Retro Ad Review

What goes better with a video game than some junk food? We explore food commercials that feature famous video game characters Sonic the Hedgehog, Nathan Drake, and Banjo and Kazooie. What products are they shilling? Tune in to find out!

It's the season of love. And what better way to spend it than listening to us talk about websites that claim to hook you up with an attractive person? We take a deep dive into the online dating world by checking out eHarmony, Ashley Madison, and Plenty of Fish. Run a bubble bath, crack open the champagne, and listen to this romantic episode.

Our gift to you this holiday season is to bring you commercials that caused controversy! Sometimes Christmas commercials can bring a warm fuzzy feeling and other times...not so much. Crack open the eggnog, don your Santa hat, and listen to what Folgers, Kmart, and Mr. Kipling did on Christmas! Related episodes: The last Christmas episode: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/episodes/Christmas-Commercials-Hess-Trucks--Coca-Cola-Polar-Bears--and-Ice-Skating-with-McDonalds-e2dfksg Other commercial controversies: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/episodes/Contro-mercials-Ads-that-caused-controversy-e2fl1hm --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

It's conspiracy time! But the fun ones. We're looking at commercials that make a nod to our favorite cryptids. Jack Link's has Bigfoot, Playstation has the Jersey Devil, and Toyota has Nessie. Let's get weird and hear all about these very real monsters and their commercial fame. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

Summer is gone so you know what that means...it's time to get depressed about going to school! One of the worst things about August as a kid was seeing in-store ads and TV commercials telling you that school was right around the corner. In this episode, listen to Sonny from Coco Puffs, Mila Kunis for Lisa Frank, and Alice Cooper for Staples tell you that you're late for class. *The sound is a little funny. Sorry about that.* --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

We're looking at commercials that have a lost element to them. Some recovered, some still missing pieces. If you like this episode, we'll do more in-depth ones! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

Commercials that feature songs from movies but parodied! Yes, we are layered here. Listen to Thirstbusters (a.k.a. the Ghostbusters Theme) for Coke, Glen! (a.k.a. Eye of the Tiger) for Starbucks, and Say You, Say Me for Walkers Crisps (a.k.a. chips). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

Not every idea is a good idea. We've check out three Superbowl (!) commercials that didn't get the praise and adulation they were expecting. Find out what happened in these Just For Feet, Holiday Inn, and GoDaddy.com commercials. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! It's time for the annual look back at classic holiday commercials by your favorite mega corporations. We watch Ronald McDonald on ice, the first appearance of the Coca-Cola polar bears, and the gaudy Hess trucks. Find out their stories and where the rank in the hallowed halls of Christmas commercials. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

Boo! This year, we're looking at a few spine chilling commercials from outside the USA. Hear about the cursed Japanese Kleenex commercial, the heart-stopping K-fee spot, and the spooky Phones4U advert. It's gonna be a scary one! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

We're going grape nuts in honor of this episode. We take you through the history of the Post cereal company and then dive into the classic commercials of Grape Nuts, Raisin Bran, and Honey Bunches of Oats. Grab a bowl and listen in. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

We're looking at film franchises! More specifically commercials associated with the first film of a blockbuster series. Listen up as we pick apart the Alien figurine, the Batman (1989) cereal, and the VHS ad for Home Alone (no rebate included). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

We're back on the toy tip! This time we're looking at toys that were recalled after some famous incidents. Be careful Cabbage Patch Kids, Sky Dancers, and Pokemon because these are some bad bad toys. Tune in to find out why. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

How many licks DOES it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? The answer: depends! From Tootsie Pops to Charms to Dum Dums, we're looking at lollipops in this episode. Grab a Sour Apple, pop on your headphones, and have a listen. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

Who's a complicated man but no one understands him but his woman? Shaft! Who is the man who featured in a ton of Burger King commercials? John Shaft! Burger King appeared to have an obsession with Shaft at one stage in the stories fast food chain's history. We look at three BK commercials that highlight the famous private dick! Shut your mouth and listen up. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/retro-ad-review/support

Boo! It's Halloween! Which means we're doing the annual commercial Halloween special. We've got Freddy Krueger's hotline, Elvira's Coors Light beach party, and Nike's slasher spoof. Put on your finest scary costume and have a listen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Movies are great. But what's better are the product tie-ins! We look at what the brilliant sequels to Alien, Batman, and Home Alone had to offer. Hint: branded cereal! Pop on those headphones and have a listen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Hey! It's time to talk about Butterfinger. The candy everyone is kind of "meh" about. We cover the history of the brand as well as some of their commercials that DON'T include the Simpsons. That's right, there were ads without Bart in them. Listen up to this crispety, crunchety episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Video games have launched careers. Don't believe us? Then listen to how Jack Black, Tobey Maguire, and Ethan Suplee got a boost into their illustrious acting careers thanks to video games! Featuring commercials from Pitfall, the Atari Lynx, and the Sega Game Gear. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Ever wondered what happened to the Pets.com sock puppet? Wonder no more! We've outlined the entire history of this beloved talking piece of 100% cotton and tell you about the rise and fall of dotcom company, Pets.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Companies use well-known music in their commercials A LOT. But the more playful ones make up their own lyrics to with the song! Yes, we're once again looking at commercials that feature parodies of popular songs. Press play and listen to Walmark, Kirby, and Hellmann's butcher your favorite classic tunes! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Valentine's doesn't have to always be about hearts and candy. It can also be about dudes named Valentine! For this special time of the year, we've rounded up commercials featuring men bearing the name of the holiday. So sit down with Scott, Steve, and Bobby Valentine and listen up! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Are you ready to ruuummmmbllleeee?! That's the wrong sports reference for today's episode that all about wrestlers! When they're not slamming dudes into the floor, wrestlers have been known to shill various products such as soda and men's razors. So snap into a Slim Jim and listen to this episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Is your brain an egg or butter? We look at some top tier drug PSAs including Frying Pan, Like Father, Like Son, and Nothing Happens. So fry those eggs and tell your dad you learned it by watching him! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Sometimes people go crazy over plastic dolls. This especially happens during Christmas. In this Christmas edition of Retro Ad Review, we cover the toy crazes of yesteryear! Check out the stories behind the Cabbage Patch Kids, Tickle Me Elmo, and Beanie Babies. Merry Christmas! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Ever watched an old commercial and thought, "Hey, it's that guy!" This episode is all about famous folk who were in commercials before they were household names. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

We love cereal! Mainly because they really played too many cereal commercials on TV growing up. Whatever your age, you too have been inundated with cereal commercials. So let's embrace it and go through the history of three famous breakfast mascots: Sonny the Bird (Cocoa Puffs), Cornelius Rooster (Corn Flakes), and Sugar Bear (Golden Crisp)! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

It's the scary season! To keep in theme, we've collected some of the spookiest video game commercials we could think of! So trick or treat your ears to the stories behind Splatterhouse, Parasite Eve, and Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

From Cool Whip's take on the Cool Jerk to Good Humor's version of Scatman, we're listening to song parodies featured in many of our favorite commercials. Have a listen and maybe a little dance! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Ever met a commercial you didn't like? We've rounded up some of the weirdest, slightly off-putting commercials we could find. Say hello to Spongmonkeys, Head-on, and Little Baby's Ice Cream! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

We're feeling fresh today so we're looking at some of our favorite mints. Do you prefer Tic Tacs, Mentos, or Icebreakers? And YES we look into the history of those annoying Mentos commercials! Tune in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Juicy Fruit, Doublemint, Extra...all the gum belongs to Wrigley's! They've come up with some iconic and interesting commercials over the years, so we're taking a look at a few from the chewing giant. Let's go Wrigley's! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

In this episode, we look at the many musical commercials of Burger King. We check out the Marvelous Magical Burger King, witness the Backstreet Boys selling out, and puzzle at Darius Rucker's magical land of Tendercrisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch. Tune in and get a song about burgers stuck in your head for free! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

We all love sitting in front of the TV with a big bag of chips. But what's your chip of choice? We showcase three commercials from Pringles, Cheetos, and Doritos and go a bit into the history of these famous snacks. It's a treat for your ears! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Love board games? This one's for you. We look at the (frankly sordid) histories of Monopoly, The Game of Life, and Operation. If you don't listen, you'll end up in the poor farm. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Whether you're a beer aficionado or not, you couldn't help but love the classic ads that Budweiser put out. We look at three of the top commercials ever produced by the alcohol giant. Get a load of Spuds Mackenzie, the Budweiser Frogs, and the Whassup! Guys. It'll be a treat for the ear. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Were you scarred by the series of PlayStation ads that went all CrEepY? We were, too! That's why we're facing our fears and looking at some of the most unnerving PlayStation commercials ever produced. Hear the stories behind that PS3 Baby ad, the Alien Girl, and David Lynch's foray into shilling game consoles. Listen up! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Happy St. Patrick's Day! We're celebrating all things Irish by reviewing commercials that may or may not accurately represent the Irish people and/or their culture. Listen to the stories behind these Lucky Charms, Guinness, and Irish Spring ads. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Action figure commercials have always been a staple of children's programming. Who didn't want a cool Batman toy with rocket launchers? We look at some of the classic and EXTREME action figures including He-Man, GI Joe Extreme, and the Batman & Robin film merchandise. Listen in and collect them all! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Share some headphones with your loved one and listen to our latest episode all about the love holiday. We watch Valentine's themed commercials from M&M's, 1-800-Flowers, and Kay Jewelers. Get the "Every Kiss Begins with Kay" jingle in that head now! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

To capitalize on the rapping craze of the 80s and 90s, video game companies decided they should inflict bad rapping into our ears. That's right. We're talking rapping and video games. Why not listen to the music stylings of Super Mario Bros, Atari, and PaRappa the Rapper? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Do you love cars? We're no experts, but we will talk about them for you! Listen in for some fun facts about the Delorean, the Pontiac Azteck, and the joy of Happy Honda Days! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Happy New Year, everyone! We look back fondly at...any other year than 2020. Remember MCI? Remember Dick Clark? Remember Care.com? We look at their New Year commercials and look forward to yesteryear. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Merry Christmas, everyone! And what's Christmas without warm and fuzzy corporate sales pitches? We look at Hershey's Jingle Bells, Cheerios and Ebenezer Scrooge, and a special Christmas Coke commercial (you'll have to listen to find out which one). Open our gift to you by tuning in! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

This is a very special episode where we celebrate all things candy and go off on the abomination that is M&M World! If you like Baby Bottle Pop, Tootsie Pops, M&Ms (but hate M&M World), then you have to listen to this. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Meow! If you're a cat lover, then you'll love this episode! We look at cat food commercials including Meow Mix, Whiskas, and Temptations. Bonus: We breakdown a sentence fully made up of ONE word. Listen now! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

These commercials are wEirD! From Starburst's Little Lad to The Burger King to the very strange Mr. Delicious from Rax, we've got some oddball commercials for you weirdos. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

It's the spooky season as they say! And we're getting into it by exploring a few scary commercials. We've got McNuggets, Count Chocula, and Creepy Crawlers. Tune in and let us know you favorite Halloween commercial! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

Sorry, this isn't a Simpsons episode. It's actually about dog food. Can you believe there are classic commercials about dog food? We explore Mighty Dog, Kibbles and Bits, and Beggin' Strips. Woof! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

No one likes housework but we all gotta do it. Rather than cracking open that bottle of Pine-Sol, put on the headphones and have a listen as we go through the biggest hits of cleaning products, from Mr. Clean to Swiffer. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support

It's back to school time, the worst time of the year! We check out what Walmart, McDonald's, and Frosted Flakes had to say about the kids going back to their desks. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/retro-ad-review/support