Podcast
WHAT’S GOT THE WORLD TALKING?
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What’s Got the World Talking? is the marketing podcast that explores the topics that are grabbing attention in the world of PR, social media and marketing comms. Brought to you by award-winning PR and social media agency WPR, each episode takes the latest hot topic and brings industry experts together to chat through the implications for the UK marketing industry.
Whether you’re a CMO looking for industry-leading insight and a fresh take on the challenges facing the sector, a marketing manager seeking practical advice on strategy or tactics, or someone new to the industry who wants to learn, this is the marketing podcast for you.
Spanning consumer and B2B topics, nothing is off the table. If it gets us talking around the office, sparks conversation with clients, or is being debated in an industry we work with, we’ll dive in.
If there’s a topic you’d like to suggest for an episode, feel free to drop us a note at marketing@wpragency.co.uk.
About the host: Jane Ainsworth, managing director, is an experienced communications strategist who has worked with some of the UK’s biggest consumer brand names over a career spanning three decades.
An avid consumer of news, culture and all things media, Jane – who has led WPR for almost 20 years – has always instilled in the team that curiosity is a vital attribute in marketing. Only by being interested and engaged in what’s going on around us, can we shape strategies and campaigns that connect brands with their customers.
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EPISODE 7: Trade Media: How is it Evolving?
In this episode of What’s Got the World Talking we’re taking a deep dive into part of the media ecosystem that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: trade media.
As audiences fragment and AI reshapes how information is discovered and trusted, how is trade journalism evolving? What do journalists need from brands when resources are stretched and expectations are higher? And why does influence within trade titles matter more than ever for credibility, reputation and long‑term growth?
Jane is joined by B2B director Tom Leatherbarrow and associate director Rob Jones to discuss how trade media is evolving and what brands need to understand if they want to build authority, shape industry narratives and be taken seriously by the people who matter most.
EPISODE 6: Organic Social in 2026
In this episode of What’s Got the World Talking? we’re exploring the power and potential of organic social in 2026.
Jane is joined to discuss this pivotal aspect of brand marketing by B2B and B2C specialists Alex Dixon, senior social media strategy director, and Natalie Wright, senior social media director.
From the role organic plays in a world where paid is delivering at scale, to thoughts on balancing finite budget and resources with ever-expanding platform options, this is essential listening for anyone wanting to make their organic strategy work harder this year.
EPISODE 5: Making Sense of Meta’s New Reality
In this episode of What’s Got the World Talking? Jane is joined by senior paid media director Rob Lewis to unpack potentially one of the biggest shifts in paid media – Meta’s rapidly changing ecosystem.
For brands leveraging Facebook and Instagram for growth, Meta’s reaction to increasing regulatory pressures, the rise of ad-free subscriptions, and AI-powered ad tools are creating an uncertain future.
Rob shares his perspective on the platforms challenging Meta, where paid now sits in the funnel, how marketers should prioritise spend as the platforms demand more content than ever, and answers a big question – whatever happened to the Metaverse?
EPISODE 4: Celebrity vs Influencer: What WOrks for Brands in Today’s Fame Economy?
How do we define ‘celebrity’ in 2026? We’re discussing whether traditional celebs can still drive real impact, when influencer relevance trumps reach, and which sectors should (or absolutely shouldn’t) bother with a famous face. From red flags in celebrity partnerships to what to do if your chosen star generates the wrong sort of headlines, we’ll explore the pitfalls as well as the positives.
In this episode of What’s Got the World Talking? Jane is joined by associate creative director Dan Gabriel and senior news director Amy Brookbanks as they share their favourite brand/celeb partnerships (spoiler alert: BIG fans of M&S!), discuss how much control brands really have, and debate what AI influencers might mean for the future.
If you’re wondering how to choose the right talent, whether it could shift perception of your brand, and how to avoid expensive mistakes, this conversation is your guide to navigating the tricky waters of brand/celeb partnerships.
EPISODE 3: PR and Regional Media: What Works Now
The regional news landscape in the UK has changed dramatically over the last decade and how people are consuming their local news has changed too. What is the opportunity here for brands and are enough brands recognising and capitalising on the potential?
In this episode of What’s Got the World Talking? Jane is joined by senior PR director Rachael Heise and PR director Celine Bisson – both experts in regional strategy – to discuss why brands need to stop viewing regional activity as a backup to national, what the regional journalist/PR relationship looks like now, and how the picture differs around the UK.
They also share insight about what makes a good local news story, why repurposing national content doesn’t work, and why – at a time when trust in the media is decreasing – local and regional offers potential to buck that trend. Tune in for all this and much more.
EPISODE 2: IS AI CHANGING HOW PUBLISHERS DRIVE TRAFFIC TO THEIR SITES?
Everyone is talking about the impact of AI. But in the world of media and PR, what specific impact is AI having on how traffic to publishers’ websites? Is it a brave new world or the wild west out there? Is AI rewriting the rules of journalism and PR? And how should marketers and PRs be responding or adapting to this new reality?
Jane is joined in this episode by Amy Brookbanks, senior news director and a former Sun editor, and content director Tom Went to shed light on these questions and many others.
From how journalists are adapting to the challenges and opportunities AI is generating to why exclusives are a powerful option for PRs, we explore this fascinating and fast-moving topic.
EPISODE 1: WHY CREATIVITY MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
In this episode, we’re looking at a big topic – creativity. It sits at the heart of our industry but is a hotter topic than ever as, with the rise of AI and the increasing presence of technology in every aspect of our professional and personal lives, authentic human creativity is firmly back in the spotlight.
What does creativity mean in today’s marketing landscape? Where does creativity sit in the marketing funnel? Does AI have a role to play? How do you keep creativity flowing while keeping an eye on commerciality? Can (and should) you be taking a more creative approach to your marketing strategy and campaigns?
Jane is joined by associate creative director Dan Gabriel to discuss all these points, while also sharing some personal creative highlights and explaining why ‘glitter gravy’ will be inscribed on Dan’s headstone.