We're back after three weeks away!!

And we're diving straight into the deep end. Ryan and Richard break down one of the biggest stories in AI right now. The dramatic headlines between the US government and AI companies Anthropic and OpenAI. From Anthropic being labelled a national security risk for refusing to remove safeguards around autonomous weapons and mass surveillance, to OpenAI stepping in to fill the gap, we give our take on what it all means and what it actually says about brand trust and ethics in the AI industry.

We're also joined by Ed, CTO and co-founder of LOOP, to dig into Scotland's newly released AI strategy. Is Scotland genuinely positioning itself as a global leader in AI, or is it more government propaganda than actionable plan? We get into the report's strengths, its glaring gaps, and what it would actually take to move the dial. We round things off with a wider chat about AI in education, how it's changing the way students research and write, and what skills are going to matter most in a world where information retrieval is practically free.

In this episode of The Big Thing, Richard flips the podcast on its head and Ryan is in the hot seat. He shares insights into the world of social media management, covering the realities of the role, industry trends and the skills needed to stand out. Discover how social media shapes brand building, the challenges faced by managers and what the future holds for digital marketing professionals.

In this episode of the LOOP Podcast, Ryan and Richard discuss various topics ranging from the viral sensation of Punch the Monkey to the evolving landscape of marketing, particularly the shift towards influencer marketing as highlighted by Unilever's recent strategies. They explore the implications of AI on consumer behaviour and marketing practices, as well as the future of jobs in an increasingly automated world.

This week on The Big Thing, Ryan and Richard wade into the strange new world where AI and celebrity culture collide.

From A-listers selling the rights to their own image, to fully AI-generated influencers like Neuro-sama building real fanbases, we unpack what it means when fame no longer requires a human behind it. If your likeness can be licensed, cloned or automated… who actually owns you?

We also get into the increasingly uncomfortable idea behind the “dead internet theory” — the notion that much of what we see online isn’t human at all. Are we already scrolling through feeds powered more by algorithms than people? And does it even matter if the content still entertains us?

This week on The Big Thing, Richard and Ryan pull apart the biggest ads from the Super Bowl and ask the question everyone in marketing is thinking: were they actually any good?

From celebrity overload to AI-assisted production, we look at what worked, what felt lazy, and what a £7m media slot really buys you in 2026. We chat through standout moments, including the Amazon Alexa spot featuring Chris Hemsworth and debate whether star power and nostalgia are replacing proper creative thinking.

Kicking off LOOP's six-step process strategy; showing how a centralised Workstack aligns briefs with business goals, reduces stress, and drives marketing efficiency.

Ryan and Richard take a nostalgic trip back to 2015, exploring the marketing landscape and social media trends of that year. They discuss the cultural context, highlighting significant events and the state of various platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Vine. The conversation delves into how marketing strategies have evolved, particularly with the rise of video content and influencer marketing, which began to gain traction during this period. They also touch on the impact of mobile optimisation and the shift from traditional advertising to digital platforms, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviours.

As we look back at the marketing landscape of 2015, it becomes clear that this was a pivotal year that shaped the future of social media and digital marketing. From the rise of influencers to the transformation of platforms like Instagram and Facebook, understanding these trends can provide valuable insights into today's marketing strategies.

In 10th episode (wow) of the The Big Thing Podcast, Ryan and Richard dive deep into the world of algorithms, exploring their impact on marketing and consumer behaviour. Touching on how algorithms shape our online experiences, from social media feeds to shopping recommendations, and the implications of this technology on both businesses and consumers. While they can enhance user experience by personalizing content, they also raise concerns about overconsumption and the homogenisation of ideas.