Ask a Better Question | Podcast on Podbay

Ask a Better Question

Marcus Thomas LLC

Discover the inner workings of a leading Midwest advertising agency through “Ask a Better Question” from Marcus Thomas. Hosted by agency veterans Derek Oyen and Jesse DiFranco, this show looks at what makes agency life tick. In conversations with their peers, Derek and Jesse explore how campaigns take shape, accounts are won and lost, and brilliant creative ideas spring to life. Get an inside look at agency roles from strategists, designers, writers and more as they share personal stories and hard-won lessons from the front lines.

Joy Smith is who she is

Joy Smith talks about her rise from PR intern to Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and what it means to have been Joy Marie Smith since October of 1994. Full transcript available. Episode Credits: Co-Host: Jesse DiFranco Co-Host: Derek Oyen Producer: Michael Nichols Theme song: David Bemer Sponsor: Marcus Thomas LLC

Feb 7, 2024

27 min

Gabi Sergi goes into free-fall

Gabi Sergi chats with us about jumping out of airplanes, Thanksgiving traditions, and her love-hate relationship with math. Full transcript is available. Episode Credits: Co-Host: Jesse DiFranco Co-Host: Derek Oyen Producer: Michael Nichols Theme song: David Bemer Sponsor: Marcus Thomas LLC

Jan 24, 2024

22 min

Lori Myers is a frog again

Lori Myers shares her infectious laugh as she flashes her Brand Police badge and chats with us about designing direct-to-video DVD covers and being a new mom in the post-Covid era. Episode Credits: Co-Host: Jesse DiFranco Co-Host: Derek Oyen Producer: Michael Nichols Theme song: David Bemer Sponsor: Marcus Thomas LLC

Jan 10, 2024

24 min

Raf Rivilla vibes off the crowd

Raf Rivilla riffs on spinning tracks, owning a bar, and that side thing he does as Chief Media Officer. Full transcript is available. Episode Credits: Co-Host: Jesse DiFranco Co-Host: Derek Oyen Producer: Michael Nichols Theme song: David Bemer Sponsored: Marcus Thomas LLC

Dec 27, 2023

25 min

David Rubin exposes the boardroom

We chat with David Rubin from Svoboda Capital about how not all private equity firms are evil empires. Episode Credits: Co-Host: Jesse DiFranco Co-Host: Derek Oyen Producer: Michael Nichols Theme song: David Bemer Sponsored: Marcus Thomas LLC

Dec 13, 2023

27 min

Eric Holman makes s*** up

We take a deep dive with Eric Holman into celebrity encounters and finding creative inspiration. Episode Credits: Co-Host: Jesse DiFranco Co-Host: Derek Oyen Producer: Michael Nichols Theme song: David Bemer Sponsored: Marcus Thomas LLC.

Nov 29, 2023

24 min

Pato Sapir wears all the hats

We sit down with Pato Sapir to discuss his journey from Argentina to Ohio, running a marketing automation business, and the importance of a World Cup trophy. Episode Credits: Co-Host: Jesse DiFranco Co-Host: Derek Oyen Producer: Michael Nichols Theme song: David Bemer Sponsored: Marcus Thomas LLC

Nov 15, 2023

24 min

Stephanie Burris is innately curious

Stephanie Burris describes her journey to Executive Creative Director and explains why it’s rude to not ask questions. Episode Credits: Co-Host: Jesse DiFranco Co-Host: Derek Oyen Producer: Michael Nichols Theme song: David Bemer Sponsored: Marcus Thomas LLC

Nov 1, 2023

25 min

Stephanie Recktenwald almost always figures it out

In our conversation with Stephanie Recktenwald we discuss what it takes to be a producer and what it's like to beat your idol in your favorite sport. Episode Credits: Co-Host: Jesse DiFranco Co-Host: Derek Oyen Producer: Michael Nichols Theme song: David Bemer Sponsored: Marcus Thomas LLC

Oct 14, 2023

24 min

John Booth is not an expert

We talk with John Booth about his experience as a writer and his poor decision-making skills. Episode Credits: Co-Host: Jesse DiFranco Co-Host: Derek Oyen Producer: Michael Nichols Theme song: David Bemer Sponsored: Marcus Thomas LLC

Sep 26, 2023

23 min