In this episode of the Meme Team Podcast, hosts Sonia Baschez and Amanda engage with guest Vincenzo Landino to explore the intersection of marketing, culture, and technology. They discuss a controversial casting call for gentrifiers, YouTube's new monetization policies targeting AI-generated content, and the rise of AI influencers. The conversation shifts to privacy concerns in social media and the evolving landscape of Formula 1, particularly Apple's interest in acquiring broadcasting rights. The episode concludes with insights on the future of live sports streaming and the role of AI in marketing. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of sports consumption, particularly how technology and social media have changed the way fans engage with sports. They explore Apple's strategic moves in sports broadcasting, including their investments in MLS and F1, and how these decisions reflect broader marketing strategies. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of celebrity promotion and the importance of authenticity in media. Ultimately, they highlight the distinction between attention and influence in modern media, emphasizing the need for brands to navigate this complex landscape effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Meme Team Podcast

01:02 Banter of the Week: Andrew Cuomo's Casting Call

05:24 AI Slop: YouTube's New Monetization Policies

11:23 The Rise of AI Influencers

18:47 The Future of Digital Identity and AI in Marketing

20:36 AI as a Tool for Marketers

23:41 The Evolution of Formula 1

35:41 Apple's Strategic Moves in Sports Broadcasting

43:53 Building for Culture Over Numbers

45:59 Apple's Strategic Growth in Sports Media

47:35 Liberty Media's Marketing Success

48:34 The Evolution of Movie Promotional Content

54:06 The Role of Influencers in Modern Media

01:00:57 Attention vs. Influence in Marketing

01:06:27 Authenticity in Celebrity Marketing

01:12:22 New Chapter

Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:

Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschez

Amanda Natividad - @amandanat

More about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.co

More about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.com

More about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com

Vincenzo Landino - @vincenzolandino⁩

More about Vincenzo and his newsletter: bizofspeed.com

From political campaigns to fast food fashion, we're breaking down the most interesting marketing moves of 2025. Watch as we analyze how brands are winning (and failing) at authentic engagement, including:

• How a politician's candid street interactions beat staged PR • Why Oasis turned Manchester's trams into viral marketing gold • McDonald's clever fusion of western wear and fast food • Nike's surprising move to Substack • How Penguin Books' tweet hit 1B views • The Buffalo Wild Wings vs. Gmail showdown

Plus: real talk about why manufactured authenticity is dead, why meeting your audience where they are matters more than ever, and how brands are finding success by taking creative risks in 2025.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Meme Team Podcast

01:11 Exploring Viral Marketing Stories

02:32 Authenticity in Political Campaigns

06:54 Engaging Younger Audiences with Content

09:28 Oasis Tour and Hometown Marketing

13:32 McDonald's Creative Campaigns

20:05 Nike's Move to Substack

20:12 Nike's New Publication on Substack

25:46 The Power of Viral Marketing and Memes

31:41 Engaging with Humor: The Buffalo Wild Wings Example

38:04 New Chapter

Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.com

From F1's innovative approach to female fans to Superman's viral marketing success, we're breaking down how major brands are actually listening to their audiences in 2025. Join Sonia Baschez and guest Christina Garnett as they analyze the wins (and fails) in fan engagement across sports and entertainment.Key topics:• How F1 is revolutionizing female fan engagement• Superman's masterclass in social media marketing• Star Wars: when fan service goes right (and wrong)• The power of authentic fan collaborationChapters00:00 Introduction to Virality and Brand Partnerships01:40 Expanding to New Audiences in F113:31 Superman Marketing Strategies and Fan Engagement18:44 Meme Culture in Movie Marketing21:48 Dystopian Reflections and Cultural Relevance23:20 The Impact of Internet Culture on Film Marketing25:53 Innovative Strategies in Movie Promotion27:55 Fan Culture and Casting Decisions31:19 Navigating Fan Expectations and Criticism in Star Wars37:57 The Importance of Storytelling in Media43:36 Direct-to-Fan Culture and Brand Engagement56:17 Christina's New BookFollow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram:Sonia Baschez - @soniabaschezAmanda Natividad - @amandanatMore about Sonia's consulting firm: bendgrowth.coMore about Amanda and her newsletter: amandanat.comMore about Meme Team: memeteampodcast.comChristina Garnett - @thatchristinagPre-order Christina's book: amazon.com/dp/1398621323