Recent Episodes
Borderline Genius: Dr. Kimberly Selber Redefines Advertising Education
In this episode of Loud and Clear, Francisco Cardenas principal of Digital Strategy & Integration at LERMA/ is joined by Dr. Kimberly Selber, Associate Dean of Community Engagement at The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. They delve into the role of academia in preparing students for today’s dynamic advertising landscape. Dr. Selber, affectionately known as Dr. K, shares her extensive experience spanning education and high-profile agency work. The discussion highlights the integration of critical thinking, real-time industry connections, and the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching advertising in the US-Mexico border region. The episode also explores innovative ways to bridge students with industry through remote internships, mentorship programs, and real-world projects.
Advertising's Tough Love ❤️: Cairo Kenan Marsh on Reviving Industry Passion
In this episode of Loud and Clear, host Francisco Cárdenas interviews Cairo Kenan Marsh, an experienced advertising professional and founder of the agency relativ*. The conversation covers Cairo’s journey from working at major agencies like DDB and FCB to starting his own agency in Japan.
They discuss the allure of the advertising industry, the competitive nature of pitching for new business, and the need for more love and respect within the industry. The discussion also delves into the evolving agency model, the importance of building long-term consumer relationships, and the potential future of value-based pricing in advertising.
Cairo emphasizes the significance of understanding and solving fundamental business and human problems rather than chasing the latest trends. This episode is a deep dive into the complexities and opportunities within the advertising world.
Small Business, Big Impact: How to Get Noticed with Mickie Kennedy
Tired of your press releases getting lost in the noise? This week, Loud and Clear welcomes Mickie Kennedy, a PR innovator who “hacked” the system using creativity and storytelling. Mickey shares how he built e-releases from the ground up, and how you can use his methods to get your business noticed. We discuss the power of story-based press releases, the importance of emotional connection, and how to leverage industry surveys to generate earned media. Learn how to stand out from the crowd and make your message heard, even with a small budget. Tune in to learn PR secrets that big brands are missing!
Guests: Mickie Kennedy, CEO of eReleases.
Producer: Rolf Ruiz, Digital Strategist, Creative Technologist & Agricultor at LERMA/
Host: Francisco Cárdenas, Principal of Digital Strategy & Integration at LERMA/
Music: S.A. De C.V.
Work is Dead. Long Live Work! The Age of Debossification with Rishad Tobaccowala
Is your nine-to-five sucking the soul out of you? Do you dream of ditching your boss and joining the gig economy revolution?
Then tune in to Loud and Clear, where advertising legend Rishad Tobaccowala throws down the gauntlet on outdated work models with his groundbreaking book Rethinking Work. Host Francisco Cardenas gets the inside scoop on why clinging to traditional work structures is like bringing a typewriter to a TED Talk.
Rishad, a self-proclaimed disruptor, argues that companies are sleepwalking into obsolescence if they don’t embrace radical changes in how, where, and WHY we work. Get ready for some serious truth bombs about:
- Why “debossification” is the future and how to navigate a world where talent calls the shots.
- Why AI is about to eat your lunch (and how to ensure it’s delicious).
- Why the office is becoming as relevant as a fax machine (and what exciting alternatives are emerging).
This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who feels trapped in a work rut. Rishad Tobaccowala’s radical vision will inspire you to rethink your career, your company, and your entire approach to work.
Guest: Rishad Tobaccowala, Author and Business Leader
Produced: Rolf Ruiz, Digital Strategist and Creative Technologist LERMA
Hosts and Intro: Francisco Cardenas, Principal Digital Strategy LERMA
From Powerless to Powerful: Navigating the Political Landscape of Branding with Julie Ross
In this episode of Loud and Clear, host Francisco Cardenas sits down with Julie Ross, Director of Cultural Fluency at LERMA/, to dive into her insightful white paper, “From Powerless to Powerful.” Together, they explore the complex interplay between politics and branding, touching on how brands, not only react to, but also shape cultural and political narratives. Julie shares five key risks facing brands today—from the divisive effects of “red and blue branding” to the challenge of avoiding political entanglements—as well as strategies for brands to thrive amidst these pressures. The conversation includes practical advice on how brands can “check the political weather,” activate scenario planning, and find their unique stance without becoming political pawns. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on brand resilience and adaptation in today’s unpredictable sociopolitical climate.
(designer: Gray Needham)
Guests: Julie Ross, Director of Cultural Fluency at LERMA/ (jross@lermaagency.com)
Producer: Rolf Ruiz, Digital Strategist, Creative Technologist & Agricultor at LERMA/
Host: Francisco Cárdenas, Principal of Digital Strategy & Integration at LERMA/
Music: S.A. De C.V.
The Notebook LM Deep Dive: AI Hosts Unmasked with LERMA/s Digital Experience Team
What happens when AI-generated hosts discover they’re not real? In this episode of Loud and Clear, Francisco “Pancho” Cardenas and the digital team at LERMA/ explore this mind-bending concept through the Notebook LM Deep Dive podcast, where AI hosts face their own artificiality. The conversation led by experts of the digital team Paolo, Christen, Rodolfo, and Pranav, delve into the layers of generative content, touching on the blurred boundaries between real and unreal in digital storytelling. A blend of humor, tech insight, and philosophical musings, this episode promises a unique look at AI’s role in media.
Guests:
Christen Jacquottet, Digital Producer and Front End developer at LERMA/
Rolf Ruiz, Creative Technologist at LERMA/
Paolo De Leon, UX/UI Designer at LERMA/
Pranav Kumar, Digital Project Manager Strategist at LERMA/
Producer: Rolf Ruiz, Digital Strategist, Creative Technologist & Agricultor at LERMA/Host: Francisco Cárdenas, Principal of Digital Strategy & Integration at LERMA/Music: S.A. De C.V.
In this episode of Loud and Clear, we dive deep into the world of SwapCon with its Founder and Creative Director, Jason Won. SwapCon is more than just Dallas’ biggest Swap, Sell, and Buy event; it’s a space where community, culture, and creativity converge. Jason shares the inspiration behind creating this unique marketplace, where people come together to showcase their personal style through fashion and accessories while connecting through the shared experience of swapping and selling. Join us for an insightful conversation on how SwapCon has grown into a cultural hub, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate their individuality.
Relevant links:
https://swapcon.org/
Guests: Jason Won, Founder and Creative Director of SwapCon
Producer: Rolf Ruiz, Digital Strategist, Creative Technologist & Agricultor at LERMA/
Host: Francisco Cárdenas, Principal of Digital Strategy & Integration at LERMA/
Music: S.A. De C.V.
On this episode of Loud and Clear, Francisco Cárdenas hosts a dynamic conversation with industry veterans Riccardo Ferraris and Vivek Kuchibotla, co-founders of Think Catalyst. Dive deep into the heart of advertising agency-client relationships and discover how Think Catalyst is revolutionizing the matchmaking process between brands and agencies. With decades of experience across global markets, Riccardo and Vivek share their insights on building long-lasting, productive partnerships in an era of rapid technological change and consumer empowerment. Learn about the pitfalls of the current pitch process, the importance of mutual understanding, and why creating “advertising marriages” over “advertising Tinder” is crucial for brand success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the advertising world looking to navigate the complexities of modern agency-client dynamics.
Breaking Boundaries: Alejandro Claiborne on the Next Era of Advertising Innovation
Join Alejandro Clabiorne, Mediahub’s Worldwide COO, as he and Francisco “Pancho” Cardenas dive deep into the seismic shifts reshaping advertising. From the frontline of media evolution, Alejandro shares insider insights on AI’s impact, the creative revolution driven by digital, and the future of multicultural marketing. This episode isn’t just a conversation; it’s a challenge to the status quo. Tune in to discover how technology and cultural shifts are dismantling old advertising paradigms and what this means for the industry’s future.
Always be Dabblin’: A chat with Lerma’s own Brian Lindner on Artificial Intelligence
On this episode of Loud And Clear, copy meets art meets technology in a conversation between one of the founders of the Loud And Clear podcast and longtime Creative Director, Matt Villanueva, and LERMA’s award-wining Creative Principal Brian Linder. Check out the conversation as they discuss the future of advertising and the challenges facing creatives working with their newest coworker – Artificial Intelligence. Together, they navigate the complexities of technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and integration in unlocking AI’s full potential. Join Matt and Brian on a journey to “Always be Dabblin” and see how to continuously learn and reinvent yourself as a marketer in the AI age. Host: Brian Linder, Principal Creative at LERMA/ Host: Matt Villanueva, Award-winning Creative Director | M.A. Creative Advertising Producer: Rolf Ruiz, Digital Strategist, Creative Technologist & Agricultor at LERMA/ Music: Pedro Lerma and the Band, LERMA/
The Beer Chingón. A story of entrepreneurship with George Esquivel from Four Corners Brewing Co.
On this episode of Loud And Clear, we talk to George Esquivel. A passionate brand marketer who turned his passion into a brand to market. Come join us in a conversation about a brand built from the ground up, then sold to a Fortune 500 brewery, and reacquired in 2023. The co-founder and CMO of Four Corners Brewing Co. speaks to us about how he decided to get started in Dallas, Texas, and build a brand from the ground up making an unforgettable dent in the beer market. This Latino entrepreneur tells us about the early days, the role of marketing and ad agencies for his brand, and the future in the face of evolving technology.
Pop one open, lean back, relax, and listen to this chingón who we have the fortune to visit at LERMA/
Guest: George Esquivel, Co-founder of FCBC
Producer: Rolf Ruiz, Digital Strategist, Creative Technologist & Agricultor at LERMA/
Host: Francisco Cárdenas, Principal of Digital Strategy & Integration at LERMA/
Music: S.A. De C.V.
AI🤖: Friend or Foe? a chat with Matt Villanueva
Join us on this episode of Loud and Clear as we dive deep into the dynamic world of advertising with a unique twist – the perspective of a Creative Copywriter, Matt Villanueva. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in the advertising industry, but is it a friend or a foe for creative professionals like Matt? We explore the impact of AI on copywriting, creativity, and the advertising landscape in this thought-provoking conversation. Discover how AI tools are transforming the way ads are crafted and campaigns are optimized. Matt shares his experiences, highlighting the importance of the human touch and creativity in a tech-driven world. Is AI a valuable tool that enhances the creative process, or does it pose challenges and concerns for the industry? We tackle these questions, along with success stories, examples, and predictions for the future of AI in advertising. Whether you’re an advertising enthusiast or simply curious about the intersection of technology and creativity, this episode provides valuable insights and sparks a compelling discussion. Tune in to Loud and Clear for a captivating exploration of AI’s role in the advertising world.
This podcast description was created in its entirely by Artificial Intelligence using Chat GPT .
Hispanic Market Power, a Book by Isaac Mizrahi
The CEO of Alma, arguably the most awarded Hispanic advertising agency in the United States, talks to us from the headquarters of LERMA/ in Dallas, TX about the launch of his book Hispanic Market Power, America’s Business Growth. Learn from the author, Isaac Mizrahi, what motivated him to write the book, his journey in multicultural marketing throughout the years, and what the perception of that market is today, even after a worldwide pandemic. Marc Pritchard from Procter & Gamble famously said, “If you’re not doing Hispanic Marketing, you’re not doing marketing”, and this book goes into detail about the whys and the how highlighting the huge opportunity for a group that contributes $2.7 Trillion to the economy with a median age 10 years younger than the rest of the United States population.
Enjoy case studies from several blue chip brands like Cheetos, Coors Light, Lilly, Kia, etc.
Isaac’s new book gives you context and reasons for how you could take your marketing strategy to the next level by thinking multicultural. Enjoy!!
Hispanic Marketing Power. America’s Business Growth Engine can be purchased here.
Racism and Discrimination in AI and a Good Way to Fight it. A chat with Rolf and Roscoe from LERMA/.
In an era where AI tools are revolutionizing various fields, the world of advertising and marketing is no exception. While Roscoe McGee and Rodolfo Ruiz immersed themselves in groundbreaking AI projects at the agency, they, alongside their innovative peers, identified a pressing concern: the tools weren’t as inclusive as LERMA’s envisioned creations. Committed to forging a more inclusive future, they sprang into action. Today, on the 7th episode of the 5th season of Loud and Clear, they delve deep into their inspirations and the groundbreaking technology they’ve harnessed to tackle an issue that’s paramount to us all. Tune in, join the conversation, and remember – the future is not only ours to experience, but ours to shape.
Artificial Intelligence with Gerónimo Ávila . Is it an Ad Agency Killer or Booster to Help Market Brands?
In this the 6th episode of the 5th season of Loud and Clear, we dive deep into the evolving world of artificial intelligence in the advertising sector with Geronimo Avila, the trailblazing CEO of Element and founder of Sonoro Media. As a digital pioneer in Mexico, Geronimo offers invaluable insights into how AI is reshaping agency strategies and workflows, the potential benefits and pitfalls for marketers, and a glimpse into the future of ad campaigns powered by machine intelligence. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation, curated for forward-thinking marketers and advertising aficionados.
Understanding Ad Fatigue: Why You Keep Seeing the Same Ads with Caleb Williams and Moe Chughtai
Join us in this insightful episode as we unravel the mystery of seeing the same ads repeatedly on streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu, and Peacock. We sit down with Caleb Williams and Moe Chughtai, leading figures at MiQ, a forefront player in programmatic marketing. We delve into the strategic choices behind ad repetition, discussing the roles of budget, targeting, ad inventory, and frequency capping. Listen in as we explore the psychological effect of repeated exposure to advertisements and its potential pitfalls, such as viewer ad fatigue.
Advertising on streaming platforms is a delicate balancing act, and Caleb and Moe shed light on the effort that goes into creating a viewer-friendly and effective ad campaign. As a viewer, if you’ve ever asked yourself why you’re repeatedly exposed to the same ads, this episode is a must-hear. As industry professionals, the knowledge shared in this episode provides a fresh perspective on ad strategies in the digital age.
Sarah Allen & Pedro Lerma, Mass Shootings in America: How Advertising Agencies Can Help through The Power of Persuasion
In this episode, we discuss how advertising agencies can help combat mass shootings in the US. We speak with Pete Lerma, founder of LERMA, and Sarah Allen, principal of brand planning, about how the industry can promote responsible gun ownership and drive meaningful change. Join us to discover the power of advertising and turn awareness into action. As influential organizations, ad agencies and communication conglomerates need to push for solutions and assign resources to the problem of gun violence. #StopGunViolence #StopViolence
Reonna Johnson and Shannon Dunbar-Rubio, The Solution on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Advertising Is Not Written in Black & White
Explore diversity, equity, and inclusion in advertising with Reonna Johnson and Shannon Dunbar-Rubio in this riveting podcast episode. Delving into industry challenges, Reonna discusses the importance of Black representation in leadership, while Shannon shares practical steps for fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Tune in for valuable insights and dynamic conversation on breaking barriers in advertising.
Evelyn Gonzalez, VP of Marketing at Puratos, Building Digital Bridges in the Latin American Food Tech Industry
Explore Latin American food tech marketing with Evelyn Gonzalez, VP of Marketing at Puratos, in the LERMA/ Loud and Clear podcast. Discover the digitalization of the food industry, challenges and opportunities in marketing, and the role of technology in connecting with customers in the baking, patisserie, and chocolate sectors. Gain insights on successful strategies and local market understanding, as Evelyn shares her expertise and career journey. A must-listen for marketing enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
Jorge Ferraez, The Rise of Latino Leadership: The Story of Latino Leaders Magazine
Uncover the inspiring ascent of Jorge Ferraez and Latino Leaders Magazine on Loud and Clear with host Francisco Cardenas. Learn how a modest idea grew into a comprehensive collection of Latino leaders’ success stories, defying stereotypes and showcasing Latinos’ contributions to America. Delve into the magazine’s evolution, its impact on the community, and the role of advertising agencies in amplifying these empowering narratives. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the rise of Latino leadership.
Victoria Petrella, From Agency to Client Side Over a Slice of Domino's
Join Victoria Petrella on Loud and Clear as she shares her journey from Argentina to the US, evolving from an ad executive to VP of International Marketing at Domino’s Pizza. Explore the digital transformation and reinvention of a beloved brand, its global execution, and appeal to Hispanic consumers. Gain insights on Victoria’s values and tips for adding value to brands, regardless of your professional position. Enjoy this 30-minute conversation – pizza not included!
Claudia Romo Edelman, a Voice for Hispanics in America and a Plan of Action for Brands and Ad Agencies
Discover the power of Hispanic voices with Claudia Romo Edelman on Loud and Clear. Learn how Hispanics, as makers, not takers, drive progress in America. Delve into the Hispanic Star’s agnostic framework for brands to connect with this vital community. Be inspired by Claudia’s contagious enthusiasm, fresh approach, and plan of action in these polarizing times. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on uplifting the Latino community in the United States.
Cathy Hackl, The Godmother of the Metaverse and a look into the future
Dive into the Metaverse with Cathy Hackl, the “Godmother of the Metaverse,” in S4:E4 of Loud and Clear. Explore the evolution of the internet, VR, and the limitless possibilities of WEB3. Uncover how the Metaverse is revolutionizing digital interactions, businesses, and brand storytelling. Learn about the democratization of VR and its implications for ad agencies and consumers alike. Join the conversation and discover how we’re shaping the future together.
