Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

This week, we look at the staying power of Catalogues.They’ve been around since the mid 1800s, and they helped build the country.We’ll talk about how catalogues let retailers reach people in far-flung towns and villages.How catalogues finally allowed rural folks to have access to the same goods as city dwellers.And how Seinfeld’s J. Peterman became an owner of the actual J. Peterman catalogue.

In celebration of World Radio Day, we look back on some of the most creative radio advertising from around the world. It’s the toughest medium to write for – but it’s also the most creatively freeing. We’ll hear commercials for a hair removal product, a fast-food series created for these confusing times and a student audio idea that attracted Taylor Swift.

Super Bowl 60 had an interesting mix of commercials - from humorous to emotional to plain weird. Terry ranks his favs and compares his list to audience favs.

This week, we look at a sub-category of jingles.Most successful jingles are catchy little earworms.But these particular little ditties use lyrics to tell you how to use the product, or how to play the advertised game.They’re not just catchy… they’re rhythmic instruction manuals.

Inspired by the Beatles, Genny Schorr was a member of one of the first female punk bands in LA. She co-owned a vintage fashion store frequented by rock stars, and was wardrobe stylist for the Bangles, Tom Petty, and Linda Ronstadt.Her spouse is Kosh, who was the creative director of Apple Records for the Beatles.Her new book is titled “All Roads Lead To Punk: Riding the First Wave of the Phenomenal Los Angeles Punk Scene Through Music and Fashion" - and she has one fascinating story to tell.

This week, we look at “Rage Marketing.”Where a company or organization intentionally provokes the public to get angry. And hopefully spend money.We’ll look at the American Eagle/Sydney Sweeney controversy.We’ll talk about an actress who faked her own death to make a point.And how Connecticut made New Yorkers furious when it said it makes the best pizza in the country.

This week, we look at “Clapback Ads.”A clapback ad is a response or retaliation to another commercial.We’ll talk about a Canadian province that took offence to a Vrbo ad.A youth orchestra who retaliated against a big car commercial.And a tech company CEO who got caught having an affair – which forced his company to respond - with humour.

The world of marketing has discovered there’s money to be made in creating fake ads.But, they’re not trying to fool you - they’re trying to entertain you. Companies are creating fake ads and fake stores and even fake mistakes - on purpose - in order to gain your attention.The trick is to appear absolutely legitimate.While gently pulling your leg at the same time.

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