Rocket Fuel: Youth Marketing

WE ARE SO BACK! That is right your favourite podcast about youth culture, youth audience and youth marketing is back on your feeds! In the 1st episode of season 6 we talk to maybe one of the biggest household names there has been in the world of publishing. Guinness World Records is a company that in 2025 will be celebrating its 70th year and we are talking to Nicholas Brookes who is the Marketing Director behind the brand. We talk with him about his journey and how he ended up marketing a book about some of the craziest things that happen around the world. We talk about the history of the brand and where it is going. And then most importantly James asks Nicholas Brookes for his rocket fuel!———————Follow James @JamesErskine (x.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (instagram.com/wearerockethq)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Contact Nicholas on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/nicholasbrookes)https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/Rocket Fuel is the industry podcast bought to you by Rocket Audio and the team at the award winning Rocket Youth & Parent Marketing ExpertsIt is Hosted and Produced by James ErskineProduced and Edited by Jake Aspey (linkedin.com/in/jakeaspey/)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our 1st of something a bit new we are launching a yearly bonus episode between seasons. This is what we are calling Retro Rocket Fuel! It will feature an episode from the back long followed by James's take on how thing may or may not have changed in the world since then and if the our guests rocket fuel stands the test of time or not.In our retro episode we take you back to 2019/20 just before the world changed dramatically. James (the host) Erskine spoke to James (the guest) O'Malley!James O'Malley is a technology and politics freelance journalist.At the time of broadcast this is what we wrote about James and the episode:“The problem with being a technology journalist is, these days, you're basically an everything journalist.”Technology has become so ubiquitous throughout modern society that it now pervades every nook and cranny of our lives. Of course it has afforded us amazing benefits, but luxuries are not without their costs; we use technology, but it, in turn, uses us. As such, James O'Malley has made it his mission to report and document on how technology catalyses change in the world.Having been the editor for Gizmodo UK for two years, as well as having written for publications such as WIRED and The Spectator, James has become an expert at discussing technology and culture. He has reported on how TfL breaches privacy, the horrors of China's social credit system, and even coded a free-to-use Trump notification bot.Our discussion includes: how technology and politics affect our society, the importance of data, healthy skepticism, and TikTok confusion.This is James O'Malley's Rocket Fuel.Don't for get to stick around after to hear thoughts from James (the host) as he reflects on his discussion with James (the guest) and what can we learn and still apply to today.Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Contact James O'Malley on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/james-o-malley-5a83164)James's Substack https://takes.jamesomalley.co.uk/Rocket Fuel is the industry podcast bought to you by Rocket Audio and the team at the award winning Rocket Youth & Parent Marketing ExpertsIt is Hosted and Produced by James ErskineProduced and Edited by Jake Aspey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeaspey)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of Rocket Fuel James is taking a back seat and we have the amazing Managing Partner of Rocket Sophie Thirwell hitting the mic and being our host for this International Womens Day special. Sophie will be talking with 3 members of the Rocket Team about their experiences in their specialist fields. 1st we will have Chelsea Baldwin who is one of our Campaign Managers who also works in making content too. She will be talking you through how audiences today view IWD and how brands are reacting to the conversation. Next we are chatting with Olwyn our Paid Media Specialist. She will be telling us all about herself and her 10 year long experience in the industry whilst also being a mother and how this has influenced her thoughts on how we should be talking to women in campaigns. Then we go to one of our latest hires here at Rocket, Denise Louise Barzey Riley who is one of our Senior Campaign Managers and heads up our Publishing clients. She will be talking about her experiences as a self professed people manager and how the talk of diversity has changed in industries that talk to a female audience. We will be back with Season 6 of Rocket Fuel later in the year! Don't forget if you liked this to give it a review and a rating on your podcatcher of choice it really does make a difference. And if you would like to be a guest reach out———————Follow Sophie on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiethirlwell/)Follow Chelsea on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseabaldwin58/)Follow Olwyn on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/olwynwalsh/)Follow Denise on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-louise-barzey-riley-a85b99b1/)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq) Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot) wearerocket.co.uk/Rocket Fuel is the industry podcast bought to you by Rocket Audio the team at the award winning Rocket Youth & Parent Marketing Experts.It is Hosted and Produced by James Erskine (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameserskine/)And Produced and Edited by Jake Aspey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeaspey/)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final episode James get to be the radio geek we know him for with our guest George Butler who is not just a radio presenter on Fun Kids Radio breakfast show which is a station serving not just the latest tunes to an audience of 8-15 year olds but is ALSO the Head of Commercial Marketing at Bauer Media Group! James and George discuss his history of radio industry and where its going. They also chat about how commercial radio and the BBC compliment and provide together a fantastic audio eco system. They then get into how children today want to be talked too and why its important to makes sure you do. Then for the final time this season we here George's rocket fuel!Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow George @GeorgeCButler https://twitter.com/georgecbutlerContact George on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/georgecbutlerHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this penultimate (I know so sad) episode for this season of rocket fuel we chat with the Chief Fun Officer over at Griddly Kids… Yes that is their official title! James chats all things Griddly… who are they… where did they come from and why they think its so important to have education be fun for children! They also chat about STEM and how implementing activities in the category of can help children have a head start on learning with out realising that they are. Then we talk Reisa's all important rocket fuel! ———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Contact Reisa on Linkedin (linkedin.com/in/reisa-schwartzman-883059a) Check out Griddly Kids at https://griddlykids.ca/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uju Asika is a writer, blogger and creative consultant. She is the author of Raising Boys Who Do Better: A Hopeful Guide for a New Generation (DK/Penguin Random House), Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World (Yellow Kite/Hachette UK) and the delightful picture book A World for Me and You, illustrated by Jennie Poh (Hachette Children's Group). She is also our latest guest on the rocket fuel podcast! James and Uju chat all things kids, parents, parenting and all things needed for being a modern parent content creator. We also chat the landscape of responsible content and her journey into being a successful author. Then talk about raising children and if dads are as good as mums or are they just a bit pants and why? Then we hear Uju give us their all important rocket fuel!———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Uju @babesabouttown (https://twitter.com/babesabouttown)Uju's books are available at Bookshop.org, Amazon, Waterstones and other good bookshops.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nathaniel Hunter is someone who is taking play into the future. His company D1srupt1ve (no the 1's are supposed to be there) partnered up with the toy giants Mego to bring back a classic some of our listeners may recognise. The 2-XL robot. It has had many forms over the years but this time its pushing the world just a little bit further with the thanks to AI. We talk with Nathaniel about AI ethics and the future of it. How it works in a family setting to improve mental health in a semi-screen free way to blend in to every part of a day from brushing your teeth to telling a joke. We talk about Mego and its history of pushing out innovative toys and always betting on the future of play. 2-XL even chimes in to have a chat with James as they go on a little adventure and James tries to see what the limits are… all in the name of research and children's safety. Then Nathaniel gives us their rocket fuel for todays episode.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Contact Nathaniel on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahunter/)https://d1srupt1ve.wpenginepowered.com/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are on location! Yes how exciting we were at one of the most interesting events in the calendar year The Toy Fair in London. We went along and were very kindly guests of the kind people at Precise TV and we got chatting with them about what they do and how they help their clients reach audiences more effectively in a growing digital world. We then hit the floor and met up with Casdon the people behind your child's favourite real world role play activity be it Henry Vacuums, Dyson, DeLonghi espresso machines all made for children to learn about the world around them via play. We also met up with Craft Buddy a brand that is getting kids off screens and making art instead... more specifically crystal art and we learn about how they are talking to children today. Then in our final section of this incredibly special episode we talk with Xootz who are the people behind the kids getting out and about on all kinds of ride on toys from skateboards, scooters, electric vehicles and more and they along with all our other guests this episode of course give us their incredible insights and more importantly their rocket fuels!———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Check out Precise TV https://www.precise.tv/Check out Casdon https://www.casdon.com/Check out Craft Buddy https://www.craftbuddyshop.com/Check out Xootz https://www.xootz.co.uk/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Annie McCosker and Izzie Fernandes from the Community Youth Organisation FLAARE talk with James this week about how brands can connect with Gen Z audiences by including their voices to influence not just the marketing but the products and even the brands its self. How their Community Youth Organisation is making the entrepreneurs of the future where the talented young individuals can start creating their next business today. And then they also chatted about how brand and business can get involved with their Organisation and start making a difference to youth culture and being 1 step ahead of their competition by doing so. At the end we then hear Annie and Izzie give us their individual rocket fuel to show how well they work together———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Contact Annie on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-mccosker-b0a80216a/)Contact Izzie on Linkedin (linkedin.com/in/isabellefernandes1)https://www.flaare.org.uk/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this new season and latest episode of Rocket Fuel, B2B Marketing Manager at Student Beans, Harriet McCulley, shares insights into her professional journey, the dynamics of marketing to the Gen Z audience, and the importance of authentic brand communication. Harriet discusses her transition from journalism to digital marketing, her drive to become a T-shaped marketer, and her entrepreneurial endeavors. Speaking about her role at Student Beans, she highlights the emphasis on events marketing, social media, and a demand-generation approach. Harriet shines a light on important Gen Z trends like inclusivity, sustainability, and the desire for real-life experiences, highlighting the need for brands to stay authentic and relevant to the changing student demographic. Then for the 1st time this season we hear a rocket fuel by Harriet.Bad Pepsi advert mentioned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwvAgDCOdU4———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Contact Harriet on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/harriet-mcculley)https://www.studentbeans.com/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week James talks to Richard Clare from Immediate Media and more specifically all the LEGO Magazines & MEGA where he is the editorWe take a deep dive into who is and why he LOVES magazines getting into the nitty gritty of how the magazine has developed and why somethings make look familiar to an older audience of the original MATCH magazine. We talk about how in a digital age what will the future of magazine be? Can they keep up? Is there a universal positive of magazines over screen time? And most importantly what is gonna happen to the gifts? Then we chitchat around his Rocket Fuel his one bit of advice he thinks he can offer to the wider world of youth marketing and also why he wants more farts in magazines.This is the last episode of season 4 of Rocket Fuel. We will be back soon for season 5 and as normal better than ever. Thanks for all your support this season!———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Richard on Twitter (https://twitter.com/rich_clare)Follow Richard on Instagram (instagram.com/fetchingrach/)Contact Richard on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-clare/)https://www.immediate.co.uk/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A small word of warning this episode has some quite frank language and the occasional word bomb may be dropped.This week James talks to Jamie East the presenter, broadcaster, punk singer and journalist. Who paved his way almost accidentally by being someone who was willing to look at what was there and tell them where they needed to go.We take a deep dive into who is Jamie East and what makes him tick. We talk about the days Big Brother's Bit On The Side and what was Holy Moly and how did it create its place in a world where others were stuck in more "old media" tendencies. We also have a rather frank conversation about influencers and how they compare to celebrities past.We chitchat around Jamie's podcast Smart 7 and why he decided to go full into podcasting over We will be back fortnightly (that's every 2 weeks) on Thursdays. We can't wait for you to listen in.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Jamie on Twitter (twitter.com/fetchingrach)Follow Jamie on Instagram (instagram.com/fetchingrach/)Contact Jamie on LinkedIn (inkedin.com/in/james-gilmore)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Rocket Fuel!This week James sits down with Rachel Beech. She and James go way back and catch up with Rachel's newest and best venture yet... We Are Fetch. An amazing app and network system revolutionising the way we all do the school run and more.We talk to her about where she got started and why being a tech head helped her get ahead of the game and why working with todays younger humans is rewarding in multiple ways.We also discuss We Are Fetch, why was it needed, how it works and ways its being used right now to make not only the school run and play dates easier to organise for parents and schools but also that more important part safer.And then we ramble around the topic of parents as an audience to brands and how some but not all may not be reaching the full potential of a youth audience by just talking to the ones with the money. And then we move on to our headlining question of Rachel's Rocket Fuel where she has some amazing advice.We will be back fortnightly (that's every 2 weeks) on Thursdays. We can't wait for you to listen in.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Rachel on Twitter (twitter.com/fetchingrach)Follow Rachel on Instagram (instagram.com/fetchingrach/)Contact Rachel on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/rachelbeech)https://www.wearefetching.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Rocket Fuel!This week James sits down with James Gilmore. A fascinating individual who is the Founder & Managing Director of leading teen media company W!ZARD Radio Media.We talk to him about how and why this all started back 11 years ago from his bedroom as a kid.We also discuss W!ZARD Radio Media what its is and what the future holds for it as they expand into the world of talent management and record labels and the challenges of having 2 brands that work side by side but with different things that are needed on a day to day to keep both ships running.And then we ramble around the topic of radio and podcasts in an ever growing visual market world of the likes of social media and advertising.We will be back fortnightly (that's every 2 weeks) on Thursdays. We can't wait for you to listen in.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow James on Twitter (twitter.com/thejamesgilmore)Follow James on Instagram (instagram.com/thejamesgilmore)Contact James on LinkedIn (inkedin.com/in/james-gilmore)https://www.wizardradio.com/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Rocket Fuel!This week James sits down with Ian Shepherd.A fantastic leader in the influencer space being the Founder of The Social Store and Co-Founder of Electrify Video PartnersWe talk to him about The Social StoreWe also discuss his work at Electrify Video Partners and what they are all aboutWe ramble around the topic of influencer marketing, where did it come from and where can it goWe will be back fortnightly (that's every 2 weeks) on Thursdays. We can't wait for you to listen in.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Ian on Twitter (twitter.com/ishepherd)Contact Ian on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/ishepherd)https://www.thesocialstore.co/https://www.electrify.video/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Rocket Fuel! This week James sits down with Hannah Witton. An extraordinary podcaster, author, YouTuber and writer who has been creating content for more than 10 years.We talk to her about her views on the being an "influencer" and how this has changed over the years. We also discuss her work habits and practises she adopts day to day. We ramble around the topic of new wave creators and perspective on how agencies and brands should be implementing their influencer marketing.Our Head of Publishing at Rocket Georgia also joins to share her insight on influencer marketing as we move towards 2023.We will be back fortnightly (that's every 2 weeks) on Thursdays. We can't wait for you to listen in.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Hannah on YouTube (youtube.com/hannahwitton)Follow Hannah on Twitter (twitter.com/hannahwitton)Follow Hannah on Instagram (instagram.com/hannahwitton/)Contact Hannah on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/hannahwitton)hannahwitton.com/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are with Alicia Liu. Alicia is from Spring Grass which serves as the bridge between the west and China in terms of Youth Marketing.We hear her insight on youth and parent audiences in China, recent behavioural trends and what they are looking for from brands. We chat about technology and development and uncover similarities between the west and China. Using this insight, we also ramble around the topic of what it means for brands looking to enter the Chinese market.Sophie, Head of Brands & Development from Rocket, also joins us to give you lucky listener her insights too.We will be back fortnightly (that's every 2 weeks) on Thursdays, we can't wait for you to listen in!———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Alicia on Twitter (twitter.com/alicialiu)Contact Alicia on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/alicia-liu)singinggrass.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WE ARE BACK!And we are back with a boom... specifically TikTok's Boom with the guy who literally wrote the book on it! Chris Stokel-Walker.He is back for his 2nd appearance on the show and we get straight into it.We talk about his book TikTok Boom (Available now in all good places where books are sold)We chat with him about why the move of focus from YouTube to TikTok and what this means for creatorsThen we ramble around the topic of what this means for China on the world stageWe will be back fortnightly (thats every 2 weeks) on Thursdays we can not wait for you to listen in!———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Chris on Twitter (twitter.com/stokel)Follow Chris on TikTok (tiktok.com/@st0kel)Follow Chris on Instagram (instagram.com/cstokelwalker)Contact Chris on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/stokel)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte Eyre is the The Children’s Editor at The Bookseller.The Bookseller is the UK’s premier business magazine for the publishing industry, and has been for over a century. Debuting in 1858, The Bookseller provide news and analysis on the industry, all the while running conferences, award ceremonies, and community spaces.Charlotte Eyre’s career began rather peculiarly. After studying French and Linguistics at Oxford University, she travelled to France one weekend to give out 75 CVs by hand. With her spontaneity paying off, she was invited into to the industry, where she trained as a journalist at The French Music Expert Office. Now, her career continues at The Bookseller, in her latest role as their Children’s Editor.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)Get in touch with James (james.erskine@wearerocket.co.uk)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/charlotte-eyre-7a66a320)Follow Charlotte on Twitter (twitter.com/charlotteleyre)thebookseller.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Becca Caddy is a technology and science journalist, and author of the book ‘Screen Time: How to make peace with your devices and find your techquilibrium.’If lockdown has taught us one thing it’s that, for many of us, our relationships with screens are more essential to our daily lives than our relationships with our friends and family. Online, the topic of technology is polarising. We either hear from tech evangelicals or the tech reluctant; those guilt-ridden by how much of their daily line of sight centres around a screen. To cut through the drama and hyperbole, we invited Becca Caddy onto the podcast, a tech enthusiast and writer, aiming to help us live harmoniously with technology, rather than be consumed by it.Once but a local paper writer, two degrees later, and an eclectic catalogue of copywriting gigs here and column writing there, Becca Caddy is now a freelance technology writer, journalist, and author. Join us this week as she chats through her new book, her career, and the future of technology.This is Becca Caddy’s Rocket Fuel.Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Becca on Twitter (twitter.com/beccacaddy)Follow Becca on Instagram (instagram.com/beccacaddy)Connect with Becca on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/beccacaddy)beccacaddy.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chris Hirst is the Global CEO of Havas Creative, a global advertising agency.At once an engineering graduate and glass factory worker, Chris Hirst is now the CEO of one of the biggest advertising agencies in the world. He’s also the writer of ‘No Bullsh*t Leadership: Why the World Needs More Everyday Leaders and Why That Leader Is You,’ an award winning book aiming to streamline and demythologise the idea of leadership.Topics of discussion include: leadership, workplace culture, the archetypal “agency person,” authentic co-workers, nurturing environments, agency values, diversity and social change.This is Christ Hirst’s Rocket Fuel.Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Chris on Twitter (twitter.com/chrishirst)Connect with Chris on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/chrishirst)Buy No Bullsh*t Leadership: amazon.co.uk/No-Bullsh-Leadership-Everyday-Leaders/dp/1788162528 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Rocket Fuel: Retro Edition. This week we're throwing it back to previous instalments of Rocket Fuel, starring some of team Rocket's favourite guests.Introducing Rory Sutherland is Daniel Collins, the Strategy Director here at Rocket. Rory Sutherland is the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, a columnist for the Spectator Magazine, and author of the Alchemy series. Coming from a behavioural psychology background, Rory deliberately dispenses with the idea that humans are innately rational, but rather that we are subject and vulnerable to our needs and desires as biological creatures.Introducing Paul Samuels is Sophie Thirlwell, the Brand Manager at Rocket. Paul Samuels is the Executive Vice President at AEG, the company responsible for accommodating sports, music and entertainment events across the globe. This includes the world renowned festival Coachella, as well as the management of 150 venues.And, finally, introducing Mariel Richards is Georgia Henry, Campaign Executive at Rocket. Mariel got her start at MindShare International; working with the likes of HSBC and Facebook. Now, she works for Gal-dem, an award-winning online and print publication ‘committed to sharing the perspectives of women and non-binary people of colour.’Welcome to Retro Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Team RocketConnect with Daniel on LinkedIn: inkedin.com/in/danieljohncollinsConnect with Sophie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophiethirlwellConnect with Georgia on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georgia-henry-61955318aRory Sutherlandtwitter.com/rorysutherland)linkedin.com/in/rorysutherlandPaul Samuelslinkedin.com/in/paul-samuels-7164834/Mariel RichardsLinkedIn linkedin.com/in/marielno/twitter.com/galdemzineinstagram.com/galdemzinegal-dem.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rory Sutherland is the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, a columnist for the Spectator Magazine, and author of the Alchemy series.In ’88, Rory was but another graduate looking to work for any ad agency that would have him. Which, unbeknownst to him at the time, was none of them. Except one: Ogilvy & Mather Direct. Fortunately, Rory's circumstance of limitation birthed his best possible outcome as a visionary, even if some of his peers at the time joked that he was ‘the worst graduate they ever hired.’Since then, Rory has made a name for himself by disrupting ideas generated by “normal thinking.” Coming from a behavioural psychology background, Rory deliberately dispenses with the idea that humans are innately rational, but rather that we are subject and vulnerable to our needs and desires as biological creatures.Topics include: technology and the future of flexible work, the limitations of marketing and research, young audiences, and the state of UK politics.This is Rory Sutherland’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Rory on Twitter (twitter.com/rorysutherland)Connect with Rory on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/rorysutherland/) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Unsah Malik is the author of Slashed It.Unsah is the author of the best-selling ebook “Slashed It” - a prolific, comprehensive guide for marketers, brands and influencers to help them crack the world of social media. As a trained journalist, Unsah is at the cutting edge of documenting how the world of social media is evolving, and she brings her audience along with her; periodically updating her book with sharp and novel insights.Topics of discussion include, but are not limited to: Unsah’s background, the budding of social media marketing, influencer skillsets, how influencer budgets are decided, metrics for growth, TikTok, and Gen-Z.Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Unsah on Twitter (twitter.com/unsahmalik)Follow Unsah on Instagram (instagram.com/unsahmalik/)Connect with Unsah on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/unsahmalik)unsah.co.uk/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Amy Charlotte Kean is a woman with a thousand roles. To some, she is a sociologist, to others the author of the book ‘The Little Girl Who Gave Zero F*****,’ and a trail blazer of a business woman to the rest. Amy is the co-founder of of DICE (Diversity & Inclusion at Conferences and Events), she’s the Cultures Editor at Shots Creative, and her most recent venture is Six Things Impossible, founded just last year; an initiative dedicated to improving company culture.Topics of discussion include, but are not limited to: Amy’s career attitude, agency tropes, diversity, authenticity, mental health, young people trends, TikTok, “Slacktivism,” and appealing to the youth———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Amy on Twitter (twitter.com/keano81)Connect with Amy on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/amycharlottekean)Follow Amy on Instagram (instagram.com/acekeano)amycharlottekean.co.uk/sixthingsimpossible See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charlotte Eyre is the The Children’s Editor at The Bookseller.The Bookseller is the UK’s premier business magazine for the publishing industry, and has been for over a century. Debuting in 1858, The Bookseller provide news and analysis on the industry, all the while running conferences, award ceremonies, and community spaces.Charlotte Eyre’s career began rather peculiarly. After studying French and Linguistics at Oxford University, she travelled to France one weekend to give out 75 CVs by hand. With her spontaneity paying off, she was invited into to the industry, where she trained as a journalist at The French Music Expert Office. Now, her career continues at The Bookseller, in her latest role as their Children’s Editor.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Charlotte on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/charlotte-eyre-7a66a320)Follow Charlotte on Twitter (twitter.com/charlotteleyre)thebookseller.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Helen & Douglas House is a UK-based children’s hospice.Founded in 1982 by Sister Frances Dominica, Helen & Douglas House is the world’s first hospice dedicated to children and young adults. They provide end-of-life care and bereavement support for children and their families, by creating a warm, colourful, nurturing environment so that ‘every life leaves happy memories.’Amy Botalli is the project manager at Helen & Douglas House. She is responsible for their corporate partnerships; meaning she communicates between brands and H&D, so they can enjoy a symbiotically beneficial experience.Accompanying Amy is Emma Jordan, a Youth and Transition worker. Emma is responsible for caring for children at the end of their lives, as well as aiding families with the loss of their loved one.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Connect with Amy Botalli on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/amy-bottali-062b578a)Support Helen & Douglas House helenanddouglas.org.uk/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mariel Richards is Head of Strategy & Brand Partnerships at gal-dem.Gal-dem are an award-winning online and print publication ‘committed to sharing the perspectives of women and non-binary people of colour.’ Through the mediums of essay, music, politics and lifestyle content, they give a voice to the oft voiceless, and are now one of the most prestigious, well respected publishers for doing so.Already privy to illustration and editing, Mariel got her start at MindShare International; working with the likes of HSBC and Facebook. Though she initially joined gal-dem as a side hustle just 5 months after it was initially founded by Liv Little, it has now blossomed into her full-time, very rewarding, influential role.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Connect with Mariel on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/marielno)gal-dem.com/twitter.com/galdemzineinstagram.com/galdemzine See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jennifer Gassner is the Marketing Director of Marie Stopes International.Starting her career rather eclectically, Jennifer studied to be a diplomat, before migrating to China to work in sales. During her mid-twenties, however, she became uninspired; disenchanted at the prospect of working for mere profit alone. She began to reflect and retool; undertaking a master’s degree in Public Health before taking up an internship with MSI.Marie Stopes International, founded in 1976, is a reproductive health non-profit that believes in “a world in which every birth is wanted.” MSI currently run programmes in 37 countries; serving populations by offering contraception, safe abortions, advice and community outreach.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gassner-a4bba356)Follow Jennifer @JenniferGassne5 (twitter.com/jennifergassne5) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Adam Harris is the Global Head of Brand Partnership Studio at Twitch.Despite, self admittedly, not knowing what to do by the time of university, Adam Harris has recently cemented himself as one of Twitch’s most in-expendable leaders. Though he started out working with his dad and grafting through university working at M&S, Adam has since gone on to work for the likes of ITV and Metro, winning numerous awards along the way.Adam’s newest venture, Twitch, is a live-streaming platform recently purchased by Amazon. Twitch’s niche in the media landscape is gaming, predominantly; with viewers tuning in in the millions to watch their favourite streamers and eSports (online competitive video gaming). Having launched in 2011, Twitch has outcompeted numerous rivals and is currently bigger than it’s ever been;———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Connect with Adam on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/adsharris)twitch.tv/p/en/about/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In our most recent 'Speaking the Language of Youth' panel event, we discussed marketing to youth and parent audiences as we move into 2021. James was joined by a panel of industry experts including: Fran Scudder, Senior Partnerships Manager at Warner Media; Hannah Snow, an Online Content Creator; Kat McKenna, a youth marketing specialist;and Joseph Nwosu, Marketing and Social Innovation at Experian.You can hear insight on authentic content, the need for audience research and what can we expect from youth marketing in 2021! Speaking the Language of Youth: Future Gazing into 2021. Follow Rocket on Twitter - (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn - (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Andi Peters is a beloved television presenter and producer.With no intention of working in television, Andi was propositioned to audition for ITV after being heard on the in-store radio of Oxford Circus’ TopShop. And from there the rest is history, as Anti enjoyed, and continues to enjoy, a career both presenting and producing, for the UK’s biggest channels and programming. Many will know Andi from The Broom Cupboard, others Live & Kicking, The O-Zone, Top of The Pops, Shipwrecked, or simply as “the bloke that gives away money on This Morning.” For over 30 years, Andi has enjoyed an eclectic and highly influential career, in-front and behind the camera, and is with us today - for the final episode of season 3 - to share his Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Andi on Instagram instagram.com/andipeters/Follow Andi on Twitter twitter.com/andipeters See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ulrich “Uli” Baer is a professor at New York University and the author of the book “What Snowflakes Get Right.”Born in Germany when it was still divided, Ulrich Baer made a last ditch effort to live out his days in the U.S, and succeeded. After throwing away his return ticket, Uli worked odd jobs before spending 3 years at Berkeley University, acquiring a BA from Harvard, then a PhD from Yale. Most recently, he authored the book “What Snowflakes Get Right”; challenging ideas surrounding free speech, truth, diversity, censorship and “generation snowflake.”Topics of discussion include: “generation snowflake,” free speech, China, censorship, college campuses, and the characteristics of young people.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Uli on Twitter twitter.com/UliBaerFollow Uli on Instagram instagram.com/ulinyc/ulrichbaer.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Anna Bassi is the Editor-in-Chief of The Week Junior: a digestible current affairs magazine for children published by Dennis Publishing.Having gained a weekly readership of 93,000 despite launching a mere five years ago, The Week Junior has quickly become ‘Britain’s fastest growing children’s magazine,’ Junior’s aim is to empower children to be more informed, curious and engaged through their curation of safe and accessibly presented facts, information and stories. This year, The Week Junior launched in the U.S and has already captured the attention of 43,000 subscribers, demonstrating that not even a pandemic can slow them down.Anna Bassi is the Editor-in-Chief for The Week Junior. After completing her postgrad in publishing, Anna serendipitously found herself in the world of children’s publishing, working for the likes of Redan Publishing, The BBC, Eaglemoss and Egmont thereafter. From her time in the industry, Anna has developed a laser focus on the interests, trends and developments of young people.Topics of discussion include: Anna’s journey and inspiration, The Week Junior’s business model, Junior’s demographic, relating to youth, Junior’s USPs, and the do’s and don’ts of writing for a young audience.This is Anna Bassi’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Anna on Twitter twitter.com/mrsb_ddaConnect with Anna on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/anna-bassi-6799548theweekjunior.co.uk/Twitter twitter.com/theweekjuniorFacebook facebook.com/Theweekjunior/Instagram instagram.com/theweekjunior/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonty Archibald is the principal of the Global Academy: a university technical college designed to equip young people for a career in the media and entertainment industries.Though still in its infancy, the Global Academy has already redefined what a school is and can be. Global provides 14-19 year olds accessibility to study oft reserved for university subjects, such as computer science, digital media, art and drama, within a learning environment that is state of the art and believes that the education of “every child matters.”Feeling disengaged from his own schooling, Jonty Archibald now finds himself as the leader of the kind of school he wished he could have attended as a youth. As principal, he brings his knowledge of education and industry together, helping to open the gates for young and aspiring creatives.Topics of discussion include: Jonty’s beginnings, creativity, school curriculum, schooling during the pandemic, online learning, the role of education, and how the youth have changed.This is Jonty Archibald’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Global Academy @TheGAcademy twitter.com/thegacademyFollow Global Academy on Instagram instagram.com/thegacademyFollow Global on Facebook facebook.com/TheGAcademy/globalacademy.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lee Kirton is the Marketing and PR Director for Bandai Namco Enterainment, UK & Ireland.The technologies powering video games aren’t the only facets of the industry constantly on the precipice of evolution. Indeed, as the medium developed as a resource for learning, problem-solving and interactivity, so did its appeal for more compelling and captivating marketing..Lee Kirton has been on the cutting edge of this upward trend, having provided PR and marketing services for game developers for over two decades. He is also an ambassador for SpecialEffect: a charity aiming to bring accessibility to gaming.Upon merging BANDAI and NAMCO, BANDAI NAMCO Entertinament was born in 2006. They are one of the most prolific developers in the gaming space today, being responsible for franchises such as Dark Souls, Dragon Ball, Ni no Kuni, Tekken, Soulcalibur, and, arguably, gaming’s mascot of mascots Pac-Man.Topics of discussion include: the evolution of gaming, work attitude, video games as pop culture, franchising, competitors, passion and honesty.This is Lee Kirton’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Lee on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lee-kirton-50b9a3Follow Lee on Twitter: twitter.com/leearigoldFollow Bando Namco Europe on LinkedIn linkedin.com/organization-guest/company/namco-bandai-games-europe-s-a-s-https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Louise Richardson is the Director of Marketing, Europe at Pinterest.Once an “idiot 21-year-old rocking up to London” - her words, not ours - Louise Richardson has cemented herself as an inexpendable asset, and unabashedly raging fan, of Pinterest. With her formative years being spent at the likes of Mindshare and Snap Inc, Louise brings a razor sharp knowledge of the social media landscape with her to Pinterest, and this week’s discussion.Rather than being a space for highlight reels; what has happened, like so many other social medias, Pinterest is a future-facing social media service, galvanising the inspiration and imagination of its users. Though a late comer to the social media space, relative to the founding years of the biggest social platforms today, Pinterest has captured the attention and admiration of over 250 million people around the world, bringing each of them closer to living the Pinterest ethos of creating a life you love.This is Louise Richardson’s Rocket Fuel.Topics of discussion include: mentorship, diversity of experience and personality, the future of commuting, how Pinterest is different, brand integration and Gen Z/Zoomers, ———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Louise on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/louise-richardson-339b04aFollow Louise on Twitter: twitter.com/trudykockenlock See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kara Goldin is the founder and CEO of Hint Inc: a US-based healthy lifestyle company specialising in beverages.Unbeknownst to her at the time, Kara Goldin began developing the blueprint to Hint’s success after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Needing a healthy alternative to sugary juices and sodas, she began experimenting with her very own DIY beverages from her kitchen. Today, Kara heads a team of 200, and incorporates a direct-to-consumer model of distribution, fundamentally disrupting the parameters of the beverage industry.Since its founding in 2005, Hint have gone on to become the fastest-growing flavoured water in the US. Beginning commercially in Silicon Valley, then mainstream retailers thereafter, Hint have fundamentally carved out a fresh and interesting space in the beverage market by allowing and imploring their consumer base to order straight to their door.Topics of discussion include: Kara’s journey, consumer habits, competition, youth behaviours, and brand personality.This is Kara Goldin’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Connect with James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Kara on Twitter twitter.com/karagoldinFollow Kara on Instagram instagram.com/karagoldinConnect with Kara on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/karagoldinHintdrinkhint.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Darren Moorcroft is the CEO of The Woodland Trust: a conservation charity dedicated to maintaining and populating forestry.The Woodland Trust is the UK’s biggest woods conservation charity. They stand up for woods and trees by harnessing the power of big data; creating woodlands that last for generations to come. Last year alone, with the help of schools, youth organisations and families, the TWT planted a sheer 750,000 treesDarren Moorcroft is a Doctor of Conservation and the Chief Executive Officer at The Woodland Trust. Prior to this role, he worked for wildlife conservation RSPB for 17 years, cementing his role as a protector of the environment and the biodiversity it houses.Topics of discussion include: why The Woodland Trust do what they do, having a diversely skilled team, the climate and nature crisis, raising awareness, and engaging young people.This is Darren Moorcroft’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Darren on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/darren-moorcroft-7a13036Follow Darren on Twitter twitter.com/wt_darrenwoodlandtrust.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh Benge is the Brand Engagement Manager for KFC, managing social media, gaming and partnerships.Needing no introduction, KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is one of the biggest quick service restaurants in the world. KFC is located in 150 countries, and has over 900 restaurants in the UK and Ireland alone. Over the course of 5 years, Josh Benge has carved out a niche for himself at KFC, attaining a role that, self admittedly, is a bit of a mouthful. Dubbed ‘Brand Engagement Manager - Social Media, Gaming and Partnerships,’ Josh manages the “post-social media aspects” of the UK KFC brand, including KFC’s social media feeds, influencer partnerships, and, brand new venture, KFC Gaming. Along with his two lifelong friends, Josh also co-hosts The Stodgy Waffle Podcast: a comedy and entertainment podcastTopics of discussion include: Josh’s journey, brand tones of voice, keeping a brand fresh, KFC gaming, competition, influencer marketing saturation, KFC’s charity, and appealing to individuated youth.This is Josh Benge’s Rocket Fuel———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Josh on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/joshbengeListen to the Stodgy Waffle Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stodgy-waffle/id1470730800?ign-mpt=uo%3D4twitter.com/KFC_UKlinkedin.com/company/kfc-ukiinstagram.com/kfc_uki See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tom Burns is the co-creator of SiTC: the biggest YouTube convention in the UK.At a point in time that now seems so long ago, “Summer in the City” was but the makeshift name given to a gathering of 300 YouTube enthusiasts, meeting in a field, playing ukulele and eating cake. Now rebranded, and accommodating Winter in the City, SiTC (Social in the City) is the biggest YouTube convention in the UK. Boasting an incredible 11,000 attendees year upon year, the convention delivers a myriad of panels, branding opportunities, meet and greets, and communal spirit.SiTC was co-created by Tom Burns, a now 29-year-old, who, self admittedly, had no idea what he was getting himself into 10 year ago. As well as being a content creator in his own right, Tom is also known for his expertise within the digital space and his knowledge as a YouTube historian and OG.Topics of discussion include: SiTC’s humble beginnings, YouTube’s transformation, the rise of TikTok, panels and events, where brands go wrong, fandom consumption, and what the youth cares about.This is Tom Burns’ Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Tom on Twitter (twitter.com/tomrpi)Follow Tom on Instagram (instagram.com/tomrpi)Connect with Tom on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/tommburns)sitc-event.co.ukinstagram.com/sitc_event See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lucy Loveridge is the Global Head of Talent at GLEAM Futures.GLEAM Futures is the most prolific digital-first talent agency in the UK, representing some of the biggest influencers and online personalities the space has to offer. Talent includes the likes of Zoella (Zoe Sugg), Grace Beverley, Louise Pentland, Marcus Butler and winner of Love Island 2020: Paige Turley. Since its conception in 2010, GLEAM has gone on to collaborate with the likes of Disney, Apple, Amazon, Coca-Cola and the BBC, and continues exemplify why influencer marketing is absolutely here to stay.Once a reviewer of shampoos, now a tour de force in the influencer marketing space, Lucy Loveridge joins us this week. After serendipitously bumping into Dominic Smales, the then budding CEO of GLEAM, at a house party some seven years ago, Lucy accepted the proposal to work for an agency, the likes of which no one had yet seen.Topics of discussion include: the scope of Lucy's role, what makes GLEAM talent, agency competition, GLEAM’s evolution, social media trends, influencer marketing during coronavirus, and the characteristics of Gen Z.This is Lucy Loveridge’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow James on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Lucy on Instagram (instagram.com/lucyloveridge/)Follow Lucy on Twitter (twitter.com/lucyloveridge)Reach out on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/lucykaiserlendrem)Gleam Futuresgleamfutures.com/linkedin.com/company/gleam-digital-ltd See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chris Stokel-Walker is a tech and internet culture journalist.Last year, Chris published his seminal book “YouTubers: How YouTube Shook Up TV and Created a New Generation of Stars," discussing the history of the platform and the effects it has had on society. He joins us this week to expand upon the title, as well as discuss the rise of TikTok, emerging platforms, and the role of tech during quarantine.Chris has written for the likes of Wired, The BBC, The Telegraph, The Guardian, Newsweek and The Economist,Topics of discussion include: the state of journalism, YouTube and TikTok, new media entrepreneurialism, parasocial relationships, the demise of Vine and Byte, participation culture, fandom, and the habits of young people.This is Chris Stokel-Walker’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Chris on Twitter (twitter.com/stokel)Follow Chris on Instagram (instagram.com/cstokelwalker)Contact Chris on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/stokel) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kim Palmer is an entrepreneur and the founder of Clementine: an app designed by women for women.Until founding Clementine, Kiwi Kim Palmer had a self-professed non-linear career; working for Lloyds Bank, Tesco, and a handful of startups. She was hardworking and creative - data-focused before data and algorithms were the norm - but her journey became disrupted by severe anxiety and panic attacks. After learning that so many other women shared a similar experience, Kim quit her job to start her own business and launched Clementine.Clementine is an app designed to help you ‘become more confident, destress and sleep better.’ It has a user-base of 55,000+ and distinguishes itself from other wellbeing apps by focusing on hypnotherapy.Topics of discussion include: Kim’s beginnings, her mental health struggles, women’s accessibility to tech, and the importance of authenticity and diversity of thoughtThis is Kim Palmer’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Kim on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kim-palmer-01b63a28Follow Clementine on Twitter: twitter.com/clementineappukclementineapp.co.uk/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nazleen Karim is a television producer for Monkey Kingdom.After graduating from Durham University, Nazleen pivoted away from academia to begin a role with The BBC. Though initially entailing sterile admin work, it catalysed a career within the entertainment industry, allowing Naz to work on household name shows such as Celebrity Big Brother, Gogglebox, Strictly Com Dancing and Made In Chelsea.Monkey Kingdom is am award-winning British television production company that produces programming for the UK and US. Since its foundation in 2001, they have gone on to produce shows for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, Sky, E4 and MTV. Highlights include Made in Chelsea, The Bi Life, The Real Housewives of Cheshire and Celebrity Game Night.Topics of discussion include: the role of authenticity, age demographics, commercialism, and youth audiences.This is Nazleem Karim’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Follow Nazleen on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/nazleen-karim-7175a492monkeykingdom.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Drew McIntyre is a WWE Superstar and the current WWE Champion.Beginning his journey to world renowned wrestler at just age 15, Drew was initially signed to WWE at the precocious age of 21 and welcomed by legendary WWE Chairman Vince McMahon as “future world champion”. Mr McMahon was right, of course, but not before Drew was sensationally fired for, as he confesses, a big ego and not pulling his weight. An inspiring case of life imitates art followed, as McIntyre worked hard to get back into the business overcoming obstacles all the way to reach the very top as champion, personifying the hero’s journey that lies at the heart of WWE’s storytelling.WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is an integrated media organisation and recognised leader in global entertainment. WWE consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is translated into 28 different languages and is available in more than 180 countries and 800 million households, and has more than one billion social media followers across 18 platforms. WWE is the pinnacle of its genre, being prolific in content creation, brand partnerships, marketing, licensing and merchandising.Topics of discussion include: WWE’s place in culture, the role of a WWE Superstar, fandom, overcoming challenges, attracting an audience, and the need for authenticity:“Don’t play the wrestler; be the wrestler.”This is Drew McIntyre’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Check out Drew McIntyre on WWE wwe.com/superstars/drew-mcintyreFollow Drew on Instagram instagram.com/dmcintyrewwe/Follow Drew on Twitter twitter.com/dmcintyrewweFollow Drew on Facebook facebook.com/DrewMcIntyre/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

David Lloyd is radio consultant, archivist and enthusiast.Having dedicated 35 years to the platform he fell in love with at just six-years-old, David Lloyd shares the lessons he’s learned from working with various commercial and public radio networks. Topics of discussion include: the media landscape, the similarities between radio and podcasts, BBC radio, the future of radio, today's youth habits, working with LBC, BBC and Virgin Radio.This is David Lloyd's Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Contact David on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-lloyd-498680b6Follow David on Twitter: twitter.com/DavidLloydRADIOhttps://www.davidlloydradio.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Badoo is a chat and dating app that implores its users to "date honestly." It has over 460 million users across 190 countries.Natasha Briefel is the UK Brand Marketing Director at Badoo. Fascinated with marketing from a young age, pitching to the likes of Nokia and Ribena at just age 16, she now finds herself managing the brand of one of the world’s biggest dating apps.Topics of discussion include: dating during a pandemic, technology and creativity, virtual dating, market research, singledom, competition, and influencers effects on cultureThis is Natasha Briefel’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Natasha BriefelInstagram: instagram.com/natasha_briefel See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Rocket Fuel: Lockdown Special.This week on the podcast we assess how the media and marketing industries have been affected by the coronavirus, gaining insights from the likes of:Natasha Briefel, the UK Brand Marketing Director at Badoo, illustrating how the pandemic has affected online dating.Lucy Loveridge, the Global Head of Talent at GLEAM, talks how talent are adapting amid the pandemic.Beckii Flint, influencer and co-founder of Pepper Studios, highlights the new media landscape and how influencers are adapting to it.A surprise appearance from The Erskines conveys how the absence of school has affected their livelihoods.And our very own Daniel Collins, Strategy Director at Rocket, delivers the key takeaways marketeers will need throughout COVID19.This is Rocket Fuel: Lockdown Special.(Get excited for Natasha of Badoo and Lucy of Gleam’s full-length episodes to be released in the coming weeks)———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/(In order of appearance)Natasha BriefelInstagram: instagram.com/natasha_briefelLucy LoveridgeLinkedIN: linkedin.com/in/lucykaiserlendremIG: instagram.com/lucyloveridge/Twitter: twitter.com/lucyloveridgeBeckii FlintLinkedIN: linkedin.com/in/beckiiflintIG: instagram.com/beckiicruel/Twitter: twitter.com/BeckiiCruelWebsite: beckii.co.uk/Pepper Studios: inkedin.com/company/pepperstudiohq: Daniel CollinsLinkedIN: linkedin.com/in/danieljohncollins———————Subscribe! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Adam Boita is the Marketing Director for NCS (National Citizen Service): a summer development programme for young adults in the UK.NCS is a programme that provides the opportunity for 16-17 year olds to flourish at a myriad of group-based activities and events designed to develop personal and interpersonal skills. The programme concludes with the participants devising and actioning a community project of their choice.Seeking to re-energise its brand, NCS recruited Adam Boita as its marketing director. He began his career interning for the likes of Ogilvy, J Waler Thompson, D&AD, then moved to overseeing marketing for the likes of Playstation and Pernod Ricard.Topics of discussion include: Adam's journey, team autonomy, NCS beneficiaries, funding, influencer marketing, authenticity, and youth.This is Adam Boita’s Rocket Fuel———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Contact Adam on LinkedIN (linkedin.com/in/adamboita)Check out NCS: wearencs.com/———————Podcast recorded pre-COVID19.If you want to find out more about NCS in light of the current Corona Virus outbreak please visit https://wearencs.com/coronavirus-update where they have support and resources for young people at this time' See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Formerly an international footballer, ‘Bex Smith is now the executive director of women's game at COPA90, ‘the world’s largest independent football media business.’Kiwi by blood, American by birth, Rebecca Smith began her eclectic career as New Zealand’s national team captain. She enjoyed a varied career as a professional footballer for numerous teams, even competing in the ’08 Olympics, before transitioning into a management role at FIFA. Now, at COPA90, Bex’ transforms the face of women’s football through inclusive storytelling.COPA90 is an award winning digital media business celebrating football culture and its fans. During the 2019 Women’s World Cup, they became the number one publishers of football content, doubling their brand awareness, and now reach an audience of over 80 million people around the globe.Topics of discussion include: Inclusivity in football, team motivation, values, storytelling in marketing, brand bandwagoning, the youths media consumption, values and behavioursThis is Rebecca Smith’s Rocket Fuel.———————Follow James @JamesErskine (twitter.com/jameserskine)Follow Rocket @WeAreRocketHQ (twitter.com/wearerockethq)Follow Rocket on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/thebigshot)wearerocket.co.uk/Contact Rebecca on LinkedIN (linkedin.com/in/rebecca-smith-0798106)Follow her on Twitter @bexsmithkiwi (twitter.com/bexsmithkiwi)https://www.copa90.com/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.