Laid off from an agency? What to do now and next, with Lindsay Rittenhouse (00:22:39)
Senior Agency Reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse breaks down ad industry instability and why agencies are undergoing heavy waves of layoffs, including from the recent Omnicom acquisition of IPG. She provides guidance on what to do when impacted by agency layoffs, how to prepare for the sparse job market and when to consider alternative job paths. Plus, the campaign Ad Age readers voted the best of 2025 versus creativity editor Tim Nudd's top picks from the year. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~What to know if you've been laid off ~The latest industry employment stats ~Listen: Why the Omnicom-IPG deal matters for all advertisers ~Agency layoff warning signs ~How agencies are changing their strategies for the AI era ~How AI is changing ad jobs ~Listen: the state of entry-level ad careers
How to win Marketer of the Year, with E.J. Schultz and Adrianne Pasquarelli (00:25:14)
Ad Age News Editor E.J. Schultz and Senior Marketing Reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli go behind the scenes of Ad Age's annual Marketer of the Year list. They share tips on how brands can increase their odds for next year's competition as well as a rundown of takeaways from this year's group of brands that might be useful for your 2026 marketing strategy. Plus, a look inside the Kansas City Chiefs' play to become the top Christmas NFL team, with key strategy takeaways from CMO Lara Krug. And the latest on Warner Bros. Discovery's sale saga. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Garage Beer is Ad Age's 2025 Marketer of the Year ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast ~Vote for 2025's biggest brand fail ~Vote for the best ad campaign of 2025 ~Share your 2026 ad industry predictions with Ad Age
Omnicom-IPG deal: industry ripple effects, with Brian Bonilla and Ewan Larkin (00:27:49)
Agency reporters Brian Bonilla and Ewan Larkin dig into Omnicom's acquisition of IPG, and its impact for the advertising industry beyond just agency holding companies. They break down how independent agencies can win, what the deal means for the hold-co hierarchy and key factors to track as the industry's future structure takes shape. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Watch Brian and Ewan's day-one Omnicom takes on Breaking & Entering ~Everything to know about the Omnicom-IPG deal ~Inside Omnicom's new structure ~Top execs to know at new Omnicom ~Omnicom & IPG's joint Kenvue pitch ~The details on Havas and Horizon's joint venture ~Wpromote acquires Giant Spoon ~Inside Just Born's account review ~Recapping Publicis' acquisitions of Captiv8 and Influential ~Rewind: the failed Omnicom-Publicis merger
AI in 2026: What's hype vs. what's real, with Garett Sloane (00:25:06)
Ad Age Chief Technology Reporter Garett Sloane discusses how to separate artificial intelligence noise from real utility, the state of chatbot shopping, AI brand readiness and tools marketers are creating to better their businesses. Plus, put your tech knowledge to the test. In this week's episode, take Ad Age Insider's AI readiness quiz for marketers. Or dig deeper with additional questions here. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~All your AI Qs answered in Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook ~The state of AI commerce ~Inside Lavazza's AI persona that says no ~How Amazon is testing ads in Rufus ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief
Starbucks' Bearista cup and viral drop strategy, with Gillian Follett (00:23:13)
Ad Age reporter Gillian Follett breaks down why brands are leaning into the limited-edition strategy, the elements of a successful product drop strategy and more holiday social media trends. Plus, what Unilever's big bet on influencer marketing means for the industry, and the details on Peeps, Mike and Ike's and Hot Tamales' new ad agency. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Dig deeper into Starbucks' Bearista cup strategy ~Catch up on little treat culture and the trinket craze ~Watch holiday ads from Disney, Amazon and Brach's ~Dive into Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook package ~Listen to this week's Marketer's Brief episode
AI and entry-level ad roles—how marketers, educators and junior talent are adapting, with Lindsay Rittenhouse (00:22:59)
Ad Age Senior Reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse explains how AI is automating work typically done by entry-level talent, and how marketers and educators are responding by training students and junior staff to use the technology themselves. Plus, what early career professionals can do to increase employment prospects in a difficult job market. Plus, Omnicom and IPG's joint pitch for health care giant Kenvue acts as a test for success of the mega-merger, but it may be riddled with complications. And, why Anomaly Co-Founder Jason DeLand decided to depart the agency. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~ Inside Kimberly-Clark's bid to buy Kenvue for $40 billion ~ How production companies are coming to terms with AI ~ Vote for the 2025 Ad Age Marketer of the Year
Can RFK Jr. ban pharma ads? What it means for marketers, with Jack Neff (00:24:48)
Ad Age Editor-at-Large Jack Neff explains why pharma ads can't be banned, and how the Trump administration is cracking down on marketers. Plus, what stricter regulation would mean for creatives and how a ban would impact media channels including linear TV and social media. And, inside the financial crisis at experiential agency Verb. Read more on how the surging shop grew too fast. Also, the NFL's CMO stood up to criticism of Bad Bunny's 2026 halftime show. See his callout on critics. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~The state of the pharmaceutical ad crackdown ~Listen to the data on U.S. Hispanic consumer trends ~Listen to Blumhouse's CMO talk horror marketing
Best Halloween ads 2025, with Tim Nudd (00:25:07)
Ad Age creativity editor Tim Nudd crowns the top spooky season marketing campaigns in the first-ever Halloween Marketing Awards. He also digs into the trends behind October's best work, including why brands are bringing energy previously reserved for April Fools' Day to the season of the witch. Plus, Ad Legends is a new agency offering brands access to AI replicas of industry legends. The offering is meant to allow marketers access top-tier creative ideas without having to hire an agency. It also offers agencies the ability to replicate their own talent for internal use. Read more about the 2025 Halloween Marketing Awards winners: ~Six Flags, "Come Out and Play" ~Disney+, "EDGEOFYØR Seat" ~Capri Sun, "Trick & Treat Pouches" ~Skittles, "Ghost Roommate" ~Gushers, "Fruithead" Dig deeper into additional stories mentioned in this week's episode: ~Burger King's 2017 "Scary Clown Night" ~Columbia Sportswear's Grim Reaper social takeover and Mini's Waymo disguise ~Yahoo's terrifying "Reply All" short ~Skittles' ghoulish TikTok series ~Airheads' unsettling robot trick-or-treater ~Buy tickets for Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook conference ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief
Social bots and brand crises—how to fight fake accounts, with Erika Wheless (00:24:30)
Ad Age marketing reporter Erika Wheless describes the growth of AI-generated bot networks that fuel large percentages of current brand controversies. In the episode, Wheless breaks down how to identify fake social media accounts, tools brands can use to measure bot impact and how to prepare for potential fake outrage. Plus, Ad Age's 2025 Brand Report breaks down the numbers behind the world's largest advertisers. And TikTok is making aggressive pushes to up ad commitments, despite uncertainty over the platform's future with the Trump administration's planned spin-off. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Inside the social media bot crisis ~Listen to marketing takeaways from American Eagle and Cracker Barrel's recent controversies ~What Elf Cosmetics got wrong with its comedian collab ~Buy tickets for Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook conference ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief
Bad Bunny and brands: Hispanic engagement lessons, with Adrianne Pasquarelli (00:21:39)
Ad Age senior marketing reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli breaks down takeaways from the controversy surrounding the NFL's Bad Bunny pick for 2026's Super Bowl Halftime Show. Listen to hear data on U.S. Hispanic spending, best practices for building loyalty with multicultural audiences and how brands can prepare for political pushback. Plus, Domino's debuted new branding for the first time in 13 years, including a jingle by Shaboozey. And Hennessy launched a new partnership with LeBron James that took a risk with the athlete's fans. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~How to build loyalty with Hispanic consumers ~Papa Johns seeks a new creative agency ~Read Ad Age's coverage of Advertising Week New York ~Submit entries for Ad Age's 2026 A-List and Creativity Awards ~Buy tickets for the Ad Age AI Marketing Playbook ~Listen to Meta's CMO on Ad Age's Marketer's Brief
Agencies under pressure—who survives, who shifts: Ad Age Future of Advertising 2030 (00:14:45)
Ad Age reporters go deep on the future of marketing agencies, from consolidation to AI in-housing. Listen to hear more on the potential demise of mid-size agencies, resurgence of social media agencies of record and transformation of capabilities, plus what industry leaders need to know to start strategizing now. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~Inside the 2030 ad agency ~2030 readiness checklist ~How to incorporate AI into your work ~The future of social media and influencer ~How AI is changing the RFP process
Loyalty, influencers and consumers: Ad Age Future of Advertising 2030 (00:15:10)
Ad Age reporters break down the transformation of consumer behavior that will impact marketing strategies over the next five years, and how brands can begin preparing now. From changing demographics to revamped loyalty programs and the role of the Super Bowl in 2030, listen for insights into how consumers will interact with brands in 2030. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~The CMO job in 2030 ~Loyalty and shopping in 2030 ~How AI is changing the RFP process ~Will the Super Bowl still matter in 2030? ~Inside the 2030 ad agency ~The future of social media and influencer
Future-proof your marketing career: Ad Age Future of Advertising 2030 (00:12:49)
Ad Age reporters dig into the evolution of skills needed to climb the ad industry ladder amid industry transformation. From the new responsibilities CMOs will take on as AI automates other C-suite roles to how entry-level marketers should differentiate their expertise, listen to hear insights that will inform your career path strategy. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Through Sept. 26, get the best deal yet on an Ad Age All Access subscription. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~The CMO job in 2030 ~The evolution of entry-level skillsets ~How to incorporate AI into your work ~Inside the 2030 ad agency ~2030 readiness checklist ~The future of creativity
How tech will reshape marketing: Ad Age Future of Advertising 2030 (00:13:50)
Ad Age reporters discuss AI, and the industry transformation being caused by emerging technology. From influencer clones and shopping agents to contract terms and ad tech tools, listen to hear how marketers can strategize for the industry's AI future. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Through September 26, get the best deal yet on an Ad Age All Access subscription. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~How AI will impact creativity ~Building a 2030-ready tech stack ~The changing role of agencies in the AI future ~5 things to do to get ready for 2030 ~The future of social media and influencer ~How shopping will be different in 2030
How tech will reshape marketing: Ad Age Future of Advertising 2030 (00:13:50)
Ad Age reporters discuss AI, and the industry transformation being caused by emerging technology. From influencer clones and shopping agents to contract terms and ad tech tools, listen to hear how marketers can strategize for the industry's AI future. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Through September 26, get the best deal yet on an Ad Age All Access subscription. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~How AI will impact creativity ~Building a 2030-ready tech stack ~The changing role of agencies in the AI future ~5 things to do to get ready for 2030 ~The future of social media and influencer ~How shopping will be different in 2030
AI search ads 101—everything marketers need to know, with Asa Hiken (00:25:17)
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
Inside agency hold co power dynamics, with Ewan Larkin (00:22:16)
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
Firing your ad agency? Try marriage counseling first, with Lindsay Rittenhouse (00:21:23)
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
Cracker Barrel, American Eagle and surviving social uproar, with Erika Wheless and Gillian Follett (00:26:23)
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
Marketing Trends of 2025 so far, with Tim Nudd (00:24:55)
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
Introducing Ad Age Insider (00:01:12)
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.
Why Rick Astley is never gonna give up snacks or drums (00:39:31)
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.
How The Lincoln Project's endless stream of viral ads were actually made (in record time) (00:41:00)
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
Behind Hendrick's Gin's quirky ad approach (00:29:51)
On this week's episode of Ad Lib, E.J. Schultz is joined by Harvey Purchese, senior VP of marketing at liquor marketer William Grant & Sons. We get behind Hendrick's quirky ad approach, which has included stunts like the "Hendrick's High Wheel," a decidedly old-fashioned exercise bike. It's part of the brand's Luddite marketing shtick, which has included the Horatio, a "somewhat smart" speaker and the Hendrick's Streaming Service, which consists of videos of actual streams—yes, running water.
Behind Calm's unexpected Election Night win (00:28:49)
In this week's episode Ad Age's Jeanine Poggi is joined by Katie Shill, senior director of brand marketing at Calm. The meditation app won election night with its sponsorship of CNN's "Key Race" alerts, encouraging viewers to take a break and find a moment of calm. Shill discusses how the sponsorship came together, results of the buy and how the meditation company plans to sustain the momentum moving into 2021.
