Get ready to be the smartest marketer in the room. In today’s episode, Matthew and Chris welcome special guest Jacob Hiler—a professor at Ohio University and pioneer of the Influencer 101 course—and his students’ BS Meters were off the charts!

First, we explore DoorDash’s transformation into a global advertising powerhouse, and what it means for small businesses and the future of retail media. Next, we break down the massive $5.4 billion Coca-Cola ad agency review, examining how data science and AI are now at the heart of legacy brand decisions. We also follow up on Starbucks Korea’s PR disaster, highlighting how a single marketing blunder can trigger worldwide fallout and why human oversight matters more than ever in the age of AI.

Finally, Dr. Hiler gives us an inside look at his innovative course on influencer marketing—what students are learning, why authenticity trumps polish, and how the next wave of marketers are being trained to bridge the gap between brands and audiences. Stay with us for all of that, a few laughs, and this week’s game of Wrong Answers Only. Whether you’re a marketing veteran or just starting out, you’re 10 minutes closer to GOAT status.

📖 Grab the new Book “How To Succeed In Marketing, Advertising and Artificial Intelligence Without Really Lying” on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OJDXzU

🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**

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Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

Matthew and Chris dive into the high-stakes marketing juggernaut behind the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6. Hear why even the world's most famous game franchise needs a massive push—and what that means for marketers everywhere. Then, the duo unpacks the FTC's latest crackdown on deceptive AI advertising practices, explores how "people like me" marketing is driving real cultural moments, and shares a cautionary tale of marketing gone wrong with Starbucks Korea's ill-timed campaign. Finally, step into a galaxy far, far away to discover how Disney made Star Wars billboards literally levitate over Madrid, and join in for a round of "Wrong Answers Only." All that and more, delivered with the usual blend of insight and irreverence.

📖 Grab the new Book “How To Succeed In Marketing, Advertising and Artificial Intelligence Without Really Lying” on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OJDXzU

🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**

✅ Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com

✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief

✅ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief

Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net

We’re serving you up a rapid-fire rundown of the hottest industry headlines, from Google’s game-changing AI ad formats to the rise of locally driven marketing in India. Dive into the seismic shift toward agentic advertising, where AI is poised to take the wheel on campaign creation and optimization. Plus, get inspired (and entertained) by creative brand storytelling—from a Waitrose ad that’s out of this world, to a Domino’s campaign putting a fresh spin on wedding traditions in Santorini. Whether you’re here to clock your continuing education credits or just want a hearty chortle, this episode delivers maximum insight with a side of mischief.

📖 Grab the new Book “How To Succeed In Marketing, Advertising and Artificial Intelligence Without Really Lying” on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OJDXzU

🔗 **Join The Marketing, Machines & Mischief Community**

✅ Official: https://MarketingMachinesMischief.com

✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarketingMachinesMischief

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewnewell/

✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingMachinesMischief

✅ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingmachinesmischief

Marketing, Machines & Mischief is produced by Chris Stone at https://CastAhead.net