How Marketing Changed the World

How Marketing Changed the World

Culture changes constantly. Most of us think it happens organically, shaped by things like technology, art, politics, or activism. But you'd be surprised how many deep-seated behaviors and beliefs were actually created by carefully-crafted marketing campaigns. Smiling for photos, diamond engagement rings, even the pledge of allegiance - all of these were created by a corporation that was intentionally trying to change our minds, and it worked. In How Marketing Changed the World, we'll explore the fascinating true stories behind some of the most successful, and often unknown, marketing campaigns of all time. Join us every month to learn how powerful marketing can be, and perhaps how to rethink or enhance the promotion of your own brand.

Episodes

May 14, 2026 9 mins
The Academy Awards established entertainment awards ceremonies and set the pattern for every other awards show.
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How Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania became the "Weather Capital of the World."
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January 24, 2026 6 mins
The dish that most people feel defines Thailand was intentionally invented and marketed by the country to do just that.
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December 15, 2025 5 mins
The holiday tradition of decorating with lights was created by the combined efforts of the emerging electric industry and the White House.
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November 26, 2025 6 mins
How an old European fabric became the most iconic American piece of clothing.
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September 17, 2025 5 mins
Many aspects of our shopping experience were shaped by a chewing gum magnate.
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August 6, 2025 7 mins
Three stories that reveal the origin of spam.
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June 11, 2025 8 mins
How pedometers became so popular, and why everyone tries to get 10,000 steps per day.
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July 17, 2024 7 mins
A marketing experiment in 1952 led to the creation of one of the largest segments of the global retail economy.
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June 16, 2024 9 mins
How one company not only changed the name and pronunciation of an element, but forged an entire industry.
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May 10, 2024 10 mins
The marketing initiatives that not only created American wine culture, but transformed the global wine industry.
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April 5, 2024 6 mins
A marketing idea to sell flags to public schools became one of the most iconic symbols of America.
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March 7, 2024 11 mins
The 1936 Olympics not only created most of the pageantry for the games, but also established the sports industry.
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February 9, 2024 7 mins
How De Beers created and shaped the practice of proposing marriage with diamond engagement rings in the 1940s.
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January 5, 2024 6 mins
The way the whole world takes, uses, and feels about photographs, including selfies, was created by Kodak in the early 1900s.
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Introducing How Marketing Changed the World, a podcast that explores the fascinating true stories behind some of the most successful, and often unknown, marketing campaigns of all time.
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