Click Tease: Weekly Digest of Branding, Marketing & Content that Converts

Hosted by Michelle Pualani & Joanna Newton

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116

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Feb 2026

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About the show

Hot takes, fresh insights, and strategies that actually work — served weekly. Click Tease is your unfiltered, real-time digest of what’s trending in personal branding, content creation, and marketing for coaches, creatives, and online service providers. Co-hosted by branding strategist Michelle Pualani and digital agency founder Joanna Newton, this show breaks down the latest tools, viral trends, creator moments, algorithm updates, and everything that’s making waves right now . If you want to stay ahead of the curve — and make content that clicks and converts — this is your weekly tea. 🎧 Listen in. ☕ Sip something. 💻 Take notes. → Subscribe to our companion Substack to get each week’s summary in your inbox — plus on-demand alerts when something big breaks. [Join: clickteasepodcast.substack.com/subscribe ] It’s marketing made modern — and way more fun.

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60 recent

February 19, 202630 min

Stop Chasing Leads: Use Instagram as Your Portfolio to Close Clients

Send us Fan Mail What if the clients you’re chasing on Instagram are already one introduction away? This episode breaks down how referrals, case studies, and smart ad spend are quietly outperforming the content hamster wheel. What You’ll Learn: What you’ll learn about turning referrals into a predictable client acquisition channel What you’ll learn about using client interviews as high-converting case study content What you’ll learn about when to prioritize paid ads over organic posting in 2026 Chynna Benton is an Online Business Manager (OBM) and Integrator for creative CEOs who are ready to step out of the weeds and into their true CEO role. As the founder of Byte Bodega, she helps business owners streamline their operations, optimize their teams, and finally get their business running like a well-oiled machine (without being pinged by their team in slack all day). The CEO's Guide to a Chaos-Proof Business (Freebie): https://www.bytebodega.com/chaosproof-your-business-ebook-download/ Website: https://www.bytebodega.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/byte_bodega/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:45 – Integrator vs. Visionary (And Why It Matters for Marketing) 04:20 – The Referral System That Drives Most Revenue 08:05 – Using Social Media as Proof, Not Prospecting 11:30 – Rethinking the Traditional Funnel for Service Providers 15:10 – Case Studies That Sell for You 22:20 – Why Course Creators Are Shifting to Ads Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clickteasepodcast 📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork 📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com 🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com 📅 10-Day Course Creation Challenge (Joanna) 💻 Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 🎙️ Get Descript for Podcasting ✅ Try Out Monday.com

February 12, 202626 min

PERSONAL BRAND DOCUMENTATION: Vintage, Airbnb & Web Series Strategy

Send us Fan Mail She started filming flea markets for fun. One year later? Airbnb licensed her content for a global campaign. This episode breaks down how documenting what you love can turn into four- and five-figure opportunities — without chasing trends. Faye Whitaker is the Chief Brand Officer and founder of W Signature, where she helps creatives and entrepreneurs build meaningful brands through visibility, consistency, and storytelling. Her work focuses on building trust online and documenting growth in real time. Book a 1:1 brand strategy video consultation focused on visibility, positioning, and building trust online. This session is designed for creatives and entrepreneurs who are building in public and want clear, actionable next steps to strengthen their personal brand. Book here: https://intro.co/fayewhitaker Follow Faye on Instagram & TikTok: @thefayewhitaker Learn more about W Signature: https://wsignatureco.com What You’ll Learn: What you’ll learn about turning a niche passion into a monetizable media brand What you’ll learn about using content as a funnel (without asking for emails) What you’ll learn about attracting silent viewers who convert into high-ticket deals Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 05:32 – Monetizing a Niche Passion 06:18 – Airbnb Licensing Deal Breakdown 09:08 – Using Short-Form as a Funnel Strategy 13:00 – Content as Breadcrumbs (Not Just Posts) 18:22 – Why Documentation Beats Perfection 22:00 – How to Start Building Your Personal Brand Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clickteasepodcast 📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork 📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com 🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com 📅 10-Day Course Creation Challenge (Joanna) 💻 Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 🎙️ Get Descript for Podcasting ✅ Try Out Monday.com

February 5, 202634 min

Nostalgia Sells: Super Bowl Commercials, Zara’s Rebrand & the 2026 = 2016 Moment

Send us Fan Mail Why are brands spending millions to miss the point—and what can creators learn from Super Bowl ads and the internet’s obsession with nostalgia? This episode breaks down what actually drives attention, connection, and conversions right now. What You’ll Learn: How Super Bowl advertisers often miss the real buyer—and what that means for your targeting Why nostalgia and simplicity are outperforming overproduced content How to use repetition, teasers, and cultural moments without burning out your audience Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Why Super Bowl ads aren’t hitting like they used to 03:00 – Who actually makes buying decisions (and why brands miss this) 09:30 – Teasers, repetition, and why “more exposure” works 17:30 – Entertainment vs. education in modern marketing 22:45 – “2026 is the new 2016” trend explained 28:30 – How nostalgia revives brands, careers, and content Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clickteasepodcast 📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork 📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com 🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com 📅 10-Day Course Creation Challenge (Joanna) 💻 Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 🎙️ Get Descript for Podcasting ✅ Try Out Monday.com

January 29, 202620 min

TikTok Sale Update: What the Heck is Going on with the Algorithm

Send us Fan Mail TikTok’s sale is official — and creators are already feeling the fallout. From zero-view videos to data changes and algorithm chaos, here’s what’s actually happening and how to protect your business before the next platform quake. What You’ll Learn: How TikTok’s sale is impacting reach, monetization, and video distribution What to do when your core platform suddenly stops performing Why audience ownership matters more than ever (and how to start diversifying now) Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – TikTok sale explained: what changed and who owns what 03:45 – New terms, ads data, and what creators should turn off 06:15 – Zero views, stalled videos, and algorithm instability 08:30 – Why relying on one platform is a dangerous business move 11:20 – Algorithm bias, news-heavy feeds, and content control 15:10 – Creator responsibility, misinformation, and brand integrity Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clickteasepodcast 📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork 📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com 🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com 📅 10-Day Course Creation Challenge (Joanna) 💻 Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 🎙️ Get Descript for Podcasting ✅ Try Out Monday.com

January 22, 202627 min

3 Viral Video Trends Creators Can Shamelessly Steal for Faster Growth

Send us Fan Mail From “getting rejected on purpose” to comment-bait that actually converts, this episode breaks down why messy, participatory content is winning right now and how to use it to build trust, reach, and sales. What You’ll Learn: How challenge-style content pulls audiences into long-term stories instead of one-off posts Why comment-driven formats outperform “educational” content and how to apply them to your niche How community-led, slightly unhinged ideas create outsized reach and real revenue [Subscribe | Leave a Review | Share] 👯‍♀️ Connect with Us Michelle Pualani: / themichellepualani Joanna Newton: / joanna_atwork 💪 Work with Us Work with Michelle: https://michellepualani.com/work-with-me Work with Joanna: https://www.millennialmktr.com/ 🔗 Links *Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/2PrVLdwK/t/e... 33 Proven Ways to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Online Business: https://www.concepttocashflow.com/33-... *10-Day Course Creation Challenge: https://www.millennialmktr.com/a/2147... Gabriella Carr TikTok Video: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabbies1000nos/video/7590947570210409742?_r=1&_t=ZT-932qIBRx4PX Videos 2: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThjttvNB/ CBS News Segment: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThjtp2xB/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:10 – The “Get Rejected” challenge and why process beats polish 03:00 – Turning short-form content into long-term audience investment 07:00 – Real-time case study: growing from zero with challenge hooks 10:30 – Comment bait, drama prompts, and making your audience the star 16:30 – In-person stunts, community virality, and why silly sells 24:00 – Why bold, unconventional marketing outperforms bland consistency *indicates referral link Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clickteasepodcast 📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork 📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com 🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com 📅 10-Day Course Creation Challenge (Joanna) 💻 Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 🎙️ Get Descript for Podcasting ✅ Try Out Monday.com

January 15, 202633 min

Amy Porterfield Closed DCA: What It Really Means For You

Send us Fan Mail ✅ Subscribe to our companion Substack: Get each week’s summary in your inbox — plus on-demand alerts when something big breaks 👉 https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/ Big-name creators are canceling flagship offers — and no, it doesn’t mean courses or podcasts are dead. It means the creator economy is shedding outdated models and making room for smarter, simpler ways to grow. What You’ll Learn: Why major creators are sunsetting once-iconic offers — and what that signals for 2026 How to avoid panic-pivoting just because a “guru” changed direction What fulfillment, execution, and client success really mean in the next era of digital business Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – The 2026 creator economy reality check 02:15 – Amy Porterfield ends Digital Course Academy 06:40 – Why “figure it out” courses are losing trust 09:30 – The execution gap killing course completion rates 18:45 – Jenna Kutcher ends her podcast — what it actually means 26:50 – Opportunity opens when big players pivot References & Resources: Amy Porterfield Digital Course Academy Jenna Kutcher James Wedmore Marie Forleo Brendan Burchard Alex Hormozi Justin Welsh Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clickteasepodcast 📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork 📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com 🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com 📅 10-Day Course Creation Challenge (Joanna) 💻 Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 🎙️ Get Descript for Podcasting ✅ Try Out Monday.com

January 7, 202637 min

The Death of Big Courses & Rise of "Real" Creators (2026 Predictions)

Send us Fan Mail ✅ Subscribe to our companion Substack: Get each week’s summary in your inbox — plus on-demand alerts when something big breaks 👉 https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/ AI ads are getting louder, funnels are getting messier — and creators are officially over it. Joanna and Michelle break down what’s actually going to work in 2026 (and what’s quietly dying). What You’ll Learn: How AI saturation is creating a huge opportunity for human-first creators Why milestone-based planning beats traditional goal setting (especially if you “fall behind”) Which digital products, offers, and formats are gaining traction — and which are losing steam Timestamps: 04:45 – Introduction 04:45 – Why New Year goal-setting keeps setting creators up to fail 06:30 – The milestone mindset that finally gets projects finished 14:45 – AI ads, brand laziness, and the authenticity advantage 23:10 – “Fly-on-the-wall” content and the rise of voyeur-style marketing 27:15 – The slow death of massive async courses 31:40 – Simpler funnels, easier buying, and what customers actually want References & Resources: AI-generated ads Digital memberships Online communities In-person retreats Hannah Louise Poston Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clickteasepodcast 📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork 📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com 🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com 📅 10-Day Course Creation Challenge (Joanna) 💻 Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 🎙️ Get Descript for Podcasting ✅ Try Out Monday.com

January 1, 202635 min

2026 Goal Setting Secrets: Reflect, Envision, and Set 90-Day Sprints

Send us Fan Mail ✅ Subscribe to our companion Substack: Get each week’s summary in your inbox — plus on-demand alerts when something big breaks 👉 https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/ Still setting vague goals and hoping for the best? This episode breaks down how to plan 2026 with clarity, focus, and momentum—without burnout, shame, or chasing goals that don’t actually move the needle. What You’ll Learn: How to reflect on your year using data and intuition to make smarter decisions How the 80/20 rule reveals what’s actually making you money (and what to cut) How to turn big goals into action-based plans that actually convert Timestamps: 00:00 – Why goal setting matters more than ever heading into 2026 01:05 – Why goal setting matters more than ever heading into 2026 05:45 – Reflection first: using data, metrics, and honest self-review 12:10 – The 80/20 rule and cutting what drains your time and revenue 18:40 – Taking inventory of business, health, and personal life 25:55 – Visioning your future identity and life by design 31:20 – Turning goals into 90-day sprints and action-based behaviors References & Resources: Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clickteasepodcast 📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork 📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com 🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com 📅 10-Day Course Creation Challenge (Joanna) 💻 Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 🎙️ Get Descript for Podcasting ✅ Try Out Monday.com

December 25, 202538 min

The Secret Psychology Behind Viral Christmas Ads: Triggers, Nostalgia & Implied CTAs

Send us Fan Mail Get each week’s summary in your inbox — plus on-demand alerts when something big breaks 👉 https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/ What do M&M’s, Coca-Cola, Hershey’s Kisses, and John Travolta have in common? Holiday ads that don’t sell hard, but sell feelings—and quietly win wallets through nostalgia, repetition, and cultural timing. What You’ll Learn: How top brands use characters, familiarity, and emotion instead of aggressive CTAs Why repetition and simplicity outperform over-produced content How AI, nostalgia, and pop culture shape modern brand trust Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Why Character-Driven Branding Works (M&M’s) 07:45 – Celebrity Nostalgia & Instant Attention (Capital One + Grease) 14:30 – Dopamine, Tapping Cards & Emotional Triggers 21:00 – Minimalism & Repetition in Holiday Ads (Hershey’s Kisses) 26:45 – Coca-Cola, AI Commercials & 30 Years of Consistency References & Resources: M&M’s Holiday Commercials Capital One Quicksilver John Travolta Hershey’s Kisses Holiday Ad Coca-Cola “Holidays Are Coming” Campaign AI-generated advertising Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clickteasepodcast 📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork 📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com 🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com 📅 10-Day Course Creation Challenge (Joanna) 💻 Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 🎙️ Get Descript for Podcasting ✅ Try Out Monday.com

December 11, 202549 min

The Secret Sauce Behind Viral Branding: From American Eagle to McDonald’s Grinch Meal

Send us Fan Mail ✅ Subscribe to our companion Substack: Get each week’s summary in your inbox — plus on-demand alerts when something big breaks 👉 https://clickteasepodcast.substack.com/ What do McDonald’s pickle fries, Sydney Sweeney’s “great genes” controversy, and Martha Stewart’s Gen-Z renaissance all have in common? They reveal exactly how backlash, rebrands, and authenticity shape what actually sells in 2025. What You’ll Learn: Why scarcity marketing still works—even when customers hate the product How public backlash impacts brand deals (and the real lesson from the Sydney Sweeney fallout) The shift from celebrity influence to micro-influence and how small creators are quietly winning ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:58 – Why McDonald’s Grinch Meal “sold out” even as everyone complained 06:40 – Backlash vs. brand collabs: which one actually drives sales? 09:15 – Scarcity, perceived value & the psychology behind selling digital products 19:45 – Sydney Sweeney x American Eagle: the fallout, the apology, and the Martha Stewart pivot 33:12 – Is the celebrity-endorsement era dying? 39:10 – Why micro-influencers outperform macro stars (and what this means for your niche) 46:20 – The YouTube pivot and why long-form, search-driven content is the future 📚 References & Resources McDonald’s Grinch Meal Martha Stewart Scooter Braun Snoop Dogg 75 Hard Steven Bartlett Diary of a CEO Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clickteasepodcast 📱 Social: @themichellepualani | @joanna_atwork 📩 Michelle: hello@michellepualani.com 🌐 Joanna: millennialmktr.com 📅 10-Day Course Creation Challenge (Joanna) 💻 Build a Successful Online Business Using Kajabi 🎙️ Get Descript for Podcasting ✅ Try Out Monday.com