Listen: Marc Ross on A Load of BS: The Behavioural Science Podcast | Part

“If you liked House of Cards (UK version wins every time) or The West Wing, you’re in for a treat. This week, I welcome political strategist, namesake and keeper of our eponymous tartan and ice shelf, Marc A. Ross to A Load of BS. Marc’s storytelling, his exuberance and his experience at the forefront of global politics glitters through both Part 1 and Part 2 of our conversation.

“Marc is a political nut; he fell in love with Reagan’s campaign in 1984 as a young teenager and has been immersed ever since. You’ll hear in the pod that Marc’s knowledge and interests fly way beyond home affairs; he is no partisan, his outlook is utterly global and he is a keen student of our British system amongst other, believing firmly that a broad lens gives perspective.

“He is the founder of Caracal, a communications and political intelligence firm specializing in international trade, commercial relations, economic diplomacy and global business. He is also the founder of Brigadoon, a global membership network helping leaders make better connections and helping them better understand the emerging issues shaping commerce and culture.

“This only scratches the surface of Marc’s affiliations. Best is to see here for the fullest picture.

“If that quality of build up hasn’t attracted you to subscribe to A Load of BS (if indeed you aren’t already!), then here is your moment. I won’t reveal names just now, but trust me, we have some quite phenomenal individuals joining me over the coming weeks.”


Marc dropped so much BS; Daniel broke their discussion into two parts.

In this first part, they discuss:

+ Power and influence, vs. control

+ President Clinton's Candy Shop + reciprocity

+ Political attractiveness + M&M's ad strategy

+ Delusions of grandeur: what it takes to be a successful politician

+ Confirmation bias + The West Wing

+ How politics really works beyond the sport of media reporting


So notable political figures referenced:

+ Thomas Sowell: American economist, social theorist, and senior fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution

+ Tom "The Hammer" DeLay: Texan, former Republican Party Majority Leader - my first job in Washington when he was Majority Whip

+ Roger Ailes: former chairman and CEO of Fox News, the media consultant for various American Presidents

+ Henry Kissinger: American politician, diplomat, and geopolitical consultant



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