Human-First AI Marketing Podcast by Avenue9

Mike Montague
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Discover how to harness the power of AI without losing the human touch. Hosted by Mike Montague, Founder of Avenue9, this podcast delivers actionable insights to help small and mid-sized businesses market like big brands. With expert interviews, relatable success stories, and practical tips, we show you how to amplify your marketing efforts with AI tools that enhance—not replace—human creativity and connection. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or curious about the future of AI, this is your go-to guide for building smarter, more authentic marketing strategies.  Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1738519089289300a62eab036

  1. 3D AGO

    AI-Powered Growth Tools with Bryan Harris

    Send a text In this episode of the Human-First AI Marketing® podcast, Mike Montague talks with Bryan Harris, founder of Growth Tools, about the fine line between automation and authenticity. Together, they explore how AI is transforming client acquisition, coaching, small business marketing, and why human connection is still the most valuable asset in your business. If you've ever wondered when to use AI and when to pick up the phone, this one’s for you. Bryan shares how Growth Tools uses AI to reduce repetitive work, sharpen offers, and help SMBs solve their biggest bottleneck: getting more clients. But he doesn’t hold back on where AI falls short; especially when it comes to building trust, delivering hard truths, and guiding real transformation. This isn’t about shiny tools or fear-based hype. It’s a grounded, practical conversation on scaling the right things, for the right people, in the right way. Top Takeaways AI is a great assistant, not a great coach. While AI can speed up repetitive tasks, it can’t replace the emotional depth and trust of a real human conversation. People don’t follow prompts; they follow people they trust. Human connection is still the strongest influence in decision-making, especially in coaching and high-stakes buying. Your offer is the sharpest growth tool you have. A compelling, clearly defined offer outperforms fancy funnels or tactics every time. AI can make your systems smarter, but not your strategy. Tools like ChatGPT work best when guided by a clear framework; they don’t magically create one for you. Client acquisition is the #1 problem for most SMBs. Whether you’re selling services or coaching, getting hired consistently is the biggest bottleneck to growth (but solvable with the right systems). Borrowed audiences (BOPA) are a fast track to visibility. Partnering with people who already have your audience beats building everything from scratch. Then AI can help you scale outreach. The success of coaching depends on the relationship, not just advice. People change when they feel seen, supported, and challenged; even the best AI can’t replicate that bond. AI will 10x your efficiency if you're already good. Experts can use AI to move faster and smarter; beginners often get overwhelmed or create more noise than value. The DIY info-product market is collapsing. Generic, self-serve courses are losing traction; people now want guided support, personalized coaching, and community to get real results. Focus on solving the real problem (not just adding AI). Before asking “How can I use AI?” ask, “Where are we stuck?” Then apply the right tool to remove the bottleneck, not add complexity. The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success. Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

    39 min

  2. FEB 9

    The Soulful Future of AI with David Espindola

    Send a text Bots do the busywork, but you do the brilliant work.  In this episode, AI futurist and author David Espindola joins Mike to explore how small and midmarket companies can redesign roles around AI so humans spend more time on creativity, trust, and real customer relationships. They unpack the real difference between human and machine intelligence, the risks of anthropomorphizing tools like voice agents, and the importance of a "human in the loop" throughout your marketing & sales workflows.  You will hear practical guidance on where SMBs should start, how to decide if your company is a maker, shaper, or taker with AI, and why context training beats copy pasting from generic chat tools. David and Mike talk through using AI to keep CRMs updated so sales can actually sell, building hyper personalized marketing that still sounds like your brand, and choosing use cases that match your data and business model. They close with a candid look at jobs, ethics, and abundance, in addition to their optimistic hopes for a future with AI.  Top Takeaways Human and machine intelligence are complementary: Humans blend analytical thinking with emotion and judgment while AI stays purely analytical, so collaboration is the key, not dependence. Do not confuse AI personas with real people: He warns that naming agents like his co-host Xena is fun, but we must remember not to confuse a convincing voice with a real relationship. AI is an assistant, not an autopilot: AI should act as a powerful assistant with a human in the loop from start to finish, meaning people provide context, monitor what is happening, and review the final output before it reaches customers. Context training beats generic prompts: Companies get better results when they give AI rich context about products, culture, and brand voice. AI can still have hallucinations. Start with the right problems: He urges leaders to start with a clear problem list and prioritize use cases where AI is actually the best solution. Pick your role: maker, shaper, or taker: David uses the makers, shapers, and takers framework to help firms decide whether they will build cutting edge AI, tailor existing tools, or simply adopt what large vendors ship. SMBs need education, champions, and guardrails: Many small and mid sized companies still lack basic AI understanding. Hyper personalization is the marketing frontier: Expect a surge in hyper personalization where marketing offers adapt to individuals and micro segments, all powered by AI. Let AI do the CRM chores so sales can sell: AI will take over sales chores like CRM data entry leaving reps to spend more time face to face with customers and building real trust & relationships. Jobs will shift toward human strengths and ethics: AI will automate many algorithmic and digital tasks, drastically increasing the value of human creativity, empathy, and ethics. The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success. Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

    32 min

  3. FEB 2

    AI Shopping & Parenting in the Age of AI with Mia Umanos

    Send us a text In this episode of The Human-First AI Marketing® Podcast, Mike Montague sits down with Mia Umanos, CEO of Clickvoyant and host of the AI Kid You Not podcast, to explore what AI means for both modern shopping and modern parenting. We cover everything from the surprising lack of optimization in e-commerce experiences, to how AI is rewiring our brains, and why that matters. You’ll hear practical insights for SMBs trying to compete in an AI-powered world, what frontier AI leaders already know (but aren't saying), and why the real danger isn't just using AI, but losing the ability to think. If you're navigating how to lead, learn, or parent in the age of algorithms, this conversation is for you. AI is already changing how kids learn and how parents teach. Mia shared how her daughter used ChatGPT to create a study guide to improve failing grades, demonstrating the positive learning utility of AI today.  Most e-commerce brands aren’t optimizing for how people actually shop. Less than 1% of SMBs scientifically test or personalize their shopping experience, missing major ROI and customer insights. We’re entering a new era of “AI agents” that will shop for us. From product discovery to one-click purchasing, AI will increasingly make decisions on behalf of consumers, and brands need to prepare for that shift. The rise of AI literacy starts at home. Just like kids learned how to navigate the internet, Mia believes Gen Alpha needs to grow up understanding what an LLM is and who Sam Altman is—because AI is shaping their future. AI doesn’t just provide unprecedented access to information, but to skills. With tools like code generators and AI tutors, younger generations will outsource not just memory, but capability; making human creativity and judgment more critical than ever. Critical thinking, writing, and research are becoming rare (more valuable). We need to actively teach and protect these human skills, or risk losing them in a world where AI can do the “easy thinking” for us. AI is rewiring our brains whether we like it or not. Just the presence of a smartphone lowers our cognitive performance, and the same effect may apply to AI tools if we’re not aware of how we use them. Marketing channels are fracturing and SMBs need to unify the experience. With omnichannel platforms and fragmented attribution, marketers must rethink how they track, test, and guide buyers through the journey. Most SMBs are still guessing, not testing. AI tools like Clickvoyant offer predictive analytics and shopper behavior insights, but too few brands are actually using them to make data-driven decisions. The future of marketing belongs to the brands that co-create with AI—not the ones who fight it. Mia encourages leaders to see AI as a thought partner, not a threat, and to find ways to scale creativity w The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success. Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

    31 min

  4. JAN 26

    Content Marketing You Can Trust with Charlie Van Derven

    Send us a text In this episode of the Human-First AI Marketing® podcast, Mike Montague sits down with content marketing strategist and fractional CMO Charlie Van Derven to explore a simple but powerful truth: AI can help you scale—but it can’t build trust for you. Together, they dig into: Why high-trust services like financial advising (and any B2B sale that isn’t a click-to-buy) still demand real human connectionThe telltale signs of “AI Slop” and how to avoid sounding robotic onlineHow financial advisors and SMBs can use webinars, email, and LinkedIn to nurture prospects without chasing themWhy content marketing isn’t just about volume—it’s about visibility, voice, and valueWhen to automate vs. when to actually start a conversationCharlie also shares his Perfect Client Playbook approach, how he builds targeted prospect lists that convert over time, and why your CRM might be your most powerful sales weapon—when used with intention. If your team is stuck posting content that isn’t converting or using AI tools that create more work than results, this conversation is your reset. Top Takeaways AI is a tool, not a replacement for trust. You can speed up content creation with AI, but conversions still require a real human relationship—especially in high-stakes industries like finance.Human connection becomes your advantage as AI content floods the feed. In a world drowning in generic automation, the brands that show up with authentic, thoughtful outreach stand out.Webinars are a powerful trust and timing signal. When someone signs up and shows up, they’re raising their hand; it’s your cue to engage like a human, not a funnel.LinkedIn works best when it’s used to start conversations—not broadcast promotions. Charlie emphasized the importance of 1-to-1 engagement: finding a detail in someone’s profile, asking a real question, and building a relationship over time.Email marketing still converts—when it’s targeted and consistent. A well-built, highly relevant email list outperforms social algorithms every time if you’re showing up with the right message at the right time.CRM hygiene is sales enablement. Knowing who opened what, when, and how many times helps identify warm leads that even your best rep would otherwise miss.Trigger events drive sales—not speed. A person may not need your service today, but when life changes (a divorce, business sale, inheritance, etc.), that’s when trust pays off.Marketing is part inspiration, part infrastructure. AI can help with consistency and coverage, but you still need creative strategy, emotional intelligence, and a point of view to build loyalty.Your content must reflect who you are—not just what you do. Templated messaging and "prompt packs" break trust. The voice, tone, and context still need to come from you.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success. Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

    32 min

  5. JAN 19

    How to 10X Your Pipeline with Solomon Thimothy

    Send us a text What if you could plug your business into AI and instantly see where your next 10X opportunity is hiding? That’s exactly what Solomon Thimothy, serial entrepreneur and founder of ClickX, is doing for growing companies right now. In this episode, Solomon joins Mike Montague to unpack the new growth formula for modern marketers: data + focus + automation. They dig into why most small businesses are sitting on mountains of unused data, how to connect tools like HubSpot, Google Analytics, and Claude to surface real-time insights, and why doing less can actually create more scale. From smarter prospecting to AI-assisted decision-making, this isn’t about chasing shiny tools, it’s about learning how to turn information into acceleration. If you’ve ever said, “We just need more leads,” this conversation will change how you think about growth forever. Top Takeaways Your CRM is a crystal ball. Most teams use it to track deals; few use it to predict revenue. Solomon explains how to unlock insights you didn’t know were hiding in plain sight.AI can’t fix confusion. 10X growth starts when you eliminate noise. Focus on the one offer or audience that actually drives profit.Automation is leverage, not laziness. Connecting your data and letting AI do the analysis earns back time to do what humans do best. Automate the busywork and get back to selling, creating, and strategizing. Cold outreach isn’t dead, bad outreach is. Solomon shows how to use AI to research and write personalized emails that sound like a human and perform like a machine.The future is prompt-driven marketing. Tomorrow’s marketers won’t click buttons, they’ll craft better questions.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success. Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

    35 min

  6. JAN 12

    Scaling Responsible AI with Noelle Russell

    Send us a text What if your next big AI idea isn’t a product, but a responsibility? That’s the challenge Noelle Russell brings to this conversation. She’s an AI innovator who’s helped launch Amazon Alexa, led teams at IBM and Microsoft, and trained more than 3 million people in AI literacy. She's also the author of the hit book "Scaling Responsible AI: From Enthusiasm to Execution". Her message isn’t just about bigger, faster, or smarter technology; it’s about building AI systems that still feel human. In this episode, Noelle Russell and host Mike Montague talk about the difference between scaling technology and scaling trust. They unpack why “responsible AI” isn’t just a tech policy, but a leadership philosophy. From inclusive data and ethical automation to the emotional story that first drew Noelle into AI; they dive deep into what it takes to create systems that make life better. Whether you’re a small business leader, marketer, or executive navigating the next wave of AI adoption, this conversation will help you lead with confidence, curiosity, and care. Top Takeaways Every AI starts as a "baby tiger" It’s cute and useful at first, but it grow up fast. Plan for its scale before those cute automations become messy ones that bite.Ask the two magic questions “Where did you get that answer?” and “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” build responsible awareness. AI is an amazing tool, but it still needs your guidance. Inclusive data equals inclusive outcomes. Your data defines your values. Human oversight ensures your AI represents everyone you serve.Be a rational optimist. Noelle’s story about her son shows that AI’s greatest impact is accessibility, not automation.Scale trust, not just technology. The biggest risk isn’t AI replacing people, but rather people forgetting why they use AI in the first place.Leadership drives responsibility. Responsible AI is a leadership choice.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success. Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

    36 min

  7. JAN 5

    AI Systems and the Human Side of Tech with Christian Hammer

    Send us a text What happens when a technologist, artist, and optimist walks into an AI podcast? You get Christian Hammer, CEO of Ngentix, a longtime tech leader, and a humanist dropping wisdom on the balance between automation and authenticity. In this episode, Christian and Mike Montague talk about how businesses can actually trust automation, what makes AI systems reliable, and why most marketing automation tools still fall short. Spoiler: it’s not about more tools; it’s about smarter context and better design. You’ll hear fresh takes on everything from AI-enabled financial reconciliation to the real reason generative AI struggles with brand voice. Christian shares stories from building AI agents that actually finish the job, and offers practical advice for SMBs who want automation that respects brand nuance, business logic, and human preferences. Whether you’re a marketer, operator, or founder navigating AI, this episode will leave you thinking and taking action. Top Takeaways  AI Should Be Like Fire: A Tool, Not a Threat Like fire, AI can burn down a village or heat your home; how we use it defines its value.LLMs Are Like Teenage Interns: Clever, But Untrustworthy Large language models feel smart, but they need oversight, boundaries, and clear instructions before you trust them with real work.Trust in Automation Comes from Clarity, Not Hype Businesses should start with the outcome they want, then design systems that reliably reach it, not just bolt AI onto broken workflows.Reconciliation is a Prime Use Case for Automation Financial tasks, such as end-of-month reconciliation, are ideal for automation because they’re rules-based, repeatable, and easy to verify.The Real Problem is Language Translation Between Systems AI can help bridge the "semantic gaps" between platforms (e.g., what Uber Eats refers to as a customer versus what QuickBooks refers to as a client).Don’t Hold AI to Higher Standards Than Interns or Vendors If you wouldn't expect perfection from a new hire, don’t expect it from AI; focus on directionally accurate results with room for feedback.Generative AI Isn’t Enough, You Need Context Graphs Effective automation requires more than prompts; it needs a persistent memory of your brand preferences, processes, and data logic.Autonomous Agents Must Provide Proof of Work AI that completes tasks without showing its work is a liability; real systems should generate receipts, logs, and validation steps.The Future Is Local (and Cheaper) Open-source LLMs and local AI models are making powerful automation accessible to small businesses, without enterprise-level pricing. The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success. Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

    33 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    AI & Robotics Edutaiment: What Business Leaders Can Learn from Dr Anastassia Lauterbach

    Send us a text In this episode of Human-First AI Marketing, host Mike Montague of Avenue9 sits down with Dr. Anastassia Lauterbach, AI and robotics expert, professor, and creator of the Romy and Robby educational book series, to demystify artificial intelligence and explore how it really works. From breaking down common myths about generative AI and “artificial consciousness” to explaining what tokens, training, and accurate intelligence mean, Dr. Lauterbach delivers a masterclass in separating AI facts from fiction. Together, Mike and Anastassia uncover what today’s business leaders need to know about using AI responsibly and effectively, from its applications in marketing, medicine, and education to its limits in reasoning and creativity. They discuss the importance of human oversight, the future of robotics, and how AI can enhance, not replace, human insight. Whether you’re a marketing director, entrepreneur, or curious learner, this episode will help you see AI not as a threat or trend, but as a powerful tool for more innovative, more human-centered innovation. Top Takeaways 1. AI doesn’t “think” or hold conversations; it predicts patterns. Large Language Models, such as ChatGPT, aren’t conscious or conversational; they’re mathematical systems that predict the next token based on statistical probability, rather than understanding or intent. 2. Misunderstanding how AI works leads to poor business use. Treating AI as a human-like assistant can lead to mistakes in marketing and decision-making; leaders must view it as a tool for pattern recognition and automation, rather than as a substitute for human cognition. 3. AI is “frozen in space”;  it doesn’t learn in real time. Once trained, models are fixed until retrained and redeployed, meaning they can’t evolve dynamically with every prompt or conversation. 4. Human language and AI language aren’t the same thing. What seems like fluent conversation is really statistical token prediction; AI doesn’t “understand” English, tone, or context the way humans do. 5. AI’s true power lies in scale, not consciousness. It can process vast data sets and find patterns humans can’t, but lacks reasoning, emotion, and causality qualities that make humans irreplaceable in marketing and creativity. 6. AI will touch every industry, but human insight remains key. From medicine to engineering to marketing, AI can enhance efficiency, yet success depends on people who understand how and when to apply it. 7. Self-driving cars show the limits of “real-world” AI. Despite billions of dollars invested, environmental complexity still outpaces AI’s ability to reason like a human driver, a lesson for any business trying to automate too quickly. 8. Human-AI collaboration produces the best results. Just as composers used AI to complete Beethoven’s unfinished symphony, the most significant breakthro The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success. Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation! Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch here.

    38 min
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About

Discover how to harness the power of AI without losing the human touch. Hosted by Mike Montague, Founder of Avenue9, this podcast delivers actionable insights to help small and mid-sized businesses market like big brands. With expert interviews, relatable success stories, and practical tips, we show you how to amplify your marketing efforts with AI tools that enhance—not replace—human creativity and connection. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or curious about the future of AI, this is your go-to guide for building smarter, more authentic marketing strategies.  Want to be a guest? Send Mike Montague a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1738519089289300a62eab036

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Montague
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ® All Rights Reserved - Avenue9 LLC | Human-First AI Marketing is a registered service mark.
  • Show Website
    Human-First AI Marketing Podcast by Avenue9