We kick things off with big news about Celsius and Rockstar Energy bringing their ad game in-house to gain speed and authenticity, and dig into why live sports are still the kingpins of ad-supported TV.

No punches pulled as we tackle the age-old lesson that customer retention—not constant acquisition—is where brands actually make their easiest money. And for a dash of creative inspiration, Chris breaks down Toyota’s bold new C-HR mermaid spot, celebrating ads that sell a vibe over specs. Plus, the new Boy Throb members shine a light on UGG’s delightfully retro campaign and the curious trend of brands saying "no" to AI-driven creative.

Stick around for a fresh segment of Wrong Answers Only, where we joke about the commercials we'd play on our tombstones, and wrap up with a reminder that "algorithmic sameness" isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a challenge every marketer’s facing. This episode is packed with sharp insights, witty banter, and a little bit of marketing mischief you won’t want to miss.

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Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

From ChatGPT's slow but intentional rollout of its new ad capabilities, to Netflix experimenting with interactive and live ads, and even the rise of synthetic focus group testing – a trend your boss will soon be buzzing about – we’ve got you covered.

It doesn’t stop there! We spotlight ingenious campaigns like Coinbase’s surprisingly analog Super Bowl ad, and unravel the weird, wonderful mysteries of Boy Throb, a boy band blurring the lines between real and fake (with big-name sponsors tagging along for the ride). Add in some lively over-under predictions on the future of AI-created ads, and you have a jam-packed episode that's all about the state – and fate – of marketing in a tech-powered world.

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Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

An up-and-coming AI platform promises to automate ad campaigns from start to finish, major US cities are spending millions to woo back Canadian tourists, and brands are kickstarting summer campaigns earlier than ever thanks to changing weather patterns.

Along the way, Matthew and Chris spotlight campaigns that get it right—from Adidas’s fresh take on a 55-year-old sneaker to a tennis tournament commercial that brings back the simple joys of youth. Plus, there’s plenty of banter, a marketing over-under game, and the kind of mischief that keeps listeners coming back for more. If you’re ready for actionable insights with a side of fun, you’re in the right place.

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Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

In today’s milestone episode, Matthew, Chris and guests Jason Alan Snyder and Heather Salkin dive into a future where artists and robots collaborate to reshape advertising. We kick things off by exploring the game-changing debut of ChatGPT ads – now accessible through Criteo – signaling a seismic shift to programmatic AI-powered media buying.

The panel weighs in on what happens when advertising stops broadcasting and starts leaving a mark in the memory of machines, highlighting big questions around brand safety and authenticity. We spotlight Havas’ recognition of neurodiverse talent, discussing why original thinkers are more critical than ever in an industry flooded with AI-generated sameness.

Plus, you’ll meet the amaaaazing founders of Artists and Robots, a new agency built on the philosophy that human creativity and machine intelligence are strongest together. What Matthew back in November called the "Perfect Agency Mullet.” The crew shares practical advice for advertisers and brands navigating this new terrain, tackles flash Q&A, and even predicts where global ad spending will go next.

Whether you’re a marketing veteran or just getting your feet wet, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable wisdom to help you thrive in the evolving world of marketing and technology.

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Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

Dunkin' sold a single pink glove and the internet lost its mind. Google just dropped a core update that's coming for your clickbait. And a WPP whistleblower just forced one of the world's biggest ad agencies to show receipts on BILLIONS in client spend. 👀

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Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

From the ridiculous scale of social media scams – now a multibillion-dollar business (thanks, Zuck) – to the ambitious rollout of contextual ChatGPT ads by Target, we serve up essential insights with a side of sass. Plus, while coastal agencies face cutbacks, America's heartland emerges as an unexpected powerhouse of marketing growth. Whether you're a veteran or a newbie to the marketing game, this show delivers the intel (and chuckles) you need to stay on top. Plug in and get ready for your weekly podium finish!

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Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

This week, Matthew and Chris kick off with the Super Bowl smashing its own ad pricing records, discuss how France’s Publicis is outpacing global competitors with bold moves in data and tech, and explore the Gen Z shift from influencer culture to community-driven hangouts. From Pepsi’s audacious Super Bowl ad featuring the infamous Coca-Cola polar bear, to Ryanair’s CEO taking on Elon Musk in a very public spat, it’s an episode packed with wit, insight, and more than a few laughs.

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Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

Think Super Bowl ads end when the game does? Think again.

Big news: OpenAI and ChatGPT are about to start testing ads, opening new possibilities (and a $250k minimum) for the biggest brands. Plus, newsletter ads are making a major comeback, catching many by surprise and proving that some “old school” marketing tactics still pack a punch. And in true industry fashion, Skittles is prepping to air a live(?) Super Bowl ad from a real customer’s front porch - complete with some celebrity mystery. FRODO!

Matthew and Chris dissect innovative campaigns like Michelob Ultra’s Rocky-inspired Super Bowl spot and take a candid look at the imposter syndrome lurking behind creative success.

Whether you’re a marketer, advertiser, or just here for some strategic mischief, this episode is packed with the trends you need to know and the laughs you didn’t expect.

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Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net