
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

Jul 16, 2024 • 39min
#219: Lucas Ribeiro & Kazuo Kubo, #1 ACDs in Advertising, McCann NY
Per the One Club Global Creativity Ranking, Lucas Ribeiro & Kazuo Kubo are the creative duo at the top of the list.
Today, they are working at McCann NY.
Host Geno Schellenberger asks them how they broke into advertising, made it to the top, and how aspiring advertisers can break in and thrive in this industry.
Listen and learn from the best.
Their portfolios: https://landk.work/

Jul 15, 2024 • 10min
Blueprint: Copywriting and A.I.
This week's Blueprint is through the eyes of current MSU student, Sydney Stephens. Listen along as she discusses the benefits of using A.I. to avoid creative block and improve your brainstorming process. Also discussed in this episode is how A.I. has impacted scriptwriting, directors' treatments, and storyboards. Learn more about improving your portfolio and widening your skillset by tuning into this episode.

Jul 12, 2024 • 32min
ADjunct! Vann Graves, Executive Director of VCU Brandcenter
In this episode of ADjunct, Geno Schellenberger sits down with Vann Graves, Executive Director at VCU Brandcenter, to discuss what makes this graduate program stand out in marketing, branding, and advertising education. Vann highlights the unique aspects of VCU Brandcenter, including its focus on the craft, rigorous curriculum, and strong alumni network.
The conversation also dives into Vann's personal journey in advertising, the impact of COVID-19 on education, and the unparalleled support system the Brandcenter provides to its students.
Connect with Vann here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanngraves/

Jul 9, 2024 • 51min
#218: Al Merry, Founder, CCO @ Flowershop Agency
Cooper Colvig is back! With this week's guest.
He's the CCO at The Flower Shop, but it's not what you think. You won’t find any orchids or tulips - this shop blooms with highly focused ads that people love and propel brands forward.
Al Merry, a multi-award-winning creative behind some of the most recognizable campaigns for Nike & Adidas, is the mastermind behind its creative.
Join us as Al discusses his unconventional path into advertising, the importance of sweating the small stuff l, and what's brewing in a unique flower shop in Manhattan's Bowery.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/flower-shop/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alimerry/

Jul 2, 2024 • 41min
Y2Q1 Crowbar Winner: Phil Serzo (Guest Judge Gerry Graf, Co-founder and CCO SlapGlobal)
Here it is. Handpicked by Gerry Graf himself, the Blue Crowbar award-winning campaign. The best in show.
Blue Crowbar winners are invited on the podcast to speak, learn and network directly with the guest judge.
We asked you all to develop a campaign that establishes Athletic Brewing as the beer brand that doesn’t let you miss out on taste, late nights, or the insanity alcohol tends to lead to.
Phil Serzo created the campaign: “The Beer that Saved Beer”.
View his winning work below:
https://www.crowbarawards.com/previous-winners

Jul 2, 2024 • 45min
#217: Christoph Becker, Chief Creative Officer of Whalar Group
In this episode of the Breaking and Entering Advertising podcast, host Geno Schellenberger chats with Christoph Becker, Chief Creative Officer at Whalar Group. They uncover Christoph’s journey from industrial engineering to prominent roles in the advertising industry, finally discussing his current mission at Whaler. You will learn about Whaler’s unique role in the creator economy, The Lighthouse campuses, and Christoph’s insights on creativity, community, and the evolving advertising landscape.

Jul 1, 2024 • 33min
Breaking with Brian Bonilla: Ep 9 - Cannes Lions 2024: Insights and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Listen to Brian Bonilla, Senior Agency Reporter at Ad Age and Geno Schellenberger as they discuss Brian's experiences and key takeaways from the 2024 Cannes Lions Festival. Our hosts discuss everything from the top-notch croissants and rosé to the high-profile panels and celebrity encounters. Learn about the importance of networking, Gen Z creators' presence, and AI's role in the advertising industry. They also cover the highlights from Sport Beach and notable agency achievements. Whether you're an industry veteran or an aspiring advertiser, this episode offers valuable insights and a peek into the world of Cannes Lions.

Jun 25, 2024 • 11min
Blueprint: No Internship, No Problem
Sydney Stephens in this episode of Blueprint as she shares valuable tips for creatives who don't have an internship but still want to build a strong portfolio. From networking on LinkedIn, pursuing passion projects, and independent studies, to attending external classes and participating in quarterly award shows, Sydney provides a variety of strategies to help you stay productive and create impressive work during the summer.

Jun 22, 2024 • 9min
Blueprint: Resume Discussion
Sydney Stephens joins us for another week of Blueprint to discuss resumes and how to build a stand-out resume that will help you break into the industry. In this episode, she discusses Applicant Tracking Systems, fonts, and how to format a resume that will help you get hired. Listen along to hear advice that has been passed down from her professors at MSU and ensure that your resume is ready to go.

Jun 21, 2024 • 27min
Brand-Side: Samantha Siegal, CMO of PLEZi Nutrition
Brand-side is our segment, which interviews the best marketing professionals in the business. You will hear marketing tactics, advice, and amazing stories to help you break into marketing. The guest, Samantha Siegal, is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Plezi Nutrition.
Co-founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama, PLEZi Nutrition is spearheading a revolution in how we make and market food and beverages for kids, prioritizing nutrition, taste, and truth.