Open Market
Joe Zappa & Eric Franchi
Open Market is a podcast about building companies in the advertising space. This is not another news podcast. Rather, hosts Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa will dive deep into the stories of successful companies and growth strategies to help listeners understand how to replicate that success. For example, how did Eric build Undertone to a $180M exit? How would you reverse-engineer a $10M adtech exit? Why do you need a chief audience officer? Entrepreneurs, execs, and GTM professionals in advertising should walk away from each week’s episode with new ideas on how to build their companies.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
20 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 48min
Mobian CEO Jonah Goodhart on Another Bite at the Adtech Apple
Jonah Goodhart, CEO of Mobian and former head of Moat—acquired by Oracle for $850 million—shares his unique insights into the ad tech landscape. He highlights the pivotal strategies that led to Moat's success and details how his approach has shifted with Mobian. The discussion dives into the challenges of contextualizing content in advertising and how generative AI can enhance understanding. Additionally, Jonah explores the fascinating philosophical roots behind Mobian's name, emphasizing continuity in a complex industry.
10 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 40min
Big Happy CEO Jonathan Frohlinger on Building a Creative Business
Jonathan Frohlinger, CEO of Big Happy, dives into his adventures in building a mobile creative tech business. He shares insights on transitioning from agency life to embracing a culture that prioritizes talent and satisfaction. The conversation touches on the evolution of advertising with emerging technologies like AI and CGI, while emphasizing the importance of blending creativity with performance. Frohlinger also reveals Big Happy's exciting expansion into digital out-of-home advertising, showcasing how innovative graphics can enhance client experiences.
Jun 25, 2025 • 23min
Duration Media CEO Andy Batkin on a Hybrid Approach to Adtech GTM
Andy Batkin, CEO of Duration Media, shares insights into his company's strategic evolution from a focus on viewability to a hybrid approach in adtech. He discusses the creation of a proprietary SSP named Curation Media, which aims to improve efficiency for advertisers and publishers. Batkin also highlights the importance of sustainable advertising practices and modern strategies, such as leveraging social media for better audience connection. His perspective on integrating old-school tactics with innovative methods provides a fresh take on navigating industry challenges.
19 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 22min
How AI Disruption Will Affect Advertising Jobs and Romanticizing the Open Web
Explore how AI is set to disrupt advertising jobs, especially for entry-level positions, sparking a debate on future opportunities and essential skills like emotional intelligence. Delve into the delicate balance between AI technology and creative integrity in advertising. Gain insights into the evolving digital landscape of the open web, where traditional models are challenged by engaging new formats. Finally, learn how companies are tackling issues of consumer trust while leveraging AI for better credibility and performance.
11 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 25min
Are Ads or Micropayments the Future of the Open Internet?
The hosts debate whether micropayments could become the go-to monetization model, shifting away from traditional ads. They explore the relationship between AI advancements and advertising, considering the impact on content creators. Insights into a key tech acquisition highlight the evolving landscape, while critiques of advertising practices call for authentic content. Plus, practical marketing tips for startups focus on staying consistent, responding to criticism strategically, and connecting meaningfully with audiences.
7 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 28min
LUMA Recap and the 4 Big Advertising Trends
Diving into major advertising trends, the hosts discuss the shift towards outcome-based metrics in the ad market and the surge of AI-driven startups. They explore the struggles of traditional ad tech against the backdrop of an evolving open internet. The rise of creators is emphasized as a pivotal force in this landscape. With a focus on transparency and collaboration, the conversation highlights how an optimistic mindset can drive innovation and efficiency in the industry.
7 snips
May 28, 2025 • 38min
SWYM Messaging Workshop with CEO Ravi Patel
Ravi Patel, CEO and founder of SWYM, shares his insights on revolutionizing programmatic advertising through automation and transparency. He discusses the evolution of ad buying, emphasizing a shift towards outcome-based strategies. The conversation delves into the challenges of expanding marketing campaigns and the pivotal role of data-driven audience segmentation. Ravi also highlights how AI is reshaping entrepreneurship, helping founders streamline operations and enhance decision-making in an increasingly complex landscape.
