The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast

In this illuminating episode of the Curiosity Current, hosts Matt and Stephanie sit down with Louisea Hudson, Principal Customer Researcher at Amazon, to explore the powerful intersection of neurodivergent thinking and market research. Discover how mixed-method approaches, diverse perspectives, and inclusive research practices can transform the insights industry. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just starting your career, learn why embracing different cognitive styles is a superpower in research, how to effectively combine qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and why making research more accessible benefits everyone. Plus, get practical advice on leveraging AI as a research companion while maintaining the human...

In this episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Matt and Stephanie sit down with Kim Duncan, Head of Consumer Insights at Givaudan, to explore FlavorFinders—a groundbreaking segmentation framework that's redefining how brands understand and innovate around flavor preferences. From challenging traditional demographic-based approaches to revealing surprising insights about risk tolerance and flavor adoption, this conversation unpacks how behavioral and emotional dimensions shape consumer taste. Whether you're a researcher looking to enhance your segmentation strategies or a brand innovator seeking fresh perspectives on product development, discover how FlavorFinders' decade of behavioral research is helping create more targeted, successful flavor innovations in...

What if you could unlock deeper consumer insights through the power of ethnographic research? In this episode of Curiosity Current, hosts Stephanie and Matt sit down with Lindsey Goodman, Consumer Insights Leader at Wolverine Worldwide, to explore why ethnography remains crucial for understanding consumer behavior, how brands can democratize insights across organizations, and strategies for uncovering hidden consumer truths. Whether you're a market researcher, brand strategist, or insights professional, this conversation is packed with real-world examples from iconic brands like Converse, Merrell, and Saucony. Tune in to discover how combining hindsight, insight, and foresight can transform your approach to consumer...

What if you could build a consumer insights function from scratch and get immediate buy-in across your organization? In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Matt sit down with Ashley Hopkins, a veteran insights leader who has transformed research functions at ASICS, Wayfair, and now Resident. Learn how to conduct effective "listening tours" to build trust, create impactful insights programs that scale, and master the art of getting executive buy-in through identifying key sponsors and skeptics. Whether you're building an insights team or looking to increase your research impact, this conversation offers practical strategies for embedding consumer understanding into every facet...

In this episode of The Curiosity Current, join Leyla Doany, a consumer insights leader, as she shares her journey transforming an instinct-driven business into an insights powerhouse at JOOLA. Discover how to build an insights function from scratch, unlock untapped market potential through creative data analysis, and leverage storytelling to drive organizational change. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or brand strategist, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on balancing rigorous methodology with real-world business needs, including how to uncover a $374M market opportunity in the growing pickleball industry. Plus, learn why being "a storyteller disguised as a strategist" might be the...

Customer experience isn’t just a department—it’s a strategy.

In this episode of The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast, hosts Stephanie Vance and Matt Mahan speak with Dr. Jeff Dahms, Director of CX Research & Insights at Physicians Mutual. Drawing from a career that spans insurance, finance, and academia, Jeff breaks down what it really takes to embed customer-centric thinking across an organization.

From his “Cycle of Success” framework to lessons learned managing in-house customer panels, Jeff reveals how great CX starts with building credibility, understanding business priorities, and translating data into action. You’ll also hear...

What does it really take to lead successful pharma insights today?

In this episode of The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast, hosts Stephanie Vance and Matt Mahan talk with Shawn McKenna, Senior Director of Analytics at Currax Pharmaceuticals. Drawing from experience across the supplier and client side, Shawn dives into the critical junction of data science, primary and secondary research, and business strategy.
From overcoming siloed teams to navigating AI’s promises and pitfalls, this episode is a masterclass in thoughtful leadership. Shawn discusses what agile really means in pharma, how to structure integrated teams, and wh...

What if you could protect your research data from increasingly sophisticated fraud? In this episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Matt and Stephanie sit down with Roddy Knowles, COO of dtect, to explore the evolving landscape of survey fraud and data quality management. From organized fraud networks to AI-powered threats, discover why data quality has become an existential challenge for market researchers, how to implement effective fraud prevention strategies, and why questionnaire design remains crucial in maintaining data integrity. Whether you're a research provider, agency, or brand insights professional, this conversation offers practical solutions for safeguarding your data quality and...

How can we balance the power of AI with the human touch?

In this episode of The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast, hosts Stephanie Vance and Matt Mahan are joined by Idil Miriam Cakim, Founder and CEO of Iris Flex, a pioneering thought leadership research firm. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping the research landscape, discussing how curiosity, empathy, and strategic questioning are becoming essential skills in a world of accelerating automation.

From AI-powered storytelling and visual design to the complexities of hyper-personalization and workplace adoption, Idil shares her insights on how researchers and...

In this episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Stephanie Vance and Matt Mahan welcome Doug Zarkin, Chief Brand Officer at Modern Performance and Recovery Brands and author of "Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone.
Doug Zarkin is the Chief Brand Officer at Modern Performance and Recovery Brands, where he specializes in creating meaningful consumer connections and revitalizing iconic brands. With an impressive career spanning leadership roles at Pearle Vision, Victoria's Secret Pink, and Avon, Doug has established himself as a visionary in brand transformation and customer engagement. He is the author of "Moving Your Brand Out of...

In this episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Matt and Stephanie sit down with Tanya Pinto, Principal UX Researcher at Microsoft focused on Copilot AI, to explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human insight. Through the lens of both her corporate work and humanitarian efforts as founder of Baal Dan Charities, Tanya shares valuable perspectives on maintaining empathy in research, leveraging AI tools effectively, and creating space for authentic human connection in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're a researcher navigating AI integration or a leader fostering team growth, this conversation offers practical insights on balancing technological advancement...

How do AI and data shape the world? And, how can you be the sculptor? In the latest episode of The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast, hosts Stephanie Vance and Matt Mahan welcome Saket Kumar, Vice President of Consumer Analytics at Citi, to explore the true power of deep data analytics and AI in the enhancement of customer experience. Through the episode, they discuss the criticality of AI governance frameworks, balancing automation with human expertise and how organizations can effectively integrate large language models into their analytics workflows. This conversation highlights the intersectionality of generative AI and data analytics...

Collecting data is one thing; creating impact with it is an art that needs to be mastered. In the latest episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Stephanie Vance and Matt Mahan welcome Karen Kraft, Associate Director of Consumer Insights at Johnsonville, to share her secrets behind the art and science of turning data into impact. From mastering the chameleon-like ability to speak different business languages to revolutionizing creative testing and knowledge management, Karen shares battle-tested strategies that have earned her a seat at the executive table. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just starting your insights journey, this conversation offers...

In this episode of The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast, hosts Stephanie and Matt are joined by Tina Tonielli, North America Lead for Consumer and Business Insights at Haleon, a global leader in consumer health, specializing in innovative solutions that prioritize everyday well-being. Tina discusses her journey from brand management to market research, blending curiosity and business acumen to transform consumer insights into impactful business strategies. Tina shares her expertise in integrating consumer insights into business strategy, fostering inclusivity in market research, and leveraging generative AI for transformative change. This episode is a must-listen for an inspiring discussion for...

In this episode of The Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast, hosts Stephanie and Matt are joined by Lenny Murphy, a trailblazer in market research and a thought leader in leveraging technology for transformative business impact. Known for his work with GreenBook and Gen2 Advisors, Lenny discusses his unconventional entry into the industry, his passion for innovation, and how he has evolved to become a trusted advisor to industry leaders navigating disruption. Lenny shares his insights into the industry's evolution and gives his perspective on the role of AI in shaping the future of research. From the importance of asking...

Do you find yourself pondering what today’s trends and insights tell us about tomorrow’s consumers? Ever wonder how technology is changing the market research landscape? Are you curious about what keeps insights professionals up at night? Get swept away by the Curiosity Current: A Market Research Podcast about two world-leading market research experts who follow their natural curiosity to bring consumer insights to life.