Transaction Layer - podcast cover

Transaction Layer

Blake Saunderswww.linkedin.com
The Transaction Layer is a podcast that dissects how leading founders, investors, and strategists turn engaged audiences into durable enterprise value across media, consumer, and lifestyle sectors. Hosted by Blake Saunders, each episode spotlights proven operators and deal-makers, unpacking the capital structures, growth levers, and M&A tactics shaping the next generation of revenue-driven digital businesses—your essential edge in a rapidly evolving market.
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Episodes

E1: Caley-Rae Pavillard (ShopMy)

ShopMy is rethinking influencer marketing and VP of Creators Caley Pavillard breaks down how. We talk about creators evolving into performance-driven partners through affiliate tech, detailed analytics, and emerging AI, and why social commerce is now a must-have growth channel for consumer brands.

May 15, 202523 minSeason 2Ep. 1

E10: Stephen Regenold (GearJunkie & AllGear Digital)

In this episode, we speak with Stephen Regenold, a seasoned journalist and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in building and scaling media companies. Stephen shares his journey from starting his career as a writer for The New York Times to founding GearJunkie, a leading media company in the outdoor gear and adventure space. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of transitioning from journalism to entrepreneurship, scaling a business, and eventually selling GearJunkie. Stephen als...

Sep 26, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 10

E9: Lauren Newman (Red Ventures - CNET)

Lauren Newman, EVP of Revenue at Red Ventures, discusses her background in media and publishing and her experience in direct ad sales and commerce. She emphasizes the importance of innovation and relationship management in both areas. Newman shares her success in taking back influence in the beauty industry by showcasing editors as the original influencers. She also highlights the need for publishers to find unique experiences that can only be offered through direct sales, such as CNET’s coverag...

Apr 26, 202431 minSeason 1Ep. 9

E8: Jamie Miles (Penske Media)

In this episode of the Smooth Operator Podcast, we chat with Jamie Miles, Vice President of Penske Media’s commerce division. Jamie shares her journey from a journalism graduate to leading e-commerce operations across multiple brands, detailing the strategic shifts from traditional content management to integrating e-commerce solutions. She delves into the evolving landscape of online marketing, the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviors, and the innovative approaches to monetizat...

Apr 16, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 8

E7: Emily Welsh (WSJ - Buy Side)

In episode seven, Emily Welsh discusses her rich background in publishing, tracing her journey from the bustling newsrooms of Advertising Age to her innovative contributions at Vogue and Conde Nast. Transitioning into the digital realm, Emily has played a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of digital content at WSJ before embarking on launching Buy Side at WSJ. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the evolution of publishing and advertising, underscoring the significance of audien...

Apr 16, 202423 minSeason 1Ep. 7

E6: Amro Naddy (U.S. News - 360 Reviews)

In episode six, Amro discusses his unconventional path into performance marketing and his role in transforming Agent Ace, a real estate startup that merged data-driven decision-making with ethical consumer practices. He highlights his collaboration with Chad Smolinski in launching 360 Reviews at U.S. News & World Reports, a venture aimed at revolutionizing the review industry with unbiased, data-oriented evaluations. Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in the evolving digital land...

Dec 15, 202333 minSeason 1Ep. 6

E5: Camilla Cho (Vox & NY Mag)

In the fifth episode of Smooth Operator, we engage with Camilla Cho, SVP of e-commerce at Vox Media. With an extensive career spanning nearly two decades, Camilla has adeptly shifted from business development to mastering the art of commerce and affiliate marketing. This episode offers an in-depth look at her pivotal role in establishing The Strategist at New York Magazine, a glance at Vox's overarching commerce strategy, and insightful predictions on the evolving landscape of media commerce. Jo...

Nov 08, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 5

E4: Paige Hart-Smith (Daily Beast & PCH)

In Episode 4 of Smooth Operator, Paige Hart-Smith, VP of Performance Marketing at The Daily Beast, delves into her journey in shaping Scouted, the publication’s shopping and e-commerce vertical. Drawing from her experiences at Publisher’s Clearing House and Slate Magazine, Hart-Smith highlights the strategic integration of programmatic advertising and affiliate marketing to bolster revenue and engage The Daily Beast’s loyal readership. She also sheds light on how Scouted maintains editorial inte...

Oct 19, 202328 minSeason 1Ep. 4

E3: Breton Fischetti (Recurrent & Insider)

In episode three, Breton Fischetti, VP of Commerce at Recurrent Ventures, discusses his career evolution and the pivotal role he played in scaling affiliate programs, first at Business Insider and now at Recurrent. He emphasizes the importance of value-driven content in the competitive space of content commerce and explores leveraging enthusiast community data to better align with consumer preferences.

Sep 29, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 3

E2: Bryce Widelitz (Impact & CNN)

In this episode of the Smooth Operator Podcast, host Blake interviews Bryce Widelitz, a seasoned performance and affiliate marketing expert. Bryce shares his journey from founding DesignYourDorm.com to his time at CNN, where he revolutionized monetization strategies and created CNN Underscored. He provides valuable insights into the power of partnerships, affiliate marketing, and driving revenue through innovative content strategies. Bryce’s expertise and passion for growing digital businesses s...

Jun 30, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 2

E1: Jackie Goldstein (NYPost & Vox)

In the first episode of the Smooth Operator podcast, host Blake Saunders engages in a compelling conversation with Jackie Goldstein, VP of Commerce at the New York Post. They delve into the transformation of traditional publishers into the realm of commerce. Goldstein shares her experience as the former Senior Director of Commerce at Vox Media, where she recognized untapped potential in podcasting and commerce. Her perspective shifted as she witnessed the financial impact and began to view these...

Jun 30, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Intro

May 05, 202333 sec
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