Commercial Grade Podcast

Join Christie as she kicks off "Inside The Agency," a series within Commercial Grade dedicated to explaining the inner workings of advertising agencies. Learn about the different types of agencies (creative, media, production, etc.), individual departments (account management, strategy, creative, production, etc.) and how to navigate your own career in advertising. This week, part one takes a deep look into an agency's first line of defense: "Account Management." Milind Raval, Christie's long-time colleague, friend and Account Management expert, takes us behind-the-scenes into the trials and tribulations of client liaisons and gatekeepers.

Ross Lacy, one of the entertainment industry's most prominent casting directors and owner of Ross Lacy Casting, joins Christie in a hilarious and insightful conversation about commercial casting. We get to the bottom of the Discover "twins" ads, explain how casting directors think, what actors can do to land a dream gig, dig into current casting trends and share some truly crazy stories from behind the casting couch.

Luis Camano, an international Chief Creative Officer hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, joins Commercial Grade to talk about the techniques behind great international advertising. We explore the meaning of "Global Advertising," investigate multicultural business practices (hint: bribes), and share experiences working with colleagues/clients across US, UK, Argentina, South Korea, Dubai, Spain, South Africa, etc. We also review ads from Coca-Cola, Ameriquest, Spanish Lottery, Johnnie Walker & Nespresso.

Natalie Coughlin, twelve-time Olympic medalist-turned-entrepreneur and author of Cook to Thrive: Recipes to Fuel Body and Soul, joins Christie to share her journey beyond Team USA into the world of book writing and winemaking. Natalie shares the realities of book writing, her own brand evolution & insightful tips on how to promote yourself. Food lovers will dig this episode as we talk about Natalie's home garden, food storage tips, must-have ingredients, her experience on Chopped: Sports Stars and more.

From Gillette's #MeToo debacle to Nike's "Dream Crazy" effort, cause- and social-related marketing campaigns are popping up everywhere. Cause marketing expert Laura Probst joins Christie to discuss what it takes to create a successful cause marketing initiative, the biggest mistakes marketers make and shares incredible tips on how you can find the perfect social cause that fits your lifestyle without feeling like an "extra" commitment. Bonus: Her "Confession in Advertising" officially sets the bar as the one to beat.

Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite pro athletes lock-in their contracts, negotiate endorsement deals, deal with controversy and hecklers, or become the face of the next Nike/Adidas/Under Armour campaign? Steve Astephen, professional Sports Agent and Managing Partner of Sports Marketing agency Wasserman, joins Christie for a behind-the-scenes look at this and much more.

The #1 question I get asked about Commercial Grade is whether hosts can earn a living from podcasting and, if so, how??? To get the answer, I tapped THE expert: Kit Gray, the co-founder and President of PodcastOne, the first and largest podcasting advertising network. Kit explains how he co-created the first advertising model for podcasting just 10 years ago, how podcasters can earn revenue, outlines the criteria brands look for in potential podcast partners, and we share emotional stories about the impact podcasting has had on both our lives. This episode is full of great tips, so get your notepad ready!

Ben Kay, a brilliant, hilarious and award-winning Creative Director and Copywriter, joins Christie for an open and insightful discussion on the Creative development process. Take the long way home or lift an extra set because we cover it ALL: The secrets behind creative dev and copywriting, why creatives get a bad rap, the responsibility of the ad industry, mistrust between clients & agencies, the problem with advertising awards, plus grade Miller , Skittles, Guinness, Gillette, Nike, Always & "Fearless Girl" ads.

Kimberley Gardiner, the first female VP & Chief Marketing Officer for Mitsubishi Motors USA joins Christie to talk about challenges auto brands experience when marketing to women, how women are often stereotyped in car ads, and share personal experiences rising through the ranks as a woman shattering the glass ceiling in the heavily male-dominated auto industry. Kimberley and Christie also grade ads from Acura, Cadillac, Aston Martin, CarDekho and Mercedes-Benz.

Mark Miller, Chief Strategy Officer of Team One Advertising and award-winning author of "Legacy in the Making: Building A Long-Term Brand To Stand Out In A Short-Term World," joins Christie to share the secrets behind what it takes to build an inspirational, modern brand legacy. Forget simply celebrating tradition or heritage, modern brand legacies -- like Honest Company, Tiffany & Co., Wimbledon, Rolex, Samsung & more -- are the creators of a vital today and tomorrow.

Bonus: Mark & Christie discuss how listeners can identify their personal purpose and create their own legacy. Compelling for anyone looking to define the next steps in their life or career.