AdTechGod Pod

By AdTechGod, The AdTech GodBusiness Entrepreneurship Marketing Careers

AdTechGod Pod episodes

July 29, 2025Ep. 90 Retail Rules Everything Around Me: Edina Kalamperovic from Epsilon Talks Shop
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

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26 min
July 28, 2025The Refresh News: July 28 - Google’s AI Push, Newsweek’s Bold Pivot, and Paramount’s Merger Drama
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.

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9 min
July 22, 2025Ep.89 CTV, Startups, and the New Marketing Funnel with Austin Scott
AdTechGod speaks with Austin Scott, the CCO and founder of Bedrock Platform. They discuss Austin's extensive career in ad tech, her transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, and the challenges and opportunities within the ad tech ecosystem. The conversation also delves into the evolution of connected TV (CTV) and programmatic advertising, as well as the need for a redefined marketing funnel in today's digital landscape.
Takeaways
Austin Scott has a rich background in ad tech, having worked with major companies like X plus one, TubeMogul, and Microsoft.

She emphasizes the importance of adaptability and determination in the entrepreneurial journey.

The ad tech ecosystem faces challenges such as data control and the need for flexible solutions.

Bedrock Platform aims to empower media buyers with innovative tools and a customizable approach.

The conversation highlights the evolving nature of CTV and its impact on advertising strategies.

Austin believes that the marketing funnel has changed and needs to be redefined for modern advertising.

She discusses the significance of collaboration and understanding buyer needs in ad tech.

The importance of cross-channel measurement and attribution is emphasized in the conversation.

Austin shares insights on the cultural differences in business practices between the US and Europe.

The episode concludes with a focus on the future of programmatic advertising and the need for sustainable models.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Austin Scott and Bedrock Platform
02:11 Austin's Career Journey in Ad Tech
11:33 Transitioning to Xander and Cultural Insights
14:45 Challenges in the Ad Tech Ecosystem
20:23 The Future of CTV and Programmatic Advertising
27:05 Redefining the Marketing Funnel

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31 min
July 21, 2025The Refresh News: July 21 - Trade Desk Makes History, NBCU Scores Big on Sports, and Delta Bets on AI Pricing
This week’s episode of The Refresh skips the usual industry drama to spotlight three major developments in advertising and media. Host Kait walks through The Trade Desk’s milestone entry into the S&P 500, NBCUniversal’s record-setting upfront performance, and Delta’s bold use of AI for personalized airfare pricing. From validating independent ad tech to the future of programmatic sports buys and the controversy surrounding dynamic pricing, the episode unpacks where innovation is winning, and where it’s raising eyebrows.
The Trade Desk Joins the S&P 500: The Trade Desk became the first pure-play ad tech company in over 20 years to join the S&P 500, a sign of its financial strength, consistent profitability, and key role in the digital advertising ecosystem.

Stock Surge Following Announcement: Following news of its inclusion, The Trade Desk’s stock jumped 14% on July 14. Historically, companies newly added to the index see a 13–14% gain over the next year.

NBCUniversal’s Best Upfront Ever: NBCU reported a 15% YoY increase in total upfront commitments, with a 45% spike tied to sports. One-third of upfront spend went to Peacock, marking its largest digital upfront to date.

Programmatic Drives New Advertiser Growth: NBCU attracted more small and midsize advertisers this year, many of whom used programmatic buying. Their programmatic revenue alone reached $1 billion in this cycle.

Delta’s Controversial AI Pricing Rollout: Delta plans to use AI to set prices for 20% of domestic tickets by the end of 2025. While positioned as innovation, critics have raised concerns over potential bias and lack of transparency in AI-driven fare models.

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8 min
July 15, 2025Ep. 88 From Data Lakes to Rosé at Cannes: PepsiCo's Zach Lain on Clean Signals and Creative Sparks
In this episode of the AdTech God Pod, Zach Lain, Director of Global Data Partnerships at PepsiCo, dives into the evolving intersection of data, creativity, and marketing outcomes. He shares his unique path from Chinese language and law studies to running global data strategy at one of the world’s biggest brands. Zach discusses the importance of clean signal infrastructure, the cultural shift away from vanity metrics, and how clean rooms are reshaping collaboration. He also highlights AI's creative potential and the persistent challenge of ad fraud.
Takeaways
Zach explains how his childhood fascination with Chinese characters and structure led him to study law in China, eventually channeling that passion for structured meaning into a career in data and advertising.

Zach shares how data doesn’t just optimize media but fuels creativity. He references Cannes Lions and tools like Springboards that use “generative hallucinations” to inspire new creative directions—turning AI errors into a spark for innovation.

He argues clean rooms are becoming the "cloud for media" and will soon be foundational to how brands collaborate, measure, and activate data. This includes work with platforms like Infosum and Habu.

Zach highlights a major internal change at PepsiCo: moving from vanity metrics like CTRs to true business outcomes. This is altering how campaigns are briefed, partners are chosen, and success is defined.

Zach warns that CTV ad fraud is growing faster than detection can keep up. He calls for industry-wide standards and collaboration, comparing the current state to a "game of whack-a-mole" that can only be solved collectively.
Chapters
03:25 The Unlikely Path to AdTech
08:25 Where Data Meets Art
14:00 Clean Rooms as Infrastructure
15:54 Culture Shift: Outcomes Over Impressions
22:56 Ad Fraud Is Everyone’s Problem

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27 min
July 14, 2025The Refresh News: July 14 - Leadership Shakeups, Social Surges, and the AI Browser Wars: A Wild Week in Adland
In this July 14th edition of The Refresh, host Kait recaps a whirlwind week in advertising marked by major leadership changes, surprising earnings news, and critical shifts in the social media and AI sectors. From Linda Yaccarino's headline-making exit at X to the rise of Threads and AI-powered browsers challenging Google, this episode covers the most important updates marketers need to know. With WPP's new CEO pick and YouTube's monetization policy pivot, it's clear the industry is evolving rapidly, both in people and platforms.
Linda Yaccarino Exits X (0:38):
After a tumultuous tenure trying to stabilize X’s advertiser relations post-Elon Musk acquisition, Yaccarino stepped down, raising fresh concerns over the platform’s future ad revenue and signaling a deeper pivot toward AI integration via XAI.
WPP Names Cindy Rose as Next CEO (2:11):
With a background at Microsoft, Virgin Media, and Disney, Rose’s appointment signals WPP’s strategic shift toward becoming a more AI- and tech-centric organization amid falling revenue forecasts and mounting competitive pressure.
WPP Cuts 2025 Revenue Guidance (3:15):
In an unscheduled earnings update, WPP downgraded its 2025 outlook to a 3–5% decline, citing macroeconomic headwinds and major client losses including Coca-Cola and Paramount.
Threads Closes in on X (4:06):
Threads hit 115 million daily mobile users in June, up 128% year-over-year, while X saw a 15% drop. The user shift, particularly in the U.S., signals growing momentum for Meta’s Twitter alternative.
AI-Powered Browsers Challenge Google (6:13):
Perplexity released its new Comet browser and OpenAI’s rumored offering aims to make browsing fully conversational. Both aim to reshape search and ads with real-time, assistant-driven experiences that could threaten Google’s dominance.

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9 min
July 08, 2025Ep. 87 SPO, AI, and the End of the Open Exchange with Taylor Simons
In this episode of the Ad Tech Godpod, host AdTechGod speaks with Taylor Simons, founder of TCHT and former MediaMath executive. They discuss Taylor's intentional journey into ad tech, the lessons learned from MediaMath's bankruptcy, and the current trends in the industry, including the dynamics between SSPs and DSPs, bid duplication, and the role of SPO and curation. They also explore the limitations of the open exchange and the misaligned incentives within the ad tech ecosystem, concluding with a discussion on the future of AI in advertising.

takeaways
Taylor Simons intentionally entered the ad tech industry.

MediaMath's bankruptcy was a painful experience for Taylor.

Turning failures into successes is possible with the right mindset.

SPO is still developing and has potential for growth.

There are over 200 SSPs actively participating in the market.

Misaligned incentives between SSPs and DSPs create challenges.

The open exchange has significant limitations for advertisers.

Publishers need to consolidate their SSP partnerships for better results.

Sharing campaign KPIs can improve trust and performance in the ecosystem.

AI has the potential to create new programmatic channels in advertising.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ad Tech and Taylor Simons
02:10 Taylor's Journey into Ad Tech
05:09 Lessons from MediaMath's Bankruptcy
06:48 Current Trends in Ad Tech
08:59 Understanding SSPs vs. DSPs
11:06 Bid Duplication and Its Impact
13:13 The Role of SPO and Curation
15:41 The Limitations of Open Exchange
18:51 Incentives in the Ad Tech Ecosystem
22:49 The Future of AI in Ad Tech

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 min
July 07, 2025The Refresh News: July 7 - Apple Goes Hollywood, Google Bets on Micropayments, and Holding Companies Face an AI Reckoning
In this week’s episode of The Refresh (July 7, 2025), Kait breaks down the top stories reshaping advertising and media. Apple’s massive push into theatrical releases hits a milestone with F1, raising questions about the long game for Apple’s entertainment ambitions. Meanwhile, Google launches OfferWall, a monetization tool built for the post-cookie, AI-dominated internet. And on Wall Street, Barclays delivers a sobering forecast for holding companies despite their AI investments. It’s a week that highlights how media, monetization, and market pressure are colliding across the ecosystem.

5 Key Highlights:
Apple’s F1 film makes a strong debut, grossing $144 million globally in its opening weekend, but with production and marketing costs over $375 million, profitability is still uncertain.

Apple’s aggressive marketing strategy for F1 leveraged its entire ecosystem—from WWDC tie-ins and haptic trailers to in-phone ticket discounts via Apple Wallet—sparking debate over consumer boundaries.

Google launches OfferWall, a new feature within Google Ad Manager allowing users to unlock premium content through ads, surveys, payments, or newsletter opt-ins, aiming to help publishers recover lost revenue in the AI-search era.

OfferWall signals a move toward an incentivized internet, where users explicitly trade data, time, or small payments for content, though infrastructure and behavioral shifts are still major hurdles. • Barclays downgrades major ad holding companies (IPG, Omnicom, WPP), citing slow growth and AI disruption to traditional business models—but notes their current AI product launches and scale could pay off long-term.

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10 min
July 01, 2025Ep. 86 Climbing the Ranks: Fariba Zamaniyan on Data, Determination, and TiVo’s New Era
In this episode of the AdTech Godpod, host AdTech God speaks with Fariba Zamaniyan, Global Vice President of Data Monetization at TiVo.
Fariba shares her journey from her immigrant roots to becoming a leader in the AdTech industry, discussing her experiences at Nielsen and the evolution of TiVo from a DVR company to a data powerhouse. The conversation explores the importance of metadata in advertising, the shift to streaming, and the exciting trends shaping the future of AdTech.

Takeaways
Fariba's journey reflects the impact of immigrant experiences on career paths.

Her passion for advertising began in childhood, influenced by family and media.

TiVo was a pioneer in giving consumers control over their viewing experience.

The evolution of TiVo highlights the importance of adapting to technological changes.

Data plays a central role in understanding advertising effectiveness.

Metadata is crucial for measuring advertising in a cookie-less environment.

The industry is moving towards alternative currencies for audience measurement.

Global expansion is a key focus for TiVo's future growth.

The integration of audio and video advertising presents new opportunities.

Fariba finds excitement in the creative and dynamic nature of the AdTech industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Fariba Zamaniyan and TiVo
02:24 Fariba's Journey: From Immigrant Roots to AdTech Leader
09:32 The Evolution of TiVo: From DVR to Data Powerhouse
13:00 AdTech Transformation: Navigating the Shift to Streaming
17:30 The Importance of Metadata in a Cookie-less World
22:39 Looking Ahead: Exciting Trends in AdTech
27:21 What Keeps Fariba in the Industry?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
30 min
June 30, 2025The Refresh News: June 30 - FTC Cracks Down, CTV Prices Dip, and Cannes Faces Accountability
In this week’s episode of The Refresh, Kait unpacks a surprisingly calm post-Cannes news cycle, headlined by the FTC's conditional green light of the $13.5 billion Omnicom-IPG merger. She also breaks down the continuing slide in CTV CPMs despite a booming supply of inventory, and confronts the ongoing issue of harassment at the Cannes Lions festival, spotlighting industry efforts, shortcomings, and calls for real accountability.

5 Key Highlights:
Omnicom-IPG Merger Approved (with Conditions): The FTC conditionally approved the \$13.5B merger via a consent decree that prohibits coordinated ad boycotts based on political or ideological views. The approval remains subject to a 30-day public comment period and ongoing international regulatory review.

CTV CPMs Drop Sharply: CTV ad prices are down 10–30% year-over-year due to a surge in inventory, performance-driven buying, and broader programmatic access. Industry insiders expect a pricing divide between mass reach and outcome-driven premium inventory.

CTV’s Full-Funnel Evolution: Despite price drops, CTV is moving beyond awareness into full-funnel performance territory, supported by clean room integrations, data partnerships, and sharper buying strategies.

Cannes Harassment Issues Persist: Despite new safety measures like safe zones and panic buttons, reports of harassment at Cannes continue. Industry voices are pushing for broader, more systemic change and ongoing dialogue.

Industry Speaks Out: Public figures like Brian O’Kelley, Mike Brooks, and Emily Roberts have helped spotlight Cannes' darker undercurrents. Emily Roberts launched a petition for reform, urging the industry to prioritize safety and accountability beyond LinkedIn posts.

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10 min

About AdTechGod Pod

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A Podcast For The People About The People. The AdTechGod ® Pod celebrates the Minds Behind Adtech and offers an engaging platform where listeners can discover the stories and insights of the individuals driving the advertising technology industry. This podcast shines a spotlight on the creative and innovative minds that make adtech great, providing a unique perspective on the people behind the technology that shapes our digital advertising experiences. All guests appearing on the adtech god podcast are invited participants; they do not provide compensation to AdTechGod for their appearance. The podcast's funding is provided through preroll and midroll advertisements, which are sponsored by various companies. If you are interested in being a guest or advertising on the AdTechGod Pod (The Adtech God Podcast) please visit https://www.adtechgod.com/adtechgod-pod.