This Old Marketing - News Podcast Weekly with Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose

Joe and Robert explore the fluctuating job market and its signs of stabilization. They dive into the implications of reduced corporate tax rates for future profits. A key focus is Instagram’s stance on AI-generated content, highlighting the platform's reluctance to police itself and the challenges for creators. The duo debates the value of authenticity in a world saturated with AI. They also discuss Uber's evolving ad strategy and the humor in Equinox's AI-themed marketing, while criticizing the Nebula Awards' ban on generative AI.

Dive into the tangled world of TikTok's questionable sale and what it means for marketers. Explore the potential of AI in marketing, debating if the bubble will ever burst or simply evolve. Discover how AI might change headcount dynamics and challenge the role of brand websites. Plus, hear rants about the end of Denmark's postal service and the marketing community's tendency to declare established practices obsolete. This conversation sets the stage for the major marketing discussions of 2026!

Joe and Robert dive into their annual predictions, grading last year's forecasts with the help of ChatGPT. They explore the uneven progress of AI, the power shifts among platforms, and trends like nostalgia marketing. Podcast attrition and scrutiny in online sports gambling are hot topics, alongside bold bets on future tech and culture. Insightful predictions focus on the importance of email engagement, the rise of conversations over mass marketing, and potential consolidations like Apple and Disney. Will creators walk away from big audiences in search of authenticity?

Exploring the evolving role of storytellers in marketing, host discussions dive into why companies are rebranding content creators. They emphasize that storytelling isn’t new but a critical element of business. The conversation shifts to the growing anxiety among white-collar workers due to AI and job instability. Joe and Robert advocate for adaptability and curiosity as essential skills in today’s job market. Finally, they discuss a new creator-led initiative from a DraftKings co-founder, urging creators to seize the moment before AI content saturation.

A major deal involving Disney and OpenAI is in the works, allowing creators to use beloved Disney characters in innovative ways. This investment could change how content is made. The intense bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery is heating up, raising questions about who will come out on top and potential antitrust issues. Australia is taking bold steps by banning social media for kids under 16, prompting debates on effectiveness and enforcement. Plus, a dive into Robert's exciting AI music project showcases creativity in a new digital landscape.

Dive into the dynamics of the K-shaped economy as hosts dissect Black Friday spending trends, revealing the stark contrast between thriving and struggling consumers. They unveil how YouTube is capturing TV ad budgets and spotlight the rise of ultra-niche creators, offering unique opportunities for smaller brands. Additionally, a debate ensues over X's new transparency features—are they a genuine improvement or just surface-level changes? Plus, a look at Time's successful media strategies contrasts with a critique of Omnicom's PR struggles.

Google's Gemini 3 marks a pivotal shift in content discovery that could disrupt organic reach for marketers. Hosts delve into the implications for human creators as AI-generated content becomes prevalent. The discussion highlights the balance between Google's need for creator content and the rise of auto-generated pages. Additionally, intriguing insights emerge about branding success, the future of creator economy ad spend, and concerns over AI's impact on social behaviors. Expect a lively debate on authenticity in music creation and the risks of AI in the creative space.

In a Thanksgiving special, the hosts examine the rapid evolution of AI in marketing. They stress a shrinking timeframe for marketers to adapt before AI reshapes content and discoverability. Traditional roles may vanish, with the future focused on relationship-building over technical tasks. They highlight the importance of real-world connections and soft skills in maintaining a competitive edge. AI should enhance creativity, not replace human insight, urging a balance between technology and authentic engagement.

The discussion dives deep into Meta's alarming revenue from scam ads, highlighting its long history of ethical failures. The hosts ponder whether it's the least ethical major tech player today. Shifting gears, they analyze Michael Burry's bold bet against AI tech companies, contemplating the timing of a potential market correction. Meanwhile, Disney repositions its spending towards live sports and experiential entertainment. Finally, they examine Coca-Cola’s AI-generated holiday ad and the implications for brand strategy.

This week dives into groundbreaking AI developments in music and marketing. The debut of Zania Monet, the first AI artist on a Billboard chart, sparks a debate on the future of human creativity. Coca-Cola's AI-generated holiday ad raises questions about authenticity and brand connection in an era of AI campaigns. A massive study reveals how 180 million jobs are being reshaped by AI, hinting at who’s safe in the job market. The hosts also discuss the resurgence of print media and the importance of collaboration among independent journalists.