In this new episode of Agency Download, Reimagining Affiliate Marketing follows Rick Magennis’ journey from pharmaceutical sales to building Spark Digital and shows how affiliate marketing drives performance focused growth in e-commerce. We explain why this often misunderstood channel gives brands a real competitive edge.

Rick breaks down how performance marketing, PR strategies, and influencer marketing work together to boost brand awareness while delivering measurable results. He also highlights the shift from coupon sites to creator led content and why paying only for performance reduces risk.

The episode concludes with insights on entrepreneurship, agency growth, and the practical role of AI in marketing today. Honest and actionable, it’s a must-listen for anyone rethinking affiliate and digital marketing strategies.

Ellis Verdi, co-founder of DeVito Verdi, breaks down what actually makes advertising stick: truth, not tactics. In this new episode “The Truth Still Hits” of the Agency Download podcast, he shares how uncovering a single honest insight can spark emotion, drive recall, and build brands that last.

We dive into the viral controversy that put his agency on the map and why “no publicity is bad publicity” can work when done with intention. Ellis also explains how to find “the hit” and craft fast, memorable ads that balance brand building with direct response.

If you’re tired of forgettable campaigns and want to create work that people feel and remember, this conversation is for you. Hit play, subscribe, and learn how to create advertising that truly resonates.

In this episode of Agency Download, Dave Mastovich, CEO of MASSolutions and bestselling author of No Bullshit Marketing, joins host James Williams to share how intentional planning, creativity, and strategic storytelling drive business growth.

Dave breaks down his B2E (Business to Employee) framework, showing how treating employees as a core audience strengthens culture, boosts retention, and drives results. He emphasizes defining specific behaviors, not just listing values, to align teams and create lasting impact. They also discuss how marketers can focus on strategy over automation, spot growth trends before they happen, and use creativity to solve complex problems.

Dave highlights how reading, writing, and personal discipline sharpen strategic thinking that AI cannot replace. This episode delivers actionable insights for anyone in marketing, advertising, or creative leadership looking to build culture, retain talent, and drive growth from the inside out.

In this episode of Agency Download, marketing leader and Green Onion Creative founder Michele Tonkovitz joins me to explore what modern marketing leadership really looks like. We discuss Michele’s journey into the industry, the organic growth of her agency, and how strong relationships shape long-term success.

The conversation dives into agency culture, the role of past leadership experiences, and how AI is changing marketing workflows without replacing human creativity. Michele shares practical insights on messaging, content creation, and the evolution of video marketing in an increasingly crowded digital space.

Finally, the episode highlights the importance of self-care, personal growth, and community-building as essential components of sustainable leadership. Listeners will walk away with a people-first perspective on marketing, growth, and leading with intention in a rapidly evolving industry.

In Episode 9 of Agency Download, media veteran Rob Enright joins me to discuss the essential "watchdog" mentality required in modern advertising. We explore navigating the industry's evolution from traditional broadcast roots to today’s AI-driven landscape.

The discussion highlights why human oversight is critical as automation and self-serve platforms dominate media buying. Rob explains how to protect client budgets by prioritizing transparency and treating every ad dollar as if it were your own.

Finally, the episode breaks down opportunities in Connected TV and the keys to maintaining a thriving, virtual agency culture. Listeners will learn to balance high-tech tools with human-led strategy to stay ahead in a fragmented media world.

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.