Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

A dive into catchy jingles that do more than stick in your head. Short songs that actually teach you how to use products or play games. Stories about historic brand ditties like Clapper, Alka-Seltzer, Mr. Clean and toy tunes that explained play. A look at why rhythmic instructionals shaped buying and play habits and why they have mostly vanished.

Genny Schorr, punk musician turned vintage-fashion shop co-owner and rock-star wardrobe stylist, shares her life from early LA punk bands to styling icons like Linda Ronstadt. Short, lively stories cover sneaking into Paul McCartney’s party, opening for major acts in 1977, the Straightjacket boutique’s custom pieces, and the arc from punk stages to dressing famous performers.

They examine 'rage marketing' tactics that deliberately provoke public anger to gain attention and sales. Stories include a controversial pun ad, a fake-death stunt to raise awareness, and a state claiming to have the best pizza to rile neighbors. Discussion centers on how outrage can be engineered, the fallout it creates, and when publicity outweighs risk.

A look at clapback ads and how brands and communities answer one another. Stories include a Super Bowl spot that provoked a provincial pride response. A car ad that prompted a youth orchestra to fire back. A tech scandal handled with humor to regain control of the narrative.

Dive into the quirky world of fake advertising where companies create comically fake products to grab attention. Discover how Obvious Plant turned pranks into a profitable venture and how Maybelline's subway mascara hoax went viral. Learn about clever stunts like Fevicol's glued-down free store and how Payless fooled fashion influencers with a luxury brand facade. Explore the psychology behind fake ads and why they capture our interest while still appearing genuine. Marketing has never been so entertaining!

Exciting news unfolds as both Android and Apple users gain access to exclusive subscriber-only content. Listeners can enjoy ad-free episodes, early access, and bonus stories from the cutting room floor. Dive deeper with Q&As and connect to other Apostrophe shows like Vinyl Cafe and Beatlology, complete with live events and chats with the hosts. Discounts on merch and early ticket access for live shows are also on the table! Get ready for a whole new level of fan engagement.

Explore the clever world of newsjacking, where brands capitalize on breaking news to create memorable ads. Discover how a ladder company humorously used a Louvre heist to make waves with their marketing. Hear about the British Geological Survey's brilliant take on Taylor Swift concerts and how Norwegian Airlines tapped into celebrity gossip for comedic ads. Learn the risks involved, especially when brands misfire, as shown by DiGiorgio Pizza's backlash. It's a fascinating look at timing and creativity in advertising!

Discover the most innovative audio ideas worldwide! Learn about a podcast for runners that only plays while you're on the move. Hear how a payphone stunt raised funds for homeless youth by ringing thousands of phones simultaneously. There's also a unique audiobook campaign featuring a humorous character, and a fascinating retelling of Pocahontas' story from an Indigenous perspective. These creative approaches showcase the impactful power of audio in diverse social causes.

Explore the brilliant marketing strategies of Taylor Swift, who has reshaped the music industry. Discover how she regained control of her master recordings and persuaded streaming giants to pay artists fairly. Dive into her intimate fan interactions, like surprise listening parties, and the engaging Easter eggs hidden in her lyrics. Learn about the monumental success of her re-recorded albums, the cultural impact of her Eras Tour, and her influence beyond music, from economics to sports. Swift's story highlights her unique approach to branding and advocacy.

Dive into the fascinating world of cannabis marketing, where the journey from illegal plant to cultural icon unfolds. Discover how Bob Dylan introduced the Beatles to marijuana and its lasting impact on music. Explore celebrity cannabis brands like Willie Nelson's, and learn about the surprising retail surge in luxury cannabis accessories. From the effects of legalization on various industries to clever advertising strategies, this conversation covers the multifaceted evolution of cannabis in the marketplace.