How Top Brands Handle Creator Risk, Viral Memes & PR Crises
August 16, 2025
In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Bloch, Founder of Andrew Bloch & Associates and Co-founder of Frank — one of the most culturally influential PR agencies in the UK. He’s also a trusted advisor to Lord Sugar and several The Apprentice winners.
Andrew shares powerful lessons from decades of experience helping top brands and public figures navigate creator controversies, viral meme culture, and high-stakes PR crises. We explore the blurred lines between creators and media, how fake UGC can backfire, and why brand safety needs to evolve fast in the age of AI.
🎯 Key Topics Discussed:
1. How top brands handle risky creators & controversial influencers
2. Lessons from the Adidas–Kanye West and Coldplay–Astronomer crises
3. Can brands use meme culture without risking their reputation?
4. Role of speed, empathy & preparation in modern PR
5. Why AI will change the way PR is done — and how to adapt
6. What creators need to know about brand safety vetting
7. How to protect reputation in a world of deepfakes and fake UGC
🎙️ Welcome to S3E021 of IMpulse, the Influencer Marketing Podcast — brought to you by Phyllo.
👀 See what you can build with Phyllo: https://www.getphyllo.com/?utm_source...
🔗 Secure your Brand with Phyllo: https://www.getphyllo.com/social-scre...
In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Bloch, Founder of Andrew Bloch & Associates and Co-founder of Frank — one of the most culturally influential PR agencies in the UK. He’s also a trusted advisor to Lord Sugar and several The Apprentice winners.
Andrew shares powerful lessons from decades of experience helping top brands and public figures navigate creator controversies, viral meme culture, and high-stakes PR crises. We explore the blurred lines between creators and media, how fake UGC can backfire, and why brand safety needs to evolve fast in the age of AI.
🎯 Key Topics Discussed:
1. How top brands handle risky creators & controversial influencers
2. Lessons from the Adidas–Kanye West and Coldplay–Astronomer crises
3. Can brands use meme culture without risking their reputation?
4. Role of speed, empathy & preparation in modern PR
5. Why AI will change the way PR is done — and how to adapt
6. What creators need to know about brand safety vetting
7. How to protect reputation in a world of deepfakes and fake UGC
👀 See what you can build with Phyllo: https://www.getphyllo.com/?utm_source...
🔗 Secure your Brand with Phyllo: https://www.getphyllo.com/social-scre...
In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Bloch, Founder of Andrew Bloch & Associates and Co-founder of Frank — one of the most culturally influential PR agencies in the UK. He’s also a trusted advisor to Lord Sugar and several The Apprentice winners.
Andrew shares powerful lessons from decades of experience helping top brands and public figures navigate creator controversies, viral meme culture, and high-stakes PR crises. We explore the blurred lines between creators and media, how fake UGC can backfire, and why brand safety needs to evolve fast in the age of AI.
🎯 Key Topics Discussed:
1. How top brands handle risky creators & controversial influencers
2. Lessons from the Adidas–Kanye West and Coldplay–Astronomer crises
3. Can brands use meme culture without risking their reputation?
4. Role of speed, empathy & preparation in modern PR
5. Why AI will change the way PR is done — and how to adapt
6. What creators need to know about brand safety vetting
7. How to protect reputation in a world of deepfakes and fake UGC
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Check out what you can do with Phyllo here: https://www.getphyllo.com
Want to get in touch with Phyllo?
contact@getphyllo.com
Connect with us on a deeper level here: https://beacons.ai/getphyllo
Check out what you can do with Phyllo here: https://www.getphyllo.com
Want to get in touch with Phyllo?
contact@getphyllo.com