Email After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders

AI might be shaking up the rules of email marketing, but one thing’s for sure—it can’t replace human strategy just yet.In this episode of Email After Hours, Danielle and Guy sit down with returning guest Karen Talavera—an award-winning email pro who’s guided brands like Google and Disney—to unpack how AI is changing the game, where it actually adds value, and why the human touch still matters more than ever.What you'll learn:How AI is changing email marketing workflowsHow to balance AI automation and creativity in email marketing strategyHow to evaluate and select AI tools—and why human oversight is still essentialThe importance of maintaining proper data handling and consent practices when implementing AI solutionsSpecial resource: Get Karen's free Email Strategy Success Blueprint workbook at bit.ly/FreeEmailStrategy to help develop effective program strategies that AI alone can’t create!About the Guest(s)Karen Talavera is an award-winning email marketing expert with over two decades of experience in developing strategic email marketing solutions. As the founder of Synchronicity Marketing, she has helped major brands including Google and Disney refine their email marketing strategies. Her expertise spans email program optimization, marketing automation, and strategic planning for enterprise-level organizations.In this episode, Karen shares valuable insights on AI's impact on email marketing, drawing from her extensive experience working with leading brands and her recent participation in industry events. Her practical approach to AI integration, particularly in areas like content generation, data analysis, and testing optimization, offers email marketing professionals a balanced perspective on leveraging AI while maintaining human oversight and creativity.Karen's work has consistently demonstrated the importance of strategic thinking in email marketing, and she offers listeners a free email strategy blueprint, showcasing her commitment to helping marketers develop effective program strategies even in an AI-driven landscape. Her expertise in balancing technological advancement with human creativity makes her insights particularly valuable for email marketing professionals navigating the evolving landscape of AI in email marketing.Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gallant-6443a248/Guy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyhanson/Topics we Discuss:[02:31] AI's impact on email  marketing: current state and challenges[06:38] Evaluating AI tools: pain points and performance gains[10:49] AI content creation: disclosure and human oversight[14:11] AI and email accessibility: Inclusion challenges[20:18] Data privacy and AI: Consumer consent considerations[24:58] AI's role in email deliverability[28:15] The future of AI in email testing and optimization[32:40] Final thoughts and a free email strategy blueprintIf you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

What better way to learn about email than by speaking to a professional email problem-solver? Email consulting requires a balance of technical expertise, client education, and strategic problem-solving to deliver results, and today we’re getting the inside scoop from one of the best!In this episode of Email After Hours, hosts Guy Hanson and Danielle Gallant welcome Phil Ireland, an email marketing consultant with over 16 years of experience working with major brands like Shell, KFC, and American Express. They explore the nuances of email consulting, from initial client discovery to common program problems and implementing sustainable solutions.What you'll learn:How to approach initial client discovery by understanding business objectives before diving into technical solutionsWhy data quality issues often underlie surface-level email marketing problems, especially in enterprise organizationsThe importance of analyzing subscriber engagement beyond basic metrics like open rates and unsubscribesHow to navigate client relationships when delivering challenging feedback about fundamental program issuesWhy collaboration and transparency are essential for successful client-consultant relationships…and more!About the Guest(s)Phil Ireland is an accomplished email marketing consultant with over sixteen years of experience in CRM and email marketing. Known for his strategic work with major brands including Shell, KFC, and American Express, Phil specializes in improving email strategies, fixing data issues, and boosting customer engagement.In this episode, Phil shares his expertise on client consultation processes, troubleshooting email marketing challenges, and implementing effective solutions. His practical approach to addressing common email marketing issues - from data management to engagement metrics - reflects his extensive experience working with both B2B and B2C clients.Drawing from his work with enterprise-level organizations, Phil offers valuable insights on navigating complex email marketing challenges, emphasizing the importance of transparency, collaboration, and data-driven decision making. His methodical approach to understanding business objectives and implementing strategic solutions makes this conversation particularly relevant for email marketing professionals seeking to enhance their consulting practices.Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gallant-6443a248/Guy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyhanson/Topics we Discuss:[05:07] Understanding business objectives before technical solutions[09:46] Client expectations vs. reality in email marketing[14:56] Managing email frequency and automation challenges[18:41] Beyond basic metrics: measuring true engagement[21:20] Delivering tough news to clients with transparency[25:32] Quick wins: B2B email personalization success story[29:02] AI tools for email marketing research[30:52] Connect with Phil If you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Hi (firstname), are you tired of boring B2B outreach? Then this podcast episode is for you! Today, hosts Guy Hanson and Danielle Gallant welcome Sara Kappler, founder and CEO of Centric Squared, to explore the nuances of B2B email marketing. She compares and contrasts B2B  with B2C approaches and finds ways to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships with customers. Even though you might be selling B2B, you’re still dealing with a person on the other end!What you'll learn:How to navigate B2B email challenges, including cold outreach, content demands, and relationship buildingThe essential differences between B2B and B2C email metrics, and how to measure success effectivelyWhy personal branding and relationship-building are underutilized opportunities in B2B email marketingHow to select the right CRM platform based on team size, resources, and business objectivesWhy subscriber relationship management requires different approaches in B2B versus B2C…and more! If you’d like to send in your email marketing hot takes, questions, or queries, you can email us at emailafterhours@validity.com, or head to https://s.fame.so/email-after-hours-the-podcast-for-email-senders to send us an audio message.About the GuestSara Kappler is the founder and CEO of Centric Squared, specializing in CRM-driven marketing and email strategy. With a unique background in bioinformatics and extensive experience in both B2B and B2C sectors, she has spent seven years helping businesses optimize their email marketing and CRM implementations. As a trusted advisor in the email marketing space, Sara brings particular expertise in helping small businesses navigate the complexities of B2B email campaigns, CRM selection, and relationship building through strategic content development. Her practical approach to balancing technical capabilities with business resources has helped numerous organizations transform their email marketing programs from basic communication tools into powerful engines for business growth and customer engagement.Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gallant-6443a248/Guy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyhanson/Topics we Discuss:[00:00] Intro: Welcome to Email After Hours with Sara Kappler[03:02] From CRM Consultant to Email Marketing Expert[08:28] The Dark Side of Cold Email Marketing[13:45] Universal Email Strategies Across B2B and B2C[16:20] Content Quality Requirements in B2B Email[20:47] The Power of Message Repetition in B2B Campaigns[22:55] Choosing the Right CRM for Your Business[26:50] Building Authentic B2B Relationships Through Email[31:13] Key Takeaways & Connecting with SaraIf you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

We’re back with part 2 of our email ROI conversation with Chad White! In part one, we uncovered how some of our favorite email marketing metrics might be lying to us. (We’re looking at you, email ROI…). Now, it's time to take action! Join Chad, Danielle, and Guy as they share tips to boost engagement, eliminate red-flag metrics, and break you out of the wishy-washy ROI cycle for good.What you'll learn:How to shift from channel-centric to customer-centric metrics for more meaningful insightsThe pivotal role of customer data platforms (CDPs) in accurate, customer-focused analyticsHow snooze functionality can slash unsubscribe rates by up to 80%How investing in email marketing resources drives better results than cutting costsWhy increasing marketing budgets should come before performance improvements…and more! If you’d like to send in your email marketing hot takes, questions, or queries, you can email us at emailafterhours@validity.com, or head to https://s.fame.so/email-after-hours-the-podcast-for-email-senders to send us an audio message.About the GuestChad White is a renowned email marketing strategist and author, known for his extensive work including "Email Marketing Rules," which has expanded from 120 pages in its first edition to over 700 pages across two volumes in its fourth edition. As a thought leader in the email marketing space, he brings deep expertise in ROI measurement, customer-centric metrics, and strategic email program optimization.Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gallant-6443a248/Guy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyhanson/Topics we Discuss:[00:00] Intro: Why Cost-Cutting Doesn't Work in Email Marketing[01:34] Moving Beyond Channel Metrics to Customer-Focused KPIs[06:41] The Truth About Inflated Email ROI Claims[09:36] Challenges of Proving Email ROI in Today's Business Climate[12:20] Smart Preference Management: Reducing Unsubscribes by 80%[15:45] Investment First: The Key to Email Marketing Success[17:20] Why Brands Choose Paid Channels Over Email Marketing[21:23] B2B Email ROI: A Framework for Measurement[25:15] Closing Thoughts: Banning "Growth Hacking" from MarketingIf you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Chad White, Head of Research at Oracle Digital Experience Agency, shares his vast expertise in email marketing strategy. He discusses the real implications of the ROI metrics, debunking the 36:1 myth and offering tailored calculation strategies. Chad highlights why improving email deliverability from 85% to 97% could unlock significant revenue. He also emphasizes the importance of inclusive design, illustrating how accessibility can enhance engagement and long-term ROI while navigating the complexities of evolving compliance laws in email marketing.

The flaming finale of our SPAMAGEDDON crossover series is here! 🔥 Danielle, Guy, and Jay are bringing the heat with rapid-fire tips to boost your email deliverability today—from opt-in best practices to AI preparation.  We hope you’ve loved this collaboration with GURU Media Hub’s Do This, Not That podcast. Check out their show for even more hot marketing tips and remember—the battle for the inbox is far from over. 💥 Keep on fighting! 💪 Do This, Not That Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-this-not-that-marketing-tips-with-jay-schwedelson/id1701260891  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eiOfHmVakmy01eySdCBH1  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLONmaA_e-MAx6o5uxGaTRU5z_LVQbf-Jx   Episode highlights: (1:30) You have 10 seconds game (4:40) Don't wait to set your DMARC policy to p=quarantine or reject (5:48) Keep your spam complaint rates below 0.1% (6:25) Use double opt-in (7:57) Validate your email list for good data hygiene (8:50) Delete dormant accounts from your list (9:12) Remove the complainers from your list (10:00) Define Gmail annotations (11:00) Anticipate AI-generated summaries (11:45) Don't schedule sends at the top of the hour (12:17) Make your emails accessible to all (12:38) Get ready for AI legislation by revisiting your data collection practices (13:16) Implement BIMI to associate your logo with your emails (14:06) Jay's final thoughts Email After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Email automation is a powerful yet underused  revenue driver. Automated campaigns generate 37% of email sales while only representing 2% of total send volume.In this episode of Email After Hours, hosts Guy Hanson and Danielle Gallant welcome Greg Zakowicz, a 19-year email marketing veteran, to explore how businesses can leverage automation effectively to drive engagement and revenue while reducing manual effort.What you'll learn:- How to structure a post-purchase automation series that builds customer relationships beyond transactional messages- Why back-in-stock automations deliver an exceptional 5.83% conversion rate compared to regular campaigns- The three essential automated campaigns every email program needs: welcome series, browse abandonment, and cart abandonment- The "Customer-First" framework for creating valuable post-purchase content that reduces support calls and increases cross-sells…and so much more!If you’d like to send in your email marketing hot takes, questions, or queries, you can email us at emailafterhours@validity.com, or head to https://s.fame.so/email-after-hours-the-podcast-for-email-senders to send us an audio message.About the Guest(s)Greg Zakowicz is a seasoned email marketing expert with 19 years of experience in B2B and D2C marketing, specializing in email automation strategies. As a recognized authority in automated email campaigns, he has helped brands achieve 25-40% of their email revenue through automated messages while only using 2% of send volume. His expertise spans from working with small businesses to high-growth SaaS companies, focusing on optimizing automated workflows and customer engagement strategies.In this episode, Greg shares invaluable insights on email automation best practices, including innovative approaches to post-purchase sequences, data strategy implementation, and cross-channel automation. His practical experience includes notable successes such as transforming a brick-and-mortar business's email program during COVID-19 to generate 25-30% of their email revenue through just three automated sequences. Greg's strategic approach to automation, which he describes as "letting the robots do the heavy lifting," has helped countless brands streamline their processes and increase revenue through sophisticated yet practical email marketing solutions.Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gallant-6443a248/Guy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyhanson/Topics We Discuss:(02:46) Back-in-stock automation: The hidden revenue driver(05:20) Three essential automated campaigns every brand needs(07:38) Data strategy essentials for email automation(11:02) Smart SMS integration: When and how to ask for phone numbers(14:26) Creating a unified omnichannel automation strategy(16:51) Building Effective post-purchase email series(21:31) Real success story: From zero to 30% revenue with basic automation(23:39) The future of email automation: AI and predictive timing(26:00) Closing story: Finding success in niche marketingIf you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kwt5j8Follow ‘Email After Hours’ on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4dBlBcIHit like and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmailAfterHoursEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Spamageddon is back for more with episode 4! 🔥 ✖️ 4️⃣The crossover event between Validity’s Email After Hours and Guru Media Hub’s Do This, Not That podcast continues with a mini-episode tackling a mystery email marketers are dying to solve: the Gmail Promotions tab. 🕵️‍♂️ Join Guy, Danielle, and Jay as they answer burning questions like: Is the Promotions tab really to blame for poor performance? Can you game the system to land in the Primary tab? What’s going on with Apple’s new email tabs? Are there hidden benefits to the Promotions tab? ...and more!  Hit subscribe so you never miss an Email After Hours episode and don't forget to check out 'Do This, Not That' for more fantastic marketing tips.   Apple  Spotify  YouTube   SOME EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  (01:07) 10-second warm-up game (03:26) Mythbusting: Is the Promotions tab hurting your performance? (05:11) Mythbusting: Can you outsmart the system to bypass the Promotions tab? (07:46) Benefits of the Promotions tab every sender should know (08:21) Apple Tabs: What’s new and how it affects email marketers Email After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

I’m sorry… WHAT happened?? 🤯 Email expert Johanna Morlock-Abbasi returns to Email After Hours to spill the deets on an email marketing mistake that turned into an unexpected win.Spoiler alert:  A campaign meant for 18,000 subscribers accidentally hit 12 MILLION  inboxes. 😬She brings Guy and Danielle on a wild ride, recalling a major email deployment glitch and how she turned a potential disaster into a revenue opportunity. 📈 What you'll learn:How to effectively manage and recover from a major email marketing incident using dedicated IP strategiesWhy maintaining a "risky IP" for specific campaigns can protect your primary sending reputationHow to use  deliverability tools and best practices to re-engage dormant subscribersWhy having strong ESP relationships and deliverability monitoring systems is crucial for crisis management…and so much more!If you’d like to send in your email marketing hot takes, questions, or queries, you can email us at emailafterhours@validity.com, or head to https://s.fame.so/email-after-hours-the-podcast-for-email-senders to send us an audio message.About the Guest(s)Johanna Morlock Abassi is the Assistant Director of Email Marketing at Bradford Hamaker Group, bringing over 18 years of experience in email marketing and campaign management. She specializes in managing high-volume email programs, IP segmentation strategies, and deliverability optimization. In this episode, Johanna shares her remarkable story of turning an email marketing mishap - where a campaign intended for 18,000 subscribers accidentally reached 12 million recipients - into a revenue-generating success. Her expertise in implementing strategic IP segmentation and maintaining strong sender reputation helped her team recover from a critical Sender Score drop while achieving a 10x lift in sales. As a seasoned professional who oversees multiple brand campaigns, including Disney licensed products, Johanna demonstrates how solid email marketing fundamentals and strategic thinking can transform potential disasters into opportunities.Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedInGuy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedInEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

The “Email After Hours” and “Do This, Not That” crossover continues, helping you survive the inbox apocalypse!💥This time, Guy, Danielle, and Jay are leading the charge to get your emails ⏪ BACK into the inbox.Strap in for more sender reputation myth-busting and tips you can bring back to your team for stronger sends today. 💪 We discuss:  Quick wins to get back into the inbox When and why to remove unengaged subscribers from your list Whether sending emails only to your engaged audience will help your reputation Best practices for B2B cold emails and the domain they should be sent from  ...and more! Hit subscribe so you never miss an Email After Hours episode and don't forget to check out 'Do This, Not That' for more fantastic marketing tips.  Apple: https://apple.co/4kwt5j8Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4dBlBcIYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLONmaA_e-MAx6o5uxGaTRU5z_LVQbf-Jx  Jay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwedelson/  SOME EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS (03:10) Getting back into the inbox: the “specific stuff”  (04:19) When to kick the unengaged subscribers to the curb (05:26) Does only sending to your engaged audience help your reputation? (07:22) Uncovering “hidden metrics”  (08:35) B2B cold email tactics that won’t leave you iced out Email After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)