AdSpace by The Agency

The Agency

AdSpace by The Agency is a weekly podcast hosted by Gen Z advertising experts Elise Heidrick and Jackson Engle. Each episode, we break down the most buzzworthy campaigns, social trends, and advertising news through a fresh, youthful lens. Our sharp analysis, authentic debates and audience research provide insight into how Gen Z reacts to the creative strategies shaping the advertising industry today. This student-produced podcast is opinions and commentary and does not reflect the views of any organization. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the hosts or the podcast. Any opinions presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, The Agency does not endorse, approve, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast.  © The Agency 2025 All Rights Reserved You may not reproduce, distribute or modify this Podcast without written permission.

Episodes

  1. MAR 11

    The Burger Wars: Why the Viral McDonald's Taste Test Was a Miss for Gen Z

    In this week's episode, Elise and Jackson break down brands that just get it when it comes to Gen Z: NPR’s “For Your Right to Be Curious” campaign, Heineken’s “The Pub That Refused to Die,” and how Rhode always taps the latest “It Girl” at exactly the right time. Later, they tackle how social media managers can beat trend fatigue when our feeds become clogged with overdone trends. In Battle of the Brands, Elise and Jackson face the elephant in the room: McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski’s awkward, memeable taste test video. Then, they debate which burger giant clapped back better. Finally, in the Three-Minute Meeting, they strategize how local jewelry brand Kristin Christopher can expand beyond art fairs and drive online sales. https://www.instagram.com/theagencyku?igsh=aWZ0M3FvZWhubnQy https://www.youtube.com/@AdSpacebyTheAgency This student-produced podcast is opinions and commentary and does not reflect the views of any organization. Any opinions presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. Unless specifically stated otherwise, The Agency does not endorse, approve, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast. © The Agency 2025 All Rights Reserved You may not reproduce, distribute or modify this Podcast without written permission.

    31 min
  2. FEB 4

    JCPenney's Ex-Change, the Kardashian Curse & Bad Bunny's Unshakeable Brand

    From breakup diamonds and Olympic tear‑jerkers to cursed betting streaks and a global Bad Bunny dance party, this episode of AdSpace dives into the boldest new campaigns trying to win Gen Z’s attention.  Elise and Jackson break down JCPenney’s “Ex‑Change” Valentine’s stunt, Hershey’s “Happiness is the Real Gold” Winter Olympics brand relaunch, Fanatics Sportsbook’s “Bet on Kendall” Super Bowl debut, and Apple Music’s “El Mundo Bailará” halftime show tease with Bad Bunny. They also spotlight the DIY Dr Pepper TikTok jingle that jumped from a casual post to a national TV ad and close with quick-hit headlines on Netflix moving into video podcasts and OpenAI testing ads inside ChatGPT. Tune in for sharp, Gen Z‑driven analysis on where advertising is heading next. https://www.instagram.com/theagencyku?igsh=aWZ0M3FvZWhubnQy https://www.youtube.com/@AdSpacebyTheAgency This student-produced podcast is opinions and commentary and does not reflect the views of any organization. Any opinions presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. Unless specifically stated otherwise, The Agency does not endorse, approve, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast. © The Agency 2025 All Rights Reserved You may not reproduce, distribute or modify this Podcast without written permission.

    27 min
  3. JAN 28

    Going Analog and Authentic Storytelling that Wins Over Gen Z

    AdSpace is back from winter break, and Elise and Jackson are kicking off the new year with a stacked lineup of campaigns, headlines, and a battle of mocktails! In the Ad Update, they break down Instagram's new "Reels on TV" spot, Dove's Bridgerton season 4 collab "Let Them Talk," and Calvin Klein's Valentine's Day "Together in Our Calvins" campaign, discussing how each leans into communal viewing and authenticity to win over Gen Z.  Then, they spotlight Disney+ dropping the entire High School Musical movie on TikTok in 52 parts and why vertical, short-form storytelling keeps Gen Z audiences watching all the way through. Then, it's on to ad and PR headlines from Netflix's revamp of their original $83 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, to Pinterest's shakeup as it tries (again) to become Gen Z's AI-powered shopping destination.  To top it all off, Battle of the Brands returns with a showdown of the Shirley Temples: Ollipop vs. Poppi go head-to-head tapping dry January and Gen-Z nostalgia for their latest campaigns. Tune in to find out which campaigns land, which miss, and which better-for-you Shirley Temple deserves a permanent spot in your fridge!  https://www.instagram.com/theagencyku?igsh=aWZ0M3FvZWhubnQy https://www.youtube.com/@AdSpacebyTheAgency This student-produced podcast is opinions and commentary and does not reflect the views of any organization. Any opinions presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. Unless specifically stated otherwise, The Agency does not endorse, approve, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast. © The Agency 2025 All Rights Reserved You may not reproduce, distribute or modify this Podcast without written permission.

    21 min
  4. 12/10/2025

    The Holiday AdSpace

    This week on AdSpace, Elise and Jackson unwrap the most talked-about campaigns of the holiday season; from Kyle MacLachlan as Nordstrom’s “Gifting Expert” to Coca-Cola’s eyebrow-raising AI holiday ad. They’re also unpacking the biggest headlines shaking up the ad world, including what the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery could mean for brands everywhere. Then, it’s time for a festive Battle of the Brands, or should we say Battle of the Grinches, where they decide which brand mastered holiday storytelling.  To top it all off, the Three-Minute-Meeting spotlights Kansas City TikTok creator Kylie Walker, with advice on how she can pivot her 130K+ followers toward real career momentum. Tune in for creative critiques, bold opinions, and just the right amount of caffeine-fueled Gen Z energy to keep your holiday spirit (and your ad strategy) alive. https://www.instagram.com/theagencyku?igsh=aWZ0M3FvZWhubnQy https://www.youtube.com/@AdSpacebyTheAgency This student-produced podcast is opinions and commentary and does not reflect the views of any organization. Any opinions presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. Unless specifically stated otherwise, The Agency does not endorse, approve, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast. © The Agency 2025 All Rights Reserved You may not reproduce, distribute or modify this Podcast without written permission.

    31 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

AdSpace by The Agency is a weekly podcast hosted by Gen Z advertising experts Elise Heidrick and Jackson Engle. Each episode, we break down the most buzzworthy campaigns, social trends, and advertising news through a fresh, youthful lens. Our sharp analysis, authentic debates and audience research provide insight into how Gen Z reacts to the creative strategies shaping the advertising industry today. This student-produced podcast is opinions and commentary and does not reflect the views of any organization. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the hosts or the podcast. Any opinions presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, The Agency does not endorse, approve, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast.  © The Agency 2025 All Rights Reserved You may not reproduce, distribute or modify this Podcast without written permission.