
Marketing Against The Grain
Kipp Bodnar (HubSpot’s CMO) and Kieran Flanagan (Hubspot's SVP of Marketing), lead you down the rabbit hole of marketing trends, growth tactics and innovation. On the way you’ll pick up undiscovered strategies to give you that slight edge for success. These are not your typical twitter thread regurgitated marketing tactics that everyone is doing. These are new methods, with unfiltered examination of successful fresh ideas.
Latest episodes

16 snips
Aug 8, 2023 • 38min
These 9 A.I. Tools Are Better Than ChatGPT… (#145)
Matt Wolfe, an entrepreneur and YouTuber with a passion for AI, joins to explore groundbreaking AI tools that could outshine ChatGPT. They discuss the burgeoning opportunity for small businesses in the AI landscape and how the competition is shaping a race to the bottom among providers. Wolfe shares insights on innovative tools like Jasper, Stableboost, and more, revolutionizing everything from marketing to creative expression. The conversation highlights the societal implications of AI's influence on our interactions and how it can redefine entrepreneurship.

Aug 3, 2023 • 25min
Elon Musk Rebranding Twitter To X: Genius Or Ridiculous? (#144)
The hosts dive deep into the chaos of rebranding, particularly focusing on Twitter's transformation into X. They debate the merits and pitfalls of rebranding strategies, sharing examples of both successes and failures. A fun comparison is made between the resilience of poker players and Musk's chaotic approach. The conversation highlights the importance of clear branding and the complications that can arise from a lack of coherence. Ultimately, they advocate for strategic considerations over impulsive name changes.

4 snips
Aug 1, 2023 • 23min
Breaking Down Barbie’s 18-Month Marketing Strategy in 23 Minutes (#143)
Dive into the fascinating marketing strategies behind Barbie's blockbuster success! Discover how creativity and planning transformed a modest budget into an unforgettable campaign. Learn the secrets of effective brand messaging and its power to evoke nostalgia in adult audiences. Explore the blend of brand impact and direct response advertising in a world of data privacy challenges. Uncover the emotional connections forged through innovative strategies that propelled Barbie merchandise sales to new heights.

Jul 29, 2023 • 10min
Do Sonic logos actually work?
Dive into the fascinating world of sonic branding and discover how recognizable audio cues, like Netflix's iconic sound, can enhance brand identity. Learn about the dual challenge and power of sonic logos in marketing, especially in competitive sectors like insurance. Explore why catchy jingles resonate better than melodies and the importance of consistent sound branding. This vibrant discussion unpacks the psychology behind why these soundtracks work and their effectiveness in consumer recall.

146 snips
Jul 27, 2023 • 49min
Shaan Puri’s 3 Step Formula For Finding Your 1000 True Fans (#142)
Shaan Puri, an entrepreneur, investor, and host of My First Million, dives into the art of building a marketing-first business. He shares the importance of authenticity and adapting to audience needs while recounting humorous anecdotes. The discussion includes insights on the three engines of growth—viral, paid, and sticky—that can boost podcast audiences. Puri emphasizes cultivating a unique brand identity and knowing when to pivot or quit, emphasizing the need for self-honesty and external perspectives in entrepreneurship.

7 snips
Jul 25, 2023 • 24min
ChatGPT’s Code Interpreter: Your $20 Personal Data Analyst (#141)
Discover how the Code Interpreter can revolutionize your marketing strategy. The hosts share its potential to act like a personal data scientist, transforming complex data into actionable insights. They discuss its role in maximizing productivity and enhancing team collaboration. Additionally, they delve into podcast analytics, debunking myths about downloads and views. The conversation highlights the balance between AI capabilities and human creativity, encouraging listeners to explore and share their experiences with this powerful tool.

55 snips
Jul 19, 2023 • 41min
How to 10x A Boring Business With Marketing | Codie Sanchez (#140)
Join Codie Sanchez, the savvy founder of Contrarian Thinking and Contrarian Capital, as she unpacks the art of storytelling in marketing. Discover how even the most mundane businesses can captivate audiences by sharing their unique narratives. Codie reveals the traits that define successful businesses and discusses the complexities of traditional media's revenue struggles. She also illustrates how to create memorable 'magic moments' for customers, emphasizing the powerful connection between personal and professional stories.

Jul 18, 2023 • 25min
Twitter’s $5M Master Plan To Win Back Creators From Threads (#139)
Discover how Twitter is reimagining its creator program to lure influencers amid fierce competition from Threads. The hosts discuss how personality-led growth can revolutionize brand engagement, diving into the financial potential for creators and the importance of diverse income streams. They speculate on Mr. Beast’s staggering earnings, while also analyzing the strategic shifts Twitter must make to retain creators. Tune in for insights on optimizing marketing with AI tools and navigating the evolving creator economy!

12 snips
Jul 13, 2023 • 28min
Airbnb Just Copied Apple’s Product Development Strategy... Here’s Why (#138)
Discover why launching new products might not be the best strategy. Explore Airbnb's shift to a design-centric approach, drawing parallels to Apple's product development. Learn how focusing on customer experience can enhance retention and usability while critiquing common marketing practices. Delve into the impact of enthusiasm in marketing and the necessity of solid leadership amid rapid growth. Lastly, understand how company culture shapes problem-solving and employee engagement for a thriving business.

Jul 11, 2023 • 17min
Elon F*ked Up... The Fatal Mistake That Launched Threads (#137)
Elon’s blunders have opened doors for new competition. The discussion highlights how Threads is revolutionizing user onboarding. Listeners learn why first movers on platforms have a distinct advantage. Insights on strategically reacting to changes in the social media landscape are shared. Kipp and Kieran draw connections between current events and effective marketing tactics, ensuring businesses stay ahead in the game.