Creator and host of the world’s No. 1 marketing podcast Uncensored CMO is set to join the Cairns Crocodiles Presented by Pinterest lineup for 2026!
Jon Evans, whose podcast is known for stripping away the industry’s “carefully managed PR messages” to reveal the good, the bad and the downright ugly truth about marketing, is set to take to the stage for a special live fireside session at next year’s event.
The ‘Uncensored CMO Live: A Fireside Chat with Jon Evans’ session is presented by Commercial Radio & Audio, and will dig into the sharp, unfiltered marketing truths he’s become famous for.
Alongside the podcast, Evans is chief customer officer at System1, the creative-testing platform behind influential thought leadership including The Extraordinary Cost of Dull, Compound Creativity and Feeling Seen.
From what makes work unforgettable, to why bold always beats beige, to the unexpected role sound has played in catapulting the podcast to global success, he’ll also open up about behind-the-mic moments, favourite guests and the most surprising lessons from hosting the world’s top marketers.
While in Cairns, Evans will also meet with Australia’s leading CMOs to record new podcast episodes.
“As the voice of the world’s #1 marketing podcast, Uncensored CMO and chief customer officer at System1, Jon has spent years proving that audio cuts through in ways other channels simply can’t,” Lizzie Young, CEO, Commercial Radio & Audio, said.
“Australian marketers at Cairns Crocodiles will hear first-hand why the smartest brands are harnessing the power of audio – delivered in Jon’s signature no-nonsense style.”
With more than 2.5 million downloads across 150+ countries, Uncensored CMO has become a global must-listen for marketers seeking candid conversations with top CMOs, innovators and founders
Evans joins other heavyweights for the 2026 program including:
- Paula Bloodworth, Co-Founder, Alien Baby with Idris Elba
- Adam Smith, Visual Director for The Chemical Brothers
- Amy Kean, Creative Sociologist, CEO & Creative Director, Good Shout
- Aseem Puri, Digital CEO, Unilever International
- David Ohana, Global Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, United Nations Foundation
- Lev Kroll, CEO, Nuanu Creative City
- Ida Ayu Astari Prada, Brand & Communications Director, Nuanu Creative City
- Rajeev Raja, Founder & Soundsmith, BrandMusiq
- Subhash Kamath, Ex-CEO BBH Mumbai, Brand Consultant, Trainer & Advisor
- Tigrest Grima, Fantasy Writer & #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
- Kedda Ghazarian, Head of Marketing, Bonds
- And many more!
Cairns Crocodiles Presented by Pinterest runs from Tuesday May 12 to 14, 2026, bringing together leading thinkers, creators and provocateurs to celebrate creativity, culture and the power of ideas under the Queensland sun.
The festival spans three days of content, with Masterclasses Presented by News Australia, the Cairns Crocodiles Awards and Cairns Hatchlings, presented by Yahoo, all taking place on Thursday to celebrate excellence and emerging talent across the region. See here for more on awards and Hatchlings.
Cairns Extra, a series of partner events and activations before and after on-stage content, brings the festival to life across the city.
