Brand Retro with Cyberdogz – Details, episodes & analysis

In this energizing episode of Brand Retro, Mike Brevik sits down with returning guests Craig Kausen and Ben Olson to unpack the story and impact behind the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity's 16th Annual Red Dot Fundraising Event.

What began as a simple idea, artists donating 12x12 works to raise funds, has evolved into a nationally recognized celebration of imagination, nostalgia, and community impact. This year marks a major shift: for the first time, the artists' stories will stand alongside their work, adding deeper meaning to every piece.

Craig shares the philosophy behind the Center's mission, rooted in Chuck Jones' belief that imagination is more powerful than knowledge, while Ben brings firsthand perspective on how Red Dot sparked his own journey from fan to board member to regional creativity leader.

They explore:

• Why creativity isn't limited to art, it fuels science, business, engineering, and leadership

• How a simple exercise (like drawing three circles) can unlock confidence in adults and children alike

• The generational power of Looney Tunes nostalgia

• Why Red Dot is "the most fun fundraiser you'll ever attend"

• How the Center has now impacted over one million people across 18 states

• And why exercising creativity is more important than ever in the age of AI

Hosted at the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center in Irvine, Red Dot blends vintage cars, classic animation, live art, and silent auctions into a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates both legacy and possibility.

Whether you attend in person or bid online, this episode is a reminder that creativity isn't a luxury, it's a muscle. And when you exercise it, incredible things happen.

Because sometimes all it takes is three circles… and someone who believes YOU CAN.

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Chuck Jones Center for Creativity – Where Imagination Grows

Support Creativity – Donate | Chuck Jones Center

Auctria

Creativity education
Chuck Jones legacy
Red Dot Auction
Creative thinking
Art fundraising events
Nonprofit creativity programs
Looney Tunes legacy
Creative confidence
Art and community impact
Creativity and innovation
Imagination in education
Creative development programs
Art philanthropy
Intergenerational creativity
Creative leadership
Art auction fundraiser
Creative expression programs
Imagination vs knowledge

00:00–01:02 - Craig Kausen introduces his connection to Chuck Jones and the Center for Creativity
01:02–02:20 - Origins of the Red Dot Auction and anonymous art concept
02:20–03:39 - Why artist stories are now included alongside artwork
03:39–04:42 - The philosophy behind the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity
04:42–05:56 - Imagination vs knowledge: lessons from Einstein and Newton
05:56–06:46 - Event details and how audiences can participate
06:46–08:16 - The unique venue and immersive experience of the auction
08:16–09:29 - How Red Dot transformed artist and community relationships
09:29–10:29 - Creativity beyond art: science, engineering, and storytelling
10:29–12:20 - Overcoming self-doubt through creative exercises
12:20–14:07 - How small creative wins build confidence in adults and children
14:07–15:45 - Expanding creativity programs nationwide and community impact
15:45–17:15 - Creativity's importance in the age of AI and automation
17:15–18:43 - Nostalgia as a bridge between generations
18:43–20:24 - What attendees can expect from the Red Dot experience
20:24–22:30 - Live art, films, food, and immersive creative environments
22:30–24:10 - Silent auction dynamics and online participation
24:10–25:28 - Final invitation and ways to support creativity programs

In this Brand Retro episode, Lindsey Coffey shares how brands can build eco-friendly branding and sustainability marketing without greenwashing. We cover ethical consumerism, transparency, and how EcoBranders helps businesses create real environmental impact while staying profitable.

Who's the Guest?
Lindsey Coffey, an acclaimed model and Miss Earth 2020, has leveraged her extensive experience in the fashion industry to champion environmental sustainability and ethical consumerism. With over a decade in modeling, Lindsey has gained a profound understanding of the inner workings of fashion marketing and consumer behavior, insights she now applies in her advocacy for eco-friendly practices. As the Head of Community Engagement & Impact Awareness at EcoBranders, Lindsey works to elevate environmental consciousness within the business sector and among consumers, promoting sustainable business practices that do not sacrifice profitability. Her commitment to environmental activism and her unique blend of industry experience make her a leading voice in integrating eco-consciousness with brand identity, aiming to inspire businesses and individuals alike to make mindful and impactful choices.

Highlights
00:19 - The importance of eco-friendly branding.
01:02 - Lindsey's background and journey in the fashion industry.
02:43 - Lindsey's shift towards environmental activism.
04:31 - Intersection of eco-consciousness and brand identity.
05:28 - Example of EcoBranders.
07:10 - Challenges and benefits of transparency in eco branding.
09:04 - Addressing imposter syndrome in eco-conscious branding.
10:50 - Greenwashing: A significant issue.
14:00 - Importance of transparency for credibility.
17:40 - Discussion on carbon offsets and company responsibility.
19:55 - EU regulations on green claims.
21:53 - Examples of brands doing specific eco-friendly actions correctly.
25:37 - Emphasizing honesty in eco-conscious branding for credibility.
29:20 - The importance of eco-friendly choices and educating consumers.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com  
• Connect with Lindsey Coffey
• http://lindsey-coffey.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/lindseymariecoffey/
• https://www.facebook.com/lindseymariecoffey
• https://x.com/lindseymcoffey
• https://www.youtube.com/c/LindseyMarieCoffey
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseymariecoffey/
• https://ecobranders.com/  

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In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik sits down with Josh Sullivan, Executive Creative Director and founder of Fried Design Company. To talk about brand strategy, creative leadership, and building memorable brands. Josh shares lessons from agency life on balancing fun with serious business, strengthening team culture, and using creativity to craft brand stories that resonate.

Who's the Guest?
Josh Sullivan is the Executive Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and the visionary founder of the Fried Design Company, an agency renowned for its creative ingenuity and bold approaches to branding. With a career that blends design, strategy, and leadership, Josh has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional branding to create distinctive and impactful brand identities.

Under his guidance, Fried Design Company has earned a reputation for being both award-winning and sometimes infamous, standing out in a crowded marketplace with its unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking. Josh's work is characterized by a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological components of branding, which he leverages to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

Highlights
00:28 - Josh's journey: From home office to Fried Design.
02:03 - Fried's creative focus: Highly regulated industries.
04:51 - Creativity within confines: Pushing limits in design.
06:01 - Importance of brand strategy in design.
06:56 - Client reactions to bold creative work.
07:58 - Presenting and selling impactful work.
08:31 - Building Fried Design's internal brand.
12:04 - Involvement of team in brand development.
13:02 - Significance of team culture and collaboration.
14:56 - Business growth strategy: Staying small but effective.
19:02 - Young creatives and developing a unique style.
20:36 - Importance of client and collaborator relationships.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com  
• Connect with Josh Sullivan
• https://www.frieddesign.co/
• https://www.instagram.com/frieddesignco/
• https://www.facebook.com/frieddesignco
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/frieddesignco/  

Subscribe, Share and Review
To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Listen in as Mike and Cyberdogz writer, Katie Jenison, discuss the logic and thought process of finding those points of inspiration that connect to either the person or the brand. And how that inspiration can feed your motivation and keep you on the track of creating and maintaining something unique to your brand. Prepare to think differently!

Highlights

• People that inspire Mike - 1:29
• Why he finds some people inspirational - 2:43
• Talking about Steve Jobs - 6:06
• Finding something that is unique to you - 8:12
• Surround yourself with people that think the same as you - 8:42
• Find different ways to be unique - 9:48
• What makes them successful - 12:17
• Having a unique vision - 18:24
• Reading leadership books - 19:12
• It is okay to fail - 23:49
• Bigger brands - 28:54
• Brands that teach - 34:48
• Examples of good brand success - 39:50

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ 
• mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com  
• Connect with Katie Johnson
• katie@cyberdogzmarketing.com

In this episode, Mike discusses one of his company sizzle words (Next Level) and the process of identifying what (tools) you have to work with from a marketing perspective and the process of figuring out how to make the most of those tools.

Highlights

• Talking about sizzle words - 0:28
• Two sizzle words for Mike - 1:22
• Trying to be the best - 2:28
• We have to do more, have a next level mindset - 4:33
• Deliver beyond expectations - 5:42
• Creating the next level - 6:23

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ 
• mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com  

Mike and Cyberdogz writer, Katie Jenison, discuss what Brand Storytelling is, the approach, what it all means, and when it applies to your own brand.

Highlights

• How storytelling applies to branding - 1:39
• It takes time to understand your brand - 2:57
• Telling the story of your brand - 3:46
• Consistency as a piece of the puzzle - 9:32
• Using the brand retro mindset - 12:37
• Tell your story: that's the whole point - 13:49
• Tools that you can use to tell your story - 16:43
• Finding brands that inspire you - 20:47
• Creating connection and recognition - 21:59
• There's a part of storytelling failure - 28:01
• Be yourself and find inspiration - 39:56

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ 
• mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com  
• Connect with Katie Jenison
• katie@cyberdogzmarketing.com 

Mike and Cyberdogz writer, Katie Jenison, discuss some of the main points of building a successful blog and as always, how to approach this process in a way that makes YOUR brand unique.

Highlights

• Why blogs are great - 1:53
• The importance of creating value and content - 3:43
• You want your message to be received - 4:55
• You need to have a plan - 8:31
• The importance of your social marketing - 11:20
• Spending time generating content - 13:52
• Finding your voice and content - 19:13
• What's the process? - 20:44
• Finding the best keywords and phrases - 26:00
• Why emails are great - 28:27
• Figuring out your goal - 29:38
• Being authentic when you are writing the content - 33:35
• Be honest with yourself - 35:41
• Choosing a content management system - 36:59

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ 
• mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com  
• Connect with Katie Jenison
• katie@cyberdogzmarketing.com

Mike and Cyberdogz writer, Katie Jenison, discuss some of the main points and differences of personal branding versus corporate branding, and when a personal brand is necessary.

Highlights

• What a personal brand is - 1:41
• A personal brand and a corporate brand - 1:53
• Being in the right place and time - 2:38
• Why do you want to build a personal brand - 5:56
• Defining your target audience - 9:00
• What to do to create a personal brand - 11:24
• Different reasons to build a personal brand - 18:53
• Building audience and content - 21:01
• Expecting instant results - 29:14
• Finding your audience - 30:45

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ 
• mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com
• https://www.cyberdogzltd.com/
• Connect with Katie Jenison
• katie@cyberdogzmarketing.com

The producer of Brand Retro (Spencer Shaw) takes another stab at flushing out the deeper meaning and some inspirational stories behind DogDayz Apparel. Second time's a charm!

Highlights

• Wanting to create t-shirts and do something fun - 2:37
• Doing retro t-shirts - 2:51
• Mike's retro shirt creations - 4:11
• The retro-looking feel - 5:22
• We all have memories - 10:49
• Creating a t-shirt that helped a family - 12:58
• DogDayz Apparel - 18:23
• Do good things for small towns - 19:05

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ 
• mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com
• https://www.dogdayzapparel.com/ 
• Connect with Spencer Shaw
• https://podkick.com/

Marisa Jackels returns to the Brand Retro Podcast to interview Mike for an upcoming blog story on DogDayz Apparel. They decided to hit record so they can share the backstory behind this story and purpose-filled brand.

Highlights

• A passion project - 0:17
• The concept's story - 1:44
• When it all started - 3:33
• Creating an apparel line - 4:19
• Shirts from special places - 15:06
• Having a retro mindset - 17:01
• The real story behind the DogDayz Apparel idea - 20:32
• Growing in a small town - 23:11
• Building momentum and traction - 27:20
• Creating a good product - 29:29
• Dreams for the future - 31:44
• Creating a retro inspired shirt - 37:47
• Having a brand category - 40:00

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ 
• mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com  
• https://www.dogdayzapparel.com/