Ad Infinitum

What does a coffee jingle, a museum forgery, a puppet, and AI have to do with podcast advertising?In this episode, Claude “Buttery” returns to Ad Infinitum — but this time, he has a body.Brought to life in puppet form by Brian Michael Jones, Claude joins Stew Redwine for a conversation about Folgers, forgery, AI, authenticity, and what actually makes creative work feel real.The episode starts with Folgers’ new “Best Part of Waking Up” campaign, which pairs the brand’s iconic sonic logo with real songs that already carry decades of emotional weight. From there, Stew and Claude unpack the bigger question facing advertising, podcasting, and creative work right now:If something sounds real, feels real, and lands emotionally… does it matter how it was made?Together they explore AI as a tool, the danger of outsourcing the actual thinking, why honesty matters more than the medium, and why the “signature” behind a piece of work still matters.Then they get back to what Ad Infinitum does best: breaking down real podcast ads.This week, Stew and Claude review and score ads from Aura Frames, Hims, Progressive, and Red Bull, using Audiolytics® to explore why some ads convert and others leave too much on the table.In this episode:• Claude “Buttery” returns — this time as a puppet• Brian Michael Jones brings Claude to life• Folgers, nostalgia, sonic branding, and emotional memory• AI, authenticity, forgery, and creative honesty• Why the tool matters less than the intent behind it• The difference between using AI and outsourcing your thinking• What Aura Frames gets right with host-read performance audio• Why Hims succeeds with clarity, structure, and specificity• Where Progressive plays it safe• Why Red Bull’s vibe is not enough• What Audiolytics® reveals about substance, urgency, offers, and conversion• Why facts, specifics, and reasons to act still matter• Why the show creates the feeling — and the ad has to make the caseThe takeaway: Don’t sacrifice substance for vibe. The listener is already emotionally primed by the show. The ad’s job is to give them a reason to believe, a reason to care, and a reason to act now.Ad Infinitum is the podcast devoted to audio ads, the creatives who make them, the thinking behind them, and how to make them work better.Hosted by Stew Redwine.Ad Infinitum is presented by Oxford Road and produced by Angela Hunter, Caitlyn Spring, and Ezra Fox, written and hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Remember: have fun making the ads work.

What does it truly mean to be creative in an ever-evolving landscape of audio advertising? Join host Stew Redwine as he dives deep into this compelling question with Shelby Hayden Craig, a pivotal figure at Oxford Road who has been instrumental in shaping innovative creative strategies in the realm of audio ads. With a unique perspective from his base in Australia, Shelby brings a fresh outlook on how to stay ahead in the creative process, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in podcast advertising or digital marketing.Throughout their engaging conversation, Stew and Shelby share valuable insights into the delicate balance between humility and confidence in creative work. “Creativity requires both a curious mind and a firm stance on your ideas,” Shelby emphasizes, highlighting the importance of staying open to new concepts while also believing in your creative vision. This episode is packed with practical advice for creatives and chief audio officers, focusing on the essential elements of creating, crafting, and caring about the work they produce.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the current audio ad trends and the impact of AI on the advertising evolution. Shelby and Stew discuss the significance of crafting compelling insights and ideas, using relatable anecdotes and humor to illustrate their points effectively. This is not just about theory; it’s about real-world applications and the design in advertising that drives results.Takeaway 1: The importance of being proactive in the creative process, especially when working across different time zones.Takeaway 2: How to balance humility and confidence to foster a thriving creative environment.Takeaway 3: Key strategies for adapting to the rise of AI in the advertising industry while maintaining an edge in advertising creativity.By tuning in to this episode of Ad Infinitum, you’ll not only enhance your understanding of audio advertising but also walk away with actionable insights that can elevate your marketing strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned industry expert or just starting your journey in audio production, this conversation promises to inspire and inform. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of advertising insights and audio storytelling that make a real impact.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.

In this special episode of Ad Infinitum, Stew shares the full video version of his talk at Podcast Movement Evolutions in Chicago, 2025. From sonic branding and memory science to host trust and the rise of video, this talk explores what truly makes audio ads work today—and what we may need to let go of to make them work better.You’ll hear about:The NBC chimes and the power of sound brandingWhy “I use this and you should too” outperforms everythingHow generative AI risks making dull ads fasterThe Audiolytics™ framework for better creativeWhat Odysseus, a cab ride, and Aristotle have to do with all of itIt’s a creative call to arms for anyone making or buying ads in 2025.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 Season 3 Episode 7 of Ad Infinitum, Stew Redwine is joined by Antonio Coronado—aka Agent 004, aka Antoniolytics™—and together, they delve a critical point in the history of Audiolytics™ - the proprietary ad grading and devopment framework developed and used by OXFORd - the early days of human grading, and what happens when AI takes the wheel.As the ad industry hits an inflection point—with AI tools being mandated at major platforms like Spotify—Antonio and Stew unpack what machines can do well, what they still miss, and where the soul of a great message resides. They discuss the importance of Audiolytics™ Key Components like Setup, Positioning, Substantiation, and that elusive “unifying principle” behind emotional resonance. And, of course, Antoniolytics™ goes head-to-head with Audiolytics™, evaluating top ads from T-Mobile, BetterHelp, Toyota, and Mint Mobile to pit man against machine and find out if their grades are wildly different and who is the harsher critic, the one with or without a beating heart?This episode is a time capsule, a tribute, and a turning point in the evolution of creative optimization, marking the end of the hand-graded era and the beginning of something new.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 brief bonus episode of Ad Infinitum, Stew Redwine shares a short audio story created for the Twenty Thousand Hertz “Sound Off” competition.“The Sound of Falling” features original 1980s tape recordings of Stew’s grandfather, Herold Redwine, recounting his harrowing experience of being shot down in WWII, parachuting from a burning B-17, surviving as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft VI, and enduring the brutal 68-day “Black March.” With audio production by Zach Hahn and sound design by John Mattaliano, the piece blends archival family audio and cinematic sound to capture the silence, fear, and resilience of a man who lived through the unimaginable.Stew reflects on the power of preserving family stories and encourages listeners to do the same.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 special live episode of Ad Infinitum - brought to you by Sounds Profitable - host Stew Redwine assembles the Audio Avengers—Arielle Nissenblatt (Earbuds Podcast Collective, Pinwheel), Adam McNeil (Adopter Media), Amelia Coomber (Podscribe), and Paul Riismandel (Signal Hill Insights)—for an unfiltered, in-person conversation recorded at the Sounds Profitable Lounge at Podcast Movement Evolutions 2025 in Chicago.Together, they tackle one of the industry’s most pressing (and polarizing) topics: the rise of video podcasting and what it means for creators, advertisers, and the future of audio. With YouTube’s RSS support and increasing pressure for creators to “be on video,” the group wrestles with where the medium is headed—and whether we’re entering a new era or still navigating the wild west.From reflections on the evolution of Podcast Movement to hot takes on panel fatigue, discoverability, monetization, and how to actually serve creators, brands, and audiences better—the Audio Avengers bring real talk and practical ideas from across the podcasting ecosystem.You’ll hear:🎥 Why video is not a threat—but a tool (if used intentionally)🎙️ How podcasting can grow without losing its audio soul🧠 What’s broken about industry conferences—and how to fix them🔁 Why the conversation around podcast advertising still feels stuck💡 And how we can better align stakeholders—brands, creators, and listeners—to build a more vibrant futureThis episode isn’t about buzzwords. It’s about what’s actually working, what’s not, and what the people shaping the future of podcasting want to change.Whether you're a Chief Audio Officer, podcaster, marketer, or just audio curious—you'll want to hear what the Audio Avengers say.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 Ad Infinitum Season 3, Episode 3 - "Sonic Justice," Stew Redwine is joined by legal entrepreneur, founder of 1-800-NOCUFFS, and audio ad icon Darren Kavinoky to explore how bold, memorable local radio spots can deliver attention, affinity, and action in a sea of sameness from many Brand (bland) advertisers.We can all recite the jingles and often preposterous intonations and taglines of local radio advertisers. They are founders and small business owners like Darren who have to lay it all on the line to make their audio ads work. If things don't work out, they're letting people go and possibly going out of business. So they play to win.You'll find out how Darren won big time in audio in this episode and get some GREAT advice to running a small business that goes way beyond how to make unforgettable audio ads that call people to action.From humble beginnings and business-card ads in Russian newspapers to building one of California’s most recognized legal brands through the airwaves, Darren’s story is a crash course in founder-led audio success. Together, he and Stew break down why playing it safe is the real risk, how to build trust with sonic branding, and the five-pillar mindset that helped Darren grow from solo practitioner to multimillion-dollar firm.You’ll hear: ⚖️ How 1-800-NO-CUFFS became a household name 🎙️ The formula behind his unforgettable radio spots 🔊 Why audio ad success is all about playing offense 💡 And, how Darren dialed in his audio campaigns to convey empathy, ethos, and expertise—in just 15 secondsThis one’s for the audio rebels, the founder-CEOs, and every CAO ready to trade boring for bold and reap the rewards.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.