Marketing Espresso

40 Episodes
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By: Bec Chappell

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.

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Stop outsourching your marketing brain to AI
#426
Yesterday at 7:00 PM

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Are marketers genuinely at risk of being replaced by AI, or have we allowed the panic surrounding the technology to distract us from what good marketing actually requires?

In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I am joined by Chanel, founder of The Marketing Club, for a very honest conversation about AI anxiety, the future of marketing careers and why human thought is still our greatest advantage.

Chanel spends a lot of time speaking with marketers across different stages of their careers, from university students and emerging talent through to...


My five 1%ers you can change today to make a huge difference in your marketing
#425
07/27/2026

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Are you spending time, money and energy on your marketing but still wondering why it is not generating the leads or momentum you expected?

Marketing Espresso is back for its third and final season of 2026, and I am kicking things off with some fairly big personal news: I am pregnant.

It is a big part of why the podcast has looked a little different this year. Recording, training and running strategy sessions while dealing with months of morning sickness was not exactly the breezy experience I might have imagined...


What the SmartCompany Growth Summit Reinforced About Business Growth
#424
07/06/2026

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In this solo episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m wrapping up season two with a conversation about marketing strategy, business growth, AI, customer experience and why the foundations of good marketing still matter, even when the world around us feels like it is changing at speed.

After taking myself out of the office and spending time at the SmartCompany Growth Summit, I wanted to share the ideas, reminders and uncomfortable truths that stayed with me. Because while AI, agentic commerce, automation and changing consumer behaviour are all big conversations right now, I...


How to Build Trust When Everyone Is Using AI
#423
06/29/2026

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined by Tahnée Sanders for a very honest conversation about AI, content marketing, originality, transparency and what it really means to show up online in a world flooded with generic content.

Tahnée and I start with the thing a lot of business owners and marketers are quietly thinking right now: we are all using AI in some way, but many people are not being completely honest about it. Whether it’s helping tidy up a LinkedIn post, pulling key ideas from a podc...


Engaging Audiences in the Age of Information Overload with Mel Kettle
#422
06/22/2026

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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, th...


Brand Strategy vs Marketing Strategy: Why Your Business Needs Both with Clare Walter
#421
06/15/2026

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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...


How to Stand Out on LinkedIn in an AI-Driven World with Kate Merryweather
#420
06/08/2026

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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...


AI, Marketing and Why Human Connection Still Wins with Brook McCathy
#419
06/01/2026

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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...


The Link Between Public Speaking & Personal Brand with Carmen Sederino
#418
05/25/2026

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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, even...


Why Speaking Up Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI with Theresa Miller
#417
05/18/2026

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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...


Social Media won't save your marketing
#416
05/11/2026

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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 soc...


How to market when times get tough
#415
03/30/2026

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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 thin...


What to send after someone joins your email list with Evelina Kaganovitch
#414
03/23/2026

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Email marketing is not dead. In fact, it is one of the most valuable and underused channels in your business.

In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I sit down with copywriter and email strategist Evelina Kaganovitch to talk about email sequences, nurture flows and why so many business owners are still overlooking one of the most powerful ways to build connection and drive sales.

We dive into why email is often more effective than social media when it comes to attention and conversion, and how it acts as a...


AI should amplify you, not replace you with Bonnie Wicks
#413
03/16/2026

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined again by the brilliant Bonnie Wicks, and we dive straight into a conversation that’s becoming impossible to avoid: the rise of AI in small business and the growing trend of people trying to replace themselves with it.

What started as a helpful tool for reducing admin is now being sold as the next miracle shortcut — with AI companies promising everything from three-month holidays to ten-times profit without lifting a finger. It’s seductive, especially for business owners who are overwhelmed, stretched and tire...


Enhancing Your Award Entries with AI with Heather Marano
03/09/2026

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined again by Heather from Green Door Co., and we dive into a question so many business owners are asking right now: Should I use AI to write my award submissions?

With everyone leaning heavily on AI for content, it’s natural to assume it could also take care of something as time-consuming as award entries. But as Heather explains, award submissions are a completely different beast — and relying on AI without understanding what it can and can’t do could cost you valuable...


Leads won't save your business With Sim Kaur
#411
03/02/2026

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined once again by the brilliant Simran Kaur, and we dive straight into one of the biggest misconceptions in the business world: the idea that leads alone will fix everything. It’s the belief so many business owners cling to — that more leads mean more revenue, more stability and more growth. But as Sim and I unpack, that thinking completely overlooks how marketing actually works.

Sim talks about leads from a full-funnel perspective, and why so many people obsess over the bottom of the fu...


The real power of networking with Quinn Palmer
#410
02/23/2026

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined again by the brilliant and completely addictive-to-talk-to Quinn Palmer. This conversation picks up right where we left off, diving deeper into a shift we’re both seeing across Australia and beyond: people are craving real human connection again. After years of tech reliance, remote everything and a pandemic that had most of us glued to our phones while drinking wine on a Tuesday, something has changed.

Quinn describes it as history repeating itself. After every major rise in technology, we eventually swing back...


How to plan your next event With Jodie McLean
#409
02/16/2026

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I sit down with event strategist Jodie McLean from JEM Events to unpack something that looks simple on the surface but quickly becomes overwhelming once you start: planning an event that people genuinely want to attend.

Jodie takes us right back to the beginning — before venues, speakers or save-the-dates — and walks me through the four pillars she calls the brief: your outcomes, your audience, your budget and your non-negotiables. Without these, you’re essentially planning blind.

We talk openly about the current trend toward...


Can we stop with the boring content.. please? With Michelle J Raymond
#408
02/09/2026

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined again by the brilliant Michelle J. Raymond, and honestly, every time we chat, it could go on for hours. This conversation dives into something we both feel strongly about – why being “professional” on LinkedIn is often code for being boring, and how that mindset is quietly killing your brand.

Michelle and I talk about the flood of same-same content that’s taken over LinkedIn – those templated posts, over-branded graphics and AI-generated captions that strip out the human element. We unpack how brands and individu...


Welcome to 2026
#407
02/04/2026

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In the first episode of Marketing Espresso for 2026, I’m kicking off a new season format and sharing honestly where my head is at with marketing this year – what I’m seeing, what feels off, and what I’m personally doubling down on.

After four-ish years and hundreds of episodes, things are shifting a little: this year will run in seasons, with mostly guest episodes and the odd solo when I’ve got something big to say. Season one will run through to around Easter, and this episode is really a grounding...


2025 what an un-sexy year for marketing
#406
11/26/2025

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After 400 episodes of Marketing Espresso, I’m closing out 2025 with a deep reflection on how marketing has shifted - and what’s stayed the same. This year has been dominated by talk of AI, automation, and digital shortcuts, but what I’ve seen most clearly is that businesses who keep human connection at the heart of their marketing are the ones truly winning.

In this episode, I unpack why AI can’t replace lived experience, why connection matters more than ever, and how businesses can balance innovation with authenticity. From conversations with tec...


Unlocking the potential of podcast guest appearances with Carrolee Moore
#405
11/24/2025

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I sit down with the incredible Carrolee Moore from Texas to unpack the world of podcast guesting - and how to approach it strategically for genuine visibility and ROI.

Carrolee shares her expert insights on what it really takes to be a great podcast guest, how to pitch yourself effectively, and how to make sure each appearance drives results for your business. We go beyond the surface chat and get real about why being intentional with your podcast appearances matters more than ever.

...


When sales and marketing speak the same language with Dominic Parsonson
#404
11/17/2025

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Sales and marketing are often seen as two sides of the same coin - but in far too many businesses, they’re operating worlds apart. In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I sit down with Dominic Parsonson to explore why sales and marketing alignment isn’t just “nice to have” - it’s essential for business growth.

Dominic brings decades of experience in sales leadership and CRM implementation, and together we dive into why misalignment happens, what it costs businesses, and how to fix it. From shared KPIs to better communication between de...


What does AI mean for story sharing? With Nimarta Verma
#403
11/10/2025

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Storytelling has always been at the heart of human connection - it’s how we share meaning, build trust, and make sense of the world around us. But in the age of artificial intelligence, how do we keep our stories human?

In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined by writer and brand storytelling expert Nimarta Verma to unpack the role of AI in content creation and what it means for the future of storytelling. We explore whether AI can truly replicate human emotion, how it’s changing the wa...


Clear is better than Clever - Brand positioning the game changer with Asthaar Kool
#402
11/03/2025

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined by Asthaar Kool to talk about one of the most powerful parts of business - positioning. It’s that invisible thread that determines whether people instantly get what you do, or scroll past your brand entirely.

Asthaar explains that product positioning helps people choose you, while brand positioning helps them stay. Together, they form the foundation of everything you do in marketing & sales.

We explore the difference between positioning & messaging, why clarity always beats cleverness, and how businesses can...


The Future of Ads with Stewart Webb
#401
10/27/2025

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I sit down again with Stewart Webb from Search Rescue to talk about one of my favourite topics - diversifying your marketing. If you’ve been relying on one channel or approach to reach your audience, this episode is your wake-up call to rethink your strategy.

Stewart brings his years of experience in digital advertising to the conversation, explaining how businesses can effectively mix platforms like Meta, Google, TikTok and even emerging options like Spotify. We explore how different platforms serve different purposes...


You're not lazy – you're protecting something with Andrea Levinson
#400
10/20/2025

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If you’ve ever looked at your to-do list and thought, “Why am I being so lazy?”, this one’s for you. 

Today I’m joined by psychologist and coach Andrea Levinson to reframe that loaded word. We unpack why so many of us confuse productivity with worth, how our nervous system protects us by avoiding discomfort, and why procrastination often points to something precious we’re guarding - identity, energy, or safety.

We trace the story from tribal safety (don’t get kicked out of the village) throug...


Your Brand Voice is the key to your AI sounding human with Leanne Shelton
#399
10/13/2025

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In this episode I sit down once again with the incredible Leanne Shelton, CEO of Human Edge AI Training. Leanne brings her copywriting background & deep understanding of AI together to talk about something every business owner needs to hear - how to maintain your brand voice in the age of AI-generated content.

We dig into the reality of AI as a marketing tool, not a magic wand. Together, we unpack what happens when businesses sacrifice personality for productivity, why brand voice is the anchor that keeps your marketing genuine...


Authentic Brands in AI's Era with Amy Winner
#398
10/06/2025

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined by Amy Winner from Wheels Up Collective, and together we dive deep into one of the biggest challenges brands face right now - trust.

We all know that trust in media and marketing has taken a hit. Between AI-generated content, polarised messaging, fake authenticity, and endless spin, audiences are increasingly sceptical about what they see online. At the same time, people are craving genuine human connection more than ever. So what does that mean for us as business owners and marketers?

...


Level up your customer game with Colleen Kavanagh
#397
09/29/2025

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If you’ve ever felt awkward saying no - to a client, a colleague, or even a friend, this episode will be a relief. I’m joined by communication specialist Colleen Kavanagh, who unpacks how to deliver a firm no without triggering defensiveness, people-pleasing, or creating more work for yourself.

We dig into “can-do” language - a practical way of flipping the conversation from roadblocks to options. Instead of the reflex combo of “Unfortunately… I’m sorry… I can’t… due to…”, Colleen shows how to lead with what I can do, then...


Turning awards into a marketing strategy with Heather Marano
#396
09/22/2025

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So many business owners see awards as nothing more than a shiny trophy or a pat on the back. But what if entering awards could actually be one of the smartest marketing moves you make this year?

In this episode, I sit down with Heather Marano, who knows the awards space inside out. She explains why awards are far more than vanity metrics and how they can become a fast track to building credibility, visibility, and trust with your audience.

We talk about how awards can open doors to...


Stop doing one-off marketing & start building momentum with Simran Kaur
#395
09/15/2025

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If you’ve ever boosted a post on a whim, tried a week of ads, sent one email and then decided the channel “doesn’t work”, this chat is for you. I sat down with strategist Simran Kaur to unpack why one-off marketing keeps stalling and what it actually takes to build momentum you can measure. We didn’t chase hacks. We talked about rhythm, small tests, learning loops and the unsexy truth that consistency beats clever every time.

Simran and I started with the two mindsets that sink results before you even b...


Traditional Media and why it's still relevant marketing with Tania Fielding
#394
09/08/2025

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In this episode I’m joined by marketing strategist TanIa Fielding (Little Luxe Marketing), whose career spans Nova, 3AW, Fairfax Media, the Canberra Times and WIN. Between us we’ve lived through marketing before social, watched the rise of digital, and now blend both every day.

We dig into what many businesses are missing right now: traditional media still delivers when you pair it with smart digital execution. Think radio activations that feed email lists, local print that drives QR scans, a wrapped vehicle that points to a la...


The Role of Mindset in Business Operations with Nicole Smith
#393
09/01/2025

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined once again by Nicole Smith, founder of The Artisan Solutions, fractional COO and business systems strategist. Nicole and I often work alongside each other with clients, and this conversation dives deep into one of her favourite topics: why outsourcing expertise doesn’t mean outsourcing your understanding.

It’s tempting as a business owner to just “handball” things off our plate, especially when we’re stretched thin and overwhelmed. But Nicole reminds us that you can’t afford to disengage from the key areas of your...


Verification but whats the real cost?
#392
08/27/2025

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Verification on social media sounds like a badge of credibility, but is it really worth your money, data, or peace of mind? In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I unpack the truth about Meta and LinkedIn verification and why I personally won’t be handing over my cash or passport details anytime soon.

Remember when the Instagram blue tick was a symbol of influence and credibility? It used to mean you’d built a large following and had a presence worth protecting. Fast forward to today and anyone can pay for it...


Embracing Thought Leadership with Karen Chalmers
#391
08/25/2025

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Thought leadership has become a buzzword in marketing, but what does it really mean and how can businesses use it to their advantage? In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined again by Karen Chalmers, Vice President of Marketing at Interval, to unpack the real meaning of thought leadership and how to empower your team to step into it.

Karen has over 25 years of experience at the intersection of creativity, media, and marketing. She’s built strategies that drive brand awareness, optimise budgets, and lead teams to meaningful results. She’s pass...


Unpacking AI Myths With Quinn Palmer
#390
08/18/2025

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I’m joined by Quinn Palmer from Grow Class to talk about something that’s often oversimplified but hugely important – how to build marketing foundations that actually work for your business. We explore why so many businesses jump into tactics too quickly, the trap of chasing shiny marketing tools, and why slowing down to get clear on your goals and audience will always deliver better results.

Quinn shares her experience working with brands who feel “stuck” in their marketing, either because they’ve been relying on outdated...


The Telstra Ad Campaign
#389
08/13/2025

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In this week’s Marketing Espresso, I’m diving into what makes advertising actually work — and yep, we’re using that Telstra ad as our case study.

You know the one… catchy song, slightly annoying guy, and now, a bunch of versions popping up all over social media. But here’s the clever bit...Telstra didn’t just sit back and hope it went viral. They went all in, re-creating it with user-generated content and letting the internet do its thing.

We’ll break down why it’s working — from the smart use o...


The Realities of Launching a Podcast with Leah Stanistreet
#388
08/11/2025

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In this episode of Marketing Espresso, I chat with Leah from Snappystreet Creative about the ins and outs of podcasting. We explore whether starting a podcast is worth it for your business, the dedication required, and how impactful it can actually be. 

Leah shares her extensive experience in the field and provides key insights on optimising your podcast journey. We talk about the importance of knowing your 'why,' the challenges of maintaining consistency, and practical tips for those considering taking the plunge. 

Tune in to discover if a po...


Google is changing the rules again with Clare Walter
#387
08/04/2025

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In this episode, I’m joined by Clare Walter - digital designer, branding expert and founder of Ignitely, to unpack what’s really going on with SEO right now. With AI changing how users search and how platforms like Google serve results, we’re diving deep into what this means for your website, your content and your broader marketing strategy.

Clare brings two decades of experience and a practical approach to digital strategy. Together, we explore how AI-generated content is flooding the internet and why it’s critical to shift our thinking...