The Big Thing by LOOP Agencies

20 episodes in. Ryan and Richard mark the milestone with a special one and they've brought a new face along for the ride.First up, the boys welcome Javi to the LOOP team. Fresh from Spain and now settled in Edinburgh, Javi sits down to share his story. Why he chose design, what brought him across Europe to Scotland, and what life at LOOP has been like so far. It's a proper welcome, and a nice change of pace before things get serious.Then Ryan and Richard turn their attention to the biggest financial story of 2026, the SpaceX IPO. Targeting a valuation of up to $1.75 trillion and a raise of $75 billion, it would be the largest public offering in history. The lads dig into what makes this one so different, why the Google comparison is so striking, and what it means that up to 30% of shares are being offered directly to everyday retail investors. A move that could fundamentally change how the public interacts with the stock market.That conversation naturally spills into something bigger, if SpaceX is the template, is this what all major IPOs look like from here? And with so much capital concentrated in a handful of private companies, what does the future of money and finance actually look like? From AI agents handling trades at Goldman Sachs to banks becoming invisible infrastructure, Ryan and Richard explore where it's all heading.Disclaimer: they are two marketers from Glasgow & London who are almost certainly underqualified to be having this conversation but they have it anyway, and honestly it's better for it.A landmark episode. No finance degrees required

This week, Ryan and Richard dig into four stories shaking up the marketing world right now and what they actually mean for brands, creators, and digital marketers on the ground.First up, the UK's HFSS advertising rules landed on March 29, and chocolate brands found themselves locked out of daytime TV right before Easter, their biggest sales window of the year. Ryan and Richard break down how brands like Cadbury were forced to rethink their entire seasonal strategy overnight, and ask the bigger question: is regulation actually a forcing function for more creative marketing?Facebook is coming for TikTok and YouTube's creator base hard. The Creator Fast Track programme is offering established creators guaranteed monthly pay and boosted reach to make the switch to Reels. But will audiences follow? And what does a creator gold rush back to Facebook mean for brands investing in influencer partnerships right now?Turning to the platform most marketers are criminally underusing. Reddit. New data shows Reddit's ROAS jumps 82% when cross-platform Amazon conversions are properly attributed, with revenue influenced by the platform growing 257% year on year. With new Collection Ads and community-driven ad formats now live, Ryan makes a case for why Reddit deserves a serious spot in your Q2 media mix.Finally, they close out with the AI story nobody saw coming, OpenAI is shutting down Sora, its flagship video generation tool, on April 26. Even Disney, who had signed a billion-dollar licensing deal built around it, was blindsided. What does the death of one of AI's most hyped products tell us about building workflows on tools that might not be around next quarter?Enjoy the show!

We're back after three weeks away!!And we're diving straight into the deep end. Ryan and Richard break down one of the biggest stories in AI right now. The dramatic headlines between the US government and AI companies Anthropic and OpenAI. From Anthropic being labelled a national security risk for refusing to remove safeguards around autonomous weapons and mass surveillance, to OpenAI stepping in to fill the gap, we give our take on what it all means and what it actually says about brand trust and ethics in the AI industry.We're also joined by Ed, CTO and co-founder of LOOP, to dig into Scotland's newly released AI strategy. Is Scotland genuinely positioning itself as a global leader in AI, or is it more government propaganda than actionable plan? We get into the report's strengths, its glaring gaps, and what it would actually take to move the dial. We round things off with a wider chat about AI in education, how it's changing the way students research and write, and what skills are going to matter most in a world where information retrieval is practically free.

In this episode of The Big Thing, Richard flips the podcast on its head and Ryan is in the hot seat. He shares insights into the world of social media management, covering the realities of the role, industry trends and the skills needed to stand out. Discover how social media shapes brand building, the challenges faced by managers and what the future holds for digital marketing professionals.

In this episode of the LOOP Podcast, Ryan and Richard discuss various topics ranging from the viral sensation of Punch the Monkey to the evolving landscape of marketing, particularly the shift towards influencer marketing as highlighted by Unilever's recent strategies. They explore the implications of AI on consumer behaviour and marketing practices, as well as the future of jobs in an increasingly automated world.

This week on The Big Thing, Ryan and Richard wade into the strange new world where AI and celebrity culture collide.From A-listers selling the rights to their own image, to fully AI-generated influencers like Neuro-sama building real fanbases, we unpack what it means when fame no longer requires a human behind it. If your likeness can be licensed, cloned or automated… who actually owns you?We also get into the increasingly uncomfortable idea behind the “dead internet theory” — the notion that much of what we see online isn’t human at all. Are we already scrolling through feeds powered more by algorithms than people? And does it even matter if the content still entertains us?

This week on The Big Thing, Richard and Ryan pull apart the biggest ads from the Super Bowl and ask the question everyone in marketing is thinking: were they actually any good?From celebrity overload to AI-assisted production, we look at what worked, what felt lazy, and what a £7m media slot really buys you in 2026. We chat through standout moments, including the Amazon Alexa spot featuring Chris Hemsworth and debate whether star power and nostalgia are replacing proper creative thinking.

Starting a business is often seen as a daring leap into the unknown, but for many entrepreneurs, it is a natural evolution of their experiences and passions. In a recent podcast episode, we dive deep into the story of Antoinette RossAntoinette is a successful business founder & director of Withinsight. A company she started 16 years ago. She shares her experiences in founding her business, the importance of emotional well-being in the workplace and the lessons she has learned from University in the 90s to now in 2026. We also touch on the impact of education on career choices and the evolving corporate landscape, emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence and leadership in business success.

In this episode of the LOOP Podcast, Ryan is trying his hardest to get Richard and Liam to bump heads on the design industry. They explore whether AI is helping or hindering junior designers, the importance of prompting in design and how AI is reshaping the culture. Their conversation also touches on the ethical implications of using AI in client work and the future of design as AI continues to evolve. Come find out if Ryan got his wish of pitting the two designers against each other

Ryan and Richard take a nostalgic trip back to 2015, exploring the marketing landscape and social media trends of that year. They discuss the cultural context, highlighting significant events and the state of various platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Vine. The conversation delves into how marketing strategies have evolved, particularly with the rise of video content and influencer marketing, which began to gain traction during this period. They also touch on the impact of mobile optimisation and the shift from traditional advertising to digital platforms, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviours.As we look back at the marketing landscape of 2015, it becomes clear that this was a pivotal year that shaped the future of social media and digital marketing. From the rise of influencers to the transformation of platforms like Instagram and Facebook, understanding these trends can provide valuable insights into today's marketing strategies.

In 10th episode (wow) of the The Big Thing Podcast, Ryan and Richard dive deep into the world of algorithms, exploring their impact on marketing and consumer behaviour. Touching on how algorithms shape our online experiences, from social media feeds to shopping recommendations, and the implications of this technology on both businesses and consumers. While they can enhance user experience by personalizing content, they also raise concerns about overconsumption and the homogenisation of ideas.

In this episode, Ryan and Richard discuss various predictions and trends for 2026, focusing on the evolution of marketing, the continued rise of social media shopping and the impact of AI on search engines and influencer marketing. They also delve into the significance of major sporting events like the Super Bowl and the World Cup, and how these will shape advertising strategies. Additionally, they explore the potential of synthetic influencers and the cultural impact of the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6.

In this festive episode of the LOOP Podcast, Ryan and Richard dive into the spirit of Christmas, sharing their personal experiences and reflections on holiday traditions, Christmas ads, and the nostalgia that surrounds the festive season. They discuss the ups and downs of Christmas celebrations, the impact of advertising on holiday sentiments, and the shift in dynamics as they transition into adulthood and take on hosting responsibilities. The conversation also touches on favourite Christmas movies, songs, and the realities of family gatherings during the holiday season.

In this conversation, Richard and Ed explore the evolving landscape of AI in the agency world, discussing insights from a recent report on skills and hiring in the age of AI. They delve into the challenges faced by in-house teams, the importance of training and adaptability and the role of creativity in leveraging AI tools. The discussion also touches on ethical considerations, the future of AI in governance, and the need for trust in AI applications. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and opportunities presented by AI in various sectors.

In part 2 of Episode 6 of The Big Thing, Liam and Ryan delve into the future of gaming, discussing upcoming releases like GTA 6 and the Steam console. They explore the impact of technological advancements on gaming experiences and the role of storytelling in games. They also touch on upcoming movie 'Marty Supreme' and the bizzare marketing tactics being used

In part 1 of this episode of The Big Thing. Liam and Ryan discuss the evolution of gaming, focusing on the nostalgia of physical game copies, the impact of digital downloads, and the shift in gaming business models. They explore the cultural significance of games like Call of Duty and Minecraft. Additionally, they reflect on the changes in gaming marketing and the role of social media in shaping gaming experiences today.

SummaryIn this episode, Ryan, Joel, and Rhona discuss the intersection of AI, marketing, and pop culture, focusing on the recent controversy surrounding Taylor Swift's use of AI in her music video and the psychology behind why Lily Allen has blown up (again) with her new album 'West End Girl'They explore themes of authenticity versus automation, the role of AI in creative industries, and the public's perception of AI in entertainment. The conversation also touches on the impact of negativity in marketing, the creeping presence of AI in everyday life, and the importance of using AI as a tool for efficiency rather than a replacement for human creativity.

Join Ryan and Richard for another instalment of The Big Thing, as they unpack the ground breaking $38 billion partnership between OpenAI and AWS. This episode delves into the contrasting AI investments of the US and UK, while also touching on the seasonal buzz around Christmas adverts.

We're drowning in messages but starved of meaningIn this episode, Ryan and Richard sit down with Nick Clemmow, LOOPs Operations Director. Just a week before he heads off on paternity leave to talk about how communication has changed in the post-COVID, AI-powered world.They get honest about what “Ops” actually means, how agencies rebuilt their workflows after lockdown, and why AI is changing not just how we make creative work, but how we talk to each other. Expect banter about Slack pings, bad briefs, digital burnout, and a soon to be dad perspective on future leadership.

Welcome back to The Big ThingThis week, Richard and Ryan tackle one of the biggest questions in AI right now: who really owns what it creates?From copyright lawsuits and global governance to AI’s impact on creative jobs, they unpack the ethics, the chaos, and the occasional absurdity of the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence.Expect debates on deepfakes, scam sites, and the future of design plus a few classic LOOP tangents along the way.Join them for another honest, funny and thought-provoking chat about the tech shaping our world (and our work).

Welcome to the first episode of LOOPs new podcast, The Big Thing.Join our hosts Richard and Ryan as they launch our new podcast with a deep dive into the fascinating world of AI. They're not just exploring the tech, but its real-world impact, from the latest in AI-generated content and its effect on creativity, to how it touches our everyday life. Plus, get to know your hosts week to week. Speaking on many subjects like their personal motivational music preferences and even touch on unique wellness practices like Reiki. Tune in for a lively conversation that balances serious topics with light-hearted banter. Start your journey with us now!

Part five of LOOP's six-step strategy, 'Governance,' explores the importance of brand consistency across in-house campaigns using MarTech and brand guidelines.

Discover the top 5 in-house agency trend predictions for 2025, from cultural changes to emerging creative tools.

Part four of LOOP's six-step strategy, 'Create,' explores the process of building in-house creative teams tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Part three of LOOP's six-step strategy, 'Technology' reveals how optimising MarTech tools enhances efficiency, improves targeting, and drives smarter marketing decisions.

Part two of LOOP's six-step strategy, 'Workflow'. Explores how structured processes and clear communication channels enhance team collaboration, eliminate bottlenecks, and ensure every project stays on track to achieve impactful results."

Kicking off LOOP's six-step process strategy; showing how a centralised Workstack aligns briefs with business goals, reduces stress, and drives marketing efficiency.