In this episode of the 'Speakeasier', hosts Asad and Shilpa dive into their experiences at the Cannes Lions Festival. Shilpa shares her thoughts on attending Cannes for the first time, discussing highlights such as a panel with Deepak Chopra and AI-facilitated meditation. The discussion shifts to the impact of AI on the advertising industry and its potential to handle tedious tasks, while preserving the need for human creativity. The hosts also touch on the inclusivity of Cannes, the role of content creators, and the evolving industry norms around DEI and drinking culture. Concluding with reflections on the future of the festival, they emphasize the potential rise of quiet, experiential engagements over traditional digital interactions. 

00:00 Introduction and Greetings 

00:28 Word Association Game 

01:13 First Impressions of Cannes

02:13 AI and Its Impact 

08:32 Nostalgia and Content Creation 

12:57 Cultural Appropriation and Authenticity 

15:22 Reflections on Cannes Experience 

17:09 Questioning Brand Involvement in Rituals 

17:49 Nostalgia and Early Brand Influences 

18:36 The Evolution of Media Consumption 

19:21 Trust and Misinformation in Institutions 

20:16 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenges 

22:08 Experiences at Cannes: Fringe vs. Core Events 

24:26 Inclusivity and Representation at Cannes 

27:21 Future Trends and Changing Norms 

33:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes