Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
*Get our AI content system that keeps your content human:* clickhubspot.com/hbr
Ep. 391
Is 2026 the year of the AI backlash?
Kieran Flanagan and Kipp Bodnar dive into what the growing resentment toward AI content means for marketers and how to stand out by embracing human creativity and expertise. Learn more about why authenticity is becoming the ultimate growth strategy, how brands like Equinox are flipping AI slop into standout campaigns, and the practical steps you need to succeed in a world overwhelmed by generic, automated content.
Mentions
Grok grok.com
Equinox AI Ads instagram.com/p/DTIsY5tkrSB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Patagonia 2011 New York Times ad patagonia.com/stories/planet/activism/dont-buy-this-jacket-black-friday-and-the-new-york-times/story-18615.html
Timestamps
00:00 AI Content Backlash
06:29 Authenticity Over AI in Creation
09:20 Authenticity in Marketing: Patagonia Example
10:40 AI Enhances, Doesn't Replace Thought
15:19 Intentional Learning Beats AI
Host Links:
📲Kipp Bodnar, twitter.com/kippbodnar
📲Kieran Flanagan, twitter.com/searchbrat
‘Marketing Against The Grain’ is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by The HubSpot Podcast Network // Produced by Darren Clarke.
About the Show
Kipp Bodnar, HubSpot’s CMO and Kieran Flanagan Hubspot's SVP of Marketing, lead you down the rabbit hole of marketing trends, growth tactics and innovation. On the way you’ll pick up undiscovered strategies to give you that slight edge for success. These are not your typical twitter thread regurgitated marketing tactics that everyone is doing. These are new methods, with unfiltered examination of successful fresh ideas.
*Get our AI content system that keeps your content human:* clickhubspot.com/hbr
Ep. 391
Is 2026 the year of the AI backlash?
Kieran Flanagan and Kipp Bodnar dive into what the growing resentment toward AI content means for marketers and how to stand out by embracing human creativity and expertise. Learn more about why authenticity is becoming the ultimate growth strategy, how brands like Equinox are flipping AI slop into standout campaigns, and the practical steps you need to succeed in a world overwhelmed by generic, automated content.
Mentions
Grok grok.com
Equinox AI Ads instagram.com/p/DTIsY5tkrSB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Patagonia 2011 New York Times ad patagonia.com/stories/planet/activism/dont-buy-this-jacket-black-friday-and-the-new-york-times/story-18615.html
Timestamps
00:00 AI Content Backlash
06:29 Authenticity Over AI in Creation
09:20 Authenticity in Marketing: Patagonia Example
10:40 AI Enhances, Doesn't Replace Thought
15:19 Intentional Learning Beats AI
Host Links:
📲Kipp Bodnar, twitter.com/kippbodnar
📲Kieran Flanagan, twitter.com/searchbrat
‘Marketing Against The Grain’ is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by The HubSpot Podcast Network // Produced by Darren Clarke.
About the Show
Kipp Bodnar, HubSpot’s CMO and Kieran Flanagan Hubspot's SVP of Marketing, lead you down the rabbit hole of marketing trends, growth tactics and innovation. On the way you’ll pick up undiscovered strategies to give you that slight edge for success. These are not your typical twitter thread regurgitated marketing tactics that everyone is doing. These are new methods, with unfiltered examination of successful fresh ideas.
