Intellicast

Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s special episode, Brian and Jason are joined by Eric Corliss and Jennifer Coleman from The Directions Group to discuss their approach to AI, the transition to an integrated intelligence approach, and the launch of their new AI-powered platform, Linara. Kicking off the episode, Jennifer introduces integrated intelligence as a way to move beyond traditional research silos. By connecting data across sources and methods, this approach helps you better understand business challenges and future opportunities. The goal is not just to answer questions, but to identify the broader problems those questions represent. The conversation then turns to the shifting demands of the insights industry. As clients face more complex and fast-moving environments, the need for forward-looking, connected insights has grown. Eric and Jennifer explain how their integrated intelligence strategy is designed to meet these needs by combining human expertise with evolving technologies. Eric expands on how technology supports this strategy, particularly AI's role. He emphasizes that the goal is not to replace human expertise, but to enhance it. By automating lower-value tasks and streamlining workflows, AI enables researchers to focus more on critical thinking and problem-solving, while still maintaining oversight and rigor. Linara represents a key step in this evolution. The platform is designed to extend the life and usefulness of research by transforming it into an interactive resource. Instead of relying on static reports that quickly become outdated, clients can engage with their data in real time to generate insights that are both relevant and actionable. In the final segment, the group discusses the future of AI in insights, including the need for continuous data inputs, human oversight, and ongoing collaboration with clients. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus remains on using technology to amplify, not replace, human intelligence. If you want to learn more about Linara, or become an early adopter, visit: https://www.directionsgroup.com/linara You can connect with Eric by email at ecorliss@thedirectionsgroup.com or on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-corliss-b94a78119/ You can connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercoleman614/ Thanks for tuning in! We’ve launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On this special episode of Intellicast, Brian and Gabby are joined by Konovo’s CEO, Tal Rosenberg, and the President and Founder of Rare Patient Voice, Wes Michael. They join the podcast to provide details around Konovo’s recent acquisition of Rare Patient Voice, and what it means for healthcare research. Kicking off the interview, Tal and Wes provide background on their respective organizations and how they evolved over time. Rare Patient Voice was built on the idea of giving patients, particularly those with rare conditions, a platform to share their experiences, while Konovo has focused on helping researchers more effectively find and engage specialized audiences across healthcare. The conversation then shifts to the acquisition itself and the rationale behind it. Tal explains that the goal is not simply to combine companies, but to build a more integrated approach to research, one that brings together both the patient and healthcare provider perspectives in a more seamless way. The ability to access both audiences within a single ecosystem reflects a broader trend in healthcare research, where understanding multiple viewpoints is becoming increasingly important. Wes adds that alignment in values played a significant role in the decision. With a shared focus on patient-first research, quality, and long-term relationships, both organizations saw an opportunity to expand their capabilities without compromising what made each successful on its own. The two also explore how the combined organization plans to evolve. While Rare Patient Voice will maintain its existing approach in the near term, the integration of Konovo’s technology and infrastructure is expected to enhance speed, scale, and operational efficiency. A key theme throughout the interview is the importance of maintaining trust. Wes emphasizes that preserving the experience and expectations of patient participants is critical, while Tal highlights the need to scale responsibly as the organization grows. Both note that while new tools and technologies will play a role, they must be implemented in a way that supports, not disrupts, the core mission. In the final segment, the group reflects on what comes next, including opportunities for expansion, deeper integration, and continued investment in both technology and audience development. You can learn more about Konovo by visiting their website: https://konovo.com/ You can learn more about Rare Patient Voice by visiting their website: https://rarepatientvoice.com/ You can also connect with Tal and Wes on LinkedIn here: Tal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talrosenberg/ Wes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesmichael/ Thanks for tuning in! We’ve launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On this episode, Brian is joined by EMI’s VP of Operations, Kathleen Hock, who is back from Georgia and ready to give all the details from SampleCon 2026. Kicking off the episode, Kathleen talks about the resort where SampleCon was held this year. She also talks about how this year’s location compares with last year's in Pasadena, and some of the benefits of having everything on-site. Next, Kathleen discusses some of the main themes from this year’s conference. They include: Data Quality AI Synthetic Data And The Future of Insights She details how it felt that while everyone seems to be on the same page in understanding the current challenges facing the industry, it is really time to start focusing on the solutions. Kathleen then talks about the Quality R Us booth that the team at Verisoul was running, and how unique it was, including the ways people could earn tokens. In the last segment, Brian and Kathleen talk about travel to and from the conference, and how it went. Thanks for tuning in! We’ve launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by EMI’s Director of Research, Aron Wilson, to talk about the latest news from around the market research industry. Kicking off the episode, the two dive into a new partnership between the Data Quality Co-op and Dig Insights. The partnership brings continuous, independent quality validation into the research process, signaling a shift toward greater accountability across providers. As Brian notes, the industry is moving toward a “prove it” moment for quality claims, where measurement and transparency are becoming table stakes. The conversation then shifts to concerns raised by the Insights Association around proposed changes to the 2026 census. Aron outlines how adjustments to the methodology of such a critical benchmark could impact the accuracy of research that depends on it. They note that any disruption to how the census is conducted could introduce bias into research outputs. AI continues to dominate the industry conversation, with Brian and Aron reviewing several recent product launches. Brian and Aron examine how tools like ChatHarmoni, PackSee, and Linara are positioning themselves to enhance research workflows. The episode also touches on AckWest’s continued growth through acquisitions, with the latest being the purchase of Answerpoints UK. In the final segment, Brian and Aron discuss a recent article on the impact of the new EU Data Act. They postulate on what it could mean for data privacy, compliance, and the future use of data within AI systems. Thanks for tuning in! We’ve launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian Peterson is joined by a friend of the podcast and the newly named Executive Vice President of Products for Rep Data, Vignesh Krishnan. He joins the podcast to discuss Rep Data’s recent acquisition of ReDem, as well as data quality and fraud. Kicking off the episode, Vignesh gives Brian the inside details on how ReDem will integrate into the Rep Data/Research Defender ecosystem and how it will expand their fraud detection capabilities beyond the pre-survey phase. As the episode progresses, Brian and Vignesh touch on a variety of topics, including: The fraud detection ecosystem The layered approach to fraud detection How fraud and data quality are not the same thing Insights from each’s research-on-research Gen AI’s increased usage by fraudsters and respondents And much more! If you wanted to know more about Rep Data’s acquisition of ReDem, this is the episode for you. You can learn more about the acquisition here. You can connect with Vignesh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vignesh-krishnan-08846aa/ Thanks for tuning in! We’ve just launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by Gabby Blados to discuss the latest news from around the market research industry. Before jumping into the news, Brian and Gabby trade notes on the Super Bowl. (Not the game, as they both agree it was a bit of a snoozer) They talk about their favorite commercials, the ones they were less impressed with, and Bad Bunny’s performance. Then they jump into the latest news, starting with the news that Anita Watkins has been named the new CEO of the Insights Association. Both are excited with the experience Anita is going to bring to the role. Additionally, Gabby and Brian touch on: The acquisition of Rare Patient Voice by Konova The launch of Knowledge Navigator by MRII and UGA Sago Health’s rebrand to Trivoca Health The launch of the GDQ Feedback Loop In the final segment, Brian and Gabby talk about the announcement that Rep Data acquired the in-survey data quality provider, ReDem. Brian and Gabby are both excited to see how the ReDem tool set will be integrated into the Research Defender platform. Thanks for tuning in! We’ve just launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to season nine of Intellicast! On today’s season premiere (and very special episode), Brian is joined by Gabby Blados, Matthew Alexander, and Jason Inderhees to celebrate a major milestone for the show; its 300th episode! The team takes some time in the first half of this episode to take a step back to reflect on the conversations, people, and moments that have shaped Intellicast over the years. Kicking things off, the group reflects on how Intellicast started and how far it’s come. What began as a loose, informal podcast quickly evolved into a regular space for honest industry dialogue — sometimes polished, sometimes chaotic, but always real. From early technical hiccups to live recordings that didn’t quite go as planned, the team laughs through the growing pains that came with finding their rhythm. The conversation naturally turns to the people who’ve made the podcast what it is. Over 80 guests have joined Intellicast over the last 8 season, including researchers, clients, partners, and industry voices who were willing to speak candidly, challenge assumptions, and occasionally disagree. The group reflects on recurring guests and familiar names that listeners have come to recognize, as well as first-time appearances that sparked memorable discussions. Brian, Gabby, Matthew, and Jason also share some of their favorite moments from past episodes, from COVID-era conversations recorded in the middle of uncertainty, to debates that ran long because no one wanted to wrap them up, to the occasional episode that earned an explicit tag. These moments weren’t scripted or planned, but they helped define the personality of the show and made it feel less like a production and more like a conversation. Another theme that surfaces throughout the episode is how Intellicast became a place for the industry to talk honestly about what wasn’t working. Long before data quality became a headline issue, the podcast was already digging into fraud, feasibility challenges, client pressure, and unrealistic expectations. Those conversations didn’t always have neat conclusions, but they reflected what people were actually dealing with day to day. The group also acknowledges how the podcast has evolved alongside the industry. As new voices joined the conversation and new challenges emerged (AI, synthetic data, tighter budgets, shifting client expectation), Intellicast adapted without losing its core identity. The format changed, contributors rotated in and out, but the focus stayed the same: curiosity, skepticism, and real discussion over rehearsed talking points. It wouldn’t be Intellicast without discussing some of the latest headlines. The team discusses a few of the recent headlines from around market research including: New partnership between Qualtrics and ROI Rocket PureSpectrum’s new partnership with TA Associates New roles for Michael Polster and Vignesh Krishnan IRB’s new healthcare professional panel. Thanks to everyone who has been with us on this ride! We’ve just launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get you copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On the final episode of 2025, Brian is joined once again by Gabby Blados to reflect on some of the biggest trends, news stories, and more that shaped market research this year. Kicking off the episode, Brian and Gabby walk through some of the major people-on-the-move news from across the industry. Leadership changes, promotions, and board elections signaled a period of transition for some in the industry. The conversation quickly turns to data quality, which Brian and Gabby agree became the single most important issue of 2025. While concerns around fraud and quality have existed for years, this was the year those conversations became unavoidable. The OP4G and Slice MR case stands out as the defining moment, not just because of its scale, but because it introduced real consequences. Legal action, charges, and accountability forced the entire industry to pay attention in a way it hadn’t before. As a result, data quality went from being a recurring conference topic to a priority in client conversations. Gabby notes that more clients began asking pointed questions about sourcing, fraud prevention, and panel management, opening the door to deeper transparency and more honest discussions. What had once been abstract suddenly became operational. Brian and Gabby also reflect on how fraud itself evolved throughout the year. Bad actors became more sophisticated, leveraging automation, AI-driven tools, and new techniques to bypass existing safeguards. In response, research teams adopted more layered and proactive approaches to fraud detection. Still, both acknowledge that true deterrence remains elusive, as most fraudsters face few real consequences beyond being blocked from a panel. The episode also revisits the role of AI and synthetic data in 2025. Early optimism gave way to a more grounded reality as the year progressed. While AI proved valuable as a tool to support research, the idea that it could fully replace human respondents faded. Brian and Gabby agree that the industry landed in a healthier place, recognizing that human judgment, context, and unpredictability remain essential. Gabby and Brian also discussed a few broader market trends they experienced in 2025. Budgets were tighter, competition increased, and feasibility became more challenging across many projects. This was a great recap of 2025. Thanks for tuning in! Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by Lilah Raynor, CEO of Logica Research, to break down the newest edition of their Future of Money report. The report is one of the most consistent and revealing longitudinal studies on how Americans think about money, work, and the economy. This semi-annual study, which has been running since 2017, offers an in-depth look at the financial mindset of U.S. consumers, and this wave highlights some of the clearest shifts in sentiment to date. Kicking off the episode, Brian and Lilah discuss Americans' overall mood of the economy. According to the latest data, half of Americans believe the economy is worse than it was six months ago, and a third expect it to get worse over the next year. Even among those who describe themselves as financially stable, financial stress remains high, with many feeling stretched thin by rising costs, housing pressures, and inconsistent income trends. The conversation then shifts to how Americans are adjusting. Lilah shares that this wave shows a notable uptick in emergency savings behaviors. At the same time, people are making trade-offs in discretionary spending, cutting back on dining, entertainment, and nonessential purchases while prioritizing everyday needs. Brian and Lilah also explore how the Future of Money report offers a window into the changing work mindset. Job movement intent has increased compared to the spring wave, and more people are open to switching jobs if they believe they can improve their stability or flexibility. Some of this is linked to economic pressure, but a growing portion is connected to technology-driven job anxiety, particularly for younger generations. That leads directly into one of the most fascinating sections of the report: AI at work. This wave shows that over half of Americans are now using AI tools in the workplace, with ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot topping the list. Lilah explains that while AI adoption is increasing, it’s also creating uncertainty for those whose roles involve repetitive or administrative tasks. Younger workers, in particular, feel that AI is reshaping the path for entry-level opportunities. The episode also touches on the report’s findings around saving, spending, and consumer behaviors across demographics. Lilah highlights differences across generations, noting that younger consumers are balancing optimism with caution, while older generations are more skeptical about the economic outlook but often feel more financially prepared. Together, these segments paint a complex picture of today’s financial mindset — one shaped equally by economic strain, evolving technology, and long-term uncertainty. In the final segment, Brian and Lilah reflect on why long-running studies like the Future of Money matter. With nearly a decade of continuous data, the report helps brands, financial institutions, and researchers understand not just where consumers are today, but how and why their behaviors are changing over time. You can download your copy of The Future of Money here. You can learn more about Logica Research by visiting their website: https://logicaresearch.com/ You can connect with Lilah via email at LRaynor@logicaresearch.com or via LinkedIn here. Thanks for tuning in! Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by Matthew Alexander for a news-heavy, and slightly feisty, conversation covering mergers, data quality, respondent experience, and a brand-new recurring segment we didn’t know we needed: the “No Sh*t, Sherlock”* news section. The episode kicks off with a look at recent M&A activity, as Voxco’s owner, Terminus Capital Partners, acquires Discuss.io, merging the two brands under the Discuss name. Brian and Matthew talk about the ongoing wave of private equity–driven consolidation in the industry, and why so many deals now seem to be led by outside investors rather than research insiders. Next, they highlight Research Results’ new partnership with Verisoul, marking another big win for the fraud-detection newcomer. Henry LeGard and his team have gone from zero market research clients to over fifteen in less than a year, and both the guys agree it’s just the start of a larger industry shift toward fintech-grade data quality tools. The duo then dives into the latest releases from the Global Data Quality Initiative (GDQ), including new resources on participant incentives and procurement standards. While Brian sees these guidelines as an important step toward consistency, Matthew plays devil’s advocate: “How much impact can guidelines really have when there’s no incentive to follow them?” From there, the conversation gets spicy with the debut of the “No Sh*t, Sherlock” segment, tackling three headlines that state the obvious: Poor customer experience costs companies trillions (who knew?). Surveys are competing with social media for attention (no kidding). Researchers want more time for research (join the club). Brian and Matthew share real-life stories about bad customer experiences, shrinking attention spans, and the ongoing disconnect between respondent expectations and survey design. It’s part vent session, part industry therapy, and all in good fun. Thanks for tuning in! Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our website's Resources page here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by Henry LeGard, CEO and founder of the fraud detection company Verisoul, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving state of data quality and fraud detection in market research. We kick off the podcast by having Henry share how Verisoul, a company built initially to stop banking and fintech fraud, has quickly become one of the most talked-about new players in market research. He details how the company came to be, and how they entered the market research industry in 2025 with zero clients and are now protecting nearly 100 million survey clicks per month across the industry. Henry explains how Verisoul’s advanced fraud detection platform has had such a rapid impact on the industry. He shares how the team applied financial-grade fraud-prevention techniques to survey data collection, enabling them to detect and block the most sophisticated forms of digital fraud, including device spoofing, cross-continental proxy traffic, and bot farms operating at scale. From there, Brian and Henry dive into Verisoul’s newly released Market Research Quality Report, which Henry describes as the largest fraud analysis ever published in the industry. For the report, the team analyzed more than 50 million sessions across 3,700 mobile apps in 190 countries, using a new proprietary technology that can identify the exact app where each respondent originated. Henry explains how this innovation was crucial in uncovering real patterns of fraud across the ecosystem, revealing which app categories generate the cleanest and riskiest respondent traffic. Brian and Henry also discuss how Verisoul’s findings challenge many long-held assumptions about data quality. While larger apps and panels tend to have lower fraud rates, older respondent sources didn’t necessarily perform better. The study also found that just five mobile apps accounted for more than 10% of all detected fraud, underscoring how small clusters of bad respondent sources can distort large portions of the industry’s data. Later in the episode, Henry offers a perspective on the evolving sophistication of fraud, explaining that much of today’s market research fraud is human-driven rather than automated. Organized groups in low-income countries are using SIM card farms, aged burner domains, proxy networks, and more to appear as legitimate U.S. or European respondents. Henry and Brian also talk about how Verisoul’s recently launched transparency initiative — a “fraud or not” ranking, complete with a lighthearted tomato-throwing Easter egg for bottom performers, is designed to help the industry recognize who’s getting data quality right. Rather than shaming providers, the goal is to encourage progress, reward transparency, and strengthen collaboration around fraud prevention. To close out the episode, Brian and Henry discuss Verisoul’s creative marketing campaign, “We Smoke Fraud,” which debuted at the ESOMAR Congress in Prague. What started as a marketing stunt ended up earning the company some serious attention from venture capital investors. For those who live and breathe data quality, this episode is for you. Want to get a copy of Verisoul’s Market Research Quality Report? Download here: https://reports.verisoul.ai/mr-qualityreport-25 Want to check out the Fraud or Not Ranking list? Take a look here: https://rankings.verisoul.ai/ If you want to learn more about Verisoul, visit their website at www.verisoul.ai You can connect with Henry on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrylegard/ Thanks for tuning in! Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by Gabby Blados to cover one of the busiest news weeks the insights industry has had in a while, featuring a billion-dollar merger, a major leadership shake-up, and plenty of questions about what’s next. The episode kicks off with the biggest headline of the week: Qualtrics’ announcement that it plans to acquire Press Ganey Forsta for over $6 billion. Brian and Gabby dive into what this means for the market research world, especially as two of the most widely used survey programming platforms — Qualtrics and Decipher — will soon fall under one roof. Brian wonders if this level of consolidation could raise antitrust or competition concerns within the industry, while Gabby reflects on what this might mean for current Decipher users, including EMI. They also explore whether this deal might spark a new wave of innovation from smaller, niche platforms looking to position themselves as alternatives to the latest “industry Goliath.” Next, Brian and Gabby turn their attention to the surprising news that dropped the same morning — Melanie Courtright, CEO of the Insights Association, is stepping down after five years to join Sego as Chief Strategy Officer. Both agree that this was a major surprise for many across the industry. The pair discusses Melanie’s strong legacy with the Insights Association, including how she unified chapters, modernized the association’s structure, and strengthened its position as the leading voice for research professionals. Gabby and Brian share their excitement for her new role at Sego, while also speculating about what comes next for IA’s leadership and the direction the organization will take. In between these two major headlines, Brian and Gabby also touch on a few other key stories — including the Census Bureau's recent layoffs and their potential implications for data accuracy, and new developments in the ongoing conversation around data quality and AI-driven fraud detection. And because no episode would be complete without a little fun, they close out the episode by ranking their top Halloween candies. Thanks for tuning in! Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by market research’s favorite lobbyist, the Senior Vice President of Advocacy for the Insights Association, Howard Fienberg. He makes his return to Intellicast to discuss the latest developments in privacy legislation and more. Kicking off the episode, Brian and Howard discuss the current state of privacy legislation in the United States. Howard gives an update on his efforts to help the industry navigate new state privacy legislation in 2025, on where we stand on new state privacy legislation that may be coming down the pipe. The conversation changes its focus to a potential federal version of privacy legislation. Howard discusses the various efforts that have taken place in the past and why he believes the current efforts are distinct. He is cautiously optimistic that we could see a serious proposal introduced in 2026. Brian and Howard then discuss the LiveRamp lawsuit and its current and future impact on the market research industry. Howard mentions how this lawsuit has spotlighted how trial lawyers are twisting old surveillance laws, initially written for phone wiretaps, to sue companies over tracking cookies. Even if most cases aren’t held up in court, they’re expensive and distracting. In the final segment, Brian and Howard discuss the recent decision in the EU to uphold the Data Privacy Framework, the current agreement that allows U.S. companies to transfer data from the EU. This may have flown under the radar for many, but Howard talks about how important this court ruling is for every business in market research. Want to stay up to date on Howard’s advocacy work for our industry? Log into you IA account and head to the Advocacy section: https://www.insightsassociation.org/Advocacy/Protecting-the-Profession You can connect with Howard on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardfienberg/), or by email at Howard.Fienberg@insightsassociation.com. Thanks for tuning in! Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Intellicast! Brian Peterson is freshly back from the 2025 Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) in Chicago and is ready to break it all down. Joining him is his presenting partner at CRC and Vice President of The Link Group, Andrew Hunt. Andrew and Brian jump right in and discuss the overall trends from the conference, including: How AI is not the end-all, be-all, but how it is being incorporated into existing processes to make organizations faster, more efficient, and uncover hidden insights. Everyone wants to be faster Data Quality – More brands are starting to take an interest and ask questions. The IA rebrand And more! The guys then discuss some of their favorite sessions from the conference. Andrew talks about the first keynote session, Dare to Connect, which was the talk of the conference. Brian mentioned the C Space and McDonald’s video that humanized the insights that were gathered. The guys then both touch on the session with Andrew’s colleague, Parks, who presented with Chick-fil-A, as well as the data quality session that kicked off day 3. Finally, Brian and Andrew talk about some of their favorite activities during their time in Chicago, some being tied to the conference, and others not so much. If you want to relive CRC, or have FOMO from not being there, this episode can’t be missed! Learn more about The Link Group by visiting their website: https://www.tlg.com/ You can connect with Andrew by email at ahunt@tlg.com or on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhunt7/) Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Intellicast is back with a brand-new episode covering the latest news from around the market research industry. Join Brian Peterson and Aron Wilson as they break down the latest headlines, including: Decline in Forrester's Q2 revenue Azure Knowledge rebrand to Matrix Kantar and Cint expanding their partnership How iOS 26 will hurt mobile polling and representative sample A class-action privacy lawsuit against LiveRamp Brian and Aron also spend time announcing the conferences they will be attending this fall! Catch Brian, joined by The Link Group's Andrew Hunt, at Insights Association's Corporate Researchers Conference in Chicago this September 9-11th. Check out their session Built for Trust: Why Clients Should Demand a Layered Data Quality Strategy on Wednesday afternoon at 1:45 PM. At ESOMAR Trends Horizon in DC on Nov 5-6, Matthew Alexander and Aron Wilson will be presenting Smarter, Faster, Faker? The Real Results from Testing Synthetic Respondents, a deep dive into how well AI-generated personas can mimic real consumer insights. If you're hoping to stay informed on the big names and changes in market research, then this episode is for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The research world is never short on headlines, and this week’s Intellicast is proof. Brian and Gabby return to break down the latest headlines from around the market research industry. Topping the list is a deep dive into the new whitepaper from Strat7, which compares synthetic data providers using real-world testing methods. The whitepaper finds that while synthetic data performs well on individual questions, it falls apart when you examine the full respondent experience — consistency, internal logic, and key drivers simply don’t align with real human behavior. Meanwhile, ESOMAR has updated its Code of Standards in partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce. The revised code introduces major new guidance on: Use of AI and synthetic data Consent and notification protocols Biometric and immersive data collection Inclusivity and the “duty of care” to vulnerable respondents Other major topics in the episode include: Kantar Worldpanel rebranding under Numerator Norstat’s acquisition of Sample Solutions, strengthening its global B2B sample reach Rep Data’s “No Fly” list to filter out fraudulent respondents using Research Defender NIQ’s $1.25B IPO filing, aimed at reducing debt and increasing competitiveness This episode is perfect for anyone trying to stay informed on sample trends, ethics in AI, and what the future holds for insights professionals. Thanks for listening! You can get your free copy of the Strat7 whitepaper here: https://strat7.com/ebooks/putting-synthetic-data-to-the-test/ Miss our webinar, The Sample Landscape: The 2025 State of Sample? Check out the on-demand version here. Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do car dealership surveys, goldfish, and chatbots have in common? They all come up in this episode of Intellicast, where Brian and Mary sit down with Lorin Drake, a Consumer Insights Strategist at Publix, to discuss all things respondent experience. It is a refreshingly honest discussion about what’s broken in the world of survey design—and how to potentially fix it. The episode begins with Lorin delving into his background, explaining how he got into market research and ultimately ended up at Publix. Lorin then shares highlights from his IIeX presentation, “Surveys are Dead, Long Live Surveys.” This leads into a larger conversation about how improving the respondent experience can improve data quality. Lorin lays out a path forward, including short LOIs, gamified surveys, more engaging question types, and additional features – all of which contribute to a more human-centric approach to data collection. A few key takeaways: Survey fatigue is real: Response rates are falling, especially for surveys over 10 minutes. Completion rates have dropped as much as 13 points in the past decade. We’re losing the attention war: The average human attention span has fallen to 8 seconds, shorter than a goldfish. If your survey can’t compete with TikTok, it won’t survive. Gamification works: Lauren highlights a study where a visually enhanced survey took longer to complete but was perceived as shorter and far more enjoyable. Chatbots show promise: Compared to traditional surveys, AI-driven conversational surveys yielded higher completion rates, longer engagement times, and richer open-ended responses. Brands must lead the change: As Lorin puts it, “Would you take your own survey?” If not, don’t expect respondents to do it for you. The push for better experiences must start with the people funding the research. Don’t miss this one if you care about data quality, respondent fatigue, or fixing bloated, boring surveys. You can connect with Lorin on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorindrake/ Thanks for listening! Miss our webinar, The Sample Landscape: The 2025 State of Sample? Check out the on-demand version here. Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this news-packed episode, Brian and Gabby break down the biggest happenings shaking up the market research space. Ipsos is expanding its European footprint with the proposed acquisition of the BVA Group, and AckWest continues its M&A spree, this time adding healthcare research firm Reckner to its growing roster. The industry is also seeing a wave of rebrands—Toluna is consolidating under one name, and Sympler now goes by “Okay, Humans” in a nod to human-focused research amid rising AI tension. Speaking of AI, the hosts dig into Pulsar’s launch of Narratives AI—a public opinion search engine with promise (and bot-related pitfalls). Meanwhile, Numerator introduces a Tariff Risk Index to monitor price volatility, and EMI’s new Sample Landscape report tests synthetic data against real respondents, explores AI prompting tools, and dives deep into high-frequency survey takers. It’s a can’t-miss conversation for anyone watching the balance between innovation and insight. Thanks for listening! Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars, or would you like to access some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Were you in Washington, DC, last week for IIeX? If not, our latest episode of Intellect has you covered! Brian Peterson and Matthew Alexander were in the nation’s capital for this year’s event and sat down to recap all the trends and topics. Let’s dive into what the guys discussed: Data Quality Takes Center Stage One of the most talked-about issues this year was data quality, spurred on by the recent industry indictment. Sessions addressing fraud detection, transparent sampling practices, and respondent experience were standing room only. It’s clear that researchers are demanding more transparency and layered approaches to improving data quality, from better survey design, better tools, and even improved respondent experience. AI and Synthetic Data: More Practical Applications and Progress AI continued to dominate the conversation, but the tone has shifted. This year, discussions focused on practical applications of how AI can assist in the research process, with a variety of presenters showing how they had integrated AI into their tools. Synthetic data was also a large topic of conversation, with several presenters showing their latest strides in synthetic data and how they are validating it. Brian and Matthew both agreed that the applications are gaining traction in qualitative research, but based on the presentations, were still cautious about its readiness for quantitative applications. What Worked (and What Didn’t) From a Format Perspective Both Brian and Matthew felt Washington, D.C. was a fantastic host city—clean, easy to navigate, and close to the airport. They were also happy that the Greenbook team abandoned the headphone concept that was used in Austin. The only drawback they found was that some sessions suffered from mismatched room sizes, with popular topics overflowing beyond capacity. They speculated that because of the indictment news that broke just a couple of weeks prior, there was increased interest in some topics. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. And hey, if IIeX comes to Cincinnati next year like Brian and Matthew suggested, we’ll see you there! Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Intellicast, host Brian Peterson is joined by Mary Draper and Aron Wilson for a timely and candid discussion about the state of data quality in market research. The team unpacks the recent indictment involving OP4G and Slice MR, accused of orchestrating a $10 million fraud scheme using fabricated survey data. They explore how this scandal highlights long-standing challenges around fraud detection, insider manipulation, and the limitations of current quality safeguards. The conversation also recaps key insights from the recent Insights Association Ignite Data Quality Conference, including the growing push for sample transparency, the nuanced role of ISO certifications, and the critical need for a respondent-first approach to survey design. With perspectives from both supplier and full-service backgrounds, this episode explores how the industry can work together to raise the bar for quality, combat fraud, and ultimately rebuild trust. Whether you’re a panel provider, research buyer, or full-service agency, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. Want a better understanding of EMI data quality processes? Click Here Heading to Washington D.C. for IIeX – be sure to connect with Matthew and Brian! Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices