The Marketing Misfits

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, we sit down with Kasim Aslam—founder of Solutions 8 and one of the top minds in performance marketing—to unpack how AI is reshaping the fundamentals of growth, strategy, and creative in 2025. Kasim walks us through the biggest lies marketers still believe, how to train AI agents with the right mental models, and why the future of marketing is all about frameworks—not tactics. Whether you're running a brand, building an agency, or just trying to keep up with the pace of change, this episode will shift how you think about scale, creativity, and leverage. You’ll learn: How to train AI tools like a strategist (not just a prompt monkey) The psychology behind why bad ideas win attention Why storytelling and polarizing frameworks still beat clever tactics The real opportunity for creators and founders in a world of agentic AI Kasim’s unfiltered take on industry BS and what’s coming next This one’s for the thinkers, builders, and misfits who don’t want to follow—they want to lead. Timestamps 00:00 – How LLMs Reshape Content 04:09 – What’s the Next Big Shift? 08:24 – Always Start With Traffic12:31 – Fixing the Address Mechanic 17:18 – Wild but True Marketing Ideas 21:54 – Aligning Brand & Audience Goals 26:56 – Expanding Beyond One Channel 31:06 – Fox vs. CNN: Feed Breakdown 35:35 – Gemini vs. ChatGPT Overlap 44:40 – AI SEO and Naming Things 49:44 – Using LLMs for YouTube Growth 54:04 – Prompting ChatGPT Effectively 58:25 – What Selling Dog Toys Taught Me 01:02:24 – 3D Thinking for Marketers 01:06:48 – Too Aggressive or Just Honest? 01:11:08 – AEO Community Explained 01:15:15 – Why Marketing Is Still Exciting This episode is brought to you by: - Sellerboard: https://sellerboard.com/misfits - House of AMZ: Elevate your brand today at https://www.amazonseo.com/ - 8fig: Get 25% off 8fig off at https://8fig.co - Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ - Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Nate Kennedy, an email marketing expert, shares his insights on harnessing the forgotten power of newsletters. He explains how to monetize email lists effectively and build hyper-engaged communities. The conversation covers the difference between audience and community, crafting irresistible content, and the transformative role of AI in marketing. Kennedy also discusses strategies for subscriber growth, the merits of micro-newsletters, and innovative methods for increasing engagement while maintaining a healthy list.

John Moran, a Google Ads expert with a stellar track record of managing over 440 accounts and overseeing $190 million in annual ad spend, shares invaluable insights. He discusses the pitfalls of vanity metrics and advocates for focusing on meaningful growth measurements. John emphasizes innovative customer acquisition strategies and the importance of understanding the customer journey. He also touches on balancing data analysis with creativity, highlighting the transformative role of AI in advertising and the need for emotional engagement in marketing.

In this engaging discussion, marketing expert Jordan Hall delves into how AI is revolutionizing digital marketing. He shares insights into the shrinking gap between idea and execution and the evolving significance of expertise in content creation. Hall emphasizes the importance of human connection and collaboration amidst technological advancements. The conversation also highlights strategies for high-ticket sales and seizing new business opportunities as the landscape shifts. Plus, a sneak peek into networking events adds an exciting touch!

Ever wondered how to take your successful Amazon brand from the digital shelf to the physical aisle? Discover powerful strategies, expert tips, and breakthrough tools to grow your brand and skyrocket your sales here: ➡️ https://marketingmisfits.co/ In this episode of Marketing Misfits, join Norm and Kevin as they sit down with retail expert Mike Esposito of Crossover Strategies. Mike, who helped scale brands like Love Pop and Thrazio into massive retail success, pulls back the curtain on the complex world of brick-and-mortar. Discover how to assess if your brand is retail-ready, the critical differences in packaging and compliance, navigating financing for large purchase orders, and the surprising benefits of starting with smaller, independent retailers before hitting the big box stores. Learn how to build crucial buyer relationships, avoid common pitfalls, and manage your expectations for long-term, sustainable growth in retail. If you're an e-commerce seller looking to diversify, increase enterprise value, and reach new customers, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can't afford to miss! ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - The Unexpected Detour 00:38 - Misfit Banter & Corrupting Influences 02:34 - The E-commerce & Retail Marriage 04:31 - Welcoming the Retail Navigator 09:40 - What Makes a Retail Brand ‘Retail Ready’? 13:14 - Outshining the Competition, On-Shelf and Online 16:18 - Retailer Roulette: Don’t Let One Buyer Make or Break You 21:24 - Packaging That Pops (Even At a ‘Brisk’ Pace) 28:11 - The Secrets of Price Points, Bundling & Shelf Survival 33:01 - How To Nail Your First Retail Catalog & Pitch 34:50 - The Hidden Costs of Doing Business in Brick & Mortar 38:31 - Show Me the Money: Financing Your First Big Retail Order 44:52 - Trade Shows & The Power of Going Local 53:47 - The Great Distributor Debate: When & Why 56:33 - Common Mistakes Brand Owners Make in Retail 1:00:13 - The Long Game: Managing Expectations for Retail Success 1:03:28 - Real Connections, Real Growth: Omnichannel & Beyond 1:06:48 - Unlikely Dreams & Why Retail Never Dies This episode is brought to you by: - House of AMZ: Elevate your brand today at https://www.amazonseo.com/ - 8fig: Get 25% off 8fig off at https://8fig.co - Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ - Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits Don’t miss out on the insights that could transform your business! Hit that Subscribe button 🔔 and join the Marketing Misfits crew for weekly insights into the tools, strategies, and stories you need to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of marketing.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join branding guru Kitty Lai, known for her work with global icons, as she reveals the secrets behind unforgettable branding. Discover the psychology of purchasing, the emotional power of packaging, and the pitfalls of rebranding through captivating stories and expert strategies. She shares insights on how exceptional packaging sparks word of mouth and builds brand loyalty, while also exploring the balance between creative design and environmental consciousness. Get ready for a treasure trove of tips for anyone looking to elevate their brand!

Join Ben Weiss, an innovator behind an AI-driven footwear company, who’s teaming up with Reebok's founder, Joe Foster, to change the sneaker game. They dive into how AI and 3D printing are revolutionizing shoe design, making it possible to produce custom-built footwear that fits perfectly and is sustainable. Discover the potential for creators to design their own shoes, the balance between innovation and waste reduction, and how this tech is reshaping the future of fashion and consumer experience.

Adam Gilad, an Emmy-nominated TV producer and consultant, dives into how AI is reshaping our marketing and personal connections. He discusses the need for authentic engagement in a tech-driven landscape and how creativity plays a crucial role in relationship dynamics. The conversation touches on the evolution of connections from transactional to emotional, emphasizing the importance of genuine communication in both dating and business. Adam also shares insights on navigating crises and adapting marketing strategies to maintain human interaction in an AI-focused world.

Join Josh Hadley, an e-commerce entrepreneur and host of the Ecom Breakthrough Podcast, as he shares insights from his journey with Hadley Designs, an eight-figure stationary business. He dives into the ICE method for evaluating growth opportunities and addresses the myths surrounding overnight success. Discover innovative hiring practices that emphasize candidate motivation and learn how to maintain focus amidst distractions. With a blend of personal stories and powerful strategies, Josh inspires entrepreneurs to balance ambition with family life while scaling their brands.

Discover how newsletters can become your secret weapon for business growth. Learn why controlling your list is more valuable than relying on social media. Explore powerful strategies to boost open rates and audience engagement. Dive into AI's role in modern newsletters and the importance of quality over quantity. Uncover effective referral tactics to expand your subscriber base, and hear personal stories that prove newsletters can drive substantial revenue. This insightful discussion reveals the enduring power of email communication.