Marketeers, grab your delulu mindset (yes, Sean and Lindsay are still rolling with it) and settle in—because The Two Marketeers are wrapping up Season 5 with the big question they started with: is creativity actually in crisis, or are we all just addicted to the drama? In this finale, Sean and Lindsay take a fast-and-loose tour through the season’s hottest debates: AI in marketing—friend, foe, or just another overhyped tool? Doing more with less (aka the marketer’s Olympic sport). Hybrid teams, smaller budgets, shrinking timelines—fuel for creative thinking or a slow death by a thousand briefs? Why “uncertainty” isn’t new (spoiler: life has always been messy). And the spicy idea that maybe—just maybe—everyone is creative. This isn’t your average “state of marketing” episode. The Two Marketeers deliver a cheeky, caffeine-fueled sendoff that lands on a surprisingly hopeful take: creativity isn’t dying—it’s adapting. From AI-powered shortcuts to scrappy constraints, this season proves that human creativity thrives under pressure (and loves a good plot twist). If you’ve ever worried that the robots are taking your job, your budget is shrinking, or your boss thinks “delulu” is a strategy, this one’s for you. Listen in, laugh a little, and leave with a fresh perspective on where marketing (and your creativity) goes next.

Welcome back, Marketeers! In Part 2 of the Insight Famine series, Lindsay and Sean are getting real about the crumbling state of brand strategy—and what’s behind it. Spoiler: it’s not just AI, it’s the people too. From the myth that “I’m not creative” to the obsession with shortcuts and the undervaluing of true strategic thinking, Sean and Lindsay unpack the root causes of today’s creativity crisis. They dig into the State of Creativity 2025 report, explore why real insights matter more than ever in marketing, and challenge the idea that creative strategy can survive without deep human thinking. Expect hot takes on: The art and science of insight development Why AI still needs a human brain (and heart) The emotional power of real consumer understanding How imposter syndrome kills creative confidence Why experienced strategists still matter (a lot) And the radical honesty required to do this job well If you’ve ever been asked to “just write the strategy in five slides” or make a creative brief with no brief, this one’s for you. Listen in for a no-BS conversation that marketers, creatives, strategists, and CMOs need right now.

In this episode of The Two Marketeers Podcast, marketing strategists Lindsay Waugh and Sean Patrick dig into the latest State of Creativity 2025 report and uncover a surprising diagnosis: we’re living in an insight famine. Despite having more marketing data, research tools, and AI-generated outputs than ever before, something crucial is missing—real human insight. Lindsay and Sean explore how modern marketers are stuck translating facts into creative ideas without the connective tissue that makes campaigns resonate. Tune in as they unpack: Why creative confidence is on the decline in uncertain times How insight acts as the bridge between research and brand storytelling What junior strategists are missing—and how to evolve from data-first to insight-led marketing Why radical honesty in client briefs is a game-changer And what role art vs. science (and even AI) plays in the creative process today This episode is a must-listen for anyone in brand strategy, advertising, creative direction, or consumer insight roles looking to spark more meaningful, effective marketing. If you’ve ever sat in a meeting wondering where the “aha” moment went, this one’s for you. For reference:WARC, "State of Creativity 2025" Report

What makes a pitch actually work? Is it the million-dollar deck? The standing ovation? The sushi chef flown in for extra flair? In this episode, Lindsay Waugh and Sean Patrick get real about the messy, unpredictable, often-theatrical world of marketing pitches. They’re talking big swings, big personalities, and even bigger questions—like why some of the best pitches don’t win, and why some of the worst ones somehow do. From pitch pressure to pitch prep, pitch theatre to pitch truth, this one’s for anyone who’s ever crafted a killer presentation and still walked away empty-handed. You’ll hear hot takes on: Why being unapologetically you in the room is the ultimate power move When pitch theatre helps—and when it totally backfires The real reason clients choose agencies (hint: it’s not your process slide) What makes a pitch feel more like Survivor than strategy Whether you’re pitching to win, pitching for fun, or just trying to survive the next RFP—this episode will hit home.

Should You Kill Your Campaign or Build a Brand Platform?  What makes a campaign stick—for 15 years? In this episode of The Two Marketeers Podcast, marketing strategists Lindsay Waugh and Sean Patrick dive into one of the most iconic creative platforms in modern advertising: Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry.” They unpack what made this campaign more than just a clever ad—from emotional storytelling and humour to brand consistency, cultural relevance, and performance longevity. Plus, they break down the difference between a campaign and a true creative platform, what it takes to build brand equity over time, and whether “ad wear-out” is even real (spoiler: System1 has thoughts). If you’re a brand leader, agency partner, or marketer facing tough questions about whether to keep, kill, or evolve your existing creative, this episode is a must-listen. They cover: What actually makes a campaign a creative platform Why Snickers’ long-running campaign still works 15 years later Emotional branding strategies that rise above commodification The myth of ad fatigue and why creative consistency matters How to evaluate the ROI of your campaign in a recessionary market Fluent devices and how they help build lasting brand value This episode is great for CMOs, brand managers, strategists, creatives, and anyone trying to figure out if it’s time to refresh—or double down.

In Part 2 of "What Brands Say About Us", co-hosts and marketing strategists Sean Patrick and Lindsay Waugh dig deeper into how our relationships with brands reflect who we are—and how that’s changing in today’s world. From Starbucks and Lululemon to IKEA and No Frills, they explore how political climates, economic realities, and personal values influence brand loyalty and self-expression. This episode dives into: Why some brands feel like trusted friends worth defending How consumers balance value brands like Mark’s with luxury splurges What Gen Z’s curated “high-low” lifestyle means for marketers The myth of the brand “silver bullet” and the importance of test-and-learn Why brand leaders need long-term thinking in a short-term world Whether you’re a strategist, brand builder, or just fascinated by the psychology of branding, this episode offers smart, real talk about what it really takes for a brand to stay relevant and loved.

Why do we really buy what we buy? In this episode of The Two Marketeers podcast, Sean Patrick and Lindsay Waugh go deep on the messy truth about branding: it’s not just about what brands say—it’s about what they say about you. From badge brands that scream status to “quiet luxury” that whispers exclusivity, the conversation dives into how brands become part of our identity, self-worth, and even our emotional reward system. Whether it’s your morning Starbucks ritual, the quiet confidence of a Celine bag, or proudly rocking high-low style with Walmart and Warhol, this episode uncovers how brand choices reflect who we are, who we wish we were, and how we want the world to see us. Expect cultural hot takes, marketing confessions, and insights into: The psychology of luxury and quiet branding How brand loyalty simplifies decision-making in a world of choice overload Why brands act like social currency—from high school to middle age What your “value brand” actually says about your taste And just when it gets comfortable? Lindsay throws in a political curveball that cuts the convo right at the good part. (Don’t worry—Part Two is coming.) Happy listening, Marketeers!

Let’s talk about the thing that makes creative people squirm: pricing. In this raw and revealing episode of The Two Marketeers Podcast, Lindsay Waugh and Sean Patrick unpack the messy, emotional, often awkward relationship creatives have with charging money for their genius. From accidental budgeting expert to agency veteran turned freelance strategist, Sean shares the lessons learned (and insight from dollars left on the table) along the way. The Two Marketeers are ripping open the outdated belief that time equals value and digging into why value-based pricing is the model creative professionals need—but rarely use right. From scope creep nightmares to undercharging without even knowing it, they explore what it takes to price your work with confidence, clarity, and a bit of swagger. If you’ve ever dreaded the “so what’s your rate?” conversation, this one’s for you. It’s honest. It’s uncomfortable. It’s the real cost of creative work—finally talked about out loud.

In this episode of The Two Marketeers podcast, Lindsay and Sean come for the brands that all sound like they share the same group chat. You know the ones: cheeky, chummy, and desperate to be your bestie — whether they’re slinging soap or selling mortgages. Inspired by a spicy viral post from strategist Joe Burns, they’re unpacking the epidemic of copy-paste quirkiness that’s taken over brand comms. When every brand tries to be “fun,” is anyone actually saying anything? Why are billion-dollar companies talking like your meme-loving roommate — and more importantly, is it working? Listen up as The Two Marketeers break down how this bland brand voice trend took over, what’s driving it, and how to stop your brand from sounding like everyone else at the party. Expect hot takes, agency confessions, and no holding back as they call out the difference between authentic and just… algorithm-friendly. Grab your AirPods. This one gets juicy. For reference:Joe Burns > Linkedin: Your Cool Friend™ https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7297588935617138689/ Sonder & Tell > Bestie, can we chat xoxo https://sonderandtell.substack.com/p/bestie-can-we-chat-xoxo?utm_medium=web  

This episode of The Two Marketeers podcast explores the Multiplier Effect in marketing—aka the critical (and often ignored) balance between brand and performance. Sean and Lindsay dive into a new report by WARC that challenges how we define marketing success today, spotlighting how brand marketing’s long-term impact is consistently undervalued compared to the short-term sugar highs of performance metrics. We’re talking about the “messy middle” of consumer decision-making, the cracks in how marketing gets measured, and why it’s time to ditch the silos between brand and performance once and for all. As WARC puts it: “We’re excited to introduce The Multiplier Effect, a data-driven analysis that reveals why many advertisers are leaving significant revenue-generating opportunities on the table.” Built with insights from a first-of-its-kind coalition of advertising effectiveness experts—including Analytic Partners, BERA.ai, Prophet, and System1—this report argues that the strongest returns come from using brand equity as an accelerant for commercial performance. In other words? When brand and performance finally start playing on the same team, you unlock exponential growth. Happy listening, Marketeers.  See The Multiplier Effect by WARC here > https://page.warc.com/the-multiplier-effect-report

Sales vs. Marketing: Frenemies or Soulmates? In this episode of The Two Marketeers Podcast, Sean Patrick and Lindsay Waugh tackle one of the most misunderstood power struggles in business: the ongoing battle (or maybe love affair?) between sales and marketing. With over 30 years of combined experience, these two marketing pros pull back the curtain on what really happens when businesses say they “need marketing” but are actually drowning in sales problems. From sales enablement myths to the future of marketing as a company-wide mindset, Sean and Lindsay break down the tiers of marketing functions, the role of brand in short- vs. long-term growth, and how to sniff out when a client just isn’t ready to change. Expect real talk, a few spicy truths, and a whole lot of insight for marketers, sales leaders, and anyone tired of the siloed approach to growth. Whether you’re trying to boost your brand, align your sales and marketing teams, or figure out why your website still isn’t converting, this episode is your no-BS guide to redefining what marketing really means in a sales-driven world.

Buckle up, Marketeers! In this episode, Sean Patrick and Lindsay Waugh go full delulu—but don’t worry, it’s all in the name of marketing insight. They’re diving into the Gen Z mindset and their go-to coping mechanism: “delulu” (a.k.a. delusional optimism). Inspired by a VML article, they unpack how this generation is flipping reality on its head—not to escape, but to thrive. Lindsay brings the fire with insights from a TED Talk on “delulu culture,” while Sean keeps it real with a parent’s POV on how his Gen Z kids are navigating the chaos. Together, they explore how escapism has gone from disconnecting to reconnecting—with creativity, social media, and sheer optimism shaping a new reality. This is a fun, eye-opening ride into generational resilience and the power of a good reframe. Are Sean and Lindsay a little delulu too? Probably. And that might be a good thing. Happy listening!

In part two of The Two Marketeers deep dive into innovation under pressure, Sean and Lindsay hit record on a topic near and dear to their podcasting hearts—how the industry got a full-blown post-pandemic makeover. When COVID-19 shut the world down, podcasters had two choices: pause or pivot. (Spoiler alert: The Two Marketeers pivoted.) In this episode, they unpack how lockdowns forced podcasting to evolve overnight, ushering in a new era of remote recording, video content, and a whole lot of Zoom-induced chaos. From the scrappy rise of virtual recording setups to how listener habits shifted during endless lockdowns, they explore how podcasting adapted to a world in flux. And let’s not forget the video boom—was it a natural evolution or just a necessary evil in the age of social? Plus, they tackle the fine (and sometimes blurry) line between creativity and innovation, proving that constraints don’t kill creativity—they fuel it. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster, a marketer thinking about podcasting for your brand, or just fascinated by how people make magic out of mayhem, this one’s for you. Tune in as The Two Marketeers prove—yet again—that constraints don’t kill creativity. They fuel it. Press play. Let’s talk shop, Marketeers. 

Crisis? Or creativity catalyst? In this episode of The Two Marketeers Podcast, Sean Patrick and Lindsay Waugh dive into the unexpected upside of a crisis—how it fuels creativity and drives real innovation. Using QR codes as a case study (yes, Lindsay has always been a fan), they unpack the difference between creativity (big ideas!) and innovation (actually making them work). QR codes were clunky and inconvenient… until a global pandemic made them indispensable. Suddenly, what was once a tech dud became an everyday essential. So, what changed? The key layers of innovation—better phone tech, wider adoption, and a crisis that made them critical. Tune in as they explore how necessity doesn’t just mother invention—it forces it to finally take off. 

In this timely and crucial episode, Lindsay Waugh and Sean Patrick of The Two Marketeers confront a troubling trend: companies halting corporate social responsibility (CSR) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives during challenging times. The headlines are disheartening—DEI departments dismantled, Chief Diversity Officers let go—and it’s impossible not to feel the weight of what this means for the individuals and communities most impacted. Lindsay shares her frustration and concern as years of hard-fought progress are at risk of being rolled back, leaving many wondering: what happens to the people these initiatives were designed to support? Lindsay and Sean dig into the long-term consequences of these short-sighted decisions. For brands that once stood proudly for inclusion and social impact, pulling back now sends a devastating message—not just about priorities but about authenticity. They unpack why this isn’t just a “bad look” but a betrayal of trust that affects employees, customers, and communities alike. While they highlight brands like Ben & Jerry’s as examples of staying true to purpose even in tough times, they also acknowledge the challenges companies face in maintaining commitments to DEI. But ultimately, this is a call to action: CSR and DEI aren’t just business strategies—they’re human commitments that must be kept. Tune in for an unflinching, heartfelt conversation about why keeping these promises isn’t just critical for companies—it’s essential for creating a more just and equitable society.

Freelancing—it’s not all coffee shops and “freedom,” folks. In this episode of The Two Marketeers podcast, Sean Patrick and Lindsay Waugh get real about the rollercoaster ride that is going solo. Sean spills the tea on going freelance twice (yes, he went back for more) and shares what it’s like to leap from agency life to corporate gigs and then to running your own show. Meanwhile, Lindsay talks about how her entrepreneurial spirit and love for novelty made freelancing an awesome choice for her.  But it’s not all sunshine and flexible schedules. Sean and Lindsay pull back the curtain on the reality of freelancing: the sacrifices, the responsibility, and that heavy dose of accountability you can’t dodge when it’s your name on the line. The good news? They also share the wins—like the thrill of calling the shots and building a business that truly reflects their values. It’s a candid, no-BS chat about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re freelancing curious or already living the hustle, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Two Marketeers, Sean Patrick and Lindsay Waugh dive headfirst into a topic every marketer and creative professional has faced: too many cooks in the kitchen. When deadlines are tight, budgets are squeezed, and creativity feels like it’s on life support, how do you decide how many people—and who—you really need to get the job done? Join Sean and Lindsay as they unpack: • Why fewer, highly skilled team members can be more effective than a crowded room. • The importance of accountability and defining roles in high-pressure situations. • How bespoke freelance teams bring agility, expertise, and a sense of ownership that elevates the final product. • The challenges of training the next generation in a world that values efficiency over exposure.   This conversation is packed with insights for anyone managing teams, collaborating with clients, or trying to navigate the creative crisis in today’s marketing landscape. As Lindsay says, “How many cooks do you need? Ask the chef.” Listen now to learn how to set your kitchen—and your team—up for success.

In this episode, Sean and Lindsay, co-hosts of The Two Marketeers podcast, dive headfirst into the “creativity crisis" and the concept of time. They uncover how the magic of making truly happens when you respect time, embrace iteration, and lean into a little creative chaos.  They explore why time management isn’t just about meeting deadlines—it’s about giving ideas room to breathe and evolve. From missteps to masterpieces, Sean and Lindsay champion the power of practice, experimentation, and, yes, even making a few glorious mistakes along the way. Hear their unapologetic take on pushing back against “ASAP” culture and prioritizing upfront strategy and discovery. Because sometimes, slowing down is the secret to speeding up success. Whether you’re a seasoned creative or a client whisperer, this episode is packed with bold insights on making your best work, not your fastest work. Get ready to rethink your relationship with time, creativity, and the craft itself. Let’s make time work for the work!

In this episode, The Two Marketeers hosts Lindsay Waugh and Sean Patrick dive deep into the age-old marketing challenge of "doing more with less." As the pressure mounts to deliver high-impact creative work with shrinking budgets, timelines, and resources, the two marketing experts explore how to embrace constraints as an opportunity rather than a threat. They discuss the role of AI and automation tools, cautioning against using them as a crutch to replace human creativity and nuance. Instead, Lindsay and Sean emphasize the importance of nurturing one's own creative spirit, developing taste and discernment, and carving out the necessary time and mental space to produce truly innovative work. This conversation touches on the vulnerability that often accompanies creative problem-solving and how the willingness to feel challenged can actually be a strength. Sean and Lindsay share strategies for championing great creative within organizations and maintaining a mindset of using constraints to fuel ingenuity. Happy listening, Marketeers! You will come away with a renewed appreciation for the human element of marketing and advertising, and practical tips for doing more with less in an increasingly fast-paced, resource-constrained world.

Welcome back to the Two Marketeers podcast! The hosts, Sean Patrick and Lindsay Waugh, are kicking off Season 5, and they couldn't be more excited. As Sean mentioned, this is their 90th episode, which is a huge milestone. Can you believe it? 90 episodes over the course of 5 seasons - it's been quite a journey. When Sean and Lindsay first started this podcast, they had no idea it would grow into what it is today. They were just two marketing professionals who wanted to have honest, insightful conversations about the industry they're so passionate about. Over the years, they've covered a wide range of topics - from the latest marketing trends and strategies, to the role of creativity and innovation. And now, as they enter their 5th Season, they find themselves facing a new challenge: the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on the creative process. This season, their theme is "creativity crisis" - that uneasy feeling that the work they do, the ideas they generate, and the campaigns they craft could potentially be replicated, or even replaced, by AI technology. It's a topic that's been weighing heavily on both of their minds, and they know it's something many other marketers and creatives are grappling with as well. When Sean and Lindsay first started exploring this idea, Lindsay admits she felt a bit vulnerable. The thought of AI being able to produce content, develop strategies, and even come up with creative concepts faster and more efficiently than humans was, frankly, a little terrifying. I mean, what does that mean for their jobs? For their industry? For the future of marketing as they know it? But as they dug deeper, something shifted. Rather than seeing AI as a threat, they started to view it as an opportunity. Yes, the technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and yes, it has the potential to disrupt the way they work. But instead of running from it, they decided to lean into it. To explore how they, as marketers and creatives, can harness the power of AI to enhance and elevate their own skills and capabilities. Over the course of this season, Sean and Lindsay will be diving into topics like the role of AI in content creation, how machine learning can inform marketing strategy, and what the future of creative agencies might look like. They'll be doing research, sharing their own experiences, and providing their listeners with some valuable insights and actionable takeaways. Because, at the end of the day, Sean and Lindsay believe that creativity and innovation will always be at the heart of marketing. And while AI may change the way they work, it doesn't have to replace the human element. In fact, they think it has the potential to make them better, smarter, and more efficient marketers. So buckle up, Marketeers, because this is going to be one wild ride. Sean and Lindsay can't wait to share it with you. Happy listening!