Two months ago, Duolingo was at the top of its game. An untouchable marketing team with their beloved, chaotic owl mascot. But at the end of May, they announced they would be taking an “AI first approach.” The approach seemed innovative, but they also mentioned that they were replacing contractors with AI. Suddenly, everyone remembered that Duolingo is more than memes and languages - it’s also a tech company. And their younger audience who is already afraid of being replaced by AI turned on the owl, raising a lot of questions not only about the brand but about the future of work in general - all with Duo at the center.

So what happens when your marketing, your CEO, and your values don’t align?

And is marketing powerful enough to move past this kind of controversy?

Shelby and Matt explore the evolving landscape of content marketing, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and audience connection. They discuss various examples of brands like L'Oreal, Shopify, Pepsi, and H&R Block that have successfully integrated show business into their marketing strategies. The conversation highlights the shift towards long-form content, the significance of authenticity, and the future of brand storytelling in a rapidly changing digital environment.

In this conversation, Shelby and Matt are joined by Heidi Howes and Lisa Woodward to discuss marketing towards mothers. They also discuss the mission of Motherful, an organization supporting single mothers led by Heidi and Lisa. They explore the representation of mothers in marketing, the importance of ethical storytelling, and the challenges faced by single mothers. The discussion emphasizes the need for community support, understanding the diverse experiences of motherhood, and the power of words in shaping narratives.

Shelby Hagerdon and Matt Vojacek welcome Jill Hufford, a marketing strategist at Spark Business Works. They discuss Jill's extensive experience in B2B marketing, the importance of branding and messaging, and the collaboration between sales and marketing teams. Jill shares insights on the challenges of B2B marketing, the differences between B2B and B2C strategies, and her predictions for the future of marketing, emphasizing the need to return to fundamental marketing principles amidst rapid changes in the industry.

In this conversation, Shelby and Matt are joined by Madison Massey (Director of Marketing & Development) to discuss the challenges faced by nonprofits, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Madison shares her journey in the nonprofit sector, detailing her role at St. Stephen's Community House and the impact of funding cuts on their operations. The discussion highlights the importance of problem-solving, community support, and the need for effective marketing strategies to navigate these challenges. They also touch on the complexities of capital campaigns and prioritizing needs within the organization.

In this episode of Content Alchemy, Shelby Hagerdon and Matt Vojacek delve into the intricacies of thought leadership, focusing on the importance of honesty, transparency, and relationship building in content creation. They discuss Matt's 10-week series documenting the growth of Made By Things, exploring the challenges and insights gained from sharing personal stories and experiences. The conversation emphasizes the significance of storytelling in business and how it can foster deeper connections with audiences.

In this episode, Matt is joined by Jess Fogal from Provide at Content Adventure in Columbus, OH. They discuss the evolution of Provide, a fintech company, and its marketing strategies, particularly focusing on the challenges of targeting diverse audiences. They highlight the importance of emotional storytelling and the effectiveness of podcasting as a content marketing tool. Jess shares insights on measuring ROI and the complexities of attribution in marketing, emphasizing the need for a human connection in content creation. They also discuss common mistakes made by marketing teams, the necessity of establishing a strong foundation before pursuing sales enablement, and the critical role of touchpoints in building customer relationships. The conversation also touches on the future of marketing, emphasizing the need for authenticity and the human touch in content creation amidst the rise of AI.

Shelby and Matt discuss the importance of community engagement in content creation, the challenges of data collection, and the dynamics of sales funnels in marketing by exploring data they've collected through their in-person events, Content Adventures.