The MadMen Pod

Eps 39 - Earth Day, Sustainability in brands, Social Impact and Greenwashing

Rooted in Green: Unpacking Sustainability in Marketing
In this Earth Day special, we delve deep into how brands are integrating sustainability into their DNA and the broader implications beyond environmental stewardship. Join Sameer, Adeel, and Salim as they explore compelling examples of companies making a real impact, and scrutinize those whose efforts might not be as green as they appear.
What's Inside:
Sustainability in Brand DNA: Discover how companies like Patagonia, Fab Brick, and Microsoft are embedding eco-conscious practices into the core of their business strategies, setting benchmarks for industry peers.
Social Sustainability: We go beyond the environment to discuss how brands like Ben & Jerry’s, Lego, and Airbnb are addressing social sustainability, championing community initiatives, and fostering inclusive practices that contribute to societal well-being.
Eco-Fails: A critical look at brands accused of greenwashing. We examine Amazon, H&M, and Volkswagen to understand where companies may fall short in their eco-friendly promises, shedding light on the thin line between marketing and reality.
This episode strips back the green facade to reveal the true colors of sustainability in marketing. Tune in as we start with Sameer's introduction, immediately diving into how these brands are crafting a more sustainable future or merely painting a greener picture.
 

Eps 38: Google to buy Hubspot, Trump social tanks, Frida Uncensored collab with P* and Ai in Marketing

 
In this week’s episode of we delve into the latest headlines that are shaping the business and tech landscapes. From Google’s strategic acquisition of HubSpot to the economic impact of the recent eclipse, we cover the biggest stories in "What’s Trending." We analyze the fallout from Trump Social's challenges and discuss the creative and possibly controversial new tagline from Papa John’s, "Better get you some." Plus, we look into which brands capitalized on the eclipse event to boost their visibility and impact.
In our "Up and Coming Brands" segment, we spotlight innovative companies making waves across industries. We take a closer look at Frida Uncensored, a bold initiative tackling reproductive health education, explore the eco-conscious fashion offerings of Tender Co., and dive into the unique world of Gentle Monster, a brand redefining style with its avant-garde eyewear.
Wrapping up with "Market Insights," we shift focus to the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. Amidst all the buzz, we break down what AI tools like ChatGPT and Adobe Firefly really offer to businesses and consumers today, providing a clearer understanding of their capabilities and potential.
Tune in to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the ever-evolving worlds of marketing and technology. Don’t miss out as we explore these dynamic topics, shedding light on how they're reshaping industries and consumer experiences.

Eps37: Brand Battlegrounds: Art of rivalry in marketing

In this episode titled "Brand Battlegrounds: The Art of Rivalry in Marketing," we take a thrilling dive into the world of iconic brand rivalries that have captivated consumers and shaped the marketing landscape. Opening with Sameer taking his shot at the run of show, we embark on a journey through the competitive spirit that drives these brands to creative excellence and strategic brilliance.
Highlights Include:
A deep dive into the classic cola war: Coke vs Pepsi. This segment explores the storied history, memorable campaigns, and strategic maneuvers that have defined this legendary rivalry.
 
Quick Hits:
Dunkin vs Starbucks: A caffeinated battle for morning dominance.
BMW vs Mercedes: The luxury automotive feud where innovation meets prestige.
McDonald’s vs Burger King: Fast food giants clash over burgers and brand identity.
Apple vs Microsoft: The tech titans' rivalry that shaped the computer industry.
Chick-fil-A vs Popeyes: A mouthwatering face-off in the chicken sandwich war.
This episode distills the essence of what makes a brand rivalry not just a fight for market share but a rich narrative of innovation, identity, and consumer engagement. Tune in to "Brand Battlegrounds" for an insightful exploration of marketing's most dynamic duels.

Eps 36 - The Comeback Episode: Corona, Dominos, Tylenol, Tiger Woods, Balenciga

We are calling this Adeel's Comeback Episode.  This week, we dive into stories of companies with incidents either in their control or out of their control that genuinely impacted their company, including which ones came out on top and which didn't—a lesson on crisis management. 
Segment 1 - Unfortunate AssociationCoronavirus & Corona BeerSierra MistAyds Candy and AIDS (1970s)
Segment 2 - Celebrities/Brands who made a successful comeback after bad PRTylenol in 1982Dominos in 2009Tiger Woods
Segment 3 - Tone Deaf ExecutionUnited Airlines dragging Balenciaga & ChildrenPepsi and Kendall Jenner Ad
Segment 4 - Ideas to give Brands/Celebrities for a ComebackColin  KaepernickWill SmithBud Light

Eps #35: Starbucks outs CMO, Women’s sports on the rise, Branding vs Demand Gen

Season 2 is here and this week Salim’s takeover the episode with 3 segments.
What’s trending 
Predicting the winners 
Market insights 
In What’s Trending segment we talk about micro trends like Trader Joe’s mini tote bags, Stanley Cups; we discuss the rise in women’s soccer and the market potential and last we discuss how Starbucks cancels the CMO role.
In the predict winner section we talk about which brands will win March Madness
Lastly we discuss what’s more important branding or demand generation.

Episode #34: Beats on the pitch with MLS. Valentine's Day Quick-Hits. Social Media is the enemy of mental health.

Apple goes all in with MLS, making Beats the official audio partner of the MLS. Quick-hit recaps of cool Valentine's Day campaigns. Mental health issues are on the rise, and the target is social media.

Episode #33: Super Bowl winners & losers. Disney gets back in the metaverse with Epic Games. Live Sports is turning back into cable.

The MadMen recap an eventful Super Bowl with takes on the best and worst ads, and why Super Bowl ads are always worth it. Disney invests in Epic Games to get Mickey & Friends on Fortnite. Live Sports channels are consolidating into a single platform... just like cable?

Ep. #32 The Guys React to Super Bowl Ads

Summary
In this episode, Salim and Adeel review and react to several Super Bowl ads. They discuss the strategies and messages behind each ad, as well as the star-studded cast and the impact of the ads on the brands. The ads they cover include E-Trade, Doritos, Uber Eats, BMW, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Pringles. They analyze the effectiveness of each ad and discuss the potential return on investment for the brands. Overall, they highlight the creativity and entertainment value of the Super Bowl ads.
 
Watch the reactions on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadMenPod

Ep. #31 An Interview with Shez Mehra, VP of Growth at SongTradr

Summary
 
In this episode, Salim Gheewalla interviews Shez Mehra, a creative entrepreneur in the field of sound and music marketing. They discuss the importance of sound in marketing and branding, and how it can create a powerful emotional connection with consumers. Shez shares examples of successful campaigns and projects he has worked on, highlighting the impact of sound in enhancing brand experiences. They also explore the future of sound in marketing, including the rise of in-game audio advertising and the need for companies to prioritize sound design in their products and services.
 
Takeaways
Sound and music play a crucial role in marketing and branding, as they can create a strong emotional connection with consumers.
Companies should invest in developing a distinct sonic identity and leverage sound strategically across various touchpoints to enhance brand experiences.
Sound is often overlooked in marketing, but it has the potential to be a powerful tool for cutting through the noise and building trust with consumers.
Successful campaigns and projects that prioritize sound have demonstrated significant returns on investment and can solve business challenges beyond traditional marketing goals.

Ep. #30 Tiger Woods and Taylor Made for each other? Malls are Back! Why TikTok doesn't hit anymore

Summary
The conversation covers various topics including social media influence, Tiger Woods' new brand, the future of malls, the streaming wars, TikTok Shop, the rise of Peacock and YouTube TV, content creation, and AI-generated websites.
 
Takeaways
Social media has a significant influence on people's mindset and can contribute to anxiety and stress.
Limiting social media usage can help improve mental well-being.
Tiger Woods' new brand, Sunday Red, has the potential to become an endorsement brand similar to Jordan Brand in golf.
The future of malls may involve a revival as hangout spots, driven by Gen Z's interest in in-store experiences.
YouTube TV is emerging as a winner in the streaming wars, offering live sports and bundling various channels.
AI-generated websites are becoming a valuable tool for marketers, allowing for quick and efficient website creation.