Happy Valentine's Day! Shelby and Matt were joined by resident Made By Things artists, Melissa Johnson and Colin van't Veld for a fun co-worker version of the Newlywed Game (all themed around content marketing and the artist's perspective, of course). This is a fun episode you can't miss and will give you a better insight into the internal studio's view on branded content.

In this conversation with Matt and Shelby, David Peregrina shares his journey as a designer and creative director, emphasizing the importance of creating belonging through design. He discusses his experiences in the nonprofit sector, the challenges of working with limited resources, and the significance of storytelling in connecting with communities. David also highlights the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations.

It's a new year! So, Shelby and Matt are spending this episode reflecting on their journey through the podcast, discussing the lessons learned about the value of creative work, the impact of AI, and the importance of building trust within teams. With 11 episodes so far, there's already a lot to discuss!

Rick Preston shares his journey through the video production industry with Shelby and Matt, discussing his experiences from film school to his current role as Head of Creative Services at Global Payments. He emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities, the transition from a technical to a strategic mindset, and the role of AI in the creative process. Rick also highlights the challenges of balancing in-house resources with external partnerships and the significance of fostering creativity within teams.

Shelby and Matt are joined by Dilara Casey, who shares her extensive journey in marketing, discussing the evolution of the field, the importance of creativity and strategy, and the impact of AI. She emphasizes the need for aspiring marketers to find their niche and the significance of mid-career transitions. Dilara also reflects on her personal experiences, including her battle with cancer, and how it shaped her perspective on work and fulfillment.

Shelby and Matt are joined by Mariah Bliss, Director of Content Marketing at Travelers, as she shares her journey in content marketing, discussing the differences between content marketing and traditional marketing, the importance of thought leadership, and the role of AI in the content creation process. She emphasizes the need for genuine connections and relationship management with thought leaders, as well as the significance of prioritizing content that aligns with business goals.

Shelby and Matt are joined by Harvey J. Austin as he shares his journey from news to healthcare advertising, emphasizing the importance of diversity and authentic voices in marketing. He discusses the challenges faced by people of color in the industry and the need for empathy and trust in healthcare communications.

Matt and Shelby are joined by Chris Logsdon as he shares his journey through the creative industry, highlighting his experiences at VaynerMedia and the lessons learned about team dynamics, trust, and the importance of communication. He emphasizes the need for regular check-ins with team members to foster a positive work environment and discusses how these principles translate into his current work in brand identity. The discussion also touches on the relationship between clients and creatives, the audience's perception of branding, and the fulfillment derived from successful projects