On Brand with Donny Deutsch

Donny Deutsch breaks down the brands shaping the cultural conversation this week on On Brand with Donny Deutsch. In this fast-moving Brands of the Week episode, Donny unpacks what's hot, what's not, and what's flying under the radar. This week's brand winners & losers include: 🔺 New York Knicks – The Knicks are rolling into the Eastern Conference Finals and the Garden is electric. Donny and Lou break down what's driving the run. 🔻 Trump's T1 Phone – 600,000 people paid $100 deposits. No phone. No release date. And the "Made in America" promise quietly vanished. Is this the Trumps' next big scandal? 🔺 Small Business Boom – Small businesses created 95% of new jobs in Q1. Why aren't Republicans shouting this from the rooftops? 🔻 Delta Airlines – No snacks, no drinks on short flights. Is Delta's cost-cutting going too far? 🔺 Man Bands Are Back – Backstreet Boys. New Kids on the Block. $50 million at the Sphere in Vegas. The boy bands grew up and the fans followed. 🔻 New Jersey Diners – 100 diners closed in 10 years. Can the "Saving Our Diners Act" rescue a beloved American institution? 🔺 Seth Rogen's The Studio – The most award-winning freshman comedy in TV history. Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA — it has swept everything. 🔺 Beta Moms vs. Tiger Moms – The parenting pendulum is swinging. Why loosening up may be the key to raising resilient kids. Plus: the "Nacho Trade" on Wall Street, the freshman 15 explained by science, the priest & pastor shortage crisis, wine moms and the 2026 midterms, the Line IPO, summer driving dangers, older people's surprising relationship with regret, and the top 10 most beautiful college campuses in America. Subscribe, rate & review On Brand with Donny Deutsch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. #OnBrand #DonnyDeutsch #BrandsOfTheWeek #NewYorkKnicks #TrumpPhone #DeltaAirlines #SmallBusiness #TheStudio #SethRogen #NJDiners #Midterms2026 #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Brands of the Week with Donny Deutsch, Donny breaks down the biggest brand winners and losers making headlines right now — from real estate trends to pop culture shakeups to health breakthroughs. 🏠 Best Cities for First-Time Home Buyers — Jacksonville, Florida tops Travel & Leisure and Zillow's latest affordability index. Find out which Southern cities are dominating the housing market and why they're the smartest moves for budget-conscious buyers in 2025. 🇬🇧 Britain's Pessimism Crisis — A Gallup survey of 139 countries reveals Great Britain is the most pessimistic nation on Earth, with only 21% of Brits saying their economy is headed in the right direction. What's driving the UK's economic malaise? 🚗 Driverless Cars Get Traffic Tickets — California is now citing autonomous vehicles for traffic violations. No driver? No problem. The ticket goes straight to the manufacturer. 🎤 Greatest Vocalist of All Time — A major music industry survey is out and Freddie Mercury takes the top spot. Mercury is joined by Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé and more. 🎬 Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu Box Office Disappointment — The first Star Wars film in seven years is eyeing a underwhelming $80 million Memorial Day opening. Is Star Wars fatigue officially setting in? 👗 Devil Wears Prada 2 Crushing It — Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt are back — and the sequel is already at $230 million thanks to powerhouse brand partnerships with Starbucks, Diet Coke, and Grey Goose Vodka. A marketing masterclass. 📺 ESPN Stays with Disney — New CEO Josh DeMorrow confirms ESPN is staying under the Disney umbrella. What does this mean for the future of sports media? 🎭 Oscars Ban AI Actors — The Academy Awards announces a landmark rule change: acting and writing must be performed by humans to qualify for nominations. A defining moment for Hollywood and artificial intelligence. 🍊 Florida's Orange Industry in Crisis — A devastating citrus disease called HLB has wiped out 90% of Florida's orange crop, dropping production from 230 million crates to just 12 million. What's next for American agriculture? 🦐 Red Lobster's Comeback — After going bankrupt in 2024 thanks to the infamous Endless Shrimp promotion, Red Lobster is back. But are cash-strapped consumers ready to return to casual dining chains? 🏓 Pickleball and Parkinson's Disease — New research suggests pickleball may offer major benefits for people living with Parkinson's disease, thanks to its cognitive demands, hand-eye coordination requirements, and social nature. ✈️ U.S. Airports Ranked Dead Last — The World Airport Awards are in, and the highest-ranked American airport is LaGuardia at #29. Asian and European airports dominate the top spots. Why is U.S. airport infrastructure so far behind? 📧 New Evite Phishing Scam Alert — Scammers are using fake digital party invitations from Evite, PayPal, and Punchbowl to steal personal information and identities. Donny breaks down what to watch out for. 👡 Chanel's Bizarre New Sandal — Chanel's latest footwear leaves the entire bottom of your foot exposed. Fashion forward or completely unwearable? Donny and Lou weigh in. 🏀 BONUS: New York Knicks NBA Playoff Hype — Donny is fired up about the Knicks' playoff run. Can New York finally make a deep run? They break down the bracket and the path to a championship. Subscribe, rate, and review Brands of the Week with Donny Deutsch wherever you listen to podcasts — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. #BrandsOfTheWeek #DonnyDeutsch #Branding #Marketing #BusinessNews #PopCulture #NBA #Knicks #StarWars #DevilWearsPrada #RealEstate #HousingMarket #FreddieMercury #Pickleball #Oscars #AI #ESPN #Disney #RedLobster #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Donny breaks down the brands that are winning, losing, and making headlines. NFL Draft sensation Fernando Mendoza goes viral for his LinkedIn-powered endorsement strategy — and why he could rival Tom Brady as a brand ambassador. American luxury labels like Ralph Lauren and Coach are defying the odds with double-digit sales growth, even as global luxury slumps. The shocking human cost of USAID cuts comes into focus: over 518,000 children have died from preventable causes. RFK Jr. spreads dangerous misinformation about fluoride — and gets debunked fast. The Michael Jackson biopic breaks box office records for biopics despite major controversy. QVC files for bankruptcy as shopping culture shifts. Road rage shootings hit an all-time high. Plus: drone pizza delivery in New Jersey, deepfake nude dangers for teens, AI privacy risks, animal shelter adoptions at record highs, foot fillers for high heel wearers, and the viral slang term "mogging" explained. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Brands of the Week episode of On Brand with Donny Deutsch, Donny breaks down the brands winning and losing in today's cultural and political landscape — and what it all means for public perception, reputation, and influence. This week's biggest brand stories include: Israel's deepening PR crisis as a new Gallup poll reveals a 31-point drop in support among older Democrats and growing losses across Republicans, Catholics, and evangelicals — and why the Netanyahu factor is accelerating the damage. Plus, Donald Trump signs an executive order expanding federal research into psychedelics like psilocybin and ibogaine — a surprising brand move that earns him a rare brand-up. Then, a potentially game-changing pancreatic cancer drug doubles survival time in clinical trials, offering hope for one of the deadliest cancers. Also covered: Trump's signature on U.S. currency draws a 59% disapproval rating, TMZ opens a Washington D.C. bureau to treat politicians like celebrities, American Eagle doubles down on Sydney Sweeney despite controversy, the FAA recruits gamers as air traffic controllers, Hardee's makes a Southeast comeback, and the Washington Commanders add a spear to their logo. Donny also weighs in on ancestry travel trends, the return of men's monograms, Baby Jessica's fall from grace 40 years later, and the science behind why rewatching Cheers and Golden Girls is actually good for your brain. Thursday's episode features a full interview with entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang on his plans for 2028. Brands mentioned: Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, FDA, pancreatic cancer drug Elzovantinib, TMZ, American Eagle, Sydney Sweeney, Hardee's, Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh tech hub, Jill Biden, Heated Rivalry, Maryland state symbol, FAA, 23andMe, Ancestry travel, Andrew Yang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donny breaks down the biggest brand wins and losses of the week. First, a brand down for ICE after a survey reveals 60% of recent arrests in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area involved people with no criminal record. Then it's a brand up for San Francisco, where new leadership is proving that tough-but-humane policing actually works — with major crimes dropping across the board and prosecutions skyrocketing. Plus, the emperor penguin gets a brand down as it's officially declared endangered due to climate change. Donny also weighs in on Hollywood making cigarettes cool again (a hard brand down), Nutella's genius move after a surprise space cameo, the return of the original American Girl dolls, and the dangerous Benadryl challenge sweeping TikTok. He also breaks down Gen Z's most bankable movie stars, the USPS stamp price hike, the dying art of cursive writing, the WNBA's explosive expansion, and why women outperform 80% of FBI agents in investigative skills. Plus, a news-you-can-use safety tip you'll want to hear before you cook dinner tonight. Thursday: Donny sits down with Billy Bush — don't miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on On Brand, we're diving into the biggest brand trends, pop culture moments, and marketing news that prove — once again — that everything is a brand. From Trump social media controversy to Gen Z financial trends showing young people moving back in with mom and dad, we unpack what it all means for how we connect, consume, and believe. We explore why Gen Z and religion are becoming inseparable as young people turn to faith for meaning, how economic uncertainty is making radio contests cool again, and why seniors on social media are one of the fastest-growing digital demographics. Plus: did you know the average age of U.S. homes is 44 years — and what that means for real estate branding? We also get into antisemitism in modern art, Starbucks tipping culture and what it means for the future of retail customer experience, and why the Super Mario Brothers movie is the brand marketing success story of the decade. If you're into branding strategy, consumer behavior, marketing trends, and cultural commentary, this is your episode. 🎙️ Subscribe, rate & review On Brand wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DISCLAIMER: This episode was recorded on February 10th, 2026. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and MSNBC analyst Eugene Robinson joins Donny for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that pulls no punches. Eugene opens up about the painful decline of the Washington Post — the paper where he spent 45 years of his career — and what Jeff Bezos's leadership decisions mean for the future of American journalism. He and Donny break down the politics behind the massive layoffs, the closure of international bureaus, and why cozying up to power is a losing game for a free press. Then, the conversation shifts to the cultural moment: the surprising backlash to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show performance and what the uproar over a Spanish-speaking performer says about where America stands today. Eugene also dives deep into his powerful new book, Freedom Lost, Freedom Won: A Personal History of America — a sweeping, intimate look at 200 years of American racial history told through the lens of his own family. From his great-grandfather's rise and fall under Jim Crow, to his own personal memories of segregation in South Carolina, to his father's final message about progress — this is a conversation about how far we've come and how much further we still need to go. Don't miss this essential conversation with one of America's most respected journalists and thinkers. 📖 Freedom Lost, Freedom Won — available now wherever books are sold. Be sure to check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On Brand with Donny Deutsch YouTube page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a Hollywood icon hits the road to rediscover the lost art of male friendship? Brat Pack star turned author Andrew McCarthy joins host Donny Deutsch for a candid, eye-opening conversation about his new book, "Who Needs Friends? An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America." Andrew's cross-country journey to reconnect with old friends revealed a surprising truth: men are facing a loneliness epidemic — and most don't even know it. From the myths of toxic masculinity to the power of vulnerability, and the role technology plays in eroding real human connection, this conversation unpacks why so many men struggle to form and keep meaningful friendships. Packed with personal stories and a powerful call to embrace vulnerability, this episode is essential listening for any man who wants deeper, more authentic connections in his life. Be sure to check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On Brand with Donny Deutsch YouTube page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Takeaways: Andrew's journey to reconnect with friends was sparked by a conversation with his son. Many men feel isolated and rely on their wives to manage social lives. Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness in men, hindering friendships. Friendships require active effort and vulnerability to flourish. Loneliness among men is a significant issue, often exacerbated by technology. Older men are less likely to admit feelings of loneliness compared to younger men. Social interaction is crucial for mental and physical health. Friendship can be a source of safety and emotional support. Men often struggle with maintaining female friendships due to societal norms. Rekindling friendships can lead to deeper appreciation and connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DISCLAIMER: This episode was recorded on February 19th, 2026. In this conversation, Kara Swisher and Donny discuss various topics including the performance of Mark Zuckerberg in court, the impact of social media on society, the relationship between tech giants and politics, and the current political climate surrounding Trump and the midterms. They explore the backgrounds of tech leaders, the Democratic Party's response to Trump, and the issues of wealth inequality and political corruption. In this conversation, Kara Swisher and Donny discuss various political strategies, the implications of AI technology, and innovations in health and longevity. They explore the importance of messaging in politics, the future of AI in society, and the need for accessible health solutions for everyone. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of politics and technology, emphasizing the significance of human connection and the potential for scientific advancements to improve quality of life. Be sure to check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On Brand with Donny Deutsch YouTube page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Takeaways: Mark Zuckerberg's court performance was underwhelming. Social media has addictive tendencies. Trump is a transactional president. The Democratic Party is preparing for the midterms. Public perception of Trump is shifting. Immigration issues are complex and personal. Wealth inequality is a growing concern. Corruption in politics affects everyone. Political messaging should focus on what candidates stand for, not just against. Candidates need to connect with voters on a personal level. AI technology is evolving and poses both opportunities and risks. Human creativity and randomness cannot be replicated by AI. Longevity discussions often focus on the wealthy, neglecting broader accessibility. Connection with others is crucial for mental and physical health. Scientific advancements in health can lead to significant improvements in longevity. The entertainment industry is being transformed by AI, but its future is uncertain. Voter perception of candidates is influenced by their authenticity and relatability. Kara's new show aims to make longevity science accessible to everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Bret Stephens discusses the complexities of antisemitism, the ongoing conflict with Iran, and the shifting political landscape in the United States, particularly within the Democratic Party. He emphasizes the need for a strong Jewish identity and critiques the ineffective measures taken against antisemitism. Stephens argues that the current military actions against Iran are not a new war but an effort to end a long-standing conflict. He also addresses the rise of anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party and the implications for future elections, warning against the dangers of conspiracy theories and their connection to anti-Semitism. Be sure to check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On Brand with Donny Deutsch YouTube page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Takeaways: We must cultivate our Jewish identity and pride. Antisemitism is more a problem for antisemites than for us. The current conflict with Iran is about ending a long-standing war. Military action against Iran could lead to regional peace. The Democratic Party's shift is concerning for American Jews. Hamas does not seek a peaceful coexistence with Israel. Zionism represents a long-standing anti-colonial struggle. Ending the Iranian regime could facilitate a Palestinian state. Trump's rhetoric poses a threat to democratic institutions. Conspiracy theories can fuel anti-Semitism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Kevin O'Leary shares his journey from being one of the original sharks on Shark Tank to his ventures in acting, politics, and investments. He discusses the essence of the American dream, the importance of entrepreneurship, and his innovative business BitZero, which focuses on data centers. O'Leary also delves into the significance of gold and cryptocurrency in today's economy, the impact of AI across various sectors, and his surprising success in collectible sports cards. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the need for clarity in business and the importance of focusing on what truly matters. Be sure to check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On Brand with Donny Deutsch YouTube page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Takeaways: Donny reflects on his missed opportunity to join Shark Tank. The American dream is about finding passion, not just money. Shark Tank has created many millionaires and billionaires. Acting in Marty Supreme was a challenging yet rewarding experience. O'Leary aims to play the antagonist in future roles. BitZero focuses on providing power for data centers and crypto mining. Gold remains a reliable investment during chaos. AI is being adopted across all sectors to improve efficiency. Collectible sports cards have become a lucrative investment. O'Leary prioritizes signal over noise in business and life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Scott Galloway discusses various pressing issues, including the economic implications of the Super Bowl, the rise of AI, and the importance of taking action against anxiety through the unsubscribe movement. He highlights the crisis facing young men in America, emphasizing the need for kindness and protection in relationships. Galloway also addresses the political landscape and the challenges young men face, advocating for a more empathetic approach to masculinity. He concludes with his mission to contribute positively to America and the importance of activism. Be sure to check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On Brand with Donny Deutsch YouTube page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Takeaways: Scott Galloway sees economic trends reflected in Super Bowl ads. The rise of AI may lead to a significant market correction. Young men are facing a crisis of identity and purpose. Kindness and protection are essential qualities in modern masculinity. Empathy should not be viewed as a zero-sum game. The unsubscribe movement empowers individuals to take action against anxiety. Women desire men who notice and appreciate their lives. The most radical activism is non-participation in harmful systems. Galloway emphasizes the importance of being kind and respectful in relationships. He aims to contribute positively to America's future through activism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Donny discusses various brands and their impact on society, politics, and culture. The conversation covers significant media layoffs, the role of AI in advertising, and the branding efforts of political figures. Additionally, the episode touches on health concerns related to wildfire smoke, the return of Bob Costas to sports broadcasting, and Valentine's Day spending trends. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of branding in contemporary society. Takeaways: Media layoffs reflect broader industry changes and challenges. AI technology poses both opportunities and threats in advertising. Political figures must navigate branding carefully in today's climate. Cultural commentary can influence public perception of brands. Health studies can link environmental factors to societal issues. The return of familiar figures in media can resonate with audiences. Innovations in venues reflect changing consumer preferences. Consumer spending trends reveal insights into societal values. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices