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Ideas to Ponder – September 2025 Edition

By Published On: October 20, 2025Categories: Ideas to Ponder, Newsletter
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An inside look at our latest explorations and undertakings.

Distilled research… and fun!

Looking for shared smarts that don’t include a lot of reading? Say hello to Fun with Research. Whether you’re into UX, market research, cognitive science, or just curious how people tick, these videos turn complex ideas into bite-sized stories you can actually watch and remember.

Aware to care

Tired of more “how-to” content about research strategy? Let’s flip that. This isn’t a playbook, it’s a masterclass in doing research right. In Brand Purpose … Are consumers aware to care? the Ehrenberg-Bass team dives deep into the messy middle of purpose marketing. They surveyed thousands across the US, UK, and Australia to see how many people notice a brand’s moral commitments and shocker: even with the “best” purpose brands, awareness hovers around 10–18 %. It’s a blunt, data-driven reminder that lofty purpose statements don’t automatically land. If you’re building meaning into your brand, this one’s a must-read because it shows what works (and what doesn’t) when consumer awareness is the real hurdle.

But wait, there’s more

Want more marketing and branding insights? Sign up for The Scratching Post, our monthly newsletter for smart marketers.

Intelligent creative. Brain yellow color.The Rise of Intelligent Creative in 2025: Why Smarter Creativity Wins
AI, edge cases, and the ethics of creativity

About the Author: cat-tonic

cat-tonic
Born of curiosity and enthusiasm, we’re a scrappy group of smart, passionate marketers who work hard and play hard. We show up every day and fight for our clients who are making the world a better place. We listen with curiosity, explore deeply, ask hard questions, and sometimes put forth ideas that might make you squirm. Because we believe the status quo is good for growing mold but not much else. The way we see it, change is the way forward and the magic happens when curiosity, math, science, instinct, and talent intersect.

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