What are the influences that interfaces have on our minds? Based on recently published research from MIT called "Your Brain on ChatGPT," Tara and Rei share statistics and anecdotes on the cognitive cost of using digital tools like LLMs and the future implications on how we think. Watch us on YouTube ----- About the Hosts Rei Inamoto: Creative entre…

In this thought-provoking episode, Rei and Tara explore how artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the operating system landscape. Sparked by Google's recent Pixel updates featuring Magic Queue and Gemini integration, they discuss whether we're witnessing the emergence of "intelligence as OS: where AI becomes the primary interface layer…

In this episode of Culture and Code, Rei and Tara discuss the recent popularity of fictional characters like K-Pop Demon Hunters and Labubu and what we can learn about relatability and escapism. They explore the concept of escapism and its appeal through multidimensionality and contradiction, making these characters relatable. The conversation delv…

In the inaugural episode of Culture & Code, hosts Rei Inamoto and Tara Tan dive deep into a fascinating contrast in the tech world: the billion-dollar data labeling company you've never heard of versus the AI giants dominating headlines. Through the lens of Surge AI's remarkable bootstrap success story, they explore whether obsessive craftsmanship …

In the final episode of Season 1 of Hitmakers, Rei and Ana look back at the core themes that their discussions revolved around: how great products build great brands, why creativity is a mindset not an output, and why the most important thing of all is to care about the work that you are doing. IKEA April Fools Nike Trolls New Balance and Cooper Fl…

Demi Moore has a house for her doll collection. David Beckham relaxes by assembling Lego kits. Board games are the preferred Saturday night pastime. Selling toys to adults is a big business, and in this episode, Rei and Ana unpack the reasons behind bag charms, AFOLs (Adult Fans of Lego) and popularity of brand mascots. Rather than seeing these tre…

Some of the biggest global brands are tech companies (Apple, Google, Samsung, Nvidia), and in this episode, Rei and Ana explore the branding strategy behind technology. From myth-making to a seamless omnichannel experience to translating narratives into user interface, we are looking at how branding of tech is different. Watch us on YouTube Follow …

The culture of hype (streetwear, cronuts, Gone Girl, Hamilton...) got replaced by the society of spectacle (fashion shows, Olympics, SuperBowl, Barbieheimer). Everything is a spectacle if you lead with celebrities, promote it wildly, and spend enough money on it. Spectacles grab our attention and fizzle in one summer or shorter. In this episode, Re…

When algorithm flattens cultural markets, how to create against this backdrop? When everything is “meh,” winners are the surprising, the unexpected, and the different. The problem is, these things succeed in niches - offline communities, small groups, and subcultures. They are created in niches, and usually stay there. In the winners-take-all marke…

Creativity is not just an ideas game. More than anything, it’s a matter of process, organization, and the problem-solving abilities of the “backend” office. McKinsey study found that companies that prioritize creativity have 67 percent higher organic revenue growth than those who do not. Yet, creativity, despite its superior business value, is ofte…

What is culture? Culture can mean a lot of different things, and in this episode we zero in on our working definitions, along with the brands, consumer behaviors, and trends that we can expect to see more of in 2025 Show notes: How to build brand energy by Grace Gordon Marcijuš AI Studio Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas Watch us on…

In their last episode of 2024, Ana and Rei talk about predictions. Rather than predicting the future, companies should set themselves out for the future's inherent unpredictability. In this context, we unpack why "boring" brands are set to succeed, why smart glasses are going to be big, and why the retail middle may be coming back, thanks to Substa…

Why some rebrands succeed and why some fail? Why do we usually dislike new logos and then slowly get used to them? What are the best and worst rebrands, and how to tell the difference? We are joined by Brian Morrissey, founder of the Rebooting, to discuss how politics, aesthetics and ethics of branding reflect themselves in media, creative fields a…

What are luxury goods good for? How about a pair of socks or sneakers? In this episode, Rei and Ana talk about apparel’s two opposing forces - product identity and functionality - is deeply embedded in creative, strategic and operational decisions that shape apparel’s business models. Some products, like luxury items, over-index on identity; others…

What do Banana Republic and Google have in common? By combining brand strategy with merchandising, these brands influenced culture. They grew by building a product universe. In this excerpt from episode 2, Rei and Ana explore product pyramids of these brands, and how they grew through smart product-led branding. Watch us on YouTube Follow Ana here:…

What do Banana Republic, McDonald’s, and a 1,800-year-old Japanese shrine have in common? By combining brand strategy with merchandising, these brands influenced culture. They grew by building a product universe. In this episode, Rei and Ana explore product pyramids of different brands, and how they grew through smart product-led branding. Related …

In this inaugural episode, Ana and Rei introduce the idea of product-led branding: what happens when a product is so good that it spins a brand out of it? They discuss how products themselves—like Nike’s Moon Shoe and Levi’s 501 jeans—build brand identity through unique features and cultural appeal. Five key elements of product-led branding are Val…