Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

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

Dive into the audacious world of George Lois, a fearless advertising legend known for his outrageous techniques. Discover how he revolutionized the industry in the '60s, creating iconic campaigns and covers that tackled social issues. From launching Xerox to resurrecting MTV, Lois's bold strategies and relentless creativity made waves. His life lessons mirror the zest for living exemplified by Zorba the Greek, inspiring others to embrace change and confront their fears. Prepare for a colorful journey filled with passion and innovation!

In this insightful discussion, the power of television as a marketing tool is unveiled. It explores how beloved characters like Popeye not only entertain but also boost sales, particularly for spinach. There's a dive into The Love Boat’s impact on the cruise industry and how shows like Pawn Stars redefined Las Vegas tourism. The transformative effect of Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' on Formula 1 is highlighted, showcasing its role in reshaping audience engagement and marketing strategies in today's ad-free environment.

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

The discussion dives into the innovative ways libraries market themselves, showcasing campaigns that rival corporate promotions. You'll hear about a thrilling library video series reminiscent of a cop show and the amusing rivalry between libraries on social media. Personal stories about rare books and overdue adventures add charm to the conversation. Creative strategies, like playful promotions during the NBA Finals and humorous video parodies, highlight the resourcefulness of libraries in connecting with their communities.

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

Explore the intriguing history of love and dating, tracing back to the first matchmaking services. Discover how innovative campaigns like those by Match.com have reshaped perceptions of online romance. Dive into the digital dating revolution, where apps like Tinder and Hinge have transformed our connections with their fun, engaging features. The rise of niche dating platforms highlights their unique approaches to cater to specific audiences, making love more accessible than ever. It's a fascinating look at how desire has been marketed and adapted through the ages.

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