The industry is moving faster than ever—and those who can't keep pace will be left behind. From Listen Labs' $69 million Series B to Google's invisible AI shopping agents, this episode unpacks what happens when AI becomes so seamless you don't even notice it's there. We explore why the GRIT Data Collection's six-month turnaround matters, how Protege is solving AI's messiest infrastructure problem, and what the Tea Institute's 2026 food trends reveal about emotional decision-making.

Plus: Why contextual intelligence—not just AI access—will separate winners from losers in customer experience.

The research and technology landscape is transforming rapidly. This conversation captures the shifts that matter most: major industry conferences offering career-defining opportunities, AI-powered devices reshaping consumer behavior, and OpenAI's pivot toward audio-first interfaces that could make screens obsolete.

Three seismic changes stand out—the data revolution turning retailers into intelligence platforms, health tech breakthroughs democratizing personal wellness, and market consolidations signaling that automation and AI aren't just trends, they're the new foundation of competitive advantage.

AI is reshaping business faster than many predicted, but not always in expected ways. This year-end recap explores the paradoxes that emerged as automation took hold: shoppers guided by AI are 30% more likely to buy, yet data quality scandals threaten to undermine trust in these systems. Research professionals gain unprecedented efficiency while worrying about eroding standards. Most surprising? As AI handles more routine work, demand for human storytellers is surging—with tech companies paying premium salaries for authentic narratives in an automated world.

From P&G's AI factory to new marketplace dynamics that could reshape the internet, we examine what actually worked, what failed, and why the human element matters more than ever.

Market research is undergoing its most dramatic transformation in decades—and the changes are accelerating. Major consultancies are pouring money into AI-powered research platforms that blend synthetic personas with real user data. Startups are racing to solve problems that didn't exist a year ago, like preventing AI agents from contaminating survey samples.

Traditional surveys are giving way to behavioral analytics that predict consumer decisions with unprecedented accuracy. And as barriers to entry collapse with each new AI advancement, companies face a critical question: Can their teams adapt fast enough?

AI is no longer coming to market research—it's already here, and the money is following. From Blue Pill's $6 million bet on digital twins to conversational AI conducting qualitative interviews, the industry is being rebuilt in real-time. But as AI shopping assistants reshape consumer behavior and brands like Unilever race to integrate AI across their operations, critical questions emerge: What happens when machines automate the art of human conversation? How do we fight AI-enabled fraud? And is this a bubble, or the permanent transformation of research as we know it?

Karen Lynch and Rick Candelaria cut through the hype to explore what these rapid changes mean for researchers, brands, and the future of consumer insights.

The insights industry faces an existential moment: adapt to AI or become irrelevant. This episode cuts through the hype to explore what really matters—why selling process is dead, how to differentiate through expertise, and the emotional toll of constant disruption that no one's talking about. From data quality imperatives to platform updates and funding signals, discover what separates professionals who will thrive from those who'll be left behind.

Plus, honest conversation about change fatigue, job anxiety, and finding purpose in an AI-augmented workplace.

The market research industry is at a turning point. Strategic mergers and AI-powered tools are streamlining workflows, while verified spending data exposes a troubling gap between what consumers say and actually do. Wikipedia's demand for content payment raises questions about data ownership, and Salesforce's Spindle AI acquisition signals that enterprise AI is now essential.

With collaborative AI potentially disrupting traditional methods, the message is clear: professionals who can leverage AI effectively aren't just advantaged—they're necessary. McKinsey's advice? Two-year roadmaps are the new long-term planning.

The market research world is being reshaped from every angle. Amazon's lawsuit over AI shopping agents, major CPG consolidation, and the death of traditional SaaS pricing models signal that the old playbook is obsolete. As specialized AI solutions take over and biometric-enabled robots scan shoppers, one question becomes urgent: what role does human judgment play?

Karen and Lenny explore why cultural intelligence and ethical oversight might be the most valuable skills in an increasingly automated industry.