The Cambridge Marketing Podcast

2026 sees Cambridge Marketing College launch its new AI-focused apprenticeships. Listen to Kiran Kapur, Charlotte Lestienne and Neil Wilkins discuss the new programmes, and find out how you can get involved as both an apprentice and employer.

2026 sees Cambridge Marketing College launch its new AI-focused apprenticeships. Listen to Kiran Kapur, Charlotte Lestienne and Neil Wilkins discuss the new programmes, and find out how you can get involved as both an apprentice and employer.

As 2025 draws to a close, our Opinionated Marketers reflect on the year that was.

Among this week's topics - Kiran and Charles discuss the new 'Great British Railways' branding, and why no Marketing Agency will have a single positive word to say about it!

Marketing is fast, demanding and often overwhelming. In this episode, we talk honestly about why the job feels so stressful, how burnout shows up, and why resilience varies so much from person to person. Psychotherapist and marketing consultant Kim Tasso explains warning signs, team pressures, remote-work challenges, and simple ways to lower stress before it hits a breaking point.

In this episode, we explore the world of police communications with Janeen Harding, Digital Communications and Engagement Advisor for Lincolnshire Police.

We discuss crisis communications, media training, stakeholder engagement, and the challenge of reaching diverse rural communities. Janine also reveals how powerful campaigns like Think of Denii are created—and why the force launched a successful TikTok strategy to engage younger audiences.

It's a Perfect listen for those interested in public sector communications, digital strategy, and community engagement.

This week, Kiran and Charles discuss the 2025 UK Budget and what it really means for people and businesses. They dig into tax changes, rising costs, climate policy twists and why the headlines don’t tell the full story.

Charles and Kiran discuss whether the rapid rise in AI valuations is heading for a bubble burst, sparked by big investor moves and unrealistic expectations. They stress that AI is here to stay but due a reality check.

The conversation then turns to online pricing tactics; hidden fees, fake discounts and murky sales practices - and why marketers should stick to transparency if they want to keep their reputation intact.

Social media consultant Daisey Cooke joins Kiran Kapur for a lively conversation about showing up online without losing your mind.

They explore where your audience actually is, why consistency beats chasing trends, and how simple strategy brings calm to the chaos. Practical, honest and full of human insight, it’s a gentle guide to making social media work your way.

From China’s Singles Day to the rising price of gold - Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon explore how global consumer habits, cultural events, and economic shifts shape marketing opportunities.

This week, they discuss adapting to new social and retail phenomena, the importance of wide-ranging news sources, and why smart marketers always look beyond the headlines.

Kiran Kapur talks to copywriter Jamie Thomson about why the best writing begins long before fingers touch the keyboard.

He explains his five-step “Brand New Copy” method, showing how understanding goals, psychology, and positioning makes copy clear, human and effective. A practical chat about thinking, not just typing — and why AI can’t replace that.

Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon talk about the new John Lewis Christmas ad, the comfort of old-fashioned catalogues, and the joy of getting something in the post. They share memories of real shopping and chat about a brand that skips Black Friday discounts to give money to charity instead — proving kindness can stand out more than sales.

AI is reshaping everything—from business to our sense of what’s real. In this thought-provoking conversation, Kiran asks Neil Wilkins whether our unease around artificial intelligence is justified or simply misunderstood.

Together they explore AI-first businesses, human–machine “relationships,” and what happens when technology starts to feel a little too human.

Charles and Kiran explore the reality of robots in care homes, from Japan’s seal-like companions to machines that just get in the way. They debate why humans keep giving robots faces, what makes automation useful, and whether we’re designing for need or novelty.

Vahagn Sarksyan, VP of Marketing at KRISP, shares how the company turned a simple noise-cancelling tool into a whole new voice AI category.

From educating users who didn’t know they had a problem to shifting from B2C to B2B, he talks about testing ideas fast, building trust, and turning product value into the story. 

This episode is a sharp and honest look at marketing in action.

In this episode of Opinionated Marketers, Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon discuss Schumpeter’s long wave theory and the cycles of creative destruction—from steam power to AI. They look at how innovation changes economies, jobs, and industries, why adaptability matters, and whether solar energy could drive the next global revolution.

Read more: “4.6 Billion Years On, the Sun Is Having a Moment” – The New Yorker

This week on The Cambridge Marketing Podcast, Anthony Smith from Red Stag Media explains how to market to farmers and agribusinesses. He shares insights into agricultural and horticultural marketing, the power of digital tools in farming, and why using the right language is vital for connecting with rural audiences.

In this episode, we explore a Three-Step Formula for successful PowerPoint presentations.

Our guest is Richard Goring of BrightCarbon, who reveals why many presentations miss the mark and therefore fail in their objective.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who uses PowerPoint, Google Slides or any other tool for business communication, sales, training or marketing.

Email expert Kim Arnold joins Kiran to reveal why most of us are terrible at writing emails—and how to fix it.

From the “Dump Truck” (walls of text) and “White Bread” (bland, personality-free emails) to the “Undertaker” (buried calls-to-action), Kim explains the biggest mistakes people make and shares practical tips to write clear, persuasive, and human emails that actually get replies.

Whether you’re emailing colleagues, chasing clients, or battling Teams and Slack overload, this episode is packed with real-world advice to make your messages stand out.

What does “commercial intelligence” really mean for marketers, and why do so many of us avoid it? In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Hatcher (entrepreneur, investor, and fellow of the Cambridge Marketing College) to cut through the noise around numbers, ROI, and lifetime customer value.

We dig into the stuff marketers often push aside: how much it costs to get a customer, how much it takes to keep them, and what they’re actually worth over time. Andrew explains why being “too creative for the maths” is just an excuse, why brand awareness can be measured...

What does a strong employer brand really look like? Alexis Drake of Reed Talent Solutions explains why honesty beats buzzwords, how the right Employee Value Proposition attracts top talent, and why cutting through the corporate beige is essential for smarter talent acquisition and retention.

What really makes a community tick? Hayley Williams, founder of Keystone Marketing, shares how to spark community engagement, move beyond personas, and build trust through authentic conversations.

Charles Nixon and Kiran Kapur dive into Cracker Barrel’s failed logo rebrand, how a presidential tweet turned backlash into retreat, and what it reveals about branding, social media firestorms, and influencer power.

Plus: the rise of AI influencers and how electric cars could reinvent roadside dining.

In this episode, Kiran sits down with Neil Wilkins, founder and host of the AI Marketing Summit, to explore how AI is reshaping marketing strategy, creativity, and business growth.

From practical tools like process mapping and AI video creation to big-picture questions on ethics, AGI, and the future of work, the summit brings together 24 global thought leaders for a full day of keynotes, panels, and live discussions.

You’ll discover how to bridge the gap between everyday AI tools (like ChatGPT) for research or conten, and the bigger strategic moves that can reshape your business. We...

Can AI feel? Our Opinionated Marketers debate the absurd, the worrying, and the hilarious sides of emotional machines.

Charles Nixon and Kiran Kapur tackle inflation, pricing, and AI in marketing - why innovation and clear storytelling matter now more than ever.

This week our Opinionated Marketers bid a misty-eyed farewell to what was once America's biggest internet service.  

This week, Kiran and Charles dive into how AI is shaking up marketing - from streamlining everyday tasks to churning out word salad. They explore job hunting with AI, shifting workplace culture, and why clear, simple messaging matters more than ever.

In this episode, Kiran and Charles chat about how businesses need to stop ignoring Asia and start marketing to it—not just outsourcing. They explore IKEA’s smart moves in India, lab-grown diamonds gaining ground, and how solar panel recycling could reshape sustainability.

Marketing for architects is WAY more interesting than you'd think!

For this episode, Susie Lober joins us to share why strategy beats shouting, how word-of-mouth actually works, and why architects aren’t just selling buildings.

Susie has a very impressive CV, having worked at Norman Foster’s iconic Foster + Partners and who now runs her own consultancy, LO Marketing.

In this episode, brand strategists Rachel Fairley and Sarah Robb join us to discuss their book Re-Brand Right: How to Refresh Your Brand and Marketing to Grow Your Business.

We explore what rebranding really means, why it’s not just about new logos, and how smart brand strategy can boost revenue, cohesion—and even price.  The discussion is FULL of sharp insight and fresh thinking!

This week Matt Wake of Hideout Theatre joins Kiran to discuss how his theatre company is storming the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer with their show The Players of Diadon.

But, with no tangible product, how do you go about marketing?  Listen to hear Matt talk about guerrilla tactics, branding and good old-fashioned hustle!

This week, our Opinionated Marketers discuss the unnecessary use of AI in everyday life.

In this episode of the Cambridge Marketing Podcast, Kiran Kapur talks with marketer Sam Bridge about using the SOSTAC framework for effective marketing planning.

They discuss how to make it work in real-world scenarios (dealing with vague briefs, moving targets, and tight deadlines) while keeping marketing strategies clear and focused.

This week Charles Nixon and Kiran Kapur discuss the findings from a Marketing Meetup survey, highlighting marketers’ views on workload stress, team dynamics, and AI adoption. 

This week, we chat with Wendy Thompson, Chair of ERIC, the children's bowel and bladder charity.

We explore the power of clear, stigma-free communication, what it’s really like being a trustee or chair, and how clever marketing and humour help support thousands of families dealing with tough health issues.

This week, our Opinionated Marketers discuss why brands should embrace pricing transparency.  We also touch on changing consumer habits in the night time economy.

In this episode, we dive into the tricky world of marketing measurement with Richard Levy.

Why are marketers so nervous about being measured? How can we show real impact beyond fluffy metrics?

From brand tracking to boardroom language, we explore what really works when proving marketing’s value without losing the creative spark.

This week our Opinionated Marketrers look at the new UK-EU trade deal and what it actually means beyond the headlines.

Plus, we chat about AI avatars in finance and how tech is reshaping work. 

In this episode, brand expert Anushree Deshpande discusses brand management for small businesses, emphasising consistency, authenticity, and values.

She shares solopreneur insights, the power of tone of voice, and building trust through clear, strategic brand expression across all touch points.

It's a must-listen for anyone involved in the day-to-day running of a business and, of course, working in marketing.

This week, our Opinionated Marketers reflect on how businesses play a role in customer wellbeing in today's chaotic world.  We also discuss M&S's measured response to their recent cyberattack.

In this episode of the Cambridge Marketing Podcast, Richard Kendrick breaks down what it means to be a digital product manager—and why it’s such a fast-paced, exciting role.

Unlike traditional product management, where you're dealing with physical goods, digital products (like apps or platforms) are constantly evolving and can be updated instantly based on user feedback.

The conversation touches on key ideas like launching with a “minimum viable product” (MVP), staying close to your users, and using data to improve continuously. Richard also emphasises the importance of communication and stakeholder management, especially when working...

In this episode, Jason Donapel, co-founder of The Email Experience, dives into how brands can level up their retention marketing using smarter segmentation and hyper-personalisation.

He explains why relying on generic pop-ups, discounts, and surface-level personalisation just doesn’t cut it anymore. Instead, he advocates for tailoring messages based on real customer behaviour—like what they’re browsing or why they signed up in the first place—and choosing the right channels (email, SMS, even postcards) to reach them at the right time.

Jason’s all about using welcome flows and opt-ins to l...

In this weeks news, there are three prime examples of why resilience is so important.  Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon discuss.

This podcast episode explores the concept of social value in the context of corporate responsibility and sustainability, with insights from Victoria Hartley, a sustainability professional.

Victoria outlines how social value has evolved from early philanthropic efforts by industrialists (such as providing housing and education for workers) into a more strategic and measurable part of modern business practice.

Today, social value encompasses a business’s broader responsibility across its entire value chain, including supplier communities and environmental impact. It’s no longer seen as a “fluffy” add-on, but as a vital component of a company’s strategy.<...

In this episode of Opinionated Marketers, Charles Nixon and Kiran Kapur dive into the world of tariffs and their far-reaching effects.

Discover how tariffs, although not an immediate economic remedy, shape the landscape of international trade, influence consumer behaviour, and impact macro-economic policies.

As we venture into potential recession, the conversation highlights the importance of reassessing business models, optimising processes, and embracing innovations such as AI to counteract economic challenges.

On this programme, we discuss the value of strong agency relationships.  Our guest is Andy Bargery, Client Director at oystercatchers - a company specialising in creative excellence in marketing communications.

Charles Nixon says it's time to "Up your ante" and do 25% more marketing.  Find out why in this week's episode of Opinionated Marketers.

This week we explore the importance and benefits of content localisation.  Our guest is Shaheen Samavati from VeraContent, a marketing agency who specialise in Multimedia Localisation services.

This week we look at marketing in the world of legal with returning guest, Rob Watson. 

This week - among other topics - our Opinionated Marketers discuss the demise of April Fools.

In our last episode, we took a tour of the Museum of Brands in London.  This week the Museum's Director, Paul Botje, speaks to us about the collection, the challenges and the future of the museum.

Welcome to the Cambridge Marketing Podcast, where this week, we take you on a fascinating journey through time at the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill, London. Joined by Christian Pratt, founder of The Clarity Company, we explore the rich history of branding, from Victorian railway memorabilia to iconic 20th-century products and beyond.

As we walk through the Time Tunnel, we discover how brand communications have evolved, examining intriguing exhibits that highlight the transformation of consumer brands and packaging over the decades. From early long-form advertisements to the rise of collectibles and modern branding trends, this episode...

This week our Opinionated Marketers discuss the new/old marketing strategy of GAIL'S bakery in the UK.

Welcome to the Cambridge Marketing Podcast, where we delve into the intricacies of international marketing with Nandan Sengupta, a Senior Lecturer and Director of Studies at Anglia Ruskin University. In this episode, we explore how marketing frameworks, both classical and contemporary, remain relevant and essential in today's global landscape.

Nandan emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural elements in decision-making, highlighting that different markets require tailored strategies. Whether discussing the nuances of selling consumer electronics in India or understanding the unique challenges posed by diverse global regulations, this episode is packed with insights.

We also examine...

In a shock discovery, this week we reveal which of our Opinionated Marketers is a bona fide influencer!

We've all heard about Experiential Marketing, but this week we discover how you market an experience. Our guest is Christopher Bone, Communications Director for the hugely successful Hay Festival in the UK. 

This week our Opinionated Marketers discuss Britain's booming Net Zero economy, and a change of perspective towards AI.

Welcome to this episode of the Cambridge Marketing Podcast where we delve into the niche world of golf marketing with James Savage, PR and Communications Manager at Acushnet UK.

Discover the strategies behind marketing leading golf brands Titleist and Footjoy, the competitive landscape of the golf ball market, and the importance of maintaining brand consistency from professional tours to dedicated golfers. 

This week we explore the future of AI with Patrick Husting, the developer of a new third-party add-in called Ghostwriter.ai.

This week we look at effective crisis communications strategies with Terry Nicklin.

This week our Opinionated Marketers discuss Trump's Tariffs and the segmentation of grapes!

This week our Opinionated Marketers discuss DeepSeek - the new Chinese AI chatbot which has wiped off nearly $1-trillion from global stock markets.

Ever wanted to work in the computer gaming industry but not sure how to make it happen?

Want to know why marketing in a computer game is irresistible to advertisers? 

John-Paul Burke, head of Overwolf UK, is Kiran's guest this week.

"Convincing the world to eat green slime" - just one of the topics on this week's Opinionated Marketers.  

In our first episode of 2025, our Opinionated Marketers discover high-end anti-perspirant.  

As we start 2025, this episode is dedicated to Career Development. 

Our guest is Anne Bailey - CEO and Co-Founder of Form the Future, who in 2025 celebrate 10 years of helping young people learn about and form their future careers. 

How was 2024 for marketers? Did our Opinionated Marketers correctly predict how the year would play out?  Listen to our final episode of the year to find out!

This week our Opinionated Marketers discuss Peter Fisk's A-Z Trend Kaleidoscope. 

This week we explore how search engines will work in the future, and what marketers need to know now.  Paris Childress of Hop Online ltd is our expert guest for this episode.

This week we discuss how you differentiate your product from your competitors. Our guest is Barry LaBov, author of 'The Power of Differentiation'. We explain what differentiation is, and how to discover what separates you from your competition.

Among this week's marketing stories - the rebrand of jaGuar catches the eye of Kiran Kapur and Charles NIxon.

This week we explore the varying and exciting role of being a Generalist Marketer.  My guest is Joanna Hudson - Communications and Engagement Manager at the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge.

This week our Opinionated Marketers look at the minimum wage, turtle botherers and the role of automation in the future world of employment.

This week we take a look at Membership Marketing with Mark Scott, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Well - it's fair to say we got last week's prediction wrong! This week our Opinionated Marketers discuss Trump's win and the positives that the result brings.

This week we explore the world of Subscription Marketing - what it is, its superpower, and how it can work for you.  Anne Janzer guests, hosted by Kiran Kapur.

Among this week's topics, our Opinionated Marketers consider why we're not seeing as much seasonal marketing in 2024.

This week, something a little different! We're on location at the beautiful Watercress Heritage Steam Railway in Hampshire.

Built as the Mid-Hants railway in the victorian era, today it comprises 16km of line from Alton to Arlesford.  But how do you market a deeply traditional product in the 21st Century.  We went to find out!

Has Volkswagen been guilty of doing a King Canute? Our Opinionated Marketers explain the story and discuss why VW are closing three factories in Germany.

Marketing a house is simple enough, but what if it's not yet built? How do you sell something that doesn't exist?!

This week we look at the magic behind show-homes with our guest, Samuel Jones of Edward Thomas Interiors.

This week our Opinionated Marketers look at Distribution in the marketing mix, and new solutions to friction in the supply chain.

Once again, Neuromarketing Consultant Katie Hart joins us to explain how the brain should be a key consideration in your marketing.  Hosted by Kiran Kapur.

Our Opinionated Marketers chew over interesting stories from this week's news, including why we all need to rifle through our 'Drawer of Doom'.  Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon host.

This week we discuss brand names with Alexandra Watkins; founder of naming firm Eat My Words.  She explains what makes a great name, things to avoid and why you MUST familiarise yourself with Urban Dictionary!

This week, we have some REALLY helpful advice on preparing and executing the perfect job interview.  My guest is Tim Holden, founded and owner of Red Horse Recruitment in Cambridge.

This week, in response to a question from a listener, we find out where our college tutors go for their news and information.  Listen in for some great sources which definitely deserve a look!

This week we look at how to increase your online sales and conversions.  My guest is Richard Kendrick of Arboreal Marketing.

Among this week's stories our Opinionated Marketers discuss the resurgence of retro crisps and the value of nostalgia in marketing.

This week we delve into the world of Market Research to explore its value to marketers.  My guest is Clare Otridge of Grounded Research.

This week our Opinionated Marketers discuss the surge pricing phenomenon.  We touch on the ethics of it, discuss where it's already being used, and consider how it can damage a brand.  Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon host.

This week our Opinionated Marketers discuss IKEA's new business model.  Hosted by Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon.

This week our Opinionated Marketers rue the closure of Ted Baker's UK stores.

Among other topics of discussion, this week our Opinionated Marketers have finally found TWO items on your shopping list that are getting cheaper!  Charles Nixon and Kiran Kapur host.

This week our Opinionated Marketers discuss the latest wardrobe must have: ROBOTIC PANTS (!)

This week we look at visual learning, and how imagery (and comics) can help information to be both retained and retrieved.  Rossie Stone of Dekko comics joins Kiran Kapur.

This week our Opinionated Marketers discuss the CMA's decision to order Wowcher to change its sales practices. Presented by Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon.

This week my guest is Dr. Tracey Wilen - a researcher and speaker on the impact of technology on society, work and careers. 

CGI plays a key role in marketing but, as Faruk Heplevent explains, if it's done well - you don't really see it!  Faruk of TheScope.studio is our guest on this episode of the podcast.

Among many topics, this week our Opinionated Marketers discuss the communications strategy of the new UK Government.