Thanks to guest producer Gus, Andrew and Vieves look at the time-honored trope of blind taste tests in commercials. Plus, Vieves shares a few gems she saw in the wild, and a vintage Sears ad gets the dramatic reading it deserves. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Pepsi Challenge https://youtu.be/Qgr5kc5QdBU?si=xqfGRqVq1ISq_r3F 7-Up Taste test https://youtu.be/ZAO5Wc0j0C4?si=Lq0wJ2Bbh3NiUwtj Coke Zero https://youtu.be/_UzU7sQFZKo?si=ct75HxiFJP2_505U Jif - Choosy Mothe...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 18 min
A profusion of commercials set in elevators has Vieves and Andrew contemplating the many signifiers and tropes inherent in a small metal box. From car buying to cookies, elevators can sell it all. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Ulta Beauty https://www.ispot.tv/ad/fN_d/ulta-holidays-joy-in-the-present Impress Falsies - Express elevator https://www.ispot.tv/ad/fTS0/impress-press-on-falsies-express-elevator Zaxbys - Kickin Chicken https://www.ispot.tv/ad/Z972/zaxbys-...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Andrew and Genevieve celebrate spooky season with a list of Top Ten Scariest Brand Names Of All Time. They also celebrate the life of Teri Garr with the commercial that helped launch her movie career. And an Ad Councilor sings the praises of a spicy little jingle. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Axe Deodorant - Blind smell test https://www.ispot.tv/ad/6fHi/axe-the-blind-test-featuring-kris-jenkins-shareek-oneal Black Rock - Teacher https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1Yrl/blac...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 17 min
A grab bag of Ad-collades and Admonishments reveals a surprising profusion of doubles and look-alikes in current commercials. Plus, AT&T needs a lesson on how to talk dirty, and the sameness of “inspirational” commercial copy gets justly lampooned. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Progressive - Friday Night James https://www.ispot.tv/ad/ffp1/progressive-friday-night-james Progressive - Backup w/ Case Keenam https://www.ispot.tv/ad/f23k/progressive-backup-backup-feat...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Andrew and Vieves aim for nothing but bullseyes in a show about commercials featuring darts and dart players selling everything from lotto tickets to soda pop. Plus, an Ad Councilor beefs with a TikTok inspired ad, and Italian actors had a real monopoly on an antacid campaign. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Zoosk: Dart Guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWcprxCH57o Washington Lottery: Dart Up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnfXkIp-UrQ Tooheys 2.2 Beer: World’s W...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Andrew and Vieves dig into some spicy content when they look at commercials that rely on fiery dishes to sell phones, soda and car insurance. Plus, Vieves turns out to have been weirdly prescient about a tourism campaign, salmon-flavored candybars are underrated, and when is a dog not a dog? Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6: Interpreter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZphDWGFEdCo Amazon Prime Visa: Spicy Food https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5yAU/amazo...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 9 min
With the spooky season in full swing, Andrew and Vieves look at commercials featuring ghosts that are selling everything from hotdogs to home insurance. Plus, some Ad Councilors get hip to jelly innovation, and we all get emotional about jingles sometimes. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: State Farm - This is a nightmare https://www.ispot.tv/ad/ftm_/state-farm-nightmare Rakuten - Ghost of Cash Back Past https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5y_X/rakuten-ghost-of-cash-back-past Pr...
Oct 02, 2024•58 min
Special guest and renowned boys choir expert Justin Morissette joins the show to relive his glory days as one of British Columbia’s premier child singers. Plus, he weighs in on the relative merits of childrens’ choirs in commercials, albeit with a Canadian’s understanding of letter grades. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Domino's Pizza "Christmas Choir" https://youtu.be/cQRDTAKP3aw?si=sNzlZkBxnNGj-gL6 Honda: “Odyssey Choir” https://www.ispot.tv/ad/Alo6/honda-summer...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 19 min
While struggling through the fog of jetlag, Andrew and Vieves attempt to discuss commercials featuring incidents of sleepwalking. Plus, their cultural illiteracy is really catching up with them, and Andrew’s VHS side project makes yet another wish come true. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Highland Appliance Radio Commercial: “Sleepwalker” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xo-bT1Snwk Coca Cola: “Sleep Walker” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euiqoVaQcBQ Smile Direct ...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 4 min
The Ad Council steps up with their own Hot Takes(™) on everything from roving Amazon deals to a tragically endangered booze jingle. Plus, Vieves makes a new best friend named Corporate Natalie, and Lions coach Dan Campbell gets flex his advertising muscles. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Applebee’s (ft Dan Campbell) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn4JopgxugI Amazon Treasure Truck https://www.ispot.tv/ad/dJy7/amazon-treasure-truck-peg-leg Tums: Health Food For You...
Sep 10, 2024•53 min
A night of retro TV ads has Andrew and Vieves wondering why certain product categories seem to have disappeared from modern commercials, even though they're still sold in stores and online. Or are they? Whither the buggy whip ads? Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Super Glue (1977) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3eqqShGvIw Gorilla Glue (2023) https://www.ispot.tv/ad/17oO/gorilla-glue-fence Isotoner gloves commercial (1984) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3mUnA7O2O...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 14 min
A new haul of mystery VHS tapes has Andrew back at it with a crop of very early 90s ads that include a lot of grandmas (and one spicy surprise!) It’s all fish-eye lenses, swooping camera movements and some very outdated ideas about “health food.” Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Ritz Air Crisps https://youtu.be/ePZpCaJ45wY Kellogg’s Healthy Choice Cereal Commercial: Golf Guy On Roof (1995) https://youtu.be/GNkT8R1nfH8 Hanes Commercial: Winds of Change (1995) https:/...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 9 min
With the fall season looming, back to school ads are in full swing, so Vieves and Andrew consider ads old and new for backpacks, Trapper Keepers and all the accoutrements for kids (and the old actors who play them.) Plus, an Ad Councilor offers a eye-popping revelation, and Andrew’s VHS project finally bears fruit. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Amazon Back to School (ft Michelle Buteau) https://www.ispot.tv/ad/fVEx/amazon-back-to-school-season-sports-stuff-featur...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 23 min
A latent fascination with the golden age of piracy combined with a veritable treasure trove of pirate-themed commercials leads Vieves to don her eyepatch and pegleg for a show about the buccaneers of yore. Plus, a spokesperson comes for the crown, and Andrew may finally be able to put his weightlifting visions to rest. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Amazon Business - Run a tighter ship https://youtu.be/E5T3sSPqXCk?si=-n5DnaaD8Vn10BLU Amazon Treasure Truck https://...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 21 min
Guest producer Theresa delivers a show about all the myriad uses for jackhammers in selling everything from headache relief to cat litter. Plus, a spotter gets spotted, and Google’s ongoing decline appears to accelerate like an Olympic track star. Here are links to the ads and articles we talked a out in this week’s show: Tylenol https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AJFQ/tylenol-cold-flu-severe-jackhammer Claritin https://youtu.be/xxaz9VeE_2g?si=OgimBkTA7afaCE-q Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel https://www.ispot.t...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 7 min
After Andrew gets gaslit by the internet, he and Vieves pivot to looking at the weightiest commercials for insurance, mortgages and “spistachios.” Plus, is ice the investment opportunity that you’ve been looking for? And in a fight between a faulty GPS and an Ad Councilor, who will emerge victorious? Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Better Help - Workout https://www.ispot.tv/ad/qJ0T/betterhelp-workout The General - Weightlifting ft Shaq https://youtu.be/PeLvedlGdWw?...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Andrew and Vieves put the ice in nice when they look at ads featuring everything from cubes to Cubes, and Vanillla to chocolate. Plus, Tinder’s “meet cute” campaign sparks more discussion this week thanks to an Ad Councilor’s skillful doctoring. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Twice the Ice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNyiYeH6QSo&t=24s Bud Ice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd0akIZ9igg Labatt Ice Beer (1993) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XZvUVCzT_c Ice Brea...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 19 min
While trying to determine if the truth is, in fact, out there, Andrew and Vieves are exposed to ads for everything ranging from food delivery apps to dating apps, but no matter what, they WON’T be talking about ads featuring Tom Brady. Plus, an Ad Councilor blows the whistle on a top-notch performance. Here are the link to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Uber Eats - Michael Cera - Pool Party https://www.ispot.tv/ad/58KH/uber-eats-michaels-pool-party-featuring-michael-cera Uber Eats ...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 25 min
Andrew and Vieves look at ads set in the Prohibition Era, when the jazz was hot, the booze was illegal, and a soda company could use the long arm of the law to crush the competition. Plus, the Alabama Hammer isn’t so hammery (or Alabama-y), and Verizon once again gets roasted. Here are links to the ads we talked about in in this week’s show: Pop Corners - Speakeasy https://www.ispot.tv/ad/6f2D/popcorners-sleep-easy-featuring-don-cheadle Michelob - 1st day of Prohibition https://youtu.be/Rdn9pY_W...
Jul 09, 2024•58 min
After much fanfare, Andrew and Vieves unveil an assortment of ads sent by the Ad Councilors for local personal injury lawyers, most of whom are styling themselves as “The Hammer.” We’ll see you in court! Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Jim the Hammer Shapiro https://youtu.be/Q5hn8bhEpMY?si=jJwsflHZQZViop7y Mike Slocumb, the Alabama Hammer - big bucks https://youtu.be/5H1jxzmdWwo?si=H5q_wYA0hQ-XSUTO Mike Slocumb - billboards https://youtu.be/d3yuyKVZOgg?si=55SDh7JPa...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Generational differences are on Andrew and Genevieve’s mind this week as Zillow tries to attract young, broke adults into the housing market and Taco Bell uses a hot new DJ to sell a dream. Plus, Andrew is really impressed with a new ad campaign from AirBNB, and fast food companies can’t stop talking about how much their food sucks? Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Zillow - Fox Scarf https://youtu.be/pK75jrBUQb8?si=2GDJORZJfoxb3D1v Zillow - Portrait https://www.ispo...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr
A nostalgia-soaked campaign by Miller Lite and a pepped-up approach by Sonic Drive-In both seem bent on lifting the national mood, through drunkenness and/or french fries. Plus, a medical referral service makes a rash decision. Here are links to the ads and articles we talked about in this week’s show: Miller Lite Revives Iconic Great Taste, Less Filling Debate Featuring A New Generation Of Celebrity All Stars https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/miller-lite-revives-iconic-great-taste-less-f...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min
After Vieves introduced actor and beloved zaddy Christopher Meloni into evidence last week, Andrew makes good on his threat to produce a “Meloni or Bologna” show that leaves very little of Meloni’s bologna to the imagination. Plus, the Queen of Soul shills for hotdogs, and Jennifer Garner is no Tom Hanks. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: McDonalds - First Date (ft. Christopher Meloni) https://youtu.be/bufg-yL8EAw?si=halosT3bnS75wjvp Christopher Meloni talks about hi...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 13 min
A vintage fast food ad with a dark side inspires Vieves to look at commercials that take place on first dates and run the gamut from adorable to certifiable. Red flags are everywhere! Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: McDonalds - Christopher Meloni “Larry” https://youtu.be/bufg-yL8EAw?si=halosT3bnS75wjvp Chilis - First date https://www.ispot.tv/ad/71Vt/chilis-first-date Applebees - 2 for $20 https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AKMJ/applebees-2-for-20-first-date JP Morgan Chase -...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 19 min
Vieves takes over with a slate of “in the wild” ads she’s been seeing with a weirdly high concentration of English accents. Plus, Taco Bell tries to change their rep, and Andrew is NOT having it. And an Ad Councilor does their own admonishing and adcollating. ATM EPISODE #447 WHAT FRESH BELL IS THIS? LINKS Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Thomas’ Bagels - “Tom” https://www.ispot.tv/ad/6E_U/thomas-tom Thomas’ Bagels - Who’s he? https://www.ispot.tv/ad/6EoC/thomas-who...
May 28, 2024•58 min
Andrew and Vieves get a major assist from an Ad Councilor with a keen eye for hockey-related ads, including an absolutely batshit commercial for a short-lived piece of technology. It’s ATM on Ice! Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Mass Mutual: “Baby Skates” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cobVxu8hCTs Stanley Cup Playoffs: “Love Makes You Do Crazy Things” https://www.ispot.tv/ad/6ruo/the-national-hockey-league-love-makes-you-do-crazy-things-the-breakup Geico: “Walrus ...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Andrew gets Vieves’ take on a buzzy new Apple commercial and is inspired to look at other ads that feature smashing and bashing. Plus, a new segment is already off the rails, and an Ad Councilor shares a piece of their local ad landscape. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week's show: Apple iPad - Crush! https://youtu.be/ntjkwIXWtrc?si=gph2FYZ6eJW2FZDC DEADLINE: Apple’s “Sorry” For That Much Criticized iPad Ad, But Maybe Not Too Sorry https://deadline.com/2024/05/ipad-ad-backlash...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 12 min
A new entry in the Progressive campaign kicks off a conversation about how bosses show up in commercials. Plus an old friend stops by to explain both basketball and hip-hop to Andrew and Vieves, and an Ad Councilor pulls back the curtain on a vast auto glass conspiracy. Here are links to to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Progressive: “Sticking It To The Boss” https://www.ispot.tv/ad/6Sbw/progressive-sticking-it-to-the-boss FedEx: “Disappear from Boss” https://youtu.be/0dewwjENhFg?s...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 18 min
An advertisement for Jerry Seinfeld’s new Pop-Tarts movie -- along with a frustrating interview he did with the New Yorker -- prompt Genevieve and Andrew to look back on the comedian’s commercials over the years. Plus, the Ad Councilors bring us a new jingle and a harbinger of the looming robot invasion. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: New Yorker Radio Hour https://link.chtbl.com/qOucM248 Unfrosted Promo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uv1ofWr8Zk Jerry and Bill pt...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Andrew and Vieves look at ads that use the fraught experience of being in the dentist’s chair to signify everything from the sadism of capitalistic excess to the existential crisis of incoherence. Plus, a debate about Minnesota Nice gets testy, and another Ad Councilor gets got. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Geico: “Guy Coajent Goes To The Dentist” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veaphx1rNBI Geico - Dentist Dan https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1hTU/geico-boat-insurance-de...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 21 min
