This Old Marketing - News Podcast Weekly with Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose

The episode kicks off with a pointed look at Meta, which seems to be earning a fortune from fraudulent and scam ads. Joe and Robert trace the pattern back more than a decade…from election misinformation to repeated scandals. The question emerges: Is Meta the least ethical major player in the industry today? This conversation naturally leads into a look at the growing AI bubble and Michael Burry's bet against The Magnificent Ten. While his prediction may eventually play out, the boys debate why we're likely still two years away from any real correction. Top Stories Meta's Long History of Trouble Joe and Robert walk through Meta's pattern of behavior, including the current windfall from scam ads, reminders of past election interference issues, and the repeated failure to effectively police the platform. The bigger question: if this is systemic, where does it go from here? The AI Bubble and Michael Burry's Bet The legendary investor who foretold the mortgage crisis is now shorting the biggest tech companies. The boys give context on why he might be early, what signals they're watching, and what marketers should learn from speculative hype cycles. Disney Spends Up…But Not Where You Think Disney is increasing content spending, but the bulk is shifting toward live sports and in-person experiences. Joe and Robert discuss what this means for marketers and why "experiential" continues to be a long-term bet. Coke's AI Holiday Ad Maker Responds The studio responsible for Coca-Cola's AI holiday ad gives its defense. Is this just another evolution of creative tools, or are creators right to be irritated? The boys break down the nuance. Winners and Losers Joe's Winner: Netflix House Smart expansion into experiential entertainment. A real signal of where media companies are headed. Robert's Loser: The end of the Farmer's Almanac A long-running institution finally fades. Robert shares why this one stings and what it says about legacy content. Rants and Raves Robert's Rant: Microsoft's sales content Robert has feelings…big ones. And he shares them. Joe's Commentary: Chatbot JesusWhat could go wrong? Subscribe and Follow: Follow Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose on LinkedIn for insights, hot takes, and weekly updates from the world of content and marketing. This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

This week, Joe and Robert cover three major AI stories shaping the creative and marketing landscape. First, the guys break down the debut of Xania Monet, the first AI-powered artist to land on a Billboard chart. Is this the start of a new music era...or the beginning of the end for human creativity? Next, they unwrap Coca-Cola's second annual holiday AI ad. But this year, it's not just Coke. Expect a wave of AI-generated holiday campaigns across brands. Joe and Robert debate what this means for creative differentiation and audience connection. Finally, they analyze Bloomberry's massive study of 180 million jobs, revealing how AI is reshaping the global workplace faster than anyone imagined. Who's safe, who's not, and what can marketers learn from the data? Winners and Losers: Robert's Winner: Gannett's bold rebrand to USA Today—a move that simplifies identity and aligns with its strongest brand equity. Joe's Winner: Print media. Joe points out the surprising long-term resilience of print and why physical media might be the next big comeback. Rants and Raves: A new journalism collective forms to sell sponsorships - Robert shares his take on why collaboration is an important way forward for small creators. More college students are choosing double majors - Joe digs into what that says about the next generation of marketers. Subscribe and Follow: Follow Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose on LinkedIn for insights, hot takes, and weekly updates from the world of content and marketing. This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

It's another wild week in the world of marketing, media, and tech. First up: Amazon announced yet another round of layoffs, and Joe and Robert dive into the growing trend among the Magnificent 10 companies. Are these just normal business cycles? The result of AI-driven productivity? Or signs of something deeper happening in the global economy? Then: OpenAI is restructuring to look more like a traditional for-profit company. With Microsoft now owning 27%, the boys debate what this means for control, innovation, and the company's future. Could OpenAI become the world's first trillion-dollar IPO? Next: Morning Brew acquires a YouTube show about the news — and Joe explains why this is another major example of individual creators getting their work acquired and then integrating themselves into larger organizations. In Marketing Winners & Losers, Robert dives into K-Pop Demon Hunters, while Joe highlights Elon Musk's Grokipedia. And in Rants & Raves, Joe shares how email newsletters can literally get you hired, while Robert takes aim at the new WPP–Google AI partnership. Listen to the full episode for all the analysis, tangents, and laughs you expect from Joe and Robert on This Old Marketing. This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

This week's episode of This Old Marketing dives deep into the evolving world of AI, automation, and creator opportunities. 1. OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas: A Google Killer? OpenAI's latest product, ChatGPT Atlas, has some wondering if this is a direct strike at Google's dominance in search. We break down what Atlas is, how it changes the discovery landscape, and what it means for marketers and creators. 2. AI and Robots Taking Jobs A New York Times article reports that Amazon plans to replace over half a million jobs with robots. But the twist? The AI industry itself is facing layoffs. Meta has cut significant staff from its AI operations, according to Axios. We explore what this says about the current state — and future — of the AI economy. 3. ChatGPT to Allow Adult Erotica (for Verified Users) OpenAI will soon allow adult-themed content for verified adults. Is this a necessary step toward realism and maturity online, or is it a PR nightmare waiting to happen? We debate whether the Internet needs true age-gating — or if this will end up being a "nothing burger," as Robert might say. 4. Creators Take Flight — Literally Marketing Brew reports that YouTube creators are getting their content featured on Delta Airlines flights. It's a great marketing move — but does it signal that YouTube is becoming television? We discuss what this means for creators' reach and brand positioning. Marketing Winners of the Week Ann Handley's new website: A masterclass in simplicity and conversion, with a sharp focus on driving newsletter subscriptions. Kim Kardashian's Skims.com launch: A weirdly nostalgic move that has everyone talking. Raves of the Week Joe's Rave: The CRIT Framework from Geoff Woods — a practical model for using AI strategically through Context, Role, Interview, and Task. And get a month of Wispr Flow (dictation platform) for free here. Robert's Rave: Spotify's new personalized playlists that take algorithmic curation to the next level. Listen to the full episode for all the analysis, tangents, and laughs you expect from Joe and Robert on This Old Marketing. This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

In this episode, Joe and Robert break down the latest moves in the ongoing battle between lawmakers and social media giants. California is leading the charge with new AI and social media legislation — plus, Instagram is testing a "rating system" for content. Is this meaningful progress or just more political theater? The guys also cover how OpenAI and Anthropic are stepping into the marketing world. OpenAI's first ad sparks debate (is it a miss?), while Anthropic's experiential push might have us all saying "Oh Claude." Winners and Losers: Winner: Buc-ee's - proving that a gas station can be a brand powerhouse. Loser: Deloitte Australia - struggling to recover from credibility issues. Rants and Raves: Rant: The rise of rage bait - how outrage is driving engagement for all the wrong reasons. Rave: Personal videos on LinkedIn - authentic storytelling that actually connects. Tune in for another week of marketing madness, strategic insights, and questionable football takes. ------- This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

After celebrating 500 weeks of podcasting, Joe and Robert are back to regular programming. And this week… things get weird. OpenAI and Meta both dropped major updates to their AI apps—releases that could either spark the next great social network or bring about the end of the internet as we know it. The guys break down what these announcements mean for creators, advertisers, and the future of "artificial content." In other news, Anthropic settles a $1.5 billion lawsuit that could mean payouts for authors everywhere (and a big precedent for copyright in AI). Plus, Call Her Daddy's Alex Cooper launches a new marketing agency that might just be the new business model for content entrepreneurs. And YouTube rolls out auto dubbing for creators and marketers. Joe and Robert debate whether that's a blessing or a curse. This week's winner: CMI's new B2B Research Report. This week's loser: China's growing propaganda machine. Rants and Raves: A look at ABBA Voyage and MrBeast, two very different but equally fascinating examples of what happens when creativity, technology, and obsession collide. ------- This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork  

It's here...the 500th episode of This Old Marketing! In this very special show, Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose take a walk down memory lane, sharing stories, clips, and predictions from across the past twelve years of the podcast. Along the way, they're joined by some surprise guests and special videos from friends of the show. Highlights from the Episode The Beginning (Episode 1 – November 20, 2013): Joe and Robert recall the car ride that sparked the idea and how they launched the first episode in less than two weeks. Hear the original introduction, plus proof that football talk has always been part of the show's DNA. Episode 100 (October 12, 2015): Reflections on content marketing trends a decade ago, from the rise of content brands to the great terminology debate. Joe predicts the rise of the walled gardens, Robert envisions marketing's shift toward experiences, and both make some bold (and hilarious) calls about Apple, Disney, and Twitter. Episode 200 (September 11, 2017): A nostalgic milestone filled with clips, insights on audience building, and predictions around Facebook's billion-dollar content push. Highlights include Robert's reflections on the value of audience and the duo's "can't believe we made it this far" moment. Episode 211 (December 11, 2017): The original "finale" - Joe and Robert answer listener questions, quiz each other, and close out what they thought was the end of the journey. Episode 212 (July 15, 2019): The "Genesis Planet" comeback episode after 577 days away. Joe and Robert return in full stride, proving the magic never left. Episode 300 (December 3, 2021): The first video podcast, featuring a special musical intro from Gary Busey. Predictions fly about Web 3.0, tokenization, the metaverse, and the future of "rented land." Plus, cocktails, personal reflections, and football banter. Episode 400 (November 3, 2023): "AI & the Melting of Truth" marks another milestone with big conversations around AI, search, and Disney's media moves. A clip on Google's AI results shows just how much the world has shifted. Special Surprises A video greeting from filmmaker Kevin Smith A montage of messages from listeners and friends of the show. Thank you to A. Lee Judge, Bert Van Loon, Brian Piper, Cathy & Bridget McPhillips, Fernando Labastida, JK Kalinowski, Katie Brinkley, Maliha Khan, Paul Roetzer and Ruth Carter. A heartfelt video from author and speaker Andrew Davis Rants & Raves Yes, even in this celebratory episode, Joe and Robert can't resist a few choice rants and raves. (You'll just have to listen in!) Thank you for being part of 500 weeks of This Old Marketing. We couldn't have done it without you. Here's to the next chapter! ------- This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork  

In the final show before the big 500 extravaganza, Joe and Robert discuss why individual creators are slowly taking over Hollywood — and whether there are opportunities for brands in this shift. The creator takeover: Ad Age: Why creators, not studios, will lead production by 2030 Sports meets streaming: New Heights integration with Amazon Prime — Travis and Jason Kelce's New Heights podcast will now stream on Amazon Prime. Buying media properties: Why a marketing consultant bought the largest real estate trade magazine in Canada (link). Winners and Losers: Winner: Kit launches location-based creators. Loser: Unilever gives up on Ben & Jerry's after its co-founder claims the company silenced activism. Rants and Raves: Joe rants about job hugging. Robert rants about AI workslop. And don't miss our special #500 episode next week. ------- This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork  

No, TikTok does not stop. Maybe the fourth time is the charm, as Robert and Joe run through the latest with the TikTok "staying or going" drama. Get all the latest on the changes, although it might be a big nothing burger. Link to more: U.S.-China Deal to Avert TikTok Ban May be Close, Trump Official Says - The New York Times YouTube makes a strong case that they are integral to the US economy. With $100 billion going to creators, new and improved creation features, and an all-in-one create and distribute scenario, it seems like everything we want. Or is it? Links to more: YouTube AI likeness detection and creator tools - The Wrap Made on YouTube 2025 - Official Blog Albania has become the first country in the world to appoint an AI minister. Joe contends this is just the beginning. Link to more: Albania appoints world's first AI-made minister – POLITICO Special thanks to Jared Luttjeboer for his question on video vs. audio podcasting. Learn more about Jared's work here: The Church History Project Podcast Marketing winners and losers include: Local TV has lost more than half of its share of media spending since 2017 – TV Technology The Friend Show – Truman Show-Inspired Campaign by Creator's Friend Rants and raves include: Alden's bid for DallasNews – Axios GenAI college marketing: positioning as academic friends, not foes ------- This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork  

This week, Joe and Robert dig into the Reddit phenomenon. Leading in AI findability (AEO) and trusted by geeks everywhere, the platform is having its coming-out moment. Is it time to ride the marketing train to Reddit town? Here's why Reddit marketing could be your next big business move OpenAI wants to make a full-length animated movie that isn't AI slop. Can they pull it off, or is this just a content marketing play? (Hint: the latter.) OpenAI wants to make an AI movie that isn't slop Meanwhile, the team at Robinhood is rolling out a new social media app. But is now the right time for another platform? Reddit, X get new rival with Robinhood Social's launch Marketing winners and losers this week include Liquid Death (Yahoo Can Coolers – Liquid Death) and Ben & Jerry's (Ben & Jerry's founders want to scoop out their brand). Rants and raves feature the AI-driven destruction of the career ladder (AI isn't just ending entry-level jobs. It's ending the career ladder) and LinkedIn's latest analytics upgrade (Post | LinkedIn). ------- This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork    

The marketing news of the week: A federal judge has ordered a shakeup of Google's search engine. Some call it a slap on the wrist, but it's clear even the courts see Google's dominance slipping. With AI search and new competitors on the rise, will Google's empire burn down? -- Judge orders search shakeup in Google monopoly case | PBS News Meanwhile, the so-called "marketing AI boom" is running headfirst into a crisis of customer trust. But do people really care about privacy, or is it just talk? Joe and Robert debate whether it matters at all. -- Marketing AI boom faces crisis of consumer trust Winners and Losers: Creators landing SNL deals (Creators Take Over SNL 🌜), and the curious case of why one agency made an indie short film. Rants and Raves: A content strategist for ChatGPT raises eyebrows, and the surprising death of VOA. And to wrap things up: our annual NFL predictions. Who's taking home the Lombardi Trophy this year? ------- This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts.  All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork    

This week on the podcast, Joe and Robert break down the big takeaways from Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX): The future of human content vs. AI content and why this tension may define the next decade. Why leaning into your "crazy" could be the smartest business move you'll ever make. The rise of new search metrics and how they're quietly reshaping the creator landscape. Marketing news this week: Cracker Barrel's Logo Backlash – A nostalgic flip-flop for the ages. Was this a brilliant PR stunt, or a brand fumble that shows just how powerful memory and meaning are? CBS News | Ad Age Perplexity's Publisher Program – 80% of ad revenue promised to creators. But is this really a fair shake, or just another platform mirage? Digiday Marketing losers of the week: A troubling study on gambling ads saturating sports broadcasts The Guardian The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ends its print edition. And in rants and raves: AI ad networks invade ChatGPT – the future of monetization or the end of trust? [Ad Age] The strange, hilarious world of a print newspaper… from Uranus Fudge. ------- This week's sponsor: You don't become the world's most valuable women's sports franchise by accident. Angel City Football Club did it with a little help from HubSpot. When they started, data was housed across multiple systems. HubSpot unified their website, email marketing, and fan experience in one platform. This allowed their small team of three to build an entire website in just three days. The results? Nearly 350 new sign-ups a week and 300% database growth in just two years. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

Are we entering a new golden age of content marketing? In this week's This Old Marketing, Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose dig into why the industry feels more alive than ever and what this resurgence means for brands and creators alike. The Big Stories: When Hollywood Hits the Break Room: A credit-card company launches a sitcom (Roomies) that blurs the line between branded content and binge-worthy entertainment. Read more → From Tackles to Talk Shows: The NFL's Broadcast Boot Camp trains players to pivot from pads to teleprompters. Is this a new playbook for employee-driven media? Read more → Redline, Red Flag: Creators push back on restrictive contracts, but many brands are saying "no edits allowed." What does this mean for the creator–brand relationship? Read more → Marketing Winners of the Week: Taylor Swift (once again setting the standard for creator-driven marketing) MSNBC's bold rebrand Billy Joel (yes, he's still moving the needle) Rants & Raves: A surprising return to print media: why it may be smarter than you think A deeper dive into the true meaning of "rented land" in today's marketing mix Key Takeaway: Content marketing isn't just back. It's maturing into a stronger, more essential discipline. Brands and creators who double down on owned media, storytelling, and consistency will be the ones who thrive in this new golden age. ------- This week's sponsor: You don't become the world's most valuable women's sports franchise by accident. Angel City Football Club did it with a little help from HubSpot. When they started, data was housed across multiple systems. HubSpot unified their website, email marketing, and fan experience in one platform. This allowed their small team of three to build an entire website in just three days. The results? Nearly 350 new sign-ups a week and 300% database growth in just two years. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/  Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

Big news in the tech and marketing world this week. AI search leader Perplexity stunned the industry with a $34 billion offer to buy Google Chrome. Is this just a headline-grabbing PR stunt… or could it actually give Google a way out of its ongoing antitrust mess? Meanwhile, OpenAI is scrambling to turn lemons into lemonade after the botched ChatGPT-5 launch. Did they completely miss the mark with their audience, or has their technology hit a temporary wall — giving Google, Anthropic, X, and others a window to catch up? Over on YouTube, creators who target children are sounding alarms over the platform's new age verification and machine learning plan, which goes into effect this week. Many fear it could hurt discoverability and revenue. Marketing Winners this week include Marketing AI Institute and the sweet, unexpected Oreos/Reese's mashup. Rants and Raves feature the surprisingly catchy Hampton Jitney Bus Song and a look at the Wall Street Journal/McKinsey partnership. ----- This week's sponsor: You don't become the world's most valuable women's sports franchise by accident. Angel City Football Club did it with a little help from HubSpot. When they started, data was housed across multiple systems. HubSpot unified their website, email marketing, and fan experience in one platform. This allowed their small team of three to build an entire website in just three days. The results? Nearly 350 new sign-ups a week and 300% database growth in just two years. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at ThisOldMarketing.com. Catch and subscribe to our NEW show on YouTube. NOTE: You can get captions there. Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

The boys are back (and better than ever) with a brand-new episode on what influencer marketing will look like soon (including AI). In this episode, they break down the new deal between ESPN and the NFL. Does this partnership signal new opportunities for brands and content marketing deals in the near future? YouTube announced that it will begin testing a new AI feature designed to estimate whether a user is a minor...regardless of the birthday listed on the account. Some creators fear it will hurt business, while others worry that large organizations and institutions will use the data in nefarious ways. Winners and losers include the future of influencer marketing, the Savannah Bananas, American Eagle, Sydney Sweeney, and Vogue. Rants and raves feature CMOs uncovering a new trend in influencer strategy—and Superman. ----- This week's links: ESPN to buy NFL Network How YouTube Age Verification Could Hurt the Creator Economy What MLB Can Learn from the Savannah Bananas? Mentions of Creator Economy on CMO Calls ----- This week's sponsor: You don't become the world's most valuable women's sports franchise by accident. Angel City Football Club did it with a little help from HubSpot. When they started, data was housed across multiple systems. HubSpot unified their website, email marketing, and fan experience in one platform. This allowed their small team of three to build an entire website in just three days. The results? Nearly 350 new sign-ups a week and 300% database growth in just two years. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at ThisOldMarketing.com. Catch and subscribe to our NEW show on YouTube. NOTE: You can get captions there. Subscribe to Joe Pulizzi's Orangeletter and get two free downloads direct from Joe. Subscribe to Robert Rose's newsletter at Seventh Bear.    

This is the last special solo episode for a while. Thankfully, Robert and Joe will be back next week to make nonsense about marketing and content news. But today's episode is something a little different. In 1937, Napoleon Hill wrote Think and Grow Rich. His ideas about belief, desire, and persistence changed lives—Joe's included. Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, is his answer to what Think and Grow Rich would look like today. It's not just about financial wealth...it's about freedom. Mental freedom. Physical health. Time freedom. It's the book Joe wanted his kids to have…the book that they could share with their kids about living a life of purpose. This episode of This Old Marketing is about how to build a platform strong enough to carry the weight of your dreams. Six months ago, Joe was 20 pounds heavier. He felt foggy, sluggish, reactive. He was still productive, sure...but didn't feel sharp. He didn't feel like he was operating at his best. And he decided that wasn't okay anymore. Many of you know this, but Joe's family has a history of Alzheimer's as well. He always thought he was relegated to this fate and there was nothing he could do. Joe's since found there are many things he can do to build a better brain (if you will), so that he can live a better life and be around, in all forms, for his kids and their kids, in addition to living a life of freedom (which we'll discuss). So he made some changes. Not radical ones. Just simple, consistent ones. And Joe wants to share them with you—not as a health expert, but as a creator who realized that if your body and brain break down, your business doesn't stand a chance. Let's get into it.   ----- This week's links: Americans Check Phone 144 Times Per Day The Cost of Multitasking ----- This week's sponsor: You don't become the world's most valuable women's sports franchise by accident. Angel City Football Club did it with a little help from HubSpot. When they started, data was housed across multiple systems. HubSpot unified their website, email marketing, and fan experience in one platform. This allowed their small team of three to build an entire website in just three days. The results? Nearly 350 new sign-ups a week and 300% database growth in just two years. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at ThisOldMarketing.com. Catch and subscribe to our NEW show on YouTube. NOTE: You can get captions there. Subscribe to Joe Pulizzi's Orangeletter and get two free downloads direct from Joe. Subscribe to Robert Rose's newsletter at Seventh Bear.

In this solo episode of This Old Marketing, Robert dives headfirst into the uncomfortable - and increasingly urgent - tension at the heart of modern content strategy: Can we still create truly human content, full of nuance, voice, and emotional honesty… while also making sure the machines don't misinterpret (or mangle) what we mean? Inspired by the announced end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Robert explores how the final stretch of a show - or a career, or even a blog archive - can shape both public perception and machine learning for years to come. This week Robert covers: Why "good" content now means craft, not just output. The shift from writing for search engines to teaching AI what to say about you. The danger (and opportunity) of legacy content becoming training data. A new strategy for structuring content that serves both people and machines. Four practical steps you can take right now to future-proof your brand's voice. Oh - and Joe's out this week, off pitching new names for the Guardians and Commanders to the Trump administration. Don't worry. Robert's got it handled. Tune in, laugh a little, squirm a little, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose—and a checklist. ----- This week's sponsor: You don't become the world's most valuable women's sports franchise by accident. Angel City Football Club did it with a little help from HubSpot. When they started, data was housed across multiple systems. HubSpot unified their website, email marketing, and fan experience in one platform. This allowed their small team of three to build an entire website in just three days. The results? Nearly 350 new sign-ups a week and 300% database growth in just two years. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at ThisOldMarketing.com. Catch and subscribe to our NEW show on YouTube. NOTE: You can get captions there. Subscribe to Joe Pulizzi's Orangeletter and get two free downloads direct from Joe. Subscribe to Robert Rose's newsletter at Seventh Bear.

Get ready for this special episode that you needed to hear years ago. Let me say this plainly: Working for someone else is the riskiest thing you can do right now. For decades, we believed that a "good job" was the ultimate security. A steady paycheck. Healthcare. Maybe a 401(k) with a match. But that model is falling apart in real time. I've seen this from the inside. I've been the employee. I've been the boss. I've been the guy who signed the layoff papers. When I was at Penton we went through three rounds of layoffs in 18 months and it was devastating for everyone involved. And this continues today but at breakneck speed. Here's the truth: no job is safe anymore...especially in marketing. AI is replacing entry-level marketers faster than we can track. Some agencies I know are in desperation mode. The only advice brand marketing teams get is to lean more into AI. Is that even the right strategy? And executive teams still don't understand what content actually does...until they decide it's too expensive (even thought it's not) and cut it. Here's the harsh truth: Most people following the "good job, good life" blueprint are broke, stressed, unfulfilled, and trapped. The old dream isn't dead because people stopped working hard. It's dead because the game changed and nobody updated the playbook. ----- This week's links: Dallas Cowboys NOT America's Team Joe Pulizzi's New Book "Burn the Playbook" Pre-Order ----- This week's sponsor: You don't become the world's most valuable women's sports franchise by accident. Angel City Football Club did it with a little help from HubSpot. When they started, data was housed across multiple systems. HubSpot unified their website, email marketing, and fan experience in one platform. This allowed their small team of three to build an entire website in just three days. The results? Nearly 350 new sign-ups a week and 300% database growth in just two years. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at ThisOldMarketing.com. Catch and subscribe to our NEW show on YouTube. NOTE: You can get captions there. Subscribe to Joe Pulizzi's Orangeletter and get two free downloads direct from Joe. Subscribe to Robert Rose's newsletter at Seventh Bear.

This week Robert flies solo (Joe's busy revolutionizing dairy on the blockchain) to ask a question:  What if slower is the new smarter? After riffing on OpenAI's burnout‑induced shutdown, he unveils a sneak peek of his upcoming book, Valuable Friction. From Netflix's "Skip Intro" button to AI‑generated sameness, Robert shows how our obsession with frictionless everything is draining the meaning out of marketing...and life. Tune in for the four kinds of friction that sharpen ideas, deepen relationships, steady operations, and save you from knee‑jerk strategy. No co‑host, no fast‑forward, just 100 percent Robert. Press play, don't skip the intro, and discover why a little resistance might be your brand's unfair advantage. ----- This week's sponsor: You don't become the world's most valuable women's sports franchise by accident. Angel City Football Club did it with a little help from HubSpot. When they started, data was housed across multiple systems. HubSpot unified their website, email marketing, and fan experience in one platform. This allowed their small team of three to build an entire website in just three days. The results? Nearly 350 new sign-ups a week and 300% database growth in just two years. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at ThisOldMarketing.com. Catch and subscribe to our NEW show on YouTube. NOTE: You can get captions there. Subscribe to Joe Pulizzi's Orangeletter and get two free downloads direct from Joe. Subscribe to Robert Rose's newsletter at Seventh Bear.

After a quick cover of the Cloudflare news where it will be possible to select and make money from AI companies crawling your site, Joe and Robert dive into marketing plan B. Specifically -  The New Normal: Why Everyone Needs a Personal Brand (Even If You're Not Selling Anything) The collapse of the idea that a job = stability. From creators to CMOs: why everyone needs visibility. The difference between self-promotion and self-preservation. Hot take: You're always in stealth mode for your next job (even if you don't know it yet). And...Content as Career Insurance: Best Practices for Building Your Brand What platforms actually matter (and which ones are dead weight)? Where to start? We have the answers in this episode. ----- This week's links: Cloudflare Launches AI Marketplace Paramount Settles Trump Case Joe's Newsletter Post on Freedom ----- This week's sponsor: You don't become the world's most valuable women's sports franchise by accident. Angel City Football Club did it with a little help from HubSpot. When they started, data was housed across multiple systems. HubSpot unified their website, email marketing, and fan experience in one platform. This allowed their small team of three to build an entire website in just three days. The results? Nearly 350 new sign-ups a week and 300% database growth in just two years. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at ThisOldMarketing.com. Catch and subscribe to our NEW show on YouTube. NOTE: You can get captions there. Subscribe to Joe Pulizzi's Orangeletter and get two free downloads direct from Joe. Subscribe to Robert Rose's newsletter at Seventh Bear.