

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

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.

24 snips
May 21, 2025 • 30min
Retail Media Messaging Workshop with Kevel CEO James Avery
James Avery, CEO of Kevel, discusses the evolution of his company and the retail media landscape. He highlights the challenges retailers face in digital advertising and the need for innovative solutions. The conversation delves into effective marketing strategies, emphasizing counter-positioning against industry giants. Avery shares insights on future advancements in commerce and the importance of consistent messaging. Expect a detailed look at how technology is reshaping attribution and measurement in the retail space.

14 snips
May 14, 2025 • 27min
How to Turn Your Value Prop into a Story
Discover how to turn your company's value proposition into a captivating story that draws in customers. Explore the importance of simplicity in B2B marketing and how it fosters trust and engagement. Learn the significance of accountability in advertising narratives and the shift towards meaningful metrics. Delve into the benefits of building long-term professional relationships, and how real-world experience can triumph over traditional education methods. Plus, enjoy a humorous tale about an unexpected encounter with a bear that adds a light-hearted twist!

7 snips
May 7, 2025 • 39min
Is It POSSIBLE for Jeff Green to Crush it on LinkedIn?
The vibrant atmosphere of a recent advertising event drew massive attention, igniting discussions on its growth and significance over the years. Hosts humorously critique Jeff Green's LinkedIn presence, suggesting he needs a strategic makeover. They explore the balance between planned meetings and spontaneous networking at conferences, highlighting the dynamics of meaningful connections. Additionally, the rise of CEOs engaging on social media is examined, emphasizing the necessity of a strong online presence for shaping brand narratives in today's tech landscape.

6 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 33min
The Next $1B Commerce Media Business with PayPal Ads GM Dr. Mark Grether
Dr. Mark Grether, General Manager of PayPal Ads and former leader of Uber's ad business, shares his insights on building a billion-dollar commerce media business. He discusses the four critical components for success and how advertisers can seize emerging opportunities. Mark reveals how AI is revolutionizing commerce media for brands and consumers alike. He also highlights PayPal's unique advertising advantage, leveraging extensive data to foster consumer trust while navigating the evolving landscape. Tune in for intriguing perspectives on the future of advertising!

6 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 30min
From Brand Safety to Suitability with Michael Bishop and Rich Raddon
OpenAds CTO (and former Moat engineer) Michael Bishop and Zefr CEO Rich Raddon join Eric and Joe to discuss the evidence-based case (or lack thereof) for brand safety, why we should shift our mindset from safety to suitability and contextual targeting, the link between suitability and performance, and how AI is changing the space. Plus, Michael drops the term "poststructuralist" on the pod, a philosophical allusion for the ages.

27 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 49min
AI, Work Productivity Gaps, and Customer Experience with Crosshatch CEO Soren Larson
Soren Larson, CEO of Crosshatch, shares his insights on how AI is reshaping venture scaling and business growth. He dives into the transformative effects of LLMs on customer experience, emphasizing personalization over mere data management. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of venture capital amid AI's influence, and the balance between job disruption and new opportunities in the workforce. Plus, Soren reveals his newfound passion for cars, and the hosts delve into the intriguing world of VC secret societies.

12 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 49min
The OpenAI Ad Opportunity, Second-Time Founders, and Reading Your Coworkers
The hosts dive into the potential for OpenAI to delve into a massive ad business despite their claims to the contrary. They discuss how AI is reshaping productivity, especially for knowledge workers, and the unique advantages second-time founders have in ad tech. Insights into navigating team dynamics with AI and how personality tests like the Enneagram play a role in professional relationships are explored. The evolving landscape of advertising, driven by tech advancements, sets the stage for future innovations.


