The Great Indoors

In this engaging discussion, Randi Zuckerberg, CEO of Zuckerberg Media and a former CMO at Facebook, dives into the transformative power of AI in marketing and storytelling. She explores how generative AI can reshape human interactions and create immersive experiences, like personalized bedtime stories. Randi also shares insights from her ultra-marathon journey, reflecting on the balance between technology and authentic human experiences. Her fascinating perspective challenges listeners to rethink marketing in the age of AI.

Sports have a unique way of drawing us in, making us feel the full weight of every victory and defeat. That emotional rollercoaster is what makes sports so powerful, fostering some of the most passionate fan bases in the world. In this episode, Nick Stevens, host, writer, and producer for WEEI Sports Radio Network, joins Matt Roberts to explore the deep connection between sports and storytelling. A lifelong Boston sports fan, Nick reflects on the city’s legendary teams and why a true journey requires both crushing losses and thrilling wins. Nick and Matt discuss why sports offer some of the most authentic narratives in entertainment and explain the unique way they allow people to come together. Ready to not just share the positives, Nick weighs in on the challenges facing modern sports fandoms, from skyrocketing ticket prices to the curated online presence affecting the perception of top players. Through personal stories and unforgettable moments, Nick reveals how the emotional depth of sports shapes identities, strengthens relationships, and instills valuable lessons in resilience and passion. Get ready to discover what it takes not just to win on the field, but to craft a story that truly captivates and inspires.

Narratives are everywhere.  From Pride and Prejudice to TikTok, from business strategies to bedtime stories—storytelling is the invisible thread that connects us all.  We dive into the timeless power of storytelling with creative writer, Poppy Hollingworth. From ancient literature to modern-day marketing, Poppy breaks down the key elements that make a great story and how narratives shape our world. She explores the seven core story structures, the role of emotion in storytelling, and how businesses can leverage different narratives for greater impact. Poppy shares fascinating insights on how instant gratification has appeared on platforms like TikTok, mirroring serialized storytelling exemplified by authors like Charles Dickens. She also tackles the evolution of digital storytelling, the impermanence of online content, and how physical books are perfectly poised for a nostalgic comeback. If you’ve ever wondered what makes stories stick and how they continue to shape our world, this episode is for you! 

When you don't use a muscle or a skill, it's a well-known fact that atrophy inevitably sets in. To improve oneself, an active effort must be made to ensure progress. But what happens with the advent of AI, designed to make things easier? What implications will this have on the cognitive processes that require continuous refinement? In this thought-provoking episode of The Great Indoors, host Matthew Roberts speaks with renowned author and philosopher, Charles Eisenstein,  about the evolving role of technology and its impact on aspects of our lives that were once firmly rooted in the tangible. They delve into the core concepts of Eisenstein's work, including Sacred Economics, and discuss the far-reaching implications of replacing the real with the digital. Through engaging anecdotes and philosophical reflections, Charles challenges us to reconnect with the material world, nurture authentic relationships, and consider why oral storytelling may become the future's most reliable tool for building trust. With increasing domination from ones and zeros, it’s time to explore the possibilities of a more beautiful and connected world.

Alignment is the cornerstone of a successful company, touching every aspect from the business plan, to the product, to the marketing. A cohesive narrative is what separates the good from the great, and no one understands this better than Chris Hare, founder of The Storied Future. In this episode, Chris joins Matt to unpack the transformative power of storytelling in business. Drawing from his experience with global tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, Chris shares how his time in the industry inspired him to cut through the noise and focus on the compelling stories that leader may not know how to tell. In this episode, he discusses how he helps CEOs uncover their personal "atomic stories"—narratives that not only center their humanity but also act as a North Star, guiding their companies forward. Chris dives into practical storytelling techniques, how to approach 360 interviews, and how to hunt for the "plot twist" that can make your company’s story truly stand out. If you're looking to explore how authentic storytelling can drive both organizational change and personal growth, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

Ever heard the saying, "You are the company you keep"? It’s true, friends, tastes, and styles all reflect our unique cultural subscriptions. Culture is a dominating factor in how we show up every day, a phenomenon deeply understood by Marcus Collins, a marketing expert and cultural scholar. On this episode of The Great Indoors, Marcus dives into the impact of culture and how its influence goes deeper than points pulled from demographic data. Unpacking the relationship between culture and human behavior, Marcus reveals why consumers like what they like. Moreover, he shares how companies can understand it like McDonald's did when they dug their way out of a PR crisis with an award-winning campaign. Marcus shares what it means to uncover, understand, and implement “fan truths” and how Gen AI is leading to unorthodox content, forcing today’s marketers to adapt or fall behind. Tune in to take steps toward understanding the difficult-to-define, ever-evolving force influencing lives—culture.

What does the future of knowledge look like in the age of generative AI? In this episode, strategist, author, and Outthinker founder Kaihan Krippendorff ,  joins Matthew Roberts to explore the transformative journey of knowledge in an AI-powered world. Together, they unpack how large language models (LLMs) are reshaping how we process, share, and act on information. Uncover how AI is poised to revolutionize storytelling, enabling businesses to craft hyper-personalized narratives that connect like never before. Join Matt and Kaihan as they venture into ethical dilemmas and workforce disruptions AI may bring, asking bold questions about how humans and machines will share the future. How do we balance the power of AI with the expertise and intuition of people? What does this shift mean for strategy, creativity, and the stories we tell? Packed with practical wisdom and thought-provoking ideas, this episode is a must-listen for leaders, innovators, and anyone passionate about shaping the future of business and society.

Trust is the hallmark of a meaningful relationship—personal or professional. Without it, disconnection and detachment can take hold, often with serious consequences. For Geoff Hollingworth, Chief Marketing Officer at Rakuten Symphony, building trust in today’s fast-paced digital world isn’t just a goal, it’s a mission. In this episode, Geoff joins Matt to explore how companies in the digital space can foster trust with consumers and the transformative impact this can have on business. Drawing on his journey from a childhood fascination with fictional worlds to leading innovation in telecom, Geoff unpacks the power of storytelling in connecting people, brands, and ideas. Discover how generative AI is reshaping the storytelling landscape and why Geoff sees it as a tool to amplify human creativity rather than replace it. From cultural nuances to creating narratives rooted in trust, Geoff reveals how compelling stories can transcend borders and redefine the way we communicate. If you’ve ever wondered how trust, storytelling, and technology intertwine, this is an episode you can’t miss!

Ever wonder what makes a story truly unforgettable? How do the best storytellers capture your attention and never let go? In this episode, marketing guru, entrepreneur, advisor, and bestselling author David Meerman Scott joins Matt for a riveting conversation on how storytelling is the backbone of successful marketing. David doesn’t hold back as he shares how the pandemic and a transformative 26-day hike helped him hit pause, reflect on his career, and redefine his approach to marketing. Learn about the surprise success of his book Marketing the Moon, as it became adapted into the blockbuster film Fly Me to the Moon nearly 10 years after it was written. Uncover the timeless marketing lessons hidden in the Apollo Lunar Program as David shares the perfect blend of science and art that makes stories resonate. Dig into David’s book Fanocracy, showing how companies can create vibrant communities of passionate fans. Finally, understand the implications of generative AI on storytelling and its role in modern marketing. For anyone looking to captivate an audience, David Meerman Scott is the storyteller you want to learn from!

Back and better than ever, it's the premiere episode of the Great Indoors Season 9! Diving deep into generative AI and its profound impact on media is guest Doug Shapiro from Boston Consulting Group. Pulling on over 30 years of industry experience, Doug unpacks technology’s immeasurable influence on Hollywood, from the early disruption fueled by companies like Netflix and YouTube to today’s rapid innovation. He pinpoints where the bar for AI in media really is and delves into topics like skeuomorphism, the human touch in storytelling, and even the legacy of Lord of the Rings. This discussion of AI and the silver screen is a season opener you won't want to miss!