Shows
Signal and NoiseThe Power of Deep Metaphors with Lindsay Zaltman | Signal & Noise Ep 15In this episode of Signal and Noise, hosts Brian Lamar and Andrew DeCilles talk with Lindsay Zaltman, Chief Executive Officer and Partner at Olson Zaltman, the firm known for creating the widely respected ZMET qualitative insight methodology. Together, they explore how deep psychological structures influence the way people think, feel, and make decisions, and why traditional research methods often miss these hidden drivers.Lindsay explains how deep metaphors guide human behavior at a subconscious level and how they reveal the emotional stories people use to make sense of the world. He shares how Olson Zaltman uncovers these...
2025-11-2646 minSignal and NoiseHow KS&R Is Scaling Research Insights with AI Chatbots | Signal & Noise Ep 14In this episode of Signal & Noise, hosts Brian Lamar and Andrew DeCilles speak with Ben Cortese, Vice President of Decision Sciences and Innovation at KS&R, to explore how custom AI chatbots are reshaping the way research insights are accessed, shared, and expanded beyond traditional deliverables.Ben explains how his team is combining qualitative and quantitative research with secure AI systems to build proprietary chatbots that allow clients to interact naturally with their own data. These tools help stakeholders ask new questions, explore nuances, and identify early opportunities without re-fielding studies or relying solely on static reports.
2025-11-2033 minSignal and NoiseHow Verisoul is Solving Market Research’s Fraud Problem | Signal & Noise Ep 13In this episode of Signal & Noise, hosts Brian Lamar and Andrew DeCilles welcome the team from Verisoul, a company redefining fraud detection in market research. The guests include Henry LeGard, Founder and CEO, Joey Maddox, Chief Strategy Officer, and Erinn Taylor, who joins the conversation to explore how Verisoul uses banking-grade technology to detect and eliminate fraud while keeping real respondents in the data set.Henry and Joey explain how Verisoul’s background in cybersecurity and fintech enabled them to develop invisible fraud-prevention tools that identify bots, VPN spoofers, and fraud rings in real time. The team di...
2025-11-1253 minSignal and NoiseResearch Rant: You’re Misusing Your Fraud Platform | Signal & Noise Ep 12In this no-filter episode of Signal & Noise, hosts Brian and Andrew dive into one of the most pressing issues in market research: the misuse of fraud detection platforms. They unpack how digital fingerprinting tools, while valuable, are often implemented in ways that damage data quality and block legitimate respondents.Brian and Andrew explain how overly-aggressive fraud settings can create non-response bias, limit sample diversity, and frustrate real participants. They reveal why using multiple fraud detection tools or relying solely on automation can lead to distorted data and wasted resources.They share lessons from industry research...
2025-11-0641 minSignal and NoiseThe Future of Healthcare Research with Isaac Rogers, CEO of Sago Health | Signal & Noise Ep 11In this episode, Brian and Andrew sit down with Isaac Rogers, CEO of Sago Health, for an in-depth conversation about the rapidly changing world of healthcare research.Isaac shares his path from technology entrepreneur to leading one of the most respected names in healthcare insights. Together, they explore how qualitative and quantitative research are merging, how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of patient and physician studies, and why the healthcare sector is becoming one of the most innovative areas in the research industry.Isaac’s Journey: How a single lunch meeting with Jim Bryson se...
2025-10-3036 minSignal and NoiseInside the Mind of a Market Research Maverick: Dan Foreman on 30 Years of Innovation | Signal & Noise Ep 10In this episode of Signal & Noise, Brian Lamar sits down with Dan Foreman, one of the most influential voices in market research, to reflect on a 30-year career that has shaped the industry’s evolution from clipboards to AI. From launching global operations at FocusVision to investing in next-gen insight startups like Zappi, Dan has always been on the leading edge of innovation.Dan shares his fascinating career path - starting as a researcher at Research International, then moving through marketing, consulting, and entrepreneurship - culminating in advisory roles across more than a dozen companies. He also di...
2025-10-0939 minSignal and NoiseHuman Truth in the Age of AI with Alex Millet, CEO at Brandtrust | Signal & Noise Ep 9In this episode of Signal & Noise, Andrew and Brian are joined by Alex Millet, CEO of Brandtrust, for a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of emotion, insight, and innovation. Alex explains how Brandtrust helps companies uncover the deeper psychological and emotional forces that shape consumer behavior, what they call “Human Truth.”The discussion dives into how brands can balance data-driven decisions with empathy-driven understanding, especially in an era increasingly dominated by automation and AI. Alex shares his perspective on how human-centered storytelling, narrative research, and empathy-based strategy can transform how organizations connect with customers and build loyalty.
2025-10-0843 minSignal and NoiseIndependents, Polarization & the Future of U.S. Politics with Jeremy Zogby | Signal & Noise Ep 8In this episode of Signal & Noise, Andrew and Brian are joined by pollster Jeremy Zogby for a deep dive into the state of American politics, the growing power of independents, and what the future might hold for voters caught between two increasingly polarized parties.Jeremy shares his perspective as Managing Partner of John Zogby Strategies, where he has led groundbreaking work on independent voter behavior, including his role as lead pollster for RFK Jr.’s 2024 presidential campaign. With a historian’s lens and decades of polling experience, he unpacks how political violence, economic uncertainty, and global shifts are...
2025-10-0242 minSignal and NoiseData Privacy, Census Challenges & AI Regulation with Howard Fienberg | Signal & Noise Ep 7In this episode of Signal & Noise, Howard Fienberg, Senior VP, Advocacy at Insights Association, returns for a wide-ranging conversation on the policies shaping the insights industry. With over 25 years of government affairs experience, Howard has been named a Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics and continues to be one of the strongest voices advocating for research professionals in Washington, D.C.In this episode:The Privacy Patchwork - Why 20 states now have their own privacy laws, how California and Washington are setting the pace, and why a federal standard remains critical
2025-09-2533 minSignal and NoiseWe Talked to 4 Synthetic Panels in One Day and the Takeaways are Shocking | Signal & Noise Ep 6In this episode of Signal & Noise, Andrew and Brian take you behind the curtain again on one of the most buzzworthy topics in market research: synthetic panels. After meeting with four different providers in a single day, they share candid reactions, surprising truths, and why the future may not be what you think.But first, Brian gives a quick recap of his trip to CrimeCon in Denver, a subculture of true crime enthusiasts that had eerie parallels to how niche communities form in market research.This episode is part myth-busting, part roadmap, and part rallying...
2025-09-1828 minSignal and NoiseQualtrics & PureSpectrum Partnership, Synthetic Data and Industry Rants with David Butler | Signal & Noise Ep 5In this episode of Signal & Noise, Andrew and Brian sit down with David Butler, President of PureSpectrum, to unpack the company’s newly expanded partnership with Qualtrics and what it means for the future of synthetic data in market research.David shares insights on:His journey at PureSpectrum and transition into the role of President.The collaboration with Qualtrics to enhance synthetic respondent capabilities.How PureSpectrum is leveraging micro-surveys and longitudinal data to fine-tune synthetic models.Opportunities and challenges in using synthetic panels for sensitive research, difficult-to-reach populations, and fa...
2025-09-0436 minSignal and NoiseDoes Data Quality Even Matter? Rants, Reality & Possible Solutions | Signal & Noise Ep 4In this fiery episode, hosts Brian and Andrew tackle one of the most pressing and frustrating issues in market research: data quality. After weeks (more like years) of conversations with clients, researchers, and suppliers, the hosts dive deep into why data quality feels like it’s getting worse, why the industry keeps masking the problem, and whether brands should even care.From the massive waste caused by fraud prevention and data cleaning to the commoditization of sample providers, Brian and Andrew don’t hold back in asking the hard questions. Does a poor-quality sample matter if agencies clea...
2025-08-2141 minSignal and NoiseSynthetic Data, Qualtrics and Pure Spectrum Partnership, & Gig Economy Update | Signal & Noise Ep 3In this episode of Signal and Noise, hosts Brian and Andrew are back with a fresh dose of industry insights, hot takes, and personal stories, diving into three major topics shaking up the research world. They kick things off with the Qualtrics and Pure Spectrum partnership, exploring whether this could be the turning point for synthetic data in market research, the strengths and weaknesses of the approach, and the likely future of hybrid panels. Next, they spotlight the rebrand of Azure Knowledge to Mavericks, debating why the change was made and whether it works, while having some fun with...
2025-08-1424 minSignal and NoiseThe Slow Burn of Data Quality: A Boiling Frog in Market Research | Signal and Noise Ep 2In this episode of Signal and Noise, hosts Brian and Andrew hit the ground running - literally - fresh off a multi-city client tour. They break down the recurring (and alarming) theme they heard at nearly every stop: data quality is in a full-blown crisis.Brian and Andrew unpack why some researchers are tossing out nearly half of their data, how bots and disengaged respondents are wreaking havoc and why middle-tier sample market might be on its last legs. The episode ends with some must-hear rants, including Andrew’s thoughts on why terms like “proprietary” and “verified” need serio...
2025-07-2439 minSignal and NoiseTaking the Marketing Research Industry by Storm | Signal and Noise Ep 1Welcome all to the debut episode of Signal and Noise, hosted by marketing research veterans Brian Lamar & Andrew DeCilles. Aiming to bring you honest conversations from industry experts, ranging from trends to breaking news to ugly conversations that others won’t touch; no subject is off limits.In today’s episode we go over where we’ve been and what we’ve been up to since our last podcast for those that aren’t new here. We also discuss what old and new listeners in the Marketing Research space can expect from us moving forward. Marketing Research has never...
2025-07-1132 min
IntellicastA Quirks Chicago Recap feat. Bonnie the BulldogWelcome back to Season 6 of Intellicast! In today’s episode, the Brians are joined by EMI’s own Andrew DeCilles to discuss the latest market research news and the Quirks Chicago conference that Andrew and Brian Lamar attended last week.The guys jump right into the recent market research headlines starting with Qualtrics’ $12.5 billion acquisition by Silver Lake. Andrew and the Brians discuss what this might mean for the industry as more tech entrepreneurs start to invest in MRX. This is followed by some ESOMAR news. Joaquim Bretcha has been named the Interim Director General and Ray Poynte...
2023-04-0351 min
IntellicastThe Spring Conference Recap ExtravaganzaWelcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, we recap all three spring conferences that happened back to back to back in April. To help provide the recap on the conferences, Brian Lamar is joined by Andrew DeCilles and Tony Brown. (Associate Producer Emma also makes an appearance as Producer Brian was at graduation)The episode kicks off with Tony and Andrew briefly talking about the recent reorganization of the sales team that happened. As part of this, they both shared their new sales team names.Then Brian Lamar and the guys jump right into the c...
2022-05-1037 min
IntellicastEPC: Do We Need To Change How We Price?Welcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, we continue our conversation around earning-per-click. This time we are joined by Andrew DeCilles and Vignesh Krishnan, CEO and Founder of Research Defender, to tackle earnings-per-click from a new angle.The episode kicks off with Vignesh giving an analogy of EPC to airlines selling the last remaining seat at $1.00. This analogy kicks off a great conversation of EPC and current pricing models, and other pricing models.Vignesh then brings another great point into play talking about how Google and ad tech (where EPC is coming from) are a p...
2022-03-2839 min
IntellicastEPC: Part DeuxWelcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, we continue our conversation about Earnings Per Click or EPC as a measure of survey health. Joining Brian Lamar and Producer Brian is Andrew DeCilles, as well as special guest Katie Gross, the Chief Client Officer of Suzy.The conversation picks back up pretty quickly from the last episode. Andrew and Brian give a brief recap of what was covered, and Katie talks about why she reached out to continue the discussion.Katie has some unique insight into this area having worked for a panel, an exchange, an MR...
2022-03-1145 min
IntellicastEPC: The Good and the BadWelcome back to aonther episode of Intellicast! In this episode, Andrew DeCilles joins us to discuss EPC (Earnings Per Click) as a measure of survey health.They kick off the episode with a recent MRX news update: Zendesk has terminated their intent to acquire Survey Monkey for $4.1 million—the second time Zendesk has shut down an attempt to merge/acquire. In a serendipitous turn of events, Andrew joined us on the previous episode where we announced this acquisition!The guys then jump into a discussion around EPC. For those listening who don’t have an in-d...
2022-03-0245 min
IntellicastA Deep Discussion on MRX Mergers and AcquisitionsWelcome back to Intellicast! On today’s final episode of season 4, Brian Lamar and Producer Brian are once again joined by Andrew DeCilles to talk abput some market research news and other goings-on in the industry.[1:15] The episode kicks off with the guys reminiscing a bit about the last 4 seasons as we are about to enter season 5. Everyone gives their best Intellicast memory, as well a few memories of episodes we’d like to forget![8:03] After a stroll down memory lane, the guys switch gears and take a bit of a different approach to the news...
2021-12-1634 min
IntellicastTrusting Data and A Discussion on Rebranding NamesWelcome back to Intellicast! We have a fun episode for you today! Joining Brian Lamar and Producer Brian is Andrew DeCilles again to talk some latest market research news.[4:05] The episode kicks off with the guys discussing a recently released research report from Adverity that found one-third of CMO’s lack trust in their marketing data. This led to a discussion about what could cause that, and why it might be happening. Producer Brian gives his perspective as the marketing guy on where he would fall if asked this. He talks about how he puts his trust in...
2021-11-2234 min
IntellicastAnother Big AcquisitionWelcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Brian Lamar and Producer Brian and joined once again by Andrew DeCilles to break down the latest news from around the market research world.The episode kicks off with Brian Lamar giving an update on his campaign to be re-elected as a township trustee. (Hint – He won.) He gives a little background on what life has been like for the past couple of weeks while he has been campaigning, as well as giving some inside knowledge he learned along the way.[5:34] Next up, the guys move a what i...
2021-11-0523 min
IntellicastEmergency Episode – Cint Acquires LucidWelcome to an emergency episode of Intellicast. We had some big news drop today that we felt we had to discuss – even pulling Brian Lamar in on his day off to record. News dropped that Cint acquired Lucid for nearly a billion dollars in cash and stock. Andrew DeCilles and Mary Draper both join Brian Lamar and Producer Brian to break down this huge market research news story.Andrew gives his perspective on the deal itself and how the two companies complement each other in terms of their approach and technology.Mary jumps in ab...
2021-10-2732 min
IntellicastTrust In Brand with BrandTrustWelcome back to Intellicast! We have a very timely episode for you this week. With all of the issues going on with different brands, and what seems to be a loss of consumer trust, we brought on a great group of guests to discuss measuring brand trust and why it is so important.Joining Brian Lamar and Producer Brian is EMI’s Andrew DeCilles, as well as Alex Millet (Managing Director) and Lindsey Bartel (Senior Analyst) both of BrandTrust to discuss trust in brands.[1:37] The discussion kicks off with some recent news around what is goi...
2021-10-1847 min
IntellicastTaking a Customer Journey with Mike Adamson of MerkleWelcome back to Intellicast! We have a great episode for you today! We are joined today by Mike Adamson, Digital Brand Strategist with Merkle. Also making a return is Andrew DeCilles.The episode kicks off with Brian Lamar, Mike, and Andrew talking about Mike’s background and how he ended up a Digital Strategist with Merkle. They also cover a bit about what a “Digital Strategist” does.The guys then chat about Merkle’s cookie-less audience targeting tool, Merkury, and the news that it had been added to ActionIQ. Mike gives us some background on the tool...
2021-08-3032 min
IntellicastData Quality Trends and MR AcquisitionsWelcome back to Intellicast! On this week’s episode, Brian Lamar and Producer Brian are joined by Andrew DeCilles, Vice President of Client Services at EMI.The episode kicks off with the guys talking about the plague of Cicadas that are impacting Southwest Ohio right now, and the levels it is hitting each of the areas they live. Then the guys jump into a deep discussion on some of the data quality trends that are currently impacting the quantitative market research industry. They discuss how the surges and lulls in demand created issues for recruiting bud...
2021-06-0848 min
IntellicastS3E32 - Talking Healthcare Research with Steve Barnard of The Link GroupWelcome back to Intellicast! We continue our special thought leadership series this week with another great guest. Joining Brian Lamar, Producer Brian, and Andrew DeCilles on this episode is Steve Barnard, the Senior Vice President at The Link Group, to discuss healthcare research.
Before we jump into the interview, Brian Lamar confesses he got the Intellicast Twitter account suspended by changing the birthday settings. (Update: It’s now back up and running!) The revelation leaves Producer Brian a bit perplexed.
We then jump into the interview with Steve. It starts with the guys learning about Steve’s background and what his...
2020-06-231h 05
IntellicastS3E31 – Data Quality with Terry Crawford of MMRWelcome back to Intellicast! We have another special episode for you. This week Brian Lamar, Producer Brian, and Andrew DeCilles are joined by Terry Crawford, the Senior Vice President of Operations for MMR, to have an in-depth discussion on data quality.
The episode kicks off with Brian and Andrew discussing with Terry his background and his current role at MMR.
This leads to the meat of the interview, where all three have a deep discussion around sample and data quality. It starts with a discussion with Terry where he believes good data comes from, and what he looks for in...
2020-06-191h 02
IntellicastS3E27- A NEXT 2020 Preview, Sports, and WFH FailsWelcome back to Intellicast! We have a jammed-packed episode for you. Andrew DeCilles joins Brian Lamar and Producer Brian to talk the latest market research news, a new study on sports and its impact on society, virtual conferences and work-from-home fails.
The episode kicks off with the guys talking how some sports leagues are starting to release plans to resume play and the economic and mental health impact of it. This leads directly into a discussion of a recent report by JWB# Media Insights on how essential sports is to Americans. The guys each give their perspective, not only of...
2020-05-2956 min
IntellicastS3E22 - Reopening Implications, the Cint-P2 Integration, and Alida HinesWelcome back to Intellicast! On today’s episode, Andrew DeCilles joins Brian Lamar and Producer Brian to discuss the latest market research news, current events, and more!
The episode kicks off with a lively discussion about how states starting to open back up from their quarantines, and the potential implications that could mean to consumers, politics, and the economy.
This leads to a recap and discussion of the latest market research new, starting with the CINT and P2Sample integration being completed. The guys also cover the new video focus group capabilities of FlexMR’s online qualitative platform and the late...
2020-05-0151 min
IntellicastS3E15 – Alex Millet and Lindsey Bartel of BrandtrustWelcome back to Intellicast! On this episode of Intellicast, Brian Lamar and Andrew DeCilles are joined by Alex Millet and Lindsey Bartel of the research and strategy firm, Brandtrust.
They dive into how Alex and Lindsey got started their start in market research, and what led them to Brandtrust. This leads to a discussion around the history of brand trust and what makes them unique in the market research industry.
Alex and Lindsey then give the guys some insight on Emotional Inquiry and Narrative Inquiry, Brandtrust’s unique research methodologies. Emotional Inquiry is a unique qualitative methodology that helps brands ge...
2020-03-3158 min
IntellicastS3E11 - COVID-19 and the Market Research IndustryWelcome back to Intellicast! We have a bit of a different episode for you this week. On the first half of the episode, Tony Brown joins Brian Lamar to talk about some of the latest news in market research. They include Cint’s new CTO, and Dynata’s new partnership with CMNTY.
Brian any Tony then turn their attention to COVID-19 and its impact on the market research industry. They discuss what they have seen so far in terms of what others in the industry are doing, what EMI is doing, and what they have seen specifically around research, the supp...
2020-03-1633 min
IntellicastIntellicast - Episode 8We have an exciting episode of Intellicast this week! Adam Jolley and Brian Lamar are join by EMI’s Sara Goetz and Andrew DeCilles, who were in Salt Lake City last week for Qualtrics’ X4 Experience Summit.
Join them as they discuss:
• Breakdown X4
• Favorite speaker/session
• Top trends
• Advice they would give future attendees
• New research rants of the week
• Final Four picks
• And much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2018-03-1443 min