You don’t always know it’s an ick… until it icks. 😬

In this episode, we unpack the rise of “the ick” — where it comes from, how personal icks can be, and how brands (for better or worse) try to use icks in marketing. Can marketers successfully lean into consumer turn-offs? Or does it backfire?

Plus:
🔥 This week’s Marketing Hot Take
⚡ A rapid-fire round of Ick or Not That Deep? Play along!

🎧 Tune in now to The Icks: Unplugged!

2-4-6-8 — who do we appreciate? Mascots!

In this episode, we're diving headfirst into the world of brand mascots. From the psychology behind why they work, to which ones are boosting brands… and which ones might actually be holding them back (hot take: is Flo from Progressive past her prime?).

Who’s your favorite mascot of all time? Did they make our list?

We’re also playing a game called Mascot Confessionals, where we imagine what mascots would say if they could finally speak their truth.

And for the first time ever… Deanna didn’t do her homework (but don’t worry — Ashley's got it covered).

🎧 Listen to The Mascot Effect: Unplugged wherever you get your podcasts.

What do Victoria’s Secret, Peloton, and Toys R Us all have in common? They’ve made it to the hot seat on this week’s Fix That Brand episode!

Join Ashley and Deanna as they go full strategy mode—rewriting taglines, reimagining brand positioning, and dishing out fresh marketing ideas to bring these iconic brands into their next era. Spoiler: we’re not afraid to say what needs to be said.

Plus, in this week’s Marketing Hot Take, we’re shouting out Bark for their email game (yes, we open every single one).

🎧 Tune in to Fix That Brand: Unplugged, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

🔁 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and send us the brands you think need a glow-up!