Follow the Feeling: Brand Builder

Follow the Feeling: Brand Builder

Follow the Feeling is a brand-building podcast produced by Kai D. Wright, Columbia University lecturer and author of Follow the Feeling: Brand Building in a Noisy World. A companion to the award-winning book, the podcast offers expert guidance and proven methods to help individuals build emotionally resonant, community-powered brands. Each episode breaks down the five brand-building moments that matter most—Lexicon, Audio, Visuals, Experience, and Culture—while providing actionable strategies and inspiration to grow with clarity and purpose. Learn more at FollowTheFeeling.com.

Episodes

June 16, 2025 14 mins

In this episode, we explore how building genuine emotional connections drives brand growth and longevity in today's turbulent market. Data shows emotion-driven brands see 3x greater lift, double the profitability, and grow value 2.5x faster than competitors focused solely on product features.

Listen to hear more about what's shaping fast-growing brands:

  • Since 2000, over half of Fortune 500 companies have disappeared, pr...
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In this episode, we dig into how navigating your career is like driving a car – you need a clear destination to avoid burning fuel but going nowhere. 

Inspired by the Brand Builder Lab newsletter, this discussion on why the secret to standing out isn't just talking about your past accomplishments but clearly articulating the future you want to build.

Listen to get tips on the following:

  • Understanding the broader landscape usi...
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In this episode, we explore Kai D. Wright's "culture-ethics pressure test" for communications, campaigns, and content. The three-part framework helps brands connect with communities authentically and ethically. This powerful approach gives marketers a way to check if their community engagement efforts are genuine, impactful, and culturally resonant.

Take some time today and think about how these principles apply to wh...

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What's the connection between economics and communication? We explore that question, the theme of Chapter 2 in Kai D. Wright's insightful business book "Follow the Feeling: Brand Building in a Noisy World." Learn how Nobel laureates Daniel Kahneman and Gary Becker influenced brand strategy, consumer behavior, and demographics. 

Using our 3x3 format, we give you three (3) things to know, three (3) things to do, an...

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Looking for a fresh perspective on brand building in today's chaotic digital landscape? We've distilled Chapter 1 from Kai D. Wright's game-changing book "Follow the Feeling: Brand Building in a Noisy World" into a practical preview for inspiration and motivation. In this chapter, learn the power of pattern recognition, get the foundations of what makes a strong brand, and hear about the work of Emilie Wapn...

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We dive behind the scenes of "Follow the Feeling: Brand Building in a Noisy World" by Kai D Wright, offering a backstage pass to the Preface and Introduction. 

In this episode, we unpack: 

  • Surprising research from Bill Gross of Idealab reveals timing is more important than team or idea for startup success
  • Only half of Fortune 500 companies survive over time, highlighting the vulnerability of even established brands
  • Today&...
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How do you get the most value out of any book? In this episode, we introduce a new formula for turning ideas into action, and action into inspiration for others. 

We do the heavy lifting of breaking down the book so you don't have to: listen to learn the top three things to know, top three things to do, top three things to share with others. 

Whether you’re building a startup or refreshing your brand, this is your blueprint for ...

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What do Peloton, Liquid Death, Crocs, and Duolingo all have in common? In this episode, we unpack the secret sauce behind cult brands—the ones that go way beyond product to spark deep emotional connection and community.

From sonic branding and unique lingo to rituals, visual identity, and even shared enemies, we break down the patterns that turn customers into superfans.

You’ll hear real-world examples, fresh insights, and a powerful...

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In this quick-hit episode, we dive into pages 15 to 17 of the Follow the Feeling Workbook—the “Community and Feeling” overview. 

Think of it as your brand’s emotional cheat sheet: a fast, practical guide to understanding why the most powerful brands don’t just sell products—they build movements. 

You’ll learn how to define your shared purpose, create meaningful engagement platforms, and celebrate your community in ways that build loy...

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In this episode, get an overview of "Follow the Feeling: Brand Building in a Noisy World." 

You'll hear about the key takeaways of the book along with the LAVEC framework. Discover how cult brands from Disney to Peloton thrive in a cluttered world by unlocking their winning strategies around community, feelings, lexicon, audio, visuals, experience, and culture.

Whether you’re building a startup or refreshing your brand...

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