Startup Series: The Perfect Read
Event Description: What’s the secret to a memorable ad, let alone getting listeners to tune into what you’re saying before they automatically move on with their day? In an advertising ecosystem where ad-blockers and premium subscriptions are all the rage, it can be difficult to get listeners to not just tune in, but approach advertisements and endorsements with an open mind. Yet as the podcast economy grows and shows with truly unique ad reads are more in demand than ever before, unlocking the secret of the “Perfect Read” is an elusive but rewarding challenge.
Panelists:
Chris Sullivan: Fresh off the launch of his new podcast “That Was Us”, Chris reflects on his role as ‘Toby’ on NBC’s award-winning show This Is Us. One of his many television roles, Chris starred on Steven Soderbergh’s drama series THE KNICK (2014-2015), in which Chris, along with his castmates, won a Satellite award for Best Ensemble. He can also be seen in the Netflix hit series STRANGER THINGS (2016) as ‘Benny Hammond’ and has roles across popular TV shows including: HBO’s CAMPING, ELEMENTARY, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, THE AMERICANS, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, Disney’s AMPHIBIA, and THE GOOD FIGHT.
Recently, Chris returned to the big screen starring alongside Lucy Liu in Steven Soderbergh’s, Presence. On the big screen, Chris is best known for appearing as ‘Taserface’, in the wildly popular GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2. Chris is also well known for starring in the crime drama THE DROP (2014), Ryan Murphy’s TV movie THE NORMAL HEART and LIVE BY NIGHT; directed by Ben Affleck.
After college Chris toured with the longest running one-man show in Broadway history; DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN; performing it over 1000 times on the road. Chris spent most of his time on the stage from 2004-2010, beginning the Chicago portion of his career in THE BALLAD OF EMMET TILL at The Goodman Theatre. Chris transitioned to New York, appearing in the original Broadway cast of LOMBARDI, the long-running revival of CHICAGO THE MUSICAL, NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, and the off-Broadway original production of HADESTOWN, for which he was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical.
In this advertising-focused Startup Series, Chris’s voice work speaks for itself, providing the voice for Caleb The Camel in the popular "Hump Day” ad from GEICO. Additionally, he was the voice of Jack Daniels and Destination XL.
Chris grew up in Sacramento before attending Loyola Marymount University where he studied theater in the College of Communication and Fine Arts. He joined the Boy Scouts at age 10 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout at 16. Chris is a fashion-lover and has become known for his bold, colorful and accessorized red carpet choices.
Lindsay Graham: Lindsay Graham (no, not that Lindsey Graham) is a podcast creator, producer and host known for compelling narratives and in-depth exploration of pivotal moments in American and world history. His chart-topping shows American Scandal, American History Tellers and History Daily reach millions every month, using immersive sound design, a rich original score, and meticulous research to bring moving, character-driven stories that demonstrate “history is human.”
The Fort Worth Star Telegram said Lindsay “became his generation's David McCullough” with his talent for making a rigorous study of history captivating and approachable to wide audiences. His podcasts are also frequently used in classrooms across the country, and to spark conversations between parents and children to better understand the complex world they’re living in.
Lindsay leads his production company Airship from Dallas, TX, where he lives with his wife and daughter.
Evelyn Chevere is the Director of Media Operations at VeritoneOne. She began her journey in 2016 and has held several positions, starting as a Media Planner and growing into the Director of Media Operations. She believes it is important to remain dynamic in an ever-evolving space. Evelyn leverages her cross-departmental experience to develop methodical operational changes to drive efficiency across the VeritoneOne organization. She oversees the Media Management and Operations team that work diligently to execute client campaigns successfully and ensure paid media is reviewed and compliant. Evelyn loves New York to a fault and, outside of the office, is an avid walker, writer, and enjoys reading a book while sitting in her garden, or on her porch if it’s raining.
Key Topics to Cover:
What’s In A Read: What are the tools that an advertiser can give to empower an advertiser, without possibly overloading them or jeopardizing an overly wordy or complicated read.
Like It, Love It, Gotta Have It: How do podcasters fall in love with brands, deliver that read accordingly, and keep a symbiotic relationship between the brands they love and the advertisements that deliver.
Telling the Story: What are the storytelling tools that can get your audience engaged with what you’re talking with them about, vs what you’re simply telling them to do? How does narrative help guide the thought process of an ad, while also setting up a perfect way to get listeners interested in the product?
The Advantages of Audio: Where have these ad read experts see the advantages in a medium like podcasting, and where do they sometimes find constraints?
The Future: VODCasting, advertising tie-ins, and where these podcast hosts and experts see the economy of a read transitioning to in the future
Throughout this series, you can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of podcast advertising, including:
Assessing the benefits of podcast advertising and whether it's the right fit for your brand.
Identifying the right partners and strategies for purchasing podcast advertising.
Selecting the most suitable hosts and shows to collaborate with.
Exploring various podcast ad formats and how to effectively utilize them.
Measuring attribution and understanding the return on investment.
Creating media plans and strategies for short, mid, and long-term success.
Navigating the industry lingo and terms.
Integrating podcast advertising seamlessly into your overall marketing mix.
Addressing topics like brand safety, AI, creativity, and more.
Join this series to unlock your brand's potential in the dynamic world of podcast advertising. Whether you're a newcomer or seeking to enhance your strategy, our sessions are tailored to equip startups and brands with the knowledge and tools to thrive in this advertising landscape.
This series is hosted by Ossa, with special guests. Ossa is a podcast advertising and creator management platform on a mission to bring podcast advertising to brands and podcast creators of all sizes.