Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Voices of Search
Episode: Are AI-generated email subject lines a trend or trash?
Date: October 29, 2025
Host: Tyson Stockton
Guest: Patrick McKenna (DMI Partners)

Overview

This episode examines the rising use of AI to generate email subject lines within search engine optimization and content marketing. The discussion explores whether this practice is a lasting trend or a passing gimmick—"trend or trash." Tyson Stockton and guest Patrick McKenna (DMI Partners) unpack the current state and implications of AI-generated subject lines, offering practical advice for marketers considering adopting these tools.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Is AI-Generated Email Content a Trend or Trash?

[00:56]

• Both Tyson and Patrick strongly agree that AI-generated email subject lines are a significant trend, not just a fleeting fad.
• The technology is seen as a necessary next step in effective email marketing and content personalization.
• Tyson notes:

  "Definitely a trend. I think using AI to help generate subject lines—and I would say content more broadly within email—is kind of a necessary step in the process." (Tyson Stockton, 00:56)

2. Current Limitations and Smart Use of AI

[01:18]

• The hosts are clear that while AI tools are useful, automation has not reached a stage where emails can be fully auto-generated and sent without human oversight.
• Tyson comments on the current state:

  "We're not... close, I don't think, to the point—although time is evolving quickly—to like having AI just automatically generate emails and email subject lines and they just get sent out..." (Tyson Stockton, 01:18)

3. Human Oversight is Crucial

[01:38]

• There is a cautionary note about the dangers of completely unchecked AI content generation.
• It's compared to the risks of letting AI agents freely change website copy:

  "Maybe it's trash in the sense if it's unchecked, unmanaged... you don't want to just release a bunch of AI content agents unchecked on changing copy on a website. Probably don't want to do it unchecked also and just... giving it free reins on subject lines 100%." (Tyson Stockton, 01:38)

4. Maintaining Brand Authenticity

[02:05]

• AI recommendations might not always align with a brand's voice or first-person perspective.
• Tyson emphasizes the importance of staying true to brand identity:

  "You have to like always be staying true to who you are and the right answer from AI's perspective... may not always take that, you know, first person perspective from the brand's perspective the way that you need to..." (Tyson Stockton, 02:05)

5. AI as Informative, Not authoritative

[02:22]

• The best approach is to use AI to inform creative and strategic choices, rather than letting it take over completely.
• Tyson sums up:

  "...not rely on it universally, but having it help inform is 100% a part of what we're doing today." (Tyson Stockton, 02:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Definitely a trend. I think using AI to help generate subject lines... is kind of a necessary step in the process."
  — Tyson Stockton, [00:56]

• "Maybe it's trash in the sense if it's unchecked, unmanaged... you don't want to just release a bunch of AI content agents unchecked..."
  — Tyson Stockton, [01:38]

• "You have to... stay true to who you are... the right answer from AI's perspective may not always take that... first person perspective from the brand's perspective."
  — Tyson Stockton, [02:05]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:56 — Are AI-generated subject lines a trend or trash?
• 01:18 — Limitations and current realities of AI automation
• 01:38 — Dangers of unchecked AI-generated content
• 02:05 — Balancing AI input with brand voice and perspective
• 02:22 — Approaching AI as a tool, not a replacement

Conclusion

The consensus: AI-generated email subject lines are a valuable trend, with clear benefits for marketers—but only when guided by human insight and brand stewardship. AI should be leveraged to assist and inspire, not to fully automate messaging or dilute brand voice. Marketers are advised to use AI thoughtfully and strategically as part of a broader content and SEO strategy.

Guest contact: Patrick McKenna (DMI Partners) — see show notes for links.