Marketing Espresso

Bec Chappell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Your easily digestible, quality shot of helpful marketing advice. Marketing Espresso is a podcast about marketing strategy, branding, business growth and visibility for modern business owners. Hosted by marketing strategist Bec Chappell, the show explores what’s actually working in marketing right now - from content and email marketing to AI, branding, customer psychology and business growth.

  1. 2d ago

    Engaging Audiences in the Age of Information Overload with Mel Kettle

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined by Mel Kettle for a very honest conversation about what has really changed in marketing over the past 20 years and what, despite all the technology, still remains exactly the same. Mel and I have both been in and around marketing, communications and business long enough to have seen the shift from brochures, direct mail and year-long conference lead times through to websites, email marketing, social media, LinkedIn, content marketing and now, of course, AI. And while so much has changed, this conversation kept coming back to one very simple truth: people still want to do business with people. We talk about why so many of us are feeling jaded by social media right now, particularly LinkedIn, where the algorithm seems to be serving more sponsored posts, second and third connections, and random notifications than the people we actually care about. We also unpack why showing up online still matters, especially for consultants and professional service providers, but why it has to be done with more intention than simply posting for the sake of posting. Mel shares how much of her business over the years has come through social media, from Twitter in the early days through to LinkedIn more recently, but we also talk about the reality that these platforms now require far more energy, consistency and thoughtful engagement than they once did. We also dive into email marketing and why it can feel more intimate and valuable than social media, particularly when people have actively chosen to be on your list. There is something different about writing to people who have invited you into their inbox, and we talk about why that can create stronger connection than trying to win attention in an increasingly crowded feed. Of course, we also talk about AI. Not in a panic-driven way, but in a practical way. AI can absolutely help us simplify tasks, pull ideas together, analyse information and speed up certain processes, but it should not replace the human thinking, emotion and effort that good marketing requires. Mel also shares her Human Leadership Matrix, built around clarity and humanity, and we explore how those two ideas apply beautifully to marketing. If we want our marketing to work, we need to be clear on what we are selling, who it is for, what value it provides and how we want people to feel. This episode is a reminder that while the tools keep changing, the foundations of good marketing do not. Strategy still matters. Human connection still matters. Effort still matters. And if we want people to care about our businesses, we have to give them something real to connect with. Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of being visible online without letting algorithms dictate your entire marketing strategy, the value of email as a more personal and owned communication channel, and the role of AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for original thought. The action from this episode is to look at your own marketing and ask whether it is clear, human and genuinely useful. Are you creating content with effort and intention, or just adding to the noise? Are you using AI to support your thinking, or outsourcing the very parts of marketing that make your brand memorable? And are you building a marketing strategy that helps people trust you, understand you and actually want to work with you? You can connect with Mel Kettle at melkettle.com, on LinkedIn, or on Instagram where she shares business insights, books, food and the occasional muddy dog paw print. Order your signed copy of Fully Connected DOWNLOAD MY CONTENT PLANNER Instagram @bec_chappell LinkedIn – Bec Chappell If you're ready to work together, I'm ready to work with you and your team. How to work with me: 1. Marketing foundations and strategy consultation 2. Marketing Coaching/ Whispering for you a marketing leader or your team who you want to develop into marketing leaders 3. Book me as a speaker or advisor for your organisation 4. Get me on your podcast This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative

    37 min

  2. Jun 15

    Brand Strategy vs Marketing Strategy: Why Your Business Needs Both with Clare Walter

    Send us Fan Mail Are you spending hours creating content, posting on social media, and trying every marketing tactic under the sun but still not seeing the results you want? In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I sit down with brand strategist and designer Clare Walter for a candid conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing business owners right now: the growing disconnect between strategy and execution. Together, we unpack the difference between brand strategy and marketing strategy, why so many businesses are skipping the foundational work, and how the rise of AI and templated marketing advice is leading many business owners down the wrong path. We discuss why social media isn't a marketing strategy, how businesses can find their true competitive advantage, and why understanding your customers will always outperform chasing trends. We also explore the role of positioning, customer research, marketing investment, and how businesses can continue to grow during challenging economic times. One of the biggest themes throughout this conversation is the importance of being known for something specific. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, Clare shares why businesses that narrow their focus often create stronger brands, attract better clients, and build more sustainable growth. We also dive into the dangers of generic marketing, the limitations of AI-generated strategies, and why businesses that invest in understanding their customers consistently outperform those who rely on shortcuts. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by marketing, frustrated by inconsistent results, or unsure where to focus your energy, this episode will help you step back, refocus, and return to the fundamentals that actually drive business growth. Key Takeaways A strong brand strategy and marketing strategy work together and should inform every decision you make in your business. Social media is a marketing channel, not a complete marketing strategy. AI can be a useful tool, but it cannot replace critical thinking, customer research, positioning, or strategic decision-making. Businesses that clearly define their niche, positioning, and competitive advantage are often more successful than businesses trying to appeal to everyone. Understanding your customers, their behaviours, and their motivations is one of the most valuable investments you can make. Marketing should be treated as an investment, not an afterthought. Consistency across your website, emails, messaging, and customer experience builds trust and improves conversion. The most effective businesses often double down on strategy during challenging economic conditions rather than pulling back. Action Steps Review your current marketing activity and ask yourself whether each channel is supporting a clear strategy. Spend time identifying what makes your business genuinely different rather than simply better. Survey your customers and prospects to better understand why they choose you and what they value most. Audit your brand touchpoints to ensure your messaging and visual identity are consistent. Consider where you're spending time and whether those activities are delivering a meaningful return on investment. Focus on building trust, relationships, and customer experience rather than chasing vanity metrics. Connect with Clare Walter Find Clare online and learn more about her work in brand strategy, positioning, and website design through the links in the show notes: https://ignitely.com.au/best-to-only-signup/ DOWNLOAD MY CONTENT PLANNER Instagram @bec_chappell LinkedIn – Bec Chappell If you're ready to work together, I'm ready to work with you and your team. How to work with me: 1. Marketing foundations and strategy consultation 2. Marketing Coaching/ Whispering for you a marketing leader or your team who you want to develop into marketing leaders 3. Book me as a speaker or advisor for your organisation 4. Get me on your podcast This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative

    1h 2m

  3. Jun 8

    How to Stand Out on LinkedIn in an AI-Driven World with Kate Merryweather

    Send us Fan Mail If LinkedIn has been feeling harder lately, you are definitely not imagining it. Feeds are flooded with generic AI-generated posts, engagement feels repetitive, and there’s a growing sense that everyone is trying to sound the same. But according to LinkedIn expert Kate Merryweather, that actually creates a huge opportunity for people willing to show up differently. In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I sit down with Kate to unpack what’s really happening on LinkedIn right now, why the rise of AI content is making authenticity more valuable than ever, and how businesses can stand out by leaning harder into personality, perspective and human connection. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that LinkedIn has never actually been easier for people willing to be real. While content production is increasing, much of it is becoming generic and forgettable. Kate explains why being a “breath of fresh air” on the platform matters more than perfect strategy and how the businesses building trust are the ones showing more of the human behind the brand. We also talk about the pressure many people feel to sound “professional” online and why that often translates into sounding incredibly boring. Kate shares practical advice for finding your own voice, building confidence on LinkedIn, and creating content that genuinely sounds like you rather than something generated by AI or copied from everyone else in your industry. This conversation also dives into:  Why AI-generated content is making personality more important  The difference between visibility and genuine connection  How to build trust and likability through LinkedIn  Why personal branding matters more than company pages  The role video content will play in LinkedIn’s future  How to approach LinkedIn if you’re a business owner or employee  Why referrals are one of LinkedIn’s most underrated opportunities  The problem with generic engagement and “AI slop”  How to make content feel more human  Why consistency matters less than long-term visibility and connection We also have a really honest conversation about business right now. The reality is many business owners are feeling the pressure of economic uncertainty, changing consumer behaviour and increased competition online. Kate shares how she’s adapting her offers to meet the market where it currently is and why visibility still matters, even when people are buying more cautiously. One of the things I loved most about this conversation is that it wasn’t about hacks or chasing algorithms. It was about building a sustainable, human presence online that people actually connect with. Because ultimately, people still buy from people. And in a world full of AI-generated noise, personality, honesty and perspective are becoming your biggest competitive advantage. Connect with Kate: https://www.skool.com/show-up-school  https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemerryweather/ https://www.katemerryweather.com.au/ DOWNLOAD MY CONTENT PLANNER Instagram @bec_chappell LinkedIn – Bec Chappell If you're ready to work together, I'm ready to work with you and your team. How to work with me: 1. Marketing foundations and strategy consultation 2. Marketing Coaching/ Whispering for you a marketing leader or your team who you want to develop into marketing leaders 3. Book me as a speaker or advisor for your organisation 4. Get me on your podcast This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative

    41 min

  4. Jun 1

    AI, Marketing and Why Human Connection Still Wins with Brook McCathy

    Send us Fan Mail What actually works in marketing right now? That’s the question I keep hearing from business owners everywhere - from solo operators through to multi-million dollar companies. The reality is, a lot of the old marketing playbooks simply aren’t working the way they used to. Social media feels crowded, attention spans are fragmented, AI-generated content is flooding feeds, and consumers are becoming more cautious about who they trust and where they spend their money. In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I sit down with Brook McCarthy to unpack what she calls The Momentum Effect - and honestly, this conversation lit me up. We dive deep into why momentum in marketing isn’t about being perfectly consistent. It’s about being committed. Committed to your message, committed to your relationships, committed to showing up in ways that actually create connection over time. Brook shares why she believes relationship-building is still the most powerful marketing strategy available, especially in a market where people are craving trust, authenticity, and genuine human interaction more than ever before. We talk about the shift away from transactional marketing and why audiences are becoming increasingly resistant to surface-level content and one-way broadcasting. Instead, the brands and businesses standing out right now are the ones creating conversations, building communities, and making people feel something. This episode also explores the impact AI is having on marketing and consumer behaviour. While AI is changing the way businesses create content, it’s also increasing the need for human connection. Brook explains why businesses with strong opinions, personality, integrity, and emotional connection are going to become even more valuable in the years ahead. We also discuss:  Why “be consistent” might actually be terrible marketing advice  The difference between consistency and commitment  How to create momentum in your marketing without burning yourself out  Why relationship-building should be part of your marketing strategy  The role community plays in modern business growth  How social media has shifted from connection to performance  Why consumers are becoming more selective about who they trust  The importance of conversation over broadcasting  How to become more memorable in your industry  Why your opinions and personality matter more than ever One of my favourite parts of this conversation was Brook's reminder that people don’t just want content anymore - they want connection. They want to feel understood. They want businesses and brands that actually stand for something. If you’ve been feeling frustrated by marketing lately, overwhelmed by social media, or unsure how to stand out in an increasingly noisy world, this episode is such an important listen. Because maybe the future of marketing isn’t about more content. Maybe it’s about deeper connection. Connect with Brook here: [w] BrookMcCarthy.com [w] HustleandHeart.com.au DOWNLOAD MY CONTENT PLANNER Instagram @bec_chappell LinkedIn – Bec Chappell If you're ready to work together, I'm ready to work with you and your team. How to work with me: 1. Marketing foundations and strategy consultation 2. Marketing Coaching/ Whispering for you a marketing leader or your team who you want to develop into marketing leaders 3. Book me as a speaker or advisor for your organisation 4. Get me on your podcast This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative

    36 min

  5. May 25

    The Link Between Public Speaking & Personal Brand with Carmen Sederino

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined by speaking coach, creative director and founder of Illuminated Story, Carmen Sederino, for a conversation about public speaking, visibility, leadership and personal branding. If you’ve ever felt terrified of speaking up in meetings, presenting in front of a room, pitching your business, recording content or putting yourself forward publicly, this episode is for you. Carmen shares her journey from studying performing arts and theatre at university to unexpectedly building a successful leadership career inside a large Australian corporate business, eventually becoming the brand manager of a $300 million portfolio before launching her own business. One of the biggest themes throughout this conversation is the idea that communication skills can completely change the trajectory of your career and business. Carmen explains how the ability to speak clearly, confidently and persuasively helped her progress through leadership roles — despite often being one of the only women in the room. We talk about:  Why speaking skills are essential for leadership  The connection between public speaking and personal branding  How visibility impacts career growth and business opportunities  Why introverts can become incredible speakers  Managing nerves and public speaking anxiety  The role storytelling plays in communication  Speaking at conferences, events and panels  How to become a recognised thought leader  Why audiences crave real human connection more than ever  The impact AI and social media are having on trust and visibility  How speaking in person creates deeper credibility than short-form content Carmen also shares how many leaders and business owners avoid speaking opportunities for years because of fear, only to later realise how much visibility and growth they were missing out on. One thing I really loved in this conversation was Carmen’s reminder that nerves are not necessarily a bad thing. They often mean we care deeply about what we’re doing. We discuss how speaking nerves are a completely normal human response and how they can actually become an energy source once you learn to work with them instead of against them. We also unpack the difference between speaking in a meeting room versus speaking on stage. Carmen explains that presenting at events is a performance in many ways — one that requires presence, storytelling, energy and audience connection. Another powerful part of this episode is the conversation around women in leadership and visibility. Carmen shares a story about coaching a senior female engineering leader who initially avoided speaking opportunities, only to later realise that being visible publicly could inspire other women entering the industry. This episode is packed with practical insights for business owners, leaders, marketers, creatives and professionals who want to communicate more effectively and build stronger visibility in their career or business. If you’ve ever thought:  “I’m too nervous to speak publicly”  “I’m not naturally confident”  “I don’t have anything valuable to say”  “I’m not extroverted enough” …this conversation will absolutely challenge those beliefs. Because as Carmen explains throughout this episode, speaking confidently is not something people are simply born with. It’s a skill that can be developed with practice, support and experience. You can connect with Carmen Sederino and learn more about Illuminated Story via the links in the show notes.  DOWNLOAD MY CONTENT PLANNER Instagram @bec_chappell LinkedIn – Bec Chappell If you're ready to work together, I'm ready to work with you and your team. How to work with me: 1. Marketing foundations and strategy consultation 2. Marketing Coaching/ Whispering for you a marketing leader or your team who you want to develop into marketing leaders 3. Book me as a speaker or advisor for your organisation 4. Get me on your podcast This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative

    26 min

  6. May 18

    Why Speaking Up Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI with Theresa Miller

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined by media trainer, author and communication expert Theresa Miller for a conversation that feels incredibly relevant right now. We dive into why speaking up matters more than ever in a world filled with AI-generated content, misinformation and constant noise online. Theresa’s book, Speak Up: How to Be a Successful Presenter and Media Spokesperson, explores how people across every industry can communicate more clearly, confidently and effectively - whether that’s on stage, in the media, online or inside their workplace. One of the biggest themes throughout this episode is the idea that if people with genuine experience and expertise stay quiet, less qualified voices fill the space. We unpack why so many people hesitate to speak publicly, share opinions or put themselves forward, even when they have years of valuable lived experience behind them. We also talk about:  Why public speaking is still one of people’s biggest fears  How imposter syndrome stops experts from sharing what they know  Why audiences are craving real human connection again  The rise of AI content and declining trust online  Why in-person events and conversations are becoming more valuable  How to communicate clearly without relying on jargon  Media training and communication tips for business owners  Why understanding your audience changes everything  The importance of intentional communication and storytelling Theresa shares practical communication frameworks that can help anyone become a stronger speaker and communicator, including how to structure your ideas clearly, how to make your message memorable, and why “what’s in it for me?” is the question every audience is subconsciously asking. One part of this conversation I particularly loved was Theresa’s perspective on communication as service. Instead of focusing on ourselves and worrying about judgement or criticism, she encourages people to think about how their knowledge, stories or experience could genuinely help someone else. We also explore how communication impacts marketing, leadership and business visibility. In a world where AI is making generic content easier than ever to create, authentic communication and real expertise are becoming even more valuable. This episode is packed with practical insights for business owners, marketers, leaders, creatives and anyone wanting to communicate with more clarity and confidence. If you’ve ever struggled with visibility, public speaking, confidence or sharing your expertise online, I think you’ll get a lot from this conversation. You can find Theresa’s book Speak Up online, in bookstores, on Audible and via her website. Resources & Links from Theresa Miller:  Theresa’s book and audiobook: Speak Up – Book & Audiobook  Theresa’s online course: Online Media & Presentation Course  Ten tips to nail your media interview: Media Interview Tips  Eight attention-grabbing presentation openers: Presentation Openers Guide  Connect with Theresa on LinkedIn  Follow Theresa on Instagram  Find Theresa on DOWNLOAD MY CONTENT PLANNER Instagram @bec_chappell LinkedIn – Bec Chappell If you're ready to work together, I'm ready to work with you and your team. How to work with me: 1. Marketing foundations and strategy consultation 2. Marketing Coaching/ Whispering for you a marketing leader or your team who you want to develop into marketing leaders 3. Book me as a speaker or advisor for your organisation 4. Get me on your podcast This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative

    35 min

  7. May 11

    Social Media won't save your marketing

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m diving into a question I’m hearing more than ever right now: where should I actually be marketing my business? Because if I’m being honest, a lot of people feel lost. The landscape feels noisy, social media feels saturated, AI has made everyone feel like they suddenly “get” marketing, and yet… results aren’t matching the effort. So what’s actually going on? I share what I’ve been seeing in the current marketing environment - from declining social media engagement to the rise of bots and AI-generated content - and why so many business owners are feeling disillusioned with the platforms they’ve been told to rely on. We unpack the reality that social media isn’t what it used to be. Time spent on platforms is dropping year on year, trust is shifting, and more people are questioning the ethics and impact of these channels. And yet, so many businesses are still pouring all their energy into trying to “win” there. This episode is about stepping back and thinking more strategically. Instead of chasing the next platform or trend, I talk about why it’s more important than ever to come back to your fundamentals. That means understanding your customer deeply, reassessing your product or service offering, and making sure what you’re selling is actually relevant in the current market. Because when the economy tightens, behaviour changes. And if your offer doesn’t match what people need right now, no amount of content will fix that. I also explore the importance of being intentional with your marketing channels. Yes, digital still matters. Yes, social media still has a role. But it’s not about being everywhere - it’s about being in the right places, for the right reasons, with a clear strategy behind it. This is your reminder that marketing is not one channel. It’s not one tactic. It’s a system. And if that system isn’t working together, nothing will feel like it’s working. Key Takeaways & Actions If your marketing feels confusing, start with research, not reaction. Understand your customer, their behaviour and what they actually need right now. Reassess your product or service. Is it still relevant in the current market, or does it need to evolve? Stop assuming more content will solve the problem. If the foundation isn’t right, more visibility won’t fix it. Be intentional about your channels. You don’t need to be everywhere, but you do need to be where your audience is. Use social media strategically, not emotionally. It is a tool, not the entire strategy. DOWNLOAD MY CONTENT PLANNER Instagram @bec_chappell LinkedIn – Bec Chappell If you're ready to work together, I'm ready to work with you and your team. How to work with me: 1. Marketing foundations and strategy consultation 2. Marketing Coaching/ Whispering for you a marketing leader or your team who you want to develop into marketing leaders 3. Book me as a speaker or advisor for your organisation 4. Get me on your podcast This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative

    16 min

  8. Mar 30

    How to market when times get tough

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I wanted to have a real, honest conversation about what’s actually happening in marketing right now - because let’s be honest, it feels messy. Between rising interest rates, cost of living pressures and tighter spending across the board, many businesses are starting to feel the shift. When products or services are discretionary, we know what tends to happen - people pause, delay or opt out altogether. So naturally, the question becomes: what should we actually be doing with our marketing when things feel uncertain? This episode is all about bringing it back to basics. I talk through why social media is not the silver bullet so many people still believe it is, and how the hype of the past few years has pulled business owners away from the foundations of marketing. Marketing is not one channel, one platform or one tactic. It is a system - and when that system isn’t working together, no amount of posting will fix it. Instead of doing more, this is about doing what actually matters. I share the three areas I always come back to when things feel tight in business. The first is your CRM - understanding who is already in your world, who has shown interest, and where the opportunities already exist. The second is your network - the conversations, referrals and relationships that often drive far more growth than any algorithm ever could. And the third is your current marketing activity - what is actually working, what isn’t, and where your time is being wasted. Because time is the one thing we don’t get back, and too many business owners are spending it in the wrong places. We also go deeper into the reality of social media right now. The overwhelm, the noise, the rise of AI-generated content and the increasing pressure to constantly produce more. I unpack why so many people are stepping away from platforms, and why connection - real, human connection, is becoming more valuable than ever. At its core, marketing has always been about connection. And in a world that feels increasingly automated, filtered and noisy, that matters more than ever. If your marketing feels heavy, confusing or like it’s not working, this episode will help you reset and refocus on what actually moves the needle. DOWNLOAD MY CONTENT PLANNER Instagram @bec_chappell LinkedIn – Bec Chappell If you're ready to work together, I'm ready to work with you and your team. How to work with me: 1. Marketing foundations and strategy consultation 2. Marketing Coaching/ Whispering for you a marketing leader or your team who you want to develop into marketing leaders 3. Book me as a speaker or advisor for your organisation 4. Get me on your podcast This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative

    18 min
See All (417)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Your easily digestible, quality shot of helpful marketing advice. Marketing Espresso is a podcast about marketing strategy, branding, business growth and visibility for modern business owners. Hosted by marketing strategist Bec Chappell, the show explores what’s actually working in marketing right now - from content and email marketing to AI, branding, customer psychology and business growth.

Information

  • Creator
    Bec Chappell
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    417
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Marketing Espresso
  • Show Website
    Marketing Espresso

You Might Also Like