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If you work in media, marketing, or advertising, you know this tension: Screens dominate. Measurement has lagged. And it’s harder to answer questions like “Where does attention really happen?” and “What actually moves people…and how do I prove it?” This episode offers some answers, from three executives I spoke with at CES 2026.
Though we talk about the newest cool tools (it IS the largest consumer tech show), these conversations explore how media works when it follows consumers from the couch to the car, in stores, in culture, and across audio—and how measurement is finally catching up to meaning. Learn what’s working now and what’s coming next, according to:
Jim Riley, President of Stingray U.S., explains how audio, ambient TV, karaoke, and in-car experiences are converging—and how their effort to connect these environments creates value for brands, platforms, and consumers alike.
From FAST channels to automotive dashboards, Jim shares how following people across screens (and beyond them) is reshaping media strategy. (And don’t miss an archival image of Jim making music “back in the day” himself!)
Kimberly Hairston-Hicks, CMO of Sanofi’s Gold Bond, brings a powerful brand perspective rooted in authenticity and cultural relevance. She talks candidly (and I sing) about letting go of control, redefining success beyond impressions, and building partnerships based on shared values—showing how human connection and business results don’t have to be at odds.
Hint: They paired perfectly with celebrity Chelsea Handler over shared values and love of the product!
(And learn why Kimberly wears a “cape,” and owes a debt of gratitude to women who help women!)
Jennifer Louie Oon, SVP of Sales at DAX US, closes the loop with a look at audio advertising today—and why its moment is now…especially when brands can reach markets or audiences other platforms or apps often miss. 
She explains how DAX is solving for that, along with measurement tools that can finally demonstrate audio’s impact in real time and the power of advertisers still having presence in screen-free moments. (And find out why old school Legos really grabbed her during the world’s largest tech show!)
Get some practical thought starters on audio advertising, brand authenticity, media measurement, and human-centered marketing—without the jargon or hype…and with a little bit of singing and laughs!
Key Moments & Time Codes
00:00–01:22 — Why this episode connects audio, TV, brand marketing, and ad tech
03:29–04:43 — Why karaoke is becoming a serious media business
Jim Riley explains how Stingray turned a universal behavior—singing in the car—into a gamified, social, and monetizable experience across TVs and automotive dashboards.
05:40–06:20 — From couch to car to checkout
Jim outlines Stingray’s vision for linking TV, in-car audio, and retail media—following consumers across environments and tying media exposure to real-world action.
08:02–08:37 — When advertising doesn’t belong everywhere
A candid discussion on why karaoke stays ad-free, how premium experiences are monetized differently, and what “everybody wins” actually looks like in practice.
12:44–13:20 — “Let it go” as a marketing strategy
Kimberly Hairston-Hicks shares why perfection is the enemy of progress—and how letting go of control creates stronger brands and better outcomes.
18:19–20:29 — Authenticity beats star power
Kimberly breaks down the Gold Bond–Chelsea Handler partnership, revealing why shared values—not celebrity size—drive cultural relevance and real KPIs.
21:01–22:11 — When impressions aren’t the point anymore
A reframing of success: why cultural moments, memory, and longevity matter just as much as raw reach—and how brands should measure that.
26:07–27:25 — Beauty, confidence, and showing up fully
A powerful, personal exchange on how products—and leadership—can change how people feel about themselves, from the boardroom to daily life.
35:07–36:05 — Audio measurement finally catches up
Jennifer Louie Oon explains how DAX is using brand-lift measurement to prove what audio has always delivered—and why this changes how brands plan media.
37:18–38:06 — Why audio’s moment is now
Screen-free moments, smarter targeting, and better measurement come together—making the case for audio as a core, not supplemental, channel in 2026 planning.
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