
The GaryVee Audio Experience
The Secret to a Valuable Brand: Why You Should Stop Buying What Others Like
AI Summary
In this Art Basel‑recorded episode, Gary Vaynerchuk argues that true brand value comes from owning your narrative instead of chasing trends, using his VeeFriends IP as a case study for building cultural relevance through characters and community. He explains how strategic event activations, fashion collaborations, and digital assets like NFTs create lasting brand equity, and warns collectors to avoid buying for status, which signals insecurity. The takeaway is that brands should focus on purpose, authenticity, and cultural impact rather than mimicking what others like, positioning themselves as the originators of culture.
Episode Description
In this episode, recorded live at Art Basel, I break down the concept of value and why brand means everything - from a pair of socks to a bottle of water. I deep dive into the purpose and strategy behind VeeFriends, my IP, and how I'm building a universe of 268 characters to push attributes like kindness, accountability, and empathy to the world. You’ll hear my playbook for event activations, why I’m going all-in on fashion collaborations, and my advice for young collectors on how to avoid signaling insecurity when buying art, NFTs, and sneakers.
You’ll learn about:
Valuing Intellectual Property and Digital Assets
Core Objectives for Building a Digital Community
Strategic Event Planning: Art Basel, NBA All-Star, and Super Bowl
Leveraging Fashion for Rapid Market Entry
Defining "Culture" Beyond Brand-Specific Fandom
Show Notes
The Secret to a Valuable Brand: Why You Should Stop Buying What Others Like
The GaryVee Audio Experience – Jan 19 2026
1. The Secret to a Valuable Brand: Why You Should Stop Buying What Others Like
Jan 19 2026 – 19:57
In this episode, recorded live at Art Basel, Gary Vaynerchuk breaks down the concept of value and why brand means everything—from a pair of socks to a bottle of water. He deep‑dives into the purpose and strategy behind VeeFriends, his IP, and how he’s building a universe of 268 characters to push attributes like kindness, accountability, and empathy to the world. Listeners hear his playbook for event activations, fashion collaborations, and advice for young collectors on avoiding signaling insecurity when buying art, NFTs, and sneakers.
Key topics:
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Valuing Intellectual Property and Digital Assets
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Core Objectives for Building a Digital Community
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Strategic Event Planning: Art Basel, NBA All‑Star, and Super Bowl
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Leveraging Fashion for Rapid Market Entry
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Defining “Culture” Beyond Brand‑Specific Fandom
2. Live Shopping Is the New 2012 Social Media
Jan 16 2026 – 42:05
Gary goes live on TikTok to explain why live shopping is the biggest opportunity of 2026, how a “maybe” mindset can lead to results, and why there’s no true originality in the world. He links over‑analysis to insecurity and urges listeners to stop blaming external factors once they turn 25.
Key takeaways:
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TikTok Shop Affiliate Marketing is a “Gold Rush”
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Live Shopping in 2026 mirrors Social Media in 2012
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Adopt a “Maybe Skewing Towards Yes” mindset
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Insecurity fuels over‑analysis and perfectionism
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The creator, not the idea, is the niche – there are no original ideas or niches
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You don’t have to pick one business lane; multiple side hustles are possible
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Age 25 should mark the “Age of Accountability”
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Forgiveness and humility lead to joy
3. The Power of No: Why Saying Yes Is Stalling Your Progress
Jan 15 2026 – 01:06:33
In “Tea with GaryVee,” Gary discusses the biggest 2026 opportunity—Live Shopping—and how saying “no” can boost efficiency. He also tackles imposter syndrome, judgment, and the myth of work‑life balance.
Highlights:
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The Power of “No”
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Career advice for young entrepreneurs
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How to start selling on live‑shopping platforms
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Overcoming imposter syndrome
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Dealing with judgment or disapproval
4. The #1 Thing Stopping You from Success
Jan 14 2026 – 01:00:30
Gary sits down with Dr. Amanda on the “Midlife Muse” podcast to explore momentum through gratitude and self‑awareness. Topics include the fear of being seen, the value of 70‑plus‑year‑olds, and why losing is beneficial.
Key points:
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Definition of failure (e.g., “only eight people showing up to a funeral”)
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Regret and fear as “poison” that stifles authenticity
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The value of spending time with elders for wisdom
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The emerging “era of the 70‑year‑old” where wisdom outweighs youth
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Parental influence and inherited fear
5. Internal Meeting Recording – Best Meeting Ever (01‑13‑26)
Jan 13 2026 – 26:02
Gary shares an internal meeting where he defines success, emphasizes relationship building, and discusses avoiding burnout. He stresses curiosity‑driven learning and supporting the next generation.
Takeaways:
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Fighting for happiness is paramount
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Relationships deliver the biggest ROI
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Learning by doing is the most effective method
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Success is defined only by you
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Strategies to prevent burnout
6. How to Measure Creative Success in 2026
Jan 12 2026 – 41:31
Gary examines measuring creative performance with data, the distinction between brand and sales, and how social content fuels LLMs. He reviews platform‑specific strategies (Facebook, Snapchat Spotlight, LinkedIn).
Key insights:
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Using math to gauge creative success
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Testing organic content before paid spend
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Platform recommendations for 2026
7. 1‑Hour of Advice About Sales, Self‑Belief, and Winning in Business
Jan 09 2026 – 01:05:43
Gary recounts building Wine Library, shares sales lessons, and discusses the rise of electricians, the importance of authenticity, and prompt‑engineering with AI. He also touches on parenting, self‑belief, and total responsibility.
Core lessons:
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Self‑doubt, accountability, and embracing discomfort
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Learning AI prompt engineering
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Parenting and personal growth
8. If You’re Scared About Money and Your Job, This Is for You
Jan 08 2026 – 38:12
In “Tea with GaryVee,” Gary addresses money anxiety, burnout, and motivation. He critiques instant gratification, discusses AI learning, local business marketing, follower loss, and hiring advice.
Discussion points:
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Instant gratification’s hidden harms
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Jobs aren’t inherently bad; inaction is
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Using AI to learn AI
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Marketing local businesses
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Hiring and leadership tips
9. The New Marketing Playbook – Why Many Brands Are Losing Market Share
Jan 07 2026 – 55:58
Gary explains why TV advertising is overpriced and how brands over‑committed to TV are losing ground. He covers collectibles, underinvestment in social, live streaming, the “interest media” era, and hiring vs. firing dynamics.
Takeaways:
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TV’s diminishing ROI
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Collectibles as a marketing tool
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Social media ads vs. traditional TV
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Live streaming opportunities
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Attention as a valuable asset
10. Why Most Businesses Need a Podcast More Than Ever
Jan 06 2026 – 31:00
From a keynote in Portugal, Gary argues that creativity drives marketing and that attention now lives on a few social platforms. He discusses paid ads, the podcast boom, and the blend of math and art in marketing.
Key ideas:
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Creativity as the core of marketing
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Podcasting as a growth engine for small businesses
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Balancing data‑driven and artistic approaches
11. A Great 1‑Hour Talk About Creativity, Art, Commerce & Collecting with Your Kids
Jan 05 2026 – 57:13
In a New Year’s special, Gary chats with Jim Rugg and DJ about the future of VeeFriends comics, the “starving artist” myth, and why commercial success can protect creativity. He urges the industry to stop gatekeeping and think long‑term.
Highlights:
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Debunking the starving‑artist myth
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Protecting creativity through commercial success
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Onboarding new fans and long‑term relevance
12. Codie Sanchez – The Secret to Making Millions Without Starting From Scratch
Jan 02 2026 – 40:18
A top episode from 2025 revisited for the holiday season.
13. Forget Algorithms – Here’s How to Actually Grow in 2026
Dec 30 2025 – 44:12
14. Business Advice: Pivoting Your Career, Fear of Wasting Time, Overthinking & Life Transitions
Dec 29 2025 – 30:45
15. How to Build a Brand That Actually Wins in 2026
Dec 26 2025 – 35:59
16. Paid Ads, AI, and Organic Social Content — What Actually Works Now
Dec 23 2025 – 52:52
A fireside chat with Warrior Rising on winning on social media, platform‑specific strategies, AI’s role, and the evolution of paid advertising.
17. How to Make Strategic Content to Sell Any Product
Dec 22 2025 – 53:28
A 4Ds session covering content tactics, fear of posting, podcast advantages, and short‑form video strategies.
18. THIS Will Help You Become Better at Making Content
Dec 19 2025 – 59:06
A 4Ds office session answering business‑owner questions on value delivery, AI impact, and why everyone should start a podcast.
19. The Full Playbook for Knowing When to Quit, Finding a Job, and Nailing Interviews
Dec 18 2025 – 31:16
“Tea with GaryVee” on recognizing toxic jobs, timing a quit, job‑search tactics, and interview confidence.
20. 2026 Selling & Social Media Marketing Strategy
Dec 17 2025 – 01:15:56
A 4Ds session on pricing, content creation, and a 2026 social‑media roadmap.
21. Great Marketing Won’t Save a Bad Product (Business & Marketing Chat)
Dec 16 2025 – 42:35
Fireside chat with Fiserv on brand vs. sales, the interest‑media era, and why product quality trumps marketing.
22. If You Want to Win at Marketing in 2026, Listen to This
Dec 15 2025 – 33:45
Founder’s Mastermind Q&A covering platform cultures, career revelations, happiness, garage‑selling origins, AI, and content thriving.
23. The Real Reason Most People Don’t Produce Content (How to Avoid It)
Dec 12 2025 – 01:07:57
Keynote in Abu Dhabi on leveraging underpriced attention and practical content creation advice.
24. How to Do Social Media Marketing the Right Way (Exact Blueprint)
Dec 11 2025 – 43:20
Fireside chat with SK‑II on brand evolution, AI‑driven content, and platform‑specific tactics.
25. The Only Marketing Strategy You Need for 2026
Dec 10 2025 – 57:50
Guidance on using Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, AI, and ChatGPT for content creation and audience targeting.
26. The Future of 9‑5 & Why a 4‑Day Work Week Will Make Most People More Broke
Dec 09 2025 – 46:32
“Tea with GaryVee 97” on gratitude, the 9‑5 future, and why a shorter work week could backfire.
27. The Reason You Feel Stuck — And How to Get Out of It
Dec 08 2025 – 35:04
Discussion on creating life options, work‑life balance, credit cards, firing, content creation, and the importance of rest.
28. If You Want to Start a Business in 2026, Listen to This
Dec 05 2025 – 49:27
TikTok live Q&A on choosing businesses based on self‑awareness, passion, execution, and the biggest content opportunity.
29. Why Electricians and Skilled Manual Labor Will Become More Valuable in the AI Era
Dec 04 2025 – 40:49
“Tea with GaryVee” on AI‑generated content authenticity, resume myths, and the rising value of manual labor.
30. The Exact Marketing Strategy That Will Win in 2026
Dec 03 2025 – 54:07
Keynote in Houston covering marketing fundamentals, social‑media pillars, and consumer psychology.
31. Your Marketing, Your Business, Your Team… Fixed in One Episode
Dec 02 2025 – 54:27
End‑of‑year advice on team leadership, brand cohesion, Instagram grids, naming, side hustles, accountability, and event vs. digital marketing.
32. How to Capture Consumer Attention in an Ever‑Changing World
Dec 01 2025 – 46:18
YPO Business Roundtable in Dubai on digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and staying relevant.
33. Full Social Media Strategy for Business Growth in 2026
Nov 27 2025 – 52:32
4Ds session on the power of a single post, channel goals, and “and” vs. “or” thinking for content.
34. AI, Fear, Opportunity — and When to Go All‑In on Your Side Hustle
Nov 26 2025 – 01:02:44
“Tea with GaryVee” on AI’s job impact, fear cycles, side‑hustle timing, employee value, and scaling tactics.
35. Unfiltered Advice on Social Media and Building a Real Business
Nov 25 2025 – 46:33
TikTok live Q&A on embracing “and,” social‑media strategy, reinvestment, perfection myths, and soft‑skill advantages.
36. 5 Pieces of Advice That Will Help You Succeed
Nov 24 2025 – 34:52
A reflection on happiness as the true north‑star over money, flashy cars, and external validation.
37. If You’re Scared to Ask for the Sale, Listen to This
Nov 21 2025 – 36:12
TikTok live on family time, handling rejection, personal branding, AI influencers, and faceless content.
38. If You’re Losing Patience With Your Business, Watch This
Nov 20 2025 – 38:20
Perspective shifts on patience, gratitude, humility, and focusing on what truly matters.
39. You’re Not a Loser, You’re Just Losing: AI, Fear & Taking Your Power Back
Nov 19 2025 – 54:45
Tea with GaryVee 94 on fear, insecurity, AI, emotional intelligence, parenting, confidence, and dealing with trolls.
40. The Fastest Way vs. The Happiest Way to Make Money
Nov 18 2025 – 37:05
Interview with Erika Kullberg covering leadership, $100K milestones, social trends, hiring, investing, and joy‑focused success.
41. The Future of Attention: Live Shopping, AI & The New Rules of Business
Nov 17 2025 – 01:24:40
Conversation with The Burnouts on live‑shopping, AI, attention economy, empathy, EQ, culture, and future‑of‑work insights.
42. The Next Big Marketing Trend for 2026
Nov 14 2025 – 20:43
Explores collectibles as a core cultural strategy, “interest media,” frictionless execution, and real‑world brand examples.
43. How to Build a Real Business in the Creator Economy: Q&A with Top Creators
Nov 13 2025 – 01:02:60
Discussion on path selection, profit reinvestment, hiring, “document, don’t create,” and overcoming overthinking.
44. Losing Your Job, Finding Your Purpose, and Why Posting on LinkedIn Changes Everything
Nov 12 2025 – 44:45
Tea with GaryVee 93 on career pivots, LinkedIn as a resume, passion‑to‑profit, live shopping, and self‑grace.
45. Complete Social Media Marketing Strategy
Nov 11 2025 – 46:12
Why attention is the most valuable asset, brand vs. selling, content creation tactics, and company culture.
46. How Anyone Can Make $1M in 24 Months: Social Media & Marketing Playbook for 2026
Nov 10 2025 – 46:06
Focus on mindset, joy, AI opportunities, and overcoming envy, fear, and excuses.
47. The Biggest Opportunity in Social Media & AI Right Now
Nov 07 2025 – 57:04
Keynote at EXMA (Mexico) on three winning social‑media tactics, AI influence, and avoiding regret.
48. The Exact Blueprint for Winning on Social Media in 2026
Nov 06 2025 – 51:54
Nexstar keynote on organic content quality, brand building, and audience growth.
49. Accountability and Optimism: The Only Two Things You Need to Win (Tea with GaryVee 92)
Nov 05 2025 – 39:29
Emphasizes personal accountability, optimism, and resisting the “save‑the‑world” myth.
50. The Social Media Opportunity in 2026
Nov 04 2025 – 35:28
Aspire conference keynote on loving the game, self‑awareness, content creation, and free growth via social media.
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