Extreme Places, Extraordinary Experiences
Hello there,
A warm Hug to everyone reading since it’s ‘Hug Day ‘ today. A jaadu ki jhappi can literally fix anything!
Let’s get into this weeks update right away and catch up on all the interesting things that have happened this past week
What’s popping this week:
Extreme Places, Extraordinary Experiences
Imagine sipping a cocktail on a frozen mountaintop or testing gear in the blistering heat of desert dunes. Now that’s next-level branding! In a world where consumers crave immersive experiences, brands that make the environment part of the activation create unforgettable moments while building strong brand trust.
Extreme environments aren’t just about being “cool.” They work because they offer real value. First, they create earned media buzz; think Instagram-worthy moments that spread organically without the need for heavy ad spend. They also bring exclusivity and scarcity since hard-to-access locations automatically feel prestigious and special. Plus, they’re a great way for performance-driven brands like The North Face to prove their products thrive in the environments they were built for.
But when does it make sense to go down this path? Extreme environments are ideal when you're in the adventure, luxury, or performance space. They're also great for breakthrough brand moments, generating high-value user-generated content and press, or when the experience can't be replicated online.
The key is ensuring the environment serves a clear brand purpose beyond just being “cool.” If you're thinking of taking your brand to the edge, I can help create a strategy that makes it meaningful and unforgettable.
The Super Bowl Showdown
On February 9, 2025, the Super Bowl at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans had it all from drama, epic performances, and unforgettable moments.
The Philadelphia Eagles soared to victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, winning 40-22. Jalen Hurts (the Eagles’ superstar quarterback) led the team with incredible plays, while DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown scored big.
But wait, the game wasn’t the only headline.
Kendrick Lamar’s Savage Halftime Show
Kendrick didn't just perform; he came with energy and shade, dropping a fiery diss track aimed at none other than Drake. Backed by SZA and a surprise cameo by Samuel L. Jackson as "Uncle Sam," Kendrick set the stage on fire. Oh, and Serena Williams made a show-stopping appearance with a dance tribute that had everyone talking—especially since she's also one of Drake's exes. Her Crip dance paid homage to her iconic 2012 Olympic celebration..
Taylor Swift Gets the Boo Treatment?
Swifties might need therapy for this one. Taylor Swift was spotted supporting her boo, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, but not everyone was thrilled — Eagles fans let their feelings be known with some loud boos.
Well, very petty of them honestly. They are booing someone who sold out that very stadium on her own while performing for her record breaking tour this year!
Presidential First
President Donald Trump made history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl, with security on high alert throughout the game.
From fierce plays to a halftime diss that shook the internet, Super Bowl LIX was the perfect storm of sports, shade, and iconic moments.
A Real foot in the mouth moment for Ranveer Allahbadia
Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, better known as BeerBiceps, is no stranger to controversies, but his recent appearance on India's Got Latent has taken things to a whole new level. During the episode, Ranveer posed a shock-value question straight out of the Truth or Drink series: "Would you rather watch your parents have sex...?" Yep, that happened. And as you can imagine, it did NOT sit well with a chunk of the audience.
While the show thrives on edgy humor and already has a reputation for pushing boundaries, this particular moment went viral for all the wrong reasons. Critics slammed the question as vulgar and insensitive, claiming it crossed a line that Indian audiences aren’t comfortable with. Even more surprising? The controversy didn't just stop at social media outrage, an FIR was reportedly filed against Ranveer for promoting obscene content. Talk about things escalating fast!
This incident has sparked a larger debate about the influence of Western content on Indian media. Sure, importing new formats can be fun and engaging, but ignoring cultural sensitivities can quickly backfire.
We are nowhere saying what he said was appropriate for the kind of audience he caters to with his podcast.
Still, it raises an important question: Was this really that offensive, or are we getting a bit too uptight for a show that's clearly built for people who enjoy a bit of chaos and boundary-pushing humour? And more importantly, did it really warrant getting political authorities involved?
Social Media updates
Instagram is currently testing a highly requested feature that allows users to pause Reels with a single tap. Previously, pausing a Reel required users to tap and hold the screen, which was less intuitive.
This update aims to enhance user experience by providing more control over video playback. The feature is being rolled out to a select group of users worldwide as part of the testing phase.
Recent analyses indicate that Threads, Meta's social media platform, is achieving higher engagement rates compared to Twitter. Specifically, Threads posts have a median engagement rate of 6.25%, while Twitter posts lag behind with a median engagement rate of 3.6%. This suggests that content on Threads is resonating more effectively with its audience, leading to increased interactions per post.
LinkedIn's recent initiatives to enhance video content appear to be yielding positive results. According to reports, the platform has experienced a 36% increase in total video viewership year-over-year between October 30, 2024, and January 29, 2025
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Trending Audio’s
Reel of the Week
Why this works?
Well that’s all for this week folks! We hope you have an amazing Valentines Day if not that then hope you party hard/ or binge watch your Friday Night away! Each to their own <3
Here are a few recommendations from our side too!
All blues, absolutely no clue,
See you guys next week.