Andrew and Vieves consider the relative merits of boredom as a marketing strategy, with ads for everything from banks to… well, a lot of banks. Plus, one Ad Councilor wound up in a catch-and-release situation thanks to a campaign that took a nosedive. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: PNC Bank: “Brilliantly Boring” https://youtu.be/juvLSkoci_8?si=z7CiWwJloeeu-7nx Wealthsimple: “Boxing” https://youtu.be/5vOSNkUx1kM?si=9DjtsRaA7zUqPB48 Wealthsimple: “Boring” (ft. Nicho...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Andrew and Vieves look at commercials that ask: why do it the hard way? From high protein snacks to hot dates, shortcuts are everywhere. Plus, a comedy cult favorite is the new spokesperson for a dating app, and a new segment considers ads that REALLY work. Here are links to the ads and articles we talked about on this week’s show: Cheat on chips with chips https://www.ispot.tv/ad/62_b/quest-nutrition-cheat-on-chips-with-chips-featuring-kumail-nanjiani Sandcastle cheating https://www.ispot.tv/ad...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Sneakerhead, Lakers fan, and friend of the pod Nick Jarin joins Andrew and Vieves to talk about the representation of basketball in commercials, as well as provide some much needed fact-checking for Andrew’s knowledge of Jimmy Butler. Here are the ads and articles we talked about on today's show: Larry Bird for Allstate https://youtu.be/nrbPVsQB3vw?si=3FDPFKevAsX9RpPc State Farm: “Shoot” (ft Caitlin Clark, Jimmy Butler and Reggie Miller) https://youtu.be/vESFtmxlIzg?si=UV9GDFitVlgxad5O State Far...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 41 min
In a world where so much of life is utterly predictable, it makes sense that so many ad wizards would turn to surprise parties to inject a little spontaneity into their pitches. Plus Andrew discovers that one brand has been his nemesis all along, and a racecar driver has really taken to the culture. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Wells-Fargo: Surprise Party https://www.ispot.tv/ad/7WIq/wells-fargo-apple-pay-surprise-party LG Quad Wash: Surprises https://www.ispot....
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Awkward silences and uncomfortable moments at the dinner table are a staple of commercial comedy, apparently. Plus, Vieves might get to taste a celebrated chicken chain, and the real reason for the doctored photo of Princess Kate is finally revealed. Here are links to the ads and stories we talked about on this week’s show: CarMax - New Piercing https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5y2Q/carmax-who-you-texting State Farm: Fish Tails https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJEfq-futEw Alfa Insurance - Family Dinner ht...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Andrew quizzes Vieves on her ear for spokeschickens and non-spokeschickens. Plus, the internet is alerted to a bonkers beer campaign of days gone by, and how many cute jingles does it take to sell meat paste? Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Purdue: Jim Purdue’s Healthy Obsession https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F21Opn7L1DQ Happy Motors: We’re Going To Make You Happy https://youtu.be/axye9tuzKDk?si=QiV_vOld0WKYarid Burger King: Subservient Chicken: Vest https://vimeo...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 22 min
Vieves’ excessive screen time manifests in a piping hot Vieves Takeover as she lambasts the one percent for promoting stupid gimmicks and interrogates a very weird toilet ad. Plus, Andrew resurrects some classic 90s burger promotions, and the Ad Council remembers a time when Junior WAS baseball.
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Andrew and Vieves consider ads that rely on that awkward moment when two exes collide. Plus, Andrew thinks he might have a strong argument on appeal based on a podcast ad he heard, and the Ad Council really brings it with the jingles this week. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Little Caesars - Sorry PB&J https://www.ispot.tv/ad/6L9e/little-caesars-pizza-slices-n-sicks-sorry-pb-and-j Old Navy - Ex-boyfriend https://www.ispot.tv/ad/Aauw/old-navy-ex-boyfriend-featuring...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 2 min
The Ad Council weighs in on this year’s Super Bowl ads, including the expanding Dunkings universe, the relative efficacy of marketing for world religions, and a local ad for gas fireplaces that overshot considerably. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Scientology - Decide for yourself https://youtu.be/lkK-I4utC_Y?si=a-9y7ulcW8dd8ovD Dunkings - behind the scenes “wasn’t ready for that” https://youtu.be/lD9Bgcj0QiI?si=CVg7vEJd2JtC1yZM Charli D’Amelio on Jimmy Fallon htt...
Feb 20, 2024•1 hr 3 min
This year’s crop of Super Bowl ads was as star-studded as ever, but this time, celebs seemed to take it on the chin a bit…even Outerspace Beyoncé. Vieves and Andrew hand out awards for the best, the worst, and the neggiest of the negs in the 4th Annual Bowlie Awards! CeraVe - Michael CeraVe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVrUDqYfRUM M&Ms - Ring of Comfort https://www.ispot.tv/ad/67zr/m-and-ms-super-bowl-2024-pre-release-almost-champions-ring-of-comfort-featuring-dan-marino-terrell-o BetMGM - No...
Feb 13, 2024•2 hr 59 min
With the Super Bowl looming, Andrew and Vieves look at this year’s crop of teasers and pre-game ads in preparation for the fourth annual Bowlie Awards. Between iconic movies Andrew hasn’t seen and TikTok influencers that Vieves couldn’t pick out of a lineup of one, it promises to be a laborious project. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Geico - “The Caveman Returns: The Nightmare” (Documentary Story pt 1) https://www.ispot.tv/ad/58Zy/geico-the-caveman-returns-the-nig...
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 38 min
After a gripe-filled takeover by Vieves, Andrew turns back the clock to a simpler time, when men were sailors, loggers and pilots, and women knew how to pipe down! Plus, a plumbing classic throws an Ad Councilor for a loop, and children write the best song parodies. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Nissan Rogue - Pup on the Run https://www.ispot.tv/ad/59Pb/2023-nissan-rogue-pup-on-the-run-t2 Dave and Busters - Method https://youtu.be/g5A7bzF0azs?si=XRoEwbaES2J9RqMx ...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Nothing says nonconformity like buying or selling a mass-produced product, so Andrew and Vieves look at ads aimed at the rebels, renegades and iconoclasts in need of SUVs, car insurance and Beanie Babies. Plus, a batch of 90s ads sows more confusion around long distance calling and floral arrangements. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Mazda - Looking for outsiders https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5nX4/2024-mazda-cx-50-looking-for-outsiders-song-by-sad-dad-t1 Rock & Roll Deni...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 14 min
A roundup of new commercials leads Andrew and Vieves to contemplate the dark heart of an Xfinity campaign, new comedy gold from Dr. Rick, and whether Mr. Darcy has been forever Wamsganned. Plus, an Ad Councilor revives a diet classic. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Geico Caveman back https://www.ispot.tv/ad/58Zy/geico-the-caveman-returns-the-nightmare Tom Wamsgans (Mathew McFadyen) Mercedes https://www.ispot.tv/ad/50dL/mercedes-benz-defining-class-since-1886-featu...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Andrew and Vieves look at commercials that take the battle for market share literally with ads that throw down over everything from cookies to office conduct. Plus, an Ad Councilor updates a jingle for the modern era, and it slaps! Here are links to the ads that we talked about in this week’s show: Aspercreme - Brawl https://www.ispot.tv/ad/bTwc/aspercreme-arthritis-pain-reliever-brawl Molson - I am Canadian https://youtu.be/T5KufaaOPwI?si=IdYFoxXZnyJOPTO9 Molson - sequel https://youtu.be/ZVmgAc...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Andrew and Vieves look at ads that ask the humble hotdog vendor to sell everything BUT hotdogs. Plus, a mattress company commercial gives up halfway through, and a quadruped takes to the skies. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Investco: Agent of Innovation: Hot Dog Vendor https://youtu.be/wZBiKiDtsAk?si=UeD5G9B_EPSuVZZT Bank of America Extras: Hot Dog Vendor https://www.ispot.tv/ad/opXM/bank-of-america-extras-hot-dog-vendor CLEAR INTERNET - Hot Dogs https://youtu.be...
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Notorious grade-grubber Vieves is put to the literal test by Andrew’s look back at some of ATM’s most dissected ads of 2023. Plus, a fruit basket company is coming for Folgers’ most infamous crown, and one Aussie cements his iconic status. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Scott-E-vest https://www.ispot.tv/ad/IPF0/scottevest-its-not-rocket-science-its-pocket-science Progressive Dr. Rick: Garbage Bins / Hedges Commercial https://www.ispot.tv/ad/2aSw/progressive-dr-ric...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Vieves is back with her trademark blend of a high concept paired with a total lack of facility with internet culture, as she and Andrew break down commercials inspired by the socials. Plus, Andrew pieces together a confusing sportsbook ad, and Arnold Schwarzenegger looms large over Muscle Beach. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: AirBnB - Cannonball https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5Igr/airbnb-cannonball-lakefront-song-by-the-friends-of-distinction Anchorman https://youtu.be/3...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 13 min
A tight schedule and a Christmas tree shopping trip combine to inspire a show about ads with talking trees, of which there are a surprising amount. Plus, a Detroit-area classic brings up happy memories for Andrew and Vieves. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Stubhub: Marriage Counseling https://youtu.be/MD2CZaF02lk?si=qC67-H266xGnFhK7 Stubhub: Screaming https://www.adforum.com/creative-work/ad/player/34481236/screaming-tree/stubhub Geico: Falling Trees Do Make A Soun...
Dec 13, 2023•54 min
Advertisers can rarely say no to an actor willing to reprise an iconic movie role, whether they’re shilling for Black Friday discounts or tracking a pizza delivery. Plus, an Ad Councilor tips Andrew off to his new favorite ad campaign for *checks notes* TV channels. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Walmart - Mean Girls Black Friday https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5jIZ/walmart-tv-black-friday-deals-spot-jingle-bell-rockin-feat-linday-lohan-amanda-seyfried Honda CR-V - Ferris...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 32 min
Christmas comes early for Andrew and Vieves when the New York Times’ Caity Weaver profiles living legend Stephanie Courtney a.k.a. “Flo from Progressive.” Plus, long distance calling in the 90s was absolutely demented, and a Philly lotto campaign is so nice they made it twice. Here are links to the ads and articles we talked about in this week’s show: NYT: Everybody Knows Flo from Progressive. Who is Stephanie Courtney? https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/25/magazine/progressive-insurance-flo-stepha...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Andrew and Vieves get into the Thanksgiving spirit with a look at ads for Turkey Days gone awry. Plus, how sad does a grocery store’s marketing have to be before you’ll shop there? And a fast food restaurant evidently snuck one past the goalie. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Stove Top: Pilgrim-isms - Scurvy https://youtu.be/d_ZbN8jAN70?si=ef6AW6O9I4wObvVd Stove Top: Pilgrim-isms - Grace https://youtu.be/jefyEQaFwGw?si=K2sjvutcA11Yh6Tz Oscar Meyer - Anyday Thanksgi...
Nov 22, 2023•45 min
When a genius like Christopher Guest assembles a troupe of talented comedic actors and improvisers, it’s only a matter of time until commercial casting directors cash in. From credit cards to cable competitors, the stars of the Guestiverse have sold it all. Plus, Andrew waxes rhapsodic about Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and people are getting weird about siblings. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: SportsCenter - David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean - 1995) https://www.dail...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 20 min
Andrew unveils another classic quiz for Vieves that pits soup against soap. Plus, a 90s product splits the difference on sexism, and an ATM all-star calls in a jingle that makes Andrew queasy. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Campbells Soup https://youtu.be/CBc9aRfBz_k?si=OWu6EUclBY5IMKeD Campbells Soup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czWWlB-D7ds Campbells Soup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfmaqetauMc Coast soap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn9AOC_I2sI Campbel...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Genevieve and Andrew celebrate Halloween with a costume contest based on this year’s crop of trick-or-treat commercials. Andrew also tries to sneak a Terminator-inspired outfit into the mix, but Vieves isn’t having any of it. Here links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Sour Patch Kids - Fireman https://www.ispot.tv/ad/ALXG/sour-patch-kids-trick-r-treat-fireman Geico - Rivalries https://www.ispot.tv/ad/o8r4/geico-trick-or-treat Nissan Heisman house - trick or treat https://youtu.be...
Oct 31, 2023•53 min
The Ad Council takes over to share a Tubi campaign that couldn’t be more delightful, a missed connection in a Burger King campaign, and a personal tie to McDonald’s french fry hegemony. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Tubi: Abs https://youtu.be/paA-XcMsUoU?si=iJ5LDmhRd6zxoZNr Tubi: Sitcom Laughs https://youtu.be/kod6BK_YH_4?si=lKln1tUSXWVDipBj Tubi: Musicals https://youtu.be/reL_s5Gl4Ds?si=Ifk1jiDA_WTJIFQY Tubi: Speedboat https://youtu.be/SVSIq4_XifY?si=O_kKT5fWZN7...
Oct 25, 2023•56 min
Andrew and Vieves fumble their way through a discussion of social media as a device in TV commercials, while doing their best to keep it 100. Plus, a pair of empty nesters deserve more from life than frozen teriyaki sauce, and Little Caesars is making solid plays for our affection. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Beecher's - Life changing https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5qH9/beechers-handmade-cheese-real-comments-life-changing Beecher’s - Makes me cry https://www.ispot.tv/...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 14 min
Andrew and Vieves look at ads that might not be directed by Wes Anderson, but they’re “quaint, pretty or sentimental” enough to fool the casual observer. Plus an airline ad celebrates our shared humanity at a moment when low-twee Andrew and Vieves really need it. Here are the commercials we talked about on this week's show: Litter-Robot: “A Robot That Eats Your Cat’s Poop” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_K4nqqrtG4 Stella Artois (Dir. By Wes Anderson and Roman Copolla) https://www.youtube.com/w...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Andrew and Vieves consider ads that brag about the stuff that stuff is made of, from galvanized steel to leather cut from whole cloth. Plus, a paper towel commercial is surprisingly culturally competent, and one Ad Councilor is seeing a Midwest conspiracy afoot. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Apple iPhone 15: Titanium https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_JEezynhrc iPhone 15 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rayRgPVWL_A American Motors (AMC) Concord https://youtu.be/gjH...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 27 min
Andrew and Vieves look at commercials that pack a lot of families into a few cars, and spoiler alert, they all include a sulky teenager wearing headphones. Plus, the cable industry makes a play for shaping the youth of America, and Travis Kelce (aka “Travis MaAuto”) is having a moment. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Toyota Grand Highlander - “Back to the lake” https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5o3q/toyota-grand-highlander-back-to-the-lake-song-by-the-5678s-t1 Toyota Grand H...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 3 min
