Shows
Curbside ChatThe road ahead: Top trends in the auto care sectorGain valuable insights into the latest auto care industry trends and their impact on businesses in this episode of Curbside Chat. Hosted by Lorraine Sommerfeld, the discussion features industry leaders Bill Hanvey, CEO of Auto Care Association; Trevor Tennant, President of Piston Ring Service; and independent consultant Mathew Growden. Explore key topics such as artificial intelligence, global affairs, and consumer protection, and discover strategies for long-term success in an evolving industry. Originally presented in person at the 2025 AIA Canada National Conference at the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference, this episode captures the spirit of innovation an...2025-05-0734 min
The Change OptimistKevin Newman and I are both grown men who love Star Trek - Episode 10Kevin Newman and I discuss the current state of journalism, the nature of truth, the complexities of being a father, and our mutual love of Star Trek.
2024-11-2953 minThe Change OptimistMichael Dunne and I get deep into a conversation about the Chinese automotive industry - Episode 9Michael Dunne is one of the foremost experts on the state of the automotive industry in China. We discuss how the Chinese OEMs have evolved so quickly, what this might mean for dealers and other auto manufacturers, and how we're transitioning to electric vehicles, whether we like it or not.
2024-09-131h 11The Change OptimistAlan Cross and I talk about the ongoing history of the ongoing history of new music - Episode 8Alan Cross and I chat about how he became the voice of the Ongoing History of New Music, his love of cars and the complicated nature of defining musical genres.
2024-08-3046 minThe Change OptimistRon Foss tells me all about the Fossmobile - Episode 7It was a privilege to chat with Ron Foss and learn about his grandfather, George Foote Foss. George built the Fossmobile, Canada’s first internal combustion engine automobile, in 1897. The story is a fascinating piece of Canadian history that most folks are not likely to know.2024-07-2653 minThe Change OptimistWaverly CEO, Philippe Beaudoin and I sit down to chat - Episode 6I had a wonderful conversation with Philippe Beaudoin, another X-Googler who is now the co-founder and CEO of Waverly. Phil and his team are building an evolved, next-generation social network. In his vision, this platform will leverage intention rather than capitalize on people's attention. Take a listen to Phil and I talk about social networking, Waverly's potential revenue models, and board games.2024-07-1252 minThe Change OptimistAndrew Miller gives me the inside scoop on Sidewalk Labs - Episode 5I was excited when Sidewalk Labs was planning to build the city of the future in Toronto. It didn't happen. People got scared about what data might be collected and how Sidewalk Labs' parent and associated companies, Alphabet and Google, might use that data. Andrew Miller gives me an insider's view of what happened.
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Inside Google Ads with Jyll Saskin GalesGoogle Marketing Live 2024 Recap & AnalysisDid you catch Google Marketing Live 2024? In this special edition episode, Jyll dives into what Google didn't say at this tentpole event, revealing key insights about the future of Google Ads. Discover five untold truths from GML, including the fading relevance of keywords, the rise of Performance Max, and Google's strategic focus on visual search. Plus, get Jyll's top three recommendations for what you should be focusing on in your Google Ads strategy.The episode also features exclusive perspectives from fellow ex-Googlers Solange Abraham and Mathew Growden, and industry expert Tod Maffin, host of the Today in...2024-05-2315 minThe Change OptimistMegan Leslie tells me about the 'Carbon Bomb' - Episode 4Megan Leslie and I talk about the carbon bomb, we reminisce about university (I guess I do that a lot), and Megan explains that she's always wanted to work on issues related to justice, which led her to become the President and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund Canada.
2024-04-1951 minThe Change OptimistAimee Morrison and I chat about AI, learning and university - Episode 3It was wonderful to catch up with Aimée Morrison and talk about her knack for going viral, how we need to embrace the physical nature of learning, and how AI writing isn't writing. We also got a bit nostalgic for our days in university. 2024-04-131h 08The Change OptimistKara Swisher and I have a lovely thoughtful chat - Episode 2Kara Swisher and I sit down for a chat about tech, automotive, the state of autonomous vehicles, and how probably only San Francisco lesbians can save us. We cover a lot of ground in what Kara calls "a lovely, thoughtful chat."
Her new book, Burn Book, is available now.
Music provided by Dark Tapes.2024-03-2754 min
The Change OptimistThe Change Optimist - Everything has to start somewhere - Episode 1In this introductory podcast, I explain a little bit about how this podcast came into existence. And I also talk about what you can expect in the next few episodes. 2024-03-2408 min
The Dealer PlaybookMathew Growden: Are Google Vehicle Ads Worth It?Mathew Growden is the Head of Auto Retail Team and Answerer of Automotive Retail related questions at Google Canada.In this episode we dive deep into the world of Google Vehicle Ads. We explore the intricacies of this powerful marketing tool and uncover hidden insights that can reshape your dealership's strategies. Episode Highlights:In an era of shifting dealer practices and evolving consumer expectations, the automotive landscape has witnessed significant transformations. In this episode we delve into these changes and their implications for vehicle advertising. Understanding th...2023-08-1043 min
The Auto Hub ShowCan We Sell 40% Electric Cars by 2025?Send us a textAs politicians and "EV" Fanboys and influencers continue to promote the EV future around the world and Jeff and Ian continue to expand our expertise in this area, we felt it was time to discuss the current reality vs the spin in the transportation industry. Change is happening at record speed as OEM's, governments and dealers prepare for the onslaught of EV choice in 2023. The big question is when will 40% of customers buy "EVs" vs the other options in the market? Enjoy this exciting episode and feel free to comment, share...2023-05-251h 05
Automotive News Canada PodcastDec. 4, 2020 | Google reveals the two most important things car buyers want from a dealer websiteMathew Growden of Google Canada’s Auto Retail Team reveals the two most important things car buyers want from a dealer website and talks about how the pandemic changed attitudes toward online sales “overnight.” But when it comes to a dealership’s digital strategy, Jeremy Koch of Koch Ford Lincoln says everyone must buy into a “complete overhaul” if it’s going to work.2020-12-0437 min
Overthink With KochOverthink EP 09: Mathew Growden on His Career in Technology, e-Commerce, Google & AutoThis week we sit down with Mathew Growden to talk about his career in technology including his time at Chapters Indigo, Wind-Freedom Mobile, Google and more. Mathew goes in-depth about his recently published article on Think With Google, as well as his ideas to further Automotive e-Commerce.-------------------Overthink With Koch is hosted by Matty Acosta.The Koch Auto Group is always looking for talented people to join our team, apply to Koch here:Indeed: https://ca.indeed.com/cmp/Koch-Ford-LincolnFollow us on:Linkedin: h...2020-07-2800 min