Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

From our Season 11 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we look at the ways libraries market themselves. If you think libraries are quiet, you’ve got another thing coming. We’ll talk about a library video series that played like a TV cop show - and - we’ll look at library wars - when libraries battle each other on social media. -------- 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.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

From our Season 11 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we explore how dating agencies Sell Love. We’ll talk about the very first dating service in history, we’ll explore one app that is more about lust than love and we’ll talk about how heartthrob Reynolds created one of the best dating commercials of the last 10 years. -------- Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code TERRY at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/terry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2025

This week, we explore how advertisers market to people with disabilities. Disabled people are usually ignored in advertising campaigns. Yet people with disabilities control half a trillion dollars in spending money.We’ll look at four powerful campaigns that not only feature people with disabilities, but these commercials are disrupting the public’s negative perceptions of the disabled.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

This week, it’s our annual Brand Envy episode. We look at four brands that I admire. One is a cosmetics empire started by a woman in an era when women couldn’t even vote.One is a band I have a soft spot for.Another is a family-owned business that has lasted 88 years.The fourth is a TV show that broke records. And they all have one thing in common – they succeeded against all odds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

 This week, we talk about Pet Marketing. The pet products industry is worth about $150 billion dollars. And when you love a pet, money is no object. We’ll listen to a pet food campaign that had dogs conduct a symphony orchestra. We’ll flip through IKEA’s CAT-alogues and DOG-alogues. And we’ll explore Dolly Parton’s “Doggy Parton” fashion line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

This week, it’s our annual “Bookmarks” episode. We read a lot of books to research this show, and often we stumble on great stories that don’t fit our regular episodes. So we save them up for this show. We’ll talk about a new book on SNL producer Lorne Michaels, we’ll take a few notes from a famous songwriter, and we’ll talk about a Bible with a wicked typo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2025

This week, we look at how the marketing industry seizes pop culture moments. We’ll talk about a website that got national attention by making a bold prediction about a TV show. How A1 Steak Sauce caught the funniest – and luckiest break. And how Pepsi grabbed a hilarious opportunity by following pizza delivery drivers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2025

This week, we look at public service announcements. PSAs have to compete with - not just other PSAs - but with all other commercials out there. And do it with an iota of the budget. It requires exceptional creativity.  We’ll talk about how Elvis got teens to get a polio vaccine, and a drinking & driving commercial recorded by drunk actors.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

Peter Wilken has over 40 years experience working with the world’s top brands. He has run advertising agency networks around the world. In our far-reaching conversation, Peter brings battle-tested insights to the table, tells us interesting stories about the brands he’s worked for, how to manage creative people, and explains the critical difference between branding and brand building. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

Arkells frontman Max Kerman has written his first book, “Try Hard: Creative Work in Progress.” Max talks about what a lead singer for a band does all day, the nuts and bolts of song writing, how he prepares for a show - but more importantly - Max talks about how the creative process is not all about talent, it’s about curiosity, enthusiasm, and learning how to work hard and enjoy ever minute of it. And in this interview, Max gives you a framework for how to bring more creativity into your life and where to begin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

It was big news recently that Amazon is taking over creative control of the James Bond franchise. So this week, we look at how James Bond has been employed to pitch products over the years. From high-end watches, to beer, liquor and breakfast cereals, 007 has been busy. And even the Bond villains have been hawking products. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

This week, we have some fun and listen to commercial outtakes. Just like the movies, there are multiple takes, lots of pressure, and mistakes happen. Sometimes actors get the words all mixed up to hilarious results. Sometimes celebrities have melt-downs. And sometimes professional actors just break down in a fit of the giggles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

This week, we’ll tell the stories behind some of the most famous – and infamous – sports star endorsements of all time. We’ll talk about a Rocket Richard commercial that spawned a catchphrase that nearly every Boomer can recite. We’ll look at a powerful Nike commercial Serena Williams did about women in sports. And we’ll talk about what it took to put quarterback Joe Namath in pantyhose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2025

This week, we ask an interesting question: What is the busiest day of the year for pizza delivery companies, Airbnb, Emergency Rooms, Maternity Wards, restaurants and dating apps? What is the busiest day of the year for weddings? And what is the busiest day of the year for… plumbers? It’s all fascinating – and often very surprising. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

This week, we thought it would be timely to retrieve this episode from our archives. A Brand Envy episode in celebration of Canadian brands. We’ll look at what may be the most successful global retailer Canada has ever built, a television pioneer worshipped and revered by generations of Canadians and a world-class brand that operates out of the smallest village in New Brunswick. We’ve certainly bred some amazing brands up here in the Great White North.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

Recorded before a live audience at Reid’s Distillery, this episode lists some of the biggest brand fails of 2024. We’ll talk about when Apple launched its thinnest computer ever, which led to a big fat PR problem. We’ll look at a seasonal candle that fired up accusations of white supremacy. And we’ll try and figure out how a children’s doll package ended up listing the URL for a porn site. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2025

Today, movie theatres have to compete with home theatre systems and streaming services. This week, we look at how cinemas are transforming to attract more movie goers. To survive, theatres now offer restaurant meals and full bar menus. They offer loyalty programs and special theme nights. And many cinemas now offer patrons “atmospheric” movie experiences – where wind blows through your hair, rain falls from the ceiling, and seats not only jolt back and forth, they also emit smells that mirror the action on the screen. It puts the motion in motion picture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2025

There are things in the world of marketing that are forbidden. It’s illegal to use certain sounds, for example. If an advertiser does use them, they are heavily fined. In some countries, there are rules around using national anthems in commercials. In other countries, there are no rules. And even Winnie the Pooh is forbidden in one country because it apparently makes fun of their leader. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2025

During SNL's recent 50th anniversary special, it showed a montage of their famous commercial parodies. Here’s an episode that talks about those and many others - and how SNL influenced the ad writers of my generation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

This week, we look at how some companies advertise to haters. Every advertiser gets negative comments on social media. Some brands shrink away – and some take those negative comments and spin them into marketing gold. Supercuts took negative comments about cheap haircuts and created a hilarious advertising campaign.Spirit Airlines gave haters a place to vent – then offered them 8,000 free air miles.And drink maker Oatly, actually dedicated a website to their haters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 February 2025

This week, we take a whiff of some of the strangest fragrances being marketed today. Choosing a perfume or cologne is a form of personal expression. What you smell like says something about you. But does that include bacon perfume? Or mayonnaise cologne? There’s a fragrance that makes you smell like a bakery, and a soap for men that smells like gasoline. Uncommon Scents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2025

This week, we talk about some of the most interesting people throughout history – and the fact they all had a consistent personal style. Consistency is the key to branding, and these famous people all understood that. We’ll take a look at Julius Caesar, who shocked fellow Romans with the way he dressed and acted. We’ll examine the incredible popularity of Charlie Chaplin’s “Little Tramp” character that never changed throughout 25 films. And we’ll talk about celebrities who adopted a singular colour as their personal branding – like Prince and Johnny Cash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2025

This week, we look at the marketing of ICE. It may sound like a strange topic, but our obsession with ice - as a product - is only 200 years old. The history of ice marketing starts with an amazing story about a bold entrepreneur with a vision, the cutthroat clash between competing ice companies, and the long list of ice brands and products that has transformed our lives. It's a remarkable story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2025

This week, we take a look at Last Chance Tourism. Tourism companies around the world have started to advertise specific destinations to travelers, because those locations have a very unique offering. Namely, they are vanishing. From glaciers, to polar bears, to the Amazon Rainforest. Marketers are using a strategy called “Loss Aversion” – where the emotional impact of a loss is felt more intensely than a gain. So people are rushing to these locations, afraid they might miss their last chance to see them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2025

In our first episode of 2025, we explore a strange aspect of advertising. Specifically, when TV and movie characters endorse products. Not the actors themselves - but the characters they portray. It's a trend that started in the early '60s with the Andy Griffith Show and Bonanza. Today, it includes characters like Breaking Bad's Walter White and even Phil Dunphy from Modern Family. Sometimes it's funny - and sometimes it bends the time/space continuum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 January 2025

As you might know, the team behind Under The Influence has more podcasts executive produced by Terry. The story in this episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe is the most requested Vinyl Cafe story of all time. "Today is the day Dave cooks the turkey!" Jess tells us why it gives her such pleasure to say those words, and plays the beloved story that has become a Christmas tradition for so many. So roll out the cookies, grab the wrapping paper or trim the tree as you enjoy "Dave Cooks the Turkey." And check out Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe for more holiday favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2024

Another one of our favourite episodes from our sister podcast We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast and just in time for the holiday, is the rejection story of the movie Elf. This beloved and timeless Christmas classic, starring Will Ferrell brought in over $200M at the box office. But, back in 2000 the script was rejected by production companies, studios, directors and actors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2024

Terry was recently interviewed on Dr. Andrea Wojnicki's podcast, Talk About Talk. Andrea is an executive communications coach. She helps executives improve their communication skills and elevate their confidence and credibility. It is an interesting chat about communication. Hope you enjoy it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2024

Believe it or not, this January will mark our 20th year on CBC. To celebrate the milestone, join us Feb 6th for a live podcast recording, a Q&A, live band, giveaways and yummy gin cocktails at Reid’s Distillery in Toronto.  Tickets here.  Time flies when you’re Under the Influence. Hope to see you there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

I talk to director David Tedeschi about his new Beatles film. Produced by Martin Scorsese, it captures the mania of Beatlemania when the Fab Four land in New York for the first time in 1964, including their historic appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. David tells us how it all came together, and what surprising things he learned about this first Fab Four trip. The film contains 17 minutes of brand new footage (restored by Pater Jackson’s company), the soundtrack has been remixed by Giles Martin, and contains new interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2024

Mark has produced nine albums for Ringo. Before that, he was part of the Hudson Brothers. They had hit songs and the Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle TV show made them teen idols in the 70s. Mark is a huge Beatles fan and collector - and has spent time with all four Beatles. He’s a great storyteller. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2024

Companies are spending big bucks advertising weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Rybelsus. This week, we’re dropping an episode of Brian Goldman’s White Coat, Black Art podcast into our feed.We thought you might find the topic interesting. In Canada, "reminder ads" can only give the medication's name, but they can’t tell you what the drug is for. They just tell people to ask their doctor for more information. I join Dr. Goldman in this episode to talk about those ads.Are those ads good – or are they bad? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2024

Mark Hamill not only owns collectibles, he is a collectible. Mark talks to us about his first blush with the Beatles, how he began collecting Beatles memorabilia, that time he met George Harrison on a plane, and whether or not he let his kids play with Star Wars toys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2024

In this interview, Max talks about his favourite Beatle albums, Ringo’s profound influence on rock drummers, and what happened onstage at a Springsteen concert the night Lennon was murdered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2024

Tom Halley was one of the brilliant animators on Yellow Submarine. The film is considered one of the most inventive animated films of all time. In this interview with the late animator, he tells us how he came to be involved, how they all managed to create this classic film in just 11 months. And much to our surprise, Tom tells us he was also an animator on the Beatles cartoon series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2024

With the Paris Olympics in motion, it is a good time to revisit this episode from our archives.From the first ad at the first Olympics in 1896, to the hundreds of millions spent on today's advertising contracts, sponsorship money has always been a contentious issue. The Olympics cost a fortune to stage, and sponsorship money makes it possible. But there's a price to pay when there's a price to pay. How marketing has evolved at the Olympics is a fascinating story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 August 2024

David Sheff conducted the last major interview with John Lennon. Just as Double Fantasy was being released, Sheff interviewed John & Yoko for Playboy magazine. It was the famous interview where Lennon went through the Beatles catalogue song-by-song - just before he died. The backstory of that interview is fascinating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 July 2024

I did a lot of commercials with Bob Newhart in the late 90s. He was one-in-a-million, a joy to work with, and he will be missed. And I want to tell you a very funny story that happened as a result of those commercials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

Astrid Kirchherr holds a special place in the history of the Beatles. She took the famous Hamburg-era photos of the Beatles in their formative years, she inspired their “moptop” hairstyle, and she happened to fall in love with Stuart Sutcliffe, the fifth member of the Beatles. Her story is compelling, and her love of the Beatles, as friends, comes through in every word. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2024

Join Terry O’Reilly for a brand new Beatles series, where he interviews celebrities and collectors on their love of the Fab Four. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2024

This week, we answer listener questions. We’ll talk about how bands create theme songs for TV shows and how much they get paid.  We’ll go back in time and talk about that flirtatious couple from that famous Nescafe TV campaign.  And we’ll explore why condom makers now market different sizes, when it used to be one-size-fits-all. What’s goin’ on there? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2024

This week, it’s our annual Brand Envy episode. Every year, I list four brands I’ve admired from a distance. We’ll talk about a classic board game created by a Canadian couple. An ice cream chain founded by another Canadian. An iconic lighter that was named after a zipper. And a woman who is dominating television these days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2024

Every company dreams of doubling its profit. It’s almost impossible to do. Yet, some companies do it by tweaking one tiny thing. We’ll talk about an industry that put three words on their packaging that doubled their profit. A company that created a catchy jingle that doubled their revenue overnight. And a business that changed one single word in a headline and their profit went up 100%. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2024

This week, we shoot for the moon. Now that commercialized space travel has arrived, the world of marketing is setting its sights on the stars. We’ll talk about ads on rocket ships, ads on spacesuits, and television commercials filmed on the International Space Station. There are companies who want to employ hundreds of tiny satellites to create logos in the night sky. Some companies even want to put ads on the moon. And those ads might even be cheaper than Super Bowl commercials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2024

Occasionally, an old advertising campaign is brought back from the dead. Even if it has been off the air for decades. This week, we’ll discuss a recurring Coke commercial that has been called the most popular ad of all time. A much-loved beer campaign that has been revived after 34 years. And a controversial commercial that was yanked off the air in 1989, but was re-run again recently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2024