Contrary to Popular Opinion

Todd Juneau and Kelly McGuire explore why 79% of shoppers abandon their carts due to delivery options, how Gen Z's social shopping is challenging Amazon's dominance, and whether brands can ever match the authenticity of influencers. This episode reveals what's driving consumer behavior and where marketers should focus e-Commerce efforts in 2025. Perfect for brand managers and anyone trying to unde...

In this episode of Contrary to Popular Opinion, hosts Todd and Kelly break down Media Mix Modeling (MMM) in simple terms. They explain how this sophisticated correlation analysis gives marketers a bird's-eye view of performance across all channels, moving beyond the tunnel vision of looking at each platform in isolation. Key topics covered: What MMM actually is  and why it's more than just fa...

In this episode, Todd and Kelly explore the cultural firestorm around  Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle campaign. They explore the dynamics around the campaign and what it reveals about today's advertising environment. They debate whether Sweeney is a  good brand ambassador  or an example of the  double-edged sword  of celebrity endorsements. They analyze how  sex appe...

this week's episode, Todd Juneau and Kelly Maguire reflect on a recent Ad Age article on the rise of independent media agencies — and explore the strengths and nuances of indie agencies versus HoldCo agencies. They address one of the real differentiators: client priority. From “small fish in a big pond” dynamics to the willingness of indie agencies to do what it takes to achieve results for their...

You're Not Buying Media, You're Buying Outcomes Media buying is evolving faster than ever, and smart marketers are rethinking what they're actually purchasing when they invest in advertising. In this thought-provoking episode, Todd and Kelly explore a fundamental shift happening across the industry: the rise of principal media buying, where agencies and platforms pre-purchase inventory and resell...

In this episode, Todd Juneau and Kelly Maguire share why the most successful brands think like orchard owners. They nurture long-term brand value while still harvesting performance wins today. It's not about choosing sides in the brand vs. performance debate; it's about understanding that they're two sides of the same coin. What You'll Discover in This Episode: Brand Loyalty vs. Algorithm Loyalty&...

What does it really take to build an award-winning agency culture in an industry obsessed with clicks and fees? In this episode, Todd and Kelly talk about why being named an Inc. 500 Best Workplaces 2025 Honoree actually matters, and why it’s more than a vanity metric. They discuss the invisible ROI of trust, empathy, and collaboration. They explore how low turnover, emotional intelligence, and th...

Todd and Kelly tackle one of the hottest debates in marketing: how real is AI’s impact, and where does the human touch still matter? They discuss the buzz around “Agentic AI,” the emergence of synthetic personas for focus group replacement, and why creativity and analytics still demand human nuance. With sharp insights and a bit of friction, they challenge the value of custom-built AI tools, debat...

Todd and Kelly sit down with strategic digital leader Matt Crincoli, to discuss the real meaning of conversion rate optimization (CRO) in today’s marketing mix. Together, they dismantle previous tactics, like changing button colors to influence engagement and conversions, and dive into what really makes a difference today: strategic personalization journey mapping and AI-powered agility. Matt shar...

Todd and Kelly dissect the marketing decisions brands must make during economic turbulence, specifically in the face of new tariffs and rising costs. They explore whether brands should pull back on media spend or double down to capture market share. Using insights from past crises like COVID-19, they emphasize why smart, analytical marketing and not emotional knee-jerk responses is crucial right n...

In this sharp, thought-provoking rewind episode, we dive into some of the common fundamental disconnects in today’s agency-client relationships. From dissecting the semantics of "fee" vs "compensation" to exposing how media transparency is often an illusion. We explore and challenge industry norms with data-backed insights and candid commentary. You'll hear hard truths about agency utilization mod...

In our latest episode, Todd Juneau and Kelly Maguire dive into the complex world of retail media networks with strategic marketing leader and expert Matt Crincoli . Drawing on his experience at Amazon, Walmart, Huckberry, Charlotte's Web and more, Matt explains what retail media networks really are. He addresses why Amazon’s ad console is essential learning ground, and how marketers can avoid the...

In this episode, Todd and Kelly dive deep into the often-glamorized world of advertising awards. As seasoned agency leaders and multi-award winners, they explore the true value of these accolades - beyond the entry fees, shiny trophies, and ego boosts. Is it worth the time and money? Do clients even care? Drawing from their own experiences - including recent award wins - they weigh the tangible an...

In this episode, Todd Juneau and Kelly Maguire dive into one of marketing’s most pressing and ongoing debates: performance vs. brand marketing. They break down why relying on short-term wins alone is a risky game. They explore the “orchard vs. fruit” analogy to illustrate the danger of ignoring long-term brand building. They share insights on how media fragmentation disrupts consistency, and offer...

Social commerce is everywhere—but few are doing it right. In this episode, hosts Todd and Kelly are joined by Bijan Malaklou, a marketing executive with deep expertise in creator partnerships and commerce. Together, they discuss the real meaning of social commerce, why traditional influencer marketing often falls short, and what must change for brands to achieve measurable results. From TikTok Sho...

In this rewind episode, we cut through the noise surrounding marketing analytics, media mix modeling, and agency selection. With marketing budgets tighter than ever, it's critical to understand what’s truly worth the investment and what’s just smoke and mirrors. We discuss how small and mid-sized brands can make smart, data-driven decisions without spending a fortune on high-end analytics tools. P...

Retail media is one of the hottest trends in e-commerce. In this episode, we sit down with Matt Crincoli, a seasoned e-commerce expert with experience at Amazon and Walmart, to break down the marketplace landscape.  Matt shares his insights on when and how brands should enter platforms like Amazon, Walmart Marketplace, and TikTok Shop—without losing profitability or control.  He also cut...

Thirty years after the launch of the first banner ad, digital advertising has evolved dramatically—yet some misconceptions persist.  Todd and Kelly dive into the history, challenges, and future of digital advertising, questioning whether click-through rates ever should have been the dominant metric.  They explore how programmatic advertising continues to thrive despite consumer complaint...

Super Bowl ads are more than just million-dollar entertainment – they’re a glimpse into the ongoing battle and balance between brand and performance marketing.  In this episode, Todd and Kelly break down why brand awareness is a fundamental necessity for every brand.  They explore the shift away from short-term transactional marketing, discuss the role of media in shaping long-term custo...

Hiring a marketing agency should be about what they will do, not just what they have done. In this episode, Todd and Kelly challenge the widespread belief that industry specialization is necessary for agencies to deliver great results. They discuss why curiosity, passion, and problem-solving should outweigh pre-existing case studies and rinse-and-repeat tactics. If you're frustrated by traditional...

Creative strategist Bijan Malaklou, joins Kelly Maguire and Todd Juneau to explore the evolving relationship between creative and media. As AI reshapes content creation and targeting, brands must rethink their approach to storytelling, user-generated content (UGC), and performance-driven campaigns. Bijan shares insights on how brands can bridge the gap between media strategy and creative execution...

In this episode, Kelly and Todd dissect the pivotal role of talent in shaping agency success, offering a look inside the nuances of agency dynamics.  From winning business and navigating the volatile job market to understanding the often overlooked value of top-tier talent, they tackle the industry's most pressing challenges.  The conversation discusses how agencies can justify their fee...

In this episode, Todd and Kelly dive deep into the intricacies of correlation models and media mix modeling. These tools are key to marketers connecting their investments to drive and ensure tangible business outcomes. They explore how data-driven strategies can cut through the noise of fragmented media landscapes, ensuring every marketing dollar is spent with precision. From the importance of his...

In this episode, Kelly and Todd dive into the uncertain future of TikTok amidst looming regulatory threats and geopolitical tensions. They break down TikTok’s unique rise to dominance, driven by an almost-too-good algorithm and billions in investment. The conversation explores what makes TikTok such an effective advertising platform, the challenges of potential bans, and the ripple effects for mar...

In this episode, Kelly and Todd reflect on an impactful 2024, exploring the central theme of gratitude in leadership, team dynamics, and client relationships. They discuss the evolution of their team, the power of trust in business partnerships, and the importance of staying true to core values even during uncertain times. The duo shares candid insights on how gratitude has been a driving force be...