Living in Sin - 020
Talking pick me-behavior + male pattern baldness.
Hi y’all!
So many new subscribers this week; where did y’all come from?! If you’re new here* I publish every Tuesday at 11 AM ET. (And if I’m late don’t be a snitch.)
I know I said last week that I was happy we made it to spring, but I am willing to go on the record and say that I prefer it when the sun sets at 4 PM. It’s cozier and I feel like my brain is just more productive when it’s dark out. I’ve been informed that this is pick-me behavior. I need to know where you stand
Pride
7Deadly just wrapped up a celebration of the Adams Morgan Partnership Business Improvement District’s 20th Anniversary event and I’m swelling with pride. Any press events where you need to cross-organize with government and non-profit entities are no small feat. A tip for my fellow PR pros, if you’re often interfacing with elected officials’ offices the best thing you can do for yourself and your clients is make friends with the government officials who might be in the spotlight less often than your mayor, representative, etc.
It’s just a reality (especially in this climate) that government officials are going to flake on events they have RSVP’d to speak at. More often than not they are sending someone in their place like a chief/deputy of a relevant department. Having a pre-existing relationship and level of comfort with these folks makes these last-minute hiccups a bit easier to manage
These events are a goldmine for local engagement and brand visibility. They offer a fantastic opportunity to create meaningful connections and showcase the vibrancy of a brand or locale, and having your network already in place ensures the spotlight stays on your client. I'll be posting more about how we leveraged local talent and businesses to make this event a hit on my Instagram, so make sure to check it out for some behind-the-scenes insights!
Sloth
This week’s long read to luxuriate into comes from The Economist's 1843: Would you risk a breakdown to cure baldness? It’s an in-depth exploration of the latest treatments for balding and the terrifying side effects of some of these treatments. I noticed The Cut also wrote about this recently comparing balding treatments to the new Botox.
This got me thinking about the brand reputation of Hims. It feels like it’s in a somewhat precarious place. Initially heralded for its convenience, many are growing concerned that we might have traded away thoughtful medical counsel & care in exchange.
The growing public interest in these treatments provides a unique angle for PR campaigns focusing on the real impacts of wellness & aesthetic choices. It's a compelling narrative about how modern individuals navigate the choices of aesthetics versus health.** For those of us in PR, there's a clear opportunity to craft stories that emphasize the ethical considerations and effectiveness of treatments, potentially positioning our healthcare clients as thought leaders in this evolving market.
Greed
The "Kidult" trend has captured my attention and I can’t get enough. Hasbro’s strategy of tapping into adult nostalgia with revamped childhood favorites shows there's significant market potential here. For PR practitioners, this presents a rich vein to mine for client campaigns. Nostalgia has always been in, so consider organizing events or partnerships that cater to the 'kid at heart' demographic or crafting stories that highlight the psychological benefits of play, no matter one's age.
I was obsessed with Polly Pockets as a kid and when these videos started to pop up on my FYP I couldn’t believe the memories that surfaced. They were almost tactile; I remember exactly what it felt like to unroll this Polly Pocket Pool Set. There’s a broader narrative here about the importance of play for mental health and creativity that can resonate across media outlets.
Gluttony
I agree with Vox; there are "pick-me" foods. They argue pickles, olives, and tinned fish represent a broader shift in what our culinary choices say about where we are more broadly in culture.
Food trends aren’t just about what we eat. These trends are about lifestyle and identity and right now they emphasize thoughtful consumption overindulgence.*** From a PR perspective, this is an excellent chance to align brands with the values of mindfulness and quality. I’m putting it out there, jerky is the next "pick-me" food. It’s giving MAHA, but at the same time it has artisanal appeal.
Lust
I’m getting back into Notion. I need to know your favorite templates for PR/comms.
Envy
With St. Patrick’s Day behind us, let’s talk about being green with envy—particularly towards the innovations in the cannabis industry. The sector's growth is nothing short of impressive, with new products like THC-infused seltzers making a splash. I’ve worked with several cannabis clients over the years and I think this St. Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to kick off a big 4/20 sales push.**** For PR pros, the burgeoning cannabis market is ripe for storytelling that highlights innovation, wellness, and lifestyle integration. Partnering with emerging cannabis brands or curating content that showcases the sophisticated side of cannabis can position your clients at the forefront of this green revolution.
Wrath
As always I have no time for wrath, so instead, you get a recent camera roll gem: an actual photo of me buzzed off 2-3 THC Selzters ready to get my life together now that it’s warm outside again.
okay bye, babes!
-M
* Pick-me Counter: 1
** https://x.com/TheNBACentel/status/1901309809812496409
***Recision Core is here, bay-bee!!
****I can already see the pot-of-gold Instagram captions.