Rock n' Roll Research Podcast

Matt Valle
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MARKETING

Market researchers have the coolest backstories. Hear them here!

  1. Episode #149: Bill Salokar - Gazelle Global, Lottery Expert, Multi-Instrumentalist

    7H AGO

    Episode #149: Bill Salokar - Gazelle Global, Lottery Expert, Multi-Instrumentalist

    Bill Salokar is a long-time fixture in the insights community. After starting his career as a state lottery expert, Bill found his way to the agency side where he spent most of his career. He has just recently started at Gazelle Global, one of the most trusted research operations firms in the business. Bill has also long volunteered his time with organizations like MRxPros, Insights Association and Intellus Worldwide.  What is really interesting about Bill is the collection of musical instruments for which he is proficient. It’s not every day you meet a crumhorn player!

    31 min
  2. Episode #148: Open Mic - Owen Polifka and Brent Huberty discuss the history of Channel 83 Records

    12/22/2025

    Episode #148: Open Mic - Owen Polifka and Brent Huberty discuss the history of Channel 83 Records

    Channel 83 Records was founded in 1987 in Minneapolis/St. Paul by Owen Polifka. With the scouting help of Brent Huberty, they signed several legendary Twin Cities metal bands including Disturbed, Impaler and Soilent Green and renowned goth rockers, Morticia.  They later partnered with Sci-Fi Western for several rockabilly released led by The Vibro Champs.  Owen and Brent share a verbal history of the label and some great stories along the way \m/

    54 min
  3. Episode #147: Mark Loughney - Consultant at Hub Entertainment Research, Abbey Road Recording Artist

    12/22/2025

    Episode #147: Mark Loughney - Consultant at Hub Entertainment Research, Abbey Road Recording Artist

    We first spoke with Mark Loughney five years ago on Episode #16.  Since then, so many exciting things have happened in Mark’s world that it made sense to do an update. Enjoy!

    55 min
  4. Episode #146: Chris Davis - EVP at Socratic Technologies, Lifelong Baseball Card Collector

    10/30/2025

    Episode #146: Chris Davis - EVP at Socratic Technologies, Lifelong Baseball Card Collector

    Socratic Technologies was founded in 1994 with a mission to bring pioneering technology to the research profession. Today they are an agile, full-service insights consultancy with blue chip clients across several industry verticals. Chris Davis is currently EVP at Socratic and has been the driving force behind much of the company’s technological advancements. Chris shares his journey from writing code at 6 years old to studying computer science at Northwestern University to what he’s learned in over 24 years on the technology side of insights. He also discusses the joys of rediscovering a childhood hobby, this time as a passion he shares with his son.

    26 min
  5. Episode #145: Andrea Rowden - Insights leader at hims & hers, Vocalist for the band S.O.U.L.

    10/24/2025

    Episode #145: Andrea Rowden - Insights leader at hims & hers, Vocalist for the band S.O.U.L.

    Andrea Rowden’s fascination with the human condition has led her to a career in insights. Currently, she is Senior Manager, Consumer and Product Insights at hims & hers which has grown to over $2Bn in revenues in just eight short years. Outside of work, Andrea is a vocalist for a soul band in Chicago called S.O.U.L. (Spirit of Universal Love). Andrea discusses how starting her career on the supplier-side prepared her well for her client-side role. She also shares thoughts on cultivating the right environment for music and research; the importance of authentic research voices; and the albums she’d want to keep her company if stranded on a desert island.

    27 min
  6. Episode #144: Paula Rosecky - Qualitative Expert, Cultural Immersion, Aspiring Vocalist

    09/05/2025

    Episode #144: Paula Rosecky - Qualitative Expert, Cultural Immersion, Aspiring Vocalist

    Paula Rosecky is both a true expert qualitative research practitioner and a tireless contributor to the insights industry through WiRE and her significant long-time involvement in the QRCA (a fantastic organization!).  Her journey through the world of research is one-of-a-kind, encompassing several opportunities for cultural immersion and broadening experiences. Paula and I discuss her unique path with stops in Prague, Milwaukee, Dallas and Seattle. She also shares the story of rediscovering her love for singing.  Paula provided me with a new microphone, so you have her to thank for bettering this podcast’s production. Thanks, Paula!

    31 min
  7. Episode #143: Jeff Grant - VP at Razorfish, Former SVP at Cartoon Network, Comic Book Cognoscente

    08/29/2025

    Episode #143: Jeff Grant - VP at Razorfish, Former SVP at Cartoon Network, Comic Book Cognoscente

    Jeff Grant has had an enviable career in insights, first on the client-side where he rose to SVP Insights and Analytics for Time Warner, where he supported the Cartoon Network among others for 20 years. He then transitioned to the supplier side and now the agency world as VP Audience Strategy at Razorfish.   But Jeff got bitten by the comic book bug as a wee lad and it turned into a lifelong passion. In this episode, Jeff shares his insights journey and then dives deep into his hobby including some of the notable, rare and favorite books in his collection. He also gives his fresh take on what the future of insights has in store.

    41 min
  8. Episode #142: Dr. Faith James and Stacy Graiko - The She Lab Founders and Authors of "Decoding She"

    08/15/2025

    Episode #142: Dr. Faith James and Stacy Graiko - The She Lab Founders and Authors of "Decoding She"

    Dr. Faith James and Stacy Graiko are founders of the insights-led marketing and strategy consultancy called The She Lab, where they apply their deep expertise to help clients win with women. They are also just about to release their second book, “Decoding She: How to Drive Growth by Understanding Women Consumers,” packed with insight and evidence on understanding and marketing to women. Faith and Stacy share their career foundations in advertising, personal brand consulting and insights and how their journeys have informed their work. We also discuss the book, their approach to The She Lab and the music they’d choose if stranded on a desert island (some stellar choices!).

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Market researchers have the coolest backstories. Hear them here!

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Valle
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rock n' Roll Research Podcast
  • Show Website
    Rock n' Roll Research Podcast