FiredUp! - The Startup Marketing Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

The pace of software development is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, driven by AI tools like Cursor and Claude Code that allow companies to launch features faster than ever before. For startup marketers, this speed creates a new dilemma: how do you manage a product PR program when feature fatigue makes traditional announcements less effective?  If your brand is simply shoving a grab bag of features out the door, you are likely getting minimal traction and missed editorial coverage. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the evolution of product news in 2026. This week, episode 132 of the FiredUp! podcast is about how to announce new products in 2026! 

Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.

In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares the importance of AI in promoting product visibility and actionable steps you can take right now to get your product covered by journalists. 

Morgan and Chris discuss:

• Narrative Over Grab Bags: Grouping features into a meaningful theme is critical; a grab bag of unrelated updates often results in low-value, automated coverage, whereas a themed announcement builds a much stronger corporate narrative.
• The One-Week Pitch Rule: Speed is great, but effectiveness requires lead time. For any important announcement, ensure your PR team has at least one week to pitch busy reporters to maximize editorial coverage.
• Optimize for AI Visibility: Modern product PR isn't just for humans. Structuring your announcements to be indexed correctly is essential for appearing in AI recommendations and competitive listicles where prospects do their research.
• Define the "So What?": Before going to market, define the core message of your announcement by figuring out what is most meaningful for the reporters you are targeting. If the announcement lacks a newsworthy hook, it won't move the needle beyond a basic press release reprint.

Is your product news driving your corporate narrative, or just adding to the digital noise?  In a world of accelerated development, the brands that win are those that can turn fast features into compelling stories.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

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You’ve spent months pitching investors, navigating due diligence, and finally closing your latest round of funding, only to realize that announcing it is harder than ever. With over 3,300 VC deals per quarter and a shrinking pool of dedicated venture reporters, your news is fighting for airtime in a saturated market. On this episode of FiredUp!, we address the frustration of silent launches and explain why the traditional embargoed press release is giving way to the media exclusive. We dive into the evolving playbook for funding announcements, teaching startup marketers how to pivot from simple statistics to high-impact storytelling that captures the attention of investors and customers alike. This week, episode 131 of the FiredUp! podcast is about what’s new in funding news! 

Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.

In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares the differences in funding announcements in recent months and actionable steps you can take right now to maximize your chances of your funding announcement being reported on. 

Morgan and Chris discuss:

• The Shift to Exclusives: In a world with fewer reporters covering financing, the broad embargoed pitch is losing its effectiveness. To anchor your news, focus on securing a high-impact media exclusive with a reporter who understands your niche.
• Storytelling Over Statistics: A funding amount is a statistic, not a story. To get covered, you must provide the raw materials of a narrative—including your team's unique background, proprietary data, or a provocative point of view on where the industry is heading.
• Target "Unconventional" Outlets: Don't limit your reach to traditional print magazines. Some of the most impactful coverage in 2026 is happening in industry-specific newsletters and hot digital broadcast outlets like TBPN.
• Transparency with Your PR Team: Your communications team needs more than just the deal size. Give them full visibility into your company’s threads—the small, interesting details that can be pulled into a larger, more compelling story for a time-strapped journalist.
• Put in the Work: Raising the money is a relief, but the announcement requires its own dedicated effort. Be open to creative storytelling angles that might not make immediate sense to a founder but have been proven to cut through the noise.

Before your next announcement, identify three human threads in your company that have nothing to do with your valuation. These are the hooks that will help your PR team secure the coverage you deserve.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:

Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.

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With millions of podcasts already out there, the biggest challenge of starting one isn't just recording audio—it’s finding an audience and keeping them engaged. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive deep into the state of the podcasting industry with industry veteran Andy King. We address the specific pain points of audience acquisition, the shift toward video-first content, and the critical question every marketer must ask: Does your brand really need its own show, or should you be leveraging existing creators instead? This week, episode 122 of the FiredUp! podcast is about the best podcast strategies for 2026! 

Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.

In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Andy King shares the importance of identifying market openings and what will make your podcast stand out and actionable steps you can take right now to decide what form of podcasting is right for you. 

Andy King is the Head of Podcast and Digital Media at Buchwald, a full service talent agency offering representation in all areas of the entertainment industry. A digital media & audio executive with 20+ years experience, Andy is developing original content while building and managing teams in broadcasting and industry roles.

Andy, Morgan, and Nicole discuss:

• Consistency is Your Superpower: The #1 reason podcasts fail is "podfade"—quitting before the show finds its footing. Success requires a long-term commitment to a regular schedule, as audiences build habits around your release dates.
• Video is No Longer Optional: Podcasting has evolved into a visual medium. To maximize reach, you must have a YouTube strategy. Recording video allows you to create high-impact "clips" for social media, which serve as the primary discovery engine for new listeners.
• Marketing > Production: Many brands spend 90% of their budget on high-end production and only 10% on promotion. Flip the script. If you aren't actively marketing your show through social media clips, guest collaborations, and cross-promotion, even the best content will go unheard.
• The Brand vs. Creator Dilemma: Before launching a brand podcast, evaluate if your message would be more effective by partnering with an established creator. Buying into an existing, loyal community often yields a higher ROI than trying to build one from scratch.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

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Gen Z, a self-reliant, digitally native, and mobile-first generation is entering the workforce and bringing a different approach to business and buyer behavior. Ian Baer, Founder of Sooth, joins us to share what data shows about Gen Z and how startups can rethink their marketing strategies to appeal to the generation leading our economy. This week, episode 34 of the FiredUp! podcast is about Gen Z’s impact on buyer behavior!

Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.

In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Ian Baer shares that although often viewed as a “walking meme”, Gen Z is a more financially responsible and self-reliant generation that approaches decisions more thoughtfully. He also shares actionable advice startups can take to get in front of a Gen Z audience.

Ian Baer is the Founder of Sooth, an insights-driven decisioning platform and consultancy that makes marketing more successful for clients, creators, and consumers. He has over 35 years of experience leading some of the largest Ad brands in the world including Publicis and TBWA, in addition to being the President of Rapp Collins (Omnicom) Chief Strategy Office of Rauxa, the president of Big Fuel Communications through their exit and an EVP for Deutch, has some incredible insights to bring to the table for startups. 

Ian Baer, Morgan, and Ian Lipner discuss:

• Gen Z often makes buying decisions based on the values of the company and the opinions of trusted influencers, often skeptical of traditional advertising and reviews.
• Brands targeting Gen Z should be transparent, provide abundant information, and use a variety of content formats to capture attention. 
• Gen Z is less career-focused than previous generations and are more likely to have multiple streams of income. 
• Businesses should lean in with information and advice as Gen Z rejects being sold to, preferring to form their own opinions. 

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH IAN BAER:

Sooth

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Email: hello@soothbetold.com 

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The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

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Running a startup is inherently risky with a lot of unknowns. One of the ways to address the unknown is by conducting market research to uncover your ICP, understand how big the market is, whether or not your messaging is resonating with the right people and so much more. Sean Campbell joins us today to share how market research can be used to alleviate pains and maximize opportunity by providing clarity on the market. This week, episode 33 of the FiredUp! podcast is about where to start with market research!

 Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.

In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Sean Campbell shares how startups can use market research to inform important decisions and reduce risk. He also shares the incredible insight you can gain through this type of research. 

Sean Campbell is the CEO of Cascade Insights, a B2B-focused market research and marketing firm helping companies seize opportunities in the B2B technology sector. Sean is a well-regarded consultant, speaker, author, trainer, mentor, and educator. He has delivered talks for Fortune 50 companies and top tier conferences around the world and has written extensively on technology and business topics. Sean has been a professional services firm owner for more than 20 years. His work has spanned consulting engagements with tech giants and startups you’ve heard of, the sale of his first company, and the growth of delivery, sales, marketing, and operational practices inside professional services firms. Sean specializes in helping organizations find success and opportunity in the B2B tech sector via market research insights, smart strategy, and powerful messaging.

Sean and Morgan discuss:

• Qualitative research through in-depth interviews is often more valuable for startups than quantitative surveys. 
• Early research priorities should include developing buyer personas and understanding competitive messaging. 
• AI tools can help build initial personas, but custom research is needed to address bias in synthetic data and other issues not found online.
• The top 5 research areas that startups should focus their limited resources on. 

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH SEAN CAMPBELL:

Cascade Insights

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Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.

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Managing The Professional Services Firm by David Maister

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The Content Marketing Institute has released some interesting stats from a recent survey of B2B tech companies. We wanted to join in on the fun and discuss some of what they have found with companies’ use of AI, content challenges, and effective strategies in content marketing. This week, episode 32 of the FiredUp! podcast is about trends in content marketing! 

Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.

Morgan and Nicole discuss:

• The marketing strategies that Universities use to target potential students and their parents can provide valuable insights for startup marketers to consider. 
• Marketers widely use AI tools for brainstorming and content creation but having an AI policy in place is essential to ensure ethical use of the technology. 
• Content marketers often face challenges in creating the right content for their audiences, differentiating this content, and accessing subject matter experts (SMEs) for contribution.
• As our preferences change and evolve, popular content formats and distribution channels shift to keep up with the trends. 
• Having a structured content production process, editorial calendar, and internal activation are essential for scaling and repurposing content. 
• Investing a significant portion of the marketing budget in content marketing is crucial for driving business results.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:

Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.

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LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Content Marketing Institute- B2B Content Marketing Benchmarks, Budgets, and Trends: Outlook for 2024

Content Marketing Strategy by Robert Rose 

This Old Marketing podcast

Firebrand Labs Report: How to Use ChatGPT for SEO Keyword Research

Firebrand’s AI Policy 

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Traditionally, out-of-home advertising has been limited to brand awareness rather than direct response campaigns as it has been difficult to measure. Advancements in technology have created the opportunity for more specific and scientific measurement approaches. Ty Tinker, Head of Analytics at AdQiuck joins us to break down how we can use new technology for more targeted and flexible OOH advertising campaigns. This week, episode 31 of the FiredUp! podcast is about measuring OOH advertising!

Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.

In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Ty Tinker shares how advancements in technology have changed the approach to measuring out-of-home advertising efforts and actionable steps you can take right now to establish the incrementality of your campaigns. 

Ty Tinker is the Head of Analytics at AdQuick, a platform for planning, executing, and measuring out-of-home advertising campaigns. He is an innovative, forward-thinking data scientist with 4 years of experience using quantitative and qualitative methods of measuring. 

Ty, Morgan, and Ian discuss:

• Mobile device data can be used to calculate impressions and attribution, using audience segmentation and targeting to track performance and measure success.
• Retargeting out-of-home exposed audiences can amplify the impact by reaching them through other digital channels. 
• AI and machine learning play a significant role in unlocking the correlation between out-of-home advertising and performance.
• Startups should view out-of-home advertising as an experiment, set up hypotheses, and measure the results.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

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AdQuick

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Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.

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Outlive by Peter Attia MD

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Marketing in an online world can feel challenging when trends, algorithms, and our ideal audience are changing faster than we can keep up. You may be wondering, ‘What are the best practices when it comes to email marketing, video content, and AI? How many blog posts should I be putting out a week? Should I start a podcast?’ We have the answers to all of that and more. This week, episode 30 of the FiredUp! podcast we’re answering your burning questions about content marketing!

Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.

The questions Morgan and Nicole cover are:

• What are some ways I can dip my toes into video marketing?
• How many emails should I have in an email drip campaign and what key metrics should I focus on?
• What type of content should I gate?
• What is the best way to use Chat GPT for copywriting?
• How many blog posts should we be putting out per week?
• What is interactive content and how can I get started creating some?
• Should I start a podcast?
• How can I link content like a blog post to a lead?

Have your own burning question? Email us at firedup@firebrand.marketing!

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH FIREBRAND:

Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.

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The topic of programmatic advertising is complex and with the increase in privacy regulations and removal of third-party cookies, the landscape is only becoming more challenging to navigate. Sean Crawford, Founder and CEO of Rhebus, joins us today to provide clarity on the future state of programmatic advertising and how companies are adapting to continue delivering effective paid media campaigns. This week, episode 29 of the FiredUp! podcast is about the future of programmatic advertising!

Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.

In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Sean Crawford shares how to navigate the upcoming challenges in programmatic advertising for both B2C and B2B companies and actionable steps you can take right now to leverage new tech trends and tools to stay ahead of the game. 

Sean Crawford is the founder and CEO of Rhebus, a company that provides innovative solutions for real-time bidding and programmatic advertising. In previous roles, Sean has served as the President of Bidstack Group PLC, a leading in-game advertising platform, the Chief Media Officer of RockYou, a social media gaming company that reached over 75 million users and an SVP at Adap.tv, one of the original programmatic video advertising platforms. His core competencies include strategic partnerships, business development, marketing, international expansion, and platform operations.

Sean and Morgan discuss:

• The upcoming changes in third-party cookies pose challenges but companies can still rely on their first-party data and explore alternative targeting methods.
• The future of AI and machine learning plays a crucial role in improving targeting and optimization in programmatic advertising. 
• Chatbots could become major players but raise questions about using other companies’ content without compensation. 
• Programmatic advertising will evolve to focus on understanding user interests across many different platforms.
• How Rhebus helps creators distribute content and generate revenue through platforms like Roku and Fire TV.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

CONNECT WITH SEAN CRAWFORD:

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Firebrand is a startup marketing agency. We help tech startups secure outsized marketing outcomes on their path to growth.

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Untangled by Lisa Damour

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

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It’s no surprise to PR professionals out there that starting in PR can open doors in marketing and communications across a multitude of industries. So while the path from PR professional to CMO is one that few people travel, today’s guest Ronnie Manning shares the journey that brought him into his role, highlighting the ways that a PR background plays into a CMO's success. This week, episode 28 of the FiredUp! podcast is about the path from PR pro to CMO!

Download the Multiplier Marketing Megapack today. Exclusive offer for all our listeners — get all our Startup Guides in one go! Over 50 pages of advanced tips and advice that dive deep into content marketing, search advertising, and marketing attribution.

In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, Ronnie Manning shares the skills and mindset required to succeed in a CMO role and actionable steps you can take right now to leverage your experiences as you transition into new roles. 

Ronnie Manning is the CMO at Yubico, a company that offers the gold standard for phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA). Before this role, Ronnie started as a PR professional, opening an agency of his own. He has 20 years of both Agency and Corporate Public Relations experience focused on media and analyst relations, social media strategy, technical writing and editing, product reviews, and strategic communications planning. 

Ronnie, Morgan, and Ian discuss:

• Transitioning from agency to in-house allows for a deeper understanding of a single company and product. 
• A background in PR brings strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships, which are valuable in a CMO role.
• Maintaining a consistent and honest approach to marketing can contribute to long-term success.
• Education plays a crucial role in the cybersecurity industry and marketing efforts should be focusing on that. 
• Building a strong team dynamic and fostering collaboration are essential for success in marketing and PR.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all the episodes for practical tips on crushing your startup marketing goals. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways!

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Yubico

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Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

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