What Bubbles Up

In this episode, we are joined by Rocco Albano, a professional artist and classical art aficionado (plus VP of Customer Experience at Merkle). But in Rocco’s youth – he was PEZ, the infamous Philadelphia Graffiti artist. Today’s episode is the very personal story of Rocco’s evolution - from graffiti artist and high-school drop-out, to contemporary artist and digital experience strategist & consultant.  It’s a story of the power of art to transform lives. In Rocco’s case, art was the catalyst helping him heal from childhood trauma, getting him sober (35+ years and counting), propelling him into college and into his successful professional career. During our freewheeling conversation we discuss how "unplanned moments" highlight Rocco’s path through both dark times and light, including a chance encounter with Jane Golden, an American muralist and art educator, who became a significant influence in Rocco's life. We also talk about Rocco's kinship with the artist Caravaggio, and how 'living in interesting times' can create pathways to creativity. Enjoy!

Drinks:

Fresca, Poppi Prebiotic Orange Soda, Starbucks Strawberry Acai Lemonade

Links:

Rocco’s Gallery: https://www.syncgallery.com/albano

Rocco’s artistic journey - https://pezroc.com/vision-of-artist-rocco-albano 

Rocco’s Art

The Art of Graffiti - https://pezroc.com/the-art-of-graffiti

Ghost Tag - https://pezroc.com/ghost-tag

Museum in my Backyard - in the Merkle corporate collection: https://pezroc.com/museum-in-my-backyard

Baroque Supernova - https://pezroc.com/baroque-supernova

In this episode, long-time and multiple repeat guest Val Vacante, VP of Innovation at Dentsu Solutions, joins us for a drink and a chat about AI in gaming. Going all the way back to its 40-plus year origins in Pac-Man, Val discusses all the ways that gaming has sparked innovations in AI, and vice versa, including present-day experiments with companies like Niantic and Lego. We also delve into both the complexities and benefits of children interacting with AI in the state of play, and how these AI gaming experiences are informing and improving 'more serious' enterprise software experiences. Another fun and engaging conversation with Val - enjoy!

Drinks: 3 Floyds Brewing Co. LazerSnake IPA, 3 Floyds Brewing Co. Gumballhead American Pale Wheat Beer, Tito's Vodka with Kombucha and Ginger

Links: https://www.dentsu.com/us/en/solutions

In this episode, longtime friend and colleague Marco Ambrosio joins us for a beer and a chat about his new Generative AI storytelling platform, Magicbook. We discuss how becoming a parent inspired him to create his startup after a career in CX consulting and product innovation, and how technology and Generative AI can be a positive force in the parent-child relationship. We also touch on how fear of regret can be a bigger motivator than the fear of failure, and how science, creativity, and technology can combine to provide meaningful, positive social benefits. Enjoy!

Drinks: Cisco Brewers Inc. Gripah Grapefruit IPA, Brooklyn Brewery Bodega Run Well-Stocked IPA, Quilmes Premium Lager

Links: https://www.magicbook.kids/

In this episode, our friend and colleague Tod Rathbone, Global Chief Strategy Officer at WongDoody, joins us for a drink and a chat about the world of Experience Strategy and its role in Digital Transformation. We frame up the two leadership mindsets of 'ambition v. fear', and explore which one led him to pivot away from advertising in order to focus solely on digital. We also discuss what Strategy means in the age of AI, the balance a strategist must strike when considering both 'what if' and 'what is', and Tod's concept of the 'the tyranny of enablement'.

Drinks: Fort Hill Brewery Fresh Pick American IPA, New Realm Brewing Company Hoptropolis Tropical IPA, Brewery Ommegang Neon Rainbows New England Hazy IPA

Links: www.wongdoody.com

In this special "Quick One", Barry calls in from Las Vegas, where he is attending this year's edition of Adobe's annual Digital Experience Conference known as Adobe Summit. He tells us about all the amazing technology products Adobe is introducing this year, many of which focus on AI and Generative Art. We discuss how these technologies can impact corporate marketing efforts, and accelerate brand experiences for digital marketers large and small. We also discuss some of the keynote speakers and which ones had the greatest impact on his Summit experience. We also take a trip down memory lane, as Summit is a popular gathering place for all our former colleagues and friends, reminding us again how fortunate we are to be in this business. Enjoy!

Drinks: Evil Genius Beer Company Stacy's Mom American IPA, High Quality H2O

Links: https://business.adobe.com/summit/adobe-summit.html

In this Quick One, Val Vacante, VP of Solutions Innovation at Dentsu, returns once again for a recap of everything she saw at this year's CES. We discuss all the cool innovations in wearables, AI-driven technology, and of course, massive televisions. We also talk about Dentsu NXT Space, an innovative platform created by Dentsu in collaboration with Microsoft, LinkedIn, and HeadOffice.Space for Web3 test-and-learn approaches to retail challenges. Enjoy!

Drinks: Bay State Brewing Company Becky Likes the Smell Imperial IPA, Trader Joe's Brewing Company Josephs Brau Winter Ride Doppelbock, Kosmic Kombucha with Ginger and Tito's Vodka

Links: https://www.dentsu.com/

Join Phil and Barry as they crack open a cold one and discuss what's in store for WBU listeners in this fourth season of What Bubbles Up!

Drinks: Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Crimson Cru Red Ale