
Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly
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.
Latest episodes

13 snips
Apr 12, 2025 • 27min
Commercial Outtakes & Bloopers
Get ready for some hilarious commercial outtakes! Discover the chaos of filmmaking as actors mix up lines and break into laughter. Explore the comedic art of spoonerisms, leading to laugh-out-loud mispronunciations. Relive Orson Welles' delightful moments with a famous wine brand, showcasing that authenticity can beat polished perfection. With engaging anecdotes and insights, this lively conversation reminds us that mistakes can be the best part of entertainment!

6 snips
Apr 5, 2025 • 28min
Two Minutes For Looking So Good: Star Athlete Endorsements
Explore the fascinating world of sports star endorsements. Discover how Rocket Richard inspired a catchphrase that resonates with Boomers. Dive into Serena Williams' impactful Nike commercial promoting women in sports. Uncover the quirky story of Joe Namath endorsing pantyhose, breaking gender norms with charm and humor. This podcast weaves together iconic moments and the powerful intersection of athletics and advertising, revealing how athlete endorsements reshape perceptions and drive consumer behavior.

Mar 29, 2025 • 27min
Busiest Day Of The Year
Discover the surprising busiest days of the year for pizza deliveries, Airbnb, and even maternity wards. The podcast dives into the wild world of holiday trends, revealing peak times for everything from weddings to bathroom emergencies. Learn how brands shift their marketing strategies to capitalize on consumer behavior during these chaotic periods. You'll be amazed by the unexpected connections between holidays and service demands, making you rethink your own holiday plans and celebrations!

5 snips
Mar 22, 2025 • 27min
Brand Envy #Canada
Dive into the Canadian brand landscape as the discussion highlights iconic successes like Aldo and Catelli, blending innovation with cultural significance. Discover the fascinating backstory of the world-class cymbal maker, Sabian Symbols, and its ties to a beloved children's show. Explore the resilience of a family-owned business in New Brunswick that thrives against competition. This lively celebration of Canadian entrepreneurship showcases how these brands foster loyalty and admiration on both local and global stages.

Mar 15, 2025 • 25min
Orchestrating Elections: Political Campaign Songs
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.

8 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 27min
Recorded Live in Toronto: Wicked Brand Fails of 2024
Discover the most shocking brand fails of 2024, featuring Apple's thinnest computer that turned into a PR nightmare. Delve into a controversial candle that ignited accusations of white supremacy. There's also a hilarious twist involving a children's doll that mistakenly linked to a porn site. Learn how these blunders highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity in marketing and the unpredictable nature of consumer reactions. Tune in for insights and laughter as we explore the wild world of brand missteps!

22 snips
Mar 1, 2025 • 27min
Putting the Motion in Motion Pictures: Movie Theatre Marketing
Movie theaters are reinventing themselves to attract audiences in the age of streaming. From luxurious dining options to dynamic loyalty programs, these venues are going all out. They’re even offering immersive “atmospheric” experiences with effects like wind and scents that enhance the film. The competition is fierce, and cinemas are making every effort to ensure there's no place like the big screen.

10 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 27min
Forbidden Branding
Discover the forbidden aspects of marketing, including strict rules on using national anthems and sounds in ads. Uncover the past bans on chess and their ethical implications for branding today. Delve into a poignant ad tied to women's rights and the Roe v. Wade verdict, sparking debate over lost freedoms. Explore how Winnie the Pooh was censored in China for resembling a leader, highlighting the fine line between branding and political authority. It's a wild ride through unexpected marketing challenges!

7 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 27min
SNL & Commercial Parodies (Encore)
Delve into the magic of comedy with a spotlight on SNL's legendary commercial parodies. Discover how 'Airplane!' transformed dramatic narratives into sharp satire and influenced generations of ad writers. Explore the evolution of parody in advertising, showcasing iconic spoofs and the cultural critiques embedded in humor. Uncover the legal battles surrounding famous parodies and witness the profound impact pop culture has on the advertising landscape. It's a humorous journey through the intersection of comedy and consumer culture.

8 snips
Feb 15, 2025 • 26min
Hug the Cactus: Advertising to Haters
Discover how brands ingeniously tackle negative comments on social media. Supercuts turns jabs about cheap haircuts into an amusing ad campaign. Spirit Airlines offers haters a chance to vent and rewards them with free air miles. Meanwhile, Oatly takes it a step further by dedicating a website to their critics. The discussion highlights how these companies transform criticism into creative marketing strategies, proving that embracing negativity can lead to success.
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