Escape Velocity
Podcast
Escape Velocity is a podcast exploring the unexpected pathways creatives and strategists must take in order to deliver innovative and groundbreaking work.
Listen/Watch on YouTube
Listen/Watch on Spotify
Listen/Watch on Apple Podcasts
Conversations to Propel You Forward
Have you ever felt the need to break free from the gravity of routine thinking? To escape the constraints that keep you circling familiar orbits, reaching only as far as the same outcomes, the same ideas?
We have. And that's why we’re thrilled to introduce 'Escape Velocity', our brand new podcast designed to help you overcome those very barriers.
Have you ever felt the need to break free from the gravity of routine thinking? To escape the constraints that keep you circling familiar orbits, reaching only as far as the same outcomes, the same ideas?
We have. And that's why we’re thrilled to introduce 'Escape Velocity', our brand new podcast designed to help you overcome those very barriers.
Breaking Free from Conventions
The term escape velocity is often used in astrophysics—it’s the speed an object must reach to break free from a planet’s gravitational pull and move into a wider, limitless space. For us, it’s a perfect metaphor for how we approach creative work, innovation, and growth. Every creative project, every branding challenge, and every reimagined strategy requires reaching that critical point where old ideas are left behind and you begin to operate in entirely new territory.
Explore New Ways of Thinking
Host Tracey Halvorsen interviews other agency owners, designers, developers, artists, writers and leaders, looking for the magic combination of velocity, experience, bravery and leadership that can result in outstanding work and rewarding partnerships.
In a world full of saturated markets, disrupted industries, and ever-growing noise, we need more than just iteration; we need an intentional leap—one that changes our perception and opens new frontiers of thought.
In this soulful, expansive conversation, Tracey sits down with artist, author, and former agency CEO Richard Banfield to explore creativity, identity, grief, and personal reinvention. Together, they dig into what it means to make space for the unknown, why vulnerability is a superpower, and how saying “yes” (or “no”) can reshape your life. From the healing power of art to the liberating potential of AI, this episode is a deep dive into being fully human in a world that wants us to be productive instead of present.
Richard Banfield - LinkedIn
Richard Banfield Art
Second Harvest
Rich Roll - "Mood Follows Action"
Richard Dawkins - The Selfish Gene
In this soulful, expansive conversation, Tracey sits down with artist, author, and former agency CEO Richard Banfield to explore creativity, identity, grief, and personal reinvention. Together, they dig into what it means to make space for the unknown, why vulnerability is a superpower, and how saying “yes” (or “no”) can reshape your life. From the healing power of art to the liberating potential of AI, this episode is a deep dive into being fully human in a world that wants us to be productive instead of present.
Richard Banfield - LinkedIn
Richard Banfield Art
Second Harvest
Rich Roll - "Mood Follows Action"
Richard Dawkins - The Selfish Gene
In this soulful, expansive conversation, Tracey sits down with artist, author, and former agency CEO Richard Banfield to explore creativity, identity, grief, and personal reinvention. Together, they dig into what it means to make space for the unknown, why vulnerability is a superpower, and how saying “yes” (or “no”) can reshape your life. From the healing power of art to the liberating potential of AI, this episode is a deep dive into being fully human in a world that wants us to be productive instead of present.
Richard Banfield - LinkedIn
Richard Banfield Art
Second Harvest
Rich Roll - "Mood Follows Action"
Richard Dawkins - The Selfish Gene
Brand strategist and urban development pro Tracy Gosson joins Escape Velocity to share how surviving stage 4 ovarian cancer redefined everything—from the clients she works with to the way she lives her life. This is a conversation about boundaries, bravery, and the power of perspective when everything is on the line.
Tracy Gosson - Instagram
Tracy Gosson - LinkedIn
Sagesse
Ovarian Cancer Resources
HIPEC at Mercy Hospital
Baltimore Banner Story
Dr. William Li “Eat to Beat Disease”
Tracy's Cancer Tips PDF
Brand strategist and urban development pro Tracy Gosson joins Escape Velocity to share how surviving stage 4 ovarian cancer redefined everything—from the clients she works with to the way she lives her life. This is a conversation about boundaries, bravery, and the power of perspective when everything is on the line.
Tracy Gosson - Instagram
Tracy Gosson - LinkedIn
Sagesse
Ovarian Cancer Resources
HIPEC at Mercy Hospital
Baltimore Banner Story
Dr. William Li “Eat to Beat Disease”
Tracy's Cancer Tips PDF
Brand strategist and urban development pro Tracy Gosson joins Escape Velocity to share how surviving stage 4 ovarian cancer redefined everything—from the clients she works with to the way she lives her life. This is a conversation about boundaries, bravery, and the power of perspective when everything is on the line.
Tracy Gosson - Instagram
Tracy Gosson - LinkedIn
Sagesse
Ovarian Cancer Resources
HIPEC at Mercy Hospital
Baltimore Banner Story
Dr. William Li “Eat to Beat Disease”
Tracy's Cancer Tips PDF
Carl Smith is more than a leader—he’s a community builder, a mentor, and, as I call him, the “daddy of digital agencies.” In this episode, we dig into everything from the evolution of agency life to the promise and peril of AI, the value (and curse) of ego, and why trust and human connection matter more than ever. Carl shares candid stories from his time running an agency, building the Bureau of Digital, and navigating complex relationships in creative teams.
Carl Smith is more than a leader—he’s a community builder, a mentor, and, as I call him, the “daddy of digital agencies.” In this episode, we dig into everything from the evolution of agency life to the promise and peril of AI, the value (and curse) of ego, and why trust and human connection matter more than ever. Carl shares candid stories from his time running an agency, building the Bureau of Digital, and navigating complex relationships in creative teams.
Carl Smith is more than a leader—he’s a community builder, a mentor, and, as I call him, the “daddy of digital agencies.” In this episode, we dig into everything from the evolution of agency life to the promise and peril of AI, the value (and curse) of ego, and why trust and human connection matter more than ever. Carl shares candid stories from his time running an agency, building the Bureau of Digital, and navigating complex relationships in creative teams.
Ashley Budd, higher ed marketing expert and co-author of Mailed It!, shares strategies and hacks for making emails stand out amid digital noise. From clear subject lines and authentic messaging to using AI, personalization, and eye-tracking insights, learn how to boost engagement, reduce unsubscribes, and turn emails into powerful relationship-builders.
Ashley Budd, higher ed marketing expert and co-author of Mailed It!, shares strategies and hacks for making emails stand out amid digital noise. From clear subject lines and authentic messaging to using AI, personalization, and eye-tracking insights, learn how to boost engagement, reduce unsubscribes, and turn emails into powerful relationship-builders.
Ashley Budd, higher ed marketing expert and co-author of Mailed It!, shares strategies and hacks for making emails stand out amid digital noise. From clear subject lines and authentic messaging to using AI, personalization, and eye-tracking insights, learn how to boost engagement, reduce unsubscribes, and turn emails into powerful relationship-builders.
In this episode Tracey sits down with Elizabeth Bawol, Creative Director at Wide Eye, for a deep dive into the high-stakes world of political branding. They explore her experience leading creative efforts for the Harris campaign, her previous work with Planned Parenthood, and the challenges of branding within the constraints of political strategy and high-profile personalities.
Harris for President 2024
The Font Story
Democratic National Convention
Planned Parenthood
"Bans Off" Campaign
In this episode Tracey sits down with Elizabeth Bawol, Creative Director at Wide Eye, for a deep dive into the high-stakes world of political branding. They explore her experience leading creative efforts for the Harris campaign, her previous work with Planned Parenthood, and the challenges of branding within the constraints of political strategy and high-profile personalities.
Harris for President 2024
The Font Story
Democratic National Convention
Planned Parenthood
"Bans Off" Campaign
In this episode Tracey sits down with Elizabeth Bawol, Creative Director at Wide Eye, for a deep dive into the high-stakes world of political branding. They explore her experience leading creative efforts for the Harris campaign, her previous work with Planned Parenthood, and the challenges of branding within the constraints of political strategy and high-profile personalities.
Harris for President 2024
The Font Story
Democratic National Convention
Planned Parenthood
"Bans Off" Campaign
Tracey is joined by Nancy Lyons, CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, a digital transformation consultancy, and author of Work Like a Boss: A Kick-in-the-Pants Guide to Finding (and Using) Your Power at Work.
Nancy is known for her bold leadership style, no-BS approach to business, and commitment to transforming workplace culture. She and Tracey dive into the future of work, the power of personal agency, leadership failures, and why trusting teams is essential for innovation.
Tracey is joined by Nancy Lyons, CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, a digital transformation consultancy, and author of Work Like a Boss: A Kick-in-the-Pants Guide to Finding (and Using) Your Power at Work.
Nancy is known for her bold leadership style, no-BS approach to business, and commitment to transforming workplace culture. She and Tracey dive into the future of work, the power of personal agency, leadership failures, and why trusting teams is essential for innovation.
Tracey is joined by Nancy Lyons, CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, a digital transformation consultancy, and author of Work Like a Boss: A Kick-in-the-Pants Guide to Finding (and Using) Your Power at Work.
Nancy is known for her bold leadership style, no-BS approach to business, and commitment to transforming workplace culture. She and Tracey dive into the future of work, the power of personal agency, leadership failures, and why trusting teams is essential for innovation.
With a background in architecture and experience leading digital transformation for brands like Marriott, Carnival, and Macy's, Miles brings a unique perspective on the evolving relationship between technology, design, and human experience.
Variate
Prenuvo MRI
Conway's Law
World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report (2025)
Mischief Agency
With a background in architecture and experience leading digital transformation for brands like Marriott, Carnival, and Macy's, Miles brings a unique perspective on the evolving relationship between technology, design, and human experience.
Variate
Prenuvo MRI
Conway's Law
World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report (2025)
Mischief Agency
With a background in architecture and experience leading digital transformation for brands like Marriott, Carnival, and Macy's, Miles brings a unique perspective on the evolving relationship between technology, design, and human experience.
Variate
Prenuvo MRI
Conway's Law
World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report (2025)
Mischief Agency
Chris Gilbert is a senior creative developer with over a decade of experience in building performant, interactive, and accessible websites and applications. Chris is a deep thinker on the evolution of AI in software development, the future of web design, and the shifting role of agencies in an AI-driven landscape.
Cursor
Composer
Cursor Directory
Windsurf
Windsurf Forked
Claude
ChatGPT
Goose
Warp
Superagency (Reid Hoffman)
Tim Ferris and Chris Sacca
Cursor + Windsurf Tips
Chris Gilbert is a senior creative developer with over a decade of experience in building performant, interactive, and accessible websites and applications. Chris is a deep thinker on the evolution of AI in software development, the future of web design, and the shifting role of agencies in an AI-driven landscape.
Cursor
Composer
Cursor Directory
Windsurf
Windsurf Forked
Claude
ChatGPT
Goose
Warp
Superagency (Reid Hoffman)
Tim Ferris and Chris Sacca
Cursor + Windsurf Tips
Chris Gilbert is a senior creative developer with over a decade of experience in building performant, interactive, and accessible websites and applications. Chris is a deep thinker on the evolution of AI in software development, the future of web design, and the shifting role of agencies in an AI-driven landscape.
Cursor
Composer
Cursor Directory
Windsurf
Windsurf Forked
Claude
ChatGPT
Goose
Warp
Superagency (Reid Hoffman)
Tim Ferris and Chris Sacca
Cursor + Windsurf Tips
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Kara Redman, founder and lead strategist of Backroom, about the evolution of brand strategy, the power of personal branding, and why showing up authentically in public spaces (especially on LinkedIn) is both a risk and a powerful tool. Kara shares insights on how her personal brand has brought unexpected opportunities, her experiences in scaling and re-scaling Backroom, and the importance of building relationships over transactions in business.
Kara Redman - LinkedIn
Backroom
Cognitive Surplus: How Technology Makes Consumers into Collaborators - Clay Shirky
Harvard's Website
The Telepathy Tapes Podcast
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Kara Redman, founder and lead strategist of Backroom, about the evolution of brand strategy, the power of personal branding, and why showing up authentically in public spaces (especially on LinkedIn) is both a risk and a powerful tool. Kara shares insights on how her personal brand has brought unexpected opportunities, her experiences in scaling and re-scaling Backroom, and the importance of building relationships over transactions in business.
Kara Redman - LinkedIn
Backroom
Cognitive Surplus: How Technology Makes Consumers into Collaborators - Clay Shirky
Harvard's Website
The Telepathy Tapes Podcast
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Kara Redman, founder and lead strategist of Backroom, about the evolution of brand strategy, the power of personal branding, and why showing up authentically in public spaces (especially on LinkedIn) is both a risk and a powerful tool. Kara shares insights on how her personal brand has brought unexpected opportunities, her experiences in scaling and re-scaling Backroom, and the importance of building relationships over transactions in business.
Kara Redman - LinkedIn
Backroom
Cognitive Surplus: How Technology Makes Consumers into Collaborators - Clay Shirky
Harvard's Website
The Telepathy Tapes Podcast
Tracey chats with Edit Barry and Allison Le, co-founders of E&A Collaborative, an award-winning women-owned brand consultancy specializing in higher education and mission-driven branding. With nearly two decades of experience, Edit and Allison share their insights on the challenges facing higher education marketing, and how institutions can break free from the sameness to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
E&A Collaborative
Pricing Creativity - Blair Enns
Ogilvy on Advertising
Tracey chats with Edit Barry and Allison Le, co-founders of E&A Collaborative, an award-winning women-owned brand consultancy specializing in higher education and mission-driven branding. With nearly two decades of experience, Edit and Allison share their insights on the challenges facing higher education marketing, and how institutions can break free from the sameness to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
E&A Collaborative
Pricing Creativity - Blair Enns
Ogilvy on Advertising
Tracey chats with Edit Barry and Allison Le, co-founders of E&A Collaborative, an award-winning women-owned brand consultancy specializing in higher education and mission-driven branding. With nearly two decades of experience, Edit and Allison share their insights on the challenges facing higher education marketing, and how institutions can break free from the sameness to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
E&A Collaborative
Pricing Creativity - Blair Enns
Ogilvy on Advertising
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Elizabeth Bawol, Creative Director of Brand and Strategy at Wide Eye Creative. With a career spanning work at Planned Parenthood, AmeriCorps, and Wide Eye, Elizabeth shares her experiences shaping major campaigns, including the Democratic National Convention. She discusses the messy yet rewarding process of creative work, the importance of strategic storytelling, and how the best creative breakthroughs come from going through the hard parts rather than looking for shortcuts.
Elizabeth Bawol - Collapse the Box
David Ogilvy's Rolls-Royce Ad
"Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a fucking sharp knife to it." - Banksy
Midjourney - Generative AI Image from Prompts
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Elizabeth Bawol, Creative Director of Brand and Strategy at Wide Eye Creative. With a career spanning work at Planned Parenthood, AmeriCorps, and Wide Eye, Elizabeth shares her experiences shaping major campaigns, including the Democratic National Convention. She discusses the messy yet rewarding process of creative work, the importance of strategic storytelling, and how the best creative breakthroughs come from going through the hard parts rather than looking for shortcuts.
Elizabeth Bawol - Collapse the Box
David Ogilvy's Rolls-Royce Ad
"Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a fucking sharp knife to it." - Banksy
Midjourney - Generative AI Image from Prompts
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Elizabeth Bawol, Creative Director of Brand and Strategy at Wide Eye Creative. With a career spanning work at Planned Parenthood, AmeriCorps, and Wide Eye, Elizabeth shares her experiences shaping major campaigns, including the Democratic National Convention. She discusses the messy yet rewarding process of creative work, the importance of strategic storytelling, and how the best creative breakthroughs come from going through the hard parts rather than looking for shortcuts.
Elizabeth Bawol - Collapse the Box
David Ogilvy's Rolls-Royce Ad
"Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a fucking sharp knife to it." - Banksy
Midjourney - Generative AI Image from Prompts
Tracey talks with long-time friends and colleagues Monica Sanchez and Yianni Mathioudakis, co-founders of DEEO, a creative studio focused on digital design, strategy, and innovation. Having worked together for years in different capacities, Monica and Yianni share their experiences launching their own company, embracing risk, rejecting bad-fit clients, and fostering an environment of curiosity, exploration, and adaptability in their work.
DEEO Studio
Monica Sanchez - LinkedIn
Yianni Mathioudakis - LinkedIn
Luma AI Video
Tracey talks with long-time friends and colleagues Monica Sanchez and Yianni Mathioudakis, co-founders of DEEO, a creative studio focused on digital design, strategy, and innovation. Having worked together for years in different capacities, Monica and Yianni share their experiences launching their own company, embracing risk, rejecting bad-fit clients, and fostering an environment of curiosity, exploration, and adaptability in their work.
DEEO Studio
Monica Sanchez - LinkedIn
Yianni Mathioudakis - LinkedIn
Luma AI Video
Tracey talks with long-time friends and colleagues Monica Sanchez and Yianni Mathioudakis, co-founders of DEEO, a creative studio focused on digital design, strategy, and innovation. Having worked together for years in different capacities, Monica and Yianni share their experiences launching their own company, embracing risk, rejecting bad-fit clients, and fostering an environment of curiosity, exploration, and adaptability in their work.
DEEO Studio
Monica Sanchez - LinkedIn
Yianni Mathioudakis - LinkedIn
Luma AI Video
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Dave Look, CEO of Chromatic, about the pursuit of curiosity, the challenges of leadership, and the discipline of prioritization. From practicing Krav Maga to exploring lockpicking, Dave embodies the idea that developing diverse skills can enhance leadership, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Dave Look - LinkedIn
Chromatic - Drupal Development Company
4000 Weeks - Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Automating Creativity - Ethan Mollick
Jazz Improvisation and Leadership
From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
Sparrows Lock Picks
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Dave Look, CEO of Chromatic, about the pursuit of curiosity, the challenges of leadership, and the discipline of prioritization. From practicing Krav Maga to exploring lockpicking, Dave embodies the idea that developing diverse skills can enhance leadership, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Dave Look - LinkedIn
Chromatic - Drupal Development Company
4000 Weeks - Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Automating Creativity - Ethan Mollick
Jazz Improvisation and Leadership
From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
Sparrows Lock Picks
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Dave Look, CEO of Chromatic, about the pursuit of curiosity, the challenges of leadership, and the discipline of prioritization. From practicing Krav Maga to exploring lockpicking, Dave embodies the idea that developing diverse skills can enhance leadership, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Dave Look - LinkedIn
Chromatic - Drupal Development Company
4000 Weeks - Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Automating Creativity - Ethan Mollick
Jazz Improvisation and Leadership
From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
Sparrows Lock Picks
Contact
connect
541820 - MBE/DBE/SBE - Women Owned and Operated since 2008
© 2025 Adeo Advocacy. All Rights Reserved.
Contact
connect
541820 - MBE/DBE/SBE - Women Owned and Operated since 2008
© 2025 Adeo Advocacy. All Rights Reserved.
Contact
connect
541820 - MBE/DBE/SBE - Women Owned and Operated since 2008
© 2025 Adeo Advocacy. All Rights Reserved.