AdYack

American Advertising Federation of the Greater Lehigh Valley
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The Official Podcast of the American Advertising Federation of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Our mission is to inspire creativity and enhance the professional development of the advertising and marketing communities where we live and work. I'm your host Bill Childs. And I'll talk with artists, designers, writers, directors, photographers, along with those who work in a creative capacity. Our aim here is to serve as a creative resource to help you stay informed, entertain, and above all, inspired.

  1. Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 4: Brandon C. Lay

    2 DAYS AGO

    Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 4: Brandon C. Lay

    Welcome back to AdYack, the podcast where we pull at the threads of creativity until something unravels. Today’s episode went deeper than I expected—in the best way possible. I sat down with filmmaker Brandon C. Lay, whose new film ‘Finger Laced Crown’ follows a spray-paint artist named Lemon Drop as she navigates both her creative passion and the high walls of the fine art world. The film officially dropped on streaming platforms— Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Hoopla—on December 5th, 2025, after making the rounds through local premieres and landing a distribution deal with Buffalo 8. It’s already picking up recognition, including Best Foreign Feature at the Unrestricted View Film Festival. In our conversation, Brandon opened up about the sacrifices artists make—the kind that don’t show up in behind-the-scenes footage. We got into his writing process, how he works with actors, the filmmakers who shaped him, and the movies that made him want to pick up a camera in the first place. He also dropped some advice for young filmmakers. Whether you’re making films or just trying to make anything that matters, you may want to listen to this one. But what really stayed with me was the meaning behind Finger Laced Crown. It’s not just the name of the film—it was a revelation. One of those moments that lands softly but stays with you. And once you hear it, you’ll understand why. Here’s my AdYack with Brandon C. Lay.

    1h 9m
  2. Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 3: Abriella Milazzo

    19/12/2025

    Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 3: Abriella Milazzo

    Welcome to AdYack—the podcast where we explore the messy, magical, and wildly misunderstood world of creativity, with people bold enough to actually live it. Today, I sit down with Abriella Milazzo—she’s a yoga instructor, a holistic educator, an artist and an author of two books, whose work exists at the crossroads of movement, mindfulness, and imagination. Here’s the thing about Abriella: she doesn’t just practice creativity—she embodies it. The way she teaches, the way she writes, the way she simply walks through the world—it all comes from a place of wonder. For her, creativity isn’t a light switch—it’s the foundation she builds her life on. In this conversation, we get into: Why creativity is still so misunderstood—and why we box it in as “art” or “aesthetic.”What it looks like to reclaim creativity as a raw human instinct, not just a polished professional skill.How Abriella keeps her creative flow alive when life is messy, uncertain, or uninspired.And yes—we even detoured into Jonathan Livingston Seagull, that strange little 1970s book that cracked me open in a completely unexpected way.At its heart, this episode is about remembering—remembering the creative pulse that’s always been inside you, even if you were told to bury it. If you’ve ever thought creativity was something you lost, missed, or didn’t have permission to claim—this one’s for you. Because the truth is, creativity isn’t something you find. It’s something you finally decide to live. Here’s my AdYack with Abriella Milazzo.

    1h 5m
  3. Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 2: Theron Cook

    17/10/2025

    Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 2: Theron Cook

    Welcome back, AdYakers, to Episode 2 of Season 6! Today’s guest is more than an artist—he’s a living manifesto for perseverance and creative transformation. Theron Cook is an award-winning muralist and brand strategist with over 17 years of experience bringing art into public spaces, businesses, and community spirit. He founded Don’t Quit Omniversity and the TCA Don’t Quit Foundation, driven by a mission to serve, inspire, educate, and empower both creative students and business owners. His work isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about resilience, story, and bringing people together through visual communication. In this episode, we talk about the elusive state of flow—that moment when creativity, time, and purpose align. We explore what it means to use design not just as a tool, but as a way to heal, uplift, and connect. And yes, we dig into the belief that art is everything—a philosophy Theron lives through every mural, workshop, and foundation effort. This conversation was a profound one, as Theron shares incredible stories about his life, his family, and his work in the community. So settle in—today’s episode is about art, resilience, transformation, and the power to never quit, even when life tries to hold you down. Here is my AdYack with Theron Cook.

    1h 3m
  4. Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 1: Melissa Smith

    19/09/2025

    Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 1: Melissa Smith

    Welcome to Season 6 of AdYack. If you’re here, maybe you’ve made it through a few of your own battles. Maybe you're carrying big questions about your work, your worth, and what it all really adds up to. That’s exactly why I wanted to start this season with a conversation that doesn’t pretend to have all the answers—but does ask all the right questions. Today, I’m joined by Melissa Smith of Pakoil Company. Melissa is an account executive who works across the Pharmaceutical and OEM markets—with a focus on Medical Devices, Fire & Safety, First Responders, the Military, and Industrial OEM sectors. Pror to that she worked for Adams Outdoor Advertising and The Morning Call Media Group. But that’s just the resume. What we really talked about was what it means to stay human in the middle of all that. We talked about staying focused in a world that seeks to distract us. About presence, when life pulls you in ten different directions. and how sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is just... slow down and recharge. This episode is a reminder: you’re not alone. Your work—your art, your creativity, your heart—it matters. This season, I want to go deeper. I’ll be talking to people who’ve built things, broken things, and then got honest about what it all really meant. Melissa lives her life with intention. She chooses to see the world through the lens of positivity. And when it comes to work/life balance? It’s not a myth. It’s a fight worth showing up for—and Melissa shares how she does it. She’s sharp, generous, and grounded—and she knows that success without mindfulness is just noise. So here is my Ad Yack with with Melissa Smith.

    1h 10m
  5. Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 8: Matt Borrelli

    16/05/2025

    Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 8: Matt Borrelli

    On today’s episode of the podcast, I talk to someone I first crossed paths with back in 2005 at Kutztown University’s Annual Portfolio Review, right as this young, ambitious designer was about to graduate with his BFA in Communication Design. It was a random encounter… or so I thought. Fast forward 20 years, and one day, he reached out to me after reading one of my columns on creativity in Network Magazine… and a friendship was born. I’m talking about Mr. Matt Borrelli. But here’s the thing—Matt is no ordinary creative. He’s an award- winning copywriter, designer, and creative director who’s spent the better part of two decades working at advertising agencies in the Lehigh Valley. But more than that, Matt is someone who lives and breathes the craft of marketing. He’s a dreamer, a doer, and is always on the hunt for his next big idea. In this episode, we dive into the future of AI and how it’s shaking up the creative landscape, his creative process, and how he uses his insights and experience to help his clients drive results. Matt’s an inspiring guy, and he really understands the value that creative people bring to business. This episode is a rollercoaster of insights, and more than a few laughs along the way. Trust me—you do NOT want to miss this one. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and get ready to be inspired and entertained. Let’s get into it. Here is my AdYack….with Matt Borrelli. #creativity #marketing #creativedirection #adagency #advertising #design

    1h 1m
  6. Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 7: AdYack LIVE!

    11/04/2025

    Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 7: AdYack LIVE!

    Welcome to AdYack LIVE! On March 13th, the American Advertising Awards took place at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. I had the privilege of interviewing the winners live during the show, capturing their reactions, insights, and stories behind the campaigns that took home the hardware. From the rush of winning to the creative process behind these groundbreaking designs, you’ll hear firsthand from the brilliant minds shaping the future of advertising. These are the professionals pushing boundaries and creating work that helps brands cut through the clutter. The American Advertising Awards has always been one of my favorite nights of the year. It’s the one time when the advertising and marketing community in the Lehigh Valley comes together to celebrate innovation, creativity, and exceptional marketing. So whether you were in the room, heard the buzz, or are just curious to see what went down, join me now as we highlight the best of the best from the Lehigh Valley, straight from the American Advertising Awards floor. From Gold and Silver winners to Judges’ Choice and Best in Show, both professional and student entries are in the spotlight today. This is AdYack LIVE! Featuring Bill Childs & Donna Mugavero #AdYackLive #AmericanAdvertisingAwards #LehighValleyCreatives #LVAdvertising #MarketingAwards #CreativeExcellence #AwardWinningWork #BestInAdvertising #CreativeCommunity #CelebratingCreativity https://portfolio.aafglv.org/

    48 min
  7. Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 6: JT Norman

    28/02/2025

    Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 6: JT Norman

    If you've ever wondered how exceptional design can shape spaces, elevate brands, and even transform how we experience the world around us, you come to the right place. My guest today on the podcast is the award-winning and brilliant interior designer JT Norman—known for his bold, creative approach to design and ability to turn ordinary spaces into works of art. JT's work has earned him acclaim in the design world and a reputation for being a visionary with a unique understanding of how to mix style, function, and storytelling into all his projects. Whether it's a luxury penthouse or a commercial space, JT brings his distinct perspective to every project he touches. We discussed his recent design work on Meli, the newest Easton Greek restaurant, and how he transformed the old Maxim's into a European oasis. After you hear him share his advice and expertise, you’ll understand why he’s in such high demand. We spoke at length about how he uses the power of creativity to ignite his curiosity , to how he uses storytelling in his work, and his core design philosophy is something that I found fasinating. JT's approach to design is anything but conventional, and neither was this interview. I'm grateful he took the time to share his unique perspectives on the craft of what it means to be an interior designer.

    1h 6m
  8. Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 5: Ed Harris

    24/01/2025

    Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 5: Ed Harris

    My guest today is someone who I have admired ever since meeting him when he was working at The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, headquartered in King of Prussia. PA. Five minutes into that meeting, I knew Ed and I would become friends. Our first meeting took place at the request of a mutual friend, who recommended we meet each other as they felt we had similar outlooks on life and business. Turns out, he was right. Ed grew up in Philadelphia and launched his marketing and advertising career at companies like Converse and Timberland, among others, before landing in the CEO chair at Visit Williamsburg this past Summer, where he works with a wide range of tourism partners like Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Ed’s career journey is fascinating, as he could give a Masterclass on leadership and how to inspire a team. We spoke on various topics, including the innovation he participated in during his time working at Converse and Timberland and how both brands reinvented themselves and, in the process, created cult brands. Ed's a savvy marketer, a consummate leader, an adjunct professor at St. Joe's University, and an all-around great guy. Ask anyone who's ever worked with him, and you will hear nothing but praise and admiration for someone who never fails to leave a lasting mark. This interview is jam-packed with solid advice on how to lead a marketing team, how to get people to embrace risk, and what goes into creating a cult brand. We also discussed creativity's role in creating work that cuts through the clutter and drives results. Get ready to be inspired. Here is my Ad Yack, with Ed Harris. #creativity #tourism #travel #leadership #mentor #marketing #teaching #branddevelopment #branding #advertising #risk #ideas

    1h 5m
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About

The Official Podcast of the American Advertising Federation of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Our mission is to inspire creativity and enhance the professional development of the advertising and marketing communities where we live and work. I'm your host Bill Childs. And I'll talk with artists, designers, writers, directors, photographers, along with those who work in a creative capacity. Our aim here is to serve as a creative resource to help you stay informed, entertain, and above all, inspired.

Information

  • Creator
    American Advertising Federation of the Greater Lehigh Valley
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © AAF-GLV 2022
  • Show Website
    AdYack