The Cambridge Marketing Podcast

Data doesn’t kill creativity; it sharpens it. Brook Shepard of Mason Interactive explains why starting with clear goals and basic data matters. Test what you put out, learn what works, and build from it. Used properly, data helps you make better creative and prove what’s actually working—so you can keep improving, not guessing.

In this episode of the Cambridge Marketing Podcast, ticketing expert Richard Howle, founder of RH Insights, explores the realities of dynamic pricing in live entertainment. Drawing on decades of experience with major productions and events, he explains how pricing balances demand, psychology, fan loyalty and commercial risk, revealing how ticketing strategy underpins marketing and the long-term su...

With War in the Gulf, this week our Opinionated Marketers discuss what marketers should be doing now and for the future.  Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon discuss.

This week we look at how Games Workshop built Warhammer into a hugely profitable global business by putting customers first. Kiran Kapur speaks with Richard Kendrick about community, lore, retail experience and lifelong fans – and why focusing on the hobby and the people who love it is beating quick wins, cost-cutting and AI hype.

This week our Opinionated Marketers highlight a textbook case of crisis management from the UAE.  Hosted by Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon.

In this episode, Dr Kate Atkin explains why high achievers often feel like frauds despite their track record. She ditches the "syndrome" label for "phenomenon" and uses a clever cheese analogy to help you measure your self-doubt. Learn how to update your self-image and stop the cycle of overworking.

As the sun begins to shine here in the UK, Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon digest some of the most positive stories from the world of marketing and beyond.

Paul Smith, Marketing Director at Hendy Group, shares what automotive can teach marketers about trust, complexity and modern buying behaviour. When customers arrive 90% decided, marketing’s job shifts from persuasion to reassurance. We talk brand architecture, managing multiple audiences, ethical finance, reputation tracking beyond NPS, and why customer experience is a system... not a moment.

This week Kiran and Charles talk about the Super Bowl ads and why they matter so much. They look at OpenAI bringing in advertising, a rival ad from Claude that questions bias, and Ring’s dog-finding campaign that many people found unsettling.

This episode looks at what happens when brands forget who they’re for. We start with Prestat, the old Piccadilly chocolatier that lost its way after being bought by venture capital, cutting range, pushing expensive boxes and drifting from the customers who loved it. From there we discuss Bass securing the first UK trademark, NatWest chasing “mass affluence”, and why understanding your market still...

This week we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. Kiran Kapur is joined by Sophie Bolton to talk honestly about what apprenticeships are really like. Sophie shares her own route into marketing, how learning on the job built her confidence, and why apprenticeships can be a smart alternative to university for people at any stage of their career. This episode is an essential listen for anyone eith...

Kiran Kapur talks with Chris Woodward from Oliver Agency about how marketing agencies are using AI in everyday work. They cover automation, Oliver’s in-house model, real cost savings, and training teams to use new tools. Chris also explains why many smaller businesses may get better results investing in AI software and skills instead of hiring another person.

This week our Opinionated Marketers look at how weight loss jabs are reshaping consumer behaviour.  From smaller food portions and falling alcohol sales to booming fashion and fitness spending - everything's changing, and changing quickly. Kiran and Charles also discuss pharma’s push towards pill versions, pressure on pubs and hospitality, the rise of alcohol-free drinks, and what these fast-movin...

This episode explores the adverts that really work!  We're joined by Lynne Deason of Kantar and look at everything from John Lewis Christmas classics and Coca-Cola’s personalised bottles to Amazon’s festive storytelling and Ariel’s “Share the Load” campaign. Lynne reveals what these campaigns get right, how emotion and music shape impact, and why positive representation helps brands connect with a...

In this episode, Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon dig into the GOOD news stories getting buried by bad headlines. They talk about the retail successes at Next and Marks & Spencer, the truth behind 'Blue Monday', Universal Studios coming to the UK, and why adults are buying more toys!

This episode is about slowing down and doing marketing properly. Abe Kasbo of Verasoni argues that brands have become addicted to shortcuts, dashboards and shiny new tools. We talk about why product, brand and customer experience matter more than platforms, why not everything should be “digital-first”, and how businesses can build real growth without gambling on trends or tech hype.

Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon start with Peter Fisk’s Trend Kaleidoscope and use it as a way into what 2026 might really look like. They talk through AI, politics, economics, climate, and shifting behaviour, cutting through trend noise to focus on what feels solid, what feels overplayed, and what might genuinely affect how people live and work.

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...

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 the...

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.