

Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly
Apostrophe Podcast Network
Under the Influence gives listeners a rare backstage pass into the hallways, boardrooms and recording studios of the ad industry.Join host and adman Terry O’Reilly for fascinating (and humorous) stories that connect the dots between pop culture, marketing and human nature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 29min
Bookmarks
 Explore the enchanting origins of the beloved children's book, Goodnight Moon, and discover the secret behind David Bowie's striking eyes. Uncover the idea that creativity stems from hard work and iteration, while learning how friction and diverse opinions fuel great ideas. Delve into iconic film music, including the suspenseful score of Jaws, which showcases the power of suggestion. Join a captivating journey that highlights the importance of perseverance in storytelling and the magic of creative connections. 

12 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 29min
Hitting The Road With Marketing Mobiles
 Dive into the quirky world of marketing mobiles that have become unforgettable brand mascots! Discover the history behind the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and the clever design of Planters' Nutmobile. Learn about the giant Lifesavers roll and how Goodyear blimps soared into advertising fame. Explore Red Bull's innovative fleet of Mini Coopers that keep the brand energetic and visible. This episode captures the unique charm of promotional vehicles that still captivate audiences today! 

Oct 11, 2025 • 28min
Johnny Wants The Jet: The Loopy World of Loop Holes
 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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Oct 4, 2025 • 28min
Touch The Pickle: Marketing Gender Equality
 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.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Oct 2, 2025 • 52min
Nashville Songwriter Gary Burr Pens A Novel About A Fictional Beatles Reunion
 Gary Burr, a celebrated Nashville songwriter and musician, shares insights from his impressive career and his novel, *Reunion: A Rock ’N Roll Fairy Tale*. He creatively explores a world where John Lennon survived and the Beatles reunite for a benefit concert, sparked by Paul’s loss of Linda. Gary discusses his early influences, his chance encounters with Ringo Starr, and infuses real anecdotes from his life into the narrative. He also delves into the dynamics of the band in their 50s and the ongoing impact of Beatles fandom. 

19 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 28min
Allure of Bad-Ass Advertising: Anti Heroes
 The evolution of the anti-hero in pop culture is explored, highlighting iconic figures like Tony Soprano and their impact on storytelling. The discussion reveals how advertising mirrors this shift, giving rise to anti-hero brands that embrace flaws and break traditional molds. Examples like Hans Brinker Hotel's brutal honesty and Liquid Death's extreme marketing illustrate this trend. Audiences are drawn to the complexity of these characters and brands, reflecting a modern cynicism that encourages us to root for the unapologetically flawed. 

Sep 20, 2025 • 27min
Tools for the Family Jewels: Gender Bending Brands
 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Sep 13, 2025 • 28min
Hard Days & Golden Knights: The World of Brand Twins
 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Sep 6, 2025 • 28min
You Can Check In, But You Can't Check Out: Branded Hotel Rooms
 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Aug 30, 2025 • 27min
Dish Night at the Movies: Marketing Motion Pictures
 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 


