Best ThinkNow Research Podcasts (2026)

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Representation, Culture, and Power in the Marketing Ecosystem with Arnetta Whiteside 55:25

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7h ago55:25

55:25

For years, multicultural marketing was treated as an add on. Something layered onto a broader strategy. But in a country where diversity is now the engine of growth, that approach is no longer enough. In this episode of The New Mainstream Podcast, Mario Carrasco speaks with Arnetta Whiteside, Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer at Publicis Groupe, a…

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From Insights to Real Impact: When Research Becomes Patient Advocacy with Carlos Guerrero Anderson 46:59

21d ago46:59

46:59

In this episode of the podcast, Mario Carrasco sits down with Carlos Guerrero Anderson, a strategic insights leader whose career spans entrepreneurship, healthcare market research, and now patient advocacy within a nonprofit organization. Carlos’s story is a clear example of how insights expertise can move beyond business outcomes and become a forc…

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Rethinking Gen Z: Why Culture, Not Language, Is the New Core of Multicultural Marketing, with Oscar Padilla 33:05

2M ago33:05

33:05

As brands navigate a fast-changing consumer landscape, one truth has become impossible to ignore: Gen Z is rewriting every rule of multicultural marketing. For years, language served as the primary indicator of culture, especially in Hispanic marketing, but new data from Culture Decoded, a study by ThinkNow and LatiNation, shows that thoseassumptio…

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Empathy in Action: How Cultural Insight Drives Better Products with Agustin Hernandez 47:56

2M ago47:56

47:56

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It starts with people who build intentional systems to understand human behavior. Data and technology may power today’s marketplace,but empathy is the true differentiator that sets brands apart. Knowing what consumers buy and why, how they use it, what challenges they face, and what makes their experience bet…

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From Signals to Strategy: How Foresight Turns Human Insight into Future Innovation with Jay Hasbrouck⁠ 39:39

2M ago39:39

39:39

Foresight is more than predicting what’s next. It’s identifying early signals and linking them to the human behaviors driving change. By studying how people adapt, create, andrespond to their environments, organizations can design strategies and solutions that fulfill future needs while staying grounded in reality. This approach relies on both trad…

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Bridging Culture and Commerce in Multicultural Marketing with Liz Pedraza 39:55

3M ago39:55

39:55

Walk through any major city in the U.S. and you’ll see it. Consumer demographics are shifting. From local shops to national brands, multicultural communities are driving commerce and key economic trends. Yet, while consumers are evolving, many marketing strategies are not. Too often, multicultural audiences remain an afterthought rather than the ce…

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Advancing Health Equity Through Authentic Storytelling in Multicultural Marketing with Nikki Hopewell 38:21

3M ago38:21

38:21

Storytelling has long been recognized as a powerful way to bridge differences and build empathy across communities. To advance health equity, stories that transform complex medical terms and statistics into human experiences can break down barriers and even save lives. When people hear from survivors or caregivers who share their culture, language,…

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Building Responsible AI With Innovation, Ethics and Inclusion with Norman Valdez 47:09

4M ago47:09

47:09

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping society, but with its transformative power comes pressing ethical, cultural, and social questions. The conversation around AI often centers on new capabilities, but equally important are the implications for equity, transparency, and human values. A key concern is the concentration of AI development…

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Trust, Tech, and the New Financial Playbook: Navigating the Generational Divide with Aijaz Hussain Shaik 39:16

4M ago39:16

39:16

Money habits aren’t formed in a vacuum. They’re shaped by the crises we live through, the culture we’re raised in, and the tools we trust to manage our future. Today’s financial landscape is being redefined by generational shifts, cultural influences, and emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, each impacting how people save, spend, an…

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How Inclusive Workplaces Turn Military Experience into Business Advantage with Ari Friedman 49:08

5M ago49:08

49:08

Veterans are undoubtedly our nation’s heroes. They bring with them a set of skills honed through years of service, skills that, if clearly communicated, can achieve the same success in business that they achieved on missions. The key to transferring these skills to civilian roles is breakingdown what was done in a military context into terms that s…

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Why Internal Messaging Fails and How Inclusive Communication Fixes It with Jenna Marston 39:34

5M ago39:34

39:34

As the workforce becomes increasingly diverse—not just in terms of race and ethnicity, but also in education, language, and lived experiences—brands must rethink how they communicate internally. It's not enough to craft a compellingmessage if it isn’t understood, or worse, if no one cares. For communication to be effective, it must be accessible, r…

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What Brands Get Wrong About the New America, Navigating Cultural Nuance with Julia Glidden & Ruth Moss 42:04

6M ago42:04

42:04

People make assumptions. While that may seem like a common character flaw, it can have serious implications on brand perception. When marketers rely on outdated stereotypes and beliefs about the American public, they are ignoring the complex reality in which consumers live. Today’s consumer is far more nuanced than the binary labels imposed upon th…

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Latino Entrepreneurs, Mexico, and the Market Opportunity Brands Can’t Ignore with Israel Serna 40:22

6M ago40:22

40:22

For many entrepreneurs, success isn’t just about top-line growth. It’s seizing opportunities to break barriers and shape their identities as cultural and economic drivers. That’s especially true within the Latino community, where small businesses continue to power economic growth in both the U.S. and Mexico. But thriving in today’s marketplace requ…

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Speaking Their Language: The ROI of Inclusive Marketing with Crystal Marie McDaniels 36:33

7M ago36:33

36:33

Inclusive marketing isn't just about doing the right thing—it’s about doing what works. When companies fail to speak the cultural language of their audiences, they risk more than lost market share. Brands lose trust, relevance, and relationships. But when inclusion is rooted in strategy rather than performative gestures, it becomes a powerful busin…

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Inside the Science of Building Brand Trust Through Storytelling with Kate Smiley 43:56

7M ago43:56

43:56

Trust is at the heart of effective communication today, particularly when it comes to science and healthcare. In a time when mistrust of institutions is growing, communicators must prioritize building authentic connections rather thanrelying solely on facts and figures. It’s not just about relaying information. Brands must understand audience conce…

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What Latin Music’s Global Rise Teaches Us About Culture, Consumers, and the Future of Marketing with Jose Abreu 50:00

8M ago50:00

50:00

Latin music is no longer a niche. It’s a global phenomenon reshaping how brands navigate an increasingly digital and culturally diverse landscape. Streaming platforms are breaking down barriers to discovery, giving artists instant access to global audiences and perpetuating cultural diffusion across borders. But with that access comes disruption an…

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Language Out, Culture In: Reframing Multicultural Marketing with Randy Gudiel 40:17

8M ago40:17

40:17

Despite America’s growing diversity, multicultural marketing continues to face persistent underinvestment andinconsistency. While Black and Latino consumers make up approximately 30% of the U.S. population, early multicultural campaigns received less than 5% of national advertising budgets, a gap that has improved slightly but remains amajor challe…

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Multicultural Marketing Isn’t Optional, It’s a Business Imperative with Hernan Tagliani 35:36

9M ago35:36

35:36

Despite the U.S. being home to the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world, investment in multicultural marketing, particularly Hispanic marketing, remains disproportionately low, representing just 6–7% of total ad spend. This is a missed opportunity and a risk for brands looking to stay relevant in an increasingly diverse marketpla…

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The Role of Race in Consumer Behavior and Inclusive Markets with Sonya A. Grier 43:17

9M ago43:17

43:17

Despite the headlines, rollbacks, and legal battles, the conversation around race has never been more crucial for marketers and businesses. While diversity and inclusion (D&I) often dominate discussions, doing so serves only as adistraction from the broader concerns surrounding the racial dynamics embedded in our society. The issues of race aren’t …

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The Power of Authenticity in Creator and Influencer Marketing Strategies with Gabe Mederos 45:36

10M ago45:36

45:36

Influencer marketing has evolved into a powerful strategy for brands looking to engage diverse audiences. Influencers leverage their broad reach to drive awareness and inspire consumer buy-in, while creator marketing enables passionate content creators to engage and connect with niche communities. Brands are increasingly incorporating both approach…

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How Authenticity Drives Business Growth in Hyper-Aware Markets with Maribel Lara 51:37

10M ago51:37

51:37

The transition from working in large companies to owning a startup is a journey of both challenge and opportunity. For many entrepreneurs, it's a chance to reconnect with their passions, streamline their offerings, and create deeperemotional connections with clients. However, all companies, regardless of size, must navigate the complexities of main…

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Redefining Masculinity: Navigating Identity, Strength, and Change with Whitney Dunlap-Fowler 47:00

11M ago47:00

47:00

The perception of masculinity is evolving. Historically, men have been socialized to be providers—strong, confident, and financially successful. However, shifts in culture, gender dynamics, and societal expectations have tipped the scales.As women gain economic independence and redefine their roles, many men find themselves at a crossroads, navigat…

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Breaking Systemic Barriers Through Workplace Reform and Entrepreneurship 39:25

1y ago39:25

39:25

It has been widely reported that the advertising industry faces critical challenges, particularly around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. Among the most pressing issues is the prevalence of sexual harassment, which systematically hinders female leadership and drivesout underrepresented talent. Addressing these concerns requ…

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Cultivating Customer Loyalty Through Relationship Design with Cairo Marsh 45:02

1y ago45:02

45:02

In today’s fast-paced world, consumers face a constant stream of messages, making it increasingly difficult for brands to stand out and for customers to commit. Relationship design is emerging as a key strategy to reduce churn and foster long-term brand loyalty. By crafting thoughtful customer interactions – whether in person oronline – brands can …

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From TV to Twitch: Navigating the Evolving Media Landscape with Marcela Doria 33:55

1y ago33:55

33:55

The transformation from traditional media to digital streaming has fundamentally shifted how companies connect with consumers across the U.S. and Latin America. With streaming platforms offering direct insights into viewer behavior, media companies are now closer to understanding their audiences—albeit with someunique challenges. Historically, medi…

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How Diverse Creators Are Evolving from the Margin to Mainstream with Flavio Morales 44:31

1y ago44:31

44:31

The entertainment industry is at an exciting crossroads, with increasing diversity in programming and more creators establishing their own content studios.However, it also presents significant challenges, particularly for producers and creators from underrepresented groups. As the industry has drasticallyshifted over the past few years, with stream…

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Future-Proofing Brands: The Power of Inclusive Marketing in Music and Media with Robert Vélez 39:36

1+ y ago39:36

39:36

The way we consume media has completely changed. Today, marketers need to be savvy in their understanding of how different audiences behave and what they areinterested in. One area seeing significant growth is musicand video content, particularly through mobile and connected TV platforms. For brands, leveraging these platforms to engage with underr…

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From Impact to ROI: Exploring the Link Between DEI and Business Results with Kimberly Ayers Shariff 37:00

1+ y ago37:00

37:00

McKinsey's fourth report in its series on the business casefor diversity reinforces the idea that companies that invest in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are more likely to outperform those that do not. Integrating DEI into the DNA of an organization is not only socially responsible but also a sound business strategy. Companies …

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AI and the Evolving Market Research Landscape with Dan Comenduley 37:17

1+ y ago37:17

37:17

The pandemic didn't create new consumer trends butsignificantly accelerated existing ones. The consumer landscape is dynamic, continuously evolving as people change, societies evolve and cultures shift. Consequently, researchers must stay adaptable, embracing new methods and technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). AI enables innovations lik…

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The Enduring Importance of Inclusive Marketing in a DEI Adverse World with Devoreaux Walton 36:05

1+ y ago36:05

36:05

Despite gaining significant momentum in 2020 following a surge in social justice awareness, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has faced recent backlash. Yet, inclusive marketing remains essential for businesses seeking long-term success. Inclusive marketing is not just about representation. It is a strategic approach designed to build deep conn…

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The Cross-Cultural Advantage: Michael Roca on Rethinking Multicultural Marketing with Michael Roca 45:22

1+ y ago45:22

45:22

In this episode of The New Mainstream podcast, Mario Carrasco and Michael Roca, who currently spearheads the Cross-Cultural Center of Excellence at Omnicom Media Group, delve into the evolving landscape of multicultural marketing and media. Multicultural has shifted from a niche segment to a central focus for many brands and agencies. This change r…

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How Inclusive Design is Impacting the Future of Work with Ryan Anderson 45:11

1+ y ago45:11

45:11

Younger generations of workers have fully embraced the "work from anywhere" concept, prompting employers torethink conventional methods. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, flexible and adaptive workspaces have become more critical than ever. The pandemic accelerated the shift towards more distributed teams, andorganizations are now adj…

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Marketing in a Multicultural World: From Niche to Core with Glory Alcántara 49:14

1+ y ago49:14

49:14

Marketing is both an art and a science, shaped by the experiences and perspectives of its practitioners. Initially, multicultural marketing was considered a niche orspecialized area within broader marketing strategies. However, there has been a gradual shift towards integrating multicultural marketing into the coremarketing approach. This shift inv…

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Multicultural Marketing: Bridging the Gap with Contextual Technology with Tony Gonzalez 41:29

1+ y ago41:29

41:29

The marketing landscape is evolving, driven by the rapidly changing demographics in the U.S. Today's consumers are culturally diverse, tech-savvy, and vocal about their needs and wants. Among them, to be represented authentically in advertising. For marketers, this requires a change in the paradigm, a move beyond general marketing strategies to emb…

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Authenticity Matters: Why Market Research Needs Diversity to Connect with Black Consumers with Dawn V. Carr 37:45

1+ y ago37:45

37:45

Black Americans, comprising about 14% of the U.S. population, wield significant economic influence, with buying power surpassing $1.5 trillion. Their culturalimpact is equally undeniable, shaping everything from music and fashion to cuisine and beyond. Yet, generally, brands fail to invest in the market research needed to truly understand the compl…

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Revealed: The Critical Role of Brand Strategy in Business Success with Darren Horwitz 39:00

1+ y ago39:00

39:00

Whether refreshing an existing brand orlaunching a new one, the fundamentals remain the same— understanding the "why" behind your brand is critical to its long-term success. While logos and color palettes are often seen as the face of a brand, they are merelyidentifiers, visual representations of a brand’s ideals. But branding goes deeper than that…

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Is Market Research Poised for Sustainable Growth in the AI Era? with Michael Nevski 43:35

1+ y ago43:35

43:35

Effective market research goes beyond understanding trends to identifying opportunities in the market. But many companies struggle to translate data insights intotangible financial gains. This struggle stems from a tendency to diminish the significance of market research instead of acknowledging its profound potential as a revenue generator. Failin…

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Diverse Teams Can Transform Market Research: Authentic Insights Ahead with Kai Fuentes 47:45

2y ago47:45

47:45

Diversity isn't just about optics. Today’s consumers prioritize authenticity and base their purchase decisions on how brands show up. But authenticity does not start when the products hit the shelf. It must be woven into every stage of the go-to-market strategy, including market research – from panel recruitment and survey design toselecting modera…

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Bridging Cultures, Elevating Wellness: The Future of Multicultural Marketing with Will Campbell 42:19

2y ago42:19

42:19

Today's consumers are confidently embracing their authentic identities, and forward-thinking brands are following suit. Inclusive beauty giants like Ulta Beauty proudly defy gender norms, while others prominently feature same-sex couples and individuals with disabilities and promote body positivity in their advertising campaigns. On the flip side, …

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Revolutionizing Sports Fandom: Engaging Young Bilingual Latino Fans with Jesus Chavez 50:05

2y ago50:05

50:05

In the dynamic landscape of sports fandom, one demographic stands out for its potential to reshape the future: young bilingualLatino fans. These individuals bring a unique perspective to sports, craving innovative ways to express their passion for the game. But that passion goes beyond the field to the experience, whether tailgating or engaging wit…

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Can the Insights Industry See Itself Clearly? with Ali Henriques 31:36

2y ago31:36

31:36

As Women's History Month approaches each year, theremarkable strides women have made in business become increasingly clear. However, despite these advancements, certain industries, such as the insights industry, continue to struggle with leadership inequities and a lack of workforce diversity. While the insights industry prides itself on understand…

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Suma Wealth: Empowering Financial Inclusion Among Latinos with Insight and Humor with Beatriz Acevedo 41:49

2y ago41:49

41:49

The evolution of financial technology, commonly referred to as 'fintech,' has undergone a remarkable surge in recent years, empowering consumers to conduct their banking activities on their terms from any location. So high is the demand for online financial tools that banks like Bank of America, which started shuttering its drive-through teller lan…

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Overcoming the Limits of Multicultural Marketing with Javier Farfan 49:53

2y ago49:53

49:53

While diversity and inclusion have recently come under fire in several industries, the expectation consumers set in 2020 for brands to be more inclusive stands. A ThinkNow study revealed that over 45% of consumers are willing to go out of their way to shop at a store they've never frequented if the brand has made a public commitment to D&I. Forty-s…

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Inclusive Farm Bill Advocacy: Advancing Food Justice for All with Christina Wong 33:51

2y ago33:51

33:51

Soaring interest rates on borrowing and sharp increases infood prices have become harsh realities for many Americans. While there is speculation about inflation easing, the stark reality is that millions of Americans grapple with food insecurity. Many argue that the food system in the U.S. is fundamentally flawed. Despite boasting the world's large…

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DEI: The Secret to Building High-Performing Inclusive Workplaces with Maria Morukian 36:46

2y ago36:46

36:46

Consumers are demanding more from brands when it comes todiversity, equity and inclusion. They are tired of the social polarization surrounding DEI and how these concepts are exploited to foster division and isolation. They support brands committed to creating a culture of respect and understanding where everyone feels valued, seen and heard in the…

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How Fintech is Changing the Way Gen Z Manages Money with Lilah Raynor 30:37

2y ago30:37

30:37

Americans are feeling the pinch in their wallets, with fears of a government shutdown looming and prices for everyday goods and services rising. Consumers have been on an economic roller coaster for a few years due to COVID-19, which left millions jobless, and George Floyd's murder, which sparked national protests for social justice. These events h…

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Embracing Natural Curls: The Rise of the Natural Hair Market with Stephanie LaFlora 32:01

2+ y ago32:01

32:01

Over 60% of the population has curly hair, but not everyone loves their curly locks. Cultural norms in the U.S. tend to equate attractiveness and professionalism with straightened hair, while natural coils are often stigmatized as too ethnic and unprofessional. There is a hierarchy of hair texture, with straight hair sitting at the apex. Consequent…

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How Market Research Can Help Brands Connect with Black Consumers with Pepper Miller 34:08

2+ y ago34:08

34:08

Mainstream media often focuses on the economic and racialdisparities that plague Black communities, and brands misunderstand and misrepresent Black Americans in advertising. Despite this, BlackAmericans are a resilient consumer group with $1.6 trillion in purchasing power and undeniable influence on American culture. But reducing Black Americans to…

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How DEI Helps Companies Build Early Career Talent Pipelines and Strengthen Employer Brands with Henal Majethia 31:13

2+ y ago31:13

31:13

The workforce is evolving, and with it, expectations of companies to be more inclusive in their hiring and retention practices. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are entering the workforce with a strong sense of self-confidence and a clear idea of what they want in a work experience. They are willing to pass on a job, even if it pays well, i…

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How to Use Adaptative Marketing Strategies to Engage Communities and Build Brands with Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence 28:57

2+ y ago28:57

28:57

Today’s discerning consumers crave personalized marketing experiences in which they feel seen and heard. The paradigm has shifted, and brands looking to stay ahead of the curve are workingto foster genuine connections with consumers by committing to inclusivity in products and services and participating in meaningful community engagement. This is p…