Agency Side

In this episode of Agency Side, host Justin Levinson sits down with Grayson Sanders, CEO & Co-Founder of Chordal, a collaborative music licensing platform. Grayson shares his journey from classical composer to entrepreneur, detailing the challenges he faced in the sync licensing industry and how Cordell is working to simplify the process for music rights holders and licensees.

The discussion explores the complexities of sync licensing, the differences between royalty-free music and artist rights, and the impact of AI on the music industry. Grayson also reflects on his previous venture, Safari Riot, his transition from musician to CEO, and his vision for the future of Cordell.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on music, innovation, and the evolving world of licensing! 🎧

In this episode of Agency Side, host Justin Levinson sits down with Gabriel Rubin, founder of Curious and Company Inc. Gabriel shares his unconventional journey into the creative industry, from briefly considering college to seizing an exciting opportunity in Los Angeles and diving headfirst into the agency world.

The discussion covers the challenges of being self-taught, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the bold choices that led to his success. Gabriel also explores the impact of technology on design, the value of creative intuition, and the role of strong partnerships in building a thriving business.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on creativity, risk-taking, and the art of growing an agency! 🎧

In this episode of Agency Side, host Justin Levinson chats with Marcus Foley, co-founder of Tommy, a digital-first creative and production studio. Marcus shares his journey into digital marketing, the founding of Tommy, and how the agency collaborates with global brands like Netflix and TikTok.

The conversation dives into the power of distinctiveness in marketing, the challenges of starting and scaling an agency, and the evolving landscape of content creation. Marcus also discusses the dynamics of remote creative teams, key qualities he looks for when hiring, and how collaboration fuels great work. Plus, he shares why he believes creativity can be a force for good—especially in challenging times.

Tune in for insights on agency life, marketing strategy, and the future of digital creativity! 🎧

In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, Justin Levinson sits down with Alison Berk, Director of Art and Print at 72andSunny, to discuss her unconventional path into advertising and the dynamic world of art production.

Alison shares insights on art buying, negotiation tactics, and the evolving role of collaboration with artists. She also dives into the impact of AI on art production, the challenges facing the industry, and the key qualities she looks for in a team.

Beyond the business, Alison opens up about her personal artistic passions and aspirations, offering advice for aspiring art producers navigating the creative landscape.

A must-listen for creatives, producers, and anyone curious about the intersection of art and advertising. 🎧

In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, Justin Levinson sits down with Alex Cohn, Head of Content at Zambezi, to discuss his transition from film and TV to advertising and how a chance encounter led him into the agency world.

Alex shares insights on creative collaboration, the challenges of working with celebrities, and the shifting landscape of audience engagement. He also explores short-form storytelling, marketing successes like TaylorMade Golf, and the growing role of AI in production.

Beyond advertising, Alex talks about managing budgets, scouting affordable locations, and his passion for visual storytelling—culminating in the announcement of his upcoming TV show pilot.

A must-listen for creatives and marketers navigating the evolving world of content and advertising. 🎧

In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, Justin Levinson chats with Andrea Panda, Managing Director at Psyop, about her path in the creative industry and how production has evolved in advertising.

Andrea shares insights on the key differences between design studios and creative agencies, the importance of collaboration and transparency, and the challenges facing the industry today. She also dives into client engagement, the role of travel in production, and how Psyop navigates the ever-changing advertising landscape.

Beyond work, Andrea reflects on her personal interests and the lessons she’s learned throughout her career.

This episode is a must-listen for creatives and industry professionals looking for a deeper understanding of modern production and agency dynamics. 🎧

On this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, Justin Levinson sits down with Brett Banker, Co-founder of X & O, a marketing communications company redefining industry standards with its focus on speed, decisiveness, and a network of expert-level talent.

Brett shares insights into X & O's innovative business model, which emphasizes flexibility in service delivery and a deep understanding of client needs. The conversation highlights key topics such as creative resourcing, talent acquisition, and the unique partnership between Brett and Eric, whose complementary skills and shared vision drive the company’s success.

The discussion dives into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the creative agency world, including the courage to leave stable jobs, the power of strong partnerships, and the development of a groundbreaking business model. Brett also opens up about his personal interests, such as sports and cooking, and reflects on the importance of staying true to values and vision in both business and life.

This episode is a must-listen for creative professionals and entrepreneurs seeking insights on innovation, leadership, and building a values-driven business. 🎧

In this episode of The Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson chats with Matthew Flint, CEO of Blast, a creative content finishing house. Matthew shares his journey from acting to launching Blast, shedding light on the often-overlooked role of finishing in the creative process.

The discussion explores the challenges of running a finishing business, the impact of technology and culture on the industry, and the power of collaboration in achieving creative excellence. Justin and Matthew also reflect on memorable projects, Matthew’s personal interests, and his vision for the future of Blast.

With a mix of industry insights and personal anecdotes, this episode is an engaging dive into the intersection of creativity, innovation, and leadership.

In this episode of The Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Michael Carr, founder of Carrma Creative, a post-production house specializing in trailer editing and finishing services. Michael shares his inspiring journey from sports editing to crafting cinematic trailers, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of the post-production industry.

The conversation dives into the transformative role of AI in creative industries, exploring its impact on productivity, recruitment, and automation, while emphasizing the importance of preserving the human touch. Justin and Michael also discuss the value of creative outlets, such as podcasting, for maintaining balance in a demanding field.

With humorous anecdotes about living in California and Vermont and reflections on the evolving role of technology, this episode offers a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of the intersection between creativity, innovation, and human connection.

In this episode of the Agency Side podcast, Justin Levinson interviews Tina van Delden, VP and Head of HR at AV Squad. Tina shares her inspiring journey into the world of HR within creative agencies, offering valuable insights on recruitment strategies and the importance of cultural fit.

The conversation explores key topics like the value of experience over certifications, navigating tough HR challenges like termination conversations, and leveraging technology—such as LinkedIn Recruiter licenses—to streamline hiring processes. Tina also highlights the dynamics of internal vs. external recruitment, building relationships with recruiters, and supporting career growth in a competitive job market.

Adding a personal touch, Tina reflects on her 80s metal podcast, revealing unexpected connections between HR leadership and the world of rock legends.

This episode is packed with practical advice, creative industry insights, and inspiring stories for HR professionals and creative leaders alike. 🎧