Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Affiliate Marketing Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Affiliate Fraud and the New Era of Partner Vetting | 02 Sep 2026 | 00:32:32 | |
AI is creating new opportunities for affiliate marketers — but it is also lowering the barriers for AI affiliate fraud. In this episode of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast, Lee-Ann Johnstone sat down with Tautvydas Vasiliauskas, Head of Marketing at FirstPromoter, to explore how artificial intelligence is changing affiliate marketing, from improving productivity and automation to creating new challenges around fake partners, fake content, scalable fraud, and affiliate partner vetting. With more than a decade of experience across affiliate marketing, SaaS, e-commerce, and subscription businesses, Tautvydas shares his perspective on why the industry needs to prepare for a new wave of AI-driven risks while still embracing the opportunities the technology creates. The conversation covers how AI can help affiliate managers automate reporting, analysis, outreach, and campaign management, while also discussing why relationships remain one of the most important parts of successful affiliate programs. They also explore how AI is bringing back old affiliate fraud techniques in new forms: fake websites, private blog networks, AI-generated influencers, and synthetic content. Tautvydas explains what affiliate managers can do to strengthen affiliate fraud prevention and identify suspicious partners before they affect their programs.
AI is changing the way affiliate teams operate. Tautvydas explains that many companies are using AI to become more efficient, especially as teams become leaner and businesses look to achieve more with fewer resources. Affiliate managers are already using AI for tasks such as partner discovery, outreach creation, reporting, analysis, and automating repetitive workflows. However, the biggest opportunity is not replacing relationships. Tautvydas highlights that building connections with partners will always remain a key responsibility of affiliate managers. Instead, AI can remove time-consuming operational tasks, allowing managers to focus more on strategy, partnerships, and growth. The same technology that improves efficiency, however, can also be used by bad actors.
Affiliate marketing has always faced fraud challenges. Tautvydas explains that many of the tactics the industry has seen before are returning in a new form. Previously, creating fake websites, manipulating SEO, or building private blog networks required technical skills and significant effort. AI has changed that. Today, anyone can create multiple websites, generate content, build social profiles, or create fake influencers without needing advanced technical knowledge. The biggest change AI brings is scale. For affiliate managers, this creates a new challenge: distinguishing genuine partners from those using AI to appear legitimate.
Affiliate managers are often under pressure to grow programs quickly and recruit as many partners as possible. But Tautvydas believes this mindset needs to change. The focus should move from quantity to quality — taking the time to properly evaluate partners before allowing them into a program. This means creating stronger vetting processes, checking content quality, analysing traffic patterns, and looking for genuine engagement signals. A smaller number of trusted partners can create better long-term results than a large number of unknown publishers that could create risk. Listen to Learn More About AI Affiliate Fraud and Partner Vetting
AI is changing affiliate marketing — creating new opportunities for efficiency while introducing new challenges around trust, transparency, and partner quality. Tautvydas shared practical advice on how affiliate managers can use AI effectively while protecting their programs from emerging fraud risks. Find out more about this AI Shift in FirstPromoter’s guide HERE. Listen to the full episode to learn how to balance innovation with better partner evaluation and build stronger affiliate programmes in the AI era. Interested in taking part in the Affiliate Marketing Podcast? Contact our team to find out sponsorships opportunities and how we can help get your brand seen and heard in front of the right audience - contact sales@affiverse.com for more information. Sign up for the Affiverse Newsletter at affiversemedia.com Already subscribed? Share this episode with any affiliate, operator, or affiliate manager working to build trust in online gaming. Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to gain insights into scaling campaigns with accountability, sensitivity, and trust, even in the era of AI and automation. Click here to rate and review, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| How Teams Can Scale Affiliate Programs Smarter and Faster with AI | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:39:10 | |
How do affiliate programs scale when teams, partners, and data become more complex? In this episode, we sit down with Margarita Prokopchik, Chief Business Development Officer at Affise, to explore how affiliate marketing has evolved over the past seven years and why affiliate program automation has become increasingly important for managing modern programs. Margarita shares her journey from joining Affise as a sales manager to becoming Chief Business Development Officer, while reflecting on the industry’s shift from simple tracking setups and postbacks to advanced integrations, automated workflows, and enterprise-level requirements. The conversation explores how AI is being used in affiliate technology, why many companies confuse automation with true AI, and what businesses should look for when evaluating AI-powered platforms. Margarita also explains how machine learning has supported performance marketing for years and why the next stage of development will depend on giving businesses the infrastructure to build and connect their own AI workflows. We also discuss the growing role of mobile measurement partners, attribution beyond last-click tracking, and how affiliate management automation can reduce repetitive tasks. This can give affiliate managers more time to focus on partner relationships, strategy, and sustainable growth. Key Takeaways on Affiliate Program Automation
Seven years ago, many affiliate programs were focused on simpler questions: is tracking working, are conversions firing, and are postbacks set up correctly? Today, the industry looks very different. Margarita explains that affiliate programs now manage larger teams, more sophisticated media buyers, multiple markets, and higher expectations from technology partners. Media buyers have evolved from individual operators into large organisations with dedicated teams, analytics departments, and structured processes. This growth has created a need for technology that can handle more complex tracking, reporting, and optimisation requirements. The result is a shift towards platforms that provide deeper visibility, automation, and flexibility as businesses scale.
One of the biggest challenges facing affiliate managers today is workload. Margarita explains that affiliate managers are expected to manage relationships, analyse performance, solve technical issues, negotiate deals, and react to market changes making it one of the most demanding roles in digital marketing. Automation can help remove repetitive tasks and give teams more time to focus on strategic activities. In one case study discussed during the episode, automation reduced affiliate manager workload by 30%, creating more capacity for partner development and relationship building. For enterprise teams managing hundreds or thousands of partners, having the right permissions, workflows, and automation systems becomes critical for sustainable growth. What You Will Learn About AI, Attribution and Scaling
02:30 – How affiliate marketing has evolved over the past seven years Affiliate programs are becoming more complex but the right technology can help teams manage that complexity without losing the human side of partnerships. In this episode, Margarita shares how automation, AI, attribution tools, and smarter workflows are helping affiliate teams improve efficiency and make better decisions. Reach out to Affise for more information or have a look at their Case Studies HERE. Interested in taking part in the Affiliate Marketing Podcast? Contact our team to find out sponsorships opportunities and how we can help get your brand seen and heard in front of the right audience - contact sales@affiverse.com for more information. Sign up for the Affiverse Newsletter at affiversemedia.com Already subscribed? Share this episode with any affiliate, operator, or affiliate manager working to build trust in online gaming. Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to gain insights into scaling campaigns with accountability, sensitivity, and trust, even in the era of AI and automation. Click here to rate and review, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| How AI Localisation is Reshaping Affiliate Growth in the AEO Era | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:37:08 | |
Entering a new market is not just about translating content. For affiliates, operators, and advertisers, successful expansion depends on whether the message, brand, terminology, and offer actually make sense to the audience they are trying to reach. In this episode of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast, Lee-Ann is joined by Barb Tasci, CEO of All-in Global and Co-Founder of the Revpanda Group, to discuss how AI localisation for affiliate marketing is changing the way businesses scale content across languages, markets, and channels. Barb explains how Revpanda’s acquisition of All-in Global expanded the group’s wider marketing ecosystem, why localisation expertise has become more important in the AEO era, and how CRAIG, an AI-powered localisation solution, is designed to help businesses balance speed, quality, and cost. The conversation also looks at how AI localisation can help affiliates test new markets faster, launch campaigns more efficiently, and build a stronger presence across multiple regions without relying too heavily on one channel. Together, they also look at how AI localisation could change affiliate expansion strategies by allowing teams to test new markets faster, launch campaigns more efficiently, and build a stronger presence across multiple regions. Finally, Barb shares his thoughts on why relying on a single channel is becoming increasingly risky and why sustainable growth will come from a broader marketing approach. Key Talking Points on AI Localisation and Affiliate Growth
Expanding into new markets requires more than simply translating words. Businesses need content that understands local language, terminology, cultural context, and industry requirements. Barb explains that many companies struggle with localisation because traditional workflows can become expensive and slow, especially when entering smaller markets where finding reliable vendors is difficult. For operators launching campaigns or affiliates testing new markets, delays can mean missed opportunities. In competitive industries like iGaming, being able to launch localised content quickly can make the difference between entering a market early or following competitors. This is where AI-powered localisation is changing the process; helping businesses move faster while maintaining consistency and quality.
While tools like ChatGPT and other large language models have made translation more accessible, Barb explains that generic AI solutions do not always understand the specific requirements of localisation. The difference with CRAIG is the combination of AI technology with All-in Global’s years of localisation expertise, including terminology, branding guidelines, and industry-specific knowledge. Barb highlights that AI should not replace people, but instead enhance how teams work. CRAIG includes human support, onboarding, and ongoing optimisation to ensure businesses get content that matches their requirements. For affiliates and operators, this creates the opportunity to scale content production, test more markets, and adapt campaigns faster without sacrificing quality. Listen to Find Out More About AI Localisation
[02:20] – Barb’s journey from competitor to CEO of All-in Global Localisation is becoming more than a translation process, it is becoming a growth advantage. In this episode, Barb Tasci explains how AI-powered localisation can help affiliates, operators, and advertisers expand faster, reduce operational challenges, and create better experiences for audiences across different markets. To find out more about All-in Global and CRAIG, visit https://all-in.global. Interested in taking part in the Affiliate Marketing Podcast? Contact our team to find out sponsorships opportunities and how we can help get your brand seen and heard in front of the right audience - contact sales@affiverse.com for more information. Sign up for the Affiverse Newsletter at affiversemedia.com Already subscribed? Share this episode with any affiliate, operator, or affiliate manager working to build trust in online gaming. Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to gain insights into scaling campaigns with accountability, sensitivity, and trust, even in the era of AI and automation. Click here to rate and review, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| Why Media Buying and AI Help Affiliate Programs Diversify and Thrive | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:40:46 | |
What happens when affiliate marketing is no longer just SEO, and media buying becomes a core part of user acquisition strategy? Lee-Ann Johnstone sits down with Kamila Łuksza-Szpyt, Managing Director and Marcin Kumięga, Director of Business Development at Voluum to discuss how iGaming and affiliate programs are shifting away from single-channel dependency and into a multi-layered acquisition model driven by affiliate media buying strategy, AI, and real-time optimisation. For years, SEO affiliates and review sites dominated acquisition strategies. But that model is breaking down under pressure from AI search, rising traffic costs, and changing user behaviour. The result is a major shift: brands are now forced to rethink what “affiliates” actually mean, and expand into broader user acquisition strategies. Kamila and Marcin break down what is really changing inside the industry; traffic diversification and testing budgets to tracking, attribution, and why many programs fail in their first 30–60 days of media buying.
The traditional iGaming model relied heavily on SEO affiliates, comparison sites, and review pages to drive traffic. That model worked because search behaviour was stable and predictable. Kamila and Marcin explain that this is no longer the case. AI-driven search, Google AI Overviews, and shifting consumer behaviour are reducing organic visibility and pushing brands to rethink their dependency on SEO. At the same time, media buying channels such as push, pop, native, programmatic, and paid social are opening up at scale. This creates a wider, more competitive acquisition environment but also a much larger opportunity pool. Instead of relying on one predictable funnel, brands now operate across multiple fragmented touchpoints, making diversification not optional, but necessary.
One of the strongest insights from the episode is how many programs fail early due to poor setup and expectations. Kamila highlights two consistent issues:
Marcin adds that another major issue is mindset: many operators still treat media buying as a replacement for affiliates rather than a complementary user acquisition channel. The reality is that successful campaigns rely on structured testing, proper tracking setup (UTMs, postbacks, attribution), and a clear understanding of what success actually means before scaling begins. Without this foundation, optimisation becomes guesswork rather than strategy.
Media buying is no longer treated as a side experiment by many affiliate programs. It is becoming part of a broader user acquisition strategy, sitting alongside SEO, partnerships and other performance channels. Kamila and Marcin from Voluum break down exactly how brands can approach this shift with structure, testing discipline, and the right tracking infrastructure to avoid costly early mistakes. If you’re working in affiliate marketing, user acquisition, or performance media, this episode shows what is changing right now — and what you need to fix before scaling. Sign up for the Affiverse Newsletter at affiversemedia.com Already subscribed? Share this episode with any affiliate, operator, or affiliate manager working to build trust in online gaming. Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to gain insights into scaling campaigns with accountability, sensitivity, and trust, even in the era of AI and automation. Click here to rate and review, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| How AI is Democratising and Personalising Affiliate Program Management | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:36:51 | |
How AI is Democratising and Personalising Affiliate Program Management What actually happens when AI moves from buzzword to something you can use inside an affiliate program every single day? Today, Lee-Ann sits down with Michael Cole, CMO at Everflow, to break down how AI is already changing the way affiliate programs are tracked, managed, and scaled, not in theory, but in real workflows being used today. Michael shares how teams are moving away from developer-heavy processes and instead building lightweight automations, dashboards, and reporting systems directly through AI tools. The shift in using AI is not about replacing people but instead removing the bottlenecks that stop affiliate managers from doing higher-value work. Michael also explains where AI breaks down, why judgment still sits firmly with humans, and how affiliate managers can finally reclaim time for strategy, partner growth, and relationship building instead of drowning in reporting and admin tasks. You can find a variety of AI Use Case Recipes at https://www.everflow.io/ai-playbook.
Affiliate management has traditionally been weighed down by reporting, spreadsheets, and manual data pulls. Michael Cole explains how AI is changing that dynamic by allowing teams to build lightweight automation layers on top of existing platforms like Everflow. Instead of waiting for development cycles, affiliate managers can now generate dashboards, connect systems like HubSpot or Slack, and automate weekly reporting using simple AI-assisted workflows. The biggest shift isn’t just speed, it’s control. Managers can finally design reporting structures that reflect how they actually think about performance, not how tools force them to report it. This unlocks a more precise understanding of affiliate performance, including deeper attribution, behavioral signals, and revenue impact beyond surface-level metrics.
While AI is powerful at processing data and generating outputs, Michael is clear on one point: it lacks judgment. AI can summarize, analyse, and connect systems, but it struggles with context, nuance, and decision-making. A drop in performance might be seasonal, strategic, or completely normal but AI alone can misinterpret that without human direction. This is why the role of the affiliate manager is shifting, not disappearing. The focus is moving away from repetitive admin tasks and toward higher-value work: interpreting insights, managing relationships, and deciding what actually matters for growth. The real opportunity is not automation replacing people, it’s automation clearing space for better decisions.
AI is already reshaping how affiliate programs are built and managed but the real shift isn’t technical, it’s operational. This episode with Michael Cole from Everflow breaks down how affiliate managers can move from manual reporting to intelligent, AI-assisted workflows that free up time for strategy, partner development, and performance growth. If you’re working in affiliate marketing, this is the moment to understand what AI actually changes inside your day-to-day role and where it doesn’t. Learn more about Everflow: https://www.everflow.io. Sign up for the Affiverse Newsletter at affiversemedia.com Already subscribed? Share this episode with any affiliate, operator, or affiliate manager working to build trust in online gaming. Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to gain insights into scaling campaigns with accountability, sensitivity, and trust, even in the era of AI and automation. Click here to rate and review, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| How Affiliates Can Spot Casino Fraud and Build Trust in Online Gaming | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:33:51 | |
Welcome back to a brand new season of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast! In Season 26, Episode 1, Lee-Ann Johnstone speaks with James Elliott, founder of Gamecheck, about casino fraud, cloned casino games, and the growing need for trust in online gaming affiliate marketing. As fake casino content becomes harder to spot, affiliates face a bigger responsibility when choosing which operators and games to promote. James explains how Gamecheck identifies cloned games, verifies casino content, and helps players, affiliates, and operators make safer decisions in a fast-moving iGaming market. The conversation also covers regulatory compliance, emerging market risks, AI-driven game production, and the practical steps affiliates can take to protect their audiences, strengthen credibility, and promote genuine online casino experiences.
Sign up for the Affiverse Newsletter at affiversemedia.com Already subscribed? Share this episode with any affiliate, operator, or affiliate manager working to build trust in online gaming. Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to gain insights into scaling campaigns with accountability, sensitivity, and trust, even in the era of AI and automation. Click here to rate and review, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| The Reddit Effect: Driving Brand Awareness with Affiliate Marketing in the Age of AI | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:36:28 | |
Have you ever wondered how brands can improve AI visibility without relying solely on traditional SEO or paid ads? In this episode of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast, we sit down with Mary Cooper, Co-Founder at Nicely Network, to explore how Reddit marketing is becoming part of modern brand awareness and affiliate strategy. Mary explains how Nicely Network helps brands build AI visibility by using Reddit alongside authoritative channels such as Yahoo and Business Insider, positioning them as trusted references in search, AI-driven discovery, and consumer decision-making. Mary also discusses the shift from traditional search behavior toward AI-assisted answers, and why Reddit has become a valuable platform for brands seeking long-term visibility and credibility. From software products to direct-to-consumer campaigns, Nicely Network has built a methodology that blends authenticity, niche targeting, affiliate strategy, and AI awareness to drive measurable results.
Mary explains that Reddit has grown into a powerful platform for brands seeking long-term AI visibility. Thanks to partnerships between Reddit and Google, Reddit content is now frequently cited in AI-driven search results. Nicely Network positions brands within niche communities and ensures posts are authentic, organic, and highly relevant to target audiences. By focusing on AI visibility rather than short-term metrics alone, brands gain a durable presence that continues to drive traffic and recognition over time.
Nicely Network’s approach is both strategic and tactical. For McAfee, they increased AI visibility share from 6% to 17% over four months. Walmart campaigns focused on bottom-of-funnel keywords, generating over $30 million in sales over multiple years. Campaigns are pre-planned with clear objectives, niche keywords, and pre-approved copy when necessary. Evergreen content ensures that initial campaigns continue to deliver value long after the launch, making Reddit a high-impact investment for long-term brand authority.
[03:10] The importance of AI visibility for modern consumer behaviour
Sign up for the Affiverse Newsletter at affiversemedia.com Already subscribed? Share this episode with any affiliate manager who has ever wondered why their network feels like it was built for everyone except the partner. Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to gain insights into scaling campaigns with accountability, sensitivity, and trust, even in the era of AI and automation. Click here to rate and review, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| The Power of Relationship Management in Affiliate Marketing | 27 May 2026 | 00:33:15 | |
Can the fragility of relationships become a strategic advantage in affiliate relationship management? In this episode of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast, Lee-Ann sits down with Tali Chester, Senior Director, Account Management at Semantic Labs, to explore how performance-driven affiliate marketing intersects with human relationships, sensitivity, and trust. Tali shares her journey from fundraising at Greenpeace to leading high-impact digital marketing campaigns, showing how empathy, accountability, and clear communication support stronger affiliate partnerships. The conversation looks at the balance between analytical precision and authentic relationship-building. Tali explains why, even in a more automated and AI-driven marketing environment, the human side of affiliate program management remains critical for long-term success. From managing performance-only campaigns across hundreds of clients to building trusted affiliate relationships, this episode explores the balance between metrics, strategy, and personal connection. Affiliate Relationship Management Talking Points:
Performance Marketing Accountability at Scale Semantic Labs operates with a performance-first model, managing hundreds of clients while focusing on paid search to drive leads and revenue. Tali emphasises that accountability is built into the culture: her team reviews client campaigns monthly, monitors spend versus performance, and actively optimises traffic and keywords to ensure results. This rigor allows clients to scale without upfront risk while maintaining low operational costs. The conversation highlights how performance-focused strategies require detailed attention, strategic planning, and a commitment to metrics, proving that strong results come from persistent, hands-on management. Trust and Human Relationships in Affiliate Partnerships Tali shares a powerful perspective on the fragility inherent in affiliate relationships: sensitivity and empathy are not weaknesses but forms of intelligence that build trust. Even in an AI-driven landscape, success depends on authentic human connections, vulnerability, and humility. By nurturing these relationships, her team strengthens engagement, fosters collaboration, and ensures that performance campaigns succeed while sustaining long-term partnerships. This approach illustrates that in affiliate marketing, the human element remains a decisive factor, complementing technology and analytics. What This Affiliate Marketing Podcast Episode Covers:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: Get More Affiliate Marketing Podcast Insights Discover how to combine performance metrics with authentic human relationships in your affiliate programs. Tali Chester shared practical strategies for running performance-only campaigns, maintaining accountability, and nurturing sensitive, trust-based partnerships that drive results. If you are interested in finding out how Semantic Labs can help your business, check them out HERE. Sign up for the Affiverse Newsletter at affiversemedia.com Already subscribed? Share this episode with any affiliate manager who has ever wondered why their network feels like it was built for everyone except the partner. Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to gain insights into scaling campaigns with accountability, sensitivity, and trust, even in the era of AI and automation. Click here to rate and review, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| Understanding World Cup Marketing: Where Attention Doesn’t Mean Performance | 21 May 2026 | 00:30:26 | |
Today we go behind the scenes of one of the most high-stakes periods in sports betting marketing: the World Cup. Joining Lee-Ann is Vitaliia Pohrebniak, Team Lead of Influencer Marketing at PIN-UP Partners, who shares her insights on how brands can effectively convert attention into real performance during major sporting events. Vitaliia walks us through the meticulous preparation that goes into planning campaigns months in advance; from pre-testing creatives and defining KPIs to briefing and training influencers across multiple geographies. Why can’t the World Cup be treated like a regular marketing season? User behaviours shift dramatically, traffic heats up, and attention alone does not guarantee conversions. Vitaliia explains how content creators act as both strategic partners and cultural guides, helping brands connect with local audiences and respond quickly to real-time events, trends, and fan emotions. Get ready for an episode that offers a lesson into how preparation, localised strategies, and influencer collaboration can ensure campaigns not only reach audiences but deliver measurable results during the most competitive periods of the sports calendar.
Key Segments and Where to Tune In [04:54] Why the World Cup is treated as a separate marketing season
If you’re managing campaigns around major sporting events, this episode is a must-listen. Vitaliia Pohrebniak reveals actionable strategies for converting attention into performance and maximising the impact of influencer campaigns. New episodes of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast drop every week, with guests who are in the trenches of affiliate and performance marketing. Subscribe wherever you listen so the next one lands without you having to go looking for it. Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast to stay ahead of the latest event-driven marketing trends. Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If the Affiliate Marketing Podcast is part of your regular listening, please take a moment to leave a five-star rating and a review. It helps more affiliate managers and e-commerce brands find conversations like this one. Click here to rate and review, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Sign up for the Affiverse Newsletter at affiversemedia.com Already subscribed? Share this episode with any affiliate manager who has ever wondered why their network feels like it was built for everyone except the partner. | |||
| What Happens When You Turn Affiliate Marketing Into a Games League | 14 May 2026 | 00:35:55 | |
Why Most Affiliate Networks Are Built for the Brand, Not the Partner Dorin Boerescu has been in this industry since 2009. He started as an affiliate, bought a network that was turning over next to nothing, and has since facilitated more than 828 million euros in GMV. But the number that matters most to him is not the revenue figure. It is the question nobody asked when they built every traditional network before his: who actually has the right to decide how the marketing budget gets spent? What followed that question is Business League, a full-transparency affiliate ecosystem built around one metric, the number of sales. No branded traffic allowed. No hidden rankings. No six-month approval chains. Just a live leaderboard, gamified performance tiers, and a platform that treats affiliates like the traders they actually are. Lee-Ann sat down with Dorin to find out how a concept born in Romania is now live in Ireland, why complete transparency makes programs stronger rather than more vulnerable, and what happens when you build an affiliate network from the affiliate's point of view rather than the advertiser's.
Listen to Find Out More About
Key Segments and Where to Tune In
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| When Creators and Affiliates Stop Being Different Budget Lines | 07 May 2026 | 00:29:42 | |
What happens when a 26-year performance marketing veteran looks at the creator and affiliate divide and says the industry is solving the wrong problem entirely? If your affiliate program and creator program sit in separate budget lines with separate managers measured against completely different success metrics, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar. Todd Ulisoe, Chief Revenue Officer of Nomix Group, has spent 26 years watching brands unknowingly build the same problem into their marketing structures over and over again. The solution, he argues, is not better technology. It's better people alignment. Todd's career reads like a history of digital marketing itself: Amazon in its early days, building one of the world's second-largest ad networks, marketing for Dane Cook before influencer was even a word, building and selling three separate businesses. Now at Nomix Group, overseeing a portfolio that processes three billion monthly queries, he's seeing exactly where the creator and affiliate worlds are colliding and how brands can stop treating that collision like a problem. Talking Points Include:
Listen to Find Out More About:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [06:25] Where the affiliate and creator worlds actually break down: different budget owners, different success metrics, and why forcing both into the same operating logic creates friction before a single campaign launches [18:31] What three billion monthly queries actually tells you about consumer intent in 2025 and which channels are picking up purchase signals before Google is even in the picture [24:15] CPC to CPA: why Todd says it is just math, how Shopnomix runs 90 to 95 percent CPA, and the four-step framework for proving out the economics before you scale [29:41] Rapid fire: creators or traditional affiliates for the next five years, the metric everyone gets wrong, and the line Todd uses at conferences after 26 years in the game | |||
| Diversify or Disappear: How Publishers Win in 2026 | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:33:56 | |
What happens when the biggest threat to your publishing business is also buried inside the data you're not looking at? Jorge Barbosa of wecantrack, joins Lee-Ann to talk about what is actually happening to publishers right now, why most of them are flying blind without realising it, and what the ones who are thriving are doing differently. The conversation covers HCU updates, AI overviews cannibalising traffic, the overlooked relationship between affiliate managers and publishers, and why EPC broken down by traffic source might be the most important number in your business that you're not tracking.
A big thank you to Jorge for being so generous with what he's seen on the ground. If this episode has made you think differently about the data sitting inside your publishing business or program, that is worth acting on sooner rather than later. Have a look at their Affiliate Dashboard or book a demo if this episode has sparked your interest. KonverJ works with brands and affiliate managers to build publisher relationships and program strategies that are grounded in what the data actually shows. If you want to stop guessing and start making decisions that compound, get in touch with the team here. Rate, Review and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts If the Affiliate Marketing Podcast is part of your regular listening, please take a moment to | |||
| From Small Affiliate to Big Audience: Why Ignorance is not Affiliate Bliss! | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:25:16 | |
What happens when your affiliate publisher is a sleep-deprived new mum with 45,000 verified users, a Dragon's Den deal, and strong opinions about how brands treat people? You listen. Olivia Davson is the co-founder of Cubbi, the UK's first discount platform built specifically for verified new and expecting parents. She launched it eight weeks after having her first child, built the first version of the app with her sister who had zero coding experience, onboarded over 30 brands before launch, and pitched her business live on BBC's Dragon's Den at nine months pregnant. She walked out with a 50,000 pound investment. In this episode, Lee-Ann talks with Olivia about what it actually feels like to enter the affiliate industry as a new publisher, why most affiliate managers missed the opportunity she represented early on, and what brands who did show up early gained because of it. The conversation covers the mechanics of Cubbi's verification model, why the parent demographic is unlike any other in consumer marketing, and what the affiliate channel still gets wrong about the publisher relationship.
Listen to Find Out More About:
[07:25] The scrappy startup reality: a thousand outreach messages, thirty brand partners, and what the ones who said yes understood that the others missed [13:00] How Cubbi verifies users, why the verification model matters to brands, and the difference between targeted reach and spray-and-pray traffic [15:37] Dragon's Den: why Olivia went on the show at nine months pregnant, what happened when the episode aired, and what a nationwide audience spike looks like on a growth map [19:00] What the industry gets wrong about new publishers and why the affiliate channel is more transactional than it needs to be
A big thank you to Olivia for sharing her story so openly. If this episode has made you think differently about how your program handles early-stage publishers, that instinct is worth acting on. KonverJ works with brands and affiliate managers to audit partner recruitment and relationship strategies from the ground up. If you want to build a program that attracts the next Cubbi before the competition does, get in touch with the team here. | |||
| AEO, GEO, SEO: Who, What & Why | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:31:12 | |
The rules of discovery are being rewritten in real time. Here is what affiliate managers need to understand before the market moves on without them. If you have been half-listening to conversations about AI search and hoping it will settle down before you have to do anything about it, this episode is your wake-up call. Reza Moaiandin, co-founder of SALT.agency, has spent 25 years watching the internet evolve from static HTML to generative AI. He joins Lee-Ann to cut through the noise on SEO, AEO and GEO, explain what the data from his clients is actually showing about shifting user behaviour, and give affiliate managers a clear-headed diagnostic for where to focus right now. Talking Points Include:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [05:06] Reza breaks down the difference between SEO, AEO and GEO in plain language, and explains why confusing them leads affiliate managers to make the wrong budget decisions [11:00] How the traditional customer funnel is collapsing inside a single AI interaction, illustrated with the running shoe example that makes the shift impossible to ignore [20:40] The diagnostic Reza would run on any affiliate program today: where to start, what to fix first, and why fixing AEO and GEO before your SEO foundations are solid is a waste of time and budget [24:44] The server log technique that tells you exactly which pages AI platforms are pulling from your site and your affiliates' content, and why most affiliate managers are not looking at this data Call to Action A big thank you to Reza for sharing his research and his thinking so generously. If this episode has made you question whether your current partner segmentation still reflects how your customers actually find you, that instinct is worth following up on. KonverJ works with brands and affiliate managers to audit and rebuild partner strategies that are built for where the market is heading, not where it has been. If that conversation is timely for your program, get in touch with the team here. | |||
| Is Your Affiliate Program Sick? How to Triage It | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:25:56 | |
The diagnostic framework that 20 years of affiliate program management built - and why most programs are not broken, just badly diagnosed. If your affiliate program is underperforming and you are not sure where to start, this episode will change how you think about the problem. No guest, no interview, just Lee-Ann, her two decades of affiliate marketing experience across e-commerce, SaaS, B2B, retail and iGaming, and the step-by-step framework she uses with clients to diagnose exactly what is wrong and what to fix first. This is one of those episodes you will want to listen to with a document open and a pen in hand.
[01:00] Why most underperforming affiliate programs are not broken, just badly diagnosed, and the triage mindset that changes how you approach a fix [04:14] The five vital signs of affiliate program health and how to read each one using data you already have access to [13:25] The four root causes behind underperformance and the specific prescription for each one [18:08] How to build a triage action plan using the one priority, one metric, four weeks rule [21:49] The three hard truths about affiliate programs that do not get said often enough, and what acting on them actually looks like
If this episode gave you a clearer picture of what is holding your program back, the next step is making sure you have the right support around you. The KonverJ Agency works with affiliate program managers and brands who are ready to stop guessing and start building programs that perform. Find out how we can help at Konverj.io and start the conversation. | |||
| Mastering The Art of Difficult Conversations With Affiliate Partners | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:26:34 | |
The coaching framework that helps affiliate managers navigate commercial conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence even when the conversation gets uncomfortable. If you have ever walked into a partner meeting already dreading it, or sent a reactive email on a Friday evening and regretted it by Sunday, this episode is for you. Tara Alvarez Garcia, performance and leadership coach with over 15 years in marketing and commercial roles, joins Lee-Ann to break down why difficult conversations go wrong, and what you can do differently before you even open your mouth. From handling underperforming affiliates to managing burnout in a permanently switched-on industry, this is the practical coaching session affiliate managers rarely get.
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [06:25] How to enter a difficult commercial conversation prepared, collaborative, and clear on the outcome you actually want [08:40] What to do when the conversation heats up: the case for controlled silence and slowing down before reacting [13:00] Why thinking time is not a luxury in a leadership role, it is the job, and how to carve it out in a reactive industry [18:30] Tara's blueprint for handling any difficult conversation, walked through step by step
If your affiliate program needs more than a listening session, the KonverJ Agency team works directly with brands to build, audit, and scale affiliate programs. Find out how we can support you at Konverj.io | |||
| Why Traction Beats Perfection: Unveiling the Power of HerPlay | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:34:24 | |
From Casino Dealer to iGaming Exit: What Hustle Actually Looks Like
Karolina Pelc has spent over 20 years in gaming, starting as a casino dealer in Poland before working at London's most prestigious clubs and spending three years on cruise ships. She moved into online gaming as it was emerging, held roles across marketing, product, and business management, and was part of the LeoVegas team during its most exciting growth phase. She went on to found BeyondPlay, a software-as-a-service company specialising in multiplayer and jackpot products, which was acquired by FanDuel in February 2024. She now mentors early-stage founders and has channelled her journey into her debut book, Her Play, which publishes on 9 June in the UK & Europe and on 8th September in the USA & Canada.
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [01:38] Karolina's introduction and the story behind HerPlay — from land-based casino dealer to iGaming exec to founder [05:37] "Luck is a byproduct of motion" — where the phrase came from and what it actually means in practice [18:15] The three defining leaps in Karolina's career, and what finally made her take each one [25:00] Necker Island, Richard Branson, and the full-circle moment that launched the book [32:00] Lee-Ann's four-point summary — and Karolina's fifth, which might be the best of all | |||
| Season 24 in Review: The Industry is Changing: Here’s What We Learned This Season | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:36:43 | |
Every major insight, turning point, and uncomfortable truth from the season that changed how the industry thinks about performance If you missed any episode this season, or if you listened to all of them and want to make sense of where they connect, this is the one to come back to. Lee-Ann revisits every guest from Season 24 and draws out the thread that ran through every conversation: affiliate marketing is not evolving slowly anymore. It's shifting in real time, and the programs that are built on old assumptions are already falling behind. Talking Points Include:
Listen to Find Out More About:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [02:27] Ishtvan Torpoi revisited: the mega lag controversy and why disciplined monitoring beats partner volume every time [06:20] Jon Ostler's great affiliate bypass: AI citations, publisher investment, and the attribution gap that last click can't explain [18:47] Adam Ross on invisible revenue: how AWIN's Conversion Protection Initiative recovered $250 million in previously untracked value [28:56] Alex Springer on open attribution: why collaboration across networks, publishers, and brands is now happening for the first time [33:49] Lee-Ann's season close: what the industry learned, what still needs to change, and what Season 25 is already being built around
If Season 24 raised questions about how your program is structured for what's coming, the Affiverse newsletter is where Lee-Ann continues the conversation between seasons. You'll get the insights, industry commentary, and practical frameworks that don't wait for a new episode to drop. Subscribe to the Affiverse newsletter and stay connected to the thinking that's shaping the next season of affiliate marketing strategy. | |||
| Rethinking Affiliate, Creator, and Marketplaces with Levanta | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:29:50 | |
The E-Commerce Brand's Guide to Unified Performance Marketing in 2026 If your affiliate and influencer teams are still working in separate silos with separate budgets and separate tools, this episode will challenge everything about how you've structured your program. Lauryn Day, Director of Agency Partnerships at Levanta, joins Lee-Ann to explain why the lines between affiliate and creator marketing have blurred beyond the point of separate strategies, what a unified approach actually looks like in practice, and why the brands thriving right now are the ones that have stopped treating these two channels as competitors for budget. This is a practical, no-nonsense conversation about how modern e-commerce brands are scaling creator and affiliate programs across Amazon, Shopify, and Walmart, and what the data tells us about where discovery and conversion are actually happening in 2026.
Lauryn Day is Director of Agency Partnerships at Levanta, the leading affiliate marketing software for marketplace sellers. Having started her career on the brand side before moving into tech, she brings a practical, dual-perspective view to creator and affiliate strategy that is rare in this space.
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [01:46] What Levanta is, how it was built, and why most affiliate infrastructure was already out of date before the creator economy arrived [10:24] How consolidating creator and affiliate data into one platform changes the quality of decisions brands can make, with real client context [22:12] Why treating creator and affiliate as separate strategies is the most common and most costly mistake Lauryn sees, and how to fix it [26:30] Lauryn's three actionable tips for brands getting their programs ready for 2026:
A huge thank you to Lauryn Day for joining us and sharing her insights on where creator and affiliate marketing is heading. If you want to explore what Levanta can do for your program, you can connect with Lauryn directly on LinkedIn or reach out via their website. | |||
| Open Attribution: The Fix for the Zero-Click Era | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:37:02 | |
Why Every Affiliate Manager Needs to Understand What's Happening to Search Right Now Search is changing faster than most programs can adapt. AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini are absorbing customer journeys that used to generate trackable clicks, and the content that influences purchasing decisions is increasingly going unrecognised and unpaid. In this episode, Lee-Ann sits down with Alex Springer, Director at openattribution.org, and Leanna Klyne, Head of Agency at KonverJ, to unpack what open attribution actually means, why last-click attribution was already broken before AI arrived, and what the industry is doing about it together, many of them for the very first time. If you work with publishers, run an affiliate program, or depend on content-driven traffic to generate sales, this conversation will reshape how you think about measurement, value, and what comes next. Talking Points Include:
Listen to Find Out More About:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [02:47] Alex introduces Open Attribution, his decade in performance marketing, and why he shifted focus from AI as a technology to AI as an industry actor [05:45] Why last click was already broken before AI, and what transparency and usage auditability actually mean for content owners and brands [27:05] The CPA debate: whether cost-per-acquisition still makes sense, what influence really means now, and why the shopping journey has always been more complex than the model we used to measure it
If this episode raised questions about how your program is measuring influence, attributing value, or preparing for an AI-first customer journey, the KonverJ team can help. We work with brands and publishers to build affiliate strategies that are built for where performance marketing is heading, not just where it has been. Get in touch with the KonverJ team to find out how we can help you build a program that performs in the new landscape. | |||
| The Hidden Affiliate Risk That Could Sink Your Brand | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:28:51 | |
How treating compliance as a marketing function rather than a legal checkbox can protect your program, your brand, and your bottom line. If compliance makes your eyes glaze over, this episode is worth pushing through. Sarafina Wolde Gabriel, CEO of Rightlander and a 20-year veteran of affiliate marketing, joins Lee-Ann to make the case that compliance is not a legal formality but a direct driver of revenue. They get into why the biggest programs are still leaving massive blind spots unchecked, what AI-generated content is doing to risk exposure, why a large affiliate is not automatically a compliant one, and the practical steps any affiliate manager can take today to audit their program before a regulator does it for them.
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [03:05] Why the foundations of affiliate marketing have not fundamentally changed in 20 years, and what that means for how you should still be operating today [05:09] What actually happens to revenue when compliance fails, and the moment a customer walks away because your affiliate's promotional content did not match reality [06:38] Rightlander's core function explained: scanning, risk scoring, and giving affiliate managers an action step rather than just a data dump [21:58] The two compliance trends coming in the next two to three years that most programs are not yet preparing for [23:26] The five-point compliance checklist Sarafina recommends for any affiliate manager who has never formally audited their program before
A big thank you to Sarafina Wolde Gabriel for joining us this week and for making compliance feel like something worth paying attention to rather than something to hand off to legal. You can connect with Sarafina on LinkedIn and find out more about what Rightlander does at rightlander.com. If you want more practical insight like this delivered directly to you, sign up for the Affiverse newsletter at affiversemedia.com. We cover the latest in affiliate marketing strategy, industry news, and program growth every week, and it is one of the simplest ways to stay ahead without having to go looking for it yourself.
"I love the Affiliate Marketing Podcast." <-- If that sounds like you, please give us a 5 Star rating here! Taking the time to do that helps us support more people in our community to access affiliate marketing insights, expert-led learnings, and allows us to share the latest tactics that help affiliate programs and businesses grow. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| Trust Over Transactions: Building Loyalty in Modern Affiliate Marketing | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:29:24 | |
Why personalised affiliate recruitment still outperforms automation (and what the best affiliate managers do differently) If your affiliate recruitment is generating lists but not conversations, this episode is your reset. Frederic Jean-Bart, founder of Performance Partners, has spent 17 years building relationships across every side of this industry: affiliate networks, brand-side program management, and as an affiliate himself. Lee-Ann and Fred get into why the era of AI-generated outreach is actually making human connection more valuable, not less, how deal making with high-quality affiliates is where real program growth happens, and what separates elite affiliate managers from everyone else hitting send on the same mass email.
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [01:51] Fred introduces his 17-year career spanning network, brand, and affiliate sides of the industry and why building Performance Partners came out of working with nine-figure e-commerce brands [05:05] Lee-Ann shares the exact outreach emails she receives that get deleted instantly, and what three pieces of information every affiliate needs before they'll respond [09:35] The case for getting on video calls with key partners and why the human ability to convey excitement and credibility over a call still closes deals that email cannot [15:30] Why media buyers are the most powerful affiliate type for scale but also the most burnt out by programs that overpromise, and what building genuine trust with them requires [17:40] Partner diversification as risk management, why brands default to influencers and coupon sites, and how Fred approaches segmentation from day one of a new program
And if you want conversations like this one landing in your feed every week, subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast so you never miss an episode. Share this one with an affiliate manager you know who's still relying on volume over quality. It might be the nudge they need. | |||
| Awin's Adam Ross: Why Affiliate Still Wins! Two Decades Distilled in One Episode | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:32:14 | |
Why tracking everything your affiliates do matters more now than ever before (and what conversion protection tells us about lost revenue) If your affiliate program isn't tracking properly, you could be losing millions without realising it. Adam Ross, CEO of Awin and 21-year industry veteran, reveals exactly how AI-powered search is fragmenting the customer journey, why deterministic tracking alone won't survive the next five years, and how Awin's Conversion Protection Initiative has already recovered over $250 million in previously untracked revenue. Lee-Ann and Adam discuss his leadership approach, why probabilistic tracking methods are becoming essential, and what the convergence of influencer and affiliate marketing means for program growth.
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [01:15] The unlikely journey from dentistry student to affiliate marketing through a recruiter who saw potential beyond experience [18:55] Why different affiliate traffic has different value and needs different tracking methods and reward mechanisms [27:00] How Awin's seasonal product releases bring quarterly improvements and what the winter release means for platform simplification
Master the tracking evolution that's reshaping affiliate marketing success. Adam's insights into probabilistic measurement, AI disruption, and conversion protection reveal exactly why upgrading your technical infrastructure isn't optional anymore. [Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast] for more strategic conversations with industry leaders navigating these changes in real time. | |||
| Beyond Discounts: Zilch Reveals What Actually Influences UK Purchases Today | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:24:46 | |
If you're running an affiliate program based purely on last-click attribution, you're missing the complete picture of how customers actually buy. Phil Thompson, Partnerships Manager at fintech publisher Zilch, shares insights from their platform's 5 million UK customers to reveal shopping behaviours that challenge everything affiliate managers assume about consumer loyalty, price sensitivity, and partner value. Lee-Ann and Phil discuss why traditional cookie tracking leaves critical gaps, how to leverage first-party data without expensive integrations, and why the grocery shopper who seems loyal to one brand is simultaneously spending three times more with competitors.
Listen to Find Out More About:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [09:05] How Intelligent Commerce works: using merchant ID and payment processing data to fill attribution gaps that traditional cookie tracking misses [13:16] The consistent age-group patterns Zilch sees in 2025 spending data, and why everyone hunts for value right now, not just younger demographics [22:22] Why one-month campaigns don't typically move consumer behaviour needles, and the longer timeline required to shift shopping habits permanently [25:07] Phil's call for affiliate managers to stay open to testing and learning, even after being burned by publisher types in the past Call to Action The affiliate programs that thrive this year won't be the ones clinging to 2019 playbooks. They'll be the managers who embrace data partnerships, extend attribution visibility beyond cookie tracking, and recognize that publishers deliver value across the entire funnel, not just at conversion. Ready to build a program that leverages first-party shopping intelligence? Work with the KonverJ team to audit your current partner mix and identify the data gaps costing you revenue. We'll help you move beyond last-click thinking and build partnerships that capture the complete customer journey. | |||
| Conversations with a Pinnacle of the Affiliate Industry | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:31:57 | |
When Tricia Meyer's name was called as this year's Pinnacle Award winner at Affiliate Summit West, there was a moment of silence. Not because the room disagreed, but because Tricia herself didn't believe it. After two decades of watching her heroes receive that same recognition, the publisher-turned-executive director of the Performance Marketing Association finally earned the industry's most prestigious honor. This conversation explores what it actually takes to reach the top without losing yourself, why being kind isn't a weakness in business negotiations, and how staying curious about industry changes for 20 years reveals patterns that help you stop panicking about AI, zero-click search, and whatever disruption comes next.
[06:02] Working from the bottom of PMA working groups to executive director, and why being an attorney made Tricia the perfect fit for part-time leadership [[19:54] Three critical areas where affiliates need preparation for 2025: LLM optimization, proving publisher worth through journey tracking, and staying educated on rapid changes [27:00] Why affiliate program terms and conditions need AI clauses now, covering content generation, plagiarism, and disclosure requirements [30:11] The five-year prediction: fundamentally everything stays the same but with different technical details, just like the last 20 years of disruption | |||
| Why Human Approaches to Building Affiliate Partnerships Still Work | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:36:01 | |
The OG Publisher's Blueprint for Building Partnerships That Actually Last Your affiliate program has hundreds of approved publishers, but only a handful are actively promoting you. Sound familiar? Stuart Miles, founder of Squirrel and former owner of Pocket-lint (which he grew to 12.5 million monthly readers before exiting), reveals why most affiliate managers are accidentally destroying publisher relationships before they even begin. Lee-Ann and Stuart discuss why product feeds matter more than commission rates, and the six tactical shifts that separate transactional affiliate programs from genuine partnerships that drive consistent revenue. Talking Points Include:
Listen to Find Out More About:
Call to Action Ready to transform how you work with publisher partners? The strategies Stuart shared didn't come from theory – they came from two decades in the trenches building one of the world's most successful consumer technology publications. If you're serious about moving beyond transactional affiliate relationships into genuine partnerships that drive consistent revenue, subscribe to Affiverse's Affiliate Marketing newsletter for weekly insights that help you stay ahead of industry shifts. Our team translates complex partnership strategies into actionable frameworks you can implement immediately. Rate, Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts "I love the Affiliate Marketing Podcast." If that sounds like you, please give us a 5 Star rating here! Taking the time to do that helps us support more people in our community to access affiliate marketing insights, expert-led learnings, and allows us to share the latest tactics that help affiliate programs and businesses grow. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| The Great Affiliate Bypass: Understanding the Impact of AEO in 2026 | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:33:22 | |
Why Your Affiliate Program Might Be Losing Traffic Without You Realising It When 62% of AI citations reference affiliate sources but only 20% link to direct providers, something fundamental has shifted in how consumers discover financial products. Jon Ostler, CEO of finder.com and digital marketing veteran since 1997, reveals research that should worry every affiliate program manager: AI is scraping content from publishers, summarising their expert analysis, then sending consumers directly to providers while cutting out the affiliates who created that value. Lee-Ann and Jon discuss what this means for content publishers who've invested millions in editorial teams, how the performance model needs to evolve beyond last-click attribution, and why the publishers who survive will be those who understand their true value isn't just traffic anymore. Talking Points Include: The research findings that sparked this conversation - Jon analysed best-for-finance product searches across AI engines and discovered AI overwhelmingly cites affiliate content while bypassing affiliate links, fundamentally disrupting how publishers monetise their expertise Why this isn't plagiarism in the traditional sense - AI doesn't reason from first principles but delivers consensus answers by absorbing content investment from publishers, raising urgent questions about compensation models when your editorial work powers AI responses but generates zero clicks Listen to Find Out More About:
Ready to Master the Next Evolution of Performance Marketing? If this conversation with Jon Ostler revealed gaps in your current affiliate strategy, Affiverse Agency can help you navigate this transition with confidence. Our team specialises in helping affiliate program managers rebuild their partner ecosystems for an AI-influenced world, from identifying which publishers bring genuine value beyond last-click attribution to structuring commercial models that reward upstream influence. Whether you need strategic partner segmentation, innovative attribution frameworks, or simply expert guidance on what deserves your budget investment right now, we've worked with programs at every stage of this evolution. Visit Affiverse Agency to explore how our consulting services can transform uncertainty into competitive advantage, or reach out directly to discuss your specific program challenges. The publishers and program managers who thrive won't be those who mastered yesterday's best practices but those who understood tomorrow's fundamentals before their competitors did. | |||
| Honey, We Have a Problem? Navigating the Affiliate Channel in 2026 | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:33:04 | |
Why Auto-Approving Affiliates in 2026 Is Like Leaving Your Front Door Wide Open If you're still auto-approving affiliate applications or letting every partner type into your program without a clear strategy, this episode explains exactly why that approach will cost you this year. Ishtvan Torpoi, known industry-wide as "that affiliate guy," joins Lee-Ann to unpack the MegaLag controversy, distinguish between coupon browser extensions and cashback models, and reveal why the vast majority of affiliate management work happens after launch, not before. This conversation delivers the strategic framework you need to build programs that actually drive incremental value rather than just revenue on paper.
[12:10] How to determine which of the 18-19 affiliate types make sense for new program launches based on internal marketing capabilities and desired speed to revenue [22:00] Why brands at every size from startups to £30 million operations struggle with data aggregation and proper tooling investments [27:45] The three non-negotiables for 2026: watching data like a hawk, changing default payout models, and implementing compliance monitoring [30:50] Quality control processes that prevent fraud, including conversion validation checks and why auto-approval creates cleanup work rather than preventing problems
Huge thanks to Ishtvan Torpoi for sharing the frameworks he implements across diverse client programs at every stage of maturity. If this episode clarified where your program strategy needs adjustment, subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast so you catch every tactical insight that helps you build programs delivering genuine incremental value. Join us at the ELEVATE Summit in July 2026 in London, where strategic conversations happen between sessions and partnerships form that transform programs. Early bird tickets launch in January. | |||
| New Year, New Season: Affiliate Marketing Review and What's to Come | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:33:19 | |
The Year Affiliate Marketing Proved Its Power While Rewriting All the Rules If you thought affiliate marketing was mature, predictable, or figured out, this year proved you spectacularly wrong. Lee-Ann Johnstone takes you inside the most transformative year our industry has ever experienced, where UK brands delivered £16 for every £1 invested while simultaneously watching 60% of searches end without a single click. This isn't just a recap of what happened. It's a master class in how the smartest operators adapted when zero-click search, AI integration, and algorithm chaos threatened to upend everything we thought we knew about performance marketing. Talking Points Include:
The three business lessons that changed how Lee-Ann runs Affiverse including why saying no to clients actually increased demand and how community building became the antidote to algorithm dependency.
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [10:30] The UK and US industry numbers that prove affiliate marketing delivers ROI other channels can't match, with specific sector breakdowns [35:45] The three business lessons that changed how Lee-Ann approaches agency work, event planning, and community building [56:00] What's coming in 2026 and 2027, including specialized roles, attribution evolution, and data privacy defining winners [1:02:15] Affiverse milestones across media, agency, and community impact, plus what's launching in 2026 Call to Action This episode captures the year that separated operators who adapt from those who wait for best practices to emerge. If these insights sparked ideas for how you'll approach affiliate marketing differently in 2026, subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast so you never miss the strategic frameworks that help you stay ahead. Join us at the ELEVATE Summit in July 2026 in London, where the industry comes together not just to learn, but to actually move forward. Early bird tickets launch in January. | |||
| A Christmas Wrap-Up: The Conversations That Shaped This Season | 25 Dec 2025 | 00:36:27 | |
A Christmas Day Special Celebrating the Insights, Breakthroughs, and Bold Conversations That Defined Our Season Welcome to this very special Christmas Day edition of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast. Throughout Season 23, we dug deep into the engines behind impactful content, questioned the role of SEO and AI algorithms in a world that still craves human connection, and spotlighted the evolution of affiliate marketing from community-driven growth to loyalty-first strategies and consumer discovery beyond the usual channels. Today's episode is a moment to look back on all we shared this season, appreciate how far we've come together, and celebrate the insights we gathered along the way. Grab a cup of something warm, settle in, and enjoy this Christmas Day Special as we wind up the season that's past and get ready for an even bigger one ahead. What You'll Hear in This Episode:
Call to Action Season 23 gave you the frameworks, now it's time to implement them. Whether you're rebuilding your onboarding process using Alex's white-glove approach, restructuring your content strategy around Saurabh's 6:1 ratio, or preparing your team for AI adoption using Katie's governance roadmap, the insights from this season only create value when you put them into action. Subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast so you're ready when Season 24 launches on New Year's Day with bold predictions for 2026 and conversations that push the boundaries of where affiliate and performance marketing are headed. DM Lee-Ann on LinkedIn and share what you're struggling with or want to know more about, and she'll find the right expert to get on the mic and talk us through it. | |||
| Ethical Affiliate Marketing in the Age of AI | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:36:42 | |
When Automation Becomes Dehumanisation (And How to Stop It Before You Lose Your Best Partners) If you're using AI to manage your affiliate program but wondering why engagement keeps dropping, this episode explains exactly what's going wrong. Leanna Klyne, Affiverse's Agency Director with 18 years in the trenches, joins Lee-Ann to dissect the hidden cost of over-automation. They explore why AI-approved partners sometimes include your competitors, how content creators are being misrepresented by tools that don't understand context, and why the human touch still drives the partnerships that actually convert. This conversation offers practical guardrails for using AI responsibly without sacrificing the relationships that make affiliate marketing work. Talking Points Include:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [18:08] The segmentation strategy that achieves industry-leading open rates by speaking directly to six or seven partner types instead of mass-blasting generic content [27:00] How to use AI for trend spotting within partner data to identify optimal booking windows that increase performance 7% above industry mean while cutting wasted spend [37:09] The essential ethical guardrails that preserve humanity while enabling innovation, including the perspective shift that changes how you evaluate every AI decision Call to Action Huge thanks to Leanna Klyne for sharing the real-world AI frameworks she implements daily across Affiverse's agency clients. If this episode helped you see where automation enhances relationships versus where it destroys them, subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast so you catch every practical insight that helps you build programs partners actually want to join. Share this with another affiliate manager wrestling with AI adoption, and let's raise the standard for ethical partnership management across the entire industry. | |||
| Pathways to Performance: Mastering the Modern User Journey | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:34:07 | |
Why Your Clicks Are Down But Your Impact Might Be Up If your affiliate traffic feels fragmented and you're wondering whether to panic about AI search, this episode cuts through the noise. Ewen Finser, CEO of ScaleVisible, shares battle-tested insights from managing over 100 websites through Google's algorithm upheavals and into the AI era. Lee-Ann and Ewen discuss why Reddit threads now outrank traditional reviews, how zero-click searches create hidden value for brands, and why YouTube might be your smartest investment right now. This conversation reveals a counterintuitive truth: the scariest disruptions often create the biggest opportunities for those willing to adapt strategically. Talking Points Include:
Listen to Find Out More About:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [16:03] The real-world shopping journey example that illustrates search fragmentation across Which, Google, YouTube, ChatGPT, and Amazon [20:43] Why PayPal's Perplexity partnership signals the zero-click future and what affiliate managers should watch for next [32:39] Original content versus AI-generated spam: what works now versus what will work as AI engines develop their own web spam teams Rate, Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts "I love the Affiliate Marketing Podcast." <-- If that sounds like you, please give us a 5 Star rating here! Taking the time to do that helps us support more people in our community to access affiliate marketing insights, expert-led learnings, and allows us to share the latest tactics that help affiliate programs and businesses grow. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| 5 Tips for Growing your Affiliate Program in Emerging Markets like LATAM | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:30:50 | |
Why Trading Programs That Move Fast Break Everything (And How Slow Growth Built a 115-Country Empire) If your affiliate program chases explosive growth with aggressive spend and flashy campaigns, this episode reveals why you might be building on sand. Yana Ivanova and Nir Iter from Exness share how they scaled from 18 to 115 countries not through brute force marketing, but through something radical in trading: patience. Lee-Ann and her guests discuss why daily payouts matter more than commission rates, how localisation means hiring humans who actually understand regional nuances, and why the Latin American market demands emotional connection before transactional relationships. This conversation reveals a counterintuitive truth: sometimes slow and steady really does win the race. Talking Points Include:
Listen to Find Out More About:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [08:17] The long-term mindset explained through hotel guest analogies and why three-year plans beat quarterly targets [16:29] Daily payment implementation and the risk mitigation strategy that made it viable without enabling fraud [20:34] Team scaling from a handful to 11 professionals and how specialisation by region prevents global chaos [33:03] Honest advice for newcomers: pick your niche, build community, trust your data Latin America: The Opportunity Ahead For affiliates considering Latin America in 2026, both guests offered clear direction. Yana's focus centres on local communities, as the region values authentic, community-driven marketing over impersonal automation. Nir emphasised mobile optimisation, noting that with young, mobile-first audiences, ensuring your tracking, creatives, and user experience are optimised for phones is non-negotiable. Tools like AppsFlyer or other mobile measurement platforms are essential. | |||
| The Future is Agentic: How to Prepare for AI in Affiliate Marketing | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:32:52 | |
Guest: Katie King, Author of AI Strategy for Sales and Marketing: Connecting Marketing, Sales and Customer Experience If you've been treating AI like a search engine or worrying you're falling behind, this episode cuts through the noise. Katie King, who's been tracking AI developments since 2019 and advises major brands like O2, Arsenal, and Virgin, joins Lee-Ann Johnstone to reveal why 80% of AI success depends on people, not tools. She shares the strategic frameworks that turn scattered experiments into measurable business impact, explains why board-level resistance creates organizational AI imposter syndrome, and demonstrates how affiliate marketers can build competitive advantage through ethical implementation and agile adoption. Talking Points Include: Why AI projects fail without frameworks – how creating AI champion groups, weekly strategy meetings, and clear codes of conduct transforms random tool adoption into systematic competitive advantage The ethics gap that threatens customer trust – why transparency, attribution clarity, and responsible governance must be designed into affiliate programs before regulation forces it Strategic agility over early adoption – how building continuous learning and due diligence into your operations prepares you for agentic AI and quantum computing without burning out your team Listen to Find Out More About:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [12:35] Why you don't need technical skills for AI success, and the hospitality management principles that make AI adoption feel natural instead of overwhelming [18:51] The reality check on organizational AI maturity: why even brands with impressive case studies struggle with board-level adoption and what that reveals about implementation gaps [27:42] Ethical AI requirements for affiliate marketing specifically, including transparency obligations, attribution clarity, and avoiding black-box decisioning that erodes partner trust [34:20] Katie's final advice for marketers who haven't started their AI journey: why strategic agility matters more than early adoption, and how to build frameworks that prepare you for what comes next | |||
| The Power of Building Community Around your Affiliate Program | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:31:59 | |
If your affiliate program has hundreds of inactive partners gathering dust, this episode reveals exactly how to bring them back. Alex Hitt, an affiliate marketer who built thriving communities of hundreds of active members, shares the hotel management principles he uses to create loyalty that goes far beyond commission payments. Lee-Ann and Alex discuss why most programs accidentally kill engagement, how to scale personalisation without burning out, and why one 30-minute weekly call does more for retention than any email campaign. Talking Points Include:
Listen to Find Out More About:
Key Segments of This Podcast and Where You Can Tune In to Go Direct: [01:15] How getting laid off from a dream hotel job in Hawaii on day one forced Alex into entrepreneurship and eventually affiliate marketing [18:55] The efficiency math explained: one 30-minute Zoom call with 50 people versus trying to schedule 50 separate one-on-one meetings [27:00] What Alex tracks to measure community health beyond sales: last login time, external business growth, and engagement patterns Huge thanks to Alex Hitt for sharing his community-building strategies with us. If this episode sparked ideas for transforming your own affiliate program, subscribe to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast so you never miss practical insights like these. Share this episode with another affiliate manager struggling with retention, and let's raise the standard for how we treat our partners. Rate, Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts "I love the Affiliate Marketing Podcast." <– If that sounds like you, please give us a 5 Star rating here! Taking the time to do that helps us support more people in our community to access affiliate marketing insights, expert-led learnings, and allows us to share the latest tactics that help affiliate programs and businesses grow. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." | |||
| Beyond Google: Navigating the Multi-Channel Search Revolution | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:31:13 | |
In this episode of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast, Lee-Ann Johnstone sits down with search industry veteran Colin Jeavons to unpack one of the most significant shifts in digital commerce since Google's CPC revolution. With 25% of global search queries now bypassing Google in favour of AI-powered answer engines, affiliate managers and publishers face a crossroads: adapt to emerging channels or risk becoming obsolete. Colin, whose career spans from the Yellow Pages era through to building semantic search technology for defence and intelligence, brings rare historical perspective on what's actually changing—and what isn't. This episode is essential listening for affiliate managers questioning their channel strategy, publishers wondering if SEO is dead, and any e-commerce brand trying to understand where consumer discovery is headed. Talking points include:
Beyond Traditional Affiliates: How CPA models are expanding into apps, creators, influencers, and AI search—creating entirely new verticals for performance marketing. Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [11:45] The case for not abandoning traditional search. [13:57] The 10-month revolution: how AI answer engines captured 25% of search volume at unprecedented speed. [29:13] Colin's advice for publishers and affiliate managers: always ask for help and don't fear failure. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. Never miss out on FREE insights and training! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. | |||
| Why Human-Centred Marketing Beats Every Algorithm | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:27:58 | |
In this episode, Lee-Ann Johnstone sits down with Dennis Yu, CEO of BlitzMetrics and co-author of bestselling books on Facebook and TikTok advertising. With a billion dollars spent on social ads and clients including: Nike, Starbucks, and the Golden State Warriors, Dennis brings battle-tested insights on what actually works when technology threatens to commoditise every tactic. This conversation is essential listening for affiliate managers navigating the tension between bringing capabilities in-house and maintaining profitable partnerships, as well as performance marketers seeking sustainable competitive advantages in an AI-saturated marketplace. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct:
Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| Affiliate Story: From Side Hustle to Global Publisher Platform | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:32:32 | |
What happens when passion meets persistence in affiliate marketing? George Sullivan turned repeated program rejections into fuel for building The Sole Supplier—a content-first publisher that now drives millions in sales across Europe's biggest fashion retailers. In this candid conversation with host Lee-Ann Johnstone, George reveals the brutal early days of building an affiliate business, the moment everything changed, and why the industry's future belongs to publishers who can make people feel something. This episode is essential listening for affiliate managers who want to understand what life looks like on the other side of the partnership—and for aspiring publishers who need proof that starting with nothing but conviction can lead somewhere extraordinary. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [03:03] The backstory: from ten failed jobs to founding The Sole Supplier at 22 [13:28] The post-COVID shift that killed top-of-funnel budgets—and why brands are reversing course now [26:10] The five things every affiliate manager needs to hear about building genuine partnerships Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| Performance with Purpose: The Next Era of Affiliate Marketing | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:35:30 | |
In this essential episode, we sit down with Florin Simovici, CEO of TrafficManager and author of the industry's most comprehensive guide to building and managing affiliate programs. With 15 years of experience across multiple verticals—from iGaming to e-commerce—Florin shares the hard-won lessons that separate scaling programs from struggling ones. Florin pulls back the curtain on what actually drives sustainable growth, revealing why most networks fail before they even begin and how the industry's smartest operators are positioning themselves for the seismic shifts ahead. Whether you're managing your first program or your fiftieth, this episode will challenge your assumptions and equip you with actionable strategies to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [00:52] Background on TrafficManager and Florin's journey from affiliate to network owner to SaaS provider [02:00] The story behind writing a 519-page book on affiliate program management (without AI assistance) [30:52] Final advice for affiliates: Give up the ego and communicate your needs Want to dive deeper into Florin's proven strategies? His comprehensive guide covers everything from post-back integration to fraud prevention to affiliate relationship management. Purchase How to Build and Manage an Affiliate Program or Network here. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| The Secret Formula to High-Impact Content | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:29:14 | |
What if everything you've been taught about promotional content is backwards? In this explosive Season 23 opener, host Lee-Ann Johnstone welcomes Saurabh Singh, co-founder and CEO of Flickstree and Zanopy AI, who drops a truth bomb that's making affiliate managers and content creators rethink their entire strategy: for every promotional post you publish, you should be creating six educational ones. Yes, you read that right—six to one. This isn't armchair theory. Saurabh has studied hundreds of thousands of successful brands worldwide, built an AI platform that's produced 47,000 videos this year, and personally grew an Instagram account from zero to 40,000 engaged followers in under 12 months using this exact formula. If you're an affiliate manager battling with partners over content guidelines, a creator watching your conversion rates flatline, or a brand drowning in a sea of AI-generated noise wondering why nothing's sticking, this episode hands you a data-backed blueprint that flips conventional wisdom on its head. The kicker? Most brands are doing the complete opposite—and wondering why their audience keeps scrolling past. Lee-Ann and Saurabh break down why content has become the only way to build trust in digital commerce, which content hooks make people stop mid-scroll, and how AI tools are levelling the playing field for marketers who can't afford £300-per-video agencies. Buckle up—this one's a game-changer. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [05:27] Breaking down the secret 1:6 content formula with real-world examples. [09:20] Content hooks that stop scrolling: myths, facts, secrets, and step-by-step guides. [26:19] Rapid-fire insights: Will AI outperform human content? Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| The Partnership Playbook: What This Season Taught Us | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:41:36 | |
After eleven episodes dissecting partnership dynamics from every conceivable angle, this season finale doesn't just recap — it crystallises the precise tactical moves separating forgettable affiliate relationships from decade-spanning strategic alliances. Industry veterans have shared frameworks that actually work in the trenches, not theoretical models that collapse under real-world pressure. Their insights reveal how data transparency reshapes power dynamics, why treating affiliates as vendors guarantees eventual churn, and the micro-moments that compound into sustainable competitive advantage. Who should listen to this episode? This wrap-up serves affiliate managers tired of surface-level networking advice and operators questioning why their partnership retention resembles a leaky bucket. If you've built programs that plateau after initial wins, or wonder why competitors maintain relationships you can't seem to sustain, these consolidated lessons expose what's missing from your approach. Program directors evaluating their 2026 strategy will find tactical adjustments that don't require massive budget increases — just sharper execution on overlooked fundamentals that compound over time. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Our thanks go to Mate Affiliates as this season's sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| The Five Step Flywheel for Growing a Successful Partnership | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:41:43 | |
Building successful affiliate partnerships isn't just about sending cold emails and hoping for responses. In this episode, Lee-Ann sits down with Leanna Klyne, Affiverse's Head of Agency and an 18-year veteran of affiliate marketing, to reveal the exact five-step framework their agency uses to build lasting partnerships that actually convert. This isn't theory—it's the battle-tested system they use daily to connect brands with high-performing affiliates, and they're sharing it all, from LinkedIn profile optimisation to why your first email line is make-or-break. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [13:25] The cold email problem: breaking through 120+ daily emails and why your first line is everything [19:48] How to become a trusted industry voice through authentic publishing and thought leadership [38:33] The one action to start today if you want to attract affiliates instead of chasing them Our thanks go to Mate Affiliates as this season's sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| Data Partnerships: A Blueprint for Affiliate Program Success | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:35:11 | |
Get ready for an insightful conversation about the evolution of affiliate marketing from the operator perspective to the affiliate side. Tero Paivarinta, Business Development Lead at humbl.ai joins host Lee-Ann Johnstone to share his fascinating journey from iGaming customer support in 2006 to becoming a key figure in affiliate relationship management. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Tero reveals how data transparency is revolutionising partnerships and why authentic relationships remain the cornerstone of successful affiliate programs. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [02:17] Tero's iGaming journey from 2006 and first glimpse into affiliate marketing [23:00] Finding quality affiliates: why the ones who find you aren't always the best [28:08] A round-up of top tips shared Our thanks go to Mate Affiliates as this season's sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. Never miss out on FREE insights and training! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. | |||
| Creating High-Value Connections: Relationship Mastery for Performance Marketers | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:34:28 | |
From self-proclaimed "software engineer introvert" to confident industry connector, Julia Draghici, Co-Founder & CEO of CPV Lab and CPV ONE, has mastered the art of turning authentic relationships into business growth. In this candid conversation with host Lee-Ann Johnstone, Julia reveals how she transformed from someone who believed "building good software and having good customer support would be enough" into a partnership-driven entrepreneur whose business thrives on genuine connections. Through her journey from nervously walking conference floors to building lasting friendships that generate multiple client referrals, Julia demonstrates that the most powerful marketing tool isn't technology—it's the human ability to help first, ask later, and treat partnerships like marriages rather than transactions. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [08:44] Julia's first conference networking experience and overcoming introvert challenges [15:45] The Joey Babineau partnership case study and building lasting business friendships [26:52] Rapid-fire relationship advice including partnership red flags and trust-building strategies Our thanks go to Mate Affiliates as this season's sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. Never miss out on FREE insights and training! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. | |||
| Lessons from Both Sides: Building Stronger Affiliate Relationships | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:27:17 | |
This week, Lee-Ann Johnstone welcomes Alanas Ivšinas, iGaming Affiliate Marketing Expert, to the Affiliate Marketing Podcast for an insightful deep-dive into what truly makes partnerships thrive in one of the most competitive sectors of affiliate marketing. With over a decade of experience working across both sides of the table - from affiliate networks to major operators like GG Media Group - Alanas brings a rare perspective on deal-making, negotiation psychology, and the art of building lasting commercial relationships. Whether you're struggling with partner retention, looking to structure better deals, or want to understand how industry veterans navigate complex negotiations, this episode delivers actionable wisdom from someone who's seen it all. Essential listening for affiliate managers, network professionals, and anyone serious about elevating their partnership game. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [05:40] The essential elements that separate successful partnerships from costly failures. [10:20] A detailed breakdown of a streaming deal gone wrong and the expensive lessons learned [21:52] Industry trends including Google updates, AI impact, and what's coming next for affiliate partnerships. Our thanks go to Mate Affiliates as this season's sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| Partners, Not Just Payouts: What Really Makes Partnerships Work | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:33:14 | |
This week, Lee-Ann Johnstone sits down with Paul Puolakka, CMO of Mr. Gamble, who brings a rare dual perspective to affiliate marketing having worked extensively on both the operator and affiliate sides. Fresh from burnout in telecoms to becoming one of iGaming's most respected voices, Paul shares unfiltered insights on what separates thriving partnerships from those that crash and burn. This isn't your typical "build trust and communicate" advice—Paul digs into the tactical realities of partnership management, from handling payment delays to spotting red flags before they destroy relationships. Whether you're an affiliate manager struggling to retain top partners or an affiliate wondering why your best partnerships keep falling apart, this episode delivers the hard-won wisdom you need to build partnerships that actually last. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [05:04] The trust-breakers: What instantly destroys affiliate partnerships and why shaving commissions is relationship suicide. [18:04] The click paradox: Why operators obsess over FTDs but ignore what happens after affiliates deliver quality traffic. [24:06] The founder factor: How small operators with hands-on leadership often outperform larger corporate machines. Our thanks go to Mate Affiliates as this season's sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| Trust, Strategy, and Teamwork: The Foundations of Affiliate Success | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:37:33 | |
From the "wild west" days of online sports betting to today's heavily regulated landscape, few have witnessed the industry's transformation like Dimitry Voelkle. Host of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast, Lee-Ann Johnstone is joined by Dimitry, Founder of Zelda Consulting and one of the original architects behind Tipico, Germany's first major sportsbook. In this fascinating episode, Dimitry shares hard-won insights on building trust-based partnerships that survive decades of industry upheaval, revealing why the fundamentals of relationship building matter now more than ever. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [05:40] The “wild west” origins of online sports betting and what operators could offer in the early 2000s before regulation changed everything [24:00] Handling million-dollar mistakes: When decimal point errors go wrong and trust gets tested in high-pressure situations. [33:20] Why partnership skills become more crucial as competition intensifies. Our thanks go to Mate Affiliates as this season's sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| Why Retention Strategies Support Better Partnership Management | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:38:46 | |
What if everything you think you know about affiliate partnership management is actually costing you millions in untapped revenue? In this eye-opening episode, host Lee-Ann Johnstone sits down with Gali Hartuv, CEO and co-founder of WarriorLab, to unpack why treating your affiliate partners like VIP players could be the game-changing strategy your program needs. From a jaw-dropping case study that delivered 40% growth in 12 months to practical frameworks for building emotional equity with partners, this conversation challenges everything you think you know about affiliate relationship management. Whether you're managing a program with 50 affiliates or 5,000, the insights shared here will fundamentally shift how you approach partnership retention and development. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [06:15] Large vs small operator partnership approaches and common mistakes [22:52] The dramatic case study: From 94,000 "VIPs" to sustainable growth [28:00] Eight actionable steps for building emotional equity in affiliate partnerships Our thanks go to Mate Affiliates as this season's sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| How Smart Brand Owners Win Big With The Right Affiliate Moves | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:40:18 | |
Get ready for an absolute masterclass in partnership building! This week, host Lee-Ann Johnstone sits down with industry legend Moshe Adir, Founder of Vegas Kings and one of the most successful agency owners in the iGaming space. With decades of experience spanning from the early days of DOS programming to building multi-million pound partnerships, Moshe shares the hard-won lessons that separate successful long-term partnerships from quick-burn transactional relationships. This isn't your typical business chat – it's raw, honest insights from someone who's been there since the internet's first browser and has the battle scars to prove it. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [08:44] The North Star principle for building partnerships that last decades [24:13] The CEO stepping-down story that will change how you view leadership [30:40] Rapid-fire partnership wisdom and industry myth-busting Our thanks go to Mate Affiliates as this season's sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||
| The Power of Walking a Mile in Your Affiliate’s Shoes: Lessons for Managers | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:34:43 | |
Welcome to this week's Affiliate Marketing Podcast with host Lee-Ann Johnstone, where we explore how to build successful partnerships in affiliate marketing. This episode features some real talk from Stefan Muehlbauer, CEO of Affpal Consulting and affjobs.com, a seasoned industry veteran with 15+ years of experience who has transformed from running affiliate programs to becoming one of the industry's most sought-after recruiters and consultants. Stefan shares his unconventional journey from selling insurance to building a recruitment empire through the power of personal relationships and strategic giving. Talking points include:
Listen to find out more about:
Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [05:17] The secret sauce of relationship building - genuine interest over manipulation [25:08] The biggest mistake affiliate managers make - focusing only on whale affiliates [29:40] Rapid fire round: Most overrated trends and underrated opportunities in affiliate marketing Our thanks go to Mate Affiliates as this season's sponsor. Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here. | |||