Journey to Ad

Confession: we recorded this back in February 2021, but at long last, here is a great conversation with a fantastic writer, Ben Ward. Listen and learn as we talk about the role of sports in our lives, the creative process with food, and even about writing.

Philosophy, brain surgery, or advertising? If he had picked either of the other two, Riley Draper wouldn't be on this podcast. Listen and learn as we take off on a whirlwind end to the first season of Journey to Ad as we discuss how Riley discovered advertising and the infectious energy and optimism that he brings to every project. 

Forever in pursuit of new experiences, Emily Devery has traveled around the world but always seems to come back to Colorado. Listen and learn as we discuss some of the trips and experiences that have shaped Emily's perspectives and speculate what adventures lie ahead.

Alisha Benda is a wonderful creative, storyteller, and human who just seems to want to do everything, including brewing kombucha. Listen and learn as she tells her unique story about a citizen of the world who spent six years in the US Army before bringing her talents and heart to the world of advertising. 

Bringing a background in the world of fine arts to advertising, Tricia Knope is a very thoughtful creative who recognizes the power that ads have to influence culture. Listen and learn as we go from an arts middle school in Portland, Oregon to Denver Ad School and discuss the importance of authenticity in everything. 

Who would be determined and crazy enough to learn Adobe Creative Suite one-handed? Gaby Strnad, that's who. Listen and learn while we dive into the psyche of someone as driven as Gaby and discuss how she pivoted from a career in events to become a talented art director who is now capable of using not just one but two hands for design.

Sabrina Saccente likes to be straight and to the point. This is an episode about her.

Turns out, the world of the theatre can be filled with drama, which drove Hayley Lyons to pursue writing instead of the stage life. Listen and learn as we chat about improv, writing,  and waiting tables, as well as the bizarre regional cuisines that baffle tourists and visitors to some of our favorite cities. 

Graciela Robertson probably doesn't need an interviewer, but I sat in as one anyway. Listen and learn as we go from small town Colorado to Boston to Denver while learning about how her creativity flourished through experiences in dance and radio, which all helped to inform her unique voice in advertising. Fun fact: Graciela is also the designer of our Journey to Ad logos!