We're not here to repeat what everyone else is saying.
Marketing Against the Grain started with a simple idea: marketing shouldn't be boring, and it definitely shouldn't follow the same tired playbook everyone else is using.
Hosted by Kipp Bodnar (HubSpot's CMO) and Kieran Flanagan (HubSpot's SVP of Marketing), this podcast cuts through the noise of conventional marketing wisdom to explore what's actually working right now. We dig into the strategies, experiments, and sometimes controversial takes that drive real growth—not just theoretical frameworks that look good in a deck.
What We're About
Every week, we tackle the marketing topics that matter: from AI and automation to brand building, from growth tactics to organizational strategy. We bring on guests who are in the trenches doing the work—not just talking about it. And we're not afraid to challenge the status quo, question popular opinions, or admit when we've gotten it wrong.
Our audience includes marketing leaders, growth practitioners, and anyone who's tired of the same recycled advice. If you're looking for surface-level tips, you won't find them here. But if you want honest conversations about what's working (and what's not), you're in the right place.
Why "Against the Grain"?
Because the best marketing doesn't come from following the crowd. It comes from thinking differently, testing boldly, and being willing to go against conventional wisdom when the data tells you to.
Join us as we explore the edge of modern marketing—where experimentation meets execution.
