Stylus Future Thinking

In this episode, Stylus’ Senior Trends Editor for Pop Culture & Media, Annie Corser, unpacks the key directions & significant trends featured in our Pop Culture & Media Futures 24/25 report. From the resurgence of retro gaming and apps revitalising social connections, to AI synthfluencers and a Gen Z-led revival in romance publishing, we explore how these directions are impacting the future to ...

In this episode, Stylus’ Head of Beauty, Lisa Payne, and Assistant Trends Editor for Beauty, Maya Regan, discuss the beauty industry's fascinating shift towards neuroscience. As consumer interest grows in cosmetics and fragrances designed to interact with our neural pathways, brands are delving into the intricate skin-mind connection and increasingly exploring new avenues of wellness through a ...

In this episode, Stylus’ senior trends editor for Retail & Brand Comms, Rebecca Hobbs, unpacks the cutting-edge sports marketing strategies emerging from the highly anticipated Paris Games, as discussed in our report Olympics & Paralympics 2024: 10 Big Ideas for Sports Marketing. We explore how brands are creatively tackling themes such as parenthood, resilience, subcultures and more, with Rebe...

In this episode, we join Stylus’ content director & sustainability lead, Emily Gordon-Smith, delving into the insights from our latest macro report, Solutions for the New Climate Era (https://app.stylus.com/cross-industry/solutions-for-the-new-climate-era) . We explore the evolving consumer lifestyles in response to climate challenges and discuss how essential products, services, and spaces are...

In this episode, we join Stylus’ content director, Mandy Saven, and delve into the pivotal developments and insights currently emerging in the food and health space. We discuss the essential topics all brands need to know about – from the rise of ultra-processed foods and the popularity boom of weight management drugs like Ozempic, to AI’s impact on agritech and future-proofing the food of tomo...

In this episode, we join Stylus’ Annie Corser, senior editor of Pop Culture & Media, and Julia Errens, senior Pop Culture correspondent, to discuss the key trends and insights within AI that emerged from this year’s SXSW festival (March 8-16).

In this episode, we join Consumer Attitudes trends researcher, Nienke Creemers, and founder of wellness lifestyle brand Thy.self, Chloé Pierre, in discussing the growing appeal of ‘soft living’ – a movement where people seek fulfilment beyond their career and financial accomplishments. Our conversation delves into the origins of this trend, the resistance it encounters from older generations an...

In this episode, we delve into some of the key themes and exciting products that caught our attention at CES 2024 in Las Vegas (January 9-12). From ground-breaking AI advancements to impressive displays of emerging technologies, CES 2024 showcased the future of consumer electronics. Our Consumer Attitudes team talk about the main themes they observed – such as the widespread presence of artific...

On this episode we look ahead to 2024 and explore some of the key trends that Stylus experts think every brand needs to know about next year. We speak to four Stylus experts – across Consumer Attitudes, Technology, Fashion, and Food & Beverage – about the reports they produced for Stylus's annual Look Ahead series. In the Look Ahead, Stylus reveals 30 emerging trends that take in changing cons...

In this episode, we talk to Alexander Alich – founder and director of the FoxFire Institute of Shamanic Studies, and a doctoral researcher looking into the experiences and practices of western shamanic practitioners. Alexander discusses the increasing rise of shamanism (now the fastest-growing religion in the UK), and how this burgeoning spiritual interest may stem from current concerns around ...

In this episode, we talk to Flex Chapman, co-creator of Krause House – a DAO (decentralised autonomous organisation) with a dream of buying an NBA sports team. Flex discusses Krause House’s ambitious mission to disrupt the traditional and exclusive sports ownership model through sales of social and non-fungible tokens – finally giving power back to the basketball fan community, and bringing the...

In this episode, we talk to Mark Barlet, founder of AbleGamers, a US non-profit dedicated to improving accessibility in the video game space. Mark discusses the challenges and opportunities of combating social isolation through play, and offers brands advice on amplifying the call for greater accessibility across all industries. Also joining us are Stylus’s senior editor of Pop Culture & Media...

In this episode, we talk to Alanna Roazzi-Laforet, founder of Decrypt Studios – a production studio dedicated to bringing artists, designers and thinkers to the metaverse. Also joining us are Stylus’ Annie Corser, senior editor of Pop Culture & Media, and Julia Errens, senior Pop Culture correspondent, to discuss the key trends and insights that emerged from this year’s SXSW festival (March 10-...

In this episode, we talk to Anna Blakney, assistant professor at the University of British Columbia in the Michael Smith Laboratories and School of Biomedical Engineering. Anna runs a lab developing next-gen RNA vaccines and therapies, and we discuss her work and the future of personalised medicine. Also joining us is Emilia Morano-Williams, Stylus’s senior editor of Consumer Attitudes and Tech...

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Clinton, author and former president of Hearst Magazines. Michael discusses his book Roar (https://roarbymichaelclinton.com/) , a blueprint for taking your life in a new direction post-50, and what businesses need to know about the needs and ambitions of modern Gen X and Boomer consumers. Also joining us is Katie Baron, content director at Stylus, to bri...

In this episode, we’re joined by Damian Bradfield, co-founder and chief creative officer of global file-sharing platform WeTransfer. He discusses the brand’s work with artists and creatives, as well as its current research – the Ideas Report and the Emerging Creative Hubs Index – that shines a light on trends driving the creator economy. The episode also features Emily Gordon-Smith, Stylus’ con...

Jon Alexander, co-founder of the New Citizenship Project, joins the podcast to discuss his book, Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us. It argues that humans are collaborative, creative, caring citizens by nature, and brands and governments need to stop treating us as simple consumers. Lisa Payne, Stylus’ head of Beauty, also joins to talk about the latest innovations in the b...

Ben Downing, global managing director of ethical media strategic partnerships at Havas Media Group, discusses the latest Havas Meaningful Brands report, and how companies can help consumers struggling with the global impact of the cost-of-living crisis. Marian Berelowitz, US senior editor at Stylus, also joins us to talk about the current state of diversity and inclusion in advertising and media.

Journalist and author Dorian Lynskey joins Future Thinking to talk about his podcast series Origin Story, in which he explores the meaning behind key political and cultural terminology – including ‘woke’. And Julia Errens, Stylus’s Pop Culture & Media editor, discusses the upcoming Barbie movie.

Molly Baker, founder and chief executive of US marketing agency Indie Consulting, discusses key marketing necessities every brand needs to understand to drive growth in a post-Covid world. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.

Jess Northend, policy lead at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, joins Future Thinking to explore innovations that are changing the world – from AI to biotech to crypto – and how brands and organisations can keep up with the pace of change. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and the Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.

Future Thinking was in Austin, Texas last week for the annual SXSW festival, where we spoke with brands including extended reality (XR) specialists Spatial, wireless tech giant Qualcomm, and the Human Rights Foundations, and a host of start-ups showcasing their innovations at the SXSW Creative Expo. Also featuring insights on key SXSW trends from Stylus experts.

Benedict Evans, independent analyst, and former partner at US venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, joins us to discuss the state of tech in 2022 – covering everything from crypto and privacy to the metaverse and beyond. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and the Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.

Donna Dozier Gordon, head of inclusion & diversity at H&M, joins us to discuss the retail brand’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) work, why it makes both ethical and commercial sense, and how socially conscious Gen Z consumers are reshaping the cultural landscape. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and the Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.

Bruce Daisley, ex-VP EMEA at Twitter – now host of the business podcast Eat Sleep Work Repeat and author of The Joy of Work – joins us to discuss the future of the workplace post-pandemic. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts. 

Ford’s chief futurist Sheryl Connelly discusses the automotive brand’s 2022 Trend Report, which explores the macro trends set to shape the next few decades of consumer engagement. From the future of family to work and socialising, Connelly reveals how businesses can embrace the power and potential of change. We also examine the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus exp...

Manya Koetse, editor-in-chief of What’s On Weibo, and Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China, discuss key tech, media and consumer trends in China – from what’s shaking up e-commerce, to opportunities in social media engagement. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts. 

Kelsey Weekman, editor at Yahoo’s youth culture platform In The Know, reveals the secrets to successfully engaging with Gen Z. Also on the show, Kimberly Joi McDonald, founder of interior design firm Designing Joi, discusses how she advocates for diversity and inclusion in design; and we explore the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts. 

Kerry Thorpe, head of communications at Ben & Jerry’s, discusses all aspects of the ice-cream company’s activist mission – from balancing purpose and playfulness, to ensuring brand fans are engaged long-term. Also, Carlos Silis, founder of Mexican marketing firm The Moonshot Company, talks digital strategy; and we explore the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.

A special edition of Future Thinking exploring key trends that will impact brands and consumers in 2022. Amanda Ho, CEO of conscious travel platform Regenerative Travel, and Sam Field, Director of Creative Technology at Yahoo Creative Studios, offer insight and inspiration for the year ahead; and Stylus experts discuss Stylus’s Look Ahead 2022 series of reports.

Paul Carr – tech journalist, author, and co-founder of Chairman Mom, an online community for working women – gets real about the state of Silicon Valley and tells us why and how we need to combat the problem of toxic tech. We also talk to gender-free fashion platform The Phluid Project and identify this week’s next big consumer opportunity for brands.

Charles Arthur, ex-technology editor of The Guardian, discusses his new book Social Warming: The Dangerous and Polarising Effects of Social Media. We also talk about the bottom-line benefits of touting your sustainable credentials with UK platform Compare Ethics, and find out how the BeBot is cleaning up US beaches.

In this episode, Stylus speaks to Rex Woodbury, principal at Index Ventures, and Julia Errens, Editor of Pop Culture & Media at Stylus, about the reinvention of social media in the post-pandemic era.

In this episode, Stylus talks to James Cridland, editor of Podnews, about the current and future state of podcasting: how the pandemic has changed listening behaviours, what brands need to know about getting into podcasting, future trends in audio, and much more.

In this episode, Stylus speaks with Matt Muir, communications consultant and creator of Web Curios (a weekly newsletter that spotlights the most interesting stuff online), to discuss how brands and creatives can take inspiration from internet culture for their own work. 

In this episode, Stylus talks to Lindsey Wehking, Associate Director of Strategy at Nonfiction, about one of the biggest issues of our time: how to make sense of the world when news, journalism and communication in general has become toxic and divisive.

In this episode, Stylus talks to Ana Flores, founder of We All Grow Latina, a network of young Latina creators and entrepreneurs. Ana discusses how marketers can evolve their engagement with Latinx communities, and what brands need to know about today’s young Latinx consumers.

In this episode, Stylus talks to Ian Leslie, journalist and author of  Conflicted: Why Arguments Are Tearing Us Apart And How They Can Bring Us Together. Ian discusses how conflict can be a good thing for your business. With Estella Shardlow – Senior Editor of Consumer Lifestyle, Stylus.

In this episode Stylus talks to Zoe Scaman, founder of Bodacious, about adapting to the pace of change as a brand. When technology, media and culture move so fast, how do you actually grab the opportunities out there and make tangible use of them?

In this episode, Stylus talks to Jaime Schmidt, founder of deodorant and personal care brand Schmidt’s Naturals, about turning passions into businesses, and the skills and strategies that brand founders need to know.

This episode features five brilliant thought-leaders – Michael Miraflor, Josh Constine, Jarrod Dicker, Cherie Hu, and Sam Freedman – answering the question: what’s a consumer problem or challenge that you don’t think has been solved yet? What their answers reveal are consumer pain points that need to be addressed – essentially, unlocking new markets and roadmaps for brand growth. With additiona...

In this episode Stylus talks to Rick Stollmeyer, co-founder of Mindbody about the business of wellbeing. What new opportunities for consumers and brands are emerging in the post-pandemic fitness and wellness space? With Estella Shardlow, senior editor of Consumer Lifestyle – Stylus.

In this episode, Stylus talks to Jimmy Carroll, co-founder of Pelorus. Jimmy discusses the state of post-Covid travel – what kinds of experiences will consumers want as vacationing returns to the agenda? With Mandy Saven, Director of Consumer Lifestyle at Stylus.

In this episode, Stylus talks to Sam Freedman, co-founder and CEO of Curate Beauty, about how sexual wellness is becoming a booming industry, and the opportunities it offers for beauty brands in particular. With Lisa Payne, Senior Editor of Beauty at Stylus.

In this episode, Stylus is joined by Robby Yung, chief executive of Animoca and Stephen Graves, UK managing editor of Decrypt Media, to discuss NFTs, or non-fungible tokens: what are they, why are they taking off right now, and what can brands do with them?

In this episode, Stylus talks to Liz Klinger, co-founder and CEO of sex tech company Lioness, about how the pandemic has affected consumers’ sex lives. With Elspeth Taylor, Consumer Attitudes & Technology Assistant Editor at Stylus.

In this episode, Stylus talks to Lisa & Alana Macfarlane, founders of The Gut Stuff, about gut health, and why consumers are clamouring for products and advice on supporting their microbiomes. With Laura Swain – Food & Beverage editor at Stylus. 

In this episode, Stylus talks to Dr Travis Oh, assistant professor of Marketing at Yeshiva University, about the psychology of fun: how can brands help consumers seek happiness in these troubled times? With Elspeth Taylor, Consumer Attitudes & Technology assistant editor at Stylus.

In this episode, Stylus talks to Shanu Walpita, lecturer in Fashion Communication & Innovation at the London College of Fashion, and Keanan Duffty, associate professor of Fashion at The New School in New York, about how fashion education is undergoing a radical makeover. With Emily Gordon-Smith, director of Consumer Product at Stylus. 

In this episode, Stylus talks to Tim Nudd, editor in chief of Muse by Clio, which is part of the Clio Awards (the annual advertising awards programme) about the Super Bowl and the past, present and future of Super Bowl advertising.