The Brand Archive

The Brand Archive

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.

Episodes

July 10, 2025 48 mins

Join hosts Ben and Ashton as they explore the fascinating history of Polaroid, from its innovative beginnings to its cultural impact and eventual decline. Discover the stories behind the iconic brand, its competition, and the loyal fanbase that kept the spirit of instant photography alive.

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This episode dives into the nostalgic world of Wrigley's gum, exploring its history, marketing strategies, and the evolution of the brand. The hosts discuss personal memories associated with gum, the innovative marketing tactics employed by William Wrigley Jr., and the challenges faced by the gum industry today. They also touch on the acquisition by Mars and the future of gum in a changing market. Key takeaways include the importan...

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In this episode of the Brand Archive, hosts Ben and Ashton explore the nostalgic journey of Blockbuster, from its magical movie rental experience to its rise as a dominant force in the industry. They discuss the innovative strategies that led to its expansion, the missed opportunities that contributed to its decline, and the lasting cultural impact of the brand. The conversation also delves into the power of branding, marketing str...

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In this episode of the Brand Archive podcast, hosts Ben and Ashton explore the nostalgic journey of Nickelodeon, discussing its evolution from a struggling network to a beloved brand for children. They delve into the history of Nickelodeon, its branding strategies, logo changes, and the impact of competition in the children's television market. The conversation highlights key lessons learned from Nickelodeon's journey, emph...

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In this episode of the Brand Archive podcast, hosts Ben and Ashton explore the colorful and nostalgic world of Lisa Frank, a brand synonymous with vibrant designs and childhood memories. They discuss the origins of Lisa Frank, her rise to fame in the 90s, the challenges she faced, and the current state of the brand. The conversation delves into personal connections with the brand, the significance of branding and personal identity,...

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In this episode of the Brand Archive, hosts Ben and Ashton explore the nostalgic journey of PF Flyers, a brand that has survived on its rich history and cultural significance. They discuss the origins of the brand, its marketing strategies, and the impact of media on its popularity, particularly through the film 'The Sandlot.' The conversation delves into the challenges faced by PF Flyers, including ownership changes and rebranding...

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In this episode of the Brand Archive, hosts Ben and Ashton explore the history and evolution of the Marlboro brand, from its origins targeting women to its transformation into a symbol of masculinity with the iconic Marlboro Man. They discuss the brand's innovative marketing strategies, packaging design, and cultural adaptations that have allowed it to maintain relevance in a changing market. The conversation highlights key les...

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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 Nintend...

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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 a...

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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 lo...

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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, ...

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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...

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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 NA...

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April 16, 2025 6 mins

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...

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