AdTechGod Pod

By AdTechGod, The AdTech GodBusiness Entrepreneurship Marketing Careers

AdTechGod Pod episodes

June 27, 2025Ep. 85 Instinct Meets Innovation: A Conversation with Matt Black
In this episode of the AdTechGod pod, host AdTech God engages in a deep conversation with Matthew Black, exploring his unique journey in the advertising industry. Matt shares insights into his diverse background, the evolution of ad tech, and the impact of AI on advertising.

He discusses his career aspirations, the importance of gut instinct in ad operations, and the need for a supportive work environment. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the ever-evolving landscape of advertising.

Takeaways
Matt Black's career began in 3D animation before transitioning to ad tech.

He emphasizes that a resume cannot capture the full picture of a person's capabilities.

Matt's curiosity about ad tech led him to explore various roles in the industry.

He believes that AI will bring efficiencies but won't replace the need for human insight.

Gut instinct plays a crucial role in ad operations, sometimes leading to successful outcomes.

Matt's experience in the industry has shaped his desire to help others succeed.

He is open to various career opportunities, including agency and publisher roles.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential for growth in the ad tech industry.

Matt values a work environment where his opinions and insights are respected.

The ultimate goal is to support families through meaningful work in the ad tech space.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Matt Black and His Journey
05:01 Exploring the Evolution of Ad Tech
10:00 The Role of AI in Advertising
15:00 Navigating Career Aspirations in Ad Tech
19:57 Closing Thoughts and Future Opportunities

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
22 min
June 24, 2025Ep. 84 Hype vs. Reality: Tom Goodwin on Fixing What’s Broken in Advertising
In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, I’m joined by Tom Goodwin for a no-holds-barred conversation about the gap between marketing hype and real consumer experiences.
We dive into the current state of advertising from the pitfalls of performance obsession to the urgent need for brand building and creative reinvestment. Tom shares his take on AI’s growing role, why consumer sentiment around ads matters more than we admit, and how over-reliance on metrics can misguide strategy. His message is clear: the future belongs to brands that balance loyalty with results.

Takeaways
Tom Goodwin's journey into advertising was accidental and driven by curiosity.

There is a significant disconnect between marketing promises and consumer experiences.

Brand building is becoming increasingly important in a world of abundance.

Modern advertising has become overly focused on metrics and short-term results.

AI in advertising may not deliver the emotional connection needed for brand loyalty.

Consumer attitudes towards advertising have shifted to a disdainful view.

The need for creative investment in advertising is critical for long-term success.

Balancing brand and performance is essential for CMOs today.

Metrics can distract from the true value of brand building.

The time scale for brand loyalty is often much longer than immediate conversions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tom Goodwin and His Journey
03:01 The Disconnect in Modern Advertising
05:49 Brand Building vs. Performance Marketing
08:58 The Evolution of Marketing Strategies
12:05 The Role of AI in Advertising
14:55 Consumer Experience and Advertising Impact
17:49 The Need for Creative Investment
21:07 Balancing Brand and Performance
23:55 The Role of Metrics in Advertising
27:03 Consumer Attitudes Towards Advertising
30:10 The Future of Advertising Strategies

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
37 min
June 23, 2025The Refresh News: June 23 - TV Takes the Spotlight: Cannes 2025’s Battle for the Future of Streaming Advertising
In this week’s episode of The Refresh, Kait dives into the wave of major announcements that dominated Cannes Lions 2025 highlighting a shift inadvertising where TV and streaming platforms stole attention from AI. From exclusive inventory deals to AI-powered product placement, the episode unpacks how players like Amazon, Disney, Netflix, and Comcast are racing to transform TV into a full-funnel, performance-driven channel. As advertisers demand better data, measurement, and real-time capabilities, DSPs and media giants are forming strategic alliances to claim their spot at the top.
We cover:
Amazon and Roku Partner Up: Amazon secured exclusive access to Roku’s logged-in user base via its DSP, and integrated Disney’s Drax exchange to enable commerce-data targeting across Disney+ and Hulu inventory.

Disney Expands DSP Access: Disney added 12 new DSPs to its “Disney Live Certified” program and is scaling its Magic Words AI targeting product to enhance live event advertising.

Netflix Enters Virtual Ad Placement: Netflix is rolling out AI-driven dynamic ad products, including branded insertions during paused content—mirroring The Trade Desk and Rembrand’s new virtual product placement offerings.

Walmart x NBCU and Comcast’s Triple Play: Walmart’s new partnership with NBCUniversal unlocks shopper data for cross-platform targeting, while Comcast announced three major updates spanning outcome-based measurement, dynamic shoppable ads, and identity resolution.
Data Becomes the New Differentiator: With premium inventory access now considered baseline, platforms are competing on who can provide better data, targeting precision, and real-time performance insights—especially as programmatic buying expands in live content.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8 min
June 17, 2025Ep. 83 Giuseppe La Rocca on Customer Outcomes, AI, and the Future of AdTech
In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, Giuseppe La Rocca, VP Global Enterprise at StackAdapt, shares his journey from a blue-collar background to becoming a leader in ad tech.
He discusses his experiences at Yahoo, the transition to StackAdapt, and the importance of understanding the differences between mid-market and enterprise clients. Giuseppe emphasizes the significance of customer outcomes and the evolving landscape of digital advertising, particularly in relation to live sports and the integration of AI. He concludes with a reflection on the positivity and innovation within the industry.
Takeaways
Giuseppe La Rocca's journey reflects the importance of hard work and adaptability.

Building relationships and learning from mentors is crucial in career development.

Understanding customer needs is key to successful enterprise partnerships.

Mid-market clients often face high stakes in their advertising campaigns.

The convergence of AdTech and MarTech is shaping the future of digital advertising.

AI is becoming essential for improving programmatic trading efficiency.

Live sports are transitioning to CTV, presenting new opportunities and challenges.

Positivity and gratitude are vital for sustaining a career in ad tech.

The ad tech industry is undergoing significant changes, but innovation remains strong.

Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork are essential for addressing enterprise challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Giuseppe La Rocca and His Journey
05:52 Transitioning to Enterprise Partnerships at StackAdapt
12:13 Understanding Mid-Market vs. Enterprise Clients
18:11 The Future of StackAdapt and Industry Trends
24:07 The Importance of Positivity in Ad Tech

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 min
June 16, 2025 The Refresh News: June 16 - Agencies, AI, and the Streaming Shake-Up
In this episode of The Refresh News, host Kait unpacks a headline-heavy week across the advertising industry, setting the stage for big Cannes conversations. From Warner Bros. Discovery’s strategic split to Mark Read’s departure from WPP, and a flurry of pre-Cannes product rollouts, this episode highlights how the future of media, agency relevance, and AI-powered innovation are all colliding in real time.

- Warner Bros. Discovery will divide into two focused businesses—Streaming & Studios vs. Global Networks—with cable taking on the debt burden as the company bets fully on streaming.

-WPP CEO Mark Read is stepping down amid pressure and stock declines, with the holding company finally embracing an ad tech and AI-first future years later than needed.

-WPP’s recent moves—acquiring InfoSum, consolidating under WPP Media, and investing in AI—mark a delayed but necessary transformation for agency survival.

-Multiple vendors including FreeWheel, Mediaocean, The Trade Desk, and Basis Technologies announced major product innovations focused on CTV, retail media, AI, and data integration ahead of Cannes.

-The episode emphasizes that agencies must evolve from service vendors to tech-powered solutions providers or risk becoming irrelevant in a self-serve media world.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11 min
June 10, 2025Ep. 82 Quality Over Chaos: Heather Carver on Building a Smarter AdTech Future
Heather Carver, Chief Revenue Officer at Freestar, shares her journey in the ad tech industry, discussing her experiences from working at various companies to her current role. She highlights the evolution of publisher monetization, the impact of AI on the industry, and her optimistic view on the future of advertising technology. Heather emphasizes the importance of curation in enhancing publisher success and the potential for innovation driven by AI advancements.
Takeaways
Heather Carver has a diverse background in ad tech, starting from a liberal arts education.

Her journey includes significant roles at companies like Amazon and Rubicon.

The ad tech landscape has evolved from remnant inventory to programmatic advertising.

AI has been integrated into ad tech for years, automating various processes.

Curation is seen as a positive development for publishers in the ad tech space.

The importance of maintaining quality and brand safety in advertising is emphasized.

Heather believes that AI will create new job opportunities in the industry.

The future of ad tech is exciting with potential innovations from Google and AI.

Heather's focus is on reducing dependence on major players like Google.

The conversation highlights the importance of relationships in the ad tech industry.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
26 min
June 09, 2025The Refresh News: June 9 - Brand Safety Scandals, AI Missteps, and FTC Crackdowns
In this episode of The Refresh, Kait walks us through an overlooked but impactful week in advertising. From explosive revelations about brand ads on explicit platforms, to Meta’s push for fully automated AI-driven ad creation, and a new FTC investigation into media watchdogs, this week’s headlines raise deeper questions about trust, transparency, and control in digital advertising.
We cover: or brands like Verizon and Amazon running ads on a teen-rated app rife with explicit and offensive content. Ads were served via Meta, Amazon, and Epsilon, with Google removing the app only after the story broke.

The incident highlights systemic failures in classification and oversight across major platforms—platforms that benefit from scale but lack incentive to fully enforce brand safety.

Meta announced plans to fully automate ad creative and targeting by 2026 using AI. While potentially helpful for small businesses, the move raises concerns about creative quality, transparency, and the potential erosion of brand control.

The FTC launched an investigation into advertiser boycotts, probing whether organizations like Media Matters and Adfontes are influencing anti-competitive behaviors through media quality frameworks.

The broader theme this week is that the tools and platforms meant to empower advertisers may be evolving faster than the industry can ensure they're being used ethically—or effectively.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8 min
June 03, 2025Ep. 81 From Buying to Building: Bari Bucci on Streaming, Strategy, and Staying Curious
AdTechGod is joined by Bari Bucci, Senior Director of Programmatic Partnerships at Warner Brothers Discovery. She shares her journey from the buy side to the sell side of advertising. She discusses the importance of relationships in her career, the value of asking questions, and how her experiences shape her insights into the streaming and CTV landscape. Bari emphasizes the growth potential in the industry and the need for continuous advancements in technology and inventory discoverability.
Takeaways
Bari Bucci transitioned from the buy side to the sell side of advertising.

Building relationships is crucial for career success in ad tech.

Asking questions is essential for learning and growth.

Streaming and CTV are expected to continue growing significantly.

Understanding inventory discoverability is vital for traders.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing enhance professional development.

The ad tech industry is evolving with advancements in technology.

Packaging inventory effectively is important for attracting advertisers.

Diversity in advertising verticals is increasing in the streaming space.

Continuous learning and adaptation are key in the fast-paced ad tech environment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bari Bucci and Her Journey
02:55 Transitioning from Buy Side to Sell Side
05:59 Building a Career Through Relationships
08:50 The Importance of Asking Questions
12:06 Bringing Buy Side Insights to Content Providers
14:56 The Future of Streaming and CTV
17:50 Industry Growth Amid Economic Challenges
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
26 min
June 02, 2025The Refresh News: June 2nd - Interview with James Rosewell on Saving the Open Web + AI Anxiety and Media Upheaval on The Refresh weekly news
In this episode, AdTechGod interviews James Rosewell, co-founder of Movement for an Open Web, discussing the evolution of the open web, the implications of the Privacy Sandbox, the importance of web browsers, and the future of regulation in the digital advertising landscape. They explore the impact of political changes on antitrust initiatives and the need for market certainty, while also providing resources for listeners to stay informed about these developments.
Takeaways
James Rosewell founded Movement for an Open Web to address concerns about the Privacy Sandbox.

The open web must offer advertisers a good return on investment and protect content rights.

Privacy Sandbox can now compete on its merits without coercion from Google.

Web browsers play a crucial role in the digital advertising ecosystem.

Regulation is needed to ensure fair competition in the browser market.

Political changes are influencing antitrust motivations in the US.

Market certainty is essential during the appeal process for Google.

The European Commission is taking steps towards divestiture of Google.

Funding models for web browsers need to be reevaluated.

Resources are available for those wanting to learn more about the open web movement.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Open Web Movement
01:29 The Birth of Movement for an Open Web
04:09 Antitrust and Privacy Sandbox Insights
06:02 The Role of Web Browsers in Advertising
10:00 Regulation and the Future of Browsers
12:10 Political Changes and Their Impact
14:00 Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
16:33 Resources for Further Learning

AI Anxiety, Media Shakeups & the Social Disconnect
In this episode of The Refresh, Kait breaks down a pivotal week in Adland marked by existential questions around AI, massive corporate restructuring, and the steady evolution of streaming. From WPP's dramatic rebrand and layoffs to the Meta antitrust trial's conclusion and fresh Nielsen numbers, the episode weaves together the mounting pressure of rapid technological change and its human cost.

Key Discussion Points:
WPP rebrands Group M as “WPP Media” under an AI-first strategy, but the move triggers confusion and layoffs impacting up to 45% of staff.

The broader advertising industry is facing an AI reckoning, as companies move faster than ever with minimal oversight or infrastructure for displaced workers.

Meta’s antitrust trial wraps, with the FTC accusing the company of a “buy or bury” strategy—highlighting internal emails and challenging definitions of competition.

Despite social media’s waning ability to foster community, creator marketing continues to boom—but may need reevaluation for long-term brand building.

Nielsen’s April report shows streaming now holds 44% of total TV usage, with ad-supported content making up 72% of viewership; Grey’s Anatomy tops the charts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 min
May 27, 2025Ep. 80 Beyond the Feed: Vulnerability, Voice, and the Creator Economy with Shawn Lim
In this episode, Shawn Lim, founder of Human Algorithm, shares his journey from journalism to creating a purpose-driven media platform focused on personal branding and representation. He discusses the impact of his personal experiences and on his content creation and the importance of authenticity in personal branding. Sean emphasizes the challenges of sharing personal stories publicly while maintaining a focus on helping others through his message. He also explores the future of the creator economy, particularly the growing significance of podcasts.

Takeaways
Shawn Lim founded Human Algorithm to create representation for marginalized communities.

His journey into journalism began with a desire to write and tell stories.

Personal experiences, especially as a parent, have shaped his content creation.

Authenticity and vulnerability are key in personal branding.

He emphasizes the importance of not oversharing or trauma dumping.

Shawn believes that sales and marketing are essential for personal branding.

Podcasts are a growing staple in the creator economy.

He aims to help others through his content and storytelling.

Creating a platform for his daughter has been a driving force in his work.

Asking questions and seeking understanding is crucial in all endeavors.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Personal Branding and the Creator Economy
03:07 Sean Lim's Journey into Journalism and Media
06:07 Creating Human Algorithm: A Purpose-Driven Platform
09:04 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Content Creation
11:44 Navigating Vulnerability and Authenticity in Personal Branding
14:55 Challenges of Sharing Personal Stories Publicly
18:12 The Future of the Creator Economy and Podcasting
21:11 Final Thoughts and Messages for the Audience

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 min

About AdTechGod Pod

From the publisher's feed

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.