Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast

Kirsten Atkinson didn’t just break into advertising. She reverse-engineered it, and made it culture-forward. As SVP of Brand Partnerships at Complex Networks, she turns brands into youth culture co-conspirators. She walks us through her bi-coastal career path, how she survived 18 years in agency life, and why branded content shouldn't just feel like 30-second pre-roll. If you've ever said "we're not cool enough to work with Complex," Kirsten probably already heard you and still figured out a way to make it work. This episode is a blueprint for brands trying to be relevant without trying too hard. Tap in for smart strategy, big ideas, and a custom Adidas collab she may have invented live.

Jason Apaliski has spent 17 years at the same agency, which in advertising years is practically a lifetime. In this episode, he shares how he went from aspiring art teacher to Chief Creative Officer at Pereira O’Dell, what’s kept him at the agency all this time, and how he’s helping shape the next generation of creatives. From surf shops in Virginia Beach to Super Teams at Creative Circus, Jason reflects on mentorship, ambition, and why the best ideas often come from unexpected places.

Fresh off the Croisette, Brian and Geno recap their week at Cannes. From lost luggage and late-night drone shows to AI anxiety and quiet dinners with execs, they break down the real takeaways from the biggest festival in advertising. What’s hype, what’s overhyped, and what actually matters if you’re trying to break into the industry. They cover the best activations, the shifting power of creators, and why Cannes is still worth it for early-career talent looking to get inspired, make connections, and see the bigger picture.

Anthony Sperduti is the co-founder of Mythology, the agency behind Warby Parker, Harry’s, Peloton and more. In this episode, he shares how he broke into advertising without a plan, faked his way into his first job, and ended up launching some of the most iconic DTC brands of the last two decades.He tells the story of sneaking a fashion show into the New York Public Library, what it’s like to work with brave founders, and why “just getting in the right building” can change your whole career.This one is packed with advice for aspiring creatives, agency founders, and anyone looking to break in.

In this episode, Jack shares how he went from working retail in Chicago to becoming an associate creative director at GSD&M. He talks about getting rejected, sending his resume in a literal bottle, and the early morning phone call he got from Gary Vaynerchuk after turning down a job.This is one of our favorite break-in stories. It’s scrappy, honest, and proof that there’s no one way into the industry.

Taylor Grimes, VP of Global Marketing at Goodyear, joins Breaking and Entering to talk brand reinvention at one of America’s most iconic companies. In this episode, he unpacks what it means to modernize a 125-year-old brand, lead with strategy, and create campaigns that resonate with both tire buyers and culture at large.From agency life to his role shaping Goodyear’s global narrative, Grimes shares lessons in persistence, creative leadership, and what it takes to build a brand world that actually works. Also, find out what’s really going on with the Goodyear blimps and why one of them might be named after a horror movie.

Welcome to VML on Creativity, a special series from Breaking and Entering Advertising. Each episode pulls back the curtain on VML and explores how creativity takes shape across categories and global offices. From health to commerce to entertainment, this is how creativity pushes brands forward today.In this episode, we sit down with Allison Pierce, Chief Creative Officer of VML Kansas City, to unpack creativity in branded experiences. From playful real-time activations to purpose-driven documentaries and accessible tourism innovations, Allison shares how her teams find fresh ways to engage audiences beyond traditional ads.We dive into two standout campaigns and the thinking behind them:Sound Sites: https://www.vml.com/work/sound-sitesWendy’s Frosty Fix: https://www.vml.com/work/frosty-fix Allison also shares her perspective on balancing brand experience with brand goals, pushing ideas beyond briefs, and why data is her secret weapon to selling creative work. If you want to learn how to make brand storytelling resonate in culture, this is a must-listen.Hosted by Geno Schellenberger, Founder of Breaking and Entering Media.Follow, rate, and share the show to keep learning from today’s top creative minds.

Damuane “D” Journey didn’t come up in advertising, but he’s now the Global Chief Growth Officer at 72andSunny. In this episode, he shares how great branding, bold creativity, and high performance come together to win business and build culture. We explore what it’s really like inside 72, the role of strategy in creativity, and how non-endemic brands can authentically show up in sports. If you're looking to grow in this industry, D's journey will leave you smarter and more inspired.Connect with the guest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damaunejourney/Connect with B&E on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/

Rob Mayhew is one of the funniest voices in advertising, and now he’s doing it full time. In this episode, he shares his wild journey from failing business school to account management, to creative director, to content creator.We talk about agency culture, burnout, comedy, viral sketches, and his love for the industry, even when he’s poking fun at it. Rob also shares advice for aspiring creatives, how to stand out with personality, and why Fridays need to be fun again. It’s honest, hilarious, and packed with insight.

In this Brandside episode, Matt Repicky, Chief Brand Officer at Tailored Brands, shares how he’s reshaping legacy names like Men’s Wearhouse, Joseph A. Bank, and more for today’s customer. From launching humor based campaigns with Party Land to dialing up fashion credibility with “Chill Flex” suits, Matt explains how his team is updating brand perception across demographics. He also walks us through his own unconventional career journey - from Big Four consulting to Mattel, Amazon, and now leading multiple retail brands. If you’re curious about brand transformation, modern marketing, or how many suits a guy really needs, this one’s for you.Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattrepicky/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all