The Firehouse Salon

Tediophobes
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Firehouse Salon brings together diverse minds – makers, thinkers, creators – to explore how communication shapes our world. Inspired by Howard Gossage's maverick spirit, each conversation delves into the intersection of ideas, creativity, and effective change-making. More than just discussing advertising, we investigate how different perspectives and approaches can solve real problems and create meaningful impact. Originally inspired by our BBC Radio 4 documentary 'The Socrates of San Francisco'.

  1. AUG 6

    Ep 36 - The Socrates of San Francisco - BBC Radio 4

    After 2 years on BBC sounds the link to our radio show is no longer working... so... the opportunity to share it with you here. One of the advantages is the opportunity to share with you a new 'director's cut' - a little shorter, and some additional elements we decided to put in. Enjoy! Back with the next episode after a summer break. Ash & James

    53 min

  2. JUN 19

    Ep 35 - LIVE - How to be creative about next to nothing at all

    In this episode of Firehouse Salon Live, we discussed creativity and the process behind it with our guests: Filmmaker Philip Rachid - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philiprachid/ and Designer Dave Officer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-officer/ We talked about the balance between spontaneity and structured creativity, the role of AI in the creative process, and the importance of producing authentic human ideas (even with AI). We touched on the significance of cultural sensitivity in marketing and design, the challenges and joys of working with clients, and the necessity of pursuing personal creative projects to stay inspired.  01:19 Exploring the Creative Process 02:02 The Role of Spontaneity in Creativity 02:45 The Mystery and Charm of Creativity 06:28 AI and Creativity: A Double-Edged Sword 07:48 The Human Touch in Creative Work 10:16 Constraints and Creativity 18:51 Client Collaboration and Creative Freedom 32:59 Navigating Client Challenges and Design Thinking 34:28 Trust and Adaptability in Creative Projects 38:31 The Impact of Visual Identities and Branding 41:05 The Role of Storytelling in Design 42:48 Iterative Processes and Creative Freedom 49:59 Balancing Client Work and Personal Projects 56:09 Cultural Sensitivity and Global Collaboration Links we discussed Companies/Organisations Hey Human - Neil Davidson's company - https://heyhuman.com/ Madar 39 - Culture innovation space in Abu Dhabi - https://www.m39.ae/ Story Things - Team mentioned for prototyping approach - https://storythings.com/ Pixar - Referenced for "Brain Trust" collaborative approach - https://www.pixar.com/ Creative Methodologies Design Thinking - Double diamond methodology - https://www.thefountaininstitute.com/blog/what-is-the-double-diamond-design-process Parkinson's Law - "Work expands to fill the time available for its completion" - https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-parkinsons-law-6674423 Brain Trust - Pixar concept - https://medium.com/great-business-stories/lessons-from-pixar-1-the-braintrust-e306843a5153 Films & Media "28 Years Later" - Film shot entirely on iPhone - https://www.motionpictures.org/2025/06/how-28-years-later-dp-anthony-dod-mantle-turned-20-iphones-and-a-custom-rig-into-danny-boyles-epic-vision/ "Tangerine" - Film shot on iPhone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQj1Ie0ip38 "Andor" (Disney series) - Just fantastic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duN-KQgOjYs Private Eye Magazine - Small ads with personality - https://www.eyeads.co.uk/ Quote “The audience comes last. I believe that. I'm not making it for them. I'm making it for me. And it turns out that when you make something truly for yourself, you're doing the best thing you possibly can for the audience.” — Rick Rubin

    1h 3m

  3. MAY 22

    Ep 34 - LIVE - "We Are Yet to Take the Helm of This Spaceship"

    In this episode, we dive into the legacy of Howard Luck Gossage and explore creativity, environment, and unconventional thinking.  Guests: Ali Grant - Designer and inventor of the Halo -  https://www.instagram.com/halosoundsystems/ John Kieselhorst - Co-Creative Director of Geezer Creative - https://www.geezercreative.com/ Ali discusses his pioneering work with Halo Sound Systems and his focus on creating immersive, respectful sound experiences in nature.  John explores the overlooked potential of the over-fifty demographics & creatives in advertising and the significance of purpose-driven creativity.  We talked about the historical and cultural parallels between the 1960s and today, touching on the transformative periods, sound healing, and the influence of mindfulness and nature on creative processes. 01:06 Introduction to the Salon 01:21 Discussing 99 Non Zebras and Creativity 02:01 Meet the Guests 02:20 Ali Grant on Halo Sound Systems 02:40 John on Geezer and Age in Advertising 05:47 The Role of AI in Creativity 07:26 Ali Grant on Music and Community 10:02 John  on Marketing to Older Audiences 16:08 The Power of Music and Shared Experiences 25:47 Exploring Consciousness and Psychedelics 27:51 Inspiration from Buckminster Fuller and Hacken Bay 32:22 Reflecting on Historic Times 33:53 Impact of the Pandemic 35:35 Personal and Professional Shifts 36:45 Environmental Observations 37:23 Cultural and Political Consequences 49:46 Creative Processes and Mindfulness 54:37 The Role of Environment in Creativity Mentions this time: Books "Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth" by Buckminster Fuller - Referenced by Ali Grant"The Incal" by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Moebius - Graphic novel mentioned by John about inducing theta states"Mood Mapping" by Dr. Liz Miller - Book about neuroscience and bipolar disorder Companies/Organisations Halo Sound Systems - Ali Grant's startup for sound cancellation technologyGeezer - John Kemo's startup agency targeting 50+ demographicsTemporary Autonomous Art Exhibitions - Art collective inspired by Hakim Bey's conceptWalker Art Center - Museum that held Buckminster Fuller retrospective Films & Media "Jodorowsky's Dune" - Documentary about the unmade film adaptation

    59 min

  4. MAY 1

    Ep 33 - 99 Non Zebras - Environment & Creativity

    The Firehouse Salon: Exploring Creativity and Environment In this episode of the Firehouse Salon, hosts James and Ashley delve into the 1960s world of Howard Luck Gossage's and his work environment at his firehouse ad agency.  We talked about the impact of physical, interpersonal, and psychological environments on creativity. We explored the balance between freedom and constraint, and how different settings can either nurture or hinder innovative thinking. We discussed the importance of creating spaces that foster collaboration, and the unexpected ways in which creativity can arise from both structured and chaotic environments. 01:16 Exploring the Concept of Environment and Creativity 01:55 The Physical, Interpersonal, and Psychological Environments 02:58 Howard Gossage's Unique Work Environment 05:04 Balancing Solitude and Collaboration 06:41 The Role of Constraints in Creativity 23:04 Corporate Environments and Creative Rebellion 30:08 Final Thoughts on Creativity and Environment

    32 min

  5. APR 24

    Ep 32 - LIVE - "It's Magic When it Works"

    In this episode we explored the topic of magic and communication, particularly how persuasion and manipulation shape media and advertising. Our guests: Maz Farrely - Exec Producer of so many shows you've watched Lindsay Campbell-Crafts - Communications Manager Ben Dietz - Chief Strategy Officer, former Partner at Vice Media have eclectic experiences in television production, community, creative communications and media.  We discussed the transformative power of developing formats, the cultural nuances in global advertising, and how true engagement often stems from authenticity and relatability. We explored the broader implications of communication magic in addressing societal issues like misinformation, stressing the importance of kindness, human connection, and emotional resonance in effective storytelling. 00:29 Meet the Guests 05:44 The Breakfast Club and Community Building 07:11 Cultural Communication in the Middle East 11:29 Creating Magic in TV and Marketing 24:47 The Role of Failure in Creative Success 26:49 Embracing Failure and Creativity 27:17 The Magic of Reality TV 28:19 Ethics and Manipulation in Reality TV 33:05 Cultural Differences in Media 38:13 The Power of Iconic Advertising 47:00 The Allure of Magic and Deception 52:11 The Role of Kindness in Communication 54:06 Concluding Thoughts on Human Connection

    51 min

  6. APR 9

    Ep 31 - That Old Black, White, or Pango Peach Magic

    In this episode, we delve into the theme of magic in human belief, particularly magical thinking and its impact on advertising and communication. The hosts explore Howard Luck Gossage's ideas on how magical thinking has been leveraged in marketing, juxtaposed with real-life examples from their own experiences in storycraft. We discussed the responsibility of using magical thinking ethically, the thin line between persuasion and manipulation, and how authentic storytelling can create powerful, positive changes in society. Our conversation also touched on the nostalgic allure of traditional magic shows and the intrinsic human desire for wonder and optimism.  00:00 Excerpt of Howard's writing - read by Peter Coyote 00:43 Welcome to the Firehouse Salon 01:08 Exploring Gossage's Magical Thinking 02:21 Magic in Advertising 05:19 Responsibility and Ethics in Magic 10:30 The Power of Authenticity 14:20 Persuasion vs. Manipulation 22:00 Magic in Storytelling 32:49 Gossage's Legacy and Final Thoughts

    38 min

  7. MAR 26

    Ep 30 - LIVE - Turning Ideas into Action

    In this episode of the Firehouse Salon, host Ash, along with our guests: Sophie Whippy - Tediophobes Jérémie Maret - Artist Shane Elliot - Sculptor Guillem Gallego - Chief Marketing Officer delve into the process of ideation and creativity. The guests, ranging from artists to entrepreneurs, share their unique perspectives on how ideas are born, developed, and brought to fruition.  We talked about the intrinsic motivation behind creative work, the role of audience in artistic endeavours, and the balance between inspiration and execution, the triumphs each guest encounters in their creative journeys and themes of trust, and courage. 00:31 Introducing the Guests 01:35 The Creative Process 06:03 From Ideas to Action 06:57 Challenges and Growth 08:18 Artistic Perspectives 28:11 The Role of Trust in Creativity 30:49 The Role of Intrinsic Motivation 33:37 Courage and Vulnerability in Creativity 37:30 Balancing Rapid Pace and Depth in Fashion 39:41 Personal Sacrifices for Creative Fulfillment 47:02 The Significance of Audience in Creative Work 50:42 The Shape of Ideas and Creative Processes Guest links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillem-gallego-4a67a34b/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/j%C3%A9r%C3%A9mie-maret-4958b5108/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-whippy/ https://afortunetellerstable.com/ https://www.theproposal.art/ https://weroar.me/

    53 min

  8. MAR 11

    Ep 29 - The Shape of an Idea and How to Draw One

    In this episode, James & Ash explore Howard Luck Gossage's sixth chapter from 'The Book of Gossage,' examining his critique of traditional advertising and his belief in advertising's power to spread meaningful ideas. They discuss creative approaches, the emotional impact of effective advertising, and practical strategies for idea generation. The conversation also covers Gossage's thoughts on problem-solving and the vital connection between creator, audience, and idea. 00:00 Welcome to the Firehouse Salon 00:31 Exploring the Book of Gossage 02:46 Advertising's True Purpose 04:17 The Pink Air Campaign 06:22 Modern Advertising Trends 14:24 Creative Processes and Methodologies 21:06 The Role of Emotion in Marketing

    31 min
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out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Firehouse Salon brings together diverse minds – makers, thinkers, creators – to explore how communication shapes our world. Inspired by Howard Gossage's maverick spirit, each conversation delves into the intersection of ideas, creativity, and effective change-making. More than just discussing advertising, we investigate how different perspectives and approaches can solve real problems and create meaningful impact. Originally inspired by our BBC Radio 4 documentary 'The Socrates of San Francisco'.

Information

  • Creator
    Tediophobes
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Firehouse Salon
  • Show Website
    The Firehouse Salon