Don’t Get Me Started: Recent Episodes
Dan Balser
Hosted by Dan Balser, a former department head at The Creative Circus in Atlanta, this is a series of conversations about advertising. But they're not just about the industry; they're about the people in it.
The Academy at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners is the brainchild of Zach Canfield, the agency’s Director of Talent. Dan is now its director, and this episode marks a personally significant moment of transition.
Leaving agency life in his past, Sean shares his thoughts on start-up culture, imposter syndrome, and the overemphasis put on deck perfection.
A natural strategist at heart, Nathalie shares her thoughts on how to best work with strategists, the genesis of insight, and moving to a new job. She also has some profound advice for young professionals (esp. women).
This one manages to cover Wordsworth’s Ode; feeling different and integrating; the value of a good strategy; the making of an epic, celebrity-laden commercial; levity; and finding a family at work. It wraps up with a generous offer from Omid.
On finding your professional family, inner workings of e-commerce marketing, and uncovering opportunities in unlikely places
Advertising as a platform, the value of a good presentation, some real talk, and the power of truth well expressed
An online, mid-pandemic chat about a cookie vault, Seinfeld, sketch comedy and one copywriter’s process
The power of asking questions, being humble, and acting with intention. The value of going in-house, self-analysis, and knowing what matters to you.
A conversation with an award-winning, bi-cultural agency leader on creating not only great work, but also your own autonomy, your own agency within an agency, and originality within familiarity
Aaron, an intern with Mischief and Brandon, a freelancer with Arts & Letters Creative Co., discuss resourcefulness, resilience, mental exhaustion, and life as creatives of color.
Life in the Covid-19 pandemic, burnout, the ethos of Dara Khosrowshahi, empathy, and a short commercial for Funworks
The ongoing struggle with race in advertising, how to talk about bias, learning the craft in the Covid era, and squeezing the lemon
Making sense of this moment, a hard talk about being Black in a mostly White industry, and using your platform for good
Visiting from Birmingham, Jason shares his thoughts on content creation, partnerships, career moves, asking for what you need, and the value of saying yes.
Returning to The Circus after seven years, Erin covers starting over, the value of diversity, and her first big-budget TV shoot.
Recorded pre-COVID, this chat with two Circus alumni (replete with a gamified Q&A) covers advice for young creatives, a really bad portfolio review, acknowledging misery, and idea harvesting.
Directly off of a flight from Minneapolis, the two CDs sat down to talk about their agency, their careers, and important lessons learned.
Steve brings his dry wit to a conversation about embarrassment, revisions, bad work, ideas vs. executions, and career moves.
Kevin shares a sliver of his wisdom regarding personal growth, finding a place to find your strength, strategy vs. concept, and partnerships.
From Canada to Idaho to Atlanta to Detroit to Las Vegas and back to Atlanta, Kam has picked up some knowledge and is happy to discuss.
Funworks, an AdAge Small Agency of the Year, has upended conventions of how creative work is generated and presented. And its engaging, energetic CEO is more than happy to enthusiastically discuss it.
The longtime listener and first-time guest discusses Steph Curry, China, YouTube and TikTok, empathy, insight and behavior, and lessons learned at Apple.
Turning the proverbial tables, Brian (a copywriting student in his final quarter at The Creative Circus) asks Dan some questions.
A creative of and for today's ad culture, Diana shares thoughts on social as the new print, doing good, and learning new skills. Also: how a doctor's path led to art direction; art school vs. ad school; and some very real, real-world advice.
Visiting from New York, Fabio discusses Corel Draw, work visas, and Dubai. He also shares some very poignant advice.
Lessons learned from Maxx’s first professional half-decade include the dynamic anatomy of a creative and some real-world struggles.
Erwin has brought world-class creative pedigree to the skater footwear brand after years at W+K NY, Deutsch, and 180LA.
On his second visit to the podcast, Rich covers The Lion of St. Mark, winning, dealing with roadblocks, wit, design, and personal growth.
The author of Junior: Writing Your Way Ahead In Advertising discusses craft, load-bearing ideas, partnerships, and Jeff Goodby.
In his second visit to DGMS, Prentice covers focus groups, kids as inspiration, the value of core values, and challenger brands.
Kat, an ACD at Spotify and Vig, an ACD at Fig, discuss big agencies, student competitions and adapting to new cultures.
Dan and Erin discuss New York City, typos, post-school adjustments and (yay!) mental health.
Reflecting on a career journey. Marc talks about the benefits of low expectations, the origin of the internet, and fear.
Lennie is a facilitator, observer, designer and problem solver. Listen carefully to this one.
Kate, an Adweek Top-100 Creative, talks about asking for a raise, bots, having fun, working well with clients, and agency models.
Visiting from Minneapolis, Laura shares perpsective on a career that has taken her from New York to the heart of the American midwest.
The former Chair of Advertising at SCAD discusses podcasting, portfolios, career pivoting, progress – both personal and professional, and plenty more.
Jason, copywriter on the iconic “Get a Mac” campaign, is now Sr. VP, Chief, Creative Development at RPA in Los Angeles.
Recorded live with the MOJO Ad Capstone group at University of Missouri, this was an insightful chat with some very intelligent questions from the audience.
Making. Heebie-jeebies avoidance. Freelancing. Inspiration from peeves. Three definitions of the word "hit."
Visiting from KC, Katy and Cady share thoughts on looking at books, inspriration, religion, leaps of faith, the creative process, and staying in discovery mode.
The creator of "Stong is the New Pretty" discusses finding your creative outlet, collaboration, soccer, the purpose of her work, and ASMR.
The importance of mentorship, navigating agency politics, developing empathy, career navigation, the future of the industry, having a life partner who is also a creative, first-job advice
The Argentine photographer and director discusses philosophy, finding your voice, watching 200 movies a year, self-doubt, wabi-sabi, collaboration, and Zac Brown.
On shifting and rebalancing, insight, what kind of work should be in your book, and being a minority in advertising
Making the right moves, being out of control of the situation, listening, strategy, and the love of production
The former copywriter talks about starting out; finding your tribe; the plight of the editor; knowing, and then making, relevant, historic work; a moment with Steve Jobs; and collaboration.
The adjustments to the first job. Caring. Work/life balance. And some great answers to familiar questions.
Walrus's co-founder discusses the importance of entertainment, judging work, internal presentations, taking feedback, and spending a whole career at just two agencies.
You have a great idea. Now, what? That and many other insights from two young, award-winning, articulate, and intelligent creatives. Big thanks, also, to Jim Sugar Automotive, Home of the Sweet Deal™
Visiting from SF and Minneapolis, the CDs talk about getting out of the comfort zone, how to concept, transitioning from CW to CD, and going about your business through ups and downs.
The creative team behind Snickers' "You're not yourself when you're hungry" campaign discuss their 22-year partnership, successes and lessons learned.
From a noisy room in the New York office, Katie and Dan discuss adjustments from school to the real world, autopilot vs. inspiration, finding the truth and playing to your strengths.
The thoughtful, intelligent young writer discusses her adjustments from undergrad to portfolio school to a real job, the love of writing, and how to email.
The Creative CIrcus alumnus and former copywriter shares thoughts on his adjustment from school to a top agency, segueing from copywriting to film directing, and the advice to "make it until you make it."
A decade after Liz graduated from The Creative CIrcus, she and Dan discuss independent agencies, birth order, creativity applied, the value of fun, and managing stress.
The Philosophy Special, on honesty, vulnerability, truth, the humanness of W+K, instincts, and life
Visiting from Nashville, the designer and studio founder discusses the power of Pinterest boards, design strategy and process, the ideal client, outside influences, and empathy.
The highly awarded, humorous, talented and kind CW-turned-CD discusses how to get a job, drive, Chick-fil-A, the mechanics of humor, and Old Spice.
A conversation, two weeks before the team moved to Goodby Silverstein & Partners, about attention spans, developing confidence, good partnerships, and copy craft
The ECD pair discuss their ability to adapt, the advent of the Super Bowl war room, how to succeed, why good work dies, and the value of competition.
A heartfelt converstion about feeling like a fraud, the job of a CCO, good client relationships, parenting, PJ Pereira, and choosing a partner
The creative head of Ogilvy's Atlanta office discusses his big international move, impatience, doing good, and the power of curiosity.
Commercial directing vs. art direction, ELO, nightmare shoots, and why advertsing is awesome
Career and agency talk with Todd (Creative Director) and Amanda (Sr. Creative Recruiter)
Visiting Atlanta from Erwin Penland in Greenville, Adil covers Creators, Craftsmen and Creatives; being different; and the sticky but important topic of diversity.
An inside look at one of America's great ad agencies. A recruiter's actual role. Portfolios. Ad Schools. And a brief (partial) history of GS&P.
The successful, funny, award-winning creative team covers portfolio pieces vs. "real world;" production, executing, selling, and fighting; and the secrets of a good partnership.
Danae (Senior AD) and Madison (Senior CW) cover scripts, crystals, career growing pains, trust, partnerships, and ego deconstruction.
The difference between a student and a professional, partnering with Dan Rosenberg, working with CDs and life in Los Angeles
Elizabeth, Creative Director, and Carrie, Director of Resource Management and Talent, discuss adulthood, presentation skills, portfolios, and taking a risk when the opportinity arises.
Nineteen newly minted art directors and copywriters reflect on their time in school.
They are, in order of appearance:
Emily Aberg
Shevek Anandan
Savannah Bradford
Kyle Chin
Lauren Glynn
Alissa Funk
Tim Smith
Maya Campbell
Sarah Gradeless
Payal Patel
Brittany Kittredge
Jacob Scott
Carey McKay
Dan Azneer
Erin Miller
Kamey Murphy
Ilana Marshall
Katherine Stewart
and Britt King
The Minneapolis-based designer discusses boredom, staying in touch, helping brands understand their own identities and breaking rules.
A look inside the streamlined, award-winning Minneapolis advertising and branding agency. Also, some perspective on finding a job and thinking about thought.
The smart, affable Circus alumnus and copywriter discusses Boston College, bacon-flavored foods and his return home to Mother.
The move from CCO at a huge network to CCO at a small shop (with an actual kitchen in the middle). Also, on being different and knowing yourself.
A conversation, with a longtime ad veteran, about vision, possibilities, and what happens when artists tell brand stories
The reasons David, co-founder of an AdAge Small Agency of the Year, started his own thing; enjoying the bad ideas; and David’s thoughts on ideation and thought itself
Visiting from Sweden, alumni Erika and Anders share thoughts on industriousness, the importance of professional networks, and the essence of collaboration.
Visiting from Chicago, Britt shares insights from his year-old perch as Leo Burnett's creative leader.
Formerly a copywriter and CD, Neisha covers toxic environments, digital dependency, doing work that matters and the importance of craft.
What does an ad agency's Chief Operating Officer do? He or she leads, enables, supports and cares.
An inside look at the marketing of the MLS expansion club with Skate Noftsinger, Atlanta United's Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement.
Visiting from Austin, Founder/CCO Rob and Senior AD Jimmie talk about first jobs, the value of optimism, the origin of their name, and inspiration.
In this tenth anniversary special episode, Creative Circus student Maria Khodorkovsky turns the tables.
Robin and Dan discuss office environments, the power of good feedback and a CCO's real job.
The kind and talented writer shares his thoughts on self-analysis, awards, humor and insecurity.
Jeff's second visit to the podcast is half an hour and 100% unedited. On stress, directing, five keys to creativity, and brands' roles in culture.
RIFT is an agency for today: A smart, connected, new model for marketing, design and development.
An honest talk about some harsh realities, an internet video and various definitions of success
GS&P's first Chief Digital Officer and the former interactive leader of JWT NY and D&G shares thoughts on geography, culture and the very term "digital."
An insider's take on Kansas City via quite possibly the best voice ever featured on DGMS. Also: millennials, faith and confidence.
Resilience, keen definitions of advertising and design, key traits for junior creatives, and the ubiquitous nature of challenges
Johnny's work is moving, resonant and memorable, and he is a conversationalist of the highest order.
Career talk with an award winning copywriter who was recently named one of Business Insider Magazine's 30 most creative people under 30.
Seasoned with just enough of a Chicago accent, Tom discusses (among other things) the importance of soul, partnerships and prolificacy.
Insight into a burgeoning photographer's process and his thoughts on how to best collaborate
Partnerships, evolving from an intern to a pro, and the thinking behind the "I am a witness" anti-bullying campaign
The humble yet very significant ECD shares his thoughts on Sir Charles, starting an agency and ruthless perfectionism.
At the peak of a stellar career, Jim demonstrates the traits of kindness and generosity that define many great creative leaders.
With talent scout Heather Hayden, Ecole discusses fear, how to be a CD and the necessity of passion.
The five-time Ad Age Creativity 50 All-Star shares his thoughts on fighting for great work, "those twenty people," and the itch to create.
Thoughts on Tall Poppy Syndrome, greener grass, attitude and leadership from a thoughtful and focused leader
Todd is a freelance creative director who has won over two dozen international awards. More important: He's a great friend and a true conversationalist.
Optimism, resilience, empathy, honesty. A few topics discussed that have helped make Katy the leader and creative she is.
Husband and wife Dave Canning and Kasia Haupt Canning visit The Creative Circus from The Netherlands. So much love, so many awards.
A chat in two parts: Half about Clarence's career, and half about the importance of cultural diversity in advertising.
What is an "experience agency?" Blair is a Circus alumnus and designer who has experienced working at a few.
On his seventh DGMS visit, Andy shares the thinking and process behind his latest personal project.
A lively visit with John, CD and founder, and Hillary, Director of Recruiting, of MUH-TAY-ZIK | HOF-FER in SF, CA
The kind, talented and enthusiastic former CP+B copywriter returns to The Circus for a visit and a chat.
Jeff is a philosophical genius and the CCO of Fallon. His pal Spence is a freelance consultant and former top account guy at Crispin Porter + Bogusky and Wieden + Kennedy.
Danielle Trivisonno Hawley, CCO; Ray Page, ECD; and Senior Designer Nate Hinners visit from the Cannes Lion-winning Seattle shop that's also one of Ad Age's Best Places to Work.
Ogilvy Toronto's former CCO shares her thoughts on hiring juniors, women's assertiveness and identifying what you really want.
True to the original vision of DGMS, this is a chat between good friends. Marc, who spent almost seven years at GS&P, is now deep into an award-laden, 23-year career.
Ryan and Dan, the creative team on the great Newcastle "If we made it" Super Bowl campaign, are now at BBDO NY.
This 30-year-old BBDO VP has a very firm grasp on the importance of beauty and what real collaboration feels like.
Just four years out of school, and following a stint in Boston, this Creative Circus alumna has settled in New York. For now.
Will, who both plays and does ads for video games, is a Sr. Designer/Art Director. Owen is the agency's Creative Recruiter/Key Master.
Matthew the Wisdom Dispenser is back for a second in-depth talk about navigating a creative career.
A bright, energetic conversation that covers Lindsey's upward career trajectory and lessons learned along the way
Katie is a witty, engergetic copywriter. Tim is a multi-talented ACD/AD. Together they're an engaging, award-winning team.
An enlightening visit with a seasoned, wise and talented partner of one of Atlanta's top ad agencies
Recently inducted into The One Club's Educators' Hall of Fame, Norm reflects on 55 years as a creative and mentor.
An enlightening and entertaining half hour with April, an art director at Baldwin& in Raleigh and Burke, an ACD/AD at McKinney in Durham
Here's one for the motion makers and digital developers of the world, featuring Nick, a partner at Hook, and Tim, Associate Motion Director.
Matt has combined formidable talent with labor, energy, focus and kindness to create wisdom he's more than happy to share.
The SF-based, award-winning CD shares lessons learned from a career spent at some of America's best agencies.
Now a creative director at Google, Jesse lends his energy, perspective and intelligence to the show for a second time.
A look inside the New York shop's recruiting process and career of its (formerly elite basketball-playing) recruiter.
A lively and enlightening chat with the esteemed Chicago agency's generous, honest and wonderfully articulate creative leader.
The legendary account guy, agency founder and author of The Insanity of Advertising talks about making big decisions, caring about the work and learning from Jay Chiat.
Senior Copywriter, Publicis Seattle. Topics: Job moves. Titles. Writing. Parenting. Social media. Stand-up comedy.
Visiting from Dallas, Andrew shares his thoughts on life balance, taking risks and Moore (as in Matt Moore).
According to podcast statisticians, this episode contains at least four keys to success in advertising. One: Stay macro to stay mellow.
John is living proof that careers, although not always linear, often lead to better things.
It takes energy to get places, and Jameson is proof of that. Just one year into his ad career he has some great things to say.
Good ideas become great executions with passion, multiple iterations and, sometimes, intentionally created challenges.
A superstar CD team talks candidly about bosses, personal traits, selling great work and their own partnership.
Ted's second DGMS chat covers the agency's recent move, brands that strive to create a better world, life balance and successful collaboration.
In a small meeting room at AKQA NY, Rei shares his thoughts on failure, getting that first job, and the perspective required to deal with all of it.
Insights and advice from Josh, a copywriter and ACD, and Lauren, who graduated from The Circus as a designer and is now also an art director.
Impatience. Working with CMOs. Fathering future ad greats. And getting the agency's name right. This is the good stuff, in 30 minutes.
It's amazing how much martial arts and advertising have in common. Also, PJ shares the three key things he looks for in portfolios.
With Stan at the helm, The Richards Group remains one of America's most enduring and consistently successful agencies.
A close look inside VSA with a 15-year veteran of the Chicago design and marketing firm.
Proof that silly, irreverant work often comes from some of the most grounded, sane creatives in the business.
In a small meeting room at Y&R, the agency's generous, talented and engaging CCO/CW discusses the value that authenticity, and golf, can provide.
Fear of failure can be a good thing if you also have a stellar work ethic, a great attitude and more talent than you recognize.
A lively chat that covers big-picture thinking, agency culture and the evolution of Progressive's Flo campaign.
Visiting from Minneapolis, John chats with Dan about life balance and the value of being a nice person.
Living in the often overlooked, tiny space of detail and craft, Carlos has harnessed obsession, passion and talent to build a killer portfolio and career.
A quick career retrospective with the amiable, absurdly talented, musically inclined, lacrosse-playing former W+K copywriter.
Exactly three years after his first visit to the podcast, David discusses the culture at Venables and what it takes to land a job at the venerable SF agency.
David's circuitous, upward career trajectory proves that a seventy percent pay cut can be a good thing.
Twenty-two years into a stellar career driven by passion, Geoff talks about gaming and DOJO's mojo.
A cautionary tale about choosing the right job and finding the right roommate. Brent's career, and living arrangements, are way better now.
Friends in real life and creative partners on Verizon social, Elizabeth and Janeen discuss yoga, social vs. digital, partnerships and career perspective.
Life as a successful creative demands patience, grace, objectivity, philosophical and psychological self-awareness, maturity and, occasionally, a bit of judo.
This award-winning writer and CD honed his craft under Luke Sullivan and Alex Bogusky. His energy and positive attitude are palpable and refreshing.
Visiting from two miles up Piedmont Road, Kyle discusses his 17 years at BBDO, junior creatives' best practices, and how he wound up as a digital-savvy CCO.
Ryan has plied his writing trade in Atlanta, L.A., Boston, Boulder and Chicago. And he takes his intensity, and Braves caps, everywhere he goes.
In this episode the former Goodby copywriter, who's now at Copacino + Fujikado, actually talks about advertising and the journey that got him where he is.
Visiting from Detroit, Prentice shares his thoughts on big versus small agencies and the importance of selling your work and nurturing your networks.
A great chat with TRIS3CT's Chief Idea Officer and Director of HR about ad careers, fourth ideas and agency work spaces.
Okay, what's happening right now? Jon has some ideas, based on his experience as an author, innovator and social creative consultant.
Insights on craft, freelancing and success from a humble, award-winning Creative Circus alumnus.
Laurent has won a lorry-load of European and international awards, and from this half-hour you may get a good sense of how he's done it.
After graduating from The Creative Circus, Cabot moved from traditional to digital to both via three different BBDO offices. Then he talked about it for half an hour.
In a discussion relevant to anyone in a creative field, Parish shares inspiration and insight gleaned from an illustrious career.
Mark, an entreprenurial CD and agency founder, candidly discusses leaving a job, loving what you do and embracing collaboration.
The art direction partner of Episode 143's guest shares his thoughts on staying put, partners, personal pride and the loathing of losing.
Miller graduated as a copywriter from The Creative Circus in 2004, and his energy, focus and intelligence have never waned.
An award-winning typeface designer, Jesse co-founded and teaches at Type@Cooper. He worked on Gotham and Mercury, typefaces in permanent collection at MOMA. And he'll tell you the difference between a font and a typeface.
In Atlanta, native Atlantans are rare. Rarer still are genial, native Atlantan Circus alumni senior copywriters with half an hour free to chat.
Technology, creativity and commerce have converged, and Mick wisely pitched a tent at the confluence.
Peter is an energetic, entrepreneurial and enthusiastic creative director, strategist, surfer and student of the industry. He gets it, and he is happy to share.
Two ad guys kill half an hour on the phone but talk about advertising for about ninety seconds.
An energized half-hour with the award-winning ECD/CCO behind the E*TRADE babies and Febreze "Breathe Happy" campaigns.
A inside look at the search engine giant from a former agency writer and current creative strategist.
Ten words to live by, identified and discussed with the CCO and Creative Manager of G2 Worldwide.
A lively and advice-packed chat with a studious, talented, seasoned and award-winning former partner of Dan's.
An impromptu chat with a former art director who is now a copywriter on some of ESPN's great recent work.
A longtime New York art director shares insights into how to remain relevant and successful. Hint: It helps to be nice.
Reflections on an illustrious career and advice from the creator of some of advertising's most memorable brands' voices.
Standing squarely at the crossroads of the digital/traditional coalescence, Danielle discusses an industry in crisis, "app fatigue" and the value of intelligence.
Expert job-hunting advice and a closer look at the culture of McKinney, the award-winning Durham, NC ad agency.
Visiting from Chicago, Lisa discusses traits that clients value in their agencies and the genesis and evolution of Allstate's award-winning "Mayhem" campaign.
When Don last visited the show (four years ago), he was a director. He is now back in the agency world, at Wieden+Kennedy in Portland, Oregon.
This is less of an interview and more of a conversation with the affable, focused and articulate former architect, lifelong designer and current leader of Chrome Industries in San Francisco.
Dave shares his thoughts on hard work and focus. He's joined by Nicole Horton, the venerable Minneapolis agency's creative manager.
Visiting from Austin, TX, Dave and James are Co-Executive Creative Directors of AdAge Magazine's Southwest Agency of the Year.
Originally published Sunday, March 11, 2012
Digially savvy Dan Kim shares his thoughts on (among other things) diplomacy and the dearth of mentors in advertising agencies.
Originally published Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thirty minutes of insights, perspective and advice from a wise, 22-year veteran of the ad biz.
Originally published Sunday, February 12, 2012
Liza shares insights gleaned from three years at two agencies as a talented, humorous and gracious copywriter.
Originally published Sunday, January 29, 2012
A soul-baring chat about finding happiness, contentment and fulfillment in the wacky world of advertising.
Originally published Sunday, January 15, 2012
Brittany and Andy, alumni of The Creative Circus, are copywriters at the Boulder office of Crispin Porter + Bogusky.
Originally published Sunday, December 18, 2011
Longtime creative director, friend and mentor Eddie Snyder returns with his characteristic energy, generosity and wisdom.
Originally published Sunday, December 4, 2011
Colin reflects on his career to date and offers some advice for other young creatives trying to break into the biz.
Originally published Sunday, November 20, 2011
Like the agency where he's partner and ECD, Ted Royer is passionate, engaging, independent and hard to ignore.
Originally published Sunday, November 6, 2011
Days after their graduation, Rachel Carlson, Sara Steinberg and Shannon Hollsten remember school and look forward to their careers.
Originally published Sunday, October 23, 2011
After ten years as a writer on three continents, Stacey's circuitous career path has placed her where she always knew she'd be.
Originally published Sunday, October 9, 2011
A spirited chat with the Chief Creative Directors of Ogilvy Toronto and Taxi, also based in Toronto, Ontario.
Originally published Sunday, September 25, 2011
A graphic designer by trade, Tim is also a Creative Director at AKQA in San Francisco.
Originally published Sunday, September 11, 2011
Wisdom and perspective from the very smart, multi-talented President and Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett's marketing services agency.
Originally published Sunday, August 28, 2011
Cooper has been an energetic, enthusiastic, working writer for four years, but he has the wisdom and perspective of a much more jaded soul.
Originally published Sunday, August 14, 2011
Lance talks about the adjustments he's made transitioning from Creative Circus student to working art director at Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners.
Originally published Sunday, July 31, 2011
David talks to Dan about agency culture and advertising's ultimate purpose. He also correctly uses "transmogrified" in a sentence.
Originally published Sunday, July 17, 2011
The award-winning ECD team responsible for some of BBDO's great work for HBO talk about talent, balance, and doing one "for you".
Originally published Sunday, July 3, 2011
Susan's second visit to the podcast covers her new roles as a talented, patient creative director and a devoted, loving mom.
Originally published Sunday, June 19, 2011
A second visit with the youthful-but-wise duo responsible for some great new work for AT&T and HBO.
Originally published Sunday, June 5, 2011
After almost a decade at CP+B, Rob Strasberg's journey has taken him to Detroit, where he is now Co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Doner.
Originally published Sunday, May 22, 2011
Fabio is SVP and CD at The Martin Agency in Richmond, VA. You can also find him on the web at costanostra.net and tweeting @fabiocostinha.
Originally published Sunday, May 8, 2011
Veteran account manager and agency head David Haan is now Executive Director of The Creative Circus. So for this chat, Dan just got out of the way of his boss as much as possible.
Originally published Sunday, April 10, 2011
Ty, a former instructor at The Creative Circus, is Creative Director at digital shop AgencyNet in New York and South Florida.
Originally published Sunday, March 27, 2011
Thirty-two honest and frenzied minutes with former Wieden+Kennedy CD and current Partner and CCO of Anomaly in NYC.
Originally published Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sometimes conversations turn into podcasts. This one was with a very smart and talented creative who works at Digitas in New York City.
Originally published Sunday, February 27, 2011
Recorded while he was an ACD at AKQA, Steve shares his wisdom on balancing kids and career, working in traditional and digital, and never sacrificing creativity for commerce.
Originally published Sunday, February 13, 2011
Veteran photo rep Michael Ash, on making better pictures and identifying and working with brilliant photographers.
Originally published Sunday, January 30, 2011
Brittany and Todd, CW and AD respectively at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, visited Dan over winter break and talked about their burgeoning advertising careers.
Originally published Sunday, January 16, 2011
A half-hour chat about working as a creative at one of the best interactive shops in the digital universe.
Originally published Sunday, December 19, 2010
A chat about creative culture, passion and collaboration with the Director of Creative Recruitment at Crispin Porter + Bogusky in Boulder, CO.
Originally published Sunday, December 5, 2010
A soul-searching chat with One Club board member and Lead Guitar of Baldwin&.
Originally published Sunday, November 21, 2010
In her second visit to the show, Elizabeth shares lessons learned in four years as a copywriter in Chicago.
Originally published Sunday, November 7, 2010
Let's get real. This is a chat with a big-time creative recruiter and the star of David on Demand.
Originally published Sunday, October 24, 2010
Loving life in Portland, Matt shares lessons learned and wisdom gleaned at one of the best ad agencies on Earth.
Originally published Sunday, October 10, 2010
Mike is Chief Digital Officer at Goodby, Silverstein & Parnters. He sounds really smart and really German. (Because he is both.)
Originally published Sunday, September 26, 2010
In a short time, this kind and talented Circus alumnus has learned a lot. He is now an Art Director at Saatchi & Saatchi in New York.
Originally published Sunday, September 12, 2010
Andy is an ACD at CP+B. Somehow he and Dan manage to cover WWII propaganda and the Confederacy in a chat about advertising.
Originally published Sunday, August 29, 2010
Margaret is a Group Creative Director at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco. And, well, she gets it.
Originally published Sunday, August 15, 2010
Gina is an artist, an art director and a commercial director at MTV in New York. (She is also a friend and a philosopher.)
Originally published Sunday, August 1, 2010
A candid chat with old friend and Executive Creative Director Craig Markus of McCann/NY.
Originally published Sunday, July 18, 2010
Freelance Creative Director and founder of The Interview Makeover discusses freelancing, startups and parlaying passions into a career.
Originally published Sunday, July 4, 2010
R/GA was recently named ADWEEK's Digital Agency of the Decade. Nick Law, R/GA's Chief Creative Officer, has been there for, well, ten years.
Originally published Sunday, June 20, 2010
In late 2006 Jesse was a student at The Creative Circus. Since then he has shot TV for Puma, cast Green Day and Jay-Z in Rhapsody commercials, and picked up a One Show pencil. (Basically, he’s a badass, albeit humble, art director at Droga5.)
Originally published Sunday, June 6, 2010
WONGDOODY in Seattle has a Creative Director who is as cool and as down-to-earth as he looks.
Originally published Sunday, May 23, 2010
The founder of Boston's Fort Franklin discusses life as a creative in this republished episode from 2007.
Originally published Sunday, November 4, 2007 and again on Sunday, May 9, 2010
A lively chat with the creator of Lemonade (the movie) and Please Feed the Animals (the blog)
Originally published Sunday, April 25, 2010
Neville is a (very entertaining) copywriter and group head at TBWA in Mumbai, India.
Originally published Sunday, April 11, 2010
Dan talks about life in the biz with an award-winning art director, current Creative Circus instructor and longtime pal.
Originally published Sunday, March 14, 2010
Nattavut Leekulpitak, a recent Creative Circus grad, discusses his journey to the killer portfolio.
Originally published Sunday, March 28, 2010
Hanging with Mike Schatz, the Creative Director of Atlanta’s Blue Sky and the voice of Emory on Adult Swim’s Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
Originally published Sunday, February 28, 2010
A lively chat with a 22-year placement veteran and a social media power user.
Originally published Sunday, February 14, 2010
Visiting from Canada, Steve Mykolyn covers lots of ground, including the hunt for inspiration, Taxi’s philosophy and the value of doubt.
Originally published Sunday, January 31, 2010
Originally published Sunday, January 17, 2010
Looking for a job? You must be in advertising. Here’s some job stuff from Shawn Webster of Creative Movers.
Andy Pearson’s third visit to the show but first as Senior Interactive Copywriter at Crispin Porter + Bogusky
Originally published Sunday, December 20, 2009
Originally published Sunday, December 6, 2009
Chatting about LEGO, ideas, and the business of good design with Circus alumnus and killer designer Jason Apaliski.
Originally published Sunday, November 15, 2009
A visit with award-winning commercial photographer Steve Hellerstein.
Originally published Sunday, November 1, 2009
Dan and Bryan talk about Bryan’s process, strategic design and Design vs. Art Direction.
Originally published Sunday, October 18, 2009
John launched the Lexus brand in the US. He created Time Magazine’s Spot of the Year for Nissan. AdAge named his agency 2009 SE Agency of the Year. And he was a guest on this very episode.
Originally published Sunday, October 4, 2009
An ad school without Norm Grey is like a bus without a driver: It may roll down a hill, but that’s about it.
Originally published Sunday, September 20, 2009
Days before their graduation, talented copywriting students Lauren Silva and Ross Cavin reflect on their time at The Creative Circus.
Originally published Sunday, September 6, 2009
Half an hour with award-winning designer and One Show board member Steve Sandstrom of Sandstrom Partners in Portland, OR.
Originally published Sunday, August 23, 2009
Andy’s third visit to the show is a thirty-minute, slightly off its hinges break from the usual.
Originally published Sunday, August 9, 2009
Jim Mountjoy of LKM has some stuff to say. And for that matter, so does Dan.
Originally published Sunday, July 26, 2009
Photojournalist, commercial and documentary photographerDoug Menuez on collaboration, craft and clients.
Originally published Sunday, July 12, 2009
AE-turned-copywriter Rob Lambrechts on strategy, ideas and emotion.
Originally published Sunday, June 28, 2009
Dan talks with the President of The One Club about originality, social media and (of course) awards.
Originally published Sunday, June 14, 2009
Dylan Lee is the consummate writer's writer, plying his trade for the last decade at Wieden+Kennedy in Portland, OR.
Originally published Sunday, May 31, 2009
Dan asks creative directors what they’re looking for in students’ and juniors’ portfolios.
Originally published Sunday, May 17, 2009
Paul is a Creative Director at Goodby, Silverstein & Partnersand creator of Sprint’s Now Network. He also happens to be a wise, generous and talented guy.
Originally published Sunday, May 3, 2009
Jeff Krichmar is a designer at Sid Lee in Montreal and a Level 60 Orc Rogue on Azeroth.
Originally published Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wieden+Kennedy made Nike a household name and has won more awards for Nike, Coke, ESPN and others than anyone can count.
Originally published Sunday, April 5, 2009
A solo show, with questions supplied by Jef Petrossi.
Originally published Sunday, March 8, 2009
Circus friend and multiple One Show pencil winner Amir Farhang of 180 LA shares his thoughts on delusional optimism, humility and speaking up.
Originally published Sunday, March 22, 2009
Photographer and director Michael Franzini. Doing work that matters. Work ethic. Being happy. And 100 Young Americans.
Originally published Sunday, February 22, 2009
A brief but insightful chat with Jonathan Cude, Chief Creative Officer of McKinney, in Durham, NC.
Originally published Sunday, February 8, 2009
Andy Pearson, an interactive person and digital/interactive copywriter at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, shares insights after weathering a rant.
Originally published Sunday, January 25, 2009
Recorded while he was CD at Another Anomaly in New York, James “Koopstakov” Cooper is now The Man at Dare, NY.
Originally published Sunday, January 11, 2009
Elizabeth Stephens, a big time ad writer at Energy BBDO in Chicago, talks about the economy, Circus portfolios and her first year in the biz.
Originally published Sunday, November 30, 2008
Copywriter Susan Corbo, visiting from BBH New York, discusses professionalism and her own career (among other things).
Originally published Sunday, December 14, 2008
Creative Director Jim Mountjoy of LKM Ideas gives his insights and time generously.
Originally published Sunday, November 16, 2008
A spirited talk with old friend Andy Azula, Creative Director at The Martin Agency and star of the UPS White Board TV campaign.
Originally published Sunday, November 2, 2008
Listen at your own risk to this conversation about alcohol, giving 84%, the homeless, macroeconomics and Rick Williams’s voice.
Originally published Sunday, October 19, 2008
Colorful, insightful banter with the very colorful Dave Schiff, Creative Director at Crispin Porter + Bogusky in Boulder, Colorado.
Originally published Sunday, October 5, 2008
A chat with Bobby Prokenpek, photographer extraordinaire, recorded one day before he graduated from the Circus.
Originally published Sunday, September 7, 2008
Advice, laughs and observations from the Creative Director of GSD&M Idea City and author of Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This.
Originally published Sunday, September 21, 2008
AD Marcel Yunes and CW Rick Williams of BBDO NY don’t need to be on this podcast to be famous, but it’s a start.
Originally published Sunday, August 24, 2008
Job-searching tips and insights from Leslie Kay, a real-life New York headhunter.
Originally published Sunday, August 10, 2008
A pair of freshly minted creatives, Ross Aboud and Beau Unruh, on adjusting to a real job at a great agency.
Originally published Sunday, July 27, 2008
Superclient Kerri Martin expounds on Mini Cooper, working with clients and building funnels.
Originally published Sunday, July 13, 2008
Bruce Crocker is Design Director of Modernista in Boston. And he gets it.
Originally published Sunday, June 29, 2008
A visit with Ignacio Oreamuno and Brendan Watson of the creative online community ihaveanidea.org.
Originally published Sunday, June 15, 2008
A talk with TBWA\Chiat\Day CD Perry Fair on how to observe, sell your work and balance life as a creative.
Originally published Sunday, June 1, 2008
Dan and three current Circus students discuss their week in New York.
Originally published Sunday, May 18, 2008
The witty and kind Don Shelford, an art director-turned-director, talks about VW, temporary escapes, flexibility and truths.
Originally published Sunday, May 4, 2008
Hangin’ out with illustrator Robert Lee of Methane Studios.
Originally published Sunday, April 20, 2008
Dan and a special guest (his wife, Lisa) talk business on the podcast’s first anniversary.
Originally published Sunday, April 6, 2008
Bud Light Daredevil and DDB copywriter Jeb Quaid talks about Real Men of Genius and doing what you’re good at.
Originally published Sunday, March 23, 2008
Dan and former classmate Scott Wild ruminate and reminisce.
Originally published Sunday, March 9, 2008
Taxi’s Ann Lieberman and Jen Wells from The Martin Agencydiscuss challenges, partners, personal decisions and the whole female thing.
Originally published Sunday, February 24, 2008
Dan talks with Alex Kaminsky, CEO of Change and a former client at ESPN, Turner, MindSpring and others, about what a client really needs from a creative.
Originally published Sunday, February 10, 2008
In the highly targeted arena of online advertising, Tribal DDB’s Matt Smith stands out. And for 24 minutes, he sat down with Dan to talk about it.
Originally published Sunday, January 27, 2008
An episode with a copywriter named Andy Corbett. With any luck it’ll be as fun for you to listen to as it was for Andy and Dan to record.
Originally published Sunday, December 2, 2007
Award-winnning creatives Paul Keister and Cal McAllister visit the Circus.
Originally published Sunday, January 13, 2008
Toby Barlow, ECD of JWT Team Detroit, talks about design, student books, good copywriting and his career.
Originally published Sunday, December 16, 2007
Spunlogic Creative Director Wade Forst talks about design influences, intelligence and interfaces.
Originally published Sunday, November 18, 2007
Spotlight on one motivated student and two days at an Adweek conference.
Originally published Sunday, November 4, 2007
Fort Franklin founder Marc Gallucci discusses life as a creative.
Originally published Sunday, October 21, 2007
Copywriter and Circus grad Paul Fix talks to Dan about his being laid off, resourcefulness, competitiveness and finding a job.
Originally published Sunday, October 7, 2007
The legendary copywriter and Huey+Partners CD talks with Dan about creative standards, Atlanta and his own career.
Originally published Sunday, September 23, 2007
From Seattle, Creature copywriter Danielle talks about being part an all-woman team, professionalism, strategic thinking and the joy of writing.
Originally published Sunday, August 26, 2007
Career talk with ad career guru and all-around good guy Dave Holloway.
Originally published Sunday, August 12, 2007
The CD of Iconologic and The Creative Circus’s Design Department Head talk with Dan about their careers as graphic designers.
Originally published Sunday, July 15, 2007
Another of Dan’s former bosses shares his perspective on B-to-B, what a CD looks for, boutiques’ efficiency and the value of maturity.
Originally published Sunday, July 29, 2007
Two Creative Circus students on the verge of graduation incite Dan to rant and ramble.
Originally published Sunday, July 1, 2007
Dan and two of his former students talk about first-job challenges, all-print portfolios and living in New York.
Originally published Sunday, June 3, 2007
A head-banging, meandering chat about the ad biz with the Chairman of the Board of the One Club and top creative dog at McKinney Silver in Durham, NC.
Originally published Sunday, June 3, 2007
Being there when you’re needed, the joy of the 24-hour deadline, working in interactive and being comfortable with change.
Originally published Sunday, May 20, 2007
Dan and his guest, Fitzgerald+CO CCO Eddie Snyder, discuss inspiration, challenges, Atlanta, bad partners and philosophy.
Originally published Sunday, May 6, 2007
In this second part of Dan’s conversation with Jonathan Balser and Mike Bevil, the discussion wanders into the topics of persuasion and manipulation, knowing your client, and the value of hard work.
Originally published Sunday, April 22, 2007
In this half hour, Dan visits with Jonathan and Mike over some beers. Among other things, they discuss:
• the difference between designers and art directors
• what should be in an art director’s book
• stealing ideas
• guerrilla
Since this is the first episode, and the sound engineer is a copywriter, please bear with varied levels and technical shortfalls. And thanks for listening.