Makes You Wonder

Welcome back to Makes You Wonder - the podcast for marketers, creators, and optimists building at the edge of brand and AI.In this episode, Oskar is joined by Peter Markey, Chief Marketing Officer at Boots, one of the UK’s most iconic and enduring retail brands. Peter shares a refreshingly human take on how legacy brands can keep pace with culture, tech, and AI - without losing their soul.From embracing virtual production and personalization to drawing the line on AI-generated models in health and beauty, Peter is clear-eyed about the opportunities and limits of tech in creative work. He also unpacks how improv comedy helped him unlock creativity as a leader, and why soul, emotion, and human connection still matter more than ever in marketing.In the episode:👢 Why “Good old Boots” had to become “Wow Boots”👢 How to embed innovation without losing trust👢 The real job of a CMO today - and how Peter runs a 150-person team👢 Where AI helps most: from creative scaling to Co-Pilot-assisted job descriptions👢 Why marketers should watch The Mandalorian and Pixar as creative inspiration👢 Practical advice for CMOs on applying AI without losing your teamPeter also gets personal about:Why Star Wars changed his lifeHow improvisation reshaped his leadershipThe future he’s manifesting for AI in marketing

Welcome, dear listeners, to Makes You Wonder!In this episode, Oskar is joined by creative technologist and POGO Agency founder Arthur Tinsley, whose work sits at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and innovation. Arthur shares a fresh, honest take on how creative tech can move beyond buzzwords—drawing on work like siren-detecting ad campaigns and personalized AI-powered content for Snickers to show how technology can create emotional resonance, utility, and meaning.In the ep:⚡ Why “innovation” isn’t just about new tools—it’s about new ways of thinking⚡ The importance of starting with insight, not tech⚡ How to avoid gimmicks and build campaigns with emotional impact⚡ The rise of “taste” and curation as creative superpowers⚡ Why democratization of tools will reshape brand storytelling in 2025Arthur also shares the behind-the-scenes stories behind some powerful work:The Ben Kinsella Foundation Campaign – Using machine learning to detect sirens in real-time and connect with audiences on the trauma of knife crime:Link: https://pogo.agency/work/ben-kinsella-foundation/Snickers x José Mourinho AI Campaign – A hyper-personalized branded experience using generative video and humor to drive reach and engagementLink: https://pogo.agency/work/snickers/Where to Find Arthur🌐 Website: https://www.pogo.agency💼 LinkedIn: Arthur TinsleyMedia ReferencesBen Kinsella Foundation CampaignSnickers AI x José Mourinho (or drop link if available)Brickit App – AI for LEGO remixesMidjourney

In this episode, Oskar welcomes Chloé Sondervorst, a radio producer at CBC/Radio-Canada and digital media creator, to discuss the intersection of AI, storytelling, and public media. Chloé shares her journey from studying philosophy and East Asian studies to becoming a leading voice on technology and its impact on society, with a focus on younger audiences. We explore: • How AI can enhance journalism and storytelling • The balance between human creativity and AI tools • Why public media must evolve to serve diverse, modern audiences • The role of philosophy in understanding technological change • How creativity flourishes when we embrace imperfection Chloé also shares her thoughts on AI’s potential to create community and meaningful experiences, her experiments with TikTok, and the challenges of fostering curiosity in a media landscape that’s constantly shifting. If you’re fascinated by the crossroads of technology, creativity, and media—or curious about how to navigate the new age of AI-driven storytelling—this episode is for you.

In this episode, Oskar sits down with Gabe Michael—filmmaker, educator, and Executive AI Producer at Edelman—to explore how AI and technology are reshaping the world of storytelling, filmmaking, and the creator economy. Gabe shares his fascinating journey from cutting high school football highlight reels to working with major brands like Netflix and Sony, all while embracing new technologies to push creative boundaries. They explore: How AI is democratizing filmmaking and unlocking new opportunities Why taste and ideas are the ultimate competitive advantages in a world of endless content The balance between creativity and business in the creator economy Why the next wave of immersive storytelling is closer than you think The role of tools like Runway, Luma, and Adobe Firefly in shaping the future Gabe also reflects on how the rise of generative AI mirrors past technological shifts, and why he’s optimistic about the jobs and possibilities that will emerge for creators in this new era. Whether you’re a filmmaker, marketer, or just curious about the intersection of creativity and technology, this episode’s full of insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Oskar sits down with Cortney Harding, CEO, creator, lecturer, and author, to explore the future of work, creativity, and technology. Cortney shares her unique perspective on navigating the modern labor market, from the challenges of creative entrepreneurship to the opportunities AI presents for reshaping industries. We explore: Why creativity is the ultimate skill of the future How AI can improve, not destroy, creative work Why being strategic with your time is essential in today’s labor market How boredom and curiosity fuel innovation Why immersive technologies need more than cutting-edge devices—they need stories Cortney also reflects on how education, parenting, and technology are shaping the next generation of creators, and why we need to rethink everything from how kids learn to how companies operate. Whether you’re a creative professional grappling with change or someone curious about what’s next for the modern workplace, you’ll want to give this episode a listen.