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PODCASTS
Love them or hate them, everyone's got an opinion on commercials. Listen in as
I take you behind-the-scenes and explain what really goes into crafting your favorite -- and least favorite -- advertising campaigns.
Have a question or a commercial you'd like reviewed? Get in touch here.
032 | Media Magic & The Road to CEO | Erin Matts, CEO & Anita May, MD | Hearts & Science
In Part #1 of "Media Magic & The Road to CEO," Erin Matts, CEO, and Anita May, Managing Executive Director, of Omnicom's Hearts & Science global marketing agency, join Christie to talk about the role and power of media in advertising, evolving approaches to data insights and storytelling, and their respective roads to becoming influential female marketing executives. Anita, Heart & Science's Procter & Gamble account lead, also takes us through the media strategy and emotional creative idea behind "The Talk," one of the agency's most lauded campaigns.
030 & 031 | Confessions in Advertising | Various Guests
Working in advertising undoubtably results in a variety of crazy, funny, unbelievable experiences that I've dubbed, "Confessions in Advertising." Over the past 30 episodes, Commercial Grade guests have shared surreal and memorable moments from their careers that deserve to be retold. Confessions in Advertising: Volume I, is a compilation of these wild stories and can be considered a warning (or encouragement, depending on your POV!) to anyone looking to get into advertising.
029 | Appearance on Adam Carolla Show | Taco Bell Hotel, Mercedes-Benz & Coors Light campaigns
During this week's episode, I reunite with the Adam Carolla Show gang in studio. We talk new campaigns and pop-ups from Taco Bell, Mercedes-Benz, Coors Light and more. As a teaser, if you have strong opinions on "shower beers," I want to hear them!
027 | Product Placement: Behind The Deals |
Joe Shields | VP, Connections, iHeartMedia |
027 | Product Placement: Behind The Deals |
Joe Shields | VP, Connections, iHeartMedia |
027 | Product Placement: Behind The Deals |
Joe Shields | VP, Connections, iHeartMedia |
Joe Shields, Vice President of Connections at iHeartMedia and life-long product placement fan, takes us deep into the world of Product Placement and Branded Entertainment. Joe discovered his passion for product placement as a youth, moved to LA and never looked back. His expertise runs deep and his roster of product placement deals includes work for Columbia Pictures, FOX, FX Network and properties such as Talladega Nights and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
028 | Movie Magic 101: Visual Effects Explained | Darcy Parsons, Co-Founder of Kevin
This episode features another listener requested topic: Inside the world of Visual Effects. Darcy Parsons, a commercial/SNL/MTV producer-turned-visual effects specialist and co-founder of Kevin, a visual effects studio, joins Commercial Grade to talk all things VFX. She takes us behind the scenes, reveals stories from her "live action" days with SNL and MTV, explains the various kinds of visual effects and tells viewers how to spot them!
026 | Demystifying Digital | Don Lupo |
Digital Producer | Don Lupo |
If you work in advertising -- or even if you don't -- you've surely heard about the "Digital" wave. Many marketers, advertisers and agency people are enamored with the digital landscape but often get it wrong; chasing digital trends and wasting valuable marketing dollars on low-impact digital channels. Don Lupo, an LA advertising executive who has spent his career in digital production, joins Commercial Grade to demystify all things "digital." Don explains the ins and outs of digital production, breaks down the consumer journey and digital production process, and shares exactly what marketers need to do to get "digital" right.
024 | ThinkLA's "Rise of Podcasting" Panel | Kjerstin Beatty, NBC Universal; Kelly Garner, Treefort; Hernan Lopez, Wondery; Joe Shields, iHeartMedia
Last week, I had the great honor of moderating an all-star panel of podcast executives and producers at ThinkLA's annual Entertainment Breakfast. This episode features that fantastic discussion with panelists Kjerstin Beatty (SVP Media Partnerships, NBC Universal), Kelly Garrett, (Founder & CEO, Treefort), Hernan Lopez (Founder & CEO, Wondery) and Joe Shields (VP Connections, iHeartMedia).
023 | From Apple to Samsung: Tech Marketing | Rich DeMuro | KTLA Tech Reporter
Rich DeMuro, aka "Rich on Tech" and TV tech reporter for KTLA 5, joins Commercial Grade to talk about his career as a tech reporter, how he's built relationships with the Google/Apple/Samsungs of the world as a local reporter, how brands try to solicit his reviews and what you should look for when buying the latest phones/computers. Rich also tells us which apps you cannot live without, whether it's for working out, cord cutting, video editing, password management, neighborhood safety, etc.
019 | Grading Commercials For a Living | Tim Nudd, Editor-in-Chief, Muse By Clio
Tim Nudd, former Creative Editor of AdWeek and current Editor-in-Chief of Muse by Clio, joins Commercial Grade to talk about his career as a professional advertising critic, his approach to evaluating creative, how advertising has changed over the years, the power of the consumer, and the best and worst creative of the 2018 and 2019. We also review ads from Burger King, Reebok, McDonald's and Facebook.
021 & 022 | Behind the Music | Anthony Marinelli | Award-Winning Film, TV & Commercial Composer
Anthony Marinelli -- award-winning film/TV composer, orchestrator of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and music man behind 80+ film scores and 1000+ TV commercials -- takes listeners into the making of commercial music. From going to the Oscars every year as a child, to playing synthesizer on Motown records in high school, to composing original music and working with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, James Brown and Crystal Method, Anthony is one of the greats. His original music, jingles and logos have appeared in award-winning commercial campaigns for Apple, Microsoft, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Boeing, Shell and Nike.
020 | Inside IDEO | Meija Jacobs, Senior Director | IDEO Food Design Studio
Meija Jacobs, an 11-year IDEO veteran, takes us inside IDEO and demystifies its design-led thinking philosophy. Learn how IDEO operates, how its teams are organized, its proprietary brainstorming and prototyping techniques, and its commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As Senior Director of its Design For Food division, Meija also details IDEO's work on the food pipeline, alternative proteins, cellular agriculture (think Impossible Burgers) and envisioning a future using food as medicine.
Anchor 1
018 | Inside Car Dealership Advertising |
Jill Jagger, Retail Marketing Director
Y'all keep asking about local car commercials and the expert is on this week's episode! Jill Jagger, a 25-year veteran of the auto dealer world, joins me to answer your questions about how dealerships work, why local car ads tend to be awful, the relationship between car brands and their dealers, incentives, how and when to buy a car, and FINALLY address the debate about why car commercials feature neutral license plates!
017 | The Awakened Agency | Kirk Souder, ECD & Co-Founder, Enso
In a world filled with disingenuous sales pitches and misleading claims, is it possible for advertising to have soul? Kirk Souder, Executive Creative Director and current co-founder of spiritual impact agency, Enso, joins Christie for a deeply revealing conversation on how individuals and organizations can free themselves from self-imposed limiting beliefs, tap into their authentic energy, and create a long-lasting positive impact. If you're an Oprah fan, this episode is basically advertising's version of a "Super Soul Sunday" conversation, full of brand awakening and corporate enlightenment.
016 | "Inside The Agency" Series | Part 1: Account Management | Milind Raval, Managing Director
Join Christie as she kicks off "Inside The Agency," a series within Commercial Grade dedicated to explaining the inner workings of advertising agencies. Learn about the different types of agencies (creative, media, production, etc.), individual departments (account management, strategy, creative, production, etc.) and how to navigate your own career in advertising. This week, part one takes a deep look into an agency's first line of defense: "Account Management." Milind Raval, Christie's long-time colleague, friend and Account Management expert, takes us behind-the-scenes into the trials and tribulations of client liaisons and gatekeepers.
015 | Secrets From the Casting Couch | Ross Lacy, Casting Director
Ross Lacy, one of the entertainment industry's most prominent casting directors and owner of Ross Lacy Casting, joins Christie in a hilarious and insightful conversation about commercial casting. We get to the bottom of the Discover "twins" ads, explain how casting directors think, what actors can do to land a dream gig, dig into current casting trends and share some truly crazy stories from behind the casting couch.
014 | Advertising Around The Globe | Luis Camano, International Chief Creative Officer
Luis Camano, an international Chief Creative Officer hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, joins Commercial Grade to talk about the techniques behind great international advertising. We explore the meaning of "Global advertising," investigate multicultural business approaches (hint: bribes), and share experiences working with colleagues/clients across US, UK, Argentina, South Korea, Dubai, Spain, South Africa, etc. We also review ads from Coca-Cola, Ameriquest, Spanish Lottery, Johnnie Walker & Nespresso.
013 | Authentic Self Promotion | Natalie Coughlin, Olympic Athlete & Author
Natalie Coughlin, twelve-time Olympic medalist-turned-entrepreneur and author of Cook to Thrive: Recipes to Fuel Body and Soul, joins Christie to share her journey beyond Team USA into the world of book writing and winemaking. Natalie shares the realities of book writing, her own brand evolution & insightful tips on how to promote yourself. Food lovers will dig this episode as we talk about Natalie's home garden, food storage tips, must-have ingredients, her experience on Chopped: Sports Stars and more.
012 | Do Good, Make Money | Philanthropic Marketing with Laura Probste
From Gillette's #MeToo debacle to Nike's "Dream Crazy" effort, cause- and social-related marketing campaigns are popping up everywhere. Cause marketing expert Laura Probst joins Christie to discuss what it takes to create a successful cause marketing initiative, the biggest mistakes marketers make and shares incredible tips on how you can find the perfect social cause that fits your lifestyle without feeling like an "extra" commitment. Bonus: Her "Confession in Advertising" officially sets the bar as the one to beat.
011 | Sports Marketing & Athlete Management | Steve Astephen, Managing Partner, Wasserman
Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite pro athletes lock-in their contracts, negotiate endorsement deals, deal with controversy and hecklers, or become the face of the next Nike/Adidas/Under Armour campaign? Steve Astephen, professional Sports Agent and Managing Partner of Sports Marketing agency Wasserman, joins Christie for a behind-the-scenes look at this and much more.
010 | Podcast Marketing |
Kit Gray, President, PodcastOne
The #1 question I get asked about Commercial Grade is whether hosts can earn a living from podcasting and, if so, how??? To get the answer, I tapped THE expert: Kit Gray, the co-founder and President of PodcastOne, the first and largest podcasting advertising network. Kit explains how he co-created the first advertising model for podcasting just 10 years ago, how podcasters can earn revenue, outlines the criteria brands look for in potential podcast partners, and we share emotional stories about the impact podcasting has had on both our lives. This episode is full of great tips, so get your notepad ready!
009 | Secrets To Killer Creative & Copywriting | Ben Kay, Executive Creative Director
Ben Kay -- a brilliant, hilarious and award-winning Creative Director and Copywriter -- joins this week's #CommercialGrade #podcast for an open and insightful discussion on the creative process. Word to the wise: Take the long way home, a longer lunch break or lift an extra set because we cover it ALL: The secrets behind creative development & copywriting, why creatives get a bad rap, the responsibility of the ad industry, mistrust between clients & agencies, the problem with advertising awards.
008 | Selling Cars To Women | Kimberley Gardiner, CMO, Mitsubishi
Kimberley Gardiner, the first female VP & Chief Marketing Officer for Mitsubishi Motors USA joins Christie to talk about challenges auto brands experience when marketing to women, how women are often stereotyped in car ads, and share personal experiences rising through the ranks as a woman shattering the glass ceiling in the heavily male-dominated auto industry. Kimberley and Christie also grade ads from Acura, Cadillac, Aston Martin, CarDekho and Mercedes-Benz.
007 | What's Old Isn't New: Building A Modern Brand Legacy | Mark Miller, CSO, Team One
Mark Miller, Chief Strategy Officer of Team One Advertising and award-winning author of Legacy in the Making: Building A Long-Term Brand To Stand Out In A Short-Term World, joins Christie to share the secrets behind what it takes to build an inspirational, modern brand legacy. Forget simply celebrating tradition or heritage, modern brand legacies are the creators of a vital today and tomorrow.
005 | Lights, Camera, Accidents? | The Art & Agony of Production | Frank Mele, Executive Producer
Award-winning producer Frank Mele joins Christie to break down the art and agony of TV production. Learn exactly what commercial production is, how brilliant pieces of mini-content get made, what life on set is really like and hear crazy stories of everything that can go wrong.
006 | Advertising Research 101: Making The Grade | Jenny Dyke, Principal, Blackfriars Research
Did you know that brands often perform TONS of research on their advertisements BEFORE they ever hit the airwaves? It's true! The final ad you see has likely gone through rounds of concept testing, focus groups, animatic testing, copy testing and more. Market Researcher Jenny Dyke joins Christie to explain the ins and outs of advertising research and grade Gillette's controversial "The Best Men Can Get" ad.
004 | And the Oscar Goes To...
003 | "I Know That Voice!"
Behind the Voiceover | Mike Dawson, Voice of The Adam Carolla Show
Professional voiceover artist and official "voice" of The Adam Carolla Show, Mike Dawson, gives Christie a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive world of voiceover acting. Learn how the voices behind your favorite commercials, audiobooks, video games, movie trailers, etc. get their big breaks, survive rounds of auditions and maintain their sanity while at the mercy of indecisive copywriters. Christie also challenges Mike to a special round of "Name That Voice."
002 | Mayhem, Geckos & Flo: The Big Business of Insurance Advertising | Lisa Tanner, SVP, RPA
Insurance expert and advertising veteran Lisa Tanner joins Christie to uncover the mysteries of insurance advertising, including Farmers Insurance’s craziest claims, GEICO’s jaw-dropping budget, AllState’s take on Mayhem, Progressive’s lovable “Flo,” Esurance's attempt at irony with Dennis Quaid and much more.
Anchor 2
As The Adam Carolla Show's resident Commercial Grade marketing expert, Adam & I discuss (read: debate) the merits of advertising campaigns. So far, we've covered Super Bowl LIII, Nike, Peloton, GMC, Subaru, Ford, Apple, Discover, Wild Turkey, Lincoln, AllState, Pizza Hut & more.
Have a question or a commercial you'd like reviewed? Tweet to @pardonmycrumbs or @adamcarollashow using #CommercialGrade.
The Adam Carolla Show is officially the world's most downloaded podcast (Guinness World Records).
MARCH 2019
Listener Requests: Audi's legal issues in "Butcher"; Perfume ads explained; VW insults men in "Moving"; Jennifer Garners whispers for Capital One
Super Bowl Episode: We break down the best and worst ads of Super Bowl LIII according to the USA AdMeter and our own personal POVs
FEBRUARY 2019
JANUARY 2019
Bryan Cranston's futuristic turn as Ford's spokesperson; FedEx saves the day; Discover confuses the hell out of everyone
Holiday Episode: GMC's bait and switch; Peloton's "His & Hers" strategy infuriates Adam; Land Rover wades into diversity
DECEMBER 2018
NOVEMBER 2018
Bryan Cranston's futuristic turn as Ford's spokesperson; FedEx saves the day; Discover confuses the hell out of everyone
Matthew McConaughey's brooding Lincoln ads
vs jazzy Wild Turkey; Ford F150's blatant masculinity; Porsche wants to be your neighbor
OCTOBER 2018
SEPTEMBER 2018
Pizza Hut crosses a line; Nike backs Colin Kaepernick; Toyota & Chuck Norris kick ass
Subaru shows why they're the best-in-class auto advertiser (hint: Dogs + Babies = Love); Papa John ditches John as part of desperate crisis aversion
AUGUST 2018
JULY 2018
FlexSeal flexes its glue muscles;
AllState explores relationship dynamics
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