SPOS #926 – Joanna Robinson Unmasks Marvel’s Superhero Business
Release Date: 04/07/2024
How Change Really Works With Julia Dhar - TWMJ #1057
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1057 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). is a leading voice in behavioral science and organizational transformation, and the founder of the at . A three-time Champion and known for her work on productive disagreement, Julia has spent much of her career exploring a deceptively simple question: Why do organizations invest so much time, money, and human potential in change... only to fail so often? In her new book, , co-authored with and , she challenges the conventional wisdom that people are naturally resistant to change. Instead, she argues...
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The Human Side Of Business With Mike Michalowicz - TWMJ #1056
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1056 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). has spent much of his career trying to solve a problem he describes simply: eradicating entrepreneurial poverty. As the bestselling author of and numerous other books on entrepreneurship and business, Mike has built a body of work around challenging conventional wisdom and finding practical systems that work with human behavior rather than against it. He's also an old friend, which means our conversations have a tendency to wander into some unexpected places... and this one certainly does. His latest...
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Axios And The Art Of Simplification With Roy Schwartz - TWMJ #1055
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1055 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). is the co-founder of and CEO of , where he has helped redefine how organizations communicate in an age of information overload. Before launching Axios alongside and , Roy helped build into one of the most influential political news organizations in the world. Today, Axios reaches millions of readers through its distinctive format, while Axios HQ helps some of the world's largest organizations communicate more clearly and effectively. In his new book, , Roy argues that our biggest challenge isn't a...
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Creating The Apple Store And Reinventing Retail With Ron Johnson - TWMJ #1054
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1054 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). is one of the most influential retail innovators of the modern era. Best known for creating the (alongside ), he helped redefine what a physical store could be, transforming retail from a place that simply sold products into a destination centered on service, learning, and human connection. Before , Ron helped reshape 's merchandising strategy through groundbreaking designer collaborations, and later served as CEO of during one of the industry's most ambitious retail transformations (and it did not go...
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Great Companies With Eric Ries - TWMJ #1053
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1053 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). is one of the most influential entrepreneurs and management thinkers of the past two decades. Best known as the creator of the movement, his ideas fundamentally changed how founders, innovators, and established organizations build products, test ideas, and bring innovation to market. His work has shaped startups, Fortune 500 companies, governments, and nonprofits around the world, earning him recognition as one of the defining voices on modern entrepreneurship. In his latest book, , Eric turns his...
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The Power Of Brands With Lifang He - TWMJ #1052
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1052 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). has spent more than two decades helping some of the world's most influential technology companies build products that people don't just use... they love. A global brand strategist and product marketing leader, she has led branding, go-to-market, and growth initiatives for companies including , , and . During her time at Apple's longtime creative agency, , she helped shape global launches, giving her a front-row seat to one of the most successful product introductions in history. Her new book, , argues...
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Data Inspired With Sebastian Wernicke - TWMJ #1051
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1051 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). has built his career at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, economics, and decision-making. He leads the Data Science and AI team at , one of Europe's leading economics consultancies, and has become widely recognized for his ability to make complex ideas about data both accessible and deeply human. Many people first encountered Sebastian through his memorable , which cleverly used data to satirize TED Talks themselves, but his work has always been driven by a much bigger question:...
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Navigating Future Shock With Fredric Marshall - TWMJ #1050
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1050 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). has spent decades helping people navigate change. An entrepreneur, investor in AI startups, CEO of , and advisor on leadership and transformation, he has watched multiple waves of technological disruption unfold from the inside. His latest book, , revisits 's famous concept of "" and argues that today's anxiety isn't a personal failing... it's the predictable result of living through an era where change, information, and technological progress are arriving faster than most people can absorb. In this...
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AI Mindsets With Farid Mheir - TWMJ #1049
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1049 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). has spent four decades at the intersection of engineering, business strategy, and digital transformation. Trained as a microelectronics engineer, he helped pioneer online grocery commerce with in the mid-1990s before building e-commerce platforms for major retailers across North America and Europe. Today, through his , and as a faculty member at the , Farid advises executives on AI strategy and organizational transformation. His new book, , distills decades of experience into thirty-one practical...
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Purpose And Strengthfinding With Tom Rath - TWMJ #1048
Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1048 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). is one of the most influential voices in the fields of leadership, strengths, wellbeing, and human performance. A researcher and the #1 bestselling author of books including , , , and , Tom's work has shaped how millions of people think about work, health, and personal development. His latest book, , challenges one of today's most common assumptions: that purpose is something we discover once in a lifetime. Instead, Tom argues that purpose is built through everyday actions and by focusing less on...
info_outlineWelcome to episode #926 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.
Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #926. A titan of pop culture commentary and a guiding voice in the realm of fandom is the best way to describe Joanna Robinson. With her profound insights into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and a finger firmly on the pulse of the entertainment industry, Joanna's expertise is unparalleled. Her recent book, co-authored with Dave Gonzales and Gavin Edwards, MCU - The Reign of Marvel Studios, offers a deep dive into the phenomenon that has reshaped global cinema... and turned nerds into the cool kids. Joanna's journey from a senior writer at Vanity Fair to becoming the "Queen of Game of Thrones," as dubbed by SyFy, showcases her unique ability to dissect and discuss complex cultural narratives, making her a beloved figure among fans and critics alike. Her transition to The Ringer, where she appears on shows like The Ringer-Verse and Trial By Content, further solidifies her status as a cultural critic par excellence. I am a comic book collector and lover of all things pop culture. This has not only become big business but a smart industry for all professionals to spend some time thinking about. Our conversation spans the intricate web of strategic decisions that led to the MCU's unprecedented success. From Marvel's acquisition by Disney to the delicate balance of interconnected storytelling and standalone tales, Joanna sheds light on the elements that keep audiences hooked. She also explores the MCU's cultural impact, particularly post-9/11, where a surge in superhero popularity reflected a collective yearning for escapism and heroism. Joanna points out the potential for content fatigue as Marvel's expansive universe grows ever larger across movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms. Beyond the MCU, Joanna and I delve into the broader comic book industry, contrasting Marvel's success with DC's franchise-building struggles and discussing the power of nostalgia in reigniting interest in iconic characters. Joanna emphasizes the untapped potential within Marvel's vast catalog, hinting at exciting directions the studio could explore in the future. MCU - The Reign of Marvel Studios is more than just a recounting of Marvel's rise to dominance - it's an invitation to understand the strategic, cultural, and creative forces behind one of the most influential entities in modern entertainment. Joanna's contribution, alongside her co-authors, offers invaluable insights for fans, aspiring creators, and industry observers alike. Enjoy the conversation...
- Running time: 59:46.
- Hello from beautiful Montreal.
- Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
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- ...or on Twitter.
- Here is my conversation with Joanna Robinson.
- MCU - The Reign of Marvel Studios.
- Joanna’s amazing podcasts.
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- This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.
Takeaways
- The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a result of strategic decisions made by Marvel and Disney, including the acquisition of Marvel by Disney and the interconnected storytelling approach.
- The cultural shift towards superheroes can be attributed to a desire for escapism and heroism, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11.
- Marvel faces the challenge of content fatigue as it expands its universe across movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms.
- DC has faced challenges in building successful franchises, while Marvel has excelled in creating interconnected storylines.
- Nostalgia plays a significant role in the success of superhero movies, as audiences connect with iconic characters and stories from their childhood.
- There are untapped potential assets in the Marvel catalog that could be explored in future projects.
- Comic books offer a diverse range of storytelling beyond superheroes and can be a gateway to discovering new genres and perspectives.
Chapters:
- 00:00 - Introduction
- 01:07 - The Love for Comic Books
- 03:13 - The Rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
- 06:12 - The Cultural Shift towards Superheroes
- 08:57 - The Acquisition of Marvel by Disney
- 11:25 - The Marvel Studios Inception Story
- 15:06 - The Challenge of Licensing Characters
- 19:23 - The Marvel Cinematic Universe Expansion
- 23:08 - The Challenge of Content Fatigue
- 28:28 - The Need for Change in Marvel's Strategy
- 30:33 - The Difficulty of Replicating Kevin Feige
- 36:27 - The Haunting History of Marvel's Business Model
- 38:08 - The Potential of Secret Wars
- 39:50 - Serialized Movies vs. TV Shows
- 45:21 - DC's Struggles with Franchise Building
- 50:30 - The Power and Pull of Nostalgia
- 54:33 - Unused Assets in the Marvel Catalog
- 55:51 - Changing Perspectives on Comic Books