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War Room Dem. Gov. Forced to Admit Trump Was Right After “Software Glitch” Registers 6,600 Non-Citizens to Vote & Minn. Dem AG Reveals Party's Scheme to Steal Midterms, PLUS, Trump Directs Agencies to Waive NDAs for Fmr. Employees Involved in UFO Investigations
As AI takes on more repetitive marketing tasks, agencies are being forced to rethink what they're selling. Omnicom Media Group North America CEO Ralph Pardo joins Digiday from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to talk about the future of agency talent, the rise of “capability companies” and why human judgment still matters.
AdTechGod sits down with Andrew Swinand, CEO of Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) and former CEO of Publicis Groupe Creative U.S. and Leo Burnett. Andrew shares how AI-powered content automation is helping global brands produce personalized creative at scale, reduce production costs by 50%, cut campaign timelines from 8 weeks to 2 weeks, and drive stronger marketing performance. They discuss operational AI vs generative AI, the future of agencies, creative effectiveness, personalization, and why the next decade may bring a creative renaissance instead of creative replacement. Takeaways AI-powered content automation is enabling brands to create personalized content at an unprecedented scale. ITG helps global brands localize campaigns across languages, markets, and audiences using AI. Brands are reducing production costs by roughly 50% while significantly speeding up go-to-market timelines. Operational AI delivers more immediate ROI than purely generative AI use cases. Most companies already possess valuable creative assets but struggle to find and utilize them efficiently. Effective personalization is not about one-to-one marketing but identifying "meaningful breaks" within audiences. Creative quality remains critical despite AI advancements. The future agency model will focus more on strategy, insights, and creative concepts while automation handles production. AI will eliminate repetitive production work but increase demand for higher-quality creative thinking. Andrew predicts a creative renaissance driven by the abundance of AI-generated content. Chapters00:00 Introduction & Welcome01:01 Andrew Swinand's Career Journey04:36 From Publicis & Leo Burnett to ITG06:20 What Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) Does07:43 How AI Transforms Content Production09:10 Cutting Costs, Speeding Up Campaigns & Personalization at Scale11:00 Why More Creative Variations Drive Better Performance12:42 Operational AI vs Generative AI15:18 AI-Powered Asset Organization & Content Discovery17:03 The Right Way to Personalize Advertising20:00 Why Creative Matters More Than Ever21:28 The Future of Agencies in an AI World23:28 AI Slop, Content Overload & Marketing Challenges26:36 What Marketers Are Overhyping About AI27:03 Andrew's Vision for Advertising in 5 Years28:23 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up Guests: AdTech God Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this Salcedo Storm Podcast:The boys discuss travel on Ameirca's roadways, the most recent headlines and President Trump's speech that revealed traitors in our midst.
Home care agencies are hitting an operational wall as they grow, and the fix isn't what you'd expect. Discover why offshore remote recruiters and coordinators are helping franchises cut labor costs by up to 60% while building resilient, proactive teams. Find more info at https://smartscale360.com/blogs/news/why-homecare-agencies-across-the-u-s-are-adding-remote-recruiters-and-coordinators SmartScale 360 City: Tampa Address: 1209 E Cumberland Ave Website: https://smartscale360.com/
Grab our High-Converting Proposal Template and learn what to include (and what to leave out) to turn more of your proposals into higher-paying clients: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template How to Get Web Design Clients Through Cold Email (Without Feeling Gross About It) with Laura Lopuch If you've been putting off outreach because it feels pushy, awkward, or just... wrong, this episode is going to shift that for you. I sat down with Laura Lopuch, founder of the Warm Client Method™, to talk about how web designers can use cold email to get clients without a big following, a referral network, or a full content calendar. Laura has been using cold email to build her business for 11+ years, working just 11 to 13 hours a week. She signed her very first client through a cold pitch, and she used her own system to pitch me to come on this podcast. We get into what makes a pitch land, how to reach out to potential clients without criticizing their website, and why outreach actually feels better than waiting for clients to find you. What You'll Learn: Why the fear of standing out is the #1 thing blocking web designers from outreach The 7 types of cold emails (and why most people only think of one) How to pitch a potential web design client without criticizing their current site Why you don't need a big audience to get clients through outreach What makes a collaboration pitch land vs. fall flat How AI-powered research tools are making cold email faster and less overwhelming Resources Mentioned: Laura Lopuch's website + email list: lauralopuch.com Shannon's High-Converting Proposal Template: webdesigneracademy.com/proposal Related Episodes: Episode 194: The Daily Habit For Building a Full Web Design Client Pipeline with Julia Taylor Episode 193: Stop Waiting for Referrals and Get Booked Out with Sarah Noel Block Episode 197: Building Visual Trust in an Artificial World with Pippa Tanko About Laura Lopuch: Laura Lopuch is the founder of the Warm Client Method™ and Cambium, systems that help online service providers book consistent clients through outreach without content marketing, ads, or referrals. Website: https://lauralopuch.com About Shannon Mattern: Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ Method, and the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout and break through to their next level of income and freedom. For Web Designers: https://webdesigneracademy.com For Service Providers, Consultants & Agencies: https://shannonmattern.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner | @shannonlmattern
In this Aftershow, George and Patrick talk with Tom Wetzel about how AI can improve agency productivity; but without strong cybersecurity, governance, and employee training, it can also … Read More » The post Why AI Governance Matters More Than Ever in Insurance Agencies | Tom Wetzel appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.
Text the Show⭐️Affiliate item of the week: The Octopus of Global Control by Charlie Robinson. The Octopus of Global Control is a controversial, nonfiction book detailing how those in positions of power are able to manipulate society for their benefit, why they believe that they are entitled to impose their warped world view of reality on mankind, and how we can break free from their grip. https://amzn.to/4ymhNWxWhat happens when political influence, global finance, and centralized power converge behind closed doors? Join Jesse Jaymz, Outcast, and special guest Charlie Robinson as they explore the history of Rockefeller Center's legendary Room 5600 and its connection to some of the most influential institutions of the modern era. From the United Nations and the World Bank to the IMF and the Trilateral Commission, the conversation examines the rise of globalism, the consolidation of economic and political authority, and the vision of an increasingly centralized world order. Was Room 5600 merely a corporate office—or the nerve center where ideas that reshaped international governance and global policy were cultivated? Tune in as we investigate the history, the influence, and the enduring debate over who really steers the future of the modern world. Follow Activist Post: https://www.activistpost.com/Macroaggresions with Charlie Robinson. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/macroaggressions/id1501964274SUPPORTBuy Me A Coffee http://buymeacoffee.com/DangerousinfopodcastSubscribeStar http://bit.ly/42Y0qM8Super Chat Tip https://bit.ly/42W7iZHBuzzsprout https://bit.ly/3m50hFTPaypal http://bit.ly/3Gv3ZjpPatreon http://bit.ly/3G3SMART is the acronym that was created by technocrats that have setup the "internet of things" that will eventually enslave humanity to their needs. Support the showLeave Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/DangerousInfoWebsite https://www.dangerousinfopodcast.com/Discord chatroom: https://discord.gg/8feGHQQmwgEmail the show dangerousinfopodcast@protonmail.comJoin mailing list http://bit.ly/3Kku5YtWatch LiveYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DANGEROUSINFOPODCASTRumble https://bit.ly/4q1Mg7Z Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/dangerousinfopodcastPilled.net https://pilled.net/profile/144176 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DangerousInfoPodcast/SocialsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/dangerousinfo/TwitterX https://twitter.com/jaymz_jesseYouTube https://bit.ly/436VExnFacebook https://bit.ly/4gZbjVa
Grab our High-Converting Proposal Template and learn what to include (and what to leave out) to turn more of your proposals into higher-paying clients: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template How to Get Web Design Clients Through Cold Email (Without Feeling Gross About It) with Laura Lopuch If you've been putting off outreach because it feels pushy, awkward, or just... wrong, this episode is going to shift that for you. I sat down with Laura Lopuch, founder of the Warm Client Method™, to talk about how web designers can use cold email to get clients without a big following, a referral network, or a full content calendar. Laura has been using cold email to build her business for 11+ years, working just 11 to 13 hours a week. She signed her very first client through a cold pitch, and she used her own system to pitch me to come on this podcast. We get into what makes a pitch land, how to reach out to potential clients without criticizing their website, and why outreach actually feels better than waiting for clients to find you. What You'll Learn: Why the fear of standing out is the #1 thing blocking web designers from outreach The 7 types of cold emails (and why most people only think of one) How to pitch a potential web design client without criticizing their current site Why you don't need a big audience to get clients through outreach What makes a collaboration pitch land vs. fall flat How AI-powered research tools are making cold email faster and less overwhelming Resources Mentioned: Laura Lopuch's website + email list: lauralopuch.com Shannon's High-Converting Proposal Template: webdesigneracademy.com/proposal Related Episodes: Episode 194: The Daily Habit For Building a Full Web Design Client Pipeline with Julia Taylor Episode 193: Stop Waiting for Referrals and Get Booked Out with Sarah Noel Block Episode 197: Building Visual Trust in an Artificial World with Pippa Tanko About Laura Lopuch: Laura Lopuch is the founder of the Warm Client Method™ and Cambium, systems that help online service providers book consistent clients through outreach without content marketing, ads, or referrals. Website: https://lauralopuch.com About Shannon Mattern: Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ Method, and the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout and break through to their next level of income and freedom. For Web Designers: https://webdesigneracademy.com For Service Providers, Consultants & Agencies: https://shannonmattern.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner | @shannonlmattern
Amy Crowther, President of Incubeta Americas, shares insights on marketing evolution, AI's role in content creation, and strategies for brands to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.Key topicsMarketing evolution and AI's impactImportance of brand consistency in AI contentStrategies for connecting data across channelsUnderstanding AI's limitations and opportunitiesOrganizational change management in marketingChapters00:00Introduction to Amy Crowther and Incubeta02:42The Role of AI in Marketing05:34Navigating AI Content and Brand Identity08:01The Importance of Strategy in AI Marketing10:53Understanding Consumer Behavior and AI13:41The Future of Zero Click Commerce16:19Adapting to New Metrics in Marketing19:11The Role of Agencies in AI Integration21:48Looking Ahead: Trends and Opportunities in Marketing24:21Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
The most profitable agencies do more than deliver great work. In this episode, Sharon Toerek, Owner and Founder of Legal+Creative | Toerek Law, shares how legal foundations, intellectual property, agency contracts, AI risk management, marketing compliance, data privacy, value-based pricing, agency profitability, and business growth work together to strengthen your agency. You'll learn why legal should be viewed as a profit generator, how agencies can manage AI-related risks, and what business owners need to do to protect and grow their firms in a rapidly changing market.Key takeaways:Legal foundation is a profit generator, not a cost center. Stop treating it as an expense.AI introduces new legal risks for agencies. Intellectual property ownership and data privacy require careful attention. Data privacy compliance is becoming more complex. Agencies must navigate varying state regulations. Contracts remain one of your most important business tools. Regular contract reviews help protect profitability.AI works best when paired with human expertise. Professional judgment still drives results.Learn how to turn legal strategy and smarter business decisions into a stronger, more profitable future. Tune in to the full episode of Legal Foundations That Actually Drive Agency Profit with Sharon Toerek.Find more podcast episodes on our website: anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/ Episode resources:● Anders Virtual CFO website: anderscpa.com ● Love our content? Sign up for our newsletter: https://anderscpa.com/learn/ ● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/ Quotes-Sharon Toerek: “Legal foundation for marketing service firms should be a profit generator, not a cost center.”-Jamie Nau: “The safest compliance strategy is often to follow the most conservative regulations.”-John C. Scott: “AI should handle repeatable tasks so professionals can focus on higher-value work.”Sharon Toerek is the Owner and Founder of Legal+Creative | Toerek Law, a law firm built exclusively for independent marketing and creative agencies. She specializes in intellectual property law, contract development and negotiation, marketing regulation compliance, and AI risk management for agency clients. Sharon is also the host of the Innovative Agency Podcast, a forward-looking resource for independent agency owners navigating innovation, business model evolution, and the future of the industry.Website: https://legalandcreative.com/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/?isSelfProfile=false https://www.linkedin.com/company/legal-creative/ The Creative Agency Success Show helps service-based business owners master the financial side of growth. Hosted by Jamie Nau, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, and Jody Grunden, Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, the podcast dives into essential financial strategies for scaling creative agencies. Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458889 FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders Jamie Nau, CPA, Director of Virtual CFO Services/ Virtual CFO, is a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of business growth stages. Jamie has worked extensively with middle-market and large companies, providing key financial insights. Website: https://anderscpa.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamienau/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vcfobyanders/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/vcfobyanders/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@vcfobyanders John C. Scott, CPA, AEP, is a Partner in Tax and a leader in legal industry financial strategy by Anders. He helps law firms win high-stakes cases with smart strategy by delivering clear financial insights, identifying key performance indicators, and strengthening decision-making at every level. With deep expertise in estate planning and financial analysis, John works closely with attorneys and firm leaders to align financial goals with long-term business success and case readiness. His approach brings scalability, flexibility, and data-driven clarity to complex legal environments, helping firms stay focused, prepared, and competitive.Connect with John C. Scott:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-c-scott-cpa/ X: https://x.com/JohnScottCPA
Episode 227: Stuck at the Same Level in Your Coaching Business? Get That Fixed Here: https://go.digitaltrailblazer.com/7-dollar-biz-auditYour customers are now asking ChatGPT and Claude for recommendations before they type into Google — and if your brand doesn't show up, you lose the sale before you knew you were in the running. Even businesses with a decade of strong SEO are getting outranked by newer competitors.In this episode, Jenna Hannon teaches us how to fix that: why your website, not Reddit or LinkedIn hacks, is the real foundation AI models learn from, how to find the questions customers are asking, why clean structure beats long-form content, and which off-page signals actually move the needle.About Jenna Hannon: Jenna is the founder and CEO of Hatter, an AI search agency that combines software and expert service to help brands get found inside ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google's AI Overviews. She was the first marketing hire at Uber Eats and has served as a fractional CMO to Multisensor AI ($MSAI), FORM Kitchens, and Kyte.Get Your Visibility Audit HERE: https://app.gethatter.ai/ai-searchConnect with Jenna: https://gethatter.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennahannon/ https://x.com/JennaHannonWant to SCALE your online business bigger and faster without the endless hustle of networking, referrals, and pumping out content that nobody sees?Grab our Ultimate Ad Script for Coaches, Agencies, and Course Creators.Learn the exact 5-step script we teach our clients that allows them to generate targeted, high-quality leads at ultra-low cost, so you can land paying customers and clients without breaking the bank on ad spend.Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-script✅ Connect With Us:Website - https://DigitalTrailblazer.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/digitaltrailblazerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaltrailblazerX (Twitter): https://x.com/DgtlTrailblazerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DigitalTrailblazer
The top IT leader at the Department of Transportation is resigning, FedScoop was the first to report last week. Pavan Pidugu, the DOT's chief digital and information officer, was sworn in February 2025 after serving as the CTO for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for nearly five years. His last day will be Sept. 4. Under Pidugu's leadership, the agency underwent a restructuring of its technology department. The agency also migrated to Google Workspace, becoming the first cabinet-level agency to fully transition using the General Services Administration's OneGov deal. A DOT spokesperson told FedScoop in May that the Federal Aviation Administration was gearing up to migrate later this year. In total, more than 50,000 employees across the agency will have access. Pidugu's resignation comes amid a wave of technology leader departures, including federal CIO Greg Barbaccia, whose last day will be at the end of August. Interior Department CIO Paul “Macca” McInerny left the agency last week. The Technology Modernization Fund is open for proposals and prioritizing faster permitting technology and artificial intelligence adoption projects, its acting director said Thursday. Jessie Posilkin said the TMF is “being explicit” about its desire for Council on Environmental Quality-supported projects to speed and scale permitting, and to advance USAi adoption in agencies facing capability and infrastructure gaps preventing responsible use. Posilkin said in a LinkedIn post: “TMF was made for moments like this, where agencies can't afford to wait on budget and procurement cycles. I'm excited we're still poised to help agencies meet a critical moment of opportunity – and a bipartisan one, at that!” Last month, Posilkin said the fund had $200 million left, pending potential reauthorization for fiscal 2027. But that might not stretch as far as it would have in the past, even with 100% of agencies repaying TMF loans, as the “scale and scope of government technology challenges are only going up” because of AI, Posilkin said at the time. The current version of the fiscal 2027 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill authorizes $5 million for the fund, but has not yet received a floor vote in either chamber. Agencies can submit a project proposal until July 24, but Posilkin encouraged them to move quickly so the small TMF team can review proposals expeditiously. She said: “This call is moving fast, partly out of necessity. We have a very narrow window between now and September 30, when our authorization to make new investments ends (absent congressional action, of course…). With more time, we could do even more — but we'll meet as much of the agency need as we can, while we can.” The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.
Does (at least) part of the issue with Scuba education and practice lie in the culture of Scuba diving? Some aspects of our Scuba culture (Sculture) seem to promote quantity over quality. Whether it is certifications or depth, the emphasis seems to be on high numbers vs. high quality of the diver doing the dive. Agencies incentivize high numbers of certifications by awarding "Elite Instructor" status (LMAO!) to instructors based on speed and numbers of students certified. This is an achievement that can only be accomplished by prioritizing speed of training (to get more numbers) over quality of training. The two are mutually exclusive. Quality takes time. It takes time because it takes work. Anything of value takes work and therefore time. An instructor with 100 dives under their belt is only going to make divers with that level (or worse) of competency. Couple this with the glorification of the depth achievement over the glorification of the quality and proper execution of the dive is also contributing towards the degradation of our Scuba culture with the constant attention to depth rather than the overall quality of the diver and the proper approach and execution of the dive. Too many people want the T-shirt without doing the hard work. Have a listen!!
July 10, 2026- We examine the role licensed home care agencies play in the continuum of care for seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities. We also discuss the licensing and oversight of these agencies with Gwen Crossett, founder of ConstantCare247.
Grab our High-Converting Proposal Template and learn what to include (and what to leave out) to turn more of your proposals into higher-paying clients: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template Have you ever had to wait on a client's photos to finish your web design projects? Like, you've done everything else... the strategy, the copy, the layout... and then you're just stuck, waiting for your client's photo shoot, waiting for the photographer to get the photos processes, for the client to choose them, and then when you finally do get them - you don't even have the sizes or orientations you need to make your designs work? Or the vibe is just all wrong? But what if you could just create the photos yourself - AI portraits, brand photo shoots, the whole thing - and turn it into a profitable add-on service that makes your projects move faster AND gives your clients better images than they'd ever get from a traditional photo shoot? In this episode, I talk with Diane Whiddon, founder of AI Designer's Academy, about how web designers can add AI portrait and brand photo shoot services to their offerings. We dig into how to price these services, the ethics of AI imagery, why clients ask for more wrinkles (not fewer), and what Diane calls "visual claims" - using AI images strategically so your clients' websites build trust and convert before a word is read. What You'll Learn: How to add AI headshots ($600/package) and brand photo shoots ($3,300) to your web design services Why 90% of clients say yes to headshots when you ask at the end of a discovery call The ethical framework Diane teaches inside AI Designers Academy (what you can and can't do) Who is actually buying AI imagery - including clients who can't be served any other way How "visual claims" let designers use imagery to build trust and handle visitor objections strategically Why AI is not going to kill web design - and what IS changing for designers who stay ahead Resources Mentioned: AI Designers Academy: aidesignersacademy.com Swayrise Creative (Diane's agency): swayriscreative.com Web Designer Academy Programs: webdesigneracademy.com/programs Related Episodes: Episode 197: Building Visual Trust in an Artificial World with Pippa Tanko Episode 198: How To Make More With Less Web Design Clients Episode 191: How To Choose the Right Web Design Business Model About Diane Whiddon: Diane Whiddon is the founder of AI Designer's Academy, where she teaches designers how to use AI with the eye and judgment of a creative director. She is also the owner of Swayrise Creative, her boutique Squarespace web design agency. aidesignersacademy.com | LinkedIn: Diane Whiddon About Shannon Mattern: Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ Method, and the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout and break through to their next level of income and freedom. For Web Designers: https://webdesigneracademy.com For Service Providers, Consultants & Agencies: https://shannonmattern.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner | @shannonlmattern
A move toward skills-based federal hiring is getting another push from Congress. A new bipartisan bill would push agencies to ease college degree requirements for many federal jobs. Agencies would have to consider alternative job qualifications like military service, apprenticeships and community college. If enacted, the bill would also create a separate USAJobs portal for positions not requiring a four-year college degree. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Grab our High-Converting Proposal Template and learn what to include (and what to leave out) to turn more of your proposals into higher-paying clients: https://webdesigneracademy.com/template Have you ever had to wait on a client's photos to finish your web design projects? Like, you've done everything else... the strategy, the copy, the layout... and then you're just stuck, waiting for your client's photo shoot, waiting for the photographer to get the photos processes, for the client to choose them, and then when you finally do get them - you don't even have the sizes or orientations you need to make your designs work? Or the vibe is just all wrong? But what if you could just create the photos yourself - AI portraits, brand photo shoots, the whole thing - and turn it into a profitable add-on service that makes your projects move faster AND gives your clients better images than they'd ever get from a traditional photo shoot? In this episode, I talk with Diane Whiddon, founder of AI Designer's Academy, about how web designers can add AI portrait and brand photo shoot services to their offerings. We dig into how to price these services, the ethics of AI imagery, why clients ask for more wrinkles (not fewer), and what Diane calls "visual claims" - using AI images strategically so your clients' websites build trust and convert before a word is read. What You'll Learn: How to add AI headshots ($600/package) and brand photo shoots ($3,300) to your web design services Why 90% of clients say yes to headshots when you ask at the end of a discovery call The ethical framework Diane teaches inside AI Designers Academy (what you can and can't do) Who is actually buying AI imagery - including clients who can't be served any other way How "visual claims" let designers use imagery to build trust and handle visitor objections strategically Why AI is not going to kill web design - and what IS changing for designers who stay ahead Resources Mentioned: AI Designers Academy: aidesignersacademy.com Swayrise Creative (Diane's agency): swayriscreative.com Web Designer Academy Programs: webdesigneracademy.com/programs Related Episodes: Episode 197: Building Visual Trust in an Artificial World with Pippa Tanko Episode 198: How To Make More With Less Web Design Clients Episode 191: How To Choose the Right Web Design Business Model About Diane Whiddon: Diane Whiddon is the founder of AI Designer's Academy, where she teaches designers how to use AI with the eye and judgment of a creative director. She is also the owner of Swayrise Creative, her boutique Squarespace web design agency. aidesignersacademy.com | LinkedIn: Diane Whiddon About Shannon Mattern: Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ Method, and the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout and break through to their next level of income and freedom. For Web Designers: https://webdesigneracademy.com For Service Providers, Consultants & Agencies: https://shannonmattern.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner | @shannonlmattern
Tony chats with Mehdi Lhadj, Co-Founder & CEO at Floapi, they are a Montreal based company doing automation for MGAs and Agencies. They integrate into your AMS/BMS and phone systems and help eliminate manual and repetitive tasks.Mehdi Lhadj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-l-08b847204/Floapi: https://floapi.ca/en/insurance-broker-automation/
Episode 226: Stuck at the Same Level in Your Coaching Business? Get That Fixed Here: https://go.digitaltrailblazer.com/7-dollar-biz-auditPaid ads look simple — flip a switch and watch the leads roll in. But most coaches and course creators run ads without the foundation that actually makes them work, and end up burning cash on traffic that never turns into customers (or worse, getting their ad account shut down entirely).In this episode, Josh Sprague — who's built and scaled three different companies using paid ads — breaks down exactly what has to be in place before you ever hit publish. If your ads have underperformed and you can't quite figure out why, this conversation will show you what you've been missing.About Josh Sprague: Josh builds consumer brands from the ground up — product development, supply chain, brand strategy, and all the unglamorous work in between. Orange Mud started in his garage and grew into gear trusted by endurance athletes worldwide. Seven Clay outfits brands with custom apparel worth wearing. Anvil & Acre helps manufacturers grow without the guesswork.Josh believes the same things that make a good athlete make a good business: discipline, consistency, and a willingness to be uncomfortable. That's not just a tagline — it's just what the work has taught him.Connect with Josh:https://joshspragueinfo.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshsprague/ Instagram - @jcsprag Twitter/X - @itsjoshspragueJosh's Brands:Orange Mud - https://www.orangemud.com/ Anvil & Acre - https://anvilandacre.com/ Seven Clay - https://sevenclay.com/Want to SCALE your online business bigger and faster without the endless hustle of networking, referrals, and pumping out content that nobody sees?Grab our Ultimate Ad Script for Coaches, Agencies, and Course Creators.Learn the exact 5-step script we teach our clients that allows them to generate targeted, high-quality leads at ultra-low cost, so you can land paying customers and clients without breaking the bank on ad spend.Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-script✅ Connect With Us:Website - https://DigitalTrailblazer.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/digitaltrailblazerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaltrailblazerX (Twitter): https://x.com/DgtlTrailblazerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DigitalTrailblazer
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the insurance industry, but technology alone will not determine which agencies succeed. Daniel Metcalf and Mike Stromsoe explore what agency owners should really be focused on as AI becomes a competitive advantage across sales, service, and operations. Rather than fearing automation, they explain why leadership, organizational readiness, strong relationships, and intentional change management will separate agencies that thrive from those that fall behind. Through practical examples, they discuss how agencies can build the foundation needed to adopt AI without sacrificing the human trust that has always driven long-term success.Key Topics: Why AI should enhance relationships rather than replace them The importance of organizational readiness before implementing automation How leadership and change management determine AI success Why agencies need strong data, benchmarks, and strategic planning Building predictable, profitable businesses that operate beyond the owner The continuing value of trust, empathy, and human relationships in insurance How AI can eliminate repetitive work while allowing teams to focus on clients Why agencies should embrace AI now instead of waiting for the market to force change The role of culture in creating long-term competitive advantage Practical ways agency leaders can prepare their teams for the future of insurance Connect with Daniel:LinkedInWebsiteConnect with Mike: LinkedIn TwitterThe future of insurance will not be determined by who has the newest technology, but by who builds the strongest foundation to use it effectively. Agencies that combine leadership, organizational readiness, strategic planning, and trusted client relationships with AI and automation will be better positioned to scale, adapt to industry change, and create lasting value for both their teams and their clients.
Aside from the significant losses that were handed to him in a series of Supreme Court decisions, President Donald Trump did score one significant victory.The case in question was called Trump v. Slaughter, and the decision in that case bestowed significantly more power and authority not just to Trump, but to the office of the president itself—whoever that may be in the future.Let's go through the details of that case together.
On today's podcast, Executive Editor Natalie Orpett talks with Nick Bednar, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and a contributing editor at Lawfare. They talk about two Supreme Court cases issued last week that will have a huge impact on the president's authority over agencies that Congress set up to be independent. In Slaughter v. Trump, the Court held that the president has the power to remove members of independent agencies who had previously been understood to have employment protections that forbade the president from firing them. In Cook v. Trump, the Court carved out a special exception to that rule for the Federal Reserve. They discuss Nick's recent article for Lawfare, what the opinions say, what they fail to say, and what it means for the workforce that makes the federal government function.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Katie Williams, chief operating officer and co-founder of Tern, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how her company has become so successful in just three years, with its products and services adopted by many of the big agency consortia and host agencies. Tern is an all-in-one, cloud-based software platform built specifically for travel advisors and travel agencies that is designed to replace the patchwork of separate tools (CRMs, itinerary builders, commission trackers, email, spreadsheets) that advisors traditionally juggle. And now Tern is using AI to make it even easier for advisors to accomplish all these tasks so they can focus on selling travel. For more information, visit www.tern.travel. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
The Washington Roundtable is joined by Jeff Stein, the veteran political reporter and founding editor of the newsletter “Spytalk,” to examine Donald Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as the new acting Director of National Intelligence, a position that, in theory, oversees the C.I.A., N.S.A., F.B.I., and fifteen other agencies. Pulte has no intelligence background and no national-security experience, but does have a track record of going after the President's perceived enemies. Plus, the panel discusses a recent Washington Post investigation that raised new questions about the outgoing director, Tulsi Gabbard, and her alleged ties to a religious cult. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Welcome to another episode of the Ridiculously Amazing Insurance Agent Podcast!
The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that presidents can fire Federal Trade Commission commissioners without cause, overturning a 90-year precedent. The majority said agencies exercising executive power must remain accountable to the president, significantly expanding White House control over independent regulators and reshaping the balance between political authority and agency independence. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Broeske & Musson' on all platforms: --- The ‘Broeske & Musson Podcast’ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- ‘Broeske & Musson' Weekdays 9-11 AM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Facebook | Podcast| X | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 225: Stuck at the Same Level in Your Coaching Business? Get That Fixed Here: https://go.digitaltrailblazer.com/7-dollar-biz-auditMost coaches, course creators, and agency owners stall out by hopping from tactic to tactic—chasing webinars, ads, and funnels while comparing themselves to people who are years ahead. The result? Wasted time, wasted money, and a business that never gains real traction.In this episode, Daman Grewal teaches us how to break that cycle by building a clear roadmap before chasing strategies, revealing the real bottlenecks new entrepreneurs have to overcome, understanding the core parts of your business before outsourcing them, and approaching brand-building as a long game that only pays off with consistent reps.About Daman Grewal: Daman is a Canadian transportation and logistics entrepreneur and co-founder of LogisticsSales.com, a free global educational platform teaching practical sales, logistics, and entrepreneurship skills to students worldwide. Raised in a single-parent household with limited means, he entered the transportation industry at 19 while saving for school. Hired as an office employee, he soon found himself building safety programs, training over 100 staff, and helping restore a company's safety rating with the U.S. Department of Transportation. When he asked for a raise, he was told he'd likely never work in the industry again.That moment became a turning point. Daman went on to build cross-border transportation businesses recognized in the Profit 500 and Growth 500, and today he shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey while connecting students and small businesses around the world through education, mentorship, and opportunity.Check Out the free Logistic Sales platform here: https://www.logisticssales.com/Connect with Daman: https://www.youtube.com/@LogisticsSales/shorts https://www.instagram.com/logisticssales/ https://www.facebook.com/LogisticsSalesInc/ https://www.tiktok.com/@logistics_sales https://www.linkedin.com/company/logisticssales-com/Want to SCALE your online business bigger and faster without the endless hustle of networking, referrals, and pumping out content that nobody sees?Grab our Ultimate Ad Script for Coaches, Agencies, and Course Creators.Learn the exact 5-step script we teach our clients that allows them to generate targeted, high-quality leads at ultra-low cost, so you can land paying customers and clients without breaking the bank on ad spend.Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-script✅ Connect With Us:Website - https://DigitalTrailblazer.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/digitaltrailblazerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaltrailblazerX (Twitter): https://x.com/DgtlTrailblazerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DigitalTrailblazer
Despite all the turmoil in federal contracting over the last year, agencies surpassed the 23% governmentwide goal for awards to small businesses in fiscal 2025. The Small Business Administration said last Thursday that agencies awarded 28% of all prime contracts to small firms last year. While agencies reached the overall goal, the total dollars going to small businesses dropped to $179 billion last year from $183.5 billion in 2024. For more on SBA's 2025 small business scorecard, Federal News Network executive editor Jason Miller joins me now to discuss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This episode of the PRmoment Podcast, hosted by Ben Smith with guest Andrew Bloch, reviews June 2026 UK PR pitch wins and M&A activity in the PR and wider marketing sector.Market sentiment and pitch environmentBloch describes the UK PR pitch market as buoyant and optimistic at the mid‑year point. Agencies are reporting record months, strong new‑business pipelines, and clients releasing healthy campaign budgets on top of retainers. Despite political and economic uncertainty, including wars in Ukraine and Iran and rising energy prices, there is a “heads‑down and busy” pitch environment. Investment is particularly strong in social, consumer, and experiential work, with agencies that can prove genuine commercial impact winning out.Notable pitch winsA series of high‑profile wins illustrate where spend is flowing:Delphi wins UK comms for Gen Digital (Norton, Avast, LifeLock, etc.), a $4–5bn revenue cyber safety and financial wellness group. Wild Signal secures the global remit after an 11‑way pitch, then brings Delphi in for the UK.Tin Man, Appella Advisors, and Gladstone Place Partners win National Lottery operator Allwyn, spanning consumer activations and corporate advisory, taking over from Brunswick.Wonderland secures Ocean Spray across earned, creator, social, and trade, reinforcing its strength in food and drink/FMCG.Red wins Grant Thornton's corporate comms to challenge conventions in professional services.Speed is appointed by Beko plc (Hotpoint, Whirlpool, Indesit, etc.) to oversee all six brands, building on a strong client of Brabantia, Post Office, Co‑op already Speed Clients.New agency Knock Three Times (founded by Kat Thomas) lands Westfield's consumer comms, with a client explicitly citing their “creative storytelling and AI‑era visibility” proposition.Shook wins Innocent's retained consumer press office, while Tin Man adds Yoplait; Boldspace wins Playmobil; and Smarts secures Costa Coffee.A clear pattern emerges: successful agencies combine sector specialism (FMCG, retail, lifestyle) with integrated capabilities (earned, influencer, social, retail activation) and a strong commercial/strategic narrative.M&A themesOn M&A, Bloch says the “M&A world is super busy”, driven by needs for scale, specialism, and social/creator capability:Accenture Song acquires Whalar, signalling how seriously big consultancies now take the creator economy and its projected $40bn+ value.LADbible Group buys a 75% stake in Uncovered for an initial £26m, aiming to combine publisher scale and insight with social‑first creativity, and to shift revenue towards more predictable, direct partnerships.Far on the Hill merges with Fourth Day to form an international tech PR agency across London, New York, Paris, and Manchester.Fleet Street takes a minority stake in KAM Insight in hospitality, potentially a strategic “try before you buy” move, deepening shared data and insight.Bacchus, a luxury lifestyle and hospitality specialist, is acquired by Mazarin Group, reinforcing the power of niche, best‑in‑class specialists.The long‑running Golin–Ketchum merger is finalised under the name Golin Ketchum, creating a large‑scale creative communications powerhouse within Omnicom, with Matt Neale as global CEO and Tamara Norman as global president.Across these deals, Bloch stresses that scale + specialism + strategic/creative clout are becoming decisive, while content alone is commoditising under AI pressure, pushing value into strategy, creativity, and data‑driven effectiveness.The podcast in quotes:Market mood & impact focus“The agencies that can prove genuine commercial impact are winning, Half two of the year is here. Let's get on with it.” – Andrew Bloch [0:02:35]On the M&A climate“The M&A world at the moment is super busy. There is nobody sitting still… there are deals happening. There is movement, and it is buoyant for sure at the moment.” – Andrew Bloch [0:03:14]On Delphi's Gen Digital win“This is a four to five billion dollar revenue business… a significant win for an agency of that age and size.” – Andrew Bloch [0:04:33]On Knock Three Times and AI‑era visibility“Knock Three Times offered something we hadn't seen elsewhere – a progressive proposition that puts creative storytelling and AI‑era visibility on equal footing.” – Andrew Bloch (quoting Westfield's head of marketing) [0:10:16]On publishers buying agencies & the social sector“This is a play for the future, and this will not be the first deal you will see in this space of this nature.” – Andrew Bloch, on LADbible–Uncovered and social agencies [0:24:28]On AI and commoditised content“Content is becoming very much a commodity service… AI is an enormous threat to any agency that is in the content space. The agencies that will survive… have the strategic relationships, the creative relationships at the top table.” – Andrew Bloch [0:23:31–0:24:28]On Golin Ketchum's ambition“Our ambition is to become the defining agency of the decade, and I love that, because it's a massive ambition.” – Andrew Bloch, quoting Matt Neale [0:33:39]
The Supreme Court's ruling Monday expanded presidential power over agencies that would traditionally be viewed as independent, with the Federal Reserve as an exception. What does that mean going forward? Also in this episode, we look at rising transportation costs, infrastructure projects, Comcast's spinoff of NBCUniversal, and the business of estate sales in Los Angeles.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.
In this emergency episode, Leah and Kate break down today's incredibly consequential decisions in Trump v. Slaughter and Trump v. Cook, which followed the Project 2025 playbook to rewrite almost a century of precedent regarding presidential power. They also discuss how close the Court came to ruling that states can't count absentee ballots that are cast by election day but received after election day in Watson v. RNC.Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE on November 6th in Washington, DC: Crookedcon.comBuy Melissa's book,The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern ReaderBuy Leah's book, Lawless, now out in paperbackFollow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky For a transcript of an episode of Strict Scrutiny, please email transcripts@crooked.com.
The Supreme Court's ruling Monday expanded presidential power over agencies that would traditionally be viewed as independent, with the Federal Reserve as an exception. What does that mean going forward? Also in this episode, we look at rising transportation costs, infrastructure projects, Comcast's spinoff of NBCUniversal, and the business of estate sales in Los Angeles.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.
Sarah Gonzalez fills in to break down the latest Supreme Court decisions affecting the nation. We're also breaking down the end of temporary deportation protections, Communist taking over New York City and much more! ------------------------------- https://www.seanspicer.com subscribe for an ad free version of this podcast ------------------------------- Bedford Reinforced Plastics - https://www.bedfordreinforced.com/spicer ------------------------------- Chapter - Call (978) 746-2315. It's free and takes under 20 minutes ------------------------------- My latest book Trump 2.0: The Revolution That Will Permanently Transform America is available for preorder, just click the link: https://a.co/d/67kKgje Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alvaro Bedoya — the former FTC Commissioner whom Trump fired in an unprecedented break with a century of agency-independence norms — joins the Chuck Toddcast to explain why his firing matters far beyond his own career, and what it reveals about the collision between corporate power and consumer protection in the Trump era. Bedoya makes the legal case plainly: removal "for cause" is clearly written into the law, Congress needs to codify FTC independence, and while he's skeptical this Supreme Court will rule in favor of agency independence, the circumstances of his dismissal are damning — he believes he was fired specifically for suing companies that happened to be Trump donors. The Amazon case is his exhibit A: the FTC was actively pursuing Amazon until Trump intervened, and after Amazon funneled millions to Trump, the investigations simply evaporated — proof, Bedoya argues, that existing laws against bribery and corruption clearly aren't working. He walks through the sprawling, well-funded lobbying effort against meaningful privacy legislation, and offers vivid examples of how unchecked data collection harms ordinary people. His prescription is structural: America needs genuine restrictions on what data can be collected and how it can be used, paired with serious antitrust enforcement — but the agencies tasked with that work have been starved of the resources they need. The conversation opens up into a fascinating, wide-ranging debate about monopoly power and consolidation across the American economy. Bedoya argues that streaming bills were already climbing even before the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger — a deal he believes there's a clear consumer case to block. He notes that Thomas Jefferson once argued for an anti-monopoly amendment in the Bill of Rights, that consolidation has hammered workers across countless industries, and that America is now suffering a genuine "drought of creativity" because of relentless media mergers — pointing out that there are only three serious buyers of documentary films left, and that half of America's TV news archive is about to be owned by a single family. Bedoya is honest about the nuances (Costco throws its weight around but has genuinely been good for consumers; vertically integrated health insurers are universally loathed), wrestles with whether unilateral Democratic executive action is even the answer, and warns that in this environment it's dangerously easy for regulators to simply get overwhelmed. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/chuck for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Alvaro Bedoya joins the Chuck ToddCast 02:00 Trump broke a long standing norm to fire Alvaro from the FTC 02:30 Congress needs to codify FTC independence 03:30 Firing “for cause” is very clearly written into the law 05:30 This Supreme Court unlikely to rule for agency independence 06:00 Was likely fired for suing companies that were Trump donors 06:45 You want consumers to be protected from political donors 08:30 FTC was pursuing case against Amazon until Trump intervened 10:00 Amazon funneled millions to Trump, investigations went away 10:30 Laws against bribery & corruption clearly aren’t working 12:30 How should government tackle consumer privacy protections? 13:15 There is a massive lobbying effort against privacy laws 14:30 Background actors were being scanned rather than being paid 15:30 Privacy can sometimes be an abstract concept to people 16:00 Labor unions are the group actually winning in this space 18:15 Need protections around privacy, data collection and antitrust 19:00 Need restrictions on collecting certain data and how it is used 20:30 Against law to use SEC database to solicit donations, not enforced 21:00 Agencies have been starved of resources needed for enforcement 23:15 Meta has grown massive and Zuckerberg retains total control 25:30 The debate about whether to break up the biggest companies 26:15 Breaking up AT&T benefitted consumers, ended long distance rates 27:00 T-Mobile merger should not have been allowed 28:00 Streaming bills going up even before Paramount WB merger 31:30 Jefferson argued for an amendment against monopolies in Bill of Rights 34:00 Consolidation has hurt workers in a variety of industries 34:45 Has there been a consolidation that’s been good for consumers? 37:15 Costco throws its weight around, but has been good for consumers 38:15 Health insurers are vertically integrated, and consumers loathe them 39:30 Iheart’s merger was allowed as an effort to preserve a “dying industry” 41:00 Paramount/WB only shot of catching Netflix/Disney is to merge? 42:15 Loading up the company with $80B in debt won’t produce a healthy firm 43:00 There are only 3 buyers of serious documentary films 44:15 Half of America’s TV news archive is about to be owned by one family 45:30 There are clear consumer cases for preventing the Paramount/WB merger 48:30 There’s been a cycle of innovation, then consolidation 50:00 We are suffering a drought of creativity due to mergers 52:15 There are antitrust exceptions for co-ops, can FTC encourage them? 54:15 Is unilateral Democratic executive branch action the answer here? 55:30 In this environment, it’s easy for regulators to get overwhelmed 56:15 The White House UFC fight was corrupt 59:00 Making the UFC event private at the WH was made it feel dirty 1:01:45 Favorite potential 2028 candidates? 1:03:45 Popular movements are effective pushing back against corporate powerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chuck Todd opens with the Iran ceasefire collapsing as the U.S. and Iran trade strikes again — but the real story, he argues, is that the U.S. military just inadvertently revealed Trump was lying about the war all along. The targets American forces hit in this latest round were the very targets Trump claimed weeks ago had already been destroyed; either Iran somehow reconstituted its entire military in a single week, or the president lied to the country, and CENTCOM's own report makes clear which it was. He warns that lying about war is historically not a small thing for a president to survive, no matter how badly Trump wants to memory-hole the entire episode. He then turns to the escalating Democratic fight over taxing billionaires, taking a characteristically nuanced position: billionaires are genuinely undertaxed, but "tax the rich" doesn't work as actual policy the way it works as a slogan, the loopholes built into the code exist to avoid unintended consequences, and the changes to the inheritance "death tax" are responsible for an enormous share of current inequality. He assesses Zohran Mamdani taking a victory lap as the new face of the DSA (and increasingly comfortable as a face of the Democratic Party), praising him as a genuinely compelling performer and possible heir to the Bernie movement while questioning whether his story can travel beyond New York City. He closes with one of his favorite structural arguments — that the far-left and far-right are now feeding off each other's fear, that a faction doesn't need to capture the whole country, just one congressional caucus, and that the founders' actual protection against factions was supposed to be a multitude of them — which is exactly why the House was meant to scale with the population and why Congress's choice to freeze its size needs to be reversed. He also looks ahead at fascinating Colorado primaries. Then, Alvaro Bedoya — the former FTC Commissioner whom Trump fired in an unprecedented break with a century of agency-independence norms — joins the Chuck Toddcast to explain why his firing matters far beyond his own career, and what it reveals about the collision between corporate power and consumer protection in the Trump era. Bedoya makes the legal case plainly: removal "for cause" is clearly written into the law, Congress needs to codify FTC independence, and while he's skeptical this Supreme Court will rule in favor of agency independence, the circumstances of his dismissal are damning — he believes he was fired specifically for suing companies that happened to be Trump donors. The Amazon case is his exhibit A: the FTC was actively pursuing Amazon until Trump intervened, and after Amazon funneled millions to Trump, the investigations simply evaporated — proof, Bedoya argues, that existing laws against bribery and corruption clearly aren't working. He walks through the sprawling, well-funded lobbying effort against meaningful privacy legislation, and offers vivid examples of how unchecked data collection harms ordinary people. His prescription is structural: America needs genuine restrictions on what data can be collected and how it can be used, paired with serious antitrust enforcement — but the agencies tasked with that work have been starved of the resources they need. The conversation opens up into a fascinating, wide-ranging debate about monopoly power and consolidation across the American economy. Bedoya argues that streaming bills were already climbing even before the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger — a deal he believes there's a clear consumer case to block. He notes that Thomas Jefferson once argued for an anti-monopoly amendment in the Bill of Rights, that consolidation has hammered workers across countless industries, and that America is now suffering a genuine "drought of creativity" because of relentless media mergers — pointing out that there are only three serious buyers of documentary films left, and that half of America's TV news archive is about to be owned by a single family. Bedoya is honest about the nuances (Costco throws its weight around but has genuinely been good for consumers; vertically integrated health insurers are universally loathed), wrestles with whether unilateral Democratic executive action is even the answer, and warns that in this environment it's dangerously easy for regulators to simply get overwhelmed. Finally, he hops into the ToddCast Time Machine to explain the origin of the name of the bikini swimsuit, and why America’s relationship with nuclear technology changed over time. He also answers listeners’ questions in the “Asl Chuck” segment. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/chuck for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. From the opening whistle to the final kick. Bet on a match and get bonus bets for every goal scored at Fanduel.com Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 05:15 U.S. and Iran trade strikes again, ceasefire not holding 06:15 The U.S. military basically revealed Trump was lying about the war 06:45 Historically, voters don’t accept lies from presidents about war 07:30 The targets the U.S. hit were targets Trump said were already destroyed 08:30 Three weeks ago Trump said Iran had nothing… clearly it wasn’t true 09:15 Making the case that Trump is full of shit isn’t hard* 10:30 Either Iran reconstituted its military in a week, or Trump lied. 11:15 CENTCOM’s report shows that Trump lied to the country 13:15 Trump announced on his birthday that he had ended the war 14:00 Handing Iran billions of dollars is hardly the “surrender” Trump proclaimed 15:45 Lying about war is not a small thing for a president to do 17:15 Trump thought he could memory-hole the Iran war, Iran won’t let him 17:45 There’s a right way to tax billionaires, but it’s not currently being proposed 19:00 Billionaires are undertaxed, but tax policy doesn’t work as a slogan 19:45 Loopholes are built into the tax code to avoid unintended consequences 20:30 Reforms to the inheritance tax allow the wealthy to avoid taxation 21:45 Closing other loopholes could raise hundreds of billions 23:00 Taxing billionaires is fine, but you can’t mess up tax code in the process 24:30 The Newsom vs. Khanna fight - Both are making good points 25:00 A state level wealth tax could create a shortfall in the long term 25:45 The “death tax” change is responsible for much of the current inequality 26:30 “Fair share” polls well, but requires major changes to the tax code 27:30 Tax reform isn’t simple or quick, requires real work from congress 28:15 Mamdani takes a victory lap, wants to be face of the DSA movement 29:30 Mamdani is fine with being the face of the Democratic party 31:00 Mamdani is telling a compelling story, but can it go beyond NYC? 33:00 Mamdani had a weak defense of the Dan Goldman coffee incident 34:00 Mamdani is very good as a performer, could be heir to Bernie movement 35:45 The far-left and the far-right are feeding off of each other 36:30 Trump ramps up rhetoric against DSA, calls them “godless communists” 37:30 The DSA and Trump both working off the fear of each other 38:45 A faction doesn’t need to capture the country, just one caucus 39:30 The founders’ protection from factions, was a multitude of factions 41:30 The House of Representatives was supposed to scale with the country 43:15 Congress chose to stop letting the House grow, needs to change 46:45 The Colorado primaries will be fascinating 48:15 Michael Bennett has to carry the banner of being a D.C. creature 48:45 John Hickenlooper facing a viable challenge from the left 50:30 The DSA candidate for congress is ahead in the polls 56:45 Alvaro Bedoya joins the Chuck ToddCast 58:45 Trump broke a long standing norm to fire Alvaro from the FTC 59:15 Congress needs to codify FTC independence 1:00:15 Firing “for cause” is very clearly written into the law 1:02:15 This Supreme Court unlikely to rule for agency independence 1:02:45 Was likely fired for suing companies that were Trump donors 1:03:30 You want consumers to be protected from political donors 1:05:15 FTC was pursuing case against Amazon until Trump intervened 1:06:45 Amazon funneled millions to Trump, investigations went away 1:07:15 Laws against bribery & corruption clearly aren’t working 1:09:15 How should government tackle consumer privacy protections? 1:10:00 There is a massive lobbying effort against privacy laws 1:11:15 Background actors were being scanned rather than being paid 1:12:15 Privacy can sometimes be an abstract concept to people 1:12:45 Labor unions are the group actually winning in this space 1:15:00 Need protections around privacy, data collection and antitrust 1:15:45 Need restrictions on collecting certain data and how it is used 1:17:15 Against law to use SEC database to solicit donations, not enforced 1:17:45 Agencies have been starved of resources needed for enforcement 1:20:00 Meta has grown massive and Zuckerberg retains total control 1:22:15 The debate about whether to break up the biggest companies 1:23:00 Breaking up AT&T benefitted consumers, ended long distance rates 1:23:45 T-Mobile merger should not have been allowed 1:24:45 Streaming bills going up even before Paramount WB merger 1:28:15 Jefferson argued for an amendment against monopolies in Bill of Rights 1:30:45 Consolidation has hurt workers in a variety of industries 1:31:30 Has there been a consolidation that’s been good for consumers? 1:34:00 Costco throws its weight around, but has been good for consumers 1:35:00 Health insurers are vertically integrated, and consumers loathe them 1:36:15 Iheart’s merger was allowed as an effort to preserve a “dying industry” 1:37:45 Paramount/WB only shot of catching Netflix/Disney is to merge? 1:39:00 Loading up the company with $80B in debt won’t produce a healthy firm 1:39:45 There are only 3 buyers of serious documentary films 1:41:00 Half of America’s TV news archive is about to be owned by one family 1:42:15 There are clear consumer cases for preventing the Paramount/WB merger 1:45:15 There’s been a cycle of innovation, then consolidation 1:46:45 We are suffering a drought of creativity due to mergers 1:49:00 There are antitrust exceptions for co-ops, can FTC encourage them? 1:51:00 Is unilateral Democratic executive branch action the answer here? 1:52:15 In this environment, it’s easy for regulators to get overwhelmed 1:53:00 The White House UFC fight was corrupt 1:55:45 Making the UFC event private at the WH was made it feel dirty 1:58:30 Favorite potential 2028 candidates? 2:00:30 Popular movements are effective pushing back against corporate power 2:02:30 ToddCast Time Machine 2:03:30 July 1946 The bikini swimsuit named after atomic bomb test 2:06:00 Both fear and optimism rose about nuclear technology 2:06:45 We didn’t have an enemy yet with an atomic bomb 2:07:30 The atom wasn’t viewed just as a weapon, but as the future 2:09:00 We were exporting the atomic age and that seemed cool 2:09:30 The people on bikini atoll were being told to leave their homes 2:10:30 The vibe changed once the Soviets detonated their first bomb 2:11:30 Very few people know why the bikini swimsuit carries its name 2:13:00 Ask Chuck 2:13:15 Do you see somebody jumping into ‘28 presidential race prior to midterms? 2:18:30 What do you think happened in the meeting between Trump & senators? 2:26:30 Thoughts on college athletics eligibility changes? 2:29:30 Thoughts on straight-ticket voting? 2:31:30 Is the premise that moderate Democrats are more “electable” overstated? 2:39:00 Would reforms that redistribute power meaningfully improve our system? 2:41:00 Any go-to books on civics and the constitution?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many agency owners work harder every year yet struggle to see profitability improve. Daniel Metcalf and Mike Stromsoe explore the three profit rules that separate highly profitable agencies from those stuck in constant firefighting. They discuss how client segmentation, employee engagement, operational design, and technology can work together to create more capacity, stronger retention, and better financial performance. Through practical examples, they challenge agency leaders to rethink long-standing habits, identify where profit is really generated, and build systems that allow their teams to focus on the work that creates the greatest impact.Key Topics: • Why the Pareto Principle reveals hidden opportunities inside most agencies • How client segmentation helps agencies deliver the right service at the right level • The connection between employee engagement and agency profitability • Why repetitive work should be redesigned instead of assigned to more staff • The role community involvement plays in building stronger client relationships • How batching work improves focus, productivity, and service consistency • Using dashboards and KPIs to identify the activities that drive growth • Why challenging long-standing agency habits is essential for future scalabilityConnect with Daniel:LinkedInWebsiteConnect with Mike: LinkedIn TwitterProfitability is rarely the result of working harder. Agencies that understand where profit is created, eliminate operational friction, and focus their teams on high-value activities position themselves for sustainable growth and long-term success.
The Washington Roundtable is joined by Jeff Stein, the veteran political reporter and founding editor of the newsletter “Spytalk,” to examine Donald Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as the new acting Director of National Intelligence, a position that, in theory, oversees the C.I.A., N.S.A., F.B.I., and fifteen other agencies. Pulte has no intelligence background and no national-security experience, but does have a track record of going after the President's perceived enemies. Plus, the panel discusses a recent Washington Post investigation that raised new questions about the outgoing director, Tulsi Gabbard, and her alleged ties to a religious cult.This week's reading:“Everyone Wants to Touch the Blue Coating in the Reflecting Pool,” by Jesús Rodríguez“Chronicle of a Disaster Foretold,” by David Remnick“The Difference Between the Knicks and the White House Cage Fight,” by Adam Gopnik“How the Trump Administration Pushed Judges to Deport Children,” by E. Tammy Kim“Do Netanyahu's Domestic Opponents Offer a Real Alternative?” by Isaac ChotinerThe Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week. Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Could your agency's biggest growth problem have nothing to do with getting more leads? How are you unknowingly scaling chaos instead of building systems that can support long-term success?In this episode of The Agency Blueprint podcast, I explain why weak internal systems are often the real issue for struggling agencies and not lead generation. I explore how short-term growth can quickly collapse when agencies lack the operational infrastructure to sustain it.Don't miss this episode to learn why sustainable growth comes from strengthening the entire client journey rather than obsessing over lead generation alone!Key Questions:[01:28] Are you struggling with a lack of leads, or is your agency breaking under growth because the systems behind the scenes cannot support new clients?[04:48] Which area of your agency creates the biggest bottleneck right now?[08:42] How many clients who sign with your agency are still with you six or twelve months later?[12:26] If your lead generation doubled today, could your agency realistically deliver great results without burning out your team or yourself?What You'll Discover: [01:40] The full agency growth ecosystem: lead generation, sales, onboarding, delivery, retention, and client expansion.[02:23] Why agency success depends on building infrastructure across every stage of the client journey, not just marketing and sales.[03:08] How understanding team capacity, utilization, profitability, and workload management helps agencies scale sustainably.[03:41] How inconsistent delivery experiences create unstable client retention and unreliable referrals.[04:48] The core business metrics you should monitor to identify growth bottlenecks and improve scalability.[06:19] The dangerous cycle many agencies experience: more leads, more stress, lower quality, unhappy clients, and shrinking growth.[07:35] Practical sales benchmarks, including healthy close rates for cold leads versus warm referrals.[08:42] How measuring logo retention reveals whether your agency is creating sustainable client relationships.[09:24] Why upsells, cross-sells, and repeat projects are essential for long-term agency profitability.[10:36] A common mistake creative agencies make when presenting work to clients and why it creates unnecessary tension.[11:27] The importance of focusing on where momentum is actually being lost inside the business for agency growth.[13:13] How better communication, reporting, and strategic framing improve client retention and perceived value.
At the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity this week, Meta announced a slew of even more automated marketing tools, further lowering the barrier to entry for advertisers to manage campaigns directly. Nicola Mendelsohn, Meta's head of global business group, joins this episode of the Digiday podcast to talk about how that does and doesn't change the agency-platform relationship.
Misunderstandings about the Authority to Operate (ATO) process are slowing federal technology modernization efforts and driving up costs, according to David Raley, chief digital business officer for Operation StormBreaker in the Marine Corps. Speaking at GovCIO Media & Research's Federal IT Efficiency Summit, Raley argued that many delays stem from a fundamental misconception about what receives an authorization. Rather than granting ATOs to individual software applications, agencies authorize integrated systems operating within specific environments, taking into account mission context, infrastructure, users and data. Raley said this misunderstanding often leads to unnecessary delays for both government teams and industry partners. To accelerate software delivery, Raley highlighted the Marine Corps' Operation StormBreaker initiative, which leverages modern DevSecOps practices and continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. By building applications on preauthorized platforms, teams can inherit the majority of required security controls, reducing compliance burdens and enabling faster, more efficient delivery of mission capabilities.
How can the Synod better support the entities and agencies of Synod in their work at home and abroad? In this special 2026 Convention episode of The Lutheran Witness podcast, the Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, district president of the LCMS Pacific Southwest District; Andrew Grams, vice chairman of the LCMS Board of Directors; and the Rev. Dr. John Sias, LCMS Secretary join the Rev. Roy S. Askins to discuss Resolution 9-11, which proposes bylaw changes that would address changes to corporate law and business needs affecting Synod-wide entities. The podcast addresses the critiques of the resolution and offers a way for Synod to order its life together in a God-pleasing and legal way. Listeners can reach out directly to Secretary Sias at lcmssecretary@lcms.org. Resources: lcms.org/convention/national 2026 Today's Business, 1st Edition
In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers sits down with Ryan Mathison and Sean Mulhern to discuss the intersection of AI, agency operations, and technology adoption. While AI dominates industry conversations, the group emphasizes that technology is not a substitute for strong fundamentals. Agencies must first build solid processes, procedures, and operational discipline before automation and AI can create meaningful value. The conversation explores agency valuations, technology fatigue, workflow optimization, producer productivity, and the evolution of insurance technology platforms like GloveBox. David, Ryan, and Sean challenge agency owners to stay focused on their core mission—selling and servicing insurance—while using technology as a tool to improve efficiency, enhance client experience, and create scalable growth. Connect with: David Carothers LinkedIn Ryan Mathisen Linkedin Sean Mulhern Linkedin Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minute
Most people trying to win at SEO are asking the wrong question. How do I get my traffic back? Wrong question. Wrong game. Wrong decade. Steve Wiideman has thirty years in this industry. He's seen every update, every panic, every agency pivot. And he'll tell you something most people charging you monthly retainers will never admit. The traffic isn't coming back. AI overviews are eating clicks before you even show up. Agentic commerce means people are buying inside ChatGPT and YouTube without ever touching your website. Zero-click isn't coming. It's here. It's done. It's the new normal. And most agencies are still selling you 2019 with a new logo. But here's the thing nobody's saying out loud. The fundamentals never broke. The shortcuts did. Content farms. AI-generated blog factories. Link blasters. Agencies who promised more content meant more traffic. Google's March update didn't come out of nowhere. It was a warning that had been building for years. And it landed hard. In this episode, Jaryd sits down with Steve to talk about what's actually happening. Why the businesses winning right now stopped chasing rankings entirely. How one sentence in a Google Maps review took a brand new burger joint to number one in two days. What agentic commerce means for your revenue model. And why single-source dependency on Google is the single biggest risk any online business is carrying right now. They also get into why twenty real brand fans beat an entire link-building team. How to build content in a shrinking-click world. And the mindset shift separating businesses that are growing from the ones watching their dashboards collapse. The agencies lying to you about AI aren't villains. They just don't know what else to sell you. Steve does.
Tucker Carlson Joins Alex Jones To Discuss Netanyahu's Public Attempt To Take Control Of US Military & Intel Agencies! Carlson Is Set To Break Other Huge News On-Air As Well
SharkNinja has rewritten the modern commerce playbook by embedding a "threshold of virality" directly into pre-product development and abandoning rigid, weekly campaign reviews for hourly optimization. Global Head of Media Dave Kersey shares how this social-first, digital-only approach skyrocketed the brand to the top of TikTok Shop ecosystems globally while establishing a hyper-transparent, API-driven model for agency partnerships. Key Highlights
In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast, we continue Part Two of my conversation with Stephen Pitts and Imants Mozers, authors of The Missing Story: Probation, Legitimacy, and the Battle for Public Understanding. If you have not yet listened to Part One, released as Episode 241, I encourage you to go back and begin there. This second part picks up the conversation by going deeper into probation's identity, public legitimacy, leadership, and the stories the field tells — or fails to tell — about itself. Stephen and Imants challenge us to think about why probation cannot simply assume its value is self-evident. Agencies must be able to explain what they do, why it matters, and how the work contributes to safer and healthier communities. That requires leadership, shared language, strategic communication, and a willingness to listen to voices that are sometimes left out of the official story. In Part Two, we explore: • why probation agencies need a clearer professional identity • the role of leadership in shaping shared language and public understanding • the value of lived experience in explaining justice interventions • why agencies should be strategic about who they try to reach and persuade • how professional probation networks are growing across the world • the importance of APPA, CEP, the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole, and emerging networks in Africa • Stephen and Imants' reflections on the future of probation • the next World Congress on Probation and Parole, scheduled for Riga, Latvia, in May 2028 Listeners can learn more about Stephen and Imants' work at probationfutures.com, where you can also sign up to receive access to the digital version of The Missing Story when it becomes available. I have also been releasing short YouTube video highlights from this conversation. You can find those, along with additional video content from The Criminologist Podcast, on my YouTube channel. As always, thank you for listening to The Criminologist Podcast. Please subscribe, share this episode with a colleague, and continue following along as we explore the ideas, people, and practices shaping the future of probation, parole, desistance, and community corrections. Links mentioned in this episode Probation Futures: https://probationfutures/com The Criminologist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCriminologist Short YouTube highlight from this conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4TLNu40TAI American Probation and Parole Association: https://www.appa-net.org Confederation of European Probation: https://www.cep-probation.org World Congress on Probation and Parole information via CEP: https://www.cep-probation.org/world-congress-on-probation/
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by seasoned project management expert Danielle McCier to shine a spotlight on one of the most critical—and sometimes underestimated—roles in any agency: project management. Together, they unpack how powerful project management isn't just about checking boxes, but about leading with clarity, protecting your agency's profit, and creating alignment across chaotic workflows. Danielle McCier shares her unique journey from the music industry to advertising operations, offering firsthand wisdom on how project management elevates agencies beyond glorified administration. She describes the evolution of her own role, distinguishing the difference between being a task-oriented admin and a proactive leader who wrangles multiple teams, deliverables, and shifting client requests. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of why clear communication, defined asks, and structured processes form the backbone of any successful project—and, by extension, the agency itself. This episode delves into actionable strategies for building trust internally, facilitating tough conversations, and managing expectations across creatives, account teams, and clients. Danielle McCier and Drew McLellan also discuss common pitfalls like assumption-driven burnout, the importance of sources of truth in organizing project details, and how systems don't stifle creativity—they enable it. If you've ever wondered when it's time to add a project manager to your team, how to hire for the right blend of hard and soft skills, or how to truly empower your agency's engine room, this episode is packed with hard-won advice. Get ready to walk away with a renewed appreciation for project management as the unsung hero of agency growth, culture, and sustainability. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: The evolving role of project management as a core agency function, not just an administrative task How detailed communication and clear processes drive better client and internal outcomes The critical importance of aligning expectations at every project stage Building trust through personalized relationships and consistent, candid conversations The project manager's influence in establishing and maintaining effective agency systems Recognizing and addressing burnout by clarifying roles, responsibilities, and workload Why great project managers embody leadership, emotional intelligence, and agency protection
Welcome back to Juicy Scoop! Today, I am sitting down with the legendary New York Times bestselling investigative author Michael Gross, and we are digging up the most scandalous, glamorous secrets from the worlds of high fashion and extreme wealth. Michael takes us inside the ruthless "modeling pyramid," uncovering how agencies like Elite operated on predatory behavior while stars like Cindy Crawford managed to stay completely untouchable. We dish on his hit books Model and Treasured Island, tracing the secret history of St. Bart's from its days as a pirate haven to a hyper-exclusive billionaire playground where David Geffen and Roman Abramovich dock their superyachts. Michael shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories of fighting off scary legal threats, getting banned from high-fashion runways, and the time Calvin Klein pulled a massive $5 million ad campaign just because Michael dared to write the truth. Plus, we talk about the toxic rise of Instagram selfie culture on luxury beaches and why I am officially trying to ditch the influencer vacation anxiety for good! -Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to Quince.com/juicy for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. -Right now, when you buy any Nutrafol Men hair growth supplement subscription, you get two free gifts — a full-size 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner plus a hair serum, a $93 value — plus 20% off a subscription. Take advantage of this great deal at Nutrafol.com. -Go to RO.CO/JUICYSCOOP to see if you qualify. - Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/juicy Subscribe to my new show Juicy Crimes!: https://bit.ly/juicycrimes Stand Up Tickets and info: https://heathermcdonald.net/ Subscribe to Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald and get extra juice on Patreon: https://bit.ly/JuicyScoopPod https://www.patreon.com/cw/juicyscoop Watch the Juicy Scoop On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuicyScoop Shop Juicy Scoop Merch: https://juicyscoopshop.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopTZFUvAeokrJJ6dQ5wuAW1T3nssO6pHk47u7KymJUBtBgKCvfX Follow Me on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathermcdonald/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heathermcdonald YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherMcDonaldOfficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices