What do a donut, an alligator, and a billion-dollar search engine have in common? SEO.

In this episode of Vox & Coin, Jake “The Wizard” Tlapek and Dave Valentine unpack how AI, Google’s lawsuits, and a wave of seismic algorithm updates are transforming SEO—and what that means for brands in 2025.

Jake breaks down the massive pre-AI shifts that changed SEO forever: from Google’s Helpful Content updates to the “spam purge” that tanked traffic for even well-established sites. Then, the duo dives into the AI revolution—how Google’s AI Overviews and soon-to-launch AI Mode are changing the click-through game, why “alligator” graphs have SEOs sweating, and which industries will feel the biggest hit.

You’ll also learn:

The difference between keyword-driven SEO and Google’s new semantic, topic-centric model
Why long-tail keywords are more valuable than ever (and how to pyramid your way to top rankings)
How Reddit and TikTok became SEO powerhouses overnight
Why diversifying your acquisition channels is no longer optional
How AI is splitting SEO into brand-building vs. conversion-driving searches
Where the next big search opportunities are hiding (hint: it’s not just Google)

Plus: Dave and Jake get real about the brands crushed by algorithm changes, why Bing conversions are secretly higher, and how to “future-proof” your visibility in a world where search is fragmenting faster than ever.

🎯 Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or SEO pro, this episode is your blueprint for staying visible—and profitable—through the biggest shake-up in search history.

🔔 Subscribe for more marketing deep dives, hot takes, and behind-the-scenes strategy breakdowns.

📣 Connect with us:
Jake “The Wizard” Tlapek on TikTok: @jakethewizard
Dave Valentine: @realdeval on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.

📡 Also check out our other shows:
Unicorn Campaigns – Real success stories from real brands
The Last Drop – Creative business strategy meets barstool banter