Chris Kelly, senior reporter at Marketing Dive, joins Barbara Kahn and Americus Reed to share behind-the-scenes insights into recent brand campaigns — from Sprite’s culturally nuanced partnership with Jalen Hurts to McDonald’s targeted approach in the Chicken Wars, and the unexpected rise of Dude Wipes — highlighting how companies craft relevance through identity, humor, and deep consumer understanding.

Comments

New This Week

Who Controls a Company’s Values After It Is Sold?
Podcast

Who Controls a Company’s Values After It Is Sold?

October 9, 2026 • 12 min listen

Maurice Schweitzer, Wharton professor of operations, information and decisions, examines the Ben & Jerry’s legal battle and the challenges of preserving a company’s social mission under new ownership.

How Lucky Strike Entertainment Is Betting on Screen-Free Experiences
Podcast

How Lucky Strike Entertainment Is Betting on Screen-Free Experiences

October 8, 2026 • 32 min listen

Julie Zukof, vice president of brand at Lucky Strike Entertainment, explains how nostalgia, community, and experiential design are bringing a new generation back to the bowling center.

Why People Would Rather Give Nothing Than Too Little

Why People Would Rather Give Nothing Than Too Little

October 8, 2026 • 4 min read

New research from Wharton shows that overcoming the fear of an inadequate donation can dramatically increase giving.