Podcast
Digital Marketing Masters Podcast
Hosted by Matt Rouse · EN
Digital Marketing Masters Podcast with your host, Bestselling Author, Matt Rouse and your co-host, Film Maker, Mahek Anam. Actionable information and interviews with leading experts in AI, marketing, productivity, and business. Every show has a business-changing idea and will knock your socks off.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Advertising in the Age of AI with Sean Sweeney Part 1 (283)
6d ago00:53:04Tap to summarizeIn today’s conversation, I sit down with Sean Sweeney, the “Blues Brother of PPC” from Chicago, to cut through the AI hype and talk about what’s actually changing in digital advertising. We get candid about Google Performance Max and Meta’s algorithmic buying: why “just give us your credit card and we’ll do the rest” can erode brand control, underfund top‑of‑funnel, and starve discovery. We dig into the real work that still moves the needle: full‑funnel strategy, first‑party data, programmatic done right, and organic discovery that feeds paid performance. We unpack AEO/GEO for AI chatbots, why no tool can definitively track AI recommendations, and how to increase your odds of inclusion with human‑helpful, machine‑readable content (schema, FAQs, glossaries), plus platform plays like Reddit and Pinterest. We also talk creative in the AI era: how a smart mix of real assets with AI enhancements can outperform big‑budget shoots, and why model selection matters, using the right AI for the right task is a competitive edge. Finally, we call out the incentives baked into ad platforms, the shrinking visibility into data, and why mid‑market brands can’t afford to hand over the steering wheel. If your SEO, paid, content, and “AI optimization” still live in silos, this episode is your nudge to integrate your discovery ecosystem end‑to‑end.https://www.firstpositiondigitalsolutions.com/ Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot
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Branding in the Age of AI with Mairin Deery (282)
2w ago00:37:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, I sit down with creative director and brand strategist Mairin Deery to unpack what branding looks like in the age of AI, with candid interjections from our creative lead, Mehak. We explore why AI shines as an accelerator for strategy, iteration, and operational efficiency, but still can’t replace the messy, specific, human experiences that make brands resonate. From “highest common denominator” outputs to the trap of vibe-branding and cloned .md design files, we dig into how to use AI as an assistant, not a substitute, for a well-defined “why you, why now.”We also talk about when efficiency should win (think windshield wipers and flight bookings) and when to protect the unscalable human moments that build trust. Expect practical advice on prompting AI to push back, using it as a thinking partner, and threading your irreducibly human brand core through everything you scale. Your homework: write your “why you, why now” in a few sentences and then maybe let AI help you amplify it, not replace it.https://www.mairindeery.com/ Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot
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Live Is the New Real in the Age of AI with Keith Bilous
3w ago00:54:52Tap to summarizeIn this live-recorded episode of Digital Marketing Masters, I sit down with Keith Billis to unpack why going live—consistently, at the same time, with real human presence—is a powerful antidote to an AI-saturated, deepfake-capable world. We explore how repetition builds trust, why morning shows are an untapped, high-leverage format for creators and brands, and how structure and format can outlast any single host to create scalable IP. Keith shares his journey building Mornings in the Lab, his MITL Studio network, and the ConversationOS platform designed to launch formatted live shows in under 90 seconds—all with an eye toward blending human hosts and intentional AI characters without creating “AI slop.”We also dig into audience engagement in real time versus prerecorded podcasts, the fear and risk of going live (and how to mitigate it), localization opportunities, and the compounding effects of simply showing up. From creators battling burnout to enterprises wanting to own their narrative in a noisy landscape, this conversation lays out both a mindset and a playbook: commit to the habit, build a repeatable format, and use AI as an enhancer—not a crutch—to create trustworthy, living content.MiTL: https://www.mitl.studio/ Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot
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Intro to AI for Business & Work with Matt Rouse (280)
4w ago00:40:35Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode, I share a practical beginner’s guide to using AI at work and in your business—plus a solid refresher if you’ve already dabbled with tools like ChatGPT. I break down, in plain language, how modern AI is trained, why tokens matter (and what they cost), and where the real money in AI comes from. Then we dive into the six essential skills you should build right now: prompting chatbots with context and constraints, generating and editing images, uploading and analyzing documents, using computer vision to solve real‑world and software problems, conducting deeper research, and creating lightweight “software on demand.” Along the way, I give concrete prompting frameworks, tips to reduce hallucinations, ideas for cross‑checking outputs, and hands‑on examples; from summarizing contracts to troubleshooting hardware with photos and iterating on AI‑built mini apps. I also highlight free and accessible tools you can start with today, including image generators, Microsoft Copilot, and Google’s NotebookLM for research, slide decks, summaries, and auto‑generated audio/video overviews. Whether you’re an employee sharpening AI literacy or a small business owner looking for leverage, this episode will help you build confidence, pick the right workflows, and get meaningful results, fast.We wrap with practical do’s and don’ts, emphasizing context, constraints, audience, and outputs for better prompts; when to start a new chat to avoid lost context; how to cross-check outputs; and why computer vision is an underused superpower. If you want a no-nonsense roadmap to immediate AI wins—and a clearer picture of where the industry is headed—this episode is for you.https://matthewrouse.com If you like to hear about AI & marketing, and posts about chickens, connect with me on the LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmrouse/ or SubStack if that's your jam: https://mattrouse.substack.com/ Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot
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Spirituality in the Age of AI with The Witch Doctor Sabrina Scott (279)
Apr 900:44:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with witch, author, and soon-to-be “witch doctor” (getting her PhD) Sabrina Scott to explore the provocative crossroads of AI, consciousness, and spirituality. We trace humanity’s long history of animism and ritual, examine why the modern split between science and spirit is so recent, and ask whether large language models can, or should, play the role of teacher, priest, or prophet. Sabrina makes a compelling case for “spiritual reps”: the irreplaceable, embodied work of ritual, intuition, and lived experience that no algorithm can outsource. We dig into AI-written sermons, tarot-by-chatbot, and the rise of AI influencers, along with the uncomfortable possibility of cults forming around machine “gurus,” and even the esoteric idea that focused collective attention could create a digital egregore. We close by challenging listeners to reclaim authenticity—in marketing and in meaning-making—by stepping away from the screen, returning to ritual, and doing the hard, human work that keeps our creative and spiritual muscles alive. Put in the reps; the machine won’t live your life for you.Sabrina ScottIn this thought-provoking episode of Digital Marketing Masters, I sit down with witch, medium, and soon-to-be Dr. Sabrina Scott to explore the slippery boundary between spirituality, science, and our rapidly evolving relationship with AI. We rewind through history to examine how humans once universally attributed spirit to land, objects, and celestial bodies—and ask what it means when today’s algorithms begin to inherit that same aura. From “spiritual reps” and the irreplaceable value of embodied practice to the risks of offloading our intuition to chatbots, Sabrina challenges us to consider whether convenience culture is eroding the ritual, discipline, and lived experience that make spiritual work transformative. We also venture into the edgy futurescape: AI-written sermons, synthetic spiritual influencers, tarot-by-chatbot, and the eerie possibility of an egregore—a thought-form brought to life by collective attention—emerging from our collective devotion to machines. Along the way, we confront the cultural hunger that makes AI cults plausible, the difference between pattern recognition and true intuition, and whether humanity might be creating God instead of the other way around. Before you open another prompt window, Sabrina’s invitation is simple and challenging: close the laptop, touch the earth, and put in the reps that only a human soul can do. Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot
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From Host to Experience Producer: PodCamp Toronto Takeaways (278)
Apr 200:37:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, I’m joined by Ben Albert, Marv Paul, Sabrina Scott, and my cohost Mahek Anam to unpack our biggest takeaways from PodCamp Toronto 2026, the “unconference” that thrives on community, inclusivity, and real human connection. We explore why podcasting is less about perfect tech and more about producing an authentic listener experience: embracing imperfection, front‑loading the best moments, and prioritizing conversations that build genuine relationships. From improv and empathetic listening workshops to hallway chats and extended lunches, we share how the in‑between moments often deliver the most insight. We also cover the continued rise of YouTube and full‑episode social posts, cross‑platform listening habits, and why being a connector at events matters. You’ll also hear quick spotlights on each of our shows, from spirituality and wellness, to tech and the evolving internet, to raw business conversations, and our own evolving format at Digital Marketing Masters in the age of AI. If you’ve been waiting to start a podcast, Sabrina’s challenge is simple: record on your phone today and ship it. And if you’re optimizing your current show, consider leading with your strongest clips, publishing everywhere your audience listens or watches, and nurturing the small group, in‑person moments that make this medium unforgettable.Sabrina Scott: https://www.sabrinamscott.com/Marv Paul: https://hellofrommarv.substack.com/ Ben Albert: https://realbusinessconnections.com/Mahek Anam: https://www.instagram.com/girlintheehood/Matt Rouse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmrouse Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot
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Social Media Strategy in the Age of AI with Katie Brinkley (277)
Mar 2600:24:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, new co-host Mahek Anam sits down with Matt Rouse (author of Will AI Take My Job Too?) and Katie Brinkley (author of The Social Shift) to unpack the paradox of social media in the age of AI. Content is easier to produce than ever, yet audiences crave real human connection. We explore why authenticity is becoming a strategic necessity, not a buzzword, and how community, not check-a-box posting, wins when algorithms shift and attention fragments. Katie reminds us of social media’s original purpose, building community, and why showing up as a real human is the only way to cultivate meaningful relationships online.Matt shares his 3-10-30 rule for video attention, the importance of having a recognizable “face” for your brand, and why platform cultures demand tailored content instead of frictionless cross-posting. We discuss using AI to augment creativity (not replace it), from animating real photos into short videos to repurposing authentic long-form podcasts. Finally, we dive into the coming shift where AI agents personalize discovery from our pockets, and how consistent, specific identity signals across platforms can train models to associate your name with what you want to be known for. Bottom line: use AI wisely to amplify what’s uniquely you and build communities algorithms can reference but never replace. Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot
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Reddit to Revenue: Mining Customer Signals Using AI with Kay Allison (276)
Dec 200:30:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, I sit down with product development and consumer insights expert Kay Allison to explore how AI can supercharge audience research and product innovation. We discuss why so many entrepreneurs (and big brands) mistakenly project their own preferences onto customers, how to recognize different decision-making styles and motivations, and the importance of uncovering real human conflicts, those tension points between what people want and what’s available. Kaye shares practical, low-cost methods to mine authentic customer conversations from Reddit, reviews, and social platforms, plus how to structure prompts for AI tools to identify segments, surface unmet needs, and turn messy qualitative data into actionable insights.We also dive into advanced and “poor man’s” workflows: using Reddit’s Answers, exporting forum threads into docs, and uploading them to AI for synthesis; directing models to targeted sources and timeframes; and crafting context-rich prompts that specify role, data, output, and formatting. Kaye outlines a replicable prompt framework and offers her custom GPT for sorting customer data. We wrap by connecting these skills to broader problem-solving—from consumer research to complex health contexts—while emphasizing ethical use and the power of better questions to get better answers.Kay: https://kayallison.com/https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/digital-marketing-masters/276(00:02) Opening and guest introduction: Kaye Allison(01:27) Kaye’s one‑breath background and philosophy on consumer insight(03:06) Entrepreneurs are not their customers: assumptions and humility(04:28) Different decision styles and motivations beyond business growth(06:13) Moving past basic AI use cases to learn your audience(06:35) Mining Reddit and reviews; social listening with AI(10:08) Hands‑on with Reddit Answers and broadening competitive sets(11:32) Scrappy workflows: collecting posts and analyzing with AI(12:07) Low‑cost tools, brand mentions, and what to ask AI(12:32) Finding conflicts, segments, and gaps in consumer data(14:10) Directing AI research: where to look and time windows(16:01) Human nuance vs aggregates; walls around data sources(18:36) Fragmented health data and DIY analysis with AI(21:01) Asking better questions: from focus groups to prompting(23:04) Context engineering and prompt structure best practices(26:06) Non‑diagnostic framing and advocating with your doctor(27:33) How to contact Kaye and her custom GPT offerLooking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot
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Is Your Automation Removing Humanness? with George Bryant (275)
Nov 400:38:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, I chat with George Bryant (The Mind of George) about the balance between AI automation and human connection in business. George shares wild stats from his podcasting journey, why “user‑generated keynotes” beat rehearsed scripts, and how doubling down on principles and values outlasts fast‑changing tactics. We dig into the real end goal behind most tech and automation, giving people time back. And why removing the “secret ingredient” (you) can stall growth. From customer journeys to local SMB automation, we explore what to automate (the admin and repetitive tasks) and what to keep human (coaching, trust, nuance, and community). We also talk AI’s exponential pace, robotics already in the real world, and the growing demand for authentic relationships, plus a few tales from the chicken coop that remind us business is ultimately people to people. If you’re wrestling with how to apply AI without erasing your voice, this conversation maps a practical path: automate the parts nobody misses so you can show up more where it matters. Principles over platforms, relationships overreach, and human magic at the heart of modern marketing.Resources and links mentioned: George Bryant: https://mindofgeorge.com https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/digital-marketing-masters/275https://serve.podhome.fm/digital-marketing-mastersLooking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot
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The Worst Kept Secret of Success with Mark Dulaney (274)
Oct 800:32:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Digital Marketing Masters, I sit down with execution coach Mark Dulaney from the School of Execution to unpack the “worst kept secret” of success: doing the work boldly, consistently, effectively and getting a little better every day. We explore why most people stall at “good enough,” how to apply critical self-review to improve faster, and why intention, accountability, and doing what’s required (not just what’s comfortable) separate achievers from the average. Mark shares his drill-sergeant-for-hire approach, the importance of facing rejection, and how improving your body can be the gateway to better execution in business, relationships, and life.We also dig into practical AI use: the role of context in prompts, using AI as a tough-love thinking partner, and leveraging it to clarify complex ideas without outsourcing your judgment. From iterating on processes and shipping the book you’ll actually use, to surrounding yourself with people who push you higher, this conversation is a candid blueprint for building momentum, overcoming avoidance, and choosing to be victorious over your past every single day. Resources and communities mentioned include Mark’s School of Execution, Ben Albert’s Grow Getters, and Audrey Quan’s group for marketing agencies. Looking for a podcast guest? Author Matt RouseHook Digital Marketing | Hook Digital Marketing CanadaMarket your local business on autopilot: SMB Autopilot
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