Prose + Comms: Engagement, Unplugged

Distinctive or Likable? What Actually Makes a Brand Memorable

Brands want to be liked, but being liked does not always mean being remembered. On this episode of Prose + Comms: Engagement, Unplugged, Brian and Laura unpack the tension between distinctiveness and likability, and why the strongest brands know how to balance both. From Tiffany blue and the Intel sound to Liquid Death, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Nike and Patagonia, the conversation explores how brands create recognition, earn affinity, and take creative risks without losing sight of their audience. Brian and Laura also dig into how marketers should think about risk and why AI-generated content makes brand distinctiveness even more important in a world where everything can start to sound the same.

Rebrands: What Separates the Ones That Work?

Rebrands have a way of looking simple from the outside, but inside the business, they touch everything. This episode digs into what it really takes to get it right. Laura and Brian sit down with Sarah Moss, who has led multiple global rebrands, to unpack the strategy and instincts behind a successful transformation. From earning stakeholder buy-in and mapping every brand touchpoint to recognizing success through behavior change, Sarah shares a candid look at what it takes to evolve a brand and bring an entire organization with you. To hear more from Sarah Moss, find her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhigginsonmoss/].

AI & Creativity: Tool or Threat?

AI is changing creative work, but maybe not in the ways people expected. On this episode of Prose + Comms: Engagement, Unplugged, the team explores how AI is actually showing up for creatives today: speeding things up, unlocking new possibilities, and raising real questions about what defines strong work.  The mic flips to a familiar voice behind the scenes as Producer Joey Whipp joins Brian Rowley and Laura Smith on the other side of the table. It’s a candid, fun conversation that pulls back the curtain on how creatives are using AI day-to-day, from brainstorming and mockups to voice and music generation. Joey shares some go-to tools and why “good taste” might be the one thing AI can’t replicate. Along the way, they unpack how marketing is evolving, where AI helps (and where it falls short), and what it all means for the future of creative work. You can find Joey Whipp on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-whipp-ab40b512/].

The Meetings That Waste Marketing's Time

Why are marketers losing so much time in conversations that go nowhere, and what can you do about it?   From flying across the world for a two-hour meeting to sitting through brainstorms with no ideas, Laura Smith and Brian Rowley share real stories and frustrations that every marketer will recognize. They break down the habits that drain teams like too many meeting attendees, unclear roles, lack of agendas, and the myth of multitasking. They also talk solutions: how to structure meetings for outcomes and how reclaiming even a few hours can unlock more impactful work. If your calendar is full but your to-do list isn’t getting done, this one will hit close to home.

Are Marketers Becoming AI Editors Instead of Creators?

AI is now every marketer’s always-on intern. But if everyone has access to the same tools, what actually sets great work apart? In this episode of Prose + Comms: Engagement, Unplugged, Brian Rowley and Laura Smith dig into how AI is reshaping marketing in real time. From speeding up research to raising big questions about creativity, they explore whether AI is making marketers better, or just faster. The conversation tackles the rise of “AI slop” and how over-reliance on AI tools can dilute brand voice and authenticity. They also get practical, sharing how they actually use AI day-to-day, why prompting is becoming a critical skill, and how to avoid turning it into a crutch. Because in a world of AI-generated everything, the real differentiator is still human thinking.