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

February 18, 2026 9 mins
How Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania became the "Weather Capital of the World."
Listen
Mark as Played
The dish that most people feel defines Thailand was intentionally invented and marketed by the country to do just that.
Listen
Mark as Played
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.
Listen
Mark as Played
November 26, 2025 6 mins
How an old European fabric became the most iconic American piece of clothing.
Listen
Mark as Played
September 17, 2025 5 mins
Many aspects of our shopping experience were shaped by a chewing gum magnate.
Listen
Mark as Played
August 6, 2025 7 mins
Three stories that reveal the origin of spam.
Listen
Mark as Played
June 11, 2025 8 mins
How pedometers became so popular, and why everyone tries to get 10,000 steps per day.
Listen
Mark as Played
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.
Listen
Mark as Played
June 16, 2024 9 mins
How one company not only changed the name and pronunciation of an element, but forged an entire industry.
Listen
Mark as Played
May 10, 2024 10 mins
The marketing initiatives that not only created American wine culture, but transformed the global wine industry.
Listen
Mark as Played
April 5, 2024 6 mins
A marketing idea to sell flags to public schools became one of the most iconic symbols of America.
Listen
Mark as Played
March 7, 2024 11 mins
The 1936 Olympics not only created most of the pageantry for the games, but also established the sports industry.
Listen
Mark as Played
February 9, 2024 7 mins
How De Beers created and shaped the practice of proposing marriage with diamond engagement rings in the 1940s.
Listen
Mark as Played
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.
Listen
Mark as Played
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.
Listen
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

    Betrayal Season 5

    Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices