Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind
In today’s world how does a brand break through the noise and become iconic? Well, there’s a complex marketing machine running behind all your favorite brand names that goes deeper than you could imagine. Join Jason Harris, co-founder and CEO of award-winning creative agency, Mekanism, as he speaks with leading experts about how to build an iconic brand. We will pull back the curtain on how culturally relevant brand building and always-on digital work together to make brands famous and drive business Results. Think of it as EQ meeting IQ. Let’s fast forward our marketing minds on the Soul & Science Podcast. Soul & Science is a Mekanism podcast produced by Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, Grace Robert and Lily Jablonski. The show is edited by Daniel Ferreira, with theme music by Kyle Merritt. At Mekanism we build iconic brands with Soul & Science. The Soul is culturally relevant brand building and the Science is the always-on marketing activities that drive the bottom line. Learn more at mekanism.com. Brought to you by Mekanism.
Episodes
He built Thrillist. He bet on media. Now Ben Lerer is navigating a world obsessed with AI.
In this episode, Jason sits down with Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist, creator of Group Nine Media, and now Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau. They talk about the shifting tides of media, tech, and early-stage investing. From building one of the first great digital brands to navigating the rise of creators, platforms, and AI, Ben shares har...
In this episode, Jason sits down with Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist, creator of Group Nine Media, and now Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau. They talk about the shifting tides of media, tech, and early-stage investing. From building one of the first great digital brands to navigating the rise of creators, platforms, and AI, Ben shares har...
Mark as Played
June 30, 2025 • 5 mins
Launching a new product is never easy. But doing it during economic uncertainty? That’s a whole different challenge.
In this mini episode, we explore how today’s shifting landscape—from tariffs to market instability—requires a smarter, more agile approach.Jason shares three core principles that can help entrepreneurs and innovators not just survive, but thrive during turbulent times.
Key Takeaways:
In this mini episode, we explore how today’s shifting landscape—from tariffs to market instability—requires a smarter, more agile approach.Jason shares three core principles that can help entrepreneurs and innovators not just survive, but thrive during turbulent times.
Key Takeaways:
- Agility beats the grand reveal
- F...
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Not every brand explodes. Some rise slowly, and win big.
In this episode, Jason talks with Nicholas Karrat, CMO of StockX, about the Soul & Science of marketplace models—and what it takes to build brand trust, cultural relevance, and business performance at the same time. A veteran marketer with experience across Fortune 100 companies and DTC startups, Nick has held leadership roles at AT&T, Citibank, Plated, Boll & Bran...
In this episode, Jason talks with Nicholas Karrat, CMO of StockX, about the Soul & Science of marketplace models—and what it takes to build brand trust, cultural relevance, and business performance at the same time. A veteran marketer with experience across Fortune 100 companies and DTC startups, Nick has held leadership roles at AT&T, Citibank, Plated, Boll & Bran...
Mark as Played
June 16, 2025 • 2 mins
🐶 Adidas just launched a China-exclusive pet collection—and it’s more than just cute.
In this Soul & Science mini, Jason unpacks the marketing strategy behind Adidas Originals’ latest capsule: apparel and accessories designed for pets and their owners. Matching outfits? Yes. Global rollout? Not yet.
For marketers, this launch raises big questions:
🧠 Is this a clever test-market move or a missed brand moment?
📍 Why China first—an...
In this Soul & Science mini, Jason unpacks the marketing strategy behind Adidas Originals’ latest capsule: apparel and accessories designed for pets and their owners. Matching outfits? Yes. Global rollout? Not yet.
For marketers, this launch raises big questions:
🧠 Is this a clever test-market move or a missed brand moment?
📍 Why China first—an...
Mark as Played
June 9, 2025 • 38 mins
Creative teams have the most impact when they’re trusted stewards of the brand—not just executors.
In this episode, Fi’s Chief Creative Officer Bryant Brennan joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of in-house creativity, product-first marketing, and building brands with staying power.
From launching Nook at Barnes & Noble to scaling Peloton’s creative team into an award-winning force, Bryant shares how to align tea...
In this episode, Fi’s Chief Creative Officer Bryant Brennan joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of in-house creativity, product-first marketing, and building brands with staying power.
From launching Nook at Barnes & Noble to scaling Peloton’s creative team into an award-winning force, Bryant shares how to align tea...
Mark as Played
June 2, 2025 • 3 mins
What do you call a streaming service that can’t sit still? Apparently, HBO Max… again.
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks why the HBO brand is once again reclaiming its name, and what this says about brand equity, consumer sentiment, and the fine art of knowing when to walk it back. From Gap to Tropicana to the Twitter-that-shall-not-be-named, some branding detours are better left reversed.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Don’t m...
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks why the HBO brand is once again reclaiming its name, and what this says about brand equity, consumer sentiment, and the fine art of knowing when to walk it back. From Gap to Tropicana to the Twitter-that-shall-not-be-named, some branding detours are better left reversed.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Don’t m...
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Why does doing good still feel risky in the boardroom even when it’s good for business?
In this episode, OBERLAND Founder & Creative Chairman Bill Oberlander joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of purpose-driven marketing and talk about why creativity, commerce, and consciousness can (and should) coexist.
Bill shares his journey from Madison Avenue to launching a values-first agency that's now AdAge’s Purpose-Led...
In this episode, OBERLAND Founder & Creative Chairman Bill Oberlander joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of purpose-driven marketing and talk about why creativity, commerce, and consciousness can (and should) coexist.
Bill shares his journey from Madison Avenue to launching a values-first agency that's now AdAge’s Purpose-Led...
Mark as Played
May 12, 2025 • 37 mins
Just because it’s B2B doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
This week on Soul & Science, Jason sits down with Jim Lesser, Chief Brand Officer at ServiceNow, the enterprise platform helping organizations simplify workflows and put AI to work across their business.
Before stepping into the world of B2B tech, Jim led award-winning campaigns as CEO and Executive Creative Director at BBDO San Francisco, including the well-known "Imagine t...
This week on Soul & Science, Jason sits down with Jim Lesser, Chief Brand Officer at ServiceNow, the enterprise platform helping organizations simplify workflows and put AI to work across their business.
Before stepping into the world of B2B tech, Jim led award-winning campaigns as CEO and Executive Creative Director at BBDO San Francisco, including the well-known "Imagine t...
Mark as Played
May 5, 2025 • 3 mins
From Prime to Chamberlain Coffee, influencers are making serious moves into the beverage aisle.
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks the rise of creator-led drink brands—and why the beverage industry has become the go-to playground for digital tastemakers. With built-in audiences and high margins, the formula is simple: influence + hydration = $$$.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Beverages are easy to produce and offer premium prof...
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks the rise of creator-led drink brands—and why the beverage industry has become the go-to playground for digital tastemakers. With built-in audiences and high margins, the formula is simple: influence + hydration = $$$.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Beverages are easy to produce and offer premium prof...
Mark as Played
April 21, 2025 • 4 mins
In a world that feels more chaotic by the day, leading with clarity has never been harder — or more important.
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason explores how leaders can navigate the “liminal experience” of constant change. From reaffirming values to strengthening team bonds, he breaks down the strategies that help leaders anchor themselves—and their organizations—when everything else is shifting.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Ask the...
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason explores how leaders can navigate the “liminal experience” of constant change. From reaffirming values to strengthening team bonds, he breaks down the strategies that help leaders anchor themselves—and their organizations—when everything else is shifting.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Ask the...
Mark as Played
April 14, 2025 • 47 mins
From TikTok trends to viral campaigns, brands are constantly trying to tap into culture. But what actually defines culture — and how can brands engage with it in a meaningful way?
This week, we’re re-airing a great conversation from April 2024 with Dr. Marcus Collins — marketing professor, best-selling author, and cultural strategist.
Dr. Collins, author of For the Culture and former Head of Strategy at Wieden+Kennedy, has worked wit...
This week, we’re re-airing a great conversation from April 2024 with Dr. Marcus Collins — marketing professor, best-selling author, and cultural strategist.
Dr. Collins, author of For the Culture and former Head of Strategy at Wieden+Kennedy, has worked wit...
Mark as Played
March 31, 2025 • 4 mins
What do J.Crew, Tiffany & Co., and Prada all have in common? They’re falling in love with the written word.
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason explores fashion’s latest unexpected muse: literature. From literary salons to author collaborations, brands are embracing the written word in a digital age—and it's not just for show.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Fashion brands are aligning with literature to appeal to Gen Z’s love of boo...
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason explores fashion’s latest unexpected muse: literature. From literary salons to author collaborations, brands are embracing the written word in a digital age—and it's not just for show.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Fashion brands are aligning with literature to appeal to Gen Z’s love of boo...
Mark as Played
March 24, 2025 • 4 mins
What do Trump’s new tariffs have to do with your brand strategy? A lot.
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason breaks down how the latest wave of tariffs is creating ripple effects across industries—and what it means for marketers trying to navigate a rapidly shifting economy.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Brands are reallocating budgets toward performance marketing as margins tighten.
✅ Expect a rise in “Made in America” messaging to appea...
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason breaks down how the latest wave of tariffs is creating ripple effects across industries—and what it means for marketers trying to navigate a rapidly shifting economy.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Brands are reallocating budgets toward performance marketing as margins tighten.
✅ Expect a rise in “Made in America” messaging to appea...
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Why are brands still hesitant to embrace AI in creative work—even when it delivers faster, cheaper, and often better results?
In this episode, Superside co-founder & CEO Fredrik Thomassen joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of AI-powered creativity—and why the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t the technology, but human resistance to change.
Fredrik shares how Superside is reshaping the creative industry, using...
In this episode, Superside co-founder & CEO Fredrik Thomassen joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of AI-powered creativity—and why the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t the technology, but human resistance to change.
Fredrik shares how Superside is reshaping the creative industry, using...
Mark as Played
March 10, 2025 • 5 mins
CMOs have the shortest lifespan of any C-suite executive. Why?
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason breaks down insights from a recent Adweek article, exploring the top reasons CMOs get fired—and how they can avoid the same fate.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Overpromising results is the #1 reason CMOs lose their jobs.
✅ Many fail to earn trust from CEOs, CFOs, and the leadership team.
✅ Only 1 in 3 CEOs & CFOs feel aligned with their ...
In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason breaks down insights from a recent Adweek article, exploring the top reasons CMOs get fired—and how they can avoid the same fate.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Overpromising results is the #1 reason CMOs lose their jobs.
✅ Many fail to earn trust from CEOs, CFOs, and the leadership team.
✅ Only 1 in 3 CEOs & CFOs feel aligned with their ...
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How do you go from leading an agency to coaching the next generation of leaders?
In Part 2 of our conversation, Rob Schwartz—former CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day and now an Executive Coach—talks with Jason about the Soul & Science of Coaching. He shares his philosophy on guiding teams, unlocking creative potential, and moving businesses from transactional back to transformational.
Rob breaks down where and how his GROW coaching framework...
In Part 2 of our conversation, Rob Schwartz—former CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day and now an Executive Coach—talks with Jason about the Soul & Science of Coaching. He shares his philosophy on guiding teams, unlocking creative potential, and moving businesses from transactional back to transformational.
Rob breaks down where and how his GROW coaching framework...
Mark as Played
February 24, 2025 • 21 mins
How do you turn creative vision into leadership success—and inspire a team to grow through disruption?
This week, Jason dives into the Soul & Science of Creative Leadership with Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach and former CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day. Rob’s journey from copywriter to CEO is a masterclass in creative transformation. Using his philosophy of “Clarify, Simplify, Unify, Amplify,” Rob revitalized TBWA\Chiat\Day New York and led...
This week, Jason dives into the Soul & Science of Creative Leadership with Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach and former CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day. Rob’s journey from copywriter to CEO is a masterclass in creative transformation. Using his philosophy of “Clarify, Simplify, Unify, Amplify,” Rob revitalized TBWA\Chiat\Day New York and led...
Mark as Played
January 20, 2025 • 26 mins
What if the secret to creating ads that truly connect isn’t in what people say, but in what their brains reveal?
Pranav Yadav, founder and global CEO of Neuro-Insight, leverages neuromarketing—technology that measures neural signals to track emotional responses—to uncover deeper truths that help brands like TJ Maxx and Anheuser Busch craft ads that stir emotions and hit the perfect pitch.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Pranav Yadav, founder and global CEO of Neuro-Insight, leverages neuromarketing—technology that measures neural signals to track emotional responses—to uncover deeper truths that help brands like TJ Maxx and Anheuser Busch craft ads that stir emotions and hit the perfect pitch.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What neurom...
Mark as Played
January 6, 2025 • 37 mins
This week, Jason explores The Soul & Science of Entrepreneur Partnerships with Dustin Baker and Maya French, co-founders of HappyPop. As the driving forces behind Koia and now HappyPop, Dustin and Maya have redefined what it means to create purposeful products in the competitive beverage industry.Discover how their unique partnership has evolved over a decade, how they turned personal challenges into groundbreaking products, an...
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December 16, 2024 • 37 mins
What’s the secret to building lasting and successful partnerships? This week, we dive into the Soul & Science of agency-client relationships with Stephen Boehler, founder of Mercer Island Group and former Procter & Gamble brand manager. Stephen shares his journey from growing up in a family business to leading one of the most respected agency search consultancies. Learn how a serendipitous flight led to the creation of Merc...
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