Yeah, That's Probably an Ad

How do you drive equity, a sense of belonging and cultural transformation?

Jason Rosario, chief DEI BBDO, Gabby Royale, director of diversity and inclusion at Abercrombie & Fitch and Jasmine Cruz, head of marketing and brand strategy at InHerShoesMovement join community editor Adweek to talk about model behavior, common missteps and how to look in the mirror as vocal change agents.  

Adweek's Doug Zanger and Mary Emily O'Hara from D&I TBD introduce Adweek's first Pride Stars honorees from agencies to culture makers pushing LGBTQ visibility forward.

Mary talks to Pride Star Asad Dhunna from The Unmistakables in the U.K. and Zanger speaks with Lincoln Stephens behind The Marcus Graham Project about the dialogue we're seeing now in the U.S. 

They also look at why racially insensitive brands such as Aunt Jemima are finally being retired.

Beyond the Pledge is a limited podcast series, in partnership with R/GA and the 4A’s, that spotlights a variety of people with different perspectives on the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion—and the work we still have left to do. Their tough and honest conversations will tear down myths and identify actionable ways in which we can hold brands and agencies accountable. Listeners will be equipped with the inspiration and knowledge needed to make critical, long-term and meaningful changes.

To kick off the series, R/GA's VP, Global Executive Director, Culture & Operation, Jai Tedeschi chats with The 4A’s EVP, Talent Equity Inclusion Simon Fenwick about the importance of prioritizing equity in the workplace. They discuss how the 4A’s and R/GA are creating more equitable workplaces, and identify some of the organizational and operational systems companies must adopt to achieve lasting racial equity.

What exactly is performance marketing? How has it evolved? And who are some of the big winners of this year’s Adweek Performance Marketing Awards? Adweek’s interim brand and performance marketing editor David Kaplan joins us to discuss performance marketing.

After a whole year of lockdown, we're looking back on all things — personal and professional — that the Covid-19 pandemic has touched, and its impact on the marketing industry.

On this International Women's Day themed episode of 'Yeah, That's Probably an Ad,' host Ko Im is joined by guest co-host Nicole Ortiz, Community Content Manager Luz Corona, and Senior News Writer Katie Lundstrom to discuss International Women's Day through the lens of marketing.

This week, as we head into Adweek’s third-annual Challenger Brands Summit, we look at some of the notable speakers and sessions attendees will see on the virtual main stage. 

Adweek senior editor T.L. Stanley joins co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im to discuss headline speakers like Jeniffer Garner and Nicole Richie—and challenger brands like Bombas, Peloton, Tushy and more.

David Griner shares his top 10 Big Game ads. Ko Im, Nicole Ortiz and Jameson Fleming from Adweek share their sweet spots, the ones that made that laugh and the ones that were kind of cringeworthy. 

Who's taking a chance? Who's toning it down? 

International editor David Griner and community editor Ko Im are joined by CPG reporter Paul Hiebert and breaking news reporter Katie Lundstrom to talk about standards and nostalgia with big brands and first-time advertisers in the Super Bowl. 

Joining Dry January in the calendar of one-month movements aimed at self improvement is Veganuary. With more than 80,000 Americans signed up  this year (and 500,000+ worldwide), Veganuary encourages you to do your best to ditch meat, dairy and eggs this month. Adweek's T.L. Stanley and David Griner dig into how Veganuary got so much global (and brand-supported) momentum so quickly.

What will return to normal , in the market and in the marketplace?

CPG reporter Paul Hiebert and agencies deputy editor Minda Smiley join host Ko Im to discuss which pandemic-inspired behaviors might stick around and how agencies are getting clearer about their values. 

When thousands of Trump supporters besieged and then breached the Capitol building, the president took to social media with his usual polarizing and incendiary messages. But this time, social platforms were unwilling to tolerate his posts, and he was soon locked out of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, Snapchat and more. Adweek platform reporter Scott Nover joins host David Griner to talk about the situation and what it means for the future.

How did the Biden campaign conceptualize their campaigns? Where did they spend? And why did they test Trump spots? 

Patrick Bonsignore, paid media director, and Amy Romanow, director of stories, share important lessons for the advertising world alongside Todd Harris, director at Civis Analytics, who helped use data to further form strategy. 

Who listened?

Marketing and social media manager Julian Gamboa joins hosts Ko Im and David Griner to discuss the ways brands responded on social media this year. 

The Adweek team revisits our favorite ads, campaigns, marketing stunts and more in a year unlike any other. You can find all of Adweek's 25 Best Ads of 2020 on Adweek.com.

It's time to reveal Adweek's Agencies of the Year. In this week's episode, editors David Griner, Minda Smiley and Doug Zanger talk through this year's honorees in the categories of U.S., Global, Breakthrough and International.

How are female marketers perceived as, by both men and women?  

Special guests Steph Beran Sanderson, Charlene Coughlin and Kelly Byrd honestly discuss what it's like to be seen as peppy, aggressive and difficult—and what it takes to break those stereotypes in a way that advances the industry, together. 

Senior editor Terry Stanley joins David Griner and Ko Im to talk about national chains going plant-based and her profile of Naomi Osaka in the issue of Adweek's Most Powerful Women in Sports. 

Looking back on the weeklong ordeal of the 2020 presidential vote, the Adweek team looks at how platforms like Twitter pushed back on Trump's claims of voter fraud. We also walk through what an important week it was for legalizing cannabis and even psychedelics. Could shrooms be the next mainstream, branded product category? 

Will Christmas be jolly with a virtual Santa? How will Black Friday and holiday shopping fare? 

Senior reporter Lisa Lacy talks about all things Amazon, Walmart and how consumer behavior has changed. 

"Linear television is far from dead right now."

TV Newser editor A.J. Katz talks about ratings going through the roof, the presidential debates and what else to expect in an incredibly busy election year. 

It's our 200th episode, so we're taking a break from news to field questions from our listeners. Adweek editors Stephanie Paterik, Ko Im, Jess Zafarris and David Griner cover topics ranging from our jobs and lives to our favorite books of 2020 and what kind of agencies we'd open. Huge thanks to all who submitted questions! Reach out anytime at podcast@adweek.com

Stan Richards has removed himself from The Richards Group, the agency he founded and still owns 100%. The departure ends a chaotic vortex of a week that saw many of the agency's key clients terminate their relationships with the agency over Richards' comment that a campaign was "too Black." What happened, and what's next for the storied agency? Adweek's agencies coverage team walks you through this unprecedented story. 

It was the skateboard meme that swept us away. 

Lyft's social director Bryna Corcoran and Adweek contributor Jeremy Schumann join co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im to talk about the Ocean Spray viral moment on TikTok—and whether the brand's response was appropriately timed. 

They also recap the social hits and misses of the vice presidential debate. 

What does it take to grow in 2020?

High dive tops this year's Fastest Growing Agencies list with its supreme Super Bowl spots. 

The Chicago agency's Managing partner Megan Lally joins co-host Ko Im and agencies reporter Minda Smiley to talk about how great relationships help foster creativity. 

Adweek senior editor Nicole Ortiz speaks with consumer engagement reporter Ian Zelaya, breaking news reporter Mònica Zorrilla and marketing and social media manager Julian Gamboa about Latinx Heritage Month.

Ryan Reynolds, Adweek's Brand Visionary for 2020, joins David Griner for a conversation on what he's learned on his path to becoming a marketing powerhouse. Interviewed on the virtual stage at Brandweek Masters Live, Reynolds describes his role in creation of ads for Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile and more—along with what he thinks non-celebrity marketers can learn from his successes.

Sponsor: Meet the Snapchat Generation and learn more about them by visiting Snapchat.com/generation

As many search for inspiration and jobs, VMYLY&R's new creative director and Brandweek speaker Walter T. Geer takes us inside his career track. He also talks about why he advocates for a pure kind of creativity.

David Griner previews his conversation at Brandweek Masters Live with Brand Visionary Ryan Reynolds about his marketing efforts.

TV editor Jason Lynch also joins us to talk about the reality of television programming for the fall and what to watch.

The groundwork for deeper discussion on social injustice has been laid, thanks the the #BlackLivesMatter movement, believed to be the largest in global history.

David Griner and Ko Im speak with cover writer, contributor and pop culture enthusiast Shannon Miller on interviewing the three co-founders behind #BLM (they are honored on our cover as this year's Beacon Award winner)—and what consumers are looking for in brands in 2020, and beyond. 

Gen Z is the digital, creator, activist generation. What do brands need to do to reach them?

Adweek's social media and marketing manager Julian Gamboa and Emma Havighorst from Generation Slay join us to talk about what this incredible group is facing in this unforgettable time—leading themselves with passion, politics and transparency. 

As agencies become more receptive to work-life balance benefits like parental leave, with months of Zoom calls helping provide a window into the realities of working parents, Heat creative leader Elaine Cox joins Adweek reporter Minda Smiley and creative and innovation editor David Griner for a candid podcast conversation about the importance of policies, practices and workplace atmospheres that support parents.

The award-winning DJ and record producer has stayed creative during the pandemic. He was part of a Mother’s Day campaign, a Postmates campaign and a virtual livestream on Fortnite. What's still in store for fan engagement? 

What is it like to be young and influential in 2020?

New York Times technology reporter Taylor Lorenz joins us to talk about this year's Young Influentials (spoiler alert: Taylor also made the cut), the toxicity on social media platforms and more. 

In recent days, social video platform TikTok went from being a place for short-form comedy and dance to being a political lightning rod threatened with a "ban" in the U.S. Adweek platforms reporter Scott Nover joins us to talk about how the app ended up in Donald Trump's crosshairs and what might happen next.  

Should students go back to school? And what needs to change? 

Professors Yusuf Dahl and Beth Egan join David Griner and Ko Im to talk about the gap in marketing education as highlighted by the Covid-19 crisis. 

They discuss what the past semester has been like from a teaching standpoint, and how higher education can change to serve emerging marketers. 

David Griner and guest co-host Nicole Ortiz talk about the nominees in the Big Tech issue. Reporter Ronan Shields also joins us to talk about cookies, Apple and previews NexTech.  

How do you get on or stay on a bucket list?

Even under quarantine, tourism bureaus are still putting out spots for future flyers. Ko Im and travel reporter Ryan Barwick review the effectiveness of travel ads for New York, Iceland and more. 

Plus, more on the future of culture within and around our communities with Team Epiphany.

Community editor Ko Im is joined by Heide Palermo, senior director of brand community at Adweek. They discuss this year's Women Trailblazers, including Gabrielle Union, Padma Lakshi and Minjae Ormes—and their proud moments, heart-led leadership and brand purpose.  

Plus, Adweek Academic Council member Jo Scholz reviews some great, recent examples of AR providing memorable experiences. 

The Stop Hate for Profit boycott effort aimed at Facebook has gained tremendous steam in recent days, with some of the world's largest marketers (Coca-Cola, Unilever and more) joining in. To catch us up on how all this snowballed, Adweek platforms reporter Scott Nover joins host David Griner to talk through who's involved, what they want and what it means for the larger social media landscape. 

Through the pandemic, we've seen companies shutter stores or go bankrupt. But with shopping numbers climbing back this spring with ecommerce on the rise, how will Amazon's summer sale do?

Co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im check in on the state of retail, online and otherwise with senior reporter Lisa Lacy and retail reporter Richard Collings.

Principal Bennett D. Bennett and strategist Nathan Young are this week's guests co-hosts. 

They are behind the urgent call of action to agencies on the diversity & inclusion front—and take us behind the scenes of the letter from 600 professionals to leadership coming to fruition, and what traction they hope to see.  

Co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im talk to Creative 100 honorees Roni Castor and Anthony O'Neill from Goodby Silverstein & Partners—where they are associate creative directors who put together a personal and powerful "Not a Gun" campaign (they're also a part of GS&P Voices, a diversity and inclusion initiative at the agency). They keep it real about how they're coping.

Plus, here a special snippet of D&I TBD hosted by Mixed Company.  

President Trump's feud with Twitter escalated quickly last week, and now he's calling for a regulatory crackdown on social networks. Adweek platforms reporter Scott Nover, TV Newser editor AJ Katz join Adweek's David Griner and Jess Zafarris to discuss where this conflict could be headed.

It's an especially eye-opening Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. A Fishbowl survey found that unfortunately, 70% of Asian Americans in marketing and advertising have experienced bias since the pandemic. 

We speak with several industry leaders about their own experiences and what needs to be done going forward. Listen to Judy Lee of Pinterest, Michelle Lee of Allure and Bing Chen of Goldhouse.

As consumers, we're not hitting subscription fatigue; in fact, we keep a heavy appetite for programming. In this week's episode, streaming editor Kelsey Sutton tells us there's room for multiple winners in the streaming wars. The question now is: how to keep viewers for the long-term?

Plus, Stacey Bendet, CEO and creative director of Alice + Olivia, shares how she's trying to keep up with the demand after selling out of 100,000 masks in 10 days and how she accelerated the launch of Creatively, a new jobs platform to hire for the current climate. 

TL Stanley joins co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im to talk about how quarantine has been good for the cannabis industry. 

And several brands are also turning to puzzles as pastimes become current again. 

Plus, advocate Aaron Harvey of Ready Set Rocket and Made of Millions talks about agencies and mental health in time of crisis.

David Griner talks about how a bookstore ramped up site visits by turning into travel inspiration with new community editor Ko Im. 

Agencies reporter Minda Smiley highlights the great projects agencies are doing to help small businesses. 

And, streaming editor Kelsey Sutton speaks with Joseph Gordon-Levitt about his quarantine collaboration YouTube project. 

Senior editor Doug Zanger joins us to go over the good stuff coming out of creatives, including the real head-turner that was State Farm's The Last Dance, Yeti's relaxing streaming parody and Burger King game-ifying traditional tv. 

Plus, co-host Ko Im speaks with clinical psychologist and organizational expert Dr. Nicole Lipkin talks about executives managing headspace, leading teams, prioritizing time and finding breaks to foster creativity.

And congrats again to co-host David Griner for winning a Shorty Award for the AI-led Super Bowl bot! 

When every day feels like Groundhog Day, how are we engaging with our audience? 

Social media editor Jess Zafarris and David Cohen who runs Adweek’s Social Pro Daily join us on this week's episode. We round up new features on Instagram to support community, manage live content and metrics expectations on Facebook, Plus, we talk about the rise of Dr. Anthony Fauci, director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, on social media and creative art.

Streaming editor Kelsey Sutton joins us to share statistics on the streaming behaviors and how media consumption is growing, as the tv industry finds a shift in its Upfronts season. 

Plus, influencer marketing expert Karyn Spencer discusses how quarantine has affected celebrities and social media.

Cannes is canceled, but diversity efforts go on as mentorships evolve.

D&I reporter Mary Emily O'Hara joins co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im to celebrate the Champions in our latest issue and discuss creative ways to connect. 

Adweek's staff and listeners reflect on the lessons of job loss, working from home and spending time in solitude as the global COVID-19 lockdown reshapes our industry and our culture. 

Seth Godin is a bestselling author and entrepreneur. His work has resonated with many marketers over the years. He also runs an online course to help marketers learn by doing. He joins Ko Im to talk about how marketers can do their jobs better in the modern age.

SXSW? Canceled. Cannes? TBD. 

Breaking news reporter Katie Lundstrom dials in from Austin, Texas and plugs us into what's happening on the ground. Co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im also discuss working from home in the time of coronavirus. 

"It's just a bit chaos at the moment," said Burger King's global CMO Fernando Machado.

He speaks with Adweek's Ko Im about monitoring how the coronavirus situation is evolving in key markets, looking at current lessons learned from China and receiving continual feedback on the boundary-pushing moldy whopper campaign. 

How is coronavirus affecting all corners of the media, advertising and marketing industries? 

Editor Doug Zanger and reporter Lisa Lacy join co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im to discuss how agency and consumer behavior are changing in light of the epidemic. 

And, Glamour's editor-in-chief Samantha Barry talks about what the magazine brand is doing to stay current and help break stigmas for the modern working woman.

"Not every brand is a billion dollar brand," says retail tech reporter Ann Marie Alcantara.

Ann Marie sheds insight into DTC 3.0—from a correction on the market amid consolidations and closures. She and CPG reporter Paul Hiebert also join host Ko Im to shed light on the winners of the 2020 Retail Awards—from Ulta to Target to Square. 

Plus, Loose Threads founder and podcaster Richie Siegel dives deeper into the fundamentals of customer acquisition, ecommerce and what can make a good retail experience. 

The moldy whopper campaign had everyone talking. The triple agency-led fuzzy, greyed Whopper broke all the rules. Could it sweep the awards circuit?

Plus, agencies reporters Minda Smiley and Erik Oster join the podcast with hosts David Griner and Ko Im to discuss the U.S. and global agencies of year: moviemaker UM and comeback agency OMD, respectively.

And Paul Woolmington, CEO, Canvas Worldwide, the breakthrough agency of the year joins us in the studio.

In a special Black History Month-themed episode of Yeah, That’s Probably an Ad, senior editor Nicole Ortiz hosted and spoke with five industry executives on op-eds they’ve written for us in the past around Black History Month and how we can further the diversity conversation.

The retail industry is rapidly changing. Experiential reporter Ian Zelaya writes: “More retailers are using experiential techniques to evolve and compete with online shopping.”

He and emerging tech reporter join co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im to discuss the new mall, food hall and IRL shopping. We also discuss the world of online dating in a parody site called Amazon Dating as well as "Diverse Editions," a joint effort in the publishing world by TBWA/Chiat/Day and Penguin Random House for Black History Month, which got pulled very quickly.

What were the best and worst ads of the 2020 Super Bowl? Adweek's editors dive into the highs and lows of this year's Big Game spots.

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by MasterClass. Jeff Goodby and Rich Silverstein, co-chairmen of Goodby Silverstein & Partners, break down how they created some of the most iconic ads of all time. Find them on MasterClass.com and the MasterClass app. 

In this bonus Super Bowl episode, Ko Im, co-host and departments editor, Adweek speaks with Cameron Smith, vp revenue strategy, GIPHY and Jason Musante, Global CCO, Huge. From Mountain Dew to Pantone, they discuss the most shared and talked about moments and what marketers should keep in mind for tentpole events—especially on social media. 

VaynerMedia CEO Gary Vaynerchuk sits down with Adweek to talk about his agency's rapid rise from social media agency to Super Bowl powerhouse, with three national spots in this year's Big Game. VaynerMedia has made this year's ads for Planters, Sabra and Hard Rock. Vaynerchuck, a high-profile entrepreneur and public speaker, also discusses his polarizing presence in the ad industry.

Mr. Peanut's death by fall caused a bit of an earthquake. His selfless plunge into the ground reverberated on social media this week. Some of us were shocked. Others laughed.

Mr. Peanut's funeral is reported to air during the Super Bowl. Podcast co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im predicts a resurrection of the iconic mascot. Plus, on this week's episode, breaking news reporter Katie Lundstrom joins us from Texas to talk about the Little Caesars and Doritos teasers. Plus, we delight in Winona Ryder visiting her namesake town for Squarespace.

And the CEO of Talkwalker talks about the buzziest online discussions leading up to the Big Game, and what to potentially expect on social media during the Super Bowl.

This week, we look back on the scream-inducing Game of Thrones x Budweiser Super Bowl 2019 spot (that was also last year's Adweek top ad of the year). Co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im sit down with two creative directors at Droga5 who worked on the campaign. Lauren Ferreira and Jono Paull recall what it was like to brainstorm in the war room, be on set with the GoT show-runners and how they kept the head fake a big, fat secret. 

Also we look at how brands like Apple and Nike are approaching Lunar New Year. ECD Vivian Yong joins us from Wieden + Kennedy Shanghai to discuss the inspiration behind the CNY ad and the intentional curation of taking an interesting insight and infusing it with competitive spirit.

We're on the road to Super Bowl—with 60-second ads and political ads to come. And fewer ads means more pressure for returning and new players to make a splash.

On this week's podcast, creative and innovation editor David Griner is joined with senior editor Nicole Ortiz, deputy brands editor Diana Pearl and emerging tech reporter Patrick Kulp. Diana predicts how brands will be making more of a statement. Patrick discusses how the @SuperBowlbot project came to life. Plus, listen to the AI-powered spot for Wix and learn how hot topic blockchain fell a bit from grace. 

On the first episode of the year, we discuss inclusion and diversity on all fronts: the podcast itself, at the Consumer Electronics Show. It's the first big opportunity to make a splash. Travel reporter Ryan Barwick joins us to talk about the sustainability messaging to kick off the year, and publishing editor Sara Jerde discusses how it's going to be an interesting landscape for publishers who will be connecting on the show floor. Plus, Jean Foster, svp of marketing and communications of the CTA talks about the trade organization's efforts to include sex tech and previews headliner Ivanka Trump.

You'll also learn how both host David Griner and Ko Im are approaching this year's resolutions.

On this year's final episode of Yeah, That's Probably an Ad, co-hosts David Griner and Nicole Ortiz speak with staff writer for agencies and AgencySpy editor Erik Oster about 2020 as a good year for independent agencies, TV editor Jason Lynch on some of the best shows to come and executive editor Stephanie Paterik on new ways to reach consumers as we peek ahead to our next Challenger Brand's roster of speakers (spoiler alert: chief marketers from the NFL).

We look back at the best spots of the year.

Co-hosts David Griner and Ko Im speak with agencies reporter Minda Smiley and video producer Josh Rios debate which Nike ad was better and share their other favorites from 2019.

You've probably seen it by now, the much-maligned Peloton ad. But what was it about that head-scratcher of a spot, what are the lessons learned and what might it mean for the brand? We discuss. 

Plus, Adweek's final issue of 2019 looks back at the last 4 decades as the magazine celebrates being 40 years bold. We also look ahead to the 2020s and beyond.

David Griner and Ko Im co-host and are joined by senior editor Robert Klara and Senior Art Director Dianna McDougall.

Go inside the process of selecting Adweek's 2019 Agencies of the Year with agency and creativity senior editor Doug Zanger, agencies reporter Minda Smiley and Adweek photo editor Kacy Burdette. Plus we're talking the latest and teariest holiday ads.

Anti-drug ad campaigns have been around for decades. From the Reagan era Just Say No campaign to the D.A.R.E. program we all remember from middle school. This week saw a new head scratcher of an ad from South Dakota titled 'Meth. We're On It.'

We talk about the meaning of the message with publishing editor Sara Jerde and emerging tech reporter Patrick Kulp. Plus, weighing in on this week's Adweek 50.

This week saw a number of new holiday ads many of them from the U.K. Take a listen to some of the best so far and a look at what's to come.

Plus, our Young Influential cover star Jay Shetty tells us why he's trying to make wisdom go viral and what drives his creativity. "Pressure is not based on judgement. Pressure is based on the desire to grow and to learn," he tells Adweek's Ko Im who is a guest on this week's podcast alongside Gen ZEOs podcast host Nick Gardner.

David Griner and Kimeko McCoy co-host.

This episode of Yeah, That's Probably an Ad was recorded in Palm Springs, Calif. as Brandweek 2019 was winding down last week. Adweek's executive editor Stephanie Paterik, tech and brands editor Josh Sternberg, retail reporter Ann-Marie Alcántara and video producer Nick Gardner recap the best insight and takeaways from brands ranging from Chipotle and Popeyes to Lufthansa, Hilton, JetBlue and many more.

It's a jam-packed podcast this week: Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is back, political ads on Twitter are gone and it's that time of year again: Brand Genius.

With much of the Adweek staff covering our Brandweek event in Palm Springs this week, we take time to talk about our annual marquee honor: the Brand Genius awards, which is taking place during Brandweek. We chat about Brand Save honoree Stand Up to Cancer and our Brand Visionary Chrissy Teigen, about her other role as mayor of Twitter.

David Griner and Kimeko McCoy co-host this week's podcast and are joined by senior writer Diana Pearl and senior editor Robert Klara. Plus, analysis on Twitter's political ad ban from platforms reporter Shoshana Wodinsky.

On this week's episode of Yeah, That's Probably an Ad guest host agencies and creative senior editor Doug Zanger talks with retail reporter Ann-Marie Alcántara, senior art director Dianna McDougall and video producer Josh Rios about what to expect at Brandweek 2019. More than 500 marketers will descend on Palm Springs next week to find inspiration from brand leaders from Target, Disney, Airbnb, EA, Chipotle, Popeye's, Citi, Viacom, and many more. 

Plus, a conversation with Chris Gardner, best known for his rags to riches memoir Pursuit of Happyness which became a box office hit staring Will Smith.

On this week's episode we talk about who made the 2019 Adweek Hot List, and why. TV/Media editor Jason Lynch on the timelessness of Friends, publishing editor Sara Jerde on the hottest in publishing which includes The New York Times and Hearst, and community editor Nicole Ortiz reveals the hottest in digital including digital creator of the year Loren Gray.

David Griner hosts this week's episode.

Mentors can make your career. You, as a mentor, can make someone else's career. This week on the podcast we talk about the importance of mentors and a new program that will shape future brand marketing leaders. 

And it's almost that time of year, the selection of Adweek's Agency of the Year. Four of the judges are on this week's episode including hosts David Griner and Kimeko McCoy as well as agencies editor Doug Zanger and agencies reporter Minda Smiley. 

Plus, Deloitte Digital's Amelia Dunlop with a message on elevating the human experience. 

In the 17 years they've been producing daily web comics, married couple Drew Toothpaste and Natalie Dee have learned a lot about producing, sharing and making a living off digital content. We caught up with the artists behind Toothpaste for Dinner, Natalie Dee and Married to the Sea to learn about how they got started, how the digital world has changed around them and how they've managed to evolve on their own terms.

Sponsor: Comcast Spotlight helps brands put their message in front of the right audience on any device. Get started today at ComcastSpotlight.com/AdweekMedia

It's Hispanic Heritage Month but you might not know that if you're keeping an eye on brand marketing campaigns.

This week's guests say that's not necessarily a bad thing as more brands are supporting the community 365 days a year, not just for a set-aside few weeks. Adweek's community editor Nicole Ortiz hosts this special edition of Yeah, That's Probably An Ad, with guests: 

• Isaac Mizrahi, COO of Alma 
• Marina Filippelli, CCO of Orcì 
• Ann-Marie Alcántara, Adweek retail reporter 

This week we dive into Adweek's cover story, the 100 Fastest Growing Agencies. What sets these small and medium-sized agencies from their big counterparts?

Plus, Spotify targets the forgotten generation -- Gen X -- in an outdoor campaign aimed at children of the 80s and 90s.

David Griner hosts with guests Adweek Agencies editor Doug Zanger and Agencies reporter Minda Smiley.

Marketing chicken has take a whole new turn. KFC is launching a dating game where contestants can date a sexy version of Colonel Sanders. We talk about why the brand has gone there.

We also delve into presidential candidates as brands and what that means to their campaigns. Plus, what Adweek has coming for this week's Covering Climate Now project.

David Griner hosts and is joined by media reporter Sara Jerde and chief of staff Jameson Fleming.

We review last week's big agency news including longtime TBWA creative Duncan Milner suing for wrongful termination, plus the talent battle brewing in Miami. Agencies editor Doug Zanger breaks it all down.

And Adweek's resident historian and senior editor for brands Robert Klara helps us celebrate Adweek's 40th anniversary. 

David Griner and Kimeko McCoy co-host.

People love that chicken from Popeyes so much the chain ran out of its new sandwich. So what's a marketer to do? Popeyes got creative.

Plus, the lengths some brands will go to to court influencers. And introducing Adweek's new travel and hospitality beat. 

This week's episode is brought to you by Deloitte Digital. 

People love that chicken from Popeyes so much it's selling out. At least the new chicken sandwich is, thanks to a fast food Twitter fight. We give it a taste test and give you the backstory of the the marketing. Plus Disney+ makes some marketing moves as Netflix prepares for battle.

This week's episode is brought to you by IBM and the new Institute for Brand Marketing hosted here on Adweek.com starting in September.

As Viacom and CBS announce plans to (re)merge, Adweek TV guru Jason Lynch is back on the podcast just in time to tell us what this and other big TV announcements in recent weeks mean for the future of streaming. We also look at the winners in this year's Adweek Project Isaac Awards, honoring inventive marketing.

On this week's edition we talk about the closing of independent advertising Barton F. Graf, what it means for creative shops and the industry at large. Plus a mid-year brand check. From legacies like AB InBev to startups like Away, which brands are standing out. 

This week’s panel is:

Kimeko McCoy, Adweek social editor

Ann-Marie Alcántara, Adweek retail reporter

David Griner, Adweek creative and innovation editor

On the Adweek podcast we talk about the crisis at the border for two of the biggest agencies: Ogilvy and Edelman. Their work for government agencies is conflicting with their employees' beliefs and each is taking a different path. Plus, Nitro Cold Brew Buzz, a taste test of the summer's hottest cold drink.

On this week: David Griner, Kimeko McCoy, Kelsey Sutton and Patrick Coffee.

On this week's episode we talk with reporters Josh Sternberg, Sara Jerde and Marty Swant who moderated panels at and covered Adweek's NexTech '19. From Facebook's wild week to NBCU's big upfront gains. Social Editor Kimeko McCoy hosts with an announcement from Adweek partner IBM and the upcoming Institute for Brand Marketing.

It's tech week at Adwee so we'll talk about the NexTech event happening in New York City this week featuring our cover star Sir Martin Sorrell. Also, a recap of Amazon's week, from Prime Day to the EU investigation. Plus, Cats! The Trailer.

As we celebrate the success of the U.S. women's soccer team in winning their fourth World Cup, it's a perfect time to talk through Adweek's newest issue about the Most Powerful Women in Sports—which includes cover star Alex Morgan. 

This week's panel is:

• Kimeko McCoy, Adweek social editor and podcast co-host

• T.L. Stanley, author of Adweek's cover story on Alex Morgan

• Minda Smiley, Adweek agencies reporter

• Doug Zanger, Adweek senior editor 

With Pride month in the rear-view mirror we take a look back at what brands and marketers did this year. 

We're back, if a bit haggard, from the Cannes Lions, so we're devoting this episode to the trends, winners and other interesting bits we saw at this year's global creative festival. 

Sponsor: This week episode is brought to you by Pantheon. More than 2,500 agencies trust Pantheon to power their clients' websites. Learn more at http://pantheon.io/adweek 

For our last bonus episode from the Cannes Lions, we sit down with industry icon Kate Stanners, global CCO of Saatchi & Saatchi. We discuss the agency network's New Creators Showcase at Cannes and have a broader conversation about the evolution of creative talent and storytelling.

Sponsor: This week episode is brought to you by Pantheon. More than 2,500 agencies trust Pantheon to power their clients' websites. Learn more at http://pantheon.io/adweek 

With more than 11,000 lines of written dialogue, HBO's "The Maze" Alexa skill from 360i is the marketing world's most ambitious use of voice to date. At the Cannes Lions, we caught up with 360i CCO Menno Kluin and Chief Strategy Officer Raig Adolfo to talk about how their team brought the project to life.

In this bonus episode from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, we're joined by advertising legend Sir John Hegarty and Corinne Woods, CMO of the U.N. World Food Programme. They tell us about the heartbreaking PSA they just launched at Cannes to help alleviate famine in war-torn regions around the world.

It's Cannes week! The advertising industry's biggest festival and awards show is back for 2019, so we gathered the Adweek team to let you know what we expect from this year's show—and our winner predictions. Be sure to follow along at http://adweek.it/cannes