Best AARP California™ Podcasts (2025)

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The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond 38:26

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5d ago38:26

38:26

Getting older comes with a lot of questions, some practical, some emotional and some that are hard to even bring up. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California host Dr. Thyonne Gordon talks with Debra Whitman AARP’s Chief Public Policy Officer and the author of The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. Debr…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories | California Cool, Loyalty-Driven: Inside CPK’s Brand Rejuvenation 32:45

5d ago32:45

32:45

Send us a text California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has been delighting diners for four decades, but as the brand celebrates its 40th anniversary, Chief Marketing Officer Dawn Keller, is focused not on nostalgia but on reinvention. At the helm of marketing, culinary, digital, and menu innovation, Keller is bringing a deeply personal connection to the bra…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, Featuring Michelle Sequeira Yee, Vice President of Consulting, Bond Brand Loyalty 22:21

7d ago22:21

22:21

Send us a text As brands face mounting pressure to create deeper, more sustainable connections with their customers, the role of loyalty strategy has evolved from transactional tactics to enterprise-wide engagement. For Michelle Sequeira Yee, Vice President of Consulting at Bond, this evolution isn’t just necessary, it’s urgent. Drawing on her expe…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: The CEO's Desk | 2025 Customer Loyalty Trends Uncovered Part 2 19:04

11d ago19:04

19:04

Send us a text Welcome to Leaders in Customer Loyalty: The CEO’s Desk, a Loyalty360 original podcast series featuring exclusive executive insights from Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson. In part 2 of this interview, Mark unpacks the Top 11 Trends in Customer Loyalty for 2025, straight from Loyalty360’s Advisory Board sessions at the 2025 Loyalty Expo. Wh…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Jessica Starnes on the Success of Weigel's’ My Weigel's Rewards Program 15:30

12d ago15:30

15:30

Send us a text In the competitive world of convenience stores, where speed and service reign supreme, customer loyalty programs are becoming a pivotal factor in brand success. Weigel's, a family-owned convenience store chain based in East Tennessee, is setting a high standard with its innovative loyalty program, My Weigel's Rewards. With 85 locatio…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: The CEO's Desk 22:55

17d ago22:55

22:55

Send us a text 2025 Customer Loyalty Trends Uncovered Welcome to Leaders in Customer Loyalty: The CEO’s Desk, a Loyalty360 original podcast series featuring exclusive executive insights from Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson. In this episode, Mark unpacks the Top 11 Trends in Customer Loyalty for 2025, straight from Loyalty360’s Advisory Board sessions a…

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Lenovo’s Jamie Linville on Building Authentic Connections and Empowering Small Businesses through Evolve Small 30:17

19d ago30:17

30:17

Send us a text In an increasingly dynamic marketplace, the role of customer loyalty has evolved far beyond transactional relationships. Today’s leading brands understand that loyalty must be earned through authentic engagement, reciprocal value and experiences that resonate on both functional and emotional levels. Lenovo, a global technology powerh…

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Creating Unforgettable Moments: How VIP Nation Builds Loyalty Through Emotional Experience 21:04

26d ago21:04

21:04

Send us a text For many fans, the first concert or professional sporting event they attend is more than just entertainment. It’s a core memory. It’s the roar of the crowd, the closeness of family, and the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of seeing a favorite artist or team live. Today’s consumers no longer settle for a faraway seat or generic experience; …

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices Modernizing Loyalty with Insight, Flexibility, and Emotional Connection: A Conversation with Beth McCoy, President of CORA Loyalty 26:16

28d ago26:16

26:16

Send us a text Brands currently face a variety of challenges including rising customer expectations, generational differences, and increasing desire for seamless omnichannel experiences. CORA Loyalty is answering that call with a comprehensive portfolio that integrates next-gen tech, deep personalization, and strategic services. At the helm is Beth…

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Loyalty for Good: How AARP Rewards Drives Emotional Engagement and Meaningful ChangeUntitled Episode 22:47

1M ago22:47

22:47

Send us a text In the world of customer loyalty, few programs embody purpose as completely as AARP Rewards. More than a points-based platform, it’s a mission-driven engagement engine designed to empower people aged 50 and older to live better, healthier lives. By leveraging traditional loyalty mechanisms in non-traditional ways, AARP has built an e…

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What is Happening with California Utilities? 26:53

1M ago26:53

26:53

Utility costs are top of mind for many Californians but there are practical steps being taken to address them. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Mark Toney, Executive Director of TURN—The Utility Reform Network. Since 2008, Mark has led TURN’s efforts to advance energy affordability, broadba…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices Personalization at Scale: How Blings Is Transforming Customer Loyalty with Real-Time Video 21:13

1M ago21:13

21:13

Send us a text In an era of short attention spans and digital overload, traditional loyalty communications are increasingly falling flat. For Yosef Peterseil, COO and Co-Founder of Blings, the solution lies not just in better content, but in a more engaging medium altogether. "We're all in a video world. We're all on TikTok and YouTube and Netflix,…

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Noodles & Company Builds Loyalty by Honoring the Noodle—and the Customer 32:40

1M ago32:40

32:40

Send us a text For over three decades, Noodles & Company has served globally inspired noodle dishes with a side of comfort. But in today’s competitive and value-conscious quick-service landscape, staying relevant, and resonant, requires more than just a beloved bowl of pasta. For Executive Vice President of Marketing Steve Kennedy, long-term succes…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories | Cleveland Cavaliers Upping the Loyalty Game 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

Send us a text As one of the NBA’s most recognized franchises, the Cleveland Cavaliers are deeply woven into the cultural and civic fabric of their city. Behind the high-octane action on the court is a strategic and increasingly sophisticated approach to fan engagement powered by the Cavaliers Marketing team. Central to the marketing team’s success…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices | Driving Loyalty with Purpose: A Conversation with Chris Jones of ITA Group 20:03

2M ago20:03

20:03

Send us a text In this episode of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, Loyalty360 sits down with Chris Jones, Senior Vice President of Engagement Solutions at ITA Group, for a detailed discussion on the evolving strategies driving customer loyalty in today’s competitive landscape. With decades of experience spanning consumer products, fina…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories | Fleet Feet's Milestone Moment: How a Community-First Retailer Is Elevating Loyalty for the Long Run 22:27

2M ago22:27

22:27

Send us a text Health and wellness have become foundational to the modern lifestyle, with consumers redefining what fitness looks like shifting from traditional gym routines to more holistic and mobile-friendly approaches. Walking, hiking, cycling, and fitness-tracking apps are now integral parts of personal health journeys. This evolution has crea…

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Petro-Canada Driving Loyalty Through Purpose, Partnerships, and Personalization 24:58

2M ago24:58

24:58

Send us a text In a highly competitive and commoditized fuel retail landscape, Petro-Canada, a Suncor business, is refining what customer loyalty looks like. Celebrating 50 years of serving Canadians coast to coast, the brand is leveraging deep insights, digital transformation, and purpose-driven partnerships to build emotional loyalty and maintain…

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The Latest on Artificial Intelligence 33:11

2M ago33:11

33:11

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Dr. Brandie Nonnecke, Director of the CITRIS Policy Lab and host of TecHype, about the latest developments in artificial intelligence. They break down what AI really is — beyond the hype — and how it’s already impacting daily life, public services, and even …

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty Industry Voices: Maritz’s Mary Luckey on Reward Strategy, Personalization, and the Future of Loyalty 21:46

2M ago21:46

21:46

Send us a text For brands aiming to deepen engagement and create meaningful loyalty experiences, the traditional "earn and burn" model is no longer enough. In today’s Industry Voices, Mary Luckey, Reward Strategy Director at Maritz, shares her perspective on how loyalty programs must evolve to remain relevant — and why reward strategy is at the hea…

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Executive Spotlight: Tim Glomb, Wunderkind 18:06

2M ago18:06

18:06

Send us a text In this Executive Spotlight, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson speaks with Tim Glomb, Head of Operational AI at Wunderkind. Glomb’s unconventional journey—from touring the world with platinum-selling rock bands to producing for MTV and now leading AI operations at a marketing technology powerhouse—offers a fresh, candid view on the future …

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty Brand Story: Virginia Lottery Bets Big on Customer Loyalty with Purpose-Driven Personalization 24:51

2M ago24:51

24:51

Send us a text In a category often rooted in tradition, the Virginia Lottery is proving that innovation in customer loyalty can thrive even in a highly regulated and complex environment. Under the leadership of Prudence Milligan, Senior Customer Strategy Manager, the Virginia Lottery has launched a forward-thinking, points-based loyalty program tha…

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Industry Voices: Accelerating Loyalty Through Mobile-First Engagement with Bambu’s Kyle Pretsch 33:41

2M ago33:41

33:41

Send us a text Brands are inundated with tools, touchpoints, and evolving consumer behaviors amid increasing economic uncertainty. In the current context the challenge isn't merely building loyalty, it’s operationalizing it at scale and speed. For Kyle Pretsch, President of Bambu, the solution starts with a fundamental shift in perspective: meet cu…

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Everyday Getaways and Extraordinary Customer Loyalty: A Deep Dive with Tropical Smoothie Cafe® 25:22

2M ago25:22

25:22

Send us a text In today's highly competitive restaurant landscape, standing out requires more than just great food. It demands seamless digital experiences, deep emotional connections, and a loyalty strategy that touches every part of the brand. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is meeting that challenge head-on, leveraging loyalty principles to create what i…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty Industry Voices: Switchfly’s Nowell Outlaw on Travel as the Ultimate Loyalty Catalyst 25:35

3M ago25:35

25:35

Send us a text Brands are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance member engagement and provide additional value through their customer loyalty strategies. Integrating travel experiences into rewards portfolios has emerged as a compelling strategy to achieve these goals. In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, Loyalt…

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Executive Spotlight: Ryan Draude, Giant Foods 37:13

3M ago37:13

37:13

Send us a text In this Executive Spotlight, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson speaks with Ryan Draude, Head of Loyalty Offer Management and Shopper Marketing at Giant Food. Draude shares his forward-thinking perspectives on building loyalty in a highly competitive and increasingly value-driven grocery market. With experience spanning financial services, …

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Publix’s Approach to Nurturing Loyalty with a People-First, Legacy-Driven Approach 24:18

3M ago24:18

24:18

Send us a text For nearly a century, Publix has been a cornerstone of the Southeast’s grocery landscape, earning a level of customer devotion that transcends traditional shopping habits. Founded in 1930 by George Jenkins, the company has grown from a single store in Winter Haven, Florida, to nearly 1,400 stores across eight states, all while remain…

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Industry Voices: Jonathan Silver of Engage People on the Power of Pay with Points and Loyalty Innovation 22:01

3M ago22:01

22:01

Send us a text In an era where brands are increasingly scrutinizing the financial impact of their loyalty strategies, Jonathan Silver, CEO of Engage People, has a clear message: loyalty programs must drive measurable, positive ROI or risk becoming expendable. Speaking with Loyalty360 as part of the "Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices" ser…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty Brand Stories featuring Office Depot | Enhancing the Customer Experience in Today’s Work Environment 27:32

3M ago27:32

27:32

Send us a text In an era where retail continues to evolve at breakneck speed, Office Depot and OfficeMax are setting a new standard for how customer loyalty is earned, nurtured, and scaled. With hybrid work as the new norm and customer expectations growing more complex, Office Depot is meeting the moment with a bold blend of personalized service, s…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty Brand Stories featuring Feeding America 28:50

3M ago28:50

28:50

Send us a text How Loyalty Principles Drive Impact in the Nonprofit Sector Loyalty professionals spend much of their time optimizing engagement, designing value exchanges, and driving long-term brand affinity. While these strategies are typically associated with commercial brands, they’re just as relevant, and arguably more critical, in the nonprof…

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How Ombudsmen Advocate for California Long-Term Care Residents 24:03

3M ago24:03

24:03

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Rachel Tate, Vice President of Ombudsman Services at WISE & Healthy Aging. They explore the critical role of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen in California. Rachel explains what ombudsmen do, how they advocate for quality facility care and residents’ rights, and the…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty Brand Stories featuring Portillo’s 29:49

3M ago29:49

29:49

Send us a text Bringing Loyalty to Life with an Authentic, Brand-First Approach Since its founding in 1963, Portillo’s has built a loyal following with its crave-worthy Chicago-style street food, from iconic Italian beef sandwiches to its famous chocolate cake. Customers don’t just dine at Portillo’s—they celebrate there, creating memories that spa…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Executive Spotlight featuring Per Jensen, Director of Loyalty, Stop and Shop 26:47

4M ago26:47

26:47

Send us a text Welcome to the latest installment of Leaders in Customer Loyalty, the podcast where Loyalty360 sits down with some of the most innovative and accomplished leaders in customer loyalty, engagement, and experience. As part of our Executive Spotlight series, we’re excited to feature a conversation with Per Jensen, Director of Loyalty at …

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First Tech's Commitment to Innovation and Customer Loyalty: An Exclusive Interview with Mairi Burns 32:22

4M ago32:22

32:22

Send us a text First Tech Federal Credit Union has a long-standing history of serving individuals in the tech industry, providing financial services tailored to their unique needs. In a recent interview, Mairi Burns, Vice President of Brand Marketing at First Tech, discussed the organization’s strategic vision, customer loyalty initiatives, and the…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Executive Spotlight Featuring Don Smith, Chief Consulting Officer, Capillary 42:30

4M ago42:30

42:30

Send us a text In this edition of Loyalty360’s Executive Spotlight, we speak with Don Smith, Chief Consulting Officer at Capillary Technologies. With nearly two decades of experience at Brierley, now part of Capillary, Don offers unique insight into the evolving loyalty landscape — from program design and advanced analytics to the role of AI-driven…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories | How Applebee’s Date Night Pass is Redefining Romantic Dining 25:55

4M ago25:55

25:55

Send us a text For many, Applebee’s is more than just your neighborhood bar and grill, it’s a place where lifelong memories are made. Whether it’s a first date, a post-game meal with teammates, or a family gathering, the brand has fostered deep emotional connections with its guests for generations. By focusing on personalization, relevance, and emp…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices Featuring Mladen Vladic, Head of Products and Services for Loyalty at FIS 29:01

4M ago29:01

29:01

Send us a text Loyalty programs are undergoing a transformation, driven by shifting consumer expectations, technological advancements, and an increased focus on delivering real value. As brands navigate this evolving landscape, they’re making bold moves to refine, reinvent, and, in some cases, completely overhaul their loyalty strategies. In this i…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Executive Spotlight featuring Aly Blawat, Senior Director of Customer Strategy at Blain’s Farm and Fleet 32:42

4M ago32:42

32:42

Send us a text Welcome to another Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Executive Spotlight, where we bring you insights from top executives driving innovation and excellence in customer engagement. Today, we’re thrilled to feature Aly Blawat, Senior Director of Customer Strategy at Blain’s Farm and Fleet. She is a seasoned leader in customer loyalty and th…

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Setting Sail with Loyalty: How Cruises.com Rewards is Charting a New Course in Cruise Industry Engagement 17:57

4M ago17:57

17:57

Send us a text Cruises.com has unveiled Cruises.com Rewards, the cruise industry’s first points-based loyalty program, offering travelers the flexibility to earn and redeem points on any cruise booked through their platform. This loyalty program is unique as it enables cruisers to immediately redeem their points for onboard credit, cash back, merch…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices Featuring Alexa Pak from Talon.One 15:08

4M ago15:08

15:08

Send us a text As part of the Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices series, we had the opportunity to speak with Alexa Pak, Customer Success Lead of EMEA at Talon.One. Pak brings extensive expertise in helping brands enhance their loyalty programs through strategic innovation and personalization. In this discussion, she shares her insights o…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty Executive Spotlight: Amy Barnett, Vice President of Digital Experience and Loyalty at Cracker Barrel 40:54

4M ago40:54

40:54

Send us a text In our first Executive Spotlight of the year Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson dives into an energizing conversation with Amy Barnett, the Vice President of Digital Experience and Loyalty at Cracker Barrel, as part of the Leaders in Customer Loyalty Series. From spearheading a loyalty program that now drives 30% of Cracker Barrel’s sales t…

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Loyalty Beyond the Cart: How United Supermarkets Gamifies Wellness and Engagement 30:58

4M ago30:58

30:58

Send us a text Customer loyalty in the grocery industry is no longer just about discounts and rewards points. It is about creating meaningful connections and offering tangible value in ways that truly resonate. United Supermarkets has embraced this shift by blending gamification, digital engagement, and health-focused initiatives to drive deeper cu…

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Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices: Don Smith, Chief Consulting Officer at Capillary 36:16

4M ago36:16

36:16

Send us a text Loyalty programs have evolved far beyond simple points and rewards. In an era where consumers expect hyper-personalized experiences and seamless omnichannel interactions, brands must rethink how they engage and retain customers. From leveraging AI to recalibrating business models, staying ahead requires both innovation and strategic …

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How HTeaO is Brewing Emotional Loyalty Through an Elevated Iced Tea Experience 29:50

5M ago29:50

29:50

Send us a text In a beverage industry dominated by coffee culture, iced tea is making a bold statement, thanks to HTeaO. The rapidly growing franchise has transformed a traditionally home-brewed beverage into a sought-after, in-store experience that fosters both emotional and transactional loyalty. We recently sat down with Heath Nielsen, President…

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Pizza, Play, and a Fun Pass: How Chuck E. Cheese is Winning Hearts and Wallets 24:52

5M ago24:52

24:52

Send us a text Chuck E. Cheese has been a household name in family entertainment for nearly five decades. With 560 locations across 17 countries, the brand has entertained families with children ages 2 to 12 through its unique blend of games, pizza, and birthday celebrations. However, as consumer preferences and economic challenges have shifted, Ch…

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Protecting Yourself from Post-Disaster Scams 33:30

5M ago33:30

33:30

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP, about the increasing risk of scams following disasters. They discuss why fraud spikes after major events, how scammers exploit disaster victims, and what you can do to stay safe. Kathy shares insig…

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Loyalty Live: Key Customer Loyalty Trends with Phaedon’s Katie Berndt 20:52

5M ago20:52

20:52

Send us a text Loyalty is no longer just about points and perks. It is about creating authentic connections and experiences that resonate. In this edition of Loyalty Live, we spoke with Katie Berndt, Vice President of Strategy, Research, and Insights at Phaedon, to uncover the biggest trends in customer loyalty and how brands can rise to meet them.…

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Loyalty Live: Bounteous’ Ellen Green on Partnerships, Gamification, and Emotional Loyalty in 2025 17:23

5M ago17:23

17:23

Send us a text Brands are constantly exploring innovative ways to engage their audiences and stand out in a crowded marketplace. From leveraging partnerships to gamifying experiences, the loyalty strategies shaping 2025 are redefining how brands connect with their customers on a deeper, more meaningful level. In this edition of Loyalty Live, Loyalt…

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Daring to Be Different: How True Religion Builds Authentic Customer Loyalty 32:06

6M ago32:06

32:06

Send us a text When a brand like True Religion—famous for its bold urban casualwear and iconic denim—reimagines its customer loyalty program, it’s more than a refresh. It’s a statement. Under the leadership of Kristen D’Arcy, the brand’s first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, True Religion’s loyalty program has undergone a transformation that has alre…

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Loyalty Live: CataBoom’s Aaron Lobliner on Gamification, Personalization, and Driving Loyalty in 2025 23:12

6M ago23:12

23:12

Send us a text Brands today face a growing challenge: how to keep loyalty programs engaging and relevant in a market filled with similar offerings. As customers demand more tailored experiences and meaningful interactions, the loyalty landscape is shifting toward smarter integrations, innovative technology, and creative strategies. In this edition …

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From Collectors to Community: How Upper Deck Is Driving Fan Engagement 16:04

6M ago16:04

16:04

Send us a text Loyalty360 recently spoke with Paul Nguyen, Senior Marketing Manager at Upper Deck, a leading brand in the trading card and memorabilia industry. Paul shared valuable insights into Upper Deck’s approach to customer loyalty, particularly through their innovative My MVP 2024 promotion. This program highlights the importance of fan enga…