The Brand Archive is not your average branding podcast; unless your average branding podcast unearths iconic brands and examines them with a mix of curiosity, irreverence, and just the right amount of wisdom.
Join Ashton and Ben, co-founders of Bismarck design studio The Good Kids, as they dig through the triumphs and trainwrecks of brands you know (and some you forgot).
They’ll uncover what made them, what broke them, and what it all means for your own brand — with a few unexpected detours and delightfully weird moments along the way. New episodes every week. Archival gloves not included.
Polaroid — The Polaroid Camera Comeback No One Saw Coming
Hosts Ben and Ashton trace Polaroid's journey from instant photography innovator to cultural icon, examining its competition and devoted fanbase, in this historical exploration.
3 Jul 2025
Wrigley’s — The History of Wrigley’s Gum and American Pop Culture
The hosts explore Wrigley's gum history, marketing, and cultural impact, highlighting innovative tactics and industry challenges, while emphasizing valuable lead magnets and brand balance.
26 Jun 2025
Blockbuster — Why Blockbuster Failed and What It Left Behind
Hosts Ben and Ashton explore Blockbuster's rise and fall, examining its innovative strategies, missed opportunities, and lasting cultural impact on branding, marketing, and community engagement.
19 Jun 2025
Nickelodeon — A Deep Dive Into Children’s Entertainment History
Hosts Ben and Ashton explore Nickelodeon's history, branding, and impact on children's entertainment, revealing the importance of understanding the target audience and maintaining a strong brand personality.
12 Jun 2025
Lisa Frank — The 90s Stationery Brand That Colored a Generation
Hosts Ben and Ashton explore Lisa Frank's vibrant 90s stationery brand, examining its rise, challenges, and impact on consumer behavior, while highlighting the importance of internal brand culture.
5 Jun 2025
PF Flyers — The Return of Vintage Basketball Sneakers We Loved
Hosts Ben and Ashton examine PF Flyers' enduring appeal, exploring its historical roots, marketing tactics, and cultural impact, highlighting the brand's resilience through challenges in this episode.
29 May 2025
Marlboro — The History of the Marlboro Man and American Advertising
Hosts Ben and Ashton explore Marlboro's brand evolution, discussing its shift from targeting women to embodying masculinity through the Marlboro Man, revealing branding and storytelling lessons.
22 May 2025
Nintendo — Family Friendly Video Games That Shaped Our Childhoods
In this episode of the Brand Archive, hosts Ben and Ashton explore the rich history and evolution of Nintendo, a company that has significantly impacted the gaming industry since its inception in 1889. They discuss Nintendo's journey from a playing card company to a global gaming giant, highlighting key innovations, iconic games, and branding strategies that have kept the brand relevant. The conversation also touches on Nintendo's failures, lessons learned, and the importance of community engagement and partnerships in maintaining cultural relevance.
15 May 2025
Taco Bell — Late Night Fast Food That Built a Devoted Fanbase
In this episode of The Archive, hosts Ben and Ashton explore the fascinating history and evolution of Taco Bell, from its origins as a hot dog stand to becoming a major player in the fast food industry. They discuss the brand's innovative marketing strategies, unique menu items, and distinct personality that sets it apart from competitors. The conversation also touches on challenges faced by Taco Bell, including controversies and lawsuits, as well as the company's commitment to innovation through its Innovation Kitchen. Listeners will gain insights into the lessons that can be learned from Taco Bell's journey and its impact on food culture.
8 May 2025
IKEA — The Story Behind the World’s Most Popular Furniture Brand
In this episode of the Brand Archive podcast, hosts Ben and Ashton explore the fascinating history and branding strategies of IKEA. They discuss the entrepreneurial journey of Ingvar Kamprad, the revolutionary flat-packed furniture concept, and the evolution of IKEA's branding and logo. The conversation delves into IKEA's brand promise, internal culture, and innovative marketing strategies that have built strong customer loyalty. The hosts also share insights on the lessons learned from IKEA's success and its cultural impact.
30 Apr 2025
Blu-ray — Home Entertainment Marketing Tactics That Revolutionized Media Consumption
In this episode of the Brand Archive, hosts Ben and Ashton explore the rise and fall of Blu-ray, a technology that aimed to provide superior movie-watching experiences but struggled against the convenience of streaming. They discuss the collaborative effort behind Blu-ray's creation, its competition with HD DVD, and the impact of branding and marketing strategies. The conversation also delves into lessons learned about innovation, market adaptation, and the importance of understanding consumer desires.
30 Apr 2025
Blackberry — Lessons from Smartphone Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
This episode of The Brand Archive podcast delves into the legacy of Blackberry, exploring its origins as RIM, the evolution of its branding, and the marketing strategies that propelled it to success. The hosts discuss the impact of the iPhone on Blackberry's market position, the challenges it faced, and its eventual pivot to cybersecurity. Through this journey, they highlight key lessons in branding, target audience engagement, and the importance of innovation in the tech industry.
30 Apr 2025
NASA — Space Technology Breakthroughs That Changed the World
In this episode, the hosts delve into the brand history and evolution of NASA, exploring its unique position as a government brand that resonates with the public. They discuss the significance of NASA's logo changes, the impact of its legacy on innovation and reputation, and how NASA's technological advancements have influenced everyday life. The conversation highlights the importance of branding beyond just logos and emphasizes NASA's enduring legacy in the face of competition and challenges.
16 Apr 2025
TRAILER — File #S01-000-0000
Welcome to The Brand Archive by The Good Kids!
In this podcast, hosts Ben Brick and Ashton Hauff take a nostalgic look at brands we grew up with—some that have disappeared, and others that just aren’t what they used to be.
Each episode, we’ll dig into what made these brands iconic, what went wrong, and what today’s marketers can learn from them. Think Blockbuster, Lisa Frank, Blackberry, PF Flyers, and more. Whether you’re a marketer, a brand nerd, or just love a good throwback, this podcast is for you.
Episodes are short and sweet—perfect for your commute or lunch break. Hit follow and get ready to dive into the archive!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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