AdTechGod Pod

By AdTechGod, The AdTech GodBusiness Entrepreneurship Marketing Careers

AdTechGod Pod episodes

November 11, 2025Ep. 106 Redefining Quality in Ad Tech: Erez Levin on Marketing Effectiveness and Media Value
Erez Levin, a prominent figure in the Ad Tech industry known for his focus on quality joins AdTechGod on the podcast today. They discuss Erez’s journey from Google to founding his advisory firm, the complexities of defining quality in marketing, and the importance of ad placement and publisher quality. The conversation dives into the incentives that drive the industry, the accountability of marketers, and the future of quality in advertising. Erez emphasizes the need for marketers to demand better effectiveness for their spend and to question the status quo in the industry.

Takeaways
Quality in advertising is a range, not a binary.

Marketing should be viewed as a cloud science, not a clock science.

Investing in quality controls can yield significant benefits.

The buy side has commoditized media, leading to a race to the bottom.

Quality media will be increasingly valued in the future.

Marketers create the incentives that drive quality in advertising.

Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good when it comes to quality controls.

The long tail of publishers will likely become commoditized.

Trust your gut and question the consensus in the industry.

Quality is ultimately determined by effectiveness in advertising.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Quality in Ad Tech
01:13 Erez Levin's Journey in Ad Tech
03:08 Understanding Quality in Marketing
05:52 The Importance of Ad Placement
08:59 The Role of Marketers in Quality Control
12:25 Incentives and Accountability in Advertising
16:12 The Future of Quality Media
19:17 Decommodization of Media
21:49 Lessons from Emet Advisory

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 min
November 04, 2025Ep. 105 David Danziger on AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Ad Tech
David Danziger, SVP of partnerships at Dstillery joins AdTechGod. They discuss David's journey in the ad tech industry, the impact of technological advancements on audience segmentation, and the role of AI and machine learning in advertising. David emphasizes the importance of human relationships in client interactions and shares his passion for the ever-changing landscape of advertising technology.

Takeaways
Technological advancements have significantly improved audience targeting and segmentation.

Neural networks and machine learning are foundational to modern ad tech.

Audience segments are becoming more refined and specific due to advancements in technology.

AI is enhancing efficiency but should complement human interaction, not replace it.

The selection of audience segments is still prone to human error, indicating room for improvement.

Client relationships remain crucial in the ad tech industry despite technological advancements.

David enjoys the continuous learning opportunities within the ad tech space.

The intersection of advertising, technology, and data is vital for the industry.

David believes that the human element in client service will always be important.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to David Danziger and Dstillery
00:58 David's Journey in Ad Tech
03:52 Technological Advancements in Ad Tech
07:17 Refining Audience Segmentation
10:04 The Evolution of Audience Selection
12:57 AI and Machine Learning in Ad Tech
16:39 The Human Element in Client Relationships
23:40 Why David Chooses Ad Tech

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 min
October 28, 2025Ep. 104 Leading with People and Purpose: Dani Mariano on AI, Culture, and the Future of Razorfish
In this episode of The AdTechGod pod, host AdTechGod sits down with Dani Mariano, CEO of Razorfish, to discuss leadership, company culture, and the evolution of marketing in the age of AI. Dani shares her career journey from joining Razorfish 11 years ago to now leading the agency, and reflects on how people, mentorship, and learning have shaped her leadership style. The conversation explores the impact of AI on consumers and brands, generational differences between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and how agencies can maintain authenticity in an increasingly automated world.

Takeaways
The focus is on engaging Gen Z effectively.

Generative AI is revolutionizing personalization in marketing.

Clients are increasingly demanding personalized communication.

There is a need to explore the limits of personalization.

Email marketing is a key area for personalized strategies.

Understanding client needs is crucial for effective marketing.

The conversation highlights the role of technology in marketing.

Personalization can lead to better engagement with audiences.

Marketers must balance personalization with practicality.

The future of marketing lies in adapting to generational shifts.

Chapters
00:08 Introduction to Dani Mariano and Razorfish
01:15 Career Growth and Journey at Razorfish
02:41 Building Relationships and Finding Mentorship
03:30 First 100 Days as CEO and the Importance of Listening
05:25 The Human Element in an AI Driven World
06:07 How Clients Are Adopting AI and Facing New Challenges
07:11 Consumer Behavior and the Rise of AI Tools
08:20 Generational Adoption and the Role of Gen Z and Gen Alpha
10:08 Gen Alpha as Third Generation Digital Natives
12:09 Influencers, DIY Culture, and Blending Digital with Physical
15:44 Maintaining Authenticity and Transparency in the AI Era
18:55 Future Outlook and Innovation at Razorfish
21:52 Women in Leadership and Career Advice
24:34 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 min
October 21, 2025Ep. 103 Legacy Brands, Digital Futures: Brittany Scott on Brand Safety & AI in Advertising
In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod speaks with Brittany Scott, VP of Brand Partnerships at Zefr. Brittany shares her unique journey from working at major brands like Kellogg and SC Johnson to transitioning into the ad tech space at Meta and now
Zefr. The conversation delves into the importance of brand safety and suitability in advertising, the impact of legacy brands on current strategies, and the challenges of navigating brand reputation in a digital landscape. Brittany also discusses the cultural shifts she experienced moving from brand to ad tech, and her excitement about the future of AI in advertising.

Takeaways
Brittany's journey into advertising was unplanned but rewarding.

Working at legacy brands shaped Brittany's understanding of brand safety.

Brand safety is crucial for maintaining brand reputation.

Crisis management is a key aspect of brand partnerships.

Cultural differences exist between brand and ad tech environments.

AI presents both challenges and opportunities for advertising.

Brands need to adapt their strategies to the evolving digital landscape.

Building strong partnerships is essential for success in ad tech.

Understanding regulatory components is vital for brand safety.

Innovation and speed are critical in the ad tech industry.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Brittany Scott and Zefr
01:23 Brittany's Journey in Advertising
05:48 Understanding Brand Safety and Zefr Role
08:29 The Importance of Brand Legacy
11:25 Navigating Brand Reputation in Crisis
14:58 Cultural Shifts from Brand to Ad Tech
22:29 The Future of AI in Advertising
AdTech’s New Frontier: OpenAds, AdCP, and the Streaming Power Duo

This week’s episode of The Refresh dives into three major developments reshaping the advertising landscape. The Trade Desk takes center stage with its new OpenAds and PubDesk tools, aiming to clean up the programmatic supply chain while stirring industry debate. Meanwhile, the debut of Ad Context Protocol (AdCP) marks a potential turning point for agentic AI in digital media, proposing a standardized framework for AI-driven ad transactions. Finally, Netflix and Spotify join forces to expand video podcast distribution, signaling a shift in how audiences consume and advertisers monetize cross-platform content.

5 Key Highlights:
The Trade Desk’s OpenAds and PubDesk Launch: Introduced at the Prebid Summit, these tools aim to bring transparency and auditability to programmatic auctions. OpenAds introduces auction verification features, while PubDesk provides publishers with detailed auction and market insights.

Industry Controversy Around OpenAds: Critics argue that The Trade Desk’s approach to transaction IDs and auction control gives it too much influence over publishers, echoing antitrust concerns seen in other major adtech cases.

Introduction of Ad Context Protocol (AdCP): Spearheaded by Brian O’Kelley and built on Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol, AdCP standardizes communication between AI agents in advertising, with backing from PubMatic, Yahoo, and Scope3.

Promise and Challenges of Agentic AI: Supporters see AdCP as the next OpenRTB, enabling seamless AI-to-AI media transactions, while skeptics question its ability to overcome adoption barriers and address critical issues like fraud prevention and payments.

Netflix and Spotify’s Video Podcast Partnership: Starting next year, Spotify’s video podcasts will stream on Netflix, enhancing reach for creators and advertisers while positioning Netflix as a new competitor in the video podcast space alongside YouTube.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
41 min
October 14, 2025Ep. 102 The Evolution of Advertising: Amy Lanzi on Strategy, Creators & Change
In this engaging conversation, Amy Lanzi, CEO of Digitas North America, shares her unique journey from a finance major to a leader in the advertising industry. She discusses the evolution of client needs, the balance between creativity and data, and the impact of AI and synthetic audiences on marketing strategies. Amy also emphasizes the importance of female leadership and the role of creators in brand strategy, providing insights into the future of advertising.

Takeaways
Amy Lanzi transitioned from a finance background to the advertising industry.

Her experience in yield management at American Airlines shaped her understanding of customer experience.

The advertising landscape has shifted towards a focus on media investment rather than just creative campaigns.

Balancing creativity and data is crucial for modern marketing strategies.

AI and synthetic audiences are transforming how agencies approach consumer engagement.

Female leaders should embrace their unique qualities and support other women in the industry.

Brands need to establish strong connections with consumers through first-party data.

Creators serve as personalized concierges for brands, influencing consumer behavior.

The future of advertising will require brands to be the answer for consumers' needs.

Understanding the creator economy is essential for brands to thrive.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Amy Lanzi and Her Journey
05:42 Transitioning from Analyst to Agency Leader
12:18 Balancing Data and Creativity in Marketing
19:45 The Future of Marketing: AI and Consumer Connection
25:06 The Power of Creators in Brand Strategy
Adtech Power Moves: Paramount+’s Retro Ad Play, AmEx’s Commerce Media Launch, and Google’s Antitrust Reckoning

This week’s episode of The Refresh dives into the evolving strategies shaping the advertising and media ecosystem. Paramount+ brings back a touch of traditional TV nostalgia with a new static ad placement format, while American Express joins the growing commerce media race with a premium, closed-loop offering. Duolingo takes more control over its ad operations by launching its own ads platform, signaling a shift toward in-house monetization strategies. Meanwhile, Google’s adtech antitrust remedies trial wraps up, leaving the industry waiting to see if structural change could finally hit Big Tech’s ad dominance.
Paramount+ Launches “Streaming Fixed Units”: The streamer introduces a new ad format that locks an advertiser’s placement into the same slot for a week after an episode airs, recreating traditional TV consistency and offering advertisers more predictability.

American Express Debuts “AmEx Ads”: Leveraging first-party data from 34 million cardholders, AmEx enters the commerce media arena with an exclusive network housed on its own properties like AmexTravel.com, focusing on premium and affluent audiences.

Commerce Media Competition Heats Up: With networks from Mastercard, Chase, and now AmEx, commerce media spending is projected to reach $170 billion in 2024, pushing companies to differentiate through niche audiences and unique value propositions.

Duolingo Builds Its Own Ads Platform: The language-learning app strengthens its advertising business by creating a direct-sales platform that complements programmatic channels, achieving 3% higher CTRs and strong engagement with rewarded video formats.

Google’s Antitrust Trial Concludes: The DOJ’s push for structural remedies, including potentially spinning off AdX, faces pushback from Google’s behavioral proposals, setting the stage for potential landmark changes in adtech competition and regulation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38 min
October 07, 2025Ep. 101 The Reach Effect: Inside the Business of Smarter TV
In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod speaks with Dan Callahan and Alexander Groysman from Spectrum Reach about the evolving landscape of television advertising.

They discuss their backgrounds, the collaboration between product and revenue teams, the impact of technology and AI on the industry, and the importance of networking. The conversation highlights the balance between traditional and streaming TV, the significance of quality content in advertising, and the role of data in targeting audiences effectively.

Takeaways
Spectrum Reach is innovating in the ad tech space.

Collaboration between product and revenue teams is essential.

AI and machine learning are transforming advertising solutions.

Streaming complements traditional TV advertising.

Quality content is more important than quantity in advertising.

Networking is crucial for success in the industry.

First-party data is a key differentiator for Spectrum Reach.

Educating advertisers about streaming is necessary.

The industry is evolving rapidly with new technologies.

Building relationships can lead to successful partnerships.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Spectrum Reach and Guests
01:06 Backgrounds of Dan Callahan and Alexander Groysman
03:11 Collaboration Between Product and Revenue Teams
04:31 Evolution of Technology in the Industry
06:30 Impact of Streaming on Advertising
08:10 Targeting Audiences: Connected vs Traditional TV
10:08 Hype vs Reality in Ad Tech
13:23 AI and Innovations in Advertising Solutions
17:25 Leveraging Data for Effective Advertising
19:34 The Importance of Networking in the Industry

Mastercard, Roku, Spotify, and Amazon Push Forward in Ads, and this week’s Refresh dives into a wave of product updates and partnerships shaping advertising and media. Mastercard is making a bold move into commerce media, Roku and AppsFlyer are enhancing CTV measurement, Spotify expands its ad exchange reach with new DSP integrations, and Amazon rolls out new devices designed for its upgraded Alexa+ experience. Each update underscores how scale, data access, and measurement are driving the next phase of advertising innovation.

5 Key Highlights:
Mastercard Commerce Media Launch: Mastercard formally enters the ads business with onsite and offsite media offerings, leveraging transaction insights from 500M cardholders and 159B annual transactions to create scale-driven opportunities for advertisers.

Roku & AppsFlyer Partnership: The integration expands into a two-way API connection for stronger cross-channel measurement, giving advertisers tools to validate CTV’s performance impact on mobile and social behaviors.

Spotify’s Ad Tech Expansion: Spotify Ad Exchange now integrates with Amazon DSP and Yahoo DSP, boosting inventory accessibility and enabling richer data-driven targeting, while programmatic adoption is already up 142% year-to-date.

Amazon Alexa+ Devices: Four new Echo devices debut with chips and sensors tailored for conversational AI, positioning Alexa+ as a more personalized assistant woven into daily routines, from smart home control to wellness nudges.

Commerce Media Growth Trend: Mastercard’s move highlights how vertical-specific media networks (financial, travel, retail) are proliferating, with offsite inventory and data governance emerging as key factors for advertiser adoption.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
34 min
October 02, 2025 Ep. 100 The Future of Ad Tech & Agencies: AI, Giving Back, Walled Gardens & People-First Innovation
In our milestone 100th episode of the AdTechGod Podcast, we’re diving into three big themes: the future of ad tech, the power of giving back, and where agencies are headed next.
Segment 1 kicks off with industry legends Ari Paparo and Terence Kawaja. They break down how AI, automation, and consolidation are reshaping digital advertising—and what the booming creator economy means for authenticity and growth.
Segment 2 takes a different turn, with Tom Deierlein, Heidi Browning, and Peter Naylor sharing the incredible story behind the TD Foundation. It’s a nonprofit supporting families of wounded warriors and fallen heroes, proving how small donations and industry support can drive real impact.
Segment 3 looks ahead to the agency world. Lauren Wetzel (Infosum/WPP) and Sam Bloom (PMG) talk about everything from navigating walled gardens and evolving business models to building people-first cultures in an AI-driven era.
To my listeners, sponsors, and friends: thank you. Hitting 100 episodes is a huge milestone for me, and I couldn’t have done it without your support.

Segment 1 – The Future of Ad Tech
00:00 – Celebrating 100 Episodes of AdTechGod Podcast
01:48 – The Impact of AI on Ad Tech
05:22 – Consolidation in the Ad Tech Industry
08:59 – Challenges for Publishers in the AI Era
12:17 – The Future of Live Advertising
15:25 – Opportunities in the Creator Economy
18:59 – Navigating Authenticity in Content Creation

Segment 2 – Giving Back: The TD Foundation
22:21 – Celebrating Milestones and Giving Back
23:53 – The Birth of the TD Foundation
28:22 – Personal Stories and Impact
31:49 – Real-Life Case Studies
36:01 – Challenges and Call to Action
39:05 – Corporate Involvement and Community Support

Segment 3 – The Future of Agencies
42:21 – The Future of Agencies
45:40 – Navigating Walled Gardens & Data Challenges
49:55 – Evolving Business Models in Advertising
56:44 – Building a People-Centric Agency Culture
62:21 – Celebrating 100 Episodes & Looking Ahead

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 17 min
September 30, 2025Ep. 99 The CIO Perspective: Kelly Metz from Spark Foundry on AI, CTV, and Simplicity in Media
In this episode of the AdTechGod pod, host AdTechGod speaks with Kelly Metz, Chief Investment Officer at Spark Foundry. They discuss Kelly's career journey through the advertising and media landscape, the importance of relationships in the industry, and the diverse clientele at Spark Foundry.

Kelly shares insights on the evolving role of a CIO, the impact of AI on client expectations, and the shift towards connected TV in media strategies. The conversation also touches on balancing personal and professional life in the fast-paced advertising world.

Takeaways
Kelly emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the advertising industry.

She believes that media is inherently fun and constantly evolving.

Kelly's role as a CIO involves navigating both client and media partner relationships.

Understanding technology is essential for effective media investment.

Clients often expect immediate efficiency from AI, which is a misconception.

The shift to connected TV has changed how brands approach media strategies.

Kelly advocates for a deeper understanding of audience insights for better outcomes.

She highlights the need for simplicity in navigating complex media ecosystems.

Balancing work and personal life is crucial for long-term happiness in the industry.

Kelly enjoys activities like going to the beach and playing pickleball to unwind.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kelly Metz and Her Journey
03:01 The Importance of Relationships in Advertising
05:33 Understanding Spark Foundry's Diverse Clientele
08:19 The Role of a CIO in Media Investment
11:06 Navigating AI and Client Expectations
14:02 The Shift in Media Strategies with Connected TV
16:34 Balancing Personal and Professional Life in Advertising

Google’s Antitrust Remedies, Gemini in Chrome, and IAS’s $1.9B Buyout

This week’s episode of The Refresh unpacks major shifts in the adtech landscape. Kait covers the remedies phase of Google’s adtech antitrust trial, Google’s integration of Gemini into Chrome, and Integral Ad Science’s acquisition by private equity firm Novacap. The discussion highlights how legal battles, AI rollouts, and consolidation are reshaping digital advertising.
Google entered the remedies phase of its adtech antitrust trial, with the DOJ pushing for structural remedies like divesting AdX and DFP, while Google argues for behavioral fixes such as more transparent auction rules.

Judge Brinkema must weigh whether forced divestitures would dismantle Google’s monopoly or risk destabilizing the broader display ad ecosystem.

Google integrated its AI assistant Gemini into Chrome, starting on desktop with features like page summaries, live chat, and cross-product task coordination across Maps, YouTube, and Calendar.

The move follows the search antitrust trial outcome, where Google avoided severe penalties such as being forced to divest Chrome, maintaining its ecosystem dominance strategy.

Integral Ad Science will be acquired by Novacap for $1.9 billion, taking the company private to accelerate AI-driven product innovation and strengthen its role in ad verification amid growing private equity investment in adtech.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32 min
September 29, 2025Unlocking the Overlooked 40% with John Piccone from Adform
In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod interviews John Piccone, the Regional President of Adform Americas. They discuss John's extensive background in the ad tech industry, the importance of addressing the overlooked 40% of audiences, and how Adform's independence and transparency set it apart in a competitive market. John shares insights on the evolving landscape of digital advertising, the significance of data-driven marketing, and the future trends that excite him as they approach the fourth quarter.

Takeaways
John Piccone has a rich background in ad tech, having worked with major companies.

Adform offers a full tech stack, providing various tools for advertisers.

Understanding the 40% of users who are often overlooked is crucial for brands.

Transparency in the programmatic marketplace is essential for building trust.

Brands can achieve more with less by optimizing their advertising strategies.

The fragmentation of channels complicates audience targeting for marketers.

Adform's independence allows for a focus on brand needs over inventory sales.

GDPR compliance gives Adform an edge in understanding privacy regulations.

Brands need to adapt to changing dynamics in the advertising landscape.

Incremental reach can be achieved without increasing budget size.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Adform and John Piccone
02:55 John Piccone's Journey in Ad Tech
05:45 Addressing the Overlooked 40% Audience
08:23 The Role of Independence in Ad Tech
11:25 Looking Ahead: Innovations and Future Trends

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 min
September 23, 2025Ep. 98 From Standards to Streaming: Hillary Slattery on Programmatic, Curation & AI
In this episode of the Ad Tech Godpod, host AdTechGod speaks with Hillary Slattery, Senior Director of Product Management at IAB Tech Lab. They discuss Hillary's career journey, the differences between IAB and IAB Tech Lab, the rise of programmatic advertising in CTV, challenges in transparency and data sharing, innovations in live event advertising, the role of curation, and the impact of AI on the advertising industry.

Hillary emphasizes the importance of transparency, the need for standards in advertising, and her motivation as a female leader in a technical role.

Takeaways
Hillary Slattery has a diverse background in ad tech.

IAB and IAB Tech Lab serve different but complementary roles.

Programmatic advertising in CTV is a growing trend.

Transparency in data sharing is a significant challenge.

Curation is becoming increasingly important in advertising.

AI is reshaping the advertising landscape.

Hillary values her role as a female technical lead.

The conversations in ad tech are always evolving and interesting.

There are legitimate reasons for the lack of transparency from sellers.

Hillary is motivated by the impact of her work and the people she collaborates with.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hillary Slattery and Her Journey
02:36 Understanding IAB and IAB Tech Lab
05:21 Programmatic Advertising and CTV Trends
07:57 Challenges in Transparency and Data Sharing
10:58 Innovations in Live Event Advertising
13:41 The Role of Curation in Advertising
16:38 AI's Impact on the Advertising Industry
19:18 Motivation and Leadership in Ad Tech

TikTok’s Fate, Rembrandt’s Big Bet, and CTV’s Transparency Leap

This week’s episode of The Refresh covers three major developments shaping advertising and adtech: the long-awaited resolution of the TikTok U.S. drama, a notable merger between Rembrandt and Spaceback, and Index Exchange’s groundbreaking integration with Grace Note. Host Kate unpacks the details, implications, and what these shifts mean for advertisers, creators, and platforms heading into 2025.

5 Key Highlights:
TikTok’s U.S. operations are set to spin into a new company with majority American ownership (80%), including Oracle, Andreessen Horowitz, and Silver Lake, while ByteDance retains 20%.

A new TikTok U.S. app is reportedly in testing, requiring users to migrate accounts, raising concerns about logins, content transfers, and algorithm performance.

Rembrandt acquired Spaceback, adding scale with 3,000+ advertisers and expanding its AI-driven creative offerings to blend product placements with organic content.

The merger reflects broader industry trends: AI-driven “intelligent creative,” creative functions shifting into buying platforms, and the blending of context with content.

Index Exchange and Grace Note launched the first integration enabling show-level targeting and reporting in CTV, addressing long-standing transparency challenges for advertisers.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
33 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.