What can marketers learn from Beyoncé’s Lemonade? In this episode, Ryan and Michael break down the album’s surprise launch, storytelling genius, and multi-channel strategy, revealing key marketing insights. Special guest Josh Becerra, founder of a Minneapolis-based digital marketing agency, joins to discuss winning strategies, the balance of core vs. edge marketing, and the role of data in decision-making. From audience expansion to overcoming fear in marketing, this episode is packed with lessons on bold risks, strategic execution, and long-term success.

Season 2 of On the Record kicks off with a bold challenge to Google’s dominance in marketing. Inspired by MF Doom’s Take Me to Your Leader, we explore the risks of over-reliance on paid search and the rewards of diversification. We discuss the rising costs of PPC advertising, diminishing ROI in Google’s ecosystem, and why diversifying your marketing strategy is critical for long-term success. If you’re looking to future-proof your digital marketing strategy, boost ROI, and grow beyond Google, this episode is for you.

Discover the secrets of enduring brands in this episode of On the Record. From Coca-Cola's timeless nostalgia to Spotify's personalized connections, we explore how brands evolve, build trust, and captivate audiences. Plus, we draw parallels to The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” and the elusive quest for staying power. Whether you're a marketer or brand enthusiast, tune in for actionable insights and fresh perspectives!

In this bonus episode, Michael, Ryan, and Stacy look into their crystal ball to explore what’s ahead for marketing in 2025. Through the lens of David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, they discuss navigating market shifts, actionable insights in revenue operations, the evolution of influencer marketing, and AI’s transition from buzzword to practical tool. The team also tackles the ethical challenges of AI, lessons from Bowie’s iconic album, and how embracing the unknown can inspire optimism and adaptability in business. Don’t miss this glimpse into the future of marketing and beyond!

Is your marketing too dependent on Google Search? Join Ryan, Michael, and Stacy as they explore the rising costs of paid search, the shift toward social media as the new search engine, and the power of diversifying acquisition channels. Packed with insights, actionable tips, and inspiration from Public Enemy’s groundbreaking messaging, this episode is for marketers ready to challenge convention and embrace innovation.

We dissect the pitfalls of marketing attribution, from flawed models to the growing challenges of tracking in a privacy-focused era. We explore how over-indexing on data risks stifling creativity and why attribution often fails to capture critical interactions like word-of-mouth. Inspired by the layered brilliance of Paul’s Boutique by the Beastie Boys, this episode offers practical tips for marketers to balance data with storytelling and embrace imperfection in the customer journey.

What can a banana teach us about branding? We break down Andy Warhol’s memorable design for The Velvet Underground and explore how businesses can capture that same bold energy. Join us as we discuss the art of standing out in a competitive world.

In this episode, we discuss feature-based selling, why it might be flawed, and whether you should focus more on prioritizing real connections with your customers. We also review the classic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Lauryn focused solely on connecting with her fans in a very meaningful way, and it worked with great success. What if we did the same with our customers?

When Guns N' Roses took over a decade to release new music, they highlighted a key mistake that businesses make: waiting too long to deliver. In this episode, we discuss how fast, frequent product updates and managing customer expectations can keep your brand relevant. Learn how to avoid the dangers of long development cycles and what marketers can take from the band’s missteps.

Award-winning entrepreneur and personal development coach, Simon Alexander Ong, shares insights on energy management over time, securing a book deal, and protecting personal energy. He discusses inspiring others through entrepreneurship, the crucial role of energy management for productivity, managing calendars, and building wealth. Ong emphasizes the mindset shift needed to view money as a means to achieve goals for entrepreneurs.