Send us a text

What makes a place a brand? From New York City's magnetic pull to America's shifting national identity, we're exploring the power of geographic and cultural branding in ways that touch every aspect of our lives.

New York City stands as perhaps the ultimate example of place-based branding – a location so iconic that people worldwide dream of experiencing it, often treating the city like a consumable product rather than an evolving community. But does visiting make you a New Yorker? We dive into how identity gets tied to locations, especially during our formative years, and why someone from Harlem in Nigeria will proudly claim their neighborhood rather than simply saying "I'm from New York."

Meanwhile, America seems caught in a massive rebranding effort. Unlike countries with clear brand associations – Japan with technology, France with fashion – America's identity feels increasingly contested. The traditional "land of opportunity" narrative appears to be shifting toward something more competitive and exclusionary – what we've dubbed a "get down or lay down" mentality that prioritizes existing citizens over newcomers.

Perhaps most fascinating is how America functions as a brand composed of numerous "sub-brands" – diverse cultural communities that collectively create the American experience. Yet as multicultural epicenters like New York, LA, and Atlanta face gentrification and changing demographics, we're left wondering: if these cities lose their distinctive character, what remains of the American brand?

This conversation matters because branding isn't just marketing – it's about how we define ourselves, our communities, and our shared future. Join us as we unpack the complex interplay between place, identity, and belonging in an increasingly branded world.

Thanks for tuning in to The Ad Bros Podcast! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your crew.

Catch us next time for more insights and creativity, right here on The Ad Bros Podcast, powered by Kaffeine Media Network. See you soon!

Theme Music by Yirayah Garcia