Marketing is experiencing an AI reckoning

Marketing is experiencing an AI reckoning

From The Modern Retail Podcast by Digiday

February 28, 2026 · 30 min

About this episode

The episode discusses how AI is transforming marketing workflows and the cautious approach brands are taking towards technology.

On this week’s episode of the Modern Retail Podcast, co-hosts Gabriela Barkho and Melissa Daniels are joined by executive editor Anna Hensel to unpack how AI is reshaping marketing workflows and creative output. As customer acquisition costs rise and shoppers grow more discerning, brands are using AI to sharpen targeting and streamline production. But many remain cautious about replacing human talent or handing over mission-critical work to fast-evolving technology.

People in this episode

Hosts: Gabriela Barkho, Melissa Daniels

Guest: Anna Hensel

Topics covered

  • AI in marketing
  • customer acquisition
  • marketing workflows
  • creative output
  • technology in business

Keywords

  • AI
  • marketing
  • customer acquisition costs
  • targeting
  • creative production

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Modern Retail Podcast, Digiday

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