Intellicast

EMI Research Solutions

Intellicast is a market research industry podcast presented by EMI Research. In this podcast, join host Brian Peterson as he discusses the research industry from a vendor perspective, as well as current trends and happenings in the industry, upcoming events, and interviews with other industry professionals. Intellicast is brought to you by EMI Research Solutions.

  1. A Perfect Match in Healthcare Market Research

    MAR 30

    A Perfect Match in Healthcare Market Research

    Welcome back to Intellicast! On this special episode of Intellicast, Brian and Gabby are joined by Konovo’s CEO, Tal Rosenberg, and the President and Founder of Rare Patient Voice, Wes Michael. They join the podcast to provide details around Konovo’s recent acquisition of Rare Patient Voice, and what it means for healthcare research. Kicking off the interview, Tal and Wes provide background on their respective organizations and how they evolved over time. Rare Patient Voice was built on the idea of giving patients, particularly those with rare conditions, a platform to share their experiences, while Konovo has focused on helping researchers more effectively find and engage specialized audiences across healthcare. The conversation then shifts to the acquisition itself and the rationale behind it. Tal explains that the goal is not simply to combine companies, but to build a more integrated approach to research, one that brings together both the patient and healthcare provider perspectives in a more seamless way. The ability to access both audiences within a single ecosystem reflects a broader trend in healthcare research, where understanding multiple viewpoints is becoming increasingly important. Wes adds that alignment in values played a significant role in the decision. With a shared focus on patient-first research, quality, and long-term relationships, both organizations saw an opportunity to expand their capabilities without compromising what made each successful on its own. The two also explore how the combined organization plans to evolve. While Rare Patient Voice will maintain its existing approach in the near term, the integration of Konovo’s technology and infrastructure is expected to enhance speed, scale, and operational efficiency. A key theme throughout the interview is the importance of maintaining trust. Wes emphasizes that preserving the experience and expectations of patient participants is critical, while Tal highlights the need to scale responsibly as the organization grows. Both note that while new tools and technologies will play a role, they must be implemented in a way that supports, not disrupts, the core mission. In the final segment, the group reflects on what comes next, including opportunities for expansion, deeper integration, and continued investment in both technology and audience development.  You can learn more about Konovo by visiting their website: https://konovo.com/ You can learn more about Rare Patient Voice by visiting their website: https://rarepatientvoice.com/ You can also connect with Tal and Wes on LinkedIn here: Tal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talrosenberg/ Wes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesmichael/ Thanks for tuning in! We’ve launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report   Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  2. Kathleen Went Down to Georgia

    MAR 25

    Kathleen Went Down to Georgia

    Welcome back to Intellicast! On this episode, Brian is joined by EMI’s VP of Operations, Kathleen Hock, who is back from Georgia and ready to give all the details from SampleCon 2026. Kicking off the episode, Kathleen talks about the resort where SampleCon was held this year. She also talks about how this year’s location compares with last year's in Pasadena, and some of the benefits of having everything on-site. Next, Kathleen discusses some of the main themes from this year’s conference. They include: Data Quality AI Synthetic Data And The Future of Insights She details how it felt that while everyone seems to be on the same page in understanding the current challenges facing the industry, it is really time to start focusing on the solutions. Kathleen then talks about the Quality R Us booth that the team at Verisoul was running, and how unique it was, including the ways people could earn tokens. In the last segment, Brian and Kathleen talk about travel to and from the conference, and how it went. Thanks for tuning in! We’ve launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report   Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    18 min
  3. More AI-Backed Tools and the Impact of Proposed Census Changes

    MAR 24

    More AI-Backed Tools and the Impact of Proposed Census Changes

    Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by EMI’s Director of Research, Aron Wilson, to talk about the latest news from around the market research industry. Kicking off the episode, the two dive into a new partnership between the Data Quality Co-op and Dig Insights. The partnership brings continuous, independent quality validation into the research process, signaling a shift toward greater accountability across providers. As Brian notes, the industry is moving toward a “prove it” moment for quality claims, where measurement and transparency are becoming table stakes. The conversation then shifts to concerns raised by the Insights Association around proposed changes to the 2026 census. Aron outlines how adjustments to the methodology of such a critical benchmark could impact the accuracy of research that depends on it. They note that any disruption to how the census is conducted could introduce bias into research outputs. AI continues to dominate the industry conversation, with Brian and Aron reviewing several recent product launches. Brian and Aron examine how tools like ChatHarmoni, PackSee, and Linara are positioning themselves to enhance research workflows. The episode also touches on AckWest’s continued growth through acquisitions, with the latest being the purchase of Answerpoints UK. In the final segment, Brian and Aron discuss a recent article on the impact of the new EU Data Act. They postulate on what it could mean for data privacy, compliance, and the future use of data within AI systems. Thanks for tuning in! We’ve launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report   Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports?  You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min
  4. Defender Gets Backup: Inside the ReDem Acquisition with Vignesh Krishnan of Rep Data

    FEB 24

    Defender Gets Backup: Inside the ReDem Acquisition with Vignesh Krishnan of Rep Data

    Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian Peterson is joined by a friend of the podcast and the newly named Executive Vice President of Products for Rep Data, Vignesh Krishnan. He joins the podcast to discuss Rep Data’s recent acquisition of ReDem, as well as data quality and fraud. Kicking off the episode, Vignesh gives Brian the inside details on how ReDem will integrate into the Rep Data/Research Defender ecosystem and how it will expand their fraud detection capabilities beyond the pre-survey phase. As the episode progresses, Brian and Vignesh touch on a variety of topics, including: The fraud detection ecosystem The layered approach to fraud detection How fraud and data quality are not the same thing Insights from each’s research-on-research Gen AI’s increased usage by fraudsters and respondents And much more! If you wanted to know more about Rep Data’s acquisition of ReDem, this is the episode for you. You can learn more about the acquisition here. You can connect with Vignesh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vignesh-krishnan-08846aa/ Thanks for tuning in! We’ve just launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report   Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min
  5. FEB 12

    Fraud Detection Consolidation and a New CEO for the Insights Association

    Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by Gabby Blados to discuss the latest news from around the market research industry. Before jumping into the news, Brian and Gabby trade notes on the Super Bowl. (Not the game, as they both agree it was a bit of a snoozer) They talk about their favorite commercials, the ones they were less impressed with, and Bad Bunny’s performance. Then they jump into the latest news, starting with the news that Anita Watkins has been named the new CEO of the Insights Association. Both are excited with the experience Anita is going to bring to the role. Additionally, Gabby and Brian touch on: The acquisition of Rare Patient Voice by Konova The launch of Knowledge Navigator by MRII and UGA Sago Health’s rebrand to Trivoca Health The launch of the GDQ Feedback Loop In the final segment, Brian and Gabby talk about the announcement that Rep Data acquired the in-survey data quality provider, ReDem. Brian and Gabby are both excited to see how the ReDem tool set will be integrated into the Research Defender platform. Thanks for tuning in! We’ve just launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get your copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report   Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports?  You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here:  https://emi-rs.com/resources/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min
  6. The 300th Episode

    JAN 28

    The 300th Episode

    Welcome to season nine of Intellicast! On today’s season premiere (and very special episode), Brian is joined by Gabby Blados, Matthew Alexander, and Jason Inderhees to celebrate a major milestone for the show; its 300th episode! The team takes some time in the first half of this episode to take a step back to reflect on the conversations, people, and moments that have shaped Intellicast over the years. Kicking things off, the group reflects on how Intellicast started and how far it’s come. What began as a loose, informal podcast quickly evolved into a regular space for honest industry dialogue — sometimes polished, sometimes chaotic, but always real. From early technical hiccups to live recordings that didn’t quite go as planned, the team laughs through the growing pains that came with finding their rhythm. The conversation naturally turns to the people who’ve made the podcast what it is. Over 80 guests have joined Intellicast over the last 8 season, including researchers, clients, partners, and industry voices who were willing to speak candidly, challenge assumptions, and occasionally disagree. The group reflects on recurring guests and familiar names that listeners have come to recognize, as well as first-time appearances that sparked memorable discussions. Brian, Gabby, Matthew, and Jason also share some of their favorite moments from past episodes, from COVID-era conversations recorded in the middle of uncertainty, to debates that ran long because no one wanted to wrap them up, to the occasional episode that earned an explicit tag. These moments weren’t scripted or planned, but they helped define the personality of the show and made it feel less like a production and more like a conversation. Another theme that surfaces throughout the episode is how Intellicast became a place for the industry to talk honestly about what wasn’t working. Long before data quality became a headline issue, the podcast was already digging into fraud, feasibility challenges, client pressure, and unrealistic expectations. Those conversations didn’t always have neat conclusions, but they reflected what people were actually dealing with day to day. The group also acknowledges how the podcast has evolved alongside the industry. As new voices joined the conversation and new challenges emerged (AI, synthetic data, tighter budgets, shifting client expectation), Intellicast adapted without losing its core identity. The format changed, contributors rotated in and out, but the focus stayed the same: curiosity, skepticism, and real discussion over rehearsed talking points. It wouldn’t be Intellicast without discussing some of the latest headlines. The team discusses a few of the recent headlines from around market research including: New partnership between Qualtrics and ROI Rocket PureSpectrum’s new partnership with TA Associates New roles for Michael Polster and Vignesh Krishnan IRB’s new healthcare professional panel. Thanks to everyone who has been with us on this ride! We’ve just launched our new whitepaper, The Fraud Detection Reality Check. Get you copy and find out why relying on a single fraud detection tool is a mistake. Download here: https://content.emi-rs.com/fraud-detection-report Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here: https://emi-rs.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min
  7. The 2025 Recap

    12/30/2025

    The 2025 Recap

    Welcome back to Intellicast! On the final episode of 2025, Brian is joined once again by Gabby Blados to reflect on some of the biggest trends, news stories, and more that shaped market research this year. Kicking off the episode, Brian and Gabby walk through some of the major people-on-the-move news from across the industry. Leadership changes, promotions, and board elections signaled a period of transition for some in the industry. The conversation quickly turns to data quality, which Brian and Gabby agree became the single most important issue of 2025. While concerns around fraud and quality have existed for years, this was the year those conversations became unavoidable. The OP4G and Slice MR case stands out as the defining moment, not just because of its scale, but because it introduced real consequences. Legal action, charges, and accountability forced the entire industry to pay attention in a way it hadn’t before. As a result, data quality went from being a recurring conference topic to a priority in client conversations. Gabby notes that more clients began asking pointed questions about sourcing, fraud prevention, and panel management, opening the door to deeper transparency and more honest discussions. What had once been abstract suddenly became operational. Brian and Gabby also reflect on how fraud itself evolved throughout the year. Bad actors became more sophisticated, leveraging automation, AI-driven tools, and new techniques to bypass existing safeguards. In response, research teams adopted more layered and proactive approaches to fraud detection. Still, both acknowledge that true deterrence remains elusive, as most fraudsters face few real consequences beyond being blocked from a panel. The episode also revisits the role of AI and synthetic data in 2025. Early optimism gave way to a more grounded reality as the year progressed. While AI proved valuable as a tool to support research, the idea that it could fully replace human respondents faded. Brian and Gabby agree that the industry landed in a healthier place, recognizing that human judgment, context, and unpredictability remain essential. Gabby and Brian also discussed a few broader market trends they experienced in 2025. Budgets were tighter, competition increased, and feasibility became more challenging across many projects. This was a great recap of 2025. Thanks for tuning in! Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here: https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here:  https://emi-rs.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min
  8. Financial Stress, AI Anxiety, and the New Work Mindset: Highlights from the Latest Future of Money Report with Lilah Raynor of Logica Research

    12/16/2025

    Financial Stress, AI Anxiety, and the New Work Mindset: Highlights from the Latest Future of Money Report with Lilah Raynor of Logica Research

    Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian is joined by Lilah Raynor, CEO of Logica Research, to break down the newest edition of their Future of Money report. The report is one of the most consistent and revealing longitudinal studies on how Americans think about money, work, and the economy. This semi-annual study, which has been running since 2017, offers an in-depth look at the financial mindset of U.S. consumers, and this wave highlights some of the clearest shifts in sentiment to date. Kicking off the episode, Brian and Lilah discuss Americans' overall mood of the economy. According to the latest data, half of Americans believe the economy is worse than it was six months ago, and a third expect it to get worse over the next year. Even among those who describe themselves as financially stable, financial stress remains high, with many feeling stretched thin by rising costs, housing pressures, and inconsistent income trends. The conversation then shifts to how Americans are adjusting. Lilah shares that this wave shows a notable uptick in emergency savings behaviors. At the same time, people are making trade-offs in discretionary spending, cutting back on dining, entertainment, and nonessential purchases while prioritizing everyday needs. Brian and Lilah also explore how the Future of Money report offers a window into the changing work mindset. Job movement intent has increased compared to the spring wave, and more people are open to switching jobs if they believe they can improve their stability or flexibility. Some of this is linked to economic pressure, but a growing portion is connected to technology-driven job anxiety, particularly for younger generations. That leads directly into one of the most fascinating sections of the report: AI at work. This wave shows that over half of Americans are now using AI tools in the workplace, with ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot topping the list. Lilah explains that while AI adoption is increasing, it’s also creating uncertainty for those whose roles involve repetitive or administrative tasks. Younger workers, in particular, feel that AI is reshaping the path for entry-level opportunities. The episode also touches on the report’s findings around saving, spending, and consumer behaviors across demographics. Lilah highlights differences across generations, noting that younger consumers are balancing optimism with caution, while older generations are more skeptical about the economic outlook but often feel more financially prepared. Together, these segments paint a complex picture of today’s financial mindset — one shaped equally by economic strain, evolving technology, and long-term uncertainty. In the final segment, Brian and Lilah reflect on why long-running studies like the Future of Money matter. With nearly a decade of continuous data, the report helps brands, financial institutions, and researchers understand not just where consumers are today, but how and why their behaviors are changing over time. You can download your copy of The Future of Money here. You can learn more about Logica Research by visiting their website: https://logicaresearch.com/ You can connect with Lilah via email at LRaynor@logicaresearch.com or via LinkedIn here. Thanks for tuning in! Want to download your copy of The Sample Landscape: 2025 Edition? Get it here:  https://content.emi-rs.com/sample-landscape-report-2025 Did you miss one of our webinars or want to get some of our whitepapers and reports? You can find it all on our Resources page on our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Intellicast is a market research industry podcast presented by EMI Research. In this podcast, join host Brian Peterson as he discusses the research industry from a vendor perspective, as well as current trends and happenings in the industry, upcoming events, and interviews with other industry professionals. Intellicast is brought to you by EMI Research Solutions.

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