What Brand Cult Are You a Member Of?

Dr. Mara Einstein takes us beyond the shopping cart to explore how brands have become modern-day tribes, offering comfort and connection in a fragmented world. But are we shaping our brand choices, or are they shaping us—designed to appeal to our deepest needs? Drawing on insights from her book Hoodwinked: How Marketers Use the Same Tactics as Cults, reveals how cult-like marketing tactics, amplified by influencers and algorithms, now shape our identities, emotions, and communities. Together, we unpack the fine line between loyalty and manipulation. Get full access to Talk Cocktail Podcast at jeffschechtman.substack.com/subscribe