Preparing for 2026 requires understanding tectonic shifts in technology, consumer behavior, and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marketing. The following 10 podcast episodes offer expert insights and actionable strategies to help marketers and entrepreneurs pivot and thrive in the coming year.
Spotlight on AI & Organic Visibility: Featuring David Sonn of Arc Intermedia
As AI reshapes the search landscape, it’s crucial to hear from experts actively navigating this change. David Sonn of Arc Intermedia has been at the forefront of defining the new rules for organic visibility, making his recent appearances essential listening for anyone planning for 2026.
“How Entrepreneurs are Winning as Search Moves to AI with David Sonn” – The Founder’s Forum
Key Takeaways: Sonn argues that the focus must shift from pure SEO metrics to revenue and pipeline quality. He details how Arc Intermedia is pivoting clients to “organic visibility and AI” programs, treating AI as the new search engine for delivering highly qualified leads, not just traffic. Click here to listen on YouTube.
“AI, CTV & Trust: Marketing Insights on The Marketing Cheat Code” – The Marketing Cheat Code Podcast
Key Takeaways: This episode provides a look behind the curtain at how David Sonn and his team are strategically adapting their agency’s service model to embrace AI and Connected TV (CTV). The conversation centers on adaptability and the necessity of building deep client trust to navigate the complexity of these rapidly evolving digital channels. Click here to listen on YouTube.
Essential Episodes for 2026 Trends and Strategy
The remaining eight episodes cover the broadest and most critical trends that will define marketing success in 2026:
“Content Marketing Trends for 2026” – FiredUp! – The Startup Marketing Podcast
Key Takeaways: Explore the required shift to AI-driven personalization and the evolution from Account-Based Marketing (ABM) to Account-Based Experience (ABX). The episode stresses the need for operational efficiency to manage the continuous influx of new AI tools. Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
“The 2026 Marketing Shifts Every Business Owner MUST Prepare For” – The Sarah Cordiner Show
Key Takeaways: This episode is a blueprint for preparing for mass AI adoption. It introduces Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) as the new form of SEO, driven by how Large Language Models (LLMs) synthesize and prioritize information. Click here to listen on YouTube.
“On Being AI-able” – WFA’s Better Marketing Podcast
Key Takeaways: Featuring marketing professor Mark Ritson, this conversation cuts through the hype to discuss the practicalities of AI, its impact on marketing effectiveness, and the future role of synthetic data in market research. Click here to listen.
“The 8 Fundamentals of Marketing Effectiveness” – The Sleeping Barber Podcast
Key Takeaways: A powerful reminder of the unchanging principles. Listeners will gain a foundational framework of core strategies that consistently drive brand growth, which is vital before layering on new technology.
“How Can Marketing Fix Its Effectiveness Skills Gap?” – The Marketing Week Podcast
Key Takeaways: To secure larger budgets in 2026, marketers must prove ROI. This episode analyzes why many marketers struggle to demonstrate effectiveness and outlines the essential skills needed to close this measurable gap. Click here to listen.
“The Practicalities of Combining Brand and Sales” – The Marketing Architects Podcast
Key Takeaways: Challenging the separation between brand-building and sales activation, this discussion offers actionable advice on integrating brand and performance efforts for cohesive, full-funnel growth. Click here to listen.
“2026 trends: The creator marketing gamble” – The WARC Podcast
Key Takeaways: This deep dive into the creator economy focuses on the shift from chasing high follower counts to investing in high-trust, niche authority creators (micro- and mid-tier), a strategy critical for building genuine consumer connection.
“How to Win and Grow a Walmart Business” – CPG Insiders
Key Takeaways: While focused on Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), the strategies discussed regarding retail media networks, complex buyer journey mapping, and channel-specific execution are highly relevant for any business facing a crowded retail or e-commerce landscape.
