Click Tease: Weekly Digest of Branding, Marketing & Content that Converts
Hot takes, fresh insights, and strategies that actually work — served weekly.Click Tease is your unfiltered, real-time digest of what’s trending in personal branding, content creation, and marketing for coaches, creatives, and online service providers. Co-hosted by branding strategist Michelle Pualani and digital agency founder Joanna Newton, this show breaks down the latest tools, viral trends, creator moments, algorithm updates, and everything that’s making waves right now.If you want to stay ahead of the curve — and make content that clicks and converts — this is your weekly tea. 🎧 Listen in. ☕ Sip something. 💻 Take notes.→ Subscribe to our companion Substack to get each...
THE EMOTION ECONOMY: Why Selling Feelings Beats Selling Products (Ep. 011)
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What happens when pumpkin spice, reality TV, and psychographics collide? This episode dishes out spicy takes on positioning, brand triggers, and why authenticity converts faster than any “perfect” product launch.
What You’ll Learn:
How to use seasonal or cultural triggers (like pumpkin spice) to drive product demandWhy psychographics beat demographics when building a brand that con...CULTURE CLASH: Taylor + Travis, Summer I Turned Pretty, AI Strategy (Ep. 010)
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When Taylor and Travis broke the internet, brands couldn’t resist — but should they have? Plus: what “The Summer I Turned Pretty” teaches about episodic hype, and why AI still can’t kill your creativity.
What You’ll Learn:
Why brands win (or lose) when they jump on cultural momentsWhat “The Summer I Turned Pretty” nailed about community engagement and content pacingHow AI shifts marketing jobs — and why your creativity still ma...RE-BRAND DRAMA: Cracker Barrel Rebrand, Consumer Psychology, Audience Testing (Ep. 009)
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Update: Since filming this episode, Cracker Barrel has decided to revert back to it’s original logo.
What happens when a heritage brand strips away its soul? The Cracker Barrel rebrand sparks outrage, proving why listening to your audience is the ultimate marketing play.
What You’ll Learn:
Why rebrands flop when businesses ignore nostalgia and audience ident...TREND TAKERS: LinkedIn Shifts, TikTok Slip-ups, Viral brand plays (Ep. 008)
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What do Taco Bell, banana bread TikTok, and Alex Hormozi’s $150M book launch have in common? A masterclass in creating demand and turning “oops” moments into cultural buzz.
What You’ll Learn:
What you’ll learn from Taco Bell, KFC, and McDonald’s about creating product demand (without new products)What you’ll learn from Alex Hormozi’s reco...
LAUNCH GENIUS: Taylor Swift, Marketing Blueprints, Referrals (Ep. 007)
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Spark curiosity with the juiciest takeaway, drama, or trend
Taylor Swift just sold out an album you can’t see, hear, or fully know about yet—and it’s a masterclass in hype every personal brand can steal.
What You’ll Learn:
How to borrow “surprise and delight” tactics from pop stars to keep your audience hookedWhy referrals and word of mouth might be your most underused revenue streamThe mindset shif...DIGITAL MARKETING SYSTEMS: Sydney Sweeney Controversy, Creative Campaign Backlash, and Different Business Models (Ep. 006)
Brands are getting roasted, creators are getting hate, and still your business needs systems to survive the chaos. We break down the latest drama and how to stay consistent when the internet feels like it’s on fire.
What You’ll Learn:
Why inspiration is overrated (and what your content actually needs instead)The real reason the Sydney Sweeney x American Eagle ad flopped — and what Abercrombie + Old Navy did rightA mindset shift that helps you handle hate, trolls, and online backlash without spiralingTimestamps:
03:20 – Why your business problems are system problems
06:1...
BRAND BACKLASH: Sydney Sweeney, American Eagle, Viral Ad Fallout (Ep. 005)
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When American Eagle dropped their Sydney Sweeney “good genes” campaign, the internet exploded… but not just because of her looks. We break down the backlash, what went wrong, and the deeper marketing lessons you need to take from it.
What You’ll Learn:
Why brand pivots go wrong — and how to do it without losing your audienceThe neuromarketing strategy behind envy, attraction, and sales psychology in this ad (see Michelle TT video he...SERIES STRATEGY: TikTok Hooks, K-Pop Star Power & Content that Converts (Ep. 004)
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Content series aren’t just a vibe — they’re a strategy. In this episode, we unpack why serialized content is outperforming static one-offs, how star quality trumps strategy when you're stuck in scroll-jail, and what K-Pop training camps and The Summer I Turned Pretty can teach you about building brand obsession.
If you’ve ever struggled with consistency, camera confidence, or content that actually drives sales — this one’s for you. Get clarity on wh...
DEEPFAKE AI CONTENT: AI UGC, LinkedIn Video, and Grow a Garden’s $5M/Month Playbook (Ep. 003)
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The rage is real and the receipts are shocking. This week, we’re breaking down the dark side of AI-generated content—deepfake UGC, stolen influencer likenesses, and what the FTC should be doing but isn’t. Plus: why Substack is the new safe space, LinkedIn’s surprise Reels move, and what a farming game on Roblox can teach you about unhinged community marketing.
Learn how to protect your brand (and your brain...
ALGORITHM ARCHETYPES: AI Content Creation, TikTok’s US App, & Kesha’s Indie Comeback (Ep. 002)
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Wondering if robots will replace your reels — or if TikTok might vanish overnight? This episode spills the tea on AI tools, a potential U-S-only TikTok, and how Kesha just turned label drama into a branding masterclass.
You’ll learn how to protect your audience if platforms shift, why quantity still beats perfection, and the sweet spot where “strategic unhinged” content outperforms polished feeds.
Timestamps
08:05 – Algorithm wants an a...
BRAND STORYTELLING: RYZE Coffee, Alex Cooper, & Instagram’s Edits App (Ep. 001)
When was the last time you saw a mushroom mascot make a better ad than your favorite brand? In this episode, we break down what marketing really is in 2025 — and why “being yourself” isn’t enough unless you’re strategic about how you show up.
If your content feels bland, the algorithm agrees. You’ll learn why storytelling is dominating the feed, how to create a character-driven brand that gets remembered, and the reason new Instagram features (like Edits) might be your biggest growth hack.
Timestamps:
08:15 – Why “Marketing is Media” and your funnel is bor...
Gabs Hayes & Growing Your Business with the Productivity Quickie
Transform your productivity by focusing on what matters most—without burning out. Discover how to prioritize the tasks that actually move your business forward, break free from endless to-do lists, and leverage time-saving methods like the 80/20 principle and content batching. Whether you’re overwhelmed or just ready to work smarter, you’ll find actionable strategies for balancing business, personal life, and your own well-being.
After losing her son seven years ago, Gabs’ priorities fundamentally shifted: time over money, doing over dreaming, and memories over material things. Today, this entrepreneurial mom is building the Overwhelmed & Over It village parents...
Agnes Maas & Gamifying Your Digital Product with Jiffy Courses
Joanna Newton sits down with Agnes Maas of Jiffy Courses Online to explore how she and her husband transformed a niche digital product into an international sensation. Agnes shares actionable insights on solving real-world problems in online education, the power of staying focused on a niche, and proven strategies for scaling a digital business worldwide. If you’re looking to take your digital offer global—or want to learn from a founder who’s done it—this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for female entrepreneurs, coaches, and creators.
Website: Jiffycoursesonline.com
Freebie: Gamify Lite: https...
Leveraging Resilience: Spotlighting the Melanie Perkins & Canva Success Story
Every rejection is a step closer to revolutionizing your industry—just look at Melanie Perkins’s story.
In this episode, we unpack the remarkable journey of Melanie Perkins, the female tech CEO who got over 100 rejections before launching Canva, a revolutionary design platform now used by more than 100 million people worldwide. Tune in for actionable insights on handling setbacks, the importance of consistency, building a winning team, and daring to dream big. This episode is a must-listen for female entrepreneurs, coaches, and creatives ready to turn obstacles into opportunities.
Time Stam...
Her First Update: Sabrina Carpenter & Man's Best Friend
Join Joanna solo as she unpacks the heated conversation surrounding Sabrina Carpenter’s new album cover for “Man’s Best Friend.” Is it empowering, satirical, or setting women back? Joanna explores the double standards female artists face, why provocative content gets people talking, and how bold creative choices can fuel both controversy and visibility. Whether you agree or not, this episode challenges you to consider how your own brand can make an impact by sparking real conversation.
Time Stamps:
01:00 Sabrina Carpenter’s Brand Evolution
02:00 “Man’s Best Friend” Album Cover Controversy
03:00 Is It Empowerment, Sat...
Embrace Innovation & Big Ideas: Jamie Kern Lima’s Journey from Rejection to Billion-Dollar Success
Unpack the incredible story of Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics. From facing repeated rejection to building a billion-dollar brand, Jamie’s journey is a masterclass in staying true to your vision, innovating boldly, and persevering when the odds are stacked against you. If you’re ready to embrace big ideas and lead with authenticity, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered to keep going—no matter the setbacks.
Time Stamps:
02:11 Jamie Kern Lima's Early Career
02:45 The Birth of IT Cosmetics
04:50 Breaking Beauty Standards
10:30 The QV...
Should You Use AI for Content Creation? What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
We break down the real pros and cons of using AI for content creation, and why originality and creativity matter more than ever. Get honest insight on the ethical and environmental impact of AI, plus practical tips for using these tools without losing your unique voice. If you want to stay innovative while keeping your brand authentic, listen now.
Time Stamps
00:54 The Debate on AI in Content Creation
04:18 The Ethical and Creative Concerns of AI
11:44 AI's Environmental Impact
14:19 Using AI as a Support Tool<...
How Nervous System Regulation Creates Business Growth with Guest Trish Lynn
We’re diving deep into how nervous system regulation can transform not just your personal well-being, but your entire brand presence and business growth. We sit down with Trish Lynn to uncover why past traumas can make your content invisible—and how practical healing strategies can help you finally show up, share your story, and build real authority online. If you’re ready to move from survival to self-expression in your business, this episode is for you.
Guest: Trish Lynn, CEO The Trish Lynn – Business Therapist & Content Strategist
Instagram: @thetrishlynn
“When you heal your nervous system, yo...
Navigating Public Scrutiny: Lessons from the Blake Lively Controversy
We break down the recent controversy involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni—and how it relates to building and protecting a personal brand. From public perception to media backlash, we talk about navigating online heat while staying rooted in your values and voice. If you’re a female entrepreneur or creator building a platform, this one’s for you.
Time Stamps:
01:30 Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Allegations
03:25 Impact on Personal Brands
06:40 Public Perception and Media Influence
07:30 The Role of Authenticity in Personal Branding
17:35 Recent Develo...
Launch Strategies & 3 Non-Negotiables for a Successful Digital Launch
We’re getting into the real must-haves for a profitable and aligned digital launch. Whether you’re selling a course, membership, or resource—these are the three things that can’t be skipped if you want sales (and sanity). We share examples, mistakes we’ve seen, and give you a behind-the-scenes peek at Joanna’s client’s $20K pre-launch that didn’t involve a single email or Instagram post.
Join Joanna’s Waitlist: https://www.millennialmktr.com/launch-flow
Time Stamps:
00:00 – $20K Pre-Launch Without Emails or Posts
00:59 – 3 Things That Every Launch Needs
01...
Mastering Podcast Guesting: Positioning Yourself as an Expert and Authority
Learn how to position yourself as a must-have podcast guest and turn interviews into powerful tools for building trust, authority, and your personal brand.
Time Stamps:
00:55 Pitching Yourself to Podcasts
01:50 Positioning Yourself as an Expert
03:31 Building Confidence and Authority
05:15 Sharing Stories and Case Studies
20:56 Technical Tips for Being a Great Guest
25:40 Effective Calls to Action
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📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork
📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com
🌐...
Podcast Pitching & Positioning: How to Get Booked as an Expert Guest
We’re breaking down how to pitch yourself as an expert podcast guest—even if you’re not sure what makes you “the expert.” From crafting a pitch that gets a yes to building a credible digital presence, we’re sharing everything you need to land and leverage podcast features for your brand.
Time Stamps:
01:07 The Power of Podcasting for Creators
03:09 Building Trust and Credibility Through Podcasts
04:46 Maximizing Podcast Appearances for Your Brand
06:21 Crafting the Perfect Podcast Pitch
13:18 Finding the Right Podcasts for Your Niche
22:32 Engaging with Podcast Hosts and Communities
Sue Richey & Building a Local Brand That Scales Online with Courses
We sit down with Sue Richey to dive into how she built a thriving local property management brand, scaled her business through smart marketing, and expanded her reach nationally with digital education.
Learn More About Sue:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RicheyPropertyMgtWebsite: www.RicheyPM.comGetting Great Tenants CourseProperty Management Mastery CourseTime Stamps:
00:28 Sue Richey's Background and Expertise
02:54 Business Growth and Evolution
09:26 Building a Local Brand
22:04 Marketing Strategies and Future Plans
Join the list, get the tea, tips & tools that convert: https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/subs...
Sara Blakely & Failing Your Way to a Billion-Dollar Brand
We’re talking about what it really takes to succeed — and why failure is part of the process.
Sara Blakely went from selling fax machines to building Spanx into a billion-dollar brand. Her story is a reminder that rejection and missteps are fuel, not flaws. 💥
We unpack how failing early builds resilience, why perfection is a myth, and how to keep going when the world says no. Plus, her new venture Sneaks is giving “Sneakers meets stiletto” energy 👟✨
Time Stamps:
00:45 Sara Blakely: From Humble Beginnings to Billion-Dollar Empire
01:35 The Importance o...
Overcoming Ageism & Perfectionism in Business: Lessons from Netflix Shows ‘Younger’ & ‘Running Point’
We’re tackling the unspoken rules women face—straight from the storylines of Younger and Running Point on Netflix. Michelle and Joanna dive into the double standards around age, credibility, and perfectionism that hold women to impossible standards while men get more room to stumble and grow.
Time Stamps:
02:06 Deep Dive into 'Younger'
04:16 Ageism in the Workplace
07:37 Exploring 'Running Point'
09:30 Women in Sports and Media
09:57 Age Bias and Internal Narratives
16:36 Double Standards and Perfectionism
22:00 Appearance and Credibility
28:46 Burden of P...
Reese Witherspoon & The Perfect Book Club Funnel
🔥 How Reese Witherspoon went from Hollywood A-lister to powerhouse entrepreneur—rewriting the script for women in media & business.
Time Stamps:
01:10 Breaking Stereotypes and Empowering Women
03:01 The Impact of Media on Female Representation
08:32 Reese Witherspoon's Strategic Business Moves
10:40 Lessons for Digital Business Owners
20:25 The Importance of Mission-Driven Business
25:09 Thinking Big and Long-Term Strategies
Join the list, get the tea, tips & tools that convert: https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/subscribe
📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork
📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com
🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com
📅 10-Day Course Creation Challeng...
Zaria Parvez & How Duolingo’s Viral Strategy Redefined Branding
We’re breaking down how Duolingo went from a language app to a social media powerhouse—all thanks to some seriously unhinged (and genius) marketing. Dig into the bold, chaotic, and wildly effective strategy that turned Duo the Owl into an internet icon. Learn about the mastermind behind it all, Zaria Parvez, and how her fearless approach skyrocketed engagement, daily active users, and revenue. From the power of creative risk-taking to why authenticity wins every time, we’re unpacking what personal brands can steal from Duolingo’s success to stand out and scale.
Time Stamps:
How Successful Women Plan Their Weeks for Maximum Productivity
This week on Her First, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we actually manage our time as business owners, because let’s be real—if your schedule is running you, you’re already losing. We’re breaking down our exact weekly planning process, daily workflows, and the tools that keep us sane (shoutout to Google Workspace, Motion AI, and monday.com). We’re also tackling the sneaky productivity killers—context switching, never-ending to-do lists, and not protecting your energy. Whether you’re a founder, a creator, or just trying to get your life together, this episode is packed with stra...
Personal Branding & Gallup CliftonStrengths: Play to Your Talents in Business with Sara Harvey
We’re diving into the magic of CliftonStrengths with none other than Sara Harvey—a Gallup-certified strengths coach and team trainer. We’re breaking down how this tool helps you identify your natural talents, boost productivity, and actually enjoy how you work. We even put ourselves under the microscope, sharing our own strengths profiles and how they shape our personal brands and business moves. This episode is packed with insights to help you lean into your strengths and work smarter, not harder.
In addition to being a former C-suite executive and now business owner, Sara Harvey is a Gall...
Beyoncé & Crafting Ownership Over Your Assets
We’re talking all things Beyoncé—because who does branding better? We break down how Queen Bey went from a Houston girl with big dreams to a global icon running her own empire. We’re diving into the genius behind her brand: owning her intellectual property, navigating industry bias like a pro, and balancing mystery with authenticity to keep fans (and the internet) on their toes. Plus, we’re pulling out the best lessons entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners can steal from her playbook—because if Beyoncé can do it, so can we.
Time Stamps:
01...
Avoiding Burnout: Essential Strategies for Entrepreneurs with Sue McLachlan
In this episode of the Her First Podcast, Joanna is joined by Sue McLoughlin, a Kajabi expert and digital nomad, to discuss the pressing issue of burnout among entrepreneurs. Sue shares her personal experiences with burnout, the importance of setting boundaries, and tailoring business strategies to one's own nature. The episode underscores the necessity of self-care, setting up sustainable business practices, and the pitfalls of trying to imitate others' success.
Sue is a Kajabi expert and strategist who’s been helping creators build and grow their online businesses since 2019. Sue’s all about making Kajabi work for you...
Leila Hormozi & Building a Personal Brand Around a $200M Empire
On this episode of Her First, we’re getting into the powerhouse that is Leila Hormozi. If you don’t know her, she’s the co-founder of Acquisition.com and, alongside her husband Alex Hormozi, has built multiple businesses into absolute beasts. We’re breaking down her no-BS approach to personal branding—think trust over clout, engagement over vanity metrics, and why consistency is the real flex. Plus, we’re diving into her mindset strategies: handling criticism like a boss, embracing discomfort, and playing the long game when it comes to scaling a business. If you’re ready to level up, hit...
Personal Brand Building Part Two & Actionable Steps to Influence
On this week's Her First, we're talking personal branding – the real deal. We're breaking down how to actually build and grow your brand, not just exist online. Think auditing your current vibe, creating a visual identity that pops, developing a content strategy that isn't snooze-worthy, and, of course, networking like a pro. We even pulled inspo from the big leagues – Tim Ferriss, Taylor Swift, Amy Porterfield – you know, the works. We're getting into what makes content actually engaging, how to chat with your audience (and have them actually listen!), and how to use those platforms to your advantage. Oh, and don't f...
Personal Brand Building Part One & How to Create a Foundation of Trust
Personal branding isn’t just for influencers—it’s the key to building trust, growing an audience, and making money online. In this episode of Her First, we break down the three must-have pillars of a powerful personal brand: knowing your core values, defining what makes you unique, and getting crystal clear on your audience. We’re also calling out the biggest branding myths (spoiler: “just go viral” is trash advice) and showing you how to build a brand that actually converts. If you’re ready to stop winging it and start treating your brand like a business, this episode is you...
The AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) & Personal Branding with Integrity for Influence or Impact
In this episode of Her First, we’re diving into the powerhouse that is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—aka AOC. We break down how she went from bartending to becoming one of the most influential politicians of our time, all while keeping it real. From her grassroots campaign to her bold stance on issues like the Green New Deal and rejecting corporate PAC money, AOC’s personal brand is as strong as her policies. We’re talking about the power of authenticity, storytelling, and standing firm in your values—whether you’re in politics or building your own business. Because let’s be real, the...
Sabrina Carpenter & Her Bombshell Branding for a Glow-Up to Stardom
In this episode of Her First Podcast, we dive into Sabrina Carpenter's incredible career and the evolution of her personal brand. From her Disney Channel beginnings to becoming a global sensation, Sabrina’s journey is full of lessons for anyone building their brand. We break down her strategies, like crafting a signature style, collaborating with top artists, and sharing just enough of her personal life to keep her audience hooked so you can learn from her stardom ways.
Time Stamps:
01:13 Sabrina Carpenter's Early Career and Breakthrough
03:27 The Importance of Star Qu...
Mel Robbins & The Let Them Theory
We’re diving into Mel Robbins’ ‘Let Them’ Theory from her latest book and breaking down how high-achieving women can use it to tackle personal and professional challenges. We’ll chat about Mel’s inspiring journey from burnout to becoming a powerhouse motivational speaker and personal growth guru. Along the way, we’ll unpack the magic of setting boundaries, managing your mindset, and focusing your energy on what really matters. Whether you’re a female entrepreneur juggling all the things or just trying to stress less and win more, we’ve got tangible strategies to help you thrive. Plus, we’ll explore how...
The TikTok Ban & Why Owning Your Audience Matters
We’re tackling the buzz about a possible TikTok ban in 2025 and what it means for all of us—small business owners and creators who’ve built so much on the platform. We’ll break down the national security talk behind the ban (in plain English, don’t worry) and, more importantly, chat about what you can do to stay ahead. Think email lists to own your audience, exploring other platforms, and boosting your personal brand so you’re not stuck relying on just one app. We’ve got tips to help you roll with the punches and keep your business...
Alessia Lupoboni & Creating a Multi-Six Figure Business on YouTube
Welcome Alessia Lupoboni: Co-Founder Lazy Dancer Tips & Profitable Talents, Former Professional Ballet Dancer, YouTuber & Online Business Consultant
In this episode, we chat with Alessia Lupoboni, pro ballerina turned co-founder of Lazy Dancer Tips, about her journey from pirouettes to profits. Alessia opens up about losing and rediscovering her identity while transitioning from ballet to running a coaching business with her husband, Jacopo. She shares the personal struggles that inspired her thriving online ballet platform and highlights how authenticity and resilience are game-changers for business owners. Perfect for anyone navigating big transitions or craving a...
Goal Setting for 2025 & Visualization with Actionable Steps
The best approach for goal-setting in 2025—without making it feel like another boring chore. We’re building on last episode’s reflections (so if you skipped it, go back and do your homework) and get real about visualizing our future selves. Crafting “I am” statements, breaking down goals into bite-sized chunks, and keeping it focused with quarterly themes. Reminders that progress isn’t a straight line—so grab your journal, pour a coffee (or tea), and join us as we map out a year of wins, growth, and maybe a little grace.
Time Stamps:
00:50 The...