Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

Explore the brilliant marketing strategies of Taylor Swift, who has reshaped the music industry. Discover how she regained control of her master recordings and persuaded streaming giants to pay artists fairly. Dive into her intimate fan interactions, like surprise listening parties, and the engaging Easter eggs hidden in her lyrics. Learn about the monumental success of her re-recorded albums, the cultural impact of her Eras Tour, and her influence beyond music, from economics to sports. Swift's story highlights her unique approach to branding and advocacy.

Dive into the fascinating world of cannabis marketing, where the journey from illegal plant to cultural icon unfolds. Discover how Bob Dylan introduced the Beatles to marijuana and its lasting impact on music. Explore celebrity cannabis brands like Willie Nelson's, and learn about the surprising retail surge in luxury cannabis accessories. From the effects of legalization on various industries to clever advertising strategies, this conversation covers the multifaceted evolution of cannabis in the marketplace.

A curious trend unfolds in Canada as beloved brands like Kleenex and Skippy pack their bags after decades of loyalty. KFC even held a funeral for their unpopular fries, showcasing the strange ways companies say goodbye. With nostalgia bubbling up, fans are rallying to revive favorites like A&W's Whistle Dog through petitions and social media campaigns. Dive into the emotional connections we have with these brands and discover the factors behind their sudden disappearances.

This week’s guest is Earl Slick, a veteran rock guitarist renowned for his work with David Bowie and as a key player on John Lennon’s final albums. Earl shares fascinating insights about recording Double Fantasy, from Lennon’s humor to the unique recording process that emphasized feel over precision. He recounts his first meeting with Lennon and the shock of learning about John’s murder. Earl also reflects on Lennon's guitar skills, the album's legacy, and his own creative journey, adding an intimate layer to the music we love.

Explore the world of copycat brands that tread a fine legal line. Discover Wumart's rise in China and South Butt's cheeky take on North Face. Hear how Dumb Starbucks sparked debates over parody versus infringement. Learn about Hydrox, the cookie that was overshadowed by Oreo, and its fight for revival. Uncover the intriguing stories behind these brands and the legal wranglings that make them so fascinating. Eavesdrop on the fine balance between imitation and originality!

Discover how marketing quietly shapes our everyday lives. Learn how the term 'jaywalking' shifted blame from drivers to pedestrians. Explore the surprising origin of the 10,000-steps-a-day goal linked to a 1964 marketing strategy. Uncover the story behind the Butterball Turkey Hotline and its explosive impact. Delight in the journey of the 'Ted Lasso' character from commercials to a beloved TV show. These hidden influences reveal the sneaky power of marketing we often overlook.

Discover the magical allure of 'free' in marketing. Explore the quirky tale of a ketchup company gifting a man a boat after a survival story. Hear how Under Armour created size 23 shoes for a teenager’s unique needs. Dive into a hotel’s cheeky promotion that led to an astonishing 18 years of free stays for a couple. Plus, learn about Olive Garden rewarding engagement photos with a honeymoon trip. These stories reveal how companies cleverly use freebies to build goodwill and grab headlines.

Explore the captivating stories of four iconic brands that have thrived for decades. Discover how a wax attraction has kept audiences spellbound for 200 years and a restaurant has perfected their ice cream swirl for over 80 years. Learn about the intriguing partnership between a luxury car brand and a famous spy, along with how a bubblegum brand remains beloved through nostalgia and collectibles. Join the discussion on what keeps these brands alive and evolving in a changing market.

Marketing contests can be a double-edged sword, leading to unexpected results. Learn about a city that hilariously voted to name a building after Harry Baals. Discover how Goldfish's TikTok challenge reignited adult sales in a playful way. BMW's April Fool's stunt rewarded bravery with a free car, while a Singapore radio contest stumbled over a mispronounced name. Walmart's contest turned into a prank concert with Pitbull. This discussion reveals the delicate balance between engaging the public and maintaining control.

Explore the creative world of billboards, where less is more. Discover how British Airways utilized real-time flight data for a captivating display. Marvel at Skoda's tiny billboards cleverly placed to attract drivers. Learn about Audi's innovative fog-projected ads that illuminate their eco-friendly technology. And prepare to laugh at a wild stunt involving a giant muffin that went hilariously wrong. Join in on the journey of ingenious advertising that pushes boundaries with limited words!