Is There a Place for AI-Generated Host Reads?

On this episode of the Podcast Advertising Playbook, Heather Osgood sits down with Marty Avallone, CEO of Ekoz AI, to explore the growing conversation around AI-generated, voice-cloned host-read ads in podcast advertising.

Marty shares his background and what inspired him to build Ekoz AI, along with a look at how voice cloning is currently being used in live campaigns. Together, they discuss where this emerging format fits within today’s monetization landscape, positioned between traditional host reads and programmatic, and why advertisers and sellers are paying close attention.

In this episode, Heather and Marty discuss:

• How voice-cloned host-read ads work and where demand is coming from

• Who is selling this type of inventory and how it’s being priced

• Industry reaction to AI-generated content and ads

• Where authenticity, trust, and scalability intersect

Heather brings a thoughtful seller’s lens to the conversation, acknowledging the efficiency and creative support AI can offer while also raising important questions about authenticity and whether voice cloning truly addresses the challenges most podcasters face today. The episode offers a balanced, practical look at the potential and the open questions surrounding AI’s role in podcast advertising.