Best VML Podcasts (2025)

1
VML on Creativity with Tom Murphy on Building Brand Platforms That Last 19:23

4h ago19:23

19:23

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 Office…

1
Season 6, Episode 11 : The Jack of All Trades : Janella Lacson, Producer, Las Vegas Raiders 57:04

4h ago57:04

57:04

In this week’s episode, Jayzen dives into the buzz around the return of "HBO Max" and the revival of the Starbucks experience—not just as corporate case studies, but as powerful metaphors for your personal and professional brand. Jayzen unpacks why a logo change isn’t the same as a rebrand—and how true brand evolution stays rooted in what made you …

1
ADjunct! Dean Hub Brown of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications 37:26

1d ago37:26

37:26

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. H…

1
Dream Agency Draft ft. Brian Bonilla 19:47

2d ago19:47

19:47

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.

1
Seriously Nice: Building the Breeze Airways Brand with Angela Vargo 29:41

6d ago29:41

29:41

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 …

1
Ann Willoughby // Willoughby Design 49:27

7d ago49:27

49:27

Send us a text Season Two kicks off with the trailblazing Ann Willoughby, founder of Willoughby Design. Her story begins in the aisles of a small department store in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she sketched fashion illustrations that would mark the start of a remarkable career. After relocating to Kansas City, Ann didn’t just launch a design fi…

1
Jacques Spitzer on Building Raindrop Into a Brand Engine 38:47

8d ago38:47

38:47

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 measura…

1
B&E News: Mary Adam's Viral Elmo LinkedIn Post 14:00

9d ago14:00

14:00

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, …

1
Joe Conrad on Building Cactus with Mental Health at Its Core 29:59

9d ago29:59

29:59

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 w…

1
The Mountain Dew Makeover Episode 22:56

12d ago22:56

22:56

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…

1
Trisha Goyal’s Playbook on Building Break Sports 33:39

13d ago33:39

33:39

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 entrep…

1
Dooley Tombras on Winning Agency of the Year 51:12

14d ago51:12

51:12

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 pivot…

1
Season 6, Episode 10 : The Career Jungle Gym : Victoria Boston, Executive Vice President & Chief Customer Experience Officer, Tech Network Inc 1:04:25

14d ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Is your career really a ladder—or is it something much more dynamic? In this episode of Lead With Your Brand!, Jayzen Patria flips the script on traditional career trajectories and challenges you to think about your path as a career jungle gym—with diagonal moves, lateral steps, trade-offs, and breathers that still lead to powerful breakthroughs. L…

1
Mo Said, Founder & CEO of Mojo Supermarket 45:35

15d ago45:35

45:35

In this episode, Mo Said - Founder and CEO of Mojo Supermarket - recounts his bold journey from faking a high school transcript to building a cutting-edge advertising agency. He shares stories from his upbringing in Pakistan, his unexpected entry into advertising, and his time at Michigan State. Mo dives into the power of creativity, the role of AI…

1
Behind the Slate Auto Launch with Ben Whitla, Head of Brand and Marketing 27:17

16d ago27:17

27:17

Ben Whitla, Head of Brand and Marketing at Slate Auto, joins to share how they’re launching a new kind of EV. From ditching traditional car marketing to creating a modular, customizable vehicle, we cover the thinking behind the brand and campaign. Plus, how their taxidermy ad and internet puzzle got people talking. Follow B&E on LinkedIn for daily …

1
Why Top Agencies Turn to Champion When It’s Go Time - with J. Patrick McElroy 34:16

20d ago34:16

34:16

In this episode, we sit down with J. Patrick McElroy, Co-Founder and Partner of Champion, a talent management company representing top-tier production companies and directors. J. Patrick pulls back the curtain on how the production side of advertising works - from landing high-profile commercial shoots to the pitch process between agencies and dire…

1
Mother LA's New Mother's Day Move? Open a Titty Bar. 18:48

22d ago18:48

18:48

Mother’s Day just got a bold new twist. On this episode, we go behind the scenes with Marianne Stefanowicz of Mother to break down The Titty Bar — a cheeky, heartfelt activation serving mocktails to new moms while raising awareness for maternal health. Learn how a small team brought the idea to life fast, why internal initiatives can be career-make…

1
Where the Murder Hornet Came From 38:45

22d ago38:45

38:45

In this episode, we sit down with Noel Cottrell, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Murder Hornet, a creatively led agency that swarms around big ideas with a flexible, collective model. Noel takes us through his journey of breaking into advertising - again and again - from working at Saatchi & Saatchi London to launching agencies in South Afric…

1
How Mischief and Kraft Heinz Made A.1. Go Viral 24:15

23d ago24:15

24:15

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 …

1
Welcome to Kansas City Marketing Legends Season 2 36:37

25d ago36:37

36:37

Send us a text Welcome to Season Two of Kansas City Marketing Legends! After the incredible energy and inspiring conversations of Season One, we knew we had to come back for more. This season, we’re diving even deeper into the stories and insights of the people who have helped make Kansas City a marketing powerhouse. A special shoutout to our frien…

1
Tony Hawk & Adam Wilson, Talking Ads 41:34

27d ago41:34

41:34

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 sha…

1
Small Shop, Big Strategy: Kurt Ravenwood of SRH 34:26

28d ago34:26

34:26

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. …

1
Season 6, Episode 9 : Don’t Focus on the Battle : Brice Jaggars, Head of Technology for the Americas, Avanade Inc 1:04:16

28d ago1:04:16

1:04:16

Are you feeling stuck, uninspired, or just plain off? You're not alone. As we navigate a world filled with uncertainty—from AI replacing jobs and massive industry shifts to the heaviness of politics and burnout—many professionals are experiencing what Jayzen calls a “career funk.” But instead of waiting for things to get better, what if this is you…

1
David Littlejohn on Magic, Humor & Building Humanaut Into a Standout Indie Agency 52:14

29d ago52:14

52:14

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 p…

1
BrandSide: Julio D’Alfonso on Leading Creative at DoorDash 44:10

1M ago44:10

44:10

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 t…

1
Joslyn Summerset on Brand Strategy and Consumer Insights, Group Account Director at DCX 37:23

1M ago37:23

37:23

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 …

1
Jaime Robinson on Creative Expectations at All Levels, CCO and Co-Founder of JOAN 39:38

1M ago39:38

39:38

In this episode, Jaime Robinson - Co-Founder and CCO of JOAN Creative - talks about what it takes to crush it creatively at every level, from starting at a junior level to becoming a visionary creative director. With clients like Luna Daily, eBay, S&P Global, and Virgin Hotels, JOAN Creative is known for blending big brand thinking with modern medi…

1
Nikki Baker, CEO of Fallon: The Kindest Leader in Advertising 37:48

1M ago37:48

37:48

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. …

1
16 Years. One Agency. Here’s Why Sinan Dagli Stays Loyal to BSSP 34:38

1M ago34:38

34:38

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 Yogu…

1
BrandSide: Awards 101 with Mike Nolan, Global CEO of Product of the Year 25:56

1M ago25:56

25:56

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 competitiv…

1
Questions Are the Future: Redefining Creativity in an AI World 39:57

1M ago39:57

39:57

On this episode of Human Centered, host Nick Brunker welcomes Jason Gaikowski, VML's Chief Transformation Officer, to explore how AI is transforming creativity in marketing. Jason describes our industry's "engagement addiction" as creating "junk food for the soul" and argues we're experiencing an "event horizon" - a profound shift comparable to the…

1
Legend Status: Hal Curtis on 28 Years at W+K and Revolutionizing Nike, ESPN and more 56:45

1M ago56:45

56:45

Hal Curtis, Creative Director at Bespoke Brand Communications and longtime creative force behind iconic campaigns at Wieden+Kennedy, reveals what it takes to create advertising that truly moves people. With an award-winning portfolio that includes work for Nike, ESPN, Coca-Cola, and more, Hal shares how to craft emotionally resonant stories that st…

1
Season 6, Episode 8 : Find Your Voice : Paula Bruno, CEO, Intuition Media Group 1:00:14

1M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

In this empowering episode of the Lead With Your Brand podcast, host Jayzen Patria dives deeper into the final step of the Five Steps to Lead With Your Brand™—Be Your Own Chief Marketing Officer—by exploring the critical roles of influencers, endorsers, and word of mouth in building your professional brand. Last week, we focused on controlling your…

1
Jo Hayes Breaks Down Strategy, Storytelling & Standing Out at Barbarian 39:16

1M ago39:16

39:16

Jo Hayes, Executive Director of Strategy at Barbarian, never set out to be a strategist - but her unconventional path prepared her for it in ways she never expected. In this episode, Jo shares how running a dance studio in Hoboken taught her the fundamentals of business, data analysis, and client management. She discusses how every job she landed i…

1
March Adness: Agency Tagline Tournament | 32 Agencies, 1 Winner 44:59

1M ago44:59

44:59

Welcome to March Adness, our first-ever Agency Tagline Tournament. Inspired by the madness of March and the creativity of our industry. Joined by Ad Age’s Brian Bonilla, we put 32 real agency taglines head-to-head to see which ones stand out, resonate, and stick. From indie upstarts to iconic global shops, nothing is off limits as we break down wha…

1
The Blue Crowbar Awards Winners: AMC Reinvented by Alex Ward, Joe Wint, and Joy Zhou with Guest Judge Nils Leonard 24:58

2M ago24:58

24:58

The Crowbar Awards celebrate the brightest young minds in advertising, and this quarter’s winners - Alex Ward, Joe Wint, and Joy Zhou - are shaking up the industry. Their innovative campaign for AMC Theaters redefines audience engagement with interactive billboards and a fan-driven concessions model. In this episode, guest judge Nils Leonard, found…

1
Dustin Tomes on Creativity, Leadership & the Future of TBWA\Chiat\Day New York 45:32

2M ago45:32

45:32

Dustin Tomes, CCO at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York, takes us through his journey from Crispin Porter + Boguski to leading a top creative agency. He shares lessons from working alongside industry leaders like Alex Boguski and David Droga, the role of resilience in career growth, and why creativity should be at the core of every discipline. Dustin discusse…

1
How Tori Nygren Blends Big Ideas with Hands-On Production at Hogwash Studios 41:52

2M ago41:52

41:52

In this episode, Tori Nygren, Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director of Hogwash Studios, shares her journey from starting as an assistant at Droga5 - without attending portfolio school - to leading a hybrid creative agency and production company. She discusses how her time at Uber shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and how Hogwash blends creati…

1
Inside the 4A’s: Marla Kaplowitz on Mentorship, Risk-Taking, and Career Growth 31:31

2M ago31:31

31:31

In this episode, we sit down with Marla Kaplowitz, CEO of the 4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies). Marla shares invaluable advice for aspiring and mid-level advertising professionals - from finding mentors and sponsors to embracing risks that accelerate career growth. We also dive into how the 4A’s supports agencies and individuals …

1
BrandSide: Fabio Ruffet on Leading Mars Wrigley’s Iconic Brands 43:25

2M ago43:25

43:25

In this episode, we sit down with Fabio Ruffet, Vice President of Creative Brand and Content at Mars Wrigley. Fabio reveals how he transitioned from brand marketing at Bristol Myers Squibb to leading groundbreaking campaigns like Dove’s “Real Beauty” at Ogilvy, before returning to the brand side with Bacardi and now Mars Wrigley. He breaks down how…

1
Peter Bray on Fostering Creativity and Inspiration at Bray & Co 34:59

2M ago34:59

34:59

In this episode, Peter Bray, founder and ECD of Bray & Co, discusses how his agency prioritizes inspiration to fuel creativity. He explains the shift from traditional "magic box" solutions to collaborative, ongoing partnerships with clients, where the goal is to inspire and challenge brands to think differently and create lasting impact. Peter expl…

1
BrandSide: Marcelo Kertesz, CMO of Manscaped, on Crafting a Bold Brand Identity 50:17

2M ago50:17

50:17

In this episode, Marcelo Kertesz, CMO of Manscaped, shares his journey from product design school to leading one of the most disruptive brands in men's grooming. He reveals how, during COVID, he took the initiative to propose a complete rebrand for Manscaped, which ultimately helped reshape the brand’s identity. Marcelo delves into the balance betw…

1
Behind the Work: The Missing Issue by Havas New York for The Harris Project 36:19

2M ago36:19

36:19

In this powerful episode, we go Behind the Work of The Missing Issue, a groundbreaking collaboration between Havas New York, Us Weekly, and The Harris Project. Executive Producer Josh Kornrich and Harris Project Founder Stephanie Marquesano join us to share how this campaign reframes the way media reports on celebrity overdoses by spotlighting co-o…

1
Graham North on Strategy, Honesty, and Building Brave Work at nice&frank 37:36

2M ago37:36

37:36

In this episode, we talk with Graham North, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at nice&frank, an independent agency built on radical honesty and transparency. Graham shares his journey from journalism and startups to advertising, detailing how his Brand Camp initiative at Goodby Silverstein & Partners laid the foundation for his agency’s bold, n…

1
Season 6, Episode 7 : Stay Curious : Liz Randall, Head of Operations, Strategic Development, CAA 1:07:00

2M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Since the start of the year, Jayzen has taken an extended deep dive each week into one of the Five Steps To Lead With Your Brand! As a review, here are the first four steps of the Lead With Your Brand! system: Define Your Audience Know What You Stand For Today Refine Who You Want To Be Keep Up Your Image! This week, we’re on to Step 5…Be Your Own C…

1
How Pedro Lerma Built an Independent Agency Driven by Purpose 46:34

2M ago46:34

46:34

In this episode, Pedro Lerma, CEO and Founder of LERMA, shares his path into advertising - from creating a bold Ad Age mock-up to landing a role at The Richards Group and eventually launching his own independent agency. With clients like Avocados from Mexico, The Home Depot, and Salvation Army, Lerma has built a purpose-driven agency that blends cr…

1
M+C SAATCHI BREAK-IN: Nadja Bellan-White on Bold Leadership & Brand Reinvention 33:32

2M ago33:32

33:32

Nadja Bellan-White, Group CEO of M+C Saatchi North America, shares why bravery is the biggest trait separating great CMOs from the rest. From transforming global brands like Unilever and Coca-Cola to restructuring an entire country’s reputation, Nadja reveals how companies can reclaim cultural power and adapt to today’s business challenges. She als…

1
M+C SAATCHI BREAK-IN: Stevie Archer on Cultural Power & Big Ideas That Win 38:03

2M ago38:03

38:03

Stevie Archer, Chief Creative Officer of M+C Saatchi North America, dives into the secret to creating work that gets people talking. She shares how to turn brands into cultural powerhouses, her strategy for breakthrough creative, and why Nike, Iceland, and other top brands dominate culture. Plus, her one question that unlocks creative blockages ins…

1
M+C SAATCHI BREAK-IN: Alexandra Osorio on Culture, Influence & Brand Power 32:32

2M ago32:32

32:32

Alexandra Osorio, Regional MD of Influencer Engagement and Culture at M+C Saatchi Group, breaks down how brands can harness culture and influencer marketing to build deep consumer connections. She shares insights on authenticity vs. trends, what brands keep getting wrong, and how influencer strategy is evolving in 2025. If you want to stay ahead in…

1
Blending Creativity & Performance Driven Marketing with Justin Hooper 45:58

2M ago45:58

45:58

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Hooper, SVP and Head of Creative at Wpromote, to explore the intersection of creativity and performance marketing. Justin shares his unique career journey - from working at creative agencies to leading the charge in performance marketing. He breaks down the marketing funnel, explains how brands can successfu…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

VML Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen