Rock n' Roll Research Podcast

Hosted by Matt Valle

Business

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Episodes

164

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Market researchers have the coolest backstories. Hear them here!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 4, 2026Episode 16534 min

Episode #165: Jeff Howanek - Sr Director at The Langston Co, ex-Kantar, Wedding Band Bass Player

During the week, Jeff Howanek is a Sr. Director at the Langston Company, a top consumer insights firm in Denver focused on modular approaches and thoughtful use of AI. But when the weekend comes, you can find Jeff helping others make lifetime memories by laying down tasty bass lines for a wedding band. Jeff traces his career path from social media startup to the Futures Company (Kantar) to Langston. He also shares his journey through playing music, his media diet and the albums he’d choose if stranded on a desert island.

August 28, 2026Episode 16428 min

Episode #164: Pam Everett - Innovation/Insights/Prod Mgmt, Rejoining Electrolux, Jason Isbell Fan

“I will never again build a strategy that is not built on consumer insights.” That is a lesson Pam Everett learned the hard way earlier in her career as a product manager at Husqvarna. She has gone on to apply that lesson in product, innovation and insights roles at S&D/Westrock Coffee, Grupo Bimbo and Electrolux. Pam shares stories and her perspective on consumer-led innovation and the uncertainty that lay ahead. But also her deep passion for the music from the famed city of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, which also happens to be where she grew up.

August 21, 2026Episode 16329 min

Episode #163: Kahren Kersten - Sr. Consultant at Cambiar, Design Thinker, Artist

Kahren Kersten is a highly trusted strategic advisor and consultant through both Cambiar and her own firm, Experience Insights. She is an Insight250 member and passionate industry advocate through her involvement in the Market Research Council and the Insights Career Network among others. Kahren traces her unique trajectory - with creativity as a throughline - from art to insight to design and strategic advisory. She also shares why she’s optimistic about the future of insights and the jams she’d want to keep her company if stranded on a desert island.

August 14, 2026Episode 16242 min

Episode #162: Leigh Caldwell - Behavioral Economist at Irrational Agency, BBC Quiz Show Winner

A behavioral economist, a BBC quiz show winner and a 14-yr old college student walk into a bar . . . and they realize they are all Leigh Caldwell, founder of Irrational Agency. Leigh traces his intellectual, social and career path including his book, “The Psychology of Price,” and his experience on the BBC show, Only Connect. More importantly, he shares his ideas around “System 3” thinking, the power of narrative research and what it all means for marketers and researchers.

August 7, 2026Episode 16124 min

Episode #161: Brian Peterson - Marketing Director at EMI, Intellicast Podcast Host, Canuck

Brian Peterson is currently Digital Marketing Director at the top tier sample company, EMI Research Solutions, where he has been for the past 9 years. He’s also the long-time host of the Intellicast podcast. We talk synthetic data, digital twins and training data. But we also discuss our respective experiences with the Yellow Pages, the Dallas Stars and what it’s like to be a Canadian raising a family in the US, eh?

July 31, 2026Episode 16028 min

Episode #160: Alisa Hamilton - Founder at Harvest Insights, Gardener, Leader in AI Transparency

Alisa Hamilton is the founder of Harvest Insights in Atlanta. She made waves recently by announcing that every proposal she delivers will now come with two prices: with and without AI. That’s the kind of transparency that is sorely lacking at the moment! Alisa and I discuss her career trajectory, her passion for gardening, AI research applications and her dad’s band who charted a song in Buffalo, NY back in 1970!

July 24, 2026Episode 15924 min

Episode #159: Andrew Embry - Sr Director Insights Innovation Capabilities at Eli Lilly, Slam Poet

“It’s my job to figure out what does the future of research look like and how do I help us get there as Eli Lilly.” How does one get a really cool role like that? Andrew Embry shares his unique journey at Eli Lilly and his thoughts on where insights is headed. But also his passion for the spoken word which has included slam poetry open mics, national competitions and corporate performances. And in a first for this podcast, Andrew shares his art on-the-spot by performing his spoken word piece, “The Making of a Market Researcher.” Prepare to be inspired!

July 20, 2026Episode 15822 min

Episode #158: Arry Tanusondjaja - Sr Mktg Scientist at Ehrenberg-Bass, Passionate Baker

Arry Tanusondjaja is currently Sr. Marketing Scientist at the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute where he’s been for the past 16 years. As accomplished as he is in the field of marketing science, it is neither his first career nor the sole area of expertise for which he is currently known. Arry shares his unique career journey and his take on the future of the Laws of Growth. He also explains his passion for baking and the music he’d choose if stranded on a deserted island.

July 10, 2026Episode 15733 min

Episode #157: April Bell - Founder of Made with Empathy, Author, West Texas Farm Kid

From growing up on a West Texas farm to starting her career in the energy sector, April Bell has had a fascinating path to and through the world of insights. With her company, Made with Empathy, April has helped spur innovation for a who’s-who of the world’s great consumer brands. Her approach, supported by both personal and client examples, can be found in her book, “Firestarter: Igniting Innovation with Empathy.” April shares stories from her unique journey, discusses what’s next for her and picks the music she’d want to keep her company on a deserted island.

July 7, 2026Episode 15632 min

Episode #156: Chad Nicholson - EVP at BarkleyOKRP, Fmr Budweiser Brand Manager, D1 College Athlete

Chad Nicholson is the EVP of Strategic Intelligence at the independent advertising powerhouse, BarkleyOKRP. You’re familiar with their iconic work like the Burger King “You Rule” campaign. They also work with other great brands llke AMC Theatres, Winnebago, Frontier Airlines, Planet Fitness and many others. I first met Chad while at Anheuser-Busch where he started his career as an intern and climbed the ranks as a Brand Manager on Budweiser and Director of Consumer Strategy & Insights. And just in time for the World Cup Round of 16 . . . as a former D1 college soccer player, Chad is watching closely! Chad shares his career path, his philosophy on insights and the lessons he’s applied from his college days as an athlete with the Marshall Thundering Herd.