Agency veteran Nikhil Vaish, founder of BoostSolo, argues that most ad failures start upstream. We walk through his three-step model: Offer > Homework > Execution, show how AI can amplify both good and bad strategy, and detail a practical voice-of-customer workflow using your own sales calls.Expect a frank conversation about niching down, pricing power, and building the right foundation so ads can finally do their job.You will learnThe Step Two foundation that most skip and how to build it fastHow to balance brand and performance without chasing vanity metricsWhy AI without clarity equals faster failureSpecialist positioning for higher fees and better fitA simple VOC loop: record calls, extract language, ship copyConnect with Nikhil• BoostSolo: https://boostsolo.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilvaish/Work with Adam👉 Book your 20-min Exploration Call: https://calendly.com/adamwbarney/explorationplugin-20minSpecial Friday drop. Unpacking real. Ditching noise.
E-commerce isn’t single-touch - and your reporting shouldn’t pretend it is. Growth leader Andrew Maffettone breaks down how marketplace spillover (Amazon, Walmart, DTC, social) makes ROAS tidy but wrong, why profit beats channel vanity metrics, and how to design campaigns by channel purpose (education vs. capture). He shares a surprising SEO play—using low-cost Google Ads to accelerate rankings—then retargeting for conversion, plus a blunt take on why driving ads straight to Amazon often hurts organic rank.You’ll learn:How to evaluate spend, revenue, and profit across channels, not in silosWhy last-click is broken—and what holistic measurement looks likeWhen Meta/TikTok work (and what to do when budgets are small)The SEO “quick lift” loop: traffic → rankings → retargeting → salesWhy “send paid to Amazon” backfires and better ways to support listingsConnect with Andrew• BlueTuskr: https://bluetuskr.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmaffWork with Adam👉 Book your 20-min Exploration Call: https://calendly.com/adamwbarney/explorationplugin-20min🎧 Subscribe to Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising? wherever you listen — and if this episode hit home, share it with someone who needs to hear that you can scale without selling your soul.
Community isn’t a channel—it’s an operating system. Shraddha Varma, Co-Founder of Fuzia, shares how a women-centered platform turns creators into contributors, and contributors into careers. We map the community → credibility → opportunity flywheel, plus a pragmatic view of paid media once audience and offer are proven.You’ll learn:How to build a values-driven community that compounds trustConverting community energy into a talent + partnerships pipelineThe right (and wrong) moments to use paid adsActivation ideas: storytelling, spotlights, and serviceMetrics that matter beyond impressionsConnect with Shraddha• Fuzia: https://www.fuzia.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shraddhavarma/• Email: shraddha@fuzia.comWork with Adam👉 Book your 20-min Exploration Call: https://calendly.com/adamwbarney/explorationplugin-20min
Author credibility beats vanity metrics—and hospitality beats hacks. In this conversation, Megumi Calver explains how she helps nonfiction authors and speakers use books as credibility engines, why she built Merobebe to champion women winemakers, and the narrow moments when paid ads are worth it—after audience and offer are dialed.You’ll learn:The difference between “bestseller” clout and durable credibilityHow to grow a thriving community without relying on paid adsWine-world lessons for marketers: language, labels, and transparencyA pragmatic framework for ads when budgets are tightWhy genuine hospitality outperforms dashboardsConnect with Megumi• Merobebe: https://www.merobebe.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megumicalver/• Email: megumi@merobebe.comWork with Adam👉 Book your 20-min Exploration Call: https://calendly.com/adamwbarney/explorationplugin-20minUnpacking real. Ditching noise. Subscribe and share with a founder who values trust over tricks.
What if you could build a thriving global business — without spending a dime on ads?In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, Utsav Nagori, Founder of DynaPro Global, shares how he grew a VA agency serving clients across the U.S. entirely through trust, relationships, and ridiculous consistency.From his first few clients to managing a full remote team, Utsav walks through what it really takes to scale when you don’t have funding, investors, or ad budgets — just belief and execution.🎯 Highlights from the conversation:How one referral snowballed into a global client baseWhy “every client is a story” beats every marketing funnelThe underestimated power of showing up every day onlineBuilding systems that replace burnout with balanceTurning early mistakes into your most effective marketing💬 As Utsav puts it:“I didn’t start DynaPro to escape work. I started it to create work worth doing.”This one’s about grit, values, and what happens when founders stop chasing shortcuts and start playing the long game.🔗 Connect with Utsav:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/utsav-nagori/Website → https://dynaproglobal.com/Email → utsav@dynaproglobal.com🎧 Subscribe to Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising? wherever you listen — and if this episode hit home, share it with someone who needs to hear that you can scale without selling your soul.#IsAnythingReal #PaidAdvertising #VAAgency #Entrepreneurship #BootstrappedGrowth #EnergyOS #ScaleSmarter #Leadership
Tired of chasing clicks and conversions that don’t convert?In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, host Adam W. Barney sits down with Jared Tang, Founder & CEO of Gaggle Social, to talk about breaking the cycle of ad dependency and building brands that grow on real connection, not rented reach.💡 What We Cover:Escaping the paid-media hamster wheelHow organic storytelling compounds faster than spendThe LinkedIn content loops that actually drive salesWhy most founders confuse activity with attentionBuilding authentic demand vs algorithm dopamine🎧 This one’s for founders, marketers, and growth leaders ready to detox from “more ads = more growth” thinking.🔗 Guest Links🌐 Gaggle Social: https://gagglesocial.com/📧 j.tang@gagglesocial.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredtangalejandro/⚡ About the Host🎙 Adam W. Barney — Author, Strategist & Energy Coach helping leaders install their EnergyOS to scale sustainably.👉 Book a clarity call → https://calendly.com/adamwbarney/explorationplugin-20min
What happens when you stop chasing vanity metrics and start running ABM the way it’s meant to be — personal, measurable, and scrappy?In this episode, Mason Cosby, CEO & Founder of Scrappy ABM, joins Adam W. Barney to unpack how small, focused teams are generating enterprise-level outcomes with smarter, more human strategies.🔥 Topics we dig into:Why ABM has been misunderstood (and how to fix it)How to build real alignment between sales and marketingWhat “Scrappy” actually means in a post-AI worldTurning connection into pipeline — without buying attention🎙 Hosted by Adam W. Barney — author, strategist, and founder of Scale Smarter. No fluff. No funnels. Just what’s real.🔗 Mason Cosby – Founder & CEO, Scrappy ABM🌐 Website: https://scrappyabm.com📧 Email: mason@scrappyabm.com⚡ Ready to install your Energy-Driven Leadership OS?Book your 20-minute exploration → https://calendly.com/adamwbarney/explorationplugin-20min
It's time for another Exclusive Drop you don't want to miss!Leadership isn’t forged at the summit: it’s forged in the storm.In this powerful conversation, Chuck Garcia, Columbia University professor, author, and founder of Climb Leadership, joins host Adam W. Barney to unpack what it really means to climb with resilience, emotional intelligence, and purpose .Mountains and boardrooms share the same truth: the climb tests your patience, your team, and your character. Chuck Garcia shares the three rules he learned on Kilimanjaro that every leader needs to adopt: set a goal (and adjust it), take one step at a time, and never go it alone .🔹 What you’ll learnWhy “getting home safely” matters more than “reaching the summit.” Leadership is a long climb, not a photo finish. The career lesson from Wall Street that proved EQ > IQ when it comes to promotions .How stoicism and self-control under pressure separate average leaders from legends .Why communication is the #1 leadership skill schools don’t teach .The CTR Factor — credibility, trust, respect — and how to build it in every interaction .🌍 About Chuck GarciaCEO of Climb Leadership International, Columbia University professor, mountaineer, and TEDx speaker. Author of A Climb to the Top and The Moment That Defines Your Life. Connect at chuckgarcia.com.🎙 About the ShowIs Anything Real in Paid Advertising? cuts through the noise with conversations on leadership, marketing, and the human energy that powers them. Hosted by Adam W. Barney — Energy Coach & Author of Make Your Own Glass Half Full.🔌 Work with Adam W. BarneyInstall the Energy-Driven Leadership OS in 90 days and reclaim your clarity and capacity. Book an exploration call → calendly.com/adamwbarney/explorationplugin-20min.
In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, host Adam W. Barney sits down with Alex Steele, Founder & CEO of Opal, to unpack how agencies can unlock growth by rethinking how they bank.💡 Alex shares the story of building Opal — the fintech platform redefining how ad agencies and creators manage cash flow and credit.From partnering with Visa to solving the agency payment bottleneck, this conversation gets real about money, momentum, and the systems that fuel scale.We cover:🏦 Why traditional banks don’t understand agency business models💳 How Opal is modernizing cash flow for ad-driven companies🚀 Why scaling starts with better financial systems — not just better ads🧩 How to build tools and partnerships that grow with you🎙 Host: Adam W. Barney💼 Guest: Alex Steele, Founder of Opal | a@getopal.co🔥 Fix your foundation. Scale smarter.Subscribe for more episodes of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising? — where we unpack what’s real in marketing, growth, and leadership.
In a world where ads fight for attention and algorithms dictate visibility, one thing still cuts through the noise: storytelling.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with MK McGowan, Founder of MK McGowan Studios, to explore how narrative isn’t just marketing — it’s the difference between being ignored and being unforgettable.We dive into:✨ Why narrative intelligence matters more than vanity metrics✨ How to tell stories that scale across platforms and audiences✨ The art of shaping messages that connect with both logic and emotion✨ Where AI fits in — and where it never will — when it comes to authentic storytellingMK has built a career around helping leaders and brands clarify their voice and amplify their message in ways that build trust, impact, and long-term influence. This conversation is a masterclass for anyone trying to rise above the noise and lead with narrative power.📌 Learn more about MK: https://www.mkmcgowanstudios.com/📌 Connect with MK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkmcgowan/🎧 Find all episodes of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising? by searching your favorite podcast app.
AI in sales and marketing isn’t about replacing people: it’s about amplifying them.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, I sit down with Joe Apfelbaum, Founder of evyAI and CEO of Ajax Union, to unpack what it really takes to scale authentic relationships in the age of AI.Joe shares his journey from building 100+ websites a year, to scaling Ajax Union into one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., to creating evyAI...now powering 20,000+ users across 37 countries. Along the way, we dig into:🚀 Why authenticity (not automation) is the real differentiator in AI🧠 How evyAI helps turn LinkedIn into a revenue channel without turning you into a robot🌍 Building a global SaaS product from scratch (and why it almost broke him)🤝 The future of community-driven growth, leadership, and personal branding💬 Want to see evyAI in action? Text DEMO to 973-841-8868 and get firsthand access.🔗 Connect with Joe:LinkedIn: Joe ApfelbaumevyAI: app.evyai.comAjax Union: ajaxunion.com✨ Catch every episode here: Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?
Most companies pour money into marketing without connecting it to revenue. Jason Kramer, Founder & CEO of Cultivize, shows how to turn CRM, lead scoring, and simple attribution into hard ROI...and why many campaigns should be trimmed, not scaled.In this episode, you’ll learn:How a 25-year roofing company cut ~$50k in wasted ad spend by tracking every channel (QRs, call prompts, landing pages) and tying it back to sales activity.“Hand raisers,” lead scoring, and seeing buying signals in real time (opens, site visits, video views).Why most teams fail CRM roll-outs, and the fast path to a functional build in 4–6 weeks.How agencies white-label CRM services to protect LTV, conversion, and retention.Connect with JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleighkramer/Cultivize: https://cultivize.com/Subscribe and find more episodes: https://isanythingrealinpaidadvertising.adamwbarney.com/
Most entrepreneurs feel the pressure to run ads before they’ve built a foundation. Abu Kamara, Co-Founder of Green Zone Solutions, took a different path. In just 18 months, he built a consulting business around sustainability, logistics, and operational performance - all through relationships, referrals, and trust, not ad spend.In this episode, we cover:How Green Zone went from wide-net consulting to honing in on manufacturing and distribution niches.Why referrals and word-of-mouth still outpace cold ads in today’s noisy market.The systems Abu is putting in place to make referrals predictable and scalable.The biggest misconceptions about “slow growth” and what it really takes to build traction.💡 For any founder wondering if they have to pour cash into ads right away, this conversation will reset your mindset.👉 Connect with Abu:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abubakarrkamaraGreen Zone Solutions: gzsolutions.co🎧 Explore all episodes: Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?
The AI wave is reshaping industries faster than most leaders can process. Few people have navigated it from as many angles as Mike Todasco, former Head of Innovation at PayPal, Visiting Fellow at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at San Diego State University, and holder of 100+ patents.In this Exclusive Drop episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, host Adam W. Barney and Mike dig into:The real implications of AI for human creativityHow corporate innovation at PayPal informs the future of AI adoptionWhy today’s students at SDSU might hold the most accurate lens on what’s comingThe hard truths marketing leaders must face if they want to stay relevantIf you’ve ever wondered whether AI will kill creativity or ignite it, this conversation gives you the clarity to lead forward.📨 Connect with Mike Todasco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/🌐 Learn more about SDSU’s AI initiatives: https://ai.sdsu.edu🎧 Explore all episodes: Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?
AI that actually delivers.Vinod Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder of Syntheum AI, joins host Adam W. Barney to talk about clarity, discipline, and why most brands chase paid ads before they’ve earned the right. From building agentic AI tools for merchandisers to pioneering the idea of being “seed-strapped,” Vinod shares how founders can scale smarter without burning budgets.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we cover:How AI merchandising agents are changing the way e-commerce brands workWhy being “seed-strapped” forces clarity and better decisionsThe case for organic momentum before paid ads (and why shortcuts stall growth)How Syntheum’s AVA audit tool reveals brand visibility inside AI platformsWhy long-term trust and brand presence will outlast today’s quick-fix ad hacksIf you’ve ever felt the pull toward shortcuts...or wondered how to future-proof your brand in an AI-driven ad world...this episode is your playbook.📨 Get in touch with Vinod: vinod@syntheum.ai🔗 Connect with Vinod: linkedin.com/in/vinodkumar-ai/🌐 Learn more: syntheum.ai🎧 Listen to all episodes: Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?
Forget vanity metrics. Noel Geer, CEO & Founder of Connected Interactive, joins host Adam W. Barney to reveal why most brands are wasting money chasing CPMs and ROAS...and how focusing on lifetime value unlocks real, lasting growth.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we dive into:Why 84% of purchases still happen offline - and how to tie them back to digitalThe hidden cost of ad fraud (and how to filter it out before you spend a dime)What happens when you prioritize quality audiences over inflated reachWhy lifetime value is the only metric worth obsessing overIf you’re tired of chasing impressions that don’t convert and want a smarter way forward, this one’s for you.📨 Get in touch with Noel: noelg@connectedinteractive.com🔗 Connect with Noel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noel-geer-98855915/🌐 Learn more about Connected Interactive: https://connectedinteractive.com/🎧 Listen to all episodes: Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?
Forget paid tricks. Priyanka Mishra, Business Head of Fuzia Talent, joins host Adam W. Barney to break down how she scaled a global, women-led platform to over 10 million users - without relying on gimmicks or inflated metrics.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, we dive into:Building emotional trust in a data-obsessed ecosystemHow Fuzia empowers creators across 35+ countriesWhy most ad impressions aren’t worth what you thinkWhat EQ + community storytelling can do that paid ads never willIf you’re tired of clickbait and craving real results, this one’s for you.📨 Get in touch with Priyanka: priyanka.m@fuzia.com🔗 Follow Priyanka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyankasayshi/🌐 Learn more about Fuzia Talent: https://www.fuziatalent.com/🎧 Listen to all episodes: Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?
“AI without strategy is chaos.”Lucy Wang, Co-Founder & CEO of Pocketflows, joins me for a straight-talking breakdown of what’s real in small business marketing today. From funnel nightmares to the trap of instant gratification, Lucy calls out the shortcuts that sabotage founders—and shows us what sustainable growth really takes.Inside this episode, we dig into:🚦 Why “cookie-cutter” AI marketing fails small businesses.🧩 The hidden costs of shortcut thinking (spam, over-automation, blind ROAS chasing).📈 The smarter path: building loyalty, visibility, and a repeatable flow for growth.💡 Real stories of how businesses can ditch chaos and unlock clarity.Lucy’s approach is sharp, practical, and refreshingly human. If you’ve ever wondered why your ads aren’t working, or why growth feels stuck in neutral, this is your blueprint for cutting through the noise.👉 Connect with Lucy Wang:PocketflowsLucy on LinkedIn📧 lucy@pocketflows.com🎙️ Subscribe to Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising? for more no-fluff conversations on what’s real (and what’s just noise).
Too many agencies are drowning clients in dashboards, vanity metrics, and pretty charts that don’t move the needle. Ryan Stevens is here to burn that to the ground.In this episode of Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?, Adam W. Barney sits down with Ryan, Founder of Digital Reference and the guy agencies call when they want their data to actually tell the truth.We dig into:The difference between “reporting” and real insightHow to kill useless KPIs before they waste your budgetWhy clean attribution is the ultimate trust-builderThe metrics clients actually care aboutThis is data with teeth: no fluff, no filler. If you’re tired of playing spreadsheet dress-up and want reporting that drives real ROI, this is your episode.📌 Connect with Ryan Stevens: LinkedIn | Digital Reference🎧 Listen to more episodes: Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising?
Anthony Tsigourakos, co-founder of SmartSpend Advertising and growth advisor at Good Name Consulting, knows the hidden costs of scaling. After helping dozens of agencies break through plateaus, he’s learned that real growth isn’t just about adding clients or revenue…it’s about protecting your capacity, your margins, and your energy.In this episode, we dive into:Why most agencies think they’re scaling when they’re actually stallingThe balance between execution, strategy, and personal energyReal ROI versus vanity metrics...and how to track what truly mattersBuilding a business that fuels your life instead of draining itWhether you’re running a $250K shop or a multi-million dollar agency, this episode will help you rethink your growth plan, sharpen your focus, and lead with intention.📍 Connect with Anthony:SmartSpend Advertising: https://smartspendadvertising.comGood Name Consulting: https://goodnameconsulting.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonytsigourakos/🎙 Hosted by Adam W. Barney, Is Anything Real in Paid Advertising? explores the truths, myths, and hidden realities behind marketing, growth, and leadership.💡 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and share this episode with one other agency owner, founder, or leader who needs it.