Yesterday at our Challenger Brands Summit, Jim Belushi joined Adweek CEO Jeff Litvack for a live (and lively) discussion about Belushi’s 93-acre cannabis farm in southern Oregon, as well as his hands-on approach to producing and selling the product.  “Every brand should have a story,” he said, explaining how he applied lessons from filmmaking to the branding process, plus he shared heartwarming stories about the impact of the product.

“It’s gotta be fun, brother.” Watch a segment from the funny and wholesome talk.

Also at Challenger Brands:

• On Tuesday, another celebrity graced the stage: Nicole Richie, who emphasized the importance of knowing and connecting with customers of her fashion brand, House of Harlow. She also had great tips for staying inspired: "We have to make space in our life to spend time with our creativity."
• The McBride sisters didn’t even know they had a sister until they were 16 and 25—but the discovery was a match made in business partnership heaven. Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John discussed how they launched a series of powerful wine brands that span the globe.
• This is the first year Adweek has ever introduced an International element to our virtual events. In our Asia Pacific programming, we learned how Ikea, a major brand in some parts of the world, had to think like a challenger in Japan.
• With the pandemic casting a pall over brands looking to launch, Sara Blakely shared her own inspiring story of starting Spanx during a difficult time.

Register for Challenger Brands to experience tomorrow’s insights from Chance the Rapper and Fawn Weaver, plus a Masterclass with leaders from Oatly, MeUndies and IEX.

Yet another contender enters the Chicken Sandwich Wars—but this time it’s debatable whether the offering is, well, a sandwich. Take a look and let us know: Is it a sandwich or a taco—or perhaps a hot dog or bao?

Aaand naturally Popeyes wasted no time trolling the latest brand to strut onto the battlefield. After torpedoing McDonald’s “Chckn Drop” site last week, the Southern chain made a TikTurial teaching viewers how to turn its chicken sammie into a makeshift taco. Watch and learn.

Back in December, Nadine Dietz asked the #MarketingTwitter community what they’re most excited about in the coming year, despite all of the upheaval. The answers were wide-ranging, but common themes included a willingness to discuss and address problems in the industry, reexamine power dynamics, and adopt new platforms and technologies. Discover the most compelling answers here.

After cutting Australia off from news on the platform last week in response to legislation requiring platforms to pay publishers to display content, Facebook negotiated changes to the News Media Bargaining Code and agreed to restore news access. Publisher traffic dived during the cutoff period, and satire pages roared to prominence, raising concerns about widespread information.

Briefly:

• JPMorgan Chase Hires Linda Arrington as CMO for Commercial Banking Unit
• IHOP Appoints Kieran Donahue as New Chief Marketer
• Shopify and TikTok Take Social Commerce Global
• Recent Data Shows Shopping Habits Formed During the Pandemic Might Be Permanent
• NBCUniversal Moves to Fully Impressions-Based Local Ad Buys
• Oprah Announces Leadership Team for New Magazine Brand With Membership Ambitions

Get ready for a visually dazzling head trip in this ad for money app Yolt by Uncommon Creative Studio, featuring a disassembled head and the dancing “lizard brain” within all of us.

It's not too late—join us starting at 11 am for a day full of insights, inspiration and community.  Plus—with your VIP or Partner pass you can watch content from day one and two on-demand. Get your pass now for 30% off, use code: INFOR30* at registration. *New registrations only. 

They’re replacing printed menus, enhancing OOH and making retail experiences safer.

The authentic work reminds him of his uncle.

The shop will work with the nonprofit on a pro bono basis.

Women Who Create has expanded across many creative disciplines.

Helping brands tap into a big marketing opportunity.

Media company will make the offering a key component of this year’s upfront