The episode kicks off with a pointed look at Meta, which seems to be earning a fortune from fraudulent and scam ads. Joe and Robert trace the pattern back more than a decade…from election misinformation to repeated scandals. The question emerges: Is Meta the least ethical major player in the industry today?

This conversation naturally leads into a look at the growing AI bubble and Michael Burry's bet against The Magnificent Ten. While his prediction may eventually play out, the boys debate why we're likely still two years away from any real correction.

Top Stories

Meta's Long History of Trouble

Joe and Robert walk through Meta's pattern of behavior, including the current windfall from scam ads, reminders of past election interference issues, and the repeated failure to effectively police the platform. The bigger question: if this is systemic, where does it go from here?

The AI Bubble and Michael Burry's Bet

The legendary investor who foretold the mortgage crisis is now shorting the biggest tech companies. The boys give context on why he might be early, what signals they're watching, and what marketers should learn from speculative hype cycles.

Disney Spends Up…But Not Where You Think

Disney is increasing content spending, but the bulk is shifting toward live sports and in-person experiences. Joe and Robert discuss what this means for marketers and why "experiential" continues to be a long-term bet.

Coke's AI Holiday Ad Maker Responds

The studio responsible for Coca-Cola's AI holiday ad gives its defense. Is this just another evolution of creative tools, or are creators right to be irritated? The boys break down the nuance.

Winners and Losers

Joe's Winner: Netflix House
Smart expansion into experiential entertainment. A real signal of where media companies are headed.
Robert's Loser: The end of the Farmer's Almanac
A long-running institution finally fades. Robert shares why this one stings and what it says about legacy content.

Rants and Raves

Robert's Rant: Microsoft's sales content
Robert has feelings…big ones. And he shares them.
Joe's Commentary: Chatbot Jesus
What could go wrong?

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Get all the show notes: https://www.thisoldmarketing.com/

Get Joe's new book, Burn the Playbook, at http://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/
Subscribe to Joe's Newsletter at https://www.joepulizzi.com/signup/.

Get Robert Rose's new book, Valuable Friction, at https://robertrose.net/valuable-friction/
Subscribe to Robert's Newsletter at https://seventhbearlens.substack.com/

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This Old Marketing is part of the HubSpot Podcast Network: https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork

META: The Least Ethical Company on the Planet (506)

This Old Marketing - News Podcast Weekly with Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose