AI search ads 101—everything marketers need to know, with Asa Hiken
Ad Age technology reporter Asa Hiken breaks down the state of AI search advertising, what ads on ChatGPT may look like, how much they’ll cost and the different approaches companies including OpenAI, Google, Meta and Perplexity are taking. Plus, how marketers can strategize for consumers’ changing AI habits. YouTube announced new ad tools that will give creators more power to curate sponsorships across their content libraries. Read how YouTubers are becoming more like traditional media networks. And a tax change set for 2026 threatens the future of free agency food. Get the info on how lunches might become the next differentiator for recruiting talent. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Everything to know about AI search ads ~Inside Perplexity’s ad test ~Answer engine optimization tips ~Listen to Grillo’s CMO on the importance of experiential activations
19 Sep 25min
Inside agency hold co power dynamics, with Ewan Larkin
Ad Age agency reporter Ewan Larkin demystifies the changing power dynamics at agency holding companies such as WPP, Publicis and Omnicom. Global account leads are becoming more important to agency growth, changing the position of regional and agency brand CEOs. Plus, Netflix announced it would make ad inventory available through Amazon’s DSP. The partnership is a milestone in both companies’ ad journeys—read more on the implications. And Goodby Silverstein & Partners named Sarah Thompson as its first-ever CEO. Go inside the reasons why. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~The meaning of agency holding companies’ changing power dynamics ~Dentsu’s strategy to stand out amid industry M&A ~Behind the scenes of the updated “How Many Licks” campaign ~Listen to Little Caesar’s CMO talk sports marketing strategy
12 Sep 22min
Firing your ad agency? Try marriage counseling first, with Lindsay Rittenhouse
Ad Age senior agency reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse goes inside the growing trend of brand-agency marriage counseling. Rather than jumping straight into a costly and time-intensive agency review, consultancies are increasingly suggesting services that evaluate the existing relationship, and potentially improve both the agency and brand’s practices. Plus, Group Black is changing its name to Portrait Media Group. In an exclusive interview with Ad Age, co-founder Bonin Bough explained the reason as well as the company’s future path. And one change for future CMOs is the rise of test-running roles before committing full-time. Read more on how to get noticed for interim marketing positions. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Inside brand-agency marriage counselling ~The stats on client-agency tenure ~Google won’t be forced to sell Chrome ~What Kraft Heinz’s reorganization means for its future ~Keep up with the latest account reviews ~Buy tickets to Ad Age’s Business of Brands conference ~Listen to Manscaped’s CMO talk unconventional media strategies
5 Sep 21min
Cracker Barrel, American Eagle and surviving social uproar, with Erika Wheless and Gillian Follett
Ad Age reporters Erika Wheless and Gillian Follett break down the brand lessons from the recent Cracker Barrel and American Eagle dramas: How can marketers better prepare for social pushback, what to know about official brand responses and how the brand-consumer relationship is changing on social media. Plus, AI ad networks are beginning to emerge, which place paid content in chatbots such as ChatGPT. Dig into the debate between maintaining chat quality and monetizing the technology. And Svedka has resurrected its Fembot character in a plea for people to put down their phones and go out with friends. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~The latest on the Cracker Barrel rebrand saga ~Refresh yourself on American Eagle’s Sydney Sweeney campaign backlash ~Inside E.l.f. Cosmetics’ Matt Rife social campaign ~Keep up with the latest account reviews ~Buy tickets to Ad Age’s Business of Brands conference ~Listen to Hinge’s CMO talk connecting with Gen Z
29 Aug 26min
Marketing Trends of 2025 so far, with Tim Nudd
Ad Age Creativity Editor Tim Nudd reveals the creativity trends of 2025 so far, including the impact of AI on brand marketing, the resurgence of experiential activations and the secret to an effective modern Super Bowl campaign. Plus, data reveals the impact of AI search on brand's website visits—some categories are seeing a lift while others are staying flat. Dig deeper into the differentiators. And E.l.f. Cosmetics finds itself the latest subject of consumer scrutiny after partnering with controversial comedian Matt Rife. Find out where experts are saying the brand went wrong. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Tim's list of the top ads of 2025 so far ~Coca-Cola's AI-generated holiday campaign ~Google's not-so-good Olympics AI ad ~Walton Goggins' Doritos porn spoof ~Apply to join Ad Age's Small Agency Network ~Keep track of agency account reviews here
20 Aug 24min
Introducing Ad Age Insider
Ad Age Insider is the weekly podcast for breaking down marketing, advertising and media’s biggest stories and trends. Host Parker Herren goes behind the biggest headlines, emerging innovations and brand campaigns—from the rise of AI and streaming ads to the future of ad creativity—with the Ad Age reporters who cover it all.
19 Aug 1min
Why Rick Astley is never gonna give up snacks or drums
The 80s pop star takes a break from shooting a Frito-Lay commercial to discuss the music industry, becoming a meme, and what he's been up to during the pandemic.
16 Dec 202039min
How The Lincoln Project’s endless stream of viral ads were actually made (in record time)
Ben Howe of Howe Creative, one of The Lincoln Project’s key video collaborators, on the making of ‘Mourning in America’—and what it takes to go viral
11 Dec 202041min
