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Podcast Star Geno Schellenberger on the Wonders of Listening
He co-founded Breaking and Entering Media
Geno is co-founder and CEO of Breaking and Entering Media, a platform that helps aspiring advertisers, agencies and production companies succeed. Since its launch in 2020, Breaking and Entering has become a go-to resource for industry insights and strategies. It ranks as an adland phenomenon.
Earlier, Geno led communication strategies at Havas Chicago as one of its youngest senior execs.
We spent two minutes with Geno to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.
Geno tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I grew up in Lombard, Ill., on the north side of the tracks. Today, I live in NYC with my good friend and co-founder Jack Westerkamp (who also grew up in Illinois) in a 400-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment with twin beds and a bunch of podcast gear.
How you first realized you were creative.
In elementary school, I started cutting out images and ads from magazines and to make collages. Then, in middle school, I started selling duct-tape wallets. That’s the true intersection between art and business, right there.
A person you idolized creatively early on.
I’ve always admired Sean Evans and his Hot Ones interviews.
A moment from high school or college that changed your life.
During my second semester of senior year in college—March 2020—I decided to start podcasting. Remember the quarantine? Tiger King?
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
Hayley Williams from Paramore, especially when she sings the acapella version of “Still Into You.”
A book, movie, TV show, or podcast you recently found inspiring.
The Talk Tuah podcast.
One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.
At Havas Chicago, we did a meaningful lobby installation called “The Donation Display.”
A recent project you’re proud of.
My first in-person interview, with Frank Cartagena at MullenLowe. We might have had some issues with the audio and video, but hey, you have to start somewhere.
Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.
Rob Schwartz and Doug Melville’s Disruptor Series podcast.
Someone else’s work you admired lately.
Celine Dion singing at the Paris Olympics.
Your main strength as a creative person.
Listening. Not the kind where you’re just waiting for your turn to speak, but the kind where you let go of the need to respond immediately. This type of listening allows you to detach, truly understand and digest what the person is saying without the pressure of proving yourself.
Your biggest weakness.
I asked Jack, and he said, “No sense of humor. Not a very good communicator. You would be a better used-car salesman.”
A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.
Myra Nussbaum, co-president and CCO of Havas Chicago.
How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.
Most of my waking hours are spent thinking about how to deliver content and resources to help folks break into and thrive in the industry.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.
I’d like to own my own deli, called Quality Meats & Experience.
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
