Show overview
Ad Age Insider has been publishing since 2017, and across the 9 years since has built a catalogue of 197 episodes, alongside 6 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 110 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 28 min and 40 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language News show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 6 days ago, with 17 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2019, with 54 episodes published. Published by Ad Age Podcasts.
From the publisher
Every week, Ad Age Insider helps make sense of what's happening across advertising, marketing and media—and why it matters. Hosted by Parker Herren, the show features conversations with Ad Age editors and reporters unpacking the stories they're covering, with context, skepticism and perspective beyond the headlines. From shifts in power and strategy to cultural moments shaping the business of brands, Insider connects the dots across the industry. Subscribe to stay current—and see the industry more clearly.
Latest Episodes
View all 197 episodesInside the TV upfronts—winners and losers, measurement and AI, with Brandon Doerrer
Agency hiring in the AI era: What grads need now, with Lindsay Rittenhouse
What's driving marketing impact: lessons from award-winning campaigns, with Tim Nudd
Testing ChatGPT ads—what brands need to know about AI strategy, with Asa Hiken
Ep 29Brand community strategy: turning reach into participation, with Mark Fischer and Sabrina Sanchez
Senior Engagement Editor Mark Fischer interviews Ad Age's communities and Substack strategy leaders Sabrina Sanchez and Parker Herren on how brands are turning consumers into brand builders. Learn how brands are meeting audiences where they are, designing repeatable, low‑lift interactions and choosing platforms that teams can sustain. Sanchez and Herren also outline first steps for marketers and agencies: audit existing audiences, prioritize trust and feedback loops, and treat community as a long‑term distribution and relationship strategy. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Subscribe to Ad Age's Substack ~More on Ad Age's The List community ~If you're an early-career professional and want to sign up for Ad Age's NextGen community, send an email to [email protected] ~Applications for Ad Age's Small Agency Network will reopen this summer. Stay tuned at AdAge.com for more information ~Read Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Playbook ~How brands can help Gen Z find fulfillment beyond curated feeds ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast
Ep 28'Fruit Love Island' brand lessons: skip this viral trend, with Gillian Follett
Brain rot content has become a staple of virality on TikTok. But brands eager to jump into trending conversations should be wary of "Fruit Love Island" and similar AI-generated posts. Users will be far less kind to corporations than their peers. Influencer and Social Media Marketing Reporter Gillian Follett breaks down the "Fruit Love Island" trend, why it's become so popular and what it reveals about brands on social media. Plus, the shift of content toward entertainment and brands that have successfully tapped into emerging formats. And, what you need to know about Kristen Cavallo's return to the ad industry as well as CVS Health's creative and media agency reviews. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~What brands need to know about "Fruit Love Island" ~Creator takeaways from this year's NewFronts ~Submit for Ad Age's Small Agency Awards ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast
Ep 27Identity marketing and how beverage brands are winning Gen Z, with Jon Springer
Senior Reporter Jon Springer breaks into the rise of identity marketing, including how soda brands like Poppi, Dr. Pepper and Diet Coke are winning with Gen Z. Plus, how all marketers can incorporate better social listening and fan engagement to turn their branding into cultural currency. And why ChatGPT's Instant Checkout ad product flopped, and Apple's plans to bring brands to Maps. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Why the drinks people carry matter more to marketers now ~Takeaways from Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Playbook ~Behind the rise of alcoholic sports drinks ~Summer alcohol marketing trends to know ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast
Ep 26NewFronts 2026 survival guide, with Garett Sloane, Brandon Doerrer and Gillian Follett
As the industry gears up for a week of presentations from YouTube, Meta, TikTok, Tubi and more, Ad Age reporters break down the topics trending at this year's NewFronts, from AI and agentic tools to creator amplification. Hear how to decipher hype from reality, how digital ad dollars are being spent in 2026 and why these presentations matter to the industry. Plus, why Publicis is calling out the Trade Desk. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~2026 NewFronts trends ~2026 NewFronts calendar ~Inside Q2 media budgets ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast
Ep 25How to win the Ad Age A-List, with Judann Pollack
Executive Editor and editorial lead of the Ad Age A-List Judann (Judy) Pollack talks the value of industry awards, and tips for climbing Ad Age's annual list of top agencies. She describes what defines success despite industry challenges, what judges look for in award submissions, the dos and don'ts of a good entry and trends to watch for next year's A-List. Plus, DraftKings' new creative agencies. And what Milan Cortina Winter Olympics marketers learned about brand safety, and how to apply those lessons to the FIFA World Cup. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~See 2026 Ad Age A-List winners ~Attend Ad Age's Editors Roundtable on March 26 ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast
Ep 24How to win new business in 2026, with Brian Bonilla
Senior agency reporter Brian Bonilla goes deep on the current new business marketplace, including how government policy, tech and AI innovation and industry consolidation are impacting agency account reviews. Bonilla shares current brand needs, explains how those are different from recent years, and provides tips for brands to get a leg up in pitches. Plus, tips for marketers overwhelmed by the review process. Plus, the lesson for brands in McDonald's cringe CEO taste test and what ChatGPT's first third-party ad tech partner means for brands. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~What separates agencies winning 2026 reviews ~How agencies are helping clients become more self-sufficient ~Inside agencies' new self-service platforms ~What are media rebates? Agency transparency in the hot seat
Ep 23What are media rebates? Agency transparency in the hot seat, with Ewan Larkin
Agency reporter Ewan Larkin decodes a recent lawsuit against WPP Media that has made agency transparency the industry's buzziest topic. Larkin defines media rebates and principal media buying, explaining how agencies aggregate billions in client ad budgets to negotiate volume deals with platforms such as Google, Meta and Amazon, and how those arrangements can create conflicts over who benefits from discounted or proprietary inventory. He describes potential red flags in these practices and lists what questions marketers should be asking their agencies to protect their marketing budgets. Plus, Estée Lauder's media agency shakeup, and a shocking agency executive exit. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Inside the lawsuit against WPP Media ~Acadia's CEO on media rebate transparency ~Get tickets to Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Summit ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast
Ep 22Your AI ad playbook: red flags, hard lessons and brand wins, with Asa Hiken
Ad Age Tech Reporter Asa Hiken chronicles the evolution of generative AI use in major brands' advertising, the common mistakes that upset viewers and the checklist every marketer needs to know if they plan to scale generative AI use. Plus, why agencies are rushing to get their clients on ChatGPT, including the benefits they predict will come from being a first mover. And Raymour & Flanigan's new media agency. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Subscribe to Ad Age's Emerging Tech newsletter ~See AI generated work from Coca-Cola, Google, Progressive, Svedka, McDonald's and Kalshi ~Register for Ad Age's AI-focused Editor's Roundtable ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast
Ep 21Your 2027 Super Bowl strategy starts here: Big Game takeaways from Ad Age reporters
Ad Age reporters and editors share their top Super Bowl takeaways that indicate elements of winning Big-Game strategies. From the downfall of celebrity slop to the best uses of social media and the risks brands take when they play it safe, take notes on what hit and missed last Sunday so that your brand can get ahead on its 2027 plan. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Ad Age's Super Bowl ad review ~How brands plan for the Monday after the Super Bowl ~Agency winners from Super Bowl LX ~Ad Age's Super Bowl diversity report ~Super Bowl advertisers fall behind on Hispanic representation
Ep 19Going viral in 2026: strategy, subcultures and engagement, with Gillian Follett
Ad Age's Gillian Follett redefines going viral for 2026, from how to pivot marketing strategies to the new metrics measuring social media success and emerging platforms brands should dig into. Plus, how to win with subcultures, manage fractured virality and avoid cringe. And the chaos behind the scenes of TikTok's ownership transition, why auto brands are skipping the Super Bowl and Home Depot's agency shakeup. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Universal viral moments are over—what brands need to know ~Inside social trends: Jet2 holiday, 2016 throwback, Brat Summer, ALS Ice Bucket Challenge ~Lessons from Taylor Swift's viral engagement ~Buy tickets for the Ad Age NextGen Marketing Summit ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast
Ep 18Microdramas and ad strategy: Lessons from long-form brand storytelling, with Brandon Doerrer
Creativity and media innovation reporter Brandon Doerrer breaks down the recent surge of long-form marketing and how brands are tapping into the microdrama surge. From measurement and performance, to platform strategy and this see-what-sticks mentality, learn what branded entertainment means for media strategy, and takeaways for marketers, even if they don't have a Hollywood budget. Also, OpenAI has begun testing ads in ChatGPT. Hear Ad Age's reporting on how much it costs to be first to market and strategy takeaways. Plus, how to win the Gen Z 2016 social trend. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Inside brands' long-form ad experimentation ~Watch long-form work from Maybelline, Gushers and Doritos ~Buy tickets for Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Summit ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast
Ep 17Decoding 2026 hype vs. reality for marketers, with E.J. Schultz and Adrianne Pasquarelli
After attending CES and NRF's Big Show, Ad Age News Editor E.J. Schultz and Senior Marketing Reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli decipher what industry leaders are saying on stages versus the anxieties they face as the CMO role continues to fundamentally change. From the increasing complexity of AI innovation to how agencies are struggling to differentiate innovation and consumers' hunger for simplicity, hear how 2026 predictions are actually taking shape. Also, what Google's new agentic commerce framework means for brands and lessons on how to get the most out of TikTok Shop. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Top marketing takeaways from CES 2026 ~Trending topics at NRF's Big Show 2026 ~5 tips for selling on TikTok Shop ~Track 2026 Super Bowl ads ~Buy tickets for Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Summit ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast
Ep 162026 marketing predictions: Ad Age reporters on industry trends and pivots
On Ad Age Insider's first episode of 2026, reporters from across the Ad Age newsroom share the most and least surprising takes from their predictions reporting, and what it all means for the industry. From how changes in the media landscape might impact brands' agency rosters to how consumer crazes around protein and weight loss drugs will influence marketing trends and plenty of AI, hear how this year's trending topics will impact your work and the industry. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Media buying and strategy predictions ~100 creativity predictions ~2026 influencer marketing shifts ~AI marketing predictions for 2026 ~100 ad leaders predict 2026 marketing trends ~Food and beverage marketing trends to watch ~The future of retail in 2026 ~Enter Ad Age's 2026 Tech Power List ~Listen to the Ad Age Marketer's Brief
Ep 15Laid off from an agency? What to do now and next, with Lindsay Rittenhouse
Senior Agency Reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse breaks down ad industry instability and why agencies are undergoing heavy waves of layoffs, including from the recent Omnicom acquisition of IPG. She provides guidance on what to do when impacted by agency layoffs, how to prepare for the sparse job market and when to consider alternative job paths. Plus, the campaign Ad Age readers voted the best of 2025 versus creativity editor Tim Nudd's top picks from the year. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~What to know if you've been laid off ~The latest industry employment stats ~Listen: Why the Omnicom-IPG deal matters for all advertisers ~Agency layoff warning signs ~How agencies are changing their strategies for the AI era ~How AI is changing ad jobs ~Listen: the state of entry-level ad careers
Ep 14How to win Marketer of the Year, with E.J. Schultz and Adrianne Pasquarelli
Ad Age News Editor E.J. Schultz and Senior Marketing Reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli go behind the scenes of Ad Age's annual Marketer of the Year list. They share tips on how brands can increase their odds for next year's competition as well as a rundown of takeaways from this year's group of brands that might be useful for your 2026 marketing strategy. Plus, a look inside the Kansas City Chiefs' play to become the top Christmas NFL team, with key strategy takeaways from CMO Lara Krug. And the latest on Warner Bros. Discovery's sale saga. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Garage Beer is Ad Age's 2025 Marketer of the Year ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast ~Vote for 2025's biggest brand fail ~Vote for the best ad campaign of 2025 ~Share your 2026 ad industry predictions with Ad Age
Ep 13Omnicom-IPG deal: industry ripple effects, with Brian Bonilla and Ewan Larkin
Agency reporters Brian Bonilla and Ewan Larkin dig into Omnicom's acquisition of IPG, and its impact for the advertising industry beyond just agency holding companies. They break down how independent agencies can win, what the deal means for the hold-co hierarchy and key factors to track as the industry's future structure takes shape. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Watch Brian and Ewan's day-one Omnicom takes on Breaking & Entering ~Everything to know about the Omnicom-IPG deal ~Inside Omnicom's new structure ~Top execs to know at new Omnicom ~Omnicom & IPG's joint Kenvue pitch ~The details on Havas and Horizon's joint venture ~Wpromote acquires Giant Spoon ~Inside Just Born's account review ~Recapping Publicis' acquisitions of Captiv8 and Influential ~Rewind: the failed Omnicom-Publicis merger