

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

Aug 2, 2025 • 34min
History of the Goalie Mask
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.

23 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 27min
Long Overdue: The Creative Boom of Library Marketing
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.

Jul 19, 2025 • 27min
Fish Where The Fish Are: Surprising Help Wanted Ads
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.--------Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use codeTERRY at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/terry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 12, 2025 • 46min
Singer Dion DiMucci
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.--------Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use codeTERRY at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/terry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 5, 2025 • 27min
The Willy Wonka Secret: Candy Bar Advertising
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.--------Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use codeTERRY at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/terry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 snips
Jun 28, 2025 • 29min
Selling Love: The Business of Online Dating
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.

Jun 21, 2025 • 28min
Ask Terry 2025
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.

Jun 14, 2025 • 27min
Gone in 60 Seconds: Crazy Automobile Stunt Commercials
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 their lives spelling out the word “Honda” in the sky, a commercial where a car speeds on the roof of a skyscraper, and a story about a car that was dropped from an airplane - and the parachute didn’t work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 28min
Yes I Can: Marketing to People with Disabilities
Dive into the fascinating world of marketing to people with disabilities, a often overlooked yet powerful consumer segment. Discover the curb cut effect, revealing how accessibility innovations benefit everyone. Explore the economic clout of disabled individuals, with their staggering $490 billion in purchasing power. Learn about ground-breaking campaigns that shift perceptions and celebrate the achievements of disabled athletes. This discussion highlights the importance of inclusivity in advertising, showcasing both ethical and strategic advantages for brands.

6 snips
May 31, 2025 • 27min
Brand Envy (2025)
Dive into the fascinating stories of four standout brands that triumphed against the odds. Discover the empowering journey of Elizabeth Arden in cosmetics during a time when women had few rights. Explore the legacy of Kawartha Dairy, a family-run business thriving for 88 years. Feel the nostalgia for a beloved band and unravel the record-breaking success of a TV show that captured hearts. Learn how envy shapes consumer loyalty and the clever marketing behind iconic products like Coffee Crisp.