AdTalk by AdClass
AdTalk by AdClass is a biweekly podcast hosted by AdClass co-founders Caleb Cruz and Dakota Hermes where they debate, discuss, and analyze all things advertising.
Through focusing on current events, topical chat, concept analysis, and guest appearances from those working within the advertising workspace or those benefiting from innovative advertising solutions, Dakota and Caleb bring levity, insight and a fresh perspective to the constantly shifting landscape of the advertising world.
AdTalk by AdClass
Pattern Interrupts, AI Slop, and the Return of Realness in Ads
Is the era of overly polished, AI-generated ads finally dying? In this episode, Caleb and Matthew sit down with performance strategist Elly Charland to break down what’s actually working in ad creative right now, from viral hooks and pattern interrupts to low-budget videos that outperform studio shoots. It’s a deep dive into why “realness” is winning and how even a phone-filmed ad can dominate in 2025.
The gang unpack everything from rage-baiting and Thanos memes to the creative gold found in simple Instagram stories. You’ll hear why organic and paid content need to work together, how to avoid falling into AI slop territory, and how sincere, scrappy content can build trust fast. If you want your ads to connect, convert, and stop the scroll, this is the playbook.
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