Explore every episode of the podcast Question Everything
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The growth playbook behind Mike & Ike's We Got'chew with Meenakshi Trehan, Chief Growth Officer at Just Born | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:41:01 | |
The growth playbook behind Mike & Ike's We Got'Chew with Meenakshi Trehan, Chief Growth Officer at Just Born
Meenakshi Trehan is responsible for growing some of the most iconic candy brands in the world, including MIKE AND IKE, PEEPS, HOT TAMALES and GOLDENBERG'S PEANUT CHEWS. As Chief Growth Officer at Just Born, she's helping beloved brands with decades-long histories find new ways to show up for today's consumers. In this episode of Question Everything with Meenakshi, we cover how MIKE AND IKE turned a product truth into the "We Got'Chew" brand campaign platform, the best ways to modernize legacy brands, and celebrity partnerships that actually build brand equity. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| How brands can find better insights with Adam Wilson, Co-Founder of D/CAL | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:40:44 | |
Adam Wilson has spent his career helping brands stand out. After years at creative agencies and a stint leading brand marketing at Carhartt, he now leads strategy and creative at D/CAL, the agency he co-founded with Tony Hawk. In this episode of Question Everything, Adam shares why so many CMOs struggle to differentiate their brand, how brands can think like creators to earn attention, and how CMOs can get the most from their agency partners. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| CMO leadership in the Never Normal with Peter Hinssen | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:37:50 | |
Peter Hinssen has spent his career helping leaders make sense of a world that refuses to slow down. A technologist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker, Peter has advised companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google on how to thrive in what he calls the "never normal" a new era defined by nonstop disruption and exponential change.
In this episode, Peter shares what CMOs must do to successfully lead in a world of constant acceleration, the power of "day after tomorrow" thinking for your business, and why failing fast has quietly become one of the biggest competitive advantages in modern marketing. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| How legacy brands innovate with Nicole Ayers of General Mills | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:42:15 | |
Nicole Ayers has built a career out of scaling brands that make mealtime 1000x more fun. She once managed cereal icons like Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. These days, she's all about four-legged foodies. Partnering with Curiosity, Nicole and Blue Buffalo are stepping into the fresh pet food game with their newest product innovation: Love Made Fresh.
In this episode, Nicole pulls back the curtain on how you can confidently bring new product innovations to market, why you should never let consumer testing dictate the fate of your work, and how to make the most of your marketing dollars.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Building a challenger brand that wins with Stefan Lagerqvist, CEO @ Nick's | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:40:47 | |
Stefan Lagerqvist is a proven business leader best known for his unique blend of elevated financial expertise, strategic insight, and world-class brand-building experience, honed at P&G and Unilever. Currently, Stefan serves as the Group CEO at NICK'S, a Swedish better-for-you ice cream and protein bar brand that's made a name for itself in snack aisles across Europe and the US.
In this episode, we cover the unexpected difficulties Stefan and Nick's faced during their high-growth era, the keys to pulling off the best experiential marketing, and how Nick's crafted their flirtatiously bold brand voice.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Multiplying impact with unique perspectives with Damaune Journey, Global Chief Growth Officer @ 72andSunny | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:44:00 | |
Multiplying impact with unique perspectives with Damaune Journey, Global Chief Growth Officer @ 72andSunny Damaune Journey's leap into advertising was inspired by purpose. A lack of representation across media inspired his mid-career pivot, and since then, he's made historic strides as the Global Chief Growth Officer at 72andSunny. Damaune has helped lead the agency to global recognition, award-winning campaigns, and an internal creative culture rooted in optimism. From filming Super Bowl spots in Ghana to co-founding Sport Beach at Cannes, he's proving that advertising is bigger than driving sales. In this episode of Question Everything, Damaune unpacks his formula for impactful advertising, 72andSunny's internal litmus test used to judge their work, and the agency's unique process for democratizing culture-shifting campaigns.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| The Gen Z ad industry playbook with Geno Schellenberger, Co-founder @ Breaking and Entering Media | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:32:01 | |
Breaking and Entering's Media's Geno Schellenberger is writing Gen Z's ad industry playbook
Geno Schellenberger's Breaking and Entering Media takes pretension out of the press by using Gen Z-native content strategies to keep advertisers entertained and in the know. In this episode of Question Everything, Geno opens up about the power of personal brand building in the age of AI, the most impactful Gen Z marketing strategies, and trends the industry should retire. It's a party, and Geno's inviting the industry's newest talent to dance. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| The strategy behind the stir with Oliver McAteer, Partner at Mischief @ No Fixed Address | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:48:05 | |
Oliver McAteer shares Mischief's secrets to successful disruptive creative campaigns
Oliver McAteer is in the business of making brands unignorable. As Partner and Head of Development at Mischief @ No Fixed Address, he's helped shape one of the world's most talked-about and awarded creative agencies.
In this episode of Question Everything, Ollie gets candid about how Mischief arrives at their disruptive creative strategies, how agency culture fuels talked-about campaigns, and what it takes to get CMOs outside their comfort zone. From viral cheese pulls to deepfake diplomacy, he shares what it takes to earn attention and keep it.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| The future of AI-driven creativity with PJ Pereira, Founder @ Silverside AI | 06 May 2025 | 00:54:06 | |
PJ Pereira schools us on the best AI tools for CMOs and overcoming AI anxiety.
PJ Pereira is an industry legend whose success is fueled by creatively embracing eras of extreme innovation. Starting his career when the internet was in its infancy, he has conquered the digital age of marketing and is setting his sights on taming the AI giant in the room. His third agency, Silverside AI, has already solved creative problems for some of the biggest brands in the world using AI. Most of all, PJ is fiercely passionate about helping creatives facing AI anxiety head-on by retooling their skillsets for the next generation of advertising.
Must-hear moments for this episode include: How a CMO can avoid paralysis when integrating AI into their business, why the future of big ideas is actually small ideas, and why ad professionals need to embrace AI or risk losing relevance.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Build community like a boss with Helen Morrison, CMO @ Frownies | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:41:04 | |
Don't let the name fool you: Frownies, the miracle wrinkle patch, has delivered cheese-worthy results for over 100 years. Helen Morrison, Frownie's Chief Marketing Unicorn, has breathed new life into the family-owned brand thanks to her best-in-class organic social media approach. The secret? She prioritizes building a true community around her audience's shared goal – not just to sell product.
Can't-miss moments for this episode include: how brands can win the trust of their target, key do's and don'ts for building a community on social, and how your brand can sustain success for over a century.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Underrated CPG strategies with Jordan Howell, Sr. Brand Director @ Splenda | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:26:54 | |
Jordan Howell's tips on strengthening your brand and facing cultural headwinds.
You can always count on a sweet meetup when Splenda's Sr. Director of Marketing Jordan Howell is in the building. Known for his strong data skills, Jordan is trailblazing a new era of social for Splenda after epic stints as Global Marketing Director for brands like Glade and Ziploc at SC Johnson. Plus, his confidence navigating consumer pushback has led him to notable marketing wins across four continents.
Must-hear moments for this episode include: How to turn cultural headwinds into tailwinds, why data should be the backbone of any brief, and how his team reacted to Nicholas Spark's viral chicken salad recipe. Yes, it contains 16 packets of Splenda.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| The CMO-agency strategy guide with Christine Olivas, CEO @ No Single Individual | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:35:31 | |
Christine Olivas has changed the way many agencies think about strategy. Since 2021, her business No Single Individual emphasizes that strategy is no small deal, providing a team of strategists to "team-lance" for agencies and their client projects. She and her team have worked with dozens of agencies – racking up experience working with hundreds of clients.
Must-hear moments from this episode include: why CMO-agency teamwork is essential for a good brief, what goes into an effective strategy presentation, and how to turn your agency ownership dreams into reality. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| How to pitch creative work with presentation coach Ben Levy | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:35:09 | |
Like most creatives in ad land, Ben was taught how to make great work, not how to sell it. He let his work "speak for itself" until he realized that great ideas don't win unless they've got a great pitch behind them. With few actionable frameworks or guides available, he took matters into his own hands, teaching himself the art of pitching. That journey led him to build a 10-session course, author two books, and coach some of the industry's top creatives on how to "sell it great." In this episode of Question Everything, Ben shares how to uncover the invisible brief every client has, shake off presentation nerves, and answer the four questions a pitch must address to win. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Feedback, friendship, and creative philosophy with Curiosity Leadership | 07 Jan 2025 | 00:42:20 | |
Curiosity owners share their learnings, friendship, and journey after six years of leading an independent creative agency.
Question Everything host Ashley Walters sits down with fellow owners President Trey Harness and Chief Creative Officer Jeff Warman. Besides being long-time partners, they're also long-time friends – and in this episode – they share the most defining moments from their six years of ownership. Plus, they give a sneak peek at what we're cooking up for 2025.
Must-hear moments from this episode include: feedback that changed the trajectory of their careers, why Curiosity views special creative as "Art in Overalls," and what Curiosity is bringing to the table in 2025 – including a brand new office space. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| How CMOs can repair a broken agency relationship with Dan Jeffries, CEO @ Jeffries Consulting | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:37:32 | |
Dan Jeffries shares how agency and client relationships can get off track and how to get the chemistry back.
Dan Jeffries is a seasoned consultant who has worked with some of the most recognizable brands in the world, including Samsung, PetSmart, Capital One, Sonic, and AutoZone. His consulting firm doesn't stop at matching CMOs with agencies, he offers a comprehensive agency management program to maintain top-notch performance throughout the client-agency relationship.
Must-hear moments from this episode include: How CMOs can repair broken client-agency relationships, why the pitch will never fully be ditched, and how to end a client-agency relationship with grace. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Why CMOs should pay attention to indie agencies with Doug Zanger, Founder @ Indie Agency News | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:38:54 | |
Doug Zanger unpacks why the industry is in its indie agency era and the power of asking great questions. Doug Zanger, or Uncle Advertising, as he likes to call himself, is the founder of Indie Agency News: A global platform for independent agencies to connect, collaborate, and promote their best work. Before founding Indie Agency News, Zanger was a student of the industry, cutting his teeth at Adweek, The Martin Agency, Nike, and more – helping him develop the underrated skill of asking better questions to uncover better insights. Must-hear moments from this episode include: why CMOs should pay attention to independent agencies, stumping Oprah with a killer question, and some of the best ads from indies in 2024.
What you will learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Why the accurate representation of women fuels business growth with Christine Guilfoyle, President @ SeeHer | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:47:05 | |
Christine Guilfoyle reveals the power of the SHEconomy and how brands can be a force for growth, good, and girls. President of SeeHer Christine Guilfoyle believes if you see her, you can be her. But how do you convince CMOs that the accurate representation of women in marketing and media isn't just a moral decision, but a savvy business decision? By creating SeeHer's Gender Equality Measure (GEM) tool: the first data-driven methodology for identifying gender bias in media to deliver insights that grow businesses and help push the industry forward. Must-hear moments from this episode include how CMOs can tap into the SHEconomy, how brands can be a force for growth and good, and why your brand's next big move should be supporting women in sports. What you will learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Strengthening your brand and building loyalty with Lisa Martinelli, VP of Marketing @ Stop & Shop | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:35:51 | |
Lisa Martinelli discusses retail marketing strategies and how to build brand loyalty. Listen to this podcast with Lisa. Stop & Shop's Vice President of marketing Lisa Martinelli gives advice on how CMOs can strengthen their brand. Lisa's experience supporting marketing operations for CVS and Stop & Shop makes her very well-versed in marketing strategies for major retailers. Retail marketing is less common than marketing for a consumer good or service, however, there are many strategic parallels. Must-hear moments from this episode include the two secrets to big marketing moves, why tension is the strategic ingredient to writing a good brief, and why you need to live your brand purpose. This podcast is a mini masterclass on brand building. What you will learn in this episode with Lisa:
Resources:
| |||
| Leveraging your network and living your positioning with Simone and Rachel, Co-founders @ NBZ | 05 Aug 2024 | 00:47:32 | |
Simone and Rachel discuss best practices for agencies to gain new business. Listen to this podcast with Simone and Rachel. NBZ Co-founders Simone Mandel and Rachel Segall compare agency matchmaking to setting a friend up on a blind date. They tell us about their process with brands looking to work with agencies that will approach their brief with modern solutions. These two are working with the unusual suspects to secure long-term relationships with clients. Simone brings 18 years of experience driving new business for agencies Ogilvy, VMLYR, and Futurebrand. Rachel is a master brand builder – helping launch iconic brands like Seedlip AND leading global accounts for Colgate, Intel, and General Mills in her 15-year career. Safe to say they know a thing or two about the industry. In today's episode, they drop some knowledge on effective agency branding, how to build a pipeline without cold calling, and how to win with CMOs who choose project-based work. What you will learn in this episode with Simone Mandel & Rachel Segall:
Resources: | |||
| Ditching the pitch and agency matchmaking with Pete Carter, Founder & CEO @ Creative Haystack | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:53:21 | |
Pete Carter shares his top P&G marketing campaigns and what catches a CMO's attention. Listen to this podcast with Pete Carter. If you have pitch fatigue, you're not alone. This week, we're sitting down with one of the original "ditch the pitch" advocates, Pete Carter of Creative Haystack. With an impressive 41-year tenure at P&G, Pete knows all about memorable marketing campaigns and what really catches the attention of a CMO. For over four decades, Pete had a role in creating some of the most iconic campaigns of all time and reshaped how P&G thinks about its relationships with agencies. Today, we talk about gems like the heart-warming Pampers "Peace on Earth" spot and the Pantene "Strong is Beautiful" anthem that made the Top 3 best Super Bowl ads...without even airing nationally. After we unpack P&G's best moments, Pete shares his battle-tested wisdom for CMOs and marketers. He emphasizes nailing your brand positioning before anything else, the importance of finding agency partners who are a culture fit, and why he believes agencies need to "ditch the pitch" — which is easier said than done. Pete Carter gives great advice for agencies and CMOs on how to work better together to create impactful campaigns with staying power—from perfecting selling lines to bringing impressive case studies to brands that really show them what you're capable of. What you will learn in this episode with Pete Carter:
Resources:
| |||
| How to embody courageous leadership with Todd Henry, author and Founder @ Daily Creative | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:46:20 | |
Author and Founder of Daily Creative Todd Henry, shares inspiration for marketing leaders and creative leadership. You'll get inspiration, insights, and more from our conversation with Todd Henry the "arms dealer for the creative revolution." Arms dealer for the creative revolution is a fitting title for Todd as he spent two decades researching the best practices talented people can undergo to get the most out of themselves. Lucky for us, we got a sliver of his extensive knowledge in this episode. You can find more of what he has to say on his podcast, the Daily Creative, or in the many books he has written. In this episode, Todd shares his how-to's for several topics ranging from courageous leadership to curing imposter syndrome. Our conversation gives you the tools needed to navigate different conflicts in your career. You'll take away important lessons like why it is better to lead by influence, not control, and how morning routines disrupt the status quo. Tune in. What you will learn in this episode is about capturing the attention of big brands as a small agency from Mercer Island Group:
Resources:
Connect with Todd on LinkedIn | |||
| Building a legendary creative review board with Michelle Hillman, Chief Campaign Development Officer @ Ad Council | 02 May 2024 | 00:35:55 | |
What's it like to be in charge of deploying some of the nation's most important messages? Just ask Ad Council's Chief Campaign Development Officer Michelle Hillman. She gives us insight into launching public service campaigns that tackle complex issues such as gun violence, the opioid crisis, and buzzed driving. Spoiler alert, it ain't easy, but after working on it for 24 years with a stacked Creative Review Committee she makes it look like it is.
In this episode, Michelle reveals how Ad Council uses emotional advertising to change behavior, how CMOs can build a world-class creative review committee, and tips for how to be a top-tier mentor.
Here's a quick recap of the convo:
Why Michelle believes working at Ad Council is one of the best jobs in advertising
The importance of immersive research when creating effective emotional advertising
What grabs the attention of judges at the Effie Awards
How Ad Council's legendary creative review committee evaluates ideas
How CMOs can build a creative review board to vet their ideas – including how to entice industry legends like Cindy Gallop, Susan Credle, and Margaret Johnson to sign on
How Ad Council uses influencers and the importance of a trusted messenger strategy
How Michelle creates separation between the tough issues she's tackling at work and her home life
What it's like to work with the government on public service campaigns
How to make it on Ad Council's trusted roster of agency partners
The most challenging public issues to build awareness for and why
What it takes to be a world-class mentor
Plus, some rapid-fire questions that reveal whether Michelle prefers puppies or kittens
Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn and find out more about Ad Council here.
Catch our latest work with Ad Council and the NHTSA for "Buzzed Driving Prevention."
If you'd prefer to read the biggest takeaways from our conversation, catch the write-up here.
| |||
| Leading an insurgent brand with Deeannah Seymour, CEO @ pH-D Feminine Health | 01 Apr 2024 | 00:45:28 | |
They say entrepreneurs are self-starters with high energy. We definitely felt that was true after chatting with the Co-Founder and CEO of pH-D Deeannah Seymour. Deeannah started pH-D, with the goal of creating affordable and convenient vaginal suppositories, that make women confident in their everyday lives.
In this episode, Deennah tells us her story and mission for pH-D. We talk about destigmatizing feminine hygiene and what it's like to be one of the few women CEOs in the category. On top of that, we touch on what it means to be an Insurgent Brand and how to leverage TikTok as a marketing tool.
Here's a quick recap of the convo:
How to walk in and own the room – especially when you're the only woman
How conviction leads to courage and what that has looked like for pH-D
Challenges that came with being the first brand to say the word "vagina" on TV
The secret to getting and staying on the shelves of major retailers across North America
Knowing when to take that leap of faith
The miraculous experience of being a living organ donor and how it's shaped Deeannah as a leader
Seeing firsthand how pH-D has changed the lives of women across the nation
What it means to make Bain and Company's 2024 Insurgent Brand list
How to leverage TikTok as a powerful marketing tool
Plus, some rapid-fire questions that showed where Deeannah's heart lies.
Connect with Deeannah on LinkedIn and learn more about pH-D on their website
If you'd prefer to read the biggest takeaways from our conversation, catch the write-up here.
Articles Mentioned: Bain & Company's 2024 Insurgent Brand List
| |||
| Brand strategy lessons from Heidi Hackemer: how brands break through | 05 May 2026 | 00:50:17 | |
What it takes for brands to break through with Heidi Hackemer, Principal of Hackemer
Heidi Hackemer is the Principal of strategy consultancy Hackemer, where she fearlessly tackles the brand world's most interesting challenges. Her approach to breakthrough strategy isn't flashy – it's rooted in the fundamentals. From Google and Nike to the Obama White House, she's started every assignment the same way: the 4C's framework, a whiteboard, and a Diet Coke.
In this episode of Question Everything, Heidi shares what brands can do to create space in a crowded landscape, what legacy brands need to make a comeback, and why CMOs need to be the bravest people in the room for a brand to grow.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| How small agencies can win big clients with Robin & Steve Boehler, Founders @ Mercer Island Group | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:52:08 | |
Consider this your all-access pass to advertising's top agency/client matchmakers. We're chatting with power couple Robin and Steve Boehler of Mercer Island Group, the West Coast's top consultancy firm helping both brands and agencies solve critical business and organizational challenges. In this episode, Robin and Steve reveal all the insider info behind the agency review process — from how to catch a marketer's attention to what clients want to see in a pitch. They share tips on mastering the all-important "tissue session," the magic small agencies bring to a pitch, why chemistry and listening skills are make-or-break for agencies and so much more. Here's a quick recap of the convo: What the agency landscape looks like in 2024 What an agency can do to get a CMO's attention Robin and Steve's perspective on DEI in the industry and what role it plays in agency matchmaking The magic smaller shops bring to the pitch that larger agencies should take note of Three things a CMO should consider when hiring a new agency Whether or not the awards an agency wins matters to CMOs How to master the tissue session When it is acceptable for agencies to pull out of a pitch Why agency pitch teams are not favorable for many clients Plus, some rapid-fire questions that'll have you on the edge of your seat Connect with Robin and Steve on LinkedIn. Catch our favorite takeaways from this can't-miss episode here: https://www.curiosity.fun/thoughts/5-insider-strategies-from-agency-matchmakers-robin-and-steve-boehler Feast your eyes on Robin and Steve's tissue session strategies here. | |||
| Making the Ad Age A-List with Brian Bonilla, Senior Reporter @ Ad Age | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:46:56 | |
Who doesn't love a good inside scoop? As a Senior Reporter for Ad Age, Brian Bonilla is not only a captivating writer but also a crystal ball for the industry. He's written countless articles on topics ranging from agency mergers and acquisitions to top campaigns from the biggest brands. For Brian, the challenge isn't a lack of industry tea to cover, it's sifting through the mountain of emails vying for his attention. Today's episode is our Super Bowl special. In preparation for the Big Game, we settled in for Brian's hottest takes on upcoming Super Bowl spots, the do's and don'ts when promoting your agency, DEI improvements in the industry, and how to make the Ad Age A-List. Here's a quick recap of the convo: Why the most talked about Super Bowl spots will come from snack and sportsbook brands Three things agencies should know about when promoting themselves Spots that missed the mark at last year's big game How are DEI efforts progressing in the industry and what's left to do How the agency Highdive consistently produces spots that score big with audiences What Martin Scorsese will bring to the short-form content world with his advertising debut Why the Super Bowl may be losing relevance despite drawing a huge audience What it's like to be in the room that decides who makes the Ad Age's A-List Plus, some rapid-fire questions that'll leave you breathless
Connect with Brian on X (Twitter) or LinkedIn.
If you'd prefer to read the biggest takeaways from our conversation, catch the write-up here.
Articles mentioned: Meet the mayors of Drip City https://www.bkmag.com/2023/12/14/meet-the-mayors-of-drip-city/ How agencies are marketing themselves – and why it's more important than ever The Ad Age Super Bowl playbook: https://adage.com/events/2521696 What Gen Z Wants to See from Super Bowl Advertisers: https://adage.com/article/marketing-news-strategy/what-gen-z-wants-super-bowl-advertisers/2539226
| |||
| The secret to excellent client-agency relationships with Grace Whitman, Senior Brand Director @ P&G | 29 Dec 2023 | 00:51:40 | |
Secret's out – P&G Brand Director (and Curiosity bestie) Grace Whitman has been (lightly) grilled by the Question Everything gameboard. And yes, all your burning questions about working in those iconic towers have been answered.
Grace serves as the Senior Brand Director for Secret – but we know her best from being the lead client on our Native No is our whoa work. Grace is known to be a master brief writer, data nerd, and an absolute blast on set.
Before Secret, Grace got her start at P&G working in R&D for baby care. After earning her stripes in P&G Consumer Market Knowledge, Grace went on to lead Native's retail launch efforts and left her stamp on Old Spice.
Between astute marketing insights, prepare to catch some antics – including Grace's choir career, her Yagoot FOMO, and her fascination with death. This is a can't-miss episode.
Why the best briefs often take 5 months to create – and the consequences of rushing the process.
What P&G looks for in an agency and what totally turns them off.
Why it pains your client to give executional feedback and how to avoid it.
Why your brief should be like a contract that agencies and clients both sign.
Why the most successful people are the ones who ask the questions everyone's thinking.
How small shifts in language can make a brief endlessly more inspiring.
Why giving your agency internal political context can set them up for success.
What DTC brands have to learn from legacy brands and vice versa.
Why Cincinnati's startup scene is one of the best.
Connect with Grace on LinkedIn here.
If you'd prefer to read the biggest takeaways from our conversation, catch the write-up here.
| |||
| Fearless creative wins clients with Jameson Fleming, Managing Editor @ Adweek | 04 Dec 2023 | 00:35:54 | |
Extra, extra – Adweek's Jameson Fleming has entered the chat. This news guru has held just about every role possible in the Adweek newsroom – now serving as Managing Editor of Marketing and Agencies. Our favorite thing about Jameson? His passion for agencies big and small makes him very accessible. Even to independent shops like ours. But it hasn't always been all advertising for Jameson. Before getting his start in the industry, he earned his stripes in sports: covering a Super Bowl, Final Four, and the longest college hoops game in history – all before he was 24, NBD. You may even have a hard time keeping up with all his sports references in this episode. We sure did. On today's episode, we unpack Jameson's hottest takes on client-agency relationships, how to get on Adweek's radar, industry talent, and the subtle art of creating edgy work without getting canceled.
Here's a quick recap of the convo: Why risky work is worth it – nobody talks about playing it safe. Why brands shouldn't be shy about sharing their work with the press – your competitors already know what you're up to. Mischief's Greg Hahn on why building your agency's brand is essential. Why talent retention involves mentoring young minority talent. Why striking a balance between remote and in-office work is essential for maintaining the productivity and creativity of a team. Why having kids makes you a more empathetic leader. Messaging masterclass: brands that nailed turning bad press into not-so-bad press. What holiday gifts actually get the press's attention. Plus, the one person Jameson would drop everything to happy hour with.
If you'd prefer to read the biggest takeaways from our conversation, catch the write-up here. | |||
| Why scrappy creativity leads to big opportunities with Ben Nunery, Co-founder @ Powerhouse Factories | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:50:59 | |
Ben Nunery is the co-founder and brain behind the incredible work at Powerhouse Factories, which makes "kick-ass design work for kick-ass bands." Ben and a friend started Powerhouse out of a garage in 1999, and since his work has been used for artists like The Black Keys and Lizzo, and brands like Herbal Essences and Redbull. He is, at his core, a creative strategist with a passion for the ways music and design evoke emotional responses in people, but also a music knowledge connoisseur. Today, Ben sits down with us (live and in person!) to talk shop about how he built his brand from a garage to a full-blown media corporation. He dives into all things creative - from the art of printmaking to the intersection of music and marketing - teaching us that so long as you have the ideas, the drive, and a good partner, you can make your passions your day job.
Here are some of the notes we hit: What poster bombing on college campuses can teach you about consumer behavior. Why over-inspiring yourself with the work of others is actually counterproductive. NFTs are defining a growing movement - why jumping on board could be your big break. Why not having resources can actually spur creativity. Going into business with your friend can work - if you treat it like a marriage. How working out of a garage can turn into working for top global brands.
Must-reads from this episode: Show Posters by Pat Jones and Ben Nunery | |||
| Bringing excitement and curiosity to food with Derek Wallace, Cofounder & CEO @ Kalamata's Kitchen | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:47:24 | |
Mind open, fork ready. Derek Wallace is the Co-founder and CEO of Kalamata's Kitchen – a food adventure startup set to inspire the next generation of curious, courageous, and compassionate eaters. After leaving his comfy corporate gig, Derek bet on himself and combined his passion for food and world exploration to live out new shared experiences with his son. Derek's delicious new venture helps kids and grown-ups explore new cultures through food via the adventures of fictional character Kalamata – think Dora the Explorers meets Anthony Bourdain. Her adventures span children's books, activities, kitchen gear, and more – and only have one rule: You must try everything at least twice. Between sound bites, Derek takes a moment to discuss how becoming a dad influenced his decision to break away from the corporate world and create something his son can be proud of. His mantra? "Doing nothing should scare you more than doing something bold."
Dig into a few of the topics we covered: Why you should MAKE it til you make it. Having a villain in your field is more motivating than an advocate. Normalizing betting on yourself when you take a risk. Why adventurous-eating kids are more likely to grow into empathetic adults Why becoming a working parent can be one of the best things for your career. How to be one of 39% of campaigns that win on Kickstarter. (With a little help from Audrey Belliard.)
Connect with Derek on LinkedIn or Instagram, and check out everything Kalamata's Kitchen here.
| |||
| The link between DEI & comedy with Luna Malbroux, Founder @ Joy Channel | 31 Aug 2023 | 00:49:46 | |
Luna Malbroux is the founder and "Chief Vibe Officer" of Joy Channel. She's an experienced facilitator, speaker, and leader in creating inclusive spaces. A self-described "joy evangelist" – she believes that fostering belonging, community, communication, connection and fun is the missing link in many approaches to DEI initiatives. She's also an award-winning comedian, writer, musician, and public intellect whose work has been featured in KQED, NPR, Glamour Magazine, The Atlantic, and more. Today, Luna sits down to chat how unwavering dedication to a community, thought, or idea will take you and your brand far - and why building spaces where people can feel human is the best practice for an authentic (and fun!) work environment. Along the way, she shares the essentials of creating these connected communities. Between laughs and hard lessons, Luna teaches us about what it's like to be a comedian, DEI consultant, and joyful human in this cultural climate.
Here's a peek at some of the topics we explore: Why drag queens and burlesque dancers are the best teachers of equitable business practices. How humor can be the key to opening people's minds to difficult topics. "Nothing about us, without us." - The best way to partner with marginalized communities. The key to doing it all is to give everything its season. How to know if you're practicing equity or just performing it – most brands aren't good actors. Why it's not dangerous to be a comedian right now – unless you're lazy.
Can't get enough of Luna? Reach out on LinkedIn and Instagram. | |||
| Mastering the "yes, and" mentality with Kelly Leonard, VP of Creative Strategy @ Second City, Pt. 2 | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:52:50 | |
On this episode of the QE podcast, listener-favorite Kelly Leonard is taking a well-earned victory lap. After dropping countless stories and lessons from his time at The Second City, he's ready to once again face our gameboard and humor us with his industry wisdom for a second installment. His first episode is a must-listen, so if you missed it, be sure to check it out on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
If you're new to Kelly, here's a reintroduction: Kelly Leonard is the VP of Creative Strategy, Innovation, and Biz Dev @ The Second City where he's hired and developed shows with Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Steve Carell, Keegan-Michael Key, Amy Poehler, and others. On top of this, he wrote the best-selling book "Yes, And" and hosts the "Getting to Yes, And" podcast for Second City and WGN Radio in Chicago.
Here's a preview of the gold he offers up in today's episode: If you want a raise in 2023, take a page from Ted Lasso's book and work on your soft skills. Why saying "yes, but" is just like saying "no" with a top hat. You'll never understand everything going on in a room - that's why selfless curiosity is mandatory. When you have an Amy Poehler on your team, find their place and don't waste their talent. Nothing truly innovative looks like it should make sense - otherwise it wouldn't be innovative. You achieve authenticity through your fiascos - not your perfections. Why building the pedestal first is only the illusion of progress.
Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn and Twitter
Must-read mentions from this episode: Quit by Annie Duke The Language Game by Morten H. Christiansen and Nick Chater The Song of Significance by Seth Godin Reculturing by Melissa Daimler | |||
| The Black experience in advertising with Romond DuVal, Copywriter @ Curiosity | 30 Jun 2023 | 00:35:20 | |
Romond Duval is a copywriter at Curiosity – but we prefer the title: word architect. Romond is passionate about amplifying Black creative voices in the advertising industry and making genuine work that speaks to the culture. He's worked for brands like Hennessy, Brooks Running, and Old Spice. After graduating from ONE School ATL, he spent time interning with agencies on the west and east coasts such as Wieden + Kennedy and Laundry Service before returning to his Ohio roots for his first full-time job at Curiosity.
On today's episode of Question Everything, we sit down with the architect himself to chat about his ad industry insights and what copywriting means to him. Between being a rising voice for Black creatives and setting the trends, Romond teaches us the importance of being a concept's #1 challenger - and not being afraid to reshape an idea until it resonates.
Here's some of his hot takes: The secret to doing it all is actually being a serial quitter. You have to always be asking for more – closed mouths don't get fed. The key to success on social media is writing like you're talking to a friend. As a copywriter, you don't actually have to like writing – he doesn't. As a Black creative – creating alongside people who look like you will push your ideas further. Being a first-generation college student has a silver lining, it's that you set the bar.
Connect with Romond on LinkedIn and Instagram.
A must-read mentioned this episode: | |||
| Mastering the underdog mentality with Jessica George, VP of Marketing @ GSR Brands | 05 Jun 2023 | 00:52:18 | |
"Working for and with Jessica was and still is the best career decision I've made, and I thank her for that. She makes every piece of work she touches and every individual she works with better. She's that good." - Taylor Wiegert
Jessica George is a marketing superstar. Renowned for her outstanding leadership and ability to combine strategy with creativity, she brings a unique perspective to the marketing world. With a background in agency work, she made the transition to corporate three years ago and hasn't looked back since. As VP of Marketing at GSR Brands, she brings pride and attention to the Cincinnati-local chains Gold Star Chili and Tom + Chee.
On today's episode of Question Everything, I have the pleasure of chatting with Jessica George about what goes into leadership, preparation, listening, and understanding. Jessica teaches us a thing or two about what goes into managing a brand, while recalling her previous roles in agencies and outlining the secret recipe to marketing success.
During our conversation, hear her insights about:
Listening, Observing, and Absorbing, aka "LOA." Bringing a brand into a new era with pride and attention. Why leadership and mentorship are different, but equally important. The meaning behind the acronym DD COI and how it inspires true behavior change. Why thinking like an underdog keeps us hungry - and lights a fire under our ass. Jessica's pre-game prep for major speaking events. How the four-day work week trades in hours in the office for motivation, fulfillment, and happiness. Setting people up for success with commitment to their career path.
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn and Facebook.
| |||
| Agency leadership and ownership lessons with Christy and Whit Hiler of Cornett | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:30:28 | |
Christy and Whit Hiler are the powerhouse duo driving huge growth for Cornett, the nationally acclaimed, independent ad agency based in Lexington, Kentucky.
Since becoming Cornett's owner in 2020, Christy has led the agency to four Ad Age Small Agency of the Year wins. Beyond running the shop, she's driving the Own It movement – working to increase women and nonbinary ownership across the industry.
Alongside Christy through it all is her partner, Chief Creative Officer Whit Hiler, known for wallet-opening work that's captured the attention – and long-term commitment – of iconic national and regional brands
In this bonus episode of Question Everything, you'll hear how Christy defines her role as an owner, why she champions a promote-from-within culture, and why CMOs should partner with agencies that treat themselves like a client.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| The intersection of improv and business with Kelly Leonard, VP of Creative Strategy @ Second City, Pt. 1 | 01 May 2023 | 00:52:06 | |
"30 seconds in a room with Kelly will make you wiser. . . a selfless curiosity is his fuel" - Todd Manley
Needless to say, after peppering Second City's Kelly Leonard with questions for over 50 minutes, we feel like absolute geniuses.
Kelly Leonard is the VP of Creative Strategy, Innovation, and Biz Dev @ The Second City where he's hired and developed shows with Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Steve Carell, Keegan-Michael Key, Amy Poehler, and others. On top of this, he wrote the best-selling book "Yes, And" and hosts the "Getting to Yes, And" podcast for Second City and WGN Radio in Chicago.
On today's episode, we bend an elbow with one of Chicago's comedy greats to chat how adopting an improv skillset in the workplace can change it all for your business. Between star-studded stories and thought-provoking human insights, Kelly teaches us that embracing failure is often the key to success – breeding humility, vulnerability, and creativity within a team.
Here's a preview: You can make yourself shine by making others shine – improv is about building WITH someone. No one is interested in your success. We want to hear your fiasco. That's what makes you "backable." If you are well-versed in improvisation, you are well-versed in failing because you fail all the time. See all obstacles as gifts. When someone makes a mistake on stage, it creates an opening – a way to take the story in a way we didn't think about before. Take the fucking note - the art of accepting feedback as a gift. Finding joy in the absolute chaos of a workplace that is barely holding it together. Practicing gratitude – and how it's not the same as toxic positivity.
Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn and Twitter
Must-reads mentioned in this episode: Choose Growth by Scott Berry Kaufman Radical Candor by Tim Scott The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul Backable by Suneel Gupta
| |||
| The dirty details of owning a successful brand with Ryan Meegan, CMO @ DUDE Wipes | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:29:35 | |
Ryan Meegan grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago before attending college where he earned a degree in marketing – as well as earning major respect as a basketball player. Now, he applies his sports mindset at the office as the CMO and co-founder of DUDE Wipes: a male-targeted flushable wipe company. The coolest part? Ryan and his fellow Dudes earned a $300,000 investment from Mark Cuban on Shark Tank. After years and years of exponential growth, DUDE Wipes has officially hired its first agency ... which is why he's sitting down with us today. On today's episode of Question Everything, I'm sitting down with Ryan Meegan as we have a conversation about authenticity and staying true to yourself and your brand. Between life lessons from Shark Tank, advice from Mark Cuban, and the perks of keeping a sports mindset, Ryan is answering questions from our QE gameboard and spilling the tea on the rise of DUDE Wipes including: What advice Ryan has about risk-taking for other CMOs Why walking the line of branding and speaking bluntly has been DUDE Wipes' strategy for maintaining authenticity How Ryan and his partner shine a spotlight on the brand with confidence and how that creates buzz on social media The importance of embracing yourself and celebrating it – knowing what you are and what you're not Why hating to lose is better than wanting to win DUDE Wipes' position on gender equality and how they make branding fun with no gender priority Connect with Ryan: Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-meegan-07971859/ DUDE Wipes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dudewipes/ DUDE Wipes Website: https://dudeproducts.com/
| |||
| Balancing life, work, and war with Julia Petryk, Head of PR @ MacPaw | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:47:12 | |
Julia Petryk is nothing short of an inspiration. Co-Founder of the Ukrainian PR Army, Head of PR at MacPaw Inc., and mentor of various local tech startups, Julia has built her career on helping her community and her country. In 2022, we had the honor of partnering with Julia to launch Bathtub Creative – a fake agency based in the bathtub that shed light on Ukrainian working conditions while celebrating their resilience. Besides all this, we're proud to call Julia a friend. Learn more about Bathtub Creative here: https://www.bathtubcreative.com/. In this episode, we unpack why balance is important: Julia learned the hard way that you can build the perfect career and one person can take it away. Julia also reveals her secret weapon when public speaking – and spoiler alert – it's visualizing herself with a lizard tail. Finally, Julia shares firsthand why crisis leads to more creativity. This is a can't-miss episode. | |||
| Question Everything: Trailer | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:01:28 | |
Ashley Walters, Chief Development Officer at Partner at Curiosity, explores the successes and failures of the best in the biz who were daring enough to be curious. We know a great question can build a relationship, break a system, or inspire change in culture. So, we created a podcast all about them. It's called Question Everything – and it'll have our industry's biggest names, well, questioning everything. This podcast is part interview, part therapy, and part Price is Right. We even have our own gameboard stacked with questions that'll make even the most successful CMOs sweat. Give this episode a listen to learn all about the show, and stay tuned for new episodes every month. About Curiosity: We're a Cincinnati-based independent, full-service agency that lives and breathes the power of being strategically curious. With core capabilities in strategy, creative, media, and analytics, we believe that asking the right questions is the key to unlocking the right solutions. That's why, when it comes to our client's business, no question is off-limits. Because for us, it all starts with curiosity.
| |||
| How to get better PR coverage with Campaign US Editor Luz Corona | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:29:32 | |
Why you're not getting press coverage and how to fix it with Luz Corona, Editor of Campaign US
Luz Corona sits at the center of the advertising industry, covering the brands and agencies shaping culture. Beyond managing headlines, she's also leading must-hear conversations with the industry's top voices as a host of Campaign US's Campaign Chemistry podcast.
In this episode of Question Everything, Luz breaks down what it takes to land on Campaign's Agency of the Year list, who's really making an impact on DEI in marketing, and how to get out of the inbox and into the headlines. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Purpose-driven marketing that drives growth with Pedro Lerma of LERMA/ | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:38:42 | |
Why purpose-driven work pays off, Founder and CEO of LERMA/
Pedro Lerma leads one of the most culturally impactful agencies in the world. The Founder and CEO @ LERMA/ has two small agency of the year awards, an A-list standout appearance, and an Ad Age agency executive award under his belt. Not to mention, his small agency has produced multiple Super Bowl spots for clients Avocados from Mexico and He Gets Us. In this episode of Question Everything, Pedro shares LERMA/'s method for producing work that both connects with and shapes culture, the tool he developed to combat AI bias, and how the "He Gets Us" client reacted when their 2024 Super Bowl spot went viral for the wrong reason. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Super Bowl marketing lessons for CMOs with Dhani Jones | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:43:59 | |
For the Super Bowl edition of Question Everything, we caught up with former NFL linebacker, now investor and entrepreneur, Dhani Jones. After founding two creative agencies, advising several startups, and serving as a board member across multiple categories, Dhani shares what it takes for brands to stand out in today's increasingly crowded marketing landscape. In the episode, you'll hear about Dhani's journey on and off the field and the lessons he's carried from the gridiron into the business world. He unpacks the parallels between the locker room and the boardroom, the Super Bowl ads that truly earn attention, and why playing it safe may be the fastest way for a CMO to lose their job. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
Verizon's Buzz Aldrin commercial Colgate's Every Drop Counts
| |||
| How agencies can win more pitches in 2026 with Mercer Island Group | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:43:16 | |
How to pitch and win in 2026 with Robin and Steve Boehler, Founders @ Mercer Island Group
Robin and Steve Boehler have seen the good, bad, and ugly in countless pitches for culture-shaping brands like Starbucks, Microsoft, Abbott, and Nintendo. Lucky for us, they wrote a book on how agencies can shift the pitch spotlight from core capabilities and humble brags to solving your prospect's problems. Cause that's how you win.
In this episode of Question Everything, we cover major insights every agency needs to hear from the Boehlers' new book, It's Not About You: Winning New Business In A Crowded Agency World. You'll learn what a prospect-friendly pitch looks like, how to get to the root of a prospect's problem quickly, and how to seal the deal before leaving the boardroom.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||
| Gen alpha marketing strategy with Mintel's Diana Kelter | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:46:07 | |
What CMOs need to know about Gen Alpha with Mintel's Director of Consumer Trends, Diana Kelter
Diana Kelter, Mintel's Director of Consumer Trends, is always one step ahead of where consumer behavior is headed. By combining data, cultural observation, and brand analysis, she helps marketers understand not just what people buy – but why.
In this episode, Diana unpacks the newest generation of consumers, Gen Alpha. You'll learn what makes these 15 and unders an experimental and disruptive generation, how they discover and evaluate brands, and why cross-category marketing is becoming one of the most powerful drivers of relevance and presence. What you'll learn in this episode:
Resources:
| |||