Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

Episodes

• Newsjacking 30.05.2026 27m

  This encore episode of Under The Influence is one of our favourites of 2026.Lately, companies have been hijacking breaking news stories to create ads.When thieves broke into the Louvre with a ladder, the ladder company quickly produced a tongue-in-cheek ad.When the Oscars read the wrong Best Picture winner, an optometry chain made fun of the mix-up.It’s called Newsjacking – and it’s becoming a powerful marketing tactic.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Bookmarks 2026 23.05.2026 27m

  This week, it’s our annual Bookmarks episode.We read a lot of books to research this show. And this episode is dedicated to the great stories that didn’t fit into our regular season.We’ll talk about the importance of numbers in marketing, and a hilarious tale about expense reports.And we’ll tell a story about a doctor who was drummed out of the medical establishment all because he insisted doctors wash their hands.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Terry Guests on "White Coat, Black Art" with Dr. Brian Goldman 19.05.2026 27m

  We're dropping an interview I recently did with Dr. Brian Goldman, host of White Coat, Black Art, an excellent CBC radio show and podcast into our feed. We're chatting about hospital advertising. And because they rely on fundraising, we discuss how effective hospital advertising is. We thought you might find this topic interesting.Enjoy.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Debut Commercials - Part Two 16.05.2026 26m

  It’s part two of our episode that revisits the very first commercials ever produced for famous products.From the very first commercial for something called the Big Mac, to the first TV ad for a new doll called Barbie, we take a trip back in time. Including the very first commercials starring a couple of struggling actors who would go on to win Academy Awards. We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Debut Commercials 09.05.2026 27m

  This week, we take a look at marketing firsts.Specifically, the very first commercials ever produced for famous products and companies.From the debut of the Jolly Green Giant, to the first AIDS PSAs, to the very first pharmaceutical ad, all the way to the first iPhone commercial, we say hello to these products and issues for the very first time.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Monumental Advertisements: Branded Buildings 02.05.2026 27m

  This week, we talk about spectacular landmarks built by visionary entrepreneurs.These magnificent buildings stand in Toronto, New York and Chicago.They are all very different in design, built in different eras, but they share one thing in common.They are all named after famous brands.And it’s easy to forget that.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Brand Envy (2026) 25.04.2026 26m

  This week, it’s our annual Brand Envy episode, where I tip my hat to great ideas that have lasted for years.We’ll talk about a very funny character who has made the world laugh without uttering a single word.An idea that was born on the side of highways.And we’ll talk about a movie that has had the longest run in cinema history.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Rue McClanahan: Every Kick's A Boost 18.04.2026 12m

  This week, we're dropping an episode from our sister podcast, "We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast". In this podcast series, we talk about the mountain of rejections famous and successful people had to overcome and how they did it.In this episode, we talk about the golden piece of advice Rue McClanahan’s mother gave her when she was told she’d never make it in television. We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Selling Violence: Marketing Combat Sports 11.04.2026 27m

  This week, we look at the marketing of violent sports.Starting with a man named Tex Rickard, who wrote the playbook on fight promotion back in the 1920s.We’ll analyze how WWE pro wrestling took a page from Rickard to create spectacles.And we look at the phenomenon that is the UFC – and how mixed martial arts promotion can be carbon-dated all the way back to Rickard in the ‘20s.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Unhinged Advertising: The Power of the Absurd 04.04.2026 27m

  This week, we look at weird, unhinged advertising.Like the “PuppyMonkeyBaby” Super Bowl commercial. The sad Skittles commercial where everything a man touches turns to Skittles.A leather diaper you can wear to heavy metal concerts so you won’t miss any songs.And a pizza that takes a year and a half to be delivered to your home.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Nobody's Ugly on Radio: The Superpower of Audio 28.03.2026 27m

  This week, we listen to the most creative use of sound and voice. Like the mattress company that gave people discounts based on how loud they snored. We’ll explore a radio campaign that says ugly is a superpower. And we’ll play a vinyl record that was left out in the sun that warns people about the harmful effects of UV rays. We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• It's a Floor Wax and a Dessert Topping: Unintended Product Uses 21.03.2026 27m

  There are many products in the world that have “unintended uses.”Originally designed for one purpose, the general public has discovered alternate uses for these items.From Windex to baking soda to Ozempic, the makers of these products had no idea they would be used for so many unimagined tasks.And in one story today, the alternate use of diapers may surprise you.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Sweaty Billboards: Marketing The Movies 14.03.2026 27m

  With the Oscars around the corner, we take a look at creative movie marketing.We’ll talk about miniature billboards that promoted Ant-Man.A billboard that actually sweated to promote an action film.And we’ll discuss a movie that was saved by a Beatle – then got banned, and was a box office success.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Small Wonders: Tiny Inventions. Big Impact. 07.03.2026 27m

  This week, we tip our hat to the tiny, small innovations that make our lives better. Like the tiny arrow on your fuel gauge. And the bread clip. And the miniscule treadwear indicators on your car tires. In every case, the inventor saw something nobody else saw, and their miniature ideas went down in history. Small Wonders.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Car Cuisine: Car Companies in the Food Business 21.02.2026 27m

  This week, we look at the link between food and cars. Did you know that Volkswagen makes sausages.And Rolls-Royce makes honey.Did you know cars have even been named after foods and beverages – like the Mitsubishi Pistachio and the Suzuki Cappuccino.It’s true – and it’s tasty marketing.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• From Tiffany’s to Donkeys: Catalogues Rise Again 14.02.2026 27m

  This week, we look at the staying power of Catalogues.They’ve been around since the mid 1800s, and they helped build the country.We’ll talk about how catalogues let retailers reach people in far-flung towns and villages.How catalogues finally allowed rural folks to have access to the same goods as city dwellers.And how Seinfeld’s J. Peterman became an owner of the actual J. Peterman catalogue.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Happy World Radio Day. Revisiting "Air Quotes: Creative Radio" 13.02.2026 27m

  In celebration of World Radio Day, we look back on some of the most creative radio advertising from around the world. It’s the toughest medium to write for – but it’s also the most creatively freeing. We’ll hear commercials for a hair removal product, a fast-food series created for these confusing times and a student audio idea that attracted Taylor Swift.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Terry Ranks The Super Bowl 60 Ads 10.02.2026 34m

  Super Bowl 60 had an interesting mix of commercials - from humorous to emotional to plain weird. Terry ranks his favs and compares his list to audience favs.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Jingles: Rhythmic Instruction Manuals 07.02.2026 27m

  This week, we look at a sub-category of jingles.Most successful jingles are catchy little earworms.But these particular little ditties use lyrics to tell you how to use the product, or how to play the advertised game.They’re not just catchy… they’re rhythmic instruction manuals.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Interview with Genny Schorr, Punk Pioneer and Wardrobe Stylist To Rock Stars 03.02.2026 48m

  Inspired by the Beatles, Genny Schorr was a member of one of the first female punk bands in LA. She co-owned a vintage fashion store frequented by rock stars, and was wardrobe stylist for the Bangles, Tom Petty, and Linda Ronstadt.Her spouse is Kosh, who was the creative director of Apple Records for the Beatles.Her new book is titled “All Roads Lead To Punk: Riding the First Wave of the Phenomenal Los Angeles Punk Scene Through Music and Fashion" - and she has one fascinating story to tell.We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.