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In this episode, hosts Dirk Knemeyer and David Heron sit down with Mikey Gilder, the Chief Creative Officer of Avantress Entertainment, known for their hit actual play show Legends of Avantress and the massively successful $9 million+ Kickstarter campaign for Neon Odyssey. The discussion explores the intersection of actual play performance and "crunchy" game design, examining how the rise of shows like Critical Role has fundamentally shifted the way players approach tabletop RPGs. Mikey shares candid insights into the transition from hobbyist to professional publisher, the painful lessons learned while creating The Crooked Moon, and the philosophy of "inverting the pyramid" to provide players with more mechanical "buttons to press" while maintaining narrative freedom. Listeners will find a deep dive into the realities of high-stakes crowdfunding, including how to balance expensive merchandising like plushies and minis with the core integrity of the RPG book.
Is there any power left in campaigning? Is university worth it? And what's happened to the World Cup song?Joining Carys is Pat Younge. Pat is a former Chief Creative Officer for BBC Television production and former President/General Manager of US cable network, Travel Channel Media. Pat served on the board as Non Executive Director of ITV Studios Ltd from 2020-2024 and is the Chair of the Council of Cardiff University. He's also one of the founding members of the Over/Under podcast.Pat and Carys discuss how Elon Musk is using X to abuse his power, the bigger story around David Stroud and harassment law, why universities provide a societal benefit, and how Donald Trump's immigration rules are impacting the FIFA World Cup.Support us on www.patreon.com/OverTheTopUnderTheRadar - get bonus episodes, a weekly newsletter and become a part of our members-only WhatsApp community.Email us at info@overunderpod.comSign up to the newsletter at http://www.overunderpod.com Follow us on all socials @over_under_pod_Links:https://news.sky.com/story/the-x-effect-how-elon-musk-is-boosting-the-british-right-13464445https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/jun/02/shrinking-graduate-premium-sours-views-on-university-poll-shows
Marc Davison, the Chief Creative Officer of 1000watt, elucidates the profound intersection of creativity and real estate branding in our discussion. His journey from the music industry to real estate provides a unique perspective on how emotional resonance shapes brand identity, a concept that he emphasizes as pivotal in distinguishing successful brands from their competitors. We also delve into the significance of mentorship for new agents, underscoring that the responsibility of guiding clients through critical real estate transactions necessitates a foundation of experience and collaboration. Additionally, as the Signal event approaches in June 2026, Davison's insights into the evolving landscape of real estate marketing are particularly timely. Join us as we explore the intricate narratives that drive the real estate industry forward through the lens of Davison's extensive experience and innovative thinking. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Marc Davison, a figure whose career spans the realms of music and real estate marketing. The host, Bill Risser, illustrates the profound impact Marc has had on rethinking branding within the real estate industry. The dialogue takes listeners through Marc's early years in New York City, where he was steeped in a culturally rich environment that fostered his creativity. He reflects on how this diverse upbringing shaped his understanding of branding, leading him to recognize the power of emotional connections in marketing. Marc articulates the stark difference between rational branding—characterized by logical appeals—and meaningful branding, which resonates with consumers on a deeper emotional level. This fundamental insight is particularly relevant for real estate professionals, as it underscores the need to create narratives that engage potential clients beyond mere transactions. As the conversation unfolds, Marc shares anecdotes from his transition into real estate marketing, detailing the founding of Thousand Watt and its mission to innovate within the industry. He elaborates on the challenges faced by new agents, advocating for the importance of mentorship and community support in building successful careers. Ultimately, the episode serves as a rich resource for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and business strategy, providing listeners with both inspiration and practical guidance for navigating their own paths.Takeaways:Marc Davison's transition from the music industry to real estate illustrates the importance of adaptability in one's career journey.Understanding the distinction between rational and emotional branding is crucial for effective marketing strategies.During economic downturns, innovative companies often seize opportunities that arise from competition and market shifts.Building a strong personal brand in real estate requires understanding the mechanics of branding, rather than relying solely on individual identity.Mentorship is vital for new real estate agents, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the industry effectively.Thousand Watt's agency model emphasizes active involvement in branding and marketing rather than merely consulting, setting it apart in the industry.
Chadwick Wilson is the Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Ace Renegade Productions, a social strategy, video, and content production company specializing in visual branding, social storytelling, and multi-platform marketing. He is also a Senior Casting Producer at Cornwell Casting, a reality television casting company focused on finding dynamic casts across reality TV genres. With over 15 years of entertainment experience, Chadwick was a member of the production staff for 2 Broke Girls and a casting producer on Joe Millionaire, Farmer Wants a Wife, and The 1% Club. In this episode… The most memorable ads do more than capture attention — they make people feel something worth repeating. In a landscape of forgettable creative, how can brands turn simple products into stories people actually want to share? Creative strategist and casting producer Chadwick Wilson says to start with the audience, not the product. Strong brand content comes from emotional relevance, authentic storytelling, and a clear understanding of the message's audience. Brands should avoid casting too wide a net, use humor only when it fits the product, lean into nostalgia or identity when the story calls for it, and make founder-led content feel human instead of overly polished. The goal is to create content that feels personal, memorable, and culturally resonant. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Chadwick Wilson, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Ace Renegade Productions, about creating ads and content people remember. Chadwick shares why brands need emotionally resonant storytelling, how founder-led content builds trust, and what marketers can learn from viral ads by Manscaped, Peloton, Aviation Gin, and McDonald's.
What makes a podcast feel authentic?In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Moss, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Podcast Solutions, one of the world's leading branded podcast agencies. Jennifer has helped organizations ranging from Amazon and Cirque du Soleil to Wharton create podcasts that do more than promote a brand—they tell stories that audiences genuinely want to hear.The conversation explores why so many brand podcasts fail to connect, what separates great storytelling from corporate messaging, and how brands can create audio content that builds trust, engagement, and long-term audience relationships.Jennifer also shares her perspective on the growing role of AI in content creation, why human-centered storytelling matters more than ever, and what she has learned leading creative teams at the forefront of the podcast industry.The PR Podcast is a show about how the news gets made. We talk with great PR people, reporters, and communicators about how the news gets made and strategies for publicity that drive business goals. Host Jody Fisher is the founder of Jody Fisher PR and works with clients across the healthcare, higher education, financial services, real estate, entertainment, and non-profit verticals. JAR Podcast Solutionswebsite: https://jarpodcastsolutions.comThe PR Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePRPodcast/Twitter: https://x.com/ThePRPodcast1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprpodcast_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theprpodcast?
Nada Hesham is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of 40Mustaqel, an independent design studio born and based in Cairo, Egypt. Recorded live at All Flows Festival, this conversation moves between identity, rebellion, methodology, and the deep craft of building a studio that refuses to be a factory. ~Nada grew up in Cairo — an intense, visually chaotic city she describes as a continuous love-hate relationship — in a family of doctors and engineers. She found her way into graphic design not through natural talent, but through the logic of typography: a discipline where obsession and method matter more than innate spark. That belief — that creativity is earned through rigour rather than gifted from above — has shaped everything from how she builds her team to how she approaches a client brief.Over five years, 40Mustaqel became the go-to studio for Arabic script-led design across the region. But Nada is already restless with that success, pushing her studio into new territory: sculptures, exhibitions, publishing, and a deeper interrogation of what it means to decolonise design beyond the script's surface.Key takeaways:Creativity built on method and obsession outlasts creativity built on talentCairo's visual chaos is not a limitation — it is a creative inheritance worth claimingThe research phase is where regional and cultural influence truly lives in a projectHiring small and intentionally protects the intimacy and quality that makes boutique studios thriveLeadership is orchestration — knowing who in your team holds which genius is the real skillDecolonising design is a process question, not just a visual oneBeing known for something is the first milestone; outgrowing it is the secondThe Trojan horse strategy — delivering what a client expects while quietly changing what they believe — is how cultural shifts happen Daring Creativity. Podcast with Radim Malinicdaringcreativity.com | desk@daringcreativity.comBooks by Radim Malinic Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFcFree audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobookBook bundles https://novemberuniverse.co.ukLux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)
How can designers reach the executive level, and what are their responsibilities and the impact they get to create?To find out, join our Design Executives Series with Tim Greenhalgh, Founder and Creative Director at Like a Moth and former Chief Creative Officer at Landor & Fitch, one of the most iconic creative agencies in the world.Tim is also faculty member of our Executive Programme for Design Leaders: https://fla.wiki/3RTKnxHOver more than 30 years, Tim has led a team of over 1,200 curious minds across 20 countries, creating award-winning brand experiences for clients including Apple, LEGO, and Adidas. During our live interview, Tim will share his mistakes and learnings, along with insights into leading at executive level.What you'll learn► How to create and maintain high-quality design standards, and motivate the team to "destroy the ordinary"► The value of design and creativity for business performance► Tim's journey from creative director to chief creative officer00:00 Meet Tim Greenhalgh — 40 years leading global creative at Fitch and Landor, now founder of Like a Moth02:00 What Tim learned from Rodney Fitch about the value of design05:15 How to justify the value of design to clients13:00 How to present bold creative ideas so clients say yes19:25 Why most creative briefs are just agendas and how to fix them23:35 What nobody tells you about being a chief creative officer33:10 Dealing with underperformers in creative teams without burning the culture35:30 Why there's no such thing as a bad project45:20 How Tim uses sight, insight, foresight to start every creative project52:40 Destroy Ordinary: the creative framework that united 26 global studios57:45 The future of craft, ideas and creative leadership01:06:00 How to sell the value of an idea (not just the design) to business leaders01:08:45 Has hybrid working destroyed studio culture?01:12:20 If you could change one thing in the world
Sarah Davis is the Founder, President and Chief Creative Officer at Fashionphile. Follow and connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahclarkdavis/ and on X at https://x.com/Sarahdavis.FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREWX: https://x.com/andrewjfarisEmail: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork With AJF Growth: https://ajfgrowth.comMOVE SUPPLY CHAINReduce your OpEx and create more leverage in your company with financial forecasting, AI, and offshore talent by visiting https://movesupplychain.com/.INTELLIGEMSIntelligems brings A/B testing to business decisions beyond copy and design. Test your pricing, shipping charges, free shipping thresholds, offers, SaaS tools, and more by clicking here: https://bit.ly/42DcmFl. Get 20% off the first 3 months with code FARIS20.
Performance marketers are desperately trying to master ever-changing algorithms in the pursuit of securing attention in an attention-poor economy – but where are they going wrong?On this episode of the Performance Marketing Unlocked podcast, Orlando Wood, Chief Creative Officer of System1, joins host Joe to discuss how shifting from 'salesmanship' to 'showmanship' can build a brand that performs in the both the short and long-term.This podcast was hosted by PMW's Deputy Editor, Joseph Arthur.~ Episode breakdown ~ (3:26) How do the left and right brain impact advertising?(8:05) Are we focusing too much on salesmanship and not enough on showmanship?(23:34) Who is getting the 'brandformance' balance right?(28:47) Overrated or underrated(31:24) PMW's Resell Me a Pen Challenge~ Further reading ~ Top 6 adtech tools this week: System1, Airship, GlobalData, Ampd, Talon.One and DAIVIDTop 10 Easter ads: How are brands navigating the junk food ban?Top 10 Winter Olympics ads: Michelob, Peacock and Corona take the podium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Brandon Lentino is a prominent creative executive in the social media and creator economy space, currently serving as the Chief Creative Officer (CCO) at Viral Nation, one of the world's leading social media marketing transformation agencies. His work focuses on bridging the gap between traditional brand marketing and the fast-moving "social-first" world of creators and influencers. Chief Creative Officer: Lentino oversees the creative direction for global brands, ensuring that their social presence isn't just "ads," but content that resonates with modern audiences (especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha). VN Studio: Following Viral Nation's acquisition of Eight Seven Media (a production agency Lentino co-owned), he helped spearhead the creation of "VN Studio." This internal hub focuses on high-speed content production, distribution, and monetization for athletes, celebrities, and brands. Strategy: He is a vocal advocate for "engineering UGC" (User Generated Content). His philosophy is that brand activations should be designed as "social engines" where the physical experience is built specifically to prompt sharing and digital engagement. Zillow & "Demure" Marketing: He led a viral 2025 campaign for Zillow featuring creator Jools Lebron, leveraging the "very demure, very mindful" trend to reach first-time homebuyers on social media. Super Bowl Coverage: In February 2026, he was a featured expert for ADWEEK's "Big Game Live Show," providing real-time analysis of Super Bowl ads, social sentiment, and creator-led marketing strategies. 7-Eleven "Summer of Sev": He oversaw the award-winning creative for 7-Eleven Canada, which used a digital-first approach to position the brand as a convenience leader for a younger, social-savvy demographic.Lentino often speaks about the "Hybrid of Tech and Humanity." He argues that while a strong tech stack (social listening, AI, and analytics) is necessary, it must be combined with human expertise to know when a brand should enter a cultural conversation without looking like an "outsider."
Josh Gross is an elite, award-winning creative executive known for building viral, culture-shaping campaigns that merge massive scale with genuine human soul. Having established himself as a powerhouse creative leader during a highly successful decade at Energy BBDO, he was appointed to oversee the newly integrated FCB Global / BBDO Chicago creative team following the major Omnicom network merger.In this role, Josh is tasked with unifying two of Chicago's most historic and distinct agency cultures, focusing on real-time, high-speed creative experimentation to keep major global brands culturally relevant.Key Career Highlights & Creative Philosophy:Scale with Soul: Josh operates under a unified creative vision to "do big things by scale, with soul." He rejects the idea that a campaign must choose between data-driven, massive reach and emotional depth, pushing his teams to find the golden intersection of both.
In this episode of FHS Podcast, we talk about the attention economy of hospitality; it's no longer enough to build beautiful spaces. The real challenge is creating moments that capture attention, spark emotion, and stay with people long after they leave. Joining us is Michael Cirino, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of House of Attention, an award-winning creative studio redefining what hospitality experiences can be. With over two decades of work at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and physical space, Michael has built immersive concepts that blur the lines between dining, entertainment, art, and brand.
Paddy Smith is Chief Creative Officer at Born Social, where he oversees the creative output for the agency. He's spent his time at Born building a 60+ strong department spanning Creative, Design and Production, developing some of the brightest creative minds in the industry. He's pitched, won and delivered best in class creative across iconic brands like Guinness, Smirnoff, Mars, Uber and Ford, helping them transform into social-first brands. Paddy's work has collected creative awards from The One Show, The Creative Circle, The Webbys, Shortys, Marketing Week, Digiday and Campaign Awards and sat on juries with The Shorty Awards and Creative Review. Paddy has also written and hosted multiple industry events on varied creative subjects spanning brand design, generative AI, influencers, social-first brand building and modern craft, as well as writing thought pieces on creativity for the likes of The Drum, Adweek, Future London Academy and Creative Review.
Brian Watson: The "Cactus" Legend Brian is essentially the embodiment of the agency's history. He is often cited as the "ultimate homegrown talent," having spent his entire 24-year career at Cactus. Career Arc: He started at the agency as a junior copywriter in the early 2000s and worked his way up to Executive Creative Director before being named Chief Creative Officer in June 2025. The "Man Therapy" Fame: Brian was a key leader behind one of the most famous and effective mental health campaigns in advertising history: "Man Therapy." This campaign used a fictional character (Dr. Rich Mahogany) and dark humor to reach working-age men about suicide prevention—a demographic traditionally hard to engage. Clients & Impact: His portfolio includes massive regional and national brands like the Colorado Lottery, Fjällräven, and the University of Miami.
How do you help 7500 co-workers be their most creative selves? Find out in the latest Ad Infinitum.That's right, the world's only podcast solely dedicated to audio ads is back! Presenting Ad Infinitum Season 4, Episode 2: "Rahul Sabnis: Guaranteed Human."Host Stew Redwine (Executive Creative Director, Oxford Road) welcomes bona fide creative master Rahul Sabnis (President & Chief Creative Officer, iHeartMedia) for a WIDE-ranging conversation spanning: Picking a Side, Creativity for All, The Memory Test, and more. There's even an Audiolytics breakdown of ads from Mint Mobile, Aura Frames, Toyota, and Amazon Prime. Let's dig in…“A voice in the dark when you feel alone.” -The purpose of radio, according to Rahul Sabnis (President & Chief Creative Officer, iHeartMedia)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nearly two decades after filming Somm, Jason Wise, Chief Creative Officer of Somm TV and Director of the Somm movies, has a deep view of wine in the media. Jason shares his perspective on what types of media moves the needle, how to get involved as a brand, the ever changing landscape of media itself. Detailed Show Notes: Update from the last 4 years: filming tons of food & wine content around the world, a couple theatrical releasesSomm TV: video streaming services, partners w/ wineries and wine regions, Jason founded it to not have to ask permission to film storiesA lot of people find Somm TV from YouTubeWine industry evolution (2010-2026): a lot more grapes and too much wine; beginner wine content no longer needed; market needs to sort a few things out; tariffs had huge impact on American wineries (some wineries were 20% Canada)Wine helps create more connection and conversationMedia filming rights have changed a lot, used to have a pay a place to film, now they are happy to be a part of itSideways worked because it was unexpected and was done on its own termsStreaming wars haven't helped media gain influence, only a few shows that have had an impact (e.g. - Game of Thrones, White Lotus); there's so much content, it's hard to break through, now niche is kingNiche segments sometimes just talk to their niche, don't bring in new audiencesDocumentaries tell stores people didn't know existedNetflix used to license shows, now they want to own everything, leads to less originality, just make what's worked beforeYouTube feeds media, creators build a following, then produce more standard mediaWine industry's role in the mediaNobody wants to watch commercialsHard to push media to do what you want it to doWine should be the drink to push in PR (e.g. - Chateau Angelus in James Bond films has had an impact)Wine cameos in movies can build awarenessWinery engagement with mediaInfluencers are like “maintenance,” believes their influence is waningGet the product in TV shows / moviesNeed the “magic” in the bottle, be known for something (e.g. - Taylor Swift and Sancerre, fans figured it out)Celebrity helps bring a platform if the product had good product-market fit (e.g. - Aveline and Cameron Diaz)Media effectiveness goes in cycle, what works changes over time and circles back; need to try 10 things for 1 to workBelieves regional marketing is criticalPodcasts are part of people's everyday routine and movies stick with you, TV is like the “bulk wine” of mediaWineries should put budget towards media, spread the money aroundMany wineries have exited sponsorships and are losing consumer awareness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Creativity through the lens of the Chief Creative Officer at Ratkaj Designes"Earmarking time. Set aside time to take the pressure off."Rochelle Ratkaj Moser is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Ratkaj Designs, a creative agency that brings together the power of design and the purpose of philanthropy. With a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and mission-aligned visual storytelling, Rochelle has spent her career helping nonprofits and social impact organizations better communicate their values, advocate for change, and connect with the communities they serve.https://ratkajdesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/ratkajdesigns?utm_medium=copy_linkhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ratkaj/Send us Fan Mail
Most creative directors are never told what their job actually is.That confusion leads to imposter syndrome, burnout and years of silent mistakes at the top of agencies.In this episode of Embracing Marketing Mistakes, we sit down with Mick Mahoney, one of the most experienced creative leaders in advertising. Mick spent over 25 years as a Creative Director, Executive Creative Director and Chief Creative Officer at agencies including Ogilvy and BBH.He has led award-winning teams, topped creative rankings and worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Despite that success, Mick openly admits that for much of his career he felt like he was winging it.We talk about the real job of a creative director, why no one ever defines it, and how that lack of clarity fuels ego, micromanagement and burnout. Mick shares the mistakes he made early on, the clients he lost, and the leadership lessons that only come from experience.This is an honest conversation about empathy, psychological safety, confidence and what creative leadership actually looks like when you strip away the posturing.If you lead creative people, manage senior teams or feel the pressure of needing to have all the answers, this episode will resonate. Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host:
Matt Taylor is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Tracksmith. He recently stepped down from the CEO role, which he held since 2014, to return his focus to what drew him to the brand in the first place: its creative expression.I recently sat down with Matt in Boston to trace the full arc of his journey, from a cold letter left at a hotel for IMG founder Mark McCormack, to embedding himself in top-tier college cross country programs for Chasing Tradition, to funding the early days of Tracksmith with an Usain Bolt iPhone game. We talked about how each of those pursuits helped shape the brand he eventually built, and also got into what has always set Tracksmith apart: narrative-driven storytelling, reverence for the history of the sport, and a refusal to be everything to everyone.This is a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, craft, entrepreneurship, and what it means to build something with genuine staying power that I've been waiting to have for a long time, and it did not disappoint. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed having it.Click here for complete show notes and sign up here to get the morning shakeout email newsletter delivered to your inbox every Tuesday.Music and editing for this episode of the morning shakeout podcast by John Summerford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Unlock the Secrets of Global Storytelling with Author Nova McBee! How do you turn real-world adventures into an international bestselling series? In this episode of Continuing Conversations, we sit down with Nova McBee, the powerhouse author and screenwriter behind the hit young adult thriller series, Calculated. Drawing from over 20 years of living in China, Asia, and the Middle East, Nova reveals how her cross-cultural life shaped her "oak tree" stories—books designed to last for generations. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a Star Trek fan, or curious about the future of media, this interview is packed with actionable insights on the publishing industry and the creative process. In this episode, we dive into: • The "Calculated" Journey: Nova shares the 13-year path of bringing her math-prodigy thriller to life and the news about the upcoming film adaptation. • The Future of Entertainment: As the CCO of Y Plus X Entertainment, Nova explains the $15 billion vertical film industry and why storytelling for mobile phones is the next big frontier. • Writing for Crossover Audiences: How she intentionally crafts stories that resonate with everyone from 12-year-olds to 80-year-old book clubs and a massive male demographic. • The "Contender" Mindset: Why Nova spent years perfecting her craft and studying the publishing business before ever trying to get published. • Star Trek Inspiration: How the partnership of Kirk and Spock influenced her views on cross-cultural collaboration and massive adventure. ABOUT OUR GUEST Nova McBee is a multi-talented author, screenwriter, and Chief Creative Officer. Her Calculated series is described as The Count of Monte Cristo meets Mission Impossible, featuring math prodigies, international smugglers, and high-stakes redemption. ORDER NOVA MCBEE'S BOOKS FROM ADVENTURE INK https://adventureink.xyz/browse/filter/t/%20Nova%20McBee/k/keyword CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS: • Michael Dismuke: Freelance writer for Star Trek Adventures RPG. Visit him at MichaelDismuke.com. • Jim Johnson: Project manager for Star Trek Adventures and Fallout RPGs at Modiphius. PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF STAR TREK TIMELINES TODAY https://adventureink.xyz/item/hB2UM6Mk2YEpRS8_RBqmkg FIND MORE FROM STUDIO TEMBO https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro: Infinite Stories and Infinite Combinations 02:00 – Star Trek Roots: Kirk, Spock, and the Pioneer Spirit 04:30 – Behind the Scenes: Chief Creative Officer at Y Plus X Entertainment 05:55 – The Rise of Vertical Film: A $15 Billion Industry 08:50 – Writing "Oak Tree" Stories vs. "Flower" Stories 09:40 – The Calculated Series: Mission Impossible meets Count of Monte Cristo 11:50 – International Living as a Foundation for Authentic YA 13:30 – Becoming a "Contender": Perfecting the Craft and the Business #NovaMcBee #CalculatedSeries #WritingCommunity #VerticalFilm #AuthorInterview #StarTrekFans #YAFiction #PublishingTips #Screenwriting #ContinuingConversations
This week Andrew welcomes Shea McGee back to the podcast! Shea is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Studio McGee where she leads the creative direction for all facets of the Studio McGee Inc. portfolio of brands — which includes Studio McGee, the interior design arm, and McGee & Co., the product side. Shea is also the author of the new book Around The Table. In their latest conversation, Andrew & Shea explore her creative process, where she finds inspiration, how she develops ideas, how she manages her time, & so much more. This conversation is filled with powerful ideas that apply far beyond home design and will help you make the most of big ideas in your life. ** Follow Andrew **Instagram: @AndrewMoses123X: @andrewhmosesSign up for e-mails to keep up with the podcast at everybodypullsthetarp.com/newsletterDISCLAIMER: This podcast is solely for educational & entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.
This week kicks off Star Wars Month, and your favorite hosts are diving deep into the life and career of Dave Filoni, the current President and Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm. The most pivotal moment discussed is how Filoni originally got hired by George Lucas in 2005: instead of just asking about animation skills, Lucas challenged him on the themes of "The Phantom Menace," specifically the "Duel of the Fates." Ashley praises Filoni for his dedication to continuity, noting that his projects rarely have the plot holes or contradictions that plague other parts of the franchise.Produced by: Limitless Broadcasting Network.For more info, merch, and all the other podcasts, visit: www.limitlessbroadcastingnetwork.comCheck out Ashley's Disney deep dives at: pixiedustfiles.wordpress.comFollow your new Disney besties on Instagram @pixiedusttwinspodcastFollow Dan, honorary third host of the "Pixie Dust Twins" Podcast, and King of the Manifestos: @Dantaastic on Instagram and YouTubeMentioned in this episode:Canvas & Crime: Turning True Crime into Quirky CharactersGet your own notorious shot glass or art print at www.canvasandcrime.com! You can also find Elizabeth on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/eak.creations and on Instagram @eakcreations. She also has a YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@canvasandcrime where you can see creativity in action.
Harris Wilkinson is an award-winning creative leader in advertising and entertainment, currently serving as Chief Creative Officer at TMA, a global experiential and branded entertainment agency (with offices in LA, Chicago, NYC, Dallas). He oversees all creative output, blending storytelling across film, TV, advertising, activations, and sponsorships for clients like Die Hard, State Farm, Bet Rivers, Gatorade, Morgan Stanley, Six Flags, Buffalo Wild Wings, and more. Starting his career writing and producing commercials in Chicago agencies, he progressed through roles including Creative Director at TBWAChiatDay LA and Senior VP/Group Creative Director at Omnicom before joining TMA (promoted to CCO in 2021 from SVP Creative).
Nearly 30 years ago, James Hilton answered an ad in Creative Review, met a stranger named Ajaz Ahmed, and they signed Virgin as their first client. That was the beginning of AKQA.AKQA went on to win Grand Prix Cannes Lions, James was named the UK's number one digital creative director three times, and they were acquired by WPP for around $550 million. He also made the Creativity 50 alongside Jonathan Ive and Lady Gaga.What followed was a design studio, a custom motorcycle brand featured by Netflix and Top Gear, a Chief Creative Officer role at Native, and now a position inside Abbott, helping a 100,000-person healthcare company grow.James invited Future London Academy to his home outside London to chat about his journey. And if you are curious about our Executive Programme for Design Leader that James teaches on, you can find more information here: https://fla.wiki/42jCun400:00:00 — Meet James Hilton — The Design Leader Who Built AKQA Into a 6,000-Person Agency00:01:00 — Selling AKQA for £340M00:04:00 — What made AKQA succeed: obsession, craft & hiring people smarter than you00:09:00 — The founder's paradox: staying in the work vs. scaling a creative business00:11:00 — Building a Culture of Honest Feedback as a Creative Leadership Strategy00:16:00 — Over-delivering as a growth strategy: how AKQA became a trusted advisor00:28:00 — Life after AKQA: leaving, fear, and starting over from scratch00:37:00 — Imposter syndrome, catastrophic thinking & using data to fight anxiety00:44:00 — Stoicism as a leadership practice: the philosophy that changed everything00:49:00 — Design with a capital D: transforming organisations at scale (Abbott case study)00:53:00 — Why design leaders are a business value lever, not a visual service01:00:00 — AI as a design tool, post-scarcity futures & final advice for design leaders#designleadership #agencyfounder #
Jordyn Curley is an accomplished animation producer, entrepreneur, and creative leader based in Provo, Utah (with ties to Portland, Maine earlier in her career). She serves as COO and Lead Producer for Tuttle Twins TV (an animated series on the Angel Studios platform, which has won multiple awards including Silver for Online Series: Education/Discovery, Bronze for Animation, and Silver for Comedy). She's been instrumental in its success as the #1 show on the platform. Jordyn is the owner of Elephant Season Productions (a production company she runs with her husband Charles Curley, the Chief Creative Officer and lead artist) and Sketch2Screen (a service connecting animation creatives). She's currently producing three TV shows and focuses on innovative storytelling, client collaboration, and bringing creative visions to life.
Geoffrey Goldberg – Co-Founder & CCO of Movers+ShakersThis Geoffrey Goldberg is a major figure in the "social-first" marketing world, specifically known for his expertise in viral content and TikTok.Role: He is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Movers+Shakers, an agency that became famous for creating the most viral campaign in TikTok history (the #eyeslipsface challenge for e.l.f. Cosmetics).Recent Achievement: As of 2024–2025, he led the agency through a record-breaking acquisition by the Stagwell Network.Philosophy: He is a vocal proponent of using Generative AI and "digital twins" to scale creative production without losing brand "taste." He often speaks on the "beautiful basics" of high-performing video.Background: Interestingly, he began his career as a Broadway performer (appearing in Mary Poppins) and a choreographer, which he credits for his ability to understand rhythm and storytelling in short-form video.
Visuals: https://getbehindthebillboard.com/episode-106-franki-goodwin Episode #106 features the brilliant Franki Goodwin, Chief Creative Officer of Saatchi & Saatchi, London. And is hands down one of our favourite episodes yet. Hugely talented, humble, funny, smart, generous, collaborative and many other things, Franki was ace. We started with British Heart Foundation and discovered how the footy murals campaign came about, which in itself is a great story, esp the casting for the huge wall paintings, which had to come from photos from the families and then brought to life in sensitive but photo realistic fashion by Global Street Art. Then there was ‘Benches' the follow up campaign, which came from a placement team who went on to see their idea come to life across the country in the form of 65 benches to commemorate those still living, thanks to BHF. The work earned the team their first job at Saacthi's. Congratulations Lucy Norie & Hannah Underwood. That is an amazing achievement. Nothing is impossible indeed. We found out who really has got the biggest (meat) balls on Oxford St. We discovered that Franki loves pumping tonnes of magenta paint all over buildings in Germany for T-Mobile. We also talked about Western Edge Pictures - Franki's film production company and how hard it is to make movie posters with no budget. And what it's like to work for Mike Figgis in Venice making a live website, while hanging out with Salma Hayek. Thank you Franki, so much for coming on and brightening our day, sorry for the croaky voice. Please come back on again soon. Thanks also to Adrian at Soho Radio, Jon for the edit and our regular sponsors, who make the show possible: Bauer Media Outdoor View2Fill Super Optimal GAS Music
Jamie Carl is the Owner + Founder of Serge + Jane in Mpls, MN, a Lifestyle Boutique featuring Men's, Women's, Kids, Pets, Vinyl, Home + Gifts in a 3 story shop (4 including an open air rooftop where they host fashion shows, trunk shows, pop-ups + always a DJ + dance party). She spent 15 years at Target Corporation across Merchandising, Buying, and Marketing before leading the Internal Events Team, producing everything from Board Meetings to 10,000 person National Team Meetings with guest speakers, musicians, and fashion shows. She later stepped away to focus on family while fine-tuning her vision for the shop. In this episode, Jamie shares how she translated large-scale event expertise into immersive in-store experiences.Misty Stachel is the founder and owner of 85 Local, a boutique that blends locally made goods with unique, high-quality finds while supporting small businesses. With a strong focus on curation, merchandising, and community, she creates an elevated and inspiring shopping experience through events, vendor partnerships, and thoughtful displays. In this episode, Misty shares how she leverages local makers and trends to drive engagement and customer loyalty.Emily Butler is the co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Karson Butler Hospitality Co. and the visionary behind the historic Ah Louis Store in San Luis Obispo. She has reimagined the 150+ year old shop into a hospitality-driven retail experience, blending curated gifting with community initiatives like The Bell Society and Mahjong Social Club. With nearly two decades in event design and brand strategy, she brings a unique lens to modern retail. In this episode, Emily shares how hospitality and storytelling can transform retail into a space for connection.In this episode, Jamie, Misty, and Emily break down how modern retailers are evolving beyond traditional selling into experience-driven spaces that build community, increase foot traffic, and create long-term customer loyalty through events, merchandising, and intentional in-store strategy.What's Inside: How retailers are using Mahjong and events to drive foot traffic, community, and repeat visits The real economics behind workshops, classes, and in-store experiences (and where profit actually comes from) Practical ways to start small with experiential retail—from setup and staffing to product strategy and partnerships Mentioned In This Episode:Oh My MahjongMini MahrBo & MeiJamie Carl FacebookSergeandjane.comSerge and Jane on InstagramMahjong Montage - wholesale tiles + gaming pieces, decor, apparel and moreGumball Poodle - socksSoiree Sisters - napkins + gifts Misty Stachel85 Local on Instagram85 Local on FacebookEmily Butler InstagramAh Louis StoreKarson Butler Hospitality Co.Support the show
In this episode, host Ross welcomes Memphis Orian and John Medina, the CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Coba Bathhouse, a unique wellness destination coming soon to Denver. They discuss the concept of a bath house, where guests can choose from various thermal amenities, including saunas, hot pools, and cold plunges. The hosts explore the business side of this innovative venture, which is gaining traction in the wellness industry. Memphis and John share their vision for creating a space where people can relax, unwind, and connect with others, and discuss the potential for this type of business to thrive in the US market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jamie Umpherson, Chief Creative Officer at Runway, is using AI to power charge his - and his organization's - creativity. Drawing on years in agencies working as a creative director, he shares how AI-powered tools are changing marketing, the bottlenecks that the technology can break down, and just how far the technology has come in a short time. Umpherson also shares how brands can scale while maintaining consistency and integrity. For further reading: More about Jamie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-umpherson-03579710/ More about Runway: https://runwayml.com/news Introducing Runway characters: https://runwayml.com/news/introducing-runway-characters General World Models: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx3DgeqHO5s Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1715735755
In this episode on Gamertag Radio, Interview about Avatar Legends The Fighting Games with Victor A Lugo, the Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Gameplay Group, We talked about the game. Perfect for Avatar fans and fighting game enthusiasts.Send us questions - fanmail@gamertagradio.com | Speakpipe.com/gamertagradio or 786-273-7GTR. Join our Discord - https://discord.gg/gtr chat with other GTR community member.
Marc Sampogna is a seasoned entrepreneur, branding expert, and marketing leader with over 15–20 years of experience in the advertising, branding, and agency world.Born and raised in New York, he comes from a family background tied to advertising (his father and grandfather were involved in the field). He founded Canopy Brand Group (a branding and creative agency focused on strategy, design, innovation, and authentic growth for brands), where he serves as Founder, Managing Partner, Chief Creative Officer, and Chief Brand Officer.He's also the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Once Upon a Coconut, a purpose-driven coconut water brand emphasizing positivity and social impact. Additionally, Marc is involved with other ventures including:Co-founder/investor in TrueGreen Global (smart packaging tech for cannabis).Founder of Wingmate.Board member and CMO roles at companies like GetSinch.Partnerships/investments (e.g., San Frediano).His work spans building brands, strategic consulting, creative direction, and driving innovation—often blending marketing with social good and emerging industries like cannabis tech. He's been recognized in outlets like Authority Magazine for his social impact efforts and has appeared on podcasts discussing creativity, entrepreneurship, and brand growth.He's active on social media (Instagram @marc_sampo, X @SampognaMarc) and maintains a personal site at marcsampogna.com, where he positions himself as an entrepreneur, creative, investor, and leader.
Jessie Randall is the cofounder and chief creative officer of the global lifestyle brand Loeffler Randall. Before she started her company, Randall began her career in advertising but, after a few years, made the leap into the fashion industry. Starting from scratch as an intern at Katayone Adeli, while also taking fashion classes, she then transitioned to Banana Republic, working as a junior designer. However, in 2005, alongside her husband, she decided to start her own footwear company, which quickly garnered recognition and expanded beyond shoes into the global success it is today. In 2007, she was awarded the CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design, and in 2022, British Vogue dubbed the brand's Camellia heel “one of the best-selling bridal shoes in the world.” Currently, Loeffler Randall products are sold worldwide across retailers such as Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman as well as in its own digital and physical retail stores.
WOMEN DOING AMAZING THINGS✨ In this episode, we welcome Conni Reed, founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of Consuela, to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of her brand!Consuela is a lifestyle brand known for bold color, layered textures, and a design philosophy called The Art of the Unmatched. What began in March of 2006 as a one-woman operation out of her garage in Dripping Springs has grown into a nationally loved brand carried in hundreds of boutiques, company-owned stores, department stores, and online, all while staying deeply committed to her three founding principles: make art, support & uplift women, and work in Mexico.Tune in to hear how Conni chooses art over trends, people over profit, and authenticity over perfection in order to build a business that feels magically alive.
Last year Pixar released a film called ‘Elio', which had controversy when an apparent LGBT storyline was taken out. Pixar's Chief Creative Officer defended the decision by saying “Elio is not making therapy”.Joining Seán to discuss this is Ruadhán Ó Críodáin, Executive Director of ShoutOut.
On this episode of #29DaysOfMagic, we have Shannon Washington, Chief Creative Officer, Managing Partner at 11 Ounces. Unlock the power of authenticity, resilience, and Black excellence with Shannon Washington, a trailblazing leader in advertising and a fierce advocate for Black women in industry. When was the last time you heard a story that combines heartfelt wisdom, groundbreaking achievements, and raw honesty? Shannon Washington, CCO, managing partner, and proud Black woman, shares how her journey from food service to leading global agencies is a masterclass in tapping into your true power and breaking barriers others say are unbreakable. Her insights will reshape how you see success, failure, and the legacy you're building.This description starts with a compelling hook that emphasizes Shannon's trailblazing journey and the episode's transformational insights. It combines concrete examples of her experience, working in political hotspots, breaking industry barriers, with clear, valuable takeaways. The emotional angle of empowerment and authenticity appeals directly to Black women, creatives, and leaders seeking inspiration and practical wisdom. The tease of frameworks and stories invites curiosity while emphasizing real-world applicability, making it an irresistible call to action to hit play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tara Lawall joins Angela on Oscar Week to talk about the Oscar nominated Short Film Retirement Plan that she created with John Kelly. Tara works as the Chief Creative Officer for the ad agency Rethink New York, is a mom and author we were thrilled to speak to her about motivation, collaboration and her experience on the festival circuit. To find out more about Tara, visit her website and insta.
Chris Kaufman is a Detroit-based creative leader, entrepreneur, investor, and author. As co-founder and former Chief Creative Officer of StockX, he helped scale the platform to a $3.8 billion valuation, serving customers in over 200 countries and facilitating billions in gross merchandise volume. Chris is also the bestselling author of 'Empathy at Work', where he breaks down how practical empathy drives innovation, retention, and long-term business success. In this episode, Chris shares how a paper route sparked his entrepreneurial mindset, the bold decision to walk away from a Yahoo acquisition, and how applying stock market mechanics to sneakers changed an entire industry. On this episode we talk about: The early entrepreneurial lessons Chris learned delivering newspapers in Detroit Turning design into a business discipline Walking away from a Yahoo acquisition to build something bigger The core mechanics that made StockX explode globally Why removing friction is the fastest path to scalable growth How empathy fuels high-trust, high-performance teams Top 3 Takeaways: 1. There's always a better way to make money. Manual labor teaches discipline — but entrepreneurship starts when you ask how to make income scalable. 2. Remove friction to unlock growth. StockX succeeded because it eliminated guesswork: transparency, anonymity, and authenticity allowed buyers and sellers to transact with confidence. 3. Empathy is a competitive advantage. Leaders who build with empathy see stronger innovation, better retention, and more sustainable growth over time. Notable Quotes: “There has to be a better way to make money than this.” “Transparency changes behavior.” “Empathy isn't soft — it's strategic.” Connect with Chris: Company: StockX Book: Empathy at Work Travis Makes Money is made possible by HighLevel – the all-in-one sales & marketing platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals — all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As we approach our 100th episode, I've been revisiting a few conversations that have stayed with me long after the microphones were turned off.Bill Valentine's episode was re-released because of the way he shared heart-centered, real-life wisdom while facing the end of his life. And today, I'm re-releasing my conversation with Serena Dugan for a different—but equally powerful—reason.Over the years, people have stopped me on the streets of my hometown of Bend to tell me that Serena's words gave them the courage to finally write the book that had been living inside them… or to leave a corporate job and start a small design company to help people feel more alive in their homes.These two episodes remind us that our "cracking open" moments come in many forms. Sometimes they arrive through confronting mortality, and sometimes they arrive through choosing to trust our creativity and make brave, life-altering changes.Serena is a beacon of authenticity and creative courage. She is an artist and textile designer based in Sausalito, California. With a background in both psychology and fine art, Serena has spent over 20 years shaping her voice as a painter, product designer, and the Chief Creative Officer of Serena & Lily, the home and lifestyle brand she founded in 2004.In 2020, she launched Serena Dugan Studio, her namesake collection of fabrics and wallpapers. Her art-driven textiles draw inspiration from around the world—from the breezy jet-set spirit of Capri in the '50s, to South American basket-weaving traditions, to the colorful mid-century architecture of Mexico City. Most recently, Serena collaborated with Erik Lindstrom on a line of rugs inspired by her artwork.In our conversation, we explore what it really means to trust your creative instincts, make decisions from your inner knowing, release ego, and find your way forward through grief and loss. This episode is both grounded and expansive—a reminder that creativity lives within all of us when we remain open to change and willing to listen to ourselves.Serena also speaks honestly about the value of making mistakes, starting over, and remembering that our achievements do not define who we are. As she so beautifully shares:“At the end of my days, I'm not going to look back on Serena and Lily and think that is my greatest success. I'm not going to look back on my textile collection and say that is what I'm most proud of. At the end of the day, it's the people I'm surrounded by that give life meaning. The rest of this is just our path to love.”This conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder that our creative work, our businesses, and our accomplishments are simply vehicles. The true masterpiece is how we love and connect with others along the way.If you've been waiting for permission to start that project, make that change, or trust the creative voice that's been quietly calling you forward—let this episode be your catalyst.
In this special episode, Serena dives into the biggest NEWS of the year at The Walt Disney Company: Josh D'Amaro has been named the next CEO, effective March 18, 2026, succeeding Bob Iger. As a lifelong "parks guy" who started as a cast member and rose to Chairman of Disney Experiences, Josh's appointment has parks enthusiasts buzzing about what's next for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and beyond.Joined by special guest Adam Bankhurst, Disney writer for IGN.com and author of the in-depth article on this transition, Serena breaks down:Why Josh D'Amaro was chosen and what his operational, guest-first background could mean for theme park magicDana Walden's promotion to President and Chief Creative Officer – and how her creative vision might supercharge park attractions and IP tie-insThe real talk on fan hopes (bolder expansions, better guest experiences) vs. concerns (rising costs, Genie+, IP over originality)Who might step into Josh's old role as Chairman of Disney Experiences – with a look at top contenders Whether you're a die-hard Annual Passholder, a once-a-year visitor, or just love debating the future of Disney parks, this episode gives you the full scoop from an insider perspective.Tune in for candid discussion, fan-focused analysis, and a peek at what the next era of Disney magic could look like.Thanks to guest Adam Bankhurst for joining today! Read Adam's article on IGN Follow Adam on Instagram Check out Adam's podcast, Talking Disney Magic
Welcome back to Fine Tooning, where Drew Taylor and Jim Hill record on Super Bowl Sunday, dodge football talk, and instead zero in on animation news, box office bruises, and one of the biggest corporate shake-ups in Disney history. Along the way, there is chatter about Super Bowl trailers, art books you are not allowed to open yet, and why studios still love spending big bucks for 30 seconds of attention. Then the conversation turns serious as Disney's future leadership comes sharply into focus. NEWS • Super Bowl 60 trailer watch, including expected spots for Toy Story 5, Hoppers, and whether Universal should hype the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie • A rough North American box office weekend, with Send Help limping to number one and Zootopia 2 still padding its already massive worldwide total • Angel Studios news, including a release date for Andy Serkis' long-awaited Animal Farm • GKIDS picks up a new original animated feature from Macross creator Shoji Kawamori • Genndy Tartakovsky reportedly circling an animated Game of Thrones spin-off, plus a look at Netflix's Stranger Things: Tales from '85 FEATURE • Disney announces its next era as Josh D'Amaro is named CEO, effective March 18, 2026 • A deep dive into D'Amaro's path through Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and why Iger ultimately chose him • Dana Walden promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, with oversight of Disney's vast entertainment portfolio • What this leadership pairing signals for Disney's creative direction, corporate culture, and long-term strategy HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlocked Magic helps you save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Just pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Visit UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
856 · I Just Got Off a Call With Disney's New CEO, Josh D'Amaro...Disney just named only its ninth CEO in more than 100 years, and days later, I found myself on a video call with Disney's new CEO, Josh D'Amaro.In this episode, I share what that on-the-record conversation revealed about Josh's leadership style, his Josh D'Amaro Disney CEO leadership vision, and his commitment to remaining accessible to fans and Cast Members even as his role expands. We talk about why so many people feel a personal connection to Josh, and how that authenticity shapes the way he leads.We also explore why the pairing of Josh as CEO and Dana Walden as President and Chief Creative Officer may be one of the most important structural decisions Disney has made since the Bob Iger era - and why this leadership design matters more than the title change itself.We discuss what this moment means for Disney Parks, storytelling, technology, Cast Members, and the Disney fan community, and why this doesn't feel like a simple succession, but the beginning of a more unified Disney.This is an honest, thoughtful look at the Josh D'Amaro Disney CEO leadership vision and why it could redefine how Disney shows up as one company, everywhere we experience it.
Big news from Disney. This week, Disney announced a historic leadership change: Josh D'Amaro will step into the role of CEO, taking over for Bob Iger, while Dana Walden becomes President and Chief Creative Officer. In this episode, we break down what this announcement means and take a deep dive into both of their career paths—from Josh's early days at Disney to the roles and decisions that led them to the top of one of the most well-known entertainment companies in the world. In this episode you'll hear: Josh D'Amaro's rise through Disney Parks and Experiences Dana Walden's creative leadership across Disney television and film Why this leadership pairing makes sense right now Has Disney learned their lesson with this change? How this change could impact parks, movies, and Disney fans Whether you follow Disney corporate news closely or just want to know what this means for the future of the magic, this episode gives you the full picture. Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode. Don't forget to check us out on: -Instagram -Facebook -Youtube Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code ENCHANTED at checkout to save 15% off your next order. Timestamps Welcome 00:00 Bob Iger's Finally Done? 00:44 Who are Josh D'Amaro and Dana Walden? 03:09 Josh D'Amaro's Career at Disney 05:54 The Future of Disney is Theme Parks 7:48 Being Disney CEO is a Unique Position 15:21 Dana Walden is a Hit Maker 18:57 Has Disney Learned Their Lesson? 23:59 What Does Disney's New CEO Need to Change? 31:55 Bob Iger, Disney Legend? 36:49 Impacts to Star Wars and Marvel 37:57
Our show today is being sponsored by Free Float Analytics, the only platform measuring board power, connections, and performance for FREE.Story of the Week (DR):Epstein: The tech brosReid Hoffman (2,658 Files)Bill Gates (2,592 Files)Peter Thiel (2,281 Files)Elon Musk (1,116 Files)Kimbal too (100+ files)Larry Page (314 Files)Sergey Brin (294 Files)Mark Zuckerberg (282 Files)Jeff Bezos (196 Files)Eric Schmidt (193 Files)Epstein: the lack of US-based corporate fallout MMHead of firm founded by Mandelson to quit after Epstein releasesBenjamin Wegg-Prosser, the chief executive of the lobbying firm co-founded with Peter Mandelson, has announced his resignation after information in the Jeffrey Epstein files detailed apparent links between the company and the convicted sex offender.‘Ignore It.' How the Elite Consoled Jeffrey Epstein Over His Crimes.A Revolt Inside Paul Weiss Over the Epstein Files Took Down Brad KarpOn Wednesday, an exclusive group of 10 or so Paul Weiss partners met unbeknown to their longtime chairman, Brad Karp, to discuss whether he could continue to lead the law firm.The partners, who manage the firm and refer to themselves as the “Deciding Group,” were grappling with the release of new emails suggesting Karp had a more extensive relationship with Jeffrey Epstein than they realized, including in the months before the convicted sex offender's death. Karp led one of the country's biggest law firms for 18 years and had survived a maelstrom less than a year ago when he struck a first-of-its-kind settlement with President Trump on his firm's behalf. He wouldn't survive a second controversy as the firm's leader. World Economic Forum investigates its CEO over Epstein linksCEO Borge BrendeWasserman Group CEO issues public apology after being mentioned in Epstein filesCasey WassermanPeter Attia, longevity doctor named in Epstein files, no longer listed on advisory board on sleep tech company's websiteBut still at CBS: but Bari Weiss hates cancel cultureElon Musk announces SpaceX's acquisition of AI startup xAIRecord-Breaking $1.25 Trillion ValuationGoal: Orbital AI Data CentersConsolidation of the "Muskonomy"DisneyJosh D'Amaro (Incoming CEO): Currently the Chairman of Disney Experiences (Parks and Resorts), D'Amaro will officially become CEO on March 18, 2026, following the Annual Shareholder Meeting. He is a 28-year Disney veteran credited with driving the $36 billion revenue growth in the parks segment.Disney's next CEO often dresses like Bob Iger. Is it a good idea to copy your boss's style?Dana Walden (New President & CCO): In a historic move, Walden (formerly Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment) has been named President and Chief Creative Officer. Reporting directly to D'Amaro, she will oversee the creative direction of the entire company, ensuring brand consistency across all storytelling platforms.Same Old Disney: Woke Exec Elevated to Top Position as ‘Head Storyteller'Bob Iger (Senior Advisor): Iger will step down as CEO on March 18 but will remain as a Senior Advisor and Board Member until his formal retirement on December 31, 2026, to ensure an "orderly transition."PayBase SalaryTarget BonusAnnual EquityOne-Time AwardTotal Year 1Josh D'Amaro$2.5M$6.25M$26.25M$9.7M$44.7MDana Walden$3.75M$7.5M$15.75M$5.26M$32.26MGoodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Judge rules Texas anti-ESG law is unconstitutionalMM: 38% of Companies' Emissions Trajectories Are Aligned with Global Climate Goals: MSCIAssholiest Triggeringiest of the Week (MM):Nike among the first targeted by EEOC for DEI activity DRThe charge: Specifically, on May 24, 2024, EEOC Commissioner (now Chair) Andrea R. Lucas issued Charge No. 551-2024-04996, alleging that Respondent NIKE may have violated Title VII “by engaging in a pattern or practice of disparate treatment against White employees, applicants, and training program participants in hiring, promotion, demotion, or separation decisions (including selection for layoffs); internship programs; and mentoring, leadership development, and other career development programs.”This is crazy to me: EEOC counsel signatory GWENDOLYN YOUNG REAMS - a black woman who signed off on this lawsuit was the subject of an entire article on the amazing power of Title VII for the civil rights movement in July of 2024. Reams has been at EEOC since 1972, and Biden made her acting general counsel.Trump took over, appointed Andrea Lucas as chair who DEMOTED Reams to Associate General Counsel to make room for Catherine Eschbach, a Federalist Society who has SIX YEARS EXPERIENCE AT A LAW FIRM who got her Bachelor's in 2010 and her law degree in 2015 (a whole 10 years experience!), but had this to say upon her appointment: “President Trump made clear in his executive order on eliminating DEI that EO 11246 had facilitated federal contractors adopting DEI practices out of step with the requirements of our Nation's civil rights laws and that, with the rescission of EO 11246, the President mandates federal contractors wind those practices down within 90 days. As director, I'm committed to carrying out President Trump's executive orders, which will restore a merit-based system to provide all workers with equal opportunity.”All the other lawyers signing were white, and I can only guess Reams had no choice but to sign unless she decided to do MLK dirty 60 years after seeing him in collegeBut literally, the EEOC discriminated against a black lawyer who was in charge to put white lawyers in charge to bring discrimination cases against companiesNOT TO MENTION, here is Nike's workforce composition in 2024:57% white, 50% male overall65% white, 55% males for management77% white, 62% male for leadershipThe EEOC workforce demographics as of 2022, when it was WOKEST:60% white, 56% maleNIKE IS WHITER THAN THE EEOC FROM MANAGEMENT UPBlackrock and every Wall Street bank that quit Net Zero AllianceRather than sticking it out and fighting, knowing that you were correct and legally able to invest however you wanted and associate with anyone you wanted, you all cowered when Texas passed the first law saying you “discriminate against” fossil fuels and generated an arbitrary “black list”Now, this: Texas anti-ESG law declared unconstitutional by US judgeIn a decision made public on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Alan Albright said the law violated First Amendment free-speech protections because it punished businesses for speaking about fossil fuels and associating with organizations that oppose fossil fuels.First Amendment! The very first one! You didn't even have to read ALL the amendments to figure out which Stewardship whiningThe UK Investment Association stewardship working group, a group that included Aegon, BlackRock, Fidelity, M&G, Schroders, Artemis, CCLA, Legal and General, and Royal London Asset Management, put out a paper: Realigning Stewardship: Delivering sustainable value through StewardshipThe group wants you to know some things about stewardship, specifically:Stuff happening in the future is too far away for us to care now: “The need for realism over what stewardship can achieve – There are potential time horizon trade-offs between achieving real world outcomes on sustainability themes such as climate change and delivering financial returns to clients. These trade-offs need to be actively considered. Additionally, there are concerns that targeted sustainability goals may not always be realistic, and that government and other stakeholders may have developed unrealistic expectations of stewardship's capacity to deliver systemic change.”Translation: if we actually invested for climate and were stewards of climate in our portfolios given that climate change will totally fuck up everything we know and invest in, we'd have to give up on, like, AI and oil and stuff… we can't really do that because there's too much money and stonks and rockets and whatever, so we'll give up on climate, but just like, for NOW, later we'll fix it by asking nicelyDespite historically having voted 96% in favor of virtually EVERYTHING: “There is an undue focus on voting as a barometer of good stewardship, which does not reflect the role of all stewardship mechanisms.”Translation: we get no credit for talking about this for a decade and voting for everything - like, NONE. Stewardship teams are seen as cost centers, not alpha generation. But we should get credit for talking about stuff in the hopes that things change over a long period of time.We are poor: “There are different costs associated with the process of stewardship for both investors and companies, who have finite resources.”Translation: I mean, PLENTY of resources for CEO pay that outstrips inflation and massive AI investments to displace workers and stuff, but you know… poor.OMG, stop whining… the vote IS THE MECHANISM YOU'VE NEVER USED! Your owners WANT YOU TO and you vote with management at a higher rate than people in the US believe in the moon landing!Headliniest of the WeekDR: The meritocracy is officially a lie: Elon Musk's hiring advice: 'Don't look at the résumé — just believe your interaction'DR: It's official, we are right about everything: Disney's Bob Iger achieves an essential feat for outgoing CEOs: giving his successor a clean slateMM: Hillary Clinton wants testimony on Jeffrey Epstein in public: 'Let's stop the games'MM: My neighborhood is pushing back against sidewalk delivery robots. The fight's coming to your town nextPicture of the week from inside a Cracker Barrel, which is getting its mojo back:Who Won the Week?DR: The Epstein Bros (see Matt's winner)MM: White men (again) - I am already filing a lawsuit against that girl in high school who wouldn't make out with me for discriminating against white men with ugly glasses and long noses. It's racism of the highest order.PredictionsDR: The best we can hope for are shareholder derivative lawsuits against boards who failed to oversee the "reputational risk” of their Epstein tech bro directors and CEOs. MM: When I saw this: Elon Musk says it's hard to convince engineers with families to move to SpaceX's 'technology monastery' in Texas, it was clear: Elon Musk will re-reincorporate SpaceX in a really nice suburb somewhere near or around San Francisco in an effort to re-re-rehire talent (who may actually have families), after which a single white man who moved to Texas to join SpaceX will sue the company for discrimination against single white men who move to Texas, forcing Musk to re-re-reincorporate in Texas again.
On this episode Ben, Chris and Hannah are joined by their loyal friend, and Disney expert, Joel Davis from the Eye On Canon Podcast to discuss Disney's recent leadership change. With Josh D'Amaro succeeding Bob Iger as the next CEO of the Walt Disney Company, as well as Dana Walden taking on the role of President and Chief Creative Officer, a big question is hanging in the air; how will this affect Star Wars? They do their best to answer it, and speculate about what these new leaders might bring to the table. Plus, The Mandalorian And Grogu are headed to the Super Bowl, new toys were revealed for Maul - Shadow Lord, and is it time to finally explore the Unknown Regions? Tune in for all of that and so much more! Join the Star Wars Underworld Network DiscordSubscribe on YouTube Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe and Review on Apple Podcasts Facebook: www.facebook.com/swunderworld Twitter: @TheSWU Email: swunderworld@gmail.com
Welcome to Multiverse News, Your source for Information about all your favorite fictional universesDisney, Paramount and Universal are lining up trailers for Super Bowl LX ywith spots expected for The Mandalorian and Grogu, Pixar's Hoppers and Toy Story 5, Steven Spielberg's alien thriller - Disclosure Day, Illumination's Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Minions 3, and Paramount's Scream 7 among others. In a surprising Super Bowl anomaly, Marvel Studios is apparently sitting the Big Game out despite having Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man: Brand New Day releasing this year, while Sony and Warner Bros seem to be following a similar strategy with their reported absences.Sony Pictures unveiled first-look images of Sam Mendes' ambitious four-film Beatles project through postcards hidden at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, revealing Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. The unprecedented biographical event will tell the story of the Fab Four from each member's perspective in separate films all releasing in April 2028, with production now underway in London and the cast anticipating 15 months of consecutive shooting across all four movies.Disney's board unanimously voted to name Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, as the company's next CEO effective March 18. D'Amaro, a 28-year Disney veteran overseeing the company's largest business segment with $36 billion in annual revenue, beat out Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden, who was named to the newly created role of President and Chief Creative Officer reporting directly to D'Amaro. Iger will transition to senior advisor and board member through his retirement on December 31, 2026, having spent the past three years stabilizing the company and grooming successors after his previous handoff imploded.AppleTV has closed a deal to land the rights to the Cosmere books, the fictional literary universe by fantasy author Brandon Sanderson. The first titles being eyed for adaptation are the Mistborn series, for features, and The Stormlight Archive series, for television.Mandy Patinkin has been cast as Odin in Amazon Prime Video's live-action God of War series, joining Ryan Hurst as Kratos, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, and previously reported Max Parker as Heimdall. The series has also cast Danny Woodburn and Jeff Gulka as the dwarven blacksmith brothers Brok and Sindri, along with Alastair Duncan reprising his role from the games as Mimir.Legendary's live-action feature adaptation of Gundam looks to have found a home as sources tell Deadline that Netflix is on board to distribute the film. Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo are on board to star with Sweet Tooth director Jim Mickle helming.The long-awaited fourth season of Apple TV‘s hit Ted Lasso will make its global debut in summer 2026. Along with the announcement, the streamer released four first-look images from the new season of the Emmy-winning comedy starring and executive produced by Jason Sudeikis.Catherine O'Hara, the beloved, multi-award-winning actor, writer and comedian died last week at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness. She was 71.Universal announced last week that the next film in the Fast and the Furious franchise is titled Fast Forever and is set for theatrical release March 17, 2028. Netflix has unveiled the trailer and premiere date of April 23rd for “Stranger Things: Tales From '85,” the highly anticipated animated spinoff from showrunner Eric Robles and executive producers the Duffer Brothers.A24 released the official trailer for The Drama starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson.Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”) has joined Season 3 of the HBO drama, The Last Of Us, taking over the role from Danny Ramirez after he had to be recast due to scheduling issues.
We're discussing the hot news that Josh D'Amaro will replace Bob Iger as CEO of Disney in March, along with the appointment of Dana Walden to Chief Creative Officer, and how it could affect Lucasfilm. We also theorise on the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu Superbowl trailer, podracing in Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and some spicy Galaxypalooza news! We also read some podcast reviews and answer some great Patreon questions!Support the show via Patreon at patreon.com/starwarssessions from as little as £2/$2/€2 a month and get loads of BONUS EPISODES! Find Star Wars Sessions on Instagram, X, Threads, Bluesky, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Contact us at hellothere@starwarssessions.co.ukIntro background music by Kfir Ochaion - remixed by Star Wars Sessions.For everything Sessions, head to starwarssessions.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
By the end of January, most of us have realized the truth: our resolutions didn't fail—we just never needed them. Instead of trying to fix ourselves (again), this conversation invites us to do something braver: get curious about who we already are underneath all the shoulds. Artist and designer Justina Blakeney helps us tune into what she calls “the tingle”—that quiet spark of delight, curiosity, and aliveness that knows exactly where we're meant to go. When we trust what delights us, we don't just decorate our homes—we redecorate our lives. For the good of the realm. - How to stop fixing yourself and start trusting what feels alive and true- Why delight, creativity, and “the tingle” are clues—not indulgences - How following what's good for you becomes good for your family, your work, and the world About Justina: Justina Blakeney is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and New York Times Bestselling Author. She is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of the home décor brand, Jungalow® and the author of several design books including Jungalow; Decorate Wild! and The New Bohemians book series. Justina lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Jason, their kiddo, Ida, her kitties, Juju and Nova, and 52 houseplants. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthingsTikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@wecandohardthingsshow