Invisible Soldiers

This episode, we're joined by a special guest and award-winning ad vet, Daidria Grayson. She shares her cultural expertise in this special edition, where we discuss what happens when Black culture chooses sides. We explore some hot topics currently fracturing the culture. Drake vs Kendrick, Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese, Puff Daddy the entertainer vs Puff Daddy the man. We delve into the heart of the conflict, exposing truth vs cultural solidarity, and what it may mean for the advertising industry.

This episode features Terry King, a seasoned editor and businessman, owner of Territory, a post production house in Ferndale, Michigan. We discuss his impromptu start, leaving a job as a restaurant manager, to being a runner, and learning on the fly at Image Express. Terry shares the journey of earning trust, fighting negative perceptions, and building a reputation at a time when there were very few Black peers in the business. Finally, Terry points to self-promotion on social media and networking as keys to success for the next generation of editors.

This episode features Christopher Gary Lawson, a long time model and actor who has lended his image and talents to advertising campaigns that have traveled him over the world. We discuss his theatrical beginnings in New York, making the big move to L.A. and entering the advertising world. Chris shares the complicated journey of finding success while navigating colorism in the industry, lack of diversity on set, and the legacy he's hoping to leave for the next generation of actors.

This episode features Wes Walker, one of the hottest young commercial directors in the industry. We cover a range of topics, from the unconventional beginning of his career, to his upcoming Super Bowl commercial. Wes shares how his unique cultural heritage (Black and Mexican), influences his work and desire to mentor others. He also introduces us to "balloons and anchors", an idea that's sure to help you revaluate your relationships.

Corey and Rebecca are back with the Season 2 kickoff. They chat about learnings from Season 1, standout episodes and what to expect from the pod for Season 2. They also chat about Katt Williams, the state of the podcast world following his explosive interview, and much more.

This episode features Corey and Rebecca discussing the current state of self-care in advertising. They discuss the correlation between advertising's rigorous work schedule and the physical and mental toll it takes on employees. They also dive into the expectations of today's generation – more time off, less stress, higher salaries, less work – and whether the industry is correcting too fast, or not fast enough.

This episode features John Casmon, former ad exec turned real estate entrepreneur. John shares his journey from ad intern and climbing the corporate ladder, to executing his exit strategy. He discusses how valuing the currency of time and family, ultimately lead him to entrepreneurship. And for those looking for life beyond the ad industry, his story provides hope, there really are greener pastures out there.

This episode features Dominique Monet, Creative Director at GSD&M in Austin, Texas. Dominique recalls how her early knack for remixing hit songs and turning them into jingles as a kid, planted the seed that led her into advertising. We also discuss the dynamics of being a Black woman in male dominated creative departments, making ads on both sides of advertising's railroad tracks and learning to dream even bigger. Dominique's joyful spirit and introspective insights make this episode one to remember.

This episode features Corey D. Seaton and Rebecca L. Sanders discussing some of the industry's hottest topics this summer. We discuss the increased presence of Black creatives at the Cannes Festival for Creativity and its impact on the industry. We also dive into how agencies approach award season, the financial risk and reward of entering award shows. Finally, we talk about the controversy surrounding A.I., and whether it's all being blown out of proportion.

This episode features Lester Booker Jr., Vice President, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Communications at Citizens Financial Group, Inc. We discuss his deep rooted passion around creating a pipeline to corporate America for Black talent, and why DE&I should still be a business objective for modern companies. We also discuss the challenge of keeping minority employees hopeful when changes are happening slowly and can feel like empty promises. Finally, Lester shares how he's using individualism and style in the corporate space to be viewed as more than another "suit."