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Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

By: Mekanism and Jason Harris
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 In today’s world how does a brand break through the noise and become iconic? Well, there’s a complex marketing machine running behind all your favorite brand names that goes deeper than you could imagine.

Join Jason Harris, co-founder and CEO of award-winning creative agency, Mekanism, as he speaks with leading experts about how to build an iconic brand. We will pull back the curtain on how culturally relevant brand building and always-on digital work together to make brands famous and drive business Results. Think of it as EQ meeting IQ. Let’s fast forward our marketing minds on the Soul & Science Podcast.

Soul & Science is a Mekanism podcast produced by Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, Grace Robert and Lily Jablonski. The show is edited by Daniel Ferreira, with theme music by Kyle Merritt.

At Mekanism we build iconic brands with Soul & Science. The Soul is culturally relevant brand building and the Science is the always-on marketing activities that drive the bottom line. Learn more at mekanism.com.

Brought to you by Mekanism.2025 Mekanism Art Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • #91: Build Bold. Invest Early. Stay Human. | Ben Lerer, Founder of Thrillist & MP at Lerer Hippeau

    #91: Build Bold. Invest Early. Stay Human. | Ben Lerer, Founder of Thrillist & MP at Lerer Hippeau
    Jul 7 2025
    He built Thrillist. He bet on media. Now Ben Lerer is navigating a world obsessed with AI.

    In this episode, Jason sits down with Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist, creator of Group Nine Media, and now Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau. They talk about the shifting tides of media, tech, and early-stage investing. From building one of the first great digital brands to navigating the rise of creators, platforms, and AI, Ben shares hard-earned insights on what it takes to survive—and thrive—through disruption.

    Key Takeaways:
    ✅ Media brands chased scale, but the platforms took the audience (and the money)
    ✅ In today’s startup world, no AI in the pitch means something’s off
    ✅ Cost-cutting kills companies; real growth comes from bold bets
    ✅ Great founders—not trends—should guide where you invest

    Memorable Moments:
    💡 “The winners weren’t the publishers—it was the pipes.”
    💡 “We almost named it Ape Alert. That would’ve been a disaster.”
    💡 “If I need a calendar reminder to make a decision, it’s a no.”
    💡 “We believe founders are smarter than us. If we’re around great talent, we’ll end up in interesting markets.”

    Brought to you by Mekanism.
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    35 mins
  • Mini: Launching a Product in Uncertain Times

    Mini: Launching a Product in Uncertain Times
    Jun 30 2025
    Launching a new product is never easy. But doing it during economic uncertainty? That’s a whole different challenge.

    In this mini episode, we explore how today’s shifting landscape—from tariffs to market instability—requires a smarter, more agile approach.Jason shares three core principles that can help entrepreneurs and innovators not just survive, but thrive during turbulent times.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Agility beats the grand reveal
    • Focus on value without slashing prices
    • Harness power of community and brand trust
    Brought to you by Mekanism.
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    5 mins
  • #90: What Marketers Can Learn from StockX (and Its Sneakerhead Hype Machine) | StockX CMO Nicholas Karrat

    #90: What Marketers Can Learn from StockX (and Its Sneakerhead Hype Machine) | StockX CMO Nicholas Karrat
    Jun 23 2025
    Not every brand explodes. Some rise slowly, and win big.

    In this episode, Jason talks with Nicholas Karrat, CMO of StockX, about the Soul & Science of marketplace models—and what it takes to build brand trust, cultural relevance, and business performance at the same time. A veteran marketer with experience across Fortune 100 companies and DTC startups, Nick has held leadership roles at AT&T, Citibank, Plated, Boll & Branch, and Tommy John. Now at the helm of marketing for StockX, he’s focused on staying true to the brand’s core while expanding its reach.

    Key Takeaways:
    ✅ Every channel is both brand and performance—the only difference is timing.
    ✅ Scarcity still drives urgency, but discovery starts earlier than ever.
    ✅ Trust and authentic storytelling beat polish when you’re building for the culture.
    ✅ For trend-driven products, TikTok fuels demand in real time.
    ✅ Great CMOs trust their instincts and adapt with the people on their team.

    Memorable Moments:
    💡 “Everything we do is brand and everything we do is performance, whether you like it or not.”
    💡 “Now you know” isn’t just a tagline. It’s how culture spreads.
    💡 “People and vision beat category and paycheck. Every time.”

    Brought to you by Mekanism.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins

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