Ghost Frame

I know this is about as far as you can get from a hard-hitting journalistic podcast, but I was a little disappointed to hear some anti-union propaganda slip by unchallenged during the interview with Buck’s chief comms person, Justin Cone. It’s unsurprising that Cone would argue against unions in the ad industry: he speaks for Buck’s management. But the argument he makes—that an environment in which artists have the flexibility to move between strictly defined roles is only possible in a non-union, freelance context—is misleading at best. When companies negotiate with unions, workers gain the power to collectively set the terms of their employment. That’s the whole point. Just because roles are strictly regimented in the TV industry doesn’t mean more flexibility can’t be baked into contracts in other sectors. Furthermore, the “flexibility” Cone lauds always benefits the employer more: it means the flexibility to hire and fire as they please, to deny basic worker protections, and to drive down rates. We all wonder how this came to feel like such a precarious occupation: it’s because of a relative lack of worker power, and the tendency of firms like Buck to play on artists’ introversion and desire for validation by putting “superstar” talent on a pedestal. It’s obvious that this is a difficult industry to organize. We’re geographically diverse and fractured across disciplines and mediums. There’s an individualism inherent to being an artist. But that doesn’t mean organizing can’t be done or shouldn’t be done, or that it isn’t already being done. I know advertising is the business of hype, but this is one instance where you shouldn’t believe it.

It’s been like a mental hug listening to this podcast, especially when it covers topics that aren’t strictly industry related, but focus on all the unspoken things people experience and may struggle to talk about. It’s not all seriousness though. It’s a thoughtful, fun listen that’ll have you laughing, sitting in your feels (in a good way), reflecting more deeply on relatable topics or questions you may have about yourself, and even inspiring new ones. Definitely one of my favorite podcasts these days.

Each episode of this podcast has been a joy to listen to. It has been so relatable, and I feel so seen listening to each episode. Each episode has such a well crafted story, I’m always looking forward to the next one.

Ghost Frame is a beautifully crafted, emotionally intelligent podcast that offers a rare, honest look at the creative process.