Category Archives: Uncategorized

What Makes Freedom Possible

Posted on July 4, 2026 by Rod Schwartz

This article first appeared in the July 2026 edition of Good News Northwest. This month we are celebrating the 250th birthday of our great nation. While we enjoy the parades and fireworks, the flag-waving and patriotic songs, and politicians praising … Continue reading →

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Finding Darci

Posted on June 28, 2026 by Rod Schwartz

Unexpectedly, a terrific radio talent appeared at the bank teller’s window. “I want to do a radio commercial. I want to be on the radio,” she said. Darci the bank teller caught me off guard. “Really.” I replied. “Yeah, I … Continue reading →

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Matters of Life and Death

Posted on March 3, 2026 by Rod Schwartz

There Is a Point of No Return In 1922, archaeologists uncovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. Inside lay his mummified body and the treasures buried with him—riches meant to be enjoyed in the afterlife. Today, visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum … Continue reading →

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When Death Comes

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Rod Schwartz

Charlie Kirk awoke on the morning of September 10, 2025, not knowing that the next few hours would be his last on this earth. 24 years earlier, as Todd Beamer was boarding United Airlines flight 93 from Newark, he had … Continue reading →

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The Restless Heart and the Hope of Christmas

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Rod Schwartz

“Merry Christmas!” This universal Christmas greeting permeates our interactions with others during this season of comfort and joy, happiness and good cheer. Here we are, living in the freest, most prosperous nation on earth, a fact made even more marvelous … Continue reading →

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On Thanksgiving

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Rod Schwartz

“In everything give thanks.…” The apostle Paul’s simple exhortation is easy enough to understand but often found difficult to practice, especially when we’re faced with suffering or setbacks to our health, our finances, our work, or a relationship that’s become … Continue reading →

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The Problem with A.I. “Humans”

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Rod Schwartz

I’ve been noticing a trait common to all the AI-generated “humans” in the video ads I see online—and they’re ubiquitous these days—including those made using the images and audio of real people: they all come across to me as being … Continue reading →

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Sam Dial’s Thanksgiving Commercial

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Rod Schwartz

My jewelry store client kicks off the holiday season—which accounts for up to a third of his annual sales—with a special commercial that he runs the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Are you thanking your customers—publicly? In your own voice? … Continue reading →

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The 100 Most Valuable Brands

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Rod Schwartz

From Visual Capitalist, the top 100 brands in 2023, ranked according to value. Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet’s Google lead the pack, and U.S. companies comprise half of this year’s top brands. According to VC: Amazon ranks number one globally with its … Continue reading →

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On Creativity – lessons from LA Gear, Jesse Stone, James Bond, and the Bible)

Posted on July 27, 2022 by Rod Schwartz

“That’s really creative—I like it!” For an ad writer, getting that kind of reaction to a new spot or campaign idea brings joy-joy feelings. But what makes someone creative? Is it innate or learned behavior? What exactly is creativity? I … Continue reading →

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