Style-ish Podcast

Episode: These social accounts make us better at our jobs
Host: Shameless Media
Date: January 15, 2026

Episode Overview

In the first episode of 2026, the Style-ish hosts dive into the social accounts, marketing strategies, and brand trends that will shape the year ahead. With a focus on actionable insights for those working in fashion, branding, and lifestyle, the conversation spans “ins and outs” for marketing, key accounts to follow, and fresh approaches to career goal-setting.

The hosts bring their signature candid, witty, and conversational style, punctuated by industry anecdotes, sharp observations, and practical advice for listeners keen to level up their professional toolkit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kicking Off 2026: Reflections and Holiday Stories

• Hosts reflect on taking a break over the holidays, playfully recounting poolside antics at the Carlisle and the struggle for sunbeds (“What’s a husband for other than to line up and wait for a sunbed?” – [01:18, A]).
• Transition to discussing how the podcast’s “Friday Fortnightly” format is still new (“We feel like we've been doing this for ages...” – [02:31, B]) but is becoming a key space for deeper dives into brand and marketing themes.

2. Word of the Week: Social Account Spotlight

Word of the Week: Schooner Scorer

• An unexpected pick: a TikTok/Instagram creator known for reviewing beers globally in 60-second segments ([03:39]).
• Hosts discuss his rise from finance to full-time content creator and the marketing genius of collaborating with big brands, sporting stars, and cultural moments for maximum relevance and audience diversity.

Notable Quote:
“He's working with the likes of Land Rover, different beer brands...I wouldn't be surprised if this started integrating into him taking equity in a beer brand. What he's doing is genius.” – B ([04:35])

3. 2026 Marketing & Branding: Ins and Outs

Major “Ins” for 2026

• VIP Experiences for Real Customers

  • Brands should create exclusive, rewarding experiences not just for influencers/press, but for loyal customers too (e.g., Henny’s Armidale opening, Grilled’s "raising Cane’s dupe" menu – [11:08, A]).
  • “It’s nice to feel rewarded as a customer, to emulate those events and experiences for you, the customer.” – B ([12:08])

• Campaigns Built for Conversation, Not Just Conversion

  • Stand-out campaigns should invite dialogue and connection, not just sales pushes. Example: Jacquemus’ joyful, talked-about campaigns ([14:56, B]).
  • “Create community and conversation. Conversion will follow at the top of the pyramid.” – B ([14:56])

• Value-Led, Transparent Branding

  • Authenticity and trust are increasingly critical; consumers are savvy and wary of being misled ([22:26, A]; referencing World Economic Forum research).
  • Founders being honest about their journeys resonates more than rehearsed “struggle” stories ([25:39, B]).

Major “Outs” for 2026

• Copycat Social Trends Masquerading as "Marketing in the Moment"

  • Surface-level reactive posts (copying viral trends/“sorry, sale’s note, I can't” Black Friday posts, staged mistakes) are seen as disingenuous and lack cut-through ([16:28, A]; [16:57, B]).
  • “It’s one of the weakest examples of doing that because it feels like a flash in the pan.” – A ([17:48])

• Over-relying on a Single Team Member as the Face of the Brand

  • While involving staff in content is great, the business risk of having one person as “the brand” is too high unless they have significant equity ([20:08, B]).
  • “If that person does not have a share or equity in the business and an incentive to stay...you’ve lost your whole social presence.” – B ([21:35])

• Perfectionism and Over-Polish

  • The vibe for 2026 is messier, more real—show dirty plates, messy makeup bags, and less high-gloss, “inflatable shit on Bondi Beach” ([27:29, B/A]).

4. Must-Follow Social Accounts for 2026

• Eugene Healy (Marketing strategist, critical thinker, energetic seminar presenter. [29:24, A])

  • “He is one of the smartest critical thinkers readily available to us on social media.” – A ([29:24])

• Willow and Blake (Branding agency known for free webinars, behind-the-scenes content, and high-profile local relaunches. [30:09, A])

  • “I’m really impressed with the work that they’re doing.” – A ([30:47])

• Grad Girl Marketing (Campaign round-ups, trend analysis with a fashion/brand spin. [31:23, B])

• The Kimbino (Intelligent fashion satire—smart, witty, blends in-depth industry critique with humor. [32:02, B])

  • “Her eye and appreciation for fashion is second to none, but her love of satire and comedy is probably more.” – B ([32:04])

5. Setting & Keeping Career Goals for 2026

Hacks and Mindsets:

• Quarterly Check-Ins

  • Inspired by a friend, hosts recommend personal quarterly reviews across relationships, work, finances, and personal joy ([35:16, B]).
  • “Forget your corporate quarterly check in—where’s your life quarterly check in?” – B ([35:13])

• Focus on Feelings, Not Just Tasks

  • Define career goals according to how you want to feel in your job (e.g., “pride,” “brave”) rather than just to-do lists ([36:18, A/B]).
  • “Think more about your feelings and be really clear about not just what you want to do...what do you want to feel?” – A ([36:28])

• Mood Boards as Motivation

  • Use tools like Canva and vision boards to break down career goals visually and keep them front-of-mind ([39:41, A]).
  • “I do have a summary of my work goals, my personal goals, my financial goals, my health and my relationships on my phone.” – A ([40:21])

• Quality Over Quantity in Learning

  • Pay for select subscriptions, Substacks, and in-person seminars to tap genuine expertise ([41:41, A/B]).

• Future-Orientation: Will This Matter in 3 Years?

  • Use this question to gauge the long-term significance of career decisions, not just short-term gains ([40:50, B]).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Trends Becoming Tiresome

  • “I’m a little bit over the Control C, Control V that we’re seeing a lot of at the moment.” – B ([19:39])
  • “Perfectionism—out. We want to see dirty plates, dirty bathrooms, messy makeup bags, less inflatable shit on Bondi Beach.” – A ([27:27])

• On Value-Led Branding

  • “The brand is your compass and your reputation is the terrain...Your reputation is the story other people tell about you. Your brand is the story you tell about yourself.” – (Referencing World Economic Forum article, paraphrased by A at [23:23])

• On Community vs. Conversion

  • “Create community and create conversation. Conversion will follow at the top of the pyramid.” – B ([14:56])

• On Transparency from Brand Founders

  • “I am so sick of founders, like, going like, I started this with blood, sweat, grit and tears. And I’m like, just say you started with half a million dollars.” – B ([25:39])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening Banter & Holiday Recap: 00:19 – 03:07
• Word of the Week (Schooner Scorer): 03:07 – 06:48
• Marketing "Ins and Outs" Discussion: 09:45 – 27:29
• Top Social Accounts to Follow: 28:33 – 32:58
• Career Goal-Setting Tips: 32:58 – 41:41

Tone & Style

Upbeat, irreverent, and conversational. The hosts blend industry expertise with playful, candid commentary, making high-level marketing concepts accessible and enjoyable for professionals at any stage.

Summary Takeaways

For anyone working in branding, fashion, or lifestyle, the episode offers a treasure trove of actionable advice:

• Focus on authenticity, transparency, and fostering real community over chasing shiny viral moments.
• Follow accounts and agencies that deliver real learning, not just aesthetics.
• Set career goals in line with how you want to feel, not just what you want to accomplish.
• Stay curious, seek out quality industry resources, and be intentional about your growth—2026 is about connection, realness, and pride in the work.