
Marketing Against The Grain
Kipp Bodnar (HubSpot’s CMO) and Kieran Flanagan (Hubspot's SVP of Marketing), lead you down the rabbit hole of marketing trends, growth tactics and innovation. On the way you’ll pick up undiscovered strategies to give you that slight edge for success. These are not your typical twitter thread regurgitated marketing tactics that everyone is doing. These are new methods, with unfiltered examination of successful fresh ideas.
Latest episodes

Jul 12, 2022 • 27min
Customer Acquisition Has Changed: A New Approach For 2022
Dive into the intriguing shifts in customer acquisition strategies as Kipp and Kieran explore new models driven by evolving consumer behavior. Discover the power of tokenomics and loyalty programs, and how they can boost engagement. The discussion also highlights innovative marketing strategies for entrepreneurs, including a contest for the best pitch. Plus, learn about community-led growth and how freemium models can enhance customer engagement while creating vibrant ecosystems. Expect a fresh approach to navigating the market!

Jul 7, 2022 • 41min
Becoming a Community-Driven Company with Yuliya Bel
Yuliya Bel, CEO and Co-Founder of Notus, is a dynamic advocate for community-driven growth. In this discussion, she dives into why tech companies need to act like media companies, emphasizing the importance of investing in genuine content. Yuliya distinguishes between mere audience engagement and real community connection, using Tesla as a prime example. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink community roles in business, exploring its profound impact on brand identity and long-term customer loyalty. A fascinating journey into the heart of modern marketing!

Jul 5, 2022 • 26min
The Future of Marketing, Disruptive Business Models, Growing in Unfair Ways
Is community-led growth the future of business? The hosts share hot takes on unconventional marketing strategies that foster brand differentiation. They discuss the tricky balance of measuring marketing effectiveness with both direct and indirect methods. Entrepreneurs get a chance to shine in a competition that offers a $5,000 prize for the best pitch. Plus, there's a lively debate on Elon Musk's leadership at Twitter, revealing both excitement and skepticism. Tune in for inspiring insights and a unique perspective on the marketing landscape!

Jun 30, 2022 • 35min
How DAOs Will Change Media In The Future with Peter Yang
Peter Yang, Founder of Odyssey DAO and former product lead at Reddit, dives into the future of decentralized media. He discusses how DAOs empower creators, fostering inclusive community governance and innovative compensation models. Yang contrasts traditional freelance roles with opportunities in Web3, emphasizing genuine user engagement. He also tackles the challenges of market speculation in gaming and the need for a user-focused approach that prioritizes meaningful interactions over mere financial incentives.

Jun 28, 2022 • 34min
Winning Brands Play by Different Rules
Explore how to reshape customer perceptions with effective storytelling. The hosts dive into the power of emotional connections in branding, emphasizing the importance of standing out in crowded markets. Innovative marketing strategies, especially around sleep, reveal how smaller companies can enhance visibility on a budget. There's a strong focus on vocalizing unspoken truths and addressing pain points to create bold messaging. Ultimately, mastering storytelling and brand rules can lead to significant market impact.

Jun 23, 2022 • 26min
How to Beat the Recession
Discover how Groupon navigated a recession to become a business powerhouse, even turning down a $6 billion offer from Google. Uncover innovative pricing strategies that can help brands thrive during tough times. Explore the exciting world of short-form video content and its role in capturing attention. The hosts highlight the CCN leadership model to enhance team dynamics and emphasize the importance of smart associations for personal and professional growth. Tune in for humorous anecdotes and practical marketing insights!

Jun 21, 2022 • 34min
Marketing in Web3 with DAOs, NFTs and Tokens
Matthew Howells-Barby, CMO of Decentralized Games and former VP at HubSpot, dives into the exciting world of Web3 marketing. He discusses the shift from a product-first mindset to prioritizing community engagement and governance in decentralized organizations. Howells-Barby highlights the importance of foundational knowledge in NFTs and play-to-earn models, while reflecting on the unique challenges marketers face in adapting strategies for Web3. He also shares humorous insights on crypto investments and offers a podcast recommendation for personal growth.

Jun 16, 2022 • 29min
Is Web 3 Coming?
The discussion dives into the evolution and potential of Web 3, weighing its promise against current advertising giants like Google and Facebook. Insights reveal the challenges of reaching new customers and the vital role of user experience. There's an exploration of how decentralized technologies could reshape online economics and marketing strategies. The podcast also encourages innovative thinking for entrepreneurs in a Web 3 landscape and promotes a shift towards year-round enjoyment in life and marketing.

Jun 14, 2022 • 31min
Are You a Simplifier or a Complexifier? (The Power of a Great 2x2)
Discover the transformative power of the 2x2 framework for simplifying complex business problems. Kipp and Kieran delve into its applications in hiring decisions and strategic planning. They humorously debate whimsical topics like mashed potatoes on pizza, showcasing how relatable content can engage audiences. The duo also emphasizes the importance of clarity and effective decision-making for international marketing teams, offering insights into structuring teams for success. Share your own 2x2s and join the conversation!

Jun 9, 2022 • 16min
How Web 3 Will Impact Your Marketing
Web 3 is set to transform marketing in exciting ways. Marketers must innovate to stay competitive, even amid challenges. The noisy landscape of Web 3 demands patients to discover valuable innovations. Tribalism in crypto highlights the need for constructive dialogue and growth from failures. Engaging communication strategies are crucial as cryptocurrencies evolve. Lastly, there's a strong call for marketers to educate themselves about Web 3, ensuring they can navigate this new terrain successfully.