Kaitlin McMillan and Zach Phillips, Owners of McMillan & Phillips Creative Marketing Agency, use their experience in the advertising world to look through history at some of the most influential, problematic, and hysterical ways people have come under the mass influence by rulers, companies, political movements, and leaders of all types.
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Welcome back to Manipulating the Masses – the podcast where two marketers talk marketing and manipulation and how we're really good at both. This week, we’re diving into the wild origin story and marketing evolution of Coachella, the festival that went from an anti-Ticketmaster rebellion to a $100M+ cultural phenomenon. We’ll break down: • How Pearl Jam vs. Ticketmaster sparked a movement • Five facts you didn’t know about Coachella’s rise • The marketing playbook: tiered pricing, experiential s...
This episode delves into the manipulative marketing tactics of casinos and sports betting apps, from flashy lights to psychological tricks. It explores the history of gambling in the US, the shift in casino marketing from pure gambling to experience-driven amenities for millennials, and the explosive growth of sports betting apps. The hosts discuss high customer acquisition costs, celebrity endorsements, and the concerning future of predatory marketing in the addictive gambling industry.
On this episode of Manipulating The Masses , Zach and Kaitlin break down how Reese Witherspoon transformed herself from rom-com darling into one of Hollywood’s most strategic business moguls . While other actors rely on studios and producers to shape their careers, Reese has positioned herself at every stage of the marketing pipeline —from content creation to book clubs to brand partnerships—ensuring she not only stays relevant but maximizes every dollar . We explore how her company, Hello Sunsh...
In this episode of Manipulating the Masses , Kaitlin and Zach dive deep into the evolution and marketing genius behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). They explore how Marvel transformed from a struggling comic book company into a global box office powerhouse, thanks to visionary storytelling and innovative marketing strategies. The episode begins with Marvel’s humble origins, its near-bankruptcy in the 1990s, and the bold decision to create its own film studio, leading to the game-changing...
In this episode of Manipulating the Masses , Kaitlin and Zach dive into the evolving marketing strategies of the WNBA and how the league has worked to expand its audience and influence. They explore how the WNBA has leveraged social media, player-driven storytelling, and corporate partnerships to reshape its image and attract a broader fan base. The hosts break down key moments in the league’s branding evolution, from early struggles with visibility to recent surges in viewership, thanks to star...
Bitcoin didn’t just become a trillion-dollar asset because of technology—it became a movement through brilliant marketing, psychological manipulation, and internet culture . In this episode, Zach and Kaitlin break down how FOMO, memes, and celebrity endorsements turned Bitcoin from an obscure digital experiment into a global financial powerhouse. From the wild price swings that create media frenzy to the rise of HODL culture, "When Lambo?" memes, and crypto evangelists , we explore how Bitcoin s...
The Oscars have been Hollywood’s biggest night for nearly a century, but how has the Academy managed to keep audiences engaged in an era of declining viewership? In this episode of Manipulating The Masses , Zach and Kaitlin break down the history of Oscar marketing—from the studio-controlled campaigns of the Golden Age to today’s aggressive “For Your Consideration” ads. We’ll explore legendary Oscar campaigns like Shakespeare in Love’s shocking Best Picture win, analyze how digital disruption an...
Any cursory search in Pinterest will show millions of boards dedicated to every aspect of a wedding. Dresses, venues, flowers, bridesmaid dresses, makeup artists, centerpieces, photographers, videographers, DJs, favors, catering, officiant - anyone who has been through the process knows the list goes on and on. With marriage rates in sharp decline, this entire industry is not trying to save their own bottom line by ramping up pricing for each of these services - making the decision of marriage e...
Hollywood’s influence is nothing new. James Dean and Marlon Brando inspired the T-shirt craze. Marilyn Monroe kept hairdressers across the country busy. Now, the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Aniston, Miles Teller, and Selena Gomez (just to name a few) have used their on-screen influence to launch entire brands. But what happens when that influence is used to drive demand for a life-saving medical product? That’s what we’re currently seeing with the rapidly increasing popular...
The story of Russia and the 2016 election has been beaten to death. Every news outlet has put its spin on the story, the FBI has released a non-blaming report, and the word everyone has settled on is “meddling”. Russia “meddled” in our election. But what does that mean? And why is it important in 2024? Well, besides 2024 being another election year featuring two candidates a majority of Americans aren’t that excited about, this year it looks like other players have entered the game to target Ame...
Kaitlin and Zach look WAY back to see how Shakespeare's plays were marketed around London, and how his tactics led to the infamous acclaim he still has today. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/
Kaitlin and Zach explore the complicated history of Gatorade. How was it invented, first marketed, and the issue involving the University of Florida.Also, how has Gatorade used "science-based" marketing to enhance the narrative of Gatorade's effectiveness on athletes? Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/...
Today, we’re going to be looking at the infamous and infuriating Fox News. The network that entered the media game in 1996, and shook up the entire destiny of America. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/
Today, we’re going to look at, what I feel, is one of the best cases of marketing that we’ve reviewed. We will sparkle, we will glimmer, we will shine because we’re reviewing the marketing behind diamonds.It’s a classic example of supply and demand. How producers limit the supply and how marketers amplified demand to an incredible level. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/...
We’re going to discuss the marketing tactics and growth of Taylor Swift.Currently, Taylor is known for crashing the Ticketmaster site, mastering the art of social media, and having a Pope-like status among throngs of basic women across the country. But how did we get here? Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/...
In this episode, Kaitlin and Zach will look at the evolution and growth of every brand’s new favorite phrase; sustainable. Reviewing how brands leverage that phrase to get consumers to buy into products that have little to do with helping combat climate change and make the world a greener place. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/...
Kaitlin and Zach have a follow-up to one of their most popular episodes discussing the PR strategy behind UFOs from the angle of the newest UFO whistleblower, David Grusch, and the tactics used by the US Government for keeping the conversation quiet and discrediting those who try and speak out. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/...
This week, Kaitlin and Zach discuss the absolutely crazy story of how the iconic doll, Barbie was founded. And the unique marketing tactics the team at Mattel had to use in order to sell an adult doll (with breasts *gasps*) to children in the 1950s & 60s. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/...
This week, Kaitlin and Zach sit down with branding & storytelling expert, Felicia C. Sullivan to discuss what makes or breaks celebrity brands.The group reviews brands like Fenty, Blue Ivy, Beats by Dre, and 818 tequila to determine what it takes for celebrities to launch successful brands.If you love Felicia's insights (like we did), be sure to visit her Medium page at https://medium.com/@felsull to stay up to date with her latest marketing insights! Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com ...
Zach and Kaitlin and joined by Content Director for M&P, Nicole Lisson. The group discusses how the term "influencer" has become soured, how brands first leveraged the power of the influencer, and what the future holds for these social media powerhouses. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/...
Kaitlin and Zach explore the emotional cues that make us all decide what is "right" and what is "wrong." How our emotional morality is manipulated by politicians to spark outrage and passion from their voter base. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/
Today, we’re going to be breaking down some famous attack ads. We’re going to take a peek at the classic marketing tactic of positioning - how is each party positioning themselves to sway voters each way. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/
Zach and Kaitlin continue their series on manipulation tactics to be used during the 2024 presidential campaign. In the second episode, the duo reviews the science and psychology of Fast & Slow thinking. How marketers and politicians will leverage our two-brained process of decision-making to have us act against our own interests. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/...
Kaitlin and Zach use their life as marketing agency owners to help prepare you for the ways candidates in the 2024 election will try to manipulate and sway your opinion using psychological cues and marketing tactics. In this episode, the duo examines the history of the October surprise and discusses the benefits of candidates using this tactic to win campaigns. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/...
Kaitlin and Zach explore the history of movie theatres, how they became a centerpiece to American culture, and how the pandemic (and home entertainment systems) have forced the industry to shift its marketing tactics completely. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/
Kaitlin and Zach examine the history of the Pet Rock craze that took hold of the American public in the 1970s. The duo also explores what it would take to revitalize Pet Rock for the current generation. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/
Kaitlin and Zach explore the history and drawbacks of the mega-marketing campaigns for alcohol. How government regulations are bearing down on the industry, and what the future looks like for the industry. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/
Zach and Kaitlin take a journey through history to review the marketing tactics used by the military to recruit new soldiers. How new media and messaging play a key part in the campaigns, and how each war has its own unique spin. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/
Kaitlin and Zach explore the rapid rise and fall of the American Mall. How the original designer of the mall hated what they became, why they rose to popularity, and why shoppers are now moving away from malls and choosing the online space. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/...
Kaitlin and Zach examine the beginnings, target demographic, and story behind the notorious "Old Spice Man" commercials. How new media leveraged the commercial to new heights and boosted sales in the process. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/
