The Marketing Mirror Podcast

Hosted by Matt Borck | Partner, Chief Creative + Listening Officer at The One Group Agency

Business Marketing

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-CA

About the show

The Marketing Mirror Podcast exists to help. Not to impress. Not to sell. And definitely not to chase noise. This show is for business owners and marketers who feel overwhelmed by hype, shortcuts, and “best practices” that never quite work. Most marketing problems aren’t solved by more content - they’re solved by better listening. Each episode shares honest observations from real conversations, what’s actually working, what isn’t, and simple reframes that bring clarity, trust, and humanity back into marketing. Brought to you by the One Group Agency.

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18 recent

May 16, 2026Episode 31 hr 14 min

When Marketing Becomes a Request Department

Most marketing problems are actually organizational problems in disguise. In this episode, I am sitting down with marketing and communications strategist Jenna Van Dusen. We are having the uncomfortable conversations that most people only whisper about in private - the ones where we grow the most. We are giving away the core insights right here so you know exactly what to expect:The Request Department Trap: What happens when marketing stops being about strategy and starts being a "vending machine" for the rest of the company. Marketing to Yourself: Why companies stop listening to their audience and start building content that only makes themselves feel good. The Judgment Gap: Why "Judgment" is the one human skill AI cannot replicate and how it changes every decision you make. The Permission Problem: Why good marketing fails even inside great companies - and why it is usually a lack of space, not a lack of talent. The Truth About Burnout: Why marketers do not burn out because they are bad at their jobs, but because they have lost their seat at the strategy table. These conversations can be uncomfortable, but they are necessary. It is not about doing more. It is about seeing more clearly. Please Connect & Keep the Dialogue GoingI would love it if you reached out. We want to keep this dialogue going with a community of people who genuinely want to help one another. If you have questions or a different perspective, let us talk.Connect with Jenna Van Dusen on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennavandusen/Connect with Matt Borck on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattborck/A Special Thank YouThis podcast exists because of the incredible team at The One Group Agency. I am honoured to work with such incredible human beings who show up every day with heart for our clients. They have created the environment where these deep, honest conversations are possible. Learn more about our briliant team at The One Group Agency: https://onegroupagency.ca/

March 10, 2026Episode 21 hr 0 min

Why Community Can’t Be a Campaign

Community isn’t a tactic.It isn’t a quarterly push.And it definitely isn’t a campaign.In this conversation with Tara Crymble, we unpack why so much local marketing feels distant - and what it actually looks like to participate in a community instead of perform for one.We hear “support local” all the time.But here’s the harder question - are businesses supporting their communities back?We talk about: • Why community can’t be one-way • Why copying big brands creates distance • What “participating” in your community actually looks like • The blind spots experience can create • One practical shift you can implement this monthIf you lead a marketing team, run a business, or care about building something that lasts - this conversation will challenge you in the best way.Community isn’t a campaign.It’s a value.And people can feel the difference.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who’s building something.That’s how this podcast grows - through people, not algorithms.And if you’ve ever thought about being on the show or have a topic you think would add real value to this community, reach out. I’d genuinely love to hear from you.The Marketing Mirror exists to help leaders, founders, and marketers think more clearly and show up more humanly.Proudly produced by The One Group Agency.If you’re curious about what we’re building or want to connect with our team, you can find us here: https://onegroupagency.ca/Stay curious.CheersMattLove to have you connect with me on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattborck/ Interested in being a guest on the podcast?Reach out anytime at borck@onegroupagency.ca

January 19, 2026Episode 11 hr 7 min

From Manipulation to Meaning - A Neuroscience Lens on Modern Marketing

Ever wonder why so much marketing feels exhausting, overwhelming, or manipulative - even when it technically “works”?Curious what’s actually happening in the brain when people are overloaded, stressed, and constantly marketed to?In this episode of the Marketing Mirror Podcast, I sit down with neuroscience-trained marketer Chantaille Ash to explore how the human brain really makes decisions, how trust is formed (and broken), and what responsibility marketers carry when they understand attention, emotion, and influence.In this conversation, we unpack:Why most decision-making isn’t consciousWhat happens in the brain when people are overwhelmedHow urgency and pressure impact trustWhere ethical influence ends and manipulation beginsHow AI scales behaviour without understanding human nervous systemsAnd how to market in a way that helps people feel seen, safe, and respectedThis episode isn’t about hacks or trends.It’s about understanding people before trying to persuade them.Guest:Chantaille Ash - Founder, IMMInterested in being a guest on the podcast?Reach out anytime at borck@onegroupagency.caProudly hosted by the team at The One Group AgencyLearn more at https://onegroupagency.caIf you’d like to connect or have questions, feel free to find me on LinkedIn - Matt Borck. I’d genuinely love to connect.

July 10, 2025Episode 653 min

Master of Many: Why Multipotentiality Might Save Your Marketing Team

Why Multipotentiality Might Be the Superpower Your Marketing Team Is MissingGuest: Neel Singh, Co-Founder of TropolyWhat if your greatest marketing asset isn’t a specialist - but someone who’s done a little bit of everything?This episode is a powerful reminder that curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to wear multiple hats might be exactly what your team needs right now. I sat down with Neel Singh, the brilliant and refreshingly honest co-founder of Tropoly, and we dove deep into the concept of multipotentiality - and why it’s not something to “fix,” but something to leverage.This wasn’t your typical surface-level marketing conversation. It was honest, raw, and filled with the kind of insights you can actually use.In this episode, we explore:Why today’s marketing landscape demands more than just specialistsHow Neel’s nonlinear background shaped how he leads, builds, and grows brandsWhy embracing multipotentiality can actually save your team from burnoutHow to spot undervalued talent on your team - and unleash their full creative potentialWhat most leaders misunderstand about people who “don’t fit the mold”Real-life lessons on building trust, adapting fast, and showing up with heartWhether you’re a founder, marketer, creative, or leader - this episode is for you. It’s a conversation filled with hard-won wisdom, delivered with honesty and clarity by someone who’s walked the path.Hit play. This might just reframe the way you see yourself - and your team.If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with someone who needs to hear it.Want to be a guest, have a future episode idea, or want to invite me onto your podcast? Reach out to me at borck@onegroupagency.ca🔗 Connect with Neel Singh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/singhneel/ 🔗 Connect with me, Matt Borck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattborck🎙️ The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency.If you’re serious about marketing that actually connects - check us out at onegroupagency.ca

May 23, 2025Episode 239 min

The LinkedIn Mindset Shift: From Résumés to Real Relationships Featuring guest: Max Murphy

🎧 The LinkedIn Mindset Shift: From Résumés to Real RelationshipsWith Max Murphy, Founder of Duppy DigitalI used to think LinkedIn was just a brag board.Another place to post accomplishments and call it connection.But then something shifted.This episode is for anyone who’s looked at LinkedIn and thought:"What am I even doing here?""How do I start?""How do I show up without sounding fake or overly polished?"I sat down with Max Murphy - founder of Duppy Digital and a true force in personal branding - for a conversation that completely reframes how we think about LinkedIn.Max helps creatives, founders, and even corporate teams stand out without selling out. He’s not here to tell you how to go viral, he’s here to show you how to be real.🔢 In this episode, we dive into:How LinkedIn became a platform for real, human-first relationships (not just résumés)Why most people feel stuck—and how to break that paralysisWhat a repeatable LinkedIn strategy actually looks likeHow to use just 20 minutes a day to build real momentumThe danger of letting AI flatten your voice - and how to keep the human in your contentWhat “showing up human” looks like for overwhelmed teams and busy leaders💬 We also talk candidly about the frustration we’ve both felt with LinkedIn in the past - and what shifted when we stopped performing and started showing up as ourselves.This one is packed with practical insights, encouragement, and a big reminder:You don’t have to be an influencer to make LinkedIn work for you.You just have to be yourself.🎧 Hit play now - especially if you're ready to ditch the ego posts and start building something real.🔥 If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with someone who needs to hear it.📬 Want to be a guest? Have a future episode idea? Or want me on your podcast? Reach out at borck@theog.co.🔗 Connect with Max on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxrlmurphy/🔗 And connect with me, Matt Borck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattborck/🎧 The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency. If you’re serious about marketing that actually connects—check us out at TheOG.co.

April 21, 2025Episode 457 min

What Makes a Marketing Agency Worth Trusting? A Candid Conversation with Jordan West

What Makes a Marketing Agency Worth Trusting?A Candid Conversation with Jordan WestI’ve been wanting to have this conversation for a long time.Jordan West is someone I’ve known of for years - and recently reconnected with through LinkedIn. He’s worn many hats but is currently the CEO of Social Commerce Club, the founder of UpGrowth Commerce, host of the Secrets to Scaling podcast, and someone who has built brands from scratch, scaled them with heart, and never shied away from honest conversations about what’s working - and what’s absolutely not - in marketing today.This episode? It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s packed with the kind of truth that doesn’t always make it into marketing conversations.🎯 Here’s what we get into:Why so many agencies suck - and what trust really looks like in this spaceThe moment Jordan realized how broken most client-agency relationships areWhat internal teams really need to hear right now (especially if they’re overwhelmed or burned out)How we’ve both failed forward - and what those moments taught usWhat to look for if you’re trying to find an agency that won’t ghost, overpromise, or leave you strandedWe don’t hold back. We talk candidly about lessons learned, what we’d do differently, and how small businesses and internal teams can protect themselves from empty promises and recycled strategies.Jordan’s story - from buying a Taco Del Mar franchise at 22 to building one of the top 10 baby brands in Canada with his wife - is just one part of what makes him such a valuable voice. He gets it. He’s been on both sides. And his insights are gold for anyone trying to figure out who to trust with their brand.📍This one’s for the marketers who’ve been burned, the business owners who’ve felt ghosted, and the creatives who just want to do meaningful work without all the BS.🎧 Hit play now. You’ll walk away with real talk, not just tactics.💥 If this episode gave you something to think about, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.💌 Want to be a guest? Have a future episode idea? Or want me on your podcast? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at borck@theog.co.🔗 You can find Jordan on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-west-marketer/And connect with me, Matt Borck, right here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattborck/🎙️ The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency. If you’re serious about marketing that actually connects - check us out at TheOG.co

April 11, 2025Episode 333 min

Reclaiming Creativity: How Optimism Can Save Your Marketing Team

Reclaiming Creativity: How Optimism Can Save Your Marketing TeamWith guest: Tiana Langedyk, Digital Marketing Specialist at Okanagan CollegeLet’s be honest - marketing teams are tired. Creative energy is getting drained. And in a world that pushes for “faster, cheaper, more,” optimism feels like a luxury.But what if optimism isn’t fluff?What if it’s the exact tool we need to protect creativity, lead with courage, and actually build a team that wants to keep creating?This episode is a real conversation - honest, reflective, and human. I’m joined by the incredibly thoughtful Tiana Langedyk, and we talk about what it actually looks like to reclaim creativity on the inside of marketing teams.Here’s what we get into:✅ Tiana’s unforgettable story about her grandmother and how it shaped her view of optimism✅ The pressure to perform in environments where creativity is crushed✅ Why silence from your team isn’t always a good thing - and what leaders need to pay attention to✅ How optimism can change culture - not just mood✅ Practical insights for small business owners, team leaders, and anyone trying to keep the spark alive🎯 One of the moments that really hit me was around silence.As a leader, it’s easy to think a quiet team means things are good. But Tiana reminded me - that’s not always true. Sometimes silence means people have stopped feeling safe enough to speak.This episode is for anyone navigating hard environments, anyone who feels like they’re constantly pushing uphill, and anyone who’s trying to lead (or just survive) with heart.🛠️ Optimism isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about finding a way forward that honors your people.And after this conversation, I truly believe it can save more than just our creativity - it can save the relationships behind the work.🎧 Hit play now. This one’s worth your time.🔥 If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with someone who needs to hear it.💌 Want to be a guest or have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at borck@theog.co or on Linkedin Tiana Langedyk on LinkedIn🎙️ The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency. If you’re serious about marketing that deeply and truly connects, check them out at TheOG.co

March 25, 2025Episode 29 min

The AI Trap - How Brands Are Losing Their Authentic Voice (And How to Get It Back)

AI is everywhere. It’s powerful. It’s efficient. But is it changing your brand’s voice?Be honest: when was the last time you read a brand’s post and thought,💭 “Wow. That actually speaks to me.”Can’t remember? You’re not alone.🔹 Here’s the hard truth:AI-generated content is EVERYWHERE. And while AI is an incredible tool, brands are falling into the trap of outsourcing their voice to machines. The result? A sea of content that sounds the same—polished, structured, and utterly forgettable.🚨 The problem?More content ≠ better content. More connection = better content.When brands lose their authentic voice, they lose the only thing that truly builds trust, connection, and loyalty.In this episode, we’re breaking down:🔢 How AI is creating an authenticity crisis (and why audiences are tuning out)🔢 Why brands are prioritizing speed over strategy—and how it’s killing engagement🔢 The biggest mistake brands make when using AI for content (spoiler: it’s not what you think)🔢 How to reclaim your brand’s voice while STILL using AI as a tool🔢 3 simple, powerful strategies to make your content feel real, human, and authentic🚀 Want to stand out in an AI-driven world?By the end of this episode, you’ll have a practical, no-BS roadmap to keep AI working for you - without letting it steal what makes your brand you.👀 PLUS: The shocking thing real prompt engineers say you’re doing wrong (hint: your AI prompts are WAY too short). I am not sure if Long prompts mean better prompts - and I talk about that in the episode. :)🎡 The Challenge:This week, audit your content. Does it actually sound like YOU? If not, it’s time to take your voice back.🎧 Hit play now - because your brand’s voice is too important to lose.🔥 If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with someone who needs to hear it!💡 Got thoughts, feedback, or want to be a guest? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at borck@theog.co.🎧 The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency. If you’re serious about marketing that deeply and truly connects, check them out at TheOG.co.

March 14, 2025Episode 112 min

AI, Content, and the Listening Gap - Why Most Marketing Falls Flat (And How to Fix It)

AI, Content, and the Listening Gap – Why Most Marketing Falls Flat (And How to Fix It)You’re putting out content. Running ads. Maybe even using AI to crank out posts at scale. But engagement? Crickets.🔥 Here’s the truth: It’s NOT your content. It’s NOT the algorithm. And you don’t need to post more or dump more money into ads.The real issue? You’ve skipped the most important step in marketing - actually knowing who you’re talking to.Most businesses assume marketing is about broadcasting. But the ones that actually connect? They know marketing is about listening.In this episode of The Marketing Mirror, we’re diving deep into:🔢 The #1 reason most marketing falls flat (and why even big brands get this wrong)🔢 How businesses waste thousands on ads and AI-generated content - without realizing they’re marketing to no one🔢 Why "target audience" doesn’t just mean demographics (and the real secret to creating content people actually care about)🔢 What it actually means to listen (spoiler: it’s NOT social listening or tracking mentions)🔢 A simple 3-step process to instantly improve engagement - without posting more, spending more, or guessing what works🚀 Want an easy way to fix your marketing today?By the end of this episode, you’ll have a practical framework to deeply, empathetically listen to your audience - and create content that speaks directly to them.This is the kind of marketing that builds trust, long-term relationships, and actual business growth.💩 PLUS: How to use AI as a validation tool (not a crutch) to refine your audience insights.🎡 The Challenge:This week, pick one specific audience segment and get curious.Observe what they engage with, what excites them, what they ignore - and use that insight to create one piece of content that speaks directly to them. Do this, and you’ll start seeing real results.🎧 Hit play now and let’s dive in!🔥 If this episode adds value to your life, share it with someone who needs it!💡 Got thoughts, feedback, or want to be a guest? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at borck@theog.co.🎧 The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency. If you’re serious about marketing that deeply and truly connects, check them out at TheOG.co.

May 7, 2024Episode 919 min

Who do you listen to?

In this episode, we're diving headfirst into a question that's buzzing through the minds of countless small and medium-sized business owners: Who holds the keys to navigating the wild world of social media chaos? If you're like many SMB owners, you're swamped with tasks and juggling multiple responsibilities. Social media education, discovery or monitoring might not be high on your priority list – and we get it. But here's the catch: In today's digital age, your brand's online presence is more crucial than ever. Navigating through the endless stream of information, from news to politics to countless app and algorithm updates, can feel like wading through a swamp of exhaustion. So, who can you trust for reliable guidance, advice, and suggestions? Join us as we dissect this dilemma and reveal actionable insights to elevate your brand's social media game. Tune in now and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to thrive in the digital landscape. Have any feedback on the show? Send us your feedback! Tell us what you love and what you think could be better! And if you are really enjoying the show, we’d love it if you could leave a review. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow and of course, share us with your community! This podcast is proudly presented by the innovative minds at Search + Rescue Marketing Agency https://www.searchrescue.ca/