Uncovering the Art of Storytelling in American Idol Auditions

Uncovering the Art of Storytelling in American Idol Auditions

Tune in to Episode #84: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

We’re watching TV like it’s 2002! In this episode, we delve into the world of American Idol auditions to explore the role of storytelling in the competition. From heartwarming personal anecdotes to inspiring journeys of overcoming adversity, we discover how contestants use their stories to capture the hearts and attention of both the judges and the audience. We explore how the power of storytelling can make a contestant more memorable and build a deeper connection with their audience, helping them stand out from the rest of the pack. Tune in to discover the lessons in vulnerability and storytelling that you can apply in your own life and career.

“The story is one thing. Your delivery of your story was phenomenal.”

– Lionel Riche

Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:

 

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

 

In this episode, we discuss topics like:

  • American Idol auditions and the importance of storytelling
  • Personal stories that help contestants connect with the audience
  • The role of vulnerability in deepening that connection
  • How storytelling can make a contestant stand out from the competition
  • Tips for applying the lessons of storytelling in your own life and career
  • A disclaimer regarding the use of clips for critique and commentary purposes

 

Links from this episode

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. 

sponsored by VNYL.org

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 so well researched and always knows exactly how to turn pop culture stories and topics into marketing and branding lessons! I always learn so much from her show!!

– DG

Watch Iam Tongi’s heartbreaking rendition of “Monsters” by James Blunt, which he dedicated to his father’s memory.

 

Related Resources about music, nostalgia, and more!

Kelly Clarkson Proves Karaoke is Your Key for Better Social Media

This Storytelling Tip Explains Why “All Too Well” is Taylor Swift’s Best Song

How to Tell Your Story: Inspired by Black Musicians Who are Part of Mine

 

Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here! 

Analyzing the Legacy of MTV’s The Real World w/ Dana Bowling

Analyzing the Legacy of MTV’s The Real World w/ Dana Bowling

Tune in to Episode #83: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

Get ready to discuss the true stories of seven strangers… In this episode, we explore the cultural impact of MTV’s groundbreaking reality TV show, The Real World. Our guest for this episode is Dana Bowling, a former casting director, pop culture buff, and video and personal branding coach.

Dana shares her insights on why The Real World was such a successful formula for TV and how the show evolved from tackling serious issues relevant to its young adult audience to showcasing more controversial content. We also discuss The Real World’s place in pop culture, and its influence on reality TV and youth culture.

As a personal branding coach, Dana brings a unique perspective to the conversation, sharing her thoughts on what makes a good pitch or audition tape and how to stand out in a crowded field. With her wealth of experience in the entertainment industry, Dana offers valuable insights into what marketers can learn from the success of The Real World and how they can apply those lessons to their own brand strategies.

If you’re a fan of The Real World or just interested in pop culture and marketing, this episode is not to be missed! Tune in now to hear Dana’s take on this iconic show and what it can teach us about building a successful brand.

“I look at TikTok as a really great parallel to reality casting. Because we are all on TikTok scrolling short-form video. And there are certain people that you don’t know — you’re not following them, and they’re talking about something that you’re not really even that interested in. But you are watching that video because there’s something about their approach, their energy, their voice, whatever it is, that makes you want to watch.””

– Dana Bowling

Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

 

In this episode, we discuss topics like:

  • Memories of watching The Real World and why the show’s concept was so successful
  • The evolution of the show’s reputation from addressing contemporary issues to showcasing immaturity and irresponsible behavior
  • The importance of vulnerability in creating compelling content and how The Real World’s focus on personal struggles and growth contributed to its popularity
  • The show’s place in pop culture and its influence on reality TV and youth culture
  • The casting process for the show and what might have been involved in selecting the right candidates
  • What makes a good pitch or audition tape from a personal branding perspective, and how to stand out and showcase one’s unique personality and experiences

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. 

sponsored by 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 love how Brianne takes a look back at 90s pop culture (and examines today’s trends) to gain insights into branding and marketing. This podcast is a great mix of fun and practical insights!”

– Jeanette

You also can watch a video version of this interview on YouTube!

 

Related Resources about TV, nostalgia, marketing, and more!

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on Brand Storytelling

User-Generated Content isn’t Always Great Content: How to Use It Wisely

TRL and the Magic Formula for Raving Fans

 

 

Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here! 

From Wannabes to Icons: The Marketing & Strategy Behind the Spice Girls

From Wannabes to Icons: The Marketing & Strategy Behind the Spice Girls

Tune in to Episode #81: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s impossible not to think about the Spice Girls and the impact they had on women and girls everywhere. They burst onto the scene in the ’90s with their bold personalities, catchy music, and empowering message of Girl Power.
They quickly became role models for young women, encouraging them to be confident and pursue their dreams. Their impact on pop culture and society was undeniable, and their legacy lives on to this day.
In this podcast episode, we explore the enduring influence of the Spice Girls and how the strategies that helped them become the best-selling girl group of all-time.

“It’s about spreading a positive vibe, kicking it for the girls… It’s not about picking up guys. We don’t need men to control our life. We control our lives anyway.””

– Mel B on the meaning of Girl Power

Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:

 

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

 

In this episode, we discuss topics like:

  • How the Spice Girls formed, all thanks to a want-ad
  • Ginger Spice’s unforgettable Union Jack dress and its coverage in the press
  • The lasting impact of Girl Power and how it empowered young women everywhere to be themselves and pursue their dreams
  • How Girl Power aligns with brand purpose
  • The importance of embracing your unique personality as your biggest advantage in a world of fierce competition.

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. 

sponsored by 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’s podcast is amazing and so relatable! So many golden nuggets of marketing knowledge to walk away with, but the best part is taking a trip down memory lane and experiencing the nostalgia her and her guests create! Highly recommend you give this one a listen! Even if it’s just an excuse to think about all your favorite boy bands and TGIF sitcoms.”

– Lindsay

Hear the Spice Girls explain the meaning of Girl Power in this vintage radio interview on YouTube!

 

Related Resources about music, nostalgia, and more!

What the Spice Girls Teach Us About Brand Purpose

Pop-Up Video’s Lesson for Content Creators

Get Your Email Newsletter *NSYNC w/ Liz Wilcox

 

 

Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here! 

Marketing Taylor Swift Dance Parties w/ Victoria Morton

Marketing Taylor Swift Dance Parties w/ Victoria Morton

Tune in to Episode #79: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

Is there anything Swifties can’t do? In this episode, I chat with Victoria Morton — a marketer by day and Taylor Swift dance party host by night. She co-founded TSwift Dance Party CA and offers a safe space for Swifties to scream the lyrics on the dance floor.

Hear the story of how Victoria turned her passion for Taylor’s discography into a community of fellow fans.

“With Taylor, we’ve had sort of eras to our branding, so our initial branding was very much based off the Red album. It was like red and gold. And then for the summer we sort of transitioned into our cool summer era where we had a lot of pastel, pink and blue, and then as soon as midnights came out, we were like, redoing everything.”

– Victoria Morton

Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this episode, we discuss topics like:

  • How TSwift Dance Party CA planned their first event
  • The ins-and-outs of promoting sold-out dance parties
  • How the team has used timely Taylor Swift news to market and update their events
  • The times Taylor Swift reacted to TSwift Dance Party content on TikTok
  • The surprising difference between marketing on TikTok vs. Instagram
  • How TSwift Dance Party CA is supporting various causes

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 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 music, nostalgia, and more!

Taylor Swift’s Songwriting Categories Can Help Your Content

Brands are Swifties Too w/ Nicole Tabak

This Storytelling Tip Explains Why “All Too Well” is Taylor Swift’s Best Song

 

 

Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here! 

The Data Behind Dating ❤️‍🔥 w/ Michael Kaye of OkCupid

The Data Behind Dating ❤️‍🔥 w/ Michael Kaye of OkCupid

Tune in to Episode #78: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

No matter your relationship status, you need to hear this episode with Michael Kaye of the online dating app, OkCupid!
Michael is the Head of Global Communications and is sharing the brilliant ways they use data and insights to engage their app users.

OkCupid is one of the most engaging brands I’ve ever seen online! And they’ve launched incredibly innovative campaigns over the years. I may not be looking for love, but I can’t help but be a fan of how OkCupid is standing out among all the other dating apps out there.

Psst… Michael also shares a special gift if you’re an OkCupid user or want to download the app! 👀

“It’s okay to take a break from dating. If you’re not in the headspace to be dating, either delete the app or pause your account, and then come back to it when you’re feeling refreshed.”

– Michael Kaye

Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

 

In this episode, we discuss topics like:

  • The stigmas of online dating and how OkCupid changes the narrative
  • OkCupid’s masterful use of pop culture and trending topics to spark social conversations
  • The surprising trends that separate millennial daters and Gen Z
  • How OkCupid incorporates storytelling and successful love stories into their messaging
  • Strategies for standing out against the competition

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’s “Making the Brand” Podcast is not to be missed. Each episode has specific ways and examples to appeal to audiences tied in with examples in pop culture. Whether you are just beginning your marketing journey or a seasoned professional/team looking for ways to further develop marketing strategy building audiences, tune in and absorb the wisdom Brianne and her guests dispense each episode.”

– CR Evans

Prefer to watch this interview on YouTube instead? Check out this episode on my YouTube channel!

 

Related Resources about music, nostalgia, and more!

The Big Mistake Your Small Business Is Making on Instagram

Oh. My. God! Why Janice from Friends is a Personal Branding Muse

How to Have a Ball on Social Media w/ Kevin Graham of MANSCAPED 

 

 

Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here! 

Get New Music On Your Doorstep w/ Nick Alt of VNYL

Get New Music On Your Doorstep w/ Nick Alt of VNYL

Tune in to Episode #77: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

Did you know 43.46 MILLION vinyl albums were sold in 2022?!

In this episode, I chat with Nick Alt, the CEO and founder of VNYL — a vinyl record membership club that sends uniquely curated music just for you!

Why have we seen a huge resurgence in this music pastime? Nick says: “Vinyl is a tangible format… it’s nostalgic, it’s much more appealing, deserving of attention than just purely listening to music online.”

Hear Nick share his inspiration for starting VNYL (spoiler: it started thanks to his first job working in a record shop!), why we’re so obsessed with nostalgia, and the power of a subscription model to nurture a loyal audience for your business. We also discuss how music discovery has changed over the years, and how influencers are inspiring all of us to spin records.

Check out VNYL.org to create your unique music profile! It syncs with your Spotify account so you can discover vinyl records that fit your vibe. Use this link to get 50% off your first month of 3 records!

P.S. passionate about music? VNYL is hiring! Hear more about the opportunities around the 43:00 minute mark 👀

“When I’m listening to music on a device, I’m constantly getting distracted with a push notification or some other app that’s calling my attention and taking me out of the experience. But on vinyl, even if it’s just background, the uninterruption is so huge for me, to just have it on a physical format.”

– Nick Alt

Making the Brand is the perfect fusion of your favorite marketing and pop culture podcast. Listen to the episode below:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

 

In this episode, we discuss topics like:

  • Why we have seen a resurgence in vinyl records
  • How our music discovery habits have changed over the years
  • The ways vinyl records can set a vibe and boost your mood
  • The impact of creators and influencers on VNYL
  • The benefits of experiencing music on vinyl vs. digital streaming
  • How a subscription or membership model can help you build your business and audience

Links from the episode:

  • Visit VNYL’s website to get your first month at only $19.99 for 3 records curated just for you!

VNYL Get your first month at $19.99

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:

“You’ll always come out smarter after listening to making the brand! Brianne explains everything in an easy to understand way no matter where you are in your marketing journey. Definitely subscribe and she’ll also turn you into a Backstreet boy fan if you aren’t already!”

– Kyle

Prefer to watch this interview on YouTube instead? Check out this episode on my YouTube channel!

 

Related Resources about music, nostalgia, and more!

Kelly Clarkson Proves Karaoke is Your Key for Better Social Media

Pop-Up Video’s Lesson for Content Creators

TRL and the Magic Formula for Raving Fans

 

 

Listen to more episodes of Making the Brand here!