Marketing News Canada

Recorded live at SocialEast 2025 at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, this episode of the Marketing News Canada podcast features guest host Odum Idika, Host of Unconventional Mindset and Founder of Piixel Studio, in conversation with Corey Evans, Director of Brand and Advertising at ATCO and former marketing leader at WestJet. Corey shares a behind-the-scenes look at one of Canada’s most iconic marketing moments, the WestJet Christmas Miracle, and what it took to execute a high-risk experiential campaign that generated over 35 million organic views. From stepping in as Santa to navigating real-time uncertainty during a live activation, he explains why putting the audience experience first, and the brand second, was key to its success. The conversation explores what experiential marketing really means today, why authentic human moments outperform polished ads, and how marketers of any size can create meaningful connections by deeply understanding their audience. Corey also reflects on the rise of creator-led marketing, real-time brand participation, and the importance of adaptability in an increasingly noisy content landscape. This episode was recorded live on-site at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel during SocialEast 2025, part of the SocialNext conference series, Canada’s leading platform for marketing conferences, media, and community.

Recorded live at Calgary's SocialWest 2025, this episode of the Marketing News Canada podcast features guest host Laila Hobbs, Co-Founder of Social Launch Labs, in conversation with Hiba Amin, Co-Founder of Creative Little Planet. Hiba shares a candid look at navigating imposter syndrome throughout her marketing career, from being the sole marketer during a startup downturn to finding confidence through community, conversation, and lived experience. She also discusses the evolution of content creation, why authenticity resonates more than polished perfection, and how marketers can build meaningful connections with their audiences. The conversation dives into the responsible use of AI in content marketing, including where it can support creative work, where it falls short, and why strong foundational ideas must come before scale. Packed with thoughtful insights and real-world perspective, this episode is a must-listen for marketers navigating growth, creativity, and confidence in a rapidly changing industry.

Recorded live at SocialWest 2025 in Calgary, this episode of the Marketing News Canada podcast features guest host Laila Hobbs in conversation with Julie Ogilvie, Executive Director of the Kentville Business Community and Founder of Julie Ogilvie Consulting. Julie shares how small businesses and solo founders can build customer journeys that convert, without burning out or spending all their time on marketing. The conversation breaks down what a customer journey really is, why it extends far beyond the point of purchase, and how brands can turn customers into long-term advocates through thoughtful post-purchase experiences. From balancing passion with profitability to focusing on the most overlooked stages of the customer journey, this episode offers practical, grounded advice for marketers, founders, and business owners looking to build sustainable growth.

Recorded live at the 2025 SocialWest Conference in Calgary, guest host Meredith McKeough sits down with Josephine Mary David, Communications and Partnerships Lead at Pedesting, for this episode of the Marketing News Canada podcast. Josephine shares how inclusive marketing helps brands move from being ignored to truly embraced by their audiences. Drawing from her background in business, social development, and accessibility-focused technology, she breaks down practical ways brands can make their marketing more accessible, culturally sensitive, and community-driven. The conversation covers purposeful messaging, accessible content design, amplified representation, resonant storytelling, and how small, thoughtful changes can help more people feel seen, included, and connected to your brand.

Recorded live at Caglary's SocialWest in June of 2025, this episode of the Marketing News Canada podcast features a conversation with Dave Thomas, Director of Strategy at Everbrave, hosted by Laila Hobbs, Co-Founder of Social Launch Labs. Dave breaks down his Strategy of Everything framework, a practical approach to improving strategic thinking for marketers, founders, and business leaders. The conversation explores how to set clear goals, align day-to-day work to long-term outcomes, understand constraints, assess risks and opportunities, and identify unfair advantages that drive better decisions. From navigating complexity and avoiding distraction to building common language across teams, this episode offers a grounded, actionable way to think more clearly, communicate better, and execute strategy with confidence.

Recorded live in Calgary for SocialWest 2025, this episode of the Marketing News Canada podcast features guest host Meredith McKeough in conversation with Lisa Genovese, President of BottomLine, a marketing agency known for research-backed strategy and results. Lisa breaks down why so many brands skip the fundamentals and how that leads to shaky strategy, wasted spend, and misaligned messaging. The conversation explores how to use customer insight, competitive research, and data the right way, before jumping into tactics or creative, and why going back to basics often delivers the biggest impact. From practical ways to gather meaningful customer insight to common mistakes brands make across the buyer journey, this episode is packed with grounded advice for marketers, leaders, and teams looking to make smarter, more confident decisions.

Recorded live at SocialWest 2025, this episode of the Marketing News Canada podcast, hosted by special guest host Laila Hobbs, Co-Founder of Social Launch Labs, features a conversation with Umair Tazeem, Founder of Embold, a Canadian-based influencer marketing platform. Umair shares what it really takes to run influencer marketing that performs, from building an in-house strategy and choosing quality creators to setting KPIs you can actually measure. He also breaks down the shift beyond one-off posts into a smarter mix of UGC, ambassador programs, and amplification that supports your promo calendar year-round. Plus, hear Umair’s take on how AI is changing the game, what it can automate today, where humans still need to stay in the loop, and what to make of AI influencers. If you want influencer marketing that feels authentic and drives real results, this one’s for you.

Recorded live at SocialWest 2025 in Calgary, this special episode of the Marketing News Canada podcast features a conversation with Joshua Counsil, Co-Founder of Good Robot Brewing and guest host Meredith McKeough. Joshua shares candid lessons from building a multi-dimensional hospitality and beverage business spanning beer, non-alcoholic drinks, events, and co-packing for major retailers like Costco. The conversation explores why guest experience is one of the most powerful marketing tools available, how storytelling influences customers, employees, and even lenders, and why scrappy, generous marketing often outperforms big-budget campaigns. From navigating PR crises to designing small moments that create outsized word-of-mouth, this episode is packed with practical insights for marketers, founders, and brand leaders looking to build trust, loyalty, and long-term growth.

Recorded live at SocialWest 2025 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, this episode features a conversation with Neil Patel, New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of NP Digital, hosted by Meredith McKeough. Neil unpacks how search has shifted in 2025 from traditional Google-first SEO to what he calls “search everywhere optimization,” where brands need to show up across platforms and AI tools alike. He shares practical advice on staying visible today, why content needs to be more conversational, and what marketers should prioritize as the landscape keeps changing. They also touch on how NP Digital expanded by listening closely to customer needs, what Neil is betting on next in an AI-first world, and wrap with a quick set of rapid-fire questions, including his favourite thing about Canada and what’s still on his travel bucket list.

Recorded live at SocialWest 2025, this episode features Andrew Turnbull, Managing Director of UX and Product at Evans Hunt, in conversation with guest host Meredith McKeough. Together, they explore the growing problem of “hostile user design” and how large platforms are enshittification experiences in the name of growth. Andrew shares insights from over 15 years in UX, using the Sonos redesign as a cautionary tale of business decisions eroding user trust. The conversation moves from platform-level design trends to what smaller businesses can learn, and avoid. They dig into the systems thinking required to scale responsibly, how to balance growth with respect for your users, and why customer feedback is still your most powerful strategic asset. This episode captures the mood shift in 2025 toward more ethical, user-first digital strategies, and how marketers and designers alike can push back on enshittification by prioritizing clarity, consent, and long-term value.

In this live conversation from SocialWest 2025, Caley Dimmock, Founder and CEO of Dimik Creative Group, shares how her approach to paid media has evolved alongside the platforms themselves. She and guest host Meredith McKeough dig into what’s changed with Meta’s Advantage+ targeting, why creative is now the most powerful lever in campaign performance, and how marketers can scale their work, without scaling their stress. This conversation captures the mindset shift many are making in 2025: giving platforms room to do their job while focusing on message clarity, audience signals, and systems that run even when you’re not online. Recorded live at the Telus Convention Centre during SocialWest 2025, Canada’s largest marketing conference, welcoming over 900 professionals from across the country.

Recorded live at SocialWest 2025, this conversation with Paul Tedesco, Head of Effectiveness at the Institute of Canadian Agencies, goes beneath the surface of campaign metrics to explore what real marketing impact looks like. Paul shares insights from the newly released 2025 Alchemy Effectiveness Report, revealing how this year’s Effie-winning campaigns earned their accolades, and what that says about the shifting expectations around creativity, media mix, and ROI. It’s a candid look at the industry’s obsession with short-term wins, and why the most effective work is often the least flashy. From judging criteria to strategic planning, this episode challenges marketers to think long-term, act with clarity, and stop confusing “cool” with “effective.” If you're wrestling with how to prove marketing’s value (to clients, boards, or even yourself), this one’s worth your time.

In this live SocialNext Toronto 2025 conversation, guest host Maddie Alvarez sits down with Nithya Ramachandran, President and CSO at T1, a full-stack sponsorship and experience agency. Together, they unpack why modern sponsorships are more than logo slaps and check-writing, they’re strategic growth levers built on trust, collaboration, and meaningful activation. Nithya breaks down how brands can use partnerships to reach audiences in ways media alone can’t, why asking “why” is a marketer’s most powerful tool, and how the best campaigns are built on shared values, not just shared budgets. If you’ve ever wondered how to make sponsorships actually work (and prove their ROI), this conversation is a masterclass in modern partnership marketing.

In this live SocialNext Toronto 2025 conversation, guest host Maddie Alvarez sits down with Lana Rogers, founder of Gentle Lion Communications, for a candid and tactical talk on media scarcity, creative burnout, and why PR isn't just about landing one big headline. Lana breaks down how the media landscape is shifting in real time and what brands and agencies can do to stay relevant, thoughtful, and audience-centered. From earned media realities to owned channel strategy, she outlines a smarter approach to storytelling, trust-building, and campaign planning in a noisy and fragmented landscape. If you're a marketer, comms lead, or founder still chasing the golden press hit, this episode will reset your thinking. Spoiler: that Globe and Mail article might not move the needle the way you think.

In this live SocialNext Toronto 2025 conversation, guest host Maddie Alvarez sits down with Joe Teo, founder and CEO of HeyOrca!, the Canadian-built social media platform helping thousands of agencies and teams simplify their content workflows. From dad jokes to dashboards, Joe shares why the point of social media isn’t virality—it’s community. He unpacks how HeyOrca’s product philosophy puts collaboration first, what social media managers actually need in 2025, and how AI can support (not replace) the humans behind the posts. You’ll hear Joe’s take on why strong communities require intentional moderation, how brands can create digital “gardens,” and why the best social spaces are both safe and self-sustaining.

In this episode of Marketing News Canada, content strategist and guest host, Maddie Alvarez sits down with Geoffrey Blanc, General Manager at Cyberimpact, live from SocialNext Toronto 2025. With over 18 years of experience in digital transformation and email marketing, Jeff shares his expert insights on what makes email still one of the most powerful — and misunderstood — tools in a marketer’s toolkit. From personalization and automation to privacy laws and deliverability, Geoffrey breaks down the essentials for building an effective, compliant, and high-performing email strategy. He offers practical advice for keeping lists clean, respecting consent, and creating campaigns that truly connect with audiences. Whether you’re refining your CRM strategy or struggling to cut through crowded inboxes, this episode delivers actionable tips on personalization, automation, compliance, and creative best practices, all rooted in Geoffrey’s experience helping Canadian businesses grow through smarter marketing.

In this live SocialNext: Toronto 2025 conversation, guest host Maddie Alvarez sits down with Charlie Grinnell, digital leader turned co-CEO of research startup Right Metric (ex-Red Bull, Aritzia, adidas Terrex). Buckle up for sharp, candid takes on why language matters more than ever, how to separate opinions from evidence, and why the most effective strategies are often about reduction, not expansion. From buzzword bingo to AI’s real role in decision-making, Charlie breaks down how to turn messy metrics into clear choices, without needing a stats degree. Opinions are the guest’s own.

Trying to break into a Marketing career is tough. It’s a mix of awkward networking circles, unnoticed LinkedIn requests, and a sea of stereotypes (no, marketing is not just advertising!).To get a real look into the world of Marketing and the people who are shaping it - listen to 4Ps in a Pod. In every episode, Jeevs & JP (two CPG marketers) have a chat with a Canadian marketer from a different industry, company, and point in their career. Together, we’ll hear their coming-of-age story, get an unfiltered look at what they do, and gain valuable advice on how to carve out a successful Marketing career. This podcast is a must-listen for students looking for their first Marketing gig, seasoned vets looking for a change, and everyone in between. 4Ps in a Pod - Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Special Offer for Marketing News Canada Listeners Unbounce can help you easily build landing pages, popups and sticky bars. Highly customizable and no coding required, anyone can get started on converting more traffic into leads, signups and sales. Try it yourself with a free 14-day trial and get 20% off your first three months now! https://unbounce.grsm.io/5cmrgz1mt3r6 Thanks to our sponsor Jelly Academy. Jelly Academy has been helping professionals, students and teams across Canada acquire the skills, knowledge and micro certifications they need to jump into a new digital marketing role, get that promotion, and amplify their current marketing roles. Learn more about Jelly Academy's 6 Week online bootcamp here: https://jellyacademy.ca/digital-marketing-6-week-program – Follow Marketing News Canada: Twitter - twitter.com/MarketingNewsC2 Facebook - facebook.com/MarketingNewsCanada LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/marketing-news-canada YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCM8sS33Jyj0xwbnBtRqJdNw Website - marketingnewscanada.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The one where Darian chats with Takara from VentureKids. Sign up for the Marketing News Canada e-newsletter at www.marketingnewscanada.com. – Special Offer for Marketing News Canada Listeners Unbounce can help you easily build landing pages, popups and sticky bars. Highly customizable and no coding required, anyone can get started on converting more traffic into leads, signups and sales. Try it yourself with a free 14-day trial and get 20% off your first three months now! https://unbounce.grsm.io/5cmrgz1mt3r6 Thanks to our sponsor Jelly Academy. Jelly Academy has been helping professionals, students and teams across Canada acquire the skills, knowledge and micro certifications they need to jump into a new digital marketing role, get that promotion, and amplify their current marketing roles. Learn more about Jelly Academy's 6 Week online bootcamp here: https://jellyacademy.ca/digital-marketing-6-week-program – Follow Marketing News Canada: Twitter - twitter.com/MarketingNewsC2 Facebook - facebook.com/MarketingNewsCanada LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/marketing-news-canada YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCM8sS33Jyj0xwbnBtRqJdNw Website - marketingnewscanada.com Follow Darian Kovacs: Website - jellymarketing.com/darian LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/dariankovacs Facebook - facebook.com/dariankovacspage Instagram - instagram.com/dariankovacs Twitter - twitter.com/dariankovacs Follow Takara Small: LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/takarasmall Website - https://takarasmall.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/takarasmall/?hl=en X - https://x.com/takarasmall?lang=en Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The one where Darian chats with Rachel from Stantec. Sign up for the Marketing News Canada e-newsletter at www.marketingnewscanada.com. – Special Offer for Marketing News Canada Listeners Unbounce can help you easily build landing pages, popups and sticky bars. Highly customizable and no coding required, anyone can get started on converting more traffic into leads, signups and sales. Try it yourself with a free 14-day trial and get 20% off your first three months now! https://unbounce.grsm.io/5cmrgz1mt3r6 Thanks to our sponsor Jelly Academy. Jelly Academy has been helping professionals, students and teams across Canada acquire the skills, knowledge and micro certifications they need to jump into a new digital marketing role, get that promotion, and amplify their current marketing roles. Learn more about Jelly Academy's 6 Week online bootcamp here: https://jellyacademy.ca/digital-marketing-6-week-program – Follow Marketing News Canada: Twitter - twitter.com/MarketingNewsC2 Facebook - facebook.com/MarketingNewsCanada LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/marketing-news-canada YouTube - youtube.com/channel/UCM8sS33Jyj0xwbnBtRqJdNw Website - marketingnewscanada.com Follow Darian Kovacs: Website - jellymarketing.com/darian LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/dariankovacs Facebook - facebook.com/dariankovacspage Instagram - instagram.com/dariankovacs Twitter - twitter.com/dariankovacs Follow Rachel Osavitsky-Baker: LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/rachel-osavitsky-baker-31466057 Website - https://www.stantec.com/en Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy