Leadership gets talked about a lot. This episode talks about it honestly.

In Leadership Unfiltered: Unplugged, Ashley and Deanna strip away the buzzwords and dig into how leadership actually shows up — especially as it continues to evolve in a virtual, fast-moving, high-expectation world. We talk about how leadership has changed… and why it had to.

We unpack what really makes a great leader — empathy, transparency, and trust — and challenge some commonly held beliefs along the way:

🤔 Can you be a strong leader in a fully virtual environment?
🔄 Is changing your mind a weakness… or a strength?
🧠 Do leaders really need to have all the answers?

Then we pressure-test real workplace situations — from high performers who can’t hit deadlines, to being called out in large meetings, to teams that just can’t seem to work together.

🎧 Listen to Leadership Unfiltered: Unplugged

Short episode. Strong opinions. Questionable takes. 🦆🏈

In this Super Bowl–inspired mini episode, Ashley and Deanna debate everything football-adjacent as we start thinking about game-day plans — and somehow end up arguing about fingers, toes, and other things no one asked for.

🗣️ Is it okay to talk during the game?
📺 Are the commercials sacred?
🍽️ Can you trust homemade food from people whose kitchens you’ve never seen?
🏈 Quarterback or coach — where do you want to be?
🎤 And what really makes a Super Bowl halftime show great?

We cover celebrity-packed halftime shows, the art of the show versus just singing well, and yes — we unanimously agree: Tom Brady is the GOAT.

Short, opinionated, and completely unserious — just the way a Duck Debate should be.

🎧 Listen to Duck Debate: Super Bowl Edition

P.S. - GO PATS!!

This one started with video… and spiraled into chaos (the good kind).

In this episode of Ducks Unplugged, Ashley and Deanna break down why video works, why it so often doesn’t, and what brands should actually be doing in 2026 to stop wasting time, money, and attention.

🎥 The video moments that changed us
🍼 A “What the Duck?” involving NYE diapers in NYC
❤️ Why one classic commercial (hi, Folgers) still proves the power of doing it right
🧠 Real talk on why most brand videos miss the mark
🔥 Rapid-fire hot takes (most videos are too long… fight us)

Along the way, we pitch how Pampers should open a commercial, how Amazon could use video way better, and why boutique agencies are uniquely built to fix the chaos.

This episode is equal parts strategy, nostalgia, and unfiltered opinions — with a side of creative pressure testing.

🎧 Listen now and decide: are you shooting this… or that?

Memberships are everywhere. That doesn’t mean they’re working.

In this episode of Ducks Unplugged, we go deep on memberships — the good, the bad, and the ones that probably shouldn’t exist at all. We talk through why so many brands rush to launch a membership, what actually makes one valuable, and where things tend to fall apart.

We break down:
- The real difference between memberships, subscriptions, and loyalty programs
- What separates a compelling membership from a forgettable one
- Common mistakes brands keep making (yes, we’re looking at you)

And our favorite part: The Membership Draft — where we pair real brands with the membership ideas they should be launching.

Plus, Deanna learns what a Kölsch is. That alone might be worth the listen. 🍺

🎧 Membership Madness: Unplugged — streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

Everyone loves a comeback. From nostalgic brands and ‘90s icons to athletes, marketers, and real-life underdogs—there’s something about the rebound arc that hits every time.

In this episode of Ducks Unplugged, we dive into the power of the comeback:
🎯 Why redemption arcs resonate in marketing and life
🧃 Can nostalgic brands get a modern-day glow up? (BlackBerry, Rainforest Café...we’re looking at you)
🔥 Our Hot Take: Why isn’t there more guerrilla marketing?

Plus, Ashley and Deanna reveal which comebacks they’d love to see most.

🎧 Stream Comeback Stories: Unplugged wherever you get your podcasts—and tell us: what brand, celeb, or trend deserves a comeback?

We're kicking off 2026 with big energy and a fresh mindset. In this episode, we’re talking about what it means to reset, recharge, and refocus—for your life and for business. This one’s full of insight and energy:

🧘‍♀️ What we’re leaving behind in 2025
📈 What we’re bringing into 2026
🎯 Predictions for the year in marketing
🎲 A 2026-themed Would You Rather game
😳 Brand-new What the Duck moments

🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts and start your year unplugged.

This was supposed to be a mini… but the Ducks got carried away.

In this full-on forecast episode, Ashley and Deanna look into their crystal ball and share their boldest predictions for 2026 — from marketing trends to business shifts to totally unhinged cultural guesses (aliens, anyone?)

✨ Will AI keep dominating?
📈 Is it the year of the boutique agency?
🧠 And what exactly does it mean to “start the year strong”?

You’ll laugh, you’ll think, and you might just spot a trend before it hits the mainstream.

🎧 Listen to Predictions: Unplugged

Happy Holidays from Ducks Unplugged! 🎄

This episode is wrapped in festive chaos and sprinkled with all the marketing magic (and meltdowns) December has to offer. From wild Christmas sweaters to the most mind-blowing way to tie your shoes (seriously 🤯), we’re here to spread cheer — and maybe a little unfiltered advice.

✨ Highlights include:
📞 The Holiday Crisis Hotline — listeners called in, we gave real(ish) solutions
🎯 Naughty or Nice: Marketing Edition
🥂 A heartfelt toast to 2025
🎁 And of course, our weekly What the Duck?!

Tune in for holiday laughs, last-minute insights, and a reminder that you’re not alone in the December madness.