If water is better sparkling, one could assume the same about milk, no? Honestly, no, but that didn't stop us from choosing sparkling milk as our latest fake product to create real branding for on this week's episode of Can They Brand That? As always, we raise the stakes by doing the creative exercise fully improvised, under a 20-minute time crunch, and LIVE on YouTube.

The result was so silly, it very well could turn sparkling milk into a cash cow: from brand name ideas like Cowabunga, Heifervescent, and Moo Juice to slogans like, "Udder madness," "Moooove over, water," and "Half milk, half magic". And we did it all with the help of loyal commenters in the live stream (This could be YOU! Next time!)

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

Teat yourself by watching the whole thing! https://youtube.com/live/5zqNlmAW1oc

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Timestamps

00:00 Can They Brand Sparkling Milk? Intro
05:51 Let the Brainstorm Begin!
14:46 Creative Naming and Taglines
38:42 Mascot O'Clock
42:52 Funded or Done-ded?

Wisdom for the Road

• The creative brainstorming process is way more fun and exciting when humor plays a key role.
• Market research is essential to understand existing products and the competitive landscape.
• Branding should immediately differentiate from competitors so that you pop off the shelf and screen.
• Taglines and names play a crucial role in branding and set the whole brand identity in motion.
• Mascots can enhance brand identity and appeal.
• Fun in branding and marketing is a no-brainer.
• Understanding audience psychographics is key to success.
• Collaboration while brainstorming leads to innovative ideas.
• Bad ideas can lead to solid gold ones in the creative process.

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

If Pet Rocks can be a thing…what could we do with sticks? Turns out: a lot! This week on Can They Brand That? we ideated a competitor for the iconic 70s "toy" and then built an entire brand for it…all in 20 minutes. And, of course, we upped the ante by doing it fully improvised, with the clock ticking, and LIVE on YouTube.

The result was a very real brand identity for a very fake product, (and perhaps our early retirement plan): from brand name ideas like My First Stick and Stick Figure to product expansions like Rhode-esque phone cases you can stick your stick in to Family Tree collector editions to slogans like, "we put the log in analog toys," and "toys that branch out," and, "the stick with endless schticks". And we did it all with the help of loyal commenters in the live stream (This could be YOU! Next week.)

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

Branch out and watch the whole thing!

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Timestamps:

00:00 Can They Brand That? Intro

03:01 The Super Bowl National Anthem Discussion

06:03 Let the Brainstorm Begin!

09:58 The Pet Rock and Its Legacy

11:58 Introducing the Pet Stick Concept

14:58 Brand Positioning

18:01 Imaginary Play and Product Features

21:00 Stick Accessories and Scarcity in Marketing

23:14 The Concept of a Stick as a Toy

26:02 Marketing Strategies for 'My First Stick'

33:54 Creating a Mascot for the Brand

40:58 Finalizing the Brand Name and Concept

Wisdom for the Road:

• The importance of humor in branding.
• Creative brainstorming can lead to unexpected product ideas.
• Positioning a product effectively is crucial for success.
• Simplicity can be a powerful marketing tool.
• Creating a narrative around a product can increase its appeal.
• Accessories and narrative can enhance the perceived value of a simple product.
• Collaboration can lead to innovative ideas.
• Understanding your target audience is key to branding.
• The concept of nostalgia can be leveraged in marketing.

—

As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

After the party, it's the after potty, at least that's the promise of our featured brand on the show this week: glow-in-the-dark toilet paper. Before you get too excited about throwing a rave in your own bathroom, this product is fully fictional…but the brand identity we improvised for it LIVE in 20 minutes is very real (unfortunately or unfortunately; you'll have to watch to decide).

From brand name ideas like Whizz, Go in the Dark, and After Potty to product expansions like a 12 pack of asstrology themed roll (Pee-sces, A-square-ius, and VirGlow) to slogans like, "Light up the room," and "Tinkle, tinkle little star," we built this farcical, bath-tastic brand from top to bottoms—all with the help of loyal commenters on the live stream.

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

Find a throne and watch the whole thing!

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Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Can They Brand That?

02:56 The Evolution of Marketing Strategies

05:52 The Importance of Humor in Branding

08:55 Let the Improvised Branding Begin!

11:51 Exploring Fictional Products

17:47 Creative Taglines and Brand Names

20:40 Mascots O'Clock

23:40 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Wisdom for the Road:

• Humor is a key element in effective branding.

• Improv-style brainstorming can lead to unexpected and fun ideas.

• Fictional products allow for more creative freedom in branding.

• Taglines that are directive are incredibly engaging for consumers.

• Mascots can add a playful element to branding.

• Branding should reflect the personality and values of the product.

• Collaboration enhances the creative process.

• Nostalgia can be a powerful tool in marketing.

• The importance of staying true to one's creative instincts.

—

As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

Bark twice if you had to read that subject line twice to make sure you weren't hallucinating. We regret to inform you that the featured brand on this week's new episode of Can They Brand That? truly is "doggy high heels". No, that's not a real product, but yes, it is a real branding challenge, and who better to take it on than two experts who have never met any product they can't creatively outwit?

To further humiliate, err, challenge ourselves, we went live on YouTube to perform our 20-minute improvised brainstorm for the entire world wide web (and its pets) to see. From brand name ideas like Yips, Haute Diggity Dogs, and Fetch to campaign activations like a Tennis Ball gala and a Doggy Style fashion magazine, to brand slogans like "Sit, stay, heels," we built this farcical, fido-tastic brand from tip to tail—all with the help of loyal commenters on the live stream.

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

Find a sun spot and listen to or watch the whole thing!

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Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to the Live Show!

02:21 Humor Branding in a Nutshell

05:06 AI Slop in Branding

08:00 Let the Improvised Branding for Dog High Heels Begin!

31:12 Mascot O'Clock

48:49 Hired or Fired / Funded or Done-ded

51:45 Wrap-Up and Future Plans

Wisdom for the Road:

• The importance of humor in branding.
• Improvised branding allows for spontaneous creativity.
• Human touch is essential in a tech-driven world.
• How brands can stand out in a saturated market.
• The process of brainstorming and how it leads to unexpected ideas.
• Engaging with the audience enhances the experience.
• Creative naming is crucial for product identity.
• Taglines should resonate with the target audience.
• Product design can be both functional and fashionable.
• The absurdity of ideas can lead to innovative branding solutions.
• Creative storytelling can enhance product appeal.
• Dog fashion events should absolutely be a thing.
• Custom dog shoes could fill a unique market niche.
• Effective branding requires catchy taglines and strong messaging.
• Mascots can play a crucial role in marketing strategies.
• The pet industry is a lucrative market to explore.
• Innovative ideas can lead to successful product launches.
• Humor and playfulness can attract customers.
• Understanding your audience is key to effective branding.
• Collaboration and brainstorming can yield exciting concepts.

—

As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

This week, we had a nightmare that the newest trend in men's sleepwear was old-timey nightshirts, and we were hired to ideate ways to get the word out. And we only had 20 minutes. And we had to do it live on YouTube in front of everybody. Oh wait, that wasn't a nightmare, that was yesterday's new episode of Can They Brand That?! Turns out, the brainstorm was more of a dream than a nightmare (a fever dream, perhaps, but a dream nonetheless) as we improvised creative ideas like The Slumber Bowl (with NFL-branded nightshirts), a Buffalo Wild Wings collab called Buffalo Wild Thighs, a "Honk Shoo" brand of nightshirts, a Slumberjack mascot, and a "Nightcaps & Nightcaps," New Year's Eve after party—all with the help of live Youtube comments from viewers.

Don't sleep on this one! https://youtube.com/live/CtjQEPyZE-E

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

—

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Show

05:14 Meet the Nightshirt & Nightcap

17:14 Let the brainstorm begin!

45:28 Mascot O'Clock

47:26 Hired or Fired

52:10 2026 Business & Personal Resolutions

Wisdom for the Road

• The show is a live brainstorming session for branding ideas.
• Humor is a key element in strong branding.
• Creative freedom in brainstorming is essential.
• The importance of creative freedom in brainstorming is emphasized.
• Nightshirts and the NFL should collab for a 'Slumber Bowl' collab.
• The hosts aim to make nightshirts trendy again.
• They highlight the role of humor in engaging audiences.
• Collaborations between food brands and fashion can create unique marketing opportunities.
• Humor plays a significant role in branding and product promotion.
• Imagining mascots for nightshirts can add a playful element to marketing campaigns.
• Hired and fired segments can help refine ideas for brand pitches.
• Resolutions can focus on personal growth and experiences, such as attending live shows.
• Live performances provide a unique and irreplaceable experience compared to digital content.
• The concept of 'gown guys' can challenge traditional notions of masculinity in fashion.
• Creative brainstorming can lead to unexpected and humorous ideas for branding.

—

As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

We put our noggins to work this week, rebranding the most North Pole-arizing beverage of the holiday season, eggnog. And we did it live in just 20 minutes, proving that it truly is a miraculous time of year.

From a Nogclub with bottle service (full of eggnog), to an influencer-led Nog Vlog initiative, to a winter ice cream truck that serves only eggnog (complete with a special eggnog anthem), we brainstormed all of the ways to give consumers a reason (for the season) to incorporate this often-overlooked drink into their family traditions. We went nog wild on new folklore as well as mascot ideas; all with the help of live YouTube comments from viewers (our workshop elves). As a holiday bonus akin to Jelly of the Month Club, we stuck around for a few Q&As and got into how we met, how we started Semiserious, and trends we've spotted in the biz. Watch the full, brainstorm + Q&A here: https://www.youtube.com/live/SREk9I3-8QQ

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

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Timestamp

00:00 Introduction to the Show

05:53 The Concept of Pizza Pie

11:29 Improvised Branding and Show Ethos

14:36 Let the Brainstorm Begin!

44:41 Mascot O'Clock

46:28 Brand Collaborations & Spokespeople

49:36 Hired or Fired: Eggnog Marketing Strategies

52:28 Q&A: Building a Business Partnership

58:16 Trends in Branding: Offline Experiences

Wisdom for the Road

• Every toddler has an unhinged step in their bedtime routine.

• The importance of humor in branding and marketing.

• Eggnog is a polarizing holiday staple.

• Creating new traditions can enhance holiday experiences.

• Improvised branding can lead to creative breakthroughs.

• The power of creativity in a world dominated by AI.

• Holiday drinks can be marketed as part of family traditions.

• The tradition of drinking eggnog can be creatively expanded.

• Innovative campaigns can make eggnog more appealing to younger generations.

• The history of eggnog reveals its roots in wealth and accessibility.

• Mascots can play a significant role in branding eggnog.

• Building rituals around eggnog can create lasting traditions.

• The importance of offline experiences in today's digital world.

—

As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

The cat did not get our tongues on this very special episode of "Can They Brand That?," where we live-streamed our improvised brainstorm for Fancy Feast. With 20 minutes on the clock, we let all of our ideas out of the bag in real time, with the help of viewer comments and add-ons. From a Downton Tabby butler serving Fancy Feast in crystal goblets (in collaboration with Waterford, of course) to a stretch limo 'feast truck' to a flight of fancy tasting menu and cocktail pairing (Giblet Gimlet or Whiskers Neat, anyone?), we had the time of our 9 lives and can't wait to do it all again next week.

Bonus, we stuck around for a Q&A and got to gab about the most common mistake we see brands making, the AI slopification of creativity, and our take on whether or not every brand should be funny.

Feast your eyes on the full episode here! https://youtube.com/live/Cg0XLBrpGG0

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to offer some much-needed levity to the world.

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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Live Show
14:33 Brand Spotlight: Fancy Feast
21:24 Brainstorming Ideas for Fancy Feast
22:25 Creative Cat Activations
25:38 Meow-Year's Eve: A Cat Celebration
27:43 Catcation: Retreats for Cat Lovers
29:41 Fancy Feast: Elevating Cat Cuisine
32:33 The Westminster Cat Show: A Satirical Take
36:09 Holiday Campaign Ideas for Cats
40:57 Witty Cat Commercial Concepts
44:41 Creative Campaign Ideas for Fancy Feast
46:46 Faux Luxury Collaborations
47:53 Mascot Concepts and Branding
53:35 Hired or Fired
57:20 Q&A

Wisdom for the Road:

• The importance of improvisation in branding and marketing.
• Engaging the audience through humor and creativity.
• The concept of 'improvised branding' allows for spontaneous ideas.
• Fancy Feast serves as a nostalgic brand ripe for innovation.
• Creative brainstorming can lead to unexpected and fun ideas.
• Activations and IRL events can enhance brand engagement and customer loyalty.
• Humor is a powerful tool in marketing strategies.
• Audience participation can enrich the live experience.
• The significance of brand loyalty in marketing.
• Exploring new avenues for brand activation and engagement. Nostalgia can be a powerful marketing tool.
• Creative holiday campaigns can resonate with audiences.
• Anthropomorphizing animals can enhance brand storytelling.
• Humor is an effective way to engage consumers.
• Naming is crucial for brand identity and perception.
• Dream clients often allow for creative freedom.
• Mascots can add personality to a brand.
• Brands should strive to be entertaining and relatable.
• Engaging with audiences through humor can build loyalty.
• The preferred food in every life can be a fun campaign theme.

—
As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description. Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/

What's bold, tart, and criminally underappreciated? This show, for one. But also cranberries! So, just in time for Thanksgiving, we're bringing the two together. That's right, this week on Can They Brand That? (or should we say Cran They Brand That? heheh), we set our brains on Ocean Spray, the queen of cranberries, the craisin trademark owners, and the underdog (or should we say underbog?) of the fruit world. From tart-tan merch and office fruit jargon, all the way to a UTI charity event and a jellied cranberry sauce log balloon floating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, we put on our cranberry-colored goggles to give this brand the punch-up it deserves.

ICYMI, this show exists 1) to champion originality and creativity in a sea of AI slop, 2) to show potential clients the power and value of fun as a consumer-converting strategy, and 3) to bring some much-needed levity into the world where we can.

Watch us say it, not (ocean) spray it on the full episode below! https://youtu.be/G1f5bOyKHxM

Timestamps

00:00 Intro, Rules of the Show, and Featured Brand

05:20 Let the Brainstorm Begin!

31:22 Mascot O' Clock

36:14 Hired or Fired

Wisdom for the Road

• The podcast opens with playful banter about cranberries.

• Ocean Spray is humorously referred to as the 'Queen of Cranberries'.

• The hosts brainstorm unique marketing ideas for Ocean Spray.

• They discuss the urinary health benefits of cranberry juice and how to turn a brand benefit into an activation idea.

• A collaboration idea for a 'Bog Scouts' cookie is proposed.

• Seasonal marketing ideas include a spring break theme for cranberries.

• The hosts explore fruit idioms and how to incorporate cranberries into them.

• The conversation emphasizes the importance of humor in branding.

• The hosts encourage audience engagement through likes and subscriptions.

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As the world's first humor branding agency, Semiserious has worked its magic for industry darlings like Clif Bar, Native, Waterboy, Blue Bunny, Yogi Tea, JOI, Alleyoop, The University of Chicago, Hilton, and Pie. But they would never brag about it in their episode description.

Say hi or snoop around: https://semiseriousagency.com/