Andrew and Vieves look at ads that dare to ask what actually is the meaning of life, and how much insurance, religion, wealth management and toilet paper does it take to fill the void? Plus, one local lawyer has a big reaction to… something? And a vintage doll commercial rolls all the bad ideas into one. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Progressive - Existential Crisis https://www.ispot.tv/ad/w5K4/progressive-existential-crisis Geico - Caveman Therapy https://www.yo...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast A crafty Ad Councillor puts Genevieve and Andrew to the test with a quiz about commercials and the YouTubers who comment on them. Plus, a sharp-eyed (sharp-eared?) listener notices a pattern in State Farm commercials. And Andrew is newly awed by a cruel commercial that he grew up with. Clearasil - Pizza Face https://youtu.be/gt9EUORoeyc?si=fEBGbKrzP0N-Rm2a QUIZ: 1) "BRING THOSE BACK" A) Pringles Ridges B) McDonald's Snack Wraps C) Wonka Shock Tarts https://youtu.be/Q-IUNs8thGs?si=9e7jRZbiMhJQgMm...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Andrew and Vieves dip into the proverbial mailbag as the Ad Councilors respond to last week’s epic Bowlies show and share some classic commercials ranging from processed cheese food to personal injury lawyers. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Nerds - New Orleans Second Line (ft. Shaboozey) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwcZ2dxPUo0 Michelob Ultra - The Hustle (ft. Catherine O’Hara & Willem Dafoe) https://www.ispot.tv/ad/Tw2M/michelob-ultra-super-bowl-2025-pre-relea...
Feb 17, 2025•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Andrew and Vieves turn in an absolute behemoth of a Bowlies show after this year’s crop of Super Bowl commercials threatens to shatter their already fragile grip on life in these United States. Dunkin: Dun Kings Are Back https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5VzQ8OV3X0 Cirkul Water https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJSxfrPf5qI Weathertech - Born To Be Wild https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6d2QRiLw6c DoorDash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fHqcDASbGs RAM Trucks - Goldilocks https://www.youtube.com/wat...
Feb 10, 2025•4 hr 23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Andrew and Vieves gear up for Bowlies V with a look at the teaser ads being released ahead of this year’s Super Bowl. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Michelob Ultra - The Hustle https://www.ispot.tv/ad/Tw2M/michelob-ultra-super-bowl-2025-pre-release-the-ultra-hustle-ft-willem-dafoe-catherine-ohara Stella Artois - Other David https://www.ispot.tv/ad/TAoC/stella-artois-super-bowl-2025-teaser-david-and-dave-the-big-news-featuring-david-beckham Uber Eats - Da Bears htt...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Andrew and Vieves look at commercials putting the grand epistolary tradition to work selling everything from sneakers to skin care. Plus, it’s a banner day for Andrew when one Ad Councilor discovers that he was right about something, and tooth-forward soccer legend Jürgen Klopp loves a foamy beer. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: NFL Sunday Ticket - Letter From The Commish (Peyton Manning) https://www.ispot.tv/ad/wGHT/nfl-sunday-ticket-letter-from-the-commish-feat-p...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast A round up of ads for travel sites, AI-powered software, insurance and pet food has Andrew and Vieves mostly gnashing their teeth, excepting a few bright spots that include a surprising turn by former NFL punchline Tim Tebow. Plus, an Ad Councilor does some highly-justifiable pearl clutching. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Expedia https://www.ispot.tv/ad/fkoe/expedia-two-step Hotels.com - King Louis https://www.ispot.tv/ad/6vS7/hotels-com-introductions-king-featur...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Transcript available on Metacast From grown men in diapers to giant babies adorably terrorizing their towns, there’s not a normal-sized baby in sight this week as Andrew and Vieves discuss how towering tots are selling everything from hair dye to healthcare. Plus, an Ad Councilor delivers a helpful PSA on an Indian whiskey brand. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Draft Kings - Big Fantasy Baby https://www.ispot.tv/ad/fj_a/draftkings-fantasy-big-baby Doritos - Manchild https://youtu.be/QTleUTBYksw?si...
Jan 15, 2025•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Andrew and Vieves’ IRL anniversary inspires a show about the time-worn trope of forgotten anniversaries and the products that save the day. Plus, Indian ads might prove more baffling than Canada’s, and Jon Hamm steals the show as a chaos agent. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: 1-800-Flowers - Forgotten Anniversary https://www.ispot.tv/ad/tXbE/1-800-flowers-com-gotten-anniversary Jewlr - Anniversary https://www.ispot.tv/ad/fxwn/jewlr-anniversary-song-by-richard-farre...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast In what is fast becoming an annual tradition, Andrew quizzes Vieves the ghosts of commercials past with a look back at some of the highlights from 2024. [ SPOILER ALERT - the links below will reveal the quiz answers ] . . . . . . . . . . . . Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Molson - I am Canadian https://youtu.be/T5KufaaOPwI?si=IdYFoxXZnyJOPTO9 Little Caesars - Sorry PB&J https://www.ispot.tv/ad/6L9e/little-caesars-pizza-slices-n-sicks-sorry-pb-and-j Happy Motors: W...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Andrew and Vieves consider a bevy of celebrity-led campaigns for chips, juice and online shopping. Plus, Canadian advertising proves more befuddling than ever. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Minute Maid - Jon Hamm agent https://d2clgeqocjw7k2.cloudfront.net/65ef092a4d9369001bca0a57/high.mp4 Minute Maid - Jon Hamm https://d2clgeqocjw7k2.cloudfront.net/65ef08b5a8ecb0001a3e0831/high.mp4 Minute Maid - Sells itself https://www.ispot.tv/ad/fiij/minute-maid-sells-itself-...
Dec 24, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast The holiday profusion of celebrity-heavy, inscrutable fragrance ads has Vieves feeling some type of way, but Andrew is just luxuriating in the vibe! Plus, an Ad Councillor suggests a radical new social compact for hygiene etiquette. Here are links to the ads we talked about on this week’s show: Dior Sauvage - Johnny Depp https://www.ispot.tv/ad/IVWO/dior-sauvage-the-new-fragrance-featuring-johnny-depp Chanel Bleu de Chanel - Timothee Chalamet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR1fQeRqUEY Prada Par...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Transcript available on Metacast If the ad campaigns for streaming services are any guide, everybody wants stools! Andrew and Vieves look at ads that are all about the stall. Plus, one Ad Councilor has had it with hot Santas, and he's not going to take it anymore! Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Peacock - The Best Seat In The House https://youtu.be/s_ACwZdDBxM?si=FDBUk33LU05rB-oA Pluto TV - Bathroom https://www.ispot.tv/ad/tOER/pluto-tv-bathroom Hulu - Never Upgrade To 3-Ply https://www.ispot.tv/a...
Dec 11, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast A familiar figure from children’s fiction inspires Vieves to look for commercials featuring literary icons. From Mr. Darcy selling beer to Captain Ahab selling car insurance, it’s an English major’s fever dream. Plus, Coca Cola ruins Christmas. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Etsy - Waldo https://youtu.be/5CNd2DFWLv8?si=ufbCxhE3G_EonA5q LIttle Caesars - Save like Scrooge https://www.ispot.tv/ad/qsoW/little-caesars-pizza-hot-n-ready-slices-n-stix-save-like-scrooge M...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast With Turkey Day just around the corner, Andrew and Vieves look at commercials for the foods without which no Thanksgiving meal would be complete. From judgy ghost Pilgrims to the simmering resentment of the Manning brothers, everybody gets stuffed! Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Butterball Turkey (1978) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPGEjmnyLKI Cadbury Smash Mashed Potatoes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D62EIS4FhJ0 Stovetop Stuffing (1984) https://youtu.be/qV-...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Vieves takes a confusing journey into social media where she discovers a top-shelf parody in service of appliance marketing. But the real headline is the bounty of great content sent in by the Ad Council, from a Monkee-driven cross promo to a chocolatier’s humiliating admission. Here are links to the ads we talked about in this week’s show: Curry’s Air Fryer: American Psycho https://www.tiktok.com/@currys/video/7435239059892473120 American Psycho Business Card Scene https://www.youtube.com/watch...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 
