Welcome to the world’s most entertaining marketing podcast.

Note: Beginning in 2026, The Marketing Companion has a new owner and host, Sandy Carter. The podcast will continue to offer the brightest ideas in marketing today and will remain on the same site where you enjoy podcasts today. New episodes of the podcast are available on Sandy’s website.

The archive of past shows hosted by Mark Schaefer over nearly 13 years will remain here.

Mark Schaefer is a globally-recognized marketing author, futurist, college educator, consultant, and keynote speaker. Every other week, Mark brings one of his “marketing companions” alongside him to do a deep dive into the trends of today that forge the marketing innovations of tomorrow.

The Marketing Companion –among the top 1 percent of all podcasts on iTunes — is always fun, always interesting, and always on-target with insights and ideas that will turn up your marketing intellect to an “11.” Find a topic in the guide below or push one of the subscribe buttons to get episodes delivered free to your email account every other week.

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Reviews

Could not be better, two intriguing and thought-provoking minds who possess the perfect balance of intellect and entertainment – Rany Bowden

The marketing podcast equivalent of a Snicker’s bar wrapped in bacon. Satisfying, intreating, and leaves you wanting more. – Rosemary O’Neil

Mark & Tom live up to the podcasting holy trinity: educate/inform/entertain – Jamie Wallace

What’s a pod cast? – Mark’s mother?

Timeless marketing lessons from KISS, Paula Abdul, and a hologram machine

Marketing lessons from KISS, a brush with Paula Abdul, and an unfortunate incident with holograms are just part of the fun on The Marketing Companion.

Podcasting’s next big moment: The insider insights

Podcasting's next big moment may rely on lower standards, quirkier programming, and reality shows. Opportunities for growth from an industry insider

How to be the world’s greatest podcast guest

You don't have to be uptight about that podcast interview. Follow these guidelines to be thw world's greatest podcast guest!

Facebook: The place where social change goes to die?

The Facebook news stream is a profoundly ineffective place to change somebody's mind. Is this any way to create social change?

Is a store with no sales the future of retailing?

Retailing is in a cataclysmic shift. But a new California shop may portend the future of retailing. Oh yes. It has nothing on its shelves.

Why customers really don’t want to engage with your brand

Customer engagement has always been a driver of social media strategy. But maybe customers don't want to engage with your brand after all.

What does it take to create a podcast consistently for five years?

Mark Schaefer reflects on what it takes to create a podcast, the ups and downs, and how to keep it running successfully for five years.

Case study: Winning the #WorldCup with Epic Content

One of our favorite case studies of all time is the story of how Nike used epic content to win the World Cup buzz. Here is the inside story of how some of the biggest names in sports came together to launch a massive marketing victory.

A discussion on our favorite recent marketing books

Mark Schaefer and Tom Webster review some of their favorite recent marketing books on the latest Marketing Companion episode.