In this Best Bits episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Matt and Stephanie bring together 10 of the boldest hot takes from past conversations with researchers, strategists, and leaders who aren’t afraid to challenge convention. Each guest answers one provocative question:

“What’s the boldest hot take you have about leadership, research, or human connection?”

Rand Fishkin pulls no punches in exposing the myth of the all-knowing CEO and opens up about the tension between money, ego, and staying grounded. Leyla Doany explains why storytelling, not statistics, is what breaks through executive overload, while Ashley Hopkins draws creative parallels between shoes and mattresses to unlock new ways of thinking about user experience.

Jeff Dahms argues that paper surveys are making a comeback as digital channels erode trust, and Roddy Knowles highlights how poor study design can drive participants away before insights are even collected. Raina Rusnak underscores the role of empathy in building loyalty and trust within teams, while Louisea Hudson champions researchers as the true voice of the customer. Subhasish Nanda reframes telecom as a relationship business, not just a commodity, and Dave Ritter cautions that AI is only as valuable as the humans who validate and guide it. Finally, Ben Valenta turns “sports hate” on its head, showing how rivalries actually foster deeper community and connection.

This episode is a curated collection of the sharpest, funniest, and most thought-provoking moments from The Curiosity Current, a practical guide to rethinking leadership, research, and the human connections that shape them.
What You’ll Learn:

• Why Rand Fishkin believes CEOs are “just pretending”  and why wealth doesn’t have to turn you into a “turd burger.”
• How storytelling creates emotional resonance in overloaded executive environments.
• Why paper surveys may feel safer and more reliable in today’s trust-challenged world.
• What shoes and mattresses reveal about parallels in user experience research.
• How to protect participants from burnout and keep them coming back.
• Why empathy and genuine support are the foundation of strong leadership.
• How researchers can be more than data keepers, becoming the true voice of the customer.
• Why telecom is about relationships, not just devices.
• The limits of AI in insights and why human validation still matters.
• How “sports hate” can create deeper bonds between communities of fans.

If you enjoyed this Best Bits episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources:

• Rand Fishkin on LinkedIn
• Leyla Doany on LinkedIn
• Ashley Hopkins on LinkedIn
• Jeff Dahms on LinkedIn
• Roddy Knowles on LinkedIn
• Raina Rusnak on LinkedIn
• Louisea Hudson on LinkedIn
• Subhasish Nanda on LinkedIn
• Dave Ritter on LinkedIn
• Ben Valenta on LinkedIn
• Matt Mahan on LinkedIn
• Stephanie Vance on LinkedIn
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Spotify
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on YouTube
  
  

 The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Stephanie and Victoria talk with Sarah Montgomery, Director of Human Insights at The Coca-Cola Company, about using the Socratic method to uncover deeper truths in research. Drawing on her work with brands like Vitaminwater, Smartwater, Dasani, Simply, and Honest Kids, Sarah explains how disciplined questioning helps challenge assumptions, avoid confirmation bias, and bridge the gap between corporate jargon and consumer reality. She shares techniques for addressing uncomfortable insights without damaging trust, and why intellectual courage is essential for moving past consensus-driven decision-making. The discussion also explores how to balance speed and rigor in an AI-driven research environment while maintaining focus on what truly matters. Sarah underscores the importance of broad curiosity beyond data and into culture, as a tool for better understanding human behavior. It’s a practical guide for turning research into a strategic driver rather than just a source of answers.
What You’ll Learn:

• What the Socratic method is and how it sharpens critical thinking in market research
• How disciplined questioning helps researchers avoid confirmation bias and surface deeper insights
• Why intellectual courage is essential for delivering inconvenient truths that challenge the status quo
• How to reintroduce “the vernacular of real people” into research and brand decisions
• Ways to deliver difficult findings constructively, preserving collaboration with creative and brand teams
• The risk of mistaking speed for meaning in agile, AI-enabled research environments
• Why cultivating broad curiosity, in art, literature, history, and beyond, makes you a better researcher
• How to build stakeholder relationships that move you from “order taker” to trusted thought partner

Episode Resources:

• Sarah Montgomery on LinkedIn
• The Coca-Cola Company Website
• Victoria Waldman on LinkedIn
• Stephanie Vance on LinkedIn
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Spotify
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on YouTube
  
  

 The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of The Curiosity Current, host Stephanie sits down with Raina Rusnak, Head of Market Research and Business Intelligence at StarKist and CEO of 750 Research, to explore the intersection of mental health and market research. From leveraging qualitative techniques to foster workplace resilience to transforming unemployment into opportunities for growth, Raina shares insights from her book "Sampling Life" and her experience as both a researcher and mountaineer. Whether you're navigating career transitions or leading insights teams, this conversation offers practical strategies for maintaining mental wellness in high-pressure environments while delivering impactful research. Tune in to discover how combining empathetic leadership with methodological rigor can create stronger teams and better insights.
What You’ll Learn:

• How mountaineering principles translate to professional success through teamwork, communication, and resilience
• The power of sensory research in product development and how to integrate consumer feedback into flavor creation
• Why qualitative research remains crucial for understanding deeper emotional connections between consumers and brands
• How to transform unemployment periods into opportunities for personal growth and community impact
• The "10-minute nature rule" for maintaining mental health in high-pressure work environments
• Why leading with empathy and flexibility creates stronger, more productive research teams
• How AI and automation can enhance qualitative research while maintaining the human element
• The evolution of consumer insights from traditional methods to real-time feedback loops

Episode Resources:

• Raina Rusnak on LinkedIn
• StarKist on LinkedIn
• 750 Research on LinkedIn
• StarKist Website
• 750 Research Website
• Stephanie Vance on LinkedIn
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Spotify
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on YouTube
  
  

 The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this fascinating episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Stephanie and Matt explore the powerful social dynamics of sports fandom with Ben Valenta, SVP of Strategy at Fox Sports and co-author of "Fans Have More Friends." Discover why fandom is about more than just watching games, how sports create lasting social bonds, and why engaged sports fans are consistently the most active consumers across all media. Whether you're a marketer seeking to understand consumer behavior or curious about the science behind fan communities, this conversation reveals how sports fandom signals deeper social engagement and delivers surprising insights about human connection. Learn why the biggest sports fans aren't just passionate about games - they're more engaged in every aspect of society.
What You’ll Learn:

• Why sports fandom is primarily driven by community connection rather than entertainment value
• How the "Fan Flywheel" principle explains the development of sustained fandom through repeated social interactions
• The surprising truth about sports rivalries and why they're less important than commonly believed
• Why viewing sports as "escapism" misframes consumer motivation and leads to incorrect business strategies
• How to leverage sports fandom as a powerful signal of broader consumer engagement and brand affinity
• Why sports fans are consistently the most engaged consumers across all media categories and product types
• The critical role of long-term thinking in cultivating fan communities and creating meaningful engagement
• How brands can better facilitate social connections rather than just focusing on content delivery

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources:

• Ben Valenta on LinkedIn
• FOX Sports on LinkedIn
• FOX Sports Website
• Stephanie Vance on LinkedIn
• Matt Mahan on LinkedIn
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Spotify
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on YouTube

 The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this candid conversation, hosts Matt and Stephanie sit down with Rand Fishkin, CEO of SparkToro and former CEO of Moz, to explore the evolving landscape of audience research and ethical AI implementation. From challenging traditional venture capital models to building "chill work" companies, Rand shares invaluable insights on creating sustainable businesses without sacrificing personal values. Whether you're a marketer seeking better audience understanding, an entrepreneur navigating the startup world, or simply curious about the future of consumer insights, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on doing business differently in today's tech-driven world.

• Key topics include reimagining audience research, ethical AI adoption, and building sustainable tech companies
• Learn about SparkToro's innovative approach to understanding target audiences
• Discover why traditional survey methods may be misleading and how to gather more accurate consumer insights
• Understand the real impact of AI on marketing and business strategy

What You’ll Learn:

• How to build a "chill work" company culture that prioritizes work-life balance while maintaining profitability
• Why traditional post-purchase surveys often mislead marketers and how to gather more accurate customer insights
• The truth about AI's capabilities and limitations in business applications
• How to approach audience research with a problem-first mindset rather than a data-first approach
• Why zero-click marketing is becoming increasingly important as platforms reduce outbound traffic
• The "Statistical Truth" principle for balancing vocal minority feedback with broader market data
• How to maintain ethical business practices while navigating venture capital and emerging technologies
• Why visual presentation of data has become crucial for marketing professionals pitching to leadership

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources:

• Rand Fishkin on LinkedIn
• SparkToro on LinkedIn
• SparkToro Website
• Stephanie Vance on LinkedIn
• Matt Mahan on LinkedIn
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Spotify
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on YouTube
  
  

 The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Join hosts Matt and Stephanie as they sit down with Don DeVeaux, Professor of Practice at Michigan State University's MSMR program, to explore the evolving landscape of market research education and talent development. With over three decades of experience spanning General Motors, GfK, and academia, Don shares invaluable insights on preparing the next generation of researchers, navigating the AI revolution, and the enduring importance of human skills in insights work. Whether you're a seasoned researcher, hiring manager, or considering a career in insights, this episode offers a fascinating look at how academic institutions and industry partners are collaborating to shape tomorrow's research leaders.

• From classroom to boardroom: Bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application
• Critical soft skills that set successful researchers apart
• How AI is transforming research education while core fundamentals remain unchanged
• The expanding career opportunities for insights professionals beyond traditional research roles

What You’ll Learn:
- Why fundamental research skills remain critical even as technology evolves- How to build effective mentorship relationships in modern research careers- The essential soft skills new researchers need to develop, from communication to critical thinking- Why the first 2-3 years are transformative for young researchers' confidence and capabilities- How AI should be integrated into research education as a tool, not a replacement- Why an MSMR degree creates versatile career paths beyond traditional research roles- The importance of balancing technical skills with real-world application in research education- How academic-industry partnerships strengthen the talent pipeline through hands-on experience- Why teaching problem-solving and client communication remains as crucial as technical skills- The value of structured support systems for remote and in-person research professionals
Episode Resources:

• Don DeVeaux on LinkedIn
• Michigan State University on LinkedIn
• Michigan State University Website
• Stephanie Vance on LinkedIn
• Matt Mahan on LinkedIn
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Spotify
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on YouTube

 The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this insightful episode of The Curiosity Current, host Stephanie sits down with Subhasish Nanda, Director of Customer Insights and Analytics at Verizon, to explore the evolving landscape of data-driven customer retention. Discover how AI and analytics are revolutionizing customer experience, why traditional loyalty programs are being reimagined, and what really drives customer decisions beyond price. Whether you're a business leader, analytics professional, or curious about the future of customer engagement, this conversation offers valuable insights into how major telecom companies are leveraging data to build stronger customer relationships. Tune in to learn why understanding your product and customers remains paramount even in an AI-driven world.

• Key customer retention insights from Verizon's data analytics leader
• Evolution from data-supported to data-driven decision making
• Why customer experience trumps price in retention strategy
• Future of AI-powered personalization in customer loyalty
• Essential career advice for aspiring analytics professionals

What You’ll Learn:

• Why data science has evolved from a support function to the primary driver of marketing strategy
• How AI tools are transforming anomaly detection and freeing analysts to focus on strategic interpretation
• The truth behind price sensitivity myths and why customer experience matters more than discounts
• Why three-year device commitments are replacing two-year cycles and how this reflects changing consumer behavior
• How to approach retention strategies for specialized markets like public safety, where network reliability trumps price
• The delicate balance between personalization and privacy in AI-driven customer engagement
• Why understanding core business operations and customer behavior is more crucial than technical expertise alone
• How to leverage behavioral triggers and customer signals to predict and prevent churn without appearing intrusive

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources:

• Subhasish Nanda on LinkedIn
• Verizon on LinkedIn
• Verizon Website
• Stephanie Vance on LinkedIn
• Matt Mahan on LinkedIn
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Spotify
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on YouTube
  
  

 The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Stephanie and Matt explore the evolving landscape of consumer insights with Dave Ritter, Director of Insights and Consulting at Walmart. From revolutionizing primary research with AI to democratizing customer insights across organizations, Dave shares practical perspectives on balancing traditional methods with emerging technologies. Whether you're navigating the qual-quant divide, exploring AI's role in segmentation, or seeking to optimize customer experience, this conversation offers fresh frameworks for leveraging AI while maintaining human expertise. Tune in to discover why AI might be "the new calculator" and how researchers can embrace its potential while knowing when human intervention matters most.

• Deep dive into AI's impact on market research and consumer insights
• Framework for balancing AI automation with human expertise
• Fresh perspectives on democratizing insights across organizations
• Practical approaches to qual/quant integration using AI
• Strategic view on the future of consumer behavior prediction

What You’ll Learn:

• How to effectively integrate AI into market research through a test-and-learn approach, from survey writing to automated reporting
• The "No/Moderate/Full Intervention Framework" for determining when and how to deploy AI in research
• Why qualitative research at scale is becoming more powerful through AI-enabled video and audio analysis
• How AI is evolving consumer segmentation from broad clusters to hyper-personalization
• The critical role of human expertise in validating AI insights and navigating disruptive market changes
• Why researchers should embrace AI as a "calculator for insights" while maintaining fundamental research principles
• How to leverage AI for faster threat and opportunity detection in brand management and crisis response
• The importance of validating AI findings against traditional research methods before implementation

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources:

• Dave Ritter on LinkedIn
• Walmart on LinkedIn
• Walmart Website
• Stephanie Vance on LinkedIn
• Matt Mahan on LinkedIn
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Spotify
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on YouTube
  
  

 The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this illuminating episode of the Curiosity Current, hosts Matt and Stephanie sit down with Louisea Hudson, Principal Customer Researcher at Amazon, to explore the powerful intersection of neurodivergent thinking and market research. Discover how mixed-method approaches, diverse perspectives, and inclusive research practices can transform the insights industry. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just starting your career, learn why embracing different cognitive styles is a superpower in research, how to effectively combine qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and why making research more accessible benefits everyone. Plus, get practical advice on leveraging AI as a research companion while maintaining the human element in customer insights.

• Neurodivergent perspectives as an asset in research
• Mixed-method research approaches and their impact
• Making research more inclusive and accessible
• Practical applications of AI in insights
• Career advice for researchers who think differently

What You’ll Learn:- How neurodivergent thinking styles can become superpowers in research, particularly in spotting unobvious connections and innovative solutions- The essential balance between scientific rigor and creative exploration in mixed-method research- Why fluid research processes are crucial for accommodating diverse thinking styles and achieving better insights- How to make research more inclusive and accessible for both researchers and participants- The value of storytelling in translating data into meaningful insights that resonate with stakeholders- Why diverse teams (in thinking styles, backgrounds, and experience levels) create stronger research outcomes- How to effectively use AI as a companion tool in research while maintaining human oversight- The importance of adapting research methodologies to match participant communication styles and preferences
Episode Resources:

• Louisea Hudson on LinkedIn
• Amazon on LinkedIn
• Amazon Website
• Stephanie Vance on LinkedIn
• Matt Mahan on LinkedIn
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Spotify
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on YouTube
  
  

 The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Matt and Stephanie sit down with Kim Duncan, Head of Consumer Insights at Givaudan, to explore FlavorFinders—a groundbreaking segmentation framework that's redefining how brands understand and innovate around flavor preferences. From challenging traditional demographic-based approaches to revealing surprising insights about risk tolerance and flavor adoption, this conversation unpacks how behavioral and emotional dimensions shape consumer taste. Whether you're a researcher looking to enhance your segmentation strategies or a brand innovator seeking fresh perspectives on product development, discover how FlavorFinders' decade of behavioral research is helping create more targeted, successful flavor innovations in today's fast-moving food and beverage market.

What You'll Learn:

• How FlavorFinders evolved from a decade of research to challenge traditional demographic-based segmentation
• Why behavioral and emotional dimensions are better predictors of flavor preferences than demographics
• The four key consumer segments that define flavor adoption, from trailblazers to hesitators
• How to align product innovation and marketing strategies with different risk tolerance levels across segments
• Why understanding "adventure" and "risk" means different things to different consumer segments
• How complementary segmentation frameworks can enhance existing customer insights
• The role of AI and predictive analytics in accelerating product development cycles
• Why successful flavor innovation requires targeting the right segment rather than trying to appeal to everyone

Episode Resources

• Kim Duncan on LinkedIn
• Givaudan on LinkedIn
• Givaudan Website
• Stephanie Vance on LinkedIn
• Matt Mahan on LinkedIn
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on Spotify
• The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast on YouTube
  
  

 The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so