In this solo episode of the Breaking and Entering Podcast, Geno Schellenberger opens up about how AI, holding company consolidation, and changing agency structures are reshaping the path into advertising. From portfolio schools to creative partnerships to tools like Runway and ChatGPT, Geno breaks down what young creatives should actually focus on in 2026.
Geno also shares advice on building a portfolio, finding mentors, standing out to recruiters, and why “nerd up, work up, cool up” still applies in today’s industry. Plus, updates on the Crowbar Awards, the B&E Mastermind Cohort, and how Breaking and Entering is continuing to help the next generation break into advertising

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✉️ Subscribe to The Vault https://breakingandenteringadv.substack.com/

📹 Subscribe to our :60 Advertising News Videos https://breakingandentering.beehiiv.com/

🏆 Check out the Crowbar Awards to break into advertising https://www.crowbarawards.com/

🤝 Work With Us - Email: breakingandentering@smoothmedia.co

What separates memorable brands from forgettable ones? According to brand writer and manifesto expert Lonnie Elliot, it starts with belief.

In this episode of Breaking and Entering Advertising, Geno Schellenberger sits down with the former Apple and Meta writer to break down the true anatomy of great manifestos, from Think Different to Nike’s Dream Crazier. Lonnie explains the structures behind powerful brand storytelling, why tension and point of view matter, how startups often get branding wrong, and why AI still can’t replicate the specificity of elite human copywriting.

For copywriters, strategists, founders, and marketers, this is a masterclass in writing words that move people.

More from Breaking and Entering Media:💼 Follow on LinkedIn⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/⁠📖 Read our Publications⁠ https://www.breaking-entering.com/blog⁠💬 Join our Unlocked GroupMe⁠ https://groupme.com/join_group/102437585/xg5Z5tei⁠✉️ Subscribe to The Vault⁠ https://breakingandenteringadv.substack.com/⁠📹 Subscribe to our :60 Advertising News Videos⁠ https://breakingandentering.beehiiv.com/⁠🏆 Check out the Crowbar Awards to break into advertising⁠ https://www.crowbarawards.com/⁠🤝 Work With Us - Email: ⁠breakingandentering@smoothmedia.co⁠

Todd Condie could’ve stayed on the traditional path: Georgetown Law, Wall Street, big paycheck, partner track. Instead, he walked away from it all to chase creativity.

In this episode, the Terri & Sandy Group Creative Director shares his unconventional rise from magazine hopeful to corporate lawyer to award-winning creative leader. Todd unpacks the mindset, risks, and relentless hustle it took to reinvent himself, why passion always beats security, and how today’s creatives need to evolve in an AI-shaped industry.

This is a story about betting on yourself, breaking the safe mold, and building a career where creativity actually wins. For anyone questioning the expected path, Todd’s journey proves there’s another way.

More from Breaking and Entering Media:

💼 Follow on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-media

📖 Read our Publications https://www.breaking-entering.com/blog

💬 Join our Unlocked GroupMe https://groupme.com/join_group/102437585/xg5Z5tei

✉️ Subscribe to The Vault https://breakingandenteringadv.substack.com/

📹 Subscribe to our :60 Advertising News Videos https://breakingandentering.beehiiv.com/

🏆 Check out the Crowbar Awards to break into advertising https://www.crowbarawards.com/

🤝 Work With Us - Email: breakingandentering@smoothmedia.co