Under the Influence from CBC Radio

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Under The Influence gives you a rare backstage pass into the hallways, boardrooms and recording studios of the ad industry. Join host and adman Terry O’Reilly for fascinating stories that connect the ...

CBC Radio


    • May 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 365 EPISODES

    4.8 from 547 ratings Listeners of Under the Influence from CBC Radio that love the show mention: swell, cbc, credits, beautifully produced, canada, influence, highly entertaining, captivating, previous, theme, available, production, witty, writing, fascinating, mostly, educational, radio, history, interesting.


    Ivy Insights

    The Under the Influence from CBC Radio podcast is an absolute gem in the world of marketing and advertising podcasts. With Terry O'Reilly as the host, each episode takes listeners on a journey through the world of advertising, sharing fascinating stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes knowledge. Whether you're a marketing professional or simply someone interested in the power of persuasion, this podcast is a must-listen.

    One of the best aspects of The Under the Influence is Terry O'Reilly himself. With his wealth of experience in the advertising business, his storytelling skills are unparalleled. He brings each topic to life with passion and enthusiasm, making even the most complex concepts easy to understand and engaging for all listeners. His authenticity shines through in every episode, making it feel like you're having a conversation with a knowledgeable friend rather than just being lectured at.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its well-researched content. Each episode delves deep into the history and psychology behind different advertising campaigns, providing valuable insights into consumer behavior and marketing strategies. The stories are always captivating and often filled with surprising twists and turns that keep you hooked until the very end. It's clear that a lot of care goes into crafting each episode, ensuring they are informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking.

    If there's one downside to The Under the Influence, it's that it's not released more frequently. As a loyal fan of this podcast, I always find myself eagerly awaiting each new episode. While I understand that quality takes time, I can't help but wish for more frequent releases to satisfy my craving for Terry O'Reilly's storytelling prowess.

    In conclusion, The Under the Influence from CBC Radio podcast is an absolute must-listen for anyone interested in marketing and advertising. Terry O'Reilly's expertise combined with well-researched content makes for an informative and entertaining listening experience. It's a podcast that consistently delivers greatness with each episode, leaving listeners wanting more. From the fascinating stories to the valuable insights, this podcast is a true gem in the world of advertising podcasts.



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    Latest episodes from Under the Influence from CBC Radio

    Brand Envy (2025)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 26:54


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

    CAT-alogues & DOG-alogues: Pet Marketing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 27:14


    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.-----Looking for where to find a discount on the Saily data plan?Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code TERRY at checkout. Download Saily app or go tohttps://saily.com/terry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Bookmarks 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 32:12


    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.--------Looking for where to find a discount on the Saily data plan?Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code TERRY at checkout. Download Saily app or go tohttps://saily.com/terry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Seizing The Moment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 28:06


    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. --------Looking for where to find a discount on the Saily data plan?Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code TERRY at checkout. Download Saily app or go tohttps://saily.com/terry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Moment I'll Never Forget: The Power of PSAs

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 27:20


    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. --------Looking for where to find a discount on the Saily data plan?Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code TERRY at checkout. Download Saily app or go tohttps://saily.com/terry" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Brand Strategist & Author Peter Wilken

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 55:16


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

    Interview with Author & Arkells Frontman Max Kerman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 46:17


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

    Brand, James Brand

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 28:45


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

    Commercial Outtakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 27:25


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

    Two Minutes For Looking So Good: Star Athlete Endorsements

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 28:23


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

    Busiest Day Of The Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 27:17


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

    Brand Envy #Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 26:32


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

    Orchestrating Elections: Political Campaign Songs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 25:20


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

    Recorded Live in Toronto: Wicked Brand Fails of 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 27:03


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

    Putting the Motion in Motion Pictures: Movie Theatre Marketing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 27:06


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

    Forbidden Branding

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 27:18


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

    SNL & Commercial Parodies (Encore)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 27:27


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

    Hug the Cactus: Advertising to Haters

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 26:04


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

    Strange Smells: The Marketing of Unusual Fragrances

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 27:17


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

    Purple Comb-Overs: The Power of Personal Style

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 26:48


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

    The Iceman Cometh: How Ice Transformed Our Lives

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 27:28


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

    Last Chance Tourism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 27:16


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

    From Bonanza to Batman: When Fictional Characters Endorse Real Products

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 27:19


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

    Dave Cooks the Turkey

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 39:18


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

    Rejecting Elf

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 42:53


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

    Terry guests on Talk About Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 46:21


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

    Under the Influence LIVE: Cheers to 20 Years

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 1:13


    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. Tickets here. Time flies when you're Under the Influence. Hope to see you there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Beatlology Interviews: "Beatles '64” director David Tedeschi

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 42:43


    The brand new film on the Beatles first visit to North America debuts on Friday, November 29, on Disney+.Produced by Martin Scorsese, and directed by David Tedeschi, it captures the mania of Beatlemania when the Fab Four land in New York for the first time in 1964, playing a Washington tune-up concert, followed by their historic appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The film contains new footage, and new interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. David tells us how it all came together, and what surprising things he learned about the historic first trip. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Beatlology Interviews: Producer Mark Hudson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 39:21


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

    Weight Loss Drug Ads: Good or Bad?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2024 27:08


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

    The Beatlology Interviews: Actor Mark Hamill

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 43:43


    Mark Hamill not only owns collectibles, he is a collectible. Mark talks to us about his first blush with the Beatles, how he began collecting Beatles memorabilia, that time he met George Harrison on a plane, and whether or not he let his kids play with Star Wars toys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Beatlology Interviews: Springsteen Drummer (and Beatles fan) Max Weinberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 40:04


    In this interview, Max talks about his favourite Beatle albums, Ringo's profound influence on rock drummers, and what happened onstage at a Springsteen concert the night Lennon was murdered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Beatlology Interviews: Yellow Submarine Animator Tom Halley

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 45:44


    Tom Halley was one of the brilliant animators on Yellow Submarine. The film is considered one of the most inventive animated films of all time. In this interview with the late animator, he tells us how he came to be involved, how they all managed to create this classic film in just 11 months. And much to our surprise, Tom tells us he was also an animator on the Beatles cartoon series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Marketing The Olympics

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2024 29:42


    With the Paris Olympics in motion, it is a good time to revisit this episode from our archives.From the first ad at the first Olympics in 1896, to the hundreds of millions spent on today's advertising contracts, sponsorship money has always been a contentious issue. The Olympics cost a fortune to stage, and sponsorship money makes it possible. But there's a price to pay when there's a price to pay. How marketing has evolved at the Olympics is a fascinating story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Beatlology Interviews: David Sheff

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2024 35:24


    David Sheff conducted the last major interview with John Lennon. Just as Double Fantasy was being released, Sheff interviewed John & Yoko for Playboy magazine. It was the famous interview where Lennon went through the Beatles catalogue song-by-song - just before he died. The backstory of that interview is fascinating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Tribute to Bob Newhart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 23:15


    I did a lot of commercials with Bob Newhart in the late 90s. He was one-in-a-million, a joy to work with, and he will be missed. And I want to tell you a very funny story that happened as a result of those commercials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Beatlology Interviews: Astrid Kirchherr

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2024 26:06


    Astrid Kirchherr holds a special place in the history of the Beatles. She took the famous Hamburg-era photos of the Beatles in their formative years, she inspired their “moptop” hairstyle, and she happened to fall in love with Stuart Sutcliffe, the fifth member of the Beatles. Her story is compelling, and her love of the Beatles, as friends, comes through in every word. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Beatlology Interviews

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2024 1:16


    Join Terry O'Reilly for a brand new Beatles series, where he interviews celebrities and collectors on their love of the Fab Four. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ask Terry (2024)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2024 30:22


    This week, we answer listener questions.We'll talk about how bands create theme songs for TV shows and how much they get paid. We'll go back in time and talk about that flirtatious couple from that famous Nescafe TV campaign. And we'll explore why condom makers now market different sizes, when it used to be one-size-fits-all.What's goin' on there? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Brand Envy 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2024 28:53


    This week, it's our annual Brand Envy episode. Every year, I list four brands I've admired from a distance. We'll talk about a classic board game created by a Canadian couple. An ice cream chain founded by another Canadian. An iconic lighter that was named after a zipper. And a woman who is dominating television these days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz: How Companies Double Their Profits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2024 27:52


    Every company dreams of doubling its profit. It's almost impossible to do. Yet, some companies do it by tweaking one tiny thing. We'll talk about an industry that put three words on their packaging that doubled their profit. A company that created a catchy jingle that doubled their revenue overnight. And a business that changed one single word in a headline and their profit went up 100%. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Houston, We Have Pizza: Advertising in Outer Space

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2024 27:01


    This week, we shoot for the moon. Now that commercialized space travel has arrived, the world of marketing is setting its sights on the stars. We'll talk about ads on rocket ships, ads on spacesuits, and television commercials filmed on the International Space Station. There are companies who want to employ hundreds of tiny satellites to create logos in the night sky. Some companies even want to put ads on the moon. And those ads might even be cheaper than Super Bowl commercials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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