AdTechGod Pod

In this episode of The AdTechGod pod, host AdTechGod sits down with Dani Mariano, CEO of Razorfish, to discuss leadership, company culture, and the evolution of marketing in the age of AI. Dani shares her career journey from joining Razorfish 11 years ago to now leading the agency, and reflects on how people, mentorship, and learning have shaped her leadership style. The conversation explores the impact of AI on consumers and brands, generational differences between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and how agencies can maintain authenticity in an increasingly automated world. Takeaways The focus is on engaging Gen Z effectively. Generative AI is revolutionizing personalization in marketing. Clients are increasingly demanding personalized communication. There is a need to explore the limits of personalization. Email marketing is a key area for personalized strategies. Understanding client needs is crucial for effective marketing. The conversation highlights the role of technology in marketing. Personalization can lead to better engagement with audiences. Marketers must balance personalization with practicality. The future of marketing lies in adapting to generational shifts. Chapters 00:08 Introduction to Dani Mariano and Razorfish 01:15 Career Growth and Journey at Razorfish 02:41 Building Relationships and Finding Mentorship 03:30 First 100 Days as CEO and the Importance of Listening 05:25 The Human Element in an AI Driven World 06:07 How Clients Are Adopting AI and Facing New Challenges 07:11 Consumer Behavior and the Rise of AI Tools 08:20 Generational Adoption and the Role of Gen Z and Gen Alpha 10:08 Gen Alpha as Third Generation Digital Natives 12:09 Influencers, DIY Culture, and Blending Digital with Physical 15:44 Maintaining Authenticity and Transparency in the AI Era 18:55 Future Outlook and Innovation at Razorfish 21:52 Women in Leadership and Career Advice 24:34 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod speaks with Brittany Scott, VP of Brand Partnerships at Zefr. Brittany shares her unique journey from working at major brands like Kellogg and SC Johnson to transitioning into the ad tech space at Meta and now Zefr. The conversation delves into the importance of brand safety and suitability in advertising, the impact of legacy brands on current strategies, and the challenges of navigating brand reputation in a digital landscape. Brittany also discusses the cultural shifts she experienced moving from brand to ad tech, and her excitement about the future of AI in advertising. Takeaways Brittany's journey into advertising was unplanned but rewarding. Working at legacy brands shaped Brittany's understanding of brand safety. Brand safety is crucial for maintaining brand reputation. Crisis management is a key aspect of brand partnerships. Cultural differences exist between brand and ad tech environments. AI presents both challenges and opportunities for advertising. Brands need to adapt their strategies to the evolving digital landscape. Building strong partnerships is essential for success in ad tech. Understanding regulatory components is vital for brand safety. Innovation and speed are critical in the ad tech industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brittany Scott and Zefr 01:23 Brittany's Journey in Advertising 05:48 Understanding Brand Safety and Zefr Role 08:29 The Importance of Brand Legacy 11:25 Navigating Brand Reputation in Crisis 14:58 Cultural Shifts from Brand to Ad Tech 22:29 The Future of AI in Advertising AdTech’s New Frontier: OpenAds, AdCP, and the Streaming Power Duo This week’s episode of The Refresh dives into three major developments reshaping the advertising landscape. The Trade Desk takes center stage with its new OpenAds and PubDesk tools, aiming to clean up the programmatic supply chain while stirring industry debate. Meanwhile, the debut of Ad Context Protocol (AdCP) marks a potential turning point for agentic AI in digital media, proposing a standardized framework for AI-driven ad transactions. Finally, Netflix and Spotify join forces to expand video podcast distribution, signaling a shift in how audiences consume and advertisers monetize cross-platform content. 5 Key Highlights: The Trade Desk’s OpenAds and PubDesk Launch: Introduced at the Prebid Summit, these tools aim to bring transparency and auditability to programmatic auctions. OpenAds introduces auction verification features, while PubDesk provides publishers with detailed auction and market insights. Industry Controversy Around OpenAds: Critics argue that The Trade Desk’s approach to transaction IDs and auction control gives it too much influence over publishers, echoing antitrust concerns seen in other major adtech cases. Introduction of Ad Context Protocol (AdCP): Spearheaded by Brian O’Kelley and built on Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol, AdCP standardizes communication between AI agents in advertising, with backing from PubMatic, Yahoo, and Scope3. Promise and Challenges of Agentic AI: Supporters see AdCP as the next OpenRTB, enabling seamless AI-to-AI media transactions, while skeptics question its ability to overcome adoption barriers and address critical issues like fraud prevention and payments. Netflix and Spotify’s Video Podcast Partnership: Starting next year, Spotify’s video podcasts will stream on Netflix, enhancing reach for creators and advertisers while positioning Netflix as a new competitor in the video podcast space alongside YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Amy Lanzi, CEO of Digitas North America, shares her unique journey from a finance major to a leader in the advertising industry. She discusses the evolution of client needs, the balance between creativity and data, and the impact of AI and synthetic audiences on marketing strategies. Amy also emphasizes the importance of female leadership and the role of creators in brand strategy, providing insights into the future of advertising. Takeaways Amy Lanzi transitioned from a finance background to the advertising industry. Her experience in yield management at American Airlines shaped her understanding of customer experience. The advertising landscape has shifted towards a focus on media investment rather than just creative campaigns. Balancing creativity and data is crucial for modern marketing strategies. AI and synthetic audiences are transforming how agencies approach consumer engagement. Female leaders should embrace their unique qualities and support other women in the industry. Brands need to establish strong connections with consumers through first-party data. Creators serve as personalized concierges for brands, influencing consumer behavior. The future of advertising will require brands to be the answer for consumers' needs. Understanding the creator economy is essential for brands to thrive. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amy Lanzi and Her Journey 05:42 Transitioning from Analyst to Agency Leader 12:18 Balancing Data and Creativity in Marketing 19:45 The Future of Marketing: AI and Consumer Connection 25:06 The Power of Creators in Brand Strategy Adtech Power Moves: Paramount+’s Retro Ad Play, AmEx’s Commerce Media Launch, and Google’s Antitrust Reckoning This week’s episode of The Refresh dives into the evolving strategies shaping the advertising and media ecosystem. Paramount+ brings back a touch of traditional TV nostalgia with a new static ad placement format, while American Express joins the growing commerce media race with a premium, closed-loop offering. Duolingo takes more control over its ad operations by launching its own ads platform, signaling a shift toward in-house monetization strategies. Meanwhile, Google’s adtech antitrust remedies trial wraps up, leaving the industry waiting to see if structural change could finally hit Big Tech’s ad dominance. Paramount+ Launches “Streaming Fixed Units”: The streamer introduces a new ad format that locks an advertiser’s placement into the same slot for a week after an episode airs, recreating traditional TV consistency and offering advertisers more predictability. American Express Debuts “AmEx Ads”: Leveraging first-party data from 34 million cardholders, AmEx enters the commerce media arena with an exclusive network housed on its own properties like AmexTravel.com, focusing on premium and affluent audiences. Commerce Media Competition Heats Up: With networks from Mastercard, Chase, and now AmEx, commerce media spending is projected to reach $170 billion in 2024, pushing companies to differentiate through niche audiences and unique value propositions. Duolingo Builds Its Own Ads Platform: The language-learning app strengthens its advertising business by creating a direct-sales platform that complements programmatic channels, achieving 3% higher CTRs and strong engagement with rewarded video formats. Google’s Antitrust Trial Concludes: The DOJ’s push for structural remedies, including potentially spinning off AdX, faces pushback from Google’s behavioral proposals, setting the stage for potential landmark changes in adtech competition and regulation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod speaks with Dan Callahan and Alexander Groysman from Spectrum Reach about the evolving landscape of television advertising. They discuss their backgrounds, the collaboration between product and revenue teams, the impact of technology and AI on the industry, and the importance of networking. The conversation highlights the balance between traditional and streaming TV, the significance of quality content in advertising, and the role of data in targeting audiences effectively. Takeaways Spectrum Reach is innovating in the ad tech space. Collaboration between product and revenue teams is essential. AI and machine learning are transforming advertising solutions. Streaming complements traditional TV advertising. Quality content is more important than quantity in advertising. Networking is crucial for success in the industry. First-party data is a key differentiator for Spectrum Reach. Educating advertisers about streaming is necessary. The industry is evolving rapidly with new technologies. Building relationships can lead to successful partnerships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Spectrum Reach and Guests 01:06 Backgrounds of Dan Callahan and Alexander Groysman 03:11 Collaboration Between Product and Revenue Teams 04:31 Evolution of Technology in the Industry 06:30 Impact of Streaming on Advertising 08:10 Targeting Audiences: Connected vs Traditional TV 10:08 Hype vs Reality in Ad Tech 13:23 AI and Innovations in Advertising Solutions 17:25 Leveraging Data for Effective Advertising 19:34 The Importance of Networking in the Industry Mastercard, Roku, Spotify, and Amazon Push Forward in Ads, and this week’s Refresh dives into a wave of product updates and partnerships shaping advertising and media. Mastercard is making a bold move into commerce media, Roku and AppsFlyer are enhancing CTV measurement, Spotify expands its ad exchange reach with new DSP integrations, and Amazon rolls out new devices designed for its upgraded Alexa+ experience. Each update underscores how scale, data access, and measurement are driving the next phase of advertising innovation. 5 Key Highlights: Mastercard Commerce Media Launch: Mastercard formally enters the ads business with onsite and offsite media offerings, leveraging transaction insights from 500M cardholders and 159B annual transactions to create scale-driven opportunities for advertisers. Roku & AppsFlyer Partnership: The integration expands into a two-way API connection for stronger cross-channel measurement, giving advertisers tools to validate CTV’s performance impact on mobile and social behaviors. Spotify’s Ad Tech Expansion: Spotify Ad Exchange now integrates with Amazon DSP and Yahoo DSP, boosting inventory accessibility and enabling richer data-driven targeting, while programmatic adoption is already up 142% year-to-date. Amazon Alexa+ Devices: Four new Echo devices debut with chips and sensors tailored for conversational AI, positioning Alexa+ as a more personalized assistant woven into daily routines, from smart home control to wellness nudges. Commerce Media Growth Trend: Mastercard’s move highlights how vertical-specific media networks (financial, travel, retail) are proliferating, with offsite inventory and data governance emerging as key factors for advertiser adoption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our milestone 100th episode of the AdTechGod Podcast, we’re diving into three big themes: the future of ad tech, the power of giving back, and where agencies are headed next. Segment 1  kicks off with industry legends Ari Paparo and Terence Kawaja. They break down how AI, automation, and consolidation are reshaping digital advertising—and what the booming creator economy means for authenticity and growth. Segment 2 takes a different turn, with Tom Deierlein, Heidi Browning, and Peter Naylor sharing the incredible story behind the TD Foundation. It’s a nonprofit supporting families of wounded warriors and fallen heroes, proving how small donations and industry support can drive real impact. Segment 3 looks ahead to the agency world. Lauren Wetzel (Infosum/WPP) and Sam Bloom (PMG) talk about everything from navigating walled gardens and evolving business models to building people-first cultures in an AI-driven era. To my listeners, sponsors, and friends: thank you. Hitting 100 episodes is a huge milestone for me, and I couldn’t have done it without your support. Segment 1 – The Future of Ad Tech 00:00 – Celebrating 100 Episodes of AdTechGod Podcast 01:48 – The Impact of AI on Ad Tech 05:22 – Consolidation in the Ad Tech Industry 08:59 – Challenges for Publishers in the AI Era 12:17 – The Future of Live Advertising 15:25 – Opportunities in the Creator Economy 18:59 – Navigating Authenticity in Content Creation Segment 2 – Giving Back: The TD Foundation 22:21 – Celebrating Milestones and Giving Back 23:53 – The Birth of the TD Foundation 28:22 – Personal Stories and Impact 31:49 – Real-Life Case Studies 36:01 – Challenges and Call to Action 39:05 – Corporate Involvement and Community Support Segment 3 – The Future of Agencies 42:21 – The Future of Agencies 45:40 – Navigating Walled Gardens & Data Challenges 49:55 – Evolving Business Models in Advertising 56:44 – Building a People-Centric Agency Culture 62:21 – Celebrating 100 Episodes & Looking Ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod pod, host AdTechGod speaks with Kelly Metz, Chief Investment Officer at Spark Foundry. They discuss Kelly's career journey through the advertising and media landscape, the importance of relationships in the industry, and the diverse clientele at Spark Foundry. Kelly shares insights on the evolving role of a CIO, the impact of AI on client expectations, and the shift towards connected TV in media strategies. The conversation also touches on balancing personal and professional life in the fast-paced advertising world. Takeaways Kelly emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the advertising industry. She believes that media is inherently fun and constantly evolving. Kelly's role as a CIO involves navigating both client and media partner relationships. Understanding technology is essential for effective media investment. Clients often expect immediate efficiency from AI, which is a misconception. The shift to connected TV has changed how brands approach media strategies. Kelly advocates for a deeper understanding of audience insights for better outcomes. She highlights the need for simplicity in navigating complex media ecosystems. Balancing work and personal life is crucial for long-term happiness in the industry. Kelly enjoys activities like going to the beach and playing pickleball to unwind. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kelly Metz and Her Journey 03:01 The Importance of Relationships in Advertising 05:33 Understanding Spark Foundry's Diverse Clientele 08:19 The Role of a CIO in Media Investment 11:06 Navigating AI and Client Expectations 14:02 The Shift in Media Strategies with Connected TV 16:34 Balancing Personal and Professional Life in Advertising Google’s Antitrust Remedies, Gemini in Chrome, and IAS’s $1.9B Buyout This week’s episode of The Refresh unpacks major shifts in the adtech landscape. Kait covers the remedies phase of Google’s adtech antitrust trial, Google’s integration of Gemini into Chrome, and Integral Ad Science’s acquisition by private equity firm Novacap. The discussion highlights how legal battles, AI rollouts, and consolidation are reshaping digital advertising. Google entered the remedies phase of its adtech antitrust trial, with the DOJ pushing for structural remedies like divesting AdX and DFP, while Google argues for behavioral fixes such as more transparent auction rules. Judge Brinkema must weigh whether forced divestitures would dismantle Google’s monopoly or risk destabilizing the broader display ad ecosystem. Google integrated its AI assistant Gemini into Chrome, starting on desktop with features like page summaries, live chat, and cross-product task coordination across Maps, YouTube, and Calendar. The move follows the search antitrust trial outcome, where Google avoided severe penalties such as being forced to divest Chrome, maintaining its ecosystem dominance strategy. Integral Ad Science will be acquired by Novacap for $1.9 billion, taking the company private to accelerate AI-driven product innovation and strengthen its role in ad verification amid growing private equity investment in adtech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod interviews John Piccone, the Regional President of Adform Americas. They discuss John's extensive background in the ad tech industry, the importance of addressing the overlooked 40% of audiences, and how Adform's independence and transparency set it apart in a competitive market. John shares insights on the evolving landscape of digital advertising, the significance of data-driven marketing, and the future trends that excite him as they approach the fourth quarter. Takeaways John Piccone has a rich background in ad tech, having worked with major companies. Adform offers a full tech stack, providing various tools for advertisers. Understanding the 40% of users who are often overlooked is crucial for brands. Transparency in the programmatic marketplace is essential for building trust. Brands can achieve more with less by optimizing their advertising strategies. The fragmentation of channels complicates audience targeting for marketers. Adform's independence allows for a focus on brand needs over inventory sales. GDPR compliance gives Adform an edge in understanding privacy regulations. Brands need to adapt to changing dynamics in the advertising landscape. Incremental reach can be achieved without increasing budget size. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adform and John Piccone 02:55 John Piccone's Journey in Ad Tech 05:45 Addressing the Overlooked 40% Audience 08:23 The Role of Independence in Ad Tech 11:25 Looking Ahead: Innovations and Future Trends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Ad Tech Godpod, host AdTechGod speaks with Hillary Slattery, Senior Director of Product Management at IAB Tech Lab. They discuss Hillary's career journey, the differences between IAB and IAB Tech Lab, the rise of programmatic advertising in CTV, challenges in transparency and data sharing, innovations in live event advertising, the role of curation, and the impact of AI on the advertising industry. Hillary emphasizes the importance of transparency, the need for standards in advertising, and her motivation as a female leader in a technical role. Takeaways Hillary Slattery has a diverse background in ad tech. IAB and IAB Tech Lab serve different but complementary roles. Programmatic advertising in CTV is a growing trend. Transparency in data sharing is a significant challenge. Curation is becoming increasingly important in advertising. AI is reshaping the advertising landscape. Hillary values her role as a female technical lead. The conversations in ad tech are always evolving and interesting. There are legitimate reasons for the lack of transparency from sellers. Hillary is motivated by the impact of her work and the people she collaborates with. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hillary Slattery and Her Journey 02:36 Understanding IAB and IAB Tech Lab 05:21 Programmatic Advertising and CTV Trends 07:57 Challenges in Transparency and Data Sharing 10:58 Innovations in Live Event Advertising 13:41 The Role of Curation in Advertising 16:38 AI's Impact on the Advertising Industry 19:18 Motivation and Leadership in Ad Tech TikTok’s Fate, Rembrandt’s Big Bet, and CTV’s Transparency Leap This week’s episode of The Refresh covers three major developments shaping advertising and adtech: the long-awaited resolution of the TikTok U.S. drama, a notable merger between Rembrandt and Spaceback, and Index Exchange’s groundbreaking integration with Grace Note. Host Kate unpacks the details, implications, and what these shifts mean for advertisers, creators, and platforms heading into 2025. 5 Key Highlights: TikTok’s U.S. operations are set to spin into a new company with majority American ownership (80%), including Oracle, Andreessen Horowitz, and Silver Lake, while ByteDance retains 20%. A new TikTok U.S. app is reportedly in testing, requiring users to migrate accounts, raising concerns about logins, content transfers, and algorithm performance. Rembrandt acquired Spaceback, adding scale with 3,000+ advertisers and expanding its AI-driven creative offerings to blend product placements with organic content. The merger reflects broader industry trends: AI-driven “intelligent creative,” creative functions shifting into buying platforms, and the blending of context with content. Index Exchange and Grace Note launched the first integration enabling show-level targeting and reporting in CTV, addressing long-standing transparency challenges for advertisers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Hirsch the CEO of Swivel and former CEO of SpringServe, shares his journey through the ad tech industry, discussing his experiences with affiliate marketing, ad serving, and the evolution of ad operations. He emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency and the role of AI in optimizing ad campaigns, while also addressing the future of AdOps and the integration of technology in the advertising space. Takeaways Joe Hirsch has a long history in ad tech, starting from affiliate marketing. He co-founded multiple companies, including Spring Serve, which was acquired by Magnite. Swivel aims to automate repetitive tasks in ad operations to improve efficiency. The ad server business model requires scaling operations without increasing labor costs. Swivel integrates AI to replicate and scale human decision-making in ad operations. AI is not meant to replace humans but to augment their capabilities. The future of AdOps will see agents as primary users of ad platforms. Precision in ad operations is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. AdOps professionals should embrace AI technologies to enhance their skills. The ad tech industry is evolving rapidly, with AI playing a significant role. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Joe Hirsch and His Journey 04:48Transitioning from Spring Serve to Swivel 10:58Understanding Swivel's Operational Efficiency 16:07The Future of AdOps and AI Integration The Refresh News: September 15:Google’s AdTech Filing, Magnite’s AI Bet, and YouTube’s NFL Debut This episode of The Refresh covers three major stories shaping advertising this week: Google’s eyebrow-raising statements in its AdTech antitrust remedies filing, Magnite’s acquisition of creative production platform Streamer AI, and YouTube’s first-ever exclusive NFL broadcast. Host Kate breaks down the implications of each development for advertisers, publishers, and platforms in the evolving digital ecosystem. Google’s court filing revealed open web display ads purchased through AdWords dropped to 11% in January 2025, down from 40% in 2019, sparking concerns over the open web’s decline. Google defended itself by attributing ad spend shifts to CTV and retail media, while critics highlighted its dominance in directing referral traffic through AI-driven search changes. Magnite announced the acquisition of Streamer AI to help small and mid-sized businesses overcome creative production hurdles in connected TV advertising. The CTV market is expanding rapidly, with Nielsen reporting 75% of TV viewing is ad-supported and eMarketer projecting $33B in CTV ad spend for 2025, though measurement challenges remain. YouTube’s first free exclusive NFL broadcast drew 17.3M viewers globally, surpassing Amazon’s 2024 averages but raising questions about sustaining viewership once games move behind a paywall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Mike Petrella, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kinective Media by United Airlines, discusses his journey in the advertising and media industry, the establishment of Kinective Media, and its role in transforming traveler commerce. He highlights the importance of partnerships, customer choice, and the use of data and AI to enhance the travel experience. The discussion also covers the unique aspects of the commerce media network and how it engages with affluent travelers. Takeaways Mike Petrella has a rich background in media and advertising.Connective Media is the first traveler media network. The network aims to enrich traveler journeys through personalized experiences. Partnerships are crucial for expanding the offerings of Mileage Plus. Data privacy is a top priority in handling traveler information. AI is being utilized to enhance customer interactions and experiences. The average traveler spends significant time engaging with content during their journey. Kinective Media targets affluent individuals with tailored advertising The platform offers omnichannel access to travelers across various touchpoints. Creating a personalized journey is essential for customer loyalty. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kinective Media and Mike Petrella 02:03 Mike's Journey to United Airlines 04:55 Building Kinective Media from Scratch 06:09 Understanding the Commerce Media Network 08:43 Engaging Advertisers and Brands 11:21 Partnerships and Customer Choice 13:56 Loyalty Programs and Consumer Journey 15:10 Utilizing Data for Targeting 18:39 The Role of AI in Enhancing Travel Experience The Refresh News: September 8:Google’s Antitrust “Win,” Epsilon SSP Backlash, and Perplexity Pauses Ads This episode of The Refresh breaks down the week’s biggest stories in advertising and tech regulation. Google escaped the harshest remedies in its long-running search antitrust trial, with the court declining to force a Chrome or Android spinoff or ban payments to partners like Apple and Samsung. Meanwhile, media buyers are taking a closer look at Publicis-owned Epsilon SSP, with some blocking it entirely due to transparency concerns. And in the AI space, Perplexity has pulled back on its ad experiments, raising bigger questions about how generative search can—or should—be monetized. Judge Mehta’s ruling spared Google from structural breakups or bans on partner payments, requiring only limited data sharing and oversight for six years. Generative AI competition from OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, and Perplexity influenced the court’s belief that search competition is evolving without harsher remedies. Google maintains dominance with 65–70% of global browser share and around 40% of ad spend coming from paid search. Media buyers discovered they were funneling spend through Publicis-owned Epsilon SSP via reselling, sparking data leakage and conflict-of-interest concerns. Perplexity scaled back its ads after advertiser pushback, highlighting the lack of clear value, measurement, and final product structure in AI-driven ad formats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Ad TechGod Pod, host AdTechGod speaks with Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital, about podcasting and audio advertising. They discuss Sharon's journey into the audio space, the growth and trends of podcasting in different regions, and the role of Triton in monetizing podcasts. The conversation also touches on the challenges of attribution and measurement in audio advertising, the importance of understanding podcast metrics, and the cultural shifts driving the appeal of podcasting among younger audiences. Sharon emphasizes the intimate nature of podcasting and its potential for advertisers to engage with a captive audience. Takeaways Podcasting is an intimate medium that engages listeners deeply. The growth of podcasting varies by region, with the US leading. Canada's podcasting market is growing but is more collaborative than competitive. The barrier to entry for podcasting is low, allowing diverse voices. Video is becoming increasingly important in the podcasting space. Triton Digital supports both large publishers and independent podcasters. Programmatic advertising in podcasting is still developing. Attribution and measurement in audio advertising are complex but improving. Podcasters should provide multiple metrics to advertisers for clarity. Podcasting offers a calming alternative to the noise of social media. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Audio Space 01:38 Sharon's Journey in Audio 03:39 Podcasting Trends in Different Regions 05:26 The Growth of Podcasting 08:15 Maturity and Future of Podcasting 10:05 Triton's Role in Podcast Monetization 12:03 Evolution of Programmatic Advertising in Podcasting 14:45 Attribution and Measurement in Audio Advertising 17:30 Understanding Podcast Metrics 21:02 Cultural Shifts and Podcasting's Appeal 23:59 The Therapeutic Nature of Podcasting Pause Ads, AI Browsers, and Programmatic Transparency: This Week in Advertising The Refresh News: September 2: Pause Ads, AI Browsers, and Programmatic Transparency: This Week in Advertising In this episode of The Refresh, Kait covers three big developments in advertising and adtech. Magnite is rolling out pause ads programmatically across major streaming providers, Anthropic has launched a cautious pilot of its AI-powered Chrome extension Claude, and the ANA has released its Q2 2025 Programmatic Transparency Benchmark report, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in ad spend efficiency. 5 Key Highlights: Magnite is enabling programmatic buying of pause ads across platforms like DirecTV, Dish, and Fubo, with access through Clearline and DSPs such as Curve AI, Mountain, and Yahoo. Pause ads are proving popular with both advertisers and consumers, with studies showing over 50% of viewers take action after seeing one. Concerns remain that programmatic scale could dilute the contextual creativity that makes pause ads engaging. Anthropic is piloting a Chrome extension for its Claude AI, focused on browsing assistance while implementing strong safeguards against risks like prompt injection attacks. The ANA’s Q2 2025 report shows programmatic waste rising to $26.8B, but also notes improvements: private marketplace deals now represent 88% of transactions, CTV programmatic spend has increased, and MFA spending has dropped sharply to 0.8%. Would you like me to also create a short LinkedIn post version of this recap, optimized for reach and engagement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod pod, Elizabeth Donovan, SVP Global Head of Commerce and Retail Media Networks at Kinesso/Acxiom/IPG , shares her journey into the retail media space, discussing her experiences at Marriott Media Networks and AccuWeather. She emphasizes the importance of first-party data, the transformation in retail media, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male industry. Elizabeth also highlights the significance of work-life balance and her aspirations for the next generation in the advertising industry. Takeaways Elizabeth Donovan has a rich background in retail media, having worked at Marriott Media Networks and AccuWeather. She emphasizes the importance of first-party data in enhancing customer experiences. Kineso positions itself as a leader in retail and commerce networks, focusing on data-driven strategies. The retail media landscape is rapidly evolving, with a focus on personalization and customer engagement. Elizabeth believes in meeting clients where they are in their retail media journey. She highlights the importance of collaboration and support within the industry, especially for women. Work-life balance is crucial, and Elizabeth dedicates time to self-care amidst her busy schedule. She encourages the next generation to pursue their passions, regardless of industry. Elizabeth's journey reflects the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership roles in ad tech. The conversation underscores the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the fast-paced advertising landscape. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Retail Media Expertise 01:08 Elizabeth's Journey into Retail Media 04:44 Kineso's Positioning in the Market 07:07 Transformation in Retail Media 09:52 The Role of First-Party Data 14:02 Challenges and Triumphs as a Woman in Ad Tech 19:06 Balancing Work and Personal Life 22:14 Future Aspirations for the Next Generation On Today's The Refresh News: Walmart, Google, and the Shifting Ad Market The Refresh breaks down three of the week’s biggest stories in advertising: Walmart opening up its relationship with The Trade Desk, Google’s use of advanced AI to combat ad fraud, and a recap of Upfront ad commitments that reveal the growing dominance of streaming. The conversation touches on the challenges facing independent DSPs, how advertisers continue to chase performance-driven platforms, and why streaming continues to pull dollars away from broadcast and cable. 5 Key Highlights: Walmart and The Trade Desk’s partnership, once exclusive, is now open—raising questions about Walmart’s long-term retail media strategy. The Trade Desk faces pressure from big tech platforms like Amazon and Google, who offer first-party data and vertically integrated capabilities independent DSPs can’t match. Google has been quietly using multimodal large language models to reduce invalid traffic, achieving a reported 40% drop in mobile ad fraud. Variety reports that primetime TV ad commitments declined again in 2025, while streaming saw nearly an 18% increase in ad spend. Advertisers are chasing targeted audiences and programmatic opportunities in streaming, while networks push premium primetime content—including live sports—onto digital platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Ari Stein, Senior Director of Programmatic Sales at SiriusXM Media, shares insights into the evolution of audio streaming, the growth of podcasting, and the changing landscape of audio advertising. He discusses his journey in the audio industry, the importance of company culture, and the future of audio in relation to AI. Ari emphasizes the growing demand for audio content and the unique opportunities it presents for marketers. Takeaways Ari Stein has been with SiriusXM Media for over 13 years, evolving from an account executive to a senior director. The audio industry has seen tremendous growth, particularly in podcasting and streaming. Audio advertising is becoming more recognized for its impact on both upper and lower marketing funnels. The shift from traditional media buying to digital audio is happening, but at a slower pace than desired. Smart speakers have significantly contributed to the growth of audio consumption. Audio provides a unique opportunity for brands to connect with consumers in a personal way. Company culture plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction and retention. The demand for audio content continues to grow, presenting opportunities for marketers. Ari believes in the importance of education in the audio space to drive recognition and investment. Balancing work and personal life is essential, and Ari finds motivation in his family and team. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Audio Streaming 02:48 Ari's Journey in the Audio Industry 05:19 The Growth of Podcasting and Its Impact 08:07 Understanding Audio Advertising 10:47 The Shift in Media Buying Behavior 13:41 The Power of Audio in Marketing 15:41 The Importance of Company Culture 18:02 The Future of Audio and AI 20:25 Balancing Work and Personal Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode of The Refresh dives into Walmart’s evolving partnership with The Trade Desk, signaling potential changes in retail media alliances. We explore Google’s use of large language models to combat ad fraud, achieving significant reductions in invalid traffic. Finally, we break down Variety’s latest upfronts report, showing a continued decline in primetime TV ad commitments and notable growth in streaming investment. This week we cover: Walmart and The Trade Desk’s relationship is moving from exclusive to open, raising questions about Walmart’s retail data strategy and potential in-house platform development. The Trade Desk faces growing competition from vertically integrated giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta, which benefit from owned inventory and rich first-party data. Google’s traffic quality team, in collaboration with Google Research and DeepMind, deployed large language models to detect and reduce mobile invalid traffic by 40%. Variety reports primetime TV ad commitments fell for the third consecutive year, with broadcast down 2.5% and cable down 4.3%. Streaming ad commitments surged nearly 18% year over year, driven by advanced targeting, programmatic buying opportunities, and high-value live sports content moving to digital platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Rachael Savage, Senior Vice President of Ad Revenue Operations at Hearst Magazines, shares her extensive background in the publishing industry, discussing her journey from early experiences in computer camp to her current role overseeing revenue operations for various media brands. She highlights the transition from traditional news publishing to lifestyle content, the challenges and opportunities in revenue operations across print and digital, and the impact of AI on advertising and content creation. Rachael also reflects on the importance of collaboration, personal happiness, and maintaining a sense of humor in a fast-paced industry. Takeaways Rachael's career began unexpectedly at a computer camp in seventh grade. She transitioned from the New York Times to Hearst, focusing on lifestyle brands. The shift to mobile has changed how news is consumed and monetized. Revenue operations are evolving, with a focus on both print and digital. AI is becoming increasingly important in advertising and content creation. Collaboration across teams is essential for successful revenue operations. Rachael emphasizes the need for creativity in engaging audiences. The upcoming fashion month in September is a critical time for revenue generation. Maintaining personal happiness is crucial in a demanding industry. Building a supportive network helps navigate challenges in the ad tech space. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rachael Savage and Her Background 01:02 Career Journey: From Computer Camp to Ad Operations 04:40 Transitioning from News to Lifestyle Publishing 08:51 Revenue Operations: Print vs. Digital 11:08 Opportunities in the Second Half of the Year 18:28 The Role of AI in Advertising and Content Creation23:32Personal Insights: Balancing Work and Happiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of The Refresh, Kait breaks down one of the biggest sports media deals in years: Disney’s ESPN has struck a landmark agreement with the NFL to take full control of the NFL Network, expand access to RedZone, and launch its long-awaited direct-to-consumer app. The episode also unpacks Instagram’s latest copycat features, Meta’s shifting engagement strategy, and a series of high-impact headlines from across the advertising and tech space, including lawsuits, mergers, and AI transparency battles. Disney’s Massive NFL Deal: ESPN will gain operational control of the NFL Network and distribution rights to RedZone, while the NFL secures a 10% stake in ESPN, valued between $2.5 and $3 billion. ESPN's Streaming Leap: The new ESPN standalone app launches August 21 for $29.99/month, offering 47,000+ live events annually, betting features, and personalized content — a key move amid declining cable economics. Instagram’s TikTok Dupes: Instagram launched a repost tool, Snapmap-style location sharing, and a visibility control feature for Reels, all met with mixed reactions and privacy concerns. Meta's Monetization Playbook: Zuckerberg emphasizes “engagement” as Meta’s primary revenue driver, while critics say the company’s product strategy feels increasingly erratic and creator-hostile. Industry Roundup: Omnicom-IPG merger clears another hurdle; OpenX sues Google post-DOJ loss; Cloudflare accuses Perplexity AI of stealth scraping; ChatGPT adds mental health features for user well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod interviews Walt Dublin, Vice President of Enterprise Publisher Development at Raptive. Walt shares his journey into the ad tech industry, discussing the evolution of publisher partnerships, the impact of AI on content monetization, and the importance of diversity in the tech space. He emphasizes the need to protect publishers and their content while also highlighting innovative changes within the industry. The conversation concludes with Walt expressing his passion for education and mentorship. Takeaways Walt Dublin's journey into ad tech began 14 years ago. He became the top salesperson at his first company within six months. The landscape for publishers has changed significantly over the years. Publishers now conduct more due diligence before partnerships. Raptive focuses on helping mid-tier publishers monetize effectively. AI and crawlers pose challenges for content creators. Diversity in tech leads to better problem-solving and innovation. Raptive advocates for the protection of journalists and their content. Publishers are innovating to enhance user experience and revenue. Walt is passionate about education and mentoring young people. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AdTech and Walt Dublin 02:27 Walt's Journey in AdTech 05:20 The Evolution of Publisher Partnerships 08:36 Protecting Publishers in the Age of AI 11:25 Innovations and Changes in Publishing 14:21 Diversity in AdTech and Its Importance 20:59 Passions Beyond AdTech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of The Refresh from Marketecture, host Kait unpacks three major developments across measurement, streaming, and advertising. Nielsen is facing renewed industry skepticism as data irregularities emerge in its TV measurement tools. Meanwhile, the future of cable TV may hinge on how live sports migrate to streaming, with ESPN’s direct-to-consumer plans threatening traditional models. Lastly, Meta delivers a strong Q2 earnings report, signaling that its investment in AI is paying off—especially for its ad business. 5 Key Highlights: Nielsen Faces Backlash Over Data Discrepancies: Nielsen’s panel-plus-big-data TV measurement product is under fire due to inconsistencies in key demographic groups, like adults 25–54. The issues stem from its machine-learning model HDAM, which is used to assign household demographics. Industry Pushes for Multi-Currency Measurement: Growing distrust in Nielsen’s accuracy has reignited interest in alternative providers like iSpot, VideoAmp, and ComScore, especially as advertisers demand more reliable and accredited audience insights. ESPN Streaming Could Reshape Cable's Last Stronghold: ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service will bring its marquee live sports content online, accelerating cord-cutting trends and further weakening cable’s grip on viewers. Cable TV Tries to Rebrand Through Sports Bundles: Providers like DirecTV are pivoting with sports aggregation bundles to compete with streaming. However, whether that’s enough to woo non-sports viewers back remains questionable. Meta Crushes Earnings with Ad Growth and AI Investment: Meta reported 22% revenue growth in Q2, with ad revenue reaching $46.5 billion. The company is leaning heavily into AI tools for advertisers and remains committed to evolving its ad ecosystem through advanced tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod pod, Edina Kalamperovic, SVP of Retail Growth at Epsilon, shares her unique journey from agency to ad tech, emphasizing the importance of understanding client relationships and the evolving landscape of digital advertising. She discusses the significance of data utilization, personalization, and the future of retail media, while also highlighting her personal brand loyalty to Anthropology and the impact of consumer experience. Takeaways Edina's journey into advertising was influenced by her creative background and desire for impact. Understanding the psychology of consumers is crucial in advertising. Clients are increasingly focusing on customer-centric strategies and data utilization. Personalization is key to effective marketing campaigns. Loyalty should be viewed as a mindset rather than a program. Retail media presents new opportunities for brands to connect with consumers. Measurement and understanding of data are critical for driving business outcomes. The retail landscape is evolving, requiring brands to adapt to consumer preferences. In-store experiences can significantly enhance customer loyalty. Brands that understand their customers will succeed in a competitive market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AdTech and Edina's Journey 08:20 The Evolution of Client Relationships and Data Utilization 15:39 Retail Media and the Future of Commerce 20:28 Personal Brand Loyalty and Consumer Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Refresh, host Kait unpacks some of the most significant shifts in media, search, and publishing. Alphabet reported record-breaking Q2 earnings driven by cloud and search, despite concerns about AI competition. Newsweek is proactively adjusting its business model to combat AI-related traffic threats, and the Paramount–Skydance merger finally got the FCC’s green light, complete with political controversy and a timely South Park takedown. Alphabet's Blowout Quarter: Alphabet hit $96.4 billion in Q2 revenue, driven by strong performance in cloud (up 32%) and ad sales (up 10.4%), with YouTube capturing nearly 13% of all U.S. TV screen time. Publisher Impact from Generative AI: Google’s AI overviews and search innovations are reducing referral traffic to publishers, with its network division down $100M this quarter—an early signal of monetization shifts. Newsweek’s Monetization Overhaul: Facing declining search-driven traffic, Newsweek aims to lower its ad revenue dependency by investing in healthcare adtech, subscriptions, and syndication deals to charge AI bots for crawling content. Paramount–Skydance Merger Approved: The FCC approved the controversial Paramount-Skydance deal, just days after a $16M Trump settlement and CBS’ cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. South Park Weighs In: South Park’s season premiere mocked the Paramount merger and its political ties—airing hours after a $1.5B content deal was finalized between the show’s creators and Paramount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices