Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

There are some very interesting loopholes in the world of marketing.Because businesses are always looking for an upper hand in a competitive category, loopholes can offer legal advantages.A loophole can help a company overcome barriers in the marketplace.  Sometimes, the way a product is marketed can give customers a loophole they can take advantage of.And sometimes a 20-year-old kid can spot a loophole that panics a giant corporation. 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.

If you searched the question:“What player has won the most Wimbledon singles titles,” Google will tell you it’s Roger Federer with 8 wins.But that’s incorrect. Martina Navratilova has 9. This week, we look at remarkable ideas that promote gender equality. Including an idea called Correct the Internet.com And one that challenged menstruation taboos with a program called “Touch the pickle.”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.

The Beatlology Interviews (Season 2, Episode 1)What if John Lennon had never died in 1980. What if George Harrison was still with us? What would it have taken to convince the Beatles to give one more major concert? In “Reunion: A Rock ’N Roll Fairy Tale” author Gary Burr tackles all those questions in a very entertaining novel. By the way, Gary has also played on nine Ringo Starr albums. He’s got some great inside stories.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.

20th century movies and TV shows were dominated by the traditional “hero.”With high morals and an ethical code of honour.The 21st century has a different take.Today, we cheer the anti-hero. Like the Sopranos, Dexter and Breaking Bad. Anti-heroes are liberated from that line in the sand that holds the rest of us back. They do things we are afraid to do. And do it unapologetically.And if advertising is the great mirror to pop culture, it just may explain the emergence of anti-hero brands – who dare you to like them.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 our Season 12 Archives...This week, we look at companies that have spent decades advertising to only one gender - then suddenly decide to approach the opposite sex. L’Oreal is now marketing makeup to men. Scotch distillers are now targeting women. And lingerie companies are now designing intimates for men. It’s a brand new, gender-bending world.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 our Season 12 Archives.Even though brand names are often protected by trademarks and copyrights, it’s remarkable how many times companies end up with the same names.And they either get along – or they sue each other into oblivion.This week, we look at “Brand Twins.”We’ll talk about when Guns N’ Roses sued Guns and Rosé.We’ll explain why there used to be the Saskatchewan Roughriders AND the Ottawa Rough Riders in the CFL.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 our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites.This week, we talk about hotel marketing. Specifically, how some hotels attract guests by advertising specific rooms.Some of those rooms are decorated like TV shows, some are inspired by movies, and some hotels advertise the fact something famous – or infamous - happened in their rooms.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 our Season 12 Archives, one of our favouritesThis week, we’re talking about the creative ways Hollywood markets films. We’ll talk about how a low-budget horror movie got a ton of press just by asking people to smile.And we’ll examine the marketing of Top Gun: Maverick – the Tom Cruise sequel that Steven Spielberg says single-handedly saved the theatrical industry.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.

People often tell me they love the storytelling in Under the Influence.  One of my favourite storytellers of all time is the late, great Stuart McLean. Which is why it’s been such a joy for our network to partner with Stuart’s long-time producer Jess Milton and the Vinyl Cafe team to bring you the podcast “Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe.”Today we are sharing the very first episode of the podcast released in 2023. Not only are there two hilarious Dave and Morley stories but it’s a great introduction to the show. We hope you enjoy this one as much as I do.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 our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites.In this episode, we talk about one of the legends of the advertising business – George Lois. Out-spoken and fearless, he launched Xerox, helped elect Robert F. Kennedy, designed famous Esquire magazine covers and even once climbed out onto a window ledge to convince a client to buy an idea. 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 our Season 12 Archives.... one of our favourites.With multiple ways to skip commercials at our fingertips, advertisers have found a new way to reach the public. They’re jumping out of commercial breaks and into the storylines of television shows. This week, we look at a list of popular TV shows that aren’t just entertainment. They’re big marketing vehicles for companies. 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.

We thought you might enjoy an episode from our sister podcast, “We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast” - this week it’s the history of the goalie mask. Coaches didn’t want them, managers rejected them, the NHL didn’t want them - but one goalie did. The rest is 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.

From our Season 11 Archives, one of our favourites.This week, we look at the ways libraries market themselves. If you think libraries are quiet, you’ve got another thing coming. We’ll talk about a library video series that played like a TV cop show - and - we’ll look at library wars - when libraries battle each other on social media.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 our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites.This week, we take a look at the most creative “help wanted” ads in the world. We’ll talk about how IKEA recruited new workers without needing to buy an ad. How VW found new mechanics by posting ads in the most unusual place. And the amazing ways the intelligence community recruits spies and code breakers.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.

Now that we’ve moved the Beatlology Interviews to its own feed, you might not be caught up. Thought you might like to hear one of my favourite episodes - singer Dion DiMucci is one of only five people still alive who are on the cover of Sgt. Pepper. Dion was also supposed to be on the plane with Buddy Holly that fateful night - and he tells us that heartbreaking story. He also gives the best description of Buddy Holly that I’ve ever heard.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 our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites.This week, we look at candy bar advertising. Millions are spent marketing candy bars every year. We'll talk about how the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was owned by a candy company. And we'll reveal whether it really was Phil Collins inside that gorilla costume in that famous Cadbury Dairy Milk commercial.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 our Season 11 Archives, one of our favourites.This week, we explore how dating agencies Sell Love. We’ll talk about the very first dating service in history, we’ll explore one app that is more about lust than love and we’ll talk about how heartthrob Reynolds created one of the best dating commercials of the last 10 years.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, it’s our annual Ask Terry episode.As we do every year, we open the show to questions from our listeners. This week, we’ll answer a question about the longest-lasting slogans in history, we’ll explore why there is so much dancing going on in commercials these days, and we’ll play a fun game where you have to guess the celebrity voice.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.

Dramatic car stunts are not just the stuff of movies.They’re also the stuff of car commercials.We’ll talk about one ad where skydivers risked their lives spelling out the word “Honda” in the sky, a commercial where a car speeds on the roof of a skyscraper, and a story about a car that was dropped from an airplane - and the parachute didn’t work.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 explore how advertisers market to people with disabilities. Disabled people are usually ignored in advertising campaigns.Yet people with disabilities control half a trillion dollars in spending money.We’ll look at four powerful campaigns that not only feature people with disabilities, but these commercials are disrupting the public’s negative perceptions of the disabled.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, it’s our annual Brand Envy episode.We look at four brands that I admire.One is a cosmetics empire started by a woman in an era when women couldn’t even vote.One is a band I have a soft spot for.Another is a family-owned business that has lasted 88 years.The fourth is a TV show that broke records. And they all have one thing in common – they succeeded against all odds.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 Pet Marketing.The pet products industry is worth about $150 billion dollars. And when you love a pet, money is no object.We’ll listen to a pet food campaign that had dogs conduct a symphony orchestra.We’ll flip through IKEA’s CAT-alogues and DOG-alogues.And we’ll explore Dolly Parton’s “Doggy Parton” fashion line.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, it’s our annual “Bookmarks” episode.We read a lot of books to research this show, and often we stumble on great stories that don’t fit our regular episodes.So we save them up for this show.We’ll talk about a new book on SNL producer Lorne Michaels, we’ll take a few notes from a famous songwriter, and we’ll talk about a Bible with a wicked typo.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 how the marketing industry seizes pop culture moments.We’ll talk about a website that got national attention by making a bold prediction about a TV show.How A1 Steak Sauce caught the funniest – and luckiest break.And how Pepsi grabbed a hilarious opportunity by following pizza delivery drivers.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 public service announcements.PSAs have to compete with - not just other PSAs - but with all other commercials out there.And do it with an iota of the budget. It requires exceptional creativity. We’ll talk about how Elvis got teens to get a polio vaccine, and a drinking & driving commercial recorded by drunk actors. 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.

Peter Wilken has over 40 years experience working with the world’s top brands. He has run advertising agency networks around the world. In our far-reaching conversation, Peter brings battle-tested insights to the table, tells us interesting stories about the brands he’s worked for, how to manage creative people, and explains the critical difference between branding and brand building.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.

Arkells frontman Max Kerman has written his first book, “Try Hard: Creative Work in Progress.” Max talks about what a lead singer for a band does all day, the nuts and bolts of song writing, how he prepares for a show - but more importantly - Max talks about how the creative process is not all about talent, it’s about curiosity, enthusiasm, and learning how to work hard and enjoy ever minute of it. And in this interview, Max gives you a framework for how to bring more creativity into your life and where to begin.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 was big news recently that Amazon is taking over creative control of the James Bond franchise.So this week, we look at how James Bond has been employed to pitch products over the years.From high-end watches, to beer, liquor and breakfast cereals, 007 has been busy.And even the Bond villains have been hawking products.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 have some fun and listen to commercial outtakes.Just like the movies, there are multiple takes, lots of pressure, and mistakes happen.Sometimes actors get the words all mixed up to hilarious results.Sometimes celebrities have melt-downs.And sometimes professional actors just break down in a fit of the giggles.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’ll tell the stories behind some of the most famous – and infamous – sports star endorsements of all time.We’ll talk about a Rocket Richard commercial that spawned a catchphrase that nearly every Boomer can recite.We’ll look at a powerful Nike commercial Serena Williams did about women in sports.And we’ll talk about what it took to put quarterback Joe Namath in pantyhose.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 ask an interesting question:What is the busiest day of the year for pizza delivery companies, Airbnb, Emergency Rooms, Maternity Wards, restaurants and dating apps?What is the busiest day of the year for weddings?And what is the busiest day of the year for… plumbers? It’s all fascinating – and often very surprising.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 thought it would be timely to retrieve this episode from our archives. A Brand Envy episode in celebration of Canadian brands. We’ll look at what may be the most successful global retailer Canada has ever built, a television pioneer worshipped and revered by generations of Canadians and a world-class brand that operates out of the smallest village in New Brunswick. We’ve certainly bred some amazing brands up here in the Great White North. 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 take a look at one of the tools of political marketing – the campaign song.Politicians have used songs going all the way back to at least the 1700s.Sometimes the songs are written expressly for the political party or candidate.Sometimes, politicians co-opt pop songs.And sometimes, pop artists have a major problem with 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.

Recorded before a live audience at Reid’s Distillery, this episode lists some of the biggest brand fails of 2024.We’ll talk about when Apple launched its thinnest computer ever, which led to a big fat PR problem.We’ll look at a seasonal candle that fired up accusations of white supremacy.And we’ll try and figure out how a children’s doll package ended up listing the URL for a porn site.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.

Today, movie theatres have to compete with home theatre systems and streaming services.This week, we look at how cinemas are transforming to attract more movie goers.To survive, theatres now offer restaurant meals and full bar menus.They offer loyalty programs and special theme nights.And many cinemas now offer patrons “atmospheric” movie experiences – where wind blows through your hair, rain falls from the ceiling, and seats not only jolt back and forth, they also emit smells that mirror the action on the screen.It puts the motion in motion picture.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 things in the world of marketing that are forbidden.It’s illegal to use certain sounds, for example. If an advertiser does use them, they are heavily fined.In some countries, there are rules around using national anthems in commercials. In other countries, there are no rules.And even Winnie the Pooh is forbidden in one country because it apparently makes fun of their leader.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.

During SNL's recent 50th anniversary special, it showed a montage of their famous commercial parodies. Here’s an episode that talks about those and many others - and how SNL influenced the ad writers of my generation.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 how some companies advertise to haters.Every advertiser gets negative comments on social media. Some brands shrink away – and some take those negative comments and spin them into marketing gold.Supercuts took negative comments about cheap haircuts and created a hilarious advertising campaign.Spirit Airlines gave haters a place to vent – then offered them 8,000 free air miles.And drink maker Oatly, actually dedicated a website to their haters.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 take a whiff of some of the strangest fragrances being marketed today.Choosing a perfume or cologne is a form of personal expression. What you smell like says something about you.But does that include bacon perfume? Or mayonnaise cologne?There’s a fragrance that makes you smell like a bakery, and a soap for men that smells like gasoline. Uncommon Scents.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 some of the most interesting people throughout history – and the fact they all had a consistent personal style.Consistency is the key to branding, and these famous people all understood that.We’ll take a look at Julius Caesar, who shocked fellow Romans with the way he dressed and acted.We’ll examine the incredible popularity of Charlie Chaplin’s “Little Tramp” character that never changed throughout 25 films.And we’ll talk about celebrities who adopted a singular colour as their personal branding – like Prince and Johnny Cash.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 ICE.It may sound like a strange topic, but our obsession with ice - as a product - is only 200 years old.The history of ice marketing starts with an amazing story about a bold entrepreneur with a vision, the cutthroat clash between competing ice companies, and the long list of ice brands and products that has transformed our lives.It's a remarkable story.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 take a look at Last Chance Tourism.Tourism companies around the world have started to advertise specific destinations to travelers, because those locations have a very unique offering.Namely, they are vanishing.From glaciers, to polar bears, to the Amazon Rainforest. Marketers are using a strategy called “Loss Aversion” – where the emotional impact of a loss is felt more intensely than a gain.So people are rushing to these locations, afraid they might miss their last chance to see them.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 our first episode of 2025, we explore a strange aspect of advertising.Specifically, when TV and movie characters endorse products. Not the actors themselves - but the characters they portray.It's a trend that started in the early '60s with the Andy Griffith Show and Bonanza.Today, it includes characters like Breaking Bad's Walter White and even Phil Dunphy from Modern Family.Sometimes it's funny - and sometimes it bends the time/space continuum.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.

We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here.As you might know, the team behind Under The Influence has more podcasts executive produced by Terry. The story in this episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe is the most requested Vinyl Cafe story of all time."Today is the day Dave cooks the turkey!" Jess tells us why it gives her such pleasure to say those words, and plays the beloved story that has become a Christmas tradition for so many. So roll out the cookies, grab the wrapping paper or trim the tree as you enjoy "Dave Cooks the Turkey." And check out Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe for more holiday favourites.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.

Another one of our favourite episodes from our sister podcast We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast and just in time for the holiday, is the rejection story of the movie Elf. This beloved and timeless Christmas classic, starring Will Ferrell brought in over $200M at the box office. But, back in 2000 the script was rejected by production companies, studios, directors and actors.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 was recently interviewed on Dr. Andrea Wojnicki's podcast, Talk About Talk. Andrea is an executive communications coach. She helps executives improve their communication skills and elevate their confidence and credibility.It is an interesting chat about communication. Hope you enjoy it.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.

Believe it or not, this January will mark our 20th year on CBC. To celebrate the milestone, join us Feb 6th for a live podcast recording, a Q&A, live band, giveaways and yummy gin cocktails at Reid’s Distillery in Toronto. Time flies when you’re Under the Influence. Hope to see you there.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.

I talk to director David Tedeschi about his new Beatles film. Produced by Martin Scorsese, it captures the mania of Beatlemania when the Fab Four land in New York for the first time in 1964, including their historic appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. David tells us how it all came together, and what surprising things he learned about this first Fab Four trip. The film contains 17 minutes of brand new footage (restored by Pater Jackson’s company), the soundtrack has been remixed by Giles Martin, and contains new interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. 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.

Mark has produced nine albums for Ringo. Before that, he was part of the Hudson Brothers. They had hit songs and the Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle TV show made them teen idols in the 70s. Mark is a huge Beatles fan and collector - and has spent time with all four Beatles. He’s a great storyteller.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.

Companies are spending big bucks advertising weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Rybelsus. This week, we’re dropping an episode of Brian Goldman’s White Coat, Black Art podcast into our feed.We thought you might find the topic interesting. In Canada, "reminder ads" can only give the medication's name, but they can’t tell you what the drug is for. They just tell people to ask their doctor for more information. I join Dr. Goldman in this episode to talk about those ads.Are those ads good – or are they bad?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.