Skip to content
Talking About Marketing podcast artwork

PODCAST · business

Talking About Marketing

by Auscast Network

Talking About Marketing is a podcast for you to help you thrive in your role as a business owner and/or leader. It's produced by the Talked About Marketing team of Steve Davis and David Olney, with artwork by Casey Cumming. Each marketing podcast episode tips its hat to Philip Kotler's famous "4 Ps of Marketing" (Product, Price, Place, Promotion), by honouring our own 4 Ps of Podcasting; Person, Principles, Problems, and Perspicacity. Person. The aim of life is self-development. To realise one's nature perfectly-that is what each of us is here for. - Oscar Wilde Principles. You can never be overdressed or overeducated. - Oscar Wilde Problems. “I asked the question for the best reason possible, for the only reason, indeed, that excuses anyone for asking any question - simple curiosity. - Oscar Wilde Perspicacity. The one duty we owe to history is to rewrite it. - Oscar Wilde Apart from our love of words, we really love helping people, so we hope this podcast will become a trusted compan

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Sep 30, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. We Have Social Proof That Making An Effort Matters

    David’s breakfast walk to Mylk Bar turned into the most talked-about blog post he has written, and Steve has a theory about why it hit small business owners so hard: our effort runs 24 hours a day and rarely earns a “thanks for doing that.” Robert Cialdini explains why a McDonald’s counter worker...

  2. The Hidden Half Of Business Success

    Dr Angela Duckworth spent years telling us to stick at it. Now she says the situation you stick at it in matters more than your willpower, and if your good hires keep leaving after six months, the problem probably isn’t them. Michael Blastland explains why the best-laid plans can fail on one…

    more
  3. Is Your Business Leaving A Mark ?

    A lamb ad and a locked-profile troll teach Steve and David the same lesson: the pause is the whole trick, and social media is built to make you skip it. A British comedy sketch about a dry cleaner called Touching Cloth becomes the unlikely launchpad for Mini Steve’s business-naming principles,...

  4. Questions Arising From Women In Business

    A group of 1970s kids react to modern life in a viral clip, and their horror at “the little box” gives Steve and David a fresh look at the toll of constant connection. Steve took his recorder to the Women in Business event and came back with real questions from real business owners, Jane from…

    more
  5. Take Your Profit First

    Steve and David spend this episode on Profit First, the small business finance book by Mike Michalowicz. The core idea: set money aside before you spend it, not after. They trace the system back to depression-era thrift, compare “profit” against “long-term savings” as motivating words, and work...

  6. The Answer Economy Raises Important Questions For Your Business

    Pete Blackshaw’s forthcoming book, The Answer Economy, has Steve and David asking an uncomfortable question: when AI tools do our searching for us, are we still thinking, or just nodding along. Steve and David dig into why Google’s AI overview might be quietly shrinking our critical faculties…

    more
  7. Are you talking to me? Social media marketing in the angertainment era

    Ed Koper’s book Angertainment gives Steve and David a precise vocabulary for what most of us feel but struggle to name: the social media machine is not broken, it is working exactly as designed, and that design is not working for you. David draws the line that every small business owner needs to...

  8. If You Are Not Engineering Your Time In This Age It Will Be Engineered For You

    David Epstein’s Inside the Box argues that the freedom to do anything is often the enemy of actually doing something. Steve and David work through what that means for busy business owners making decisions every day. Google’s AI-driven search overhaul has changed the rules for small business...

  9. When You Lose, Don’t Lose The Lesson

    John C. Maxwell’s How to Get a Return on Failure lands on the TAM desk, and Steve and David put it through their own filter: the folksy bits, the genuinely useful bits, and the bits where a neuroanatomist and a business coach turn out to be saying the exact same thing. David reflects on the day…

    more
  10. Working With Your Whole Brain Costs Peanuts

    Jill Bolte Taylor survived a catastrophic stroke at 36 and came out the other side with something most neurologists never get: a lived understanding of what happens when half your brain goes offline. Steve and David unpack her “Whole Brain Living” framework and ask what it means for the small...

  11. The Recession Response Episode

    Steve whispers the word “recession” in a dark alley at the top of this episode. David laughs. Then they get serious. Consumer confidence in the US is currently at its lowest since records began in 1952, lower than during the Cuban Missile Crisis. That context shapes everything Steve and David...

  12. The Duty Of Australians In Business

    In this episode, Steve Davis and David Olney take Lawson’s poem The Duty of Australians seriously, not as nostalgia, but as a working framework for building businesses that last. Alongside that, they wrestle with a 1985 book that predicted social media addiction decades before the first…

    more
  13. Surviving For The Sake Of Yourself And Your Business

    Nicholas Christakis lectures behind blast doors in Kyiv, and his students are beaming. CS Lewis reminds us from 1939 that life has never actually been normal. Viktor Frankl offers three anchors that helped people survive the worst conditions imaginable. The message for small business owners...

  14. Marketing vs Spam: An Arms Race Of Idiocy

    A former FBI agent reveals the three silent signals that tell people you are safe to trust, before you open your mouth. David tests them in real conversations this week, with results that surprised even him. A book about respect has a genuinely powerful idea at its centre. It also has a guest…

    more
  15. Will You Have Fries With Your AI?

    Mikhail Lermontov wrote a preface designed to stop skimmers in their tracks. Steve and David unpack why that trick works, and why most of us forget to use it. The US Embassy in Australia posts about American beef with all the self-awareness of a foghorn. A masterclass in knowing who your audience...

  16. Emergence: Why You Do The Things You Do

    Paul Taylor shows us why hardiness beats resilience every time, through four characteristics that separate the business owners who adapt and overcome from those who merely survive. Neuroscientist Gaurav Suri reveals why your brain works exactly like a colony of ants following pheromone trails…

    more
  17. May The Life Forces Be With You

    Steve’s nostalgic trip down memory lane reveals something unexpected: wholesome content makes us more productive, while rage baiting turns workplaces toxic. Who knew golf electives and drama classes held such wisdom? Drew Eric Whitman’s cash izing principles prove you can judge a book by its...

  18. Do You Solve Problems Fast Or Slow?

    Mathematician David Bessis claims we need system three thinking, a super-slow mode where you refuse to give up on wrong intuitions until you understand why they misfired. David Olney pushes back, arguing this is just what proper slow thinking looks like when you give it the time it needs. The…

    more
  19. Functioning With Less Effort

    From Christopher Hitchens’ reflections on truth-telling to the paramedic’s competency cycle, discover why mastering basics creates mental space for what truly matters in both crisis situations and everyday business. Christopher Hitchens challenges us to speak simple truths without fear of...

  20. Avoiding The Echo Of Emptiness

    Tim Ferriss explains why he’s become less disciplined over the past decade, and paradoxically, more effective. The secret lies in replacing willpower with systems that do the heavy lifting automatically. ChatGPT has a conversation with itself, and the result is rather like watching two estate...

  21. What Do You Know, What Don't You Know, And What Do You Think?

    Steve opens with a morbid but revealing question about eulogies, leading to Hunter S. Thompson’s brutal assessment of Richard Nixon and what our own legacies might reveal about how we’ve chosen to live. David shares an intelligence officer’s deceptively simple framework for clearer thinking:...

  22. Can You Feel What I'm Thinking?

    In Person, Leigh Anderson’s “The Paramedic Mindset” reveals why technical competence becomes the foundation for human connection, particularly when stakes are highest. His framework of physical, psychological, and social wellbeing offers a blueprint for anyone working under pressure. In…

    more
  23. How Much Is That AI In The Window?

    Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” offers profound guidance for business owners feeling overwhelmed by today’s relentless news cycle, reminding us that survival often depends on having something meaningful to work toward rather than comfortable circumstances. Steve shares practical...

  24. The AI Rant: A Nuanced Rebellion Against Digital Sleepwalking

    Steve sets the scene with a restaurant analogy that cuts to the heart of our AI dilemma: magnificent handcrafted hamburgers versus mass-produced alternatives both serve purposes, but only when we choose consciously rather than defaulting to whatever feels easiest. The conversation examines three...

  25. Cybersecurity And Your Business - Be Alert Not Alarmed

    Steve and David emerge from a classified briefing at the Australian Cybersecurity Centre with sobering news: the average cyber attack costs small businesses $50,000, and we're all walking around with targets painted on our digital backs. Bevin from Legends with Bevo shares his painful experience…

    more
  26. Convictions vs Contradictions In Marketing

    Stan McChrystal reveals why character equals conviction multiplied by discipline – and why this military wisdom transforms how we approach marketing authenticity in a world obsessed with quick wins. Andy Clark’s neuroscience research exposes how our brains work as prediction machines, explaining...

  27. Should You Apply French Revolution Insights In Branding And Have More Skin In The Game?

    Belle Baker’s thoughtful response to our previous episode on conversational power sparks a deeper exploration into the magic words that either constrain or liberate our thinking. When we default to asking “what should we do?” we’re unknowingly shutting down possibilities, but shifting to “what...

  28. Sorry. Not Sorry. You'll Want To Hear This.

    Rutger Bregman challenges us to create ripple effects from small personal changes that benefit entire communities. Jefferson Fisher revolutionises everyday communication by eliminating power-draining language and embracing uncomfortable directness. A hotel chain’s tone-deaf Mother’s Day spam...

  29. The Trouble With Toying Around in Archetypes and Branding

    In Person, we discover why songwriters and business folk alike benefit from fresh eyes that ask the right questions, revealing how collaboration creates outcomes greater than the sum of their parts. Principles explores whether archetypes offer genuine strategic value for businesses or simply...

  30. You're Just Too Good To Be True

    Will Guidara’s journey from awestruck 12-year-old at the Four Seasons to creating one of the world’s best restaurants reveals what “unreasonable hospitality” truly means. Disney’s insistence on breathing animatronic birds teaches us why perfection in unseen details creates experiences customers…

    more
  31. The Book About Careless People That Thoughtful People Should Read

    Willie Nelson once said you should “get to the heart of feelings and keep it to a minimum” for maximum effect. We wish Facebook had taken that advice before building an empire on manipulating our emotions. Sarah Wynn-Williams lifts the veil on tech’s “move fast and break things” mantra in her...

  32. Bitter Truths and False Sweeteners: Embracing Failure and Contradiction the Healthy Way

    David Duchovny reveals why success can leave you alone on a pedestal while failure invites you into a community of shared experience. We unpack the delightful contradiction of business advice books – from bootstrapping beginners to broccoli-avoiding delegators – and why different paths might all...

  33. Fire Walk With Me: When Personal Responsibility Outshines Regulation

    Rick Caruso demonstrates why planning for disaster means you might be the only building left standing when LA’s wildfires rage through – and why his private firefighter strategy offers lessons for us all. David Lynch’s legacy reminds us that creating characters people genuinely care about is the...

  34. Make Your Long Story Short, Says Willie Nelson

    Willie Nelson shows us why getting to the point isn't just good songwriting – it's good business sense, especially when your audience's attention span is shorter than a country music chorus. John Cleese reveals why creativity loves company (as long as it's the right company) and why the Japanese...

  35. Are You Ready To Walk The Line?

    In this episode of Talking About Marketing, we explore the delicate balance between staying true to yourself and navigating external expectations. We begin with Johnny Cash’s iconic song Man in Black, delving into how moments of clarity can redefine purpose, both in life and in business. Next, we...

  36. Apropos of Nothing And Everything

    Welcome to another thought-provoking episode where we dive deep into the realms of literature, personal insight, and the art of effective marketing. In the Person segment, we continue our journey through Dostoevsky’s timeless quotes, applying his reflections on self-awareness and resilience to…

    more
  37. Hope For Cynics - From Dostoevsky With Love

    Welcome to this episode of Talking About Marketing, where we’re diving into some deep and sometimes challenging themes. First, in the Person segment, we find wisdom in Dostoevsky’s enduring quotes, unpacking how his views on self-awareness and authenticity resonate in our modern, often…

    more
  38. Go With Your Gut - In Praise Of Instinct

    In this episode of Talking About Marketing, Steve and David begin by diving into the concept of the "wild creature mind" from Steve Biddulph's latest book, unpacking how our instincts and body signals often guide us before our logical brain catches up. Moving into the Principles segment, they...

  39. Fit For Market (And Life)

    In this episode, Steve and David dive into the power of small habits and mindset shifts that boost both personal well-being and business growth. In the "Person" segment, they share the story behind Steve's fitness journey, emphasising how physical health influences mental resilience and the...

  40. Posturefest - Just What The Doctor Ordered

    In this episode of "Talking About Marketing," titled "Posturefest - Just What The Doctor Ordered," Steve Davis and David Olney delve into the multifaceted concept of 'posture' in both professional and personal realms. They explore how adopting the right stance—whether it's trusting experts,...

  41. It's Time To Be Present And Leave Twitter

    In this episode of Talking About Marketing, Steve Davis and David Olney take us on a journey through mindfulness, the art of leadership, crafting compelling marketing messages, and the enduring power of classic political campaign strategies. The Person segment delves into the importance of...

  42. Dealing With Daily Frustrations

    In this episode of Talking About Marketing, Steve Davis and David Olney explore the critical factors shaping small business success in today's challenging landscape. They begin by discussing the importance of structured, meaningful conversations and how they can drive better customer engagement…

    more
  43. Small Business, Big Habits: Insights from The Talking About Marketing Collection

    In this unique round-up episode, we dive deep into the essence of our entire podcast series, extracting and examining the most impactful habits and routines that have surfaced in our discussions. This special edition is not just a recap—it's an accountability session for us and a treasure trove…

    more
  44. Let's Make A Date To Talk

    In this episode of Talking About Marketing, Steve Davis and David Olney explore a range of topics that highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by small business owners in today's dynamic environment. The Person segment delves into the current economic instability and its impact on small...

  45. Always Look On The 80/20 Side Of Life

    In this episode of Talking About Marketing, Steve Davis and David Olney delve into the power of communication, the efficiency of the 80/20 Principle, the pitfalls of relying on AI-generated content, and the allure of doom narratives. The Person segment explores the foundational aspects of…

    more
  46. The Big Potential Of Being Better Together

    In this thought-provoking episode titled "The Big Potential of Being Better Together," we explore the profound impact of collaboration and collective effort across various facets of life, from personal relationships to professional environments. The episode weaves through different segments, each...

  47. Be Open To Ideas Sex

    This episode is a deep dive into how you can harness creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking to propel your business forward. In our "Person" segment, we explore the critical role of deadlines in managing tasks effectively, especially in knowledge work. Inspired by insights from Cal…

    more
  48. Communicating In The Wake Of The AI Big Bang

    In this episode, hosts Steve Davis and David Olney embark on an insightful journey exploring the profound impacts of AI on communication and the essence of human connection. Through their unique four P's approach—Person, Principles, Problems, and Perspicacity—the episode delves into the...

  49. Can You Predict How Irrational Your Customers Are?

    In this episode, Steve Davis and David Olney delve into the fascinating world of human irrationality, particularly as it pertains to customer behaviour. Drawing on insights from behavioural economics, the hosts explore whether it's possible to anticipate the seemingly unpredictable actions of...

  50. Pay Attention To Your Expectations

    In this episode's "Person" segment, we dive into "The Expectation Effect" by David Robson, uncovering how our brains function as prediction machines and the profound impact our expectations have on our mental energy and capabilities. Through groundbreaking research and practical insights, we...

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Talking About Marketing is a podcast for you to help you thrive in your role as a business owner and/or leader. It's produced by the Talked About Marketing team of Steve Davis and David Olney, with artwork by Casey Cumming. Each marketing podcast episode tips its hat to Philip Kotler's famous "4 Ps of Marketing" (Product, Price, Place, Promotion), by honouring our own 4 Ps of Podcasting; Person, Principles, Problems, and Perspicacity. Person. The aim of life is self-development. To realise one's nature perfectly-that is what each of us is here for. - Oscar Wilde Principles. You can never be overdressed or overeducated. - Oscar Wilde Problems. “I asked the question for the best reason possible, for the only reason, indeed, that excuses anyone for asking any question - simple curiosity. - Oscar Wilde Perspicacity. The one duty we owe to history is to rewrite it. - Oscar Wilde Apart from our love of words, we really love helping people, so we hope this podcast will become a trusted compan

HOSTED BY

Auscast Network

Produced by Andy Martin

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Talking About Marketing have?

Talking About Marketing currently has 79 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Talking About Marketing about?

Talking About Marketing is a podcast for you to help you thrive in your role as a business owner and/or leader. It's produced by the Talked About Marketing team of Steve Davis and David Olney, with artwork by Casey Cumming. Each marketing podcast episode tips its hat to Philip Kotler's famous "4 Ps...

How often does Talking About Marketing release new episodes?

Talking About Marketing has 79 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Talking About Marketing?

You can listen to Talking About Marketing on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Talking About Marketing?

Talking About Marketing is created and hosted by Auscast Network.
URL copied to clipboard!