Where Influencer Meets Audio

Where Influencer Meets Audio

From Podcast Advertising Playbook by Heather Osgood

November 19, 2025 · 47 min · Episode 210

About this episode

Heather Osgood interviews Steve Rock about the intersection of podcasting and influencer marketing, discussing strategies for brands to enhance their campaigns.

This week, host Heather Osgood sits down with Steve Rock , a leader in the influencer and creator marketing space, for a conversation that bridges two worlds advertisers often treat as separate: podcasting and influencer marketing. With deep experience across both industries, Steve brings a grounded, strategic perspective on how brands can think more holistically about creator-led media. In this episode, Heather and Steve explore why podcast advertising is still misunderstood, how brands can unlock more value from host-read creative, and what it really looks like to pair brand-building and direct response within a single campaign. Steve also shares his thoughts on the future of creator marketing, and how intelligent automation is reshaping the way teams plan, measure, and optimize spend. They discuss: Why podcasts aren’t categorized as influencer marketing—even though many of the same dynamics apply How brands can guide creative without stifling authenticity The role of creativity and strategy in generating true brand advocacy When direct response vs. brand marketing makes the most sense How today’s tools and emerging IA capabilities could streamline campaign planning and…

People in this episode

Host: Heather Osgood

Guest: Steve Rock

Topics covered

  • podcasting
  • influencer marketing
  • brand advocacy
  • creative strategy
  • campaign planning

Keywords

  • creator-led media
  • host-read creative
  • direct response
  • brand-building
  • intelligent automation

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