Informed Attraction 19. Brand Mascots I - DILFs: Charmin, Brawny, and Mr. Clean
Aug 24, 2025
Join a humorous exploration of brand mascots like Mr. Clean and the Brawny Man. The hosts dissect the allure of these iconic figures and their impact on consumer culture. Dive into the paradox of Mr. Whipple's Charmin ads and laugh along with anecdotes about trendy toys like Squishmallows. Unpack the evolution of masculinity in marketing and the charming yet contentious legacy of Charmin's bear. Finally, ponder environmental concerns linked to toilet paper production and the cultural significance of these mascots in a playful yet thought-provoking discussion.
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Episode notes
Mascots Chosen From Listener Reactions
- Aubrey and Mackenna framed the series as exploring why brand mascots can be attractive and nostalgic.
- They asked listeners which mascots they found attractive and used responses to choose episode characters.
Mascots As Nostalgia-Based Brand Defense
- Mascots humanize brands to build relationships and cash in on nostalgia, especially during economic downturns.
- Companies lean on familiar characters to retain consumers when profits get squeezed.
Mr. Whipple's Long-Running Campaign
- Charmin launched in 1928 and used evolving mascots: a female silhouette, then a baby, then Mr. Whipple commercials urging shoppers not to squeeze in-store.
- Actor Dick Wilson played Mr. George Whipple in over 500 ads and became an iconic ad figure.
