Welcome back, AdYakers, to Episode 2 of Season 6!

Today’s guest is more than an artist—he’s a living manifesto for perseverance and creative transformation. Theron Cook is an award-winning muralist and brand strategist with over 17 years of experience bringing art into public spaces, businesses, and community spirit. He founded Don’t Quit Omniversity and the TCA Don’t Quit Foundation, driven by a mission to serve, inspire, educate, and empower both creative students and business owners.

His work isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about resilience, story, and bringing people together through visual communication.

In this episode, we talk about the elusive state of flow—that moment when creativity, time, and purpose align. We explore what it means to use design not just as a tool, but as a way to heal, uplift, and connect. And yes, we dig into the belief that art is everything—a philosophy Theron lives through every mural, workshop, and foundation effort.

This conversation was a profound one, as Theron shares incredible stories about his life, his family, and his work in the community.

So settle in—today’s episode is about art, resilience, transformation, and the power to never quit, even when life tries to hold you down.

Here is my AdYack with Theron Cook.

Welcome to Season 6 of AdYack.

If you’re here, maybe you’ve made it through a few of your own battles. Maybe you're carrying big questions about your work, your worth, and what it all really adds up to. That’s exactly why I wanted to start this season with a conversation that doesn’t pretend to have all the answers—but does ask all the right questions. Today, I’m joined by Melissa Smith of Pakoil Company. Melissa is an account executive who works across the Pharmaceutical and OEM markets—with a focus on Medical Devices, Fire & Safety, First Responders, the Military, and Industrial OEM sectors. Pror to that she worked for Adams Outdoor Advertising and The Morning Call Media Group. But that’s just the resume. What we really talked about was what it means to stay human in the middle of all that. We talked about staying focused in a world that seeks to distract us. About presence, when life pulls you in ten different directions. and how sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is just... slow down and recharge. This episode is a reminder: you’re not alone. Your work—your art, your creativity, your heart—it matters. This season, I want to go deeper. I’ll be talking to people who’ve built things, broken things, and then got honest about what it all really meant. Melissa lives her life with intention. She chooses to see the world through the lens of positivity. And when it comes to work/life balance? It’s not a myth. It’s a fight worth showing up for—and Melissa shares how she does it. She’s sharp, generous, and grounded—and she knows that success without mindfulness is just noise.

So here is my Ad Yack with with Melissa Smith.

On today’s episode of the podcast, I talk to someone I first crossed paths with back in 2005 at Kutztown University’s Annual Portfolio Review, right as this young, ambitious designer was about to graduate with his BFA in Communication Design. It was a random encounter… or so I thought. Fast forward 20 years, and one day, he reached out to me after reading one of my columns on creativity in Network Magazine… and a friendship was born.

I’m talking about Mr. Matt Borrelli. But here’s the thing—Matt is no ordinary creative. He’s an award- winning copywriter, designer, and creative director who’s spent the better part of two decades working at advertising agencies in the Lehigh Valley. But more than that, Matt is someone who lives and breathes the craft of marketing. He’s a dreamer, a doer, and is always on the hunt for his next big idea.

In this episode, we dive into the future of AI and how it’s shaking up the creative landscape, his creative process, and how he uses his insights and experience to help his clients drive results.

Matt’s an inspiring guy, and he really understands the value that creative people bring to business.

This episode is a rollercoaster of insights, and more than a few laughs along the way. Trust me—you do NOT want to miss this one. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and get ready to be inspired and entertained. Let’s get into it.

Here is my AdYack….with Matt Borrelli.

#creativity #marketing #creativedirection #adagency #advertising #design

Welcome to AdYack LIVE! On March 13th, the American Advertising Awards took place at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. I had the privilege of interviewing the winners live during the show, capturing their reactions, insights, and stories behind the campaigns that took home the hardware.

From the rush of winning to the creative process behind these groundbreaking designs, you’ll hear firsthand from the brilliant minds shaping the future of advertising. These are the professionals pushing boundaries and creating work that helps brands cut through the clutter.

The American Advertising Awards has always been one of my favorite nights of the year. It’s the one time when the advertising and marketing community in the Lehigh Valley comes together to celebrate innovation, creativity, and exceptional marketing.

So whether you were in the room, heard the buzz, or are just curious to see what went down, join me now as we highlight the best of the best from the Lehigh Valley, straight from the American Advertising Awards floor.

From Gold and Silver winners to Judges’ Choice and Best in Show, both professional and student entries are in the spotlight today.

This is AdYack LIVE!

Featuring Bill Childs & Donna Mugavero

#AdYackLive #AmericanAdvertisingAwards #LehighValleyCreatives #LVAdvertising #MarketingAwards #CreativeExcellence #AwardWinningWork #BestInAdvertising #CreativeCommunity #CelebratingCreativity

https://portfolio.aafglv.org/

If you've ever wondered how exceptional design can shape spaces, elevate brands, and even transform how we experience the world around us, you come to the right place. My guest today on the podcast is the award-winning and brilliant interior designer JT Norman—known for his bold, creative approach to design and ability to turn ordinary spaces into works of art. JT's work has earned him acclaim in the design world and a reputation for being a visionary with a unique understanding of how to mix style, function, and storytelling into all his projects. Whether it's a luxury penthouse or a commercial space, JT brings his distinct perspective to every project he touches. We discussed his recent design work on Meli, the newest Easton Greek restaurant, and how he transformed the old Maxim's into a European oasis.

After you hear him share his advice and expertise, you’ll understand why he’s in such high demand. We spoke at length about how he uses the power of creativity to ignite his curiosity , to how he uses storytelling in his work, and his core design philosophy is something that I found fasinating. JT's approach to design is anything but conventional, and neither was this interview. I'm grateful he took the time to share his unique perspectives on the craft of what it means to be an interior designer.

My guest today is someone who I have admired ever since meeting him when he was working at The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, headquartered in King of Prussia. PA. Five minutes into that meeting, I knew Ed and I would become friends. Our first meeting took place at the request of a mutual friend, who recommended we meet each other as they felt we had similar outlooks on life and business. Turns out, he was right.

Ed grew up in Philadelphia and launched his marketing and advertising career at companies like Converse and Timberland, among others, before landing in the CEO chair at Visit Williamsburg this past Summer, where he works with a wide range of tourism partners like Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Ed’s career journey is fascinating, as he could give a Masterclass on leadership and how to inspire a team.

We spoke on various topics, including the innovation he participated in during his time working at Converse and Timberland and how both brands reinvented themselves and, in the process, created cult brands. Ed's a savvy marketer, a consummate leader, an adjunct professor at St. Joe's University, and an all-around great guy. Ask anyone who's ever worked with him, and you will hear nothing but praise and admiration for someone who never fails to leave a lasting mark.

This interview is jam-packed with solid advice on how to lead a marketing team, how to get people to embrace risk, and what goes into creating a cult brand. We also discussed creativity's role in creating work that cuts through the clutter and drives results. Get ready to be inspired.

Here is my Ad Yack, with Ed Harris.

#creativity #tourism #travel #leadership #mentor #marketing

#teaching #branddevelopment #branding #advertising #risk #ideas

Today's guest on the podcast is someone I have been a fan of for over 20 years. He's a gifted lyricist, brilliant guitarist, both acoustic and electric, producer, singer, and storyteller, and on a constant quest to seek new challenges wherever he may find them. I'm talking about Francis Dunnery. Dunnery has always pushed the envelope of what he believes music can be by simply refusing to be boxed in to a specific genre. My first encounter with Francis was at a show back in 1997 at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia, after a friend gave me one of his CD’s and we went to see him play. As the former frontman of prog rockers, It Bites, Dunnery had embarked on a solo career, and what I witnessed that night on the stage changed my life. That's not hyperbole; that's my truth. Dunnery is unapologetically authentic, which is what I love about him. We yak it up about his musical influences, his love of 70’s music, his favorite band, Genesis, his creative process, and to how he has zero interest in remaining stagnant or complacent. His musical collaborations have included working with Robert Plant, Ian Brown, Lauryn Hill, Santana, and Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe as a producer and/or collaborator with David Sancious, and Chris Difford of Squeeze. I asked Francis how he landed the gig as Robert Plant's guitarist, and what he said, both surprised and delighted me. In 2002, Dunnery founded the Charlie and Kathleen Dunnery Children's Fund, a volunteer-run fundraising charity based in his hometown of Egremont, and named in honor of his late parents, whose mission is to provide grants and charitable donations to organizations that directly benefit local Cumbrian children in need. Throughout his life, Dunnery experienced things most of us only get to read about in rock magazines. From his life on the road touring with Former Led Zep frontman Robert Plant to today, living a more quite existence in the mountains of Pennsylvania away from the music industry. Dunnery's next big adventure is “The Life Farm” which will provide meaningful employment to the under served and will offer a variety of classes involving nature and the arts. This interview is a fun, wild ride through the mind of someone I have admired for a long time, and I believe, you'll understand why after you hear our conversation. I’m grateful that he sat down with me to discuss his life, music, and work. Here is my Ad Yack....with Francis Dunnery.

#music #creativity #guitarplayer #songwriter #inspiration #guitar #singer

Today on AdYack I talk to Cameron Day, Cameron is a brilliant creative director, brand strategist, and the malcontent scribe behind an awesome series of books called the Advertising Survival Guide trilogy, which delves into brand architecture, political landmines, and mentorship.

Cameron’s latest book, Stones & Sticks, is chock full of great advice for creatives at any level, and Cameron’s not afraid to tell the uncomfortable stories right alongside the inspiring ones. He also happens to be the son of Guy Day, one of the all-time agency greats and co-founder of global agency TBWA Chiat/Day.

Cameron will be coming to the Lehigh Valley on November 21st at Moravian University Foy Hall to share his wealth of knowledge and wisdom in person. Cameron has penned medal-attracting work for Land Rover, Microsoft, Shiner Beer, Diesel, Rolling Stone Magazine, and Wyoming Tourism, among others. Cameron and I yak it up on topics ranging from why he believes that good enough is not enough to the story of how Apple CEO Steve Jobs hated the original ‘Think Different’ campaign, to the great advice his father Guy gave him over the years as Cameron was growing up. And wait until you hear the story of the Shiner beer takeover at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, deliciously brilliant in every sense. This was an intensely authentic conversation because even though I’d never met Cameron, I felt like I had known him forever. That assessment made for an easy exchange between us in that neither had anything to prove, so we just had fun sharing insights and stories. Cameron is a much sought-after creative director and someone I think you’ll find entertaining, fascinating, and inspiring. Cam’s advertising pedigree runs deep, and I can tell that he’s still having fun helping brands grow in an ever-changing media landscape. Cameron’s father helped him navigate upper management, unruly CEOs, and the politics of the Fortune 500 boardroom. Cameron is committed to helping the next generation of creatives navigate the career minefield known as advertising.

@iamcameronday

#creativity #mentor #advertising #mediocrityrepellent

#stories #author #creativemind #books #branding

Roy Shuler Ad Yack Season 5 Today on the podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with SAG-AFTRA actor and all-around incredible human being, Mr. Roy Shuler. I first met Roy when he was cast in the play To Kill a Mockingbird at the PA Playhouse in Bethlehem. He played the pivotal role of Tom Robinson, a role he credits with helping him decide to leave the Lehigh Valley and return to his roots in New York City roots to pursue bigger acting opportunities.

This conversation is filled with life lessons that even the most jaded will find uplifting and encouraging. Roy and I spoke about his life philosophy and how he uses his faith, drive, and unwavering ability to see beyond the obstacles that he may encounter to live in harmony with the opportunities that come his way.

Roy and I also discuss the role he landed in a national spot produced for NIKE and the WNBA. Roy shared his experiences with the casting process and a behind-the-scenes peak while filming his role as 'Mr. Earl.' Roy will appear in the upcoming season of The Godfather of Harlem, which is entering its fourth season. Roy has had co-starring roles on Law & Order: SVU, FBI: Most Wanted, background work on SNL, The show ‘Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens’ for Comedy Central, an episode of Murphy Brown with Candice Bergen, and dozens of local and regional ads.

Roy and I yak it up on a bunch of interesting topics, including a story he shared about an encounter with an overly aggressive beat cop back in NYC when he was 19. He shares how he used that memory to call upon to help him get into character when he performed as the wrongly accused Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird. I saw Roy perform in that play, and it left an indelible mark on me.

When Roy’s not performing, he enjoys serving as an Elementary School Substitute Teacher, primary at schools in his native Harlem. George Eliot once said that, you're never too old to become who you might have been. Trust me, this episode deserves your time and attention because it's a perfect example of the interviews I like to participate in because Roy's story is worth celebrating. Here is my Ad Yack with Roy Shuler.

Facebook: @roy.shuler

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/royshuler

Instagram: @royshuler

Facebook: @williamchilds

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wpchilds

Instagram: @wpchilds

Welcome to Season 5 of Ad Yack, the podcast that explores the minds of creative professionals. I want to thank all the fabulous guests who have agreed to appear on the show over the past four seasons for being so open and vulnerable when sharing their thoughts and insights. Today’s guest will be no stranger to anyone who appreciates music and the exceptional craftsmanship that goes into creating one of the world’s most iconic brands. I’m speaking, of course, about Dick Boak and Martin Guitar. After a chance encounter with C.F. Martin the third, Boak got hired in 1976 as a design draftsman and spent the next 42 years honing his craft. We explored the many creative roles he’s held at Martin to some of the more disastrous jobs he’s attempted to support his bohemian lifestyle prior to joining Martin. Dick Boak is a fantastic artist, musician, guitar builder, woodworker, teacher, illustrator, poet, draftsman, and songwriter. A true renaissance man in every sense of the word and someone who’s work I have admired for a long time.Boak was instrumental in setting up Martin’s Artist Relations Department and conceiving more than one hundred signature guitar collaborations with the top musical talents of our time, such as Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Sting, and Mark Knoplfer. Boak shares his musical Mount Rushmore, along with the now infamous story regarding the destruction of an historic Martin on the set of the Quentin Tarantino movie, The Hateful Eight, to the best piece of advice he’s ever received, which he still uses to this day. Boak may be retired from Martin, but as you're about to learn, he's still out there making good art and pursuing his passions. So tune in, and Turn it on because here is my AdYak with Dick Boak.

#music #creativity #woodworking #marketing

#musician #craftsmanship #passion #guitars #sound