

On Brand with Donny Deutsch
Donny Deutsch
Everything is a brand. In today’s world companies, public figures, countries, institutions, and movements are brands with their own unique values, marketing, and influence. Former CEO and Chairman of Deutsch Inc., innovative political analyst and veteran TV personality, Donny Deutsch, mastered the power of branding when he built the multibillion dollar ad agency. Now, in a hyper-saturated, over-marketed world, our media landscape too often presents one-dimensional figures who are globally seen, and yet not truly known. Where the notion “perception is reality” feels truer each day, join Donny as he peels back the layers of the images we see, to understand the depths of the people who are changing our world. You won’t want to miss Donny’s candid conversations with global experts and the biggest names across entertainment, business, media, politics and more to better understand the “brands” of the moment and examine where politics, current events, and pop culture converge.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 2, 2025 • 51min
On Brand Re-Brand: Joe Namath: Embodying Individuality & Team Spirit
Today, we go back to September 16th, 2021 as Donny sat down with legendary football icon, "Broadway Joe" Joe Namath. Together they discussed how Joe came to be the template for athletes as brands, and Joe opens up with stories from his football days, his influences, and sobriety. Joe shares how he's always wanted to live a full life beyond his football career, and reminds us that we can stand out as individuals as well as be great team players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 26, 2025 • 37min
On Brand Re-Brand: Denis Leary
We go back to May 27th of 2021. Donny sits down with legendary actor, comedian, writer, producer, and longtime friend, Denis Leary. The two dive right into defining Denis' edgy brand, how a strong concept outlives fame, and what he's learned from acting greats like DeNiro and Hoffman. They also discuss Denis' passion for firefighters, why America needs a female President, and how you're nobody unless your mom thinks you're somebody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2025 • 23min
Eric Adams: A Vision for New York's Future
In this conversation, New York Mayor Eric Adams discusses his reelection campaign, highlighting his achievements in public safety, housing, and economic growth. He addresses the challenges of drug abuse and homelessness, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the political landscape, including concerns about his opponents. Adams emphasizes the importance of community relations and the need for continued efforts to combat crime and support vulnerable populations. He also reflects on his social media strategy and resilience in the face of challenges.
Takeaways:
Eric Adams is running for reelection as an independent.
He emphasizes the importance of public safety and housing reform.
Adams has removed 23,000 illegal guns from the streets.
He aims to address drug abuse and homelessness aggressively.
The rise of anti-Semitism is a significant concern for Adams.
He highlights the historical partnership between African-Americans and Jews.
Adams criticizes his opponent's stance on crime and public safety.
He believes in the importance of billionaires for the city's economy.
Adams asserts that New York is the safest big city in America.
He reflects on his resilience and the challenges faced during his tenure.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 14, 2025 • 17min
Brands of the Week: Car Insurance Premiums, Caviar Chicken Nuggets, Skipping Leg Day, Kiwi Eating, Worst Traffic Cities and Alcohol Consumption
Summary
In this episode, Donny discusses various brands shaping the current zeitgeist, including political branding, cultural events, and social issues.
The conversation highlights the impact of crime on political narratives, the influence of celebrities on culture, and trends in alcohol consumption. Additionally, the episode addresses significant social issues such as vaccination rates and the success of anti-poaching efforts led by women in Africa. The episode concludes with a discussion on urban challenges, particularly traffic in major cities.
Takeaways
Democrats need to address crime effectively to avoid pitfalls.
The Toronto Film Festival's decision reflects complex rights issues.
Alcohol consumption is at a 90-year low, indicating a cultural shift.
Vaccination rates for kindergartners are alarmingly low.
Women-led anti-poaching efforts have significantly reduced elephant poaching.
Kindness is valued more than looks by a majority of women.
Traffic congestion in Washington DC is the worst in the US.
Caviar chicken nuggets are a viral sensation returning to the US Open.
The Golden Globes are adapting to recognize the podcasting boom.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 12, 2025 • 46min
On Brand Re-Brand: Malcolm Gladwell: Zeitgeist Surfer
This week on “On Brand”, we go back to August 11th, 2022. Donny sits down with author, podcast host, and global thinker, Malcolm Gladwell. The pair start with Malcolm’s inspiration for his most successful books like Outliers, Blink, and The Tipping Point – leading to a discussion of his new book, Bomber Mafia. The duo also discuss Malcolm's thoughts on Trump, historical memory, and Malcolm’s approach to his podcast "Revisionist History." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 7, 2025 • 16min
Brands of the Week: Howard Stern, Caitlin Clark, Spinal Tap, Michael J. Fox, Oasis, and more
Today, Donny discusses various brands making headlines this week, including political figures, media personalities, and social issues. He emphasizes the importance of moderates in politics, praises Howard Stern's evolution as an interviewer, and highlights significant developments in sports and health. The conversation also touches on economic indicators, the impact of podcasting, and the changing landscape of nutrition and wellness.
Topics:
The Democrats need to focus on moderate candidates to win elections.
Howard Stern has evolved into a serious interviewer.
The first female umpire in Major League Baseball is a significant milestone.
Americans are increasingly concerned about their financial situations.
The rise in pet surrenders may indicate economic distress.
New research suggests eggs may lower cholesterol levels.
Podcasting is becoming a major part of audio consumption.
New Hampshire is rated the best state for retirement.
Alice Walton's medical school aims to prevent disease before it starts.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 5, 2025 • 44min
On Brand Re-Brand: Neil deGrasse Tyson: Feel the Universe
In this episode, from May of 2022, Donny sits down with America's most famous astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson. The two dive right into Neil's passion for the universe and his mission to help human beings experience it in all the dimensionality that it is. In this conversation Neil defines the universe, a word bigger than the universe, life on other planets and how being a kid from the Bronx helped cultivate a relationship with the night sky. Together Neil and Donny discuss the marketing of science, Neil’s brand, how Neil approaches those who don't believe in science, his thoughts on living on Mars, and how social media may still be in its infancy stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 30, 2025 • 52min
On Brand Re-Brand: Stevie Van Zandt: Embodying Rock n' Soul
We go back to September 30th of 2021. Donny sits down with the passionate, inspirational, and legendary rock icon, Stevie Van Zandt. Stevie takes us through his fascinating life, from building the E Street Band with Springsteen, to the never-ending thrill of performing on stage, and how he became an integral piece of the one-and-only “Sopranos”. Together they have a great time digging into what Stevie has soulfully built as his brand of living with purpose and not wasting any time in truly making it count.
Be sure to check out the On Brand with Donny Deutsch YouTube page.
Follow Stevie: @stevievanzandt
Follow Donny: @donnyjaydeutsch
Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 25, 2025 • 17min
Brands of the Week: Celebrity Deaths, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Chuck E. Cheese, Dating Sites, Worst Drivers in America, and more.
In this episode, Donny discusses various brands shaping the zeitgeist, including media controversies, political commentary, celebrity news, and societal trends. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by late-night television, the importance of public broadcasting, and the impact of technology on social interactions. Donny also reflects on the cultural significance of recent celebrity losses and the evolving landscape of dating and communication in the digital age.
Takeaways
Late night television is struggling financially.
Public broadcasting is essential for democracy.
Political parties need to define their values clearly.
Celebrity culture has a significant impact on society.
Chuck E. Cheese is reinventing itself for adults.
Dating apps may not be the best way to find love.
Smartphones can negatively affect young girls' mental health.
Boston has the worst driving record in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 22, 2025 • 35min
Andrew Cuomo: Lessons from a Campaign Trail
In this conversation, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo discusses his campaign for mayor of New York City, reflecting on lessons learned from his previous election loss. He addresses the dynamics of the political left and right, the challenges facing New York City, and the importance of community safety and housing policies. Cuomo also tackles the issue of anti-Semitism and the nuances of support for Israel, while emphasizing the need for a strong political strategy in the upcoming election.
Be sure to check out the On Brand with Donny Deutsch YouTube page.
Takeaways
Cuomo acknowledges his campaign shortcomings and the need for better communication with younger voters.
The under 30 demographic showed unprecedented voting intensity, impacting election outcomes.
The far left's influence in primaries poses challenges for moderate candidates in general elections.
Cuomo believes New York City can overcome its current challenges with effective governance.
He criticizes proposals like freezing rent as short-sighted and detrimental to housing availability.
Cuomo emphasizes the importance of increasing housing supply to address the city's housing crisis.
He advocates for a zero-tolerance policy against hate crimes and discrimination.
Cuomo expresses concern over rising anti-Semitism and the need for community safety measures.
He highlights the complexities of public opinion regarding Israel and Palestine among younger voters.
Cuomo stresses the importance of strategic political alliances to prevent a far-left candidate from winning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices