Best Sundar Swaminathan Podcasts (2025)

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UN 389 - Sundar Swaminathan. How Uber saved $35M in Ads. 28:40

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2h ago28:40

28:40

Former Uber Head of Marketing Data Science Sundar Swaminathan shares how he uncovered that Uber's massive Facebook ad spend wasn't driving real growth. He explains what companies can learn about incrementality, brand investment, and making data-driven decisions without overcomplicating the process. A must-listen for marketers navigating performance…

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UN 388 - YPulse. Style, Fashion, and Identity. 27:30

2h ago27:30

27:30

In today's episode, MaryLeigh Bliss, Chief Content Officer at YPulse, discusses insights from their recent fashion preferences report based on a survey of 1,500 young North American consumers. She explores how the fear of seeming "cringe" leads many to avoid clothes that look "try-hard," and how comfort has become a defining aesthetic—with sweatpan…

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ex-Rocket Advisor: Stop Building the Wrong Stack | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 11 48:49

4h ago48:49

48:49

How do you build a data team that actually drives business outcomes? In this episode of ExperiMENTAL, host Sundar Swaminathan sits down with Sebastian Hewing, Data & AI Advisor to C-Level leaders in VC and PE-backed companies, and ex-Rocket Internet, to uncover what most companies get wrong about building and scaling data teams. From startup chaos …

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UN 387 - IJRM. Luxury & Logo Complexity. 26:53

10h ago26:53

26:53

Logos do more than identify a brand—they shape how we experience it. In this episode, Qing Tang, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Hong Kong Baptist University, discusses research she and her colleagues published in the International Journal of Research in Marketing on logo design and perceptions of luxury. While many companies have shifted towar…

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UN 386 - Dan Levi. Out-of-Home's Surprising Strength. 29:23

21d ago29:23

29:23

Out-of-home advertising is delivering stronger results than many digital-first channels. Dan Levi, EVP & CMO of Clear Channel Outdoor, shares insights from a five-year study with Kantar that proves OOH drives awareness, intent, and brand favorability—and amplifies the impact of other media. Learn how marketers can measure performance, optimize crea…

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Rethinking Metrics: When KPIs Are Too Basic for Real Growth | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 10 47:36

21d ago47:36

47:36

🎯 Is your marketing KPI lying to you? In this episode of ExperiMENTAL, host Sundar Swaminathan sits down with Russell Tischler, VP of Marketing at Fundrise, to dismantle the myth of “good enough” metrics. From building predictive models that forecast investor behavior to questioning the ROI of lift tests, Russell shares hard-earned lessons from his…

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UN 385 - Robin Bonn. Market of One. 29:32

16d ago29:32

29:32

Is the agency world oversupplied—or just under differentiated? In this episode, Gabriella Mirabelli speaks with Robin Bonn, CEO of Co:definery and author of Market of One, about why most agencies struggle to stand out—and how they can fix it. They discuss the myths of procurement power, why "our people" isn't a strategy, and how smart specializatio…

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UN 384 - YPulse. Screens, Streams, & Trust. 28:49

1M ago28:49

28:49

YPulse Chief Content Officer MaryLeigh Bliss shares the latest insights into how Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping entertainment and news consumption. From YouTube's dominance to TikTok's growing role as a news source, Bliss reveals what young audiences are watching, how they engage with content, and who they trust. Discover what today's viewing …

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The Strategic Power of Product Marketing | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 9 50:18

1M ago50:18

50:18

What if product marketing was the secret weapon your growth strategy is missing? In this episode of ExperiMENTAL, Sundar sits down with Damian Valdes, Associate Director of Product Marketing at Spotify, to reveal why product marketers are often the most underutilized force in tech. From launching features like Spotify Jam to designing internal grow…

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UN 383 - Jason Ing. Typeface & AI Powered Marketing. 29:29

1M ago29:29

29:29

What does it mean to market AI to marketers? Typeface CMO Jason Ing joins Gabriella Mirabelli to share how his team is cutting through the noise, helping brands integrate AI without disrupting workflows, and shifting the focus from flashy tools to real outcomes. Learn how agentic AI is changing content creation—and why marketers are uniquely positi…

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UN 382 - IJRM. The Effects of Churn on Subscription Services. 30:02

1M ago30:02

30:02

Subscription businesses live and die by churn—but its impact goes far beyond lost customers. In this episode, Professor Barak Libai discusses research he and his colleagues conducted that reveals how churn reshapes growth, revenue, and market potential -- and what that means for anyone building or investing in a subscription model.…

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Mastering CRM: From Paper Notes to Lifecycle Growth | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 8 49:00

2M ago49:00

49:00

Mastering CRM: From Paper Notes to Lifecycle Growth In this episode of ExperiMENTAL, host Sundar sits down with Karan Tibdewal, The CRM Guy™️ and trusted CRM advisor to top subscription apps. Together, they trace CRM's journey from Rolodex-era notes to today’s role as a strategic lever for growth. Whether you’re leading lifecycle marketing or wonde…

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Un 381 - Zeno Project. Brand Love & Loyalty. 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

What makes consumers truly love a brand? In this episode, Allison McClamroch, Head of Brand US at Zeno Group, shares insights from Zeno's latest research on brand love and loyalty. Discover how generational values, social media influence, and cultural relevance shape brand relationships—and what brands must do to earn and keep loyalty in today's co…

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UN 380 - YPulse. 10 Trends You Can't Ignore. 27:30

2M ago27:30

27:30

Discover the 10 emerging trends shaping Gen Z and Millennial culture, from accessible adventures to TikTok mini-series. YPulse's MaryLeigh Bliss unpacks what these shifts reveal about young consumers and why they matter for brands.By Gabriella Mirabelli

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Why Brand Building Isn’t Just for CPG: Lessons From Wayfair and Chewy | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 7 45:09

2M ago45:09

45:09

Why Brand Building Isn’t Just for CPG: Lessons From Wayfair and Chewy In this episode of ExperiMENTAL, host Sundar dives into the overlooked pivot from hypergrowth to brand building with Lauren Sutkowski, Head of Brand Marketing at Insurify and former marketing leader at Chewy and Wayfair. This isn't a fluffy chat. It’s a real, practical breakdown …

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UN 379 - Andre Banks. Cultural Intelligence. 27:35

2M ago27:35

27:35

Andre Banks, founder of NewWorld, unpacks how media, identity, and culture intersect—and what it means for modern marketing. Learn why cultural intelligence matters more than ever in building trust and relevance today.By Gabriella Mirabelli

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UN 378 - IJRM. Social Media Champions & Critics. 27:01

3M ago27:01

27:01

In this episode, Welf Weiger, Associate Professor of Digital Marketing and Chair of the Marketing Department at Alfaisal University, joins us to discuss research he and his colleagues conducted on social media marketing and customer engagement. Together, their work uncovers surprising findings about how brand advocacy and criticism influence not ju…

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Assumption Audit: The Step Most Marketers Skip | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 6 56:47

3M ago56:47

56:47

Assumption Audit: The Step Most Marketers Skip Most marketing failures don’t stem from bad creative, poor media buys, or weak strategy. They start earlier, at the assumption level. In this episode of ExperiMENTAL, Sundar sits down with Oliver Raskin, Head of Research at Miro and former insights lead at Meta and Uber, to break down why assumptions k…

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UN 377 - Josh Dorfman. Evolving Your Personal Brand. 27:51

3M ago27:51

27:51

This episode explores the evolution of Josh Dorfman's personal brand in sustainability, from The Lazy Environmentalist to climate-tech ventures like Plantd and Supercool. Josh shares how authentic storytelling, strategic pivots, and mission alignment shaped his journey — and how he's used his platform to engage new audiences with climate solutions.…

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UN 376 - YPulse. Social Marketing Preferences. 26:32

3M ago26:32

26:32

Discover how Gen Z and Millennials really want to be marketed to. YPulse's Tori D'Amico reveals fresh data on social media habits, influencer trust, and the platforms driving engagement and sales. Learn which content formats work best, what fuels social commerce, and how identity shapes brand interactions.…

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Gen Z Marketing: Strategy That Actually Converts | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 5 43:59

3M ago43:59

43:59

Gen Z Marketing Strategy That Actually Converts In this episode of ExperiMENTAL, Sundar sits down with Claudia from Howbout, the fast-growing social calendar app that's cracked the Gen Z code. With a mix of irreverent humor and sharp strategy, Claudia reveals how Howbout builds product and marketing with Gen Z in mind, why authenticity trumps polis…

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UN 375 - Kira Shishkin. informed. 29:37

3M ago29:37

29:37

Struggling to cut through the noise of today's media? In this episode, Kira Shishkin, CEO of informed, shares how his minimalist, SMS-based news service delivers unbiased, ad-free updates that resonate with busy professionals and Gen Z alike. Discover how informed is redefining news consumption (and marketing) in the age of information overload. If…

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UN 374 - IJRM. A/B Testing. 23:12

4M ago23:12

23:12

Explore the hidden flaws in A/B testing on platforms like Google and Meta. In this episode, marketing professor Johannes Boegershausen reveals why ad delivery algorithms often undermine true randomization and what that means for marketers and researchers. Learn why platform-based test results shouldn't be over-extrapolated—and how to run more relia…

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Building Marketplaces with Data: What We Learned at Uber and Faire | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 4 42:22

4M ago42:22

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Building Marketplaces with Data: What We Learned at Uber and Faire On this episode of ExperiMENTAL, Sundar is joined by Gopal Nath, Director of Strategy and Analytics at Faire and former Marketing Analytics Lead at Uber. Together, they explore the data-backed decisions that shaped two of the world’s most dynamic marketplaces. From measuring efficie…

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UN 373 - Luciana Núñez. Coaching Power. 27:29

4M ago27:29

27:29

In this episode, executive coach Luciana Núñez shares actionable insights from her book Coaching Power. She explains how leaders can drive performance by balancing coaching, managing, and leading — while building a strong coaching culture. Perfect for professionals looking to lead with clarity, empathy, and impact.…

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UN 372 - YPulse. IRL Events 29:02

4M ago29:02

29:02

In this episode, YPulse's MaryLeigh Bliss discusses Gen Z and Millennials' renewed interest in in-person events. She shares key trends from YPulse's latest report, including venue preferences, the rise of brand pop-ups, and how brands can create immersive, shareable experiences. Learn what young consumers want from real-life events, and how your br…

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Brand Strategy BEATS Performance Marketing: Head Of Marketing Reveals | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 3 43:19

4M ago43:19

43:19

In this episode of ExperiMENTAL, Sundar Swaminathan sits down with Nikhil Kant (Uber, FlixBus, Even Health) to break down why modern marketing has lost its magic and how over-relying on performance marketing is silently killing long-term brand value. You’ll learn: ✔ Why performance marketing is losing its creative edge ✔ How brand creates the only …

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UN 371 - Mike Peterson. Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption. 28:00

4M ago28:00

28:00

In this episode, leadership expert Mike Peterson, author of Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption, shares actionable strategies for navigating rapid change in today's workplace. Discover how trust, transparent communication, and accountability can empower leaders to drive clarity and performance during digital transformation. A must-listen for p…

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UN 370 - IJRM. Decoding Emoji Marketing. 28:15

4M ago28:15

28:15

Marketing researchers Jacob Almaguer, Reto Felix, and Colleen Harmeling unpack the strategic use of emojis in brand communication. Their conceptual framework explores how emojis shape clarity, intimacy, and consumer perception — highlighting the importance of context, audience, and cultural nuance.By Gabriella Mirabelli

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The Marketing Framework That Will SAVE Startups Millions in 2025 | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 2 54:27

4M ago54:27

54:27

Discovery vs. Optimization Marketing: Why Most Startups Get It Wrong | Libby Weissman (Caviar, DoorDash) In this episode of ExperiMENTAL, Sundar Swaminathan sits down with Libby Weissman (Caviar, Square, DoorDash) to unpack why so many startups fail to tell the difference between discovery and optimization marketing, and what it costs them. You’ll …

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Traditional Marketing Teams Are NO Match for This Cross-Disciplinary Approach | ExperiMENTAL Ep. 1 42:00

4M ago42:00

42:00

The Future of Growth Marketing Is Cross-Disciplinary | Sunil Subhedar (Uber, Canva, Anthropic) Welcome to the very first episode of ExperiMENTAL, the podcast for marketers and data scientists who are done with fluff and ready to go deep. In this debut episode, host Sundar Swaminathan sits down with Sunil Subhedar, Growth Marketing Lead at Anthropic…

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Trailer 0:41

5M ago0:41

0:41

Welcome to ExperiMENTAL, the podcast for B2C marketers, founders, and analysts who are done with surface-level advice and ready to make smarter, data-informed decisions. Hosted by Sundar Swaminathan, former Head of Brand Data Science at Uber and creator of the ExperiMENTAL newsletter, this show is your go-to space for cutting through noise and buil…

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UN 369 - David Hirshfeld. Startup Insights. 27:09

5M ago27:09

27:09

In this episode, David Hirshfeld, founder and CEO of Tekyz, shares practical insights on leadership, culture, and what distinguishes successful ventures from those that fail. He reflects on lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, including both a successful exit and a company that didn't make it.…

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UN 368 - YPulse. Youth Behavior Insights. 26:32

5M ago26:32

26:32

In this episode, YPulse's MaryLeigh Bliss shares fresh insights from two new reports on Gen Z and Millennial behavior around AI and social media. The conversation explores surprising declines in major platform use, the rise of smaller, community-driven apps, and how young people are embracing AI as a helpful tool rather than a threat. It's a reveal…

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UN 367 - James Nord. Fohr & Influencer Marketing. 27:07

5M ago27:07

27:07

Influencer marketing isn't just a trend, it's becoming the main event. In this episode, Fohr CEO James Nord explains why brands must stop treating it as a bolt-on and start building around it. From authenticity myths to smarter metrics, Nord outlines the mindset shift needed to win in the new marketing era.…

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UN 366 - IJRM. The Power of Anticipation. 26:31

6M ago26:31

26:31

In this episode, Adrian Palmer, professor of marketing at Henley Business School, discusses his research, published in IJRM, on anticipation in consumer behavior. He focuses on the often-overlooked period between the moment of purchase and the experience of the product or service. This "anticipation effect" plays a significant role in shaping custo…

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UN 365 - Mason Breeding. Gaming Influencers. 27:07

6M ago27:07

27:07

This episode features Mason Breeding, a talent manager in the gaming creator economy, discussing how gaming influencers are changing digital marketing. He explains what brands get right and wrong when working with creators and stresses the importance of authenticity and community. Breeding also talks about the value of long-term partnerships and sm…

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UN 364 - Doug Hall. Proactive Problem Solving. 25:47

6M ago25:47

25:47

In this episode, Doug Hall, founder of Eureka Ranch and Brain Brew Distillery and a recognized innovation expert, discusses his book, "Proactive Problem Solving." He shares practical strategies for identifying and resolving challenges using systems thinking. Inspired by Dr. W. Edwards Deming, Hall emphasizes engaged leadership and empowering those …

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UN 363 - YPulse. Ad Effectiveness and DEI. 28:03

6M ago28:03

28:03

In this interview, YPulse's MaryLeigh Bliss shares insights from their advertising/marketing effectiveness and DEI reports, highlighting that social platforms are the key drivers of purchase decisions for young consumers. The conversation emphasizes the power of authentic, user-generated content and touches on young consumers' strong commitment to …

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UN 362 - Karpukhina & Wang. A Silly Strategy. 26:29

7M ago26:29

26:29

Unlock your creative potential with the "Be Silly" strategy. In this interview, Tatiana Karpukhina and Jiabi Wang discuss their research showing how intentionally generating silly ideas can break cognitive fixation and lead to more innovative solutions. Learn how to apply this simple yet powerful technique to boost creativity in both personal and p…

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UN 361 - IJRM. Generative AI in Marketing. 29:02

7M ago29:02

29:02

An interview with Professor Jochen Hartmann about the use of generative AI in marketing, specifically focusing on comparing AI-generated images to human-created ones. Hartmann discusses research involving various AI models like DALL-E-3, Midjourney, and Firefly, and the surprising findings about their performance in aesthetics, realism, and effecti…

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UN 360 - Rana Faure. Making the Most of Photography. 25:07

7M ago25:07

25:07

Photography expertise for personal branding and business success. In this interview, Rana Faure, a seasoned photo industry executive, shares how to select the right photographer, prepare for effective headshots, and create a compelling visual strategy for your business. Get advice on stock vs. custom photography, event coverage, and understanding i…

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UN 359 - YPulse. Social Behaviors & 20s trends 28:21

7M ago28:21

28:21

MaryLeigh Bliss of YPulse shares insights into the latest social media trends and consumer behaviors among Gen Z and millennials. She breaks down platform usage, video content preferences, the growing popularity of Pinterest, and TikTok's role in trend discovery and social shopping. The discussion also dives into the unique traits and spending habi…

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UN 358 - Steve Kazanjian. AI-powered Social Marketing. 28:07

7M ago28:07

28:07

Entertainment industry leader Steve Kazanjian talks with Gabriella Mirabelli about Social Department, an AI platform transforming content libraries into social media gold. Explore how to maximize marketing ROI, reach new audiences, and leverage legacy content with cutting-edge AI technology.By Gabriella Mirabelli

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UN 357 - IJRM. Humans v. Hal (A meta-analysis of 20 yrs of research into consumers and AI) 25:26

8M ago25:26

25:26

In this episode, Dr. Ana Valenzuela, Professor of Marketing at ESADE Business School in Barcelona, discusses a meta-analysis of consumer responses to artificial intelligence (AI) over the past two decades. The conversation explores the evolving attitudes toward AI, the factors influencing consumer resistance, and strategies businesses can use to bu…

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UN 356 - Bringing B2C Creativity to the B2B World. 26:26

8M ago26:26

26:26

In this interview, Meghan Kirsch, an Emmy and James Beard award-winning media executive, shares her experience of transitioning from B2C to B2B marketing. The conversation focuses on how to apply consumer-focused strategies to a business environment, emphasizing that at the end of the day, you're still communicating with people. Meghan stresses the…

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UN 355 - YPulse. Tweens. 29:10

8M ago29:10

29:10

This interview provides insights into the tween consumer market from YPulse's MaryLeigh Bliss. Learn about their tech habits, social media use (YouTube, TikTok, Fortnite), parental influence, and key trends shaping this generation. Discover how to effectively reach 8- to 12-year-olds with digital products, gaming, and diverse content.…

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UN 354 - Brad Farris. Scaling Agencies. 29:57

8M ago29:57

29:57

In this interview, Brad Farris, a seasoned advisor with over 20 years of experience helping agencies scale their businesses to the $3-5 million range, discusses the unique challenges agencies face as they grow, particularly when trying to break through that crucial $1 million revenue mark. He offers invaluable insights into leadership, profitabilit…

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UN 353 - IJRM. The Creators' Dilemma: Authenticity v. Monetization. 28:42

9M ago28:42

28:42

Influencer marketing is huge, but how do creators balance authenticity with making money? Professor Dr. Johanna Gollnhofer discusses the "creator's dilemma" and strategies for brands to partner with creators effectively. Learn about maintaining authenticity in sponsored content and the future of social media marketing.…

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UN 352 - Marissa McKool. Redefining Rest. 28:19

9M ago28:19

28:19

Explore the difference between "earned rest" and "expansive rest" with Public Health Burnout Coach Marissa McKool. This interview explores overcoming work stress, redefining rest, and achieving sustainable work-life balance. Learn practical strategies to process emotions, challenge limiting beliefs, and embrace rest without guilt, ultimately boosti…