Marketing, Machines & Mischief

This week, we dive into everything from the polarizing rise of AI in advertising to microtonal shifts in influencer marketing and the massive restructuring of ad giant WPP. Plus, we spotlight McDonald’s clever “horizontal breakfast” campaign and brilliant real-time ads from the Miami Open, before playing a round of “Wrong Answers Only” about face tattoos and brand logos. Whether you’re still dragging yourself through a post-Super Bowl Monday or just trying to keep up with the latest trends, you’re in the right place—so grab your headphones, and let’s get mischievous!🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

We kick things off with big news about Celsius and Rockstar Energy bringing their ad game in-house to gain speed and authenticity, and dig into why live sports are still the kingpins of ad-supported TV.No punches pulled as we tackle the age-old lesson that customer retention—not constant acquisition—is where brands actually make their easiest money. And for a dash of creative inspiration, Chris breaks down Toyota’s bold new C-HR mermaid spot, celebrating ads that sell a vibe over specs. Plus, the new Boy Throb members shine a light on UGG’s delightfully retro campaign and the curious trend of brands saying "no" to AI-driven creative.Stick around for a fresh segment of Wrong Answers Only, where we joke about the commercials we'd play on our tombstones, and wrap up with a reminder that "algorithmic sameness" isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a challenge every marketer’s facing. This episode is packed with sharp insights, witty banter, and a little bit of marketing mischief you won’t want to miss.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

From ChatGPT's slow but intentional rollout of its new ad capabilities, to Netflix experimenting with interactive and live ads, and even the rise of synthetic focus group testing – a trend your boss will soon be buzzing about – we’ve got you covered.It doesn’t stop there! We spotlight ingenious campaigns like Coinbase’s surprisingly analog Super Bowl ad, and unravel the weird, wonderful mysteries of Boy Throb, a boy band blurring the lines between real and fake (with big-name sponsors tagging along for the ride). Add in some lively over-under predictions on the future of AI-created ads, and you have a jam-packed episode that's all about the state – and fate – of marketing in a tech-powered world.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

An up-and-coming AI platform promises to automate ad campaigns from start to finish, major US cities are spending millions to woo back Canadian tourists, and brands are kickstarting summer campaigns earlier than ever thanks to changing weather patterns.Along the way, Matthew and Chris spotlight campaigns that get it right—from Adidas’s fresh take on a 55-year-old sneaker to a tennis tournament commercial that brings back the simple joys of youth. Plus, there’s plenty of banter, a marketing over-under game, and the kind of mischief that keeps listeners coming back for more. If you’re ready for actionable insights with a side of fun, you’re in the right place.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

In today’s milestone episode, Matthew, Chris and guests Jason Alan Snyder and Heather Salkin dive into a future where artists and robots collaborate to reshape advertising. We kick things off by exploring the game-changing debut of ChatGPT ads – now accessible through Criteo – signaling a seismic shift to programmatic AI-powered media buying.The panel weighs in on what happens when advertising stops broadcasting and starts leaving a mark in the memory of machines, highlighting big questions around brand safety and authenticity. We spotlight Havas’ recognition of neurodiverse talent, discussing why original thinkers are more critical than ever in an industry flooded with AI-generated sameness.Plus, you’ll meet the amaaaazing founders of Artists and Robots, a new agency built on the philosophy that human creativity and machine intelligence are strongest together. What Matthew back in November called the "Perfect Agency Mullet.” The crew shares practical advice for advertisers and brands navigating this new terrain, tackles flash Q&A, and even predicts where global ad spending will go next.Whether you’re a marketing veteran or just getting your feet wet, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable wisdom to help you thrive in the evolving world of marketing and technology.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

Dunkin' sold a single pink glove and the internet lost its mind. Google just dropped a core update that's coming for your clickbait. And a WPP whistleblower just forced one of the world's biggest ad agencies to show receipts on BILLIONS in client spend. 👀🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

From the ridiculous scale of social media scams – now a multibillion-dollar business (thanks, Zuck) – to the ambitious rollout of contextual ChatGPT ads by Target, we serve up essential insights with a side of sass. Plus, while coastal agencies face cutbacks, America's heartland emerges as an unexpected powerhouse of marketing growth. Whether you're a veteran or a newbie to the marketing game, this show delivers the intel (and chuckles) you need to stay on top. Plug in and get ready for your weekly podium finish!🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

This week, Matthew and Chris kick off with the Super Bowl smashing its own ad pricing records, discuss how France’s Publicis is outpacing global competitors with bold moves in data and tech, and explore the Gen Z shift from influencer culture to community-driven hangouts. From Pepsi’s audacious Super Bowl ad featuring the infamous Coca-Cola polar bear, to Ryanair’s CEO taking on Elon Musk in a very public spat, it’s an episode packed with wit, insight, and more than a few laughs.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

Think Super Bowl ads end when the game does? Think again.Big news: OpenAI and ChatGPT are about to start testing ads, opening new possibilities (and a $250k minimum) for the biggest brands. Plus, newsletter ads are making a major comeback, catching many by surprise and proving that some “old school” marketing tactics still pack a punch. And in true industry fashion, Skittles is prepping to air a live(?) Super Bowl ad from a real customer’s front porch - complete with some celebrity mystery. FRODO!Matthew and Chris dissect innovative campaigns like Michelob Ultra’s Rocky-inspired Super Bowl spot and take a candid look at the imposter syndrome lurking behind creative success.Whether you’re a marketer, advertiser, or just here for some strategic mischief, this episode is packed with the trends you need to know and the laughs you didn’t expect.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

Think Super Bowl ads end when the game does? Think again.Matthew breaks down the Monday Morning Effect — the secret sauce that separates Super Bowl advertising winners from the $7 million failures. It's not about who gets talked about on Sunday night. It's about who makes you do something on Monday.Also:Why most Super Bowl campaigns die before the coffee gets coldThe Monday Morning Effect strategy that extends impact for weeks (not hours)TikTok's wild 4x growth opportunity for beauty, food, and consumer brandsWhat Omnicom's 4,000 layoffs mean for marketers and creativesWhy Panera completely missed their marketing lane (and Chipotle stole it)Xbox's genius "Caretaker" campaign that turned a sales pitch into a storyNo fluff. No corporate nonsense. Just real marketing talk from two guys who've survived enough industry disasters to know what actually works.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅ Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

Matthew and Chris make sense of brand chaos and AI overload - no martinis required. This episode serves up marketers dodging X’s drama, brands swapping digital fatigue for real-world immersion, and why fewer, punchier ideas beat endless AI slop. Stick around for a Jonas Brothers shirtless cameo, cough drops that taste like soup, and a lightning round of marketing trivia. Mischief meets marketing - don’t miss it! …Don Draper doesn’t.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

CES isn't just about gadget specs anymore - it's about hype, narratives, and brands battling for attention in a TikTok-fueled media circus. Matthew & Chris unpack how platforms like Roblox are quietly becoming the true frontier for brand engagement among younger audiences, outpacing the glitz of Las Vegas show floors. They also break down Google's latest core update and how it's shaking up search visibility, forcing marketers to rethink content strategy on the fly.Plus, in this episode's "Real Recognize Real," the hosts spotlight creative brand partnerships - from a celebrity-infused cocktail shaker to the wild story of a US-made hoodie gaining unexpected global attention. By the end, you'll laugh, learn, and maybe even wonder if your mac and cheese could go viral in the most unpredictable ways. Hit play and get ready for 10 minutes of pure marketing gold!🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

In this episode, the duo dives into the ongoing tug-of-war between CMOs and CFOs over what really counts as marketing success, the explosive rise of retail media as an essential - not optional - channel, and why AI isn’t replacing marketing teams, but transforming how they’re built. Plus, they spotlight bold campaigns that break the mold, celebrate Chicago’s marketing resilience, and tackle the wild world of city and state tourism budgets. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, get ready for sharp commentary, quick-witted banter, and actionable takeaways in just 10 minutes.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

What if the best marketing move you could make is to stop overthinking it?This week, Matthew and Chris dissect Unilever's baffling decision to hire 300,000 influencers (yes, really), Timothée Chalamet's unhinged genius in film marketing, and why the YMCA's 175th anniversary rebrand didn't need blockchain or a pivot to "Y.io" to absolutely crush it. Plus: why Altoids' ancient tin packaging is a masterclass in forced consumer rituals, and what the hell happened to women's portrayal in advertising this year (spoiler: we went backwards).Tune in for practical takeaways, a few laughs, and zero fluff. Because great marketing isn't just science - it's knowing which trends to steal and which consultants to ignore.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

What happens when 19% of a tech giant's revenue comes from scam ads running right next to your brand?Matthew and Chris dive into Meta's $3 billion scandal, WPP's shocking valuation collapse, and why the UK just banned junk food advertising after 9 PM. This week's episode cuts through the noise with the kind of condensed marketing intelligence you won't find anywhere else. From KFC's masterclass in brand collaboration (Hawkins Fried Chicken, anyone?) to a surprisingly convincing argument that the pirate logo might be the most powerful brand symbol on earth, Matthew and Chris deliver their signature blend of authority, wit, and zero corporate BS.Whether you're running your first campaign or your 500th, these ten minutes will make you sharper, smarter, and possibly hungry for fried chicken. No fluff. No filler. Just marketing intel that actually respects your time.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

If you're tired of marketing podcasts that waste 45 minutes saying what could've been said in 10, this episode cuts straight to what actually matters this week.Matthew and Chris break down the $1.14 trillion global ad spend surge (spoiler: AI's burning cash faster than a tipsy sailor), Uber's new data platform that's monetizing your midnight shame purchases, and why YouTube's CEO just won Time's top honor for…successfully copying TikTok?Plus, they spotlight Samsung's rare AI ad that doesn't feel like a dystopian nightmare, and Bigelow Tea's audacious claim that American tea beats the Brits—because sometimes the best marketing is just having the guts to say it.Real perspective. Zero fluff. Ten minutes that won't insult your intelligence.Tune in now and get smarter before your next campaign launch.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

If you're tired of marketing podcasts that waste your time with generic advice and hour-long interviews about someone's "journey," this episode cuts straight to what actually matters this week.Matthew and Chris dissect a cautionary tale from the ad tech world - how a billion-dollar merger between Outbrain and Teeds imploded, losing 90% of its stock value. They reveal why marketers treating AI like a cheat code are getting destroyed by those rebuilding their systems around it (spoiler: doing the work still beats shortcuts). Plus, they explore how AI is turning PR into a multi-headed hydra - from fake Pope collabs to crisis communications chaos.In Real Recognize Real, we break down why Facebook's Secret Santa ad is the first Meta campaign in years that doesn't make you want to delete the app, and Matthew nerds out over Gartner's Magic Quadrant - proof that even the most boring B2B ideas can become iconic with the right branding.No fluff. No corporate speak. Just 10 minutes of marketing intelligence from two guys who've survived enough disasters to know what's real - and what's complete nonsense.Tune in, get smarter, maybe chuckle once or twice, and get back to your day.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

If you're tired of sifting through endless marketing noise to find what actually matters, this episode cuts straight to the good stuff.Matthew and Chris break down TikTok's explosive $500M Black Friday weekend, Adobe's surprise $2B acquisition of SEMrush, and why 77% of customers are angrier than ever - and what that means for your brand. Plus, they spotlight Apple's accessibility campaign that proves inclusivity doesn't need a lecture, just a sick beat, and Canva's brilliant London takeover that made graphic designers everywhere smile.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

If you're tired of marketing podcasts that waste 45 minutes saying nothing, buckle up for 10 minutes of actual intelligence.This week, Matthew and Chris break down Fox News Media's new AI partnership with Palantir Technologies and what it means for the future of ad targeting and audience modeling. Then they tackle the hard truth: the marketing industry just lost 800 jobs in September—but before you panic, they explain why smart, focused marketers will always find opportunities (and how AI plays into it).Also covered: UK gambling companies dropped $2.6 billion on ads last year, Dunkin' turned donut holes into an emotional brand hero with their Munchkin campaign, and Intuit just scored naming rights to the stadium hosting the 2028 Olympics.No fluff. No hour-long "journeys." Just two marketing veterans who've built real campaigns sharing what actually matters—with a few laughs along the way.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net 

If you're tired of scrolling through marketing news that feels like AI-generated slop, this episode cuts through the noise with the stories that actually matter.Matthew and Chris break down Meta's $16 billion scam ad scandal (yes, beeeellion), the launch of Artists & Robots - a new agency built on AI efficiency and human creativity - and why Steph Curry and Under Armour just called it quits after years of partnership.Plus: why the UPS Store's latest campaign is a masterclass in emotional storytelling without the cringe, and what Liquid Death's packaging teaches us about brand decisions that go way beyond advertising.These two have survived enough marketing disasters to know what's worth your time - and what's complete nonsense. No fluff, no hour-long tangents, just sharp perspective and a few laughs along the way.10 minutes. Real talk. Zero BS.Because great marketing isn't just science - it's art, it's instinct, and increasingly, it's knowing which robots to trust.🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**✅  Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com ✅  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/ ✅  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief ✅  instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net