Talking Insights

Esomar

Researchers work every day to understand the changing landscape around them - but what deeper insights can we find through their work that can help shape our future? Join Esomar on a journey of discovery, as we bring together guests from around the globe to explore the biggest questions of today, diving deeper into the challenges that face our society, and uncover new insights about the world around us.

  1. Oct 8

    The Hidden Risk in AI Research Nobody Is Validating Yet

    Wilko Rozema on the future of insights: why validation, not hype, will decide who wins AI and synthetic data are moving fast, but the real competitive edge in insights is no longer speed alone. Wilko Rozema of Dynata breaks down why the next phase belongs to companies that can validate what they collect, protect data quality, and adapt before the market leaves them behind. Dynata is one of the largest first-party data providers in the world, and Wilko explains how that position is changing as agencies, brands, and research teams race to balance cost pressure, shorter timelines, and smarter use of AI. He also gets into the tension most people are not talking about enough: synthetic models can look confident, but without verified real-human data behind them, the risk to business decisions grows fast. Wilko also shares what agencies and insight teams often miss when they focus on methodology but overlook the quality of the data feeding it. His message is blunt: if the inputs are weak, the output will not save you, no matter how advanced your tools look. Essential listening for insight leaders, agency teams, data professionals, and anyone trying to make sense of the AI and synthetic data shift without getting swept up in the hype. Send us Fan Mail ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production.  Hosted by Antonio Almeida Music by FreeMusicForVideo from Pixabay Graphics by Brandon Heim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a • Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2Drifcg Esomar 2025

  2. Oct 7

    Why Bias Sneaks Into Research Design Before Data Even Starts

    Young researchers are reshaping market research and sharing what they’ve learned along the way. In this conversation from Esomar Congress, Molly Strawn-Carreno and emerging researchers discuss AI, bias, cultural nuance, mentorship, and building a career in a changing industry. Hear why curiosity and human connection still matter, how culture can shape research responses, and how bias in questionnaire design can affect results before research even begins. The group also shares practical advice for early-career researchers: do your homework, seek opportunities, and build relationships with mentors. Send us Fan Mail ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production.  Hosted by Antonio Almeida Music by FreeMusicForVideo from Pixabay Graphics by Brandon Heim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a • Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2Drifcg Esomar 2025

  3. Sep 29

    The Hidden Skill Gap That AI Is Creating in Research - Live at the Esomar Congress 2026

    Qualitative research veteran Isabelle Landreville joins Molly Strawn-Carreno to discuss how AI is reshaping research—and why human judgment, critical thinking, and relationship-building matter more than ever. They also explore Canada’s distinct research cultures and the industry’s responsibility to mentor emerging talent. Send us Fan Mail ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production.  Hosted by Antonio Almeida Music by FreeMusicForVideo from Pixabay Graphics by Brandon Heim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a • Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2Drifcg Esomar 2025

  4. Sep 29

    Why Data Strategy Fails Without a Business Question - Live at the Esomar Congress 2026

    What should come first: an AI strategy or a business question?  Isabelle Lacarce Paumier, Global Group Head of Data and Marketing Analytics at Nestlé, makes the case for starting with the business opportunity—and building the data foundation needed to turn insight into action. In this episode of Esomar Talking Insights, Isabelle shares lessons from creating and scaling marketing analytics at one of the world’s largest companies. She explains why Nestlé invested in data quality and relevance before scaling AI, how to experiment on a small scale before rolling out what works, and why insight professionals need to pair technical expertise with persuasive storytelling. In this conversation: - Why business questions should lead data and AI strategies - How data quality and relevant data foundations support better decisions - Why starting small can help organisations scale more effectively - How storytelling helps turn analysis into business action - What Isabel expects from research agencies: quality, innovation, and added value - Why insight teams should focus on fewer, higher-impact projects - Career advice on being courageous, stretching yourself, and building broader business experience If you work in insights, analytics, marketing, or research, this conversation offers a practical perspective on making data more useful and making sure the work leads to meaningful business impact. Send us Fan Mail ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production.  Hosted by Antonio Almeida Music by FreeMusicForVideo from Pixabay Graphics by Brandon Heim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a • Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2Drifcg Esomar 2025

  5. Sep 24

    The AI Alliance - Where do we stand?

    Everyone wants to jump to AI. But the real advantage? Getting your data, questions, and team aligned first. At the Esomar Congress in Valencia, the new AI Alliance made one thing clear: AI is not a strategy - it’s a tool. You need a common language before you can scale. The best teams are building in public, testing, failing, learning, and improving. And the best part? They’re creating safe spaces for people to talk honestly about what’s working and what’s not. That’s how industries actually move forward. If you’re leading AI adoption right now, save this for later. Send us Fan Mail ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production.  Hosted by Antonio Almeida Music by FreeMusicForVideo from Pixabay Graphics by Brandon Heim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a • Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2Drifcg Esomar 2025

  6. Jul 29

    The Future of Emotion Analytics in Market Research — Wisdom or Overhype?

    Welcome back to Talking Insights.  In this episode, we sat down with John Cohen, CEO and founder of Kindling EVA, and Saul Cohen, the company’s co-founder and Head of Product, to explore one of the most important questions in AI today: can machines truly understand human emotion? Together with their team of emotion scientists and developers, John and Saul spent two years identifying what was missing from existing emotion analytics before building a new model designed to better reflect how people really feel. Their work has already been used by global brands like Sky, Unilever, Kellanova, Leo Burnett, and more to help shape products and communications that connect more effectively with audiences. The conversation goes deep on the complexity of emotion—especially sarcasm, nuance, context, and cultural differences—and why simplifying feelings into a handful of categories can lead to the wrong decisions. John also shares insights from his book, Asking for Trouble, while both guests discuss the future of emotion AI, the risks of synthetic respondents, and why human oversight still matters. If you’re interested in market research, AI, product development, or the future of understanding people, this episode is packed with thoughtful takeaways about how technology should support, not replace, human insight. Learn more about Jon's book: https://askingfortrouble.net/  and about Kindling EVA: https://www.kindlingeva.com/  Send us Fan Mail ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production.  Hosted by Antonio Almeida Music by FreeMusicForVideo from Pixabay Graphics by Brandon Heim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a • Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2Drifcg Esomar 2025

  7. Jun 17

    Why Younger Generations Hold the Key to Inclusive and Trustworthy Policy

    The landscape of trust, technology, and human behavior is shifting faster than ever—are we prepared?  Michelle Harrison, the global president of Varian Group, is a renowned expert in public opinion, behavioral science, and social change, advising global leaders and organizations on societal transformation and inclusive leadership. Her insights into the future of trust and technology are more relevant than ever. In this episode, Michelle shares insights that could redefine how we understand society’s biggest challenges. From the rise of AI and synthetic data to the declining trust in institutions, this episode dives deep into the forces shaping our world and what we must do to stay ahead. Tune in to explore how we can harness emerging tech responsibly, rebuild trust, and create more inclusive, resilient societies.  Send us Fan Mail ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production.  Hosted by Antonio Almeida Music by FreeMusicForVideo from Pixabay Graphics by Brandon Heim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a • Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2Drifcg Esomar 2025

  8. Jun 10

    The Missing Human Element in AI: Why Tech Alone Won't Save Us

    Most organizations are unknowingly killing the very human touch that makes AI truly valuable.  Manuel Garcia-Garcia reveals why focusing solely on accuracy and speed in AI systems is a mistake—and how empathy, trust, and human oversight are essential for AI to work with us, not without us. In this episode, Manuel shares eye-opening insights from his upcoming book, Smarter Together, which explores how we think, feel, and decide alongside AI. Discover why AI’s role isn’t to replace human decision-making but to augment it—whether in healthcare, government services, or daily life.  You'll learn why blindly trusting AI can be dangerous, and how intentional design of workflows and human-AI interaction boosts trust, reduces mistakes, and makes systems more effective. We break down critical topics such as the paradox of AI trust—why we trust it quickly but also lose confidence fast. Manuel discusses the risks of over-reliance, how to maintain human oversight, and the cultural differences affecting AI adoption worldwide. Plus, get practical advice on how research professionals and organizations can shift from automation for its own sake to AI-powered augmentation that makes us smarter and more human-centered. This episode is essential listening for leaders, data scientists, researchers, and anyone eager to harness AI responsibly. If you want AI to empower rather than replace, this conversation provides the strategic mindset—and concrete tactics—to make that a reality. Don’t let AI outpace your understanding—learn how to make it work for the human experience. Manuel Garcia-Garcia is a renowned expert in consumer neuroscience and AI psychology. As an author and thought leader, he’s dedicated to exploring the nuanced relationship between humans and AI—and how to design systems that respect our cognitive and emotional complexity. Get ready to rethink AI. This isn’t just an episode about technology; it’s about mastering the human side of innovation. Learn more about the upcoming book Smarter Together here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/100973458X  Send us Fan Mail ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Talking Insights is a Research World and Esomar production.  Hosted by Antonio Almeida Music by FreeMusicForVideo from Pixabay Graphics by Brandon Heim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’d like to be featured in a future episode or share your story, send us an email at podcast@esomar.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Esomar on Youtube - http://bit.ly/2Vk6j6a • Follow us on LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/2Drifcg Esomar 2025

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Researchers work every day to understand the changing landscape around them - but what deeper insights can we find through their work that can help shape our future? Join Esomar on a journey of discovery, as we bring together guests from around the globe to explore the biggest questions of today, diving deeper into the challenges that face our society, and uncover new insights about the world around us.

Information

  • Creator
    Esomar
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Insights
  • Show Website
    Talking Insights