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What Moves Me (Literally and Creatively)
A bucket list flight, 10 unforgettable ads, and the culture that keeps me inspired.
Corey Lightner
October 06, 2025 • Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
By the time you’re reading this, I’ll be 1,000+ feet up, floating over Albuquerque on my first hot air balloon ride. This one’s been sitting on my bucket list for a while, and I’m hyped to finally cross it off — even better, I get to do it with friends. To me, it feels like the chill cousin of skydiving (also on the list), right next to splattering a Jackson Pollock–style painting and snapping a photo under the Northern Lights. But we’ll get into my overly ambitious lists another time.
For now, here’s the view from above. I’m hoping to bring back pictures, stories, and maybe a lesson or two. My promise to myself is to take one major trip like this every year, for as long as I can. What about you? If you’ve got a bucket list, what’s one thing you’ve crossed off already or plan to soon?
Crossing “hot air balloon” off my bucket list reminded me of another kind of list I’ve been building over time…my top 10 favorite ads. These aren’t just commercials; they’re little cultural touch points that inspired me, made me laugh, or showed me what’s possible with a strong idea and sharp execution.
COREY’S FAVORITE ADS!Bad Bunny might be locked in as the next Super Bowl Halftime performer, but we don’t have to wait until February to celebrate great spots. So here’s my personal countdown — not a definitive ranking, but a collection of ads that have stuck with me and shaped how I see creativity. Notice any patterns? Looking back, it’s clear I gravitate toward ads where music, dance, and visuals aren’t just decoration — they’re the heartbeat of the story. Whether it’s the joy of a Coke jingle, the freedom of a Tuborg world, or the sharp lighting of a Tinder spot, these ads prove that the smallest details can spark the biggest feelings. They remind me why I make the kind of work I do: blending movement, culture, and imagination into something that feels alive. For my non-advertising folks: yes, commercials are technically about selling something. But more often than not, they’re really about making you feel a certain way—special, seen, connected—and the product just happens to be the vehicle for that feeling. I learned this pretty early on myself. |
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What + Why, Spec Ads
So, what’s so special about this spec ad project I’m working on? First, let’s break down what a spec ad even is. Think of it as a creative calling card, an ad you make on your own dime to show the world what you can do. It’s not paid work (yet), but it’s proof that you can bring a story to life. The goal? Get people to imagine what you could pull off with an actual budget. For me, this spec project is more than practice — it’s a chance to flex, experiment, and set the stage for bigger opportunities. So stay tuned as we release this bad boy. Spent all Summer on it.
COREY’S CORNER
Welcome to Corey’s Corner — your Monday mix of beats, screens, and small hacks that made my week better.
Favorite Tune To Tune Into: Seven years is a long wait, but Cardi B finally dropped her sophomore album Am I The Drama. With anticipation sky high, it lands as a solid return. My repeat button is stuck on Principal — one of two Janet Jackson sampled tracks. And no, Ms. Jackson doesn’t lay down new vocals here, but her presence still anchors the vibe. The sample is used in a fun way that gets you jumping and overall the track is a stand out…definitely should have been a single.
Stream-Worthy Selection: Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another has been packing theatres. It’s chaotic in the best way — one of those movies best experienced with a crowd. During our screening, my friends and I bumped into Andre 3000 (dressed like somebody’s stylish great aunt), YG, Winnie Harlow, and a few more celebs. I promise this didn’t change my take on the movie, but it definitely made the night more memorable. For my full review, peep here.
Something Stimulating, Shocking, or Silly:
Ever had a random sharp pain in your chest and thought, ‘Welp, this is it’? Turns out I’ve had Precordial Catch Syndrome for years — something doctors never named for me, but TikTok did in 30 seconds. Apparently it’s harmless, just terrifying. For me, it feels like being a balloon trapped in a tiny box, expanding until it nearly bursts, then suddenly deflating. Painful, shocking, but oddly comforting now that I know it has a name.
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