Marketing Against The Grain - podcast cover

Marketing Against The Grain

Hubspot Mediawww.hubspot.com
Kipp Bodnar (HubSpot’s CMO) and Kieran Flanagan (Hubspot's SVP of Marketing), lead you down the rabbit hole of marketing trends, growth tactics and innovation. On the way you’ll pick up undiscovered strategies to give you that slight edge for success. These are not your typical twitter thread regurgitated marketing tactics that everyone is doing. These are new methods, with unfiltered examination of successful fresh ideas.
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Episodes

How to Rank #1 on Google in 2026 (The 6-Step SEO Playbook)

Get our Guide to Rank #1 on Google in 2026: https://clickhubspot.com/lmfv Ep. 422 How can you differentiate valuable content from generic AI-generated slop? Kipp dives into how to create non-commodity content that AI and your competitors can't replicate, giving you an edge in the new search-driven world. Learn more on the crucial differences between commodity and non-commodity content, the six key checkpoints every marketer should hit (like proprietary evidence, expert takes, and a real point of...

Apr 30, 202620 minSeason 1Ep. 422

They Spent $150,000 on AI Tokens (And Got Nothing)

Get the most out of AI with our free AI ROI Scorecard: https://clickhubspot.com/epkj Ep. 421 What if your team burned through your entire AI budget in just six months? Kipp and Kieran dive into the wild world of “token maxxing”—the new Silicon Valley trend of spending as much as possible on AI tokens without clear outcomes. Learn more on why AI token usage is skyrocketing, the difference between “token maxxing” and “outcome maxxing,” and powerful frameworks every marketing leader can use to turn...

Apr 28, 202616 minSeason 1Ep. 421

The New Rules to Beat the SEO Algorithm in 2026

Start a free trial of HubSpot's new AEO tool: https://clickhubspot.com/wdlc Ep. 420 In AI search,, relevancy matters more than authority. Kipp, Kieran, Beeri Amiel (Product at HubSpot and founder of XFunnel), and guest Sam Parr (Host of My First Million) dive into how AI-driven answer engines are disrupting traditional SEO and what marketers must do to adapt. Learn more on how AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is changing the rules of search, why citation and content relevance matter more than au...

Apr 23, 202641 min

I Run 250+ Social Media Posts/Week… Alone (Claude Code Workflow)

Get our free Claude Cowork Workflow: https://clickhubspot.com/detf Ep. 419 How do you publish 250 pieces of content per week with zero employees? Kipp and Sabrina Ramonov of Blotato, dive into the exact AI-powered content workflow that built a 2 million-person audience—all as a solo creator. Learn more on building repeatable brand voice skills with AI, automating content creation from raw images, and managing an entire social media calendar through smart connectors and tools. Sabrina Ramonov is ...

Apr 21, 202616 minSeason 1Ep. 419

We Asked 4 AI Tools About Our Brand (The Result Were Alarming)

Start a free trial of HubSpot's new AEO tool: https://clickhubspot.com/apeo Get the AEO playbook that made HubSpot the #1 most visible CRM in AI search: https://clickhubspot.com/mfle Ep. 418 Did you know tools like ChatGPT and Claude are already telling your customers to buy from your competitors—and you might not even know it? Kipp dives into the rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and how AI search engines are transforming the way businesses are found and recommended online. Learn more on...

Apr 16, 202616 minSeason 1Ep. 418

We Found Where AI Gets Its Answers (It’s Not Your Website)

Start a free trial of HubSpot's new AEO tool: https://clickhubspot.com/aoec Ep. 417 Everyone told you the blog is dead—but the data proves we were all wrong. Kipp, Kieran, Aja Frost (Sr. Director of Global Growth and Paid at HubSpot), and Beeri Amiel (Product at HubSpot and founder of XFunnel) dive into how answer engines like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini are reshaping how companies get discovered online, and why your blog matters more than ever. Learn more on real-world AEO (Answer Engine...

Apr 14, 202637 minSeason 1Ep. 417

The Real Reason Your AI Content Is Average (It's Not Your Prompts)

Kieran's guide to turn Claude into a marketing machine: https://clickhubspot.com/knbr Ep. 416 Is your AI marketing output stuck at "just okay" no matter how much you refine your skills? Kieran dives into why building better skills isn’t enough—and shares the Pixar-inspired secret to world-class, distinctive results with AI. Learn more on the crucial difference between skills and the foundational context layer, harnessing "brain trust" principles to transform your marketing, and the four foundati...

Apr 10, 202624 minSeason 1Ep. 416

The AI Skill Ladder (Beginner → Workflow Builder)

Free guide to climb the AI Skill Ladder (7 agent tools + prompts): https://clickhubspot.com/mgtv Ep. 415 What if you could turn AI into your second brain? Kipp, Kieran, and guest Kevin Hutson (Futurepedia) dive into the levels of AI maturity and how marketers can go from AI novices to master workflow builders. Learn more on the step-by-step journey to AI fluency, the power of building reusable AI skills, and how to leverage tools like Manus to automate complex marketing workflows and outperform ...

Apr 08, 202619 minSeason 1Ep. 415

Can AI Actually Make Good Ads? Replit Ad Maker Review

Get our free AI Ad Prompt Kit: https://clickhubspot.com/skw Ep. 414 How do you create killer ads when you don’t have a marketing team or big budget? Kipp dives into testing out Replit’s latest AI ad generation tool live, showing how anyone can validate ideas and iterate ad creative faster than ever. Learn more on crafting powerful prompts that drive results, iterating your way to great creative without breaking the bank, and navigating the pitfalls and possibilities of AI-powered ad creation on ...

Apr 02, 202623 minSeason 1Ep. 414

I Replaced a $5,000 Designer with Google Stitch

Get Matt's free Vibe Design Guide: https://clickhubspot.com/wkse Ep. 413 What if you could design a website just by describing what you want? Kipp has Matt Wolfe (Future Tools) dive into Google's new Stitch tool, which uses AI to turn your prompts into polished web designs—no coding or design experience required. Learn more on how Vibe Design changes the way marketers build landing pages, why Stitch could replace legacy tools like ClickFunnels, and how you can export and iterate your site ideas ...

Mar 31, 202615 minSeason 1Ep. 413

Claude Broke. Perplexity Built the App Anyway

Free Guide → Build a Custom Marketing Agent in Perplexity Computer: https://clickhubspot.com/ebnv Ep. 412 How fast can you build a viable marketing tool with AI? Kipp and Kieran dive into building a Creator Hub app on air, showing real-time problem-solving, iteration, and what it takes to turn an AI prototype into an MVP tool. Learn more on leveraging AI for creator partnerships, the behind-the-scenes process of live building with Perplexity Computer and Claude Code, and the surprising bugs, bre...

Mar 26, 202628 minSeason 1Ep. 412

AI Is Making Your Marketing Worse (And How to Fix It)

Get our AI Career Guide ($100k AI jobs): https://clickhubspot.com/hjbs Ep. 411 “Most marketing teams are scaling with AI right now, and the output is getting worse and worse” Kieran dives into the 5 essential future roles every marketing team needs to master AI and stand out as AI transforms the industry. Learn more on why simply creating more content with AI isn’t enough, how brands like Unilever and Coca-Cola are experimenting (and sometimes struggling) with AI-driven marketing, and which new ...

Mar 24, 202619 minSeason 1Ep. 411

This Content AI Agent Runs My 0-Employee Marketing Agency

Get Kieran's 11-skill AI content team: https://clickhubspot.com/fkbm Ep. 410 The aftermath of the webinar is more important than the presentation itself. Barbara Jovanovic, Co-Founder of Startup Cookie, dives into the secrets behind building a zero-employee marketing agency powered by AI, as outlined by Barbara. Learn more on automating content creation from webinars and podcasts, building custom AI agents for personalized marketing workflows, and maximizing team collaboration with streamlined t...

Mar 19, 202625 minSeason 1Ep. 410

My 11-Skill AI Content Team (Built in Claude Code)

Get Kieran's 11-skill AI content team: https://clickhubspot.com/fkbm Ep. 409 Why do some content ideas go viral while others flop? Kieran dives into building an AI-powered content team that can research, analyze, draft, and constantly improve your marketing output. Learn more on orchestrating 11 essential AI-driven content skills across workflows, crafting personalized audience profiles and writing styles, and using feedback loops to supercharge your content system month after month. Mentions Cl...

Mar 17, 202628 minSeason 1Ep. 409

I Built a $20,000 AI Consultant You Can Have For Free

Get our free $20K AI Transformation Consultant: https://clickhubspot.com/kbnr Ep. 408 Did you know most teams aren't even clear on how their own workflows actually happen—and AI can help fix that, today? Kipp and Kieran dive into the essential steps to transform your work with AI, including a free, $20,000-level AI consulting skill you can use right now. Learn more on how to identify gaps in your daily tasks using AI assistants, the best ways to implement and scale AI-first workflows (even if yo...

Mar 12, 202621 minSeason 1Ep. 408

This One Chart Exposes Why Most Companies Are Failing At AI

Get our AI Adoption playbook to redesign your business with AI: https://clickhubspot.com/kfwm Ep. 407 Did you know that 84% of people surveyed have never used AI? Kipp and Kieran dive into why the biggest threat to your business isn’t the competition or the economy—it’s your own inability to integrate AI, and how closing the gap between potential and reality is the key to outsized growth. Learn more on why new AI models aren’t the game-changer you think, what most businesses get wrong when adopt...

Mar 10, 202617 minSeason 1Ep. 407

Perplexity Computer: The Super Agent Playbook (5 Real Workflows)

Get Kipp's favorite AI Skill (+ framework): https://clickhubspot.com/rhbm Ep. 406 Is AI just building too much clutter in your workflow? Kipp and Kieran dive into the rise of super agents like Perplexity Computer, Manus, Claude Code, and OpenClaw, and share actionable ways to harness their power for marketing teams. Learn more on the core use case every AI company is chasing, best practices for integrating AI into your daily workflow, and how to iterate on skills to unlock creative, efficient ma...

Mar 05, 202627 minSeason 1Ep. 406

Claude Code: Landing Page to Lead Magnet in 50 Minutes

Get the Claude Code guide (12 prompts + 4 workflows): https://clickhubspot.com/rqm Ep. 405 Did you know it’s possible to build and launch a fully interactive inbound marketing campaign—including research, copy, and lead magnets—without writing any code or ever touching a conventional workflow tool? Kipp, Kieran, and guest James Dickerson (co-founder of Boring Marketing) dive into the world of Claude Code, demystifying how Learn more as they break down the real power of Claude Code—including what...

Mar 03, 202649 minSeason 1Ep. 405

We Tested an AI Agent That Builds 1000 Ads in 10 Minutes

Get our free AI Ads Workflows + Prompts to create 1k Ads: https://clickhubspot.com/kws Ep. 404 Will every business have a creative agency “coworker” powered by AI? Kipp, Kieran, and Patrick Haede (founder of Superscale AI) dive into how autonomous advertising agents are revolutionizing paid ads—making it possible for any business, no matter the size or budget, to compete with the world’s biggest brands. Learn more about how AI-driven agents can democratize access to high-quality ad production, w...

Feb 26, 202637 minSeason 1Ep. 404

I Built a Team of AI Assistants That Live in My Email Inbox (Mail Manus Tutorial)

Get the guide to create AI Agents: https://clickhubspot.com/wvh Ep. 403 Can you build a team of AI assistants—like a competitive researcher, content strategist, and world-class data analyst—all inside your email inbox? Kieran dives into how AI specialists can supercharge your productivity right from your inbox. Learn more on setting up inbox-native AI agents, why bespoke email-based delegation beats chatbots, and the game-changing workflows for competitive analysis and content repurposing—all do...

Feb 24, 202615 minSeason 1Ep. 403

Meta’s AI Agent is Better Than OpenClaw (Manus AI Demo)

Automate your work with our AI Agents Playbook: https://clickhubspot.com/gkh Ep. 402 How to get your own personal game changing autonomous agent. Kipp and Kieran dive into how Meta’s newly acquired Manus AI agent quietly outpaces the hype around OpenClaw—making autonomous agents accessible, useful, and genuinely transformative for marketers and beyond. Learn more on why Manus might just be better than OpenClaw, how you can set up your own personal AI agent in just minutes, and the power of “skil...

Feb 19, 202625 minSeason 1Ep. 402

770,000 Agents, 0 Humans: Inside the First AI Social Network

Get the AI Agents Playbook: https://clickhubspot.com/fno Ep. 401 There's a huge social network for agents—where humans aren’t allowed to post. Kieran dives into how a weekend project became an autonomous AI ecosystem, changing how we interact with the web. Learn more about the meteoric growth and viral community of OpenClaw, the wild agent-only social network Moltbook, the real-world security challenges that come with autonomous agents, and how you can safely get started experimenting with your ...

Feb 17, 202622 minSeason 1Ep. 401

This AI Workflow Replaces 10 Hours of Ad Research

Get our 5 AI workflows + 15 prompts to automate social trends research: https://clickhubspot.com/egs Ep. 400 Can you automate the most painful, time-consuming parts of marketing with AI—without sacrificing creativity or results? Kipp and Mike Futia (Founder of SCALE AI) dive into Mike’s real-world blueprint for AI-powered social trendspotting and creative production for brands. Learn more on building custom AI tools (no coding experience required), the line between automation and human creative ...

Feb 12, 202632 minSeason 1Ep. 400

The Claude Update That Just Changed Marketing Forever

Get the guide for $100k AI jobs no one's talking about: https://clickhubspot.com/wkr Ep. 399 We are now transitioning from vibe coding to vibe working? Kieran dives into the historic evolution of AI from a tool you chat with to a team you manage, and why this changes the future of work. Learn more on the rise of agentic AI teams that autonomously handle projects, how Claude and similar models are embedding themselves directly into essential tools like Excel and PowerPoint, and why mastering outc...

Feb 10, 202620 minSeason 1Ep. 399

This AI Workflow Turns Every Sales Call Into a Custom Deck

Grab Kristin’s free prompts & automations for better slides: https://clickhubspot.com/3e23f6 Ep. 398 Are slides the most underappreciated format of content on the internet—and has AI totally changed how we should use them? Kipp, Kieran, and Kristin Fracchia of Gamma, dive into the new world of automated, AI-powered slide workflows that turn every sales call, meeting, or brainstorming session into a high-impact visual deck. Learn more on using AI for automated sales follow-ups, brainstorming ...

Feb 05, 202630 minSeason 1Ep. 398

Stop Prompting: Build an AI "Design App" Instead (Demo)

Description link: Want access to Lior Albeck's AI toolkit? Get it here: https://clickhubspot.com/eb1adb Ep. 397 If you’re not building systems for creative work, are you falling behind? Kipp and Lior Albeck (CEO and Co-Founder of Weavy) dive into how AI is radically changing creative marketing and why system-building is now essential to stay competitive. Learn more on how to break down the mindshift every team needs, how to future-proof your creative assets, and the secrets behind building an AI...

Feb 03, 202642 minSeason 1Ep. 397

ChatGPT Ads: The New Arbitrage for 2026

Steal our winning strategy to optimize your content for AI discovery: https://clickhubspot.com/swa Attend Kieran's free Webinar on Reclaiming Strategic Time in the AI Era: https://hubs.la/Q040m6fn0 Ep. 396 Could ChatGPT become a $47 billion ads business by matching Google’s user monetization? Kipp and Kieran dive into the massive opportunity for marketers as ChatGPT and AI platforms launch new ad products. Learn more on three gold rush opportunities in the coming wave of AI ads, how intent-based...

Jan 29, 202621 minSeason 1Ep. 396

This AI Tool Works Like a $300,000 McKinsey Consultant

Get our playbook to reverse engineer any competitor + 10 market research prompts: https://clickhubspot.com/mkv Ep. 395 Making market research more efficient and way cheaper. Kipp and Kieran dive into why Manus may be the world’s best marketing analyst—and why most marketers are sleeping on it. Learn more on how you can unlock high-value, easy-to-use market research, competitive intelligence, and actionable insights by combining Manus with SimilarWeb data, see how to model budgets using real traf...

Jan 27, 202627 minSeason 1Ep. 395

Marketing is Already Dead, You Just Don't Know It

Get our AI content system that keeps your content human: https://clickhubspot.com/krv Ep. 394 Is automating comments with AI the future of marketing, or a path to disaster? Kipp and Kieran dive into the controversial rise of AI marketing agents and why automating community engagement could ruin what makes marketing—and the Internet—remarkable. Learn more on why human-crafted content and authentic participation build real brands, the problems with automating community interactions, and how to use...

Jan 22, 202625 minSeason 1Ep. 394

233M Views in 3 Days: The David Beckham AI Workflow

Get PJ's free AI Video Production Stack + Workflow: https://clickhubspot.com/whs Ep. 393 233 million views in just three days — can AI-generated ads really replace million-dollar productions? Kipp, Kieran, and guest, PJ Accetturo, of Genre.ai, dive into the wild world of AI-powered commercial workflows and the viral David Beckham ad that’s turning heads across the industry. Learn more about AI-driven creative teams, the tools behind photorealistic video production, and the emerging future—where ...

Jan 20, 202643 minSeason 1Ep. 393
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