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Programmatic Digest

Programmatic Digest

Written by: Helene Parker and Co-host: Manuela Cortes
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 The Programmatic Digest is a 20-30 minutes weekly podcast where we discuss with fellow industry expert programmatic and digital media news. Our mission on this podcast is to share knowledge, highlight Diversity & Inclusion in AdTech, and educate ourselves as we build this community of programmatic and digital ninjas. Would you like to learn more about programmatic? Check our Reach and Frequency™️ Course - https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ We offer customized training programs to you and your team - https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/Helene Parker Consulting LLC 2019-2025 Careers Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales Personal Success
Episodes
  • 190. 2025 Recap, 2026 Roadmap: AI, Privacy, CTV, RMNs, and Supply Quality

    190. 2025 Recap, 2026 Roadmap: AI, Privacy, CTV, RMNs, and Supply Quality
    Jan 8 2026
    Find YouTube link to watch here: https://youtu.be/uh99t38qgxw Shownotes Welcome to the first Programmatic Digest episode of 2026 with Ellen Parker and Manuela Cortez. This is a quick check-in, plus a trader-friendly breakdown of the biggest 2025 shifts and what to watch in 2026. We cover five trends from 2025 (AI everywhere, privacy and cookieless reality, CTV growth, RMNs going more programmatic, and supply quality/transparency). Then we close with three 2026 predictions: curation becoming "default infrastructure," AI as a co-pilot (not autopilot), and multi-identity strategies becoming standard. This episode also includes the 2026 community focus: subscribe to YouTube + the newsletter, confirm your subscription, and reach out if you want to contribute (writing, audio, or guest spots). Here's What You'll Learn What "AI everywhere" means for traders: less manual tuning, more strategy and interpretation Why privacy-first is still a day-to-day skill, even if cookies hang around longer than expected Why CTV is no longer "experimental" and how measurement expectations are changing Why more RMNs going programmatic changes how you think about signals and audiences What "supply quality + transparency" should actually include (fees, paths, reporting depth) 2026 prediction: curation becomes the baseline (SSP curation vs curation houses vs curation desks) 2026 prediction: AI moves from rules-based automation to agent-style workflows (co-pilot mindset) Why you still need foundations first (know how to do it manually before you let AI help) Subscribe to the Programmatic Digest Podcast on your favorite platform (including Spotify) https://www.heleneparker.com/programmatic-digest-podcast/ Subscribe to the Programmatic Digest YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest Join the newsletter and confirm your subscription: https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/ Access the Programmatic Training here: https://www.heleneparker.com/library/ No String Attached - MediaMath DSP (including Agent AI Connector): helene.parker@infillion.com Timestamps • 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to the first Programmatic Digest of 2026. • 01:15 – Channel Updates: YouTube growth and the importance of the weekly newsletter. • 03:30 – Hands-on Support: Tips, hacks, and activation-focused support in the newsletter. • 05:45 – Calling for Contributors: Opportunities to host, write, and build industry authority. • 08:20 – The Programmatic Training Library: Combining six years of workshops and courses. • 11:00 – Micro-Workshops: Real-world DSP setup support and "programmatic ninja" coaching. • 13:15 – 2025 Trend #1: AI Everywhere—Automated bidding, optimization, and predictive modeling. • 16:00 – AI for Productivity: Using tools like ChatGPT to simplify industry jargon and workflows. • 19:45 – 2025 Trend #2: Privacy-First & Cookieless—The multiple identity approach. • 22:10 – 2025 Trend #3: CTV and Audio—Moving from experimental to action-driven channels. • 25:30 – 2025 Trend #4: Retail Media Networks (RMN)—New players like Loves Media and Go Puff. • 28:45 – The Value of Diversification: How audience insights drive revenue for traders. • 31:15 – 2025 Trend #5: Supply Quality & Transparency—Demanding log-level data and fee clarity. • 34:00 – 2026 Prediction #1: Curation as Default—SSP curation, Curation Houses, and Desks. • 38:15 – 2026 Prediction #2: AI as Co-Pilot—Moving from "automated" to "agentic" intelligence. • 41:30 – Media Math Agent Connector: Managing campaigns via AI prompts without UI clicks. • 45:00 – The "Rice Cooker" Analogy: Why you must understand manual foundations before using AI. • 48:15 – Advanced Reporting: Tying campaign data to real-world consumer behavior and brand impact. • 51:45 – 2026 Prediction #3: Dual Identity Strategies—Using the Media Math X Graph. • 54:30 – Under the Hood: Investigating "proprietary" tech and demanding the "Carfax" for AdTech. • 57:00 – Final Takeaways: "Grace over Guilt" and putting your 2026 plans into action. • 1:00:15 – Closing Encouragement: Mental and spiritual health for the year ahead 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 ...
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    50 mins
  • 189. How To Turn Curated Audience Into Insights with GDB

    189. How To Turn Curated Audience Into Insights with GDB
    Nov 11 2025
    Preview of the Sell-Side Foundations for Traders workshop sponsored by GDB! Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop Summary: A fast, practical deep dive into how GDB redefined programmatic curation from their early roots as a DSP to becoming an SSP focused on "Curation as a Service." John Dittar and Felipe share how refining supply paths, removing low-quality inventory, and layering intelligence into deals leads to cleaner, smarter buying. They explain how curation powers stronger brand safety, reduces pre-fraud exposure, and replaces guesswork with predictable, high-performing inventory. This conversation moves beyond CTRs and surface metrics to show how curated deals create meaningful engagement, improved conversions, and simpler workflows for traders. Here's What You'll Learn Curation as a Service, explained: how GDB cleans, classifies, and enhances every impression in real time. DSP to SSP evolution: why GDB shifted its focus to smarter supply and what that means for buyers. Beyond CTR: how removing low-quality inventory leads to real engagement and conversion gains. Operational simplicity: how curated deals reduce manual work while improving transparency and brand safety. Trader takeaways: how to use curation and clean supply paths to optimize faster, layer insights into DSP workflows, and focus on performance that actually matters. Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop 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: 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 – Intro & welcome of GDB sponsors of the Sell-side foundations for traders workshop 06:13 – Curation explained: beyond the buzzword 07:35 – CTR vs. Conversions: real performance examples 13:37 – From data to insight: how curation drives smarter optimization 18:21 – Efficiency and scale: working with the right curation partner 20:48 – Collaboration, trust, and better partnerships 23:16 – Final takeaways: the "Refuse to Lose" mindset Meet Our Guests: GDB: https://www.gdb.net/ John deTar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndetar/ Felipe Matheus Ramos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boyzao/ 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 Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop
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    24 mins
  • 188. Past the Hype: How to Buy Smarter After TTD's Reseller Update

    188. Past the Hype: How to Buy Smarter After TTD's Reseller Update
    Oct 30 2025
    A fast, practical deep dive into The Trade Desk's move to label all SSPs as "resellers" — what that label actually means, why it has a bad rap, and where it's fair vs. misleading. Gareth breaks down value-add resellers (e.g., unique widgets/placements) vs. pure pass-through reselling, explains OpenPath in plain English, and demystifies the Transaction ID debate: what it is, why TTD wants it, and how it impacts buy-side efficiency and supply transparency. We wrap with actionable steps for traders — how to pressure-test paths, when to go direct with publishers/PMPs, and how to optimize beyond a basic domain list. Here's What You'll Learn Reseller ≠ automatically bad: the original IAB intent vs. today's nuanced reality. OpenPath vs. exchanges: what "direct to publisher" actually changes (and what it doesn't). Transaction ID, explained simply: one auction ➝ one ID ➝ fewer dupes and smarter SPO. How to buy smarter right now: talk to publishers, ask for goal-specific PMPs, and evaluate placements/experiences — not just domains. Buyer playbook upgrades: site list ➝ supply-path & placement-level decisions; pair KPI outcomes with quality signals (viewability, density, layout). Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop 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 – Intro & why this special episode 02:05 – Gareth's background (AppNexus ➝ RTK ➝ Magnite ➝ Gamera) 07:45 – "Reseller" 101: what the IAB meant vs. how it's used today 12:30 – Value-add resellers & unique placements (widgets, comments, InfoLinks) 18:20 – Why TTD labeled SSPs as resellers; how OpenPath fits 23:40 – Optics, trust, and buyer confusion: are we only supposed to buy OpenPath? 28:15 – Transaction ID in plain English + why it matters for SPO 34:50 – What changes for traders day-to-day (and what doesn't) 39:25 – Practical playbook: talk to publishers, ask for KPI-aligned PMPs 44:10 – Gamera's approach to real-time, on-page quality signals 49:00 – Final takeaways & where buyers should focus next 52:30 – How to reach Gareth (site & LinkedIn) Meet Our Guest: Gareth Glaser – CEO of Gamera https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethglaser 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 Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop
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    45 mins
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