Matt Rotondo holds the position of Head of Brands at Sugar23, a company that diverges from traditional advertising agencies by focusing on entertainment production and talent management. Unlike conventional ad firms, Sugar23 specializes in integrating brands into media through creative partnerships and projects that range from TV shows and movies to talent collaborations. Their innovative approach to brand integration within entertainment sets Matt Rotundo and Sugar23 apart in advertising, trans...
May 28, 2024•45 min
This episode features a comprehensive discussion of controversial ads in the advertising industry, focusing on Apple and Bumble's recent campaigns. Brian Bonilla and Geno Schellenberger explore the nuances of each controversy, the public's reaction, and the lessons to be learned for advertisers. They are joined by Tim Nudd, the Creativity Editor at Ad Age, who shares his insights on the matter. The episode delves into the specifics of Apple's controversial ad, which showcases product thinness, a...
May 22, 2024•46 min
This podcast episode features your accomplice, Geno Schellenberger interviewing Dave Reidy, Managing Director and Chief Creative Officer at Havas Life Chicago, in person at the Havas Chicago office. Dave shares his journey into healthcare advertising, emphasizing the unique challenges, rewards, and the importance of creativity within the sector. The conversation covers topics such as maintaining passion, breaking into the industry, managing projects under regulatory constraints, and the role of ...
May 21, 2024•37 min
This podcast episode deviates from the usual guest interviews to introduce 'blueprint,' a segment that provides deep-dive advice on specific topics in the advertising industry based on listener inquiries. The host, Geno Schellenberger, shares personal experiences and strategies on preparing for job interviews, emphasizing the importance of thorough company research and presenting oneself confidently. Insights on what employers look for during interviews, how to stand out by discussing the compan...
May 14, 2024•8 min
The goal of this podcast is to help you break in and thrive in advertising. And Marketing. And heck, maybe to help you become a CEO. Welcome back to breaking and Entering brand-side. We interview the best folks who work in creative communications directly for businesses. Not agencies. Although we love agency folks too. Today, we learn from Gertrude Allen, CEO of Lola Dating, a new dating app that addresses the common issues found in existing dating platforms, such as swiping fatigue and ineffect...
May 07, 2024•41 min
Breaking with Brian: Episode 6 - "Agency" Rebrand Brian Bonilla, Senior Agency Reporter at Ad Age and Geno Schellenberger, Associate Director of Growth and Comms at Havas Chicago, discuss the developing stories of the advertising world, focusing on the significant shift from traditional agencies to a variety of new models, including consultancies and creative transformation companies. They explore the real-world implications of this change for talent acquisition, client relationships, and overal...
May 06, 2024•36 min
Celebrating all the side projects created by folks in advertising. From Vomit Comics, an advertising video game, to even this podcast, Josh Weiss and Sunita Deshpande have been celebrating the extremely creative and meaningful side projects from the minds of those who create ads for a living. It's essential to study ads and what's being covered in the ad trades, but it's also important to stay in tune with culture and to flex your creativity, and side projects are a great way to do that. Josh We...
Apr 30, 2024•38 min
Brian Bonilla, a senior agency reporter at Ad Age, returns to discuss recent happenings and insights within the advertising industry alongside Geno Schellenberger. They dive into the current trend of rapidly emerging ad agencies and explore the factors contributing to this phenomenon, including the strategy of niching down to cater to specific market segments like Gen Z and local businesses. The conversation also touches on significant developments, such as a notable lawsuit involving the closur...
Apr 22, 2024•34 min
Dr. Karen Freberg on Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry. In this episode, Dr. Karen Freberg shares her experiences as a professor in strategic communications at the University of Louisville. She highlights her approach to teaching and her role in managing a student-run strategic communications agency. She discusses how she focuses on bridging the gap between academia and the industry and why she champions her students to take ownership of their learning. Additionally, Dr. Freberg sha...
Apr 18, 2024•42 min
This week, we interviewed Eric Segal and Brett Banker, founders of X&O, a unique company that defies the traditional advertising agency framework. Operating from New Jersey, Segal and Banker discuss their long-term partnership, the genesis of X&O, and how their model differentiates from typical agencies by focusing on employing a network of experts and officers for specific client challenges. They dive into the principles of agility, expertise, and speed in delivering strategic and creat...
Apr 15, 2024•40 min
Lauren King, Director of Brand Marketing at Wolverine Boots & Apparel, conducts a hall of fame episode this week on Breaking and Entering Brand-Side. She takes us through her inspiring journey from internships at the Detroit Zoo and WNBA, navigating through a PR agency, to her pivotal role in transforming a startup into a national phenomenon. You will hear how facing the 2008 Recession, a chance Craigslist find, and a strategic move to Wolverine Worldwide shaped her career. Lauren’s story is...
Apr 11, 2024•37 min
This episode of the Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast features a deep dive into the advertising world with Tim Roan, Chief Creative Officer at McGarrah Jessee, an independent agency based in Austin, Texas. Roan shares his journey from agency side to client side at Lyft and back into the agency world with Magera Jesse. He discusses the evolution of advertising in the context of remote work, the importance of nurturing early talent, and offers advice for those looking to break into the ind...
Apr 09, 2024•46 min
In this episode of the Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast, host Geno Schellenberger talks with Olivia Morley, a senior advertising reporter at Adweek, about the challenges and solutions for students and aspiring advertisers looking to enter the industry. The main point of discussion is the Rising Marketer's Guide, which she reports on consistently. She shares her initiative to compile and disseminate valuable resources for newcomers, such as internship and fellowship programs that need br...
Apr 08, 2024•18 min
Back to Brand-Side. This episode dives deep into Shure Incorporated, a brand our team at Breaking and Entering is incredibly passionate about, with insights from Garrison Krotz. Garrison is an Associate Manager of Global Media Relations at Shure Incorporated. Garrison talks about his journey from PR Agency Ketchum to Shure, blending professional growth with personal passions. We discuss the importance of networking and connecting with industry professionals to navigate career transitions!...
Apr 02, 2024•34 min
Aaron Starkman is the Global Chief Creative Officer at Rethink. And Partner. He's really good at advertising. Aaron's brilliance has catapulted Rethink to the forefront of the advertising world, earning titles like Ad Age's Creative Agency of the Year, Campaign Magazine's Global Independent Agency of the Year, and numerous Cannes Gold Lions. But Aaron's journey wasn't always lined with accolades. He faced job losses and challenges that tested his resilience and creativity. You'll hear how Aaron ...
Mar 26, 2024•49 min
In Episode 4 of Breaking with Brian Bonilla, hosts Brian Bonilla (Senior Reporter at Ad Age) and Geno Schellenberger (Comms Lead at Havas Chicago) dive into a range of topics, including the success of Havas Chicago's Wayfair campaign, the dynamics of the advertising industry, and recent trends in hiring creators within agencies. They discuss the significant impact of executive moves in advertising and the rise of AI interns in agencies. The episode also covers the effects of mergers, acquisition...
Mar 25, 2024•41 min
NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB. You know these, but do you know PBR? It's time to learn about professional bull riding with our guest, Tripp Wheat, Director of Sales at Professional Bull Riders, LLC (PBR), on Breaking and Entering Brand-side. Tripp is revolutionizing PBR by drawing in diverse partners and widening the sport's appeal far beyond its traditional audience. Hear how strategic partnerships propel PBR into new markets and catch Tripp's expert advice for marketers aiming to leave their mark. Listen...
Mar 19, 2024•35 min
Breaking Down Ad Age's A-List 2024 This episode features a discussion between Brian Bonilla (Senior Agency Reporter at Ad Age) and Geno Schellenberger (Comms lead at Havas Chicago), breaking down Ad Age's prestigious A-list of top advertising agencies for 2023. They provide insights into the selection process, emphasizing the list's significance in the industry, including categories like the top 10 agencies, standouts, and the best in specific areas such as agency culture. They highlight notable...
Mar 13, 2024•49 min
We have one of my favorite brands in the world, LinkedIn. Kim Biason Chitra is Director, Global Brand Marketing at LinkedIn. From breaking into the agency side to attending Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Business to earn her MBA, I asked her why she jumped from the agency to the brand side. I asked her about her MBA experience. We learn about life on the other side and how she and her team at LinkedIn are bridging the gap between marketing and advertising....
Mar 12, 2024•37 min
In this episode of 'Breaking with Brian Bonilla,' Geno Schellenberger and Brian Bonilla discuss advertising stuff, including the recent merger between Barkley and OKRP to form BarkleyOKRP and the implications for the advertising industry. They discuss the importance of supporting neurodiverse employees in the workplace and share strategies agencies implement to create more inclusive environments. Additionally, the episode explores the challenges faced by students and recent graduates in finding ...
Mar 11, 2024•41 min
Nerding up and knowing the industry is one of the best ways to break into advertising. And, of course, to thrive in it. This week, we learn from Kyle O'brien. Kyle is an Agencies Reporter and AgencySpy Editor at Adweek. He emphasizes the benefits of starting in an agency, where one can learn important aspects of the advertising process in a supportive environment. His discussion about the evolving landscape of advertising, including the role of AI, offers a realistic yet optimistic view of the i...
Mar 08, 2024•46 min
Blueprint by Breaking and Entering is a deep dive into various topics within marketing communications. Episodes range from 5 minutes to 5 hours. Today, we feature Ty Gates from Mother USA. Ty is the Communications Director at Mother. Geno Schellenberger leads Comms at Havas Chicago. They discuss breaking into agency comms, new biz, PR and more. If an episode doesn't suit you, share it with someone who might find it useful. DM us with content ideas or your burning questions needing a blueprint....
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Breaking and Entering Presents PRESSING with Brian Steinberg. In this podcast episode, Brian Steinberg, a seasoned journalist in the media, advertising, and entertainment industry, shares his perspective on the current advertising landscape. He touches on topics such as the growing role of health experience in senior-level ads, AI influence in the creative process, and new trends such as sports migrating from TV to streaming. Brian also provides insights into his coverage selection process and t...
Feb 27, 2024•34 min
Brian Bonilla is a Senior Reporter at Ad Age - covering advertising agency news. Geno Schellenberger is an agency professional at Havas Chicago and is an ad nerd. In this episode of Breaking with Brian Bonilla, hosts Brian Bonilla and Geno Schellenberger discuss recent happenings in the marketing and advertising sphere. They touch upon Valentine's Day and Super Bowl marketing efforts, with a notable mention of Dunkin's celebrity-studded campaign. They also mention a new creative consultancy laun...
Feb 26, 2024•51 min
Shannon Washington, everyone. Shannon, who has gracefully transitioned from U.S. Chief Creative Officer at R.G.A. to Global Chief Creative Officer at Gotham (McCann network), shares her career journey and advice. We dive into how she pivoted from a medical path at Howard University to leading creative strategies in advertising. Shannon discusses her early career challenges, the importance of adaptability, and the value of building genuine professional connections. You will learn how embracing di...
Feb 22, 2024•59 min
Introducing Pressing. This week, we learn from Jasmine Sheena, a Business Reporter at Marketing Brew and contributor to the New York Times. Every so often, we invite the people who cover the ad industry to give us the tea on what's trending and what's not. Jasmine discusses her focus areas for 2024, particularly the implications of it being an election year on political advertising. She also delves into "Hardcore Agency News," offering in-depth discussions on the state of Agency of Record (AOR),...
Feb 20, 2024•35 min
Jeff Pillet-Shore is the Marketing Director at Allagash Brewing Company. Named in Ad Age's 2023 "Break Out Brand Leaders," Jeff's journey is a blend of innovation and adaptability. We discuss Allagash, starting as a local brewery in Portland, Maine, in 1995 and how they have grown, thanks to its inclusive approach and unique strategies in the craft beer industry. We discuss key moments like their strategic pivot during the pandemic and how launching 12-pack cans right before lockdowns served as ...
Feb 16, 2024•47 min
Quality guests. This week, we learn from Gordy and Brian, the co-founders and Co-CCOs of Quality Meats, an acclaimed independent creative agency. Starting in the summer of 2020 with no initial clients or investors, they and production veteran Kacey Hart have grown Quality Meats into a fully integrated agency known for high-quality work without unnecessary complications. Their client list includes Huggies, Regal Cinemas, Doordash, Kotex and more. Both Gordy and Brian have an award-winning history...
Feb 13, 2024•43 min
In the inaugural episode of 'Breaking with Brian Bonilla,' Brian and Geno explore various subjects, including Super Bowl ads breaking the mold, the increase of celebrity advertisements, and key non-celebrity ads to look out for this Super Bowl. Hosts also dive into AI trends in advertising, discussing Microsoft's AI assistant Copilot and the push for AI investment from companies such as WPP and Publicis. Changes in the agency world, including Microsoft's shift to a creative CEO and the rise of h...
Feb 10, 2024•1 hr 10 min
We're talking Lions, people. Steve Latham, nicest guy, is the head of Learning for Cannes Lions. Since January 2011, Steve has led the Talent & Training Team in London, focusing on training and educating advertising professionals at various career stages. We break down what a lion award is. Provide context to why we talk about Lions with virtually every guest we've ever had on. Steve talks us through how and why aspiring advertisers can study the amazing work and potentially get a free trip ...
Feb 06, 2024•32 min
