Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly
Episodes
Sweaty Billboards: Marketing The Movies
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 billboar...
Small Wonders: Tiny Inventions. Big Impact.
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Car Cuisine: Car Companies in the Food Business
21 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
From Tiffany’s to Donkeys: Catalogues Rise Again
14 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Happy World Radio Day. Revisiting "Air Quotes: Creative Radio"
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 wr...
Terry Ranks The Super Bowl 60 Ads
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 audienc...
Jingles: Rhythmic Instruction Manuals
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Interview with Genny Schorr, Punk Pioneer and Wardrobe Stylist To Rock Stars
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 roc...
Rage Marketing: Monetizing The Fury
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we look at “Rage Marketing.”Where a company or organization intentionally provokes the public to get angry. And hopefully spend money.W...
Clapback Advertising: The Art of the Response Ad
24 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Fakevertising
17 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ente...
Lend us your ears – we have some exciting news
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You asked, we listened.For the first time ever, both Android and Apple users can now get access to our exclusive subscriber-only bonus option. And we’...
Newsjacking
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We know you want to listen to all the ads in this show. On the off-chance you don’t, subscribe ad-free here.Lately companies have been hij...
Putting The Awe in Audio
03 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we look at the most creative audio ideas from around the world. Including a podcast for runners that only works if you’re actually r...
The Marketing of Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version)
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we analyze the remarkable marketing skills of one of the top music artists in the world - Taylor Swift.She has challenged the status quo at...
Cannabis Marketing
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we go one toke over the line and look at the emerging world of cannabis marketing.We start with the question - just how does a plant become...
Disappearing Acts: When Popular Brands Are Discontinued
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we look at a strange phenomenon happening in Canada. Well-established brands are suddenly leaving the country. Kleenex is leaving...
Double Fantasy Guitarist Earl Slick Talks About Lennon
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
December 8th is the 45th anniversary of John Lennon’s death. In this very revealing interview, I talk with Earl Slick, guitarist on Double Fantasy. ...
Copycat Brands
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we look at copycat brands.Even though they walk a razor’s edge legally, copycat brands seem to pop up all over the world.You may like Wal...
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Surprising Influence of Marketing
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So many things in our world are influenced by marketing. This week, we look at various aspects of our lives influenced by marketing. – but you ...
Nooner Nookie: The Allure of Marketing Freebies
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For over 100 years, “free” has been one of the most powerful words in the marketing world.And believe it or not, companies love freebies as much a...
Brand Envy
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we take a look at four brands that have found a way to survive for decades. One company has been entertaining crowds with wax for 200 ...
The Phrase That Pays: Marketing Contests
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing contests can be tricky business. On one hand, contests can be designed to help companies achieve certain business goals. On the ot...
Billboards Are Always In Bloom
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From our Season 12 Archives,Billboards are one of the biggest creative challenges in the marketing world.They need to be seven words or less.They need...
Bookmarks
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another favourite from our Season 12 Archives.This week it’s our annual Bookmarks episode.I read a lot of books to research Under The Influence.&nbs...
Hitting The Road With Marketing Mobiles
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From our Season 12 Archives... another favourite.You’ve probably seen those Red Bull Mini Coopers driving around town with the giant Red Bull can on...
Johnny Wants The Jet: The Loopy World of Loop Holes
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are some very interesting loopholes in the world of marketing.Because businesses are always looking for an upper hand in a competitive category,...
Touch The Pickle: Marketing Gender Equality
04 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Nashville Songwriter Gary Burr Pens A Novel About A Fictional Beatles Reunion
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ha...
Allure of Bad-Ass Advertising: Anti Heroes
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
20th century movies and TV shows were dominated by the traditional “hero.” With high morals and an ethical code of honour. Th...
Tools for the Family Jewels: Gender Bending Brands
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From our Season 12 Archives...This week, we look at companies that have spent decades advertising to only one gender - then suddenly decide to approac...
Hard Days & Golden Knights: The World of Brand Twins
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From our Season 12 Archives.Even though brand names are often protected by trademarks and copyrights, it’s remarkable how many times companies end u...
You Can Check In, But You Can't Check Out: Branded Hotel Rooms
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites.This week, we talk about hotel marketing. Specifically, how some hotels attract guests by adve...
Dish Night at the Movies: Marketing Motion Pictures
30 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From our Season 12 Archives, one of our favouritesThis week, we’re talking about the creative ways Hollywood markets films. We’ll talk about ...
The Very First Episode of "Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe" Podcast
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People often tell me they love the storytelling in Under the Influence. One of my favourite storytellers of all time is the late,...
When You've Got It, Flaunt It: The George Lois Story
16 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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-...
Gold, Silver & Spinach: TV Shows As Marketing
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
History of the Goalie Mask
02 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Long Overdue: The Creative Boom of Library Marketing
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Fish Where The Fish Are: Surprising Help Wanted Ads
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 abo...
Singer Dion DiMucci
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 episo...
The Willy Wonka Secret: Candy Bar Advertising
05 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Selling Love: The Business of Online Dating
28 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 servi...
Ask Terry 2025
21 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
Gone in 60 Seconds: Crazy Automobile Stunt Commercials
14 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 thei...
Yes I Can: Marketing to People with Disabilities
07 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we explore how advertisers market to people with disabilities. Disabled people are usually ignored in advertising campaigns. Yet ...
Brand Envy (2025)
31 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
CAT-alogues & DOG-alogues: Pet Marketing
17 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 objec...
Bookmarks 2025
10 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 do...
Seizing The Moment
03 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
A Moment I'll Never Forget: The Power of PSAs
26 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we look at public service announcements. PSAs have to compete with - not just other PSAs - but with all other commercials out there.&n...
Brand Strategist & Author Peter Wilken
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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-r...
Interview with Author & Arkells Frontman Max Kerman
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Brand, James Brand
19 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 bee...
Commercial Outtakes & Bloopers
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we have some fun and listen to commercial outtakes. Just like the movies, there are multiple takes, lots of pressure, and mistakes hap...
Two Minutes For Looking So Good: Star Athlete Endorsements
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Busiest Day Of The Year
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we ask an interesting question: What is the busiest day of the year for pizza delivery companies, Airbnb, Emergency Rooms, Maternity W...
Brand Envy #Canada
22 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
Orchestrating Elections: Political Campaign Songs
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Recorded Live in Toronto: Wicked Brand Fails of 2024
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 launc...
Putting the Motion in Motion Pictures: Movie Theatre Marketing
01 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, movie theatres have to compete with home theatre systems and streaming services.This week, we look at how cinemas are transforming to attract m...
Forbidden Branding
22 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
SNL & Commercial Parodies (Encore)
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Hug the Cactus: Advertising to Haters
15 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we look at how some companies advertise to haters.Every advertiser gets negative comments on social media. Some brands shrink away – and ...
Strange Smells: The Marketing of Unusual Fragrances
08 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 expressi...
Purple Comb-Overs: The Power of Personal Style
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we talk about some of the most interesting people throughout history – and the fact they all had a consistent personal style. Consis...
The Iceman Cometh: How Ice Transformed Our Lives
25 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 hi...
Last Chance Tourism
18 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we take a look at Last Chance Tourism.Tourism companies around the world have started to advertise specific destinations to travelers, beca...
From Bonanza to Batman: When Fictional Characters Endorse Real Products
11 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our first episode of 2025, we explore a strange aspect of advertising.Specifically, when TV and movie characters endorse products. Not the actors t...
Dave Cooks the Turkey
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Vi...
Rejecting Elf
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Terry guests on Talk About Talk
14 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Terry was recently interviewed on Dr. Andrea Wojnicki's podcast, Talk About Talk. Andrea is an executive communications coach. She helps executives im...
Under the Influence LIVE: Cheers to 20 Years
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, l...
The Beatlology Interviews: "Beatles ’64” director David Tedeschi
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Beatlology Interviews: Producer Mark Hudson
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Weight Loss Drug Ads: Good or Bad?
05 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Companies are spending big bucks advertising weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Rybelsus. This week, we’re dropping an episode of Brian Goldman...
The Beatlology Interviews: Actor Mark Hamill
21 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Hamill not only owns collectibles, he is a collectible. Mark talks to us about his first blush with the Beatles, how he began collectin...
The Beatlology Interviews: Springsteen Drummer (and Beatles fan) Max Weinberg
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this interview, Max talks about his favourite Beatle albums, Ringo’s profound influence on rock drummers, and what happened onstage at a Springst...
The Beatlology Interviews: Yellow Submarine Animator Tom Halley
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 thi...
Marketing The Olympics
10 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Beatlology Interviews: David Sheff
27 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
David Sheff conducted the last major interview with John Lennon. Just as Double Fantasy was being released, Sheff interviewed John & Yoko for Play...
A Tribute to Bob Newhart
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 yo...
The Beatlology Interviews: Astrid Kirchherr
20 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
The Beatlology Interviews
13 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. S...
Ask Terry (2024)
22 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Brand Envy 2024
15 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz: How Companies Double Their Profits
08 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every company dreams of doubling its profit. It’s almost impossible to do. Yet, some companies do it by tweaking one tiny thing. We’...
Houston, We Have Pizza: Advertising in Outer Space
01 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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.&nb...
Die Another Day: Reviving Old Commercials
25 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Occasionally, an old advertising campaign is brought back from the dead. Even if it has been off the air for decades. This week, we’ll dis...
Bookmarks 2024
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week it’s our annual Bookmarks episode.We read a lot of books to research Under The Influence. But there’s never enough room to include ...
Record the Under the Influence Fun Fact
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Under the Influence fans know that at the very end of each episode there’s a Fun Fact – an interesting little tidbit related to the show. Well, th...
The Gong Show: Ads That Could Never (Ever) Run Today
04 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we go back in advertising history and take a look at the ads and commercials that could never, ever, EVER run today. They are either s...
Cars Are The Stars: Automobile Brands in Hollywood
27 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Almost every movie and television show needs cars, and auto companies are happy to supply them – because it helps sell a lot of cars. We’ll l...
Ham on Wry: Sandwich Board Advertising
20 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Take a walk down any busy main street, and you’ll probably see one of the oldest forms of advertising: The sandwich board. They have been ...
Pants on Fire: When Customers Lie to Marketers
13 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Customers often lie to companies in surveys, polls and focus groups. Yet advertisers rely on that flawed and false feedback to market brands and ...
Cheeky Advertising
06 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
80% of all advertising is ignored. That’s why some advertisers employ cheeky advertising. It’s usually bold – outrageous – and somet...
Billionaire Tourism
30 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most tourism marketing aims at the largest audience possible. This week, we look at a sub-category aimed at the smallest audience possible: ...
When You're This Big, They Call you Mister
16 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are some time-honored honorifics in the world of marketing. “Honorifics” are titles like Mr., Mrs., Doctor, Captain or Colonel.&nb...
Terry Interviews Arkells Lead Singer Max Kerman
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Arkells is a band that likes to have fun.They are also a very smart band that understands the critical mix of artistry and marketing in a competitive ...
Buy-O-Pics: When Brands Become Movies
09 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Oscar night approaches, we head to theatres to figure out why movies about brands are so popular.“Barbie” is breaking box office records. ...