Shows
The Firehouse SalonEp 37 - Building Islands of CreativityAfter years in Ibiza moving to Head of Creative at the AI university in Abu Dhabi brings unexpected challenges. This episode explores trying to spark creative thinking in an institution that doesn't quite know what to do with you.We talked about building a library of influences, finding creative allies in new environments, and how to make the most of small pockets of possibility.Plus: news about our BBC Radio 4 documentary on Iris Barry – the First Lady of Film00:00 Starting a New Adventure01:04 Introducing The Firehouse Salon01:19 Challenges and Changes
2025-11-2619 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 36 - The Socrates of San Francisco - BBC Radio 4After 2 years on BBC sounds the link to our radio show is no longer working... so... the opportunity to share it with you here. One of the advantages is the opportunity to share with you a new 'director's cut' - a little shorter, and some additional elements we decided to put in. Enjoy!Back with the next episode after a summer break.Ash & James
2025-08-0653 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 35 - LIVE - How to be creative about next to nothing at allIn this episode of Firehouse Salon Live, we discussed creativity and the process behind it with our guests:Filmmaker Philip Rachid - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philiprachid/and Designer Dave Officer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-officer/We talked about the balance between spontaneity and structured creativity, the role of AI in the creative process, and the importance of producing authentic human ideas (even with AI). We touched on the significance of cultural sensitivity in marketing and design, the challenges and joys of working with clients, and the necessity of pursuing...
2025-06-191h 03The Firehouse SalonEp 34 - LIVE - "We Are Yet to Take the Helm of This Spaceship"In this episode, we dive into the legacy of Howard Luck Gossage and explore creativity, environment, and unconventional thinking. Guests:Ali Grant - Designer and inventor of the Halo - https://www.instagram.com/halosoundsystems/John Kieselhorst - Co-Creative Director of Geezer Creative - https://www.geezercreative.com/Ali discusses his pioneering work with Halo Sound Systems and his focus on creating immersive, respectful sound experiences in nature. John explores the overlooked potential of the over-fifty demographics & creatives in advertising and the significance of purpose-driven creativity. We talked about the...
2025-05-2258 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 33 - 99 Non Zebras - Environment & CreativityThe Firehouse Salon: Exploring Creativity and EnvironmentIn this episode of the Firehouse Salon, hosts James and Ashley delve into the 1960s world of Howard Luck Gossage's and his work environment at his firehouse ad agency. We talked about the impact of physical, interpersonal, and psychological environments on creativity. We explored the balance between freedom and constraint, and how different settings can either nurture or hinder innovative thinking. We discussed the importance of creating spaces that foster collaboration, and the unexpected ways in which creativity can arise from both structured and chaotic environments.01:16 E...
2025-05-0131 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 32 - LIVE - "It's Magic When it Works"In this episode we explored the topic of magic and communication, particularly how persuasion and manipulation shape media and advertising.Our guests:Maz Farrely - Exec Producer of so many shows you've watchedLindsay Campbell-Crafts - Communications ManagerBen Dietz - Chief Strategy Officer, former Partner at Vice Mediahave eclectic experiences in television production, community, creative communications and media. We discussed the transformative power of developing formats, the cultural nuances in global advertising, and how true engagement often stems from authenticity and relatability. We explored the broader implications o...
2025-04-2451 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 31 - That Old Black, White, or Pango Peach MagicIn this episode, we delve into the theme of magic in human belief, particularly magical thinking and its impact on advertising and communication. The hosts explore Howard Luck Gossage's ideas on how magical thinking has been leveraged in marketing, juxtaposed with real-life examples from their own experiences in storycraft.We discussed the responsibility of using magical thinking ethically, the thin line between persuasion and manipulation, and how authentic storytelling can create powerful, positive changes in society. Our conversation also touched on the nostalgic allure of traditional magic shows and the intrinsic human desire for wonder and optimism.
2025-04-0938 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 30 - LIVE - Turning Ideas into ActionIn this episode of the Firehouse Salon, host Ash, along with our guests:Sophie Whippy - TediophobesJérémie Maret - ArtistShane Elliot - SculptorGuillem Gallego - Chief Marketing Officerdelve into the process of ideation and creativity. The guests, ranging from artists to entrepreneurs, share their unique perspectives on how ideas are born, developed, and brought to fruition. We talked about the intrinsic motivation behind creative work, the role of audience in artistic endeavours, and the balance between inspiration and execution, the triumphs each guest encounters in...
2025-03-2652 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 29 - The Shape of an Idea and How to Draw OneIn this episode, James & Ash explore Howard Luck Gossage's sixth chapter from 'The Book of Gossage,' examining his critique of traditional advertising and his belief in advertising's power to spread meaningful ideas.They discuss creative approaches, the emotional impact of effective advertising, and practical strategies for idea generation. The conversation also covers Gossage's thoughts on problem-solving and the vital connection between creator, audience, and idea.00:00 Welcome to the Firehouse Salon00:31 Exploring the Book of Gossage02:46 Advertising's True Purpose04:17 The Pink Air Campaign06:22 Modern Advertising Trends14:24 Creative Processes and Methodologies
2025-03-1130 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 28 - LIVE - "Culture is an Ever-Evolving Concept"In this episode of the Firehouse Salon, host Ash chats to this Eps guests: Jenna, a documentary filmmaker with a background in neuroscience; Ammie, a multidisciplinary artist; Abdallah, a cultural expert from Abu Dhabi working on the Saadiyat Cultural District; and Mick Wilson, tech editor of DJMAG UK Global. In this episode, we dig into how human behavior and cultural influences shape each other, explore why spaces matter so much in art and culture, and question how technology is changing the way we consume culture.We also look at art's role in helping us make s...
2025-02-1847 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 27 - Culture is a lousy word to describe what [Humankind] is all aboutIn this episode of the Firehouse Salon, we delve into the complex world of culture with Howard Luck Gossage and his 'firehouse gang'. We discuss how culture is often something to support rather than genuinely enjoy, and explore the insights it provides into our past, present, and future. The conversation covers the impact of Gossage's work in advertising, the role of authenticity in brand content, and the blending of cultural products with marketing. From highbrow references in ad campaigns to the rise of agile companies like A24, the dialogue highlights the evolving standards of communication and the i...
2025-01-2919 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 26 - Is Advertising Worth SavingTime to have a conversation with the man at that started our journey with the Salon - Howard Luck Gossage.And time for us to reset our approach in our second year. Feel free to take a look at our vision & format for 2025 - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UJg43IlSKAh53WJzLdpWYwASB6OEcL3ZyjN9HE7WsYs/edit?usp=sharing
2025-01-1315 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 25 - Reforesting Times SquareThis time our highlights one of Gossage's notable campaigns for Blitz Weinhardt Beer during the Oregon centennial, which humorously proposed reforesting Times Square to compensate New Yorkers for the beer's unavailability. The campaign garnered massive attention despite its outlandish nature. Furthermore, Gossage's playful and inclusive copywriting style, often featuring collaborative projects with renowned figures like Stan Freeberg, and his inclination towards creating memorable ads.
2024-12-1911 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 24 - LIVE London - The Creative Science of InterestingnessIn this episode, we delve into the lively discussions from the latest Firehouse Salon Live held in London. Host Ashley Pollak brings together three intriguing guests—Oliver Turnbull, a technology consultant and comedian; Ash Bhardwaj, a journalist and author; and Barnaby Cook, a video production expert. The conversation spans a variety of topics, including the importance of asking questions, the concept of eroticism in travel, the motivations behind why we travel, techniques for making any topic interesting and the role of curiosity in journalism. Join us as we uncover how to engineer peak moments of inte...
2024-11-2725 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 23 - World's Ugliest Lawn - Gossagey WorkIn this edition of the pod we discuss the influence of Howard Luck Gossage on modern advertising with guest Johan Gustafsson, Partner at the Swedish creative agency Differ. Johan shares insights on Differ's ethos of creating impactful and sustainability-focused campaigns. We explore examples of their work - 'Gotland's Ugliest Lawn' contest, an initiative to conserve water, and 'Sweden's Oldest Spice,' aimed at reducing food waste. Johan emphasises the importance of creativity, simplicity, and being open to unconventional ideas in achieving meaningful change. He also discusses the agency's focus on earned media campaigns, their cautious sel...
2024-11-0639 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 22 - LIVE LA - Can I be Honest?Exploring the power of honesty and authenticity in Tech, Business, and Art. Our panel includes Elizabeth - An Olympic athlete with experience combining comedy & tech pitches.Julian - Tech entrepreneur and Immersive StorytellerDee - Talent & HR expert - fromer Amazon/Goldman and now working at UCLAand Ian - story scientist & former Head of Video Strategy at Conde NastKey topics include the impact of honesty on productivity and creativity, corporate culture, and digital representation. We also explore philosophical perspectives on art created by humans versus AI and the authentic hu...
2024-10-2157 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 21 - If you're driving down the road...Your hosts James King and Ashley Pollak dive into Gossage's legendary work, where he flipped advertising on its head by embracing radical authenticity.Ever heard of an ad that doesn’t even mention the brand? Gossage did just that.Join us as we explore how Gossage’s wild ideas can inspire today’s advertisers to embrace honesty, absurdity, and a touch of chaos.
2024-10-1018 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 20 - LIVE Ibiza - Crafting communities that stickThis episode features a rich discussion on building and sustaining interconnected, resilient communities transitioning from virtual to in-person interactions. Set in The Firehouse Salon at The Hub co-working space, the dialogue includes insights from Amy (PR consultant), Sam (co-founder of The Hub), and Will (head of production at Pasha). Key topics include the significance of capping memberships to maintain intimacy, balancing scaling with close-knit atmospheres, and the role of vulnerability and open-mindedness in fostering connections. Highlighting lessons from the electronic music scene and iconic venues like Pasha, the conversation underscores the importance of sustainability, feedback, and passion i...
2024-09-2636 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 19 - Write a LetterIn this episode, hosts Ashley Pollak and James King discuss the lost art of letter writing. Turning to their patron saint, Howard Gossage, they explore how his letter writing turned ink into conversation and later collaborations with iconic figures like John Steinbeck and Marshall McLuhan.From putting pen to paper to sending voice notes, Ashley and James share how they have used unconventional forms of communication to open doors and forge new relationships.Whether you're looking for a reason to reach out to someone you admire, or you're wondering what the modern equivalent of a...
2024-09-1825 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 18 - Gossagey Work - Liquid DeathThis episode features an insightful conversation with Andy Pearson, VP of Creative at Liquid Death. Discover how Liquid Death's unique approach to humour-driven, engaging, and purpose-driven marketing parallels Gossage’s philosophy. Andy shares his journey from ad school to building a radically creative brand, discussing standout campaigns and the strategy behind Liquid Death’s success. This episode underscores the importance of entertainment and genuine engagement in marketing.00:00 Introduction to the Firehouse Salon and Howard Gossage03:15 The Creative Journey of Andy and Liquid Death05:41 Innovative Marketing Strategies and Campaigns08:32 The Philosophy Behind Liqu...
2024-09-0541 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 17 - LIVE - Don't be Absurd!Our latest monthly online meetup bringing together diverse minds come together to discuss topics aimed at broadening perspectives.This episode host Ashley Pollak brings together a fantastic group of humans - Motorbike Innovator Hugo Eccles, Comedian Pierre Hollins, Creative Craftsman Jamie Bell and my Tediophobe Sophie Whippy We delved into the concept of absurdity, particularly how it can be based on either nonsensical or hardworking principles to effectively communicate serious messages. Explored various examples of successful campaigns utilising absurdity, including famous ads like the Monty Python radio ad and campaigns by brands like Liquid Death an...
2024-08-2846 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 16 - A Kangaroo, Tomato Paste & Pink AirIn this episode hosts Ashley Pollak and James King explore the groundbreaking work of advertising legend Howard Gossage, focusing on his use of absurdity and humour. They discuss how Howard challenged industry norms with campaigns like the Qantas Airlines promotion, where he offered a live kangaroo as a prize, and his partnership with comedian Stan Freberg on the Contadina tomato paste ads, which helped the brand rise to the top of its market. The conversation also covers Howard's Pink Air campaign for FINA, where he humorously promoted the fictional "pink air" for tires, creating engagement and community around the...
2024-08-1521 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 15 - LIVE - Attention in an Attention Deficit EraWe delve into the multifaceted world of attention in today's digital age, traversing the spectrum of focused obsession and casual consumption, unravelling how attention works, its implications for both content creators and consumers.
2024-08-0141 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 14 - The International Paper Airplane CompetitionJoin hosts Ashley Polak and James King as they delve into the inventive world of advertising legend Howard Gossage. In this episode, they explore Gossage's unique approach to capturing attention through the ingenious paper airplane competition, created to entice major airlines to advertise in Scientific American. Discover how Gossage's playful and interactive campaign not only met its objectives but also became a cultural phenomenon, drawing entries from around the globe and securing extensive media coverage. Learn about the strategies behind the campaign, the humorous and creative elements involved, and the enduring impact of Gossage's innovative ad...
2024-07-0517 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 13 - LIVE - Can coupons start conversations?Welcome to The Firehouse Salon Live. In this episode Emma Stackhouse, Ashley Pollak, Sam Richardson, Adam Skuse, and Justin Obermann discuss how Gossage’s approach to interactive and participatory advertising is still relevant. The panel explores how modern brands can integrate personalisation and tactile experiences, akin to Gossage's use of coupons, in a digital age. They delve into the impact of social media and platforms like LinkedIn, emphasising the importance of bravery in creative marketing, and the potential for reinstating more human, conversational elements in advertising.
2024-05-3138 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 12 - Dear Miss Afflerbach"This is a story about an ad. It also says a good many implicit things about the ad-reading public...You can take a look at the ad hereThe ad is question sang the praises of a certain make of shirt, and it appeared in the New Yorker. In order to demonstrate the excellence of the shirtmaker's workmanship, a handkerchief-sized piece of shirting mysteriously equipped with buttonhole and pocket was offered free to readers who would write in and say what they thought the thing was for. Suddenly the "Shirtkerchief" was famous and Miss Afflerbach...
2024-05-2222 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 11 - LIVE - Can Advertising STILL create cultural phenomenons?Join us as we recreate the Firehouse Salon that Howard Gossage and his gang ran in the 1960s. This month, we will be discussing a campaign created by Gossage which inspired a fashion revolution, and exploring if that's STILL possible today...
2024-05-0846 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 10 - Beethoven Sweatshirts: Saving a classical radio station & kickstarting a cultural momentA beer company, classical music radio station and clothes manufacturer walk into a bar... and create a never-seen-before product paving the way for fashion in years to come.You can take a look at the ad that started the story hereBut instead of a bar, imagine an ad agency in the heart of San Francisco.And instead of a bartender fixing the drinks, imagine Howard Gossage (ad-man meets Socrates) fixing all their business problems with one simple ad.
2024-04-2421 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 9 - LIVE - Radical Slick - Is Journalism still stirring the beehive?In this live edition of the show join recovering journalist Pia Hinckle, New Yorker journalist Nick Romeo, Radio Producer Jago Lee, Writer James King and your host Ashley Pollak as we explore all things radical, including what it means to 'stir the beehive.' 🐝Hinckle gained his reputation as the radical author and editor of Ramparts Magazine - a spectacular San Francisco muckraker that captured the spirit of the 60s and repeatedly scooped the New York Times, revolutionising American journalism forever.Today, when journalism has largely become an extension of clickbait marketing or the all-too-familiar 'sa...
2024-04-0838 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 8 - Ramparts magazineIn this episode we "uncover the largely untold story of Ramparts magazine, the spectacular San Francisco muckraker that captured the zeitgeist of the '60s and repeatedly scooped the New York Times, changing American journalism forever"You can see a selection of the amazing covers from the magazine hereWe interview Peter Richardson who has written critically acclaimed books about the Grateful Dead, Ramparts magazine, and Carey McWilliams, the radical author & journalist of The Nation magazine.About the show - We've now got into a rhythm with our format. New episodes will now...
2024-03-2740 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 7 - LIVE - The Creative Curator in the Age of AIIn this live edition Sherry Horowitz and Neil Davidson join our host Ashley to explore how Marshall McLuhan's predictions have to come to pass in the age of AI, and the role that creative people can play in leveraging the possiblities.About the show - We've now got into a rhythm with our format. New episodes will now be released fortnightly on Wednesdays. The Firehouse Salon live events take place the second Thursday of each month.
2024-02-1530 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 6 - McLuhan, the Patron Saint of the InternetIn this episode we explore the ideas, observations and 'predictions' of Marshall McLuhan, the Canadian professor who Wired magazine called their patron saint.Our hosts on this episode - Ashley Pollak and James King, discuss the relevance of McLuhan's thinking today, sharing archive clips for context. We also are really grateful to Andrew McLuhan for joining us for an interview. Marshall's grandson runs the McLuhan Institute and helps to make much clearer the key tenets of McLuhan and how we can apply the thinking to be more aware of the effects technology has on us.
2024-01-3135 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 5 - LIVE - Economics As If People MatteredJoin the Tediophobes and friends as we recreate the Firehouse Salon that Howard Gossage ran with his gang in the 1960s. In this second edition we bring together inspiring speakers to discuss the work of EF Schumacher and debate the idea that growth is an essential part of the global economy. This leads us onto discussion and examples of how thinking small and local can lead to big things.
2024-01-1757 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 4 - Small is BeautifulIn this episode we explore the economic concept 'Small is Beautiful' and it's relevance to the Howard Luck Gossage story. Howard always believed in keeping things small. His ad agency for example never grew beyond 12 staff, and his infamous New Yorker ads would run just once. His discovery of an anarchic, philiosopher, economist Leopold Kohr led to his involvement in a revolution in the Carribean. We'll be covering that story about Anguilla in a future episode.In this show we get the chance to hear more from Kohr himself, along with his pupil...
2024-01-0315 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 3 - LIVE - If Just Stop Oil is the start of the marketing funnel to Save the World then we've got a problem...Join the Tediophobes and friends as we recreate the Firehouse Salon that Howard Gossage ran with his gang in the 1960s. This time the goal of this workshop is to explore ideas of how to help activists sell the message of how we can Save the World, (small goal for a Thursday afternoon ; >)
2023-12-201h 10The Firehouse SalonEp 6 - FlahoolickApologies to you lovely listeners for the delay in posting this episode... We didn't fall prey to the curse of 90% of podcasts that end after 3 episodes! We've got the next few shows edited and lined up before Christmas and in the New Year ; >In this episode Sarah and Ashley discuss an ad which Howard wrote for the Irish Whisky Board in which (in our view) he captured a key philosophy to his life - living with a generosity of spirit. And we have the joy of Peter Coyote to read the ad ; >
2023-12-1206 minThe Firehouse SalonEp 2 - Now Only You Can Save Grand Canyon From Being Flooded... For ProfitIn this episode we explore the Grand Canyon campaign - "It was the introduction of direct action and that was the first time it had ever happened. Now every political campaign or every cause, it's all about direct action. And they did it in this analog time when you had to literally cut it out, put it in an envelope and post it."You can take a look at the ad that the story hereTheme music - Translucent Mind by Jamison Dewlen
2023-12-0620 min
The Firehouse SalonEp 1 - Our journey to discover the Socrates of San FranciscoIn this first episode hosts Sarah Luck Gossage and Ashley Pollak talk about how they both started on the journey to explore the life of Howard Gossage and how that led to the BBC Radio 4 documentary which was first broadcast on the 20th May 2023.Theme music - Translucent Mind by Jamison Dewlen
2023-11-2939 minThe Firehouse SalonThe Firehouse Salon - TrailerWelcome to the Firehouse Salon. A show inspired by a man who became known as the Socrates of San Francisco. This series has developed following a radio show for BBC Radio 4, so it seems only fitting to give you a flavour of that radio documentary to get you in the door of our intentions with this podcast. If this catches your imagination make sure to login to BBC Sounds to listen to the whole show - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001m4dk
2023-11-2203 min