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Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly
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Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

Author: Apostrophe Podcast Network

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Under the Influence gives listeners a rare backstage pass into the hallways, boardrooms and recording studios of the ad industry.Join host and adman Terry O’Reilly for fascinating (and humorous) stories that connect the dots between pop culture, marketing and human nature.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

416 Episodes
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Debut Commercials

Debut Commercials

2026-05-0933:15

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.
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)

Brand Envy (2026)

2026-04-2535:331

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This week, we look at “Rage Marketing.”Where a company or organization intentionally provokes the public to get angry. And hopefully spend money.We’ll look at the American Eagle/Sydney Sweeney controversy.We’ll talk about an actress who faked her own death to make a point.And how Connecticut made New Yorkers furious when it said it makes the best pizza in the country.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.
This week, we look at “Clapback Ads.”A clapback ad is a response or retaliation to another commercial.We’ll talk about a Canadian province that took offence to a Vrbo ad.A youth orchestra who retaliated against a big car commercial.And a tech company CEO who got caught having an affair – which forced his company to respond - with humour.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.
Fakevertising

Fakevertising

2026-01-1734:26

The world of marketing has discovered there’s money to be made in creating fake ads.But, they’re not trying to fool you - they’re trying to entertain you. Companies are creating fake ads and fake stores and even fake mistakes - on purpose - in order to gain your attention.The trick is to appear absolutely legitimate.While gently pulling your leg at the same 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.
Newsjacking

Newsjacking

2026-01-1031:28

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.
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Comments (37)

Teresa Wilkinson

glad "Under The Influence" is back 💐🥂🍾

Feb 10th
Reply

Teresa Wilkinson

NO NO NO I didn't follow you to be bullied into a podcast I'm NOT interested in

Oct 14th
Reply

Teresa Wilkinson

I miss 'Under The Influence' & it's interesting stories & insights, it's so disappointing when podcasts veer off in some crazy direction listeners didn't sign up for 🤷🏼‍♀️ I'm not much of a Beatles fan either

Sep 3rd
Reply

miinty fresj

Wait.. There's been NEW EPISODES THIS WHOLE TIME???!!!!

Aug 13th
Reply

Tim Foster Gusba

I think there's a skip around 24’

Jul 9th
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kazem ghalenoei

I think the vanilla ice cream question is related to the famous vapor Lock problem in GM cars. :) search for it please

Jun 17th
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Buck Fruckster

I can't be the only person shaking their head at the ridiculousness of today's political correctness whitewashing branding. 20 years from now people of colour will be complaining they aren't represented in branding.

Jan 14th
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Andrew Randall

I can't get enough

May 19th
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Fraser Scantlebury

An excellent episode - brought back great memories- thanks Terry!

May 16th
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Janine White

entertaining as always. but maybe a little tone-deaf celebrating brands that made it through a pandemic despite the odds, while hundreds of your listeners are struggling with exactly that battle right now and probably won't have such luck.

Apr 18th
Reply

Janine White

my favourite banana slicer review was the one who complained that it curved the wrong way. dad joke gold.

Apr 7th
Reply

Hamid Nosrati

how can I get podcasts text?

Feb 9th
Reply

Danny Savino

love you podcast

Sep 23rd
Reply

Dave E. Fortin

where is season 6 and 7?

Sep 6th
Reply

Hermon J. Mayers

Love the show but one correction, the ridiculously named Redskins are a football team. The baseball team with the equally ridiculous name is the Cleveland Indians.

May 18th
Reply

Bob the Conqueror of Mornings

Mailed it in on this episode. 5 minutes of examples of number stations. I think one station would do the trick

Mar 16th
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Maxx Vu

Excellent show. Thank you!

Feb 21st
Reply

Bob the Conqueror of Mornings

Great episode. If only all the episodes were so full and rich with little fluff to fill out the 25 minutes

Feb 14th
Reply

doug macleod

love this show

Feb 11th
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Paulie Deville

this is one of my favourite shows to listen to on CBC

Feb 2nd
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