340: The Science of Swag: Creating Brand Experiences That Stick with Crissy Manwaring

What makes a simple branded mug, sweatshirt, or handwritten note unforgettable? Nikki welcomes promotional strategy expert Crissy Manwaring for a fascinating conversation on the deeper psychology behind swag and why meaningful brand experiences matter more than ever. Together, Nikki and Crissy unpack the science of sensory triggers, emotional connection, and thoughtful gifting, revealing how leaders can turn everyday items into powerful cultural touchpoints. From onboarding moments to milestone celebrations, they explore how intentional brand artifacts can strengthen human connection, reinforce belonging, and elevate the employee and client journey. If you lead people, build culture, or care about making your brand truly felt not just seen, this conversation will shift how you think about impact. Get ready to rethink swag as a strategic tool for meaningful work and meaningful lives. 💡 Additional Resources: Learn how to build your strategy to swag! Connect with Crissy on LinkedIn Learn more about Robertson Marketing Listen to Crissy's series on Working Forward, wherever you get your podcasts! Watch Gut + Science (and more) on YouTube! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Nikki's Key Takeaways: Tangible brand experiences deepen emotional connection and memory. Thoughtful swag supports culture, belonging, and retention. Sensory triggers influence perception, loyalty, and brand recall. Personalization transforms gifts into meaningful relationship anchors. Strategic merchandise enhances every stage of employee journey.

You can listen to 340: The Science of Swag: Creating Brand Experiences That Stick with Crissy Manwaring online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

340: The Science of Swag: Creating Brand Experiences That Stick with Crissy Manwaring is an episode from Gut + Science by Nikki Lewallen Gregory.

This episode is 36:22 long.

This episode was published on Apr 2, 2026.

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