IN CLEAR FOCUS: In our first episode of 2026, B2B marketer Devin Bramhall discusses why traditional content playbooks are failing. The former CEO of Animalz, Devin argues for a "human-centered" reset, moving away from keyword-stuffing and toward community-driven growth. Sharing insights from her new book, "B2B Content Marketing Strategy," Devin details how to align message, messenger, and channel. Learn how to develop living profiles and "CEO-proof" your strategy to earn executive buy-in.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Guest Robyn Jackson Malone, CEO of RJ Communications, joins us to discuss the increasingly important role of trust in health communications. Robyn argues that brands have a responsibility to fill the widening information gap authentically. She critiques "window dressing" diversity efforts, advocates for genuine equity, and highlights the critical role of patient advocacy. We also discuss the "You Don't Know Jack About MS" initiative and Pfizer's "I Can Do Both" campaign.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Jean-Pierre Lacroix, co-founder of Shikatani Lacroix Design, and the author of "ThinkBlink Manifesto," reveals why consumers decide emotionally and validate rationally. He explains the "BLINK Factor" and why incremental marketing fails. Jean-Pierre also outlines his seven-tenet framework for moving from features to feelings and building sustainable emotional brand advantages. Learn how to use strategic design, behavioral science, and AI to win the critical moment of purchase.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: In a zero-click world, reputation can shift instantly. Our guest, Kathleen Lucente, CEO of Red Fan Communications, reveals how to turn PR into a measurable revenue driver. She details the "crisis trinity" of speed, transparency, and messaging, and how to avoid the "announcement trap" during M&A. We discuss why brands need an authority reality check to survive in the AI era, and how to identify hidden thought leaders to help build credibility and weather social media storms.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Our guest this week is strategy consultant Kyle Austin Young, who discusses his new book, "Success is a Numbers Game." Kyle explains Probability Hacking: a framework to systematically de-risk goals. We also explore Kyle's 'Success Diagram,' discuss why "Bic For Her" pens failed, and hear how to use keyword research to validate market needs. Learn how to identify potential bad outcomes and tilt the odds in your favor, whether you're launching a product or training for a marathon.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Jon-Stephen Stansel, the author of the Bigeye Book Club selection, "The 10 Principles of Social Media Marketing," explains why human judgment remains essential: "AI can do a lot, but it doesn't have taste." Jon also discusses timeless principles for effective social media, drawn from his work on franchises such as "The Lord of the Rings." Learn why social media is not a one-person job, how to create a consistent brand voice, and why there's no such thing as a boring brand.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Forget chasing big-name podcasts. This week's guest, publicist Christina Lenkowski, reveals why the real money is in guesting on niche shows packed with your ideal audience. She explains how to use podcast guesting as powerful earned media to be someone prospects "know, like, and trust." Learn the secrets to a successful pitch, the importance of service over self-promotion, how to avoid common mistakes, and why this strategy is a long-game for generating warm, qualified leads.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Thom Mozloom of The M Network discusses why brands like Bud Light and Cracker Barrel face backlash. He argues their marketers don't understand, or even like, their core audience. Thom explains how to navigate controversy with honesty and why values-driven marketing, not just purpose-led, is key to building loyalty. He also shares fresh research on news consumption and why he believes attention spans haven't shrunk but tolerance for bad content has.