CHICAGO — Steven Galanis, the co-founder CEO of Cameo, has announced the launch of Zeitgeist, a new podcast that dives deep into the stories of brands that didn’t just find customers — they found cultural relevance.

Through conversations with founders, marketers and creative minds, Zeitgeist unpacks how everyday products become emotional touchpoints, memes, movements and modern necessities. From personal care staples like wipes and reusable water bottles, to seemingly boring products like insurance, Galanis explores what it takes to create something that doesn’t just sell, but sticks.

Galanis is a Chicago-based entrepreneur and co-founder of Cameo, a marketplace connecting fans with personalized video shoutouts from celebrity actors, athletes, musicians, comedians and creators.

Over the years, his journey at Cameo introduced him to a vast network of people who’ve built iconic brands by tapping into something bigger than marketing: The culture of the customer they’re dying to reach. Zeitgeist brings those stories to life, focusing on the inflection points, bold pivots and make-or-break moments that propelled products from obscurity into the mainstream.

“Building Cameo taught me that it’s not just about building a company — it’s about creating a feeling,” Galanis said. “I wanted to talk to other people who’ve done that: Who’ve made the leap from product to phenomenon.”

The podcast attempts to keep it real — no corporate buzzwords, just stories about smart risks, scrappy ideas and lightning-in-a-bottle moments that helped brands breakthrough. Listeners can expect stories behind cult-favorite apparel companies, internet-famous wellness brands and unlikely products that are now household essentials.

The first episode of Zeitgeist is now available, with a 10-episode first season set to release this summer. Episodes will be available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.