In this episode, Jen sits down with Chad Cooper and Annie Sexton-Stewart to explore why drama, vulnerability, and authentic storytelling are essential for effective marketing. They discuss how embracing a genuine origin story can serve as the ultimate strategic blueprint to stand out and build connections with your audience. They also break down a self-aware campaign for Peoria, Illinois that leads with honesty and a sense of humor.

Links:

Discover Peoria Campaign

City of Dyersville: Video Work

City of Dyersville: Brand & Messaging

Cedar Ridge: Never Blend In

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Jen and Jill welcome Angie Kendall, CEO of Hand in Hand, to talk about small teams with mighty strategies. The group discusses how to keep lean teams aligned and aimed at the target, as well as using decision-making filters, strengths-based partnerships, and job crafting to prevent employee burnout. Plus, they dive into a round of "unpaid advertisements" to share a few of their favorite apps, hacks, and products. And of course, a few classic sidetracks, including geriatric millennials, sanctioned yelling, and a thirst for kilts.

Learn more about Hand in Hand: https://www.handinhandqc.org/

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Join Jen and Ryan as they go behind the scenes of quality video production with de Novo’s Senior Video Producer, Andrew Ravera. They discuss the entire production "train", from essential pre-production and planning to final delivery, and how to keep your production on track. They also emphasize documenting the process to showcase human creativity. Plus, they dive into one of de Novo's recently awarded videos for Creative Briefs.

Links:

Frontier Co-op - Alisia Weaver's Story

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Jen and Ryan chat with de Novo’s Digital Strategy Lead, Ally Machala, about navigating search—and the acronyms that come with it. They chat about how search has evolved from traditional SEO toward AI-driven discovery through AEO and GEO, and what brands and businesses need to do to stay visible. They also cover a clever campaign from Goldfish that brought some lighthearted fun to tax season.

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Jen and Ryan are joined by de Novo's Website Development Lead, Brooke, to discuss why your website is actually your core marketing infrastructure. Learn their key tips, including strategy for navigation, designing for accessibility by default, and why everything should be led by user experience and backed by data. Plus, they dissect a new Burger King campaign and a shift to make the customer “King”.

Creative Briefs:

Burger King® | There’s a New King and It’s You.

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Join us for our 20th episode of Think Fresh, where you can listen… and watch (‼️) in our first ever video podcast. Jen & Ryan talk about the transition and the benefits of this new format. We also give an update on the state of trust and review a Super Bowl commercial that had us all singing.

The conversation doesn't end here! Find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, sign up for our newsletter, or check out previous episodes of Think Fresh!

Links:

Edelman 2026 Trust Barometer

Creative Briefs:

Everybody Coinbase

Think Fresh is back to start the new year with our 2026 Trends & Predictions in a “popcorn” episode! Various members of our team pop in to chat with Jen & Ryan about what they think the biggest trends in their areas of expertise will be in the coming year.

It’s also our golden episode! We celebrate 19 Think Fresh episodes as de Novo turns 19 this month ✨🍒

The conversation doesn't end here! Find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, sign up for our newsletter, or send us an email at: info@thinkdenovo.com with the subject "Dear de Novo."

For the final Think Fresh of 2025, we’re bringing you a short and sweet episode about the state of trust. Jen & Ryan discuss the Edelman Trust Barometer report, our “crisis of grievances”, and what marketers can do about it. We also cover a Google Pixel campaign with a clever take on a competitor. We’ll see you back for more Think Fresh in 2026!

The conversation doesn't end here! Find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, sign up for our newsletter, or send us an email at: info@thinkdenovo.com with the subject "Dear de Novo."

Links:

Edelman Trust Barometer

Creative Briefs:

Google Pixel “Vanilla” Ad