The Message

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with senior Account Manager at Middle Child, Rebecca McLaren about all that’s involved in the PR role, what she wishes others knew about PR, and her advice for those looking to break into the field.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 David Brown, Chris Powell and Emma Johnston-Wheeler review recent industry moves and take a look at new creative including a playful billboard showdown, and more Canadian identity ads. They consider the efficacy of these ads in response to the U.S. trade war, and reflect on the final results of the inaugural power list. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with VP of Marketing at Quill Inc & CoHost, Alison Osborne, who was awarded the CMA’s 2024 Achievement in Marketing. She talks about her journey of launching her own agency as a student, the learnings of being her own boss vs an employee, and the importance of networking and community.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Telus senior marketing manager Ida Chiara Guida, about her immigrant experience and transitioning client side, understanding how new Canadians consume media, and the best ways to engage with this audience.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell and Emma Johnston-Wheeler review the recent news that the federal government has reversed its Meta news ban, and take a look at new creative including the Super Bowl and Terry Fox. They also discuss the influx of advertising from brands espousing their Canadian identities as border tensions persist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Cossette copywriter Nadine El-Whidi about working in advertising in Québec; the different culture, and the challenges that present when adapting national campaigns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell and Emma Johnston-Wheeler review movements in senior leadership, and take a look at recent creative including two big annual campaigns from prominent brands. They also discuss rising sentiments of patriotism in response to U.S. tariff threats and industry concerns in the wake of Meta’s policy changes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Fela film director/photographer LeSean Harris about what to expect as a director when you transition into the commercial industry; pitching and learning how to work with an advertising team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell and Emma Johnston-Wheeler review the most prominent news to come out of 2025 thus far, including a big move for Christine Saunders, and a McDonalds hockey showdown. They also share opinions about mandated office days, and Meta’s ‘free speech’ era.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Ray Creative agency copywriter Rebecca Benjamin about moving to Atlanta Canada for work and why it’s actually really lovely. She shares insights about networking, opportunities for young creatives, and work-life balance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell and Emma Johnston-Wheeler review a surprising change in leadership at Leo Burnett and a big account win for PHD Canada, Jaguar’s Type 00 concept car and Tylenol's DJ treatment, and recent efforts to hold big tech accountable.   Articles discussed:  https://www.campaigncanada.ca/article/1898225/leo-burnett-names-angus-tucker-interim-cco https://www...

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Wunder creative directors Mike Postma and Stephen Flynn about creating attention grabbing work with small budgets, standing up against the awards show system to maintain high creative standards, and consistently punching above one’s weight.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell and Emma Johnston-Wheeler review a handful of significant executive changes, take a look at a new AI generated ad by Coca-Cola, discuss Campaign’s upcoming Power List, and debate the effectiveness of influencer marketing.  Articles mentioned in main discussion:  https://www.campaigncanada.ca/article/1896798/band-aid-taps-content-creators-reinterpret-its-famous-j...

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Fuse Create creative strategist, Emily Farrugia, about the outdated perception that advertisers have to stick to one speciality, the influence of social and AI on agency operations, and emerging crossover responsibilities.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell and Emma Johnston-Wheeler reflect on a change in leadership at WPP as well as layoffs at Publicis, ruminate on a new tagline for Buckley's, and discuss an influx in recent car ads made for a younger demographic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Campaign 30 under 30 winner, No Fixed Address VP, Strategy Thomas Wilkins about the experience strategist role, what it is and why it takes a more empathetic look at the customer, and how experience strategists and brand strategists can work together.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell and Emma Johnston-Wheeler reflect on a big account win for Courage, muse on clever creative, and take a deep dive into the Ontario Cannabis Store's new awareness campaign featuring a fake illegal dispensary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Campaign 30 under 30 winner, Dentsu Creative copywriter Karishma Wadia, about learning Canadian culture as a newcomer, networking with zero cultural context, and helping brands better understand the immigrant experience.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Campaign 30 under 30 winner, Lifelong Crush art director Andee Kintanar, about finding queer and BIPOC mentors and community within the industry, understanding DEI, and balancing a social media presence with a professional identity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell and Emma Johnston-Wheeler review significant industry changes as of late, discuss the current landscape of banking ads, and introduce a new survey to gather data about the state of pitching in Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Campaign 30 under 30 winner, Kruger marketing manager Natasha Ramsinghani, about demystifying the perception that you should be job ready as soon as you graduate, embracing failure, and balancing an active personal life with work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell, and Emma Johnston-Wheeler discuss a major appointment notice for the industry, recent evolutions in Subway's marketing, the ongoing influence of nostalgia, and the PWHL's six new brand identities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Johnston-Wheeler chats with Campaign 30 under 30 winner, Courage ACD/Writer Matt Miller about keeping up with internet culture, creating reactionary content out of ephemeral concepts like "Brat," and moving fast enough to stay relevant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell, and Emma Johnston-Wheeler take a look at innovative creative in the food industry, ponder the moral considerations ensuing from X's GARM lawsuit, and dismantle the newest internet buzz word. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Brown, Chris Powell and Emma Johnston-Wheeler break down the new Omnicom group, react to reactionary tech outage ads as well opportune pop culture moments, and delve into the marketing initiatives around the Paris Olympic Games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.