Season #1 of Commercial Grade is a wrap! Season #2 will kick-off after the holidays with new guests, topics & confessions in advertising. Today's finale features ad sales veteran Lisa Solomon, one of the 1st AOL/Microsoft digital ad sales reps (hello dial-up!) before moving onto NBC/Universal & eventually launching the marketing version of Master Class, Atheneum Collective. Lisa explains the ins/outs of ad sales, how the industry has evolved and gives pointers on how anyone can master the art of sales. 

Competition amongst ad agencies has historically been fierce yet predictable. An agency's foremost competition was typically another shop with similar offerings: Integrated vs. integrated, PR vs. PR, media vs. media. Recently, the landscape has become increasingly complex with traditional consultancies (Deloitte, McKinsey, Bain & Co.) playing AND winning on agency turf. Sam Hawkins, Senior Consultant at Deloitte, joins to discuss the evolution of consultancies & their impact the agency/client relationship.

Marcus Wesson, award-winning Chief Creative Officer of Dailey Advertising in LA, joins Commercial Grade to talk through the ins and outs of creative production, what it takes to makes an award-winning campaign (think: Carls Jr. burgers & bikinis!) and how he evolved from a junior art director to CCO of a major ad agency. Marcus and Christie also talk through the time they, unbeknownst to them, pitched against each other to win the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare account. 

In the second part of my conversation with Erin Matts, CEO, and Anita May, MD, of Omnicom's Hearts & Science, we cover a topic high on the priority list of most agencies and corporations: Diversity, Inclusion & Allies in Advertising. From ageism to sexism, Erin and Anita share challenges they've faced and how they approach diversity internally and when hiring. Anita also takes us through the "aha" moment behind P&G's "The Talk," which details the harsh reality African American parents and children face.

In Part #1 of "Media Magic & The Road to CEO," Erin Matts, CEO, and Anita May, Managing Executive Director, of Omnicom's Hearts & Science global marketing agency, join Christie to talk about the role and power of media in advertising, evolving approaches to data insights and storytelling, and their respective roads to becoming influential female marketing executives. Anita, Heart & Science's Procter & Gamble account lead, also takes us through the media strategy and emotional creative idea behind "The Talk," one of the agency's most lauded campaigns.

Working in advertising undoubtably results in a variety of crazy, funny, unbelievable experiences that I've dubbed, "Confessions in Advertising." Over the past 30 episodes, Commercial Grade guests have shared surreal and memorable moments from their careers that deserve to be retold. Confessions in Advertising: Volume 2, is the second iteration of these wild stories and can be considered a warning (or encouragement, depending on your POV!) to anyone looking to get into advertising. 

Working in advertising undoubtably results in a variety of crazy, funny, unbelievable experiences that I've dubbed, "Confessions in Advertising." Over the past 30 episodes, Commercial Grade guests have shared surreal and memorable moments from their careers that deserve to be retold. Confessions in Advertising: Volume I, is a compilation of these wild stories and can be considered a warning (or encouragement, depending on your POV!) to anyone looking to get into advertising. 

During this week's episode, I reunite with the Adam Carolla Show gang in studio. We talk new campaigns and pop-ups from Taco Bell, Mercedes-Benz, Coors Light and more. As a teaser, if you have strong opinions on "shower beers," I want to hear them!

This episode features another listener requested topic: Inside the world of Visual Effects. Darcy Parsons, a commercial/SNL/MTV producer-turned-visual effects specialist and co-founder of Kevin, a visual effects studio, joins Commercial Grade to talk all things VFX. She takes us behind the scenes, reveals stories from her "live action" days with SNL and MTV, explains the various kinds of visual effects and tells viewers how to spot them! 

Joe Shields, Vice President of Connections at iHeartMedia and life-long product placement fan, takes us deep into the world of Product Placement and Branded Entertainment. Joe discovered his passion for product placement as a youth, moved to LA and never looked back. His expertise runs deep and his roster of product placement deals includes work for Columbia Pictures, FOX, FX Network and properties such as Talladega Nights and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.  

If you work in advertising -- or even if you don't -- you've surely heard about the "Digital" wave. Many marketers, advertisers and agency people are enamored with the digital landscape but often get it wrong; chasing digital trends and wasting valuable marketing dollars on low-impact digital channels. Don Lupo, an LA advertising executive who has spent his career in digital production, joins Commercial Grade to demystify all things "digital." Don explains the ins and outs of digital production, breaks down the consumer journey and digital production process, and shares exactly what marketers need to do to get "digital" right.

Christie answers your biggest questions around advertising campaigns. Bryan Bishop, aka Bald Bryan on the Adam Carolla Show podcast, joins the show to represent the "voice of the listener."

Last week, ThinkLA's hosted its annual Entertainment Breakfast where I had the great honor of moderating an all-star panel of executives who've shifted their careers from TV programming to podcast production. This episode features that fantastic discussion with  panelists including Kjerstin Beatty (SVP Media Partnerships, NBC Universal), Kelly Garner, (Founder & CEO, Treefort), Hernan Lopez (Founder & CEO, Wondery), Joe Shields (VP Connections, iHeartMedia).

Rich DeMuro, aka "Rich on Tech" and TV tech reporter for KTLA 5, joins Commercial Grade to talk about his career as a tech reporter, how he's built relationships with the Google/Apple/Samsungs of the world as a local reporter, how brands try to solicit his reviews and what you should look for when buying the latest phones/computers. Rich also tells us which apps you cannot live without, whether it's for working out, cord cutting, video editing, password management, neighborhood safety, etc.

In Part Two of "Behind the Music," Anthony Marinelli gives us his professional perspective on ads from Gatorade, Farmers Insurance, Cadillac and Apple. He also breaks down the mechanics of a composing a hit jingle, sharing famous jingles he's created for Disneyland, Big Red, Doublemint Gum, Jolly Green Giant, US Bank and more. You'll definitely be singing these to yourself by the end of the episode!

Meija Jacobs, an 11-year IDEO veteran, takes us inside IDEO and demystifies its design-led thinking philosophy. Learn how IDEO operates, how its teams are organized, its proprietary brainstorming and prototyping techniques, and its commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As Senior Director of its Design For Food division, Meija also details IDEO's work on the food pipeline, alternative proteins, cellular agriculture (think Impossible Burgers) and envisioning a future using food as medicine.

Tim Nudd, former Creative Editor of AdWeek and current Editor-in-Chief of Muse by Clio, joins Commercial Grade to talk about his career as a professional advertising critic, his approach to evaluating creative, how advertising has changed over the years, the power of the consumer, and the best and worst creative of the 2018 and 2019. We also review ads from Burger King, Reebok, McDonald's and Facebook.  

Y'all keep asking about local car commercials and the expert is on this week's episode! Jill Jagger, a 25-year veteran of the auto dealer world, joins me to answer your questions about how dealerships work, why local car ads tend to be awful, the relationship between car brands and their dealers, incentives, how and when to buy a car, and FINALLY address the debate about why car commercials feature neutral license plates! 

In a world filled with disingenuous sales pitches and misleading claims, is it possible for advertising to have soul? Kirk Souder, Executive Creative Director and current co-founder of spiritual impact agency, Enso, joins Christie for a deeply revealing conversation on how individuals and organizations can free themselves from self-imposed limiting beliefs, tap into their authentic energy, and create a long-lasting positive impact. If you're an Oprah fan, this episode is basically advertising's version of a "Super Soul Sunday" conversation, full of brand awakening and corporate enlightenment.

Join Christie as she kicks off "Inside The Agency," a series within Commercial Grade dedicated to explaining the inner workings of advertising agencies. Learn about the different types of agencies (creative, media, production, etc.), individual departments (account management, strategy, creative, production, etc.) and how to navigate your own career in advertising. This week, part one takes a deep look into an agency's first line of defense: "Account Management." Milind Raval, Christie's long-time colleague, friend and Account Management expert, takes us behind-the-scenes into the trials and tribulations of client liaisons and gatekeepers. 

Ross Lacy, one of the entertainment industry's most prominent casting directors and owner of Ross Lacy Casting, joins Christie in a hilarious and insightful conversation about commercial casting. We get to the bottom of the Discover "twins" ads, explain how casting directors think, what actors can do to land a dream gig, dig into current casting trends and share some truly crazy stories from behind the casting couch.

Luis Camano, an international Chief Creative Officer hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, joins Commercial Grade to talk about the techniques behind great international advertising. We explore the meaning of "Global Advertising," investigate multicultural business practices (hint: bribes), and share experiences working with colleagues/clients across US, UK, Argentina, South Korea, Dubai, Spain, South Africa, etc. We also review ads from Coca-Cola, Ameriquest, Spanish Lottery, Johnnie Walker & Nespresso.

Natalie Coughlin, twelve-time Olympic medalist-turned-entrepreneur and author of Cook to Thrive: Recipes to Fuel Body and Soul, joins Christie to share her journey beyond Team USA into the world of book writing and winemaking. Natalie shares the realities of book writing, her own brand evolution & insightful tips on how to promote yourself. Food lovers will dig this episode as we talk about Natalie's home garden, food storage tips, must-have ingredients, her experience on Chopped: Sports Stars and more.

From Gillette's #MeToo debacle to Nike's "Dream Crazy" effort, cause- and social-related marketing campaigns are popping up everywhere. Cause marketing expert Laura Probst joins Christie to discuss what it takes to create a successful cause marketing initiative, the biggest mistakes marketers make and shares incredible tips on how you can find the perfect social cause that fits your lifestyle without feeling like an "extra" commitment. Bonus: Her "Confession in Advertising" officially sets the bar as the one to beat.

Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite pro athletes lock-in their contracts, negotiate endorsement deals, deal with controversy and hecklers, or become the face of the next Nike/Adidas/Under Armour campaign? Steve Astephen, professional Sports Agent and Managing Partner of Sports Marketing agency Wasserman, joins Christie for a behind-the-scenes look at this and much more. 

The #1 question I get asked about Commercial Grade is whether hosts can earn a living from podcasting and, if so, how??? To get the answer, I tapped THE expert: Kit Gray, the co-founder and President of PodcastOne, the first and largest podcasting advertising network. Kit explains how he co-created the first advertising model for podcasting just 10 years ago, how podcasters can earn revenue, outlines the criteria brands look for in potential podcast partners, and we share emotional stories about the impact podcasting has had on both our lives. This episode is full of great tips, so get your notepad ready!

Ben Kay, a brilliant, hilarious and award-winning Creative Director and Copywriter, joins Christie for an open and insightful discussion on the Creative development process. Take the long way home or lift an extra set because we cover it ALL: The secrets behind creative dev and copywriting, why creatives get a bad rap, the responsibility of the ad industry, mistrust between clients & agencies, the problem with advertising awards, plus grade Miller , Skittles, Guinness, Gillette, Nike, Always & "Fearless Girl" ads.

Kimberley Gardiner, the first female VP & Chief Marketing Officer for Mitsubishi Motors USA joins Christie to talk about challenges auto brands experience when marketing to women, how women are often stereotyped in car ads, and share personal experiences rising through the ranks as a woman shattering the glass ceiling in the heavily male-dominated auto industry. Kimberley and Christie also grade ads from Acura, Cadillac, Aston Martin, CarDekho and Mercedes-Benz.

Mark Miller, Chief Strategy Officer of Team One Advertising and award-winning author of "Legacy in the Making: Building A Long-Term Brand To Stand Out In A Short-Term World," joins Christie to share the secrets behind what it takes to build an inspirational, modern brand legacy. Forget simply celebrating tradition or heritage, modern brand legacies -- like Honest Company, Tiffany & Co., Wimbledon, Rolex, Samsung & more -- are the creators of a vital today and tomorrow.   

Bonus: Mark & Christie discuss how listeners can identify their personal purpose and create their own legacy. Compelling for anyone looking to define the next steps in their life or career.  

Did you know that many brands perform TONS of research on their advertisements BEFORE they ever hit the airwaves? It's true! The final ad you see has likely gone through rounds of concept testing, focus groups, animatic testing, copy testing and more. Master Market Researcher Jenny Dyke of Blackfriars Research joins Christie to explain the ins and outs of advertising research and grade Gillette's controversial "The Best Men Can Get" ad. By the end of this episode, you'll be a research pro!

Gillette "A Razor Just For Men" | https://www.ispot.tv/ad/Iyim/gillette-skinguard-a-razor-just-for-men

Gillette "The Best Men Can Get?" | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koPmuEyP3a0 

Dollar Shave Club "Getting Ready" | https://www.ispot.tv/ad/d1J8/dollar-shave-club-getting-ready-song-by-sammy-davis-jr

Award-winning producer Frank Mele joins Christie to break down the art and agony of TV production. Learn exactly what commercial production is, how brilliant pieces of mini-content get made, what life on set is really like and hear crazy stories of everything that can go wrong. Hint: Zombies, car accidents and crazy clients. Enjoy!

Join Christie as she uncovers the real stars of the 91st Academy Awards: the commercials! Learn how much brands shell out per 30-second commercial, why they were worried about being part of this year's Oscars, how the ratings systems work and which ads made the #CommercialGrade. 

Professional voiceover artist and official "voice" of The Adam Carolla Show, Mike Dawson, gives Christie a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive world of voiceover acting. Learn how the voices behind your favorite commercials, audiobooks, video games, podcasts, movie trailers and even AI, get their big breaks, survive rounds of auditions and maintain their sanity while at the mercy of indecisive copywriters. Christie also challenges Mike to a special round of "Name That Voice."

Insurance expert and advertising veteran Lisa Tanner joins Christie to uncover the mysteries of insurance advertising, including Farmers Insurance’s craziest claims, GEICO’s jaw-dropping budget, AllState’s take on Mayhem, Progressive’s lovable “Flo,” Esurance's attempt at irony with Dennis Quaid and much more. 

In the debut episode, Christie invites Bald Bryan from The Adam Carolla Show to review and grade the best and worst ads from Super Bowl 2019. 

Welcome to the Commercial Grade podcast! Listen in as Christie Bishop, an award-winning Advertising Executive, answers your questions and gives you an insider's look at what really goes into crafting advertising campaigns. Looking for more? You can also find Christie contributing on the Adam Carolla Show.