Human-First AI Marketing Podcast by Avenue9

Send us a textIn this episode of the Human First AI Marketing podcast, host Mike Montague sits down with Alexander Schlager, founder of Alceberg.ai, to unpack the hidden cybersecurity challenges lurking beneath the surface of AI adoption. From the rise of agentic AI to the evolving threat landscape of autonomous tools and prompt injections, this conversation goes deep into why observability, memory, and human-in-the-loop design are critical for keeping your brand and your customers safe. Whether you're leading marketing for a startup or managing tech stacks in a mid-sized enterprise, you'll gain valuable insight into where AI safety, data privacy, and business alignment intersect.Key themes include the real-world risks of overreliance on AI, why 95% of agent AI pilots are failing today, and how SMBs can get ahead by investing in security, not just speed. Alex shares a pragmatic view on balancing innovation with compliance, the importance of explainable AI models, and why "natural language is the new code" for marketers. You can tune in to learn how to future-proof your AI initiatives with a human-first approach because what's visible above the surface is only the beginning.Key Takeaways1. AI Security ≠ Security AIIt's essential to distinguish between using AI to enhance traditional security tools and securing AI systems themselves, especially agentic AI workflows.2. Human-in-the-Loop Is Critical (For Now)Embedding humans into AI decision loops ensures oversight during early deployments and helps agents learn through real-time feedback.3. Agentic AI Increases Risk ExposureUnlike simple chatbots, autonomous agents that invoke tools or access memory pose greater threats if misaligned or breached.4. Overreliance on Early-Stage AI Is a Major ThreatMost agent AI pilots fail due to businesses expecting too much from immature models or failing to prepare their data infrastructure.5. Data Readiness Is Often OverlookedPoorly formatted, inaccessible, or unsecured data undermines AI effectiveness and increases the risk of security failures.6. Observability Must Be Purposeful, Not PassiveTrying to monitor everything is impractical; instead, focus on high-risk events like autonomous tool invocations or sensitive data interactions.7. Use Specialized AI to Monitor AI, But Keep It ExplainableMonitoring AI systems with black-box models creates new problems; use transparent, interpretable models for accountability.8. Toxicity and Illegality Are Easier to Detect Than You ThinkWith the right training data, it's relatively simple to flag harmful content. More challenging are nuanced alignment and intent checks.9. SMBs Benefit From Low Regulation, But Not for LongSmaller businesses can now move faster, but they should still adopt strong safety and liability frameworks before regulations catch up.10. Alignment Between User Intent and Agent Actions IThe Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

Discover how artificial intelligence can elevate your podcast preparation! Mike Montague shares his insights on using AI as a creative collaborator to sharpen your talking points and craft memorable bios. Learn to tailor your approach by researching your host and audience, ensuring you remain relevant and engaging. He emphasizes that thoughtful preparation beats performance and warns against letting AI script your responses. Instead, use it to uncover fresh stories and insights while keeping your authentic voice intact!

Send us a textIn this episode, Let the Robots Do the Work: Finding the Human Edge in AI Marketing, Mike Montague sits down with Chris Singel,  AI Optimist, Delta Digital Agency owner, and TEDx speaker, to explore how small and midsize businesses can embrace AI without losing what makes them unique. From automating the “work that sucks” to unlocking new levels of creativity and strategy, Chris shares why the future isn’t humans or robots, but a powerful collaboration of both.Listeners will discover practical insights on AI-driven advertising, smarter campaign testing, and managing digital change inside their teams. Chris and Mike dig into the abundance vs. focus dilemma in marketing, the balance between automation and authentic customer connection, and how leaders can empower employees to adopt AI in ways that make their work more meaningful. Packed with optimism, humor, and real-world examples, this conversation will help business owners and marketing directors find clarity and confidence in the evolving AI landscape.Key Takeaways1. Automate the tasks that drain energy, not creativity - AI works best when it handles repetitive, time-consuming tasks so humans can focus on strategy, storytelling, and customer relationships2.AI and humans are not competitors, but collaborators -The strongest results come when technology scales efficiency and people ensure quality, context, and brand alignment3.“More” isn’t always better in marketing — Instead of chasing bigger lists and constant outreach, SMBs should focus on targeting the right customers with relevant, valuable interactions.4. Experimentation drives success — Using AI for A/B testing, copy variations, and ad creative helps businesses discover what truly resonates, even if the winning version is unexpected.5. Good enough is sometimes good enough — For social posts or quick tasks, AI-generated content may deliver similar results while saving significant time and resources.6. Change management is key — Employee-driven adoption of AI tools leads to happier, more empowered teams, while top-down mandates risk disengagement7. The future of work is more human — As AI takes over routine labor, people will gain space for emotional intelligence, creativity, and meaningful work that machines can’t replicate.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

Dr. Bradford Carlton, founder of Automate Business AI, discusses how small business owners can automate up to 95% of their tasks while keeping the human touch. He emphasizes starting with an org chart to identify automation opportunities and showcases how spreadsheets can serve as data hubs. Bradford dives into the balance between AI-generated content and quality control, addressing the ethics of using AI without losing authenticity. He also predicts the future of automation's impact on jobs and shares his philosophy of teaching others about these tools.

Dustin Jensen, AI strategist and founder of AIASystem.com, dives into how small and mid-sized businesses can truly leverage AI. He distinguishes between traditional automation and modern AI agents that complete tasks autonomously. Dustin emphasizes the importance of context engineering, likening it to onboarding a new employee. He also outlines the ADAPT methodology for AI transformation and discusses the potential societal impact of AI, suggesting we need to rethink human roles as technology evolves.

Experts discuss the future of sales and marketing, highlighting how creativity will become a key differentiator as AI tools become ubiquitous. Concerns about AI burnout among CEOs are raised, alongside the potential for personal AI agents to revolutionize task management. The conversation touches on the necessity of trust through Web3, the shift towards customer retention over acquisition, and personalized experiences that build loyalty. Insights into job changes, real-time personalized ads, and the evolving role of marketers paint a picture of an AI-driven future that still values human connection.

In this engaging conversation, Manuj Aggarwal, an AI and blockchain expert and founder of Tetra Noodle Technologies, dives into the revolutionary concept of AI digital twins. He discusses how these twins can mirror an individual's subconscious beliefs and decision-making processes, ultimately leading to accelerated growth and clarity in business. Manuj explains the importance of emotional intelligence in automation and outlines five essential pillars for creating an effective digital twin. His insights offer a glimpse into a future where AI enhances human potential and insights.

Send us a textWhat happens when AI stops being a gimmick and starts being your creative partner? In this episode, Mike Montague chats with Amer Tadayon, founder of LuciHub, about how AI video tools are opening new doors for small businesses, nonprofits, and solo marketers. From script writing and shot lists to voiceovers and final edits, AI is now a creative co-pilot, not a replacement for humans, but an amplifier of ideas. Amer shares how SMBs are creating authentic, high-performing video content using just a phone, a few smart tools, and a bold story to tell.If you’ve ever felt priced out of video production, overwhelmed by AI, or stuck repurposing the same old content, this conversation will shift your mindset. You’ll hear how lo-fi, real-talk videos are outperforming polished commercials, why authenticity builds trust faster than perfection, and how frontline teams can become your most powerful storytellers. Whether you're running a nonprofit or a scrappy B2B team, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible with AI and a human-first marketing mindset.Key Takeaways1. AI is democratizing storytellingTools like LuciHub allow anyone with a phone and a story to create high-quality video content, removing the traditional cost barriers of production.2. Creativity is no longer gated by capital.You don’t need a seven-figure budget to bring your ideas to life; AI levels the playing field for small businesses and solo creators.3. Lo-fi video is outperforming hi-fi in many cases.Authentic, phone-shot videos often drive better engagement than expensive, overly polished ads because they feel more real and trustworthy.4. Storytelling is shifting from marketing teams to frontline workersAmer shared how companies are empowering team members on the ground to share brand stories in their own words, bringing humanity and perspective.5. AI video tools are launching one-person agencies.Entrepreneurs are using Lucy Hub to start lean content businesses, proving that small teams (or individuals) can punch well above their weight with the right tools.6. Voiceovers and avatars have their place, but not everywhereAI voiceovers are fine for short-form, tactical content, but human voices and faces still lead when it comes to trust and emotional resonance.7. AI reduces risk and encourages experimentation.When content is faster and cheaper to produce, brands are more willing to test bold ideas, because a failed video doesn’t blow the whole budget.8. The future of video is agile, authentic, and powered by AIVideo today is like fast fashion, turnaround matters, but emotional connection still wins; AI helps you do both better.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Human-First AI Marketing® podcast, we’re joined by Chris Panteli and Nick Biggs, founders of Linkifi, to talk about how digital PR is evolving in a world dominated by AI, LLMs, and search engines that think like humans. We unpack what white hat link building actually looks like in 2025, why traditional press releases are outdated, and how AI is rewarding brands that build credibility, not just content.You’ll learn why getting quoted in tier-one media matters more than ever, how digital PR helps you show up in AI-generated answers (not just Google rankings), and how small businesses can compete with bigger brands by earning trust at scale. Whether you're doing your own outreach or hiring help, this conversation delivers actionable ideas to help your business stay visible, human, and relevant in the age of automation.Key Takeaways1. Digital PR is the safest, most effective way to earn backlinks in 2025.Unlike outdated SEO tactics, earned media links from credible publications are algorithm-proof and favored by both Google and LLMs.2. AI-driven search (AEO) rewards mentions, not just backlinks.Large language models prioritize authoritative brand citations even without links when generating conversational answers.3. Credibility across multiple sources boosts AI visibility.Getting quoted consistently across tier-one media builds trust signals that LLMs and users both recognize.4. Traditional PR tactics (like press releases) are mostly obsolete.Sending a press release about your latest product update won’t move the needle unless it’s genuinely newsworthy.5. Small businesses can earn tier-one coverage.You don’t need a massive budget, just a valuable perspective, a timely hook, and smart outreach.6. The news cycle is your opportunity to build authority.Newsjacking (when done ethically) allows you to insert your brand into relevant conversations journalists are already covering.7. Podcast guesting is a powerful form of digital PR.Appearing on trusted shows creates high-quality backlinks, content, and distribution across multiple platforms.8. LLMs will evolve to favor trusted, verifiable sources.Just like Google cracked down on low-quality SEO, AI search is moving toward rewarding brands that show up in credible places.9. You can’t control the narrative, but you can influence it.PR starts by aligning your voice with journalists’ needs; over time, this builds a consistent brand story across the web.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Human-First AI Marketing® podcast, Mike Montague sits down with Owen Lawlor, VP of AI at CoachEm, to explore how AI can be used with humans, not against them. You’ll hear how CoachEm is helping sales leaders move beyond dashboards and activity metrics by using causal AI and machine learning to uncover why performance is lagging and what reps can do about it. Think Iron Man, not Terminator. This isn’t automation that replaces your people; it’s intelligence that makes them better.We dig into real-world applications for sales coaching, performance analysis, and learning interventions that actually change behavior. If you’re a sales manager, marketing director, or SMB exec trying to figure out how to make AI useful without feeling overwhelmed, this conversation will hit home. You’ll leave with practical takeaways about using AI to amplify your team's capabilities, scale coaching, and finally connect the dots between data and decisions.Key Takeaways1. AI should augment humans, not replace themOwen makes the case for using AI to make sellers superhuman, not obsolete, by giving them data-backed coaching, not just automation.2. Causal AI identifies why sales are off, not just what happenedCoachEm’s models go beyond surface-level metrics to uncover root causes behind missed quotas and underperformance.3. Sales enablement must be personalized to each rep.One-size-fits-all dashboards don’t work; causal AI tailors learning interventions based on each individual’s behavior and performance data.4. Managers are drowning in tools and need actionable insight, fastWith growing rep-to-manager ratios, frontline leaders don’t need more data; they need AI to tell them what matters most right now.5. Learning interventions can be automated, but never dehumanizedCoachEm uses AI to suggest coaching actions, but always keeps the human manager in the loop to approve or adjust the plan.6. Degenerative AI is a real risk; look backward before generating forwardInstead of only using AI to write sales content, CoachEm analyzes past emails, calls, and CRM behavior to determine what’s actually working.7. “Iron Man” is a better AI metaphor than “Terminator”Owen supports the Human-First idea that AI should be a suit around the human, giving reps enhanced abilities, not taking their job.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.