...
2024-08-2919 min
Brain Driven BrandsIncrease Clicks by 3X Using This Super Simple Psychology HackSpecial guest Nate Lagos is back for another episode where he and Sarah break down a simple psychology tactic that could increase your clicks by up to 3X (hint: it's something you're probably already doing…) Source: https://tips.ariyh.com/p/group-items-with-white-space Guest: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.sarahlevinger.co Twitter: https://x.com/Sa...
2024-08-2216 min
Brain Driven BrandsIncrease Clicks by 3X Using This Super Simple Psychology HackSpecial guest Nate Lagos is back for another episode where he and Sarah break down a simple psychology tactic that could increase your clicks by up to 3X (hint: it's something you're probably already doing…) Source: https://tips.ariyh.com/p/group-items-with-white-space Guest: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tactical-practical/id1752915534 Learn more at: https://www.sarahlevinger.co Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger
2024-08-2021 min
Brain Driven BrandsPost Purchase Survey Magic: How to Ask the Right Questions (So You Get a Lucrative Answer) with Jeremiah PrummerSarah has a special guest on this episode of Brain Driven Brands…one who knows a lot about asking the right question so you can get the most lucrative answer. Founder Jeremiah Prummer currently manages over 7.5M surveys a month for thousands of brands with his KnoCommerce platform. In this deep-dive conversation where we dive into: Understanding the questions you need to answer for YOUR brand. How to ask questions to get to the emotional reasons your customers are buying. Why bias is actually a good thing when...
2024-08-1537 min
Brain Driven BrandsHow to Build a Psychology-Based Post Purchase SurveyIn this episode of Brain Driven Brands, Sarah talks about why the modern day post purchase survey is not what it seems and how brands big and small need to shift their questions to tap into the subconscious (emotional) brain instead of the logical one. She also gives examples for how to do this, and what you should expect to see data-wise so you can make the best marketing decisions based on your PPS results. Learn more at: https://www.sarahlevinger.co Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.c...
2024-08-1312 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe DTC Landscape!Do social comments help or hinder your ad performance? Do negative comments hurt? Should we be deleting negative comments off our ads? Sarah asks guest Nate Lagos his opinion on this and his answer might surprise you… We also cover: What the "Bandwagon" effect is and why it's so important when it comes to social proof in marketing your brand. The difference between social proof, comments on social media, and reviews and why you need to know the difference. Why any kind of engagement better than just posi...
2024-07-3017 min
Brain Driven BrandsBoost CVR, Drop Price Sensitivity With This One Weird AdWhich ad type has the ability to increase CVR and drop price sensitivity by up to 80%? In this episode of Brain Driven brands, Sarah Levinger and Nate Lagos chat about the power of using one specific ad type to help boost sales and reduce price sensitivity with your audience. We also cover: Why Original Grain's UGC flopped (and why you should maybe lean away from UGC). Costly signaling, what it is, and why it's critical for your brand to know. The best hot take on th...
2024-07-2514 min
Brain Driven BrandsBoost CVR by 14% and Sales by 28% Using This Crazy HackSarah and Nate break down one of the weirdest ways to boost CVR and sales…just by adding one tiny element to your CTA buttons. Nate also breaks down some of the micro tests he's run for Original Grain and how you can reframe your offer so your customers are more likely to buy. STUDY SOURCE: https://tips.ariyh.com/p/how-many-ctas Guest: Nate Lagos Twitter: https://x.com/natelagos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natelagos/ Tactical and Practical Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/po...
2024-07-2313 min
Brain Driven BrandsThe AIDA Framework is Why Your Ads Don't WorkAttention, Interest, Desire, Action - as marketers, we know this framework well. What we DON'T know is how incredibly tired this framework is, and how much "ick" it's giving the consumers. In this episode, I break down why the AIDA framework is one of the worst ways to sell…and what you should do instead. We also cover: One of the best pieces of content I've ever seen (and the storytelling framework it uses). How novelists and comedians get you hooked on their content. Why storytelling is the best way...
2024-07-1820 min
Brain Driven BrandsAlways Open: Why DTC Operators Need More Mental Health SupportOur stores are always open. The numbers are there to look at 24/7. E-commerce never sleeps…which might not be a good thing. In this episode, Sarah and Nate talk about a specific Q4 that was the catalyst for some heavy mental health issues and how the industry as a whole needs to talk more about what's happening (mentally) with the operators. We dive deep into some tactical things any operator can do to protect their mental health while working in an industry that never sleeps. Learn more at: https://www.sarahlevinger.co Twitter: htt...
2024-07-1620 min
Brain Driven BrandsAds without AnnoyanceBrain Driven Brands - Episode 1: Ads without Annoyance Is it possible to run ads that people actually want to watch? Discover innovative strategies and insider tips on creating advertisements that captivate audiences without disrupting their experience. This episode unveils the secrets behind building successful ad campaigns that people actually want to watch using psychology. IN THIS EPISODE: Learn the importance of ad frequency and the point at which ads become annoying (three repetitions according to the cited study). The concept of fam...
2024-07-0315 min