Strands of Genius: Rita Moreno + Animal Fever, The Strange Tale of Jim Sullivan's U.F.O., Chicago Sky vs Phoenix Mercury | 2021 WNBA Finals, Game 4

Guest curated by Ike Peters

Sep 15, 2022

:: A BIT MORE ABOUT GUEST CURATOR, IKE PETERS::

LOCATION: Little Rock, AR

PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: Senior Copywriter, Hawkeye

Hi, i'm Ike! ok so here's the quick(ish) version of how i got to where i am today: I graduated college with an english degree and no real idea of what kinds of jobs I could do, so I typed in "writer" on monster dot com (this was 2008, relax) and ended up getting a job as a technical writer. Within the first 2 weeks of that job, I knew I would go down in history as the worst tech writer to ever tech write. They kept me around for a year (lol), then let me go which ruled. During that time mad men was on TV and it opened my eyes to a whole new industry. So I emailed every creative director and copywriter within 100 miles of me, asking how the hell does someone become a copywriter. I was told I needed a portfolio. so, i cracked open my dell laptop, opened up Microsoft paint and created some ads. They were decent enough to get me an internship which then got me a job and badda bing badda boom here I am 12 years later as a senior copywriter, soon-to-be associate creative director (maybe, idk - just putting it out there) but that's like my job job - my real job is that I'm a dad of 3 kids and TBH it's better than the job job.

Editor’s Note (Genius Steals): We are ecstatic to have e-met Ike through Rosie’s cousin John! It has been fantastic to get to know him through everything that he has shared with us. And what an amazing journey he has been on as a copywriter! Just shows you that you REALLY can make your dreams happen. We hope to be able to connect in person sometime soon Ike! We love your energy and your passion. ROCK ON!

:: THE LINKS ::

RITA MORENO + ANIMAL FEVER

IDK, this video just rules. Rita Moreno is so funny and cool and talented in this, and every time I watch it I find something new to laugh about. This time? the way Rita looks at the camera around the 0:48 mark as if to say "hey brb gotta handle something real quick" to the audience. Anyway, no real career learnings here - my b. (YouTube)

THE STRANGE TALE OF JIM SULLLIVAN’S U.F.O.

I probably read this story 3-4 times a year, and it blows me away every single time. It checks all the boxes for me: - mysterious disappearance? check. - 70s singer/songwriter? check. - the power of music surpassing time and space? check. also, that album is fantastic. (Aquarium Drunkard)

CHICAGO SKY VS PHOENIX MERCURY | 2021 WNBA FINALS, GAME 4

Ok listen, I know you're not gonna watch this whole thing, but this may be the only way I get to shoutout my absolute favorite thing in the world: Chicago sky basketball. That being said, everyone should be watching the WNBA. period. If you're a brand, you need to be figuring out how to get involved with WNBA partnerships/sponsorships like yesterday. Why? Because there is nothing in sports more exciting and more powerful than WNBA basketball. nothing. - the basketball is pure and fast-paced and incredible and seems to be evolving every year - it's such an incredible thing to witness. - the stories built into teams and players and coaches and staff- they can lift you up, bring you to tears, make you angry, and every emotion in between. - the personalities on the court, omg - no team is boring to follow. - the fans! if you've spent more than 5 minutes on WNBA Twitter, you know how funny and passionate and welcoming WNBA fans can be. and yes it gets heated sometimes! - and most impressive to me, the WNBA meets culture where it's at today, right now in this moment. it's one of the most diverse sports leagues in the world. And not just race, it's also ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, etc. anyway, not sure when this is getting published (or if it even will be), but the WNBA Finals are happening, so do yourself a favor and check them out - I promise you will fall in love. (YouTube)

Looking for more from Ike Peters? Those enrolled in The School of Stolen Genius will receive a deep dive from him in their inbox shortly! You can access all our expert interviews for SOSG here.

:: AND NOW… SOME FAST FAVORITES ::

:: Game :: NBA 2k

:: City :: NYC

:: Book :: Seeing Is Forgetting The Name of the Thing One Sees by Lawrence Weschler

:: Podcast :: Double Threat with Julie Klausner and Tom Scharpling

:: Album :: You & Me - The Walkmen

:: IKE ::

Ike Peters
my portfolio | my music | my band's music

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It's called Genius Steals because we believe ideas are new combinations and that nothing can come from nothing. But copying is lazy. We believe the best way to innovate is to look at the best of that which came before and combine those elements into new solutions.

Co-Founders Faris & Rosie are award-winning strategists and creative directors, writers, consultants and public speakers who have been living on the road/runway since March 2013, working with companies all over the world. Our Director of Operations is nomadic like us, our accounting team is based out of Washington, our company is registered in Tennessee, and our collaborators are all over the world. Being nomadic allows us to go wherever clients need us to be, and to be inspired by the world in between.

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