In this episode, Mo Said - Founder and CEO of Mojo Supermarket - recounts his bold journey from faking a high school transcript to building a cutting-edge advertising agency. He shares stories from his upbringing in Pakistan, his unexpected entry into advertising, and his time at Michigan State. Mo dives into the power of creativity, the role of AI in the industry, and why strong ideas and refined taste matter more than ever. He also reflects on launching Mojo Supermarket, winning Adidas as a cl...
May 06, 2025•46 min
Ben Whitla, Head of Brand and Marketing at Slate Auto, joins to share how they’re launching a new kind of EV. From ditching traditional car marketing to creating a modular, customizable vehicle, we cover the thinking behind the brand and campaign. Plus, how their taxidermy ad and internet puzzle got people talking. Follow B&E on LinkedIn for daily ad news you need to know! https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/
May 05, 2025•27 min
In this episode, we sit down with J. Patrick McElroy, Co-Founder and Partner of Champion, a talent management company representing top-tier production companies and directors. J. Patrick pulls back the curtain on how the production side of advertising works - from landing high-profile commercial shoots to the pitch process between agencies and directors. Whether you're curious about production, love fast-paced environments, or want to break into a lesser-known but vital part of the ad world, thi...
May 01, 2025•34 min
Mother’s Day just got a bold new twist. On this episode, we go behind the scenes with Marianne Stefanowicz of Mother to break down The Titty Bar — a cheeky, heartfelt activation serving mocktails to new moms while raising awareness for maternal health. Learn how a small team brought the idea to life fast, why internal initiatives can be career-makers for creatives, and how brands can stay sharp while driving real impact. Check out the site: https://www.thetittybar.co/ Follow us on LinkedIn to st...
Apr 29, 2025•19 min
In this episode, we sit down with Noel Cottrell, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Murder Hornet, a creatively led agency that swarms around big ideas with a flexible, collective model. Noel takes us through his journey of breaking into advertising - again and again - from working at Saatchi & Saatchi London to launching agencies in South Africa and the U.S. Today, his agency partners with brands like New York Life, Lipton, Zoom, and Bumble, all while redefining what it means to brand an...
Apr 29, 2025•39 min
It started with a political gaffe. It ended with A1 Steak Sauce dominating Instagram, John Oliver, and the late-night circuit. Jess Vultaggio (Kraft Heinz) and Kevin Mulroy (Mischief) reveal how a late-night text chain and a bold creative gut-check turned a tiny moment into a marketing masterclass. Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for more advertising news: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/
Apr 28, 2025•24 min
In this episode, pro skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and strategic force Adam Wilson, Co-Founders of D/Cal dive into how their agency is redefining advertising by putting subculture at its core . From skate parks to Scotts Lawn Care, they explore why understanding passions matters more than demographics , and how creators - not just agencies - are shaping culture. You'll hear about D/Cal’s “sub method,” the power of pods over departments, and what brands can learn from skaters. Whether you’re bre...
Apr 24, 2025•42 min
In this episode, we sit down with Kurt Ravenwood, Co-Founder and Head of Strategy at Milwaukee-based creative shop SRH . From his roots in Wisconsin to co-founding a 25-person agency that’s helped brands like Diamond Kote Siding and Integrative Therapeutics grow, Kurt shares how strategy, creativity, and a love for media fuel SRH’s unique approach. Kurt unpacks his strategic framework - including the "cogs of marketing effectiveness" and explains why brand building and category entry points are ...
Apr 23, 2025•34 min
David Littlejohn - magician, stand-up comic, and the Founder & CCO of independent creative agency Humanaut Creative - joins us to talk about his journey through advertising, curiosity, and creativity. David shares how Humanaut Creative focuses on working for better for you brands such as Liquid Death, Hero, and Secret. His work focuses on helping purpose driven companies stand out, creating high impact work for brands, and emphasizing the importance of storytelling, humor, and emotional reso...
Apr 22, 2025•52 min
In this Brand Side episode, we sit down with Julio D'Alfonso , Co-Head of Creative at DoorDash , to unpack how bold ideas and business impact can go hand in hand. Julio breaks down how DoorDash’s in-house studio, Superette , partners with top agencies like Gut and Wieden+Kennedy - not as vendors, but as true creative collaborators. He shares how his team is built around delivering utility, not just ads, and how creativity fuels results throughout the entire marketing funnel. From standing out wi...
Apr 18, 2025•44 min
Joslyn Summerset , Group Account Director at DCX Growth Accelerator, joins us to unpack the power of cultural strategy and why understanding what truly makes consumers tick goes far beyond basic demographics. She shares her journey from digital to creative , working with mission-driven brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Newman’s Own, and what drew her to DCX’s unique, strategy-first model . Joslyn also gets candid about navigating burnout , the value of taking career risks, and how living in Mexi...
Apr 17, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Jaime Robinson - Co-Founder and CCO of JOAN Creative - talks about what it takes to crush it creatively at every level, from starting at a junior level to becoming a visionary creative director. With clients like Luna Daily, eBay, S&P Global, and Virgin Hotels , JOAN Creative is known for blending big brand thinking with modern media in fearless, culture-shifting ways . Jaime shares why juniors should bring bold ideas (even if they’re wrong), how creative directors can eleva...
Apr 16, 2025•40 min
Nikki Baker, CEO of Fallon, joins us to share her incredible journey from bartending near the agency’s Minneapolis office to becoming an art director and now leading it as a creative powerhouse. In this episode, Nikki takes us behind the scenes with work for clients such as Walmart, Arbys, and Mattress Firm’s “How Do You Sleep at Night?” campaign. Nikki also shares Fallon's "outsmart, not outspend" philosophy and why mid-size agencies have a unique, independent advantage. She offers candid advic...
Apr 15, 2025•38 min
In this episode, we sit down with Sinan Dagli, Executive Creative Director and Partner at Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners (BSSP) . Sinan takes us through his 16-year journey at BSSP, from his start as a Junior Designer to leading creative teams. He shares the behind-the-scenes stories of impactful campaigns like ESPN’s "Bracket Brain" and Noosa Yogurt’s "Flavor from Down Under," stressing the power of authentic, engaging content. Sinan also discusses the three essential factors that make a j...
Apr 14, 2025•35 min
In this episode, Mike Nolan, the Global CEO of Product of the Year, shares his journey, from overcoming setbacks and being told "no" to leading one of the most prestigious consumer product awards in the world. He discusses how persistence, going beyond expectations, and knowing the company inside and out are crucial for standing out in a competitive industry. Mike offers unique insights into the process of selecting winning products, the importance of innovation, and how brands can leverage this...
Apr 11, 2025•26 min
Hal Curtis , Creative Director at Bespoke Brand Communications and longtime creative force behind iconic campaigns at Wieden+Kennedy , reveals what it takes to create advertising that truly moves people. With an award-winning portfolio that includes work for Nike, ESPN, Coca-Cola, and more, Hal shares how to craft emotionally resonant stories that stand the test of time. He breaks down his philosophy on curiosity, integrity, and why meaningful work starts with being deeply human . With seven Emm...
Apr 09, 2025•57 min
Jo Hayes, Executive Director of Strategy at Barbarian , never set out to be a strategist - but her unconventional path prepared her for it in ways she never expected. In this episode, Jo shares how running a dance studio in Hoboken taught her the fundamentals of business, data analysis, and client management. She discusses how every job she landed in advertising came through networking, emphasizing the importance of staying connected and always taking the call . Jo also reveals what she looks fo...
Apr 08, 2025•39 min
Welcome to March Adness , our first-ever Agency Tagline Tournament. Inspired by the madness of March and the creativity of our industry. Joined by Ad Age’s Brian Bonilla, we put 32 real agency taglines head-to-head to see which ones stand out, resonate, and stick. From indie upstarts to iconic global shops, nothing is off limits as we break down what makes a great agency Tagline. Brackets were built. Bold choices were made. And it was all in good fun. Follow us on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin....
Apr 07, 2025•45 min
The Crowbar Awards celebrate the brightest young minds in advertising, and this quarter’s winners - Alex Ward, Joe Wint, and Joy Zhou - are shaking up the industry. Their innovative campaign for AMC Theaters redefines audience engagement with interactive billboards and a fan-driven concessions model. In this episode, guest judge Nils Leonard, founder of Uncommon Creative Studio London , unpacks why their radical thinking stood out and how aspiring creatives can push beyond traditional advertisin...
Apr 04, 2025•25 min
Dustin Tomes, CCO at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York , takes us through his journey from Crispin Porter + Boguski to leading a top creative agency. He shares lessons from working alongside industry leaders like Alex Boguski and David Droga, the role of resilience in career growth, and why creativity should be at the core of every discipline . Dustin discusses his leadership philosophy - being “hard on work, easy on people”- and the importance of fostering a culture where great ideas thrive . He also off...
Apr 04, 2025•46 min
In this episode, Tori Nygren , Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director of Hogwash Studios , shares her journey from starting as an assistant at Droga5 - without attending portfolio school - to leading a hybrid creative agency and production company . She discusses how her time at Uber shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and how Hogwash blends creative strategy with hands-on production for clients like Airbnb and World Central Kitchen. Tori also offers practical advice on breaking into advertis...
Apr 03, 2025•42 min
In this episode, we sit down with Marla Kaplowitz , CEO of the 4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies). Marla shares invaluable advice for aspiring and mid-level advertising professionals - from finding mentors and sponsors to embracing risks that accelerate career growth. We also dive into how the 4A’s supports agencies and individuals through resources, training, and industry insights. Whether you’re looking to land your first job, climb the ranks, or understand how to evaluate pot...
Apr 02, 2025•32 min
In this episode, we sit down with Fabio Ruffet , Vice President of Creative Brand and Content at Mars Wrigley . Fabio reveals how he transitioned from brand marketing at Bristol Myers Squibb to leading groundbreaking campaigns like Dove’s “Real Beauty” at Ogilvy, before returning to the brand side with Bacardi and now Mars Wrigley. He breaks down how his team balances long-term brand planning with fast, culturally responsive activations , and how working with agency partners like BBDO and adam&a...
Mar 31, 2025•43 min
In this episode, Peter Bray , founder and ECD of Bray & Co , discusses how his agency prioritizes inspiration to fuel creativity . He explains the shift from traditional "magic box" solutions to collaborative, ongoing partnerships with clients, where the goal is to inspire and challenge brands to think differently and create lasting impact. Peter explains the agency's philosophy of inspiring not just the client, but the entire company. Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterale...
Mar 28, 2025•35 min
In this episode, Marcelo Kertesz , CMO of Manscaped , shares his journey from product design school to leading one of the most disruptive brands in men's grooming. He reveals how, during COVID, he took the initiative to propose a complete rebrand for Manscaped, which ultimately helped reshape the brand’s identity. Marcelo delves into the balance between creativity and strategy , the importance of team collaboration, and how Manscaped continues to push boundaries in branding and marketing. Connec...
Mar 27, 2025•50 min
In this powerful episode, we go Behind the Work of The Missing Issue , a groundbreaking collaboration between Havas New York , Us Weekly , and The Harris Project . Executive Producer Josh Kornrich and Harris Project Founder Stephanie Marquesano join us to share how this campaign reframes the way media reports on celebrity overdoses by spotlighting co-occurring disorders and the intersection of mental health challenges and substance use issues . See and purchase The Missing Issue here: https://ma...
Mar 26, 2025•36 min
In this episode, we talk with Graham North , Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at nice&frank , an independent agency built on radical honesty and transparency . Graham shares his journey from journalism and startups to advertising, detailing how his Brand Camp initiative at Goodby Silverstein & Partners laid the foundation for his agency’s bold, no-BS approach. In this conversation, we cover: The freedom and challenges of running an independent agency The importance of balancing conf...
Mar 26, 2025•38 min
In this episode, Pedro Lerma , CEO and Founder of LERMA , shares his path into advertising - from creating a bold Ad Age mock-up to landing a role at The Richards Group and eventually launching his own independent agency . With clients like Avocados from Mexico, The Home Depot, and Salvation Army, Lerma has built a purpose-driven agency that blends creativity with impact . Whether you're breaking into advertising or aiming to lead, Pedro’s insights on leadership, risk-taking, and agency culture ...
Mar 25, 2025•47 min
Nadja Bellan-White, Group CEO of M+C Saatchi North America , shares why bravery is the biggest trait separating great CMOs from the rest. From transforming global brands like Unilever and Coca-Cola to restructuring an entire country’s reputation , Nadja reveals how companies can reclaim cultural power and adapt to today’s business challenges. She also breaks down what makes M+C Saatchi the agency of choice for brands that want to shake things up . Reach out to isabella.pierangelo@mcsaatchi.com t...
Mar 20, 2025•34 min
Stevie Archer, Chief Creative Officer of M+C Saatchi North America , dives into the secret to creating work that gets people talking . She shares how to turn brands into cultural powerhouses , her strategy for breakthrough creative, and why Nike, Iceland, and other top brands dominate culture . Plus, her one question that unlocks creative blockages instantly. Reach out to isabella.pierangelo@mcsaatchi.com to connect. Connect with Stevie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/steviearcher/ Follow Breaking a...
Mar 19, 2025•38 min
