Audience Connection

In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Oliver Atkinson sits with Phill Agnew, host of UK's #1 marketing podcast Nudge, to unpack the behavioral science tricks that keep us hooked, whether it’s binge-watching, endless scrolling, or unforgettable branding. Hear why a single shout of “polar bear!” jolts wandering minds back on track, and how Waitrose’s rainbow-stacked veg aisle proves the contrast effect you can steal for thumbnails and B2B palettes.  Phill decodes the U.S. Office twin-plot rhythm, shows why MrBeast’s 1080p uploads outperform studio polish, warns against KPI-driven long-form that forgets to tell an actual story, and shares a brainstorm tweak that surfaces genuinely original ideas. With attention spans shrinking and AI unleashing billions of bland posts daily, mastering these principles is survival-level work. Marketers, creatives, and leaders will leave ready to craft cuts, scripts, and series that earn deeper exposure, richer engagement, and lasting recall, no skyscraper budget required. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

In this two-part episode, Oliver Atkinson is joined by behavioral-science storyteller Phill Agnew, host of UK's #1 marketing podcast, Nudge Podcast, to show how psychology-laced narratives can supercharge your pitch and keep audiences glued. Agnew proves the power of costly signaling with his now-legendary 60-kilometre trek, blisters and all, to keynote a conference, instantly elevating his message’s worth . He dissects the Labor Illusion, revealing why simply showing your “work in progress” makes content feel premium , and shares the one-word subject-line tweak (“this”) that lifted email opens 40 percent in client tests .  A detour to Starbucks shows how banning baristas from speed-pouring four lattes at once actually boosted sales by signalling craft . Layer in the Pratfall Effect, strategically flaunting a small flaw to appear more human, and you’ve got a playbook of grab-and-go hooks for subjects, thumbnails, and video intros. With feeds blasting hundreds of messages a day, these evidence-backed nudges give marketers, creatives, founders, and team leaders a low-cost lever for dramatic, measurable engagement gains. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Oliver sits down with Orlando Wood, Chief Innovation Officer at System1 Group and author of Lemon and Look Out, to unpack how advertising has shifted from right-brain showmanship to left-brain salesmanship, and why that’s costing brands attention, memorability, and growth. From Yorkshire Tea’s witty, character-led “Everything’s Done Proper” to the unsettling “stare” creeping into modern branding, Orlando shows how right-brain showmanship, story, character, humor, and music consistently outperform left-brain salesmanship, tight close-ups, on-screen commands, and cut-heavy edits. He explains how rebalancing the two can boost emotional connection, embed memories, and make both brand building and performance work harder across B2C and B2B. With billions wasted on dull ads, the stakes are real: emotionally engaging creative amplifies extra-share-of-voice returns, reduces price sensitivity, and strengthens brand salience.  For marketers, creatives, and business leaders, this episode delivers actionable insights on anchoring ideas in brand purpose, stress-testing creative through iterative sprints, and using automation to amplify, not replace, emotional storytelling. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

In this episode of Audience Connection, Lydia Chan sits down with Terrence Wiggins, Director of Global Marketing at Cook Medical's Vascular Division, to explore what it takes to build trust and tell authentic stories in one of the world’s most highly regulated industries, MedTech. With over 25 years of experience, Terrence shares how effective marketing in healthcare goes beyond physicians to reach hospital executives, patients, and clinical staff. He explains how storytelling must adapt for each audience segment, whether it’s patient impact stories that humanize outcomes, clinical data that validates innovation, or economic tools that speak to hospital decision-makers. The conversation dives into the balance between authenticity and compliance, highlighting how transparency and consistency earn long-term trust. Terrence also unpacks the interplay of data and emotion in storytelling, why innovation is central to brand perception, and how marketers can prepare for the future by focusing on personalization and proof-driven messaging. If you’re interested in how to communicate with clarity in complex, regulated environments or how brands can foster deeper connections with audiences through authenticity and innovation, this episode is packed with insights. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Originally released in February 2025, this conversation with Brad Argent offers timeless lessons on building audience connection. From the art of unbranded storytelling to the long game of content creation, Brad shows how curiosity and trust can fuel authentic demand. It’s an episode worth revisiting. Episode Description:  In this episode of the Audience Connection Podcast, Lydia Chan sits down with Brad Argent, Head of Ancestry Studios, to uncover the art of unbranded storytelling and its power to build authentic audience connections. Drawing from his nearly two decades of experience at Ancestry, Brad shares his innovative approach to content creation that transcends traditional advertising. Discover how confirmation and transformation narratives can work together, why letting go might be the key to building trust, and how brands can play the long game in content creation. Brad's unique perspective on inspiring curiosity through storytelling offers fresh insights for content creators looking to make a lasting impact. Join us for an illuminating conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and offers practical strategies for evolving your brand's storytelling approach. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

In this episode of the Audience Connection, host Lydia Chan shares a live panel discussion with Jennifer Apy, Partner and CMO at Chief Outsiders and Shveta Berry, Executive Producer and Content Marketing Leader. They explore how algorithms and benchmarks are reshaping the way we create content, often at the expense of authentic storytelling, while organizations increasingly prioritize volume over meaningful audience connections. Key insights include Shveta's research showing that viewer drop-off rates remain consistent at 40-50% regardless of video length, challenging assumptions about optimal content duration. The conversation reveals how data should inform rather than dictate creative decisions, with Jennifer emphasizing that data represents interactions, not facts, requiring human interpretation and qualitative feedback to understand true audience engagement. Looking ahead, the panel addresses AI's growing influence on content creation. While AI promises personalized recommendations, it threatens to flood the market with templated content lacking human authenticity. The experts conclude that success isn't about choosing data versus art, but combining both while maintaining authentic human connections through empathetic storytelling that addresses real customer problems. Essential listening for content creators, marketers, and business leaders navigating modern digital storytelling while preserving authentic audience connections. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Oliver Atkinson sits down with Dr Paul J Zak, Professor of Economic Sciences, Psychology & Management at Claremont Graduate University and Founder/Chief Immersion Officer at Immersion Neuroscience, to explore how measuring emotion rewrites the rules of brand storytelling. Discover why he calls immersion “the give-a-shit metric,” and dive into the science showing you need just six peak moments a day to thrive. The discussion ranges from a Diet Coke Super Bowl spot that won neurologic attention despite lukewarm “likes,” to a free smartwatch app that lets anyone track real-time audience resonance. Along the way, Zak unpacks the ethics of persuasion, reveals why AR often outperforms VR, and explains how emotional fitness could become the next health-insurance benchmark. With 30-second Super Bowl ads now topping $7 million, learn how actionable brain data turns creative risk into competitive edge, and why slight “messiness” keeps stories human in an AI age. For marketers, creatives and business leaders, this episode delivers actionable insights on crafting tension-rich narrative arcs, stress-testing content with second-by-second immersion scores, and designing experiences that amplify (rather than dull) genuine empathy. Explore more from Dr. Paul J Zak: SIX emotional-fitness app – Google Play Apple The Little Book of Happiness by Dr Paul J Zak – available on Amazon and other major retailers More of Dr. Zak’s work – pauljzak.com  Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Oliver Atkinson sits down with Nicky Russell, Managing partner at ‘We Deliver Change’ (WDC) and co-founder of The In-house Agency Leaders Club, to reveal the hidden formula behind top creative teams. With experience on both agency and brand sides, Nicky shows why creative operations are the “connective tissue” that transform big ideas into genuine audience connection. The conversation ranges from a live-action Cancer Research campaign that boosted donations by 40 percent to Nicky’s role as a “shock absorber” who shields talent from board-room turbulence. Expect candid insights on the class gap still haunting advertising, and why hybrid work risks a lost generation of mentors. With big retainers shrinking and AI pushing cost-cutters toward automation, discover how reinvesting efficiency gains into human craft turns pressure into breakthrough storytelling. For marketers, creatives and business leaders, this episode delivers actionable guidance on forging agency-in-house partnerships, designing operations that nurture psychological safety, and mentoring Gen Z talent before burnout sets in. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Oliver Atkinson sits down with global brand strategist Sabrina Godden, fresh off her tenure as Vodafone’s Global Creative Director, to explore how authenticity can survive when machines do the heavy lifting. Discover why the best prompt you can give an AI is “Tell me why this idea won’t work,” and dive into the mindset shift that keeps human judgment at the center of every campaign. The discussion ranges from a playful riff on AI as a “creative intern” to the hard realities of scaling content responsibly in heavily regulated markets. With analysts predicting that AI-made media will triple by 2026, learn how a critical, curiosity-driven process turns automation into competitive advantage rather than brand risk. For marketers, creatives and business leaders, this episode delivers actionable insights on anchoring ideas in brand purpose, stress-testing creative through iterative sprints, and using automation to amplify, not replace, emotional storytelling. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

What do the world's most beloved animated films and today’s top-performing brands have in common? They understand the importance and craft of storytelling. In this episode, Lydia Chan is joined by Matthew Luhn, a master storytelling consultant and advisor to Fortune 500 brands. Matthew is a Pixar veteran who worked on beloved classics like Toy Story, Monsters Inc, and Finding Nemo. Now he advises businesses on how the mechanics of great storytelling translate directly into business impact. Matthew breaks down why your customer should be the hero of your business story, not your company, and shares the three scientific reasons why stories work so effectively in business. He discusses the biggest mistakes companies make when attempting storytelling and his views on AI technology's impact to storytelling. This conversation also covers practical frameworks for hooking audiences, creating authentic connections, and why storytelling requires iteration rather than a checkbox approach. Tune in to hear why, in any medium or market, the best story always wins. Explore more from Matthew: Storytelling for Business – Watch on YouTube Speaker Bio – View on Sweeney Agency Book: The Best Story Wins by Matthew Luhn (translated into multiple languages) - Buy on Amazon Connect with Matthew: Instagram: @matthewluhnstory (for visuals, his artworks, and more storytelling tips) LinkedIn: Matthew Luhn Website/Profile: https://matthewluhnstory.com/ (for keynotes, workshops, and consulting services) Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Oliver Atkinson sits down with Dr. David Parkinson FHEA, Assistant Professor of Industrial Design and Director of Post-Graduate Research at Northumbria University’s School of Design, to explore how narrative can supercharge your pitch. Discover why the right story earns belief in even the toughest boardrooms, and dive into the neuroscience that makes audiences more open to new ideas.  The discussion ranges from a playful “Bob the Builder” analogy that recast parking enforcement as a civic hero to a John Lewis concept that turned spent coffee grounds into gourmet mushrooms. With product-launch failure rates hovering near 80 percent, learn how a shared story aligns cross-functional teams and slashes miscommunication before it starts. For marketers, creatives and business leaders, this episode delivers actionable insights on anchoring ideas in audience culture, framing origin stories for trust, and wielding metaphor to ignite curiosity. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Discover how to transform complex technology into compelling human stories with Marcus Jones, former Global Head of Branded Video Content at WIRED and AI storytelling expert. Marcus reveals why the biggest mistake tech companies make is leading with features instead of use cases, and shares his proven framework for translating complex concepts into stories that resonate with both technical and business decision-makers. Drawing from campaigns for AWS, IBM, and major sports leagues, Marcus discusses his role as part translator, part storyteller, bridging the gap between marketing teams and technical product managers. He emphasizes establishing clear stakes and compelling characters while embedding technical narratives within larger, engaging stories about real-world applications and human benefits. The conversation covers Marcus's practical use of generative AI tools in creative workflows, providing honest insights about where AI excels and where it falls short. Explaining why human storytellers remain irreplaceable for creating surprising, above-average content. Perfect for content creators, marketers, filmmakers, and anyone tasked with explaining complex technologies, this episode delivers immediately applicable strategies for creating tech content that truly connects with human audiences while predicting new storytelling formats emerging from AI adoption. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Lydia Chan sits down with Cliff Chiet, Chief Integrated Marketing Director at iHeartMedia, America's largest audio company, to explore audio marketing, discover why podcasts are twice as trustworthy as any other medium, and dive into the neuroscience behind audio's emotional impact. The discussion covers targeting strategies using psychographic data to reach audiences in their preferred content regardless of topic relevance. Cliff walks through compelling case studies, including Marriott's pandemic strategy that combined geographic targeting with lifestyle interests for maximum effectiveness. As podcasting has officially hit the mainstream, discover why this intimate medium achieves engagement rates that other platforms can only dream of, and learn how smart brands are leveraging these insights to connect with audiences in ways that actually drive results. For marketers and business leaders, this episode provides actionable insights into leveraging audio for brand building, understanding attribution challenges, and connecting with audiences through real dialogue in an increasingly crowded media environment. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

In this special episode of the Audience Connection Podcast, host Lydia Chan shares a live panel discussion on creating quality content with condensed timelines with Cristina Pandol, Executive Creative Director, Golden State Warriors, and Mandy Sprinkel, a seasoned creative producer. Together they reveal strategies for meeting demanding deadlines without sacrificing creativity or burning out teams. Cristina compares content strategy to personal finance, with brands needing both "checking account" quick-turn content and "savings account" long-form storytelling.  Mandy shares practical advice on how teams can pushback on unrealistic demands and educate stakeholders on realistic expectations. they also explore the surprising ways AI is transforming production workflows despite legal ownership challenges. Whether you're struggling with short turnarounds or looking to balance speed and quality, this conversation delivers practical advice from industry veterans who understand the pressure. Connect with Lydia at lydia@casualfilms.com to learn how Casual Films can help tell better stories that truly connect with your audiences. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

In this episode of Audience Connection Podcast hosted by Lydia Chan, we explore the transformative power of journalism in brand storytelling with Stephanie Paterik, GM of Editorial and Editor-in-Chief at The Trade Desk. Drawing from her impressive two-decade journey through newsrooms and executive media roles, Stephanie unveils how adopting a journalist's mindset can elevate brand content from forgettable to indispensable. Stephanie illuminates the fundamental difference between editorial thinking and traditional campaign approaches, championing what she calls "serving versus selling." Her team at The Current has achieved remarkable growth by applying journalistic principles to corporate content, creating a highly engaged community of industry leaders and decision-makers. She explains her targeted "bullseye approach" to audience development and reveals why opinion pieces that take genuine stands have become their most resonant content. Whether you're considering building an editorial function within your organization or simply want to infuse your content strategy with more authenticity, this episode delivers invaluable insights. Discover how to create content your audience genuinely craves, the importance of being an active participant in cultural conversations rather than a distant observer, and why finding the balance between creativity and business objectives might be your most powerful tool for meaningful audience connection. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

In this episode of Audience Connection Podcast, Lydia Chan welcomes seasoned  film director, Eternal Polk, whose work spans branded content, music videos, commercials, and award-winning documentaries. Eternal shares his journey from NYU film school to creating his award-winning documentary, "Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land," while exploring how brand storytelling has evolved from selling products to selling emotions. Eternal highlights the moment he recognized advertising's shift toward emotional storytelling and discusses why brands must stay actively engaged with culture rather than observing from a distance. He advocates for diversity in creative teams, suggesting brands need a "Chief Curiosity Officer" who remains connected to cultural movements, and reveals why major campaigns often fall flat. Tune in for invaluable insights on creating authentic connections with audiences through storytelling. Whether you're a marketer, filmmaker, or brand strategist, Eternal's perspective on balancing data with instinct, embracing diverse voices, and learning from historical cycles will help you craft more resonant and impactful content that truly connects with your audience. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

In this episode, Lydia Chan speaks with Amy Goodman, VP of Creative Content Development at TeamPeople, about creating meaningful content that truly connects with audiences. With her extensive experience leading global creative teams and managing cross-platform media campaigns, Amy explains why we need to prioritize human connection in content creation and why social media shouldn't be treated as an afterthought but as another gateway for audiences to build brand trust. She also shares her lifelong mission to fix the briefing process and how AI's greatest potential lies in improving this process and not in replacing creative output. Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the channel! Follow The Audience Connection Podcast:  Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Lydia Chan welcomes Jillian Johnson, GoDaddy's self-proclaimed "customer hype woman" and a powerhouse in customer storytelling and advocacy. With a decade of experience amplifying small business owners' voices, Jillian shares invaluable insights on crafting authentic customer narratives. Discover why customer stories resonate more deeply than traditional marketing, how to create environments where people feel comfortable sharing their truths, and the delicate balance brands should strike when telling customer stories. Jillian reveals her unique approach to measuring success beyond conventional metrics and explains why brands should position themselves as the "venue" rather than the main character in customer narratives. Whether you're marketing to small businesses or looking to strengthen your customer advocacy program, this episode offers a masterclass in relationship-based storytelling that creates lasting impact. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Lydia Chan sits down with Christine Sanders, Senior Executive Director at BuzzFeed, for an insightful discussion on creating culturally resonant content that drives both engagement and revenue. Drawing from her extensive experience leading BuzzFeed's editorial identity channels and branded content studio, Christine unravels the delicate balance between data-driven decisions and creative intuition. Learn how brands can authentically collaborate with editorial teams while maintaining narrative integrity, and discover strategies for creating content that truly speaks to specific cultural audiences. Don't miss this deep dive into the intersection of creative storytelling, audience analytics, and authentic brand partnerships. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.

Lydia Chan speaks with Brad Argent, Head of Ancestry Studios, to uncover the art of unbranded storytelling and its power to build authentic audience connections. Drawing from his nearly two decades of experience at Ancestry, Brad shares his innovative approach to content creation that transcends traditional advertising. Discover how confirmation and transformation narratives can work together, why letting go might be the key to building trust, and how brands can play the long game in content creation. Brad's unique perspective on inspiring curiosity through storytelling offers fresh insights for content creators looking to make a lasting impact. Join us for an illuminating conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and offers practical strategies for evolving your brand's storytelling approach. Follow The Audience Connection Podcast: Website: casualfilms.com Instagram: @casualglobal LinkedIn: Casual Films International BlueSky: @casualglobal.bsky.social Subscribe now and join the conversation about creating content that truly resonates.