In 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.
Chapters
00:00 Taylor Swift's Impact on New Heights Podcast
02:09 The Power of Podcasting for Artists
04:49 Taylor Swift's Personal Insights and Fan Engagement
06:35 The Business of Music and Artist Ownership
09:02 Easter Eggs and Fan Relationships
09:45 Navigating Fame and Personal Life
12:21 The Art of Marketing and Album Rollout
16:30 Takeaways
🎧 Subscribe for more takes at the intersection of marketing, culture, and the internet.
Follow Us:
Sonia: @SoniaBaschez | bendgrowth.co/yaas
Amanda: @AmandaNat | amandanat.com
Podcast Socials:
YouTube: @MemeTeamPod
Spotify: @MemeTeamPodcast
Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe for more insights into the world of marketing and virality!
Taylor 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 features🎧 Subscribe for more takes at the intersection of marketing, culture, and the internet.
Follow Us:
Sonia: @SoniaBaschez | bendgrowth.co/yaas
Amanda: @AmandaNat | amandanat.com
Podcast Socials:
YouTube: @MemeTeamPod
Spotify: @MemeTeamPodcast
Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe for more insights into the world of marketing and virality!
Join 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 Action: Don't forget to leave a review and subscribe for more insights into the world of marketing and virality!
In 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 recent split of Warner Brothers and Discovery.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro + Astronomer's Temporary Spokesperson
05:05 Controversy in Advertising: Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle
15:00 Navigating Cultural Sensitivity in Marketing
23:00 The Impact of AI on Media and Marketing Strategies
31:31 Tracking Success in PR and Marketing
39:35 AI Skills and the Changing Landscape of Marketing Roles
46:02 Nostalgia Marketing: Reviving the Past for Modern Audiences
52:19 The Future of Movie Marketing and Re-Releases
01:00:21 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:
Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschez
Amanda Natividad - @amandanat
More about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.co
More about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.com
More about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
Description: 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:
Chapters:00:00 Introduction 02:01 The Astronomer Scandal15:31 The Late Show Cancellation30:01 Delta's AI Pricing Strategies45:01 Rebranding Efforts from Goodreads and Range Rover58:01 Key Takeaways01:05:01 Closing RemarksFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
In 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 consumption, particularly how technology and social media have changed the way fans engage with sports. They explore Apple's strategic moves in sports broadcasting, including their investments in MLS and F1, and how these decisions reflect broader marketing strategies. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of celebrity promotion and the importance of authenticity in media. Ultimately, they highlight the distinction between attention and influence in modern media, emphasizing the need for brands to navigate this complex landscape effectively.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Meme Team Podcast
01:02 Banter of the Week: Andrew Cuomo's Casting Call
05:24 AI Slop: YouTube's New Monetization Policies
11:23 The Rise of AI Influencers
18:47 The Future of Digital Identity and AI in Marketing
20:36 AI as a Tool for Marketers
23:41 The Evolution of Formula 1
35:41 Apple's Strategic Moves in Sports Broadcasting
43:53 Building for Culture Over Numbers
45:59 Apple's Strategic Growth in Sports Media
47:35 Liberty Media's Marketing Success
48:34 The Evolution of Movie Promotional Content
54:06 The Role of Influencers in Modern Media
01:00:57 Attention vs. Influence in Marketing
01:06:27 Authenticity in Celebrity Marketing
01:12:22 New Chapter
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:
Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschez
Amanda Natividad - @amandanat
More about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.co
More about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.com
More about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
Vincenzo Landino - @vincenzolandino
More about Vincenzo and his newsletter: bizofspeed.com
From 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 showdown
Plus: real talk about why manufactured authenticity is dead, why meeting your audience where they are matters more than ever, and how brands are finding success by taking creative risks in 2025.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Meme Team Podcast
01:11 Exploring Viral Marketing Stories
02:32 Authenticity in Political Campaigns
06:54 Engaging Younger Audiences with Content
09:28 Oasis Tour and Hometown Marketing
13:32 McDonald's Creative Campaigns
20:05 Nike's Move to Substack
20:12 Nike's New Publication on Substack
25:46 The Power of Viral Marketing and Memes
31:41 Engaging with Humor: The Buffalo Wild Wings Example
38:04 New Chapter
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
From 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 Marketing21:48 Dystopian Reflections and Cultural Relevance23:20 The Impact of Internet Culture on Film Marketing25:53 Innovative Strategies in Movie Promotion27:55 Fan Culture and Casting Decisions31:19 Navigating Fan Expectations and Criticism in Star Wars37:57 The Importance of Storytelling in Media43:36 Direct-to-Fan Culture and Brand Engagement56:17 Christina's New BookFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.comChristina Garnett - @thatchristinagPre-order Christina's book: amazon.com/dp/1398621323
In 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 Marketing Innovations23:42 The Rise of Forensic Fandom37:02 Delve's Doormat drove $500K in Pipeline44:13: Key Takeaways... Starting with Mamdani's Political Marketing50:24 IP and Fandom: Engaging Hardcore Fans52:09 Creative Marketing: Fun and Whimsy in B2B54:07 Amplifying Marketing Efforts: Taking Initiative
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
In 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.
Chapters
00:20 Tom Cruise Promotes the F1 Movie
02:02 Red Lobster's New Menu03:05 Cluely's Wild Ride and Marketing Lessons
14:03 Meta & The Rise of Zero-Click Content
22:36 Influencer Marketing in Sports
25:25 Empowering Creators: Ownership in Marketing
27:35 Building Buzz: The Art of Speculation
28:02 Canva's Innovative Out-of-Home Advertising
36:17 Creativity in Campaigns
39:15 Key Takeaways: Lessons from Marketing Campaigns
47:19 Fun Update!
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:
Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschez
Amanda Natividad - @amandanat
More about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.co
More about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.com
More about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
In 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 trends
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:21 Deloitte's Unique Employee Benefits
05:55 Taylor Swift's Community Engagement
06:03 Amazon and Roku's CTV Partnership
18:08 The Future of Targeted Advertising
19:55 The Quest for the Perfect Romper
23:05 The Power of AI in Fashion Discovery
24:47 The Evolution of TV Advertising
25:46 Alo Yoga's Legal Troubles
29:50 The FTC and Influencer Marketing
36:14 The Ethics of Influencer Advertising
40:36 Influencer Marketing and Consumer Perception
43:06 Apple's Marketing Strategy in Film
57:08 Insights from Sprout Social's Annual Report
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:
Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschez
Amanda Natividad - @amandanat
More about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.co
More about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.com
More about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
On 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 so they can compete with Waymo.
- Deloitte wants you to know how hard their people work, but at least it's FOR you.
- What are wedding content creators??
Follow us:
Sonia Baschez (@soniabaschez): LinkedIn and Twitter/X
Amanda Natividad (@amandanat): LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram
Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.co
Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.com
Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
Our sponsor: Sequel.io
We 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 Rhode for $1B — but don’t call it a brand-building masterclass. It’s a story about product-market fit, aesthetic timing, and great hiring.
- Instagram’s 3:4 update isn’t just a layout change — it’s a signal. We talk platform-native content and what marketers should be testing now.
- Thoughts on Oura’s “Give Us the Finger” campaign. We discuss the clarity, the targeting, and the wink to their next growth segment.
Follow us:
Sonia Baschez (@soniabaschez): LinkedIn and Twitter/X
Amanda Natividad (@amandanat): LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram
Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.co
Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.com
Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
Our sponsor: Sequel.io
Did you know the American Music Awards were this week? We don't think anybody did.
Google I/O: What the AI announcements mean for marketers
Dyson'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:
Sonia Baschez (@soniabaschez): LinkedIn and Twitter/X
Amanda Natividad (@amandanat): LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram
Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.co
Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.com
Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
Bonus episode! You're welcome, teamsters.
Follow us:
Sonia Baschez (@soniabaschez): LinkedIn and Twitter/X
Amanda Natividad (@amandanat): LinkedIn and Twitter/X
Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.co
Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.com
Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com
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.
Follow us:
Sonia Baschez (@soniabaschez): LinkedIn and Twitter/X
Amanda Natividad (@amandanat): LinkedIn and Twitter/X
More about Sonia's consulting firm: https://www.bendgrowth.co/
More about Amanda and her newsletter:
https://amandanat.com/
Marketing isn't just logic — it's culture. The Meme Team podcast decodes both. Let's goooo!
Follow us:
Sonia Baschez (@soniabaschez): LinkedIn and Twitter/X
Amanda Natividad (@amandanat): LinkedIn and Twitter/X
More about Sonia's consulting firm: https://www.bendgrowth.co/
More about Amanda and her newsletter:
https://amandanat.com/
The 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:
Preorder Christina Garnett's new book: Transforming Customer–Brand Relationships
Follow all of us:
Christina Garnett (@ThatChristinaG): LinkedIn and Twitter/X
Sonia 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)
Sonia 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
