The Last Advertising Podcast

In this episode, Marcus Fisher, CEO of Carmichael Lynch, shares his unconventional journey from public policy to leading one of the most respected agencies in advertising. With years of experience shaping brands like Subaru and Harley-Davidson, he knows what it takes to build a strong agency culture and create impactful work. Whether you're aspiring to break into advertising or looking to level up in your career, Marcus' advice is invaluable for both newcomers and mid-career professionals. 

In this episode, we cover:

How he transitioned into advertising through persistence and strategic networking

What makes Carmichael Lynch’s culture a key factor in its long-term success

The importance of fostering personal passions for professional growth

Why aspiring strategists should think beyond advertising to stand out in the industry

Connect with Marcus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-fischer-02322a5/ 

Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

We spent two days inside Colle McVoy, an agency known for its integrated approach, standout creative work, and a remarkable 90% employee retention rate. In this episode, Gina Gray (Chief Growth Officer) and John Doyle (Chief Strategy Officer) break down what truly makes an agency integrated, how they win and retain clients like Value City Furniture and Lazy Boy, and why their Collective Method sets them apart in the industry. Whether you're an ad fan, brand marketer, or looking to break into the business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doylejohn/ 

Connect with Gina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-gray-2019/ 

Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

Welcome to the grand finale of Indie Week!

Today, we’re closing out an incredible week of conversations with Matt Heath, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Partyland - the agency built on the philosophy of having fun for a living.

In this episode, Matt shares:

Why he doesn’t consider himself an "ad person"- but a creative first.

His wild journey from musician to advertising, with a detour writing for Eastbound & Down.

How Partyland attracts clients who "get it" - and filters out those who don’t.

The real meaning of independence in today’s agency world -and why he believes some agencies are stretching the definition.

The biggest mistake young creatives make: Chasing money instead of learning.

If you’ve ever wondered what true creative freedom in advertising looks like - this episode is for you. 

Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-heath-105166140/ 

Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

INDIE WEEK continues with a masterclass in creative independence. Today, we’re joined by Joel Holtby, Co-Founder & CCO of Courage, the Canadian indie agency making bold moves and redefining how brands connect with culture.

In this episode, Joel shares:

Why independent agencies provide more creative autonomy

The entrepreneurial mindset behind launching Courage

Why brands should partner with indie agencies for culture-defining ideas

Advice for creatives on navigating the indie vs. holding company agency path

Presented by Blood, Sweat & Tears - your indie agency growth partner. Learn more at bloodsweatandtears.co

Connect with Joel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelholtby/ 

Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

INDIE WEEK continues with a first-ever double feature - bringing together two powerhouse indie agency founders for a deep dive into the independent agency mindset.

Dana Lytle, Founder & CEO of Planet Propaganda, and Charlie Naus, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Carson+Doyle, sit down to unpack what it means to stay independent in today’s ever-evolving advertising landscape.

In this candid conversation, we cover:

The biggest advantages of staying indie - why it’s a superpower today

The challenges of growing an agency - from starting in their 20s to leading successful shops

The creative freedom that indie agencies have over holding company networks

How Planet Propaganda helped define ‘Freaky Fast’ for Jimmy John’s

How Carson+Doyle is shaping the future of Gen Z marketing with clients like Spotify & Tinder

The mindset required to sustain agency success for 3+ decades

If you’ve ever considered starting your own agency, this episode is a must-listen.

Presented by Blood, Sweat & Tears - your growth partner for scaling indie agencies. Learn more at bloodsweatandtears.co

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-lytle-8269283/ 

Connect with Charlie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-naus/ 

Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

INDIE WEEK continues with Foul Mouth Creative - an indie agency breaking all the traditional rules.

Jourdan Huys & Rachel Carlson, Co-Founders of Foul Mouth Creative, share how they left traditional agencies to build a bold, no-BS creative shop.

In this episode, we cover:

How creative intuition drives their best work

Why independent agencies are thriving in today’s advertising world

Why brands should ditch the holding company bureaucracy

Presented by Blood, Sweat & Tears - your indie agency growth partner. Learn more at bloodsweatandtears.co

Connect with Jourdan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jourdanhuys/ 

Connect with Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmariecarlson/ 

Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

INDIE WEEK kicks off with a powerhouse episode featuring Shannon Jones, Co-Founder of Verb!

After working at major holding company agencies, Shannon bet on herself - launching Verb, an independent experiential agency making waves in the industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why she left big agencies to start Verb

How experiential marketing is evolving in 2025

The benefits of working at an indie agency vs. a holding company

Presented by Blood, Sweat & Tears - your growth partner for indie agencies. Learn more at bloodsweatandtears.co

Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simpsonjones/ 

Learn more about Verb:

https://www.verb.agency/

Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

The Next Crowbar Awards Are Here. Are You Ready to Win?

The Crowbar Awards are back with a new challenge. Andrés Ordóñez , Global Chief Creative Officer at FCB, is the Guest Judge, and this year’s brief focuses on Ohio Tourism.

If you’re an aspiring advertiser with less than three years of experience, this is your chance to build a standout portfolio piece and get your work in front of top industry leaders.

See the FULL Brief Here: https://www.crowbarawards.com/

What You’ll Learn:

• How to approach a creative brief like a pro

• What Andres Ordonez looks for in a winning idea

• Why this competition can help launch your career

• How to submit your best work before the June 2 deadline

Submissions are due June 2 at 11:59 ET.

Listen now, learn how to win, and start building your entry.

Follow Breaking and Entering Advertising on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.

See the FULL Brief Here: https://www.crowbarawards.com/

INDIE WEEK is almost here!

The Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast is dedicating an entire week to celebrating independent agencies, their leaders, and the power of staying independent. In this special trailer episode, host Geno Schellenberger is joined by: Nora DiNuzzo, Co-Founder & CSO, Blood, Sweat & Tears Eric Brown, Co-Founder & CEO, Blood, Sweat & Tears Doug Zanger, Founder, Indie Agency News

Together, they break down:

The biggest opportunities and challenges for indie agencies in 2025

Why now is the perfect time to bet on independence

What to expect from Indie Week - with five daily episodes featuring top indie agency leaders

Presented by

Blood, Sweat & Tears - your growth partner for scaling indie agencies. Learn more atbloodsweatandtears.co

Connect with Nora:https://www.linkedin.com/in/noradinuzzo/ 

Connect with Eric:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gericbrown/ 

Connect with Doug:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zanger/ 

Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

Joshua Christie, Founder & Music Supervisor at Music Ronin, helps agencies find, clear, and legally use the perfect tracks for their campaigns. In this episode, he breaks down the role of business affairs in advertising, the legal intricacies of music supervision, and how the right song can transform an ad. Whether you're in an agency or an aspiring creative, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the business side of music in advertising.

Connect with Joshua: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuachristie03/

Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/