Ross Benes

Ross Benes, a senior analyst at eMarketer and author, dives deep into the world of advertising metrics and insights. He shares fascinating stats about digital advertising, revealing how transparency and new metrics are reshaping the industry. The conversation takes a wild turn as he discusses the unexpected cultural impact of Juggalos and the Insane Clown Posse. Benes also explores the evolving retail media landscape and the growing influence of AI, making it a blend of data and pop culture that keeps listeners engaged.

Journalist and market research analyst Ross Benes dives into his book, which explores the cultural landscape of 1999. He draws intriguing parallels between beanie babies and the rise of cryptocurrency. The discussion reveals how WWE's political triumph marked a shift in media perception and the age of deregulation. They dissect moral panics, the evolution of consumer culture, and the blurred lines between entertainment and reality, ultimately reflecting on how lowbrow culture continues to shape modern society.

Ross Benes, an author and journalist known for his work with Esquire and the Wall Street Journal, discusses how the chaotic pop culture of the late '90s, like Jerry Springer and Insane Clown Posse, has reshaped our political landscape. He examines the rise of low culture and its effects on democracy and political dynamics, questioning if today's reality TV tactics are a necessary evolution. The conversation also explores how entertainment influences identity and community, particularly in the era of social media.