Explore every episode of the podcast BRANDED

Is the economy booming, or is the DOW 50K just a shiny brand hiding a "K-shaped" disaster? This week on Branded, Ben Kaplan exposes why Big Tech is gambling $650 BILLION on an AI future that hasn't paid a single bill yet. We’re breaking down the shift from "one-night stand" commercials to Super Bowl franchises and why the Olympics are turning every living room into a data-driven "addressable unit".

In this episode, we dive into:

• SUPER BOWL Winners & Losers: How Dunkin’ built a "universe" while others spent $10 million just to sponsor a meme.

  
  

• The $650B AI Gamble: Why investors are flinching at Big Tech’s massive spending and "soulless" AI creative.

  
  

• The $600K "Translator": Why Microsoft and Google are hiring creators to make complex tech feel human.

  
  

• DOW 50,000 vs. REALITY: The branding problem of a "strong" economy when groceries cost 30% more.

  
  

• Olympic Micro-Moments: How Milano Cortina 2026 is changing the economics of global sponsorship.

  
  

Are you building a brand infrastructure, or just paying for a stunt that people will forget by Monday?

From Netflix’s massive $480 million bet on Stranger Things to a four-year-old "invisible" song dethroning Taylor Swift overnight, TOPAgency.com CEO Ben Kaplan deconstructs the week culture moved faster than the boardroom.

We’re double-checking the ROI on $8M Super Bowl ads and diving into how a "cheap" Chinese AI model just undercut OpenAI by 50x. Is "Made in China" the new premium in AI, or a race to the bottom?

Featuring:

• The Joe Keery Effect: How the Stranger Things finale created a global #1 hit from a 2022 "side hustle."

• Streaming Math: Why $60M per episode is actually a bargain for Netflix retention.

• The DeepSeek Disruption: Can a $300k Chinese model actually beat billions in Silicon Valley R&D?

• NVIDIA vs. Tesla: Why Wall Street just picked the "platform" over the "product" at CES.

• The Dictator’s Hoodie: How American brand Origin turned Nicolas Maduro’s arrest into a masterclass in real-time marketing.

• Jonas Brothers vs. AI: Why the future of "real" advertising might mean ditching the algorithms.

Watch on YouTube at: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@branded-podcast

Follow on TikTok at: http://tiktok.com/@top_agency

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From McDonald's AI Christmas disaster to Disney's billion-dollar gamble on letting you remix Mickey Mouse, TOPAgency.com CEO Ben Kaplan breaks down the wildest marketing moves of the week—and reveals why more brand control might mean letting go.Featuring:

• McDonald's fully AI-generated Christmas ad (and why it flopped)
• Disney's $1B OpenAI deal: Remixing Mickey without losing control
• Lululemon founder Chip Wilson publicly trashing his own company
• Trump Accounts: Policy or presidential branding campaign?
• Netflix vs. Ellison family's $108B bid for Warner Brothers
• Australia bans social media for everyone under 16
• Mondelez's creepy AI that predicts your Oreo craving before you do

Watch on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@branded-podcastFollow on TikTok at: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c2q2UAA2xDRI2mqCLFeTMGet merch at: https://store.nationaltoday.com/

From Pepsi undoing a decade of design history to Olipop parking a SpongeBob Airstream where digital ads can't reach, we're learning from the week's wildest marketing news.

Did you know that BMW paid for an entire highway lane to give their drivers a free ride—and then forced Mercedes and Audi owners to advertise for them to get the same perk?

Ben Kaplan (CEO, TopAgency.com) breaks down why the era of "perfect" campaigns is over—and why the next big marketing wins won’t come from data-driven insights alone.

Featuring:

• Apple’s $230 "sock" & the luxury of zero utility
• BMW’s petty (and brilliant) Russian toll lane war
• Pepsi’s "Ugly Sweater" logo pivot
• Adidas vs. Nike: Why gut instinct can sometimes beat big data
• The Campbell’s Soup hot mic disaster
• Olipop’s SpongeBob Airstream & physical retargeting
• Why "No AI" is the new premium flex

Minimalism had a long run. But consumers got bored and brands felt it.
BMW pulled off a toll-lane stunt that turned Audi and Mercedes drivers into unwilling brand ambassadors.

Apple dropped a knitted “iPhone Pocket” that has more in common with Hermès than hardware. And Pepsi just ended a decade of flat, sanitized branding with a bold return to maximalism.

The new wave isn’t clean, quiet, or neutral.
 It’s loud, emotional, and intentionally polarizing.

Because in a crowded market, clarity doesn’t win contrast does.

Which brand nailed the moment?

LeBron had millions bracing for goodbye—until the twist revealed it wasn’t retirement at all. And that’s just one part of this week’s story about belief: who has it, who earns it, and how brands weaponize it.

From China blocking influencers without real credentials…
to Cheetos turning a baseball superstition into an official MLB deal to Prime, Feastables, and Stanley proving that today’s strongest brands start as people, not companies.

Ben Kaplan (Founder + CEO, Top Agency) breaks down why trust, identity, and community have become the new moat in marketing—and why the next decade of brand power won’t come from logos, ads, or campaigns, but from belief systems.

Featuring:
• LeBron x Hennessy emotional clickbait
• China’s degree-verified influencer crackdown
• Cheetos & the Seattle superstition
• Prime Hydration + Feastables as belief-driven brands
• The Stanley Cup identity movement
• Why attention isn’t enough anymore—belief is the strategy

IKEA made a bed for your phone. Whole Foods turned a grocery list into a cultural forecast. Volkswagen’s top-selling product isn’t a car—it’s sausage.

This week on BRANDED Weekly, Ben Kaplan (Founder + CEO, Top Agency) breaks down how brands stopped reacting to culture and started writing it. From IKEA’s behavioral design experiments to Whole Foods’ 2026 trend report and Volkswagen’s nostalgia-driven empire, today’s most powerful brands aren’t selling products—they’re engineering habits, identity, and emotion.

We unpack:
 IKEA’s Phone Bed — gamifying guilt and designing digital discipline.

 Whole Foods’ Trend Report — transforming food into status and self-expression.

 Volkswagen’s Currywurst — turning nostalgia into profit.

 The Death of Millennial Brands — why aesthetic polish stopped working.

Because branding in 2025 isn’t about storytelling anymore—it’s about habit formation, desire curation, and emotional anchoring.

Cheetos sold the mess. Domino’s engineered a sound.

The Ordinary called beauty a scam while selling it. This week on BRANDED, Ben Kaplan (Founder + CEO, Top Agency) breaks down how brands turned irony into influence and self-awareness into strategy.

He breaks down how emotion, irony, and algorithmic storytelling are reshaping the attention economy. From absurd stunts to sensory branding, these campaigns prove that authenticity now means admitting the performance.

We unpack:
 Cheetos & Vogel’s — turning snacks and bread into fashion statements.

 Ramp — B2B marketing that made pain a spectacle (literally).

 Domino’s — rebranding taste through sound design.

 The Ordinary — exposing beauty’s biggest lie while cashing in on it.

 OpenAI — redefining category ownership as ChatGPT becomes shorthand for AI.

Plus, a deep dive into how nostalgia, dopamine, and self-awareness became the ultimate growth hacks in 2025’s marketing landscape.

In 2025, emotion is the business model.
From Ferrari’s Apple-designed EV to Doritos’ cheese-pull spectacle — Ben Kaplan breaks down how outrage, nostalgia, and virality became strategy.

MTV didn’t die — we killed it by scrolling. In this week’s episode of BRANDED Weekly, Ben Kaplan breaks down how nostalgia, dopamine, and brand emotion are reshaping business.
 From MTV’s collapse to Build-A-Bear’s 2,000% stock surge, Chili’s viral mozzarella moment, and Michael Jordan’s $70M jet, we explore the one metric that now decides who wins: attention.

 The real question? In 2025, how much is your brand’s emotion worth?

Beer, Rings, and Body Doubles: The Internet’s Attention Economy

Gen Z is putting ice in their beer. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement feels more like a dynasty merger than a romance, with brands racing to crash the party. And online, people are debating whether Trump really met Putin in Alaska or a body double.

In this week’s Branded, Ben Kaplan unpacks how these viral stories spiral, why brands jump on them, and what they reveal about culture, politics, and the attention economy in 2025.

From Trump firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook for mortgage fraud the same offense he was convicted of to Swift’s engagement fueling memes and marketing campaigns, we explore why irony, controversy, and cultural collisions keep driving attention.

Plus, a few hot takes from TikTok: is ice in beer actually a hack… or still a crime against hops?

In this episode of Branded Leaders, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Brian Irving, Chief Marketing Officer at Lyft, to discuss how Lyft differentiates itself in a rideshare industry that often looks like a race to the bottom.
Brian shares how Lyft avoids competing solely on price by leaning into its DNA as a purposeful rebel brand — building services around freedom, connection, and customer obsession.

He reveals how Lyft is adapting its identity from quirky early days (pink mustaches and friendly drivers) to serving business travelers, healthcare rides, and diverse audiences with evolving needs.

The conversation explores Lyft’s approach to autonomous vehicles, why it’s doubling down on human-first innovation, and how FlexDrive and new partnerships expand the platform’s future.

Brian also reflects on his career journey from Flint, Michigan, to Silicon Valley, with pivotal chapters at Apple, Google, Airbnb, and Eventbrite. Along the way, he shares the best advice he’s ever received, how curiosity shapes his leadership, and why learning to say “I get to” instead of “I have to” changed his perspective on work and life.

Packed with candid stories, career lessons, and insights into the future of mobility and marketing, this episode offers a rare look at how Lyft’s CMO is steering the brand beyond rides to something much bigger: freedom.

In this episode of Branded Leaders, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, to explore why safe, logical marketing often fails — and why embracing chaos, irrationality, and unconventional thinking can create the biggest wins.

Rory explains why capitalism is less about efficiency and more like betting on long shots, how seemingly “bonkers” decisions (like Amazon betting on Prime) can redefine entire industries, and why reframing simple observations is the real engine of creativity.

The conversation dives into politics, persuasion, and the psychology of risk-taking — from Donald Trump’s use of concrete language, to Elon Musk’s non-neurotypical way of seeing the world, to why opportunity cost is more important than cost-cutting.

Packed with humor, sharp insights, and provocative reframes, this episode is a masterclass in why playing it safe may be the riskiest move of all.

Distraction Marketing: Sex, Scandal, and Sydney Sweeney
American Eagle’s ad with Sydney Sweeney sent their stock flying, their mentions surging, and the internet into meltdown. But was the controversy part of the plan? In this episode, we break down how brands are using distraction and deliberate outrage to win the attention economy.

From Gwyneth Paltrow being hired as crisis cover after a Kiss Cam catastrophe, to Donald Trump’s strategic smoke bombs to bury headlines he doesn’t like, we explore how controversy converts—and when it backfires.

Plus, a surprising look at how AI adoption is following the same curve as e-commerce, and what it means for marketers.
All that, and a few hot takes from the TikTok comments section. Spoiler: Colbert vs. Rogan isn't the fight you think it is.

In this electrifying episode, we unpack three stories shaking the world right now: Astronomer CEO Andy Byron's explosive Kiss Cam scandal at a Coldplay concert—is his career truly over, or can scandals this massive become epic comebacks?

We then dive into OpenAI's game-changing ChatGPT agent, promising everyone a $38,000/year personal assistant for less than your weekly coffee spend.

Finally, we dissect CBS's cancellation of Stephen Colbert—did politics, economics, or digital disruption drive this shocking move?

Tune in as we debate scandal survival, AI taking your jobs, and mainstream media’s slow demise.

In this episode of BRANDED Weekly, we break down the brand moves (and misfires) dominating headlines:– Grok’s AI glitch: What happens when your chatbot forgets the filter?– Nvidia’s China play: Smart diplomacy or dangerous double game?– Amazon’s 4-day Prime Day: A flex or a flop?– KFC’s rebrand: Why the Colonel’s now obsessed.– Superman x Roku: Movie marketing meets voice AI.– Sprite’s spicy stunt: Burn your mouth, boost your brand.

The biggest brand moves – July 4–11, 2025
Amazon expands Prime Day to four days, but do longer sales lose their punch? Sephora offers free Lyft rides to stores, Coca-Cola brings back “Share a Coke” with a Star Wars twist, and Ben’s Original tries to move on from Uncle Ben.
Plus, TikTok Shop crosses $1B in US sales, Boeing tries to fix its image, and Wall Street sends mixed signals on ad budgets.
Also, don’t forget: National Nude Day is coming (Tom might not be dressed for next week’s episode)

Nike’s back to its roots. Unilever just paid $1.5B for a soap brand. Cloudflare declared war on AI. Oh, and Pamela Anderson is suddenly a branding icon again.
This week, Ben Kaplan and Tom Cain unpack the smartest (and strangest) marketing moves across the globe:

• Nike ditches lifestyle for core athleticism
• Dr. Squatch and the billion-dollar soap game
• Cloudflare vs. AI crawlers — is the internet changing?
• Sainsbury’s market share surprise
• Celebrity endorsements vs real influence
• Tesla’s fully driverless delivery
• NASA streams on Netflix
• And the rise of an AI-generated rock band?

Smart takes. Big brands. No fluff.

This week on BRANDED Weekly, Ben Kaplan and Tom Cain dissect the marketing strategies hidden in world news, tech headlines, and viral campaigns.

Why did Iran give advance notice before launching missiles? Is Meta’s $100M talent grab a turning point in the AI arms race? Why did job site giants like CareerBuilder collapse? Plus, we debate scratch-and-sniff armpits as a marketing tool, the fall of PewDiePie, and the future of AI in law.

And yes, the Liver King might’ve tried to fight Joe Rogan.

In this episode of BRANDED, Ben Kaplan and Tom Cain dive into the biggest business and culture stories of the week, blending serious insight with sharp wit.

They discuss Meta's aggressive push to poach OpenAI talent with $100M offers, the Trump family launching a gold-plated smartphone and mobile network, and why Airbus is feeling confident while Boeing flounders.

Plus, they explore the impact of rising tariffs on Hasbro’s workforce and Elon Musk’s relentless AI spending spree.

As always, the show ties in viral holidays, major birthdays, and whether Tom would board a pilotless plane.

In this episode, Tom and Ben unpack the branding implications behind this week’s biggest business headlines.

They start with Apple’s latest developer conference and whether the company is still seen as an innovation leader or has shifted into incrementalism.

They also discuss a quirky new hold-music feature that Tom is excited about, and how Apple’s brand promise of “things just work” creates high stakes when launching new products.

They then shift to the protests in LA, examining how Trump’s political maneuvers reframe the Democratic brand—and whether brands should speak up or stay silent in politically charged moments. The conversation moves into the Musk–Trump fallout, including stock crashes, retaliation threats, and what it means for Tesla’s brand and Elon’s decision-making.Next, they dig into Mondelez's lawsuit against Aldi for Oreo copycats, highlighting how brand confusion can spark legal battles. From there, they analyze Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to spin off streaming and cable units, the larger trend of strategic brand separation, and what it means for the media landscape.The episode closes with insights on global layoffs, the rise of the “AI economy,” how brands should handle internal messaging during cutbacks, and Alibaba’s new AI-driven virtual try-on feature—what it signals for fashion, e-commerce, and marketing creativity.

Welcome to the new era of BRANDED. In this refreshed format, Ben Kaplan and Tom Cain team up weekly to break down the biggest stories in branding, marketing, tech, and business—with sharp takes, bold questions, and zero fluff.
In this episode:

• Hailey Bieber sells her skincare brand for $1B—how attention became the most valuable currency
• Meta signs a nuclear deal to power AI—literally
• Apple tries to reinvent itself with a major UI overhaul—but is it still innovative?
• Tesla’s global sales slump—what’s really going wrong
• Salesforce targets data dominance with a new acquisition
• Plus: How generative AI is changing the job market and what it means for creators, marketers, and brands

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Bridget Evans, the Global Head of Business Marketing at Spotify, to unpack the platform’s growing role as a multimedia advertising powerhouse. Bridget breaks down Spotify’s evolution from a primarily audio-based brand into a dynamic player in video advertising and podcast monetization.
They explore:

• Spotify’s strategic pivot to include more video-first experiences, including video podcasts, music videos, and lyric videos.
• The award-winning “Spreadbeats” B2B campaign that turned Excel spreadsheets into media channels to reach media buyers in unexpected ways.
• How Spotify is supporting mid-tier and micro-podcasters through the Spotify Partner Program and new monetization tools.
• The balance between owned/licensed content and supporting a broader creator economy.
• Why podcasting fosters deep engagement and trust, making it a unique advertising channel with powerful reach.
• The future of AI in audio, from content discovery to personalized playlists and DJ experiences.
• Bridget’s thoughts on data-driven marketing, brand storytelling, and why creative opportunities on Spotify are more expansive than ever.

Plus, Bridget shares the best career advice she ever got from Gary Vaynerchuk: “Don’t focus on being the first—focus on being the best or the most creative.”

In this episode, we sit down with Meghann McNally, Chief Marketing Officer at Wrench Group, to explore how she’s transforming the home services industry through predictive analytics, local brand empowerment, and a bold growth mindset.

From leading digital disruption in traditionally offline sectors to integrating marketing with data science, Meghann shares her approach to building trust, scaling rapidly, and avoiding “one-size-fits-all” marketing traps.

Whether you're scaling a brand or trying to outpace competitors, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to lead with both heart and hard numbers.

Rand Fishkin—founder of Moz, cofounder of SparkToro, and now leading indie game studio Snackbar—joins us to talk about what it really takes to build a brand people care about.

From disrupting the SEO world to rethinking audience research, Rand shares how transparency, community, and a bit of rebellion have shaped every step of his journey.

We dig into why most marketers get audience targeting wrong, how SparkToro is fixing it, and what launching a video game has in common with startup life. Plus, Rand opens up about burnout, honesty in branding, and why Lost and Founder struck a nerve with so many entrepreneurs.

If you're in marketing, startups, or just like hearing from someone who tells it like it is—this one’s for you.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan speaks with Jennie Platt, the Chief Marketing Officer of TD Bank US. With a career spanning American Express, Citi, and now TD, Jennie shares her unique perspective on how large financial institutions can remain genuinely connected with their customers.
She dives into TD's Unexpectedly Human brand promise, explaining how it’s more than just a tagline, it’s a company-wide commitment to understanding and anticipating customer needs. Jennie discusses the power of data-driven marketing, why personalization matters more than ever, and how TD is blending digital innovation with old-school human touch to redefine banking experiences.
From dog-friendly ATMs to real-time data insights, Jennie reveals the strategies behind TD's growth and how they're staying ahead in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Whether you’re in marketing, finance, or just curious about how big brands build real connections, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

How do you scale a beloved burger brand without losing the heart that made it special?
In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Chris Dull, President and CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Chris opens up about the balancing act of fast growth and genuine hospitality—sharing how Freddy’s has expanded into 37 states, reimagined its digital experience, and stayed laser-focused on franchisee success.
From caramelized steakburgers to post-pandemic innovation, this conversation dives into the power of brand consistency, listening to your guests, and creating “one-of-a-kind moments” in everyday life.
If you’re in branding, franchising, or just trying to grow something the right way—don’t miss this one.

How does a global giant like IKEA stay affordable, sustainable, and deeply personal—all at once?
 In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Belen Frau, a senior global leader at IKEA who’s helped shape the brand from the inside out. With over 20 years at the company, Belen shares how IKEA's democratic design philosophy drives everything from flat-packs to climate impact.

From launching secondhand platforms to redefining what it means to be “for the many,” this is a masterclass in brand purpose, strategy, and resilience.

What does it take to make a 150-year-old bank feel like a startup?
In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan talks with Shruti Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer for Business Banking at US Bank, about reinventing customer experience in one of the most regulated industries on the planet.
From AI-powered tools to embedded financial products, Shruti shares how US Bank is transforming the way it serves small businesses—while still staying grounded in trust, compliance, and community. It’s a conversation about balancing innovation with responsibility, and how big banks can stay nimble in a FinTech-first world.

What do you ask a man who’s helped shape the future of both education and technology?

In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with John Hennessy—former President of Stanford University and current Chairman of Alphabet (yes, the Google one)—for a rare conversation about leadership, innovation, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

From founding tech companies to guiding the next generation of Silicon Valley leaders, Hennessy shares what separates good ideas from great ones, why humility beats hype, and how to stay grounded when you're building for the stratosphere.

This isn’t just a conversation about tech. It’s about legacy.

In this episode of Branded, hosted by Ben Kaplan, we sit down with Camilla Matias, COO of Brex, to unpack the bold decisions, hard-earned lessons, and unconventional thinking behind one of FinTech’s most remarkable scale-ups.
Camilla joined Brex when it was a scrappy startup solving one problem: helping fellow founders get access to corporate credit. Today, Brex is a global financial platform used by both startups and Fortune 500 giants.
We explore:

• How Brex went from “do everything” chaos to ruthless focus
• Why scaling down was key to scaling up
• The power of building your own infrastructure—and your own brand
• How a Brazilian mindset shaped Brex’s adaptability and culture
• What most leaders get wrong about growth, AI, and simplification

Whether you're a founder, operator, marketer, or just obsessed with how great companies grow—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

In this powerful episode of BRANDED, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Maryam Banikarim—former Global CMO at Hyatt Hotels, co-founder of NYC Next, and the visionary behind The Longest Table.

Maryam shares her inspiring journey, navigating a non-linear career path defined by pivots, purpose, and resilience, ultimately becoming a passionate advocate for community-building in New York City.
Discover how Maryam leveraged purpose-driven leadership, brand storytelling, and authentic relationships to drive tangible impact.

She emphasizes the importance of brands genuinely understanding and committing to their values, particularly during times of crisis, and provides valuable insights for marketers and leaders eager to foster meaningful community, loyalty, and brand strength.

Whether you're managing career transitions, seeking to fortify your brand, or striving to build enduring communities, this conversation offers indispensable advice from one of today's most influential leaders.

Trust isn’t just a marketing buzzword—it’s the foundation of every successful brand. But how do you measure it? How do you build it? And how can businesses turn trust into a real competitive advantage?
In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Dana Bodine, VP of Marketing at Trustpilot, to explore how brands can leverage customer reviews as more than just testimonials—they’re a powerful intelligence tool that shapes reputation, drives conversions, and builds long-term credibility.Ben and Dana dive into:

•  Why trust scores matter more than you think—and how just a 0.1% increase can boost conversion rates by 8x
•  The psychology of reviews—why customers actually trust a 4.8-star rating more than a perfect 5.0
•  The real impact of responding to customer feedback (even negative reviews can become your biggest asset!)
•  How Trustpilot is shaping brand perception in industries like finance, insurance, and e-commerce
•  The fine line between using reviews for marketing and ensuring authenticity

If you’re in marketing, branding, or business growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Because in today’s world, trust isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Michael Costello, CEO of GNC, to unpack how a 90-year-old health and wellness brand is adapting to today’s fast-changing market.
With supplements available everywhere—from Amazon to your local grocery store—why would anyone still choose to shop at GNC? Michael shares how GNC is redefining its consumer experience, using data, personalization, and trust to set itself apart from the competition. He breaks down GNC’s Five C’s strategy, talks about what really matters to today’s customers, and explains how the brand is evolving without losing what made it successful in the first place.
Key topics include:

•  Why in-store experiences still matter in an online-first world
•  How GNC is using data and loyalty programs to better serve customers
•  The biggest shifts in health and wellness trends right now
•  The challenges of leading a legacy brand in a crowded market

Whether you’re into fitness, business, or just curious about how brands stay relevant, this conversation offers a fascinating inside look at the future of GNC—and what other companies can learn from it.

Host Ben Kaplan sits down with Kathryn Bricken, the powerhouse behind Doughlicious, to uncover how she took her passion for baking from school events to Whole Foods shelves across the U.S. Kathryn shares the highs and lows of scaling a global brand, disrupting the frozen snack industry, and making bold moves in a competitive market.

But that’s not all—this episode also features insights from Liquid Death and Campbell’s, as we explore what it takes to build a brand that stands out. From shaking up the beverage world to reinventing legacy food giants, Ben Kaplan leads the conversation on innovation, strategy, and the art of brand disruption.

Ben Kaplan sits down with Mark Bertolini, CEO of Oscar Health and former head of Aetna, to break down one of the biggest healthcare turnarounds in recent history.
Oscar Health was bleeding cash, fully dependent on the Affordable Care Act, and struggling to turn a profit. Within just 10 weeks, Mark uncovered $1.4 billion in hidden opportunities, restructured the business, and set it on a path to profitability for the first time ever.
In this episode, Mark reveals:

• Why Oscar’s original founders avoided hiring healthcare experts—and how that nearly doomed the company.
• How AI and large language models cut costs by 1400 basis points.
• The high-stakes reality of running a company that depends entirely on the U.S. government.
• His no-nonsense approach to leadership, from fixing broken businesses to out-negotiating industry giants like CVS.
• What most CEOs get wrong about running a business—and why courage and curiosity matter more than anything else.

This is a must-listen for anyone in business, tech, or leadership, as Mark and Ben break down what it really takes to transform an industry built to resist change.

Healthcare marketing is evolving fast—legacy brands are fighting to stay relevant, disruptors are reshaping the industry, and consumers are more skeptical than ever. In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan explores what it takes to stand out, build trust, and drive engagement in this competitive space.

We hear from Katelyn Watson, CMO of Talkspace, on how the company pivoted its brand and made virtual mental health care more accessible. Robert Krane, co-founder of Talkiatry, shares how he tackled one of the biggest challenges in psychiatry—access to care. And Pam Morrisroe of Breakthrough T1D discusses the nonprofit approach to building credibility and deepening audience trust.

From brand refreshes to social impact marketing, partnerships, and storytelling, this episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the healthcare industry. Whether you're in marketing, healthcare, or brand strategy, this conversation delivers valuable lessons on standing out and making an impact.

What does it take to build a $160B brand in a world driven by data and trust? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Alice Cherry from S&P Global to reveal the branding strategies that transformed a legacy name into a financial intelligence powerhouse.

Discover how a bold rebrand, a high-stakes merger, and a relentless focus on essential intelligence helped S&P Global stand out in a crowded market. Alice shares the challenges of uniting diverse teams under one mission, the power of familiarity over awareness, and why even B2B brands need emotional connections to grow.

Whether you're crafting your own brand strategy or just fascinated by how global giants stay relevant, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Chuck E. Cheese isn’t just a childhood memory—it’s a brand that faced bankruptcy, a pandemic, and a struggling reputation. But instead of fading into nostalgia, it pulled off one of the boldest brand transformations in entertainment history.

In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with David McKillips, President & CEO of CEC Entertainment, to unpack the $350 million reinvention of Chuck E. Cheese. From wiping out $700M in debt to revamping every location in the U.S., McKillips shares how the company evolved to stay relevant for a new generation.

How did they pivot from crisis to comeback? Why did they ditch the animatronics? And what’s next for Chuck E. Cheese as a global entertainment brand?
Find out in this deep dive with Ben Kaplan on Branded!

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Katherine Bond Debicki, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Digital Officer of KFC Canada, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic brands stays relevant in a rapidly changing food landscape.

Katherine breaks down the three major waves of disruption that have shaped the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry—from the invention of the drive-thru to the rise of digital ordering and now, the shift toward experience-driven marketing. She shares how KFC leverages its legendary brand assets, like the 11 herbs and spices, the Colonel, and the bucket, while modernising the customer experience to engage new generations of consumers.

We also dive into the power of consumer insights, discussing how KFC stays ahead of the competition by focusing on what matters to customers today—from viral food trends to cultural relevance, like their recent Taylor Swift campaign.
Finally, we explore what QSR brands can learn from other industries, how earned media and strategic data are shaping marketing, and why the future of fast food isn’t just about value—it’s about offering a moment of escape, excitement, and personalisation.

And stay tuned—later in the episode, we explore the world of customisable, sugar-free indulgence with Dana Paris, Chief Commercial Officer of Jordan’s Skinny Mixes, a brand redefining how we enjoy our favourite drinks.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Sarah Crockett, CMO of DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), to discuss the art of reviving a retail giant.

With eight months in the role, Sarah shares her strategy for repositioning DSW, tapping into consumer insights, and creating an emotional connection with customers across generations.

She explores the challenge of bringing back the brand's "heat", navigating multi-channel retail, and adapting to cultural shifts. Plus, she reveals why physical stores remain her #1 marketing channel, the power of storytelling in marketing, and the biggest myth about retail's future.

- What does your shoe choice say about you?

- How do brands stay relevant in a fast-changing world?

- Why does Sarah hate big campaign reveals?

If you care about brand strategy, consumer psychology, or marketing innovation, this episode is a must-listen.

What makes Jack in the Box one of the most crave-worthy fast-food brands? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Ryan Ostrom, Chief Customer Officer at Jack in the Box, to uncover the bold marketing strategies, digital innovations, and brand positioning that keep them ahead of the competition.
Ryan reveals how Jack in the Box stays relevant in a rapidly changing industry—leveraging celebrity collaborations with icons like Snoop Dogg, expanding into new markets, and mastering the art of digital loyalty. He also shares insights into the "Craved Strategy," a framework that drives everything from menu innovation to social media engagement.

Whether you're a marketing enthusiast, a fast-food fan, or just curious about how brands build cult-like followings, this episode serves up valuable lessons on staying competitive, connecting with customers, and making a lasting impact.

In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, to explore the fascinating intersections of behavioral science, marketing, and human psychology.

Rory shares his insights on how small, seemingly insignificant changes can drive massive consumer behavior shifts and why reframing is essential in marketing strategy. The conversation touches on Jaguar’s rebranding, the role of humor in advertising, and the unexpected power of irrationality in decision-making.

Rory also discusses the importance of seeking out opportunity costs, the value of curiosity in creativity, and how brands can differentiate themselves by leveraging unconventional thinking.

Packed with humor, real-world examples, and sharp observations, this episode is a masterclass in creative problem-solving and the surprising power of ideas that defy logic.

Introducing BRANDED! In this announcement, we reveal the exciting merger of TOP CEO and TOP CMO into one powerhouse podcast. Get a sneak peek into the bold stories and big ideas driving the world’s most iconic brands. Featuring names like Rory Sutherland, Liquid Death, and the former CMO of Nike, this is your front-row seat to the minds shaping the future of branding. Perfect for anyone curious about how brands break through and stay legendary.

In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan sits down with Karen Budell, CMO of Totango, to explore the challenges and opportunities of navigating a high-speed merger with competitor Catalyst. Karen shares her journey from journalist to marketing leader, offering insights on aligning teams, crafting compelling brand narratives, and integrating diverse marketing strategies. Discover how Karen’s background in storytelling and content marketing informs her approach to customer success and growth, and learn why she champions non-traditional career paths. Whether you're a marketing enthusiast or a business leader, this episode is packed with actionable advice on building stronger teams, driving customer retention, and leveraging thought leadership.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Courtney Weis, Managing Director of Brand Marketing at FP Movement, Free People's activewear brand. Courtney shares her journey from talent management to leading a brand that celebrates diverse forms of movement. Discover how FP Movement thrived during the pandemic, leveraging influencer partnerships, community engagement, and a strong brand identity to achieve remarkable growth.

In this episode, we dive into:

• How FP Movement built a community-first approach during the pandemic.
• The balance between influencer creativity and brand alignment.
• Key traits every marketer needs for success.
• Courtney's career advice for aspiring marketers.

Get ready to be inspired by Courtney's vision, adaptability, and passion for creating authentic connections with customers. Perfect for marketers, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone looking to build a brand that stands out.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Dustin Godsey, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the Milwaukee Bucks, to discuss how a basketball team transforms into a global content and entertainment powerhouse. Dustin shares insights into building fan engagement across local and international audiences, launching innovative content initiatives like the Bucks' podcast network, and leveraging superstar players like Giannis Antetokounmpo as influencers.

Discover how the Bucks combine data-driven strategies, cultural relevance, and creative storytelling to super-serve their local market while expanding their reach to a worldwide fanbase. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes stories of turning championship wins into marketing milestones and how the Bucks stay resilient beyond their "championship window."

In this episode, we dive into the audacious and hilarious world of Liquid Death with Greg Fass, the brand's VP of Marketing. Discover how this water company defied industry norms with a bold, comedy-first approach, turning a healthy beverage into a cultural phenomenon. Greg shares insights on Liquid Death’s viral marketing strategy, unexpected collaborations, and the power of earned media to "win the internet" on a budget. From corpse paint to casket coolers, Liquid Death isn’t just selling water—it’s redefining what a brand can be. With host Ben Kaplan.

In this episode of Top CMO, Ben Kaplan sits down with Melody Lee, the Chief Marketing Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands is staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Melody shares insights on balancing the brand’s storied heritage with cutting-edge innovation, from embracing electrification and autonomous driving to reaching new, diverse audiences in the U.S. market.

Drawing from her impressive career—spanning roles at Cadillac, Shiseido, and Herman Miller—Melody reveals how she’s navigating the challenges of redefining luxury, building brand relevance, and leveraging multicultural marketing to shape the future of Mercedes-Benz. Plus, she opens up about her biggest lessons as a marketing leader, the best advice she’s ever received, and the one headline that changed her perspective on messaging forever.

Whether you’re a marketer, a car enthusiast, or someone curious about how global brands adapt to a changing world, this episode is packed with valuable insights and candid reflections. Don’t miss it.

In this episode, Amy Halford, CMO of Thrive Pet Healthcare, shares how she’s redefining pet healthcare marketing by blending trust, innovation, and customer-centric strategies.

From building emotional connections with pet owners to leveraging digital transformation, Amy reveals the unique challenges of marketing services over products, lessons from her time at Best Buy and General Mills, and how Thrive is shaping the future of veterinary care.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a trusted brand in the healthcare industry, this is the episode for you.