Manipulating The Masses | Podcast on RSS.com

Manipulating The Masses

Manipulating The Masses

by Kaitlin McMillan & Zach Phillips

Entrepreneurship Marketing History

How Coachella Became Ground Zero for Instagram Culture

Welcome back to Manipulating the Masses – the podcast where two marketers talk marketing and manipulation and how we're really good at both. This week, we’re diving into the wild origin story and marketing evolution of Coachella, the festival that went from an anti-Ticketmaster rebellion to a $100M+ cultural phenomenon. We’ll break down: • How Pearl Jam vs. Ticketmaster sparked a movement • Five facts you didn’t know about Coachella’s rise • The marketing playbook: tiered pricing, experiential sponsorships, and influencer domination • Why brands like Revolve, H&M, AmEx, and Absolut reshaped the desert experience • How Coachella became ground zero for Instagram culture and the shadow economy of “off-site exclusives” Uncover what Coachella can teach every marketer, founder, and content creator about building a brand with staying power. Grab your flower crown — or at least your AirPods — and tune in to find out how main character energy, marketing genius, and perfect lighting turned Coachella into a business empire. To learn more, visit our website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

Season 1

Product Placement & Cannabis Legalization

Kaitlin & Zach explore how the government utilized product placement campaigns within movies in the 30s to manipulate the public perception of cannabis throughout the United States. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

Sales Strategy & MLMs

Kaitlin & Zach examine the sales tactics used by Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies, and how those companies dupe people into falling for the traps and allure of a "self-starter" lifestyle. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

SEO, PPC, & Scientology

Kaitlin & Zach examine the history and recruiting strategies for the notorious Church of Scientology. Including the sophisticated search engine marketing campaign run by their mega "religion". Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

Personal Branding & #GirlBoss

Kaitlin & Zach examine the rise and fall of the #GirlBoss movement. As well as the foundations of the movement, key players, and how the movement has created a toxic trend of female business leaders. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

Public Relations & UFO Cover-Ups

Kaitlin & Zach examine the press tactics used by the US Government over the past 70 years in regards to denying the existence of UFOs and witnesses throughout the United States. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

Branding & Subliminal Messaging

Kaitlin and Zach explore the effectiveness of subliminal messaging and how companies are utilizing subliminal tactics to increase sales and market share. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

Brand Storytelling & Elizabeth Holmes

Kaitlin and Zach examine the rise and fall of the notorious founder of Theranos, Elizabeth Holmes. How she utilized the art of PR and storytelling to amass huge investments from powerful people, all for a product that didn't work. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

Email Marketing & Nigerian Princes

Kaitlin and Zach explore the email marketing tactics behind the infamous Nigerian Prince scams that have plagued US citizens out of millions for over a decade. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

Data Analysis & The Bachelorette

Kaitlin & Zach dive into the historical data of the 42 seasons of The Bachelor / Bachelorette series. Using data analysis, they predict who will win the current season featuring Bachelorette, Michelle Young. Get In Touch: info@mcmillanphillips.com Visit Our Website: https://mcmillanphillips.com/manipulating-the-masses-podcast/

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