đď¸ Welcome to Stop the Slop â the podcast where we cut through the noise on AI in content and marketing. Weâre Peter Springett of Bright Content, working with brands like Adobe and Google, and Vanessa Hodges, founder of Barking Mad Creative.
After 20+ years of projects together, weâre sharing our views on how AI is reshaping writing, training, C-suite buy-in, chatbots vs data platforms, and much, much more.
Season 2 - Episode 3: AI Automation, a trusted advisor...or friend?
In todayâs episode, Peter and I investigate the recent Gallop AI Workplace survey, and how more than half of employees are using AI as part of their working day, however, it is not necessarily changing how they work, ie a lot of automation but not so much transformationâŚyet!
We also talk about the evolving role of AI from a helpful tool to a trusted advisor. Moving onto perhaps a crazy idea that you might want your boss to clone themselves into an AI agent to make you feel seen and heard in the workplaceâŚreferencing a recent article about Mark Zuckerberg providing an opportunity for the organization to feel more connected to the boss.
Not sure we believe in all the hype here, but we most certainly found ways to unpack this fast-paced world of AI in this weekâs episode. Have a listen and let us know if youâre also treating your AI bot as a trusted advisor, or even maybe a new virtual friend for advice!
Contact Peter:
Email
peterspringett@brightcontent.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterspringett1/
Contact Vanessa:
Email
vanessa@barkingmadcreative.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessahodges/
29 Mar 2026
Trailer - Season 2: Episode 2 - We do our research about research!
From freeing up time for creative work to supportingpersonal growth, AI is opening new doors for individuals and organizations alike. But here's the twist, the real opportunity isn't just in automating tasks. It's in reimagining talent, shifting human roles toward strategy, creativity, and innovation where we truly shine.
Maybe that's the point. AI is less about replacing us and more about amplifying what makes us uniquely human.
Link to Anthropic Research:
https://www.anthropic.com/features/81k-interviews
29 Mar 2026
Season 2: Ep 2 - Research, Personal Growth and the Filofax
Episode 2 - Vanessa and Peter discuss the recent largest qualitative AI attitude study conducted by Anthropic, which show that 25% of users believe AI helps them achieve more fulfilling work.
And, despite the numerous benefits, many people still have fears about AI, particularly regarding job anxiety, yet the same study revealed that the fear of AI making mistakes was a greater concern than job loss.
We also discuss and share our thoughts on the trusty Filofax.... we will explain what that is to our younger listeners!
And, review what CMO's might be thinking about based upon a recent report from Boston Consulting .
Vanessa also shares her recent observations of how her behaviour is changing towards using AI and how the huge benefits are available everyday at your fingertips and when you miss the tools to help make your working day better and more productive!
6 Mar 2026
Season 2: Ep 1 - Shifting from hype to reality using AI
AI has moved beyond the hype and is now being integrated into everyday business operations. Recent reports, such as one from Goldman Sachs, highlight that while overall productivity gains might not be substantial, certain areas like customer service and software programming are experiencing significant improvements.
To kick off Season 2, Vanessa and Peter continue to explore how AI plays a pivotal role in enhancing marketing efforts.
Tools such a Goolge Workspace Studio are paving the way for integrating AI into familiar platforms making it easier for businesses to adopt technologies.
We also explore the many ways to invest into developing your own knowledge and skills to work with the many AI tools that are readily available.
Itâs all about working smarter, not harder.
Still figuring out which tools work for you? The journey is part of the process. Remember, the more you experiment, the more youâll learn.
Letâs keep this conversation goingâwhat tools are you excited to try?
Contact Peter:
Email
peterspringett@brightcontent.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterspringett1/
Contact Vanessa:
Email
vanessa@barkingmadcreative.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessahodges/
22 Dec 2025
Episode 8 - Reflecting on 2025
In Episode 8 of "Stop the Slop," hosts Vanessa and Peter reflect on the past year and discuss the evolving landscape of AI in the workplace.
We delve into a recent Gallup poll revealing trends in AI usage among employees, highlighting that 23% use AI two to three times a week, while 10% are frequent users.
This episode also explores the concept of "taste" in content creation, emphasising the importance of personal and cultural uniqueness in standing out.
And finally, we take a look back at 2025 and review some of Peter's best and worst predictions!
Contact Peter:
Email
peterspringett@brightcontent.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterspringett1/
Contact Vanessa:
Email
vanessa@barkingmadcreative.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessahodges/
11 Dec 2025
Episode 7 - What do we mean by Slop?
In this episode of "Stop the Slop," hosts Peter Springett and Vanessa Hodges delve into the evolving landscape of AI in content creation.
We discuss the importance of embracing AI as a tool for enhancing creativity while avoiding the pitfalls of "slop" content. We share our 5 top tips to stop you creating slop to ensure you are not just producing mediocre, 'it will do', type of content. The main message being, don't be average....
We also look at the production values of our favourite subject - the cat video. Here is the link to the video we reference during this episode:https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRNaK2VR/ (https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRNaK2VR/)
And, we talk about the power brand that is Coca-Cola and how they consistingly lean into new marketing strategies and tactics to produce the latest Christmas advert.
#AItransformation #StoptheSlop #Catvideos #5toptipsforAIcontent #CocaCola #Xmas
26 Nov 2025
Episode 6 - Let's talk about GEO, Atlas and everything else inbetween
In this episode, Vanessa and Peter delve into the evolving landscape of digital and AI integration, focusing on Generative Experience Optimization (GEO) as the next step beyond traditional SEO. They discuss the importance of making websites compatible with AI models like ChatGPT and the implications of tools like ChatGPT Atlas, which enhance user interaction with web content.
We also look at new announcements from the likes of Vodafone as they roll out Microsoft Co-Pilot across the business.
The conversation also touches on the significance of trust and the importance of maintaining authenticity in personal and professional branding amidst the rise of AI-generated content.
Contact Peter:
Email
peterspringett@brightcontent.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterspringett1/
Contact Vanessa:
Email
vanessa@barkingmadcreative.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessahodges/
6 Nov 2025
Episode 5: Digital Empathy: Navigating AI and Trust
Vanessa and Peter explore the intersection of AI, customer experience and brand loyalty. They discuss the emotional connections consumers have with brands, the importance of trust and authenticity in digital experiences and how AI can enhance customer journeys while still requiring a human touch.
They delve into the challenges of content creation in an AI-driven world, emphasising the need for brands to maintain their unique narratives amidst the rise of AI-generated content.
Contact Peter:
Email
peterspringett@brightcontent.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterspringett1/
Contact Vanessa:
Email
vanessa@barkingmadcreative.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessahodges/
14 Oct 2025
Trailer: Environmental Impact of AI
Quick snapshot of Episode 4 highlighting concerns about the environmental impact of running and maintaining AI.
14 Oct 2025
Evolving websites with AI
Quick snapshot discussing the evolution of websites and the benefits of using AI technologies.
14 Oct 2025
Ep. 4 - Green Intelligence & AI Takes to the Stage!
In this conversation, Peter and Vanessa touch on sustainability, discussing the environmental impact of AI technologies, the importance of measuring carbon footprints, and the role of green energy in powering data centers.
Truth or fiction? They also delve into the implications of AI in content creation and marketing, the emergence of AI actors in Hollywood, and "truth" surrounding AI-generated content.
...and wait around until the end to learn more about Peter's best kept secret when discussing his favourite netflix shows!
#AIsustainability #GreenAI #StoptheSlop #Jurrasic Park #Tron #TillyNorwood #Catvideos
Contact Peter:
Email
peterspringett@brightcontent.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterspringett1/
Contact Vanessa:
Email
vanessa@barkingmadcreative.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessahodges/
28 Sept 2025
Peter's running shoe research
Peter set about researching how he can find the perfect running shoe, Chat GPT versus Running shoe websites.
28 Sept 2025
Ep. 3 - AI's Impact on Customer Experience
In this episode, Vanessa and Peter discuss the transformative impact of AI on customer experience. In particular, Peter shares his love of running, with ASICS, his favoured brand for running shoes (Vanessa's is Brooks in case you were wondering!) and his recent research on how to find the best running shoe for his needs.
We also explore how AI can enhance personalisation, improve SEO, and extend the lifespan of content. The conversation emphasises the importance of originality and the need for websites to adapt to changing customer expectations and behaviours.
We also provide practical insights on how to integrate AI into existing workflows and other digital strategies.
"Personalized interactions can enhance brand loyalty."
#running #shoes #asics #customereperience #CX #AI
Contact Peter:
Email
peterspringett@brightcontent.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterspringett1/
Contact Vanessa:
Email
vanessa@barkingmadcreative.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessahodges/
22 Sept 2025
Ep. 2 - From AI guesswork to growth
In our latest podcast episode, we look at the collaboration of AI and content marketing and how we came to name this podcast "Stop the Slop".
Listen whilst you're on the train, driving or going for a run to hear how we see AI can support creativity, from crafting snappy headlines to whacky video production. But remember, true growth is in blending AI's capabilities with YOUR expertise.
Key insights:
- Good prompt engineering
- How to avoid "AI slop"
- Embrace AI as a tool, not the replacement
Contact Peter:
Email
peterspringett@brightcontent.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterspringett1/
Contact Vanessa:
Email
vanessa@barkingmadcreative.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessahodges/
22 Sept 2025
Stop the Slop with Peter and Vanessa
About this podcast series....
18 Sept 2025
Ep. 1 - Bringing AI out of the shadows
Welcome to the very first episode of Stop the Slop!
Peter and Vanessa kick things off by diving into the big topic on everyoneâs mind: AI. From chatbots to smart tools already reshaping how we work, they look at how employees are experiencing these changes and what it means for businesses.
Spoiler: your employees are already using ChatGPT (or Gemini, or Claude). The question is how do you turn that into a competitive advantage?
They explore why itâs crucial for companies to engage, learn, and adopt AI in thoughtful ways so teams can thrive instead of feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Peter and Vanessa set the stage for the whole series with curiosity, practicality, and a reminder that the future of work doesnât have to be scary, it can actually be exciting and collaborative.
Contact Peter:
Email
peterspringett@brightcontent.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterspringett1/
Contact Vanessa:
Email
vanessa@barkingmadcreative.co.uk
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessahodges/
17 Sept 2025
Introducing Stop the Slop Podcast
đď¸ Welcome to Stop the Slop â the podcast where we cut through the noise and get real about the impact of AI on content, writing, and marketing.
Weâre your hosts:
⨠Peter Springett â Director of Bright Content, a B2B agency known for creating human content for business audiences. Peterâs worked with global names like Adobe, Spotify, and Google.
⨠Vanessa Hodges â Founder of Barking Mad Creative, a freelance hub and creative agency helping organisations of all sizes nail their marketing.
Weâve been working together for over 20 years â starting out in a creative communications agency and teaming up ever since on countless projects. Now, weâre bringing those conversations (and debates!) to you.
Each episode, weâll share our experiences and opinions on how AI is shaking up marketing:
đĄ From training teams and getting C-suite buy-inâŚ
đĄ To the rise of chatbots vs advanced AI platformsâŚ
đĄ And what all this means for the future of content and creativity.
So if you care about where marketing is headed, and want to stop the slop from creeping into your content, youâre in the right place. Letâs dive in! đ
Contact Stop the Slop with Peter and Vanessa
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