

Open Market
Joe Zappa & Eric Franchi
Open Market is a podcast about building companies in the advertising industry. This is not another news podcast. Rather, hosts Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa dive into the stories of successful companies to help listeners understand how to replicate that success. Guests such as Brian O'Kelley, Jonah Goodhart, and the Vanderhooks join to share their advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 27min
Magnite and Streamr on the Performance TV Acquisition
Adam Soroca, CPO of Magnite, and Jonathan Moffie, CEO of Streamr, dive into the exciting world of ad tech after Magnite's acquisition of Streamr. They discuss how this merger is set to revolutionize connected television and the strategies behind fostering growth in SMBs. Moffie shares insights on building an AI-first startup and the key lessons for future founders. The episode also highlights the use of creative automation and the importance of tailored advertising approaches in optimizing marketing in an ever-evolving landscape.

15 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 34min
Journalist Mike Shields on PR Being Even More Dead
Mike Shields, former Wall Street Journal and AdWeek reporter, shares his insights on the death of traditional PR. He argues that modern communication demands a shift away from outdated marketing strategies. The discussion highlights the changing dynamics of media consumption, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building between journalists and businesses. Mike also critiques how ad tech companies can better engage with media in a digital landscape, underscoring the growing significance of social media in personal branding and effective outreach.

35 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 44min
Auren Hoffman on LiveRamp Lessons, Great Talent, and Contrarian Takes
Auren Hoffman, a serial entrepreneur and former CEO of LiveRamp, shares intriguing insights on building effective companies. He reflects on why he shouldn’t have sold LiveRamp and his vision for its future. Auren discusses the evolving adtech landscape and the potential of AI in personalized advertising. He emphasizes the importance of spotting great talent and challenges conventional wisdom about emotional intelligence in business. Tune in for his contrarian views and thoughts on possibly starting another adtech venture!

Aug 27, 2025 • 36min
James Borow on Universal Ads’ Approach to CTV
Universal Ads' James Borow joins Eric and Joe to discuss the key components of the performance TV category, Universal Ads' unique approach, how big an impact performance TV will have on the open web as a whole, and what he's learned from selling multiple companies. Hijinks about corporations ensue.

Aug 20, 2025 • 30min
tvScientific CEO Jason Fairchild on Fundraising Strategy
tvScientific CEO and co-founder Jason Fairchild joins the pod a second time to discuss fundraising strategies. Tips for Open Marketers include taking more at-bats, choosing the right timing and making the success of the company feel inevitable, making strategics' success a part of your success, and surrounding yourself with the right people, especially for your first company. Joe also lectures Jason and Eric on proper sunscreening habits.

Aug 13, 2025 • 37min
Building and Managing Teams with PayPal Ads' Dan Robbins
PayPal's Dan Robbins joins Joe and the Italian Beef on the pod to discuss how management and collaboration changes as an organization grows from one person to over 100 (which Dan oversaw at Roku), heuristics and personality frameworks for understanding people's tendencies and motivations, and why marketing should be an input, not just an output. Plus, Joe tests the guys' patience with his fervor for astrology for business bros aka the enneagram.

Aug 6, 2025 • 32min
Onetag Co-CEO Filippo Gramigna on Collaborative Leadership and International Adtech
Onetag Co-CEO Filippo Gramigna joins Eric and Joe on the pod to discuss running Onetag as co-CEO with founder Daniel Pirchio, Italian vs Nordic vs American debate styles, and how and when to expand a European adtech company to the US. Filippo gives Joe and Eric some tips on how to navigate intergenerational disagreements, and the trio dives into the nuances of curation.

Jul 30, 2025 • 20min
Blis President Alex Boras on AI Media Planning
Alex Boras, President of Blis, showcases their innovative AI media planning tool. He explains how AI streamlines audience building from a manual process to a customizable exchange with planners. The conversation dives into AI's role in generating detailed audience profiles and dynamic targeting for marketing campaigns. Alex highlights the significance of location intelligence in overcoming digital advertising challenges and enhancing campaign effectiveness while saving time. This episode is an insightful look at the future of media planning!

13 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 26min
The Cluely Marketing Playbook
Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa break down the essentials of a revolutionary marketing playbook targeting adtech and martech innovators. They emphasize storytelling that pits heroes against villains and the importance of the CEO as the brand's chief evangelist. The duo also champions the acquisition of creator-led media for massive impact. With a mix of humor and insightful analysis, they explore the role of AI in marketing and the necessity of provocative strategies to cut through the clutter in today's competitive landscape.

40 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 48min
Everything About Boards with Aperiam Partner Corey Ferengul
Corey Ferengul, a serial CEO and board member with a rich background in leading firms like Magnetic, shares invaluable insights on board dynamics from a founder's perspective. He discusses when and how to assemble a board, the crucial roles of independent members, and best practices for engaging board meetings. Corey emphasizes the synergy between marketing and sales, and the importance of storytelling in showcasing marketing's value. With tips on effective communication, he highlights how transparency can foster trust and enhance board collaboration.