Rabbit Holes

The NoLo trend is booming, but is it really about wellness? We unpack how brands rebranded sobriety as a status symbol—one overpriced spritz at a time.

What do cinnamon roll lotion, childhood memories, and appetite-suppressing drugs have in common? Welcome to the strange psychology of sweet scents.

As May begins, marketers shift into full gear, using shame and seasonal anxiety to sell summer readiness. From deodorant fear to detox diets, discover how the FADS formula fuels the pressure—and how to push back.

Explore how men's grooming turned into marketing's newest battlefield, leveraging shame and redefining masculinity. Are today's men primping for pleasure or fear?

Brands are shifting back to celebrity influencers—so what happens to micro-influencers? Discover how data-driven strategies balance reach, authenticity, and sustainability in influencer marketing.

Dive into our annual FADS analysis of Super Bowl ads. Explore how brands use Food, Alcohol, Drugs, and Sex to shape behavior, spark trends, and extend their reach beyond TV to social media.

2024’s top marketing trends revealed—how FADS shaped us and what’s next for 2025, from AI to rebranded vices.

In 2025, the question won't be whether algorithms will shape our digital lives—they already do—but how we can shape them in return.

Discover why Dunkin’s cheeky Spider Donut’s flirty takeover is more than just a seasonal treat—it’s a marketing masterclass.

Explore how shame-based marketing has fueled all-over body deodorant sales for decades, and discover the growing movement encouraging body acceptance, natural scents, and conscious consumer choices in the fight against insecurity-driven ads.

Learn how marketers leverage the middle to drive consumer choices, strategically positioning balanced options to maximize profits and appeal to our desire for moderation.

From Botox to botanical bliss, the pendulum swings, blending natural charm with high-tech magic, and marketers are the masters making sure we buy every step of the way.