Send a text

Why are once-booming D2C brands like The Honest Company and Traeger pulling out of direct-to-consumer—and what does it mean for your business? In this episode, Mark Goldhart and Trevor Crump break down real-time e-commerce challenges, from Meta ad bugs to the shifting economics of retail vs. online sales. They discuss how consumer behavior and marketing efficiency are evolving, and why clinging to old tactics could stall your growth. Plus, they share insights on authentic user-generated content, the rise of live selling, and what every brand needs to know to stay profitable in today’s changing landscape.

Connect with The Unstoppable Marketer® on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube @unstoppablemarketerpodcast, and let us know how you’re telling your brand story this year!

00:13 – Online advertising has been harder since 2012
01:55 – Meta bugs impacting performance
02:54 – Waiting before making ad changes
06:42 – UGC and AI ad trends
08:23 – FTC risks with AI testimonials
12:17 – Honest Company shuts D2C
16:31– Honest Company’s billion-dollar valuation
35:16 – Adjust strategy for new growth

Send a text

What if ads aren’t the answer to brand growth? In this episode, Jake Carls, co-founder of Midday Squares, shares how authentic storytelling and behind-the-scenes content turn customers into fans. Discover how documenting your journey, building community, and staying human in the age of AI can fuel organic growth.

Connect with The Unstoppable Marketer® on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube @unstoppablemarketerpodcast, and let us know how you’re telling your brand story this year!

00:00 – Introducing Hosts & Guest
00:49 – Midday Squares Mission Overview
01:28 – Brand Inspiration & Aspirations
03:29 – What “Leaning in” Means
11:59 – Why Storytelling Was Prioritized
18:00 – Storytelling Framework & Evolution
24:46 – Authenticity’s Role in Storytelling
41:14 – Thoughts on AI-Generated Content

Send a text

Start 2026 strong with The Unstoppable Marketer® as Trevor Crump and Mark Goldhart uncover the secret weapon for thriving in today's crowded e-commerce landscape: storytelling. Explore why the brands winning in 2026 are putting narrative front and center—whether in organic content, paid ads, or product launches. From actionable tips for launching seasonal products early, to leveraging predictive data so you can scale profits without overspending, this episode arms you with practical strategies to outsmart competitors and win your market.

Learn why seasonality matters for product drops, how regression models can help you roadmap your scale, and why standout creative is more important than ever in the age of "AI slop." Hear inspiring client success stories and get specific advice on using relatable moments and open-loop tension to connect with your audience—plus, why it's okay to experiment and fail on your path to unbeatable growth.

Connect with The Unstoppable Marketer® on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube @unstoppablemarketerpodcast, and let us know how you’re telling your brand story this year!

00:00 – The Power of Storytelling & Seasonality
03:23 – Ecom Forecast: CPM Trends and Timing Product Launches
08:19 – Data-Driven Scaling & Real Client Success
15:03 – Creative Campaigns: Open Loops, Casts & Culture
37:25 – Final Takeaways: Experiment, Stand Out & Win