42courses Podcast

42courses
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The 42courses Podcast Bite-sized brilliance from the world’s smartest minds. We make big ideas simple, useful, and often funny. Think behavioural science, creativity, business, and psychology...minus the boring bits.

  1. FEB 5

    The Human Side of AI: Agentic AI & The Future of Workflows

    In this episode, Chris and Conor McCarthy explore the move from standard Chatbots to Agentic AI. If you are trying to figure out how to move beyond basic prompts and build systems that actually do the work for you, this conversation is for you. Conor breaks down the confusion between simple workflows and true AI agents, sharing practical examples of how to automate everything from email triage to complex coding tasks. In this episode, we cover: The 3 Levels of AI Interaction: From basic LLMs to "If/Then" workflows, and finally, true Agentic AI.The "Decision" Factor: How to trust AI to make decisions without you watching over its shoulder.Real-World Wins: How to use agents to fix your inbox and optimise marketing ads automatically.The Tech Stack: A look at "Model Context Protocols" (MCPs) and tools like Lindy.ai and Claude Code.Enjoy the show, and to learn more about AI and other subjects that will help you thrive in tomorrow's work, head to 42courses.com

    28 min

  2. JAN 19

    Richard Shotton: Marketing Secrets from "Hacking the Human Mind"

    Why does a vacuum cleaner need a transparent case? Why do Pringles need to crunch loudly to taste fresh? And why are we willing to pay a locksmith more if they take longer to open the door?In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Richard Shotton to discuss his brand new book, Hacking the Human Mind. Unlike his previous bestsellers, Richard flips the script this time, analysing 17 of the world’s most successful brands to reverse-engineer the behavioural science behind their dominance.We discuss:- The "Labour Illusion": Why Dyson proudly advertises their 5,127 failures.- The Curse of Knowledge: Why you are probably communicating poorly with your customers.- Sensory Marketing: How the weight of cutlery changes the taste of food.- The AI Trap: New research on why labelling art as "AI-generated" crashes purchase intent by 61%.Whether you are a marketer, an entrepreneur, or just fascinated by human psychology, this is a masterclass in why we buy what we buy.

    35 min

  3. JAN 12

    Tay Guan Hin - Why AI Can’t Replace Human Flaws

    What do a NASA engineer, a knuckle duster, and a trip to Uzbekistan have in common?We sat down with creative legend Tay Guan Hin to find out. In this episode, recorded fresh from the historic Silk Road, Tay reveals why playing it safe is officially boring.His new book, Collide, argues that the best ideas don’t come from peace and quiet; they come from smashing things together. Tune in to discover how a failed heat pump accidentally became the Super Soaker, why "imperfect" humans are still cooler than AI, and how to turn a little conflict into a lot of magic.

    44 min

  4. 12/15/2025

    The Human Side of AI: Tools, Fears, and the Future

    Is AI a job-killer, or is it the spark for a new creative renaissance? Join Chris (CEO, 42courses), Dave Duarte (CEO, Treeshake), and Conor McCarthy (AI Consultant & Engineer) for a candid conversation about navigating the choppy seas of the AI revolution.In this episode, we move past the doom-scrolling and focus on practical optimism. We discuss why AI is the "fastest depreciating asset humanity has ever invented," how to stop being a "secret cyborg" at work, and why the rise of synthetic media is actually driving a massive return to real-world community events. Plus, we share the simple "two Post-it note" strategy to build your AI muscle memory and debate the distinct "personalities" of ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.If you’re looking for a safe, optimistic place to make sense of the changing world, this conversation is for you.

    49 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    The Science of Selling - Matt Sucha

    Why do customers say "no" even when you offer them something for free? And how can simply changing a question double your sales?In this episode, Chris chats with behavioural science expert and Mindworx founder Matt Suchánek. A former actuary turned consumer psychology pro, Matt reveals why the secret to boosting sales isn't about giving people more reasons to buy—it's about giving them fewer reasons to say no.We discuss:🧠 The "Free" Trap: Why a travel insurance giveaway failed (and how psychology fixed it).🍕 The Pizza Experiment: How a simple reframe changed topping orders by 100%.🏄 The SURF Model: A practical framework to decode customer behaviour.🚫 Psychological Reactance: Why pushing too hard kills the sale.🎁 SPECIAL OFFER: Matt is offering signed copies of his new book, The Hidden Yes, plus a special bonus exclusively for our listeners! 👉 Get your copy here: https://www.thehiddenyes.com/42

    45 min

  6. 10/30/2025

    The Simple Secret to Better Health - Chris Read

    Why are 95% of us deficient in the one nutrient that could slash our risk of disease by nearly 30%?In this episode, we chat with Chris Read, founder of the health company Indi. Chris breaks down his journey from the world of sleep products to becoming obsessed with nutrition, revealing the shocking truths about the food industry, from hidden "nasty emulsifiers" to the problems with traditional multivitamins. Tune in to discover: The simple power of adding just 7 more grams of fiber to your diet.How to feed your "second brain" and why 90% of your happiness starts there.Actionable tips, like the two-kiwi-a-night sleep hack and what to really look for on a food label.The story behind Indi's "indigenous" ingredients and the mission to make health convenient. Visit Indi at https://indisupplements.com/ Visit 42courses at https://42courses.com

    45 min

  7. 09/01/2025

    Mike Sharman: Make It Newsworthy, A Viral Playbook

    How do you turn a funny idea into primetime chatter and global buzz? In this lively episode, Mike Sharman shares the “Holy Trinity of marketing” that still wins today: activation first, scale it digitally, then PR the living daylights out of it. He breaks down how his team spoofed My Octopus Teacher" into the cult hit “My Creepy Teacher,” why curiosity is a superpower, and how to engineer virality rather than wish for it. Find out more about Mike at retroviral.co.za Find out more about 42courses at 42courses.com What you’ll learn The Holy Trinity that powers modern viral campaigns. How “My Creepy Teacher” went from a Cape Town shoot to a global hit.  How to build successful creator partnerships. How to use obsessive curiosity as a career advantage. Why being “worthy of the news” is the bar that keeps work sharp.

    46 min

  8. 08/05/2025

    Rob Campbell & Paula Bloodworth - How To Think Like An Artist

    Why are brands continually out-played, out-thought and out-innovated by artists with zero marketing knowledge, training or experience? In this delightful conversation with globally renowned strategy legends, Rob Campbell and Paula Bloodworth, we take a look at what you can learn from artists and how it can help you get ahead. Rob's Website: https://robcampbell.co Paula's Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-bloodworth-3899833

    46 min
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About

The 42courses Podcast Bite-sized brilliance from the world’s smartest minds. We make big ideas simple, useful, and often funny. Think behavioural science, creativity, business, and psychology...minus the boring bits.

Information

  • Creator
    42courses
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 42courses
  • Show Website
    42courses Podcast

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