Brand New Perspective

brandnewperspective
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Marketing

Gain a brand new perspective from this mother-daughter duo. Each month, you'll hear different perspectives on marketing, motherhood, and mental health from an award-winning CMO and her Gen Z daughter. Linda Bethea has held senior marketing leadership roles across PepsiCo, Diageo, and Danone, and been named a Forbes Top 50 Entrepreneurial CMOs. Her daughter, Finley, has spoken about marketing to Gen Z on stages across the country, including AdWeek NYC, and is never afraid to give her mom unfiltered feedback. Whether you’re a marketer eager to learn, a working mom trying to juggle it all, or just someone who loves an inter- generational POV, you’re in the right place. Email: brandnewperspective3@gmail.com Instagram: @brandnewperspective3 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/linda-bethea/ www.linkedin.com/in/finley-bethea-1681b7362/

Episodes

  1. Oct 20

    Episode 8: Brand New Gen Z Trends, Including Grandma Core, Digital Audio, & Mental Health Concerns

    Who's really influencing Gen Z teens? Listen to this episode of a Brand New Perspective to find out the surprising answer. Linda and Finley also break down the latest Gen Z trends, including Grandma hobbies and the rise of intentional listening over digital audio streaming. They also dig into the rise of mental health concerns amongst Gen Z and provide resources for those who need support. Plus, stick around for a round of Cool or Cringe, where they debate today’s biggest music artists and discover which classic musicians still resonate with Gen Z. Whether you’re a marketer looking to understand Gen Z consumers, a parent navigating teenage trends, or simply curious about what’s shaping the next generation, this episode offers fresh perspectives on culture, marketing, and everyday life. Episode Timestamps00:08 — Welcome to a Brand New Perspective 00:08 — Who influences Gen Z brand preferences? The surprising role of parents 02:58 — The brands teens and parents love: McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Sephora, and e.l.f. Cosmetics 05:17 — Beauty trends, fragrance preferences, and the appeal of personalized perfume 06:09 — The rise of “grandma hobbies”: Crochet, crafting, bedazzling 08:36 — What bedazzling reveals about personalization and brand marketing opportunities 09:38 — Affordable hobbies, economic pressures, and Gen Z consumer behavior 10:38 — Digital audio trends: How Gen Z uses music to boost mood 11:25 — Spotify, streaming fatigue, vinyl records, and intentional listening 14:21 — Creative influencer monetization: Selling ad space on a TikTok creator’s bedroom wall 15:47 — Gen Z mental health: Anxiety, depression, and the impact of social media 17:02 — Why Gen Z is experiencing loneliness despite being digitally connected 18:23 — Why young people are staying home: Cost, social isolation, exhaustion, and recharging 19:38 — The pressure of school, sports, extracurriculars, and overscheduling 20:14 — Mental health resources and where to find support 20:52 — Cool or Cringe: musicians Mental Health ResourcesIf you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 in the United States for support during a mental health crisis.RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org for sexual assault support.You are not alone, and asking for help is an important step.

  2. Sep 13

    Episode 7: Brand New Moments That Matter in Marketing and Motherhood

    It’s harder than ever for brands to break through and become part of the cultural conversation. In this episode, Linda and Finley are joined by Jessica Nuremberg, who is responsible for new business development at Maximum Effort. Maximum Effort’s “fastvertising” model takes a culture-first approach to marketing for brands like State Farm, Door Dash, Peloton, and SToK. Jess explains why risk-taking and storytelling are keys to success, and shares a behind the scenes look at some successful campaigns. Linda and Jess also discuss the challenges of being single moms and Finley shares her perspective on why open communication is critical to forging a strong mother-daughter relationship. Don’t miss this candid take on moments that matter in marketing and motherhood!     Key topics ·       Jess discusses joining Maximum Effort and a willingness to take a leap while becoming a single mom. ·       They discuss how Maximum Effort’s model is built around creating moments that matter. ·       The difference between traditional brand planning cycles and fastvertising. ·       The team’s approach to culture-first ideas, including the State Farm and Taylor Swift–Travis Kelce moment. ·       The Astronomer crisis-response example and how media strategy can be about where not to post, not just where to spend. ·       Why Maximum Effort says no often, and how selective project choice helps preserve quality and breakthrough potential. ·       The Stok Ready to Drink Coffee and Wrexham AFC partnership as a case study in taking a risk that started as a surprising idea and became a major brand platform. ·       Motherhood, found family, and why small rituals and communication matter more than perfection. Timestamps 00:00 — Introducing Jess Nuremberg and her path to Maximum Effort 02:30 — IVF, pregnancy, and taking a job at the wrong right time 03:39 — Why Maximum Effort’s culture made the leap possible 04:58 — ADHD, disorganized chaos, and surviving mental overload 08:35 — Why ADHD can be an advantage in fast-moving marketing 09:28 — What asymmetrical impact means 10:42 — The “lottery ticket” model and moving fast 11:12 — Turning the Taylor Swift and Chiefs moment into a brand play 14:06 — The DoorDash Super Bowl without a Super Bowl ad 16:16 — How the Coldplay kiss cam moment became a crisis PR masterclass 20:17 — Using social media strategically instead of blasting paid media 21:32 — Why younger audiences trust culture-led content 24:54 — The role of “fire sparks” versus always-on marketing 26:16 — The Stok and Wrexham partnership and why uncomfortable ideas can win 30:49 — Outsized impact, household penetration, and incremental sales 31:35 — Why calculated risk makes future experiments easier 32:56 — New work with SailGP, Ryan Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman 34:42 — Why SailGP has the same storytelling upside as Wrexham 35:50 — Finley on sports partnerships, NIL, and athlete influence 39:37 — The Devil Wears Prada 2 and L’Oréal with Kendall Jenner 41:30 — Why authentic talent works best 42:24 — Motherhood, single parenting, and building a non-traditional family 44:17 — The power of shared experience 47:14 — Taking care of yourself while raising a child alone 49:14 — Communication, quality time, and making your own traditions 51:16 — Why moms need to refill their own tank first 52:55 — Cool or cringe: Peloton, Pilates, running, and yoga 59:54 — Closing thoughts on marketing and staying relevant

  3. Aug 13

    Episode 6: Brand New Ways to Think Human

    In a world overflowing with choices, how do brands earn and foster meaningful connections? In this episode, Linda and Finley are joined by Doug Zarkin, CMO and best-selling author, who offers a fresh perspective. He shares why brands need to work harder to earn trust and explains the importance of “Thinking Human” -- treating every customer or consumer as if they are the only one who matters. Finley also shares her personal experiences working on the front lines of retail as they debate whether or not the customer is always right. They also weigh the pros and cons of AI in customer service and discuss whether the use of AI is counter to thinking human. Key topics The thinking human brand philosophy and why trust and empathy matterWhy frontline experience matters to understand customer experienceHow empowered employees can solve customer problems and create stronger brands that engender loyaltyDoug says customer service is often where brands apologize, not just where they “service”AI is not a replacement for human empathy - customers need the option to reach a real person vs. chatbot frustrationReputation and word of mouth matter more than many brands realizePeople make emotional decisions before rationalizing themThe broader experience economy and post-COVID consumer behaviorDoug explains how Pink was positioned as more inclusive vs. the unattainable image of the flagship Victoria's Secret brandCelebrity seeding, experiential marketing, and brand repositioningThe group talks about partnerships, co-branded products, and why collabs signal who a brand is forDoug warns that faster launch cycles can also mean lower quality if brands move too quicklyFinley shares a TikTok Shop purchase that looked better online than in real life Timestamps 00:00 - Introducing Doug Zarkin 01:15 - What “thinking human” means 02:46 - Why today’s customers have more power and less patience 04:54 - Training frontline teams to represent the brand consistently 06:39 - The 5 second rule and why first impressions matter 07:23 - Solving problems in the moment 08:54 - Finley on customer happiness, return policies, and real-world guardrails 11:02 - Why rigid rules break down in real retail situations 12:37 - Younger customers, social capital, and the power of reputation 14:24 - Is AI counter to thinking human in customer service? 15:25 - Why AI can help with data but fails in gray-area situations 17:09 - The hidden frustration of AI-only customer service systems 18:47 - Customer service as the place where brands apologize publicly 20:03 - Turning an adversary into an advocate through empathy 21:56 - Closing the loop and why reputation commerce matters 24:35 - When a brand has to fire a customer 26:26 - Brand value equals experience divided by price 27:38 - What makes a great experience for Gen Z shoppers 29:21 - Consumers make emotional decisions before rational ones 30:40 - Turning an oil change into a meaningful customer experience 33:00 - Mindset, curiosity, and asking better questions 34:06 - How Pink was positioned as more inclusive 37:22 - Finley’s take on Pink versus Victoria’s Secret 38:21 - Celebrity seeding, product placement, and experiential marketing 40:25 - Collabs and backpacks 43:13 - Why speed to market can hurt quality 44:26 - Finley’s TikTok Shop lesson: you get what you pay for 46:20 - Empathy, refunds, and handling complaints 47:20 - Redesigning a bag after TikTok criticism 48:11 - Sports and smart customer empathy 49:32 - Lifetime guarantees, retention, and small gestures that build loyalty 51:27 - Cool or cringe summer vacation

  4. Jul 16

    Episode 5: Brand New Perspectives from Cannes

    Brand New Perspectives from Cannes and Gen Z Shopping BehaviorIn this episode, Linda and Finley share their perspectives on their recent trip to the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. They discuss why some Cannes activations felt instantly on-brand, how The Ordinary and Kit Kat turned strong ideas into standout campaigns, and why creator content and shoppable experiences are shaping modern marketing. They also recap Finley's speaking engagement on how Gen Z is revamping the shopper journey. Retailers take note: if you're not creating a frictionless shopping experience, you're missing out! Key topicsIn this episode, Linda and Finley break down what Cannes feels like on the ground.The Ordinary’s campaign, The Periodic Fable of Elements, gets highlighted as a strong example of brand-aligned creativity.Kit Kat’s Great Heist is a great example of turning an unexpected real-world event into a multi-layered, social-first marketing moment.The conversation notes that the creator economy felt much more central at Cannes this year, with creators showing up in speaking slots and drawing major crowds.YouTube’s role in both short-form and long-form creator content comes up as a major shift, especially as brands look for more effective creator-generated marketing.The discussion shifts to Love Island as a case study in modern brand integration, with examples from CeraVe, Maybelline, and Poppi.Finley explains how Gen Z shopping often starts on social media search, then moves to Google and reviews before a purchase is made.The episode explores why Gen Z trusts user videos, reviews, and authentic creator opinions more than brand-generated ads.The importance of ease, unboxing, and shoppable content comes up repeatedly, including how online ordering and in-show shopping reduce friction.Linda and Finley close by talking about how shoppers still want personalization, but not pushy retail behavior.Timestamps00:00 - Cannes kickoff and first impressions of the festival 01:45 - Why Cannes feels less like work and more like a glamorous trade show 03:07 - Which brand activations felt memorable and on-brand 05:01 - Why Cannes exists to celebrate creativity, not just activations 06:09 - The Ordinary’s The Periodic Fable of Elements campaign 07:07 - The Great Kit Kat Heist campaign 08:36 - The growing focus on creators at Cannes 09:57 - YouTube’s push into short-form creator content 10:47 - Creator sessions that drew standing-room-only crowds 11:57 - Why Love Island is such a powerful brand environment 13:31 - How Poppi turned fan culture into a product partnership 15:09 - The risk of tying a brand to one influencer versus a broader property 16:03 - Gen Z shopping behavior and why it was discussed on stage 17:26 - How Gen Z discovers products through social media first 18:25 - Traditional advertising versus modern discovery habits 20:00 - Why word of mouth still matters more than ads 21:02 - Social search, TikTok research, and creator recommendations 22:59 - Why Gen Z trusts reviews and user videos 24:43 - How ratings and reviews factor into purchase decisions 25:39 - Convenience, Apple Pay, and buying from bed 26:33 - Unboxing as part of the shopping experience 27:52 - The balance between personalization and being too pushy 28:57 - How retail associates can recommend without overwhelming shoppers 30:03 - Shoppable ads tied to Love Island moments 31:29 - Moving from inspiration to purchase in a few clicks 32:12 - Why shopping is often a social, multitasking experience 33:26 - Why Gen Z insights matter for marketers 33:54 - Wrapping up and looking ahead to another Cannes

  5. Jun 30 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode: What's Cool or Cringe at Cannes

    Finley Bethea and Ella Froah, two first timers to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, share what's cool or cringe at Cannes!

  6. Jun 11

    Episode 4: Brand New Ways to Build Brand Communities

    Brand New Ways to Build CommunitiesA brand is only as strong as the community that surrounds it. In this episode, Linda and Finley explore the power of brand communities and fandom in marketing. You’ll learn about the different types of communities and how brands can leverage them to drive engagement and loyalty. You’ll also hear Finley’s take on which brand fandoms are cool or cringe. She and Linda both stan for Harry Potter but only one is a Star Wars fan! Key topicsLinda and Finley break down three types of brand communities:driven by deep passion for the brandformed through collaboration with the brandbuilt around shared interests and passion pointsFinley explains why authenticity matters to Gen Z, especially when a brand is transparent about ingredients, packaging, and what it stands for.Bloom is an example of a brand that listens to customers, shows up strongly on social media, and makes its community feel involved.Poppi’s collaboration with Love Island is a smart way to connect a product with a cultural moment and a younger audience.Glossier is highlighted for turning product testing and in-store feedback into part of the brand experience.Kendra Scott’s customizable jewelry is cited as an example of inviting customers into the experience while keeping the purchase personal.Linda shares the original Lay’s Do Us a Flavor campaign as an early example of co-creation before social media feedback loops.The conversation shifts to fandoms such as Taylor Swift, the New England Patriots, Jeep, and Goodreads.Linda explains how fandoms can influence not just brands, but broader culture and spending.The episode closes with a cool or cringe rundown of major fandoms, showing how certain franchises span generations while others feel more niche or dated.Timestamps00:00 - Welcome and episode setup 00:36 - What brand communities are and why they matter 01:21 - Brand passion communities: Nike and loyal fanbases 03:18 - Why authenticity matters to Gen Z consumers 03:47 - Bloom, transparency, and ingredient trust 05:18 - Social media, ambassadors, and customer listening 06:20 - Collaboration communities and product innovation 06:44 - Poppi, Love Island, and culture-based partnerships 08:56 - Glossier and feedback-driven retail experiences 09:40 - Kendra Scott and customization as engagement 11:08 - Testing products and giving consumer feedback 13:14 - Lay’s Do Us a Flavor and consumer co-creation 14:52 - Why fandom is a major marketing concept now 16:36 - Sports, music, and belonging across generations 18:17 - Social media as a fandom accelerator 19:23 - Jeep groups and niche brand communities 20:32 - Goodreads, Belli, and Gen Z community apps 21:54 - Why fandoms can move business and culture 22:58 - Taylor Swift, friendship bracelets, and audience interaction 24:18 - Swifties, football, and the NFL connection 25:16 - Brand visibility through fan behavior and fashion 26:07 - How brands should tap into existing fan culture 27:42 - Captain Morgan and authentic soccer partnerships 30:26 - Fans as loyal ambassadors who drive awareness 31:03 - Cool or cringe: the top fandoms list begins 31:43 - Harry Potter, Marvel, and Star Wars 34:09 - Game of Thrones and BTS 35:32 - Star Trek and Lord of the Rings 36:16 - Roblox as a multi-fandom platform 38:20 - Minecraft, Lego, and crossovers 39:03 - Twilight and generational fandom 40:12 - Hunger Games and broad audience appeal 41:06 - Pokemon and multi-channel engagement 41:31 - Disney and multi-generational fandom 42:08 - Dungeons and Dragons and legacy fandoms 43:03 - Final takeaways on communities and marketing

  7. May 15

    Episode 3: Brand New Ways to Touch Grass

    Brand New Perspective: Touching Grass, Doom Scrolling, and the Rise of IRL Marketing “Touching grass” has become one of the internet’s favorite phrases. It began as a jab aimed at people spending too much time online. Today, it reflects how Gen Z is renegotiating its relationship with digital screens and striving for more balance with more real-life experiences. Linda and Finley break down the mental health impact of doom scrolling and what makes a memorable IRL experience. And don’t miss Finley’s hot takes on the Ad Age list of 20 brands catching Gen Z’s attention! Key topics In this episode, the hosts define “touching grass” as a cultural reaction to too much screen time and too little offline life.Finley explains that for students, screens are unavoidable for schoolwork, homework, and research, even if social media is a different issue.Linda distinguishes between helpful phone use and the more addictive pattern of doom scrolling and endless feeds.Finley shares that social media is used for more than mindless scrolling, including finding recipes, staying close to friends, and discovering creators.The hosts discuss how apps are designed to keep people engaged, comparing addictive feed behavior to cigarettes, gambling, and a “digital Dorito.”They talk about the mental health impact of constant connectedness, including anxiety, depression, and the pressure created by apps like Snap Map and college decision pages.Finley describes using an app called Limit to set time limits and reduce automatic scrolling.The conversation shifts to government, parent, and company responsibility, including a recent case involving Meta and YouTube.The episode explores the return of IRL activities like going to the mall, going to movies, hacky sack, crocheting, and hanging out together without everyone disappearing into their own phones.Linda connects the trend to marketing, arguing that brands need integrated strategies that combine digital reach with memorable in-person experiences.Timestamps 00:00 - Cold open on no-fizz drinks and playful banter 01:01 - Introducing the episode’s focus on “touching grass” 03:28 - Doomscrolling, screen time, and how Gen Z uses social media 05:47 - Social media as a search engine, friend network, and habit loop 07:10 - Research on Gen Z reducing screen time and valuing IRL experiences 08:12 - How the Limit app helps manage TikTok usage 10:19 - Social media, mental health, and The Anxious Generation 12:34 - The “digital Dorito” analogy and platform responsibility 14:16 - The Meta and YouTube case and questions about accountability 17:25 - Snap Map, exclusion, and the pressure of seeing where everyone is 18:43 - College decision posts and the stress of public comparison 20:20 - Why Gen Z is returning to the mall, movies, and offline plans 21:25 - Hacky sack, crocheting, and hands-on activities that beat scrolling 24:06 - Hanging out in person without needing constant interaction 25:18 - Why marketers are shifting toward experiential marketing again 26:17 - So Delicious at Lollapalooza and multi-sensory pop-up design 28:23 - Influencer trips, Coachella, and the value of IRL content capture 29:34 - What makes a strong brand experience versus a forgettable one 32:18 - Permanent brand spaces like Coach Play and Netflix House 35:04 - Bad publicity, product issues, and the speed of social backlash 36:18 - Social listening as a marketing tool for insights and damage control 38:29 - Cool or cringe: brands catching Gen Z’s attention 44:45 - Celsius, Gen Z lingo, and why forced slang falls flat 45:39 - Closing thoughts and a final reminder to touch grass

  8. Apr 24

    Episode 2: Brand New Ways to Launch Brands and AI Slop or Slay

    Brand New Perspective: Brand Launches, AI Slop or Slay, and Gen Z Cringe Linda and Finley unpack how brands are evolving to win with Gen Z, from packaging and influencer strategy to pre-launch buzz and community building. They also dig into the growing debate around AI in marketing, then wrap with a look at what Gen Z actually finds cringey and why embarrassment still shapes teen behavior online and offline. Spoiler alert: Linda is totally cringe with her side part and skinny jeans but Finley loves her anyway!   Key topics How brand launches have shifted from mass-media to social-first, starting with with micro-communities and influencers.Older brand launch playbooks like Pure Leaf and Bubly compared with newer growth strategies used by Poppi, Olipop, and other digitally native brands.Why packaging remains a major brand asset, especially when products are discovered on social media rather than on store shelves.Taylor Swift as a master class in branding, including authenticity, consistency, fandom, and community-driven launches.Alix Earle’s Real Actives launch as an example of turning personal credibility and influencer seeding into real sales.The debate around AI in marketing, including whether AI-generated campaigns feel like “AI slop.”Why AI may work better for entertainment than for selling products, where consumer trust and human connection matter more.The need for guardrails and governance around AI, including ethical questions, authenticity, and environmental impact.What Gen Z finds cringy, from outdated emojis and side parts to skinny jeans and “trying too hard.”Why effort is not cringe—and why human connection and real people still matter most.Timestamps 00:00 — Cold open and pre-show banter 01:53 — Opening the podcast and setting up the topic 03:09 — Why brand launches for Gen Z look totally different now 04:12 — Pure Leaf and the power of distinct brand assets 05:17 — Packaging as the number one impression driver 06:14 — Why products are now designed for scrolling, not just shelves 08:08 — Bubly and the traditional 360 launch model 08:38 — How Poppi grew through smaller communities and influencers 10:42 — Why anticipation before launch now matters more than launch day 11:51 — Taylor Swift as a branding and fan-community case study 13:53 — Easter eggs, album drops, and making fans part of the story 17:46 — Alix Earle and the Real Actives launch strategy 19:47 — Teaser accounts, puzzle-piece billboards, and building buzz 21:50 — Turning launch hype into actual product sales 23:25 — Switching gears to “AI slop or slay” 23:38 — Why AI ads get backlash for feeling lazy or low effort 25:47 — Finley’s view on AI as a useful tool when used well 26:45 — Brands pushing back with anti-AI messaging 27:54 — Why saying “never” to AI can box brands in 29:03 — Real people, real skin, and authenticity in beauty marketing 30:18 — Where AI models might be less controversial 31:24 — AI, authenticity, and the fruit Love Island trend 33:27 — Viral AI entertainment versus AI trying to sell products 34:42 — AI, humanity, and why connection still wins 35:19 — When AI makes sense in medicine—and when it does not 37:04 — Cool or cringe and the Yahoo headline 39:43 — Is fear of cringe actually stopping Gen Z from doing things? 41:14 — What Gen Z finds cringy: drinking, licenses, emojis, side parts, and jeans 45:12 — Trying too hard, school pressure, and effort as a positive 47:24 — Cringe compilations, irony, and online embarrassment 48:44 — Sign-off and closing remarks

  9. Apr 6 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode: What's Cool or Cringe at Clemson

    In this bonus episode, Finley visits her friend Skylar at Clemson University to learn which drinks college students think are cringe or cool, as well as the brand of clothing everyone on campus is wearing.

  10. Mar 29

    Episode 1: Brand New Beginnings

    If you’re a marketer or a parent trying to connect with Gen Z, this podcast is for you! Meet Linda Bethea, an experienced Chief Marketing Officer, and her Gen Z daughter, Finley as they discuss why they decided to launch a podcast and share their different perspectives on marketing, motherhood, and mental health.

  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Gain a brand new perspective from this mother-daughter duo. Each month, you'll hear different perspectives on marketing, motherhood, and mental health from an award-winning CMO and her Gen Z daughter. Linda Bethea has held senior marketing leadership roles across PepsiCo, Diageo, and Danone, and been named a Forbes Top 50 Entrepreneurial CMOs. Her daughter, Finley, has spoken about marketing to Gen Z on stages across the country, including AdWeek NYC, and is never afraid to give her mom unfiltered feedback. Whether you’re a marketer eager to learn, a working mom trying to juggle it all, or just someone who loves an inter- generational POV, you’re in the right place. Email: brandnewperspective3@gmail.com Instagram: @brandnewperspective3 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/linda-bethea/ www.linkedin.com/in/finley-bethea-1681b7362/

Information

  • Creator
    brandnewperspective
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 brandnewperspective
  • Show Website
    Brand New Perspective