The A-List Podcast Archives | Page 3 of 4 | DiGo

The A-List Podcast: Episode 013 with Bill Oberlander

By Team DIGO | 07/26/2017 | in

This week on “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann chats with his long-time friend and former boss, Bill Oberlander, the executive creative director at OBERLAND. Bill has worked as a creative executive at many top agencies, including JWT New York, Cossette New York, McCann Erickson, Ogilvy & Mather, and Kirshenbaum Bond + Partners. Working on such global accounts as Microsoft, Intel, Snapple, Target, Coach, Bloomberg, and Nikon. Bill has helped reinvent brands with his iconic and transformational campaigns.

Tune in as Bill and Tom discuss what it takes to break into advertising in New York City, why philanthropy is important for both brands and people, and how today’s creatives can build a portfolio that gives Bill goosebumps.

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 2:05] Intro
[2:06 – 5:17] Bill and Tom discuss working together at Kirshenbaum
[5:18 – 8:23] Bill’s childhood in South Amboy, NJ, attending an all-boys Catholic high school, and dreaming of a future in the arts
[8:24 – 13:25] Studying business communications and visual communications at the University of Delaware, and falling in love with advertising
[13:26 – 15:17] Moving to NYC, couch surfing, and landing his first advertising gig
[15:18 – 19:49] Becoming an art director at McCaffrey & McCall
[19:50 – 30:57] Learning the ropes at McCann, working on the Coca-Cola account, and scheduling his first shoot without client approval
[30:58 – 35:08] Being recruited by Richard Kirshenbaum as his art director, and faking it until he made it
[35:09 – 41:13] Bill’s first big campaign at Kirshenbaum: El Presidente Spiced Brandy
[41:14 – 48:49] Reinventing Snapple with the famous “Snapple Lady” campaign
[48:50 – 56:49] Working at Robin Hood Foundation, the importance of building brands with purpose, and launching Oberland
[56:50 – 61:16] What Bill looks for when reviewing portfolios today
[61:17 – 62:44] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.

The A-List Podcast: Episode 012 with Dan Kelleher

By Team DIGO | 06/28/2017 | in

In the latest episode of “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein Chief Creative Officer Tom Christmann sits down with creative maestro Dan Kelleher, Chief Creative Officer at Deutsch. Dan has worked at many of the world’s most renowned agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi, BBDO, Cliff Freeman & Partners, and DeVito/Verdi. His work for brands such as BMW, DIRECTV, General Mills, FedEx, and Guinness has earned some of the industry’s top awards. Bill Clinton once said that his favorite commercials were the “Cable Effects” spots for DIRECTV, which Kelleher helped bring to life. Dan was also responsible for bringing us the BMW Super Bowl ad, “Newfangled Idea,” which Ad Age ranked among the best Super Bowl ads of all time.

Tune in to hear Dan discuss how perseverance paved his path to success, what today’s creatives can learn from the “funny vs. not funny” wall, and why honesty is the key to great client relationships.

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:35] Intro
[1:36 – 7:04] Growing up in Plainfield, New Jersey, being passionate about art and deciding that medical illustration wasn’t the right field for him
[7:05 – 11:35] The Rocky of advertising: how perseverance landed him his first job in the print production department of Ammirati & Puris
[11:36 – 20:39] Working on his portfolio, attending ad school, and learning the ropes from great bosses
[20:40 – 29:32] Getting hired in his first creative role as junior art director at DeVito/Verdi
[29:33 – 34:36] Moving to Cliff Freeman & Partners and selling his first TV spot for Staples
[34:37 – 43:44] Lessons for young creatives from the “funny vs. not funny” wall
[43:45 – 49:14] Dan and Tom discuss their time at BBDO working for Gerry Graf
[49:15 – 54:32] Working at BBDO, getting more client interaction, and filming with Burt Reynolds
[54:33 – 59:50] The importance of honesty in developing great client relationships
[59:51 – 62:24] The value of building a strong agency culture
[62:25 – 69:20] What Dan looks for in a portfolio today and his one piece of advice for young creatives
[62:21 – 70:50] Outro

The A-List Podcast: Episode 11 with Kash Sree

By James Nieman | 06/15/2017 | in

Podcast

In this week’s episode of “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein Chief Creative Officer Tom Christmann chats with the brilliant Kash Sree, Group Creative Director at gyro New York. Kash has worked at many of the top agencies across the world, from SS&K to Perreira & O’Dell, JWT, BBH New York, and Wieden + Kennedy. Working on such global accounts as Vaseline, DeBeers, Axe, Nintendo and Nike, Kash has helped create some of the industry’s most iconic campaigns, including Nike’s “Hackeysack” spot with Tiger Woods. Kash was also the recipient of an Emmy and a Cannes Grand Prix for his inspiring work on two different Nike campaigns in the same year.

Tune in to hear Kash discuss his journey from martial arts teacher to art director to copywriter, what he looks for in creative talent today, and why kindness – to yourself and others – is key. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:55] Intro
[1:56 – 7:42] Growing up in East London, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken every day, and trying not to be noticed at school.
[7:43 – 10:20] Working as a kung fu instructor and trading in martial arts for design school
[10:21 – 18:19] Beginning his journey into advertising and proving his professor wrong
[18:20 – 20:52] The importance of research in being a great creative and making a great ad
[20:53 – 30:05] Getting fired from Ogilvy after 5 months and moving to Singapore
[30:06 – 34:22] Learning to stand up for his work and switching from art direction to copywriting
[34:23 – 39:05] Getting a crash course in advertising
[39:06 – 44:09] Seeking inspiration in culture and applying lessons from martial arts to advertising
[44:10 – 50:12] “Staying stupid” to avoid bad briefs
[50:13 – 61:43] Being motivated by fame, getting sued and winning an award
[61:44 – 69:42] How today’s creatives can impress Kash
[69:43 – 71:06] Outro

The A-List Podcast: Episode 010 With Eric Silver

By James Nieman | 06/06/2017 | in

Podcast

This week on “The A-List” podcast, host and Chief Creative Officer of DiMassimo Goldstein Tom Christmann chats with award-winning creative genius Eric Silver, McCann’s North American Chief Creative Officer. Since kicking off his career as a copywriter in the 90’s, Eric has left his creative mark on some of the top agencies across the country, working on many of the biggest brands in the world from Nike to ESPN. Recently, Eric brought us the renowned “Fearless Girl” statue that famously stares down Wall Street’s “Charging Bull”.

Tune in to hear Eric discuss his circuitous journey from aspiring attorney to copywriter, the value of attending ad school, and the one piece of advice he gives to new creatives entering the advertising industry today. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:25] Intro
[1:26 – 4:34] Eric’s childhood in Orange, CT and sneaking into movie theaters
[4:35 – 8:25] Attending law school in Los Angeles and realizing that law wasn’t right for him
[8:26 – 10:20] Considering a future in advertising for the first time after seeing a Nike ad
[10:21—17:19] Eric’s journey into advertising and why he advises young creatives to attend ad school
[17:20 – 21:15] Landing a job at Larsen Colby, finding his first partner and building a tribe
[21:16 – 30:10] David Angelo’s passionate speech at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York and moving to Earl Palmer Brown
[30:11 — 31:54] Eric and Tom’s advice to young creatives today
[31:55 – 35:07] Finding his mentors at Wieden & Kennedy
[35:08 – 44:07] Eric’s first big TV spot: the retail assignment nobody wanted
[44:08 – 49:15] Leaving advertising for David Letterman
[49:16 – 56:33] Working at Cliff Freeman & Partners, BBDO and DDB
[56:34 – 1:02:26] Collaborating with Rob Reilly on “The Fearless Girl”
[1:02:27 – 1:03:44] Outro

The A-List Podcast: Episode 008 with Rob Schwartz

By James Nieman | 05/17/2017 | in

A-List podcast

“Everything is interesting. If you find something boring, then you’re boring”

This week on “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein Chief Creative Officer Tom Christmann is joined in the studio by Rob Schwartz, the Chief Executive Officer at TBWA\CHIAT\DAY New York. Before becoming CEO, Schwartz enjoyed a long and very successful career as a creative, winning nearly every advertising award under the sun and spearheading the creative behind some of the world’s most recognized brands such as Nissan, McDonald’s, VISA, and Thomson Reuters, among others. Rob is also the host of his own podcast titled “The Disruptor Series,” for which he interviews people who are disrupting business culture and life.

In this episode, Tom and Schwartz break down the differences and similarities between agencies in LA and New York, discuss the managerial prowess of pirates, and talk about how the position of CEO is still very much a creative role. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 1:02] Intro
[1:03 – 4:12] Rob’s childhood in New York and aspirations of becoming a writer
[4:13 – 9:30] Rob’s story of tearing up his LSAT during the test
[9:31 – 11:20] Rob’s experience in a leadership training school
[11:21 – 15:50] The epiphany that ultimately launched Rob’s advertising career
[15:51 – 20:43] Becoming an ad geek historian
[20:44 – 26:50] Mentorship and the value of work ethic
[26:51 – 28:59] The fear of failure
[29:00 – 34:20] The difference between agencies in LA and New York
[34:21 – 36:27] Working with supreme talent at Team One
[36:28 – 39:20] Catching the eye of Chiat
[39:21 – 47:20] The transition from a creative to a CEO and why it’s cooler to be the pirates than the navy
[47:21 – 50:17] Rob’s advice to young creatives
[50:18 – 52:13] The future of advertising
[52:14 – 55:52] Recommended books and “The Disruptor Series”
[55:53 – 56:56] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

The A-List Podcast: Episode 006 with Matt Ian

By James Nieman | 05/06/2017 | in

Podcast

In the sixth installment of The A-List Podcast, host and chief creative officer of DiMassimo Goldstein Tom Christmann chats with Matt Ian, Group Creative Director at Droga5. For just under an hour, Christmann and Ian talk about everything from getting fired and bouncing back in your career, to the art of the headline, and how students can succeed in the industry today. Full episode and show notes below!

[0:00 – 1:04] Intro
[1:05 – 7:05] Matt’s childhood playing music in Greenwich, Connecticut
[7:06 – 11:53] Attending the Pratt Institute
[11:54 – 22:45] Matt’s first gig at Lambesis and living in Pasadena, California
[22:46 – 27:59] Working on Airwalk and transitioning from an art director to a copywriter
[28:00 – 29:40] The art of the headline
[29:41 – 32:18] How getting fired made Matt work harder than ever
[32:19 –34:20] Matt’s time working at Chiat Day
[34:21 – 37:50] The fear of being mediocre and how words are stupid
[37:51 – 45:34]: Working at Droga5 and how to get ahead in the industry
[45:35 – 51:47] Matt and Tom talk about what they look for in new hires
[51:48 – 52:30] Outro

The A-List Podcast: Episode 005 with Jill Applebaum

By James Nieman | 04/27/2017 | in

Podcast

“You get more when you are generous… when you give credit…when you share opportunities and don’t hog the limelight for yourself.”

This week on “The A-list” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein chief creative officer Tom Christmann is joined by Jill Applebaum, creative strategist at Facebook Creative Shop. Before joining Facebook, Applebaum made a name for herself at several different agencies including DMB&B, Ogilvy & Mather, Young & Rubicam, J. Walter Thompson and DraftFCB, where she was one of the masterminds behind Oreo’s revolutionary “Daily Twist” campaign. That year, she and her creative partner were listed No.7 on Fast Company’s “Most Creative People of 2013”.

In this episode, Jill and Tom talk about the trials and tribulations of becoming a copywriter, surrounding yourself with good people, the current state of women in the industry, and so much more. If you’re interested in learning from one of the best in the business, this episode is for you. Full episode and show notes below!

Show notes

[0:00 – 1:30] Intro
[1:31 – 12:09] Growing up in New Jersey and starting off in the industry
[12:10 – 14:54] Mentorship and collaboration
[14:55 – 17:01] Why Jill made the move from DMB&B to Ogilvy & Mather
[17:02 – 19:07] Y&R and BrandBuzz
[19:08 – 21:33] The current state of women in the industry
[21:34 – 23:56] Jill’s favorite brands to work on
[23:57 – 26:42] The importance of having a strong work ethic
[26:43 – 31:40] What it means to be a good creative partner
[31:41 – 34:14] Transitioning from being a creative to being a creative director
[34:15 – 40:48] The famous “Daily Twist” Oreo campaign
[40:49 – 43:17] Why Freelancing is against her DNA
[43:18 – 44:44] The similarities and differences between Facebook and Agencies
[44:45 – 49:55] Jill’s advice to young creatives
[49:56 – 51:12] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

The A-List Podcast: Episode 004 with David Angelo

By James Nieman | 04/21/2017 | in

Podcast

“I believe that people show up in your life at the right time, and it’s really up to you to recognize what their purpose is”

For the fourth installment of “The A-List” podcast, host and chief creative officer of DiMassimo Goldstein, Tom Christmann, sits down with David Angelo, the founder and chairman of David & Goliath. Before starting his own agency in 1999, Angelo worked at several different agencies, often working alongside some of the most legendary names in the industry including Phyllis Robinson, Eric Silver, Cliff Freeman, Lee Clow and former A-list guest Ty Montague.

During what was the program’s first ever in-person interview, the two discuss everything from working the graveyard shift as a teamster in San Francisco to chasing your mentors and conquering your fears. Angelo’s story is one of inspiration and bravery – you won’t want to miss it. Full episode and show notes below:

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:35] Intro
[1:36 – 8:45] Cliff Freeman, the Willy Wonka of advertising
[8:46 – 11:53] Angelo talks about growing up outside of Oakland
[11:54 – 13:00] Working the graveyard shift as a teamster
[13:01 – 17:00] The Eddie Lopez Story
[17:01 –19:12] Moving to New York City and living in Roosevelt Island
[19:13 – 26:05] DDB and working with the original Peggy Olsen (Phyllis Robinson)
[26:06 – 30:29] The history behind the New York Lotto tagline “Hey, you never know”
[30:30 – 32:10] Working on the Clinton/Gore campaign in 1992
[32:12 – 34:57] Working at Chiat Day with Ty Montague
[34:58 – 41:40] Chasing your mentors and living your truth
[41:40 – 48:00] Starting his own agency, Kia’s challenger story
[48:01 – 51:15] The brave mindset of David & Goliath
[51:16 – 58:45] How meditation inspired his not-for-profit
[58:46 – 59:33] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.