Talking Insights

Hosted by Esomar

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157

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Researchers work every day to understand the changing landscape around them - but what deeper insights can we find through their work that can help shape our future? Join Esomar on a journey of discovery, as we bring together guests from around the globe to explore the biggest questions of today, diving deeper into the challenges that face our society, and uncover new insights about the world around us.

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June 10, 2026Episode 820 min

The Missing Human Element in AI: Why Tech Alone Won't Save Us

Most organizations are unknowingly killing the very human touch that makes AI truly valuable. Manuel Garcia-Garcia reveals why focusing solely on accuracy and speed in AI systems is a mistake—and how empathy, trust, and human oversight are essential for AI to work with us, not without us.In this episode, Manuel shares eye-opening insights from his upcoming book, Smarter Together, which explores how we think, feel, and decide alongside AI. Discover why AI’s role isn’t to replace human decision-making but to augment it—whether in healthcare, government services, or daily life. You'll learn why blindly trusting AI can be dangerous, and how intentional design of workflows and human-AI interaction boosts trust, reduces mistakes, and makes systems more effective.We break down critical topics such as the paradox of AI trust—why we trust it quickly but also lose confidence fast. Manuel discusses the risks of over-reliance, how to maintain human oversight, and the cultural differences affecting AI adoption worldwide. Plus, get practical advice on how research professionals and organizations can shift from automation for its own sake to AI-powered augmentation that makes us smarter and more human-centered.This episode is essential listening for leaders, data scientists, researchers, and anyone eager to harness AI responsibly. If you want AI to empower rather than replace, this conversation provides the strategic mindset—and concrete tactics—to make that a reality. Don’t let AI outpace your understanding—learn how to make it work for the human experience.Manuel Garcia-Garcia is a renowned expert in consumer neuroscience and AI psychology. As an author and thought leader, he’s dedicated to exploring the nuanced relationship between humans and AI—and how to design systems that respect our cognitive and emotional complexity.Get ready to rethink AI. This isn’t just an episode about technology; it’s about mastering the human side of innovation.Learn more about the upcoming book Smarter Together here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/100973458X Send us Fan Mail-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production. Hosted by Antonio AlmeidaMusic by FreeMusicForVideo from PixabayGraphics by Brandon Heim-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a• Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2DrifcgEsomar 2025

May 27, 2026Episode 714 min

The Continuous Insights Ecosystem That Keeps Brands Ahead of Consumer Shifts

Unlock how AI is revolutionizing consumer insights—shifting from slow, project-based research to an always-on, real-time understanding of people's needs and contradictions. Ester Marchetti, Chief Innovation Officer at Bolt Insights, reveals how advanced AI tools are enabling brands to connect more authentically with consumers, uncover hidden truths, and make faster, more impactful decisions in a rapidly changing world.In this episode, Ester shares compelling stories of AI-generated personas bringing real consumer struggles to life, transforming the way brands see and engage their audiences. You'll discover how AI enhances, but doesn't replace, the critical human skills of storytelling, judgment, and interpretation—showing why the future of insights is a perfect blend of technology and human expertise. We break down how insights professionals can develop storytelling muscles and critical thinking to remain indispensable in an AI-driven landscape.Ester discusses the pivotal moment when AI moved from simple automation to a powerful, interactive force that makes consumer conversations more genuine and nuanced. She highlights the broader shift towards continuous intelligence ecosystems that respond instantly to market changes, enabling companies to act on real-time data instead of waiting months for reports. If you're a market researcher, brand strategist, or innovation leader eager to stay ahead, this episode teaches how to embed AI into your insights process without losing the human touch.And as Ester prepares to host her upcoming master class at the Esomar Asia Pacific 2026 | Beyond Balance conference in Tokyo, she shares invaluable insights on how AI can underpin strategic storytelling and decision-making. Plus, catch Ester live on stage at the Esomar Asia Pacific 2026 | Beyond Balance, where she'll delve deeper into these transformative insights. This is essential listening for anyone passionate about understanding and connecting with consumers in a faster, smarter way—because in the future of insights, it’s human stories powered by AI that will lead the way.Learn more here: https://esomar.org/events/asia-pacific-2026-tokyo Send us Fan Mail-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production. Hosted by Antonio AlmeidaMusic by FreeMusicForVideo from PixabayGraphics by Brandon Heim-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a• Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2DrifcgEsomar 2025

April 29, 2026Episode 622 min

The Hidden Leadership Decisions That Make Brands Grow or Stagnate

Most brands struggle to grow consistently, not because of market conditions—it's the leadership decisions that make or break sustained success. Lucas Hulsebos, CEO of DVJ Insights and author of The Growth Decision, reveals the hidden architecture behind what separates unstoppable brands from those stuck in stagnation.In this eye-opening episode, Lucas shares insights from over 20,000 interviews with marketing professionals worldwide—uncovering the real strategic growth gap that leaders often overlook. You'll discover why growth is less about luck and more about deliberate, structural choices that shape a brand's future. From KPIs and culture to decision-making in the age of AI, Lucas breaks down the critical habits and structures high-growth companies employ—like maintaining focus on core competencies, embedding purpose in culture, and making decisive leadership calls that sustain momentum over years.We dive into concrete frameworks such as the growth paradox and the strategic growth cap, explaining why many companies falter when they neglect these principles. You'll learn how emphasizing demand-driven metrics, establishing a strong company culture, and choosing the right investment priorities can unlock explosive, sustainable growth—or bring stagnation if ignored.This episode is essential for CEOs, marketing leaders, and entrepreneurs serious about breaking free from growth stalls. The stakes are clear: without making these hard leadership choices, your brand risks falling behind in an increasingly competitive landscape. But with the right insights, you'll discover how to turn structural decisions into your greatest growth engine.If you're tired of guesswork and want to adopt proven leadership strategies that build long-term brand health, this conversation is your blueprint. Whether you're scaling a startup or revitalizing an established company, Lucas’s insights will challenge your assumptions and inspire bold, strategic action.Learn more about the Book here: https://www.dvj-insights.com/nl/book-the-growth-decisionSend us Fan Mail-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production. Hosted by Antonio AlmeidaMusic by FreeMusicForVideo from PixabayGraphics by Brandon Heim-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a• Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2DrifcgEsomar 2025

April 23, 2026Episode 519 min

The First Step Toward Trustworthy AI in Sensitive Research Environments

Most organizations are missing out on invaluable human stories because they fear AI will strip away the soul of qualitative data. But what if the real breakthrough lies in how humans and AI collaborate? James Goh, CEO of the groundbreaking platform iLiz, reveals how responsible "human-in-the-loop" AI is reshaping global research — from UNICEF to UN evaluations — by empowering, not replacing, human insight.In this eye-opening episode, James shares behind-the-scenes stories of applying AI to analyze thousands of open-ended responses across dozens of languages, uncovering hidden insights that traditional methods miss. You'll discover how AI can identify nuanced meaning and rich narratives, while humans ensure accuracy on ambiguous or sensitive topics. James breaks down proven frameworks for implementing AI responsibly, balancing automation with the critical human touch needed for trust and ethical integrity.We explore key challenges like safeguarding sensitive data, building trust with vulnerable populations, and overcoming skepticism from research teams. James reveals the “first steps” any organization can take to pilot AI—no more fears, just strategic experimentation that unveils new insights and amplifies human stories. His vision demonstrates that AI’s true power isn’t in replacing us but in expanding our capacity to understand the complex tapestry of human experience.Whether you're in academia, NGOs, market research, or managing mountains of open-ended data, this episode offers practical advice and inspiring possibilities for integrating AI thoughtfully and ethically. Don’t miss these insights into the future of qualitative research—where AI and human empathy come together to unlock stories more rich, nuanced, and impactful than ever before.Send us Fan Mail-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production. Hosted by Antonio AlmeidaMusic by FreeMusicForVideo from PixabayGraphics by Brandon Heim-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a• Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2DrifcgEsomar 2025

April 1, 2026Episode 421 min

From Qualitative to Quantitative: Validating Personas

Most teams struggle to turn rich qualitative insights into scalable, actionable business strategies — but what if you could transform deep research into a measurable, organization-wide advantage?Melissa Ramon and Nadja Baum reveal how they bridged that gap using a hybrid approach that combines qualitative depth with quantitative rigor, all without starting from scratch. Their innovative framework not only validated existing personas but also created a reusable infrastructure that continuously drives product, content, and strategy decisions with confidence.In this episode, you'll discover:How to leverage qualitative personas into scalable survey-based classifications without costly segmentation exercisesThe surprising alignment between qualitative hypotheses and quantitative results, and what that means for your teamThe creation and impact of a reusable "typing tool" that engaged stakeholders and empowered ongoing researchPractical strategies for embedding audience insights across product roadmaps, marketing strategies, and editorial decisionsWhy leadership buy-in and operational integration are key to making data-driven personas truly work for your businessIf you're curious about building a durable audience understanding that fuels smarter decisions and deeper customer empathy — this episode is your blueprint. Whether you're in research, product, marketing, or leadership, you'll walk away with actionable tips to turn qualitative insights into real business impact today.Send us Fan Mail-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production. Hosted by Antonio AlmeidaMusic by FreeMusicForVideo from PixabayGraphics by Brandon Heim-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a• Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2DrifcgEsomar 2025

February 18, 2026Episode 326 min

The Art of Building Superfans in Latin America’s Digital Music Era

In this conversation, our host, Antonio and Ariana Arciniega (Intercept Music) discuss the transformative impact of technology on the music industry in Latin America, focusing on the evolution of artist-fan relationships, the importance of data analytics, and the challenges faced by independent artists. They explore how streaming has enabled artists to connect with fans and the significance of superfans in building sustainable careers. Additionally, they address common myths about independent artists and provide valuable advice for navigating the modern music landscape.Send us Fan Mail-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production. Hosted by Antonio AlmeidaMusic by FreeMusicForVideo from PixabayGraphics by Brandon Heim-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a• Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2DrifcgEsomar 2025

February 11, 2026Episode 1816 min

The Future of Consumer Insights

The conversation explores the integration of AI in research methodologies, emphasizing its potential to enhance understanding of consumer behavior and improve productivity in report writing.Send us Fan Mail-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production. Hosted by Antonio AlmeidaMusic by FreeMusicForVideo from PixabayGraphics by Brandon Heim-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a• Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2DrifcgEsomar 2025

January 29, 2026Episode 214 min

Exploring Africa in Focus: Turning Insights into Action

The conversation focuses on the upcoming Esomar event in Africa, discussing its vision, the importance of community engagement, the diversity of the continent, and the role of youth and innovation in shaping the insights industry. Dharmendra Jain shares insights on the event's significance, the excitement surrounding it, and highlights key presentations that will be featured.Know more about the event and explore the programme here: https://esomar.org/events/africa-2026-africa-in-focus-turning-insights-into-actionSend us Fan Mail-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production. Hosted by Antonio AlmeidaMusic by FreeMusicForVideo from PixabayGraphics by Brandon Heim-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a• Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2DrifcgEsomar 2025

January 21, 2026Episode 128 min

Unlocking Innovation: The Edge Framework Explained

In this episode of Talking Insights, we welcome Sandro Kaulartz, Ajay Bangia, April Jeffries, and Karin O’Neill to explore the EDGE Framework, a methodology that focuses on identifying high-growth opportunities by examining extreme behaviors and divergences from the norm. The conversation delves into the integration of AI with qualitative research to uncover insights about user behavior at the margins, and how organizations can leverage these insights for innovation and growth. The panel discusses practical steps for applying the Edge Framework in various industries, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs and behaviors to drive successful product development and marketing strategies.You can explore this paper and some others here: The Next Big Thing - Exploring the EDGE for high growth opportunitiesThe Vibrant FringesIpsos Views: Bigger Innovations Need Bigger DataAnd the Research World article mentioned in the episode here: https://researchworld.com/hot-topics/the-next-big-thing-exploring-the-edge-for-high-growth-opportunities Send us Fan Mail-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production. Hosted by Antonio AlmeidaMusic by FreeMusicForVideo from PixabayGraphics by Brandon Heim-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a• Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2DrifcgEsomar 2025

January 5, 2026Episode 1415 min

Emotional Connections in Marketing

In this insightful conversation, Ariadna Carrascal discusses her award-winning data-driven marketing strategy for Samsung, focusing on the importance of emotional connections with consumers. She shares how a comprehensive analysis of consumer data led to a revolutionary approach that prioritized emotional engagement over technical specifications. The discussion highlights innovative research methodologies, including the integration of qualitative and quantitative research, and the use of AI to enhance consumer insights. Ariadna emphasizes the significance of implementing these insights effectively to drive brand attachment and improve marketing outcomes, offering valuable advice for marketers aiming to adopt emotion-driven strategies.Send us Fan Mail-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production. Hosted by Antonio AlmeidaMusic by FreeMusicForVideo from PixabayGraphics by Brandon Heim-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a• Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2DrifcgEsomar 2025