HUNGRY.

Sir John Hegarty, the legendary UK advertising creative and co-founder of BBH, shares his insights on the art of storytelling in advertising. He discusses the importance of presentation under Saatchi, the power of clear brand identities, and converting print ideas into engaging narratives. John reflects on the essence of creativity as a personal expression while emphasizing the need for brands to adapt in a fast-changing world. He also warns about the pitfalls of conventional brainstorming and predicts a future where AI democratizes creativity.

In this discussion, Franco Fubini, the founder of Natoora and a fresh produce expert, dives into the compelling history of supermarkets. He reveals how Piggly Wiggly revolutionized grocery shopping by introducing self-service. Franco explores how postwar changes shaped consumer habits, emphasizing time-saving convenience and the shift towards ultra-processed foods. He also discusses Walmart's rapid growth and the business incentives driving mass retailing while linking these trends to our evolutionary preferences for calorie-dense foods. A fascinating look at how our shopping habits evolved!

Join renowned chef and food writer Jeremy Lee, celebrated as the face of Quo Vadis in Soho, as he takes you on a delightful journey through modern British cooking. He reflects on the influence of culinary icons like Elizabeth David and Alastair Little, sharing how they transformed postwar dining into a global phenomenon. With warmth and humor, Jeremy discusses the importance of hospitality, creativity, and the stories behind memorable meals, emphasizing that the best dining experiences are rooted in generosity and joy.

Rory Sutherland, a savvy behavioral economist and advertising guru, joins the visionary founder of The Devonshire pub in Piccadilly. They dive into how the pub’s retro reopening sparked a surprising customer surge. The founder reveals 38 innovative features like on-site butchery and Ember Grill ovens designed to set them apart. Sutherland emphasizes that quirky elements boost perceived value and shares insights on the balance between creativity and operational challenges. Together, they showcase why unique differentiators matter in today’s competitive landscape.

Discover the fascinating world of functional mushrooms with DIRTEA's founders. They dive into ancient wisdom and modern health trends, exploring how mycelium networks inspire innovative leadership. The conversation spans from reclaiming community rituals post-2019 to the brain benefits of Lion's Mane. Personal burnout stories reveal the drive behind their mission to replace outdated habits. They discuss building a brand rooted in community and the balance of purpose in business, all while making mushrooms a daily ritual for wellness.

The Grenade founder shares fascinating insights into building a successful nutrition brand. He reflects on invaluable lessons learned from Richard Branson, emphasizing the power of simple questions in evaluating business ideas. Delving into global markets, he discusses the differing chocolate preferences shaped by culture, highlighting challenges in countries like China and India. Practical issues like import taxes and logistics are addressed, along with the importance of focusing efforts on controllable outcomes in a competitive snack industry.

Tom Brown, an award-winning British chef and the mind behind Cornerstone, shares insights into London's dynamic food scene. He reveals that great dining success is rooted in setting and service, often placing food as the last piece of the puzzle. Tom talks about his creative process, his obsession with oysters, and the importance of thoughtful hospitality touches. He emphasizes the need for culinary reinvention while finding joy in solo dining. Reflecting on his mentorship by Nathan Outlaw, he champions empathy in the kitchen and the significance of guest experience.

Rory Sutherland, a behavioral economist and advertising executive known for his insights into creativity and decision-making, dives deep into the nature of talent and creativity. He challenges the myth of 'effortless genius' by contrasting Mozart's fluidity with Beethoven's laborious efforts. Sutherland argues that distraction can fuel creativity, highlighting Tarantino's four-hour writing rule and unconventional insights from mundane tasks like stacking the dishwasher. He critiques rigid processes in creative fields, emphasizing that true breakthroughs often occur outside structured environments.

Al Barratt, founder of Grenade, shares his journey of creating a successful protein bar brand known for its superior taste and quality. He dives into the importance of innovation, revealing how the right approach to product development paved the way for Grenade's growth. Al discusses the challenges of due diligence before major sales and how investing early with Growthpoint helped professionalize his business. He also highlights how market legitimacy can change with big brand involvement and emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement to stay competitive.

The podcast dives into why Waitrose feels posher than Tesco, exploring the intriguing role of sensory cues. Curation by omission highlights how what’s absent can enhance perceived quality. Lighting, aisle width, and even smell play significant roles in making a store feel premium. It’s revealed that retail presentation can overshadow actual product quality. Lastly, the hosts discuss how rituals and embellishments shape our spending experiences, making transactions more memorable.