AdTechGod Pod

Nathan Thomas, Principal at Thomas Media Consulting and former Playwire leader, joins the AdTechGod Pod to unpack his 16-year journey across publisher ops, programmatic sales, and data partnerships, plus his take on where the open web, CTV pricing, digital out-of-home, and publisher data control are heading next.

Takeaways

Nathan Thomas transitioned from a long career at Playwire to consulting.

The publishing industry has become increasingly complex and challenging.

Digital out-of-home advertising presents unique opportunities for engagement.

Monetization pressures are mounting for publishers due to rising content costs.

The open web is facing significant challenges with traffic decline.

Data management and privacy are critical for publishers moving forward.

AI is rapidly changing the landscape of advertising and content creation.

Gaming advertising is underutilized and has potential for growth.

Curation in advertising can be beneficial if managed properly.

Future trends in advertising will focus on innovation and data-driven strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nathan Thomas and His Journey

04:05 Transitioning to Consulting: A New Chapter

06:24 The Evolution of the Publishing Industry

09:18 Challenges in Monetization and Supply Chain

12:54 The Rise of Digital Out of Home Advertising

16:56 The Future of Open Web and Data Management

20:31 Navigating the Data Landscape in Advertising

24:14 Looking Ahead: Trends and Predictions for 2026
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In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod sits down with David Cohen, CEO of the IAB, for a wide-ranging conversation ahead of IAB ALM in Palm Springs. They unpack how AI has moved from hype to real-world application, why the cookie conversation has faded, and what new challenges publishers, brands, and agencies now face as AI becomes the interface for discovery and commerce. David shares candid insights on industry fragmentation, the risks of rushing innovation without standards, the growth areas brands are betting on for 2026, and why effectiveness must replace efficiency as advertising’s north star. The episode closes with a look at how IAB ALM is shaping industry priorities and what it means to lead an ecosystem through rapid change.

Takeaways

AI has shifted from experimentation to real operational and creative use cases across the advertising ecosystem

The end of cookie deprecation as the dominant narrative marks a major industry turning point

Publishers face both opportunity and existential challenges as AI disrupts search, discovery, and monetization

Industry progress is being slowed by legacy infrastructure and a lack of clean, structured data foundations

The current AI land grab risks outpacing standards, testing, and alignment

CTV, commerce, and creators marketing are the strongest growth areas heading into 2026

Effectiveness, not efficiency or cheap scale, should define success in modern advertising

IAB ALM serves as a validation point for industry direction, not a fixed roadmap

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Introduction

01:18 What’s Changed Since Last Year’s ALM

02:28 AI’s Real Impact on Creativity and Personalization

03:55 AI, Data, and the Need for Strong Foundations

05:12 Risks and Concerns Around AI Adoption

08:23 What Agencies and Brands Are Struggling With

10:14 What Brands Are Betting On for 2026

12:22 What David Hopes to Achieve at IAB ALM

14:48 How IAB Sets Its Agenda and Adapts to Change

17:02 Industry Norms That Need a Reset

18:29 How ALM Speakers and Programming Are Selected

21:58 The Future of ALM and IAB’s 30th Anniversary

24:25 Leaving the Industry Better Than We Found It

25:06 Closing Remarks
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Join us on the AdTechGod Pod as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Julie Van Ullen, President and CRO at iSpot. Discover her journey through leadership roles at IAB, OpenX, Freewheel, Rakuten Advertising, and Rakuten Rewards. Julie shares her insights on maintaining authenticity, the importance of mentorship, and navigating the evolving landscape of digital advertising. Tune in to learn from her experiences and gain valuable advice for aspiring leaders.

Takeaways

Julie's career has been fueled by authenticity and mentorship.

Trust is essential in leadership and team dynamics.

Change is a constant in the tech industry, requiring adaptability.

Measurement in advertising must evolve to keep pace with consumer behavior.

The future of advertising is promising, with a focus on data-driven insights.

Women in tech face unique challenges but can overcome them with support.

Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional development.

Authenticity in leadership fosters a positive work environment.

The advertising industry is ripe for innovation and change.

Building trust with teams leads to better outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Julie Van Ullen

01:04 Julie’s Career Journey and Mentorship

04:01 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

08:38 Transitioning from Traditional to Connected Television

11:37 The Role of Measurement in Advertising

14:05 Positive Outlook for the Future of Advertising

15:33 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Ad Tech

19:55 The Power of Mentorship and Support

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In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, Al Kallel, founder and CEO of Nativeads.AI, shares insights from his extensive experience in the advertising technology space. The conversation explores the evolution of consumer experiences in advertising, the transformative role of AI, and the importance of personalization and data collaboration. Al discusses the challenges of maintaining quality in AI-generated content and navigating privacy changes in the advertising landscape. He also highlights future trends in advertising and the potential of agentic commerce.

Takeaways

Al Kallel has over 20 years of experience in advertising technology.

The consumer experience in advertising has shifted significantly with the rise of mobile and streaming.

AI presents opportunities for creating native advertising experiences without compromising brand integrity.

Quality control is crucial when using AI for content generation.

Personalization in advertising requires deep collaboration between brands and publishers.

The advertising landscape is evolving with increasing privacy concerns and the decline of cookies.

Future advertising strategies must embrace agentic experiences to engage consumers effectively.

AI can help scale personalized advertising solutions for better engagement.

The shift to agentic commerce will vary across different product categories.

2026 and 2027 will see rapid advancements in advertising technology and consumer behavior.

Chapter

00:00 Introduction to Ad Tech and Al Kallel’s Background

02:32 Evolution of Consumer Experiences in Advertising

05:13 The Role of AI in Advertising

07:45 Quality Control in AI-Generated Content

10:10 Personalization and Data Collaboration in Advertising

12:53 Navigating Privacy Changes in Advertising

15:31 Future Trends in Advertising and Consumer Behavior

17:42 Agentic Commerce and Its Viability
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AdTechGod and Anthony Katsur discuss the evolving landscape of the advertising industry, particularly focusing on the concept of Agentic AI. They explore the current hype surrounding Agentic AI, its potential impact on digital media buying and selling, and the challenges related to privacy and measurement. The discussion also touches on the future of ad operations, the implications of AI browsers, and the strategic planning necessary for navigating these changes. Katsur emphasizes the need for foundational work in the industry while acknowledging the innovative potential of Agentic AI.

Takeaways

The advertising industry is experiencing unprecedented changes, particularly with the rise of Agentic AI.

Agentic AI has the potential to introduce efficiencies in digital media trading, but it's still in early stages.

There's significant hype around Agentic AI, but tangible results are yet to be seen.

Privacy challenges remain a critical concern as AI technologies evolve.

The future of ad operations will likely see a slowdown in hiring due to the automation capabilities of AI.

AI browsers may change how content is presented and consumed online.

Strategic planning is essential for navigating the evolving landscape of advertising technology.

The industry must focus on foundational issues like supply chain transparency and measurement challenges.

Agentic AI may not replace existing protocols, but can enhance them.

The future of AI in advertising will involve a mix of successes and failures as the technology matures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Agentic Era

02:14 Understanding Agentic AI in Digital Media

05:57 The Hype Cycle of Agentic AI

08:51 Challenges in Privacy and Measurement

10:47 The Future of Ad Operations

12:02 The Concept of Agentic Interfaces

14:39 Impact on Hiring and Talent Dynamics

19:04 AI Browsers and Their Implications

22:04 Strategic Planning and Industry Trends

24:51 The Future of Agentic AI and Potential Failures

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