What do a donut, an alligator, and a billion-dollar search engine have in common? SEO. In this episode of Vox & Coin, Jake “The Wizard” Tlapek and Dave Valentine unpack how AI, Google’s lawsuits, and a wave of seismic algorithm updates are transforming SEO—and what that means for brands in 2025.

Jake breaks down the massive pre-AI shifts that changed SEO forever: from Google’s Helpful Content updates to the “spam purge” that tanked traffic for even well-established sites. Then, the duo dives into the AI revolution—how Google’s AI Overviews and soon-to-launch AI Mode are changing the click-through game, why “alligator” graphs have SEOs sweating, and which industries will feel the biggest hit.

You’ll also learn:

• The difference between keyword-driven SEO and Google’s new semantic, topic-centric model

• Why long-tail keywords are more valuable than ever (and how to pyramid your way to top rankings)

• How Reddit and TikTok became SEO powerhouses overnight

• Why diversifying your acquisition channels is no longer optional

• How AI is splitting SEO into brand-building vs. conversion-driving searches

• Where the next big search opportunities are hiding (hint: it’s not just Google)

Plus: Dave and Jake get real about the brands crushed by algorithm changes, why Bing conversions are secretly higher, and how to “future-proof” your visibility in a world where search is fragmenting faster than ever.

🎯 Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or SEO pro, this episode is your blueprint for staying visible—and profitable—through the biggest shake-up in search history.

🔔 Subscribe for more marketing deep dives, hot takes, and behind-the-scenes strategy breakdowns.

📣 Connect with us: Jake “The Wizard” Tlapek on TikTok: @jakethewizard Dave Valentine: @realdeval on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.

📡 Also check out our other shows: Unicorn Campaigns – Real success stories from real brands The Last Drop – Creative business strategy meets barstool banter