The Marketing Misfits

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, we sit down with Kasim Aslam—founder of Solutions 8 and one of the top minds in performance marketing—to unpack how AI is reshaping the fundamentals of growth, strategy, and creative in 2025. Kasim walks us through the biggest lies marketers still believe, how to train AI agents with the right mental models, and why the future of marketing is all about frameworks—not tactics. Whether you're running a brand, building an agency, or just trying to keep up with the pace of change, this episode will shift how you think about scale, creativity, and leverage. You’ll learn: * How to train AI tools like a strategist (not just a prompt monkey) * The psychology behind why bad ideas win attention * Why storytelling and polarizing frameworks still beat clever tactics * The real opportunity for creators and founders in a world of agentic AI * Kasim’s unfiltered take on industry BS and what’s coming next This one’s for the thinkers, builders, and misfits who don’t want to follow—they want to lead. Timestamps 00:00 – How LLMs Reshape Content 04:09 – What’s the Next Big Shift? 08:24 – Always Start With Traffic 12:31 – Fixing the Address Mechanic 17:18 – Wild but True Marketing Ideas 21:54 – Aligning Brand & Audience Goals 26:56 – Expanding Beyond One Channel 31:06 – Fox vs. CNN: Feed Breakdown 35:35 – Gemini vs. ChatGPT Overlap 44:40 – AI SEO and Naming Things 49:44 – Using LLMs for YouTube Growth 54:04 – Prompting ChatGPT Effectively 58:25 – What Selling Dog Toys Taught Me 01:02:24 – 3D Thinking for Marketers 01:06:48 – Too Aggressive or Just Honest? 01:11:08 – AEO Community Explained 01:15:15 – Why Marketing Is Still Exciting This episode is brought to you by: - Sellerboard: https://sellerboard.com/misfits [https://sellerboard.com/misfits] - House of AMZ: Elevate your brand today at https://www.amazonseo.com/ [https://www.amazonseo.com/] - 8fig: Get 25% off 8fig off at https://8fig.co [https://8fig.co] - Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ [https://stackinfluence.com/] - Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits [https://get.levanta.io/misfits] Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

"Email Is Dead"? Think Again! Discover the Hidden Power of Newsletters for Explosive Revenue, Influence & Community. Discover powerful strategies, expert tips, and breakthrough tools to grow your brand and skyrocket your sales here: ➡️ https://marketingmisfits.co/ [https://marketingmisfits.co/] Whether you think email is old news or you’re building the next media empire, you’ll love this content-rich episode. Join Norm, Kevin & Nate Kennedy as they unpack how to monetize newsletters, build hyper-engaged communities, and WIN in today’s algorithm-driven world. From real talk on AI, micro-newsletters, to list hygiene, sponsorships, and more. Get actionable tactics you can use today. You’ll also learn: - How to build your list & keep it clean - Real revenue numbers for selling ads, CPM, and sponsorships - The difference between audience & community - The art of irresistible, value-packed content - The future of digital newsletters (and how you can stay ahead!) 👉 Don’t forget, leave your favorite insight or question in the comments! ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 – The Email Resurrection Begins 00:27 – Song Debates 01:01 – Behind the Scenes 03:00 – List Assets: The Real Distribution Advantage 04:45 –The Guest Reveal: Enter Nate Kennedy 05:14 – Monetizing Newsletters & List Health 10:34 – Digital Beginnings & Affiliate Discoveries 13:41 – How Newsletters Build Real Community 16:48 – Newsletter Content: Value vs. Pitch 19:25 – Micro Newsletters vs Media Titans 20:49 – AI, Automations & Tool Hacks 26:58 – Curation, Voice, & Consistency 30:29 – Content Ideas: From Social Surfing to Walking Wisely 35:00 – Ad Read: Stack Influence Secret Sauce 38:00 – Case Studies & Authority: Real Results 41:00 – Sectioned Success: Format, Design & Skimmability 46:57 – List Hygiene Systems: The 90/60/30 Policy 54:00 – Monetization Models: From CPM to High Ticket 59:20 – Community Building: WhatsApp, Slack, & The 3-Referral Rule 01:04:00 – Membership Models & Printable Value 01:09:00 – The Authority Multiplier: Print, Events, and Data Libraries 01:11:09 – The Power of Commitment: Never Miss a Send 01:13:00 – Lightning Round: Misfits, Mentors & Recommends 01:14:29 – Where to Find the Experts 01:15:03 – The Balloons Moment & Outtakes 01:16:03 – Podcast & Newsletter Growth This episode is brought to you by: - House of AMZ: Elevate your brand today at https://www.amazonseo.com/ [https://www.amazonseo.com/] - 8fig: Get 25% off 8fig off at https://8fig.co [https://8fig.co] - Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ [https://stackinfluence.com/] - Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits [https://get.levanta.io/misfits] Don’t miss out on the insights that could transform your business! Hit that Subscribe button 🔔 and join the Marketing Misfits crew for weekly insights into the tools, strategies, and stories you need to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of marketing. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Unlocking Digital Marketing Mastery: From Metrics to AI-Driven Growth! Discover powerful strategies, expert tips, and breakthrough tools to grow your brand and skyrocket your sales here: ➡️ https://marketingmisfits.co/ [https://marketingmisfits.co/] Are your marketing efforts truly effective, or are you just chasing vanity metrics? Join Norm and Kevin on this episode of the Marketing Misfits as they dive deep with Google Ads expert John Moran to demystify digital advertising, expose platform hidden agendas, and reveal the real strategies for scaling your business in an ever-evolving landscape. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in e-commerce or digital marketing looking to move beyond surface-level analytics and truly understand their customer acquisition, refine attribution strategies, and prepare for the seismic shift towards AI in advertising! ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - The Truth About Scaling 00:43 - Escape from the Metrics Maze 04:13 - How Masterminds Shape Success 08:09 - Unmasking the Google Ads Maestro 09:08 - From Jack-of-All-Trades to Niche Dominance 16:49 - Beyond ROAS: Navigating True Performance & Profit Margins 19:32 - Propel Your Product Launches 20:40 - Demystifying Platform Algorithms 25:31 - The Evolving Customer Journey: More Touchpoints, Deeper Insights 33:54 - Actionable Metrics 36:58 - The LTV Divide: Channel Differences and Customer Value 42:06 - Influence Your Way to Amazon Success 46:09 - Understanding Your Customer Acquisition Ceiling 52:50 - Human Element vs. Data 57:17 - AI's Impact: The Future of Content and Creative in Advertising 01:01:07 - The Misfit Connection: Who's Next? This episode is brought to you by: - House of AMZ: Elevate your brand today at https://www.amazonseo.com/ [https://www.amazonseo.com/] - 8fig: Get 25% off 8fig off at https://8fig.co [https://8fig.co] - Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ [https://stackinfluence.com/] - Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits [https://get.levanta.io/misfits] Don’t miss out on the insights that could transform your business! Hit that Subscribe button 🔔 and join the Marketing Misfits crew for weekly insights into the tools, strategies, and stories you need to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of marketing. #digitalmarketing #googleads #aiinmarketing Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Is AI Making Expertise Worthless? The Shocking Future of Marketing Revealed! Discover powerful strategies, expert tips, and breakthrough tools to grow your brand and skyrocket your sales here: ➡️ https://marketingmisfits.co/ [https://marketingmisfits.co/] Join Norm and Kevin as they dive deep with special guest Jordan Hall into the seismic shifts happening in the world of marketing and online business. In this eye-opening episode, they explore how AI is rapidly changing the game, challenging traditional marketing funnels, and impacting the value of expertise. Discover: - Why the gap between idea and execution is shrinking dramatically. - The surprising truth about the future of expertise and non-fiction content. - Key assets to focus on in an AI-driven world (beyond just knowledge!). - How to leverage human connection, leadership, and collaboration in a digital age. - The psychology behind high-ticket sales and attracting "whale" clients. - Real-world business opportunities emerging amidst technological change. - A sneak peek into the exclusive Collective Mind Society event in Tampa (yes, involving cigars!). If you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or just curious about what the next 1-5 years hold for business, this is a must-watch episode. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - From AI to 83 PDFs: Amplifying Reality 00:33 - Four Days, Fifteen Lounges: Tampa Unlocked 04:47 - Introducing the Traffic Genius 07:31 - Mail Drops, Ugly Pages, and Classic Hustle 11:20 - Promo Codes, Peaks, & Going Evergreen 13:17 - Found Money & Margin Obsession 14:28 - The Evolution of Sales Psychology 16:10 - Human Nature, Funnels, and the New Rules 19:15 - Assets for a New Era: Not Just AI 21:27 - Audience, Affinity & Human Touch in AI World 27:44 - Make Hay While the Sun Shines 30:45 - Authenticity, Leadership, and Human Moats 35:51 - The Golden Window: When Obsession Strikes 39:35 - High Ticket Mindset & The Psychology of Trust 46:03 - Value of Affinity and Human Guidance 52:17 - Will This Work For Me? 55:04 - Old Skills vs. New Work: Opportunity’s Next Wave 57:31 - The Next Five Years: Signal Over Noise 1:00:37 - Marketplace Mojo: From Beard Oil to Blitz 1:03:42 - Marketing, Trust, and the Social Commerce Shakeup 1:08:40 - Nuggets and Newsletter Fun This episode is brought to you by: - House of AMZ: Elevate your brand today at https://www.amazonseo.com/ [https://www.amazonseo.com/] - 8fig: Get 25% off 8fig off at https://8fig.co [https://8fig.co] - Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ [https://stackinfluence.com/] - Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits [https://get.levanta.io/misfits] Don’t miss out on the insights that could transform your business! Hit that Subscribe button 🔔 and join the Marketing Misfits crew for weekly insights into the tools, strategies, and stories you need to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of marketing. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Ever wondered how to take your successful Amazon brand from the digital shelf to the physical aisle? Discover powerful strategies, expert tips, and breakthrough tools to grow your brand and skyrocket your sales here: ➡️ https://marketingmisfits.co/ [https://marketingmisfits.co/] In this episode of Marketing Misfits, join Norm and Kevin as they sit down with retail expert Mike Esposito of Crossover Strategies. Mike, who helped scale brands like Love Pop and Thrazio into massive retail success, pulls back the curtain on the complex world of brick-and-mortar. Discover how to assess if your brand is retail-ready, the critical differences in packaging and compliance, navigating financing for large purchase orders, and the surprising benefits of starting with smaller, independent retailers before hitting the big box stores. Learn how to build crucial buyer relationships, avoid common pitfalls, and manage your expectations for long-term, sustainable growth in retail. If you're an e-commerce seller looking to diversify, increase enterprise value, and reach new customers, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can't afford to miss! ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - The Unexpected Detour 00:38 - Misfit Banter & Corrupting Influences 02:34 - The E-commerce & Retail Marriage 04:31 - Welcoming the Retail Navigator 09:40 - What Makes a Retail Brand ‘Retail Ready’? 13:14 - Outshining the Competition, On-Shelf and Online 16:18 - Retailer Roulette: Don’t Let One Buyer Make or Break You 21:24 - Packaging That Pops (Even At a ‘Brisk’ Pace) 28:11 - The Secrets of Price Points, Bundling & Shelf Survival 33:01 - How To Nail Your First Retail Catalog & Pitch 34:50 - The Hidden Costs of Doing Business in Brick & Mortar 38:31 - Show Me the Money: Financing Your First Big Retail Order 44:52 - Trade Shows & The Power of Going Local 53:47 - The Great Distributor Debate: When & Why 56:33 - Common Mistakes Brand Owners Make in Retail 1:00:13 - The Long Game: Managing Expectations for Retail Success 1:03:28 - Real Connections, Real Growth: Omnichannel & Beyond 1:06:48 - Unlikely Dreams & Why Retail Never Dies This episode is brought to you by: - House of AMZ: Elevate your brand today at https://www.amazonseo.com/ [https://www.amazonseo.com/] - 8fig: Get 25% off 8fig off at https://8fig.co [https://8fig.co] - Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ [https://stackinfluence.com/] - Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfits [https://get.levanta.io/misfits] Don’t miss out on the insights that could transform your business! Hit that Subscribe button 🔔 and join the Marketing Misfits crew for weekly insights into the tools, strategies, and stories you need to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of marketing. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.