Today we look at debuts. Including the very first commercial for a new burger called the Big Mac. The first acting job for an Oscar winner. And the first ad for something called Tim Horton’s. 11:30am Under The Influence CBC Radio #podcast

Today it’s part 2 of Debut Commercials. Including the very first commercial for something called the Big Mac and the very first jingle for the Blue Jays. Plus the first commercial for something called Tim Horton’s - starring Tim Horton. 11:30am Under The Influence CBC Radio

The late Astrid Kirchherr passed away six years ago this month. She was a close friend of the Beatles, taking some of the earliest photos of the band in Hamburg and helped style their famous moptop hair styles. I was lucky to do an interview with her: podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/u...

Today we listen to the very first commercials for famous products. Including the first ad for the Jolly Green Giant (scary), to the first Ronald McDonald ad (also scary), to the debut commercial for a new car called the Mustang. 11:30am CBC Radio #podcast

Many landmark buildings are actually named after famous brands. But we often forget that. From the CN Tower to the Chrysler Building to Massey Hall. Under The Influence 11:30am CBC Radio

Saw this recently. The difference between a million(aire) and a billion(aire). One million seconds = 11 days. One billion seconds = 31 years.

Many classic landmark buildings are actually named after famous brands. But we often forget that. Today, we look at “Branded Buildings” - and tell their remarkable stories. Under The Influence 11:30am CBC Radio

Today it’s our annual Brand Envy episode. Where I tip my hat to ideas that last. Including a comedic character who has more YouTube subscribers than Adele, and almost twice as many Facebook followers as Taylor Swift. Any guesses? 11:30am CBC Radio #podcast

Today is our annual Brand Envy episode. Where we tip our hat to a character who makes the world laugh without uttering a single word. An idea born on the side of the highway. And a movie with the longest run in cinema history. Under The Influence 11:30am CBC Radio

The classic 1979 print ad (and TV commercial) for Maxell. “Blown Away Guy” was created to sell Maxell cassette tapes. Image still used today to sell Maxell batteries & headphones (minus the speaker). Recently seen on Times Square billboard.

If you’re 7’1” tall, this isn’t the car for you. But if you’re 6’7”… #AdsILove

Hilarious signs from above. 11:30am CBC Radio #podcast

Boxer Jack Dempsey meets promoter Tex Rickard. And the era of super fights begins. “The Marketing of Combat Sports” Today on Under The Influence. 11:30am CBC Radio #podcast

From pro boxing to the WWE to the UFC, marketing combat sports had one major influence. This man. “Selling Violence” Today on Under The Influence. 11:30am CBC Radio

You gotta love the movie clapboard they used while making Jaws.

This just makes me laugh.

In honour of Artemis II, one of my fav ads of all time:

This week’s podcast has dropped. We explore the world of absurd advertising: podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/u... If you’re a subscriber, you already have next week’s episode.

Puppy Monkey Baby. Puppy Monkey Baby. Remember that weird, strange Super Bowl commercial? Does absurd, unhinged advertising work? Let’s find out. Today on Under The Influence 11:30am CBC Radio

A mattress company gave various discounts depending on how loud you snore. A non-profit left a vinyl record of “You Are My Sunshine” out in the sun for 10 minutes to prove the harm of UV rays. Awesome Audio. 11:30am CBC Radio #podcast

A mattress company asked couples to record their partner’s snoring. Then it gave discounts on a new mattress - the louder the snore, the bigger the discount. The creative ways companies use sound as a marketing tool. Today on Under The Influence 11:30am CBC Radio

A product may be made for one purpose, but people may use it for very different reasons. Including diapers (!) “Unintended Uses” 11:30am CBC radio #podcast

In celebration of the Oscars, we take a look at some of the most creative movie marketing ideas. Like the mini billboards that were used to promote Ant-Man. And the billboard for an action movie that actually sweated. 11:30am CBC Radio #podcast

To celebrate the Oscars, we look at the most creative movie marketing. Like the Monty Python film “Life of Brian” It got banned. Best thing that ever happened to it. Under The Influence Today at 11:30am CBC Radio

Today we talk about tiny inventions that changed our world. Like the bread clip. The coffee sleeve. And that little arrow on your car’s fuel gauge. “Small Wonders” Under The Influence 11:30am CBC Radio

Today we tell stories about the small inventions that changed our lives. Like that tiny arrow on your fuel gauge. “Small Wonders” Today on Under The Influence 11:30am CBC Radio

Remember those funny Polaroid commercials starring James Garner and Mariette Hartley? They were so convincing as a couple, people thought they were married in real life.

SGEM Xtra podcast with author @terryoinfluence.bsky.social discussing his book, Against the Grain, is now available. podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/t... @cbcradiocanada.bsky.social @casinoshiftmd.bsky.social

Love this:

Today we celebrate companies that go the extra inch. 11:30am CBC Radio #podcast

Funny and smart.

Did you know VW makes sausages? Rolls Royce makes honey. Ford makes hot sauce. Lexus is in the restaurant business. And some cars are named after foods. It’s true. 11:30am CBC Radio #podcast

There are so many small ways to add personality to a brand.

A difficult subject. Such a smart solution:

Love this ad:

Catalogues have been around since the mid-1800s. Many have disappeared over the years (Eaton’s). But they are making a comeback. And did you know the J. Peterman catalogue is co-owned by actor John O’Hurley (Seinfeld)? 11:30am CBC Radio #podcast

Here’s to World Radio Day.

Jingles are catchy little ditties. But some jingles also taught you how to use the product. They were rhythmic instruction manuals. 11:30am CBC Radio #podcast

Remember sitcom theme songs that sung the show’s premise every week? Like the Beverly Hillbillies? And Gilligan’s Island? There’s a category of ad jingles like that. They weren’t just catchy, they taught you how to use the product. 11:30am Under The Influence CBC Radio youtu.be/lBUMw3t6rIQ

The Oxford University Press chose “Rage Bait” as phrase of the year. Today, we look at “Rage Marketing.” Ad campaigns designed to make you angry. Like the controversial Sydney Sweeney jeans/genes ads. Under The Influence 11:30am CBC Radio

The Oxford University Press chose “Rage Bait” as the phrase of the year. Today, we look at “Rage Marketing.” Ad campaigns designed to make you angry. Including a story where an actor faked her own death in a stunt that enraged the public. Under The Influence 11:30am CBC Radio

When a car commercial made fun of student orchestras, a youth orchestra responded with a powerful video heard around the world. When an American company insulted Newfoundland, the province responded. “Clapback Advertising” Under The Influence 11:30am CBC Radio + podcast

Newfoundland took offence to a VRBO commercial. The mayor of Moosejaw had something to say to Skip the Dishes. And a youth orchestra was insulted by an Infinity car ad. All of them issued response ads. “Clapback Advertising” - today on Under The Influence. 11:30am CBC Radio

Lately, advertisers have been creating fake ads, fake stores and even fake mistakes. One actor faked her own death as a stunt. Find out why - on Under The Influence. 11:30am CBC Radio (Podcast subscribers get extended version)

Under The Influence returns today. Topic: Newsjacking. When an advertiser hijacks a new story to get attention. Like when SpecSavers created a hilarious ad about the Best Picture screwup at the Oscars. 11:30am CBC Radio + podcast

Under The Influence returns for the 2026 season today. The topic: Newsjacking. That’s when advertisers hijack news stories to create controversial ads. Like the ladder company that newsjacked the Louvre heist. Tune in at 11:30am CBC Radio One

Under The Influence returns tomorrow at 11:30am on CBC Radio One.

Under The Influence returns January 8.

Got an Under The Influence fan in the house? Need a last minute Xmas gift idea? 🎄 My latest book is in your favourite book store - and the audio book is available, too.

This young man is my late father-in-law. He fought in WW2, never spoke about it, had shrapnel in his body for the rest of his life, and couldn’t sleep through thunderstorms. Remembering him today.