
Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast
Connecting the Advertising and Marketing World, One Heist at a Time
We bridge gaps across the industry—connecting agencies with brands, production houses with agencies, and aspiring talent with recruiters. Whether you're a marketing executive seeking the perfect agency partner or someone aiming to break into the field, this podcast helps you pull off your ultimate heist.
With over 150,000 listeners, we explore the people, culture, and insights shaping advertising and marketing. Tune in to conversations that break down barriers and open doors.
Latest episodes

Sep 23, 2024 • 28min
BrandSide: How Ronak Patel and MoonBrew are Disrupting the Sleep Wellness Market
Welcome to BrandSide from Breaking and Entering Media, where we spotlight top marketing executives from innovative brands. In this episode, host Geno Schellenberger chats with Ronak Patel, VP of Marketing at MoonBrew, a sleep supplement brand focused on improving rest and recovery without melatonin.
Ronak reveals the bold marketing moves that shifted MoonBrew from a daytime energy brand to a rising player in the sleep wellness market. Tune in to hear how strategic pivots and data-driven insights are helping this emerging brand gain momentum.
Connect with Ronak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronakpatel98/Check Out Breaking and Entering Media’s New Website: https://www.breaking-entering.com/

Sep 18, 2024 • 37min
#229: Jimon Boadi, Copywriter at Joan and One of Ad Age's 23 Gen Zers to Know in Advertising
In this episode, Geno sits down with Jimon Boadi, a Junior Copywriter at Joan Creative and one of Ad Age's 23 Gen Zers to know in advertising. Jimon shares his unconventional journey from tech temp to junior strategist and now a rising copywriter. Tune in to hear how Jimon's knack for turning internet trends into Gen Z insights has shaped major campaigns and propelled his career.
Connect with Jimon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimonboadi/overlay/contact-info/

Sep 17, 2024 • 52min
#228: Noobs, Cactus, and Creativity - Norm Shearer’s Blueprint for Success
In this episode, we sit down with Norm Shearer, Partner and Chief Creative Officer at Cactus, a purpose-driven agency known for its belief and behavior design approach. Norm shares his unique journey from chemistry student to creative leader and discusses his work in mental health with Grit Digital Health. He also reveals how his podcast Noobs helps aspiring advertisers break into the industry. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration from one of the industry's top creative minds.
Connect with Norm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norm-shearer-6975958/
Listen to Noobs Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norm-shearer-6975958/

Sep 10, 2024 • 36min
#227: Breaking into Strategy with John Gibson, Head of Strategy at The Martin Agency
In this episode, we talk with John Gibson, Managing Director and Head of Strategy at The Martin Agency. John offers valuable insights on leadership, collaboration, and how to break into advertising strategy. Plus, get an inside look at the strategy behind Oreo's "Wonderfilled" campaign and how it became a global success.
Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngibson3/
Join our GroupMe of 250+ aspiring advertising professionals for tips, tricks, and advice: https://groupme.com/join_group/102437585/xg5Z5tei

Sep 9, 2024 • 43min
Nobody Told Me: Advice from Two Pals on Advertising
In this engaging conversation, Kyle O’Brien, a reporter at Adweek specializing in agency news, and Doug Zanger, founder of Indie Agency News, share their journeys and the wisdom they've gained. They discuss the value of professional relationships and how unconventional paths can shape careers. Humorously, they tackle the challenges of agency communications and 'hero syndrome.' They emphasize the critical role of mentorship and patience in navigating the advertising landscape, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking insight into the industry.

Sep 5, 2024 • 30min
Joe Staples Reveals Expert Tips for Tackling The Polaroid Brief
In this episode of Breaking and Entering Advertising, hosts Geno Schellenberger and Cooper Colvig dive into the Crowbar Awards with Joe Staples, Chief Creative Officer & Partner at Mother Industries, and this brief's Guest Judge.
The Crowbar Awards is a global competition designed for aspiring advertisers to showcase their creativity, with the chance to win the prestigious blue crowbar. This brief focuses on Polaroid and taps into the power of nostalgia. Joe shares his expert insights on tackling creative briefs, offering practical advice that’s valuable for all advertising professionals.
The deadline for submissions is December 5, 2024, at 11:59 pm CT. Learn more and explore the brief at www.crowbarawards.com.

Sep 3, 2024 • 33min
#226: Niche Expertise and Career Growth with Jeremy Heilpern of Ammunition
In this episode of the Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast, Geno Schellenberger interviews Jeremy Heilpern, founder and CEO of Ammunition, a top Atlanta-based agency. Jeremy discusses his journey from rising through the ranks to launching Ammunition, emphasizing the power of niche expertise, passion, and relationship-building in advertising. He offers actionable advice for breaking into the industry, staying motivated, and understanding career goals. Tune in for insights from Jeremy's success and visit www.breaking-entering.com for more resources to support your advertising journey.

Sep 2, 2024 • 24min
Ep 11: Lace Up, Brian Bonilla Teaches us about Sprint Agencies
In this conversation, Geno Schellenberger and Brian Bonilla discuss the concept of sprint agencies and the growing trend of speed in the advertising industry. They explore different models of sprint agencies and how they offer quick and focused solutions to clients. They also discuss the implications of this model for the future of advertising and the role of junior talent in these agencies. Brian shares his advice for aspiring advertisers and emphasizes the importance of staying knowledgeable about industry trends and different ways of working.
Chapters
00:00 The Rise of Sprint Agencies
08:30 Threats to the Traditional Creative Model
13:31 Challenges and Opportunities for Junior Talent
15:08 Pricing and Range of Sprint Agencies
18:48 Choosing the Right Agency for Your Career
21:48 Staying Knowledgeable about Industry Trends
23:09 Upcoming Episode: Listen to Hear Our Next Special Guest

Aug 30, 2024 • 30min
#225 Alex Schill: Leading Europe's Largest Independent Agency Network
In the Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast episode, host Geno Schellenberger interviews Alex Schill, Global Chief Creative Officer at Serviceplan Group, Europe's largest independent agency network. Schill delves into blending creativity with execution, hiring for potential, and the importance of self-confidence and challenging norms. He also shares his advertising journey and highlights the transparent, innovative culture at Serviceplan Group. Schill emphasizes creativity's power to change the world and offers advice for aspiring advertisers on breaking into the industry.
00:00 Introduction
00:36 Meet Alex Schill: Global Chief Creative Officer
01:26 Key Takeaways from Alex Schill
02:56 Starting the Conversation with Alex Schill
04:31 Service Plan Group: Independence and Innovation
13:30 Alex Schill's Journey into Advertising
16:40 Advice for Aspiring Advertisers
20:47 The Power of Creativity
25:42 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Aug 28, 2024 • 47min
#225: The Evolution of Independent Agency Networks with Bob Kantor
In this episode of the Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast, CEO of Dawn, Bob Kantor, explores the world of independent agency networks. He shares his career journey from founding an agency in college to leading global agencies, and the creation of Dawn. He discusses the concept of independent agencies, their benefits, and how they contrast with traditional holding companies. Bob provides insights on why specialized, independent agencies are more effective and highlights some agencies within Dawn’s portfolio. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring advertisers on the importance of gaining experience, internships, and finding mentors.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:04 Bob Kantor's Career Journey03:47 Starting an Agency in College07:37 Advice for Aspiring Advertisers11:18 Climbing the Corporate Ladder13:56 The Importance of Strategy22:00 The Birth of Dawn23:45 Dawn's Unique Value Proposition30:30 Highlighting Dawn's Agencies39:42 Future Plans and Opportunities42:18 Conclusion and Farewell