
Sweat Equity
Welcome to the best creative brainstorming session you've ever had. Hosts Alex Garcia & Brian Blum discuss the biggest marketing moves of the week and show you how you can implement these in your own business. Influencer marketing, growth marketing, content marketing - it's all here. Creativity. Breakdowns. Playbooks. Without the fluff.
Latest episodes

15 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 33min
Master The Art Of Brand Storytelling
Discover the vital pillars of brand storytelling: origin, hero, and promise. Learn how innovative brands like Cadence and Tony’s Chocolonely create narratives that engage consumers. The hosts dive into the balance between branding and authenticity, discussing the impact of corporate changes on brand identity. They also explore the motivations behind consumer purchases—status versus utility—highlighting the power of storytelling in both luxury and accessible markets. Tune in for insights that redefine marketing strategies!

8 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 49min
The Dark Side of a 7-Figure YouTube Channel (And The Plan To Fix It)
Join Zach Rocheleau, a culinary creator with 3 million followers, as he discusses the ups and downs of running a successful YouTube channel. He shares insights on shifting focus from just follower counts to meaningful engagement and adapting quickly to social media trends. Zach also reveals the challenges of transitioning from digital recipes to physical product launches, including his journey with a protein powder. Plus, he touches on the importance of authenticity in brand partnerships and how to build a genuine connection with your audience.

27 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 31min
Brand Building With AI: Live Shopping, AI UGC & More
Discover the explosive success of live shopping with collectibles like La Boo Boo and Pop Mart's innovative strategies. The discussion shifts to the impact of TikTok's algorithm on brand engagement and the rise of streamers. Explore how AI is revolutionizing fashion marketing, particularly through user-generated content and tailored strategies. Learn about maximizing AI-generated content for social media and how modern marketing techniques can drive brand growth, particularly with Gen Z audiences.

22 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 38min
How Your Brand Can World Build in 35 Min
Explore the captivating art of world-building in branding, where storytelling meets cinema. Discover how clear themes and character design create emotional connections with audiences. Delve into the shift from data-driven marketing to creative aesthetics that make brands stand out. Fun food analogies illustrate the importance of authenticity in brand narratives. Lastly, understand how a strong brand identity can outlast the quick wins of typical marketing strategies.

6 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 18min
Content Strategist Breaks Down How BPN Added 50,000 Followers In 3 Days
Discover how a fitness brand skyrocketed its followers in just three days through a groundbreaking event! The discussion highlights the impact of compelling storytelling and collaborative content strategies. Learn innovative tactics to engage with niche audiences like ultra marathon runners. Plus, uncover the secrets behind live streaming and pre-production planning that can elevate any brand’s media presence. Get ready to transform your approach to audience engagement!

18 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
World-Class Brand Strategist Explains What Makes A Brand Unforgettable
Tatum Brandt, a brand strategist specializing in fitness and wellness branding, joins the discussion to uncover the secrets behind unforgettable branding. She emphasizes the need for brands to establish a distinct personality to thrive on social media. The conversation highlights successful examples like PureSport and Bandit Running, showcasing innovative community engagement strategies. Tatum also explores the challenges of monetizing run clubs and the significance of narrative consistency in brand storytelling, offering insights into building authentic connections with audiences.

8 snips
May 20, 2025 • 36min
How To Position Your Product As Luxury
Discover how to elevate your product into the luxury market through vivid storytelling and impactful visuals. Learn about the significance of genuine connections and memorable experiences that influence customer loyalty. Dive into the contrasting cultural attitudes towards food, leisure, and branding between America and Europe. Uncover the art of the 'hero's journey' narrative, which transforms basic items into aspirational pieces. Plus, enjoy insights on navigating trends in lifestyle apparel amidst a competitive landscape.

5 snips
May 13, 2025 • 27min
4 Proven Ways to WIN In a Saturated Market
Discover four game-changing strategies to help brands shine in a crowded marketplace. Explore the power of storytelling and innovative delivery methods to capture consumer attention. Learn how product differentiation and clever positioning can elevate your brand's presence. Creative marketing tactics, infused with irony, make your message relatable and engaging. Whether you're a startup or an established name, these insights can transform your approach and boost visibility in competitive spaces.

11 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 41min
How Bryson Dechambeau Is Becoming The Mr. Beast Of Golf
Delve into the art of capturing attention with outrageous hooks that keep audiences engaged. Discover how athletes like Bryson DeChambeau are revolutionizing their brands through social media, blending creativity with effective storytelling. Explore strategies for crafting captivating content and the intriguing psychology behind consumer behavior. From historical advertising gems to the evolution of copywriting, this discussion highlights timeless techniques that resonate today. Plus, get a sneak peek into playful plans for an upcoming adventure in Italy!

Apr 22, 2025 • 29min
Why Your Brand Needs To Become A Moodboard
Alex and Brian dive into the art of mood boards and why they’re more than just aesthetic collages – they're storytelling tools that shape how people feel about your brand. From the ruggedness of Buck Mason to the elegance of The Ritz Paris, they explore brands that nail mood-driven content. Instead of pushing a product, these brands create a vibe people want to be part of. Tune in to hear how mood boards can help you craft desire, not just demand.As always, appreciate you all listening, and don't forget to leave us a review and submit your questions for Alex and Brian at the email address below. See you next week.--------------------WANT FREE GAME? Or just have a question for Brian & Alex?Submit your questions here: www.marketingexamined.com/podcastOR email us at podcast@marketingexamined.com--------------------WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:For full video versions, and short highlights of every episode, head tohttps://www.youtube.com/@marketingexamined?sub_confirmation=1NEWSLETTER:For growth playbooks, deep dives, and marketing case studies, get subscribed atwww.marketingexamined.com--------------------Follow Alex & Brian on Twitter and IGwww.twitter.com/@alexgarcia_atxwww.twitter.com/@brian_blum1