Brands, Beats & Bytes

Episódios

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  Summer Remix: Album 8 Track 9: Accelerating Your Career: Think Two. Act One. w/Kristen Fischbeck 06.08.2026 1h 15min

  Summer Remix: Album 8 Track 9: Accelerating Your Career: Think Two. Act One. w/Kristen FischbeckBrand Nerds, we are back in the building! Today, we are diving deep into what it takes to achieve professional growth as we sit down with Kristen Fischbeck. If you are a marketer looking to "compress the timeline" between where you are and where you want to be, this episode is your blueprint. Kristen’s rise is nothing short of meteoric: she joined a boutique agency as an entry-level account coordinator and, in just seven years, navigated every level of the organization to become Managing Partner. Now, she leads strategy for an expansive and impressive portfolio including BMW, Rolls-Royce, and Land Rover. In this conversation, Kristen breaks down what we are coining the "Think Two. Act One." strategic mindset of thinking two steps ahead while acting on one to master the job you want before you even have the title. We explore the grit required to thrive in your career, the "Ruh-Roh" moments that lead to massive growth, and how AI is currently slashing production costs in half for luxury brands. Key Takeaways:The 2-1 Rule for Career AccelerationMimic the MasteryThe Space to FailHigh-Octane BrandingAI as a Production ToolDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  Summer Remix: Album 8 Track 16: Lead with Guts, Accelerate Growth w/Bob Kraut 30.07.2026 1h 34min

  Summer Remix: Album 8 Track 16: Lead with Guts, Accelerate Growth w/Bob KrautHow did a $5 million marketing stunt turn into one of the top 5 marketing ideas of the last 50 years? In this episode of Brands, Beats & Bites, hosts Darryl "DC" Cobbin and Larry "LT" Taman sit down with legendary CMO Bob Kraut (former CMO of Papa John's, Arby's, Pizza Hut, and Captain D's) to pull back the curtain on his iconic career of driving explosive business growth.From orchestrating the famous Oprah Winfrey Pontiac G6 giveaway at General Motors to launching the first-ever iPhone pizza ordering application, Bob shares firsthand stories of what it takes to be an adventurous marketer.We dive deep into:The Famous Oprah Winfrey "You Get a Car!" BackstoryThe Art of the Career PivotMarketing with "Guts"The Problem with Modern AdsIf you are an aspiring CMO, brand manager, or marketing student looking to understand how to balance data-driven left-brain insights with creative right-brain ambition, this masterclass is for you.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  Summer Remix: Album 8 Track 6 - Step Up. Speak Up. Move Up. w/Shawna Hausman 23.07.2026 1h 34min

  Summer Remix: Album 8 Track 6 - Step Up. Speak Up. Move Up. w/Shawna HausmanBrand Nerds, get ready to take some serious notes! On this episode of Brands, Beats and Bytes, hosts Darryl "DC" Cobbin and Larry "LT" Taman sit down with retail and digital marketing powerhouse Shawna Hausman. From her scrappy early days in the Gap Inc. universe to driving a massive 300% sales increase as CMO of FSA Store, Shawna has built an incredible career by stepping up, speaking out, and never letting fear dictate her next move.Shawna takes us behind the scenes of some of the most iconic retail brands, sharing hilarious and anxiety-inducing stories, like the time she told retail legend Mickey Drexler that his marketing wasn't working when she was just a 22-year-old intern! We also dive deep into the modern marketing landscape, discussing everything from the rise of AI to why heritage brands like Birkenstock are winning by refusing to compromise their identity.Whether you are looking to climb the corporate ladder, pivot into consulting, or simply understand the psychology of retail sales, this episode is packed with "Triple C" leadership advice: Clarity, Conviction, and Courage.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The Mickey Drexler Story: How a bold critique from a young intern led to an unexpected seat on the corporate jet with the "Merchant Prince" himself.Avoiding the "Mushy Middle": Why brand overlap (like the historical dynamic between The Gap and Old Navy) can eat your own market share, and why you must carve out distinct lanes.The Power of Executive Buy-In: Shawna gets vulnerable about her biggest career "F-up" involving an unapproved $40,000 app at West Elm, and why you absolutely need skin in the game from your key overlords.Embracing AI: Why marketers must lean into artificial intelligence tools rather than fearing them, and how it is revolutionizing the way we work today.The Birkenstock Strategy: How "winning ugly," maintaining scarcity, and leaning unapologetically into comfort and heritage is keeping Birkenstock at the top of the footwear game.Fearless Career Growth: Why you should never stay in a miserable job just for the money, and how taking calculated risks leads to the real magic.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  Summer Remix: Album 8 Track 7: The Art of Creative Violence: Building Bold Brands w/ Noel Cottrell 16.07.2026 1h 31min

  Summer Remix: Album 8 Track 7: The Art of Creative Violence: Building Bold Brands w/ Noel CottrellAre legacy advertising holding companies sinking like the Titanic? In this episode of the Brands, Beats, and Bytes podcast, hosts DC and LT welcome creative savant and industry giant, Noel Cottrell.After building a storied career working with massive brands like Sissy Boy Jeans, Coca-Cola, and E-Trade (yes, he helped create the famous talking baby Super Bowl ads!), Noel is upending the agency model once again. He breaks down why he founded his new agency, Murder Hornet, on the principle of "creative violence"—the idea that discomfort is a catalyst for change, better work, and greater impact.Whether you are an agency veteran, a freelance creative, or a brand marketer looking for braver work, this episode is a masterclass in navigating the modern marketing landscape. Noel gets incredibly candid about his biggest career mistake, the rise of the indie agency, and exactly how his team is using AI to save clients hundreds of thousands of dollars.Key Takeaways:The Power of Creative Violence: Why playing it safe is the riskiest move a brand can make, featuring the wild origin story of the Sissy Boy Jeans campaign.Surviving the "Bloodbath": Why traditional holding companies are failing and how freelancers and indie agencies are perfectly positioned to win.The "Nest and Swarm" Model: How to build a highly flexible, future-proof agency structure.Real AI Integration: How to use AI agents to build bespoke creative teams and drastically cut production costs for clients.Owning Your F-Ups: A deeply personal lesson in leadership, ego, and the importance of professional forgiveness.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  Summer Remix: Album 5 Track 32 - Be You. Be Kind. Be Badass. w/Paige Young 09.07.2026 1h 22min

  Summer Remix: Album 5 Track 32 - Be You. Be Kind. Be Badass. w/Paige YoungWhat’s happening Brand Nerds?! We’re happily joined by special guest Paige Young, Chief Communications Officer @ ServiceNow. For the Brand Nerds striving for that C-suite position, this episode will be a real treat. Paige humbly shares her triumphs and lessons throughout her exceptional career. Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:Model the behavior you want to see.Feedback is a valuable opportunity to growSpeak Truth to PowerSimply - Be You. Be Kind. Be Badass.NOTES:Connect with PaigePaige Young | LinkedInStay Up-To-Date on All Things Brands, Beats, & Bytes on SocialInstagram | Twitter
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  Summer Remix: Album 8 Track 11: Marketing vs People-ing w/Todd Putman 02.07.2026 1h 24min

  Welcome to our Summer Remix series! What separates a standard marketer from a transformational leader? Join us as we talk to Todd Putman (Chief Transformation Officer, Generous Brands) about the transition from marketing to the C-suite. Todd reveals his "Peopler" framework—the ability to see human insights that data hides—and shares the career strategies that helped him navigate Fortune 100 giants. We dive deep into his biggest career mistakes, the necessity of having "cover" from senior leadership, and his mission to use marketing tools to change the world. It's an episode filled with "zingers," heart, and the blueprint for your next career move.Key Takeaways:Transitioning from "Marketer" to "Peopler"Having a Proactive Career StrategyThe Importance of Leadership and "Cover"Let’s Talk About Ethical Marketing and TechHow You Can Use Marketing for GoodDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  Album 8 Track 18: What's Poppin? World Cup 2026 25.06.2026 1h 8min

  Album 8 Track 18: What's Poppin? World Cup 2026The World Cup is officially upon us, North America! But you don’t need to be a fútbol historian to understand the sheer economic and cultural power of this tournament. In this special "What's Poppin'" episode of Brands, Beats & Bytes, hosts DC and Larry put on their brand lenses to dissect the 2026 FIFA World Cup using the classic marketing matrix: Product, Place, Price, and Promotion.From Larry's firsthand experience launching Powerade during the 1994 World Cup to the multi-million dollar endorsement webs of Lionel Messi and Sir David Beckham in 2026, this episode is a masterclass in modern sports entertainment. Discover how Fox is clearing an extra $300M off player hydration breaks, why Telemundo is beating English broadcast ratings, and how stadium sponsors are fighting back against FIFA’s strict "covered logo" policies. Mentioned in the Show: 1994 Powerade AdDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  REMIX: Album 5 Track 15 - The Pursuit of Balance in the Boardroom w/Jeryn Turner 18.06.2026 1h 19min

  REMIX: Album 5 Track 15 - The Pursuit of Balance in the BoardroomBrand Nerds! Get ready...we are talking about life inside and outside of the boardroom. Jeryn Turner is not only a successful business professional, she is also a yoga instructor and author who finds balance in life. She's inspiring us to think differently while still being successful and authentic.A jew-el dropper you don't want to miss! Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:Are you balanced in the boardroom?Go places you are loved, encouraged, and supported. That's where you thrive.Throwing away the script. Living authentically. The power of "AND" | Analog in a digital world.  NOTES:Connect with Jeryn at:www.JerynTurner.comInstagram: @spelmangeminiTwitter: @JerynTurnerFacebook: Jeryn TurnerView Her Books Here. Show Partner: SpecificityLearn More About Specificity Stay Up-To-Date on All Things Brands, Beats, & Bytes on SocialInstagram | Twitter
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  Album 8 Track 17: The Mythology Behind a Great Marketer w/Louis Monoyudis 11.06.2026 1h 26min

  Album 8 Track 17: The Mythology Behind a Great Marketer w/Louis MonoyudisWhat does an undergrad degree in folklore and mythology have to do with scaling direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands to millions in revenue? Everything.In this episode of Brands, Beats, and Bytes, hosts Darryl "DC" Cobbin and Larry Taman sit down with seasoned executive Louis Monoyudis (CMO at Artware Editions, former global CMO at Bokksu, Fable Pets, Levo, and Roam). Louis pulls back the curtain on how a deep understanding of human narrative, ritual, and "belief" acts as the ultimate foundation for hyper-growth marketing.Discover why data infrastructure must balance founder intuition , the real reason crowdsourced fashion platforms face massive scaling hurdles , and what "agentic shopping" means for the survival of the traditional brand website. Whether you are a founder battling hubris or a marketer trying to stay ahead of the AI curve, this episode provides a masterclass on balancing creative judgment with business performance.Key Takeaways: The Fine Line Between Religion and MythEscaping the Echo ChamberThe Reality of Decision FatigueAgentic AI & The Future of ShoppingHuman Taste vs. Machine DataThe ROI of CommunityDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  REMIX: Album 4 Track 12 – Matt Tumminello, President at Target 10 04.06.2026 1h 18min

  REMIX: Album 4 Track 12 – Matt Tumminello, President at Target 10Hey Brand Nerds! We have a treat for you today! We have Matt Tumminello in the virtual building dropping jewels from both his career and personal experiences as a leader in the LGBTQ+ marketing space.Jolted to impactful and meaningful action after witnessing 9/11 as a New Yorker, Matt dove head first into the LGBTQ+ marketing space through the launching of his business Target 10. As they say, "they apply deep LGBTQ consumer insights and cultural intelligence to brand strategy, marketing and creative, demonstrating to LGBTQ consumers that your brand 'gets it and gets me.'"A few key takeaways from the episode:Be fearless. In work and in life. Be very careful with your comments from a business perspective, you may also be making a comment about that very human that's in front of you.There is beauty in duality  NOTES:Learn More About Target 10Stay Up-To-Date on All Things Brands, Beats, & Bytes on SocialInstagram | Twitter 
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  Album 8 Track 16: Lead with Guts, Accelerate Growth w/Bob Kraut 28.05.2026 1h 32min

  Album 8 Track 16: Lead with Guts, Accelerate Growth w/Bob KrautHow did a $5 million marketing stunt turn into one of the top 5 marketing ideas of the last 50 years? In this episode of Brands, Beats & Bites, hosts Darryl "DC" Cobbin and Larry "LT" Taman sit down with legendary CMO Bob Kraut (former CMO of Papa John's, Arby's, Pizza Hut, and Captain D's) to pull back the curtain on his iconic career of driving explosive business growth.From orchestrating the famous Oprah Winfrey Pontiac G6 giveaway at General Motors to launching the first-ever iPhone pizza ordering application, Bob shares firsthand stories of what it takes to be an adventurous marketer.We dive deep into:The Famous Oprah Winfrey "You Get a Car!" BackstoryThe Art of the Career PivotMarketing with "Guts"The Problem with Modern AdsIf you are an aspiring CMO, brand manager, or marketing student looking to understand how to balance data-driven left-brain insights with creative right-brain ambition, this masterclass is for you.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  Album 8 Track 15: The Currency of Purpose w/Stephen Greene 21.05.2026 1h 34min

  Album 8 Track 15: The Currency of Purpose w/Stephen GreeneWhat happens when you mix the power of world-class music, brand partnerships, and community service? You get Rockcorps—a global movement that revolutionized how brands connect with youth.In this episode of Brands, Beats, and Bytes, hosts Darryl "DC" Cobbin and Larry "LT" Taman sit down with Rockcorps co-founder and CEO, Stephen Greene (SG). Together, they unpack a historic "moment of truth" meeting from 2005 that launched their first national brand partnership with Boost Mobile.  SG shares invaluable insights on how the marketing landscape has shifted, why the artist is now the distribution channel, and how to build an authentic, purpose-driven brand that Gen Z and Millennials will actually rally behind. Whether you are a junior marketer finding your footing or an aspiring CMO looking to lead with values, this episode is a masterclass in creative judgment, cultural taste, and keeping humanity at the center of business.  In this episode, you’ll learn:How to Trade in "The Currency of Purpose"The "Inverse Correlation" Rule of Deal-MakingThe Blueprint for the "Triple Benefit" StrategyHow to Define What is at the "Center" of a BrandDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  Album 8 Track 14: YES as a Career Strategy w/Scott Stuckmann 14.05.2026 1h 30min

  Album 8 Track 14: YES as a Career Strategy w/Scott StuckmannHow does a mechanical engineer from Wisconsin become a global marketing powerhouse? In this episode of Brands, Beats and Bytes, DC and LT sit down with Scott Stuckmann (Kraft Heinz, Nestle, Coca-Cola) to deconstruct a career defined by "The Art of Navigation."Scott shares his unique journey from documenting radar processes to launching the first fat-free hot dog and leading billion-dollar beverage portfolios across Asia and Oceania. We dive deep into the "hunger" required to switch industries, the reality of international family moves, and why AI will never replace creative judgment and taste in brand management.In this episode, you’ll learn:The "Stalking Strategy": How Scott used pure hustle to land his first role at Kraft.Customer vs. Consumer: Why the customer is the lens to your consumer.International Career Growth: How moving abroad changes your marketing DNA.AI in CPG: Why "Synthetic Research" is a tailwind, not a replacement for intuition.The "F-Up" Lesson: Why choosing the "safe route" can be your biggest career mistake.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  Album 8 Track 13: The Power of the Pivot w/Lacrecia Cade 07.05.2026 1h 23min

  Album 8 Track 13: The Power of the Pivot w/Lacrecia CadeCan a lawyer become a world-class marketer? In this episode of Brands, Beats, and Bytes, hosts DC and LT sit down with Lacrecia Cade, to discuss her incredible journey from the legal department to the C-suite of marketing and technology.Lacrecia shares her "chameleon skills" developed growing up in Decatur and how she navigated high-level roles at Morehouse College, Aflac, and Fiserv. We dive deep into the importance of budget management, the art of "shape-shifting" in corporate environments, and why your choice of life partner is your most important career decision.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to transition from a non-marketing role into a marketing leadership position.The "Wayne Gretzky" strategy for career growth: skating to where the puck is going.Tactical advice on managing $100M budgets and aligning with finance teams.BREAKING NEWS: Lacrecia announces her new role as President of Alpha Drones USA and the future of aerial advertising.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  REMIX: Album 7 Track 24 - From Bottle Sorter to C-Suite w/Jim Trebilcock 30.04.2026 1h 38min

  REMIX: Album 7 Track 24 - From Bottle Sorter to C-Suite w/Jim TrebilcockIn this episode of Brands, Beats and Bytes, hosts DC and LT sit down with beverage industry legend Jim Trebilcock, the former Chief Commercial Officer and CMO of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and Keurig Dr. Pepper. This isn't just a marketing conversation; it is a masterclass in resilience and business strategy from a man who started his career sorting bottles and driving a delivery truck in a parking lot.Jim pulls back the curtain on some of the most pivotal moments in beverage history. He reveals the "Tracks of My Tears" story behind 7UP’s decline against the juggernaut of Sprite, details the high-stakes negotiation where Dr. Pepper almost lost the College Football Playoff sponsorship to Coca-Cola , and shares the humbling lesson of his biggest product failure, 7UP Gold.Packed with hard truths about the "self-inflicted" irrelevance of modern CMOs and the dangers of the "LinkedIn Factor," this episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the art of the deal, the science of execution, and the power of humble leadership.Key Takeaways: The "Ground Up" AdvantageThe 7UP vs. Sprite Case StudyThe "Self-Inflicted" CMO CrisisThe "LinkedIn Factor"A Billion-Dollar Negotiation LessonEmbracing FailureStay Up-To-Date on All Things Brands, Beats, & Bytes on SocialInstagram | Twitter
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  Album 8 Track 12: Win the Room - Accelerate Your Career w/Bernard Bell 23.04.2026 1h 44min

  How do you go from "Step Zero" to a Senior VP role at a major cable network? Bernard Bell, known as "The Confidence Professor," joins the podcast to explain why Executive Presence is the ultimate career accelerator.In this candid conversation, Bernard breaks down the difference between networking and "engaging," the importance of leading like a "shepherd who smells like his sheep," and why culture will always trump strategy. He also shares the high-stakes story of a $55 million programming misstep and the valuable lesson in humility and due diligence it taught him. Tune in to learn how to curate your personal brand and win the room before you ever open your mouth.In this episode, you’ll learn:The F.O.R.M. Framework: A tactical guide to engaging anyone, anywhere.The 8-Slice Pizza of Success: Why your degree is only one slice of your professional value.Ego Management: Why Bernard keeps his ego in his back pocket to lead effectively.The $55 Million Mistake: A vulnerable look at what happens when instinct replaces market research.Whether you're a junior marketer looking for your first break or a Director aiming for the CMO chair, this episode is your blueprint for career acceleration.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  REMIX: Album 7 Track 15 - From Setback to Startup w/Jodi Anderson Jr. 16.04.2026 1h 21min

  REMIX: Album 7 Track 15 - From Setback to Startup w/Jodi Anderson Jr.Brand Nerds, we have a great full circle moment today on the show, a first for us - Jodi Anderson Jr. is our esteemed guest AND former producer of our show! From his days on Stanford's campus to the CEO of Rezme, a tech-start up, Jodi's story truly inspires. Jodi is a multifaceted professional with an incredible background that defies the odds - you don't want to miss this. Welcome back to the virtual building, Jodi Anderson Jr.! Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:Education is a Transformational ForceBrand Identity Matters, Looking at Allen IversonVisionary Leadership, Thinking 5, 10, 15 Years in the FutureLeadership in Action, working alongside your teamBrand Clarity, Is important to understand your brand lover!Human Connection is still important with tech and AiStay Up-To-Date on All Things Brands, Beats, & Bytes on SocialInstagram | Twitter
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  REMIX: Album 7 Track 20 - Brands, Meet Humanology w/Ivan Juzang 09.04.2026 1h 19min

  REMIX: Album 7 Track 20 - Brands, Meet Humanology w/Ivan JuzangIn this thought-provoking episode of Brands, Beats & Bytes, the Brand Nerds sit down with Ivan Juzang, founder of MEE Productions, to explore how heart and humanity drive meaningful impact in marketing, storytelling, and social change.Ivan shares lessons from his unique journey—bridging private and public sectors, blending technology with “humanology,” and using emotional connection to make brands and messages resonate deeply. From his early work crafting shareable film trailers for New Line Cinema to developing campaigns that spark authentic word-of-mouth in underserved communities, Ivan unpacks how behavior change happens in a social context—and why marketers must understand the environments their audiences live in.Hosts Darryl “DC” Cobbin and Larry Taman reflect on key takeaways, including:Leading with purpose, not money.Building emotional connection between brands and audiences.Balancing data-driven strategy with empathy and integrity.The importance of humanology in brand and marketingStay Up-To-Date on All Things Brands, Beats, & Bytes on SocialInstagram | Twitter
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  Album 8 Track 11: Marketing vs People-ing w/Todd Putman 02.04.2026 1h 21min

  What separates a standard marketer from a transformational leader? Join us as we talk to Todd Putman (Chief Transformation Officer, Generous Brands) about the transition from marketing to the C-suite. Todd reveals his "Peopler" framework—the ability to see human insights that data hides—and shares the career strategies that helped him navigate Fortune 100 giants. We dive deep into his biggest career mistakes, the necessity of having "cover" from senior leadership, and his mission to use marketing tools to change the world. It's an episode filled with "zingers," heart, and the blueprint for your next career move.Key Takeaways:Transitioning from "Marketer" to "Peopler"Having a Proactive Career StrategyThe Importance of Leadership and "Cover"Let’s Talk About Ethical Marketing and TechHow You Can Use Marketing for GoodDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn
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  Album 8 Track 10: What's Poppin? The Almighty Algorithm w/Jonathan Trimble 26.03.2026 1h 2min

  Album 8 Track 10: What's Poppin? The Almighty Algorithm w/Jonathan TrimbleJoin hosts DC and LT for a high-energy "What’s Popping" session featuring friend and marketing expert Jonathan Trimble. The trio explores the shift from "social media" to an "algorithmic attention economy." Trimble explains why brands are losing control of the "top of the funnel" and why "do nothing" is sometimes the most powerful strategy a CMO can employ. Whether you are a brand manager at a global giant or a founder of a B2B startup, this episode provides a framework, The Volcano Analogy, to help you sense the heat before the eruption.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow Brand Nerd!Instagram | LinkedIn