The Pub Way: An AdTech Podcast for Media Leaders

In this special episode for International Women’s Month 2026, we bring together female leaders across adtech and media to share the moments that shaped their careers, the lessons they wish they had known earlier, and how experience can help others move forward faster: Priti Powell (Co-Founder of Advance Women)KiYonna Carr (Director, O&O Yield Management at Yahoo)Shari Munoz (Head of Research and Measurement at Seedtag)Mariam Topeshashvili (Entrepreneur)Hosted by Tina Iannacchino (VP, Publisher Partnerships NA at Seedtag), the conversation explores leadership, career growth, and how sharing knowledge can drive more inclusive progress.

​​In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, hosts Tina Iannacchino and Mike Villalobos sit down with Amanda Gomez, SVP of Revenue Operations & Ad Technology at New York Post, to explore how news publishers are balancing brand safety, user experience, and monetization while future-proofing their digital products in an AI-driven world.They discuss the shift away from keyword blocklists toward sentiment-driven suitability, why “ad-light” experiences matter as search declines, and how publishers can build loyalty through apps, talent-led brands, and smarter product strategy.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode of The Pub Way Podcast, hosts Tina Iannacchino and Mike Villalobos sit down with Heather Carver, Chief Revenue Officer at Freestar, to explore how AI and curation are redefining brand safety and reshaping publisher monetization strategies.They talked about the evolution from traditional blocklists to smarter, contextual brand suitability approaches, the growing role of automation in curation, and how publishers can future-proof their revenue in a rapidly changing digital landscape.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

Mike and Tina welcome Scott Young, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Transmit, to discuss the evolution and innovation in streaming, particularly in live sports. Scott shares his extensive background in digital advertising and the challenges faced in monetizing live sports streaming. They also explore the operational challenges within FAST channels and the need for standardization in the industry. Scott’s Book recommendation: The Stargate Chronicles: Memoirs of a Psychic Spy (Joseph McMoneagle, 2002)Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, Tina and Mike welcome Stephanie Layser, Global Head of Publisher Ad Tech Solutions at Amazon Web Services (AWS).Stephanie shares exclusive insights on the launch of AWS RTB Fabric, a fully managed, cloud-native framework that simplifies integrations, reduces latency and infrastructure costs, and powers faster real-time bidding.The conversation also explores agentic workflows, the future of ad serving, and how AWS is helping publishers innovate with AI to build smarter, more efficient monetization strategies.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode, our hosts Mike and Tina discussed the transformative impact of AI and automation in the publishing industry with Jared Siegal, founder and CEO of Attitude. They explored how large language models (LLMs) are being utilized in ad operations, the importance of traffic shaping, and the challenges of navigating user data in a privacy-first world.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, Tina and Mike discuss the evolving landscape of adtech with Brendan Norman, Co-Founder and CEO of Classify. They explore the decline of traditional taxonomies, the rise of agentic experiences driven by AI, and the importance of contextual targeting. They also cover the challenges of accessibility and governance in the industry, the need for sustainability, and strategies for publishers to prepare for Q4. Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, Tina and Mike welcome Mike Brooks, Global Head of Business Development and Partnerships at LG Ad Solutions. They explore the evolving landscape of connected TV (CTV) and digital identity formats, the transition from mobile advertising to CTV, and the challenges and opportunities that arise in this new environment.Brooks shares valuable insights for media planners and newcomers to the industry, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and building relationships.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

Carter Lassy (Chief Product Officer at SheerID) joins hosts Tina and Mike to discuss the evolving role of data and identity in advertising.The conversation covers the importance of verified data, the hybrid model of merging verified and behavioral data, the challenges posed by walled gardens, and the future of trustworthy data in a privacy-focused landscape. Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, hosts Tina and Mike, welcome Jon Wallett (Seedtag’s VP of Sales East Coast) to explore the complexities of programmatic advertising. They discuss the initial promises of one-to-one targeting and efficiency, the disconnect between these promises and the realities faced by marketers, and the challenges of audience targeting and transparency. Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, hosts Tina Iannacchino & Mike Villalobos welcome Michael Scott, VP, Head of Ad Sales and Operations at Samsung Ads North America, to explore the transformative landscape of television advertising. The conversation delves into the shift from traditional brand marketing to performance-driven strategies, the rise of interactive ad experiences, and the importance of data in optimizing advertising efforts. Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, Tina and Mike discuss the rise of ad-supported streaming and the evolution of the programmatic supply chain with guest Kris Magel (VP, Head of Global Agency Partnerships at FreeWheel).They explore how consumer behavior is shifting towards ad-supported platforms, the current state of programmatic advertising in streaming, and the changing landscape of upfront negotiations.

In this special crossover episode of AdTech Heroes x The Pub Way podcasts, recorded from Cannes in partnership with The Drum, we explored how brands and publishers can use real-time context and AI to connect with audiences through their interests, emotions, and intent. Hosted by Tina Iannacchino and Marko Johns, with guests Jamie Dunlop (Managing Partner at Mediaplus UK) and Tony Gemma (VP Global Head of Yahoo Creative.Relive Seedtag at Cannes Lions 2025: https://info.seedtag.com/cannes-25

In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, Mike and Tina sit with Tyler Romasco (SVP, Global Publisher Development at OpenX) to discuss the evolving landscape of advertising technology, focusing on curation, supply quality, and the impact of AI. They explore the definitions of curation from both supply and demand perspectives, the importance of transparency in curated deals, and the challenges of scaling programmatic linear TV. Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode of The PubWay podcast, hosts Tina and Mike welcome Brian Lin, Senior Vice President of Product Management, Advertising at TelevisaUnivision, the world's leading Spanish-language media company.They discuss the evolving landscape of programmatic advertising, particularly focusing on data quality, measurement challenges, and the future of monetization in Connected TV (CTV). The conversation highlights the importance of leveraging first-party data, the potential of AI and quantum computing, and innovative ad experiences that enhance consumer engagement.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode of The PubWay podcast, hosts Tina and Mike welcome Tony Katsur, CEO of IAB Tech Lab, to explore the evolving landscape of ad tech. They discuss the importance of innovation, open source solutions, and the role of IAB Tech Lab in standardizing practices within the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges of measurement in connected TV (CTV), the emergence of the Trusted Server initiative, and the need for integrity and security in open source projects.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode of The PubWay podcast, hosts Tina and Mike welcome Tony Franklin, CEO of Tidbit Consulting, to explore the challenges of programmatic advertising, the importance of understanding both sides of the market, and the value of mid-tier publishers.They also cover the evolving landscape of media and advertising, from the transition from print to digital, to the impact of AI on future trends.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this special episode for International Women's Month 2025, we bring together female leaders across adtech & media to explore how we can #AccelerateAction for gender equality: Jackelyn Keller (CMO, Comscore), Natasha Byrne (Global Business Lead, Omnicom Media Group), Luisa Izquierdo (CHRO, Seedtag). Hosted by Tina Iannacchino (VP, Publisher Partnerships NA, Seedtag) the conversation highlights leadership, industry transformation, diversity, & actionable solutions.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: thepubwaypodcast.com/contact

In this episode, Tina and Mike were joined by Don Valdez, during his time as Head of Ad Tech and Publisher Partnerships at The Media Trust. Don explored how AI can enhance content quality, protect user data, and ensure regulatory compliance in publishing. He shared practical strategies for building user trust through transparency, verification, and collaboration with brands. Also, Don emphasizes the importance of using AI to improve efficiency and encourages publishers to embrace and effectively utilize these tools.

In this episode of The PubWay podcast, Mike Villalobos speaks with Jessica Breslav, Chief Customer Officer at Index Exchange, about the evolution of Supply-Side Platforms (SSPs) in the AdTech ecosystem. They discuss the critical role of automation, the importance of value creation for publishers, and the challenges posed by privacy regulations. Jessica shares insights on sustainability initiatives within the industry and offers predictions for the future of ad tech, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration.

In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, hosts Tina Iannacchino and Mike Villalobos sit down with Dan Benyamin, founder and CEO of Aeon, to discuss the evolving landscape of publishing and advertising. They explore the challenges faced by publishers in the adtech space, the impact of the creator economy and the necessity for collaboration between traditional publishers and modern creators. The conversation also delves into the rise of AI influencers, the importance of regulation in AI usage and how publishers can leverage AI for better monetization strategies. Dan emphasizes the need for publishers to prioritize their audience and adapt to the rapidly changing digital environment.Key topics with timestamps:00:00 Early Facebook ads were limited, unrefined opportunities.03:31 Advertising's main challenge: remaining user-focused and adaptable.06:44 Video evolution challenges traditional quality standards.11:13 Personal branding is crucial for brand success.14:00 Teens dismiss AI; others embrace generated visuals.16:44 AI misinformation and its impact during elections.19:49 Good working relationships prevent issues like boycotts.25:30 AI enables faster, more agile customer segmentation.27:56 Prioritize the audience; treat attention as a battlefield.Don't forget to leave us a review if you enjoyed the episode, and feel free to reach out with any feedback or suggestions for future guests or topics.

In the first episode of Season Two of "Pub way," hosts Tina Iannachino and Mike Villalobos sit down with Miles Fisher, Senior Director of Strategic Advertising Partnerships at Roku, to delve into the evolving landscape of Connected TV (CTV) and its implications for digital advertising. Having held significant positions at T-Mobile Advertising and Google Marketing Platform, Fisher provides expert insights on Roku’s transformation from a hardware-based company to a software-centered powerhouse. With nearly two decades of experience, Roku has effectively shifted from manufacturing streaming dongles and sticks to offering Roku-branded TVs, significantly enhancing consumer experience and driving major ad innovations.The conversation covers essential acronyms in the CTV industry: FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV), AVOD (Ad-Supported Video on Demand), SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand), and MVPD (Virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor). F explains Roku’s advancements in shoppable media, which integrate advertising seamlessly into user experiences using collected user data to facilitate low-friction transactions. The episode also explores the broader scope of content discovery, highlighting Roku's curated content zones aimed at reducing the time users spend searching for shows and movies, thereby improving overall user satisfaction.In terms of advertising trends and opportunities, Fisher and the hosts discuss the transition traditional broadcasters must undergo to adapt to streaming. They highlight the significance of first-party data in driving successful ad campaigns on streaming platforms, mirroring the data-driven approaches seen on social media. Innovations like Roku's "Action Ads" enable users to make purchases directly via their remotes, enhancing the interactive ad experience. The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of transparency in advertising, effective content partnerships, and forward-looking predictions for CTV’s role in the future of digital marketing.

In this episode of the Pub Way podcast, hosts Tina Iannacchino and Mike Villalobos welcome Katherine Tuluzova, the CEO of Sigma Americas, who brings 16 years of experience at Sigma Software. The conversation focuses on data management in the publishing industry, emphasizing the growing importance of data-driven decisions as publishers transition beyond traditional models. Katherine shares her insights on how effective use of data can not only increase revenue but also open up new business opportunities. She discusses the critical need for clean data, especially in the context of AI, and outlines key steps in data management like collection, normalization, analysis, and visualization.Katherine and the hosts also delve into the role of AI in advertising, weighing its generative capabilities against the necessity for human creativity and oversight. With the rise of AI, establishing robust industry frameworks becomes crucial to prevent misuse.On October 7th, Katherine and her team are hosting the exclusive Sigma Software Group AdTech Poker Night, part of Advertising Week New York 2024. Join fellow AdTech enthusiasts and grow your network at this special event by registering here: events.sigmasoftware.solutions/adtechpokernight2024Key topics with timestamps:00:00 Evolving Publishers: Transitioning into Data-Driven Businesses 03:57 The Importance of AI and Data for Business Success 08:00 Balancing AI's Creative Potential with Ethical Usage 12:31 Strategies for Reducing Data Storage Costs 13:35 Identifying Business Goals, Market Fit, and Data Needs 19:21 Tools for Migration: Choosing the Best Option 23:14 Collaborative Approach to Product Development Options 26:59 Minimizing Errors in Data Organization with Sigma Software 28:24 Insufficient Data Drives Demand for First-Party DataDon't forget to leave us a review if you enjoyed the episode, and feel free to reach out with any feedback or suggestions for future guests or topics.

In the latest episode of the Pub Way, our hosts Tina Iannacchino and Mike Villalobos engage in an insightful conversation with Keith Gooberman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Pontiac Intelligence. The episode primarily explores the rapidly evolving landscape of contextual advertising, especially within the realm of Connected TV. Keith elaborates on how integrating AI technology is transforming contextual advertising by parsing video content to deliver detailed, emotion-driven context. This shift is moving beyond generic web-based inventory categorizations to more nuanced, precise data, greatly enhancing the effectiveness of advertising on CTV platforms. During the episode, he underscores Demand Side Platforms (DSPs) need to adapt by focusing on private marketplace (PMP) deals, which can offer more effective data management without relying on cookies.Keith and the Pontiac team will be hosting the 2024 Pontiac Summit in NYC on October 8th, bringing together industry leaders across the ecosystem for a day of engaging discussions and interactive networking.Get your ticket at: https://pontiac.media/pontiac-summit-2024/ and use code PUBWAY for 40% off your ticket.Key topics with timestamps:00:00 Launch of Pontiac Intelligence: A DSP for Buying Ads 05:45 Privacy Trends Bolster Publisher Control in Advertising 08:11 Understanding SSP vs. DSP: Inventory Monetization vs. Ad Placement Optimization 12:38 Variability in Content Information Sharing Among Providers 15:17 Evolving Browser Privacy Standards and Targeting Future 17:26 Balancing Act: Marketing Benefits vs. Privacy Concerns 19:42 Navigating Complexities in Audience Targeting by Publisher 23:53 Enhancing Video Insights and Integration with AI 26:19 Enhancing Video Ad Bid Streams for Better Targeting 31:17 Lessons from Chaotic Warfare in the Middle Ages 33:48 Navigating Change: The Importance of Self-BettermentDon't forget to leave us a review if you enjoyed the episode, and feel free to reach out with any feedback or suggestions for future guests or topics.

In this episode, our hosts Tina Iannachino and Mike Villalobos engage in an enlightening discussion with Nii A. Ahene, Chief Strategy Officer at Tinuiti. The episode navigates the complexities of the fast-paced digital marketing world, particularly emphasizing the challenge for brands to produce rapid, yet effective, content for vertical video platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Nii Ahene underscores the value of employing social listening techniques to quickly adapt content strategies and stresses the importance of a proactive business mindset. The discussion further explores the impact of digital platforms on marketing, emphasizing the necessity for brands and publishers to embrace video content and remain agile. Additionally, the episode highlights the growing influence of creators on platforms such as TikTok, where creators can often rival traditional publishers in sway and reach. This shift poses both opportunities and challenges for brands, particularly in terms of attribution and ROI measurement for creator campaigns. The episode also addresses the different shopping behaviors between Gen Z and millennials, noting that while Gen Z might lean towards direct purchases on platforms, millennials typically prefer making substantial purchases through their computers. The discussion concludes with insights into future advertising trends, the importance of customer retention alongside acquisition, and the evolving ecosystem of digital marketing in a rapidly changing content landscape.Key topics with timestamps:00:00 Navigating Consumer Attention in a Changing Landscape 05:40 Adapting to Changing Consumer Behavior in Video Marketing 08:40 The Vital Influence of Creators in Marketing 12:02 Optimizing Multi-Channel Marketing for Better ROI 16:02 Ad Fatigue: Shifting Focus to Existing Customers 18:46 The Evolution of Customer Targeting in Digital Advertising 22:38 Adapting to the Speed of Vertical Video 25:11 Strategies for Successful Content Production and AmplificationSchedule a call with one of our contextual advertising experts today at seedtag.comDon't forget to leave us a review if you enjoyed the episode, and feel free to reach out with any feedback or suggestions for future guests or topics.

Relive the exclusive crossover episode of the AdTech Heroes x The Pub Way Podcast, live from the Cannes Lions in partnership with Campaign.In this special panel, our hosts, Dal Gill, VP of New Markets, and Tina Iannacchino, VP Publisher Partnerships, North America at Seedtag, were joined by industry leaders Natasha Byrne (Managing Partner UM Worldwide), Justin Barton (SVP, Digital Strategy & Partnerships Black Enterprise Magazine), and Kehinde Akiwowo (Senior Director Business Development SHE Media) to explore the power of context across screens. Catch up with them as they exchange views, thoughts and answer the question in everyone’s minds: Why contextual matters now more than ever & how is helping brands connect with audiences across screens?Key takeaways:Harnessing the power of context across screensDelivering relevant content that respects user privacyLeverage AI to enhance audience engagementSchedule a call with one of our contextual advertising experts today at seedtag.com

In the latest episode of Pub Way, Tina Iannacchino and Mike Villalobos engage in an insightful discussion with Albert Thompson, Managing Director of Digital Innovation at Walton Isaacson, boasting over 25 years of experience in the digital arena. Albert's expertise centers on simplifying digital marketing and technology for enhanced comprehension, a theme that resonates throughout the episode. The conversation explores a multitude of pivotal topics, ranging from the evolving landscape of consumer understanding to the ethical dimensions of data usage. Albert passionately emphasizes the need for publishers to transcend mere impressions and deeply comprehend the consumers they target, advocating for a shift towards precise, smaller audience data over vast scale for profound consumer insights. Furthermore, discussions touch upon the burgeoning role of AI in deciphering consumer behavior and the premium value of first-party data in monetization strategies. .❇️ Key Topics with Timestamps00:00 - Pubway: Navigating Publisher Tech 05:49 - Consumer Intent: Beyond Cookies 09:00 - Understanding Audience and Monetizing Content 10:17 - Marketing Mindset: Navigating the Landscape 12:51 - The Significance of Metadata in Web Marketing 17:58 - Data Intelligence: Precision over Scale 20:59 - Advertising Ethics: Navigating Consent 23:29 - Bringing Legal Expertise into Business Conversations 28:21 - Identity Protection: Navigating the Privacy Sandbox 30:54 - Google's Advantage in Tech Adoption 32:54 - Understanding Marketplace Rules and Brand Expectations 35:48 - Redefining Premium: Time as CurrencyDon't forget to leave us a review if you enjoyed the episode, and feel free to reach out with any feedback or suggestions for future guests or topics.Happy listening!The Pub Way Podcast Team

In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, our hosts Tina Iannachino and Mike Villalobos dive into the intricacies of digital marketing with a focus on the challenges publishers face due to the deprecation of third-party cookies. Their guest, Anthony Caccioppoli, brings his expertise from his experience working with innovative companies like Locker, Metarata, and Meta Router to the table.Anthony discusses the future of measurement attribution, emphasizing the need for publishers to shift towards building solid identity foundations and considering solutions like data clean rooms to navigate away from traditional cookie-based tracking. He sheds light on the technologies and strategies that publishers should be pursuing, such as identity graphs, data enrichment with first-party data, and exploring alternative identifiers for user addressability.The episode covers key strategies for publishers, as well as the tools and partnerships that will become paramount in adjusting to a post-cookie era. It serves as a thought-provoking session for industry professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve in digital marketing.❇️ Key Topics with Timestamps00:00 - Navigating the Cookie Apocalypse: Insights from Publishing Industry Leaders.05:05 - Monetizing Beyond the Web: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Audience Engagement.09:14 - Improving User Experience through Data Collection.10:51 - Adapting to Shorter Attention Spans.13:53 - Exploring Measurement Attribution for User Engagement.16:37 - Building a Future-Proof Identity Foundation for Publishers.20:14 - Enrichment and Addressability via Identity.24:08 - Advising Brands on Future Strategies.27:39 - Navigating Revenue Impact and Testing Strategies Amidst Cookie Deprecation.29:54 - Surviving the Cookieless Future: Building Foundations and Testing Strategies.Don't forget to leave us a review if you enjoyed the episode, and feel free to reach out with any feedback or suggestions for future guests or topics.

In this episode of The Pub Way podcast, the hosts Tina Iannachino and Mike Villalobos sit down with Heather Petaccio, the CEO of AdWanted, to talk about the challenges and innovations in the publishing space. The conversation covers topics such as the impact of AI on publishers, transparency in advertising, the importance of hyper-local targeting, and the future of retail media networks. Heather shares insights on data privacy, the RFP process, and the evolving trends in the advertising industry.The episode provides valuable insights into the publishing world, the challenges faced by publishers, and the emerging trends and technologies shaping the industry.❇️ Key Topics with Timestamps00:00 - Media company evolving under new ownership04:04 - The Advantages of AI-Based Allocator for Inventory Surfacing08:20 - Ensuring data accuracy through human quality control11:48 - The impact of AI on advertising integrity13:27 - Importance of Hyper-Local Data for Targeted Advertising17:51 - Importance of Retail Media Networks in Digital Marketing20:05 - Navigating data privacy issues in the digital world

In this episode of The Pub Way Podcast, our host's Tina & Mike sit down with Alan Chapell (President of Chapell & Associates) to discuss the legal side of the publishing industry.During the conversation, they discussed:- The concept of privacy sandboxes.- Apple vs Google on their approaches to implementing privacy.- Opportunities & challenges for publishers in a cookie-less environment.

In this episode of The Pub Way Podcast, our host's Tina & Mike sit down with Tom Pachys (Co-Founder & CEO at EX.CO) to discuss how publishers can monetize within the news environment.During the conversation, they discussed:- Short discussion about the recent events in Israel/Palestine.- Common fears and concerns brands have regarding appearing on news websites during this type of busy news cycle.- How Tom foresee's the relationship between brands and news content evolving.

In this episode of The Pub Way Podcast, our host's Tina & Mike sit down with Keith Petri (CEO & Co-Founder at Lockr) to discuss the rising use of synthetic data.During the conversation, they discussed:- How publisher's first party data can help brands succeed in a privacy-first world.- The rising use of synthetic data and the impact on advertising.- The role of customer data platforms.

In this episode of The Pub Way Podcast, our host's Tina & Mike sit down with Robert Applegate (VP, Advertising and Revenue Operations at Tubi) to how AI is changing processes and strategies to enhance our yield efficiencies and outcomes.During the conversation, they discussed:- The evolution of OTT/CTV and streaming services:- How AI is impacting AdOps within advertising.- How can Publishers intentionally leverage AI across their business?

In this episode of The Pub Way Podcast, our host's Tina & Mike sit down with Eric Shih (Chief Operating Officer at Cedara) to discuss the challenges surrounding sustainability for publishers. During the conversation they discussed:- What is the need to include sustainability partners in a publisher's future strategy, and why is deciding now so important?- Challenges for publishers with a sustainability perspective.- What are the heaviest points of waste in a publisher's typical supply chain?

In this episode of The Pub Way Podcast, our host's Tina & Mike sit down with Brett Goverman (Associate VP, Data Strategy at Penske Media Corporation) to discuss how to build the perfect contextual strategy. During the conversation, they discussed:- Sentiment targeting vs suitability an how to properly evaluate it.- The role of AI in improving ad targeting and audience segmentation.- The importance of consumer data privacy.

In this first episode of The Pub Way Podcast, our host's Tina & Mike sit down with Justin Barton (SVP, Digital Strategy & Partnerships at Black Enterprise) to discuss a publishers perspective on audience diversity. During the conversation, they discussed:- The publisher and advertiser relationship.- The contextual strategy, within the publishing ecosystem.- The role of DEI.