Shows
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastRevolutionizing Qualitative Research with AI: A Conversation with Jack Bowen In the latest episode of Conversations in Depth, host Mike Carlon interviews Jack Bowen, the visionary founder of CoLoop, an AI-powered tool transforming the way qualitative marketing research is analyzed. With a career rooted in problem-solving and innovation, Bowen’s journey is a testament to the impact of technology on modern research approaches. Bowen shares the story behind CoLoop, offering insights into his motivations for addressing perceived inefficiencies in traditional qualitative analysis. From identifying key pain points to designing solutions that streamline processes and uncover richer insights, his entrepreneurial path is one of perseverance, creativity, and customer-centric ev...2025-03-1724 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastNavigating the Future, with Isaac Rogers In this episode of Conversations In Depth, host Mike Carlon speaks with Isaac Rogers, President of Sago, about his unique journey from a tech startup in the early 2000s to a leader in the market research industry. Isaac shares the challenges and opportunities he encountered along the way, including the industry's digital transformation and the impact of AI on qualitative research. He also offers insights into the importance of networking, the evolving nature of in-person research, and strategies to engage clients more effectively. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:32 Isaac Rogers' Journey into Market Research 05:49 The Evolution of Market Research 07:08 Impact of COVID-1...2024-09-1243 min
Uncorking a StoryWriting Through Adversity with Ann Bancroft"I wasn't interested in writing about my own cancer journey, but I was interested in the idea of what if my situation had been flipped." — Ann BancroftIn this heartfelt episode of "Uncorking a Story," host Michael Carlon sits down with Ann Bancroft, a remarkable two-time breast cancer survivor who has made her literary debut at the age of 71. Bancroft shares her journey from a career in journalism to becoming a novelist, the challenges she faced during her cancer treatments, and how she found inspiration in the small joys of life. Her debut novel, "Al...2024-08-1339 min
Uncorking a StoryMusic and Murder with Hannah Mary McKinnon"I like the idea of thinking of it as a gift, although it certainly doesn't feel like it at the time." — Hannah Mary McKinnonIn this episode of "Uncorking a Story," host Michael Carlon welcomes back internationally bestselling author Hannah Mary McKinnon. Known for her gripping suspense novels and heartwarming holiday romantic comedies, Hannah shares insights into her creative journey, her latest thriller "Only One Survives," and the balance between writing dark thrillers and uplifting rom-coms. Join us for an engaging conversation about the transformative power of writing, the inspiration behind Hannah's work, and he...2024-07-2331 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastDavid KalisherHonoring the honesty of our subjects is essential in filmmaking. Capturing their emotional journey, not just their words, is what makes a story compelling. — David Kalisher In this episode of Conversations in Depth, host Mike Carlon sits down with David Kalisher, the founder of Jolly Road Productions. David, a seasoned filmmaker, shares his journey from corporate finance to Hollywood, and eventually to becoming a respected filmmaker in the market research industry. With a background that includes creative development at MGM Studios and hosting a television show, David brings a unique perspective to storytelling through film. Ke...2024-05-2243 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastAuthor and Salesforce Executive Karen Mangia, Live from IIEX Austin As an internationally-recognized thought leader whose TEDx appearance, keynotes, blogs, and books reach hundreds of thousands of business leaders each year, Karen Mangia is a catalyst who uses curiosity and diversified creativity to empower individuals, teams, and organizations to sustain success. With over 20 years of experience in communications, customer relationship management, and everything to do with “the business of people,” she is a champion of integration with a wealth of knowledge that empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to find freedom and create choices that move them from limited to limitless. Whether it’s personal or professional, individual or collective, Karen...2023-07-0132 min
Uncorking a StoryNow Blooming, with Trish MichaelWe are often told to always look on the bright side of life—at least those of us who grew up watching Monty Python movies were told that. But how can we look on the bright side when the world around us appears to be so incredibly dark? Throughout her life, my guest today has faced constant adversity; a single mom at 18, abusive marriage for 20 years, cancer twice, but through it all, Trish Michael has worked not only to see the bright side but to be the bright side when it couldn’t be seen. Meet Trish Michae...2023-01-2436 min
Uncorking a StoryThe Waiting, with Ali Michael, Ph.D.As writers, we are eager for feedback and validation that something we’ve birthed has value and waiting for it, to paraphrase the late Tom Petty, is sometimes the hardest part. Today’s guest, Ali Michael, Ph.D. echoed that in something she said during our conversation, but make no mistake, this really isn’t a conversation about the writing process. It’s a conversation about her path to working towards racial equity through her writing. I really enjoyed this conversation and learned so much from Ali, and I hope you do too.Meet Ali Michael, Ph.D.:2022-10-2152 min
The Sports Initiative PodcastCarlon CarpenterCarlon Carpenter is a tactical and video analyst for Statsbomb. Statsbomb are one of the world leaders in football analytics and data production. Alongside this role, Carlon also works for National League South side Bath City as a performance analyst, where he implements his theoretical work and modules in practice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2022-08-231h 03
Uncorking a StoryBuilding Credibility, with Michael DeLonAs the president of Paperback Expert, Michael DeLon helps business owners publish a book that positions them as the expert in their field. He recently joined me to talk about how and why he became an expert in credibility marketing. What role did his father’s death play in his career path? Why did he return to the Church after being away for a while? What role does his faith play in his approach to business building? Listen in to find the answers to these questions as well as hear the inspiration behind his book, On Marketing: The Definitive Gu...2022-07-2239 min
Celluloid ZeroesEpisode 13: No Holds BarredBrother Jimmy and I are joined by our old friend Rob Salminen to discuss the 1989 abomination that is No Holds Barred. What happens when you take one of the most recognizable entertainment figures of the 1980s and pair him with his boss to co-executive produce and write a movie about wrestling? Well, you don't get an Oscar winner, that is for sure. Perhaps the best thing about this movie is the conversation it spurred about what wrestling meant to us as kids and the laughs we had while doing so. To give a...2022-02-281h 21
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Power of Storytelling, with Fred JohnC. Frederic John enjoys a global reputation as a strategic researcher with a career spanning over forty years. He specializes in melding profound insights into concrete recommendations for clients, and in crafting compelling research deliverables using story-telling techniques. Fred and I have a few things in common: we both work in the market research industry, we both worked for MasterCard, and we both value the power of storytelling when it comes to presenting findings to clients. In fact, Fred is so passionate about storytelling in market research that he literally wrote a book, Storytelling and Market Research...2022-02-1431 min
Celluloid ZeroesEp 12: Silent RageWhen God said, “Let there be light,” Chuck Norris said, “Say please!” This is the most dangerous episode of Celluloid Zeroes as Jim and I take on a most formidable opponent—Chuck Norris. However, even Chuck can agree that 1982’s Silent Rage is not his best work. He’s never said as much, but actions speak louder than words and a sequel has never been made, even though the ending of this absolute zero set up a potential franchise. While the movie is pretty terrible, it does bring us back to a simpler time when spinning back...2022-02-1342 min
Uncorking a StoryMichael Macari talks rock and roll and the birth of ChristOut of the many guests I’ve hosted on Uncorking a Story, Michael Macari may have one of the most varied tales to tell. The son of immigrant parents, he was in Adonis, an up and coming rock band that was just about to feel the sensation of stardom with a record contract until a kidney stone sidelined his musical ambitions and put him on the path to a career in film and television. There’s no way he could have predicted that another medical issue three decades later would put him on the path to publishing a passion proj...2021-12-1045 min
The City's BackyardThe City's Backyard Podcast Ep 68: Local Stamford Author Michael Carlon talks about his new book release The Ruin Of Souls! We chat with local author Michael Carlon on this episode and go to the city's backyard of Stamford, Connecticut. Mike is author of the successful Farrah Graham series of books as well as stand alone novels including Return to Casa Grande, Winning Streak, and the hilarious All the F*cks I Cannot Give. When he is not writing a novel, a magazine article, or a piece for his local newspaper, Mike earns his living as a marketing consultant traveling around the country interviewing people about their experiences with and attitudes towards his clients’ products and services. He is an exp...2021-11-1626 min
Uncorking a StoryNew York Times Bestseller Christina Baker KlineA #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight novels, including The Exiles, Orphan Train, and A Piece of the World, Christina Baker Kline is published in 40 countries. Her novels have received the New England Prize for Fiction, the Maine Literary Award, and a Barnes & Noble Discover Award, among other prizes, and have been chosen by hundreds of communities, universities and schools as "One Book, One Read" selections. Her essays, articles, and reviews have appeared in publications such as the New York Times and the NYT Book Review, the Boston Globe, the San Francisco Chronicle, LitHub, Psychology Today, P...2021-07-0849 min
Uncorking a StoryNoel ObioraNigerian born and raised debut mystery author Noel Obiora watched the George Floyd video and said to himself, That could have been me. Having come to the United States when he was 17 in 1983, and having attended the University of Texas Law School, Noel, a black man in very white Texas, was pulled over many times for minor infractions and believes it was his accent that kept him safe from police brutality. His debut crime novel, A Past that Breathes, takes place in Los Angeles in the early nineties when he practiced law in the City of Angels du...2021-06-2954 min
Uncorking a StoryMary Dixie CarterMary Dixie is the daughter of Designing Women star, Dixie Carter and step-daughter of Hal Holbrook. Her writing has appeared in Time, The Economist, San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and more. She worked at The Observer for five years as the publishing director, and has worked as a professional actor. Mary Dixie has an honors degree in English Literature from Harvard College and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two young children. Her first novel, The Photographer, has been called "an e...2021-06-2255 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThriving in Uncharted Times, A Conversation with Margaret HeffernanThis Conversation in Depth podcast features Kay Corry Aubrey and former tech executive, TED speaker, BBC producer, and author Margaret Heffernan. Margaret’s latest book, Uncharted: How to Navigate the Future, is not only fascinating but very timely. Margaret says we can step back and learn from the very visceral experience of uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic threw our way.2021-04-2928 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Power of Business Conversation with Daniel WolfThis edition of the QRCA Conversations in Depth podcast features Foster Winter’s conversation with Daniel Wolf discussing the Power of Business Conversation—from casual, informal conversations to structured strategy meetings. Some takeaways: Keep the elements of productive conversations relevant, alive, and available; address the benefits of casual office conversations even while working remotely; conversations are key to decision management and organizational development.2021-03-2540 min
Uncorking a StoryThe Ruin of Souls Chapter 1Today we are going to switch gears a bit as I'd like to share with you the first chapter of my latest book The Ruin of Souls. Now look, I'm not a professional voiceover artist nor am I an audio engineer, so keep both in mind as you listen in. If you like what you hear and want to listen to more, let me know by emailing michael.carlon@uncorkingastory.com. if there's enough interest, I'll release the second and third chapters. As always, thanks for listening. Learn more...2021-02-0921 min
Uncorking a StoryJim Carlon Part 2This is the second part of my interview with my twin brother, Jim Carlon. In it, we discuss his decision to join the Jag Corps at almost 40 years of age and why that marked such a turning point in his life. Buckle in and grab the Kleenex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-02-0555 min
Uncorking a StoryJim Carlon Part 1I have easily interviewed a few thousand people in my career as a moderator and interviewer. I can honestly say that Interviewing my twin brother about his book, Conversation with a Desperate Man, was one of the toughest interviews I’ve ever had to conduct. It isn’t easy hearing someone you love describe the pain they’ve faced in their lives and the darkness that enveloped them. But his story isn’t a tragedy; far from it. It’s actually a love story and you will hear how Jim was able to overcome the challenges he faced. I had to...2021-02-0247 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastQualitative Tools for Generative Design Research: A Conversation with Liz SandersLiz Sanders is an experimental psychologist and a pioneer in generative design research. She is the founder of Make Tools, which leverages participatory human-centered methods for innovation and to address the big challenges we face in today’s world. Liz is also a professor within the Design Department at The Ohio State University. QRCA VIEWS Luminaries Feature Editor Kay Corry Aubrey recently spoke with Liz about her work in a field that she helped to create, related to qualitative research.2021-01-2019 min
Uncorking a StoryA Leap of FaithWhen I was a kid, sometimes TV shows would have the very special episode, which would deal with a difficult or controversial subject. Do you remember these? Topics dealt with things such as AIDS, teen pregnancy, or drug use. Memorable ones include The Bicycle Man on Different Strokes (The Maytag man was a naughty boy) and A, My Name is Alex, on Family Ties when Alex has to confront his emotions after the death of a friend. Well, today we have a very special episode of Uncorking a Story. Normally on this show I interview authors about...2020-12-1124 min
Uncorking a StoryThe Nick Braccia InterviewNick Braccia is a Cannes Lions- and Clio-winning writer, director, and producer. In 2018, he co-created and co-executive produced the horror podcast Video Palace for AMC Network's streaming service Shudder. While working at the marketing agency Campfire, he helped to develop immersive, narrative experiences for TV shows like Outcast, Sense8, Watchmen, The Man in the High Castle, Westworld, and The Purge. His new book, Off the Back of a Truck: Unofficial contraband for the Soprano’s Fan, is available for sale now wherever books are sold. In this interview Nick talks about his background and some important people wh...2020-12-071h 06
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Case for Qualitative Research Education: An Interview with Rick WeitzerIn addition to his position as managing partner of the Prell Organization, he is adjunct assistant professor at the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University in St. Louis. As an emeritus member of QRCA and a recipient of the President’s Award, he is also very involved with the Education Special interest Group.2020-11-2431 min
Celluloid ZeroesEpisode 10 Action JacksonOn this episode of Celluloid Zeroes, brother Jimmy and I discuss the 1988 non-classic Action Jackson starring Carl Weathers in the title role of Detective Lt. Jericho "Action" Jackson. Rounding out the cast are Craig T. Nelson playing the antagonist Peter Dellaplane, whose Poltergeist money must have run out, Vanity as the love interest Sydney, who was likely using the proceeds of this film to fuel a crack habit, and Sharon Stone, whose exposed rear end in one scene was clearly shot to put other rears in theatre seats. This movie is really one of the last of...2020-11-2157 min
Uncorking a StoryThe Otto Penzler InterviewOtto Penzler is regarded as the world's foremost authority on crime, mystery and suspense fiction. He founded The Mysterious Press in 1975, which he later sold to Warner Books (1989). He reacquired the imprint in 2010 and it now publishes original books as an imprint at Grove/Atlantic, and both original works and classic crime fiction through MysteriousPress.com (www.mysteriouspress.com), in partnership with Open Road Integrated Media. Penzler is a prolific editor, and has won two Edgar Awards, for Encyclopedia of Mystery and Detection in 1977 and The Lineup in 2010. The Mystery Writers of America awarded him the prestigious...2020-11-1959 min
Uncorking a StoryJess Stainbrook, Emmy Award Winning Filmmaker and Executive Director of the Invisible Disabilities® AssociationThere is no doubt that the combination of Covid and what is going on in cities throughout the country has created more than the usual amount of stress in most of us. Add to that politics – not matter what side of the aisle you are on – and you have a recipe for overwhelming stress. With us today to discuss invisible disabilities – and a way to help you and yours deal with stress – is the Executive Director of the Invisible Disabilities® Association, Jess Stainbrook. Jess is known for building successful media teams and championing significant visual storytelling efforts through in...2020-11-0656 min
Celluloid ZeroesEpisode 9: Love at First BiteThis movie came out in 1979 and captures that time period in New York with fang like sharpness. Okay, maybe that's a stretch, but unlike many of the other movies we've discussed on this podcast, this one does not smell like the Volga river at low tide. Yes this is a comedy, but as we uncover it is so much more. It is about a middle aged man, er vampire, seeking relevance. It's about a woman learning to embrace commitment. And it's about a psychiatrist looking for, well we really aren't sure what he's looking for. But he...2020-10-311h 08
Celluloid ZeroesEpisode 8: City HeatThe year was 1984, Jim and I were ten years old, and our father took us to the movies to see City Heat. The two of us remember this movie as a comedic masterpiece and 36 years later we are questioning our sanity. Set towards the end of prohibition, the action takes place in Kansas City and stars two of the most well known actors of the day; Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood. While the movie has some great one-liners from Eastwood, they aren’t enough from making this a certified Celluloid Zero. While there’s not much to disc...2020-10-2545 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastOnline Qualitative – Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going: A Conversation with Jen DaleQRCA luminary Jen Dale shares a fun conversation with Foster Winter about her 22 years in online qualitative research—the past, the present, and the future; the good, the bad, and the ugly!2020-09-2938 min
Celluloid ZeroesEpisode 7: YellowbeardWhen asked about the movie Yellowbeard, John Cleese said that it was one of the six worst movies ever made. His co-star, and fellow Monty Python Alum, Eric Idle commented that it was one of the worst films he ever made. With those endorsements from the film's stars you know you have a certified Celluloid Zero on your hands, and Yellowbeard is just that. Jim and I first saw this move in the summer of 1983 and, looking back, our parents should have received a visit from child protective services for letting us see it. Watching this film...2020-09-131h 02
Celluloid ZeroesEp 6: No Retreat, No SurrenderJim was always a bigger fan of martial arts movies and he lets his fanboyness shine through as we discuss the 1986 less than masterpiece No Retreat, No Surrender. The actors and director certainly took the title to heart as non of them retreated or surrendered from this movie, even though they should have. In a Celluloid Zeroes first, Jim walks us through the synopsis of this film (in great detail) and you can hear the passion in his voice build as he does so, all the while you can tell a rant is building—and he does no...2020-09-051h 07
Celluloid ZeroesEpisode 5: Oscar (1991)Filmmaker Joe Indusi joins Mike and Jim as they discuss 1991's Oscar, starring Sylvester Stallone and a relatively unknown actress at the time—Marissa Tomei. While Oscar is, in fact, a celluloid zero, that doesn't mean there isn't anything redeeming about it. On the contrary, this film spurs discussions around the importance of taking risks in life (just as Stallone did in this film), experiences with overbearing fathers, and cases of mistaken identity. Perhaps the most interesting aspects of this discussion have nothing to do with the film itself, but Joe's non-sequitur stories about who he...2020-08-161h 09
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastAn Interview with Karen MangiaIn this edition of Conversations in Depth, QRCA’s Luminairies editor Kay Corry Aubrey talks with Karen Mangia, Vice President of Consumer and Market Insights at Salesforce.com. Kay and Karen discuss the role of qualitative research within this dynamic company as well as some very interesting ways in which Salesforce is listening to the voice of their customers around the world. In addition, Karen is also the author of Success with Less, a particularly timely book for these current times.2020-07-2921 min
Celluloid ZeroesEpisode 4: The Black HoleWhen Mike and Jim saw this movie in 1979 we thought it was one of the coolest things ever. There were spaceships, robots, lasers and giant red meteors! Oh, and this whirlpool looking black hole that meant almost certain death to anything that got sucked into it. Seeing this movie through adult eyes, however, led to a newfound appreciation of it. Jim immediately takes us to a dark place because, well, he’s Jim and needs to tout his intimate knowledge of personality disorders whenever he can. Mike explores the biblical themes of the story and, somehow, they bo...2020-07-251h 10
Celluloid ZeroesEp 3: MegaForceToday, the Carlon brothers are joined by filmmaker Joe Indusi to discuss 1982s MegaForce. When this film came out, Mike and Jim were 8 years old. Looking back, that must have been the prime demographic for this film because it included flying motorcycles, glorified dune buggies with lasers, and men with feathered hair—lots of feathered hair. For all the missiles launched from motorcycles, there we no fatalities in this movie which makes us think that the inspiration was the GI Joe cartoon which was becoming popular around the same time. Watching it at 45 is a dif...2020-07-121h 09
Celluloid ZeroesEpisode 2: Hawk the SlayerIn the second installment of Celluloid Zeroes, the Carlon brothers discuss the 1980 fantasy film Hawk the Slayer and question whether they actually had a happy childhood after all. The plot of this movie has more holes in it than the European countryside in the 1940s. They ask the big questions such as what kid of dirt did the producers have on Jack Palance and was this really just a Dungeons and Drago's rip off of Star Wars? Listen in as we address these questions and have a ton of laughs along the way.2020-07-0355 min
Celluloid ZeroesEpisode 1: Zorro the Gay BladeIn this inaugural episode of the Celluloid Zeroes Podcast, the Carlon brothers take a deep dive into the 1981 parody Zorro The Gay Blade starring George Hamilton, Lauren Hutton, and Ron Leibman. Listen in as Mike and Jim discuss what they liked about this film back in the day and their reactions to it almost forty years after they saw it for the first time. We make a link to Batman, today's social justice initiatives, and how George Hamilton's accent is actually its own character. Is there any chance this movie would see the light of...2020-06-2755 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastWriting the Right Questions: An Interview with Kayte HamiltonKayte Hamilton, recipient of this year’s QRCA Rising Star Award, joins host Foster Winter for a particularly timely conversation on transitioning to online qualitative work—how to think about wording, discussion flow, considering the final output, and other important aspects of online qualitative work.2020-05-2025 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Martin RaymondMartin Raymond is a Co-founder of The Future Laboratory, journalist and considered one of the world’s leading futurists. In this Luminaries podcast interview Kay Corry Aubrey spoke with Raymond about the critical role of the human researcher in foresight research as we enter an age dominated by artificial intelligence. The Future Laboratory’s work is truly human centered. Raymond describes how his team identifies trends by finding and connecting with people who are the true innovators in a field, and how they use qualitative research, scenario planning, and storytelling to build frameworks to flesh out future trends2020-04-2227 min
Uncorking a StoryThe Diane O'Connell InterviewAll I had to do was love them. That observation pretty much sums up Diane O’Connell’s perspective on how she was able to bond with so many kids who passed through the halls of Stamford/Trinity Catholic High School. In this interview you will hear about how walking into the main office as a parent, wearing nothing but a bathing suit and cover up (and apparently some pearls), led to Diane landing her dream job as the school’s main office secretary. You will learn that she’s got some serious pull when it comes...2020-03-2037 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastWhat Marketers Need to Know about Human Bias: An Interview with Richard ShottonConsidered one of the most talented brand strategists in the UK, Richard Shotton is the author of The Choice Factory: 25 behavioral biases that influence what we buy. His book won the 2018 World Cup of Advertising Books, outperforming Ogilvy on Advertising as one of the most significant books on advertising of all time. In this Conversation in Depth with QRCA’s Kay Aubrey, Rich points out that discussions about behavioral science and marketing usually include descriptions of many biases, but not enough talk about how to apply them. Be sure to listen for his references to id...2020-01-2329 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Sean Campbell and Scott SwigartSean Campbell and Scott Swigart are the co-owners of the Oregon-based company, Cascade Insights. Together, they have built two different businesses over the past 10 years, in the broad arena of technology industry- focused marketing and consulting. Their first business, founded in 1999, was a technical consultancy whose clients included some of the largest companies in the software and hardware fields. While building 3 Leaf, Sean and Scott also wrote three books on best practices in the technology industry, two of which were published by Microsoft Press and one by Intel. After growing and developing the company over six years, Sean...2019-12-0718 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Scott BerkunRCA book review editor Kay Corry Aubrey interviews Scott Berkun. Scott is the author of best selling Myths of Innovation, which explores the truths of creativity and innovation. Scott was a project manager at Microsoft from 1994 until 2003 and worked with the development teams on the original versions of the ubiquitous Internet Explorer (v1-5), Windows, and MSN. An author, consultant and software industry veteran, Scott Berkun writes books, consults with managers, and teaches creative thinking at the University of Washington. He is also the author of another best-selling business book The Art of Project Management (O'Reilly 2005). Over the years...2019-12-0715 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Rick Weitzer Rick Weitzer is a longtime QRCA member and principal partner of the Prell Organization, received his MS in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University and a BA in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University. In addition to his duties at Prell over the past 20+ years, Mr. Weitzer was also Director of Research at Kerlick Switzer Johnson Advertising, conducted surveys and performed on-air analysis for KMOV-TV, the CBS-affiliate in St. Louis, taught marketing research at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, was on the staff of Congressman Richard Gephardt and directed polling for St. Louis Mayor Vincent Schoemehl.2019-12-0726 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Paul GillinPaul Gillin is a veteran technology journalist with more than 23 years of editorial leadership. Paul was founding editor-in-chief of TechTarget, one of the most successful new media entities to emerge on the Internet. Previously, he was editor-in-chief and executive editor of Computerworld magazine. He writes the social media column for BtoB magazine, and his new book, The New Influencers, chronicles the changes in markets being driven by the new breed of bloggers and podcasters. Paul specializes in advising business-to-business marketers on strategies to optimize their use of online channels to reach buyers cost-effectively. He is particularly interested in social...2019-12-0713 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Naomi HendersonNaomi Henderson opened RIVA in 1981 and is its CEO, directing policy and procedures for two divisions: Research and Training. She is co-founder of the RIVA Training Institute, where she serves as a Master Trainer writing curriculum for public and custom courses and fulfilling her dream to leave the industry in better shape than when she entered, by training researchers in the art and science of rigorous qualitative research techniques. Naomi has been a researcher since 1964, and has led more that 5,500 focus groups and interviewed more than 60,000 people in groups or individually and is a nationally recognized Master Moderator. She...2019-12-0749 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Mary Ellen BatesMary Ellen Bates is both the beauty and brains behind Bates Information Services, where she provides strategic business research for business professionals and knowledge workers. Before launching her business in 1991, she worked for many years as a corporate librarian. She never developed the quiet Librarian Voice, however. Mary Ellen offers strategic business coaching to new and long-time info-entrepreneurs, and is the author of six books, including Building & Running a Successful Research Business (Information Today, 2nd edition, 2010). She is also a frequent keynote speaker. She, her partner, her dogs and (soon) her bees live in the boondocks of...2019-12-0715 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Liz Van PattenLiz Van Patten is a veteran qualitative research consultant with more than 25 years’ experience discovering insights for dozens of client companies, advertising agencies, government and industry groups. As head of her own qualitative research consultancy since 1987, Liz has provided customized, highly professional qualitative research services to dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Her business philosophy relies on building partnerships with clients and managing research investigations with creativity and flexibility. Through her newest venture, Liz designs and executes domestic and international online qualitative research projects and online insight communities in financial services, Internet, e-commerce, CPG, retailing, pharmaceutical/he...2019-12-0715 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin KovalLinda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval have moved to the top of the advertising industry by following a simple but powerful philosophy: it pays to be nice. Where so many companies encourage a dog eat dog mentality, the Kaplan Thaler Group has succeeded through chocolate and flowers. In The Power of Nice: How To Conquer The Business World With Kindness, through their own experiences and the stories of other people and businesses, they demonstrate why, contrary to conventional wisdom, nice people finish first. They are interviewed here by QRCA President Sharon Livingston, Ph.D.2019-12-0748 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Laurie Tema-LynLaurie Tema-Lyn, Founder of Practical Imagination Enterprises, has been integrating creativity and qualitative research for the past 25 years. She inspires and guides client teams to create new business strategies, fill the pipeline with product and positioning concepts, and uncover robust insights about existing and potential consumers/customers. Laurie relishes taking on the tough assignments where new approaches and methodologies are created to deliver success: breakthroughs in thinking, insights and ideas. She draws her inspiration from the diversity of projects and clients she gets to work and play with—and has consulted in areas as wide ranging as advertising to zo...2019-12-0622 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Ken GronbachKenneth W. Gronbach is a gifted public speaker and a nationally recognized expert in the field of Demography and Generational Marketing. An accomplished President and CEO, himself, Ken has proven success in creating value, leading companies and planning for the future with uncanny accuracy. Ken entertains his audiences with his own special brand of wit, humor and clear communication. He makes the science of shifting demography come alive with real life examples that make it relevant to today’s culture, business climate and economy. Ken is a marketing guru who regularly provides counsel to Fortune 500 companies as well as lar...2019-12-0622 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Judith GlaserIn this first QRCA VIEWS podcast, Sharon Livingston, Ph.D. interviews world-class consultant, Judith Glaser. Judith Glaser is CEO of Benchmark Communications, Inc. Founded in 1980, her consulting firm works with CEOs and their teams helping them focus on competitive challenges in a world of moving targets with a direct line of site to the customer. Judith considers herself an Organizational Anthropologist, working with clients at the intersection of culture, leadership and brand Her two books Creating WE: Change I-Thinking to We-Thinking & Build a Healthy Thriving Organization and The DNA of Leadership, made Amazon Business Book...2019-12-0648 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with JR HarrisRobert (“J.R.”) Harris, President of JRH Marketing Services, has over 40 years of diverse marketing and research experience, including media, packaged goods, international, and ethnic marketing and research assignments from major corporations, agencies, organizations and government ministries. He is also an experienced qualitative research consultant who has moderated thousands of focus groups. He is a Founding Member and past President of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA). For more than 20 years he chaired the organization’s Bylaws Committee and he continues to be active in QRCA as Chair of the Professionalism Committee. Harris is an elected member of the Market...2019-12-0649 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with John HlinkoJohn Hlinko has long been recognized as an innovator and Buzz Czar on the grassroots-marketing front, using emerging technologies and creative communications to achieve maximum results within constrained budgets. He has been covered by nearly all the major broadcast and print news outlets and has been quoted as a grassroots expert in more than a dozen books. Hlinko has earned a number of awards and accolades including being named one of the “top five PR Professionals of the Year” by PRWeek and one of the top 25 “individuals, organizations and companies having the greatest impact on the way the in...2019-12-0635 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with John ArnoldJohn Arnold is a leading marketing speaker and author specializing in marketing advice for small businesses. He is the author of "E-Mail Marketing for Dummies" co-author of "Web Marketing All-In-One for Dummies", the forthcoming "Mobile Marketing for Dummies, and a regular contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine. As Director of Constant Contact University John speaks, trains, and advises small business. He is a sought-after marketing speaker and small business marketing consultant. During John's tenure, Constant Contact(r) was named #166 on Inc. 500's list of the fastest growing private companies and later completed a successful Initial Public Offering. He is...2019-12-0613 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Jim LorettaHe has over 25 years of marketing research experience among clients in the United States, US Hispanic and Latin American market segments. He was born and raised in Mexico and is completely bilingual and bicultural. As a strategic planner, he is adept in transferring key insights and hot buttons generated from qualitative research into actionable copy points in the development of creative execution working closely with both clients and advertising agencies. He is interviewed here by QRCA member, Maureen Quinn Olsen.2019-12-0648 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Jean SifleetJean D. Sifleet, Esq., CPA is the head of the Business Practice Group law firm. With her extensive business background, Jean provides practical, outcome-focused advice to business owners. Jean is the author of numerous articles and several books, including: "Beyond 401(k)s for Small Business Owners" (Wiley 2004) and "Advantage IP - Profit from Your Great Ideas" (Infinity 2006). By working with Jean and her colleagues, owners of privately held companies receive a broad range of services - from business formation through ownership transition - with an emphasis on implementing smart business practices to avoid problems, and using legal strategies to pro...2019-12-0610 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Ben McConnell and Jackie HubaBen McConnell and Jackie Huba are experts on the effects of word of mouth on customer loyalty. Forbes has called their work "the word of mouth gospel." In 2003, they released Creating Customer Evangelists: How Loyal Customers Become a Volunteer Sales Force. The New York Times called it "the new mantra for entrepreneurial success. At last count, the book has been translated into seven languages. Their latest book is Citizen Marketers: When People are the Message, which the Wall Street Journal called "an insightful explanation of how the Internet has armed the consumer which is to say everyone ag...2019-12-0617 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Ilise BenunIlise Benun is an author, consultant, national speaker, founder of Marketing Mentor and co-producer of the Creative Freelancer Conference. She is on a mission to teach people who work for themselves how to take control of their business and get the work they want, which she does through one-on-one, as well as group, mentoring. She speaks around the country to trade associations such as the UPA, Her books include “Stop Pushing Me Around: A Workplace Guide for the Timid, Shy and Less Assertive,” “The Designer’s Guide to Marketing and Pricing," and her latest, The Creative Professional's Guide to...2019-12-0616 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Frank BentleyFrank Bentley and Edward Barrett wrote Building Mobile Experiences, a book recently published by the MIT Press that describes the qualitative and quantitative research process his teams at MIT and Motorola use to create unique and successful mobile products. Frank’s research centers on building new mobile experiences to strengthen strong tie social relationships and to bring joy and delight to consumers. The techniques outlined in the book have evolved over the past 10 years and draw from anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction, design, computer science, and business. Frank is a Principal Staff Research Scientist in the Core Research Group at...2019-12-0617 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Dr. Stephen CoveyDr. Sharon Livingston interviews Dr. Stephen Covey. An internationally respected leadership authority, family expert, teacher, organizational consultant, and author, Dr. Covey dedicates his life to teaching principle-centered living and leadership to individuals, families, and organizations. Holder of an MBA from Harvard and a doctorate degree from Brigham Young University, Dr. Covey is author of the international bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, named the #1 Most Influential Business Book of the Twentieth Century, and other best sellers that include First Things First , Principle-Centered Leadership, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families. A recipient of awards ranging from International Man...2019-12-0431 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Dr. G. Clotaire RapailleDr. G. Clotaire Rapaille is a French-born medical anthropologist and psychiatrist who consults with American corporations. He is author of the recent book, The Culture Code: An Ingenious Way to Understand Why People Around the World Live and Buy as They Do. According to his website, he is also an internationally known expert in Archetype Discoveries and Creativity. His unique approach to marketing combines a psychiatrist's depth of analysis with a businessman's attention to practical concerns. He has written more than ten books on these topics. One of his books, Creative Communication, has become the standard reference for the Fre...2019-12-0422 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Dorie ClarkDorie Clark is a strategy consultant who has worked with clients including the National Park Service, the Ford Foundation, Yale University, and Google. Clark served as the New Hampshire Communications Director for Howard Dean’s presidential campaign and the Press Secretary for former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich’s race for Massachusetts governor. She has been published in the Harvard Business Review and is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and BNET, the business division of CBS Interactive.2019-12-0420 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview David VinjamuriDavid Vinjamuri is founder and President of ThirdWay Brand Trainers, a leading brand marketing training company and Adjunct Instructor of Marketing at New York University. David has over 18 years of marketing and management experience. He started his marketing career at Johnson & Johnson and later worked for Coca-Cola and DoubleClick. David is a graduate of Swarthmore College and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy. David writes and speaks frequently on marketing. He is editor for the ThirdWay Advertising Blog; an AdAge Power 150 blog and reviews advertising for BrandWeek magazine. He has been the featured guest lecturer on the Queen Mary 2...2019-12-0448 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Dave SiegelDave Siegel is the founder and “Big Daddy” of WonderGroup, the largest independent U.S. agency specializing in marketing and advertising to today’s moms and their kids. After serving as the President of WonderGroup for the past ten years, Dave has moved over to take the Presidential reigns of WonderGroup’s Launchforce Division—a premier innovation consultancy whose clients include: Kellogg’s, Purina, Sara-Lee, Nestle’s, ConAgra, Tate & Lyle, Anheuser Busch and others. Dave has spent the past 30 years immersed in youth marketing and new product development, advising some of the country’s top corporations in the fields of: Food & Beverag...2019-12-0447 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Bill HartmanBill Hartman is the Director of Research at Essential - a product, interaction, and service design consultancy in Boston. Bill has a broad background in user-centered design and has led multi-disciplinary programs in a range of industries. He has a particular interest in ethnographic research and collaborative design methods as means to humanize technology in compelling and differentiated ways. Bill's design research and strategy work has helped providers of devices, systems, and services better serve the needs of their businesses as well as end users. His recent work has included building products, medical devices, web portals, mobile...2019-12-0417 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Bill BuxtonQRCA book review editor Kay Corry Aubrey interviews Bill Buxton who is a designer and a researcher concerned with human aspects of technology.His work reflects a particular interest in the use of technology to support creative activities such as design, filmmaking and music. Buxton’s research specialties include technologies, techniques and theories of input to computers, technology-mediated human-human collaboration, and ubiquitous computing. He is helping to bring design to an equal footing with technology at Microsoft. His recent book, Sketching User Experiences, was recently named by Strategy+Business Quarterly as, “the best innovation book of this year.”2019-12-0415 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Bill AbramsBill Abrams is President and founder of dedicated to ethnographic marketing research since 1983. Housecalls has conducted ethnography for many Fortune 500 companies, including food and beverages, personal care, computer, household, financial, oil and gas, insurance, battery, camera and retail categories. Bill is co-chair of the ethnography SIG for the Qualitative Research Consultant’s Association. He is the author of The Observational Research Handbook – Understanding How Consumers Live With Your Product. He has written a number of articles for various marketing research publications, and has spoken at various research conventions and meetings. He has appeared on national, French and Cana...2019-12-0414 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Barbara Newman and Susan SolovayCo-Directors of the consultancy, BrandVisioning, these senior level creative directors have brought their intuitive brand of creativity to global businesses around the world. Among other techniques, they specialize in the use of hypnosis focus groups for deep dives into consumer brand perceptions. They’ve strategized and created some of the industry’s most memorable campaigns: The Best Part of Waking Up … for Folgers coffee. It’s Your Life. Feed it Right… for Slim-Fast. Moms like you choose Jif…for P&G. We Fit America for Fruit of the Loom. They’ve worked their magic for Disney, Duncan Hines, Kool-Aid, Olive Garden...2019-12-0440 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastInterview with Ted KendallNew ways to recruit qual participants are popping up. How do you decide whether they fit your recruiting needs and if you do, how do you adapt all your recruiting skills to the new medium? In our interview with Ted Kendall, market researcher and whenever possible also an avid fisherman – he discusses learning about new recruiting platforms and how to adapt screeners to optimize their use. How does the fishing tie in with this topic – tune in and find out! New fishing holes - the new options and what they offer (no endorsements or r...2019-11-2635 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Andrew Kent InterviewAndrew Kent is a researcher turned fiction writer, living in central Massachusetts, with his wife, children, and dogs. His first novel, "Spam & Eggs: A Johnny Denovo Mystery," was published in February 2009. It introduces the character of Johnny Denovo, a detective who uses metaphor to solve cases. Kent has been described as "a new author whose originality explodes from these pages," and the book has been hailed as "a masterpiece of deductive challenge, engrossing reading, and engaging entertainment" and "a book that in fact puts the writing of a lot of very seasoned and famous mystery writers to shame." You...2019-10-3013 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Andrew Ballenthin InterviewAndrew Ballenthin is a marketing consultant and president of Sol Solutions with 18 years experience in this field. Having worked with corporations like Harley Davidson, Labatt, Quebecor, Volvo Group, Sharp Electronics, UPS and Texaco Andrew enjoys the challenges of complex growth plans. His 10+ years in digital marketing and work with small businesses have enabled him to apply flexible branding, integrated marketing and growth programs in this space too. Over the past two years Andrew has spent over 2,500 hours working with social media from a marketing and business perspective. One of Andrew's key insights in this field is that...2019-10-3026 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Bryan Mattimore InterviewBryan W. Mattimore is co-founder of The Growth Engine Company, an innovation agency based in Norwalk, Connecticut. Founded in 1999, the Growth Engine Company’s mission is to help companies grow through creative exploration. Prior to co-founding Growth Engine, he was President of the Mattimore Group, a twenty-year old ideation and creativity consulting company. Bryan has facilitated over 1000 brainstorming sessions and moderated over 500 creative focus groups and/or ethnographies for large Fortune 500 clients including Kraft, Unilever, Proctor and Gamble, ATT, L’Oreal, BNY Mellon, Pepsi, Honeywell and Time Warner. A cum laude graduate of Dartmouth, his best-selling book on b...2019-06-1818 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Robert Hokeman InterviewRobert Hoekman Jr has authored several books and dozens of articles for a range of publications, including Fast Company magazine's "Co.Design" blog. He is a columnist for the revered motorcycle culture and lifestyle magazine Iron & Air (www.ironandair.com), where he is also a contributing editor. He has spoken to packed rooms at dozens of events all over the world. Robert is also the author of "The 13 Tenets of User Experience" for the Fall 2015 issue of QRCA VIEWS magazine. This article originally appeared in Smashing Magazine and it is republished in QRCA Views with their permission.2019-06-1817 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Richard Owen InterviewShould qualitative researchers be thinking about adding mobile to their qualitative toolbox? Richard Owen, founder and CEO of Crowdlab says, without hesitation, yes! Who is Richard Owen? Well, Richard has been in the market research business for over twenty years and has worked at prestigious firms such as Millward Brown, Copernicus, and Hall & Partners. Frustrated by the pace of change (or lack thereof) in the market research industry, Richard founded Crowdlab as a company designed to field high quality research empowered by bleeding edge technology to amplify the wonders of traditional research thinking and doing. If you wan...2019-06-1846 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Randy Scher InterviewListen in as QRCA Views Podcast Editor Mike Carlon interviews Randy Scher of iPowering Motivation about the use of hypnosis in qualitative research. In this interview, Randy dispels some common myths around hypnosis and discusses its practical applications in qualitative research. For example, as people can remember things vividly while “in state,” Randy discusses how memories of early brand experiences can be shared and how stories of those experiences can help brands better understand the relationships they have with consumers. Hypnosis also helps to uncover brand associations below the level of conscious thought, where modern neuroscience suggest most brand decisi...2019-06-1847 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Paul Jacobson InterviewPaul Jacobson is a 20 year veteran of the qualitative research business. For the past 15 months, Paul and his lovely wife Leny have run Razor Focus; a focus group facility located in Stamford, CT. Listen in as we explore Paul's early days in advertising and his journey to becoming a highly sought after moderator. We cover the lessons he learned about himself while working as a qualitative consultant for over 20 years and why he and his wife ultimately decided to get into the facility business. We wind down our conversation by discussing what moderators should know about the fa...2019-06-1840 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Owen Shaprio InterviewOwen Shapiro is a market researcher, strategist and speaker. He’s the President of Shapiro + Raj, a Chicago-based strategic research firm. He’s also highly educated, having earned an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago (with a concentration in Behavioral Sciences), an M.A. in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in Political Science from Reed College. Shapiro co-authored a book with futurist David Houle about how cultural change and accelerating technological advancement are affecting brands called, Brand Shift: the Future of Brands and Marketing. The book begins with a history...2019-06-1828 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Naomi Henderson InterviewNaomi Henderson is the CEO of RIVA, based in Rockville, MD, where she directs policy and procedures for two divisions: Research and Training. Naomi co-founded the RIVA Training Institute in 1981 where she currently serves as a Master Trainer, writing curriculum for public and custom courses and training researchers in the art and science of rigorous qualitative research techniques. Naomi has led over 6,000 focus groups and interviewed more than 60,000 individuals in her career since 1964. She is a nationally recognized Master Moderator. A licensed practitioner of NeuroLinguistic Programming, Henderson is also a certified Master Coach, and has e...2019-06-1838 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastKathryn Haydon and Jane HarveyListen in as authors Kathryn Haydon and Jane Harvey are interviewed by 2015 QRCA MaryAnne Pflug Award Winner Marta Villanueva about their book Creativity for Everybody (Sparkitivity, 2015) which was published in 2015. This conversation brings to life valuable insights and awareness that unlock creativity and lead to more innovative business practices. Kathryn Haydon is a writer, speaker, and creativity consultant who helps teams find purpose and productivity through awareness and application of creative strengths. She co-authored Discovering and Developing Talents in Spanish-Speaking Students (Corwin, 2012); writes for various publications on creativity, education, and parenting; and is a published poet. Kathryn hol...2019-06-1828 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Jim Heisler InterviewJim Heisler's work in the marketing research industry spans almost four decades. In that time he has become an expert in all facets of customer experience research as well as in market segmentation, brand advertising, corporate reputation, market attitudes and behavior, and new product research. In this interview you will hear how Jim parlayed his doctorate in Social Psychology into a very successful career in market research. You will also hear his take on where our industry is going and the skills that researchers of the future will require to succeed in the "new world" of market...2019-06-1827 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Jim Bryson InterviewJim Bryson is the founder and CEO of 2020 Research; a Nashville based qualitative research firm with facilities in Nashville, Charlotte, and Miami. In addition to traditional facilities, 2020 is a leading provider of online qualitative solutions including both asynchronous and real-time interviewing solutions. In this interview, Jim talks about the irony of hating his research classes while in college while seconds later discussing how he helped to develop a very successful research business. We discuss the bet he took on online qualitative research early on, his time as a state senator in TN, and his motivations for starting...2019-06-1847 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Jen Golbeck InterviewListen in as QRCA Views Podcast Editor Mike interviews Jennifer Golbeck from the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland. If you are in the majority, you share a lot of your own life on social media; services such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram account for a significant amount of Internet traffic and people are sharing massive amounts of data about themselves, their attitudes, and their brand preferences through these services. In the marketing community there are what seem to be never-ending arguments about how this active and passive sharing of data by consumers will i...2019-06-1820 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Jack Campisi InterviewJack Campisi is an Account Director with Civicom; a company serving the marketing research community with virtual communications solutions. Jack joins the QRCA Qualcast to discuss his time during the "wild west" days of online qualitative research which began at Strategic Focus, a focus group facility in Westport, CT. That's where he met Andy Greenfield, Hugh Davis, and Paul Jacobson - the three people credited with building one of the worlds first (and most successful) online marketing research firms, Greenfield Online. We follow Jack's career to FocusVision and end by talking about his current gig at C...2019-06-1833 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Diane Darling InterviewLanding new clients is critical to having a healthy service oriented business. As such, it is important that we take the time to network in order to make new connections and identify new business possibilities. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, 'How good am I at networking?' The fact of the matter is, none of us are born master networkers; networking is a skill we learn through experience - but it can also be coached. Diane Darling is the owner of Effective Networking, a training organization designed to help people become better at networking. She h...2019-06-1831 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Steve August InterviewIn the latest episode, QRCA Views Podcast Editor Mike interviews Steve August, Chief Marketing Officer of FocusVision, about the history and future of qualitative research. A true visionary, Steve is a digital and mobile qualitative research pioneer. He created Revelation in 2007, the trailblazing online platform for mobile diaries, insight communities and bulletin boards. Revelation was acquired by FocusVision in 2014. With all that success, you might think that Steve's career started in research, but you would be wrong. Before Revelation, Steve was a singer/songwriter with a pretty eclectic background. He was a dude in the t...2019-06-1839 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Philip Denning InterviewIn casual conversations with architects and developers, I’ve heard interesting accounts of exploratory meetings and interactions that are conducted with community stakeholders during a community planning process. Of interest is the work of Philip Denning, our guest on this edition of the VIEWS Podcast. Prior to joining the City of Cincinnati, where he is director of Community and Economic Development, Phil’s work for a New Orleans architecture and planning firm involved him with vital community engagement projects post-hurricane Katrina. Beyond the world of marketing, it’s qualitative research in action. These community meetings are often very la...2019-06-1825 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Missy Carvin InterviewIn the latest episode, QRCA Views Podcast Editor Foster interviews Missy Carvin from New Directions Consulting, Inc., about her experiences using the World Café process for finding deeper connections with others. Recalling a presentation of this technique at a QRCA conference, Foster called on Missy’s expertise to assist him with the development of several successful client workshops during the past year. The World Café is a fascinating approach to holding conversations with meaning. In this structured but flexible methodology, participants are able to explore Questions That Matter; whether those questions are related to great soci...2019-06-1826 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastMarc Engel and Pascal PatenaudeListen in as QRCA Views Podcast Editor Mike Carlon interviews Marc Engel and Pascal Patenaude on applying the art of improv in qualitative marketing research. Marc was in two improve/sketch comedy troupes in LA with a name you might recognize, Kristin Wiig. He is also a standup comic. Pascal studied improv as part of his training at the National Theatre School of Canada. Listen as they discuss the practical applications of improv in the qualitative process including role-playing in workshops, reliving experiences with a product or brand, and in ideation. You will walk away...2019-06-181h 02
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Joseph Coughlin InterviewIn 1900 the average American lived to age 47, today this average has increased over 30 years to 79. By 2050 21% of the US population will be over 65 and this aging trend is worldwide. Yet, outside of sleeker looking adult diapers and products that help people when they fall and can’t get up, consumer product companies have largely ignored this cohort even though their spending power is $8 trillion dollars in the United States alone. Joseph F. Coughlin is the Founder and Director of the MIT AgeLab, which for the past twenty years has focused on creating new ideas, products and services th...2019-06-1819 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe John Seigel Boettner InterviewIn the latest episode, QRCA Views Podcast Editor Mike interviews John Seigel Boettner from Teen Press, an organization started at Santa Barbara Middle School that helps middle school aged kids learn the ins and outs of conducting interviews. The story of Teen Press is quite unique. John is a film buff and often uses film as a teaching aid. Years ago, when the Santa Barbara International Film Festival was coming to town, John wanted to give his students a chance to talk to some influential filmmakers so he them apply for press credentials and taught them some...2019-06-1812 minConversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Barbara Rugen InterviewIn 2014 Barbara Rugen was a recently retired QRCA member. She and her husband joined the Peace Corps and were sent for two years to the African country of Namibia. As she now observers, “Never once did I think I would be called upon to use my qualitative background. To my surprise, I found that my skills could make a significant difference there.” She primarily worked with the Nama, a population of marginalized communities within Namibia. There were a small number of Nama in positions of influence who wanted to uplift their people but were unsure how to do s...2019-06-1822 min
Conversations in Depth: A QRCA Views PodcastThe Sarah DaVanzo InterviewSarah DaVanzo works at the intersection of innovation, marketing, branding, trends and culture. In her current role within the L’Oréal Group (USA), she has developed agile innovation methods to help brands sync with trends, anticipate change, improve relevance and design for the future. In this podcast Luminaries editor Kay Corry Aubrey talked with Sarah about her work, the importance of curiosity and the methods she uses to detect trends that have led to a 73% futures prediction accuracy rate. Sarah suggests that we need to demystify AI. “I like to say AI is artificial ignorance – it’s not tha...2019-06-1829 min
Indie ChicksEp 02: Indie Review - All the F's I Cannot Give by Michael CarlonIn this podcast episode, Lisa reviews a romantic comedy from an Indie author. Listen in... This episode is dedicated to our first indie review of All the F*cks I Cannot Give by Michael Carlon and an indie publishing Tip of the Week - beta readers. First, Lisa and I chatted about our week. We've both been working hard on the Indie Chicks website and our newest novels. Next, Lisa dove into her review of All the F*cks I Cannot Give by Michael Carlon. As you may have guessed from the title...2018-06-2542 min
Uncorking a StoryEpisode 19 - The Jim Carlon InterviewImagine going through basic training for the US Army as you approach the age of 40. It's a pretty hard thing to do at 18, but at 40 - come on it takes a special kind of person to raise his or her hand and say, "Bring it on," but that is just what Captain James P. Carlon of the US Army Reserve did just a few years ago. If that last name sounds familiar, it should - because it's my last name as well. Jim is my twin brother. You might be wondering, why interview your twin? Don’t you k...2017-07-0141 min
Uncorking a StoryEpisode 5 - Author Mick CarlonMichael Carlon interviews Michael Carlon. Have I finally lost my mind? Should they come and take me to South 1 (the psychiatric ward of Stamford Hospital)? Don't judge me too quickly! In this episode I interview my cousin who also happens to have the same name as me; although he goes by Mick and I go by whatever name anyone in my family is willing to call me at any given time (unfortunately, my mother typically calls me Jimmy but that is another story). Mick Carlon has written two novels based on the lives of famous Jazz musicians...2013-03-0131 min