Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com Why are so many of the internet’s biggest mommy influencers Mormon—or ex-Mormon? In this season finale of Ahead of the Curve, Coco Mocoe unpacks the viral Hulu docuseries The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and the surprising overlap between Mormonism, influencer fame, and algorithm culture. 📲 In this episode: * The rise of Mormon mommy influencers on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube * How Mormonism’s structure mirrors the blueprint for MLMs—and why women in the LDS Church are the perfect recruits * Famous Mormon influencers like Hannah Neelman (Ballerina Farm), Nara Smith, and the criminal case of Ruby Franke * The real-life ties between Mormonism and digital visibility: beauty standards, homemaking, and platform-safe content * Why Mormon missionary culture creates social media stars * Astrology of the cast: What the birth charts of Taylor Frankie Paul, Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt, Mayci Neeley, and others say about their presence and persona * How The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives breaks the fourth wall in a way Bravo’s Real Housewives never could 💫 Extended episode with even more deep-dive on cast astrology and Bravo vs Hulu production styles is available for paying subscribers at cocomocoe.substack.com FYI, I’m going on break ⏰ Coconuts! I will be taking a break as I travel to Cannes Lions, Tribeca Film Festival and Europe for summer. This podcast and the trend report will be paused in the meantime. For those of you who pay, you will not be charged while the show and Substack is on pause. Have a great summer and see you on the other side, coconuts 🥥 ❤️ Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe is the podcast for people who need to know what’s next. Hosted by media analyst and trend forecaster Coco Mocoe, this show breaks down the latest in marketing, pop culture, social media, and the creator economy—before it hits the mainstream. Whether it’s decoding brand strategy, analyzing viral moments, or predicting the future of fame, Coco dives into the cultural shifts shaping our digital world. If you’re a marketer, content creator, or just chronically online, you’ll leave each episode smarter, sharper, and a few weeks ahead of your group chat. 🎙️ Ranked in Apple’s Top Marketing Podcasts & a Substack Best-Seller 🧡 🔍 SEO Keywords: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Taylor Frankie Paul, Jen Affleck, Whitney Nacole, Mayci Neeley, Mormon influencers, Ballerina Farm Mormon, Nara Smith religion, Ruby Franke 8 Passengers, Mormon mommy bloggers, MLMs in Utah, Mormon social media stars, TSLOMW cast astrology, Bravo vs Hulu reality shows

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com In this episode of Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe, we dive into the ethics of true crime content—from the rise of Serial and Adnan Syed’s release, to today’s viral cases like the Diddy/Cassie trial, the Idaho 4, and the livestreamed murder of Mexican influencer Valeria Márquez. We explore why the families of victims like Hae Min Lee and Jeffrey Dahmer's victims are pushing back on their stories being used for entertainment—and ask: is true crime ever truly ethical? And when can mass attention help solve a case, like with Gabby Petito? We also look at global differences: how countries like South Korea, France, Germany, and New Zealand protect victims' identities, and how the U.S. often doesn't. Plus, we spotlight survivor-led justice like Gisèle Pelicot’s viral case in France and why she chose to claim her identity publicly instead of going through the trial in private. If you have something to add to the discussion, please keep it respectful as you always do. You can leave your thoughts via a review on Apple, Spotify or on the Substack comment section under this post. 🔒 Want more? The second half of this episode—where I predict the future of true crime media—is available exclusively on Substack: cocomocoe.substack.com Thank you for listening to this touchy episode with an open mind!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com In this episode of Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe, I break down the fascinating power struggle happening between traditional gatekeepers and digital creators at fashion's biggest night. The 2025 Met Gala just made its biggest push to exclude influencers since they first started walking the carpet in the late 2010’s—and I'm diving into exactly why. I'll take you through the rise and fall of creator presence at the Met, from YouTube sponsorships to TikTok controversies (hello, "let them eat cake" disaster of 2024), and what it reveals about the fragile relationship between old and new media. Plus, I share which creators are actually breaking through to mainstream acceptance, why Emma Chamberlain succeeded where others failed (cough cough, James Charles), and the strategic moves that separate influencer status from legitimate stardom. If you're fascinated by celebrity culture, digital marketing, or how influence is shifting in 2025, this episode is your definitive guide. Let's discuss, coconuts! ⬇️ 🥥 P.S. I'm heading to Tribeca Film Festival then Cannes Lions as a speaker + I just came back from Mexico to bed bugs and the unfortunate loss of my childhood dog — so I will be preparing to take a break in June, more details inside the episode ❤️ Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe is the podcast for people who need to know what’s next. Hosted by media analyst and trend forecaster Coco Mocoe, this show breaks down the latest in marketing, pop culture, social media, and the creator economy—before it hits the mainstream. Whether it’s decoding brand strategy, analyzing viral moments, or predicting the future of fame, Coco dives into the cultural shifts shaping our digital world. If you’re a marketer, content creator, or just chronically online, you’ll leave each episode smarter, sharper, and a few weeks ahead of your group chat. 🎙️ New episodes weekly. Ranked in Apple’s Top Marketing Podcasts & a Substack Best-Seller 🧡 Thank you for making it this far, coconuts! See you next Monday ❤️🥥 Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.📩 Want the extended episode and weekly trend reports? Subscribe at cocomocoe.substack.com/archive

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com The 2025 Met Gala is more than fashion’s biggest night—it’s a blueprint for branding through exclusivity, mystique, and cultural impact. In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, I unpack what makes the Met Gala such a powerful case study in marketing—and why this year’s theme is one of the most important in recent history. TIME STAMPS + TOPICS: * Introduction + the History of the Met Gala - 0:00 * Anna Wintour’s Takeover - 5:42 * Princess Diana’s Influence on the Met Gala - 8:05 * The Rise of Themes at the Met - 10:04 * The Met Gala in the 2000’s - 12:14 * The Met Gala in the 2010’s Digital Age - 16:25 * How does one get invited to the Met Gala - 19:31 * First time attendees of 2024 — 22:07 * Specific Rules of the Met Gala — 25:35 PAID PORTION AT COCOMOCOE.SUBSTACK.COM/PODCAST * The Art of Exclusivity in Branding — 28:19* * What New Faces Will We See in 2025 — 40:55 * A-List Celebs Who Have Not Attended the Met Gala — 53:03 🎯 What is the 2025 Met Gala theme? The 2025 Met Gala theme is "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion, this year’s Costume Institute exhibition explores Black dandyism, bespoke tailoring, and how Black style has defined cultural identity across centuries. The dress code, "Tailored for You," challenges guests to show up in high-concept suiting and reimagined menswear, pulling from diasporic influence and archival elegance. This is the Met Gala’s first menswear-centered theme since 2003—and it's already shifting the conversation. Expect references to Zoot suits, Savile Row, André 3000, Dapper Dan, Pharrell, and the global evolution of what it means to be “well-dressed.” 🔥 Who might attend the 2025 Met Gala for the first time? In the episode, I break down potential first-time Met Gala attendees based on their fashion alignment, career momentum, and branding presence: * Doechii – 2025 Billboard Woman of the Year, Grammy-winner, and style muse for Thom Browne. * Chappell Roan – Cover girl, fashion wild card, and pop star pushing gender expression. * A’ja Wilson – WNBA icon, Nike collaborator, Time’s Woman of the Year, and now a Vogue darling. * Mikey Madison – Anora breakout star and new face of Tiffany & Co., fresh off an Oscar sweep. * Miles Caton – Rising star of Sinners, aligned with the exhibit’s themes of Black identity and tailoring. 💡 What creators can learn from the Met Gala The Met Gala isn’t just an event—it’s a branding masterclass. It’s fashion’s answer to “less is more.” No livestream. No selfies. A guest list curated like a luxury drop. In the extended episode (available on cocomocoe.substack.com), I share how creators can build buzz through exclusivity, using what I call “the exclusive effect.” Think: Beyoncé’s surprise album, Hermès' no-ad strategy, and Emma Chamberlain’s selective platform presence. Whether you’re a creator, founder, or fashion-lover, this breakdown offers actionable insights on building mystique, narrative, and scarcity into your brand. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.📩 Want the extended episode and weekly trend reports? Subscribe at cocomocoe.substack.com/archive Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe is the podcast for people who need to know what’s next. Hosted by media analyst and trend forecaster Coco Mocoe, this show breaks down the latest in marketing, pop culture, social media, and the creator economy—before it hits the mainstream. Whether it’s decoding brand strategy, analyzing viral moments, or predicting the future of fame, Coco dives into the cultural shifts shaping our digital world. If you’re a marketer, content creator, or just chronically online, you’ll leave each episode smarter, sharper, and a few weeks ahead of your group chat. 🎙️ New episodes weekly. Ranked in Apple’s Top Marketing Podcasts & a Substack Best-Seller 🧡 Keywords (SEO tags): Met...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com In today’s episode, we’re breaking down one of the most powerful — and overlooked — strategies in building a lasting career as a creator: the pivot. How do you know when it’s time to shift your niche, rebrand your business, or evolve your content? And more importantly, how do you pivot without losing your audience, your momentum, or your brand identity? We’ll dive into real-world case studies — from Bretman Rock’s shift from beauty influencer to lifestyle icon, to Brittany Broski’s move beyond TikTok into podcasting and mainstream media, and how Jackie Aina built a luxury brand beyond YouTube. Plus, we’ll explore what astrology and market trends can teach you about timing your pivot for maximum success. Throughout the episode, I also reference major business and creative strategy books like Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin, and more — sharing how their frameworks can be applied to modern creators and entrepreneurs navigating niche pivots and brand reinvention. If you're a creator, entrepreneur, influencer, or marketer ready to evolve your personal brand, stay ahead of trends, and build a career — not just a moment — this episode is packed with actionable insights. 🚀 Topics covered: * How to know when it’s time to change your niche * Signs your brand is outgrowing its original audience * Case studies of successful creator pivots * How to pivot strategically without losing your audience * The long-game mindset: building a career, not chasing clout ✨ Subscribe for more episodes on marketing strategy, personal branding, business growth, and creator economy trends! #MarketingPodcast #BusinessPodcast #CreatorEconomy #PersonalBranding #ContentStrategy Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe is the go-to podcast for creators, marketers, entrepreneurs, and pop culture obsessives who want to stay ahead of trends — not chase them. Every week, Coco Mocoe breaks down the latest shifts in the creator economy, marketing strategy, brand building, and entertainment news. From deep dives into business growth tactics to behind-the-scenes insights on viral moments, this show helps you future-proof your brand and career. Ranked among the top podcasts for marketing, business, and entertainment news, Ahead of the Curve is where strategy meets storytelling — and where tomorrow’s trends are decoded today. #MarketingPodcast #BusinessPodcast #EntertainmentNews #CreatorEconomy #PersonalBranding #AheadOfTheCurve 🔐 HOW TO UNLOCK THE EXTENDED EPISODE: Watch the video version of this podcast and unlock an extra 20 minutes by becoming a paying member of my best-selling Substack for $9-a-month at ⁠cocomocoe.substack.com/podcast⁠

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com Thank you for your patience on this episode going up Tuesday vs Monday and happy Easter, coconuts ❤️ 🥥 🎙️ Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe: Sinners by Ryan Coogler – Breaking the Franchise Formula with Folklore, Fire, and Originality In this episode of Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe, I break down Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending horror film starring Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and newcomer Miles Caton. With a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore—the first for a horror film in nearly 40 years—Sinners is redefining what original IP can achieve at the box office. Filmed in part on IMAX by cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the story follows twin brothers navigating 1930s Mississippi, ancestral trauma, and a supernatural force drawn to music. I analyze how the film explores cultural appropriation, Black creativity, and the thin line between allyship and harm. 🔍 Episode topics include: – Irish folklore and Remmick’s metaphor as the cultural vampire - – Chinese immigrant inclusion and survival under Jim Crow – The long-take juke joint scene and the symbolism of fire– Behind-the-scenes insights: IMAX filming challenges, Michael B. Jordan’s reaction to fake blood, and the discovery of Miles Caton 🔓 Extended analysis on Substack at cocomocoe.substack.com – The theme of “The Danger of Being Seen” as a Black artist – Native American representation and Choctaw-Irish historical ties – The doppelgänger metaphor in the SmokeStack twins – Why Sinners is one of the most effective branded films in recent years ⏰ Time Stamps: * Introduction — 0:00 * The Franchise Formula of Hollywood — 2:58 * “Sinners” Ratings — 4:39 * “Sinners” Spoiler Free Synopsis — 5:38 * The Irish Folklore and History in “Sinners” — 11:26 * The Chinese immigrants in “Sinners” — 17:03 * One of the most important scenes in the movie — 18:46 * Fun facts about the making of “Sinners” — 22:40 🔐 Extended Episode at cocomocoe.substack.com for $9-a-month: * The fear of being seen — 30:50 * The history of Choctaw native — 35:00 * The connection between the Irish and the Choctaw — 38:04 * The brilliant branding of “Sinners” — 43:07 🎧 Featured links: * IndieWire interview with Ryan Coogler * In Proximity Podcast – Coogler & Arkapaw * TikTok: Simone Umba, Straw Hat Goofy, Edits With Ego 📍 Full episode at: cocomocoe.substack.com 🎬 Tag @cocomocoe with your thoughts after watching Sinners. 📥 Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe is the podcast for people who need to know what’s next. Hosted by media analyst and trend forecaster Coco Mocoe, this show breaks down the latest in marketing, pop culture, social media, and the creator economy—before it hits the mainstream. Whether it’s decoding brand strategy, analyzing viral moments, or predicting the future of fame, Coco dives into the cultural shifts shaping our digital world. If you’re a marketer, content creator, or just chronically online, you’ll leave each episode smarter, sharper, and a few weeks ahead of your group chat. 🎙️ New episodes weekly. Ranked in Apple’s Top Marketing Podcasts & a Substack Best-Seller 🧡

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com Why do people love to hate Coachella — but still show up every year? In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, Coco Mocoe unpacks the brilliant branding behind Coachella 2025, from its viral hate-watch energy to its unmatched halo effect in the influencer and festival economy. Despite constant online criticism, Coachella continues to dominate headlines, shape fashion trends, and launch rising stars. We’ll cover: * Coachella’s marketing strategy and how it stays culturally relevant * The halo effect and why brands throw massive events around the festival * How creators can learn from Coachella’s polarizing presence to grow their own platforms * Insights on this year’s lineup, standout performances, and who's poised for a breakout moment 🎟️ Full episode on Substack includes Coco Mocoe’s unfiltered thoughts on the 2025 experience, from VIP tacos to the next Chappell Roan.🎧 Listen now + subscribe at cocomocoe.substack.com Read my Substack about my predicted trends for Coachella, and the greater festival circuit, this year: https://open.substack.com/pub/cocomocoe/p/coachellas-halo-effect-whos-benefiting?r=2fk72x&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube! * IG: @cocomocoe * TT: @cocomocoe * YT: coco mocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com What other brands, celebs or events would you like a “brilliant branding” episode on? 🥥 ❤️ Keywords: Coachella 2025, Coachella lineup review, festival marketing, branding case study, creator economy strategy, influencer events, Gen Z trends, pop culture podcast, Coco Mocoe, music festival branding, Charli XCX, Lady Gaga, Lola Young, Lisa, Jennie, The Marias

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com Is The White Lotus a modern-day morality tale? In this episode of AOTC, I break down my theory that each season of The White Lotus is built around one of the seven deadly sins — with Season 1 exploring greed, Season 2 diving into lust, and Season 3 unraveling through the lens of wrath. We’ll get into how Mike White masterfully weaves sin into satire, and how actors like Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins brought this season’s chaos to life. PLUS: I share the behind-the-scenes details of being invited to stay at a real Four Seasons hotel, completely transformed into The White Lotus, for the official Season 3 finale with the cast. From the set-inspired décor to the surreal experience of living inside the show’s world, this was marketing and immersion at its finest. 🎧 New episode of Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe — streaming now. REFERENCE LINKS: * Abaetol on TikTok (she has great White Lotus theories and analysis) * Great Dayn on TikTok (she does the outfit breakdowns of each scene) * Euphoria’s makeup artist Donni Davy “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube! * IG: @cocomocoe * TT: @cocomocoe * YT: coco mocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com See you at Coachella!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com If you are as obsessed with the intersection between pop culture and marketing as I am, consider becoming a member of my best-selling Substack for $9-a-month. For the $9 a month, you will get access to: The rest of this Friday Trend Report + every weekly trend report to stay on top of where internet culture is headed from the lens of someone who is a full-time creator and worked full-time at two major media companies in marketing for 5+ years beforehand Extended episodes of the Monday “⁠Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe⁠” podcast. The podcast is a weekly deep dive into the behind-the-scenes branding of celebs, creators and brands making waves in culture. I save the best bits of information for my paying coconuts every episode so be sure to tune in, if that is your thing! Subscribe for $9-a-month at cocomocoe.substack.com In the world of podcasting, content creation, and digital media, success doesn’t belong to the most inspired. It belongs to the most consistent. One principle that every serious creator must adopt is this: "Follow your plan. Not your mood." The myth that you need to “feel inspired” to produce quality work is not just false—it’s dangerous. Waiting for the right mood is how ideas die in your notes app. The creators who thrive are those who execute on a schedule, not on a whim. This philosophy isn’t new. It’s reinforced by three of the most influential books on the creative process: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, and The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. Each offers a unique perspective, but they converge on one truth: creative discipline outperforms emotional unpredictability. 1. The Artist’s Way: Creativity is a Daily Practice, Not a Mood Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way introduces the idea that creativity is not something you wait for—it’s something you do. Her method, which includes writing three “morning pages” every day, trains creators to show up regardless of how they feel. This habit rewires the brain to prioritize process over perfection. For podcasters and content creators, this translates to releasing episodes regularly, writing scripts when you’re tired, and staying on your production calendar even when no one’s watching. If you want to grow your podcast audience or maintain engagement, consistency is the strategy—not vibes. 2. Big Magic: Fear Disguises Itself as Procrastination Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic is a masterclass in dismantling creative fear. She makes one thing clear: fear is rarely dramatic. It’s subtle. It shows up as procrastination, perfectionism, or an ever-changing mood. When a creator says, “I’m just not feeling it today,” that’s not intuition—it’s fear. Gilbert argues that creativity demands courage, not comfort. For podcast hosts and video creators, this means pushing past hesitation and publishing even when self-doubt is loud. Waiting for motivation will sabotage momentum. Publishing on a schedule—no matter how you feel—builds trust with your audience, strengthens your brand, and teaches your brain to produce under pressure. 3. The Creative Act: Make Space for the Work Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act frames creativity as something you enter into, not something you extract. According to Rubin, consistent creative output comes from creating ritual, not chasing inspiration. Rubin’s advice is clear: treat your creative process with the same respect as a professional job. For podcasting, this might mean setting dedicated recording hours, scripting your intros, batch-producing episodes, and editing on a regular schedule. Creativity is not random. It’s rhythmic. The more structure you give your process, the more freely ideas will flow within it. The Power of the Plan Your plan is the architecture of your creative career. Your mood is a weather report. Do not confuse the two. If your goal is to scale your podcast, grow your newsletter, increase your...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com Pluto just left Capricorn and entered Aquarius for the next 18 years—so what does that mean for you, the culture, and who's about to run the world? In this episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”, we break down the collective shift through the lens of your favorite chaotic TV and media: White Lotus, Real Housewives, Roblox and more. From crumbling institutions to the rise of anonymous celebrities, we're decoding how Pluto’s generational shift into Aquarius is already playing out in media, fame, and institutional power. Whether you're an astrology nerd, reality TV scholar, marketing professional or just want to know who the next It-Girl will be based on astrology—this one's for you. Disclaimer: I am NOT an astrology expert nor do I claim to be. But I love the topic and did my best with research and interpretations. Always do your own research and come to your own conclusions ❤️ ✨ TIME STAMPS & TOPICS: 0:00 - Introduction 4:03 - What themes did Pluto in Capricorn emphasize from 2008 to 2025 6:09 - What media came to fame during Pluto in Capricorn 12:21 - What reality TV rose to fame during Pluto in Capricorn 15:55 - Capricorn Themes in Fashion 17:53 - The Capricorn themes that came through in the influencer space 19:40 - How Capricorn themes influenced how Millennials and Gen-Z created and consumed digital media Extended Episode for Paying Members of the Substack: 25:09 - What does Pluto in Aquarius represent? 26:50 - How the rise of Chappell Roan & Sabrina Carpenter represent a shift into Aquarian ideals 28:06 - Recent media that represent the shift into Aquarian ideals 31:05 - How will this shift change how we discover and consume music 34:00 - What types of influencers will find fame during Pluto in Aquarius 35:00 - How will Gen Alpha change the way media is consumed and created 38:00 - How Pluto in Aquarius will shift fashion trends 40:30 - What happened during previous Pluto in Aquarius times “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. Let me know what future creators, celebrities or brands you would like a “brilliant branding of” deep dive on via a review Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube! * IG: @cocomocoe * TT: @cocomocoe * YT: coco mocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com Today's episode of "Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe" marketing podcast is about the brilliant branding of Hailey Bieber's Rhode Skin. The brand was the second-most talked about celebrity beauty brand of 2024, just behind Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, according to ⁠Mintoiro⁠. If you look at Rhode Skin's Instagram account from when they launched in 2022 vs now, there is a huge difference just three years later. They began leaning into sensory marketing unlike any other celebrity beauty brand and sky-rocketed, as a result. That will be the topic for today's episode. Enjoy! TIME STAMPS & TOPICS: 0:00 - Introduction 5:30 - What was popular in the last 10 years from 2015-2025? 6:47 - The rise of minimalist makeup 7:29 - The Data of Rhode Skin 15:10 - The Shift into Sensory Marketing 17:00 - Integration of celebrity collabs Topics on the Extended Episode at ⁠cocomocoe.substack.com⁠ 20:38 - Rhode’s product innovation vs disruption 26:40 - “The Editorialization of Brand Social” by Kristen Vinakmens on Substack 33:15 - How you can apply all these marketing tactics to yourself REFERENCE LINKS: * Substack: "⁠Hailey Bieber Changed One Thing About Her Branding. She Sky Rocketed as a Result⁠" * The The Devil Wears Data: ⁠The Rise of Hailey Bieber's Rhode Skin⁠ * YouTube: ⁠Who’s In My Bathroom? With Hailey Rhode Bieber⁠ * “The Editorialization of Brand Social” by Kristen Vinakmens on Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-149158518 If you are as obsessed with the intersection between pop culture and marketing as I am, consider becoming a member of my best-selling Substack for $9-a-month. For the $9 a month, you will get access to: * The rest of this Friday Trend Report + every weekly trend report to stay on top of where internet culture is headed from the lens of someone who is a full-time creator and worked full-time at two major media companies in marketing for 5+ years beforehand * Extended episodes of the Monday “⁠Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe⁠” podcast. The podcast is a weekly deep dive into the behind-the-scenes branding of celebs, creators and brands making waves in culture. I save the best bits of information for my paying coconuts every episode so be sure to tune in, if that is your thing! cocomocoe.substack.com “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube! * IG: @cocomocoe * TT: @cocomocoe * YT: coco mocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com In today’s episode of "Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe", we will talk about some fun facts about the making of my favorite film of the year, "Anora", plus the marketing strategies behind the scenes. Then in the second half of the episode, exclusively for paying coconuts of the best-selling Substack, we are going to talk about my thoughts on the specific branding. My theory of this whole episode is that they created a popular movie by refusing to be popular. And we will talk about how you can do something similar whether you are an artist, creator or brand owner. Sean Baker and Mikey Madison were a dream team together for this underdog film but their marketing team was the secret third man who helped push the movie across the finish line at the Oscar's. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction/Oscar’s wins for “Anora” 6:14 - 5 BTS Facts About the Making of “Anora” 12:37 - The $18 million marketing budget 16:41 - “Anora” box-office sales compared to other Oscar 2025 contenders Extended Episode at cocomocoe.substack.com 23:21 - Traditional marketing campaign (Barbie) vs. Anora’s marketing campaign 33:40 - The targeting of a specific Gen-Z audience 42:25 - A creator example of the “Anora” strategy Let me know in the reviews on Apple and Spotify what you want the next episode of "The Brilliant Branding of _____" to be about plus any theories you might have. Listen to last week's episode about "The Brilliant Branding of Tate McRae" “⁠Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe⁠” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. IG: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠ TT: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠ YT:⁠ coco mocoe⁠ Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com In this episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”, we will start my new series called “The Brilliant Branding of ______”. This was inspired by the success of my TikTok under the same name on my cocomocoe account (watch here). The first episode of the series is about “The Brilliant Branding of Tate McRae”. Do you have a suggestion for my next “The Brilliant Branding of _____” episode? Send your suggestion and theories in the comments on Substack or on Apple and Spotify reviews for a potential shout out! TOPICS + TIME STAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction 2:20 - How I define “household name fame” 4:30 - Part One: “Become an Extreme Version of Yourself” How Tate McRae discovered what makes her unique and turned it up 1,000 notches 11:40 - Part Two: “Leaning into Mystery” EXTENDED EPISODE ON COCOMOCOE.SUBSCTACK.COM: 20:52 - Part Three: “Think Later Vs. So Close To What” 27:14 - Part Four - “World Building in Branding” “⁠Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe⁠” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. IG: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠ TT: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠ YT:⁠ coco mocoe⁠ Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com Thank you for reviewing the podcast on ⁠Spotify⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠! cocomocoe@gmail.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com Who else has used the rubber band method to create mystery and desire from their audience? You can let me know in the comments on the Substack at cocomocoe.substack.com/podcast/ You can read Rolling Stone’s cover story on Addison Rae here In today’s episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”, we will be talking about Addison Rae’s recent Rolling Stone cover story. In it, she gives some insight into her mysterious strategy. How was she able to break through the stiff, glass ceiling of influencers before her and become pop music’s newest darling? She has performed alongside Charli XCX, had co-signs from Grammy-winners like Finneas and most importantly, has Gen-Z on the edge of their seat. A generation that is known for not holding back their insults and honesty when it comes to how they feel about TikTok’s biggest creators. I believe Addison Rae used what I call the “rubber band method” in marketing. But what exactly is that and how can you implement it as a creator, yourself? “⁠Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe⁠” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. * IG: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠ * TT: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠ * YT:⁠ coco mocoe⁠ Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com Thank you for reviewing the podcast on ⁠Spotify⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠! Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube! Thank you for being a coconut and supporting my creator journey 🥥 ❤️ TOPICS + TIME STAMPS: 0:00 - Addison Rae’s “Obsessed” seen as a “flop” 1:50 - “The Rubber Band Method” in Marketing 3:13 - Coconuts thoughts on Addison Rae’s re-brand 5:07 - Rolling Stone Addison Rae cover story summary 7:08 - Popular Vs. Cool 8:22 - The movie that shifted Addison Rae’s career 9:12 - The failure of item beauty 11:00 - Addison Rae’s transition off TikTok 12:20 - The rubber band method in marketing 15:40 - How to know when to shift your niche 15:30 - When to pull back as a creator EXTENDED EPISODE ON THE SUBSTACK: 18:56 - Other influencers who have used the rubber band method * Emma Chamberlain * Brittany Broski * Alex Cooper 35:03 - How to know if it is time for you to pull back as a creator

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com Commenting is only available on Substack! When I began seeing the push back against Poppi on social media, I was confused. It seems that people were upset with them for sending out vending machines to influencers ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl. I agree with the critique that they could have been more inclusive in their selection of influencers. Inclusion from brands is a topic I have talked about on my podcast before. But what I don’t agree with is the anger over them seeming “out-of-touch”. Why is it “out-of-touch” for Poppi to send out temporary vending machines to influencers but not “out-of-touch” for Dunkin Donuts to pay Ben Affleck $10-million dollars for 30-seconds? My theory: the internet hates female-founded brands that market to a primarily female demographic. This is compounded by the fact that the influencer space is dominated by women. Poppi is a brand with a front-facing, female founder. Her name is Allison Ellsworth. Even though it was co-founded with her partner, Stephen, she is the one who often appears on camera and was even the face of their video response on TikTok as the controversy kicked up. Olipop, Poppi’s biggest founder, began leaving comments in TikTok videos claiming the vending machines were $25,000. Something that was debunked by AdWeek and something Ellsworth disputes, as well. But because Olipop is founded by two men, no one is calling them “catty”, “jealous” or “b****y” for spreading rumors about a competitor in TikTok comments. If a female-founded brand did that, there would be hell to pay. As always, there is no right or wrong answer here. Keep it respectful in the discussions on Substack, as you always do. And thank you for being a coconut! ❤️ 🥥 You can read my deep dive article about Poppi’s controversy on Substack here. “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube! * IG: @cocomocoe * TT: @cocomocoe * YT: coco mocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com What do Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Chappell Roan, Gracie Abrams and Tate McRae all have in common? They all have rumors swirling that they are "industry plants" all over online forums, especially as their fame reaches new heights, like after the Grammy's. But do "industry plants" even exist in the music industry? Or is their meteoric fame the by product of hard work, vision and good artist development? Read my Substack article about the topic: cocomocoe.substack.com/p/maybe-being-an-industry-plant-isnt TOPICS: * Introduction - 0:00 * Industry plant article - 3:48 * Chappell Roan industry plant allegations - 4:56 * The connotations of the term “industry plant” - 6:58 * Travis Kelce Industry Plant - 8:58 * Why do people accuse ice spice of being an industry plant - 11:45 * Why industry plant is really just good artist development - 13:20 * Aesthetics in breaking big (ex. The Dare) - 15:15 * Remy Bond - 16:23 * Breaking out of your “snow globe” (ex. Ash Trevino) - 20:07 Extended Episode at⁠ cocomocoe.substack.com/podcast⁠ ⬇️ * How big artists build the right team around them (ex. Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan) - 26:15 * The people on IG who make your favorite artists - 31:05 * How to get noticed by the taste makers & platforms - 38:48 * The bamboo analogy for when you feel stuck 48:48 Tap ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ for the extended episode and comments on my best-selling Substack “⁠Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe⁠” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. * IG: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠ * TT: ⁠@cocomocoe⁠ * YT:⁠ coco mocoe⁠ Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com Thank you for reviewing the podcast on ⁠Spotify⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com What do the most influential celebrities and creators know that most don’t? They know that you must be disliked first to become loved. But why is that? We break it down in today’s episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”. We will be talking about the book, “The Courage to be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. TOPICS DISCUSSED: 0:00 - Welcome! 10:40 - The truth about loneliness (especially as a creator) according to the book (page 52) 20:16 - Why inferiority can actually be a good thing 26:12 - The crabs in a bucket analogy and why you don’t want others around you to succeed 27:33 - Why you shouldn’t compete with others in your niche 30:00 - The idea of unburdened love between a creator and their audience 32:32 - You must be polar to be popular PAID PORTION OF EPISODE AT COCOMOCOE.SUBSTACK.COM 34:46 - Break the rules as a creator (Reesa Teesa + Alix Earle) 39:47 - Allow yourself to flop to gain a loved audience 47:00 - The most loved creators are the most disliked 48:00 - Opening my hello kitty x lol surprise doll You can comment on this video if you are a paying member of my best-selling Substack at cocomocoe.substack.com “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube! * IG: @cocomocoe * TT: @cocomocoe * YT: coco mocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com In today’s episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”, we will be talking about why I could see Kim Kardashian running for president (and potentially winning). Could this be why she started a campaign to be a lawyer and began her baby political career by aligning herself with inmate reform? Kim Kardashian has seemingly aligned herself with new age,…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com BECOME A MEMBER OF MY BEST-SELLING SUBSTACK TO UNLOCK EVERY EXTENDED EPISODE OF AOTC & LEAVE COMMENTS: cocomocoe.substack.com I promised you that I would post a follow-up on the Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively legal fiasco if he filed a lawsuit against her and not The New York Times. I promised I would give his lawsuit a fair shot and that is what I did. 179-pages later and here are my candid thoughts. This new lawsuit includes Ryan Reynolds and Lively’s longtime publicist, Leslie Sloane. On January 16th, Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Wayfarer, Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel sued Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds for $400-million dollars in damages. They claim that Blake Lively did not read the book and was flippant about filming but then switch tones and say that she cared so much about the book and story that she concocted an evil plan to steal the movie and franchise out from under him. So which one is it? I encourage you to read the lawsuit yourself and come to your own conclusions. Everything is alleged and based on my opinion. I am not a lawyer or journalist, I am just nosy! Always do your own research. You might have differing opinions from me and that is okay but I encourage you to read all four of the lawsuits in full before coming to a conclusion. Here is my breakdown of Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni (no paywall) CLICK HERE TO OPEN Here is my breakdown of Stephanie Jones’ (former publicist) lawsuit against Justin Baldoni (no paywall) CLICK HERE TO OPEN REFERENCE LINKS: * Matt Bernstien: “Blake Lively & The Amber Heard Effect” on YouTube * Who Trolled Amber Heard? Podcast * Katya’s Thread on Baldoni’s 179-Page Lawsuit * AOTC: Blake Lively’s Evidence Justin Baldoni Ruined Her Reputation Become a paying member of the best-selling Substack to unlock the extended episodes of the podcast: cocomocoe.substack.com “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube! * IG: @cocomocoe * TT: @cocomocoe * YT: coco mocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com Comments are available on the official Substack 🤍

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.com Subscribe to my best-selling Substack to unlock extended episode of the podcast: cocomocoe.substack.com If you want to donate or volunteer in LA, check the @mutualaidLA instagram stories for hourly updates on what help is needed through out the city. DONATION LINKS: * The Lyles: Official GoFundMe * The Allisons: Official GoFundMe * Santiago: Official GoFundMe NEED DONATIONS DELIVERED TO YOU? FILL OUT THIS FORM (click here) Read my Substack article about the great migration out of LA that is just beginning (click here) Thank you everyone for your patience while I got this episode up a day late. I will keep you all updated on the on-going crisis and how to help or get help. Thank you. LA feels the love from all over the world ❤️ “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey. Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube! * IG: @cocomocoe * TT: @cocomocoe * YT: coco mocoe Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com