At Avenue9, we’re always searching for ways to push the boundaries of marketing, while staying grounded in the core principles that build lasting relationships with customers. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce something that’s been in the works for a while—the Human-First AI Marketing Podcast.

I’m Mike Montague, founder of Avenue9 and your host for this podcast. With over 25 years in internet marketing, I’ve watched technology evolve at breakneck speed. But one thing remains constant: the best marketing is still, at its core, about people. This podcast is designed to explore how we can harness AI to enhance our humanity, not replace it.

AI is powerful, but it’s not perfect. It lacks context, creativity, and ethical boundaries. One of the key takeaways of this podcast is that AI can tell a story, but it can’t tell your story. We’ll explore how to inject human creativity into AI processes to produce truly standout marketing campaigns.

What to Expect

The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast will feature insightful interviews with leading AI experts, data scientists, and innovative marketers who are shaping the future of the industry. From the founder of Ancestry.com to modern thought leaders like The AI Sales Guy, our guests bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Here are the four major themes we’ll tackle:

1. Predictive Analytics

Imagine understanding your audience so well that you can anticipate their next move. Predictive analytics allows us to do just that. By diving into trend analysis and behavior prediction, this podcast will give you actionable strategies to meet your audience where they are—before they even get there.

2. Machine Learning

Machine learning opens up new possibilities for automation, efficiency, and scaling. It allows businesses to adapt quickly and provide smarter, faster solutions to their customers. We’ll explore how machine learning is revolutionizing marketing by powering real-time decisions and automating complex tasks.

3. Personalization

Machine learning also paves the way for hyper-personalized experiences. We’ll discuss how to create dynamic content that adapts to each user in real-time, tailoring everything from product recommendations to blog content based on individual needs and preferences.

4. Automation with a Human Touch

Automation can free us from repetitive tasks, allowing us to focus on what we do best—building relationships. But automation doesn’t have to mean losing that personal touch. We’ll explore how to use AI for nurturing sequences, chatbots, and knowledge bases without sacrificing the human connection that drives business.

Why Human-First Matters

The podcast isn’t just about using AI for efficiency—it’s about optimizing for human wellbeing. We’ll dive into the ethical side of AI and how to balance automation with empathy. It’s a collaborative relationship: AI does the heavy lifting, while marketers bring the heart and soul.

I often compare it to Iron Man vs. Terminator. The Terminator is AI without humanity—relentless and mission-driven. Iron Man, on the other hand, is a human enhanced by AI. Our goal with this podcast is to create more Iron Men and fewer Terminators in the marketing world.

Building a Human-First Approach to AI Marketing

Being human-first in AI marketing means prioritizing transparency, accountability, and respect for your audience at every stage. Here are key factors to consider:

• Transparency and Accountability: Always be clear about how AI is used in your processes and ensure data-driven decisions are ethical and aligned with customer needs.
• Empathy and Wellbeing: Optimize not only for business growth but also for the wellbeing of your employees, customers, and community. AI should serve to make interactions more meaningful and personal.
• Collaboration with AI: Position AI as a partner that amplifies your human capabilities rather than replacing them. Let AI handle repetitive tasks, while humans focus on creativity, empathy, and relationship-building.
• Respect for Privacy and Boundaries: Just because AI can scrape data or automate outreach doesn’t mean it should. Respect legal and ethical boundaries to build long-term trust with your audience.

Actionable Insights You Can Use

We’ll go beyond theory, offering practical tips that you can apply to your business right away. From using AI to predict buying patterns to crafting personalized customer journeys, each episode will provide tools to enhance your marketing strategy.

Subscribe and Join the Conversation

If this sounds like the kind of content that can take your marketing to the next level, subscribe to the Human-First AI Marketing Podcast today. We’re available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

I also want to hear from you! Let me know what topics you’re curious about, or suggest guests you’d love to hear from. Together, let’s build a community that puts humanity back at the center of AI marketing.

Subscribe now and take the first step toward creating a smarter, more human-centered future in marketing.