The Pressure Proof Creative® Podcast Matt Follows

As well as being one of the earliest monks to form and help build the 6000 strong MediaMonks empire, Vincent possess one of the smartest, sharpest, most switched on creative brains I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. He's a leader, a creator, a husband and a father and I have no idea how he manages to fit it all in. And yes, he does so with grace, humour, and a shedload of relentless enthusiasm. 

The word powerhouse was created for the creative brain that is Tony Malcolm. In a career spanning over 35 years he's written some of the most  iconic headlines and commercials in the business. Yet, despite the fact his shelves are creaking under the weight of all the awards he's amassed over the years, he's remained one of the good guys, honest, humble and massively f'ing inspiring. Thanks for the chat Tony!

Julian Cheevers is a shining example of what can happen when a creative brain and a business brain hook up inside one skull and make shit happen. When he's not leading, championing, and pushing for the kind of work that wins Cannes Grand Prix's and Titanium Lion's like they're going out of fashion, he can be found surfing his stress off in the Pacific Ocean, and doing the kind of mental fitness regime that would have mere mortals sweating bullets. 

Creative brains like Ben's are as rare as rocking horse shit. Not content with enjoying a seriously impressive career in adland, its one of those unique lumps of grey matter that's intent on flexing every creative neuron it's been given. This has seen Ben grow from being a copywriter at Y&R and AMV BBDO in their heydays, to publishing a novel through Penguin, running an industry blog and podcast that's required reading / listening to everyone with a passion for advertising (If This Is A Blog Then What's Christmas), writing a regular column for Creative Review and now, being the proud owner of the ethical ad agency Invincible Unicorn, and the climate crisis initiative Gigantic F*****g Solutions -- which he co-founded with his wife Gabi after a 6 year stint as Apple's ECD and International Group Creative Director at Media Arts Lab in London and LA. If you'd like to get in touch with Ben the best way is through his inbox at bwmkay@gmail.com. 

Despite the fact that this episode was recorded on day 25 of the Corona quarantine my guest, Hugh Todd still had a huge smile on his face, proving that he is one hell of a pressure proofed creative! As well as being a formidable writer and creative director, he's the co-founder of the brilliant Behind The Billboard Podcast, a short-lister for the Winston Fletcher Prize, a swimmer, a clarinet player, and a genius who can complete the Rubik's cube in under 2 minutes! I wanted to know how he was managing to keep his creative brain in shape in such challenging times, and I was surprised to learn that the secret lay in a dartboard, sourdough, and a healthy disrespect for bulls***. 

At the time of recording Neil Christie was the CEO at Wieden + Kennedy, and in this episode, he tells us what he loves about his job, how he retains a healthy work/life balance, and how music gives him a solid sense of perspective; in a pressure-cooker industry which can all too easily lose complete and utter sight of it. 

We spoke two weeks before Corona sent the world into a tailspin, which makes Neil's message about embracing challenge, change, and uncertainty from a massively optimistic vantage point, all the more powerful. 

So if you're the owner of a creative brain, and you're looking for some solid advice to pump into your earholes, check this episode out. 

And above all, stay safe, stay sane, and stay creative.