Madison and Wall Podcast Ep. 51: Google’s Search Trial and New Marketer Trend Commentary
Sep 5, 2025
The hosts dissect the current U.S. economy, revealing a surprising optimism among marketers despite stagflation. They share insights from a former media director about the evolving role of media agencies in shaping marketing strategies. The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing marketing budgets, particularly in light of Google's recent antitrust ruling. Overall, the discussion highlights the complexities of adapting to new market dynamics while emphasizing the need for innovative approaches in advertising.
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Taco Interlude Sets A Casual Tone
- Brian mentions a memorable taco from Carlita's in Portland that stuck with him.
- He uses the personal detail to lighten the conversation before diving into news.
Stagflation Shapes Advertising Expectations
- The US economy is shifting toward stagflation with slowing growth and elevated inflation.
- That scenario implies nominal ad growth but real activity will be harder to expand, affecting media planning.
Marketers Still Increasing Nominal Spend
- Major marketers reported increased marketing spend year-over-year despite economic softness.
- They allocate based on current consumer willingness to spend and report nominal growth figures.