On this episode of The No Normal Show, Desirée Duncan and Chris Bevolo explore how financial pressures are reshaping the CMO role in health systems — from proving ROI to surviving budget cuts — and what it means for the future of healthcare marketing leadership. Along the way, they swap takes on how young adults are engaging with healthcare and debate ChatGPT’s growing role in usability. Plus, get an inside look at the exclusive 2026 Joe Public Retreat in sunny South Beach, where AI will take ce...
Aug 19, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 258
AI just got faster, smarter, and a lot more… agentic. In this episode of The No Normal Show , UChicago Medicine CMO Andy Chang joins us to talk about the tech that’s rewriting the rules for healthcare marketing. We discuss the rise of AI “agents” that can book your appointment before you’ve finished your coffee, to why websites as we know them might not survive. Also, Andy shares how his team is building a frictionless, hyper-personalized patient experience. We cover the future of MarTech stacks...
Aug 12, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 257
In this episode of The No Normal Show , hosts Stephanie Wierwille and Chris Bevolo explore one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare: the decline of centralized medical authority and the growing complexity of health information. From “health-conscious” marketing claims to vaccine skepticism, they unpack the cultural and psychological factors contributing to shifting perceptions of trust. With insights from the Joe Public 2030 report, the discussion highlights how healthcare marketers mus...
Aug 05, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 256
In this episode of The No Normal Show , we’re pulling back the curtain on who actually shapes decisions in the C-suite and why Chief Marketing Officers might be losing ground to the rising influence of Chief Communications Officers. We’re calling it the Karolina Effect , and it’s changing the power dynamics inside health systems. We also ask if Chipotle has lost its sizzle, and whether influencer marketing is shifting from storytelling to sales-driven chaos as affiliate links and TikTok shops ta...
Jul 30, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 255
Healthcare might be serious business—but who says it has to be boring? In this episode of The No Normal Show , Desirée Duncan and Chris Bevolo ask the question: if banks can sponsor Happy Gilmore 2 , why can’t hospitals show up in pop culture too? The duo also explores their Emmy hot takes, Mattel's diabetic Barbie and Mount Sinai's game-changing caregiver clinic. It's time to talk about the unexpected ways healthcare brands can and must integrate into culture. Tune in now. Join our upcoming web...
Jul 22, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 254
In this episode of The No Normal Show, Desirée, Stephanie, and guest Victoria Davis unpack the cultural, emotional, and operational weight women carry in their health journeys—and how brands can finally meet them where they are. From weight stigma at check-ins to body image pressure fueled by TikTok trends and GLP-1 drugs, we explore how marketing can either add to the noise or cut through with empathy and clarity. If you want to connect with women as the Chief Health Officers of their household...
Jul 15, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 253
Artificial intelligence is shaking up healthcare marketing and sparking big questions about trust. On this episode of The No Normal Show, Stephanie Wierwille, Desiree Duncan, and Chris Bevolo dig into the clash between innovation and ethics, from the wild plot of Mountain Head to new insights from OpenAI and MIT. They look at how consumers really feel about AI in branding, the growing risks of deepfake content, and how health marketers can leverage new technology without losing credibility. If y...
Jul 08, 2025•36 min•Ep. 252
On this episode of The No Normal Show , Desirée, Stephanie, and Chris reflect on this year’s Cannes Lions festival, which they call the “Met Gala of marketing”, where headlines about AI and creativity sparked plenty of conversation. The team also looks at what Best Buy’s exit from Current Health signals for healthcare disruptors and the ongoing shifts in the Funnel Wars. For the modern CMO, how can they best prepare for the future? Tune in now to find out. Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind , our...
Jul 01, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 251
In this episode of The No Normal Show , hosts Stephanie Wierwille and Desirée Duncan reflect on the themes shaping healthcare marketing at the mid-year mark. They dig into the rise of vibe marketing, why video continues to dominate, and how internal communications is becoming mission-critical for both employee and patient retention. It’s a candid pulse check on what’s real, what’s changing, and what healthcare marketers should be paying attention to right now. Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind ,...
Jun 24, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 250
Stephanie and Desirée discuss the real story behind Google’s new AI Overviews—and what it means for healthcare marketers. Are websites still worth it? Is SEO over? And how do you stay visible when search engines are rewriting the rules? Along the way, they dig into what Apple’s AI reveal signals, what OpenAI’s latest moves mean for marketers, and why the old-school idea of “advertising” is quickly evolving. It’s a fast, fun ride through the future of search, strategy, and staying relevant in the...
Jun 17, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 249
Author and podcast host Scott Galloway says brand is dead—and a lot of marketers are in a frenzy because of it. In this episode of The No Normal Show , Stephanie, Chris, and Desirée dig into the viral debate and unpack what “brand” really means in today’s world—especially in healthcare. Spoiler alert: it’s not all about logos and ad spend, and no, it’s definitely not dead. The team breaks down Oura Ring’s bold “Give Us the Finger” campaign and how it flips conventional narratives about aging, he...
Jun 11, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 248
On this episode of The No Normal Show , we jump headfirst into HBO Max’s brand whiplash and why identity confusion can be a slow burn for brand trust. Leaning into the theme of brand reputation with our new TheFuture of the CMO report in hand, Desirée, Chris, and Chief Communications Officer at BPD, Ryan Colaianni, highlight what it means to be a healthcare CMO’s in 2025. Should CMOs stay in their marketing lane, or take the comms wheel and drive reputation, strategy, and even policy influence? ...
Jun 03, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 247
YouTube is transforming into a streaming powerhouse and the Chief Marketing Officer role is evolving. This episode of The No Normal Show explores the quiet, but powerful, shifts shaping healthcare marketing today. Stephanie and Desirée discuss how the focus of marketing is moving beyond traditional brand buzz and viral moments—and toward something more enduring: influence through community, trust, and relevance. They reflect on how SHIFT Nursing, a collaboration between BPD and the Robert Wood J...
May 27, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 246
"The boring spot in healthcare is taken," says Nicole Baxter, Chief Brand Officer at HCA Healthcare. She shows up every day with bold brand ideas that move healthcare beyond the sea of sameness. We sat down with Nicole for a candid, high-energy conversation on what it takes to build a great brand from the inside-out. Nicole shares her career story from Canadian roots to becoming one of the most visionary brand voices in the industry. She shares how brands like Snoop Dogg, the WNBA, and even Wond...
May 20, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 245
In this episode of The No Normal Show , Desiree Duncan and Chris Bevolo highlight the cultural crossfire brands are navigating today. From Nike’s controversial “Never Again” billboard to NYU Langone’s controversial Super Bowl ad, they explore how even well-intentioned moves can result in backlash in a world of unapologetic commentary and hypersensitive audiences. Fresh from his recent Becker’s and HMPS panels to duo recap conference trends and topics — highlighting AI disruption and the marketin...
May 13, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 244
Mass media is going in a different direction. Livestreams from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour didn’t come from networks—they came from fans, forming a holistic approach to community engagement. In this episode of The No Normal Show, Desirée, Stephanie, and guest Mario Nichols, producer of The No Normal Show, unpack the shift happening in media, influence, and consumer trust. This episode digs into fan-powered content, the White House pushing AI into public education, and the transformation of mass...
May 06, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 243
Gen Z is ditching smartphones, digital clutter, and nonstop notifications in favor of a simpler, more nostalgic life—and brands need to pay attention. In this episode of the No Normal Show, Stephanie, Desirée, and Chris unpack the rise of "digital minimalism" (or Digman, if you dare) and what it signals for marketers trying to stay culturally relevant. Plus, they connect the dots between Kendrick Lamar's culture-defining moments, Gatorade's newest campaign win, and Meta’s latest monopoly drama. ...
Apr 29, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 242
BPD’s latest report outlines the threats facing CMOs—and reveals the bold opportunities to lead, influence, and transform from the inside out. In this episode, Stephanie, Desirée, and Chris take a deep dive into The Future of the CMO , BPDs latest report, unpacking how marketing leaders can expand their influence, claim greater value, and lead transformation inside the health system enterprise. Plus: a spirited debate on speculative fiction, Des’ surprising pick, and why metaphors might just be ...
Apr 23, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 241
There’s A LOT out there that’s swirling into the pressure cooker that is today’s healthcare economy. On this episode of TheNo Normal Show, Stephanie, Desirée, and Chris break down the cascading impact of policy shifts and economic trends—from DEI backlash and NIH cuts to tariff-induced inflation and Medicaid shakeups. What does this all means for CMOs, marketers, and the future of care access in America? Plus, a farewell to White Lotus, the curious case of a pina colada coffee creamer, and the u...
Apr 16, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 240
The creative bar is high—and healthcare marketing is rising to meet it. Award season is about more than applause; it’s proof that bold ideas with real impact matter. This episode is your backstage pass to the sharpest thinking and fearless creativity in healthcare today. Stephanie, Desirée, and BPD’s Chief Creative Officer Mindy Adams unpack what it takes to stand out—from judging the Effies to pushing SHIFT Nursing for a Webby. Plus, a Cannes Lions roundup (yes, even the cement company campaign...
Apr 09, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 239
Barbie’s showing love to future doctors. People are crowdfunding their hospital bills. And ChatGPT just dropped an image update so powerful, it might make your designer sweat. On this episode of The No Normal Show, Desirée, Stephanie, and Chris unpack the game-changing upgrade from OpenAI that makes photorealistic image generation feel real. From Bill Gates suggesting humans could be irrelevant within a decade, to the new frontier of visual storytelling and the copyright chaos of Studio Ghibli-s...
Apr 02, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 238
From highlight reels to headlines, culture is shifting—and healthcare marketing needs to keep up. In this episode we get into why the moment is overtaking the message. We unpack the Meta tell-all Careless People, dissect the rapid-fire chaos of tech and policy updates (hello, Policy ICU ), and explore how fan fiction, fantasy leagues, and even SNL are reshaping engagement in real time. Plus, we break down what it all means for brands trying to show up authentically in the age of short attention ...
Mar 26, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 237
Gen X—the so-called “forgotten generation”—has officially entered the chat. In this episode of the No Normal Show, Desirée and Chris goes deep into why Gen X deserves more attention in healthcare marketing. Sandwiched between two larger, louder generations, they’ve been overlooked for years—but as they take on the role of both patient and caregiver, their influence on healthcare decisions is bigger than ever. From their skeptical, independent nature to their deep distrust of inauthentic marketin...
Mar 19, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 236
The Funnel Wars just took another unexpected turn. Walgreens is going private, VillageMD may be on the chopping block, and the retail health revolution isn’t playing out as planned. So, what does this mean for primary care, health systems, and the future of patient access? In this episode, Stephanie, Desirée, and Chris break down the uncertain state of primary care, the surprising gaps in the modern CMO role, and whether technology can fill the growing void in frontline healthcare. Plus, Chris d...
Mar 13, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 235
From Eli Lilly’s provocative Oscars ad to AI-powered therapy backlash, this episode of The No Normal Show goes deep into the forces reshaping trust in healthcare. The latest data from The Wall Street Journal shows confidence in doctors is plummeting, AI is disrupting care delivery, and alternative health movements are gaining ground. What does this mean for healthcare leaders? How should marketing teams rethink their approach to patient engagement and brand credibility? We break down the key tre...
Mar 06, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 234
What do a fictional death, a DOJ investigation, and Kendrick Lamar have in common? In this episode of the No Normal Show, Desirée, Stephanie, and Chris connect the dots between pop culture, marketing, and the ever-evolving world of healthcare. They revisit Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance—and what it all says about the game of strategy. Plus, they unpack the messy brilliance of White Lotus Season 3 and debate whether Duolingo’s owl met a just end. But it’s not all fun and games—big questi...
Feb 26, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 233
As healthcare costs rise and institutions face increased scrutiny, a new battle is emerging. Will governmental policy and public skepticism reshape the industry? How will funding cuts impact hospitals and research? In this episode, we unpack the shifting landscape and what it means for the future of healthcare. Click to subscribe to our newsletter. Download our recent value attack whitepaper...
Feb 20, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 232
Let's talk all things Super Bowl! In this episode, Desiree and Stephanie are joined by Mindy Adams, Chief Creative Officer at BPD, as we break down Super Bowl LIX. We explore ads that stood out, the cultural significance of Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance, how healthcare brands are showing up (or missing the mark) in major media moments, the impact of AI in advertising, and the power of storytelling in shaping public perception. Click to subscribe to our newsletter....
Feb 12, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 231
What an exciting time to be alive and to also be...AI? In this episode of The No Normal, Emily Baker, AVP of Engagement, joins Des and Stephanie to discuss the emergence of AI agents that can perform tasks for users, the implications for marketing and content creation, and the disruption caused by DeepSeek in the competitive AI landscape. AI has been an exceptional tool for creatives and non-creatives alike to bring their ideas to life. So why the backlash? We touch on this and other important t...
Feb 05, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 230
SO much has happened in the past couple of weeks and we're here to talk all about it! In this episode of The No Normal Show, hosts Stephanie, Chris, and Desireé discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, highlighting new concepts like Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). We explore the implications of advancements in AI and the philosophical questions they raise about humanity and consciousness. Will AI actually end up telling us what to do?! We then shift to chat about the impor...
Jan 24, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 229
