
CaMpfire Journal
Our journal is where media, values, and fresh perspectives collide. From industry insights to stories that move us, this is where we spark conversation and share what shapes our work, and the world around us.
There Is No Easy Button: An Honest Conversation About Marketing Attribution with Madan Bharadwaj
Attribution isn't a one-click answer. In this Fireside conversation, Campfire's Chris Marine and M Squared's Madan Bharadwaj unpack why true marketing insight comes from triangulation, not dashboards, and how brands can make smarter, more honest decisions about media ROI.
Stop Grading Your Own Homework: The Case for Independent Attribution in Media
Too many brands trust platform dashboards as gospel. In this piece, we explore why attribution deserves the same rigor as any smart investment and why we believe real media strategy means using multiple sources of truth to guide what’s working, what’s not, and what to do next.
Why the Senate’s Vote on NPR Funding and Global Aid Matters
The Senate is debating a bill that could gut funding for NPR, PBS, and global aid programs. For businesses, media buyers, and impact-driven brands, this moment isn’t just political, it’s personal. Here's why it matters, and what you can do to protect the signals that connect and inform us all.
Why Journalism Still matters, a fireside chat with Brian Yocono
What does it really mean to serve a community through journalism? In this Fireside episode, NewsCenter Maine anchor Brian Yocono joins Campfire founder Chris Marine to explore the evolving media landscape, the emotional weight of storytelling, and why trust in local news is more vital than ever. A must-read (and listen) for anyone who cares about truth, media, and the power of connection.
The FTC Just Redefined What It Means to Be a Media Agency
Why the Omnicom-IPG merger ruling should have every brand, strategist, and publisher paying attention. This isn’t just a regulatory update, it’s a major shift in how media power is policed, raising urgent questions about transparency, bias, and what it really means to build values-aligned media strategies.
Celebrating Five Years of our podcast and a New Declaration of Interdependence
Five years into the Responsibly Different™ podcast, the Campfire team reflects on the evolving role of media in shaping community, democracy, and business. This milestone episode marks a new chapter and a renewed commitment to building a healthier media ecosystem.
Juneteenth and the Power and Responsibility of Media
Juneteenth marks the day freedom was finally announced to over 250,000 enslaved people in Texas—years after it was legally granted. This post explores the powerful role media played in that delay, how communication continues to shape justice today, and why recent moves by the FCC deserve our attention.
Why Foundational Research Should Guide Your Media Strategy (And How AI Is Making It Easier)
Foundational research doesn’t have to be slow or expensive. In this episode of Fireside, we sit down with Anastassia Laskey of Ground Control Research to explore how AI is transforming audience insights making it faster, more accessible, and more human. If you’re launching paid media without a clear sense of your audience, this one’s for you.
Honoring Queer History: How Local Media Helped Maine’s LGBTQ+ Community Find Connection, Safety, and Pride
Discover how queer newspapers helped shape Maine’s LGBTQ+ history—from grassroots organizing to resistance and celebration. In this Pride Month conversation, Benn and Megan Mac Gregor reflect on the power of local media, the importance of preserving our stories, and how we can honor that legacy today.
Fireside with Jared McCarthy: Reimagining Media in a World That Craves Connection
What if brands showed up in moments of real connection—not just in your scroll? In this Fireside episode of Responsibly Different™, we talk with Jared McCarthy, co-founder of Venue Ad Network (VAN), about reimagining media inside independent music venues. From supporting local culture to reshaping ad strategy, this conversation explores how VAN is helping brands connect with audiences—without disrupting the vibe.