Manipulating The Masses

Kaitlin McMillan & Zach Phillips
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Kaitlin McMillan and Zach Phillips, Owners of McMillan & Phillips Creative Marketing Agency, use their experience in the advertising world to look through history at some of the most influential, problematic, and hysterical ways people have come under the mass influence by rulers, companies, political movements, and leaders of all types. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

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  1. Marketing of The Oscars

    EPISODE 1

    Marketing of The Oscars

    The Oscars have been Hollywood’s biggest night for nearly a century, but how has the Academy managed to keep audiences engaged in an era of declining viewership? In this episode of Manipulating The Masses, Zach and Kaitlin break down the history of Oscar marketing—from the studio-controlled campaigns of the Golden Age to today’s aggressive “For Your Consideration” ads. We’ll explore legendary Oscar campaigns like Shakespeare in Love’s shocking Best Picture win, analyze how digital disruption and streaming have reshaped the ceremony’s relevance, and dive into the Academy’s efforts to combat declining ratings. Why do some years attract blockbuster audiences while others tank? How has the Oscars’ political and cultural evolution impacted its appeal? With jaw-dropping marketing tactics, strategic voting pushes, and controversial industry shifts, the road to Oscar gold isn’t just about great filmmaking—it’s about knowing how to sell the story. Tune in as we uncover the power of persuasion behind Hollywood’s biggest award. Subscribe now to Manipulating The Masses and join the conversation! Learn more about us at: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

    1h 13m
  2. The Marketing of Cryptocurrency

    EPISODE 2

    The Marketing of Cryptocurrency

    Bitcoin didn’t just become a trillion-dollar asset because of technology—it became a movement through brilliant marketing, psychological manipulation, and internet culture. In this episode, Zach and Kaitlin break down how FOMO, memes, and celebrity endorsements turned Bitcoin from an obscure digital experiment into a global financial powerhouse. From the wild price swings that create media frenzy to the rise of HODL culture, "When Lambo?" memes, and crypto evangelists, we explore how Bitcoin sells itself without a marketing team. We also dive into the dark side of Bitcoin's branding, from Ponzi schemes and hacks to government crackdowns. Then, we look at the latest evolution of hype-driven crypto: meme coins like $HAWK, $TRUMP, and $ESPN. Are they the future of internet-based finance or just another speculative bubble? If you’ve ever wondered why people keep buying into Bitcoin despite its volatility—or how meme coins can explode overnight—this episode is for you. 🎙 Subscribe to Manipulating The Masses and follow us for more deep dives into the tactics that shape our world! Learn more about M&P here: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

    1h 43m
  3. The Marketing of the WNBA

    EPISODE 3

    The Marketing of the WNBA

    In this episode of Manipulating the Masses, Kaitlin and Zach dive into the evolving marketing strategies of the WNBA and how the league has worked to expand its audience and influence. They explore how the WNBA has leveraged social media, player-driven storytelling, and corporate partnerships to reshape its image and attract a broader fan base. The hosts break down key moments in the league’s branding evolution, from early struggles with visibility to recent surges in viewership, thanks to stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese drawing national attention. They discuss how the WNBA has successfully positioned itself within cultural movements, tapping into conversations about gender equity, social justice, and representation. Kaitlin and Zach also analyze the role of digital marketing, including viral highlights, athlete-led content, and strategic collaborations with NBA teams and brands like Nike. They highlight the league’s challenges, including media coverage disparities and ongoing efforts to convert casual viewers into long-term fans. By the end of the episode, the hosts debate whether the WNBA’s marketing tactics are enough to secure its long-term success or if further innovations are needed. This deep dive reveals how perception and promotion shape the league’s trajectory. To Learn About M&P, Visit: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

    56 min
  4. The Marketing of Marvel Movies

    EPISODE 4

    The Marketing of Marvel Movies

    In this episode of Manipulating the Masses, Kaitlin and Zach dive deep into the evolution and marketing genius behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). They explore how Marvel transformed from a struggling comic book company into a global box office powerhouse, thanks to visionary storytelling and innovative marketing strategies. The episode begins with Marvel’s humble origins, its near-bankruptcy in the 1990s, and the bold decision to create its own film studio, leading to the game-changing release of Iron Man (2008). Kaitlin and Zach break down Marvel’s marketing tactics, from Comic-Con reveals and viral campaigns to strategic brand collaborations and social media dominance. They highlight how Marvel’s post-credit scenes, casting choices, and immersive fan engagement fueled its success. However, not all has been smooth sailing—Marvel’s recent struggles with films like Eternals and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania show signs of franchise fatigue. The hosts discuss whether Marvel can maintain its dominance and what the future holds for the MCU. Packed with behind-the-scenes insights, industry analysis, and fan-favorite moments, this episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of entertainment and marketing. To Learn More About Zach & Kaitlin, Visit: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

    1h 17m
  5. The Marketing of Reese Witherspoon's Media Empire

    EPISODE 5

    The Marketing of Reese Witherspoon's Media Empire

    On this episode of Manipulating The Masses, Zach and Kaitlin break down how Reese Witherspoon transformed herself from rom-com darling into one of Hollywood’s most strategic business moguls. While other actors rely on studios and producers to shape their careers, Reese has positioned herself at every stage of the marketing pipeline—from content creation to book clubs to brand partnerships—ensuring she not only stays relevant but maximizes every dollar. We explore how her company, Hello Sunshine, capitalized on the demand for female-driven storytelling, scoring massive deals with streamers hungry for content. But the real genius? Reese doesn’t just produce these hit shows—she controls the IP from the start by strategically optioning books before they even become bestsellers, thanks to the power of her Reese’s Book Club. By the time a show like Big Little Lies or Daisy Jones & The Six hits screens, she’s already primed an audience, built demand, and ensured a lucrative payout. From smart licensing deals to her $900M Hello Sunshine sale, this episode is a deep dive into the Witherspoon playbook—a masterclass in leveraging influence, storytelling, and business acumen to dominate Hollywood on her own terms. To learn more about M&P, visit: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

    55 min
  6. The Marketing of Casinos

    EPISODE 6

    The Marketing of Casinos

    On this episode of Manipulating The Masses, Zach and Kaitlin take a high-stakes dive into the brilliantly deceptive marketing tactics of casinos—from the flashing lights to the subconscious psychological tricks designed to keep people gambling longer. But one of the most powerful tools in the casino industry’s arsenal? Celebrity endorsements. From A-list actors to athletes and influencers, casinos use big names to add legitimacy to their brand, making high-risk gambling seem like an exclusive, glamorous experience. Whether it’s Shaquille O’Neal promoting WynnBET, Jamie Foxx fronting BetMGM, or even Twitch streamers turning online gambling into entertainment, these endorsements normalize the industry and make it feel like a VIP club instead of a business designed to separate you from your money. We’ll break down the science of casino marketing, how celebrities lure in new customers, and why gambling empires continue to grow despite mounting controversies and regulatory crackdowns. So, next time you see a celebrity pushing a casino brand, ask yourself: Are they selling you a luxury experience—or just helping the house win? To learn more about M&P, visit: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

    1h 19m
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About

Kaitlin McMillan and Zach Phillips, Owners of McMillan & Phillips Creative Marketing Agency, use their experience in the advertising world to look through history at some of the most influential, problematic, and hysterical ways people have come under the mass influence by rulers, companies, political movements, and leaders of all types. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

Information

  • Creator
    Kaitlin McMillan & Zach Phillips
  • Episodes
    58
  • Seasons
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © M&P Digital Creative Agency 2024
  • Show Website
    Manipulating The Masses