Up Next with Gabriella Mirabelli

New ideas and new technology are causing seismic shifts the media industry. Meet the innovators, the risk-takers and the disrupters on the front lines of change from Hollywood, Wall Street, Silicon Valley and beyond. This is the “Up Next Podcast” with Gabriella Mirabelli.

UN 388 - YPulse. Style, Fashion, and Identity. 11/13/2025

UN 388 - YPulse. Style, Fashion, and Identity. In today’s episode, MaryLeigh Bliss, Chief Content Officer at YPulse, discusses insights from their recent fashion preferences report based on a survey of 1,500 young North American consumers. She explores how the fear of seeming “cringe” leads many to avoid clothes that look "try-hard," and how comfort has become a defining aesthetic—with sweatpants now acceptable almost anywhere. The conversation also looks at how TikTok and Instagram often act less as discovery tools and more as validation loops that reinforce existing styles. Bliss explains why luxury branding struggles to resonate with generations raised on big-box retail, how thrifting is motivated more by price than sustainability, and why the renewed interest in “going-out” clothes may reflect a broader desire for in-person connection. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/38955450

UN 387 - IJRM. Luxury & Logo Complexity. 11/06/2025

UN 387 - IJRM. Luxury & Logo Complexity. Logos do more than identify a brand—they shape how we experience it. In this episode, Qing Tang, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Hong Kong Baptist University, discusses research she and her colleagues published in the International Journal of Research in Marketing on logo design and perceptions of luxury. While many companies have shifted toward clean, minimalist logos, research findings reveal that more complex designs can actually heighten perceptions of exclusivity and craftsmanship. The conversation examines the trade-offs between luxury and approachability, why some brands revert to older, more intricate logos, and how logo design choices play out across industries and digital platforms. Whether you’re managing an established luxury house or building a new brand, this episode offers evidence-based insights into how subtle visual cues influence consumer judgment—and why logo redesigns deserve more strategic consideration than they often receive. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/38361765

UN 386 - Dan Levi. Out-of-Home’s Surprising Strength. 10/30/2025

UN 386 - Dan Levi. Out-of-Home’s Surprising Strength. Out-of-home advertising is delivering stronger results than many digital-first channels. Dan Levi, EVP & CMO of Clear Channel Outdoor, shares insights from a five-year study with Kantar that proves OOH drives awareness, intent, and brand favorability—and amplifies the impact of other media. Learn how marketers can measure performance, optimize creative, and integrate OOH into modern campaigns. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37926340

UN 385 - Robin Bonn. Market of One. 10/23/2025

UN 385 - Robin Bonn. Market of One. Is the agency world oversupplied—or just under differentiated? In this episode, Gabriella Mirabelli speaks with Robin Bonn, CEO of Co:definery and author of Market of One, about why most agencies struggle to stand out—and how they can fix it. They discuss the myths of procurement power, why “our people” isn’t a strategy, and how smart specialization can transform your business. Whether you're leading an agency, consulting firm, or any service-based business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on pricing, positioning, and building a truly unique market presence. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37669410

UN 384 - YPulse. Screens, Streams, & Trust. 10/16/2025

UN 384 - YPulse. Screens, Streams, & Trust. YPulse Chief Content Officer MaryLeigh Bliss shares the latest insights into how Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping entertainment and news consumption. From YouTube’s dominance to TikTok’s growing role as a news source, Bliss reveals what young audiences are watching, how they engage with content, and who they trust. Discover what today’s viewing habits mean for brands and media alike. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/38566040

UN 383 - Jason Ing. Typeface & AI Powered Marketing. 10/09/2025

UN 383 - Jason Ing. Typeface & AI Powered Marketing. What does it mean to market AI to marketers? Typeface CMO Jason Ing joins Gabriella Mirabelli to share how his team is cutting through the noise, helping brands integrate AI without disrupting workflows, and shifting the focus from flashy tools to real outcomes. Learn how agentic AI is changing content creation—and why marketers are uniquely positioned to lead the AI revolution. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37671850

UN 382 - IJRM. The Effects of Churn on Subscription Services. 10/02/2025

UN 382 - IJRM. The Effects of Churn on Subscription Services. Subscription businesses live and die by churn—but its impact goes far beyond lost customers. In this episode, Professor Barak Libai discusses research he and his colleagues conducted that reveals how churn reshapes growth, revenue, and market potential -- and what that means for anyone building or investing in a subscription model. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/38061855

Un 381 - Zeno Project. Brand Love & Loyalty. 09/25/2025

Un 381 - Zeno Project. Brand Love & Loyalty. What makes consumers truly love a brand? In this episode, Allison McClamroch, Head of Brand US at Zeno Group, shares insights from Zeno's latest research on brand love and loyalty. Discover how generational values, social media influence, and cultural relevance shape brand relationships—and what brands must do to earn and keep loyalty in today’s competitive landscape. A must-listen for marketers, brand strategists, and communicators. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37596030

UN 380 - YPulse. 10 Trends You Can’t Ignore. 09/18/2025

UN 380 - YPulse. 10 Trends You Can’t Ignore. Discover the 10 emerging trends shaping Gen Z and Millennial culture, from accessible adventures to TikTok mini-series. YPulse’s MaryLeigh Bliss unpacks what these shifts reveal about young consumers and why they matter for brands. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/38182780

UN 379 - Andre Banks. Cultural Intelligence. 09/11/2025

UN 379 - Andre Banks. Cultural Intelligence. Andre Banks, founder of NewWorld, unpacks how media, identity, and culture intersect—and what it means for modern marketing. Learn why cultural intelligence matters more than ever in building trust and relevance today. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37579245

UN 378 - IJRM. Social Media Champions & Critics. 09/04/2025

UN 378 - IJRM. Social Media Champions & Critics. In this episode, Welf Weiger, Associate Professor of Digital Marketing and Chair of the Marketing Department at Alfaisal University, joins us to discuss research he and his colleagues conducted on social media marketing and customer engagement. Together, their work uncovers surprising findings about how brand advocacy and criticism influence not just public perception, but also the purchasing behavior of the advocate or critic themselves. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37760175

UN 377 - Josh Dorfman. Evolving Your Personal Brand. 08/28/2025

UN 377 - Josh Dorfman. Evolving Your Personal Brand. This episode explores the evolution of Josh Dorfman’s personal brand in sustainability, from The Lazy Environmentalist to climate-tech ventures like Plantd and Supercool. Josh shares how authentic storytelling, strategic pivots, and mission alignment shaped his journey — and how he's used his platform to engage new audiences with climate solutions. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37508610

UN 376 - YPulse. Social Marketing Preferences. 08/21/2025

UN 376 - YPulse. Social Marketing Preferences. Discover how Gen Z and Millennials really want to be marketed to. YPulse’s Tori D’Amico reveals fresh data on social media habits, influencer trust, and the platforms driving engagement and sales. Learn which content formats work best, what fuels social commerce, and how identity shapes brand interactions. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37818316

UN 375 - Kira Shishkin. informed. 08/14/2025

UN 375 - Kira Shishkin. informed. Struggling to cut through the noise of today’s media? In this episode, Kira Shishkin, CEO of informed, shares how his minimalist, SMS-based news service delivers unbiased, ad-free updates that resonate with busy professionals and Gen Z alike. Discover how informed is redefining news consumption (and marketing) in the age of information overload. If you're curious about how to market a minimalist product in a maximalist world, this episode is worth a listen. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37365550

UN 374 - IJRM. A/B Testing. 08/07/2025

UN 374 - IJRM. A/B Testing. Explore the hidden flaws in A/B testing on platforms like Google and Meta. In this episode, marketing professor Johannes Boegershausen reveals why ad delivery algorithms often undermine true randomization and what that means for marketers and researchers. Learn why platform-based test results shouldn't be over-extrapolated—and how to run more reliable experiments. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37460350

UN 373 - Luciana Núñez. Coaching Power. 07/31/2025

UN 373 - Luciana Núñez. Coaching Power. In this episode, executive coach Luciana Núñez shares actionable insights from her book Coaching Power. She explains how leaders can drive performance by balancing coaching, managing, and leading — while building a strong coaching culture. Perfect for professionals looking to lead with clarity, empathy, and impact. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37259935

UN 372 - YPulse. IRL Events 07/24/2025

UN 372 - YPulse. IRL Events In this episode, YPulse’s MaryLeigh Bliss discusses Gen Z and Millennials’ renewed interest in in-person events. She shares key trends from YPulse’s latest report, including venue preferences, the rise of brand pop-ups, and how brands can create immersive, shareable experiences. Learn what young consumers want from real-life events, and how your brand can meet them there. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37432800

UN 371 - Mike Peterson. Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption. 07/17/2025

UN 371 - Mike Peterson. Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption. In this episode, leadership expert Mike Peterson, author of Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption, shares actionable strategies for navigating rapid change in today’s workplace. Discover how trust, transparent communication, and accountability can empower leaders to drive clarity and performance during digital transformation. A must-listen for professionals facing disruption across industries. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37154335

UN 370 - IJRM. Decoding Emoji Marketing. 07/10/2025

UN 370 - IJRM. Decoding Emoji Marketing. Marketing researchers Jacob Almaguer, Reto Felix, and Colleen Harmeling unpack the strategic use of emojis in brand communication. Their conceptual framework explores how emojis shape clarity, intimacy, and consumer perception — highlighting the importance of context, audience, and cultural nuance. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/37030305

UN 369 - David Hirshfeld. Startup Insights. 06/26/2025

UN 369 - David Hirshfeld. Startup Insights. In this episode, David Hirshfeld, founder and CEO of Tekyz, shares practical insights on leadership, culture, and what distinguishes successful ventures from those that fail. He reflects on lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, including both a successful exit and a company that didn’t make it. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/36943020

UN 368 - YPulse. Youth Behavior Insights. 06/19/2025

UN 368 - YPulse. Youth Behavior Insights. In this episode, YPulse’s MaryLeigh Bliss shares fresh insights from two new reports on Gen Z and Millennial behavior around AI and social media. The conversation explores surprising declines in major platform use, the rise of smaller, community-driven apps, and how young people are embracing AI as a helpful tool rather than a threat. It’s a revealing look at what’s driving the next wave of digital habits. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/36962145

UN 367 - James Nord. Fohr & Influencer Marketing. 06/12/2025

UN 367 - James Nord. Fohr & Influencer Marketing. Influencer marketing isn’t just a trend, it’s becoming the main event. In this episode, Fohr CEO James Nord explains why brands must stop treating it as a bolt-on and start building around it. From authenticity myths to smarter metrics, Nord outlines the mindset shift needed to win in the new marketing era. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/36839305

UN 366 - IJRM. The Power of Anticipation. 06/05/2025

UN 366 - IJRM. The Power of Anticipation. In this episode, Adrian Palmer, professor of marketing at Henley Business School, discusses his research, published in IJRM, on anticipation in consumer behavior. He focuses on the often-overlooked period between the moment of purchase and the experience of the product or service. This "anticipation effect" plays a significant role in shaping customer satisfaction and overall perception. Palmer shares insights into the cognitive and emotional processes at play during this time and explains how marketers can strategically leverage anticipation to enhance the customer experience. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/36775165

UN 365 - Mason Breeding. Gaming Influencers. 05/29/2025

UN 365 - Mason Breeding. Gaming Influencers. This episode features Mason Breeding, a talent manager in the gaming creator economy, discussing how gaming influencers are changing digital marketing. He explains what brands get right and wrong when working with creators and stresses the importance of authenticity and community. Breeding also talks about the value of long-term partnerships and smarter ad strategies in gaming. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/36629750

UN 364 - Doug Hall. Proactive Problem Solving. 05/22/2025

UN 364 - Doug Hall. Proactive Problem Solving. In this episode, Doug Hall, founder of Eureka Ranch and Brain Brew Distillery and a recognized innovation expert, discusses his book, "Proactive Problem Solving." He shares practical strategies for identifying and resolving challenges using systems thinking. Inspired by Dr. W. Edwards Deming, Hall emphasizes engaged leadership and empowering those closest to the work. The conversation focuses on moving beyond simply fixing problems to proactively preventing them. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/36554445

UN 363 - YPulse. Ad Effectiveness and DEI. 05/15/2025

UN 363 - YPulse. Ad Effectiveness and DEI. In this interview, YPulse’s MaryLeigh Bliss shares insights from their advertising/marketing effectiveness and DEI reports, highlighting that social platforms are the key drivers of purchase decisions for young consumers. The conversation emphasizes the power of authentic, user-generated content and touches on young consumers’ strong commitment to DEI. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/36491365

UN 362 - Karpukhina & Wang. A Silly Strategy. 05/08/2025

UN 362 - Karpukhina & Wang. A Silly Strategy. Unlock your creative potential with the "Be Silly" strategy. In this interview, Tatiana Karpukhina and Jiabi Wang discuss their research showing how intentionally generating silly ideas can break cognitive fixation and lead to more innovative solutions. Learn how to apply this simple yet powerful technique to boost creativity in both personal and professional settings. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/36226000

UN 361 - IJRM. Generative AI in Marketing. 05/01/2025

UN 361 - IJRM. Generative AI in Marketing. An interview with Professor Jochen Hartmann about the use of generative AI in marketing, specifically focusing on comparing AI-generated images to human-created ones. Hartmann discusses research involving various AI models like DALL-E-3, Midjourney, and Firefly, and the surprising findings about their performance in aesthetics, realism, and effectiveness in real-world ad campaigns. The conversation highlights the rapid development of AI in marketing and its potential to create "superhuman" imagery. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/36042370

UN 360 - Rana Faure. Making the Most of Photography. 04/24/2025

UN 360 - Rana Faure. Making the Most of Photography. Photography expertise for personal branding and business success. In this interview, Rana Faure, a seasoned photo industry executive, shares how to select the right photographer, prepare for effective headshots, and create a compelling visual strategy for your business. Get advice on stock vs. custom photography, event coverage, and understanding image rights. Listen for practical tips for elevating your professional image. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/35963145

UN 359 - YPulse. Social Behaviors & 20s trends 04/17/2025

UN 359 - YPulse. Social Behaviors & 20s trends MaryLeigh Bliss of YPulse shares insights into the latest social media trends and consumer behaviors among Gen Z and millennials. She breaks down platform usage, video content preferences, the growing popularity of Pinterest, and TikTok’s role in trend discovery and social shopping. The discussion also dives into the unique traits and spending habits of 20-somethings, highlighting how social media serves as their go-to source for both information and inspiration. /episode/index/show/theupnextpodcast/id/36090710

Up Next with Gabriella Mirabelli

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