Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast

Welcome to VML on Creativity, a special series from Breaking and Entering. Each episode pulls back the curtain on VML and explores how creativity takes shape across categories globally. From health to commerce to entertainment, this is how creativity pushes brands forward today.In this episode, we sit down with Tom Murphy, Co-Chief Creative Officer of VML US, to dive into the power of long-term brand platforms - ideas built to last. Tom shares his perspective on what makes a brand platform truly enduring, how to develop work that stays relevant across years (not just weeks), and why timeless insights are still the most powerful creative fuel.We explore iconic examples like KitKat’s “Have a Break,” Hellmann’s Super Bowl presence, and Wendy’s fresh, sassy social voice. From campaign longevity to platform adaptability, Tom breaks down what it takes to build something that sticks - and why patience, empathy, and relentless enthusiasm are underrated creative tools.Creative Work Mentioned in This Episode: KitKat – Phone Break: https://www.vml.com/work/phone-break Hellmann’s Super Bowl: https://www.vml.com/news/hellmanns-hits-the-spot-in-big-game-ad Wendy’s – Frosty Fix: https://www.vml.com/work/frosty-fix Hosted by Geno Schellenberger, Founder of Breaking and Entering Media.Follow, rate, and share the podcast to keep learning from today’s top creative minds.Connect with Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommurphycreative/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

In this episode, Dean Hub Brown of the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications shares insights into the college’s innovative blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience. From a student-run ad agency to a cutting-edge social media analytics lab, Brown highlights how the college prepares students for real-world success. He reflects on his path from broadcast journalism to academia and offers advice on staying relevant and fearless in the evolving media landscape.Connect with Dean Hub: https://www.linkedin.com/in/profhub/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all  

On the latest episode, Brian Bonilla (Ad Age) and Geno Schellenberger draft their dream creative agencies.CCOs, founding clients, agency locations, office snacks, and one wildcard pick each.🎧 Tune in + follow Breaking & Entering.

​​In this episode, we sit down with Angela Vargo, VP of Marketing and Communications at Breeze Airways, to hear how she went from radio DJ to brand leader at one of the fastest-growing airlines in the U.S. Angela shares how Breeze launched in 16 cities in just six weeks and expanded to 70 cities in four years, all while building a brand around the simple, powerful promise of being "Seriously Nice." We also discuss their new creative partnership with agency Walrus and what’s ahead for Breeze’s summer campaigns.Connect with Angela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avargo99/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all  

Jacques Spitzer, CEO and CCO of Raindrop Agency, joins us to share how he built one of today’s most effective creative shops from the ground up - without ever working at a traditional agency. Known for viral hits like Dr. Squatch, Native, and Manscaped, Jacques reveals how Raindrop’s unique “brand performance” model blends storytelling with measurable results. He breaks down how the team produces culturally resonant campaigns at scale, why humor and character matter in direct-to-consumer success, and what brands often get wrong about growth. Jacques also reflects on the evolving nature of attention, the future of advertising, and the mindset entry-level talent needs to stand out in today’s industry.Connect with Jacques: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jspitzer5/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all   

When PBS funding came under threat, Mary Adam and George Apfelbach created a cultural moment, through the voice of Elmo.Elmo took to LinkedIn to apply for jobs, cheer people on, and protest the defunding of public television. The post exploded: 3 billion impressions, 5,000+ likes, and coverage from The Today Show, E! News, Variety, Rolling Stone, USA Today, and more...before LinkedIn took it down.In this episode, Mary takes us behind the scenes of the viral protest, the emotional messages that flooded in, and why saving PBS matters now more than ever.👉 Help Mary amplify the message and support the cause:https://venmo.com/u/elmoopentowork

Joe Conrad, founder and CEO of Denver-based agency Cactus, joins us to talk about building one of the first purpose-driven advertising agencies in the country. He shares how moral conflict early in his career led him to start Cactus in 1990, and how the agency became a national leader in mental and behavioral health campaigns. Joe also dives into why Denver’s ad scene rivals coastal cities, how Cactus balances hustle with employee happiness, and what aspiring advertisers need to do to break in and build a lasting career. Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-conrad-0476525/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all   

What does it take to refresh a global brand without losing its fan following?JP Bittencourt, SVP of Marketing for Sparkling Brands at PepsiCo Beverages U.S., joins BrandSide to break down Mountain Dew’s bold new visual identity, their viral Super Bowl campaign featuring SEAL (yes, the real SEAL), and how the brand is leaning into legacy, community, and sunshine-soaked vibes for a new generation of fans. From Baja Blast’s retail takeover to tattoo redos and drone shows, this episode covers it all. JP also shares his best advice for aspiring marketers and how two unexpected roles shaped his entire career.Follow us on LinkedIn for all the ad news to know: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/

In this BrandSide episode, we sit down with Trisha Goyal, Founder and CEO of Break Sports - the company behind Break the Love and Break the Birdie. Trisha shares how she built a fast-growing sports tech brand that helps Gen Z and millennials connect offline through tennis, golf, and pickleball. We dive into her journey from ESPN and GIPHY to entrepreneurship, and explore how authentic partnerships with brands like AMEX and Bumble are fueling Break Sports’ success. Connect with Trisha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisha-goyal-43b3a045/ 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 Dooley Tombras, President of Tombras - the independent, family-owned agency that’s gone from regional player to being named #1 on Ad Age’s A List. He shares how he transformed a third-generation family business into a cutting-edge, digital-first powerhouse. From growing up in an ad-centric household to making pivotal hires at Tombras, Dooley walks us through the agency’s evolution, its bold campaigns for brands like Steak-umm and Moon Pie, and the importance of culture, creativity, and continuous learning. He also discusses Tombras’ partnership with the University of Tennessee and offers practical advice for aspiring advertisers on building a standout portfolio, staying curious, and breaking into the industry. Connect with Dooley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dooleytombras/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all