Re: Wit + Wisdom | November 8 | Calm Amid the Chaos

Country Beef Cooked Up Right

As the writer of this newsletter, I’ll admit — I’m probably too invested in the lore of Zach Bryan vs. the BFFs podcast crew. After country star Zach Bryan’s breakup with Barstool’s Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, her co-hosts Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards dropped a diss track, “Smallest Man,” airing everything from Bryan’s love life to public missteps — until Warner Music swiftly pulled it down with a copyright claim. Portnoy, undeterred, promised even hotter comebacks, expertly keeping the feud alive and audience engaged. This saga? A masterclass in fueling buzz through relentless, strategic comms: viral posts, juicy replies, and the allure of takedowns that just keep people hooked.

Christmas is 50 Days Away… But Who’s Counting

Now that Halloween’s behind us, it's basically Christmas, right? Cadbury certainly thinks so, launching a festive countdown campaign that’s as sweet as it is heartwarming. Their latest ads turn the classic advent calendar into a celebration of all the quirky, cozy and chaotic ways people across the UK prep for the big day. Each day brings a new scene, from decorating the tree and Friendsmas gatherings to the inevitable holiday game face-offs—all shared across social media to get us in the spirit. Cadbury is not just counting down to Christmas; they’re making every day leading up to it feel like a mini celebration, complete with chocolate, of course.

Calm Amid the Chaos

In the midst of election-night chaos, Calm dropped the boldest ad of the year —thirty seconds of pure, blissful silence. It didn’t pick a side, it didn’t beg for shares; it just gave everyone a much-needed break. Calm showed us that sometimes, the loudest message is just… “Shhh.”

Pepper Pick

Now that brands have officially declared it the holiday season (a solid 50 days early), we’re recommending a seasonal classic: The Nightmare Before Christmas. If you're feeling torn between the last shreds of spooky season and the onslaught of holiday cheer, Jack Skellington’s identity crisis hits just right. It’s the perfect watch if you're not quite ready for full-blown jingle bells but feel peer-pressured by Santa popping up next to leftover Halloween candy.