Andrew and Vieves review a crop of recent ads that have them feeling the full spectrum of human emotions, and predictably, there are a lot of insurance commercials in the mix. Plus, an astute Ad Councilor decodes a puzzle ad, and a TV classic has a complicated origin story. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: McCain Fries: “Barb from Stranger Things” https://youtu.be/ZMVAJ8iTvW8?si=4s81ulxmjBF7tf1X Progressive: “Replay: School Bus” https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5ovY/progress...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Andrew and Vieves look at ads that are venturing into the new frontier of name-image-likeness licensing in college athletics. Who says you can’t shoot a commercial for Irish nachos in under an hour? And why does a classic kids toy suddenly seem so pervy? Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Dr. Pepper: “Fansville: My Family Now” ft Bryce Young https://www.ispot.tv/ad/2Lr7/dr-pepper-fanville-theyre-my-family-now-ft-bryce-young AT&T: “He’s Short” https://www.youtube.com/w...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 11 min
A late night viewing of an American TV classic with original ads proves to be a priceless snapshot of early 80s commercials that sends Andrew and Vieves on a full-blown nostalgia trip. From weird alt battery technology, to an upsetting toothpaste ad, to a battle of the nasal sprays, it really was incredible. Plus, Amazon lies about being a relationship-fixer. Here are links to the That’s Incredible! episode and the ads we talked about on this week’s show: That’s Incredible! October 12, 1981 FULL...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 33 min
Andrew and Vieves look at commercials that invoke the very gods themselves to sell yogurt, luxury cars and tax prep. Plus, the Ad Council provides all the gory details about the Van Damme Go Daddy campaign, and there’s always time for a long, serious discussion about atheism on a nominally comedic podcast! H&R Block: “Cupid” https://youtu.be/_FN-LDYSLSg?si=QdGKPGrGw9w01BGK Subway: “Cupid” https://youtu.be/m7ajTgVmmZY?si=vvGOBhQrSh8I9OCC Oikos Greek Yogurt: “Meet Ares” https://youtu.be/6ZL8gksPFy...
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Andrew and Vieves consider commercials that rely on the dubious acting chops of professional wrestlers to sell everything from candy bars to canned pasta. Plus, a lottery commercial gets a little too grim, and everyone’s boyfriend Sam Richardson has an idea. Actually, lots of ideas. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Randy Savage - Slim Jims light store https://youtu.be/Lxp_3000h_U Randy Savage - Slim Jims dance https://youtu.be/UV17XYCzkWU Randy Savage - Slim Jims Ro...
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr 16 min
A clever slogan sends Andrew on a mission to see if Vieves can tell real roofing wordplay from the made-up slogans. Plus, grocery store ads from the 90s were really their own thing, and Andrew tries to blend in with the Ad Councilors. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Frederic Roofing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB6HDsohZ0Q Philip Camerer Roofing https://www.adjingles.com/roofing-jingles/ Ad Jingles.com https://www.adjingles.com/ MHI Roofing https://www.ispot.tv/...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Corporate espionage takes on a whole different meaning when Andrew and Vieves look at ads that rely on the well-worn tropes of secret agents and spycraft. Plus, the future of vitamin purchasing has come and gone, and women eating dairy products gets a fun soundtrack. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Adobe Marketing Cloud - Secret Agent https://www.ispot.tv/ad/A_Zc/adobe-marketing-cloud-secret-agent Barbie Spy Squad https://www.ispot.tv/ad/A2PG/barbie-spy-squad-spy-s...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr
From overstaying their welcome to seeking out a surrogate parent, the neighbor’s kid is a rich vein of commercial comedy. Andrew and Vieves look at ads that rely on the boy or girl next door to make their pitch. Plus, Andrew discovers the Jingle of the Summer, and Vieves stans a Google pitchwoman. Xfinity: Tony The Neighbor https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1x02/xfinity-tony-the-neighbor Daisy Cottage Cheese: Neighbor Kid https://www.ispot.tv/ad/7ANr/daisy-best-all-week-neighbor-kid Quaker Oats: Neighbor ...
Aug 02, 2023•52 min
Using the catwalk to sell clothes might be old hat, but Vieves and Andrew look at ads that send everything from gummy vitamins to cheeseburgers down the runway in search of a sale. Plus, a drug company takes a toilet for a joyride, and an Ad Councilor defends a Midwestern pizza. Experian https://youtu.be/svhDzeoppvg Donate Life https://www.ispot.tv/ad/oUf5/donate-life-america-fashion-show Eyeglass World - Mr. World https://www.ispot.tv/ad/dyxJ/eyeglass-world-introducing-mr-world-fashion-show Vit...
Jul 26, 2023•1 hr 23 min
Andrew and Vieves feel the need for speed this week in a look at commercials predicated on the promise of time savings. Plus, a 90s internet company makes a bold claim, and an Ad Councilor recognizes an old friend. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: 5-Hour Energy: “The Five Second Coffee” https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1udb/5-hour-energy-the-five-second-coffee Minute Rice (ft. Ann B. Davis) (1980) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq8tpNhJlKY Minute Rice: “Easy Days” (1960s?) ...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Vieves tests Andrew’s knowledge of Snoop Dogg’s wide-ranging sponsorship empire to find out just how well he really knows the Doggfather. Plus, the city of Reno was once reduced to abducting Seattlites off the streets to bolster their tourism industry, and an Ad Councilor Doctor-Doctors a hearing aid commercial. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show - spoiler alert, these will give away the answers to the quiz: Petco https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1FAN/petco-the-ultimate-dog-fea...
Jul 11, 2023•43 min
When the show’s 400th episode “fourtuitously” converges with the 4th of July holiday, the numerological portents are too significant for Andrew and Vieves to ignore. “Fourtunately,” one Ad Councilor is in perfect harmony with them. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Four Square - “How Convenient” https://youtu.be/7nO2Mv4aJKM Four Square - “Square Deal” (1986) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNEvSKV9iA0 Four Seasons Hotels - “Monogram” https://www.adforum.com/creative-...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Andrew and Vieves look at ads that rely on the time-honored device of comedic misunderstandings. Plus, a Sweeps Week gambit of yesteryear is still spicy as hell, and a classic candy ad just keeps on giving. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Orkin - Get a pro (Owen Luebbers) https://www.ispot.tv/ad/bqoC/orkin-the-best-in-pets-ants Orkin - Get a pro (Rianna Valdes) https://www.ispot.tv/ad/bCCP/orkin-the-best-in-pests-mosquitos-red-cross-featuring-rianna-valdes Orkin - ...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 12 min
Andrew and Vieves journey through commercial history with a creatively repurposed quiz. Plus a 90s steakhouse commercial is too scary to sell surf and turf, and the Ad Councilors continue to have problems. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Bulova Watches https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JenAyMmZ68 Chop-o-Matic https://youtu.be/FGo7W_mbWCE Tootsie Pops https://youtu.be/pvFzOgK-V9E Paul Frees - The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show https://youtu.be/hTzuO24i-YA?t=91 Winston Cig...
Jun 21, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Andrew and Vieves rely on their executive functions to consider commercials that are set in corporate boardrooms. Plus, Disney has some harsh words for a soulless entertainment company, and the Ad Councilors have some more Geico pitches to share. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Haribo Gold Gummy Bears - Boardroom https://youtu.be/EAnwmmPFYgU IHOP - Child Executive Officer https://www.ispot.tv/ad/Z8mQ/ihop-cereal-pancakes-board-meeting Shriners Hospitals https://www...
Jun 14, 2023•1 hr 14 min
Andrew and Vieves consider whether our brawniest celebrities also have the brains to sell milk, dog food and Mountain Dew. They also consider what it would take to get them inside a local Jack In the Box. Plus, an Ad Councilor reveals how Disney got local journalists to shill for them so effectively. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Netflix - Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Hemsworth https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1sUu/netflix-nobody-hits-like-netflix-elevator-ft-arnold-sc...
Jun 07, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Despite the mind-numbing sameness of car and truck ad copy, Andrew injects some fun into the genre with a quiz on the gravel-voiced celebrities who perform them. Plus. a vintage milk commercial sparks a clinic on lying to parents, and a pants commercial just couldn’t be worse. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: GMC Sierra Heavy Duty - “Power” https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1RqN/2023-gmc-sierra-heavy-duty-pulling-power-t2 Ford - “What’s In A Name?” https://www.ispot.tv/ad/tPJ...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Appropriately enough, guest producer Mike puts together an episode all about the anxiety caused by unexpected guests. Plus, Andrew and Vieves may once again be the victims of sports-face-blindness, and the Ad Council is on fire with their Geico ad proposals. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Behr Paint https://youtu.be/GP_R0_BUrP8 Oxo Soup https://youtu.be/S8HGDSwkDC0 Super Star Car Wash https://youtu.be/LeiUlOvzUIg Buick https://ispot.tv/a/nR0N IKEA Korea https://yo...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 18 min
Adventures in suburban wildlife inspire Andrew and Vieves to invent a game based on a popular commercial campaign. Plus, a cadre of 90s appliance salesmen accidentally strikes comedy gold, and poor Ted Danson goes to the woodshed yet again. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Geico: “Clogging Problem” https://youtu.be/W4mRFIHPBWE Geico: “Aunts” https://youtu.be/PAmSkl_dAGE Key America: “White Sale Days” https://youtu.be/QJYAWqNLKG0
May 17, 2023•58 min
Andrew and Vieves look at ads that rely on science (or “science”) to make their case. They also wipe some major egg off their faces (and bald spots) after last week’s show. And a big time podcast goes full cringe. Here are links to the ad we talked about in this week’s show: Little Caesar’s Pizza - Down to a science https://youtu.be/DuY_AKYdVgg Starburst - Juicedratic Equation https://www.ispot.tv/ad/IGgd/starburst-volcano Starburst - Truth https://youtu.be/e0LmAESWjVs Starburst - Boltonizing ht...
May 10, 2023•1 hr 3 min
The persuasive power of rhyme has Andrew and Vieves looking at commercials that put in the time to make it rhyme. Plus, a 90s camera commercial has Andrew wondering what he’s missing, and a bit player in a candy ad gets recognized. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Gizmodo - Why Rhyming Phrases Are More Persuasive https://gizmodo.com/why-rhyming-phrases-are-more-persuasive-1524861998: M&M’s: Rhymes (ft. Meghan Mullally) (2004) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12a-041k...
May 03, 2023•1 hr 14 min
Andrew and Vieves examine commercials that feature bartenders in their natural habitat while reflecting on the many excellent bartenders they have known. Plus a candy company gets horny enough to scandalize Andrew, and a millennial darling goes to bat for Big Dairy. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Marco Rubio Presidential campaign ad (2015) https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AIx5/marco-rubio-for-president-bartender Jax Beer: “Bartender” https://media.dlib.indiana.edu/media_ob...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 31 min
Andrew and Vieves look at a collection of ads that have mostly tickled their fancy (and one that ticked them off), including a bathroom dance number for the ages and grudging respect for a retail behemoth. They also revisit the glory days of HBO and an ad for something that is either a disgusting drink or a delicious frozen treat. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: BMW: “Speechless” https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1q_9/bmw-xm-speechless-t1 Electric Ram 2025: “Guinea Pig” ft. ...
Apr 19, 2023•1 hr 11 min
The upcoming release of Renfield means Andrew and Vieves have bloodsuckers on the brain, and it seems that there’s really nothing that vampires can’t sell. Plus, Shaq’s mom got game (or a talented production crew), and it turns out kids are just basic when it comes to snacks. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Spectrum TV - Gaming Vampire https://www.shootonline.com/video/o-positives-david-shane-directs-slice-vampire-life-spectrum-something-different Spectrum - Monste...
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Andrew and Vieves look at commercials that rely on alternate dimensions, parallel universes and augmented realities to sell soda pop, potato chips and foreign cars. Plus, a new campaign featuring two very funny humans has Vieves in stitches, and an outdoor brand successfully threads the April Fools needle. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Lays - Farms Across America https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1ozs/lays-farms-across-america Canada Dry Ginger Ale - Real Ginger Taste http...
Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Andrew and Vieves have a case of spring fever from looking at commercials that go boing in the night. Plus, Newt Gingrich tries to take away seniors’ Medicare, and Vieves ponders a car token heist. Here are links to the ads and articles we talked about in this week’s show: Slinky (1970s) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hayCTb3PNk Bic Four-Color Pen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFxg8UkSaEM Parker Pens: The Lady Parker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spTqlpekjmg Bic Banana Pen (w/ Mel Brooks) ...
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 14 min
Vieves and Andrew look at commercials that feature aunts and uncles and all the attendant stereotypes that entails. Plus, Peter Gabriel grudgingly welcomes the Disney Channel-viewing public into his “secret world,” and the TV-viewing experience for service members in the 90s was NOT all it could be. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Geico - Aunt Infestation https://www.ispot.tv/ad/2NiX/geico-aunt-infestation Grubhub - Thank you Aunt Linda https://youtu.be/1V1zysblLdM...
Mar 22, 2023•1 hr 26 min
Andrew decides to produce a show about commercials that feature maps and also commercials that don’t feature maps! Plus, a baseball man is adorable, and Vieves falls down a Teri Garr and Dean Winters rabbit hole. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: FedEx: “China Map” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHdPlPE7iOs California Map and Travel Center: “Easier Than Asking For Directions!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNia4wpKCOw Motor Map International https://www.youtube.co...
Mar 15, 2023•1 hr 15 min
Vieves is intrigued by Kristen Bell’s newest commercials, leading her and Andrew to explore the masterclass in branding that is Kristen’s advertising career. Plus, a car safety engineer gets his day in the sun (and the shade), and the Ad Council does some counseling on how ATM can be more user-friendly. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Hers https://www.ispot.tv/ad/28sj/hers-stress-levels-featuring-kristen-bell La-Z-boy https://youtu.be/jtMUqNeLcDo Shipt https://yout...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 35 min
Andrew and Vieves explore humanity’s eternal contest with unhelpful vending machines, from murderbot soda machines to recalcitrant candy dispensers. Plus, Andrew’s YouTube segment gets a rebrand, and one commercial really grabs the Ad Council by the short and curlies.
Mar 01, 2023•1 hr 12 min
