Episodes

  • 184. AI, Attribution & Attention: Insights from IAB’s Angelina Eng | Programmatic Digest Podcast

    184. AI, Attribution & Attention: Insights from IAB’s Angelina Eng | Programmatic Digest Podcast
    Sep 10 2025
    In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, host Manuela Cortes sits down with Angelina Eng, Vice President at IAB, to unpack the evolving world of measurement, attribution, and attention in digital advertising. Angelina shares her deep expertise in helping reduce friction across the ad tech ecosystem and establishing industry best practices through IAB’s Measurement, Addressability, and Data Center. She breaks down the misconceptions around last-touch attribution, the importance of assisted attribution, and how weighting ad formats can better reflect their role in the funnel. We also explore the challenges and opportunities in publisher–buyer collaboration, the adoption of conversion API standards, and why standard taxonomies are critical for interoperability. Angelina offers practical steps for media buyers and publishers looking to elevate transparency, data harmonization, and campaign effectiveness. The conversation also dives into the future of attention metrics, how they’re being defined and measured, and whether they can become a standard KPI. Finally, Angelina shares her thoughts on how AI is reshaping the ad tech stack—from operations to optimization—while emphasizing the need for compliance, minimizing bias, and balancing human oversight. Plus, we get to know Angelina beyond her work, including her love for the outdoors, salsa dancing, and family life. If you’ve ever struggled with attribution models, measurement frameworks, or attention debates, this episode is packed with clarity and forward-looking insights. About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic Training & Coaching: Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts. Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Intro 01:43 – Attribution Misconceptions Explained 05:26 – Assisted Attribution & Weighted Assets 08:26 – Conversion APIs & Publisher Collaboration 11:12 – Attention Metrics: Hype vs Reality 18:26 – Standardization & IAB’s Role in Data Alignment 26:05 – How AI is Reshaping Ad Tech 30:53 – Fun Facts with Angelina Eng Meet Our Guest: Angelina Eng, IAB https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinaeng Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker Manuela Cortes - Co-Host Programmatic Digest In Espanol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes- Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter: https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/ Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBGMMRsZkw0IIUbQIJmMBxw Looking for programmatic training/coaching? Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • 183. Curate the Path: How DPO + AI Boost Publisher Yield with Petri Kokkonen from Relevant Digital

    183. Curate the Path: How DPO + AI Boost Publisher Yield with Petri Kokkonen from Relevant Digital
    Aug 28 2025

    Petri Kokkonen from Relevant Yield explains how his team helps publishers grow revenue through Demand Path Optimization (DPO), curation, and AI-driven decisioning.

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • 182. How LATAM is Reimagining CTV with Alberto Grande from EXTE– Live Episode from Cannes Lions 2025

    182. How LATAM is Reimagining CTV with Alberto Grande from EXTE– Live Episode from Cannes Lions 2025
    Aug 1 2025

    In this special Cannes Lions edition of the Programmatic Digest Podcast (Español), host Manuela Cortes sits down with Alberto Grande, Regional Lead at EXTE, to explore the evolving media landscape in Latin America. Alberto shares how his team built a creative-first programmatic powerhouse from scratch, the growing impact of Connected TV (CTV) across LATAM, and how partnerships like LG are redefining attention metrics.

    They also dive into market-specific buying behavior, cultural preferences in ad formats, and the challenge of measuring outcomes beyond CTR. If you're curious about how CTV is scaling in LATAM—and what global marketers can learn from it—this episode is packed with insight.

    🎙 ESPAÑOL

    182. Cómo LATAM Está Redefiniendo el CTV con Alberto Grande – Episodio en Vivo desde Cannes Lions 2025

    En este episodio especial desde Cannes Lions 2025, la conductora Manuela Cortes conversa con Alberto Grande, líder regional en EXTE, sobre la transformación del ecosistema de medios en Latinoamérica. Hablamos del auge del CTV (televisión conectada), la importancia de formatos llamativos y creativos, y cómo las alianzas estratégicas —como con LG— están cambiando la forma en que medimos la atención y el rendimiento.

    También exploramos las particularidades culturales del mercado, los retos de la compra programática, y cómo LATAM está marcando tendencia en creatividad y segmentación. Una charla clave para quienes quieran entender el presente y futuro del programmatic en la región.

    Timestamps:

    (00:00) – Bienvenida desde Cannes Lions con Manuela

    (00:10) – Introducción de Alberto y su trayectoria profesional

    (01:06) – Cómo se construyó la operación de X en LATAM desde cero

    (03:02) – Inversión, expansión global y transformación del portafolio

    (04:10) – El rol clave de la creatividad y la evolución del producto

    (06:12) – Diferenciación y valor agregado más allá del precio

    (07:26) – Alianza con LG: formatos premium en CTV

    (08:25) – Atención, medición y evolución de las métricas

    (10:28) – La madurez del mercado y el auge del CTV post-2020

    (12:04) – Errores del pasado y cómo educar al mercado sobre CTV

    (14:13) – Formatos interactivos y la posibilidad de medir performance

    (15:19) – ¿Venta directa o programática? Perspectiva estratégica

    (16:26) – Segmentación geográfica avanzada y medición de alcance

    (17:48) – Expectativas sobre Cannes Lions como plataforma de negocio

    (20:07) – Reflexión final y cómo preparar un buen año desde Cannes

    Invitade del Episodio:

    Alberto Grande – Responsable Regional en X, LATAM

    Conduce:

    Manuela Cortes – Co-host de Programmatic Digest en Español

    LinkedIn de Manuela

    Aprende Programmatic con Nosotres:

    🧠 Talleres para Equipos: heleneparker.com/workshop

    📚 Curso para Ninjas: heleneparker.com/course

    📰 Newsletter: heleneparker.com/newsletter

    Síguenos:

    LinkedIn

    YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • 181. How Programmatic Buyers Think About UGC with Andrew Super from Nextdoor - Live Episode from Cannes Lions 2025

    181. How Programmatic Buyers Think About UGC with Andrew Super from Nextdoor - Live Episode from Cannes Lions 2025
    Jul 23 2025

    Direct from La Croisette, The Programmatic Digest lands at Cannes Lions 2025 to unpack the biggest stories, trends, and power players shaping the future of advertising. Join us as we interview industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors live from the Croisette—diving into everything from UCG to data privacy and the evolving programmatic landscape.
    Bite-sized insights. Big-league conversations. Fresh from the beach.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • 180. From History Major to MadTech Leader: Heather Macaulay on Tech Stack Clarity, Connectivity, and Career Advice

    180. From History Major to MadTech Leader: Heather Macaulay on Tech Stack Clarity, Connectivity, and Career Advice
    Jul 16 2025

    In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, we sit down with Heather Macaulay, President of MadTech, an AdTech consultancy transforming how teams approach data, integrations, and strategy. Heather shares her unexpected journey into ad tech—from Newbury Street project management to Pubmatic to founding MadTech—and the lessons she’s picked up along the way.

    We dive into what it really means to have a strong, scalable tech stack, the common mistakes advertisers make when choosing tools, and why platform connectivity is now mission-critical. Heather also breaks down how MadConnect, MadTech’s integration engine, is solving industry-wide challenges around data orchestration and interoperability.

    We also talk about early career growth, preparedness as a power move, and the importance of being a lifelong student. Plus, Heather shares how AI is shaping her workflow and offers tactical advice for making the most of tools like ChatGPT. If you're in your first few years in the industry—or managing a team that is—this episode is gold.

    About Us:
    We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer:

    Programmatic Training & Coaching:

    • Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership

    • Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program

    • Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course

    Timestamps:
    (00:00) - Welcome & Guest Intro
    (01:49) - Heather’s Origin Story: From Literature to Ad Tech
    (04:28) - Events, Community, and Female-Forward Activations
    (06:28) - What MadTech Does: Product + Data Consultancy
    (07:26) - Solving Integration Challenges with MadConnect
    (08:55) - Advice for Newbies: Be Curious, Prepared & Over-Invest
    (11:47) - Tech Stack Talk: Common Gaps and Evaluation Strategy
    (15:18) - API Gaps & the Cost of Poor Connectivity
    (17:31) - Real-World Examples: Activating Audiences with MadConnect
    (20:35) - Emerging Trend: AI in Strategy, Sales & Workflow
    (25:03) - How to Use AI as a Junior Team Member
    (27:27) - Heather’s Tips for Prompting, Positioning & Product Copy
    (30:27) - Final Thoughts & Where to Connect

    Meet Our Guest:
    Heather Macaulay – President, MadTech
    Connect on LinkedIn

    Meet The Team:

    • Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach

      • https://www.heleneparker.com/

      • https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/

    • Manuela Cortes - Co-Host

      • Programmatic Digest In Espanol:

      • https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/

    Learn Programmatic:
    As a TEAM: heleneparker.com/workshop
    As a Programmatic Ninja: heleneparker.com/course
    Newsletter: heleneparker.com/newsletter

    Programmatic Digest
    LinkedIn
    YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • 179. From Intern to Programmatic Media Director: Navigating Career Growth and Industry Insights with David Wiener

    179. From Intern to Programmatic Media Director: Navigating Career Growth and Industry Insights with David Wiener
    Jul 3 2025
    In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, we talk with David Wiener, Director of Programmatic Media at a large agency group. He shares how he got started in programmatic as an intern at a small shop while studying at Hofstra and how he worked his way up through companies like Quotient to his current leadership role. David talks about how he stayed motivated during career changes and the challenges many face in this industry, like job stress and feeling stuck. We also talk about how to keep growing and knowing when it’s time to make a move. We then break down what makes campaigns work well. We explain why building strong partnerships with platforms like Pubmatic and OpenX matters. We also explain the difference between focusing on performance and focusing on brand goals—and when each one is more important depending on your campaign’s goal. Later, we talk about personal growth and the power of networking. I share how to keep learning at work and how to handle the guilt some feel when changing jobs. We also talk about favorite TV shows like Night Agent and Peaky Blinders. We end by thanking each other and reflecting on the great conversations this podcast brings. About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ Programmatic Training & Coaching: Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course Timestamp: (00:02) - Programmatic Media Director on SPO Strategy (14:48) - Navigating Performance Marketing and Career Growth (24:51) - Career Growth and Personal Development (32:41) - Gratitude and Connection in Podcasting Meet Our Guest: David Wiener https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wiener-169523121/ Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/ Manuela Cortes - Co-Host Programmatic Digest In Espanol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/ Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest Looking for programmatic training/coaching? Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • 178. Audience First, Attribution Always: A Practical Workshop for Traders

    178. Audience First, Attribution Always: A Practical Workshop for Traders
    Jun 27 2025
    This is the third episode in a special 3-part series sponsored by Drako! Check out the YouTube Interview here: https://youtube.com/live/fd_t1dFcxZM In this episode, we sit down with Giorgia Howell, Head of Managed Services at Drako, to break down the art and science of smart programmatic advertising. Whether you’re a newbie trader or learning how to manage client expectations better, this one’s packed with gold. Key Takeaways: Custom targeting is a game changer Use geo-targeting, competitive conquesting, and location data to find the right users in the right places. Don’t skip pre-campaign planning Understand your audience before hitting “go.” Market research, demographic insights, and clear campaign goals will make your optimizations easier. Campaigns need love at every stage Georgia walks us through before, during, and after campaign strategies using a real-world example: a nationwide Canadian campaign. Automation is your friend Move beyond manual work—Draco’s tools help simplify complex decisions. Talk to your clients! Clear communication and alignment on KPIs = smoother campaign execution and better results. Custom targeting and solid communication aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re the backbone of high-performing campaigns. Take the time to plan, optimize, and talk it out, and you’ll see real results. About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ Programmatic Training & Coaching: Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course Timestamp: (00:01) - Welcome to the LinkedIN Live Podcast & guest intro (11:57) - Optimizing Ad Campaigns for Audience Targeting (18:06) - Advanced Audience Targeting Strategies (30:19) - Strategic Campaign Planning and Execution (36:32) - DraKo Team Appreciation and Update Meet Our Guest: Giorgia Howe https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgia-howe/ Drako https://www.drakomediagroup.com/ Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/ Manuela Cortes - Co-Host Programmatic Digest In Espanol https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/ Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest Looking for programmatic training/coaching? Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • 177. Programmatic Media Planning with a Data-First Mindset

    177. Programmatic Media Planning with a Data-First Mindset
    Jun 5 2025
    This is the second episode in a special 3-part series sponsored by Drako! Check out the YouTube Interview here: https://youtu.be/jXgKLxwVj44 In this episode, I talk with Natalia Ruelas from Drako about her journey from studying marketing in Canada to becoming an account manager in programmatic advertising. She shares how important it is to research and measure everything to help campaigns perform better. We discuss why small teams and good communication matter in this complex ad world. We also dive into campaign optimization. Natalia explains why it’s not enough to have a plan, you need SMEs that can adjust to real-world situations. We talk about: What does real-world flexibility in campaign planning look like? What are common mistakes with targeting and geofencing? How can you use data to improve campaign performance? Natalia also shares how a positive attitude can drive creativity and success. She encourages marketers to be honest with clients and work together openly. This episode is full of tips and fresh ideas to help you plan smarter and feel inspired. Stay tuned for more on data-first media planning and campaign measurement! Sign up to the Live podcast Episode 178 via LinkedIN Live: Audience First, Attribution Always: A Practical Workshop for Traders https://www.linkedin.com/events/audiencefirst-attributionalways7333313761019142144/theater/ About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ Programmatic Training & Coaching: Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course Timestamp: (00:02) Media Planning With Data-First Mindset (10:25) Optimizing Campaign Planning With Data (23:39) Effective Campaign Planning With Data Partners (36:51) Embracing the Superpower of Happiness Meet Our Guest: Natalia Ruelas https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliaruelast/ Drako https://www.drakomediagroup.com/ Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/ Manuela Cortes - Co-Host Programmatic Digest In Espanol https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/ Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest Looking for programmatic training/coaching? Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins