Transaction Layer

Transaction Layer

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

Episodes

E10: Stephen Regenold (GearJunkie & AllGear Digital)

September 25, 2024 • 26 mins
In this episode, we speak with Stephen Regenold, a seasoned journalist and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in building and scaling media companies. Stephen shares his journey from starting his career as a writer for The New York Times to founding GearJunkie, a leading media company in the outdoor gear and adventure space. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of transitioning from journalism to entrepreneurship, s...
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E9: Lauren Newman (Red Ventures - CNET)

April 26, 2024 • 31 mins
Lauren Newman, EVP of Revenue at Red Ventures, discusses her background in media and publishing and her experience in direct ad sales and commerce. She emphasizes the importance of innovation and relationship management in both areas. Newman shares her success in taking back influence in the beauty industry by showcasing editors as the original influencers. She also highlights the need for publishers to find unique experiences that...
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E8: Jamie Miles (Penske Media)

April 15, 2024 • 27 mins
In this episode of the Smooth Operator Podcast, we chat with Jamie Miles, Vice President of Penske Media’s commerce division. Jamie shares her journey from a journalism graduate to leading e-commerce operations across multiple brands, detailing the strategic shifts from traditional content management to integrating e-commerce solutions. She delves into the evolving landscape of online marketing, the importance of adapting to changi...
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E7: Emily Welsh (WSJ - Buy Side)

April 15, 2024 • 22 mins
In episode seven, Emily Welsh discusses her rich background in publishing, tracing her journey from the bustling newsrooms of Advertising Age to her innovative contributions at Vogue and Conde Nast. Transitioning into the digital realm, Emily has played a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of digital content at WSJ before embarking on launching Buy Side at WSJ. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the evolution of pu...
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E6: Amro Naddy (U.S. News - 360 Reviews)

December 15, 2023 • 33 mins
In episode six, Amro discusses his unconventional path into performance marketing and his role in transforming Agent Ace, a real estate startup that merged data-driven decision-making with ethical consumer practices. He highlights his collaboration with Chad Smolinski in launching 360 Reviews at U.S. News & World Reports, a venture aimed at revolutionizing the review industry with unbiased, data-oriented evaluations. Reflecting on ...
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E5: Camilla Cho (Vox & NY Mag)

November 8, 2023 • 41 mins
In the fifth episode of Smooth Operator, we engage with Camilla Cho, SVP of e-commerce at Vox Media. With an extensive career spanning nearly two decades, Camilla has adeptly shifted from business development to mastering the art of commerce and affiliate marketing. This episode offers an in-depth look at her pivotal role in establishing The Strategist at New York Magazine, a glance at Vox's overarching commerce strategy, and insig...
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E4: Paige Hart-Smith (Daily Beast & PCH)

October 19, 2023 • 27 mins
In Episode 4 of Smooth Operator, Paige Hart-Smith, VP of Performance Marketing at The Daily Beast, delves into her journey in shaping Scouted, the publication’s shopping and e-commerce vertical. Drawing from her experiences at Publisher’s Clearing House and Slate Magazine, Hart-Smith highlights the strategic integration of programmatic advertising and affiliate marketing to bolster revenue and engage The Daily Beast’s loyal readers...
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E3: Breton Fischetti (Recurrent & Insider)

September 29, 2023 • 30 mins
In episode three, Breton Fischetti, VP of Commerce at Recurrent Ventures, discusses his career evolution and the pivotal role he played in scaling affiliate programs, first at Business Insider and now at Recurrent. He emphasizes the importance of value-driven content in the competitive space of content commerce and explores leveraging enthusiast community data to better align with consumer preferences.
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E2: Bryce Widelitz (Impact & CNN)

June 30, 2023 • 27 mins
In this episode of the Smooth Operator Podcast, host Blake interviews Bryce Widelitz, a seasoned performance and affiliate marketing expert. Bryce shares his journey from founding DesignYourDorm.com to his time at CNN, where he revolutionized monetization strategies and created CNN Underscored. He provides valuable insights into the power of partnerships, affiliate marketing, and driving revenue through innovative content strategie...
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E1: Jackie Goldstein (NYPost & Vox)

June 30, 2023 • 29 mins
In the first episode of the Smooth Operator podcast, host Blake Saunders engages in a compelling conversation with Jackie Goldstein, VP of Commerce at the New York Post. They delve into the transformation of traditional publishers into the realm of commerce. Goldstein shares her experience as the former Senior Director of Commerce at Vox Media, where she recognized untapped potential in podcasting and commerce. Her perspective shif...
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Intro

May 4, 2023 • 33 secs
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