Brand Retro with Cyberdogz

Mike Brevik

All brands that produce a feeling of nostalgia understand that the customer is everything. When you bake in the right emotions your customers don't just purchase. They become your partner. If you've ever wondered why people become sneaker-heads, card collectors, concert followers or pub-crawlers this is your podcast. Host Mike Brevik from Cyberdogz shares what it takes to create loyal followers for your product or service. You'll learn how brands can create childlike curiosity that anchors emotions and lifelong memories.

  1. Visibility Over Virality

    2D AGO

    Visibility Over Virality

    EPISODE SUMMARY In this Brand Retro Vault Series ("Lost Episode"), Mike Brevik sits down with Carrolee Drummonds to explore the mindset behind entrepreneurship and the importance of finding new paths to visibility in an increasingly noisy digital world. During the conversation, Carrolee shares her perspective on what many entrepreneurs experience today—the pressure to constantly produce content for social media and chase algorithms that rarely lead to meaningful engagement. Instead, she discusses the importance of shifting focus toward platforms that allow deeper conversations and genuine connection. Mike and Carrolee dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of pivoting when things are not working, and why successful business owners often succeed by stepping off the traditional marketing treadmill. The discussion highlights how long-form content, storytelling, and podcast conversations can create a more authentic and sustainable path to visibility. What emerges from this episode is a powerful reminder: visibility is not about chasing trends—it is about communicating your message in a way that builds trust, authority, and lasting relationships. LINKS & RESOURCES thecurrencyofvisibility.com thepodcastpitchingsociety.com Home - BRAND RETRO PODCAST KEYWORDS entrepreneurship mindset podcast marketing visibility strategy personal branding long-form content storytelling resilience business growth networking authenticity content strategy marketing psychology belief systems podcast guesting authority building digital marketing burnout sustainable marketing EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  00:00:23–00:01:24 – Why entrepreneurs must stay nimble and constantly pivot 00:02:19–00:03:10 – Escaping the "social media hamster wheel" 00:03:36–00:04:20 – Why copying others limits entrepreneurial growth 00:05:04–00:06:04 – The importance of prioritizing your main marketing channel 00:06:39–00:07:24 – Resilience as a learnable skill 00:07:45–00:08:51 – Building a business through networking instead of ads 00:09:14–00:10:15 – The truth about "sweat equity" in entrepreneurship 00:11:39–00:12:21 – Why real human connection beats social media reach 00:12:40–00:13:26 – Podcasting as a powerful visibility tool 00:14:23–00:15:14 – Letting your uniqueness stand out in your brand 00:16:58–00:17:43 – Misconceptions about success metrics in marketing 00:18:01–00:19:10 – Finding what feels natural instead of chasing trends 00:21:58–00:22:43 – There are no shortcuts: entrepreneurship requires real work 00:23:12–00:25:20 – "Sales is a transference of belief" explained 00:29:57–00:30:42 – Recognizing when your business no longer aligns with you

    39 min
  2. Brand Spotlight: LORIER Watches

    MAR 27

    Brand Spotlight: LORIER Watches

    Summary Welcome to The Lost Episodes... a series of conversations from the Brand Retro vault. These are the episodes that, for one reason or another, never made it out when they were first recorded. Different backdrop. Different format. Same solid conversations. Think of it like a lost album from a band you love, maybe it showed up late, but it still hits. In this episode of Brand Retro, Mike Brevik sits down with Lauren and Lorenzo Ortega, the husband-and-wife founders of LORIER Watches, to explore how a passion for vintage craftsmanship turned into one of the most respected micro-brands in modern watchmaking. What started with a fogged-up vintage Omega and a simple question, "why can't someone make a modern watch that feels truly vintage?" sparked the creation of LORIER in 2018. Together, they dive into: Why mechanical watches still matter in a digital world The philosophy behind designing watches that feel pulled from a time machine How nostalgia, engineering, and storytelling shape their brand The courage required to ignore trends and stay true to a vision Why a great watch shouldn't stay in a safe, it should live a life on your wrist Lauren and Lorenzo also share the realities of building a niche brand from the ground up: rejecting shortcuts, refusing certain industry norms, and choosing authenticity over scale. The result is a brand with a fiercely loyal community and a clear purpose... creating watches that become companions to life's memories, not just luxury objects. If you appreciate craftsmanship, vintage design, and brands that refuse to compromise their philosophy, this conversation is a must-listen. Links & Resources lorierwatches.com Home - BRAND RETRO PODCAST Keywords Brand Building Nostalgia Marketing Vintage Watches Mechanical Watches Entrepreneurship Product Design Brand Identity Storytelling Analog Lifestyle Craftsmanship Niche Brands Startup Journey Creative Vision Authenticity Episode Highlights 00:00–00:25 - Introduction to the episode and Lorier Watches founders 00:00:25–00:00:45 - Mike shares his passion for nostalgia-driven brands 00:00:45–00:02:21 - The origin story: a fogged vintage watch sparks an idea 00:02:21–00:03:41 - The gap between modern watches and vintage appeal 00:03:41–00:05:03 - The philosophy behind mechanical watches and their emotional value 00:05:03–00:06:01 - Staying true to a narrow brand vision despite market pressure 00:06:01–00:07:20 - Rejecting status symbols and focusing on meaningful ownership 00:07:20–00:08:33 - The shift from practical tools to luxury watch culture 00:08:33–00:09:24 - Designing watches as everyday companions, not collectibles 00:09:24–00:10:42 - The role of nostalgia and analog experiences in modern brands 00:10:42–00:12:15 - Building a brand driven by creativity rather than profit optimization 00:12:15–00:13:47 - The value of staying small and deeply connected to the product 00:13:47–00:15:24 - Overcoming doubt and external pressure when building a niche brand 00:15:24–00:17:06 - Why consistency in design creates a recognizable brand identity 00:17:06–00:18:08 - The idea that "pleasure comes from friction" in analog products 00:18:08–00:20:14 - Nostalgia, memory, and emotional connection in product design 00:20:14–00:21:37 - How customers discover the brand and what draws them in 00:21:37–00:23:08 - Refusing modern features that conflict with brand philosophy 00:23:08–00:24:34 - Why wear and imperfections add meaning to a watch 00:24:34–00:26:00 - The importance of storytelling and lived experiences 00:26:00–00:27:04 - Building a cohesive brand aesthetic and identity 00:27:04–00:28:29 - Communicating brand purpose clearly to customers 00:28:29–00:29:17 - Why Lorier avoids retail and maintains direct sales 00:29:17–00:30:30 - What's next: expanding the collection and maintaining quality 00:30:30–00:32:08 - Balancing production challenges with growing demand 00:32:08–00:33:04 - The ongoing journey of refining brand communication 00:33:04–00:34:01 - Final reflections on growth, perfection, and long-term vision

    34 min
  3. Stay Moving with Josh Roush

    MAR 20

    Stay Moving with Josh Roush

    Episode Summary Welcome to The Lost Episodes... a series of conversations from the Brand Retro vault. These are the episodes that, for one reason or another, never made it out when they were first recorded. Different backdrop. Different format. Same solid conversations. Think of it like a lost album from a band you love, maybe it showed up late, but it still hits. In this Lost Episode, Mike Brevik sits down with Josh Roush of Movetic for a conversation that feels just as relevant now as it did then. The two dig into the real value of brand, why too many companies still downgrade its importance, and how staying true to your vision matters more than ever when business starts pulling you in a dozen different directions. Josh shares his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of Movetic over the last decade, and why his team's internal mantra "Stay Moving" has helped keep them grounded, focused, and growing. Along the way, Mike and Josh get into the difference between branding and marketing, the danger of chasing every flashy opportunity, and why great agencies should know exactly what they do best. This episode explores: why brand foundation has to come first how to stand out without being different just for the sake of being different why focus is one of the hardest and most important parts of building a business how agency owners can avoid getting pulled off the road by distractions why the old playbook is dead and adaptability matters more than ever how collaboration, storytelling, and strategic clarity create stronger client work If you're a creative entrepreneur, agency owner, or business builder trying to stay aligned while the market keeps shifting, this one will hit home. Links & Resources joshroush.com linkedin.com/in/joshroush themovetic.com Keywords Brand strategy Entrepreneurship Agency growth Brand differentiation Marketing vs branding Creative agencies Business strategy Content and storytelling Agency collaboration Digital marketing trends Episode Highlights • 00:02 – Introduction to Josh Roush and Vedic • 00:24 – Why a strong brand foundation is essential for long-term resilience • 01:18 – Why even established brands need reminders to prioritize branding • 01:44 – The role of storytelling in modern brand positioning • 02:11 – Using competitive analysis to uncover differentiation opportunities • 02:59 – How brand strategy informs every project at Vedic • 03:38 – Balancing brand consistency with creative differentiation • 05:11 – Josh's entrepreneurial journey and starting Vedic at 24 • 06:18 – The key difference between branding and marketing • 07:15 – Staying focused on a long-term business vision • 08:06 – The philosophy behind Vedic's "Stay Moving" mantra • 10:16 – Reflecting on how quickly the business landscape is changing • 13:05 – Why the traditional agency playbook no longer works • 14:22 – How AI, TikTok, and algorithms are reshaping marketing • 15:39 – Embracing vulnerability and collaboration in uncertain markets • 17:11 – Why agencies should collaborate instead of competing • 18:12 – The importance of focusing on your core strengths • 19:13 – The 80/20 approach to agency services • 20:03 – Where to follow Josh and learn more about Vedic

    21 min
  4. Scaling Smarter with Ann Carden

    MAR 13

    Scaling Smarter with Ann Carden

    Episode Summary In this Lost Episode, Mike Brevik sits down with Ann Carden, longtime business strategist, marketing expert, and growth coach, for a conversation about what it really takes to build a business that scales. Ann breaks down the difference between brand influence and lead generation, why too many entrepreneurs rely on one without the other, and how real business growth comes from building the right marketing engine in the right order. She also talks through the dangers of cookie-cutter marketing advice, the importance of customized strategy, and why entrepreneurs have to stop treating online business like some magical shortcut to freedom. This episode digs into: why marketing is both an influence system and a lead generation system how to stop doing "hope marketing" and start creating real momentum why entrepreneurs need resilience, commitment, and a clear end game when to do the work yourself and when to hand it off how to build a premium business without trying to do everything at once why the best strategy is the one that actually fits you, your goals, and your business model If you are a coach, consultant, expert, or entrepreneur trying to grow smarter, not just louder, this conversation is packed with practical insight and hard-earned truth. Links & Resources annlcarden.com Top Business Podcast - Expert in you podcast by Ann Carden - Expert in You with Ann Carden Ann Carden linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach Ann Carden Keywords Entrepreneurship strategy Marketing systems Influence marketing Lead generation strategy Business growth coaching Personal branding Expert positioning Online business strategy Entrepreneur mindset Scaling a business Marketing engine High ticket services Boutique business model Business leadership Entrepreneur resilience Episode Highlights 00:00–00:19 - Introduction to Ann Carden and her work helping entrepreneurs scale high-end expertise businesses 00:19–01:03 - Ann explains her role as a strategist, coach, and founder of the Expert In You brand 01:03–02:10 - The concept of building a million-dollar business with only a handful of clients 02:10–03:10 - The two sides of modern marketing: influence systems and lead generation 03:10–04:05 - Why entrepreneurs must build brand visibility in the digital world 04:05–04:54 - The rise of social media and how it leveled the marketing playing field 04:54–05:33 - Why entrepreneurs fail when they only focus on content without lead generation 05:33–06:17 - The importance of outbound efforts to create inbound marketing results 06:17–07:00 - Marketing tools entrepreneurs can use including podcasts, LinkedIn outreach, and paid ads 07:00–07:56 - Why marketing systems must be customized rather than copied 07:56–08:46 - The danger of trying to run every marketing strategy at the same time 08:46–09:22 - Why entrepreneurs should build one marketing system at a time 09:22–10:19 - The role of experienced strategists in simplifying business growth 10:19–11:13 - The importance of authenticity in marketing and choosing platforms that fit your personality 11:13–12:03 - Overcoming fear when trying new marketing tools like live video 12:03–13:07 - Why visibility is essential for coaches, consultants, and expert businesses 13:07–14:07 - The mindset entrepreneurs must bring when starting a business 14:07–15:12 - Why belief and commitment determine business success 15:12–16:07 - Treating online businesses like traditional brick-and-mortar operations 16:07–17:07 - The reality behind the "freedom lifestyle" myth of entrepreneurship 17:07–18:07 - Understanding the phases of business growth from startup to delegation 18:07–19:07 - When entrepreneurs should begin outsourcing tasks 19:07–19:56 - The importance of defining your long-term vision before building your business 19:56–20:42 - Ann shares where listeners can find her work and learn more about her programs

    21 min
  5. MAR 6

    Exercising Creativity - Inside the Red Dot Auction and the Legacy of Chuck Jones

    EPISODE SUMMARY In this energizing episode of Brand Retro, Mike Brevik sits down with returning guests Craig Kausen and Ben Olson to unpack the story and impact behind the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity's 16th Annual Red Dot Fundraising Event. What began as a simple idea, artists donating 12x12 works to raise funds, has evolved into a nationally recognized celebration of imagination, nostalgia, and community impact. This year marks a major shift: for the first time, the artists' stories will stand alongside their work, adding deeper meaning to every piece. Craig shares the philosophy behind the Center's mission, rooted in Chuck Jones' belief that imagination is more powerful than knowledge, while Ben brings firsthand perspective on how Red Dot sparked his own journey from fan to board member to regional creativity leader. They explore: Why creativity isn't limited to art, it fuels science, business, engineering, and leadership How a simple exercise (like drawing three circles) can unlock confidence in adults and children alike The generational power of Looney Tunes nostalgia Why Red Dot is "the most fun fundraiser you'll ever attend" How the Center has now impacted over one million people across 18 states And why exercising creativity is more important than ever in the age of AI Hosted at the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center in Irvine, Red Dot blends vintage cars, classic animation, live art, and silent auctions into a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates both legacy and possibility. Whether you attend in person or bid online, this episode is a reminder that creativity isn't a luxury, it's a muscle. And when you exercise it, incredible things happen. Because sometimes all it takes is three circles… and someone who believes YOU CAN.   LINKS & RESOURCES Home - BRAND RETRO PODCAST Chuck Jones Center for Creativity – Where Imagination Grows Support Creativity – Donate | Chuck Jones Center Auctria KEYWORDS Creativity education Chuck Jones legacy Red Dot Auction Creative thinking Art fundraising events Nonprofit creativity programs Looney Tunes legacy Creative confidence Art and community impact Creativity and innovation Imagination in education Creative development programs Art philanthropy Intergenerational creativity Creative leadership Art auction fundraiser Creative expression programs Imagination vs knowledge EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 00:00–01:02 - Craig Kausen introduces his connection to Chuck Jones and the Center for Creativity 01:02–02:20 - Origins of the Red Dot Auction and anonymous art concept 02:20–03:39 - Why artist stories are now included alongside artwork 03:39–04:42 - The philosophy behind the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity 04:42–05:56 - Imagination vs knowledge: lessons from Einstein and Newton 05:56–06:46 - Event details and how audiences can participate 06:46–08:16 - The unique venue and immersive experience of the auction 08:16–09:29 - How Red Dot transformed artist and community relationships 09:29–10:29 - Creativity beyond art: science, engineering, and storytelling 10:29–12:20 - Overcoming self-doubt through creative exercises 12:20–14:07 - How small creative wins build confidence in adults and children 14:07–15:45 - Expanding creativity programs nationwide and community impact 15:45–17:15 - Creativity's importance in the age of AI and automation 17:15–18:43 - Nostalgia as a bridge between generations 18:43–20:24 - What attendees can expect from the Red Dot experience 20:24–22:30 - Live art, films, food, and immersive creative environments 22:30–24:10 - Silent auction dynamics and online participation 24:10–25:28 - Final invitation and ways to support creativity programs

    26 min
  6. 09/20/2024

    Sustainable Branding Without Greenwashing | Lindsey Coffey (Ep. 114)

    In this Brand Retro episode, Lindsey Coffey shares how brands can build eco-friendly branding and sustainability marketing without greenwashing. We cover ethical consumerism, transparency, and how EcoBranders helps businesses create real environmental impact while staying profitable. Who's the Guest? Lindsey Coffey, an acclaimed model and Miss Earth 2020, has leveraged her extensive experience in the fashion industry to champion environmental sustainability and ethical consumerism. With over a decade in modeling, Lindsey has gained a profound understanding of the inner workings of fashion marketing and consumer behavior, insights she now applies in her advocacy for eco-friendly practices. As the Head of Community Engagement & Impact Awareness at EcoBranders, Lindsey works to elevate environmental consciousness within the business sector and among consumers, promoting sustainable business practices that do not sacrifice profitability. Her commitment to environmental activism and her unique blend of industry experience make her a leading voice in integrating eco-consciousness with brand identity, aiming to inspire businesses and individuals alike to make mindful and impactful choices. Highlights 00:19 - The importance of eco-friendly branding. 01:02 - Lindsey's background and journey in the fashion industry. 02:43 - Lindsey's shift towards environmental activism. 04:31 - Intersection of eco-consciousness and brand identity. 05:28 - Example of EcoBranders. 07:10 - Challenges and benefits of transparency in eco branding. 09:04 - Addressing imposter syndrome in eco-conscious branding. 10:50 - Greenwashing: A significant issue. 14:00 - Importance of transparency for credibility. 17:40 - Discussion on carbon offsets and company responsibility. 19:55 - EU regulations on green claims. 21:53 - Examples of brands doing specific eco-friendly actions correctly. 25:37 - Emphasizing honesty in eco-conscious branding for credibility. 29:20 - The importance of eco-friendly choices and educating consumers. Episode Resources Connect with Mike Brevik: www.brandretro.com http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com   Connect with Lindsey Coffey http://lindsey-coffey.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lindseymariecoffey/ https://www.facebook.com/lindseymariecoffey https://x.com/lindseymcoffey https://www.youtube.com/c/LindseyMarieCoffey https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseymariecoffey/ https://ecobranders.com/   Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

    24 min
  7. 09/17/2024

    Dental & Orthodontic Marketing Agency Growth | Luke Infinger (Ep. 113)

    In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Luke Infinger, founder of HIP Creative, about building a niche marketing agency for orthodontic and dental practices. Luke shares his path from motion graphics and high-profile production work to entrepreneurship, and breaks down the mindset, positioning, and relationship-based growth that helped him scale a specialized creative business. Who's the Guest? Luke Infinger is the founder of HIP Creative, an agency specializing in the orthodontic and dental space. He began his career with a deep interest in the arts, developing skills in painting, drawing, and music from a young age. Luke studied motion graphics at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and initially worked in post-production in New York, where he participated in high-profile projects like the season three promo for "Game of Thrones." However, he found the environment stifling creatively and limiting in terms of income potential. Disillusioned with the pressures and limitations of his job, Luke returned to Pensacola, Florida, where he transitioned into starting his own agency. This move allowed him to blend his creative talents with entrepreneurship, focusing on long-term client relationships and strategic business growth within the specialized niche of orthodontics and dentistry. Highlights 04:34 - Big opportunity at a New York motion design shop. 05:49 - Becoming disillusioned with the industry. 10:03 - Discovering broader applications of creativity. 11:48 - From miserable job to entrepreneurial success. 13:05 - Creativity beyond design—a new perspective. 14:45 - Idea execution—much harder than it seems. 15:47 - Importance of detachment for creativity. 20:00 - Education systems evolving rapidly. 23:07 - Hard truth—most people remain average due to conditioning. 25:30 - Navigating the fine line between ideas and hard work. 28:40 - Internet success—easier said than done. 30:50 - Real mentors are often invisible success stories. 32:15 - Chasing average in small-town mentality. 35:20 - Merging ideas and hard work for true success. Episode Resources Connect with Mike Brevik: www.brandretro.com http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com   Connect with Luke Infinger https://lukeinfinger.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-infinger-b36a001b/ https://www.instagram.com/luke_infinger/ https://x.com/InfingerLuke   Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

    33 min
  8. 09/13/2024

    Peak Performance Coaching & Neuroscience | Zahra Karsan (Ep. 112)

    In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Zahra Karsan—Wall Street Journal bestselling author and peak performance coach—about the neuroscience of high performance, human behavior, and leadership. Zahra shares practical coaching strategies to overcome mental blocks, improve self-awareness, and build stronger teams for lasting personal and professional success. Additionally, we would like to introduce you to the Life Block Quiz, which is designed to help individuals identify the obstacles that may be hindering their happiness and success. Use promo code REWIRE20@ and receive a 20% discount on the Life Block Quiz, the book and coaching sessions. Who's the Guest? Zahra Karsan is a seasoned peak performance coach, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and speaker who has made significant strides in the fields of neuroscience and positive psychology. Her career began in management consulting, where she excelled in fostering centers of excellence and delivering successful results across various high-stakes projects. Zahra's profound interest in human behavior and organizational success led her to work closely with C-level executives and their management teams, aiming to optimize performance and enhance team cohesion. Her approach integrates deep insights into human psychology with practical coaching techniques, focusing on overcoming subconscious barriers to success and mastering self-awareness. Zahra is passionate about helping individuals and corporate clients unlock their full potential by understanding and harnessing their innate capabilities. Through her books and the innovative Life Block Quiz, Zahra provides tools for individuals to explore their personal and professional lives, encouraging them to define and achieve their unique definitions of success. She is a proponent of lifelong learning and believes that everyone can benefit from the insights and clarity provided by professional coaching. Highlights 01:28 - Stress, survival instincts, and success. 04:00 - Entrepreneurs and self-awareness. 05:20 - Loneliness and the entrepreneurial journey. 06:23 - Coaching and successful results. 11:30 - The Lifeblock Quiz and its purpose. 16:15 - The importance of realistic business planning. 17:39 - Honesty and transparency with clients. 20:47 - Alignment between life values and business. 22:09 - Benefits and impact of having a coach. Episode Resources Connect with Mike Brevik: www.brandretro.com http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com   Connect with Zahra Karsan https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrakarsan/ https://rewiremindsetsystem.com/ https://www.instagram.com/successcoachzahra/ https://www.facebook.com/SuccessCoachZahra https://www.amazon.com/Weeks-Happy-Ultimate-Abundance-Happiness/dp/0578330644 https://rewiremindsetsystem.com/quiz/   Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

    24 min
4.9
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

All brands that produce a feeling of nostalgia understand that the customer is everything. When you bake in the right emotions your customers don't just purchase. They become your partner. If you've ever wondered why people become sneaker-heads, card collectors, concert followers or pub-crawlers this is your podcast. Host Mike Brevik from Cyberdogz shares what it takes to create loyal followers for your product or service. You'll learn how brands can create childlike curiosity that anchors emotions and lifelong memories.