Invisible Soldiers

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 i...

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 ...

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 ...

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. Fin...

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...

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 you...

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...

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'...

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 ...

This episode features Pepper Miller, author of "Let Me Explain Black Again", a dynamic book that acts as a tool for agencies and brands looking to become smarter about engaging Black consumers. We discuss the suffocating affect of the Jim Crow South on her early life, defining Blackness by disproving stereotypes, and how passion fueled her career more than education. We also get into the need for brands to "do the wo...

The "Surviving Layoffs" episode features Corey and Rebecca reacting to massive layoffs across the country and discussing how they often impact the ad industry. They delve into learning your client's business and staying in tune with the warning signs that layoffs may be coming. They also discuss the constant need to self evaluate and changing from having an employee mindset, to thinking like an independent entrepreneu...

This episode features Juanita Slappy, Head of Multicultural Marketing for Cadillac. We discuss targeted ads that left an early impact on her, deep familial connections to GM and how diversity of thought is the true benefit and intention of corporate diversity. Juanita takes us on her journey from learning the ends and outs of ad agency life, to how that perspective allows her to be a better client. Scratching below the surface of c...

This episode features EVP Head of Impact at Weber-Shandwick, Lewis Williams. He discusses his humble upbringings in the Jim Crow South, his college days at Kent St. after a national tragedy and becoming the Chief Creative Officer at Burrell Communications. Over his forty plus year career, Lewis maintains a commitment to preserving culture, bringing new creatives into the game and sharing O.G. lessons to anyone willing to accept the...