Mike Sharman: Make It Newsworthy, A Viral Playbook

Mike Sharman: Make It Newsworthy, A Viral Playbook

From 42courses Podcast by 42courses

September 1, 2025 · 46 min

About this episode

Mike Sharman discusses the elements of creating viral marketing campaigns and shares insights on curiosity and public relations.

How do you turn a funny idea into primetime chatter and global buzz? In this lively episode, Mike Sharman shares the “Holy Trinity of marketing” that still wins today: activation first, scale it digitally, then PR the living daylights out of it. He breaks down how his team spoofed My Octopus Teacher" into the cult hit “My Creepy Teacher,” why curiosity is a superpower, and how to engineer virality rather than wish for it. Find out more about Mike at retroviral.co.za Find out more about 42courses at 42courses.com What you’ll learn The Holy Trinity that powers modern viral campaigns. How “My Creepy Teacher” went from a Cape Town shoot to a global hit. How to build successful creator partnerships. How to use obsessive curiosity as a career advantage. Why being “worthy of the news” is the bar that keeps work sharp.

People in this episode

Host: 42courses

Guest: Mike Sharman

Topics covered

  • viral marketing
  • creator partnerships
  • curiosity in marketing
  • public relations
  • modern campaigns

Keywords

  • viral playbook
  • marketing strategies
  • My Creepy Teacher
  • activation
  • digital scaling
  • PR
  • curiosity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: 42courses, retroviral.co.za

Books & works: My Octopus Teacher, My Creepy Teacher

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