Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing with Bob Pittman

Fashion designer Norma Kamali has stayed relevant for generations by tapping into culture, creativity, and technology. In the early 60s, she got a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology but didn’t fit in with the style of the time. She abandoned design to work for an airline instead, giving her access to travel. During frequent trips to London, Norma discovered a fashion revolution that hadn’t hit the States yet. Soon she would be at the forefront of New York’s changing style. With her famous sweats collection, unforgettable sleeping bag coats, and iconic swimwear, she’s been credited with pioneering trends that still reverberate today. Unlike many designers, Norma never sold her brand, retaining control of both the creative and the business. Listen in to Norma’s conversation with Bob to tap into her wisdom– from the importance of disruption to sourcing creativity to innovative and forward-thinking uses of AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tarang Amin, Chairman and CEO of e.l.f. Beauty, shares his fascinating journey from a family-operated motel to leading a major cosmetics brand. He emphasizes the importance of risk-taking and innovation, highlighting how failures can fuel growth. Tarang discusses the significance of employee ownership and fostering teamwork, as well as the challenges of transitioning to a CEO role amid investor pressures. He advocates for transparency and diversity in leadership, revealing how these values drive creativity and success in the ever-evolving beauty industry.

Damian Maldonado, co-founder and CEO of American Financing, turned a $5,000 line of credit into a billion-dollar business through sheer determination. He shares his journey from selling candy door-to-door to mastering marketing strategies. Damian emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive company culture and hiring with intention. He discusses overcoming challenges in the mortgage industry and how self-education and innovative thinking can empower entrepreneurs. Plus, his passion for kite surfing and the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico add a personal touch to his inspiring story.

Jewel, the beloved singer-songwriter with over 30 million albums sold, shares her incredible journey from performing in bars as a child in Alaska to navigating fame and mental health. She reflects on her decision to prioritize honesty over a million-dollar advance and the importance of vulnerability in creativity. Jewel discusses how motherhood transformed her artistic expression and emphasizes the power of community in overcoming personal challenges. Join her for an insightful conversation about finding balance in fame and fostering authentic connections.

Stéphane Bancel, the CEO of Moderna, shares his incredible journey in pioneering the COVID-19 vaccine. He recounts the early moments of the pandemic that pushed him to pivot Moderna's mission and embrace new risks. Bancel reflects on the leadership challenges faced during rapid vaccine development and the intense pressure to innovate. He also discusses the crucial role of mentorship and the importance of a diverse education. With an eye on the future, he believes Moderna's contributions will redefine healthcare beyond the pandemic.

Join iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman for a new season of Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing. How do the most successful minds in marketing, entertainment, business, and even health and science evolve in an ever-changing world? This season, Bob sits down with visionaries across a wide range of industries to hear how they’ve used data, analytics, and creativity to adapt to new technology, lead strong teams, and build successful businesses that will shape our future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Seacrest, the iconic host of American Idol, shares his remarkable journey from local broadcasting to hosting a global phenomenon. He discusses the unpredictability of career paths and the transformative power of mentorship. Joining him are Rob Reilly and Jacki Kelley, who recount their surprising career moves that defied expectations. The conversation highlights the importance of passion and adaptability in seizing unforeseen opportunities, making for an inspiring talk about the twists and turns of professional life.

Dive into a treasure trove of marketing wisdom from industry titans. Hear AT&T’s CMO candidly reflect on lessons from failed campaigns. Gwyneth Paltrow reveals the pivotal feedback that reshaped Goop. Entrepreneur Andrew Jarecki shares how addressing personal problems fueled his success. Authenticity takes center stage as Jon Bon Jovi and Bobbi Brown stress its importance in branding. Plus, get an insider's look at a memorable Superbowl commercial, showcasing the art of storytelling in marketing.

Martha Stewart has been a household name for over four decades and she still isn’t done building her empire. During her rise, the world’s first female self-made billionaire ignored conventional wisdom to become an Emmy Award-winning TV host, best-selling author, and creator of a groundbreaking magazine. Beyond those accolades, her wildly successful merchandising business and multi-channel lifestyle company has established her as an innovative mind in business. Bob sat down with Martha for an intimate live recording at iHeartMedia HQ in front of 100 marketing, advertising, and branding executives. Celebrating her 100th book, Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen, this conversation between friends covers the pivotal decisions in Martha’s career and unpacks the guiding philosophy that built an icon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of the 43rd anniversary of MTV, we’re rereleasing a classic episode: the real story of MTV, as told by the founders. Today MTV is a cultural institution, but people forget what a long shot it was to get the channel off the ground. Bob Pittman led the team that created MTV. In this special episode, he reminisces with co-founders and friends John Sykes, Judy McGrath, Fred Seibert, Tom Freston and Jarl Mohn about what it was like to create the '80s version of a start-up and lead a TV revolution by dreaming up the rules as they went along. From why the first MTV logo was designed on crinkled paper (it spent a little time in a trash bin), to how a tiny record store in Tulsa helped save the business, to why you should really think twice about going on a Lost Weekend with Van Halen... all the way to how a terrible cereal inspired one of the greatest ad slogans of all time: “I want my MTV,” we’ve packed this episode full of stories that marketers, fans and entrepreneurs will all want to hear. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.