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

They tackle a landmark verdict that accuses social platforms of being built to addict users and explore whether this becomes a 'big tobacco' moment. They unpack OpenAI killing Sora, its Disney tie-up fallout, and the hire of an ad chief as a revenue play. New video ad pushes from TikTok and ads coming to Apple Maps spark a debate about a race to the bottom in digital media.

They unpack the idea of being “alternatively influential”: small-scale tastemakers who may matter more than big followings. They debate whether AI is helping creativity or just amplifying multitasking fatigue. They watch Substack morph into a full creator platform and weigh what that means for independent creators. They also call out standout marketing moves and notable misfires.

They unpack Anthropic research showing AI can perform many marketing tasks and debate whether the bigger disruption is machines or leaders who undervalued marketing. Conversation covers how AI may reshape tactical work and elevate strategy, creativity, and trust. They also analyze Meta’s Moldbook move and the rising role of LinkedIn content in AI chat responses. Plus takes on standout brand campaigns and industry rants.

They unpack a chaotic week in AI, including a stumble by a major player and aggressive moves from a rival, and why platform concentration worries marketers. They reframe a McDonald’s CEO viral moment as a brand win that celebrates quirky employees. They explore the rapid rise of 90‑second serialized dramas on short‑form platforms and call out creative marketing wins and strategic missteps from big brands.

They debate whether big brand advertising is truly finished or hiding a pivot to creator-led and retail strategies. The conversation digs into Facebook’s creator payouts and the surprising rise of lower-cost global creators. They wrestle with AI actors, likeness trademarking, and how contracts must change. Plus: a quirky creator win selling landline phones and a critique of U.S. men’s hockey storytelling.

Companies like Meta and other social platforms are facing serious scrutiny over the effects of social media on mental health, teens, misinformation, and society at large. Lawmakers are circling. Hearings are happening. Headlines are dramatic. But is this real regulatory momentum… or political theater? Joe and Robert debate: Whether meaningful regulation is actually possible What history tells us about tech antitrust moments And what marketers should prepare for if something does change Are we watching the beginning of a structural shift, or just another PR cycle? OpenAI Buys OpenClaw OpenAI makes another strategic move, acquiring OpenClaw. Smart vertical integration or signs of pressure? Joe and Robert explore: What this signals about OpenAI's long-term positioning If this move strengthens the moat or exposes vulnerability Desperate land grab or calculated chess move? Apple Moves into Video. Too Late? Apple continues expanding its footprint in video podcasts and entertainment. But in a world dominated by established streaming giants and creator-driven platforms, is Apple behind? The discussion covers: Apple's historical pattern of entering late and winning anyway Whether hardware advantage still matters If brand trust gives Apple an edge in a saturated market What this means for content creators and marketers Is Apple playing the long game… or missing the moment? Marketing Winners and Losers Winners Joe shares a win from Surfside and what "winning" looks like in Key West. Sometimes the lesson isn't scale. It's positioning, timing, and owning a moment. Losers Robert discusses the Ring backlash and how they just didn't read the room. Rants and Raves Robert's Rant The evolving role of the AI creator. Is the curator the new role? Joe's Rave Differentiation is not louder messaging. It's clearer identity. In a world drowning in synthetic sameness, the brands and creators who stand for something specific will win. As always, Joe and Robert cut through the noise so you can focus on what matters. Subscribe. Share. And don't miss this one. Subscribe and Follow: Follow Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose on LinkedIn for insights, hot takes, and weekly updates from the world of content and marketing. ------- This week's sponsor: Did you know that most businesses only use 20% of their data? That's like reading a book with most of the pages torn out. Point is, you miss a lot. Unless you use HubSpot. Their customer platform gives you access to the data you need to grow your business. The insights trapped in emails, call logs, and transcripts. All that unstructured data that makes all the difference. Because when you know more, you grow more. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/ Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/. Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/ Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/ ------- This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

They dissect the NFL’s strategic bet on Bad Bunny and what that says about reaching younger, global and Latino audiences. They evaluate Super Bowl ads, calling out bold cultural moves and AI-driven spots that fell flat. Spotify’s earnings spark a discussion about creator-owned audio and subscription opportunities. They also highlight creator-driven distribution wins like Markiplier’s Iron Lung and flag privacy concerns around TikTok tracking.

Rapid-fire rants and raves tackle whether print and physical newsletters are staging a comeback. Sharp takes on screen time, social media habits, and how culture is shifting. Strong arguments that organizational design, not content quality, often breaks marketing. Bold opinions about AI certainty and a push for more thoughtful, friction-filled marketing experiences.

They answer listener questions about how backlinks, citations, and original research can work together for search and answer visibility. They debate what content to gate for memberships versus what should stay public. They discuss whether AI will replace human strategists and how consultants can stay relevant. They examine entertainment content boosting sports brands and whether to separate audience-building from sales content.

This week, a powerhouse duo explores the ambitious partnership between Apple and Google in AI, raising eyebrows about privacy and strategy. They discuss OpenAI's controversial plan to introduce ads in ChatGPT, revealing the implications for user trust and brand experiences. A highlight includes Salesforce teaming up with YouTube star MrBeast for a Super Bowl ad, raising expectations to new heights. Plus, they delve into the rise of AI-generated music and its impact on creativity, alongside praises for nostalgic marketing tactics by brands like Dos Equis.