In Episode 8 of Agency Download, host James Williams joins marketing veteran Aaron Strout to explore a 30-year career built on mastering industry transitions. In the discussion, Aaron reveals how to spot the next horizon and turn technological disruption into a strategic advantage.

He highlights that while tools like AI evolve rapidly, foundational principles such as usability and storytelling remain the ultimate drivers of brand success. He advocates for a "human-led, technology-assisted" mindset to ensure that marketing stays authentic in an increasingly automated world.

The conversation also tackles the reality of managing risks and the importance of extreme ownership when facing the challenges of a fragmented media landscape. Listeners will gain actionable strategies for staying ahead of the curve while preserving the human element that makes communication meaningful.

In Episode 7 of Agency Download, James sits down with Don Poe, CEO of People Productions, to discuss growing a successful career in marketing. They dive into the importance of commitment, strategic thinking, and staying focused on your career goals. Don shares insights on how long-term dedication can lead to meaningful growth and professional fulfillment.

The conversation also explores the value of networking and building strong relationships within the marketing industry. Don emphasizes how learning from mentors and peers can accelerate your career and open doors to new opportunities. They discuss practical strategies for navigating challenges and making thoughtful career moves in marketing.

Tune in to gain actionable insights from Don Poe’s journey and discover how to build a thriving career in marketing. Learn how commitment, relationships, and strategic growth can shape your professional success. Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to take your marketing career to the next level.

In Episode 6 of Agency Download entitled PR's AI Revolution, host James Williams sits down with Matt Kovacs, owner of Blaze PR, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of public relations and media communication.

Matt breaks down the evolving role of the press release in today’s digital-first landscape, challenging the idea that it’s outdated. He explains how AI tools and chatbots are changing not only how press releases are written, but also how they’re discovered, interpreted, and valued across media platforms.

The conversation dives into the importance of strong narrative, information density, and domain authority in an era where visibility is driven by both algorithms and human judgment. Matt shares why clarity, detail, and structure matter more than ever, and how PR professionals must adapt their approach to stay relevant in modern digital marketing.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at how PR is evolving alongside AI, and what communicators need to focus on to ensure their stories are still heard in a rapidly changing media landscape.