This monday episode dives into the biggest stories shaping ecommerce right now from platform risks and AI-powered operations to changing conusmer behavior. If you’re building , operating, or marketing a brand today, the environment is shifting quickly. Platforms are tightening control, AI tools are reshaping workflows, and entirely new consumer trends are emrging.

We break down the key developments operators need to understand — and what they mean for the future of ecommerce.

We’re also joined by Drew Marconi from Intelligems, who shares insights into the next generation of ecommerce experimentation, and Jacob Posel, who discusses how AI tools and “vibe coding” are changing how agencies and operators build and scale businesses.

Explores the biggest shifts happening across AI, ecommerce, marketing, and internet culture. We break down how major platforms like Meta, NVIDIA, and OpenAI are shaping the next generation of AI infrastructure and commerce, while also examining emerging trends impacting operators today — from viral advertising strategies and AI‑driven fraud to Gen Z digital environments and the rise of intentional technology. Along the way, we hear from founders and operators building in the trenches, sharing lessons on creating viral marketing, launching consumer brands, and navigating the evolving ecommerce landscape.

Meta reportedly acquired Moltbook, a social network designed specifically for AI agents. The move hints at a future where autonomous agents interact with each other online, potentially creating content, sharing information, and even transacting without human involvement.

Joe Putnam explains the psychology behind why certain ads spread while most don’t. His “6 Buttons of Buzz” framework highlights how brands can engineer content that taps into social currency, emotional triggers, and shareability, often leading to lower CPMs and more efficient marketing.

Natty Ice Cream founder Tyrel Johnson shares how he built a high‑protein ice cream brand that landed on Erewhon shelves. He discusses product differentiation, avoiding common protein ice cream ingredients, and how founders can convince major retailers to take a chance on new brands.

Guests: Nick Wetta (WestMajor), Cherene Aubert (Growth Capital)

We break down the biggest shifts happening across AI infrastructure, marketing jobs, consumer brands, and ecommerce. From debates around AI‑written production code and its impact on reliability, to new CPG category plays and major legal headlines in the industry, we explore the stories shaping how founders and operators will build companies in the next decade. We also feature two conversations with founders building distinctive brands and new marketing models.

A new report suggests up to 65% of marketing roles could be heavily restructured by AI. We discuss whether this is alarmism or simply the early stage of a shift already happening across agencies and in‑house teams.

Nick Wetta is building a rare modern apparel brand focused on American‑made Western shirts and craftsmanship. We discuss why he chose domestic manufacturing, the challenges of producing apparel in the U.S., the brand’s lifetime repair guarantee, and what’s next after West Major’s appearance in Landman Season 2.

After major success brand‑side in beauty, Cherene Aubert returned to the agency world with Growth Capital, a new model for modern marketing. She explains why marketers often get stuck in echo chambers, how her team built a proprietary marketing operating system, and what growth marketing could look like over the next five years.

Guests: Jake Castillo (CalAI) · Andrew Foxwell (FoxwellDigital.com)

In this episode we break down the biggest shifts happening across ecommerce, retail, and digital marketing. From acquisitions and layoffs to evolving brand strategies and internet culture moments, we explore what these signals mean for founders, operators, and marketers navigating today’s changing landscape. We also feature two interviews with experienced operators discussing how brands scale today — from influencer‑driven growth to the evolving role of agencies in the AI era..

The acquisition of Homestead Studio highlights the growing trend of operator‑led brand portfolios, where experienced founders build and manage multiple niche consumer brands under one umbrella — similar to Easy Street Brands with properties like Hollow Socks, Nose Gym, and Mars Men.

Recent Amazon layoffs reflect a broader trend across tech companies as AI and automation reshape team structures. Many companies are reevaluating hiring needs as productivity tools reduce the need for large operational teams.

Jake Castillo shares the playbook behind building Cal AI into a $50M+ ARR company. He discusses bootstrapping the business, leveraging 150+ influencers, managing multiple TikTok accounts for growth, and lessons learned from the MyFitnessPal acquisition.

Andrew Foxwell breaks down insights from the State of Agencies report, including why agencies still struggle with pipeline, how AI is actually being used in advertising workflows, and what agency owners should be doing differently as the industry evolves.

Guests: Thomas Lalas (Author), Lucas Hazan (NOKT), Carson Dimond (Dimond Connect)

The biggest trends shaping ecommerce operators today — from high‑paying job opportunities and the rise of social commerce to the retention strategies that actually drive long‑term growth. Along the way, three experienced guests share insights from inside subscription brands, venture‑backed startups, and the ecommerce hiring market. The result is a practical look at how brands grow, hire, and compete in the current ecommerce landscape.

Many brands focus heavily on customer acquisition, but retention often has a much bigger impact on long‑term revenue. Improving repeat purchases and customer lifetime value can dramatically increase profitability, especially for subscription and consumable product brands.

The ecommerce hiring market is still strong, with several roles commanding six‑figure salaries and compensation packages reaching up to $250K. Creative strategists, TikTok Shop managers, and experienced ecommerce operators are among the most in‑demand hires as brands compete for talent that can drive growth.

Lucas Hazan shares insights from building across multiple industries — including hardware, software, venture, and consumer brands. His approach focuses on building distribution infrastructure first, allowing brands to scale more efficiently through organic reach and social platforms.

Social commerce continues to grow rapidly as platforms like TikTok turn content into direct purchasing experiences. Brands are now hiring dedicated operators to manage TikTok Shop programs and creator partnerships.

Ecommerce growth is shifting from pure acquisition to smarter systems — retention, social commerce, and the operators who know how to run them.Across this episode, one theme shows up repeatedly: the brands winning today aren’t just spending more on ads — they’re building better systems for retention, distribution, and talent.

Keep riding, keep building, and we will see you on the next one.

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See you on the trail,

The Ecomm Cowboy Team