

Email After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders
Sender Score Powered By Validity
Welcome to Email After Hours by Sender Score, powered by Validity.
By day, we help email senders all over the world boost their email performance. Once we’re off the clock, we interview email marketing experts to talk about email fails, spam, privacy laws, metrics that matter, content that converts—and anything else that keeps senders up at night. Nothing is off-limits. We know what works in email–and we know the road to your next great campaign is getting bumpier by the day. So, we’re making it our mission to answer the single most important question for senders: How can we give email subscribers what they really want? To find out, join us after hours. Hosted by Danielle Gallant, Senior Email Strategist, and Guy Hanson, VP of Customer Engagement at Validity, Inc.
By day, we help email senders all over the world boost their email performance. Once we’re off the clock, we interview email marketing experts to talk about email fails, spam, privacy laws, metrics that matter, content that converts—and anything else that keeps senders up at night. Nothing is off-limits. We know what works in email–and we know the road to your next great campaign is getting bumpier by the day. So, we’re making it our mission to answer the single most important question for senders: How can we give email subscribers what they really want? To find out, join us after hours. Hosted by Danielle Gallant, Senior Email Strategist, and Guy Hanson, VP of Customer Engagement at Validity, Inc.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 26, 2026 • 29min
Funny…or Unsubscribed? April Fools Email Strategy Explained
No episode today! (APRIL FOOLS)...Did we get you? ;) In this episode of Email After Hours, Guy Hanson and Danielle Gallant tackle the delicate balance between humor and email performance in April Fools’ Day campaigns. While playful messaging can boost engagement and showcase brand personality, poor execution can confuse subscribers, trigger unsubscribes, and even harm inbox placement—especially in an era where AI tools are summarizing emails before they’re opened.From avoiding sarcasm and niche humor to managing timing conflicts with major retail moments like Easter, discover what separates successful campaigns from misfires, with real-world examples across industries that stopped subscribers in their tracks. What you’ll learn:How to use humor in email marketing without damaging trust or deliverabilityHow AI-powered inbox summaries can spoil or distort joke-based emailsWhy sarcasm and niche humor are high-risk tacticsHow humor can strengthen brand personality when executed authenticallyWhy clear date references help AI-driven inboxes correctly categorize your emailsIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.Email After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Mar 12, 2026 • 36min
Designing Email for Humans, Machines, and Everything In Between with Jay Oram
Don’t waste time chasing AI trends! Get back to the basics! In this episode of Email After Hours, Guy Hanson and Danielle Gallant sit down with Jay Oram, Head of Development at Action Rocket, to explore why accessibility should be the foundation of every email build. From designing for smartwatches and AI summarization tools to improving deliverability through reply-to strategies and hidden text optimization, Jay shares practical, developer-first tactics to help brands create emails that work for every device, reader, and algorithm.If you're building emails for humans, machines, and every screen size in between, this episode is your blueprint for staying relevant, compliant, and competitive.What you’ll learn:How replacing no-reply addresses with monitored reply-to inboxes can improve deliverability, engagement signals, and sender reputationHow to create accessible, semantically structured templates that remain adaptable for 2–3 years across new devices and platformsWhy accessibility best practices (proper heading hierarchy, live text, alt text, semantic HTML) also optimize emails for AI readers and voice assistantsHow to test emails from the user’s perspective–listening via screen readers, previewing on smartwatches, and checking fallback rendering in Outlook and image-blocked environmentsWhat regulatory changes around tracking and explicit opt-in consent may mean for open tracking and measurement in EuropeJay Oram is Head of Development at Action Rocket, where he specializes in HTML/CSS email development, interactive builds, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud solutions. With a background in digital marketing and deep expertise in accessibility and AI-ready design, Jay helps brands create high-performing emails that balance creativity with real-world inbox performance. Outside of work, he’s a passionate canoe and kayak guide and pro team member for Pyranha and Venture Canoes.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.Email After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Feb 26, 2026 • 38min
Burning Down Email Best Practices with Beth O'Malley
What if everything you’ve been told about email marketing is WRONG??In this episode, Guy Hanson and Danielle Gallant chat with Beth O'Malley, email strategist and self-described "queen of email," to go up against the traditional sending advice that dominates email marketing. Together, they question and dismantle outdated best practices, expose metrics that mislead, and reveal why following the herd often leads marketers astray, especially when it comes to deliverability and long-term brand impact.What you'll learn:Why open rates are destroying your email strategy The Billboard Effect frameworkThe exclusion-first segmentation strategyHow trends can box in your strategy and how to break free…and more!About the Guest(s)Beth O'Malley is an independent email marketing strategist and self-described "queen of email," known for her contrarian approach to challenging established industry wisdom. With extensive experience managing email functions across enterprise organizations, she has shifted her focus to helping businesses reimagine their email strategies beyond conventional best practices. In this episode, Beth shares actionable insights on questioning outdated metrics, testing unconventional approaches, and measuring email's true impact beyond vanity metrics, making this conversation essential for Email Marketing Managers and deliverability professionals seeking to break free from industry dogma.Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedInGuy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedInIf you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Feb 12, 2026 • 33min
Your Email Content is Killing Your Deliverability—and How to Fix It with LB Blair
You work SO HARD to create a beautiful email… so why is it still going to spam?In this episode of Email After Hours, hosts Guy Hanson and Danielle Gallant sit down with LB Blair to uncover the email content mistakes that sabotage inbox placement. They’ll also dive into emerging trends that senders, mailbox providers, and subscribers can all agree on.What You'll Learn:Why image optimization is non-negotiable in 2026How alt text became a powerful deliverability leverThe impact that rendering failures across dark mode and mobile have on subscriber experienceThe two-click rule for auto-download PDFsWhy relevance is the ultimate deliverability signalAbout the Guest(s)LoriBeth (LB) Blair is a seasoned deliverability expert with years of hands-on experience solving complex sender reputation and inbox placement challenges for brands of all sizes. Known for her deep expertise in email authentication, content optimization, and cybersecurity's intersection with deliverability, LB has navigated virtually every email marketing trend and pitfall in the industry. In this episode, she shares critical insights on how email content—from image optimization and link security to responsive design and alt text—directly impacts inbox placement, providing actionable strategies that email marketing managers and deliverability professionals can implement immediately to protect their sender reputation.Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedInGuy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedInIf you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Jan 29, 2026 • 26min
Conquering Your ESP Migration: Pro-level Email Strategies with Craig Hood
Want to scare an email marketer? Just whisper, “ESP migration.”ESP migrations are notorious for being complex—but do they really have to be? In this episode of Email After Hours, Guy and Danielle sit down with Craig Hood, Email and SMS Leader at AstraZeneca, to unpack the real-world challenges of managing ESP migrations across 20+ markets, multiple regulatory frameworks, and competing stakeholder pressures. Craig walks through the process step-by-step, sharing actionable tips to help you transform from a migration fraidy-cat to your organization’s knight in shining armor.What you'll learn:How to establish email deliverability as non-negotiable with leadership and ITWhy ESP vendor selection should prioritize deliverability support over technology features aloneThe importance of building compliance-first infrastructure for global email programs in the age of evolving privacy lawsHow to customize IP warming strategies to account for Gmail's algorithmic differencesHow to leverage AI for faster content production without compromising compliance standards…and more!About the Guest(s)Craig Hood is an Email and SMS specialist at AstraZeneca with over 10 years of experience managing complex, multi-market email programs in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry. Known for his expertise in email deliverability strategy and ESP migrations, Craig has successfully navigated the challenges of managing 20+ markets across multiple ESPs while maintaining compliance with regulations like GDPR. In this episode, Craig shares critical insights on executing enterprise-level ESP migrations, IP warming strategies, and positioning email deliverability as a business priority—offering actionable guidance for email marketing managers and deliverability professionals managing complex organizational environments.Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gallant-6443a248/Guy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyhanson/If you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Jan 15, 2026 • 33min
Giving Tuesday Secrets, Giving an “F,” and More Nonprofit Email Program Tips with Kim Abuelhaj
Pushing a product? Easy. Pushing a cause? A whole other ballgame. In this episode of Email After Hours, hosts Guy Hanson and Danielle Gallant sit down with Kim Abuelhaj, Senior Director of Annual Giving and Membership at GLAAD, to explore the unique challenges of nonprofit email programs—where emotional resonance and mission advocacy replace transactional sales, and where deliverability directly impacts fundraising outcomes.What you'll learn:How to balance long-form storytelling with transactional email designWhy list hygiene and quarterly validation are non-negotiable for nonprofit sender reputationHow to leverage multi-channel donor engagement for increased lifetime valueHow putting the “f” in frankness and mission-first messaging outperformed traditional matching-gift campaigns…and so much more!About the Guest(s)Kim Abuelhaj is Senior Director of Annual Giving and Membership at GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization. With extensive expertise in nonprofit email marketing strategy, donor retention, and multi-channel fundraising campaigns, Kim brings deep insights into the unique challenges of mission-driven email programs. Her work focuses on balancing compelling storytelling with conversion strategy, managing donor relationships during economic volatility, and leveraging both digital and direct mail channels to maximize lifetime donor value. In this episode, Kim shares actionable strategies on nonprofit email best practices, deliverability optimization, and donor psychology—essential insights for email professionals working with mission-driven organizations. Her frank, data-driven approach to overcoming fundraising challenges without traditional marketing incentives offers valuable lessons for any marketer seeking to deepen subscriber engagement and build lasting relationships.Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gallant-6443a248/Guy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyhanson/If you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Dec 18, 2025 • 33min
Why Your Email Template Tanks Abroad—Cultural Segmentation Secrets with Rodrigo Brandão
Today the inbox, tomorrow THE WORLD! Scaling email programs internationally demands far more than translating templates—it requires reimagining your entire strategy for each market's unique needs, regulations, and consumer behavior.In this episode, Guy and Danielle sit down with Rodrigo Brandão of Be Growth to learn how he helped build a top-notch email strategy across 48 countries. Drawing from his experience scaling UTUA, a personal finance platform, Rodrigo shares battle-tested tactics for navigating diverse mailbox providers, regional compliance frameworks, and the data required to manage 25 million emails daily.What you'll learn:How to approach the nuances of each countryWhy LGPD compliance (and GDPR-like regulations) actually improve deliverability performanceThe 48-hour activation window as your primary indicator of list qualityHow mailbox provider distribution shifts your entire technical strategyThe data infrastructure required to prevent catastrophic segmentation failure…and so much more! .About the Guest(s)Rodrigo Brandão is the Head de Retenção at Be Growth, a Brazilian business hub with portfolio companies including Youtua, a leading personal finance advisory platform operating across 48 countries. With extensive expertise in scaling email marketing programs globally, Rodrigo has built and optimized email operations sending 25 million emails daily while navigating complex international regulations, diverse mailbox provider infrastructures, and culturally distinct consumer behaviors. His work spans critical challenges including LGPD compliance, multi-country segmentation, activation optimization, and deliverability management across varying regional conditions—from 80% activation rates in Norway to 40% in India. Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gallant-6443a248/Guy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyhanson/If you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Dec 5, 2025 • 28min
The ABCs of B2B Email Marketing—Live at MarketingProfs B2B Forum
Hello from Boston!Guy and Danielle were thrilled to meet up for the first time in person to record this live podcast episode at MarketingProfs B2B Forum!B2B email sending comes with its own unique challenges, including high list churn, strict filtering, and long buying cycles. In this episode, we explore these obstacles and share actionable strategies to overcome them—all in front of a packed audience!What You'll Learn:How to distinguish between delivery rate and inbox placement rateWhy B2B consent quality directly impacts your sender reputationKeeping your lists up to date in the high-churn B2B spaceHow to navigate Microsoft's reputation scoring systemAvoiding snowshoe spammingThe actionable framework for holiday season B2B sends that make sense…and more!About the Guest(s)Danielle Gallant is an Email Strategist at Validity with 12 years of hands-on experience in email marketing and deliverability optimization. Specializing in B2B email challenges, list hygiene, and mailbox provider filtering systems, Danielle translates complex technical concepts into actionable strategies for senders of all levels. In this episode, Danielle provides critical insights into spam folder mechanics, authentication failures, and the hidden costs of reputation degradation across enterprise platforms. Her expertise in measuring performance at the mailbox provider level and navigating privacy-driven limitations makes her a trusted resource for email marketing managers and operations professionals looking to maximize inbox placement rates and campaign ROI.Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gallant-6443a248/Guy Hanson is a Customer Engagement Specialist at Validity with 25 years of experience in email marketing. Known for his deep expertise in email deliverability, authentication protocols, and B2B sender reputation management, Guy brings practical insights into the technical complexities that plague modern email programs. In this episode, Guy breaks down the critical differences between delivery rates and inbox placement rates, offering B2B marketers essential strategies for navigating corporate mailbox providers like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. His real-world examples and forward-thinking approach make this conversation invaluable for email marketing managers and deliverability professionals seeking to improve campaign performance and sender reputation.Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyhanson/Topics we discuss:[00:00] Intro[00:06] Welcome to Email After Hours[00:43] Understanding B2B Email Deliverability Challenges[00:57] The Email After Hours Podcast[02:48] Delivered vs. Inbox Placement: The Critical Difference[03:47] The True Cost of B2B Inbox Placement Rates[06:21] List Churn and Reputation Degradation in B2B[07:20] Attribution Challenges in Longer Sales Cycles[09:12] Google Workspace and Corporate Admin Controls[12:01] Microsoft Office 365's Multi-Layered Filtering System[15:41] Proofpoint Enterprise vs. Essential: A Two-Tier Delivery System[16:32] How Proofpoint's Scoring System Works[18:09] Quarantine Rates and Hidden Message Placement[20:15] Broken Authentication and ARC Records[22:34] SDR Prospecting and IP Reputation Damage[23:50] Why You Should Never Use Snowshoe Spamming[25:57] Holiday Email Campaigns: B2B Best Practices[26:26] Monitoring Performance During Peak Sending Seasons[27:56] How to View and Track Email Reputation Metrics[28:58] Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Nov 13, 2025 • 30min
Best of 2025—Strategies for Deliverability, Data-First Marketing, and LOL-Worthy Campaigns
It’s been a BIG year for email innovation—and 2026 is right around the corner! Join Guy and Danielle as they revisit some of the most exciting, insightful, and hilarious email marketing conversations from the past year. In this special episode, we’re diving into our favorite moments, packed with actionable takeaways and fresh ideas for the future of email marketing.Get ready for rapid-fire insights on transitioning away from third-party cookies, using AI in email marketing, cold emailing in the B2B space, leading email teams like a pro, and so much more!Featuring email marketing experts like Beata Linz, Karen Talavera, Sarah Kappler, and Philip Storey.What you'll learn:How to design zero- and first-party data collection strategies that replace third-party cookies while building and maintaining subscriber trust.Proven strategies for sending cold B2B emails without harming sender reputation or deliverability.Navigating the ethical boundaries of AI-powered email marketing—and when explicit subscriber consent is essential.Tips for building the ultimate email marketing dream team.How (and when!) to use humor effectively in your email campaigns to engage and delight your audience.About the Guest(s)Karen TalaveraKaren Talavera is a B2B email marketing expert and cold outreach strategist known for balancing compliance, deliverability, and acquisition strategy. With a pragmatic approach to list-based campaigns and domain warm-up infrastructure, she helps brands navigate the often-controversial world of cold email while maintaining sender reputation and avoiding spam filters. In this episode, Karen addresses the critical tension between aggressive acquisition and sustainable deliverability, offering real-world case studies and testing frameworks that challenge the industry's knee-jerk rejection of cold outreach. Her nuanced perspective on when cold email makes sense—and when it doesn't—provides essential guidance for email marketing managers tasked with growing B2B subscriber bases responsibly.Sara KapplerSara Kappler is an AI ethics and automation strategist at Validity, specializing in the intersection of predictive analytics, personalization, and responsible data use in email marketing. With expertise in send-time optimization (AudiencePoint), dynamic content customization (Movable Ink), and inbox engagement signals, she bridges the gap between innovation and ethical AI implementation. In this episode, Sara explores real-world applications of machine learning—from Victoria's Secret's multi-thousand-version campaigns to cross-brand engagement analysis—while thoughtfully addressing consumer consent, data transparency, and the future of AI-powered email. Her insights are critical for deliverability professionals and email marketing managers seeking to leverage AI without compromising trust or compliance.Philip StoreyPhilip Storey is an email marketing agency leader and team-building strategist with a proven track record building high-performance "dream teams" around ambitious brands. With decades of experience solving email mysteries—from hidden deliverability crises to innovative revenue-driving campaigns (including the legendary TUI Travel champagne pre-booking initiative)—he brings a coaching mindset to email strategy and organizational design. In this episode, Philip shares hard-earned lessons on transitioning from individual contributor to leader, assembling world-class talent across design, development, deliverability, and account management, and knowing when to pivot or let go. His perspective on relationship-driven email marketing and the power of solving "the one thing" resonates deeply with email marketing managers and deliverability professionals building scalable, people-first teams.Beata Linz Beata Linz is a leading authority in data-driven marketing and email strategy, specializing in transforming data challenges into strategic advantages for businesses. With extensive experience in digital marketing and data optimization, she excels at helping brands navigate the evolving landscape of privacy regulations and cookie deprecation while maximizing customer engagement through first-party and zero-party data collection. Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-gallant-6443a248/Guy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyhanson/Topics we discuss:[00:19] From third-party cookies to zero and first-party data[04:55] Progressive profiling: Building database richness without opt-in fatigue[08:08] Customer data platforms: Unifying email, web, and mobile touch points[11:25] Cold email testing protocol: Protecting sender reputation[14:10] Personalization over templates: Avoiding spam filter triggers[15:41] AI ethics and consent: Transparency in automation[17:02] April Fools' campaigns: Humor as engagement driver[22:38] Why brands fear humor (but consumers want it)[24:47] Building Your email dream team: Recruitment and delegation[27:23] Turning campaign failures into leadership moments[28:21] Key Takeaways: 2025's essential email insightsIf you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)

Oct 30, 2025 • 9min
Answering Your Email Marketing Questions! Plummeting Open Rates, Hidden Email Scams, and AI implementation
It’s your turn to take the mic! In this episode of Email After Hours, Guy Hanson and Danielle Gallant address listener’s burning questions about AI implementation in email marketing, declining open rates, and maintaining sender trust in an era of sophisticated email scams. Don’t miss this actionable, bite-sized episode to help you become a stronger sender today!You'll learn:How to use AI-generated subject lines while maintaining brand voice and avoiding legal pitfallsThe truth behind declining open ratesHow BIMI implementation can boost subscriber trustHow to protect your brand against sophisticated email scams, including the emerging threat of SpamGPTHow to account for the inbox changes at Apple and Yahoo that are affecting your deliverability.…and more!Hosts at a Glance:Danielle Gallant - Danielle is a Senior Email Strategist at Validity. She has over seven years of experience working with global brands to craft strategies that amplify email performance. She is a self-professed email nerd, dog lover, and podcast fanatic.Danielle on LinkedInGuy Hanson - Guy is Vice President of Customer Engagement at Validity. He has led global consulting teams working with clients to improve email deliverability, subscriber engagement, and revenue. He believes in giving back to his community and is a regular speaker at flagship events, providing training and producing fresh and insightful thought leadership.Guy on LinkedInTopics we discuss:[00:44] AI in email: Balancing automation with human touch[02:43] Troubleshooting declining open rates: Beyond surface metrics[05:05] Email scams and building trust with BIMI[07:24] Cost-effective brand authentication solutions[08:21] Connect with us: Share your email marketing questions[09:06] Outro: Resources for stronger sendersIf you enjoyed this episode then please either:Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow ‘Email After Hours’ on SpotifyHit like and subscribe on YouTubeEmail After Hours: The Podcast for Email Senders is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.soCheck out our three most downloaded episodes:Rethinking Customer Loyalty Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Free CoffeeThe One Email Metric You’re Not Tracking (& Other Secrets to Killer Email Content) with MarketingProfs’ Ann HandleyNew Consumer Email Trends & Tips to Become a BFF Brand with the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)


