AdYack
AdYack

AdYack

American Advertising Federation of the Greater Lehigh Valley

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Episodes

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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.

Recent Episodes

Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 2: Theron Cook
OCT 17, 2025
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62 MIN
Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 1: Melissa Smith
SEP 19, 2025
Ad Yack: Season 6, Episode 1: Melissa Smith
<p><strong>Welcome to Season 6 of AdYack.</strong></p><p>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 <em>does </em>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 &amp; 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 <em>human </em>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 <em>heart</em>—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.</p><p>So here is my Ad Yack with <strong>with Melissa Smith.</strong></p>
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69 MIN
Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 8: Matt Borrelli
MAY 16, 2025
Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 8: Matt Borrelli
<p>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 <em>Network Magazine</em>… and a friendship was born.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Matt’s an inspiring guy, and he really understands the value that creative people bring to business.</p><p>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.</p><p>Here is my <em>AdYack….</em>with Matt Borrelli.</p><p>#creativity #marketing #creativedirection #adagency #advertising #design</p><p></p>
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60 MIN
Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 7: AdYack LIVE!
APR 11, 2025
Ad Yack: Season 5, Episode 7: AdYack LIVE!
<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>From Gold and Silver winners to Judges’ Choice and Best in Show, both professional and student entries are in the spotlight today.</p><p>This is AdYack LIVE! </p><p>Featuring Bill Childs &amp; Donna Mugavero</p><p>#AdYackLive #AmericanAdvertisingAwards #LehighValleyCreatives #LVAdvertising #MarketingAwards #CreativeExcellence #AwardWinningWork #BestInAdvertising #CreativeCommunity #CelebratingCreativity</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://portfolio.aafglv.org/">https://portfolio.aafglv.org/</a></p><p></p>
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47 MIN