We put our noggins to work this week, rebranding the most North Pole-arizing beverage of the holiday season, eggnog. And we did it live in just 20 minutes, proving that it truly is a miraculous time of year.

From a Nogclub with bottle service (full of eggnog), to an influencer-led Nog Vlog initiative, to a winter ice cream truck that serves only eggnog (complete with a special eggnog anthem), we brainstormed all of the ways to give consumers a reason (for the season) to incorporate this often-overlooked drink into their family traditions. We went nog wild on new folklore as well as mascot ideas; all with the help of live YouTube comments from viewers (our workshop elves). As a holiday bonus akin to Jelly of the Month Club, we stuck around for a few Q&As and got into how we met, how we started Semiserious, and trends we've spotted in the biz. Watch the full, brainstorm + Q&A here: https://www.youtube.com/live/SREk9I3-8QQ

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

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Timestamp

00:00 Introduction to the Show

05:53 The Concept of Pizza Pie

11:29 Improvised Branding and Show Ethos

14:36 Let the Brainstorm Begin!

44:41 Mascot O'Clock

46:28 Brand Collaborations & Spokespeople

49:36 Hired or Fired: Eggnog Marketing Strategies

52:28 Q&A: Building a Business Partnership

58:16 Trends in Branding: Offline Experiences

Wisdom for the Road

• Every toddler has an unhinged step in their bedtime routine.

• The importance of humor in branding and marketing.

• Eggnog is a polarizing holiday staple.

• Creating new traditions can enhance holiday experiences.

• Improvised branding can lead to creative breakthroughs.

• The power of creativity in a world dominated by AI.

• Holiday drinks can be marketed as part of family traditions.

• The tradition of drinking eggnog can be creatively expanded.

• Innovative campaigns can make eggnog more appealing to younger generations.

• The history of eggnog reveals its roots in wealth and accessibility.

• Mascots can play a significant role in branding eggnog.

• Building rituals around eggnog can create lasting traditions.

• The importance of offline experiences in today's digital world.

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

The cat did not get our tongues on this very special episode of "Can They Brand That?," where we live-streamed our improvised brainstorm for Fancy Feast. With 20 minutes on the clock, we let all of our ideas out of the bag in real time, with the help of viewer comments and add-ons. From a Downton Tabby butler serving Fancy Feast in crystal goblets (in collaboration with Waterford, of course) to a stretch limo 'feast truck' to a flight of fancy tasting menu and cocktail pairing (Giblet Gimlet or Whiskers Neat, anyone?), we had the time of our 9 lives and can't wait to do it all again next week.

Bonus, we stuck around for a Q&A and got to gab about the most common mistake we see brands making, the AI slopification of creativity, and our take on whether or not every brand should be funny.

Feast your eyes on the full episode here! https://youtube.com/live/Cg0XLBrpGG0

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Live Show
14:33 Brand Spotlight: Fancy Feast
21:24 Brainstorming Ideas for Fancy Feast
22:25 Creative Cat Activations
25:38 Meow-Year's Eve: A Cat Celebration
27:43 Catcation: Retreats for Cat Lovers
29:41 Fancy Feast: Elevating Cat Cuisine
32:33 The Westminster Cat Show: A Satirical Take
36:09 Holiday Campaign Ideas for Cats
40:57 Witty Cat Commercial Concepts
44:41 Creative Campaign Ideas for Fancy Feast
46:46 Faux Luxury Collaborations
47:53 Mascot Concepts and Branding
53:35 Hired or Fired
57:20 Q&A

Wisdom for the Road:

• The importance of improvisation in branding and marketing.
• Engaging the audience through humor and creativity.
• The concept of 'improvised branding' allows for spontaneous ideas.
• Fancy Feast serves as a nostalgic brand ripe for innovation.
• Creative brainstorming can lead to unexpected and fun ideas.
• Activations and IRL events can enhance brand engagement and customer loyalty.
• Humor is a powerful tool in marketing strategies.
• Audience participation can enrich the live experience.
• The significance of brand loyalty in marketing.
• Exploring new avenues for brand activation and engagement. Nostalgia can be a powerful marketing tool.
• Creative holiday campaigns can resonate with audiences.
• Anthropomorphizing animals can enhance brand storytelling.
• Humor is an effective way to engage consumers.
• Naming is crucial for brand identity and perception.
• Dream clients often allow for creative freedom.
• Mascots can add personality to a brand.
• Brands should strive to be entertaining and relatable.
• Engaging with audiences through humor can build loyalty.
• The preferred food in every life can be a fun campaign theme.

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description. Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

What's bold, tart, and criminally underappreciated? This show, for one. But also cranberries! So, just in time for Thanksgiving, we're bringing the two together. That's right, this week on Can They Brand That? (or should we say Cran They Brand That? heheh), we set our brains on Ocean Spray, the queen of cranberries, the craisin trademark owners, and the underdog (or should we say underbog?) of the fruit world. From tart-tan merch and office fruit jargon, all the way to a UTI charity event and a jellied cranberry sauce log balloon floating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, we put on our cranberry-colored goggles to give this brand the punch-up it deserves.

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to bring some much-needed levity into the world where we can.

Watch us say it, not (ocean) spray it on the full episode below! https://youtu.be/G1f5bOyKHxM

Timestamps

00:00 Intro, Rules of the Show, and Featured Brand

05:20 Let the Brainstorm Begin!

31:22 Mascot O' Clock

36:14 Hired or Fired

Wisdom for the Road

• The podcast opens with playful banter about cranberries.

• Ocean Spray is humorously referred to as the 'Queen of Cranberries'.

• The hosts brainstorm unique marketing ideas for Ocean Spray.

• They discuss the urinary health benefits of cranberry juice and how to turn a brand benefit into an activation idea.

• A collaboration idea for a 'Bog Scouts' cookie is proposed.

• Seasonal marketing ideas include a spring break theme for cranberries.

• The hosts explore fruit idioms and how to incorporate cranberries into them.

• The conversation emphasizes the importance of humor in branding.

• The hosts encourage audience engagement through likes and subscriptions.

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

The only head scratcher on this week's new episode of Can They Brand That? is how we possibly come up with this many clever ideas on the spot in just 30 minutes. That's right, 2-in-1 shampoo stans, we're putting our heads (and shoulders) together for America's #1 dandruff shampoo: Head & Shoulders. From a cinematic masterpiece about parmesan and Rube Goldberg Machines all the way to The Jetsons and gothic teens protesting dandruff, our ideas were so fun you'll be shocked they came right off the tops of our heads.

Don't be a flake, watch the whole episode here! https://youtu.be/h-uiWUeJeeA

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and What This Show is All About
• 05:20 Brainstorming Begins
• 31:22 Mascot O'Clock (Funny Mascot Concepts)
• 36:14 Hired or Fired

Wisdom for the Road:

• The importance of humor in branding.
• Creative brainstorming can lead to unexpected ideas.
• Head & Shoulders as a brand, offers unique, hilarious marketing opportunities.
• Using absurdity can enhance marketing campaigns.
• The significance of character development in branding.
• Engaging with the audience through relatable content.
• Exploring different angles for product promotion.
• The value of collaboration in creative processes.
• Understanding the target audience is crucial for branding.
• Innovative ideas can stem from playful discussions.
  

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

If there's one thing we know, it's running….our mouths. So this week's episode of Can They Brand That? featuring Vibram (the five-finger shoes you've definitely seen out and about) was just our speed. We dove in feet first and discussed everything from Baja Men letting your barking dogs out to Prince Eric's perfect feet to a Vibram award shoe called the Toe-nys.

Backstory in case you missed it: these time-pressured, improvised brainstorms have long been our favorite creative exercises, and so we turned them into a show! For you! And as a way to champion creativity and originality in industry on the brink of being beige-ified by AI! (Okay, and also to get the attention of startup CPG brands looking for an actually-creative team to help them launch.) We dropkick new episodes every week, so stick around and thanks for being here!

Watch the film that Siskel and Ebert gave ten toes up: https://youtu.be/LbZPzhshph8

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:29 Rebranding Journey: From Obedient to Semiserious

05:07 The Role of Humor in Branding

07:59 Improvised Branding: The Concept Explained

09:55 Exploring Vibram: The Five-Finger Shoe

11:34 Creative Campaign Ideas for Vibram

13:09 Utilizing Customer Reviews for Branding

14:54 Pop Culture References and Branding Ideas

16:22 World Record Ideas and Fun Campaigns

17:52 Exploring the Origins of Vibram Shoes

22:47 Creative Concepts and Branding Ideas

23:41 Celebrity Influence and Pop Culture References

24:46 Innovative Marketing Strategies

25:26 Product Experience and Customer Engagement

26:25 Naming and Branding Challenges

27:51 Humor and Lightheartedness in Advertising

28:45 Campaign Activation Ideas

39:52 Mascot O'Clock

44:36 Hired or Fired

Wisdom for the Road:

• The transition from Obedient to Semiserious reflects a shift in branding philosophy.
• Humor plays a crucial role in effective branding strategies.
• Improvised branding allows for spontaneous creativity and innovation.
• Vibram's unique product offers a fun challenge for branding campaigns.
• Customer reviews can be a goldmine for creative marketing ideas.
• Pop culture references can enhance brand relatability and engagement.
• World record attempts can create buzz and draw attention to a brand.
• The importance of staying true to the brand's core values while evolving.
• Creative brainstorming can lead to unexpected and entertaining ideas.
• Branding should be fun and engaging, not overly serious.
• Creative branding can involve humor and pop culture references.
• Celebrity influence plays a significant role in marketing strategies.
• Engaging customers through unique experiences is crucial.
• Naming products effectively is a challenge that requires careful thought.
• Innovative marketing strategies can include fun and memorable campaigns.
• The importance of a lighthearted approach in advertising cannot be underestimated.
• Exploring customer engagement through experiential marketing is valuable.
• Campaign activation ideas can enhance brand visibility and connection.
• Understanding the target audience is key to successful branding.
• Collaboration and brainstorming can lead to unexpected and exciting ideas.

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

FYI: This episode was recorded before we rebranded from Obedient to Semiserious.
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The wheels have certainly fallen off on this week's new episode of Can They Brand That?—and as always, that's a good thing. This week, we featured Slate: a new brand that makes fully-customizable, electric pickup trucks. Hop in the passenger seat with us as we speed-improvise our way through entertaining ideas that would help Slate pickup new consumers. From a build-a-bro expo, to a Pimp My Ride nostalgia campaign, to, for some reason, a mime mascot…we put our brain pedals to the medal and ran every red light. Backstory in case you missed it: these time-pressured, improvised brainstorms have long been our favorite creative exercises, and so we turned them into a show! For you! …And also startup CPG brands looking for an actually-creative team to help them launch with a bang instead of the sad, beige thud of blanding agencies (ooh, burn!) and AI-slop.

Anyway! It's a fun watch, especially if you like cars (or Mario Lopez, as it turns out.) https://youtu.be/1jaC9YzBlWE

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Semiserious and Improvised Branding

01:45 Customizing Slate Auto: Build-A-Bear Concept

04:33 Innovative Marketing Ideas for Slate Auto

10:31 Creative Campaigns and Taglines

17:30 Hired or Fired: Evaluating Ideas

Wisdom for the Road:

• Improvised branding can lead to unique and engaging ideas.
• The concept of customization can be likened to Build-A-Bear workshops.
• Celebrity endorsements can add humor and relatability to branding campaigns.
• Using humor in marketing, such as pickup lines, can create memorable connections.
• Sustainability is an important aspect of modern branding, especially for electric vehicles.
• Interactive pop-up events can enhance customer engagement and brand experience.
• Creative campaigns can play on cultural references and nostalgia.
• Evaluating ideas through a 'hired or fired' lens can help refine branding strategies.
• Collaboration with other brands, like Lego, can expand marketing reach.
• A strong call to action is essential for effective branding.

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

*Cough, cough* may we have your attention please; we have a new episode of Can They Brand That! This week, we featured the GOAT of cough drops (that's a Switzerland joke), Ricola. With the energy of an Alp horn, we got to 'storming about everything from slasher film pop-ups to the Bachelor to a yodeling boy band and a dozen silly ideas in between. Backstory in case you missed it: these time-pressured, improvised brainstorms have long been our favorite creative exercises, and so we turned them into a show! For you! You're welcome!

So grab your lederhosen, pop a drop, and watch the whole thing. https://youtu.be/Opq4rBUPE3E

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

FYI: This episode was recorded before we rebranded from Obedient to Semiserious.
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If you love mess, you're gonna love this week's new episode of "Can They Brand That?" where the strongest paper towel brand meets the strongest 20-minute improvised brainstorm. That's right, Brawny stans, Semiserious founders Allie and Lyndsay spilled their brains—and Brawny man fantasies—all over the place just for you (and also because they knew there was a 3-ply on standby). From pickup lines to Mr. Clean folklore to Queer Eye for the Brawny Guy, this episode never throws in the towel on trying to infuse some modern humor and life into the legacy brand.

Watch us make like a paper towel and be on a roll (wow hilarious): https://youtu.be/MM8qQs9ZmZA

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.