Stuff About Advertising

Ashley Rutstein

Dive into the world of advertising and marketing with a Creative Director known for her hot takes, insightful commentary, and many many opinions. Join Ashley for campaign deep dives and unfiltered opinions in this no-holds-barred look at the creative advertising industry.

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17 episodes
Avg 28 min
English

Episodes 17

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July 30 · 25 min
Conversational Commerce: Why Brands Are Moving To Messaging
Across India, Brazil, and the UAE, people already shop by chatting with businesses on WhatsApp. But in the US, most of us have never thought about buying anything inside a messaging app. This episode digs into why. I traveled to Meta's Conversations event in London to understand the rise of conversational commerce: why messaging became a storefront, the psychology of why a conversation sells better than a landing page, what actually changes for advertisers when an ad opens a chat, and Meta's big new Business Agent. Plus an honest look at the trade-off of building your business inside someone else's ecosystem. Featuring: Natsumi Tomishige, Creative Strategist at Meta Karishma Shah, Head of Marketing at Loco Bear Want more Stuff About Advertising? Follow on ⁠TikTok⁠ Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ Follow on ⁠YouTube⁠
June 30 · 25 min
AD-LIBBED: Cannes Lions 2026 – The Good, The Bad, and the Scorching
This was my second time attending advertising's biggest event of the year, and just like last year, I have mixed feelings. In this ad-libbed debrief, I'm giving you the honest details on: What I did all week How the festival has changed What the activations were like The separation between industry and creators AI everything What I'd do differently next time If I'd recommend it for advertisers and creators
May 3 · 35 min
Selling the Skies: The Rise and Fall of Airline Branding
Airlines used to have personalities. They sold aspiration and exploration. A feeling. Now, they sell...credit cards. And bonus loyalty points. In this episode, I trace the full arc of airline advertising — from the golden age, when airlines couldn't compete on price so they competed on image, through deregulation and the death of Pan Am, to Southwest's personable brand and the investor that completely dismantled it in under a year. Note: Since this episode was recorded, Spirit Airlines has ceased operations. On May 2, 2026, Spirit shut down after failing to secure a federal bailout, becoming the first major U.S. airline to go out of business since the September 11 attacks. In the episode, I mention that Spirit could be forced to liquidate. That has now happened. 😬 Want more Stuff About Advertising? Get my course for creative thinking: Big Idea Bootcamp Follow on ⁠TikTok⁠ Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ Follow on ⁠YouTube⁠
March 20 · 26 min
It looks like you're trying to make a tech mascot 📎
For some reason, tech companies cannot figure out mascots. They keep trying, and they keep getting it wrong. Or they get it right for about five minutes before it falls apart. This episode is the history of that problem, from Microsoft Bob to Clippy to Bonzi Buddy to Ask Jeeves. Plus, Apple's Lil' Finder Guy is the internet's new obsession, but Apple hasn't said a single word about him. Learn more about my creative thinking course, Big Idea Bootcamp here. Want more Stuff About Advertising? Follow on ⁠TikTok⁠ Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ Follow on ⁠YouTube⁠ Join the ⁠Internal Review community⁠
March 6 · 30 min
When Agencies Go to War: How the Ad Industry Profits from Conflict
What happens when the same tools we use to sell chips and shoes get pointed at a war? From the War Advertising Council in the 1940s to the post-9/11 rebrand of America to a $729 million Israeli influence machine — the advertising industry has never been a neutral party in wartime. This episode traces 80 years of marketers putting their most powerful tools in the service of governments waging wars.
Nov 20, 2025 · 25 min
"Speed of culture" doesn't mean what you think it means
"Speed of culture" is one of those phrases agencies love to throw around. But when Taylor Swift dropped a surprise album teaser and every brand posted glittery orange logos, it sparked a debate: are brands hopping on trends adding value or just adding noise? I sat down with Stef Schmit and Josh Rangel from Ogilvy to get into Culture Current, their framework for knowing when to move fast and when to show restraint. We cover the Four S's, why content calendars aren't actually dead, how they turned the Anthony Davis trade into a Woj Bomb moment, and what the Embassy of Japan had to say about Taylor Swift's travel plans. If you want to learn more about Culture Current, reach out to culturecurrent@ogilvy.com
Oct 30, 2025 · 31 min
Branded Entertainment: Why World-Building Matters (And Why Most Brands Skip It)
When 400 brands partner with a single movie (coughwickedcough), most just become noise. So what separates the partnerships that actually work from expensive logo slaps? I talked with Matt Kessler from Martin Entertainment about their Aspercreme x Spinal Tap II campaign and how brands should be approaching entertainment partnerships. We dug into authenticity, scarcity, and why the barriers to entry are actually the point. Is your brand building in or bolting on? Listen in to find out. Huge thanks to Matt Kessler and the team at Martin Entertainment! Want more Stuff About Advertising? Join the Internal Review community Follow on ⁠TikTok⁠ Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ Follow on ⁠YouTube⁠
Sep 25, 2025 · 29 min
The Art of Creative Conspiracy: How to get away with bold ideas
Most agencies treat client approval like a battle to be won. But what if that dynamic is exactly what's killing your best ideas? In this episode, I talk with Chris Colliton, Executive Creative Director at Zulu Alpha Kilo New York, about a completely different approach. One where clients become your partners in crime rather than obstacles to overcome. We dig into why the ideas that feel most impossible to sell are often the most effective, how to present unprecedented concepts with confidence, and what it takes to build an agency culture where wild ideas can actually thrive. Want more Stuff About Advertising? Join the Internal Review community Follow on ⁠TikTok⁠ Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ Follow on ⁠YouTube⁠
Aug 7, 2025 · 12 min
The Creative Graveyard: Resurrecting Great Ideas with Dead Ad Society
For every ad you see on TV, dozens of brilliant ideas were killed along the way. That gut-wrenching feeling of losing a script you loved is a universal part of the creative process. In this episode, we're going behind the scenes with the creators of the Dead Ad Society, a unique anti-award show where dead ads get a second chance at life. We'll talk about why great ideas die, how creatives cope with rejection, and the story of one ad that was too good to stay buried. Big thanks to my special guests: Caleb Dewart (hungryman) LJ Johnson (hungryman) Chad Broude (Highdive) 💀 Enter your favorite dead scripts at deadadsociety.com 💀 Learn more about hungryman. Want more Stuff About Advertising? Join the Internal Review community Follow on ⁠TikTok⁠ Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ Follow on ⁠YouTube⁠
Jun 25, 2025 · 55 min
I Went to Cannes Lions. Here's What Happened (and What I Spent).
Cannes Lions: I went, I saw, I... spent a lot of money. In this episode, I'm giving you the no-holds-barred recap of my first time at the infamous festival. You'll get my genuine take on the event, a full rundown of what I got up to, and a complete disclosure of my expenses. Most importantly, I'm answering all your burning questions like "Was it worth it?" and "Would you go back again?"
Apr 17, 2025 · 42 min
AD-LIBBED: Reacting to Adweek's interview with Madwell CEO Chris Sojka
In this unedited episode, I'm reacting to Adweek's interview with Madwell CEO Chris Sojka. They talk about the infamous private jet, the Wiz Khalifa payment issues, a theme park (??), and much more. And of course, I interject with my opinions along the way. Check out the full podcast episode from Adspeak here.
Apr 11, 2025 · 26 min
Audio Advertising for Your Eyeballs
Is "radio" even radio anymore? From terrestrial to streaming to video, audio advertising has evolved at warp speed. In this episode, we're discussing how much the medium of audio has changed, and I'll share insights from my trip to Spotify HQ and conversations with Spotify execs, Chloe Wix and Bridget Evans. Want more Stuff About Advertising? Join the Internal Review community Follow on ⁠TikTok⁠ Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ Follow on ⁠YouTube⁠
#5
Mar 15, 2025 · 11 min
AD-LIBBED: Madwell is Unwell
In this unedited, ad-libbed episode, we're chatting about the leadership of Madwell not paying their employees on time and then getting mad when they talk to journalists about it. 🤪 Here are the articles I reference. I highly recommend reading through them and seeing the screenshots of internal messages! Ad Age: Madwell is in Financial Trouble Ad Age: Letter to the Editor Adweek: Madwell CEO Lashes Out at Unpaid Employees
#4
Mar 7, 2025 · 23 min
Mad Women: Influential Women in Advertising
Ever heard of Resor, Lawrence, or Robinson? No? How about Ogilvy, Bernbach, or Wieden? Yeah, I thought so. It's time to change that. Join me for a special International Women's Day episode as I explore the stories of the "Mad Women" who shaped the advertising world. From crafting iconic campaigns to pioneering techniques we still use today, these women broke barriers and left a lasting legacy. In this episode, you’ll hear about Helen Lansdowne Resor, Mary Wells Lawrence, Phyllis Robinson, Caroline Jones, and Jane Newman, plus a few more currently in the industry. But I also received SO many incredible messages from my Instagram followers sharing about women who have inspired them. I wanted to include their names in this show description, because they deserve even more recognition: Colleen DeCourcy Cindy Gallop Zaria Parvez Marie Claire Maalouf Mariana Pacheco Stephanie Walaszek Graciela Robertson Ashtyn Livingston Heather Vanisko JJ Healan Amy Lanzi Megan Lally Jo Hayes Christine Fruechte Jessica Henrichs Jenny Glover Penny Hawkey Jamie Robinson Lisa Clunie Tiffany Rolfe Nancy Crimi-Lamana Grandma Steinhardt Want more Stuff About Advertising? Join the Internal Review community Follow on ⁠TikTok⁠ Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ Follow on ⁠YouTube⁠
#3
Feb 9, 2025 · 34 min
The Making of a Super Bowl Ad: Behind the Scenes of Advertising's Biggest Night
Ever wondered what it really takes to create a Super Bowl ad? The late nights, the client battles, the sheer terror of knowing your work will be judged by over 100 million people? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on Super Bowl commercials and shifting the focus from the ads themselves to the people who make them and their process. Hear directly from writers, art directors, media folks, and agency leaders who pour their heart and soul into those big game ads, and discover the untold stories behind advertising's biggest night. Guests: Frank Viglione andGaby Bates Thiago Cruz fromGrey Chris Petrawski from Bedford Advertising Jacques Spitzer fromRaindrop Scott Decker Want more Stuff About Advertising?►Join the⁠Internal Review community⁠ ►Follow me onYouTube►Follow me on⁠TikTok⁠►Follow me on⁠Instagram⁠►Read⁠my favorite books on advertising and creativity
#2
Jan 27, 2025 · 24 min
Super Bowl Commercials: How Teasers Changed the Game
From Mr. Peanut's tragic demise to a fake Crocodile Dundee movie, Super Bowl ad teasers have become a spectacle in and of themselves. But why are brands so obsessed with these pre-game trailers? In this episode, we explore the origins of teasers, their impact on viewers, and whether they're actually worth the hype. Don't forget to rate and review the show! Want more Stuff About Advertising? ►Join the Internal Review community ►Follow me on TikTok ►Follow me on Instagram ►Read my favorite books on advertising and creativity
#1
Jan 8, 2025 · 16 min
Is Advertising Ethical? How Marketing Is Used to Deceive, Manipulate, and Inspire
Advertisers are among the least trusted professions in the US. But why? How did the public get such a negative view of the marketing industry? In this first episode of the Stuff About Advertising podcast, Ashley discusses the personal ethics of working in the industry, how advertising was built on manipulation and deception, and how brands have used ads to inspire and make the world a better place. Want more Stuff About Advertising? Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Follow on YouTube

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