Ad Infinitum

In this special live edition of Ad Infinitum, Executive Creative Director Stew Redwine takes the stage at Podcast Movement 2025 to deliver the third installment of his talk: What Makes Audio Ads Work.This time, Stew makes it practical. With stories, data, and a few unexpected metaphors (including his dog, Maverick), he breaks down six essential lessons every marketer, podcaster, and advertiser can put into practice immediately:Host’s Voice – Keep the ad in the authentic sound of the person listeners trust.Host’s Words – Let them say it in their own language, not yours.Early & Often – Mention the brand within the first six seconds, then keep it present throughout.Sonic Branding – Build sound cues that make your brand recognizable with eyes closed.Distinct & Consistent – Repetition creates memory. Resist the urge to constantly refresh.Care – Tools can scale, but only human care makes the work matter.From the history of radio to the warp-speed evolution of podcasting, Stew shows where audio is headed and why keeping host authenticity at the center is the industry’s best chance to “keep podcasting, if we can.”It’s equal parts rallying cry and practical handbook for anyone who wants their audio ads to actually work.Support the showAd Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Caitlyn Spring & Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the secret to captivating audio advertising lies not in flashy gimmicks, but in strategic planning? Join host Stew Redwine in this enlightening episode of Ad Infinitum, where he dives deep into the world of audio advertising with industry experts Stephen Abraham and Giles Martin. Together, they unravel the nuances of the British approach to advertising strategy, which prioritizes meticulous planning and a profound understanding of the audience over mere spectacle. With a wealth of experience in podcast advertising and audio ad analysis, Stephen and Giles bring invaluable insights that can transform your advertising game.As the trio dissects recent audio ads, including notable campaigns from Unilever, they emphasize a critical distinction: the difference between strategy and planning. This episode is packed with practical advice and thought-provoking discussions that illuminate how the UK’s military history has shaped advertising strategies, offering a unique lens through which to view advertising creativity. “Effective advertising is not about shouting the loudest; it's about crafting a message that resonates,” says Stew, echoing the sentiments of his guests.Listeners will walk away with three key takeaways: first, the importance of authenticity in advertising and how it fosters genuine engagement; second, the necessity of understanding your target audience to create persuasive audio ads; and third, the role of strategic clarity in executing effective campaigns. As they navigate the evolving landscape of audio ads, Stew, Stephen, and Giles highlight the potential of audio as a compelling storytelling medium that many brands, including Unilever, often overlook.By tuning in to this episode of Ad Infinitum, you're not just gaining insights into audio advertising trends; you're also learning how to enhance your brand messaging through thoughtful execution and strategic clarity. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting your journey in digital marketing, this episode is designed to equip you with the tools you need to create creative audio ads that truly resonate with your audience. Join us for an engaging conversation that promises to elevate your understanding of audio storytelling and marketing strategies in the modern advertising landscape.Ad Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Caitlyn Spring & Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ever heard a Broadway ballad about bathroom fixtures? Or a devilish ditty about selling tires?From the 1950s to the 1980s, America’s biggest brands—Ford, Xerox, American Standard—commissioned full-scale, professional musicals for their employees, not the public. These “industrial musicals” were staged at sales conventions, lavish one-night-only productions designed to inspire, educate, and entertain. And they worked.In this special crossover episode, written & produced by Amelia Tait and Casey Emmerling, we hand the mic to the team at Twenty Thousand Hertz to explore this fascinating corner of audio history, led by comedy writer and collector Steve Young. You’ll hear unforgettable songs about silicones, diesel engines, bathroom bliss, and more—plus the human stories behind the people who created this unlikely art form.It’s easy to laugh at singing salespeople, but it’s harder to dismiss how powerful these productions were. People remembered them. They were moved. They sold more because of them. The question isn’t, "Why they did it?" It's, "Why did we stopped?Maybe it’s time to bring a little of that musical magic back to modern audio ads.Support the showAd Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Caitlyn Spring & Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why does comedy work in audio ads—and why don’t more brands take the leap?In Season 3 Episode 6 of Ad Infinitum, Stew Redwine is joined by improv legends Wayne Brady and Jonathan Mangum, co-hosts of Wayne Brady's What If?! with Jonathan Mangum, to explore the strategic (and often hilarious) role of humor in audio advertising. They unpack the data, riff on Stew's obsession with the comedic potential for life insurance ads, improvise jingles, and roast real radio spots from recent top spenders Progressive, Home Depot, Discover, and ZipRecruiter. Along the way, they reveal how brands can break out of the safety zone, find their comedic voice, and stand out in an AI-driven sea of sameness.Special thanks to Headgum for hosting Ad Infinitum at their studio for this episode!Support the showAd Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Caitlyn Spring & Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Ad Infinitum, host Stew Redwine is joined by commercial director Jordan Brady and Amplifi Media CEO and NYU professor Steven Goldstein to confront a fast-growing threat in the world of advertising: AI Slop.Used by Steven in a blog post earlier this year, “AI Slop” refers to the dull, generic content flooding our feeds—fueled by AI tools used without intention or craft. This episode pulls back the curtain on how these tools are transforming creative work—for better and worse.With the rise of “invisible minivans” (not Lamborghinis), Stew and his guests dig into how AI is flattening creativity, the steep cost of sounding like everyone else, and what marketers need to do to protect emotional resonance and brand authenticity in audio.Stew, Jordan, and Steven put four of the top commercial radio ads through the Ad Infinitum wringer—grading each on persuasion, production, and sonic distinctiveness:Progressive: A 10-second “riddle” spot that lacked flair and fell flat—proof that brevity doesn’t guarantee brilliance.Verizon: A $50/month deal with an attempt at a clever hook (“cheaper than your dog’s glam squad”) and zero memorability.AT&T: A 60-second travel-themed ad that waited 46 seconds to mention the brand. Result? $155K in wasted media dollars.Cricket: The surprise winner. With early branding, relatable benefits, and lively sonic branding, it scored highest across the board—an example of simple, effective, human-sounding creative.The verdict? You don’t need AI to sound robotic—humans are making boring, formulaic ads just fine on their own. But when brands fail to grab attention and stand out, they risk spending more for less impact.This one’s for every Chief Audio Officer navigating the promise and peril of generative AI because making more ads faster doesn’t mean making better ads. Support the showAd Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Caitlyn Spring & Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Ad Infinitum, host Stew Redwine is joined by Eric Molinsky—journalist, audio producer, and host of Imaginary Worlds—to explore how advertising creates universes of its own through storytelling, sound design, and the audience’s imagination.Ads aren’t just persuasive messages—they’re narrative constructs. Just like great novels or blockbuster movies, audio ads have the power to build immersive worlds. Whether it’s the cinematic lore of Apple, the absurdist multiverse of Geico, or the familiar nostalgia of Coca-Cola’s holiday canon, brands are world-building. The question is—how do they make it believable?Drawing on his expertise from covering sci-fi, fantasy, and fictional world-building, Eric helps unpack how those same principles apply to advertising. From the “theater of the mind” that makes audio so immersive, to the use of recurring characters, in-world logic, and even breaking the fourth wall—this conversation offers a crash course in ad storytelling for every creative and Chief Audio Officer looking to level up.Then, in true Ad Infinitum fashion, Stew and Eric analyze real podcast ads from Rocket Money, Capital One, USAA, American Express, and Bank of America, as tracked by Magellan AI. How well do they construct imaginary worlds—and where do they fall short?You’ll hear: 🌍 Why audio ads are the ultimate world-building medium 🧠 How fiction techniques help audiences suspend disbelief 🎭 When to break the fourth wall—and when not to 🛠️ What ads get wrong about storytelling (and how to fix it)Whether you’re a marketer, a writer, or a brand trying to make a mark—this episode will reframe how you think about advertising. Because the best ads don’t just sell. They transport.Support the showAd Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Caitlyn Spring & Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Ad Infinitum, host Stew Redwine explores the evolving landscape of brand safety and suitability in audio advertising—a critical challenge as brands navigate an ever-changing media environment.Joining the conversation is Suzanne Rico, journalist and host of The Man Who Calculated Death, a podcast that dives into her family’s history and its resonance in today’s world. Together, they unpack the nuances of brand safety, from navigating advertiser concerns to the complexity of historical narratives in media. Suzanne shares her firsthand experience in selling and distributing a high-stakes story, the unexpected roadblocks she encountered with advertisers, and why context and intent matter more than just keywords when it comes to brand suitability.Of course, no episode would be complete without Ad Infinitum’s signature segment: an analysis of real-world audio ads from top spenders identified by Magellan AI. This time, Stew and Suzanne break down ads from BetterHelp, Amazon Pharmacy, Rocket Money, and Ritual, revealing what works, what doesn’t, and what advertisers can learn from them.Support the showAd Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Caitlyn Spring & Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the Season 2 Finale of Ad Infinitum, host Stew Redwine and guest producer Jeanna Isham explore sonic branding's evolution, impact, and future through conversations with everyone from the inventors of audio logos we all know and love to current audio alchemists helping shape the sonic strategies of blue-chip brands around the world:Colleen Fahey, US Managing Director at Sixième SonSteve Keller, Sonic Strategy Director at SiriusXMJoel Beckerman, CEO of Made Music StudioLisa DeStefano, former VP at The Home DepotDallas Taylor, host of Twenty Thousand Hertz podcastJoe Sauer, consumer behavior researcherChelsea Campbell, Group Creative Director at SiriusXMJim Reekes, architect of Apple's startup soundRoger Sho Gehrmann, VP at SongtradrWalter Werzowa, creator of Intel's iconic five-note sequenceThis episode reveals how sonic branding can transform brand recognition and ROI. From Intel's game-changing mnemonic to Mastercard's innovative sonic ecosystem, listeners will discover why sound isn't just another asset – it's a strategic imperative that's reshaping how brands connect with consumers across every touchpoint.For Chief Audio Officers, the numbers make the case: while only 16% of advertising is correctly attributed, sonic branding delivers 700% better branded attention and drives response rates up by 30%. With one Fortune 100 company declaring it "the most leveraged item on their balance sheet," this deep dive into sonic branding isn't just informative – it's essential intelligence for staying competitive in an increasingly audio-first world - and... it's fun.Support the showAd Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Caitlyn Spring & Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.