Don't quote us on this: brand, marketing and the BS in between

Rowena Wilding & Nic Mooney

Welcome to Don't Quote us on This - the podcast about brand, marketing and the BS in between.

Nic Mooney (Strategic Brand Identity Expert) and Rowena Wilding (Marketing Strategist and Coach) come together to give you a look inside their brains - the honest, unfiltered version.

This is not another "5 tips to go viral" show.

This is the stuff we usually only say to each other on WhatsApp voice notes and over coffee. The real conversations about what actually works, what absolutely doesn't, and all the gloriously awkward bits no one puts in the case studies.

Nic brings the deep brand foundations: visual identity, positioning, the story your business tells before you’ve even opened your mouth. Rowena brings the marketing ecosystem: offers, content, funnels and the very practical question of "how does this actually make you money?" Together, you get the full picture - from first impression to repeat customer.

Every episode, we pull apart a different corner of the brand and marketing universe:

why your brand isn’t landing the way you think it is
how to build a category of one instead of being "the cheaper version of..."
the difference between look-at-me branding and actually-gets-booked branding
how to create content that sounds like you and sells like crazy
events, funnels, launches, trends and the nonsense in between

You’ll get frameworks, hot takes, and painfully practical advice you can actually use without needing a 40-page funnel map or a full creative department to implement it.

Expect strong opinions (backed by years of experience), straight-talking strategy with zero BS, real stories from real businesses - the wins, the flops and the "we probably shouldn’t have done that but we learned a lot" moments, and a healthy dose of side-eye at marketing myths, hustle culture and industry jargon

If you’re a business owner, marketer, founder or leadership-type human who:

is tired of cookie-cutter advice
wants your brand to actually feel like you
cares about values, not vanity metrics
and secretly wishes someone would just tell you what matters and what’s a total waste of budget...

…pull up a chair. You’re our kind of people.

Don’t Quote us on This is here to help you think sharper, market braver and build brands that are rooted in who you are, not who the algorithm told you to be this week.

Hit follow, plug us in on your next dog walk, commute or late-night planning session, and let’s talk about the good, the bad and the brilliantly bullshit bits of brand and marketing.

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14 episodes
Updated July 28
Explicit

Episodes14

Newest first

July 28 · 36 min
Getting in the press: WTF do journalists want?
In their quest to continually bring you the most helpful advice in getting your brand out there and doing effective marketing, this week Nic and Ro have turned to another expert to bring the goods. Marina Gask is a journalist of more than 35 years having written for publications including Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, The Independent and The Telegraph. She's passionate about helping women tell their stories and step into their badass boss era by finding great press coverage opportunities. In this episode she gives us a run down of the four absolutely crucial things you need to do to get in the press, and she dishes the dirt on some of the practices she's seen in the industry that have left a bad taste in her mouth. It's a must listen for anyone considering PR as part of their marketing strategy, and to be frank, it's a must listen for anyone who HASN'T considered PR as part of their marketing strategy, because... why the hell not?! You can follow Marina on LinkedIn and Instagram And learn more about her Press Breakthrough Bootcamp here
July 14 · 39 min
Wading through treacle: WTF does everything feel so hard?
Why does business feel so bloody hard right now? If you've found yourself wondering whether it's just you... this episode is for you. Because if the first half of 2026 has felt heavier than it should, you're definitely not imagining it. In Episode 13, Ro and Nic tackle the question that's cropping up in almost every conversation they're having with business owners right now: Why does everything feel so much harder than it used to? They unpack what's really going on beneath the surface, from the trust recession that's making sales cycles longer than ever, to market saturation, economic uncertainty, AI disruption and a political landscape that's leaving many people emotionally exhausted before they've even opened their laptops. But this isn't an episode about doom and gloom!! It's about understanding why things feel different, why the old tactics aren't working quite like they used to, and what business owners can actually do instead. They explore why strategy matters more than ever, how to build trust when everyone's sceptical, and why trying to find the next silver bullet is probably the worst thing you can do. Along the way, they also answer a listener question about speaking to your ideal client, dismantle the myth of the "perfect customer avatar", and end with a spicy rant about the booming personal branding industry... and why so much of what's being sold is simply basic brand strategy wrapped up in shiny new packaging. If business has felt like wading through treacle lately, this one might just help you realise you're not the problem. Don't Quote Us On This is the straight-talking podcast where marketing strategist Rowena Wilding and brand strategist Nic Mooney pull apart the biggest myths, trends and frustrations in branding and marketing, with plenty of laughs, strong opinions and the occasional rant along the way.
July 1 · 32 min
Utter bull: WTF is the worst marketing advice?
"Just post more." "Charge what you're worth." "The funnel is dead." If you've spent more than five minutes on LinkedIn recently, you've probably been hit with at least one of these gems. And while some of them sound convincing on the surface, Nic and Ro think a lot of today's marketing advice is, frankly… utter bull. In Episode 12, they dive headfirst into some of the worst advice doing the rounds online and explain why so many business owners are burning out, chasing vanity metrics and investing in all the wrong things. From the obsession with posting multiple times a day to the idea that a pretty brand is all you need, they unpack why good marketing is rarely about shortcuts and almost never about following someone else's formula. They also answer a listener's question about follower counts, revealing why more followers won't magically make marketing easier, and why your messaging, nurture and strategy matter far more than the number at the top of your profile. Finally, in this week's Don't Quote Us On This, they tackle a hard truth: if you want a profitable business, you have to learn how to build one. Being brilliant at what you do isn't enough. Strategy, systems and marketing aren't optional extras. They're the business. As always, expect strong opinions, plenty of laughs, and absolutely no sugar-coating. You can follow Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn And Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn
June 16 · 44 min
The Trust Factor: WTF makes people believe in your brand? (with Olivia Marocco)
What happens when your first-ever podcast guest is someone whose business perfectly proves the point you're trying to make? In Episode 11, Ro and Nic are joined by the brilliant Olivia Marocco, founder of Brand New Connect, editor of Brand New Magazine, and creator of one of the best business events they've attended all year: The Odyssey. Together, they dive into the realities of building a brand that people genuinely trust in a world where audiences are becoming increasingly sceptical, communities are everywhere, and everyone seems to be chasing bigger, faster and louder. Olivia shares the story behind Brand New Connect, how a magazine evolved into a thriving community, and why she's never been interested in following trends or growing for growth's sake. Instead, the conversation explores integrity, trust, attention to detail, and the importance of building something that reflects your values rather than someone else's definition of success. The trio also discuss personal branding, the pressures of constant visibility, knowing when to evolve your business, and Olivia's recent decision to move Brand New Magazine from print to digital. And in a particularly spicy edition of Don't Quote Us On This, they tackle the rise of the "girl boss" mentality, why collaboration beats competition, and what happens when communities become more about ego than impact. If you've ever wondered how to build a brand people trust, create a community people actually want to be part of, or grow a business without losing yourself in the process, this one's for you. Follow Olivia on Instagram and LinkedIn Follow Rowena on Instagram and LinkedIn Follow Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn
June 2 · 40 min
A full rundown: WTF makes a good event?
What makes a good event… actually good? Is it the speakers? The venue? The people in the room? The free coffee? (Spoiler: that one matters more than you'd think.) In Episode 10, Ro and Nic compare notes after an absolutely ridiculous few weeks of networking. Between them, they've attended eight events in less than a month, ranging from intimate lunch gatherings and industry conferences to awards ceremonies, exhibitions and sold-out women's business events. So they decided to do what any self-respecting marketers would do: analyse the lot. They chat about the events that genuinely blew them away, the little details that made a huge impact, and the common mistakes that can turn a promising event into a disappointing one. Along the way, they discuss everything from curated guest lists and facilitated networking to terrible coffee, bad speaker prep and why the room itself matters far more than most organisers realise. There are also some brilliant recommendations if you're looking to get more from networking, whether you're attending events, speaking at them, or thinking about running your own. If you've ever left an event buzzing with ideas, meaningful connections and a notebook full of inspiration... or left wondering why you bothered putting trousers on in the first place... this episode is for you. Plus, they reveal the first-ever guest coming onto Don't Quote Us On This, and trust us, it's a good one. Follow Ro on LinkedIn or Instagram Follow Nic on LinkedIn or Instagram
May 19 · 41 min
The stuff holding us back: WTF has confidence got to do with it?
Confidence gets thrown around online like it’s a personality trait. Something you either naturally have… or you don’t. In this episode, Ro and Nic unpack why that’s complete nonsense. They get into the real reasons people hold themselves back in business. Perfectionism masquerading as professionalism. The comparison spirals that make you question your entire career after one LinkedIn scroll. The old comments from teachers, bosses, and random blokes in offices that still somehow shape the way we show up online years later. This is the episode that'll tell you why “just be more confident” is genuinely useless advice. They also veer into marketing territory (obviously), talking about analytics without the corporate jargon, the difference between useful data and vanity metrics, and why so many online group programmes are starting to lose their appeal. It’s thoughtful, funny, slightly existential in places… and probably a conversation a lot more business owners need to hear. And finally... the big reveal is here. What have Nic and Ro been planning? Find out at the end of the episode! Follow Nic on LinkedIn or Instagram Follow Ro on LinkedIn or Instagram
May 6 · 38 min
So much noise: WTF does good social media look like?
What actually makes good social media… good? And why does so much of what we’re told to do feel like shouting into the void? In Episode 8, Ro takes the mic (with strong opinions, obviously) to tear apart one of the most overused phrases in marketing: “just show up.” Because if that advice worked, we’d all be fully booked by now. Spoiler: good social media isn’t about visibility. It’s about strategy. They get into why most content doesn’t convert (even when it looks great), how social media is being completely misunderstood as a sales tool, and why your posts shouldn’t exist in isolation. Instead, it should all sit inside something much bigger… a journey that actually moves people from “who are you?” to “I need this.” There’s also a brutally honest conversation about burnout, the pressure to constantly create, and why doing less (but doing it properly) will get you further. Plus, they dig into authenticity, oversharing, and the fine line between building connection and chasing attention. If social media has started to feel heavy, noisy, or just a bit pointless… this episode will rewire how you think about it. Follow Ro on LinkedIn or Instagram Follow Nic on LinkedIn or Instagram
April 14 · 40 min
So f**king boring: WTF makes great brand personality?
What actually makes a brand personality stand out… and why do so many businesses end up sounding like slightly different versions of the same person? In Episode 7, Ro hands the mic to Nic (finally) to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of branding: personality. Not the boring, bullshit, “pick three adjectives” kind… the real, rooted-in-who-you-are kind. Spoiler: a great brand personality isn’t something you invent. It’s something you uncover. They dig into why copying trends creates forgettable brands, how your values and opinions are the real differentiators, and why the “you” in your USP is doing far more heavy lifting than you think. There’s also a very real conversation about self-worth, visibility, and why building a business that actually reflects you requires a level of internal validation most people aren’t prepared for.
March 31 · 36 min
Pick your damn lane: WTF is positioning?
Okay, we've talked about positioning a few times over the past few episodes and we get it. Sometime we chat shit and forget that not everyone lives and breathes brand and marketing the way we do. So here we go - we're going to unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in branding and marketing: positioning. Because it’s one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot - but very few people actually explain what it means in practice. Spoiler alert: positioning isn’t just choosing a niche. It’s about where you sit in the market, how people perceive you, and why the right people choose you instead of someone else. And in this week’s Don’t Quote Us On This, we’re talking about brand collaborations - the brilliant ones, the baffling ones, and the ones that should never have happened. You can follow Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn And Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn And remember… don’t quote us on this.
March 17 · 44 min
Get in the damn room: WTF does good networking look like?
This one’s for anyone who’s ever walked out of a networking event thinking: “Was that… actually worth my time?” In Episode 5, Ro and Nic get into what good networking really looks like - and why so many people are doing it on autopilot with zero results. Spoiler: turning up is not a strategy. Yes, networking can be powerful. Yes, it can build incredible relationships. Yes, it can generate serious business. But without intention behind it, it’s just a very expensive coffee break. In this episode we get into: What actually makes a networking room worth your time The difference between expanding your network vs being stuck in one Why forced referrals and rigid structures feel… off The before, during and after strategy most people skip And why the follow-up is where the money really is We also answer the question: why is lead generation so hard? - and unpack the two biggest reasons most businesses are struggling to convert. And in this week’s Don’t Quote Us On This, we’re getting into the best and worst brand slogans - from iconic one-liners to campaigns that should never have made it out of the boardroom. If you’ve been “doing the networking” but not seeing results… this one might hit a nerve. You can follow Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn And Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn And remember… don’t quote us on this.
March 4 · 32 min
Not as easy as it looks: WTF is my brand “not working”?
This one’s for anyone who’s ever said: “I invested in my branding… so why isn’t my business exploding?” In Episode 4, Ro and Nic unpack one of the most common frustrations in small business: expecting a rebrand to magically fix your sales. Spoiler alert: your brand is not your marketing strategy. Yes, great branding can spike attention. Yes, it can elevate perception. Yes, it can make you more memorable. But without a plan behind it, it’s just a very pretty asset sitting there waiting to be used. In this episode we get into: Why branding can’t do the heavy lifting alone The “I’ve built it, where are you?” trap Why visibility is only step one of the journey The real reason your brand might feel like it’s “not working” And why looking like everyone else is the fastest way to be forgotten We also talk about the Canva effect, diluted branding, and what happens when you drift away from the rules that were designed to protect your potency. And in what might be our spiciest moment to date, we call out the epidemic of borrowed identities. The beige boho clones. The editorial Instagram twins. The “inspired by” brands that look and sound… identical. If your brand could be handed to someone else who does what you do… it’s not yours. You can follow Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn And Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn And remember… don’t quote us on this.
February 17 · 45 min
Everyone’s a marketer: WTF is up with all the marketing courses?
This one is spicy. In Episode 3, Ro and Nic dive headfirst into a growing problem in the industry: the explosion of marketing (and branding) courses being sold by people who… aren’t actually marketers. If you’ve ever invested in a programme that promised transformation but delivered vibes, hype and a whole lot of tweaking your messaging, this conversation will hit home. This episode is about experience vs hype. Strategy vs noise. Integrity vs manipulation. And yes… we name some uncomfortable truths. We'll also get into why you really DO need reciepts, what makes a great logo, and the problem with using urgency, scarcity & manipulation in your marketing. You can follow Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn And Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn
February 4 · 32 min
The Gap: WTF is the difference between brand and marketing?
If you’ve ever wondered what the actual difference is between branding and marketing and why they’re so often confused, this episode is for you. In Episode 2, Ro and Nic pull apart one of the most common (and costly) misunderstandings in business: assuming branding is marketing, or that marketing magically works without strategy. As always, this is a bs-free conversation about what branding really does, what marketing is actually for, and why “just posting on social media” is not a strategy. Expect strong opinions, a few spicy takes, and a lot of clarity.
January 20 · 36 min
The Definitions: WTF are we talking about?
Branding has become one of those words people fling around like confetti… until it means nothing. So Rowena does what any sensible person would do: she corners Nic (who has 30 years experience in brand design) and asks her, directly, to define it. Spoiler: branding isn’t “a logo and a vibe”, it’s the foundation underneath everything, the strategy and identity work you do before you touch photography, Canva, fonts, or a colour palette. They get into why “buying the parts” (brand shoot, copywriter, email sequence, new visuals) without the core strategy creates a disconnect that quietly turns people off, and why the brands that win are the ones that feel rooted, human, and coherent.