Podcast Summary:

Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson
Host: GURU Media Hub
Episode: Ep. 453 – What’s Up THIS WEEK: Big Em Dash News!🫢GDPR getting Easier? Thanksgiving Issues! 😅
Date: November 25, 2025

Episode Overview

This week’s episode packs a punchy, rapid-fire rundown of current marketing, tech, and life updates — delivered in Jay Schwedelson’s irreverent, conversational style. Major topics include big news on the infamous EM dash from OpenAI, significant developments in European data privacy legislation, new Instagram and Google features, and actionable email marketing tactics. The episode wraps with a humorous, relatable Thanksgiving rant.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. EM Dash News from ChatGPT & OpenAI

(00:27–02:25)

• The Issue: ChatGPT has long overused EM dashes (“the long dash”), making content look suspiciously AI-generated.
• OpenAI’s Response: In a tongue-in-cheek update via their Instagram, they acknowledged the meme and vowed to “use the EM dash responsibly” with future models.
  • Quote:
    “To everyone who once loved the EM dash, I’m sorry. Truly, I’m sorry… The M dash was supposed to be a classy little pause, a soft, dramatic flourish, and not a neon sign that says, ‘this was written by AI at 2am.’” — Jay reading from OpenAI’s statement (01:25)
• Implications: A lighthearted win against AI tells; trust in written content could slightly recover.

2. Major GDPR and Cookie Law Changes Proposed in the EU

(02:26–04:12)

• What’s Happening:
  • The European Commission proposed the “Digital Omnibus” package: a “softening” of GDPR, AI Act rules, and Europe’s cookie regulations.
  • Key changes: Consent processes may be streamlined; not every use of data will need explicit user approval.
• Why It Matters:
  • Could make data collection and AI integration easier for marketers across Europe if it passes.
  • Marketers may spend less time on consent banners and more on campaign optimization.
  • Quote:
    “GDPR is a big pain in the butt. So… the Digital Omnibus… is pretty exciting.” (03:47)
• Caveat: Not in effect yet – just a proposal.

3. Instagram Tests 20-Minute Reels

(04:13–04:40)

• Jay’s Reaction:
  • Unimpressed and skeptical about long-form content in a platform known for brevity.
  • “I can’t make it past like one or two minutes on a reel. But they’re testing 20-minute reels.” (04:18)
• Implications:
  • Could be a game-changer for creators, but question remains whether audiences will watch.

4. Travel Marketing: Google’s AI Flight Deals Tool

(04:41–05:34)

• Announcement:
  • Google Flights now features a fully rolled-out AI tool for finding the best flight deals.
• Jay’s Hands-On Experience:
  • Found genuinely impressive deals using the tool.
  • Shared the simple process: go to google.com/travel/flights, click “flight deals”.
  • “It has found really, really good deals and it just updated… to make it like fully available… I just thought it was pretty awesome.” (05:13)
• Takeaway for Marketers:
  • Example of AI genuinely helping consumers and possibly shifting expectations for other transaction-based experiences.

5. Email Marketing Insight: The “Continuation Preheader” Tactic

(05:35–07:06)

• Source: Data from subjectline.com.
• What Works:
  • Place a continuation word—“and,” “but,” or “plus”—as the first word of your preheader following your subject line.
  • Results: Increases email open rates by 19% over 90 days.
  • “If you use ‘and’, ‘but’, or ‘plus’ as the first word in your preheader…it’s actually increasing email open rates by 19%.” (06:43)
• Practical Example:
  • Subject: “Get ready for our biggest announcement of the year.”
  • Preheader: “Plus, if you show up, you get 20% off.”
• Action Item:
  • Easy, immediate test for upcoming year-end campaigns.

6. TV & Pop Culture Interlude: Netflix Reviews

(07:08–08:30)

• The Beast in Me:
  • Jay’s verdict: “Did not like it.”
  • Only lasted 20 minutes despite praise and his appreciation for Claire Danes.
• A Merry Little X Miss:
  • “Unwatchable… made it through 15 minutes… I’m not going back to it.” (08:05)
  • Entertaining Jay’s confusion between “Alicia” and “Alyssia” Silverstone.

7. Thanksgiving Hosting Woes (Humorous Rant)

(08:32–10:24)

• Issues as a Thanksgiving Host:
  • Guests bring too little food for everyone.
  • “The person that’s hosting gets screwed out of eating what they want to eat. Ridiculous.” (10:07)
  • Leftovers vanish quickly as guests bring their own containers.
• Real Talk on Gratitude:
  • Playfully admits this rant is the “wrong attitude” for Thanksgiving.
  • Quote:
    “I know that I’m supposed to be grateful and thankful and this is not what you’re supposed to be saying on Thanksgiving, but I’m telling you right now, it’s ridiculous.” (10:11)

Notable Quotes

• “To everyone who once loved the EM dash, I’m sorry. Truly, I’m sorry… The M dash was supposed to be a classy little pause, a soft, dramatic flourish, and not a neon sign that says, ‘this was written by AI at 2am.’” — Jay quoting OpenAI (01:25)
• “GDPR is a big pain in the butt. So… the Digital Omnibus… is pretty exciting.” (03:47)
• “If you use ‘and’, ‘but’, or ‘plus’ as the first word in your preheader…it’s actually increasing email open rates by 19%.” (06:43)
• “The person that’s hosting gets screwed out of eating what they want to eat. Ridiculous.” (10:07)
• “I know that I’m supposed to be grateful and thankful and this is not what you’re supposed to be saying on Thanksgiving, but I’m telling you right now, it’s ridiculous.” (10:11)

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Highlight | |------------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:27–02:25| EM dash news: OpenAI addresses AI writing tells | | 02:26–04:12| GDPR/AI/Cookie law changes in the EU | | 04:13–04:40| Instagram tests long-form (20-min) reels | | 04:41–05:34| Google Flights’ new AI-powered deals feature | | 05:35–07:06| Email tip: “Continuation preheader” boosts opens | | 07:08–08:05| Netflix: “The Beast in Me” review | | 08:05–08:30| Netflix: “A Merry Little X Miss” review | | 08:32–10:24| Thanksgiving hosting and leftovers rant |

Tone & Style

Jay maintains a breezy, tongue-in-cheek tone throughout, making marketing news feel approachable, practical, and fun. The mix of humor and actionable insight ensures listeners are both entertained and educated.

Actionable Takeaways

• Marketers: Test “and/but/plus” as preheaders in year-end email campaigns for higher open rates.
• Keep an Eye On: EU privacy law changes for possible simplification of data collection and AI use.
• Travelers: Try Google Flights’ AI tool for genuine bargain hunting.
• Content Creators: Watch Instagram’s long-form features for future opportunity (or performance pitfalls).

Recommended For:
Anyone wanting a snappy, digestible overview of the latest marketing and tech updates — with some laughs and real-world commentary along the way.