Users Always Lie

This week, Keith and Brendan dig into how brands rebuild trust after fear and failure. From AI companies opening real-world pop-up cafés to Blue Bell’s listeria scare. They talk timing, transparency, and why speed isn’t the same as strategy. Plus, how product teams and marketers wrestle over deadlines, and what happens when a feature is not ready but the campaign can’t wait.

This week, Keith and Brendan dive into the psychology of attention. How controversy, chaos, and corn mazes can sometimes drive more awareness than success itself. From North Korea’s overturned world record lift to the viral downfall of the Arizona Cardinals, they unpack why audiences flock to failure, not perfection.
Later, they break down Maxwell House’s tongue-in-cheek rebrand and discuss how nostalgia brands are trying to connect with modern consumers without crossing into cringe. This along with travel delays, haunted forests, and a surprisingly deep discussion about the marketing efficiency ratio.

Keith and Brendan dig into the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways brands keep consumers from noticing when prices rise or products shrink. From distraction marketing to brand voice to why sales still hook us, this episode unpacks the tricks behind the shelf. Plus, a lively round of listener questions from The Water Cooler about B2B vs B2C marketing and much more.
Music: “SafetyNet” by Drey Voss

Keith and Brendan coin a new term while diving into what happens when brands hit a slump and how the right stunt, shift, or scandal response can bring them back to life. Also: when customer requests mask deeper problems, how do you solve what they actually need?Intro Song: “SafetyNet” by Drey Voss

In this episode hosts Keith Wagner and Brendan Charles dive into the fascinating world of user behavior and marketing strategies. They explore the intricacies of traditional versus digital marketing, the impact of product rebranding, and the curious case of Nintendo's Switch 2 launch. Intro Song: “SafetyNet” by Drey Voss

In this episode of the Users Always Lie podcast, hosts Keith Wagner and Brendan Charles delve into the evolving landscape of marketing, particularly focusing on the integration of AI. They discuss the recent concerns surrounding AI-generated content, the implications of Apple's controversial marketing strategies, and the ongoing challenge of ad fatigue. The conversation also touches on creative marketing stunts and the future of AI in the job market, emphasizing the importance of human touch in marketing and user experience.
Intro Song: “SafetyNet” by Drey Voss

In this episode, Keith and Brendan kick things off with vacation stories, including scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef and a few unexpected animal encounters. Then they dive into this week’s standout marketing move: Apple TV+’s Severance live office installation at Grand Central Station, and why physical stunts like this are catching fire in the digital age.Intro Song: “SafetyNet” by Drey Voss