by Brianne Fleming | Jul 20, 2023 | Making the Brand Podcast
Get ready to experience the ultimate Barbie takeover in this episode! s I sit down with the brand strategist, Moshe Isaacian, whose tweet about the 100+ marketing activations for the upcoming Barbie movie went mega viral
From being an astronaut to a veterinarian, Barbie already does it all, but now she’s everywhere, and we mean EVERYWHERE! In this podcast, we’ll discuss Barbie’s history, exploring how this iconic brand has transcended generations. We’ll also dive into Barbie’s undeniable impact on pop culture.
Learn how Barbie’s 100+ brand activations are popping up in the most unexpected places, and how they’ve got us all buzzing with excitement!
So, whether you’re a Barbie fanatic or simply love a good marketing spectacle, tune in as we celebrate all things Barbie.
“They’ve really stretched what Barbie stands for. It’s not just the doll. It’s the universe that Barbie lives in, and they’ve made it very true to life. “
– Moshe Isaacian
Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:
In this episode, we discuss topics like:
- Barbie’s massive takeover discussed with brand strategist Moshe Isaacian.
- Moshe Isaacian’s viral tweet about 100+ marketing activations for the upcoming Barbie movie.
- Barbie’s diverse roles from astronaut to veterinarian, now with a ubiquitous presence.
- Exploring Barbie’s history and how it has remained iconic across generations.
- Understanding Barbie’s significant influence on pop culture.
- Insight into the 100+ brand activations appearing unexpectedly and generating excitement.
- Invitation to tune in, whether a Barbie enthusiast or interested in marketing spectacles, to celebrate all things Barbie.
Sponsored by VNYL
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.

Links from the episode:
How to Subscribe
Want more marketing and pop culture fun in your life? The best thing you can do is subscribe to Making the Brand so you’re up to date on the latest episodes, released every Wednesday! Making the Brand is sure to become your favorite marketing podcast!
A Message from the Heart 💜
The Making the Brand podcast is a labor of love. If you’re a fan, I’d sincerely appreciate if you took a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews are incredibly important to help me grow the show!
Leave a Review Here ✨
Here’s why Making the Brand is everyone’s favorite marketing podcast:
“Brianne gives a fresh take to social media, branding, and pop culture! I love how she ties marketing references entertainment. She is always coming up with unique ways of connecting the dots for myself and my PR students! She is a leading voice in this area as she is so well versed, knowledgeable, and educated on all things marketing! A must listen to podcast every week for me and should be for you as well if you want to stay up to date on all things marketing, branding and pop culture!”
– Kate
You also can watch a video version of this interview on YouTube!
Related Resources about music, marketing, and more!
Branding with Star Power: Celebrity Packaged Goods
From Wannabes to Icons: The Marketing Strategy Behind the Spice Girls
The Eras Tour (Vegas Edition): How Cities are Becoming Swifties
Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here!
by Brianne Fleming | May 30, 2023 | Making the Brand Podcast
In this episode, we have an exciting interview with Jennifer Davies and Kira Siqueiros, the digital team from the City of Las Vegas. They share behind-the-scenes insights, revealing the tactics they used to capture the attention of Swifties and create a citywide celebration during her stop on the Eras Tour.
From transforming iconic landmarks to engaging with fans on social media, we explore how cities like Las Vegas tailored their campaigns to captivate both locals and tourists. Discover the creativity, authenticity, and budget-friendly approaches that left a lasting impression.
Join us as we learn how this campaign unfolded and discover how cities worldwide are riding the Swift wave to create unforgettable experiences. Get ready to be swept away by the marketing magic unleashed for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour!
“For an organization like us, we would never have the budget to compete in something like that. And thanks to an entirely organic campaign, we reached over two and a half million people, so that was huge for our team.”
– Jennifer Davies
Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:
In this episode, we discuss topics like:
- How the digital team prepped their Taylor Swift Eras Tour campaign
- The specific ways they sparked excitement on the Las Vegas strip and on social media
- The perfect Taylor Swift lyric that led to a viral tweet
- How the city marketed to both locals and tourists
- The misconceptions about government social media
- Why Taylor Swift’s tour is such an opportunity for cities across the country
- What defined success for this campaign and what the city is planning for next…
Sponsored by VNYL
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.

Links from the episode:
How to Subscribe
Want more marketing and pop culture fun in your life? The best thing you can do is subscribe to Making the Brand so you’re up to date on the latest episodes, released every Wednesday! Making the Brand is sure to become your favorite marketing podcast!
A Message from the Heart 💜
The Making the Brand podcast is a labor of love. If you’re a fan, I’d sincerely appreciate if you took a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews are incredibly important to help me grow the show!
Leave a Review Here ✨
Here’s why Making the Brand is everyone’s favorite marketing podcast:
“Nostalgia is the best way to learn and Brianne is the best teacher. Using a unique lens, Brianne disseminates information in ways that are fun and relatable.”
– Vincenzo
You also can watch a video version of this interview on YouTube!
Related Resources about Taylor Swift, marketing, and more!
Marketing Taylor Swift Dance Parties w/ Victoria Morton
Brands are Swifties Too w/ Nicole Tabak | Making the Brand
Taylor Swift’s Songwriting Categories Can Help Your Content
This Storytelling Tip Explains Why “All Too Well” is Taylor Swift’s Best Song
Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here!
by Brianne Fleming | May 17, 2023 | Making the Brand Podcast
Join us for an exclusive interview with Cassie Petrey, the co-founder of CrowdSurf, a renowned digital marketing company that caters to the biggest stars in the music industry. From Guns N Roses to Backstreet Boys, Ed Sheeran to Britney Spears, Cassie’s company has provided specialized marketing services to an impressive roster of massive talents.
In this captivating episode, Cassie candidly discusses her experiences and insights. She addresses the challenges of imposter syndrome and shares her strategies for overcoming it. Discover where Cassie finds her creative inspiration and how she translates it into effective marketing campaigns that capture attention and drive success.
Ever wondered what it’s like to work with some of the world’s biggest celebrities? Cassie sheds light on the unique dynamics and experiences of collaborating with massive stars, offering intriguing anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories.
As a leader in the industry, Cassie also shares her thoughts on managing a personal brand and leveraging it for professional growth. Whether you’re an aspiring marketer or simply curious about the music industry, her wisdom and expertise will leave you inspired and motivated.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into Cassie’s incredible journey, her start in the music industry, and her rise to becoming one of the most influential figures in music marketing. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a true leader who turned her passion for music into an empire.
“You have to try it out and give it a swing, and sometimes it’s wildly successful and sometimes it’s a waste of your time, but even if it’s a waste of your time, you learn something in the process. ””
– Cassie Petrey
Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:
In this episode, we discuss topics like:
- How Cassie entered the music industry and built her way up to becoming a marketing leader in the music industry
- Working with massive celebrities: Gain insights into the unique dynamics and experiences of collaborating with some of the world’s biggest stars
- Overcoming imposter syndrome: Cassie candidly addresses the challenges of imposter syndrome and shares her strategies for conquering self-doubt
- Finding creative inspiration: Learn where Cassie finds her creative spark and how she translates it into successful marketing campaigns
- Managing a personal brand: Cassie discusses the importance of managing one’s personal brand and leveraging it for professional growth
Sponsored by VNYL
This episode is sponsored by VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that syncs with your Spotify so you can get new music sent to your door! Oh and the best part? Making the Brand listeners get a discount! Enjoy 50% off your first month of 3 records. Learn more at VNYL.org.

Links from the episode:
How to Subscribe
Want more marketing and pop culture fun in your life? The best thing you can do is subscribe to Making the Brand so you’re up to date on the latest episodes, released every Wednesday! Making the Brand is sure to become your favorite marketing podcast!
A Message from the Heart 💜
The Making the Brand podcast is a labor of love. If you’re a fan, I’d sincerely appreciate if you took a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews are incredibly important to help me grow the show!
Leave a Review Here ✨
Here’s why Making the Brand is everyone’s favorite marketing podcast:
“I am SO obsessed with this podcast! Brianne is a fantastic host and I love all of the guests she has on the show. I learn something new every episode about pop culture, branding, and marketing. A must-listen show!”
– Liv
You also can watch a video version of this interview on YouTube!
Related Resources about TV, nostalgia, marketing, and more!
How the Backstreet Boys Stand the Test of Time w/ Danielle Spurge
Analyzing the Legacy of MTV’s The Real World w/ Dana Bowling
From Wannabes to Icons: The Marketing & Strategy Behind the Spice Girls
Building Community w/ Karah Leigh-Hancock of BSB Fangirls
Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here!
by Brianne Fleming | May 3, 2023 | Making the Brand Podcast
Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we sit down with Joe Ray, Marketing and Experience Manager at Lighthouse Technology Services, to discuss LinkedIn’s 20th anniversary and how it has remained the OG of social media platforms.
We start by discussing some of the misconceptions people may have about LinkedIn, and Joe shares his experiences on the platform, highlighting why it is a social platform he has been prioritizing and what he has gained from it.
Next, we delve into who LinkedIn is right for and what kind of goals you should have to make the most of the platform. Joe also talks about how he has experimented on LinkedIn, what formats and kinds of posts have performed well, and whether LinkedIn is as formal or stuffy as people may think it is.
We also touch on the topic of imposter syndrome on LinkedIn and what Joe would say to someone who is either new in their role or is new to LinkedIn and may question what to publish.
“We want recruiters to know that we’re trustworthy people, but we want them to know us as humans as well. And LinkedIn’s becoming a channel where we can do that really well.“
– Joe Ray, Marketing & Experience Manager
Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:
In this episode, we discuss topics like:
- Misconceptions people may have about LinkedIn
- Joe’s experiences on LinkedIn and why he prioritizes the platform
- Who LinkedIn is right for and what kind of goals you should have
- Experimenting on LinkedIn and the formats/posts that perform well
- Whether LinkedIn is as formal or stuffy as people may think
- Dealing with imposter syndrome on LinkedIn
- The advantages of LinkedIn and what it does better than other platforms
- LinkedIn Dont’s to be aware of
Links from this episode
This episode is sponsored by the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Online. If you’re looking to advance your career in communications, their graduate programs offer 8 concentrations and 4 certificates from social media, public relations, digital strategy, web design and more. And with a flexible online program designed for busy professionals, you can move at your own pace. UF is a top #5 public university, so you can be confident in the quality of education you’ll receive. Enroll now and take the next step in your career.

How to Subscribe
Want more marketing and pop culture fun in your life? The best thing you can do is subscribe to Making the Brand so you’re up to date on the latest episodes, released every Wednesday! Making the Brand is sure to become your favorite marketing podcast!
A Message from the Heart 💜
The Making the Brand podcast is a labor of love. If you’re a fan, I’d sincerely appreciate if you took a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews are incredibly important to help me grow the show!
Leave a Review Here ✨
Here’s why Making the Brand is everyone’s favorite marketing podcast:
“Brianne is honestly goals when it comes to podcasting. Not only is she able to come up with consistently entertaining and unique topics, but she approaches it through a fresh perspective and is clearly extremely knowledgeable and well researched! Thank you for always cranking out entertaining content Brianne!
– Mary
Prefer to watch this interview on YouTube instead? Check out this episode on my YouTube channel!
Related Resources about social media, job hunting, and more!
6 Reasons to Use Pop Culture in Your Social Media Strategy
Celebrity Audition Stories That Will Inspire Your Job Search Game
Want to Get Hired? T-Pain Says You Need a Personal Website
Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here!
by Brianne Fleming | Apr 5, 2023 | Making the Brand Podcast
On this episode of the Making the Brand podcast, we talk with Dhruv Patel, founder of Celebrity Packaged Goods,
a comprehensive directory of celebrity brands. We dive into his passion for celebrity branding and what inspired him to create a platform that highlights the best and brightest in the industry. We also discuss how marketing a celebrity brand differs from other brands and the trends he has observed in the space. Dhruv shares his insights on which industries lend themselves well to celebrity branding and the potential drawbacks that come with it. We also explore the role of social media in promoting celebrity brands and what makes a brand feel authentic. Tune in to discover which celebrity brands are making waves and why!
“We assume that celebrities are just stupid. They’re not. They’re probably some of the most brilliant business people that you’ll ever run into.And they’re not afraid to do the work. Obviously not every one of them is the same, but you will find celebrities that will go to bat for you if you start a business. And that is a very, very special thing.“
– Dhruv Patel of Celebrity Packaged Goods
Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:
In this episode, we discuss topics like:
- Dhruv’s passion for celebrity branding and what inspired him to create Celebrity Packaged Goods
- The differences between marketing a celebrity brand versus a non-celebrity brand
- Trends and insights in the celebrity branding space
- Industries that work well with celebrity branding and potential drawbacks
- How celebrities use social media to promote their brands
- What makes a celebrity brand feel authentic
- Notable and successful celebrity brands in the industry right now
Links from this episode
This episode is sponsored by the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Online. If you’re looking to advance your career in communications, their graduate programs offer 8 concentrations and 4 certificates from social media, public relations, digital strategy, web design and more. And with a flexible online program designed for busy professionals, you can move at your own pace. UF is a top #5 public university, so you can be confident in the quality of education you’ll receive. Enroll now and take the next step in your career.

How to Subscribe
Want more marketing and pop culture fun in your life? The best thing you can do is subscribe to Making the Brand so you’re up to date on the latest episodes, released every Wednesday! Making the Brand is sure to become your favorite marketing podcast!
A Message from the Heart 💜
The Making the Brand podcast is a labor of love. If you’re a fan, I’d sincerely appreciate if you took a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews are incredibly important to help me grow the show!
Leave a Review Here ✨
Here’s why Making the Brand is everyone’s favorite marketing podcast:
“Brianne is honestly goals when it comes to podcasting. Not only is she able to come up with consistently entertaining and unique topics, but she approaches it through a fresh perspective and is clearly extremely knowledgeable and well researched! Thank you for always cranking out entertaining content Brianne!
– Mary
Prefer to watch this interview on YouTube instead? Check out this episode on my YouTube channel!
Related Resources about celebrity, marketing, and more!
From Wannabes to Icons: The Marketing Strategy Behind the Spice Girls
Marketing Taylor Swift Dance Parties w/ Victoria Morton
Why Ava Dean Beauty by AJ McLean is Marketing Gold
Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here!