Episode notes
Most brands sell products. Nike sells belief.
In this episode of The Ad You Can’t Skip, we dive into why Nike's ads feel less like commercials and more like sermons. From the timeless power of "Just Do It" to the explosive Colin Kaepernick campaign, we unpack how Nike built decades of credibility around struggle, sacrifice, and resilience---then used that foundation to take a cultural stand that most brands would’ve run from.
Why did Nike's bold move work when Pepsi’s Kendall Jenner ad flopped? We'll break it down. Rituals, saints, scripture---Nike’s playbook looks a lot like religion, and it might explain why people don’t just buy the swoosh...they believe in it.