The ForeCast

Rain the Growth Agency
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Monthly

The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain the Growth Agency, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of fun, too. We close out each episode with our guest’s forecast for the future of their area of expertise.

  1. Doug Zanger: Building the Global Home for Independent Agencies

    May 20

    Doug Zanger: Building the Global Home for Independent Agencies

    In this episode, Morgan chats with Doug Zanger, founder and editor-in-chief of Indie Agency News, about the evolution, challenges, and opportunities for independent agencies in the current marketing landscape. He shares insights on agency scaling myths, differentiation strategies, and the future outlook for indies. The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of fun, too! We close out each episode with our guest’s forecast for the future of their area of expertise. Timestamps: Intro (0:00) The Power of Indie Agencies (1:26) Building a Home for Independent Agencies (6:39) Indie Agencies vs. Holdcos (10:16) Trends in Independent Agencies (17:26) Doug’s Forecast (22:36) Outro (27:05) Please follow our podcast and leave a review! Our website: https://www.rainagency.com/ Follow us on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainagencyinc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainAgencyInc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rain_thegrowthagency/ X: https://x.com/rainforgrowth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RainAgency TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rain_thegrowthagency

    28 min
  2. Kyle Eckhart & Ryan Gilbert: How Agencies Are Navigating Fees and Transparency in Programmatic Advertising

    Apr 23

    Kyle Eckhart & Ryan Gilbert: How Agencies Are Navigating Fees and Transparency in Programmatic Advertising

    In this episode, Morgan sits down with Rain’s COO, Kyle Eckhart, and VP of Digital Media, Ryan Gilbert, to unpack the recent controversy surrounding The Trade Desk and Publicis’s partnership. The conversation explores agency fee structures, transparency, and what’s next for media buying—touching on how agencies navigate fees, build direct publisher relationships, and adapt to evolving industry trends. The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of fun, too! We close out each episode with our guest’s forecast for the future of their area of expertise. Timestamps: Intro (0:00) Kyle Intro (0:53) Industry Reactions to The Trade Desk Memo (1:45) Understanding Fee Structures in AdTech (5:33) Kyle’s Forecast (11:37) Ryan Intro (14:25) Questions Around Fees (15:25) Ryan’s Forecast (22:28) Outro (24:50) Please follow our podcast and leave a review! Our website: https://www.rainagency.com/ Follow us on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainagencyinc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainAgencyInc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rain_thegrowthagency/ X: https://x.com/rainforgrowth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RainAgency TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rain_thegrowthagency

    25 min
  3. Blair Neal-Fabian: How the Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Deal Could Reshape Streaming and Advertising

    Apr 9

    Blair Neal-Fabian: How the Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Deal Could Reshape Streaming and Advertising

    In this episode, Morgan speaks with Blair Neal-Fabian, Rain’s Media Director, about the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount, industry implications, and future trends in streaming and linear media. The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of fun, too! We close out each episode with our guest’s forecast for the future of their area of expertise. Timestamps: Intro (0:00) Details of the Warner Bros Discovery Acquisition Deal (0:55) Netflix's Bidding War and Industry Competition (2:08) Potential Changes in Warner Bros' Movie Distribution (3:14) Implications for Advertisers and Streaming Pricing (3:52) Industry Consolidation Trends in Streaming (5:14) Why Paramount Paid $110 Billion for Warner Bros Discovery (6:41) Potential Changes in News Media with CNN and CBS (7:18) Blair’s Forecast (8:13) Outro (9:40) Please follow our podcast and leave a review! Our website: https://www.rainagency.com/ Follow us on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainagencyinc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainAgencyInc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rain_thegrowthagency/ X: https://x.com/rainforgrowth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RainAgency TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rain_thegrowthagency

    10 min
  4. Jacob Simonich: The Impact of AI Advertising & the Opportunities and Challenges for Advertisers

    Mar 6

    Jacob Simonich: The Impact of AI Advertising & the Opportunities and Challenges for Advertisers

    In this episode, Morgan speaks with Jacob Simonich, Rain’s Associate Director of Paid Search, about the impact of advertising on ChatGPT and other AI platforms, including user experience, industry trends, and opportunities and challenges for advertisers. The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of fun, too! We close out each episode with our guest’s forecast for the future of their area of expertise. Timestamps: Intro (0:00) ChatGPT's ad rollout and user experience concerns (0:37) Pricing models and CPM concerns for ChatGPT ads (2:21) Media planning and advertising strategies on AI platforms (3:50) Industry-wide adoption of AI advertising and platform monetization (5:13) Jake’s Forecast (8:23) Please follow our podcast and leave a review! Our website: https://www.rainagency.com/ Follow us on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainagencyinc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainAgencyInc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rain_thegrowthagency/ X: https://x.com/rainforgrowth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RainAgency TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rain_thegrowthagency

    11 min
  5. Shatesha Scales: Navigating TikTok's Acquisition & Brand Safety in a Changing Landscape

    Feb 24

    Shatesha Scales: Navigating TikTok's Acquisition & Brand Safety in a Changing Landscape

    In this episode, Morgan speaks with Shatesha Scales, Rain’s Supervisor of Paid Social, about the recent acquisition of TikTok by U.S. firms and implications for users and advertisers. She highlights that while the app's core experience remains unchanged, there are concerns about brand safety and data privacy due to the new terms of service. The discussion emphasizes the importance of platform diversity for advertisers and the evolving landscape of social media, particularly in light of user behavior and data collection practices. The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of fun, too! We close out each episode with our guest’s forecast for the future of their area of expertise. Timestamps: Intro (0:00) TikTok's Acquisition and User Experience (0:23) Brand Safety and Advertising Strategies (6:32) Data Privacy Concerns and Terms of Service Changes (13:45) The Future of Social Media and Platform Diversity (20:38) Shatesha’s Forecast (26:29) Please follow our podcast and leave a review! Our website: https://www.rainagency.com/ Follow us on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainagencyinc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainAgencyInc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rain_thegrowthagency/ X: https://x.com/rainforgrowth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RainAgency TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rain_thegrowthagency

    31 min
  6. Scott McClure & Karen Hoagland: Creative Strategy for Social Impact

    Jan 15

    Scott McClure & Karen Hoagland: Creative Strategy for Social Impact

    In this episode of The ForeCast, Morgan speaks with Scott McClure and Karen Hoagland from Rain about our partnership with @GlamourGals, a nonprofit focused on combating senior loneliness through intergenerational connections. They discuss the creative strategy behind the pro bono campaign, as part of SixDegrees.org’s Purpose, Produced initiative, aimed at recruiting teen volunteers, the importance of understanding loneliness in both seniors and teens, and the innovative content created to engage a younger audience. The conversation highlights the rewarding nature of nonprofit work and the agency's commitment to future collaborations. The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain the Growth Agency, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of fun, too! We close out each episode with our guest’s forecast for the future of their area of expertise. Check out our work in partnership with GlamourGals below! 25 Years Awareness Video: https://youtu.be/2r2rEzwB7KA?si=JSfMwFPRDGalp5vZ TikTok Dance Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/mI2MHJymMyY?si=yif9F3BfuAz4Z1U_ Timestamps: Intro (0:00) The Importance of Intergenerational Connections (2:57) The Partnership Journey: From Concept to Collaboration (5:37) Creative Strategy Development for the Campaign (8:35) Understanding Loneliness: A Dual Epidemic (11:39) Building Community and Empowering Youth (14:30) Creative Execution: Engaging Content for Teens (17:24) The Role of Interns and Gen Z Insights (20:31) Scott & Karen’s Forecast (23:36) Please follow our podcast and leave a review! Our website: https://www.rainforgrowth.com/ Follow us on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainthegrowthagency/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainTheGrowthAgency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainthegrowthagency/ X: https://x.com/rainforgrowth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7LlxqQWvCl5nPIJctIuisw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rainthegrowthagency

    30 min
  7. Sheila Clough & Stasia Fulginiti: The Return of Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Lessons Advertisers Can’t Afford to Miss

    11/07/2025

    Sheila Clough & Stasia Fulginiti: The Return of Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Lessons Advertisers Can’t Afford to Miss

    In this episode of The Forecast, host Morgan Willis speaks with our Director of Paid Search + YouTube, Stasia Fulginiti, and Director of Integrated Media Investment, @Sheila Clough, on the late-night lessons advertisers can take away from the suspension and return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! They also discuss strategies for advertisers during viral moments for linear TV and YouTube. The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain the Growth Agency, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of fun, too! We close out each episode with our guest’s forecast for the future of their area of expertise. Timestamps: Intro (0:00) The Suspension and Return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1:10) Strategies for Advertisers During Viral Moments (3:41) Reactive Advertising in Linear TV vs. YouTube (5:38) Navigating Brand Safety in Controversial Topics (11:34) Stasia and Sheila’s Forecast (14:27) Please follow our podcast and leave a review! Our website: https://www.rainforgrowth.com/ Follow us on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainthegrowthagency/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainTheGrowthAgency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainthegrowthagency/ X: https://x.com/rainforgrowth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7LlxqQWvCl5nPIJctIuisw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rainthegrowthagency

    18 min
  8. Will Parker: Marketing Mix Modeling, AI in Modeling and Data, & Why MMMs are Important

    11/07/2025

    Will Parker: Marketing Mix Modeling, AI in Modeling and Data, & Why MMMs are Important

    In this episode of The Forecast, host Morgan Willis speaks with @Will Parker, Chief Strategy Officer of @Leavened, about the intricacies of marketing measurement, particularly focusing on Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM). They discuss the differences between MMM and deterministic attribution, the challenges of real-time MMM, and the importance of integrating various measurement strategies. Will emphasizes the need for brands to hold all media accountable and the critical role of AI in enhancing marketing measurement. The conversation also touches on the importance of marketing expertise and the future of marketing measurement in a rapidly changing landscape. The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain the Growth Agency, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of fun, too! We close out each episode with our guest’s forecast for the future of their area of expertise. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:48 Understanding Marketing Mix Models (MMM) 03:34 Real-Time Marketing Mix Modeling Challenges 07:45 Integrating MMM with Deterministic Attribution 10:55 The Importance of Marketing During Economic Downturns 14:08 The Role of Upper Funnel Media 17:12 Leveraging AI in Marketing Measurement 19:59 The Need for Marketing Expertise 23:18 Will’s Forecast Please follow our podcast and leave a review! Our website: https://www.rainforgrowth.com/ Follow us on social media! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rainthegrowthagency/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainTheGrowthAgency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainthegrowthagency/ X: https://x.com/rainforgrowth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7LlxqQWvCl5nPIJctIuisw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rainthegrowthagency

    27 min
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About

The ForeCast is a podcast by Rain the Growth Agency, hosted by Morgan Willis. In each episode, we speak with industry experts about advertising, media, and the latest marketing trends, and sometimes we have a bit of fun, too. We close out each episode with our guest’s forecast for the future of their area of expertise.

Information

  • Creator
    Rain the Growth Agency
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rain the Growth Agency
  • Show Website
    The ForeCast