Marketing vs The World
Welcome to Marketing vs The World, the podcast dedicated to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of marketing. Every other Monday, our host Abbie Dando, dives deep into the latest trends, challenges, and triumphs in the marketing industry. In every episode, Abbie is joined by a top marketing professional or business leader who shares their insights, stories, and strategies for balancing work, life, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned marketing maverick or a business owner looking to thrive in the digital age, Marketing vs The World is your go-to podcast for practical tips, inspiring interviews, and a touch of...
Winning Search in Pharma: What the Top 1% Are Doing Differently
Iâve been really excited for this conversation because the pharmaceutical space online is one of the most competitive and fast-moving sectors right now.
In this episode, I sit down with Matt Pike, founder of Fly High Media, to unpack what it really takes to win in search for online pharmacies - especially in the booming weight loss medication space.
What Youâll Discover
- Why Online Pharmacies Are Exploding: How services like Mounjaro, Wegovy and consultations have transformed traditional pharmacies into scalable online businesses.
- The Harsh Realities of Visibility: High...
Inside Broadcast PR: The Marketing Channel Youâre Probably Overlooking
Iâve been really excited for this conversation because weâre diving into something that so many marketers overlook.
In this episode of Marketing vs. the World, I sit down with Phil Caplin, founder of Broadcast Revolution, to unpack the world of broadcast PR. From TV and radio to podcasts, we explore why this channel is so powerful, why itâs often misunderstood, and what it actually takes to land meaningful coverage that makes an impact.
What Youâll Discover
- Why Broadcast PR Still Matters: TV and radio build trust and credibility in a way...
Stop Making Boring Brand Videos: How the Best Brands Turn Video Into Sales
Iâve been really excited for this conversation because video is one of those things everyone knows they âshouldâ be doing, but very few people actually feel confident about.
In this episode of Marketing vs. The World, I sit down with Adam Milbank, co-founder of Jones Milbank and Nine Tree Studios, to unpack whatâs really going on in the world of video right now. From TV ads to TikTok, we get into the reality behind the content explosion, why so much of it misses the mark, and what brands need to do differently if they actually want res...
How to Make Your Content Rank in Google and AI Platforms
Search has changed faster in the last 12 months than in the previous decade. Ranking number one on Google is no longer the full story because increasingly, users arenât just searching - theyâre asking.
In this episode of Marketing vs. the World, I'm joined by Monday Clicksâ Head of Content, Matt Brighto, to unpack what it really takes to make your content visible in both Google and AI platforms like ChatGPT. With nearly three decades of writing experience spanning television, global fitness brands and digital marketing, Matt brings a grounded, practical perspective on how content strategy needs...
Monday Clicks Minis: How To Optimise Ecomm PDPs At Scale Without Burning Out
This Monday Clicks Mini is all about something Iâve been meaning to record since Brighton SEO last October. After writing thousands of product description pages across retail, travel and hospitality, weâve developed a clear methodology for optimising PDPs at scale without your marketing team working until midnight and going splat.
If youâre juggling hundreds or even thousands of SKUs, you already know the pressure. This episode breaks down the 10-piece optimisation puzzle and the six essential steps that help you scale sustainably, not chaotically.
What Youâll Discover
- The 10-Piece P...
Cracking the Dutch Market: The SEO & GEO Secrets UK Brands Donât Know
When we talk about âexpanding into Europe,â it can sound neat and tidy on a slide deck, but the reality is far more specific and human.
In this episode, I sit down with Dutch SEO specialist Maikel Schrik to unpack what it really takes for a UK brand to show up, be trusted, and convert in the Netherlands. We get into how Dutch customers think, what they actually care about on a page, and why a direct, no-frills approach often beats polished brand storytelling.
If youâre eyeing the Dutch market, this conversation will help you av...
The New Rules of PPC: AI Search, Automation and Attribution in 2026
Iâve been dying to dive into how PPC is evolving in 2026, and Ben Williams is the perfect person to break it all down.
In this episode of Marketing vs. the World, I chat with Ben, founder of Tiedot, a PPC and data analytics agency that's all about making sense of the madness. We get into the new rules for AI search, automation that's changing everything, and attribution that's finally getting smarter but why human intelligence is more crucial than ever.
What We Unpack
-Â AI Search Revolution: How generative AI is flipping PPC...
Whitepapers Arenât Dead: Youâre Just Using Them in the Wrong Way
If white papers really are âdeadâ, why do the right ones still change businesses, conversations and careers?
In this episode, I sit down with Antonia Taylor, founder of Antonia Taylor PR & Communications, to challenge one of marketingâs most persistent myths. Together, we explore why white papers havenât lost their power and how theyâve simply drifted away from their original purpose.
Drawing on Antoniaâs newly launched and widely praised white paper Being Seen, we unpack how thought leadership has quietly had a renaissance, why so much B2B content has become overly sales-led, and...
SEO 2026: Beyond the Blue Links
If blue links are no longer the main event, how do we make sure our brands are still found?
In this end-of-year episode, we take a step back to reflect on how SEO has shifted through 2025 and, more importantly, where itâs heading in 2026. As weâre already building strategies for clients, we wanted to share what weâre seeing, whatâs changing, and where we believe businesses should focus their efforts next.
I sit down with Andy Toon, Head of Search here at Monday Clicks, to unpack the evolving search landscape - from Googleâs AI Overv...
The 2026 Food & Drink PR Playbook: Trends, Traps and Strategies That Work
What should food and drink brands actually be doing in 2026 when every journalistâs inbox is drowning in AI-generated noise?
In this episode of Marketing vs. the World, I sit down with Amy Bendall, Managing Director of Suffolk-based PR agency Pier, to decode the strategies that will still cut through the noise next year. From the death of the generic press release to the rise of values-first storytelling, micro-influencers who actually eat the product, and why your agencyâs reputation now matters as much as your brandâs.
What Youâll Learn
- AI Is Co...
Whatâs Working in Swimwear & Lingerie Marketing Right Now
What if the brands making us feel confident under our clothes are the ones mastering the most intimate, dialogue-driven marketing of all?
In this episode, I reunite with old agency friend Jonita Otter-Richardson, founder and MD of Upshot PR. From growing up in a family lingerie manufacturing business to launching a specialist agency during lockdown, Jonita lifts the lid on the unique bubble of intimate and swimwear PR - from body-positive campaigns and size-inclusive storytelling to why this category demands deeper audience understanding than almost any other.
We explore whatâs working right now: the sh...
Inside the M&S Cyberattack: Why Website Security Is Every Marketerâs Problem
Picture your inbox lighting up at 3am - not with spam, but with the chilling news that your entire customer database has just walked out the back door.
In this episode, Abbie chats with Daryn Hesketh, founder of Dark Knight and a 27-year cybersecurity veteran whoâs evolved from hands-on engineer to risk consultant. Daryn demystifies the surge in attacks on retailers and businesses, shares war stories from the trenches, and explains how AI is reshaping both threats and defences.
We break down the realities of managed services, compliance pitfalls, and why befriending your IT te...
Marketing Strategies That Work for Luxury Brands
What if luxury branding isnât about exclusivity anymore, but connection?
In this episode of Marketing vs. the World, I am joined by Natalia Chappell, founder of NC & Co., to unpack whatâs really working in the world of luxury marketing. With years of experience across fashion and e-commerce Natalia brings a grounded, no-fluff perspective on what it takes to make a luxury brand thrive today.
We explore how the definition of âluxuryâ has shifted, why authenticity now matters as much as aspiration, and the crucial role of holistic marketing strategies.
What Youâll Learn<...
Soccer Aid: The Content Playbook Behind the Worldâs Biggest Charity Match
How do you turn one 90-minute football match into a year-long global movement?
In this episode of Marketing vs. the World, I sit down with James Maden, the content marketing lead behind Soccer Aid for UNICEF. From Premier League press rooms to Rugby World Cups and even the NHS vaccine campaigns, Jamesâ journey is anything but ordinary. Now, heâs driving the content engine for one of the UKâs biggest annual charity events - Soccer Aid - which has raised over ÂŁ120 million for children worldwide.
We dive into the unique challenge of building a year-lo...
Human-Centric Design: The Edge Marketers Canât Ignore
What if design wasn't about aesthetics at all-but about empathy?
In this episode Abbie is joined by Karl Randay, Experience Director at 383, to explore why human-centric design is the edge marketers can't afford to ignore. With a career spanning design, strategy, and digital transformation, Karl shares how putting people-not platforms-at the centre creates work that resonates, engages, and lasts.
We unpack how businesses can move beyond surface-level branding to design experiences that truly serve their audiences. From accessibility and inclusivity, to testing and iteration, to breaking down silos between design and marketing, Karl reveals the...
Is YouTube the New Google? How Brands Can Dominate Online with Video
Is YouTube the new Google for brands?
In this episode of Marketing vs. the World, Abbie sits down with Stuart Stubbs, founder of Navigate Video, to uncover how businesses can dominate online through the power of YouTube. With two decades of experience in digital video, Stuart shares how brands can move beyond treating YouTube as a dumping ground for ads and instead harness it as a true search, engagement, and conversion platform.
What Youâll Learn
- Search Power: Why YouTube is now the worldâs second biggest search engine and how brands can...
Why Email Newsletters Are the New Marketing Superpower
Email marketingâs a powerhouse, and in this episode of Marketing vs. the World, I chat with Jamie Woodbridge, co-founder of The Inbox Club, about why itâs a must for businesses. With 4.5 billion users and killer ROI, Jamie, a former sales guy turned email guru, breaks down how to nail newslettersâthink sharp segmentation, punchy CTAs, and emails that actually get opened.
Jamie also gets real about his mental health struggles, from anxiety and depression triggered by a high-stress job to finding balance with help from his wife, a supportive GP, and exercise. His storyâs a raw re...
Monday Clicks Minis: How Gen Z Are Really Searching Online
Curious about Gen Zâs digital habits? In our new Monday Clicks Minis, I talk with Isabella Chang, a 15-year-old on work experience at Monday Clicks, passionate about business, sports, and baking.
With lots of buzz around how Gen Z searches and shops, Isabella reveals surprising insights on what fuels this generation and how brands can shine in a crowded digital landscape.
Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.
Monday Clicks Minis: 6 Ways To Be Visible in Al Mode
Googleâs AI Mode is shaking things up in the UK, but itâs not curtains for search - itâs a chance to get smarter. In this episode, Iâm spilling the tea from our teamâs experiments and what weâve learned from the US rollout: lean into richer content, sharper tech tweaks, and amplify your PR and social game to keep shining.
Itâs all about going deep with content - think detailed FAQs, authentic author bios, killer image optimisation, and homepage journeys that feel effortless. As consumer habits shift, weaving SEO with real, heartfelt stor...
National Express: The Rise of AI-Driven Traffic - What Can Brands Do to Prepare?
Is AI rewriting the rules of SEO? In this episode, Marius Tudor, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at National Express joins me, to dive into AI-driven search and its impact on brands. We explore how tools like Googleâs AI Overviews and crawler-blocking tech are pushing brands toward richer content like video to stay visible.
Marius shares strategies for future-proofing your brandâs visibility and loyalty by optimising SEO for conversational AI queries, adapting to shifting user behaviour, and leveraging platforms like TikTok as search engines for younger audiences.
Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urba...
Fashion's Secret Weapon: Retention Marketing with Klaviyo & Paid Ads
How do fashion brands retain customers in a competitive, budget-tight market? In this episode of Marketing vs the World, Naomi Davies, founder of NMD Marketing, shares her expertise in fashion retention strategies. With roots in luxury accessories and a fine art degree, Naomi built her agency focusing on Klaviyo email marketing and paid ads. We explore the challenges of rising ad costs, lean teams, and delivering results on tight budgets, emphasising the importance of listening to customers.
Naomi believes in crafting a unique brand voice, using smart segmentation, and creating timely email automations to personalise customer journeys...
SEOwind: How to Scale SEO Content Without Sacrificing Quality
Can AI really deliver SEO content that ranks without turning into soulless spam? In this episode, Iâm joined by Tom Winter, founder of SEOwind, a SaaS platform blending AI with human insight to craft content that nails Googleâs elusive EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).
Tom, a decade-long SEO veteran and self-proclaimed âdinosaur,â shares his refreshingly grounded take on why AI content often flops and how to fix it.
What Youâll Learn
How Cyclescheme Built a 20-Year Brand That Goes the Distance
How does a brand remain vibrant for 20 years while transforming lives through cycling? In this episode, I sit down with Adrian Warren, Director of Cyclescheme, the UKâs top cycle-to-work provider, as they mark their 20th anniversary. Adrian reveals how Cyclescheme evolved from a small Bath bike shop into a movement thatâs empowered over a million employees to cycle to work.
We dive into Cycleschemeâs growth, the marketing strategies that motivate employers and employees to adopt cycling, and how content drives their mission. Adrian shares insights on keeping the brand dynamic, his personal journey to becomi...
Leading Change: How Marketers Can Overcome Red Tape & Resistance
How do you navigate organisational change and build strategic partnerships? In this episode, Iâm joined by Emma Duke and Chaya Mistry, communications experts who empower in-house teams to lead change and influence stakeholders. From their unique blend of coaching and PR expertise, they share how to overcome resistance, foster trust, and drive impact in todayâs fast-evolving business landscape.
What Youâll Learn
Absolute Collagen: Building A Beauty Business from The Ground Up
How do you turn a kitchen experiment into the UKâs top collagen brand? In this episode, I am joined by Darcy Laceby, the 27-year-old co-founder of Absolute Collagen, who built a beauty empire with her Mum, Maxine. From a quirky art project at 19, Darcy sparked a direct-to-consumer hit, growing from a ÂŁ350,000 first year to millions, even landing in Boots stores.
What Youâll Learn
Darcyâs story...
Disruptive Influencers: How Digital Fatigue Is Shaping a New Generation of Changemakers
Can marketing drive real change? Join me as I sit down with Shannon Walker, founder of Social Disruption, whoâs revolutionising brand storytelling with purpose. From her Caribbean roots in a close-knit family, Shannon shares her pivot from luxury PR to building a business cantered on impact.
We dive into digital fatigue and why audiences crave authentic, inclusive narrativesâthink stories championing disability, culture, and community. Her bold challenge to rethink brand influence will spark your creativity.
What Youâll Learn
Sustainable Websites: What Are They and Do You Really Need One?
Curious if your website could save the planet? Iâm joined with Matt Wheeler, eco-warrior behind Made by Studio and Green Tech Gathering, whoâs slashing the webâs carbon footprint.
In this episode, weâre unpacking how to build lean, green websitesâditching bloated code and energy-hogging videos. Matt drops jaw-dropping stats, like a homepage pumping out 360 tons of CO2 a year, and gets real about his autism and ADHD, fuelling his chaotic-creative hustle.
What Youâll Learn
Mastering Amazon Marketing: How to Crack The Code
Curious about cracking the wild beast of Amazon marketing? Iâm diving into the chaos with Michael Doroszuk, Holistic Search Senior Manager at Colgate-Palmolive, back by demand after last yearâs agency-brand breakdown.
In this episode, weâre unpacking Amazonâs ad ecosystem, SEO quirks, and sales hacksâa raw guide for brands hungry to shine. Michaelâs spilling the unfiltered truth on why itâs his favourite playground, from vendor-seller tangles to balancing paid ads with organic grit.
What Youâll Learn
Cracking the Code: Hacking Social Media Algorithms
How do some people master social media algorithms while weâre just double-tapping memes? In this episode, Tash Courtenay-Smithâstrategist, non-exec director, and algorithm geek whoâs been outsmarting platforms since the early days joins me.
From Google to TikTok (24 million views, anyone?), Tash spills how she did it. Spoiler: itâs not viral luckâitâs grit, consistency, and reading the rules.
What Youâll Learn
Tribe, Not Traffic: House of Amor Founder on the Future of Branding on Social Media
What happens when a Mum with no business degree takes a kitchen-table idea and turns it into a ÂŁ3.5 million beauty empire?
In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Pearce, the fearless founder of House of Amour, a DIY beauty brand thatâs rewritten the rules of at-home glamour. Lucyâs not here with a polished pitch or corporate buzzwordsâsheâs bringing raw, unfiltered hustle, showing how she built a loyal tribe on social media that feels more like mates than metrics.
What Youâll Learn:
Digital Marketing Strategies for Franchise Businesses
What happens when you combine the complexities of running a franchise with the challenges of growing in a competitive digital landscape?
In this episode, I sit down with Danny Hall, founder of FSE Digital, to explore the ins and outs of franchise marketing in 2025. Danny shares his expert insights on how franchises can thrive with the right local SEO strategies, optimise Google My Business listings, and create a powerful social media presence. He shares the dynamics between franchisors and franchisees and provides actionable tips for improving local marketing efforts and boosting franchise success.
What Youâll...
TikTok SEO: Mastering Search for Brand Growth
How can TikTokâs SEO strategies boost your brand visibility?
In this episode, I sit down with Victoria Douglas from Curious Social, a seasoned social media consultant, to explore how TikTokâs powerful search capabilities are reshaping brand connections.
Vic shares how TikTok is more than just an entertainment platformâitâs a discovery tool that can significantly elevate your brand, as long as you know how to harness its features.
What Youâll Learn:
How Often Should You Revisit Your Brand Strategy?
How can a solid brand strategy and personal resilience transform both your business and your life? In this episode, we sit down with Adam, co-founder of Pink Leopard and Studio 3.5, to explore why refining your brand strategy is essential as your business grows.
Adam explains that brand strategy should be an ongoing focus, offering insights on how understanding your âwhyâ leads to greater clarity, focus, and success, both professionally and personally.
What Youâll Learn:
Taking a Step Back to Move Forward with Jake from Curated
In this episode of Marketing vs. The World, host Abbie Dando sits down with Jake, Managing Director at Curated, to discuss why 2025 might be the year your business should take a step back to take a step forward. Jake shares his unconventional journey into leadership, his experience of transforming Curated into a consultancy-driven agency, and why adopting a holistic, connected marketing strategy is crucial in todayâs fast-paced world.
On a personal note, Jake reflects on the challenges of balancing professional success with finding time to âjust beâ amidst lifeâs constant demands. Itâs an inspiring and insigh...
Why Brands Should Consider Launching a Podcast with Michael Bird
In this episode of Marketing vs. The World, host Abbie Dando chats with Michael Bird, Head of Audio at a US-based tech company, about the power of podcasting for brands. Michael shares his journey into audio, insights into launching a successful podcast and why this medium is a game-changer for businesses.
Michael Birdâs Background
Michael shares his non-linear career path, which took him from retail sales to IT support, marketing and eventually audio. He reflects on his first brand podcast and how his love for audio evolved through hosting a local radio show. Now, as Head of...
Why Technical SEO Is Essential (and How to Start) with Paulo Andraus
In this episode of Marketing vs The World, host Abbie Dando chats with Paulo Andraus, tech SEO expert and creator of the SEO Game Show. Together, they dive into the importance of technical SEO and share actionable tips for businesses. They also explore Pauloâs experiences as an immigrant in the workplace.
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Paulo Andrausâ Background and the SEO Game Show
Desirability vs Usability: Mastering UX and Growing Agencies with Gareth Dunlop
In this episode of Marketing vs The World, host Abbie Dando chats with Gareth Dunlop, a seasoned UX expert and entrepreneur, about the critical balance between desirability and usability in user experience design. Gareth shares practical insights on designing digital products that create desire while ensuring ease of use, alongside his experience of building and selling two successful marketing agencies.
In this episode, Abbie and Gareth discuss:
Gareth Dunlopâs Background
Transition from a computer programmer at a major Irish bank to a UX pioneer.
Growing and selling two...
Protecting a Heritage Brand and Mastering Balance with Nick Houchin
In this episode of Marketing vs The World, Abbie sits down with Nick Houchin, Marketing Director at Musto, to explore the art of safeguarding an iconic heritage brand. They discuss Mustoâs remarkable 60-year journey, its innovative product development, and the importance of staying true to the brandâs DNA amidst modern marketing challenges. Nick also opens up about his sailing roots, the joys and pressures of his role, and the strategies he uses to balance professional and personal life effectively.Â
Whether you're a marketing professional, a fan of iconic brands, or just looking for inspiration on balan...
How PR Can Influence All Parts of the Funnel - Not Just Brand
In this episode of Marketing vs The World, Abbie Dando sits down with Natasha Hill, Managing Director and Co-owner of Bottle, to explore how PR can influence every stage of the funnelânot just brand awareness. They delve into the evolving landscape of digital PR, its impact on SEO, and how to integrate it across marketing strategies. On a more personal note, Natasha shares her experiences pushing herself outside of her comfort zone, both professionally and personally, and why itâs important to keep growing. Listen in for insightful strategies on PR, and tips on how to challenge yourself in bo...
Why Brands Need To Start Entertaining Customers and Stop Advertising to Them
In this episode of Marketing vs The World, host Abbie Dando sits down with Ash Pollak, founder of Teodophobes, to explore the art of storytelling in marketing. Ash explains why brands, particularly in B2B, must move away from traditional advertising and instead focus on entertaining their customers to build authentic connections. Ash also shares his insights on living and working remotely in Ibiza and the importance of community in both business and life.
In this episode, Abbie and Ash discuss:
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Ash Pollakâs Background
Ashâs career journey from running a produ...