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Is traditional advertising on its last gasp—or are brands just missing the mark? In this episode, Trevor Crump and Mark Goldhart sit down with Blake Brown (Kuru Footwear, True Classic Tees, Kizik) to unpack what it really takes to build a brand that stands out today. They dive into the state of Super Bowl ads, AI’s bid for mainstream acceptance, and why mass-market appeal is dead. Discover why being different (not just good) is the only way to cut through the noise, how personalization beats broad appeal, and what makes customers become true fans.

If you want actionable insights on storytelling, risk-taking, and future-proofing your brand, this conversation is a must-listen.

Connect with The Unstoppable Marketer® on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube @unstoppablemarketerpodcast, and let us know how you’re telling your brand story this year!

00:00 – Nobody Knows Your Brand Yet
03:33 – Blake Brown's Creative Career Journey
05:05 – Creating New Footwear Categories
09:27 – Customer Perspective in Brand Marketing
17:11 – Ugly Ads Often Perform Best
21:16 – Internal Alignment and Customer Focus
24:13 – Super Bowl Ad Reactions
49:57 – Rise of Smaller, Targeted Brands

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Why are once-booming D2C brands like The Honest Company and Traeger pulling out of direct-to-consumer—and what does it mean for your business? In this episode, Mark Goldhart and Trevor Crump break down real-time e-commerce challenges, from Meta ad bugs to the shifting economics of retail vs. online sales. They discuss how consumer behavior and marketing efficiency are evolving, and why clinging to old tactics could stall your growth. Plus, they share insights on authentic user-generated content, the rise of live selling, and what every brand needs to know to stay profitable in today’s changing landscape.

Connect with The Unstoppable Marketer® on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube @unstoppablemarketerpodcast, and let us know how you’re telling your brand story this year!

00:13 – Online advertising has been harder since 2012
01:55 – Meta bugs impacting performance
02:54 – Waiting before making ad changes
06:42 – UGC and AI ad trends
08:23 – FTC risks with AI testimonials
12:17 – Honest Company shuts D2C
16:31– Honest Company’s billion-dollar valuation
35:16 – Adjust strategy for new growth

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What if ads aren’t the answer to brand growth? In this episode, Jake Carls, co-founder of Midday Squares, shares how authentic storytelling and behind-the-scenes content turn customers into fans. Discover how documenting your journey, building community, and staying human in the age of AI can fuel organic growth.

Connect with The Unstoppable Marketer® on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube @unstoppablemarketerpodcast, and let us know how you’re telling your brand story this year!

00:00 – Introducing Hosts & Guest
00:49 – Midday Squares Mission Overview
01:28 – Brand Inspiration & Aspirations
03:29 – What “Leaning in” Means
11:59 – Why Storytelling Was Prioritized
18:00 – Storytelling Framework & Evolution
24:46 – Authenticity’s Role in Storytelling
41:14 – Thoughts on AI-Generated Content