Mike Brevik picks up where the “Death of Average” episode left off, delivering a tactical breakdown of how to actually build brand authenticity from the inside out. He walks through a three-question framework for uncovering your real differentiators, explains how to communicate them without going corporate, and shares the hard lessons from Cyberdogz’s own six-month brand calibration.
When AI and tools like Canva make average accessible to everyone, what actually separates great brands from the rest? In this solo episode, Mike Brevik explores how the barrier to creative and marketing output has collapsed, and why that makes creativity, authenticity, and brand identity more critical than ever.
From the risks of blending in on social media to the comeback of nostalgia branding, Mike maps out what it takes to stand out when everyone looks and sounds the same. The answer comes back to knowing who you are and having the consistency to show up that way every single time.
Mark Jaworski, Director of Marketing Operations at HOMAGE Apparel, joins Mike Brevik for a candid peer-to-peer conversation on what separates authentic nostalgia from manufactured trend-chasing. From NFL logo strategy and throwback jerseys to Stone Temple Pilots road trips and British Knights on Double Dare, the exchange gets at why brands built on storytelling outlast the ones chasing the next wave. This is a masterclass in emotional brand connection, delivered in the language of real fans.
What makes a brand sell memories instead of merchandise? Mike Brevik sits down with Mark Jaworski from HOMAGE Apparel to find out. Since 2007, HOMAGE has built a cult following by tapping into the emotional power of sports, pop culture, and the things people grew up loving, from Starter jackets to vintage NBA logos.
On today’s episode, Mike is joined by Sarah Panus of Kindred Speak to talk about how Brand Storytelling is 22x more memorable than facts and figures alone. Brands are the new Editor-in-Chiefs. Sarah shares her thoughts on how humanizing your brand through storytelling by using her F.E.D Method (focus, empathy, and data) can drive ROI. Tune in to hear how being intentional and really connecting with your audience can drive your brand to its fullest.
Mike is joined by a fellow marketer, owner, and founder of Impackedful Creative, Natalie Johnson. Natalie is a breath of fresh air and not only REALLY gets the art of branding, but she’s mastered the art of unleashing a company’s creativity while making an impact. A portion of all her profits is donated to fill hungry bellies with food, leaving those in need saying, “I am packed full.” Don’t miss this one!
Mike welcomes TikTok sensation and guitarist Pete Dankelson from Pete’s Diary to the Brand Retro Podcast. “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” and Pete’s journey is as unique as they come and his optimism shines through in everything he does!
Founder and CEO of Shady Rays Eyewear joins the Brand Retro Podcast to discuss the brand, the journey, and the purpose behind Shady Rays! PLUS shop shadyrays.com and use promo code “RETRO” to get 50% OFF 2+ pairs of Shady Rays Eyewear!
Mike interviews third generation comic book creator, writer, and artist to the Brand Retro Podcast: Emma Kubert. Mike and Emma discuss brand creation, her background in comics, her latest project with Image Comics “Inkblot”, and the backstory of their connection with the “Good for Nothing” campaign.
This episode is a unique conversation with author C.J. English on her personal and professional journey, the brand connection, and how she’s now using her talents and influence to make a difference.
The “Brand Retro Mindset” is something we’ve not only cultivated for our clients, BUT it’s a thought process that we adopted for Cyberdogz. It’s all about tapping into that time and place when your brand was never more dialed in and ready to take on the world! Remembering that feeling and maintaining that edge is KEY to your brand success. We love, study, and aspire to follow the great defining brands, ranging from Nike, to Jordan, to Apple, to Macy’s, AND BEYOND!
