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breaks down the evolving role of the press release in today’s digital-first landscape, challenging the idea that it’s outdated.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.

In Episode 5, Advertising in the Age of AI, Joe Marckx joins the show to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern advertising. He explores how platforms like Meta and Google are moving toward AI-driven, self-service ad creation—removing many of the traditional touchpoints where strategists, creators, and media buyers once played a central role.

The conversation dives into the tension between technology and human creativity as algorithms increasingly handle tasks like creative testing, optimization, and even ad generation. Joe breaks down what this shift means for marketers today, including the growing devaluation of human creativity and the push for advertisers to simply upload content and let AI take over.

Joe also shares where human insight still matters and how strategists can evolve as AI continues to influence the industry. This episode offers a clear look at the future of digital marketing and what it takes to stay relevant in an AI-driven landscape.

In this episode of Agency Download, host James sits down with Kevin Willard, founder of Assembly Entertainment, to explore the future of brand storytelling. Kevin shares why traditional advertising is losing its impact and how brands can engage audiences by creating content people actually want to experience.

From building authentic brand culture to using entertainment as a growth strategy, Kevin breaks down how storytelling drives loyalty, captures attention, and transforms consumers into true fans. They also discuss the role of AI in marketing, balancing short-term sales with long-term narrative, and why brands need to think like media companies in today’s content-driven world.

Whether you’re a marketer, brand builder, or creative professional, this episode is packed with insights on turning your brand into a story people choose to follow.

In this episode, Evan Brown shares his remarkable 45-year journey through the advertising world. As founder of Atlatl Media, he reveals transformative insights into media strategy. His story illuminates the art of navigating an ever-changing industry landscape.

Evan unpacks the seismic shifts that have reshaped media buying and consumer connections. He challenges listeners to embrace change and understand deep consumer behaviors. Strategic thinking and adaptability emerge as crucial keys to marketing success.

Prepare to be inspired by a narrative that transforms challenges into opportunities and proves that true marketing excellence is an art of continuous reinvention.

In our second episode of Agency Download, we sit down with Bill Harper, CEO of BrandBoss and a seasoned strategist with decades of experience helping businesses uncover the heart of their brand. Bill shares his perspective on what makes storytelling such a powerful force in marketing and why authenticity and empathy matter more than ever.

Throughout the conversation, Bill explores how understanding people’s struggles and speaking to their deeper needs can transform the way brands connect and grow. He breaks down why great storytelling isn’t about selling products but about creating meaning, building trust, and offering real value to the people you serve.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the art of brand storytelling, the power of human connection, and how shifting from promotion to purpose can redefine the way you approach marketing.

In our first episode of Agency Download, we sit down with Trisha Blake, a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of experience leading brands and building strategies across tech, media, nonprofit, and entertainment.

Trisha shares her journey of “figuring it out” — from launching ventures like Minus Ego, GoldPhish, Forgotten Wild, and her latest tech project Tentra LLC, to exploring how curiosity, creativity, and data-driven thinking continue to shape the future of marketing.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation about innovation, storytelling, and what it really takes to create meaningful connections in today’s ever-changing advertising landscape.