Podcast Episode

We Rank the Best Brand Mascots

Marketing Brew Weekly··3 October 2026·34 min

About this episode

Is Tony the Tiger actually a grrrreat mascot? We threw him, plus 12 of his mascot friends, into a new segment we’re calling Marketiering, to find out where some of the most recognizable and iconic mascots actually fall. From Duolingo to McDonald’s, we assess whether the famous fuzzy, creepy, and just plain WTF faces were actually good or bad for their brands.  00:00: Intro 02:28: A brief history of mascots  06:15: Quaker Oats  08:05: Duolingo 10:35: State Farm 12:40: Liberty Mutual  14:35: Aunt Jemima  16:00: McDonald’s  18:20: Tony the Tiger 20:25: Jack in the Box  22:15: Ellie the Elephant 24:10: Pop Tart Man 26:00: Smokey the Bear 27:20: InfoSys Yeti This episode is presented by Roku Ads Manager. For more, use code BREW5K at advertising.roku.com/marketingbrew For more upcoming Marketing Brew events: https://www.marketingbrew.com/events Subscribe to the Marketing Brew newsletter: https://www.marketingbrew.com/ Watch Marketing Brew Weekly on YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingBrew Follow Marketing Brew Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbrew/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/marketing-brew/ Have a question for us? Send an email to mkbw@morningbrew.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Marketing Brew Weekly gives marketing professionals insightful analysis and a lively conversation on the latest trending topics in the world of media and advertising, from the Marketing Brew reporters who know the industry best.