"Shooting Her Shot" featuring Raven B. Varona

This episode features Sam Bonds, SVP Group Creative Director at Barkley, who has cultivated a reputation for high character, charm, and a down to Earth spirit, while still delivering creative excellence. Sam recalls the fish-out-of-water feeling of his early years in the business, navigating the micro-aggressions of coworkers, and managing the emotions of a new generation of creatives. In our spirited conversation we even explore growing older in advertising, whether the industry values seasoned creatives, and how to best maximize our skillsets for the ultimate pivot.

In this episode, we discuss uneasy times in the advertising industry, as layoffs rear their ugly head at agencies all over the nation. The actions of our government are creating a ripple effect that's injecting a huge dose of uncertainty into many industries. Joined by friend of the pod, Daidria Grayson, we discuss tariffs, the ever growing capabilities of A.I., and how the constant threat of a TikTok ban is affecting the content creator world. We also offer some poignant closing remarks that will be sure to light a fire under you as you march through your work week.

This episode features Raven B. Varona, a dynamic photographer and director with strong roots in music and entertainment. This Bronx native shares her unlikely path into photography sparked by the support of her biggest invisible soldier, her Mom. We dive into her early hip hop roots that spawned her breakthrough work, the big move to L.A., and making the transition to directing. We also talk about the challenges of navigating the industry post DEI cuts, and the catastrophic fires that have devastated southern California.

This episode features Melvone Farrell, a long-time makeup artist with British roots. We discuss her unlikely entry into advertising, chasing her dreams from across the pond and the opportunity that eventually landed her in Hollywood. With an international journey that includes rubbing elbows with the likes of Andy Warhol, Lisa Stansfield, Muhammad Ali and others, Melvone shares an inspiring story of hard work, perseverance and her never ending fight to change the ad industry.

After a long hiatus, we're back with a spirited convo covering a lot of ground. We explore work burn out and why we went on a little hiatus. We also jump into the election, the aftermath and the marketing of American anti-heroes. Then we explore Netflix's deep dive into live streaming sports, and the long term ramifications of the Tyson vs Paul fight.

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.