Design, Branding, and the AI Debate w/ Michael Russo & the Creative Team

In this special creative team takeover episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Michael Russo steps in with brandRUSSO’s designers and developers for a candid conversation about the role of design in branding—and why it matters more than ever.

They delve into the invisible impact of design, why people often only notice when it’s bad, and how brand touchpoints (from logos to typography to campaign visuals) shape the customer experience. The team also weighs in on the controversial Cracker Barrel rebrand, explores how AI is changing the design landscape, and emphasizes why shortcuts or templates can’t replace authenticity and craftsmanship.

Listeners will walk away with insights on:

• Why good design is 99% invisible but 100% essential


• The risks brands take when they modernize without honoring their audience


• How AI can be a helpful tool—but not a replacement for human creativity


• Best practices for working with creative teams and building trust in the process


• Why consistency across design and messaging is critical for brand success

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of brand building, this episode offers a raw, creative perspective from the people who design, code, and craft it every day.