Episodes

  • Mars’ Ron Amram on the Future of Retail Media, AI Search Shifts, and Creative That Wins

    Mars’ Ron Amram on the Future of Retail Media, AI Search Shifts, and Creative That Wins
    Dec 3 2025
    Ron Amram, Global Head of Media at Mars and former Heineken media leader, joins Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus-one) to unpack what brand building looks like heading into 2026. Ron explains how marketing has become more complex due to fragmentation and disconnected measurement, and why winning now requires starting from category and audience behavior rather than brand-first planning. Takeaways Agents are changing how people plan their vacations. People are increasingly relying on search engines for travel planning. AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT are curating travel activities. The recommendation sources are shifting from traditional platforms to AI. Consumer behavior is being significantly affected by these changes. CPG companies will also feel the impact of these trends. Travel planning is becoming more personalized through AI. The role of traditional travel agencies is evolving. AI is blocking traditional behaviors in travel planning. Understanding these changes is crucial for businesses. Chapters 00:01 Welcome and Ron’s background 01:42 Biggest brand-building challenges now vs. 10–15 years ago 03:58 Portfolio strategy through category and audience lenses 06:29 Favorite brands and what makes them great 10:08 The overlooked power of audio signatures 12:17 How Ron brings partners into planning 15:03 Walled gardens, measurement, and budget reality 17:32 Future-shaping trends: retail media and AI 22:02 Start, bench, cut: channel, audience, creative 24:23 Practical AI uses for marketers today 26:42 Career path from biology to media leadership 29:02 Proof marketing works: American Idol sponsorship
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    35 mins
  • The Art of Commerce: How Ajinkya “Jinx” Joglekar Transformed Sling With Brand + Performance Marketing

    The Art of Commerce: How Ajinkya “Jinx” Joglekar Transformed Sling With Brand + Performance Marketing
    Nov 19 2025
    In this episode of the Brand Forum, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) are joined by Ajinkya "Jinx" Joglekar, a seasoned marketer with experience at Sling, Dish, and Comcast. This conversation explores the intersection of brand marketing and performance, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and the balance between creative and performance-driven strategies. Jinx shares insights on successful brand positioning, the significance of humor in campaigns, and the necessity of both creative and analytical approaches in marketing. The discussion also highlights brands that excel in their marketing efforts, particularly Airbnb, and concludes with Jinx's unique perspective on the art and science of marketing. Takeaways There is no difference between brand and performance marketing. Listening to customers is crucial for brand positioning. Humor can be an effective element in brand campaigns. Successful marketing requires a balance of creative and analytical strategies. Understanding customer needs leads to better brand messaging. Brands should evolve their messaging to resonate emotionally with consumers. Effective marketing campaigns can lead to significant subscriber growth. A strong team is vital in executing marketing strategies. Great advertising combines creative, media, and sales experience. Marketing is a blend of science and improvisation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Brand Forum 01:10 Understanding Brand Marketing and Performance 03:14 The Importance of Customer Insights 06:04 Key Campaigns and Brand Positioning 09:27 The Marketing Hill to Die On 11:23 Brands That Inspire: A Look at Airbnb 17:19 The Intersection of Physics, Music, and Marketing
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    22 mins
  • Inside Variety: Dea Lawrence on Leading a 120-Year-Old Brand Into the Future

    Inside Variety: Dea Lawrence on Leading a 120-Year-Old Brand Into the Future
    Oct 29 2025
    In this episode, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) engage with Dea Lawrence, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of Variety, discussing the brand's rich history and its evolution over 120 years. Dea shares insights on her dual role, the importance of staying true to the brand's DNA while adapting to modern trends, and the significance of storytelling in marketing. The conversation also delves into the rise of branded content, the influence of creators, and the strategies behind successful events and partnerships in the entertainment industry. Takeaways Dea Lawrence emphasizes the importance of knowing your brand's DNA. Variety has successfully adapted while maintaining its core values. The brand is a leader in identifying cultural trends and moments. Branded content is a significant trend in the entertainment industry. Creators are essential for modern marketing strategies. Storytelling is crucial in both entertainment and marketing. Variety's events are designed to align with cultural moments. Trusting creators is vital for effective partnerships. The entertainment landscape is constantly evolving, requiring brands to adapt. Understanding audience emotions is key to successful marketing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Variety's Legacy 01:18 Dea Lawrence's Journey and Role at Variety 03:10 Adapting a Legacy Brand for Modern Times 05:01 Reinventing Variety: New Events and Cultural Relevance 10:35 Trends in Brand Partnerships and Content Creation 17:21 The Business of Influence and Creator Marketing 22:32 Staying True to Brand Values in a Changing Landscape 24:34 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing
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    30 mins
  • Atari’s Nostalgic Reinvention: Tim Lapetino on Brand Storytelling, Gaming Legacy & Design’s Future

    Atari’s Nostalgic Reinvention: Tim Lapetino on Brand Storytelling, Gaming Legacy & Design’s Future
    Oct 15 2025
    How does a 50-year-old gaming icon like Atari stay relevant in today’s fast-paced creative landscape? In this episode of The Brand Forum, hosts Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) sit down with Tim Lapetino, Creative Director at Atari and author of The Art of Atari, to explore how timeless brands evolve without losing their soul. Tim shares insider stories about building creative strategy at a legacy company, reviving Pac-Man x Atari collaborations, and balancing nostalgia with innovation. He also dives into the future of AI in creative work, the art of brand storytelling, and how Atari is connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers through modern design and gameplay experiences. If you’re passionate about branding, creativity, retro gaming, or nostalgia marketing, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration. Takeaways Balancing Legacy and Innovation: How Atari’s creative strategy blends nostalgia with forward-thinking design. Storytelling First: Why emotional storytelling drives stronger brand impact than metrics alone. Reviving Classics: Insights from the Pac-Man × Atari campaign and what made it resonate. Passion into Profession: Tim’s journey from author and fan to leading Atari’s creative vision. AI as an Ally: How AI supports creativity without replacing human insight. Next-Gen Appeal: Connecting Gen Z and Gen Alpha to gaming’s original storytelling brand. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Atari’s Creative Vision 00:51 Guest Introduction: Tim Lapetino, Creative Director at Atari 02:02 Balancing Nostalgia with Modern Branding 03:48 Creative Philosophy and Brand Storytelling 06:42 Campaign Highlight: Pac-Man × Atari Collaboration 09:20 “Art of Atari” – Tim’s Book 12:19 Turning Passion into Profession 14:45 Creativity vs. Passion in Branding 15:32 Navigating AI in Creative Processes 17:09 Engaging the Next Generation of Gamers 18:37 Closing Remarks
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    20 mins
  • Cookies, cancer, and a whole lotta resilience

    Cookies, cancer, and a whole lotta resilience
    Sep 10 2025
    Join hosts Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) on the Brand Forum as they dive into the inspiring story of Loren, founder of Sweet Loren's. From battling Hodgkin's lymphoma at 22 to revolutionizing the cookie dough industry, Loren shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and authenticity. Discover how she turned personal challenges into a thriving business, and learn about the power of staying true to one's story in the world of brand building. Takeaways Loren's journey from being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at 22 to becoming a successful entrepreneur highlights the power of resilience and turning adversity into strength. Staying authentic and relatable has been a cornerstone of Sweet Loren's growth and success. Loren’s passion for clean, natural ingredients and her innovative approach to baking have positioned Sweet Loren's as a leader in the natural cookie dough market. Building a strong community and listening to customer feedback have been crucial in shaping the brand and its offerings. While leveraging AI for business growth, Loren stresses the importance of maintaining a human touch in the food industry. Chapters 0:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 2:15 Loren's Personal Journey 5:30 Overcoming Challenges 10:45 Building Sweet Loren's 15:00 Branding and Marketing Insights 20:30 Future of Sweet Loren's 25:00 Closing Thoughts
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    32 mins
  • Balancing Brand Building and Performance: Insights with Vinny Rinaldi

    Balancing Brand Building and Performance: Insights with Vinny Rinaldi
    Aug 27 2025
    Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) engage with Vinny Rinaldi, Vice President, Media & Marketing Technology at The Hershey Company, a leading figure in the marketing world, to explore the delicate balance between performance marketing and brand building. Vinny shares his insights on leveraging AI, maintaining brand authenticity, and the importance of emotional storytelling in today's data-driven landscape. The conversation offers a deep dive into the strategies behind iconic brands like Reese's and Hershey, providing listeners with actionable insights and industry trends. Takeaways Vinny emphasizes the balance between performance marketing and brand building. AI should enhance, not replace, human storytelling in marketing. Brand authenticity is key to the success of iconic brands. Emotional storytelling drives brand loyalty and engagement. The marketing landscape is constantly evolving with new trends and innovations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vinny Rinaldi and His Journey 05:01 Balancing Marketing Strategies 15:01 AI and Technology in Marketing 25:01 Maintaining Brand Magic 35:01 The Power of Storytelling 45:01 Industry Innovations and Trends
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    22 mins
  • Amy Benford on Brand Building, CPG Strategy, and Why People Still Matter

    Amy Benford on Brand Building, CPG Strategy, and Why People Still Matter
    Jul 16 2025
    In this episode of The Brand Forum, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) speak with Amy Benford, Head of Integrated Marketing for North America at Colgate-Palmolive. Amy walks us through her multifaceted career, from HBO to Campbell’s to leading marketing for some of the most recognizable CPG brands in the world. She reflects on what makes a brand resonate in today’s tech-driven, AI-saturated world and why performance marketing and long-term brand building aren't opposing forces—but partners. Amy also shares personal insights on mentorship, leadership, and how assembling the right team can shape a marketer’s growth. We also hear the story behind Colgate’s inclusive “Power of the Gap” campaign and how authenticity drives lasting impact.
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    30 mins
  • Bayer’s Lisa Perez on Brand Building, Creative Risks and Leading with Perspective

    Bayer’s Lisa Perez on Brand Building, Creative Risks and Leading with Perspective
    Jun 25 2025
    In this episode of The Brand Forum, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) sit down with Lisa Perez, Vice President and General Manager of Marketing at Bayer. Lisa shares her experience leading well-known brands like One A Day, Flintstones, Aleve and Midol, and how her team keeps those brands relevant in an industry that’s always evolving. She talks about balancing brand consistency with the need to take creative risks, building good agency relationships, and what it means to stay curious as both a marketer and a leader.
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    31 mins