This Old Marketing - News Podcast Weekly with Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose

Atlas Shrugged: Is OpenAI Coming for Google? (503)

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Oct 24, 2025

Dive into AI's rapidly changing landscape with discussions about OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas and its potential rivalry with Google. Explore the dual narrative of automation replacing jobs while the AI sector faces layoffs, raising questions about job security in tech. Debates heat up as OpenAI plans to allow adult-themed content, stirring thoughts on online moderation. Plus, YouTube creators gaining exposure through Delta in-flight screens signals a shift towards traditional media. Marketing winners are celebrated for their innovative strategies.

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INSIGHT

AI Browsers Aim To Replace Search Hubs

OpenAI launched ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-powered browser aimed at changing how people discover information and challenging Google's search dominance.
Atlas logs browsing activity to personalize answers, signaling browsers as a new battleground for AI-driven discovery.

INSIGHT

AI Frenzy Mirrors The Dot‑Com Bubble

The current AI phase echoes the dot-com era: many players, heavy valuations, and likely consolidation ahead.
Apple may sit out early chaos and enter later as winners emerge, similar to past cycles.

INSIGHT

Valuations Drive Cross‑Investments In AI Ecosystem

Money and investments are circulating between AI firms and chip makers to justify valuations and secure compute advantages.
This financial ecosystem resembles 'funny money' dynamics that support unsustainable multiples.

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This week's episode of This Old Marketing dives deep into the evolving world of AI, automation, and creator opportunities.

1. OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas: A Google Killer? OpenAI's latest product, ChatGPT Atlas, has some wondering if this is a direct strike at Google's dominance in search. We break down what Atlas is, how it changes the discovery landscape, and what it means for marketers and creators.

2. AI and Robots Taking Jobs A New York Times article reports that Amazon plans to replace over half a million jobs with robots. But the twist? The AI industry itself is facing layoffs. Meta has cut significant staff from its AI operations, according to Axios. We explore what this says about the current state — and future — of the AI economy.

3. ChatGPT to Allow Adult Erotica (for Verified Users) OpenAI will soon allow adult-themed content for verified adults. Is this a necessary step toward realism and maturity online, or is it a PR nightmare waiting to happen? We debate whether the Internet needs true age-gating — or if this will end up being a "nothing burger," as Robert might say.

4. Creators Take Flight — Literally Marketing Brew reports that YouTube creators are getting their content featured on Delta Airlines flights. It's a great marketing move — but does it signal that YouTube is becoming television? We discuss what this means for creators' reach and brand positioning.

Marketing Winners of the Week

Ann Handley's new website: A masterclass in simplicity and conversion, with a sharp focus on driving newsletter subscriptions.
Kim Kardashian's Skims.com launch: A weirdly nostalgic move that has everyone talking.

Raves of the Week

Joe's Rave: The CRIT Framework from Geoff Woods — a practical model for using AI strategically through Context, Role, Interview, and Task. And get a month of Wispr Flow (dictation platform) for free here.
Robert's Rave: Spotify's new personalized playlists that take algorithmic curation to the next level.

Listen to the full episode for all the analysis, tangents, and laughs you expect from Joe and Robert on This Old Marketing.

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Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/

Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/.

Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/ Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/

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