Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast

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/

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 breaking in or starting something of your own, there’s plenty of inspiration here - straight from the GOATs.  Connect with Adam: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/themedium/⁠  Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all⁠    

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 vital for long-term growth. Plus, he shares advice for aspiring strategists and why staying curious and flexible is key in today’s evolving ad world.Connect with Kurt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-ravenwood-03a4a834/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all     

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 resonance. David explains how his background in magic and comedy fuels his creative philosophy, the lessons he learned at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, and inspiration and lessons behind his blog Advertising for Peanuts. Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalittlejohn/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all     

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 with strong conceptual thinking and sharp craft to debunking myths about brand-side creativity, Julio delivers a masterclass on breaking in, thriving, and making work that matters.Connect with Julio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliodalfonso/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

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 Mexico has shifted her perspective on work-life balance. Connect with Joslyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joslynsummerset/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

Jaime Robinson, Co-Founder and CCO of JOAN Creative, shares her journey from a childhood spark to industry leader. She emphasizes the importance of presenting bold ideas, even at junior levels, and discusses tactics for creative directors to inspire their teams. Jaime dives into innovative, boundary-pushing campaigns that challenge societal norms and the need for fun collaboration in creative environments. Her insights are both motivational and practical, making this conversation a treasure for aspiring creatives or seasoned professionals.

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 advice for aspiring advertisers on portfolios, networking, why presenting well matters, and how to bounce back from setbacks. Connect with Nikki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkibakercreative/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all   

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 job worthwhile, his role in shaping BSSP's creative direction, and his broader contributions to the advertising industry.Connect with Sinan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdagli/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

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 prestigious award to drive consumer recognition. Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-nolan-08507a6/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all