e want small businesses to succeed. We jump into the everyday challenges that small businesses face when it comes to marketing strategy, exploring where entrepreneurs should focus their limited time, money, and energy—and what they can afford to skip. The episode kicks off with a rundown of the latest impactful marketing headlines, including Unilever and Coca-Cola’s impressive World Cup ad results, and a closer look at Meta’s skyrocketing ad revenues (and concerns about shady ad dollars and AI spending).

From there, we turn our attention to actionable advice for small business owners in a rapidly changing marketing landscape. We discuss the crucial balance between embracing AI automation and preserving authentic brand voice, how to budget and test marketing channels, and the importance of planning ahead—even if you feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a growing venture, or a local favorite, this episode is packed with insights to help your brand stand out, stay human, and grow smart in an AI-powered world.

📖 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

t’s high time we get into the future of marketing to children in an era shaped by AI and digital connectivity. We tackle everything from international legislation—like France’s recent ban on social media for kids under 15—to the ever-evolving patchwork of US regulations, and the ingenious ways advertisers adapt, from fine print tricks to product placements in kids’ movies.

Whether you’re a marketer navigating compliance, a parent wondering about digital safety, or just curious about how AI is turbocharging the advertising ecosystem, this episode unpacks the headlines, exposes the loopholes, and asks: Where should marketers—and platforms—draw the line? Plus: audience mailbags, lessons from advertising history, and always, a bit 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

Welcome to this special quadrennial edition of Marketing, Machines & Mischief! In this banger, we break down the marketing madness behind the 2026 FIFA World Cup—doing deeeeeep into the record-shattering viewership, standout advertising moments, unexpected brand winners (hello, ranch dressing!), and creative ambush tactics from major brands. From the influence of shows like Ted Lasso to the viral power of influencers and the Super Bowl-style halftime spectacle, we dissect why this year’s World Cup was such a marketing juggernaut—especially for the US audience. Grab your vuvuzelas (if the law hasn’t gotten to them yet) and get ready to explore the strategies and surprises that made the world’s biggest sporting event a dream come true for marketers and brands everywhere.

📖 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