<div class="gn-article"><div class="gn-hero gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-hero__image"><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/687a235da6861294eec73166/69fa7124291cbc2d8250f195_marketing-middle-banner-697b67f3cb61d818544052.jpeg" alt=""></div> <div class="gn-hero__head"> <span class="gn-kicker"><span class="dot"></span>Expression</span> <h1 class="gn-title">The GO Network Podcast - New Episodes Every Friday</h1> <div class="gn-meta"> <strong>The GO Network</strong> <span class="pip"></span> <span>29 January 2026</span> <span class="pip"></span> <span>6 min read</span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="gn-body"> <p class="gn-lede gn-reveal">Marketing learning doesn't just happen at a desk anymore. It happens on commutes, between meetings, on walks, and in those rare gaps where you actually have the headspace to think rather than react.</p> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#01</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">The Truth About PPC: Debunking the Myths &amp; Challenges</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Show:</strong> Marketing Middle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Topic:</strong> Paid Media</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">PPC is powerful, but it's also misunderstood.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">In this episode of <strong>Marketing Middle</strong>, senior paid media leaders unpack the biggest myths holding PPC back, from "it's too expensive" to "organic is always better". The panel gets honest about rising costs, tougher competition, platform changes, and what actually drives ROI in 2026.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">You'll hear practical insight on budget vs performance, smarter optimisation, meaningful metrics, and how brands and agencies can make PPC work harder without burning spend.</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Anna Simpson,</strong> Head of Paid Media &amp; Operations, Cedarwood Digital<br><strong>George Stolton,</strong> Head of Biddable, ROAST (part of TIPi Group)<br><strong>Samantha Smith,</strong> Senior Digital Marketing Manager, Optix Solutions<br><strong>Sophie Fell,</strong> Head of Paid Media, Liberty Marketing<br><strong>Abbie Law,</strong> Senior Paid Media Strategist, Summit - Changemakers in Online Retail<br><strong>Benjamin Ladbrook,</strong> PPC Lead, Space &amp; Time</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Listen Here:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/34Zz23yTdEVs8i6B51ukCr?si=525b965590cd462f">https://open.spotify.com/episode/34Zz23yTdEVs8i6B51ukCr?si=525b965590cd462f</a></p> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#02</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Revolutionise Your Brand with UX &amp; Web Development</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Show:</strong> Marketing Middle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Topic:</strong> UX &amp; Web</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Your website is not just a digital asset. It's your first impression.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">In this episode of <strong>Marketing Middle</strong>, senior UX and web experts break down how user experience and modern web development actually influence brand perception, engagement, and conversion.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">The panel explores what good UX really means, how development decisions shape performance, and why speed, accessibility, and mobile experience are no longer optional. You'll hear real examples of brands fixing broken journeys, improving usability, and turning insight into measurable results.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">Practical, honest, and grounded in real work, this conversation is about building websites that work harder for both users and brands.</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Simon Latham,</strong> Digital Design Director, Ponderosa Agency<br><strong>Amy Willoughby,</strong> Head of Design &amp; UX, Quba<br><strong>Karl Barker,</strong> Director, Reckless Agency<br><strong>Sruthi Swaminathan,</strong> UX Designer, Pomegranate<br><strong>Chris Callaghan,</strong> Head of Digital, Jaywing</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Listen Here:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HegGaMqWydajBUXUPlmEw?si=7a9e1e1553d54743">https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HegGaMqWydajBUXUPlmEw?si=7a9e1e1553d54743</a></p> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#03</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Crisis Comms in 2026: Are you Prepared for the Unexpected?</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Show:</strong> Marketing Middle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Topic:</strong> PR &amp; Communications</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">When a crisis hits, silence, delay, or the wrong message can do more damage than the issue itself.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">In this episode of <strong>Marketing Middle</strong>, senior PR and communications leaders unpack what effective crisis management really looks like in a fast-moving, high-scrutiny media environment. The panel discusses how to prepare for the unexpected, respond in real time across traditional and digital channels, and maintain trust when pressure is at its highest.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">Drawing on real examples, they explore stakeholder communication, reputation management, and how brands can emerge from difficult moments with credibility intact.</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Rhona Templer,</strong> Group Managing Director, GOLD79<br><strong>Graeme McGilliard,</strong> Media Director, Democracy PR<br><strong>Alison Owen,</strong> Head of Public Relations, The Scott Partnership Ltd</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Listen Here:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SU0eUy0ILzUfTzWIC1ccn?si=271cdc94095c4cc4">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SU0eUy0ILzUfTzWIC1ccn?si=271cdc94095c4cc4</a></p> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#04</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">How to Get Your Video Production Game Up and Running</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Show:</strong> Marketing Middle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Topic:</strong> Video Production</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Video is no longer a "nice to have" for agencies and brands. It is often the difference between being understood quickly or ignored completely, and most teams feel that gap long before they know how to close it.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">In this session, we bring together senior production and creative leaders to cut through the noise around video marketing and talk honestly about what it takes to get video working properly. Not bigger budgets. Not trend chasing. Just clearer thinking, smarter processes, and realistic ways to raise the standard without burning teams out.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">You will hear practical advice from people who build and ship video every day, covering how to align production with commercial goals, how to structure teams and workflows, and how to move from "we should be doing more video" to actually doing it well.</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Adam Britton,</strong> Chief Creative Officer, TrunkBBI<br><strong>Fiona Parker,</strong> Head of Content Production, Hydrogen<br><strong>Adrian Jones,</strong> Head of Production Team, Orchard</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Listen Here:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/63OAeZnZt5ZMWUBLcAkfGj?si=65bcd264ff774abc">https://open.spotify.com/episode/63OAeZnZt5ZMWUBLcAkfGj?si=65bcd264ff774abc</a></p> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#05</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Planning for New Markets Without Burning Budget</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Show:</strong> Marketing Middle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Topic:</strong> Growth &amp; Expansion</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Expanding into new markets can unlock growth, but it can just as quickly drain time, money, and momentum if the thinking is rushed or driven by pressure rather than evidence.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">In this episode of Marketing Middle, we focus on what sensible expansion actually looks like when budgets are tight and expectations are high. The conversation cuts through the optimism bias that often surrounds growth plans and looks at how brands can assess demand properly before committing serious resource.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">The discussion explores where to test before scaling, how to prioritise spend when everything feels important, and how to avoid repeating mistakes that others have already paid for. Rather than chasing reach for the sake of it, this episode centres on making deliberate decisions that protect budget while still creating space to grow.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">You will hear grounded, practical insight on entering new regions, reaching new audiences, learning from what has not worked in the past, and measuring what is genuinely driving progress rather than vanity metrics. It is clear thinking for brands that want to expand with confidence rather than regret.</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Jason Cotterill,</strong> Growth Marketing Lead, <strong>Space &amp; Time</strong><br><strong>Jenny Driver,</strong> Client Services Director<br><strong>Anastasios Moiras,</strong> Founder &amp; CEO, <strong>Technē Agency</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Listen here:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Mzcvu29cBPPLGqeKJszFS?si=1975a4ee227d42a6">https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Mzcvu29cBPPLGqeKJszFS?si=1975a4ee227d42a6</a></p> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#06</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">TikTok &amp; Emerging Social Platforms: Where Should Brands Actually Invest?</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Show:</strong> Marketing Middle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Topic:</strong> Social Media</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">TikTok is no longer "emerging". It's embedded. But what comes next, and where should brands actually invest?</p> <p class="gn-reveal">In this episode of Marketing Middle, social and performance specialists unpack the realities of getting involved in TikTok and newer platforms like BeReal. The conversation explores what types of content truly resonate, how paid and organic strategies should work together, and where brands often waste time chasing trends.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">You'll hear practical insight on platform risk, algorithm shifts, audience behaviour, and how to build an authentic presence without forcing it.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">Clear thinking for brands navigating a social landscape that refuses to stand still.</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Grace Warren,</strong> Social and Influencer Lead, <strong>Ponderosa Agency</strong><br><strong>Chloe Johnston,</strong> Creative Brand Partnerships Director, <strong>Round.</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Listen here:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2MrLExcG6ntRngaBwDzMJw?si=8b594d811ce046a8">https://open.spotify.com/episode/2MrLExcG6ntRngaBwDzMJw?si=8b594d811ce046a8</a></p> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#07</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Podcasting for Brands: Hype or Growth Machine?</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Show:</strong> Marketing Middle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Topic:</strong> Content Strategy</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">With more brands launching their own podcasts than ever before, the question remains. Is podcasting just a marketing trend, or a sustainable growth channel?</p> <p class="gn-reveal">In this Marketing Middle episode, a panel of podcast production experts, brand marketers, and content strategists explore whether podcasting is worth the investment for brands and how agencies can lead the conversation.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">This on-demand playback offers key takeaways, practical tips, and real-world examples of podcasting done well (and not so well).</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Lyndon Nicholson,</strong> CEO, <strong>Future Group</strong><br><strong>Graham Reed,</strong> Head of Business Creation, <strong>Ice Blue Sky</strong><br><strong>Becky Holland,</strong> Founder and CEO, <strong>BH&amp;P</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Listen here:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a3s01z3YmwIFBPNM4nP1k?si=6518947059d443c3">https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a3s01z3YmwIFBPNM4nP1k?si=6518947059d443c3</a></p> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#08</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">The Science of Storytelling - How to Create Emotional Connections with Your Audience</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Show:</strong> Marketing Middle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Topic:</strong> Creative Strategy</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Whether you're pitching a new client, launching a campaign, or building your agency's brand, the power of storytelling can transform how your message is received.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">In this Marketing Middle episode, a panel of marketing leaders and creative experts break down the real psychology behind audience connection and how emotion-led storytelling drives stronger engagement, higher recall, and better results.</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Adam Irwin,</strong> Strategy Director, <strong>Ponderosa Agency</strong><br><strong>Samuel Broomby,</strong> Creative Director, <strong>Pomegranate Media</strong><br><strong>Isaac Kirk,</strong> Lead Strategist, <strong>TrunkBBI</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Listen here:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6njCvJScWCnYCWRSyOZyix?si=b9da1b83ec574dd9">https://open.spotify.com/episode/6njCvJScWCnYCWRSyOZyix?si=b9da1b83ec574dd9</a></p> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#09</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">The Psychology of Persuasion - How to Craft Email Campaigns That Convert</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Show:</strong> Marketing Middle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Topic:</strong> Email Marketing</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Most emails get ignored. The difference is rarely volume. It's psychology.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">In this episode of Marketing Middle, email and marketing specialists break down what actually drives people to open, read, and act. From subject lines that cut through crowded inboxes to copy that persuades without forcing it, the conversation explores how behavioural principles shape engagement.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">You'll hear practical insight on personalisation, segmentation, testing, and how to turn data into campaigns that convert. Grounded in real examples, this is about writing emails people respond to, not scroll past.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">Clear thinking on email that works.</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Chloe Richards,</strong> Email Marketing Strategist, <strong>I-COM</strong><br><strong>Jessica Harrison,</strong> Head of Marketing, <strong>Pomegranate Media</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Listen here:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0oJtTDtCNRzE9Zc6RFPn7K?si=82b0e9e0fe2b4976">https://open.spotify.com/episode/0oJtTDtCNRzE9Zc6RFPn7K?si=82b0e9e0fe2b4976</a></p> </div> <div class="gn-divider gn-reveal" aria-hidden="true"></div> <div class="gn-list-item gn-reveal"> <div class="gn-list-item__head"> <span class="gn-list-item__num">#10</span> <h3 class="gn-list-item__title">Designing for Diversity: Building Brands That Speak to Everyone</h3> </div> <div class="gn-list-item__meta"> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Show:</strong> Marketing Middle</span> <span class="gn-list-item__pill"><strong>Topic:</strong> Brand Strategy</span> </div> <p class="gn-reveal">Representation in branding is no longer just a social initiative. It is a strategic advantage for brands that want to connect with modern audiences in a meaningful way.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">In this episode of Marketing Middle, we explore what it really means to design for diversity, not as a surface-level consideration, but as something embedded into how brands think, create, and communicate.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">You will hear practical insight on building inclusive creative processes, understanding audiences without stereotyping, and ensuring representation feels authentic rather than performative.</p> <p class="gn-reveal">The discussion also explores how brands can challenge internal assumptions and create work that connects more broadly.</p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Speakers:</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Amy Gilmore,</strong> Strategy Partner, <strong>Untangld</strong><br><strong>Kathryn Ellis,</strong> Group Strategy Director, <strong>Audience Collective</strong><br><strong>Kelly Broomhead,</strong> Senior Client Director, <strong>Born Ugly</strong></p> <p class="gn-reveal"><strong>Listen here:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AHlzafLIG3Ja98leTU3e5?si=28dbff4b1fab42b3">https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AHlzafLIG3Ja98leTU3e5?si=28dbff4b1fab42b3</a></p> </div> </div></div>