Human-First AI Marketing Podcast by Avenue9

Doug Sandler, a podcasting strategist at Turnkey Podcast and host of the Nice Guys on Business podcast, shares insights on harnessing podcasting as a lead generation tool. He reveals his 'Guest to Gold' strategy, emphasizing that meaningful connections can generate revenue even with a small audience. The conversation highlights how AI streamlines podcast production while reminding us that genuine human creativity is essential. Doug stresses the importance of aligning podcast goals with business outcomes, steering clear of ego metrics.

Send us a textWhat if SEO isn’t dead, it’s just grown up? In this episode, Daniel Molina of Red Palm Studios joins us to talk about the future of search in the age of AI overload. From "plumber near me" to advanced local strategies, Daniel breaks down why quality content, strong reviews, and authentic online presence matter more than keyword stuffing or lazy automation. He shares lessons from scaling his own agency, failing forward as an entrepreneur, and why local businesses still have massive opportunities if they focus on what really works.We also unpack the rise of AI-generated content, what Google’s algorithm is really rewarding in 2025, and how human-first storytelling still beats out AI slop every time. Whether you’re a business owner trying to get found or a marketing director wondering how to stand out in an AI-saturated feed, this episode delivers clear, honest advice on where SEO is headed and how to stay ahead of it.Top Takeaways 1. SEO Isn’t Dead,  It’s Just SmarterThe old tricks like keyword stuffing and thin blogs are gone; what works now is strategic content with real user value.2. Local SEO Is More Alive Than Ever“Near me” searches and Google Maps rankings still drive massive results for service businesses if they build trust signals.3. Quality Content Is Only Part of the Pie NowContent used to be 80% of SEO success; now it’s just one part alongside reviews, backlinks, and social signals.4. Google Is Prioritizing Relevance, Not VolumeThe spam update cleaned house in 2023, and traffic dropped because irrelevant content and bot traffic got filtered out.5. AI Can’t Replace Human ContextGenerative tools are everywhere, but without real insight and intent behind the content, they won’t help rankings or conversions.6. Authority Comes from Outside Your WebsiteGoogle looks at what others say about you (reviews, citations, backlinks), not just what you publish on your site.7. Entrepreneurial Focus Beats Shiny Object SyndromeDaniel’s growth came when he stopped chasing new projects and committed to becoming excellent at marketing.8. AI Is a Tool, Not a StrategyHe warned against relying on AI tools without a human-first approach that understands your customer and context.9. Trust Is the New SEO CurrencyReal results come from being known, liked, and trusted, not gaming the algorithm.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.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients. 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!

Send us a textWhat if the AI revolution isn’t about replacing humans but finally giving small businesses the edge? In this episode of the Human-First AI Marketing® Podcast, Mike Montague talks with  ⁨Melissa Fors Shackelford⁩  , a seasoned marketing leader turned fractional CMO, about how AI is flattening the marketing landscape. They explore how tools once exclusive to Fortune 500 budgets are now accessible for under $100 and how that changes the game for nimble teams who move faster, connect deeper, and create with more authenticity.Melissa shares lessons from her shift from corporate healthcare to boutique consulting, the difference between AI governance in large orgs versus agility in small ones, and how marketers can ditch the “PowerPoint factory” mindset for smarter systems. You’ll learn why small businesses now have the unfair advantage and how to use it without losing your brand’s soul. It’s a candid, hopeful conversation for anyone who wants to scale their voice, not just their content.Top Takeaways 1. AI is a Force Multiplier for Small TeamsWhat used to take big budgets and departments can now be done with the right $20/month tools and strategic use of AI.2. Authenticity Still Wins, Even with AIAI can scale your message, but your purpose, personality, and point of view still matter more than ever.3. Small Businesses Are More Agile than Big BrandsWhile enterprises wrestle with AI governance and bureaucracy, smaller teams can test, learn, and move faster with less risk.4. Fractional CMOs Are Finally Feasible and PowerfulThanks to AI, experienced marketers can now bring enterprise-level strategy and execution to SMBs without needing a full team.5. PowerPoint Isn’t a Strategy, It’s a SymptomToo many corporate marketers spend their time making decks instead of driving strategy; AI helps shift that dynamic.6. You Don’t Need a Full Tech Stack to WinThoughtful use of tools like ChatGPT, Gamma, and Grammarly can replace multiple roles without compromising quality or voice.7. Start with Curiosity, Not PerfectionMelissa emphasizes trying new tools in small, scrappy ways to learn what works rather than waiting for a perfect plan.8. AI Should Handle the Tedious, Not the TrustLet automation do the repetitive work, so you can stay focused on creativity, leadership, and real human connection.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.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients. 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!

Mark Andrews, from AI Profits, shares his expertise on AI literacy for small and medium-sized businesses. He breaks down the misconception of AI as a magic solution, likening it to a chainsaw—powerful but requiring skill to use effectively. The conversation emphasizes understanding AI's real capabilities before jumping into automation, the importance of tailored training for employees, and the transformative potential of AI in optimizing marketing and operations. Mark provides practical insights to help businesses navigate the AI landscape successfully.

Send us a textWhat’s really going on with AI video in 2025? In this episode of the Human-First AI Marketing Podcast, Emmy-winning producer Erich Archer joins Mike Montague for a refreshingly honest look at what AI can and can’t do for video creators, marketers, and SMBs. From instant B-roll to multi-language avatars and deepfakes, we explore the tools making video more accessible and the limitations that still keep human creativity at the center.You’ll hear why editing is the true entry point for most teams, where generative video still falls short, and how small businesses can use AI to tell better stories without sounding fake or falling into the AI slop trap. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or somewhere in between, this episode helps you separate signal from noise and build a smarter, more human-first video strategy.Top Takeaways 1. AI Video Is Easier, But It’s Not a ReplacementTools like Runway and Pika make video creation faster, but they don’t replace the craft or nuance of traditional production.2. The “AI Look” Is Still Real and Often DistractingEven with the best tools, many AI videos still feel artificial, with glitches or uncanny visuals that break trust with viewers.3. Editing Is Where AI Delivers Immediate ROIFrom cutting out filler words to remixing music and matching scenes, AI has revolutionized post-production and made editing faster and smarter.4. AI Is Expanding Access for New CreatorsYou no longer have to move to L.A. or own expensive gear to start producing video content; AI has lowered the barrier to entry in exciting ways.5. Professional Use Still Requires Professional JudgmentWhile AI can generate quick drafts, pro-level results still depend on the human eye for quality, context, and storytelling.6. Creative Roles Are Evolving, Not VanishingEntry-level roles may be shifting, but producers and storytellers who learn AI tools will become more valuable, not less.7. AI Video Shines Most in Utility, Not Artistry (Yet)Use AI for voice dubbing, translation, or fast prototyping, not for high-end brand videos that require emotional resonance and realism.8. The Ethical Line Is Blurry, But CrucialDeepfakes and AI reenactments can be powerful, but they also raise serious questions about consent, trust, and authenticity.9. Adoption Is About Mindset, Not Just ToolsThe pros who thrive in this new landscape are curious, flexible, and willing to experiment even if it means letting go of old ways.10. Generative AI Is a New Medium, Not Just a ShortcutThink of AI like animation or film; it’s not a faster way to do what you already do, it’s a new creative lane with different rules and potential.LinkedIn Profile: http://linkedin.com/in/ericharcher/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.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients. 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!

In this insightful discussion, Ali Schwanke, CEO of Simple Strat and the host of HubSpot Hacks, shares her expertise on navigating the complexities of AI in marketing. She emphasizes that strategy should precede tools, advocating for human-centric approaches in a digital age. The conversation tackles AI anxiety, the dangers of overthinking, and the importance of creative courage in marketing. Ali also highlights the shifting landscape towards impactful distribution strategies and fostering genuine customer connections, reminding listeners that bold, authentic moves will set brands apart.

John Suarez, co-author of The Marketer’s Manual on Generative AI and a leader at SmartBug Media, discusses transforming marketing through AI-driven insights. He emphasizes the need for better context over more content, advocating for tailored approaches in AI strategies. Traditional blogging is losing its effectiveness, underscoring a shift to multi-format content. John also highlights the importance of quality inputs for AI tools and explores ethical considerations in personalized marketing. This conversation blends innovation with a human-first approach.

Mason Cosby, Founder of Scrappy ABM, shares his insights on marrying AI with account-based marketing strategies. He introduces his 4D framework—Data, Distribution, Destination, and Direction—for maximizing AI’s potential. The conversation highlights the importance of using real data for effective targeting and personalizing without sounding robotic. Mason emphasizes trust as a key differentiator and explores how analyzing past sales conversations can lead to sharper messaging and better relationship-building in B2B marketing.

Daniel Alfon, a LinkedIn strategist and author, brings valuable insights into mastering LinkedIn for B2B success. He emphasizes that you don't need a huge follower count to thrive—an optimized profile and genuine networking are key. Alfon cautions against over-reliance on automation, which can harm credibility. He also discusses successfully leveraging AI for content creation without losing your personal voice, while highlighting the importance of authenticity in building trust and relationships on the platform.

Ashley Gross, founder of the AI Workforce Alliance, dives into redefining work with AI. She reveals how she transformed her 40-hour workweek into just 15 hours, leveraging AI for efficiency. Their discussion highlights the need for outcome-based compensation models that prioritize results over hours worked. Ashley emphasizes that integrating AI in the workplace can enhance talent retention and reduce repetitive tasks. The conversation also touches on the balance of human oversight in an increasingly automated environment and the evolving dynamics of workforce roles.