Shows
Meme TeamSuper Bowl Ads Ranked: OpenAI vs Claude Beef, Levi's Genius, Coinbase's Fail with Dr. Marcus CollinsSam Altman publicly clapped back at Anthropic's Super Bowl attack ad. Only 7% of consumers even know what Claude is versus 73% for ChatGPT. So why did the market leader punch down? Dr. Marcus Collins, marketing professor at the University of Michigan and author of "For the Culture," compares it to the time Drake made the mistake of responding to Pusha T and got bodied with "The Story of Adidon." When you're the market leader, you don't engage the challenger. You're just giving them more light.This week we go through every major Super Bowl ad and figure out...
2026-02-121h 12Meme TeamBrand Wars: Anthropic vs OpenAI, Coke vs Pepsi + Disney Goes All-In on ParksSonia sits down with Jiya Jaisingh (fractional marketer and communicator with 10+ years in health and social impact) to break down Anthropic's $7M Super Bowl ad announcing they won't run ads, Pepsi's Coca-Cola bear stunt, Disney's CEO transition betting on parks over content, and why wellness brands are crashing the junk food holiday.The big thesis: brand wars are back, and they're funnier than ever. Anthropic spent millions to dunk on OpenAI's ad strategy with satirical "what we won't do" spots. Pepsi dragged Coke's polar bear (and AI Christmas ad) through the mud with craft storytelling and a...
2026-02-0554 min
Tech Startup Network Podcast with Ashley DiBiaseGaining Momentum Through Narrative and Press with Sonia BaschezSonia Baschez is the founder of Bend Growth Co, a fractional CMO and marketing consultancy helping early-stage startups build momentum through narrative, growth, and press. She specializes in taking companies from zero to their first major milestones—whether that's landing enterprise deals, raising capital, or driving viral product launches.Before Bend Growth, she led growth at Atmos, a homebuilding startup. As Head of Marketing and part of the leadership team, she joined pre-YC and scaled inbound 20x and pipeline 10x through Series A, directly supporting $16M+ in fundraising from Bedrock, Sam Altman, Dylan Field, an...
2026-02-0534 minMeme TeamVideo First Strategy: Substack TV, Heated Rivalry, Mamdani's Competency Porn, & The California PostSonia sits down with Mark Stenberg (Adweek senior media reporter) to break down the Oscars' hidden messages, Substack's pivot to video, Zohran Mamdani's PR blitz, and the New York Post's California expansion—all asking the same question: when do you listen to your core audience, and when do you bet on what's next?The big thesis: video is eating everything, but evolution kills platforms faster than brands. Substack's adding TV despite writer backlash. Mamdani's turning local government into video content. The Post is importing tabloid energy to LA. Timothée Chalamet's Oscar nom proves sustained campaigns beat one...
2026-01-281h 02Meme TeamX Is Buying What Webflow, Netflix & DoorDash Are Earning: AttentionSonia sits down with Marissa Kraines (VP of brand marketing at Webflow, 12 years at Salesforce) to break down why Twitter's $1 million long-form content prize screams desperation, how Webflow turned AI's biggest flaw into a viral campaign, Netflix's tarot-themed 2026 slate reveal, and why DoorDash is skipping the Super Bowl to bet on social-first strategy.The big thesis: attention isn't enough—you need the right attention, in the right format, at the right time. Twitter's chasing Substack instead of fixing moderation. Webflow's satirizing AI hallucinations with a punchable-faced character. Netflix is turning celebrities into content creators and building experiential ta...
2026-01-221h 02Meme TeamThe Authenticity Playbook: Netflix, DoorDash, Shopify, TailwindSonia sits down with Yury Molodtsov (partner at MA Family) to break down Netflix's content strategy pivot, DoorDash's crisis response masterclass, and how Tailwind CSS turned a $2M revenue crisis into a community-funded turnaround—all without asking for help.We're talking about:Netflix's power play: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's viral interview, the historic profit-sharing deal for 1,200 crew members, and why Netflix is betting on video podcasts (Ringer, Barstool, iHeart exclusives)DoorDash's fake scandal: How an anonymous post alleging "desperation scores" went viral, why people believed it, and how CEO Tony Xu's rapid-fire re...
2026-01-1547 minMeme TeamFrom Rage Bait to Real Feelings: Grok, Polymarket, Chevrolet & Stranger ThingsSonia and Christina Garnett break down why 2026 might finally be the year marketing moves past rage bait and back toward empathy, craft, and emotional intelligence. They cover Grok's non-consensual AI image scandal, Polymarket's refusal to pay out on Venezuela invasion bets, Chevrolet's tear-jerking holiday ad that went viral, the Stranger Things finale conspiracy theories, and why Cadillac F1 is putting their drivers on Hot Ones instead of traditional press tours.The big thesis: attention-at-any-cost marketing is dying. Rage bait burns goodwill (see: Cluely, Friend AI). Empathy wins. Nostalgia works. Craft beats AI slop. And brands that give...
2026-01-0853 minMeme TeamMy Top 5: Marty Supreme, Mini Cities, Morse Code, and MoreEvery week on The Meme Team Podcast, we break down what worked, what didn't, and why people cared. This year had too many good campaigns to just list—so we're doing an awards show.In this episode, Sonia and the team cover:Marty Supreme / Timothée Chalamet (w/ Mark Stenberg) – The lookalike contest, the Statue of Liberty stunt, and meta-marketing done right.Stripe's Black Friday Mini City (w/ Kushaan Shah & Amanda Natividad) – A handmade, 8-foot miniature city with 15 buildings, live-streamed over 24 hours. Why craft beats AI.Morgan Wallen's Tour Announcement (w/ Cristin Cu...
2026-01-0148 minMeme TeamAmazon vs. Sephora: $99 Advent CalendarsSonia sits down with Julie Fredrickson (managing partner at Chaotic Capital) to dissect the Advent calendar wars—and what Amazon's massive, perfectly-packaged K-beauty box says about the future of retail, beauty merchandising, and who's winning the tastemaker race.We're talking about:Why Amazon shipped a $99 Advent calendar in custom foam inserts (and what that signals about their beauty ambitions)The end of de minimis tax and how it's reshaping K-beauty imports, counterfeits, and brand trustSephora's loyalty program collapse: why 500-point rewards vanished and millennials are jumping shipCostco's ro...
2025-12-2335 minMeme TeamSubstack ads, Storytelling Over Slop, & Kim K. In FortniteSonia Baschez sits down with Hailey Allen (creative strategist at neuemotion) to dissect the marketing wins and fails making waves right now—from AI slop ruining brand perception to why companies are suddenly hiring "chief storytellers."We're talking about:Why McDonald's pulled their AI ad in 24 hours (and why Disney chose the worst week to announce their OpenAI deal)"Slop" being named word of the year and what that says about 2025Substack launching sponsorships after years of being ad-free—is the dream over?Pinterest Predicts 2026 vs. Pantone's boring white colo...
2025-12-1857 minMeme Team“Opt-In” Marketing: How Granola, Nvidia & Percy Jackson WonThis episode hits on five major marketing trends playing out rn. starts with F1's american takeover—Cadillac's super bowl livery reveal is perfectly timed with Apple's new broadcast deal to capture US audiences who've been waiting for a team that actually leans into being american. they also break down the wholesome carlos sainz unicorn helmet story that shows how user-generated content and ongoing storylines can build real fan engagement when you're not just extracting value from your audience.The spotify wrapped vs granola crunched comparison is the meat of it—spotify's getting 500M shares but losing trus...
2025-12-111h 04Meme TeamStripe and Shopify Crushed Black Friday & Cyber MondaySonia, Amanda, and guest Kushaan Shah break down how Shopify and Stripe owned Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2025—not through traditional ads, but by spotlighting merchants, building miniature cities by hand, and proving B2B doesn't have to be boring. They unpack record-breaking consumer spending ($1 trillion+ for the first time), the dark side of buy-now-pay-later debt, mobile shopping's takeover of desktop, and why craft beats AI when you're trying to stand out.The episode dives deep into Shopify's multi-channel BFCM strategy: Harvey Finkelstein's Twitter thread crowdsourcing merchant recs, a TBPN-sponsored broadcast featuring brand founders live, and projecting their re...
2025-12-041h 03Meme TeamGive Your Audience A Voice: Hulu, Hunger Games, Shopify, & Miu Miuepisode description: sonia and kaleigh break down why traditional marketing is dying and what's replacing it. they cover timothée chalamet's $250 jacket sellout, apple tv's continued failure to market good shows, hulu's genius grocery store hack, lionsgate listening to fans for hunger games casting, shopify's president crowdsourcing black friday recs, and why a luxury brand just said "fuck ai" with their new website.main thesis: communities beat celebrities, craft beats slop, and giving your audience a voice beats shouting at them with ads.key topics:timothée's marty supreme marketing turning movie promo int...
2025-11-2659 minMeme TeamMemeable Marketing is Winning: Timothée's Zoom Call, Steph Curry & Under Armour, Disney AI & YouTubeThis episode covers five major marketing and media topics: ChatGPT's new group chat feature launching in Asian markets as a potential WhatsApp competitor; Timothée Chalamet's innovative meta-marketing campaign for A24's Marty Supreme that blurs satire and reality while creating memeable experiential moments; the breakdown of Steph Curry's 12-year Under Armour partnership and what it reveals about brands failing to read cultural shifts in athletic wear; Disney+'s controversial decision to allow AI-generated content using Disney IP and the brand safety concerns it raises; and YouTube's emergence as the premier platform for launching new media companies, with creators l...
2025-11-191h 06Meme TeamCraft vs AI Wars: Apple, Barbour, & Coca-ColaSonia and Christina break down consumer brand marketing wins and fails across Apple's glass logo rebrand, Nike's LA murals, Sephora's tone-deaf holiday ad with Mariah Carey, the AI wars between Coca-Cola and Barbour's Wallace & Gromit collab, and the Starbucks bear cup chaos. They also dig into Apple TV's quality-over-quantity approach, consumerism culture, and how brands are staking claims on AI vs craft.Nike Dodgers Murals (00:18-01:53)Apple's Glass Logo Rebrand & Apple TV (01:54-11:03)Sephora's Mariah Carey Holiday Ad Backlash (17:18-27:39)Coca-Cola AI vs Barbour Wallace & Gromit (28:34-37:20)...
2025-11-1354 minMeme TeamNike Dodgers World Series Ad Analysis | $20K Neo Robot Launch | Grammarly Superhuman RebrandEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Sonia and Moshe dissect four big marketing moments. They start with Cracker Barrel’s self-aware tweet that uses humor to defuse backlash over its remodel, then dive deep into Nike’s “I Love LA” Dodgers World Series spot that swaps Randy Newman for Kendrick Lamar—layering the LA–Toronto rivalry with the Kendrick–Drake beef to show true cultural fluency. They pull out why speed and social listening matter, and why Gen Z (73%) rewards brands that read the room.They pivot to Neo, a consumer humanoid home robot marketed as a gentle helper—coverin...
2025-11-071h 00Meme TeamWhy Surveys Lie, Dodger Steaks Go Viral, and Lewis Hamilton is Most MarketableHalloween meets K‑pop as Amanda and Sonia kick off with costumes, community, and a Demon Hunter sing‑along, then pivot to the Bugonia “bald screening” stunt—who actually shaved vs who got bald caps, and what that says about event design and expectation setting. The core segment tackles why surveys mislead (AP’s Halloween stats; SparkTogether’s “would attend again” vs reality) and how better survey design, open‑endeds, and customer interviews avoid bias.They jump to baseball: a Dodgers fan’s steak ritual turns into an Omaha Steaks sponsor moment—textbook social listening and low‑lift brand collab. Next up...
2025-10-3043 minMeme TeamRamp’s The Office Stunt, Twitter’s Link Feature, & Twilight FancamsFrom The Office's Kevin trapped in a glass box for Ramp to Lionsgate finally embracing fan editors, this episode unpacks the biggest marketing moves of the week. We break down how a B2B fintech company created the most talked-about experiential campaign, dive into Twitter's game-changing link update, and expose a wild Reddit marketing takedown that cost one company 80% of their revenue.Plus: AMC x Netflix's theatrical partnership, Heineken trolling Friend AI, and why one movie is asking fans to shave their heads. Bonus segment: how a viral YouTube video helped launch an innovative ultrasonic knife.
2025-10-2350 minMeme TeamTimothée's Ping Pong Promo, Taylor's Lost Touch & Politicians on PodcastsIn today's episode, Sonia and guest Christina Garnett break down three major shifts in marketing: Timothée Chalamet's genius guerrilla campaign for indie ping pong movie Marty Supreme, Taylor Swift's variant overload that's testing even die-hard Swifties, and why politicians desperately need to learn how to make TikToks AND go on 3-hour long podcasts.Plus: Netflix drops "Original," Apple TV loses "Plus," and why these streaming giants don't need to flex anymore. Special guest Christina Garnett drops knowledge on weakening fandoms, the problem with stunt marketing, and why your favorite brands might be trying too hard.
2025-10-161h 15Meme TeamAnthropic’s IRL NYC Popup, Taylor’s Future Wedding, K-Pop is GoldenIn this episode of the Meme Team podcast, Amanda and Sonia discuss various marketing strategies and cultural phenomena, including Cracker Barrel's logo controversy, Williams F1's community engagement, Tame Impala's unique concert experience, Anthropic's pop-up in New York, Taylor Swift's influence on the wedding industry, and the marketing strategies behind K-Pop Demon Hunters. They also touch on Merriam-Webster's clever campaign related to AI language models, emphasizing the importance of adapting to cultural trends and engaging with audiences in meaningful ways.00:00 Cracker Barrel's Logo Controversy02:43 Williams F1 Campaign and Community Engagement05:04 Tame Impala's...
2025-10-0939 minMeme TeamAI to ROI: OpenAI’s Ads + Instant Checkout PlaybookThis week on Meme Team, Sonia and Amanda dive into four big culture-meets-marketing moments:Taylor Swift x KitchenAid? How brands are borrowing her orange aesthetic to drive hype — without her even collabing.OpenAI’s first brand campaign + "agentic commerce." What instant checkout inside ChatGPT means for small businesses, DTC, and the future of discovery.The unicorn that won F1. How a fan’s sticker turned into a viral, feel-good growth story.Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl. Why skipping a U.S. tour but taking the halftime stage is a masterclass in dis...
2025-10-0239 minMeme TeamRe-Releases, Scarcity Plays, and a $11B Ring | Meme Team 026Halloween re-releases, 3-day theater drops, and brand ads masquerading as short films. This week we unpack how "eventfication" is reshaping entertainment and marketing, why most "make it go viral" mandates miss the point, and what Oura's $875M raise (at an $11B valuation) says about wearables — especially for women.We cover:"Sinners" returns for Halloween and why timing + communal cosplay can revive the box office (and awards chatter).Central Perk Times Square: great IP, mid vibes — how theme builds should feel like the show, not a Starbucks.Sabrina Carpenter x The Muppets: playful brand fit, not tired “women-compete” tropes.Taylor Swift’s...
2025-09-2546 min
Trust Be ToldThe Art of Storytelling in Marketing | Sonia Baschez, Founder of Yapping as a Service (YAAS)In this episode of Trust Be Told, Sonia Baschez shares her career journey in marketing and brand strategy, highlighting the importance of storytelling and authentic communication in building long-term brand trust. She examines how marketing strategies have evolved, the role of culture in shaping consumer behavior, and why vulnerability is crucial for fostering genuine connections with audiences.
Sonia also examines the challenges of navigating marketing trends in the digital age, the rise of social media branding, and how startups can successfully engage consumers through empathy-driven approaches. By emphasizing authenticity and cultural relevance, Sonia makes the case for...
2025-09-2543 minMeme TeamThe Pitt’s Tuxedo Scrubs, Nike’s New Motto, Lessons from the NBA SpursThis episode explores how major institutions are adapting their content strategies for new audiences. We start with Robert Redford's passing, discussing how his work with Sundance created a blueprint for using cultural capital to build new communities. This ties into modern marketing innovations like "The Long Walk's" treadmill screenings—where the medium literally becomes the message.Our guest Caitlin Rease (San Antonio Spurs' content creator) breaks down how sports teams are evolving their content game. She shares insights on their viral food art schedule release and the challenges of real-time social content creation—where you've got minutes, some...
2025-09-1851 minMeme TeamReese Witherspoon’s AI Take, Builder.ai’s Flameout, and Instagram's iPad AppComms pro Cristin Culver joins Meme Team to dissect Austin, TX's universally-dragged logo rollout, Reese Witherspoon’s shallow AI talking points (and how to master the PR art of bridging), and the Builder.ai collapse (aka why your ship-to-yap ratio matters). We also hit Instagram’s long-awaited iPad app, Threads’ watermarking, HBO’s latest rename spree, and Apple’s just-announced iPhone Air — with a through-line on hype vs. product and why social media is now entertainment first.Chapters:00:00: The new logo for Austin, TX; OpenAI's hiring platform; HBO09:30: Reese Witherspoon's missed oppor...
2025-09-1058 minMeme TeamSabrina shuns Tommy, YouTube Hypes Creators, & Horror's Killer MarketingIn this episode of Meme Team, we break down three major marketing moments: Sabrina Carpenter's masterclass in brand authenticity after her album cover controversy, YouTube's game-changing new "Hype" feature for small creators, and Lionsgate's wild treadmill theater experience for "The Long Walk." From handling haters to innovative marketing stunts, we explore how brands and creators are pushing boundaries in 2025.Key moments:00:00 Intro00:10 Lego's Tom Holland campaign04:20 Sabrina Carpenter vs Tommy from Arkansas17:52 YouTube's new Hype feature28:29 The Long Walk's treadmill theater experience
2025-09-0436 minMeme TeamBonus: Cadillac's American F1 Dream TeamJoin Sonia Baschez and "F1 Guy" Vincenzo Landino as they dive into the exciting announcement of Cadillac's entry into the F1 world for the 2026 season. Discover the strategic marketing decisions behind choosing experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, and explore the marketing implications for Cadillac and the broader F1 community. The conversation also touches on the American identity of the new team compared to existing teams like Haas, and the potential for Cadillac to leverage its brand recognition to attract fans and boost sales.Key Points:- Cadillac's official announcement and its impact on the F1 landscape...
2025-09-0315 minMeme TeamWeirdness, Wellness, Weapons, and the End of Monoculture | Meme Team 022Join hosts Sonia Baschez and Amanda Natividad as we explore the cultural phenomena of Dubai chocolate and Labubu dolls, the impact of GLP-1 drugs on societal expectations, and the unique marketing strategies behind the film Weapons. We also quickly cover Zohran Mamdani's #zcavenger hunt, the viral success of Netflix's K-pop Demon Hunters, Sydney Sweeney's latest controversies, and the failed Cracker Barrel rebrand. 00:00 Introduction to the Meme Team Podcast01:07 Zohran Mamdani's Innovative Politic Campaign03:39 K-Pop and Theatrical Releases07:14 The Resurgence of Movie Theaters13:43 Cracker Barrel's Rebranding Controversy17:33 The...
2025-08-281h 03Meme TeamTrendjacking Taylor, Tariffs & Coach Bags, and Creating Timeless BrandsIn this episode of the Meme Team Podcast, hosts Amanda and Sonia explore the intersection of marketing, culture, and branding. They discuss the recent rebranding of MSNBC, the legacy of Duolingo's social media strategy, and the backlash against AI personalities. The conversation also touches on creative marketing campaigns, the cultural impact of Taylor Swift, and the importance of authenticity in brand engagement. Additionally, they delve into the evolution of Coach, the impact of tariffs on fashion brands, and the role of CEOs as storytellers. The episode concludes with key takeaways that highlight the significance of understanding consumer insights and...
2025-08-2155 minMeme TeamBonus: Dropping Her Album on a Podcast Was GeniusIn this bonus episode, Amanda and Sonia discuss Taylor Swift's recent appearance on the New Heights podcast, highlighting her marketing genius, personal insights, and the impact of her presence on the podcast landscape. They explore how Swift's approach to announcing new music and engaging with fans sets a new standard for artists, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection in the digital age.Chapters00:00 Taylor Swift's Impact on New Heights Podcast02:09 The Power of Podcasting for Artists04:49 Taylor Swift's Personal Insights and Fan Engagement06:35 The Business...
2025-08-1519 minMeme TeamOver-Hype, Under-Deliver: Lessons from ChatGPT, Cluely, and More | Meme Team Ep. 020Taylor Swift Easter eggs, the GPT-5 backlash, and why your website traffic is tanking — we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, Amanda Natividad and Sonia Baschez unpack how over-hyping products can backfire, why even the biggest sites are losing Google traffic, the surprising comeback of DVDs and VHS, and what Instagram’s newest features mean for creators.Topics covered:Swifties crack the code on Travis Kelce’s New Heights guestGPT-5’s big launch (and bigger disappointment)The decline of organic search and rise of “experiences”Nostalgia marketing and the return of physical mediaInstagram’s new repost, maps, and friends feat...
2025-08-141h 02Meme TeamMarketing in a World of Bots, Burnout, and Brand Missteps | Meme Team #019Join Amanda, Sonia, and special guest Chi Thukral as they dive into the world of social media marketing and the logic behind viral content. The episode covers the cultural impact of K-pop, the challenges of bot-driven internet traffic, and the nuances of selling exclusivity in today's market.Key Topics:Introduction and Guest Introduction - Start to 5:00K-pop Demon Hunters and Cultural Impact - 5:01 to 20:00Bot-Driven Internet Traffic - 20:01 to 40:00Selling Exclusivity and Brand Allure - 40:01 to 55:00Takeaways and Closing Remarks - 55:01 to EndGuest: Chi Thukral - Social Media StrategistFollow Us:Chi: @ChiThukralSonia: @SoniaBaschezAmanda: @AmandaNatPodcast Socials:YouTube: @MemeTeamPodSpotify: @MemeTeamPodcastCall to...
2025-08-071h 09Meme TeamSydney Sweeney's Jeans or Genes? + Get Cited in AI ToolsIn this episode of the Meme Team podcast, Amanda and Sonia discuss the recent viral marketing strategies used by companies like Astronomer and American Eagle. They dive into the effectiveness of humor in addressing scandals, the implications of cultural sensitivity in marketing, and the evolving landscape of media influenced by AI. Amanda and Sonia discuss various aspects of modern marketing, including how to track success in PR, the shift from sponsored content to organic outreach, and the significance of human skills in an AI-driven world. They also explore nostalgia marketing, the future of movie marketing, and the...
2025-07-311h 06Meme TeamKiss Cam Crisis Comms, Colbert Cancelled, Delta's AI, & Dumb Logo UpdatesDescription: In this episode, Amanda and Sonia dive into the intricacies of marketing, branding, and the impact of scandals on corporate reputation. They discuss the recent astronomer scandal, the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the implications of AI-driven pricing strategies by Delta. The duo also explores the rebranding efforts of Goodreads and Range Rover, offering insights into the importance of maintaining brand legacy while embracing change.Key Topics:The astronomer scandal and its lessons for crisis management.The end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and what it means for late-night TV.Delta's...
2025-07-231h 03Meme TeamAttention does NOT equal influence... even if it made you clickIn this episode of the Meme Team Podcast, hosts Sonia Baschez and Amanda engage with guest Vincenzo Landino to explore the intersection of marketing, culture, and technology. They discuss a controversial casting call for gentrifiers, YouTube's new monetization policies targeting AI-generated content, and the rise of AI influencers. The conversation shifts to privacy concerns in social media and the evolving landscape of Formula 1, particularly Apple's interest in acquiring broadcasting rights. The episode concludes with insights on the future of live sports streaming and the role of AI in marketing. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of sports...
2025-07-181h 12Meme TeamWhy Being Real Wins: Mamdani, Oasis & Penguin BooksFrom political campaigns to fast food fashion, we're breaking down the most interesting marketing moves of 2025. Watch as we analyze how brands are winning (and failing) at authentic engagement, including:• How a politician's candid street interactions beat staged PR • Why Oasis turned Manchester's trams into viral marketing gold • McDonald's clever fusion of western wear and fast food • Nike's surprising move to Substack • How Penguin Books' tweet hit 1B views • The Buffalo Wild Wings vs. Gmail showdownPlus: real talk about why manufactured authenticity is dead, why meeting your audience where they are matters more than ever, and ho...
2025-07-1538 minMeme TeamWhen Brands Listen to Fans: F1, Superman & Star WarsFrom F1's innovative approach to female fans to Superman's viral marketing success, we're breaking down how major brands are actually listening to their audiences in 2025. Join Sonia Baschez and guest Christina Garnett as they analyze the wins (and fails) in fan engagement across sports and entertainment.Key topics:• How F1 is revolutionizing female fan engagement• Superman's masterclass in social media marketing• Star Wars: when fan service goes right (and wrong)• The power of authentic fan collaborationChapters00:00 Introduction to Virality and Brand Partnerships01:40 Expanding to New Audiences in F113:31 Superman Marketing Strategies and Fan Engagement18:44 Meme Culture in Movie Marketin...
2025-07-1056 minMeme TeamZohran Mamdani’s Social Genius, Apple’s F1 Fail, Forensic Fandom, and the Doormat That Drove $500KIn this episode of the Meme Team Podcast, hosts Sonia Baschez and Amanda Natividad discuss innovative marketing strategies, focusing on the digital campaigning of Zohran Mamdani, the integration of product placements in films, and the rise of forensic fandom in audience engagement. They explore how brands can creatively connect with their audiences through unique outreach methods, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and cultural authenticity in marketing efforts.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Meme Team00:29 Lego Collaborations: X-Files and F101:15 Innovations in Agriculture: Dyson’s Strawberry Production02:12 Zoran Mamdani’s Campaign Strategy12:48 Apple’s F1 Movie Promotion and Product Placement21:01 Digital Market...
2025-07-0255 minMeme TeamControversy Creates Cash: From Cluely to F1 to Canva | Meme Team 012In this episode of the Meme Team Podcast, Sonia and Amanda discuss Cluely's controversial approach to gaining attention, the importance of zero-click marketing in today's social media landscape, explore influencer marketing tactics in F1, and highlight Canva's innovative out-of-home advertising campaign. The conversation emphasizes the need for creativity and authenticity in marketing, as well as the significance of influencer partnerships.Chapters00:20 Tom Cruise Promotes the F1 Movie02:02 Red Lobster's New Menu03:05 Cluely's Wild Ride and Marketing Lessons14:03 Meta & The Rise of Zero-Click Content22:36 Influencer Marketing in Sports25:25...
2025-06-2647 minMeme TeamAmazon & Roku's Ad Network + Influencer Lawsuit + Apple's F1 Movie + Sprout Social | Meme Team 011In this episode of the Meme Team Podcast, Amanda and Sonia discuss:- the evolving landscape of TV advertising- the recent class action lawsuit against Alo Yoga for misleading influencer promotions- the strategic shifts in Apple's marketing approach, particularly in film- insights from Sprout Social's annual report on social media trendsChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview01:21 Deloitte's Unique Employee Benefits05:55 Taylor Swift's Community Engagement06:03 Amazon and Roku's CTV Partnership18:08 The Future of Targeted Advertising19:55...
2025-06-1855 minMeme TeamCoco Gauff wins, Uber Eats creates their own TikTok, and Wedding Content Creators | Meme Team 010On Meme Team, we talk about how to own your own story, narrative, and platform.This episode is brought to you by Sequel.io, the only platform that lets marketers host webinars directly on your website. You can see what your audience does on your site before, during, and after your webinar — giving you better data for retargeting and sales management. Learn more at Sequel.io. - Athlete - brand relationships have changed and we're here for it- Uber Eats is competing to own all the verticals...
2025-06-1035 minMeme TeamFrom Taylor Swift to Hailey Bieber: When to Own vs. Sell Your BrandWe talk about when to own vs. sell your brand.This episode is brought to you by Sequel.io, the only platform that lets marketers host webinars directly on your website. You can see what your audience does on your site before, during, and after your webinar — giving you better data for retargeting and sales management. Learn more at Sequel.io. - We break down what Taylor Swift reclaiming her masters teaches marketers about community marketing, and creators about ownership.- Hailey Bieber sells Rh...
2025-06-0443 minMeme TeamGoogle Redoing SEO with AI, Dyson Disrupts, and Red Lobster Calls NSYNCDid you know the American Music Awards were this week? We don't think anybody did. Google I/O: What the AI announcements mean for marketersDyson's new vacuum (and how the Coanda effect works!)The AMAs nobody went to: Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish won, but didn't go. Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton performed... but didn't do it live. And people hated on Jennifer Lopez.Red Lobster's and Joey Fatone's $19.99 in 1999 moment. (Can you send us Cheddar Bay Biscuits?)Follow us:...
2025-05-2945 minMeme TeamWhat Duolingo Got Wrong — and What Tom Cruise Gets RightBonus episode! You're welcome, teamsters.Is Tom Cruise the last movie star and... one of the best marketers? (Hear us out.)Duolingo purges its TikTok and Instagram and comes back... with a bizarre video. (Presumably to win us back after its AI-first disaster.)All-American Rejects playing in your backyard. (We wish.)Follow us:Sonia Baschez (@soniabaschez): LinkedIn and Twitter/XAmanda Natividad (@amandanat): LinkedIn and Twitter/XSonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coAmanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMeme Team: memeteampodcast.com
2025-05-2224 minMeme TeamNetflix + Sesame Street Is a Smart Brand Deal. HBO’s Rebrand? Not So Much.On the Meme Team podcast, we talk about the logic behind virality. Because marketing isn’t just logic — it’s culture… and this podcast decodes both.Sesame Street is now available on Netflix (but still on PBS!)Uber's route share announcement gets bungled (it's really not a bus!)HBO finally drops the "Max" (it's cleaner)Is everything going to become an AI chatbot? Follow us:Sonia Baschez (@soniabaschez): LinkedIn and Twitter/XAmanda Natividad (@amandanat): LinkedIn and Twitter/XMore about Sonia's consulting firm: https://www.bendgrowth.co/...
2025-05-2134 minMeme TeamSkechers’ $9B Play, Apple and Bono (ugh), and the Vatican’s Brand MomentMarketing isn't just logic — it's culture. The Meme Team podcast decodes both. Let's goooo!Apple Vision Pro and Bono (it's like they're trying to make 'fetch' happen)Skechers doubled down on this one audience segment — and got to a $9.4 billion valuationFinal Destination's brilliant guerilla marketing (but if I see a truck with logs on the freeway, I am taking the next exit)Pope Leo XIV (is this America's big marketing opportunity?)Follow us:Sonia Baschez (@soniabaschez): LinkedIn and Twitter/XAmanda Natividad (@amandanat): LinkedIn and Twitter/XMore about So...
2025-05-1531 minMeme TeamDuolingo Goes AI-First, KIND Rebrands, and Brands Bet on the BotsThe queen of Marketing Twitter joins the Meme Team podcast! Christina Garnett, author of the forthcoming book, "Transforming Customer–Brand Relationships: Use Emotional Connection To Build Loyalty" chats with Sonia and Amanda about:Duolingo declaring itself 'AI-first'How everything is content (and why this sucks)The magic of Lego F1 carsRivian doubling down on community with its new ad campaignAI and Mark ZuckerbergKIND — and why a cringe moment outshined their thoughtful rebrandingPreorder Christina Garnett's new book: Transforming Customer–Brand RelationshipsFollow all of us:Christina Garnett (@ThatChristinaG): Linked...
2025-05-0843 minMeme TeamSlate’s Truck Launch, Bot Farms, and Brands in DisguiseSonia and Amanda talk about millennial nostalgia, the innovative Slate Truck, the impact of viral user-generated content, and the challenges posed by bot farms on social media narratives.Follow us:Meme Team Podcast (official website)@soniabaschez on LinkedIn and Twitter/X@amandanat on LinkedIn and Twitter/X
2025-05-0141 minMeme TeamProtein Marketing, Katy Perry in Space, and Cultural WTFsSonia and Amanda discuss Americans' obsession with protein and protein products, the big problems about Katy Perry going to space (and what is wrong with Blue Origin's marketing), and then we end on a charming note about the Japanese ambassador to the UK Hiroshi Suzuki.Follow us:Meme Team Podcast (official website)@soniabaschez on LinkedIn and Twitter/X@amandanat on LinkedIn and Twitter/X
2025-05-0125 minMeme TeamLuxury Brand Myths, Rory McIlroy’s Halo Effect, and Ryan Coogler’s Quiet InfluenceFirst episode of the Meme Team podcast! Sonia and Amanda talk about why everyone cared so much about Rory McIlroy winning the Masters, the real tea about TikTokers saying all the luxury brands manufacture in China, and the significance of Ryan Coogler's thought leadership.The conversation emphasizes the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and understanding audience truths in effective marketing.Takeaways:Rory McIlroy’s win resonated due to his long journey and underdog status.Trend jacking should focus on authenticity and not self-promotion.Nike’s ad for McIlroy celebrated his achievement rather than...
2025-05-0122 min
Launch TodayLaunch Today Ep #32 with Sonia BaschezWelcome back to another episode of Launch Today, the go-to podcast for early-stage entrepreneurs aiming for that coveted $1 million mark in annual revenue. This episode is particularly special as we tap into the wisdom of a seasoned expert in the field of startups, technology, and media.Guest Introduction: Sonia Baschez• Founder of Bend Growth• Fractional CMO• Marketing and PR SpecialistKey Topics Discussed:• Sonia shares her journey from politics to startup marketing.• Universal principles...
2024-12-1835 min
The Luella Jonk ShowEpisode #14: From Startup to Fractional CMO - Building a Brand and Finding Balance with Sonia BaschezIn this episode, I sit down with Sonia Baschez, a marketing expert who made the bold leap from working as a key player in a fast-growing startup to establishing her own fractional CMO business. Sonia opens up about the challenges and rewards of making the shift from a secure corporate role to becoming her own boss.Explore the process of building a personal brand, the importance of having a clear mission, and how Sonia overcame the fear of marketing herself. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to break through, a business owner needing to refine...
2024-09-101h 09
The Undefeated UnderdogsSonia Baschez - Why you need to hire a fractional CMO!👉🏼 About the Guest:Sonia Baschez was the Head of Marketing at Atmos and currently is a a Marketing and PR Advisor at The Council. She is an expert at building and executing marketing strategies for early-stage startups focused on social media, content creation, and email marketing. She has previously worked on the Hillary for America campaign, where she wrote, designed, and launched email programs for 38 states. She has also worked with startups (Makerpad, Winnie, Holloway), authors (Elisabeth Rosenthal MD, Sam Walker, Alexandra Sacks MD), and influencers (Jeanne Pinder, Marlon Peterson, Luz Claudio, Muhammed Idris) to create...
2024-04-141h 11
Pipe Dream | A B2B Marketing PodcastHow to Build a Marketing Strategy and Raise a Seed Round w/ Sonia BaschezIn this episode, I sit down with Sonia Baschez, Head of Marketing at Atmos. Sonia shares her story as one of the first full-time hires at the construction company and how she set about building a marketing strategy that Atmos raise a $4m Seed Round in 2020. This includes going unexpectedly viral at the start of the pandemic, leveraging the power of local media, and how to go about establishing credibility with no case studies. Timestamps:0:56 - Who are you and what do you do?2:27 - What...
2022-04-2527 min
What The World ThinksWhat will property look like in the 'new normal'?Sam has created a playlist on Spotify of all the music featured in the episodes of What The World Thinks. Find it here if you're interested in listening.Thank you to those who shared their thoughts (in order of appearance):Sean Woolley, Founder and Director of leading real estate agency Cloud Nine SpainSonia Baschez, Head of Marketing at AtmosEric Jafari, Chief Development Officer / Creative Director – Edyn/ Co-Founder & Creative Director, Locke HotelsToyin Davidson-Ero, Founder of Property Pillars ClubMichelle Corazzo, Director in the property team haysmac...
2020-08-1000 min