Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

As Oscar night approaches, we head to theatres to figure out why movies about brands are so popular.“Barbie” is breaking box office records. “Air” tells the story of Nike signing Michael Jordan.“Blackberry” explains the spectacular rise and fall of the first smartphone – and is getting great reviews. And a movie about the origins of McDonald’s – starring Michael Keaton - just might surprise you.They don’t only tell the brand stories, they each ask big, existential questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, we talked about the best historic demonstration commercials of all time. This week, we feature some of the most recent.Like an air freshener commercial that tricked blindfolded people into thinking a filthy toilet smelled like flowers.And a stunt where an ad agency put $3 million dollars between the glass of a bus shelter - unguarded, to demonstrate a point. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I ask a dozen of the top creative directors in the advertising business to tell me the best “demonstration commercials” they have ever seen.Because there is nothing more powerful than a dramatic product demonstration.We’ll talk about a famous Krazy Glue commercial.And a Volvo ad where the ad writer risked his life to demonstrate a point. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast explores creative audio ideas worldwide, including a podcast for runners that only works while running, a police recruitment campaign using true crime, and an alternative audio track for Disney's Pocahontas. The power of audio storytelling is also discussed, showcasing its impact and influential capabilities.

Terry talks with Wallace McDo, a cannabis producer. They discuss how a cannabis producer becomes licensed, how a craft cannabis company competes with big companies, and how a small cannabis company markets its products in a highly regulated category. The interview also explores the involvement of Wallace's family in the business, the significance of the name 'Primo,' and promoting dignified consumption in the cannabis industry.

Taylor Swift, top music artist with remarkable marketing skills, regained ownership of her master recordings, convinced Apple and Spotify to pay artists equally, defied Hollywood, and holds over 70 Guinness World Records.

This week, we go one toke over the line and look at the emerging world of cannabis marketing.We start with the question - just how does a plant become illegal?We’ll explore the history of cannabis.We’ll talk about which celebrities have their own brands (Hello Willie Nelson!)Which high-end retail stores are now selling expensive cannabis paraphernalia.And which non-cannabis businesses are seeing a surprising uptick in sales - like fertilizer companies and fast-food restaurants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recently, we recorded a live show at Reid’s Distillery in Toronto. Reid’s is a great gin joint, and the vibe is a cool lounge with vintage tables and seating. There was no stage, so we recorded the podcast on the floor, with the audience seated all around us. In this episode, we talk about ads that are so bad… they become cult classics. Like the commercial where a woman has fallen and can’t get up, the local jeweller who wears tights and a cape in his ads, and that commercial where Patrick gets life insurance. They are so bad, they’re good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast explores the world of copycat brands, from Walmart's Wumart in China to the success of a copycat cookie overtaking the original. It delves into copyright infringement cases in the music industry and the coffee shop industry, highlighting cases like Dumb Starbucks and the South Butt. The podcast also discusses the legal actions faced by Down-N-Out and the rivalry between Oreo and Hydrox as copycat brands. Overall, it navigates the complexity of parody versus infringement in the world of copycat brands.

Canada experiences the strange phenomenon of well-established brands disappearing, including Kleenex, Skippy Peanut Butter, and KFC's French fries. The podcast delves into the reasons behind these disappearances and explores the emotional connection consumers have with discontinued products. It also discusses the farewell tours of popular bands and the subsequent return to touring.