Best Apostrophe Podcast Network Podcasts (2024)

1
Ham on Wry: Sandwich Board Advertising 27:03

40m ago27:03

27:03

Take a walk down any busy main street, and you’ll probably see one of the oldest forms of advertising: The sandwich board. They have been around for over 200 years. Cities try and ban them. Storekeepers love them. They can make you smile. They can make you angry. They can attract a lot of attention. They are the pop-up ads of the physical world. Ho…

1
The Alchemy of Audience - Dad is Dying & Odd Jobs 57:23

1h ago57:23

57:23

“There are only so many holes a man can cut in his own house before he is told to stop.” Today on the show, two classic Stuart McLean stories, including Odd Jobs. That’s the one where Dave tries his hand at some home renovations, with hilarious consequences. And Jess has a backstory about the magic of Vinyl Cafe audiences. Hosted on Acast. See acas…

1
Rejecting Manon Rhéaume (The First Woman to Play in the NHL) 30:43

23h ago30:43

30:43

Manon Rhéaume was told hockey was for boys. Manon Rhéaume was cut from teams for being a girl. Manon Rhéaume was heckled by parents in the stands. Manon Rhéaume was told she was taking a spot away from boys with NHL dreams. Manon Rhéaume was told she’d never play pro. Manon Rhéaume became the first woman to ever play in an NHL game. If you enjoyed …

1
Pants on Fire: When Customers Lie to Marketers 27:08

5d ago27:08

27:08

Customers often lie to companies in surveys, polls and focus groups. Yet advertisers rely on that flawed and false feedback to market brands and create advertising campaigns. So what are advertisers to do? One solution is Google. What we type into the Google search window is like a truth serum. We all pour our most intimate, honest questions into t…

1
Spring – The Fish Head 46:16

7d ago46:16

46:16

“I guess I figured having a fish head could come in handy.” On this week’s episode Stuart celebrates the joys of birding and the Spring bird migration. And we have two springy stories, including a favourite from the Vinyl Cafe story exchange. To submit your short, true story to the Story Exchange, send it to vinylcafe@vinylcafe.com. Hosted on Acast…

1
Cheeky Advertising 27:48

12d ago27:48

27:48

80% of all advertising is ignored. That’s why some advertisers employ cheeky advertising. It’s usually bold – outrageous – and sometimes even rude – but always with a playful undertone. We’ll talk about a fruit company that printed an open letter to the Pope. An airline campaign that told you to “keep it in your pants.” And a product that claims yo…

1
Marriage - Dave and the Duck & Margaret Gets Married 55:34

14d ago55:34

55:34

“There is nothing like a wedding to addle people’s minds.” Today on the pod we have two hilarious stories about marriage and proposal. In the first, Dave loses his wedding ring and fears it may have been swallowed by a duck! In the second, Dave’s mom Margaret surprises everyone by agreeing to marry again. And Jess shares her own experience of weddi…

1
Rejecting Adam Driver 37:21

20d ago37:21

37:21

Adam Driver is a two-time Academy Award nominated actor known for his roles in films like Marriage Story, BlacKkKlansman and the Star Wars franchise as Kylo Ren. But before landing his breakout role on HBO’s Girls, Driver was rejected from Juilliard, turned his Lincoln Town Car around before he reached Los Angeles and was medically discharged from …

1
Billionaire Tourism 27:03

19d ago27:03

27:03

Most tourism marketing aims at the largest audience possible. This week, we look at a sub-category aimed at the smallest audience possible: Billionaire Tourism. The super wealthy get bored easily. That means luxury tour planners dream up extreme vacation ideas. From outer space, to the bottom of the ocean, to secretly getting the key to the Sistine…

1
Seeds of Hope - The Fig Tree & Morley’s Garden 40:41

21d ago40:41

40:41

“Eugene’s fig tree is the best-known tree in the neighbourhood.” We’re all about gardening on the podcast this week, with two Dave and Morley stories about the act of faith and hope that goes into creating a garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Season Five. 🤚🏽 1:37

22d ago1:37

1:37

We Regret To Inform You returns to a podcast app near you in one week's time. We've got some inspiring stories to share with you this year – here's a sneak peek at what's to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
What’s in a Name? - Skunks 43:23

28d ago43:23

43:23

“It was 4:30 in the morning and Dave was having a nightmare about something that smelled bad.” On today’s episode we have a fragrant story from way back. And Jess chats in studio with Stuart’s old friends David and Elizabeth, who share how Morley got her name—and surprise Jess with some entertaining backstories of their own! Hosted on Acast. See ac…

1
When You're This Big, They Call you Mister 27:35

1M ago27:35

27:35

There are some time-honored honorifics in the world of marketing. “Honorifics” are titles like Mr., Mrs., Doctor, Captain or Colonel. Like Colonel Sanders, Dr. Scholl’s, Mr. Clean and Mrs. Butterworth’s. They’re usually leaders in their category. Is it because those products are the best? Or – is it because those brand names give the products a sen…

1
Sap’s Running! - Dave Makes Maple Syrup 35:43

1M ago35:43

35:43

“It is the best maple syrup I have ever had, said Sam.” We’re celebrating one of the wonders of spring on the pod this week: Stuart waxes lyrical about his favourite tipple, maple syrup, then tells a story about the time Dave tried to make his own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Terry Interviews Arkells Lead Singer Max Kerman 38:12

1M ago38:12

38:12

Arkells is a band that likes to have fun.They are also a very smart band that understands the critical mix of artistry and marketing in a competitive industry. Frontman Max Kerman tells Terry the inventive ways they market their music, the creative ideas Arkells use to launch new material, and what marketing from other bands they admire. Hosted on …

1
Buy-O-Pics: When Brands Become Movies 28:11

1M ago28:11

28:11

As Oscar night approaches, we head to theatres to figure out why movies about brands are so popular. “Barbie” is breaking box office records. “Air” tells the story of Nike signing Michael Jordan. “Blackberry” explains the spectacular rise and fall of the first smartphone – and is getting great reviews. And a movie about the origins of McDonald’s – …

1
The Wisdom of Children - Annie’s Turn & Dave and the Roller Coaster 55:38

2M ago55:38

55:38

“The kids were always up to something in the Narrows.” This week’s episode is all about kids and what we can learn from them. The first story relates an adventure from when Dave was a boy. In the second, Dave’s adventures continue, with a little help from his son Sam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Seeing is Believing: The Power of Demonstration Commercials - Part 2 26:45

2M ago26:45

26:45

Last week, we talked about the best historic demonstration commercials of all time. This week, we feature some of the most recent. Like an air freshener commercial that tricked blindfolded people into thinking a filthy toilet smelled like flowers. And a stunt where an ad agency put $3 million dollars between the glass of a bus shelter - unguarded, …

1
Literary Structures - Dave’s Inferno & Labour Pains 55:23

2M ago55:23

55:23

“By the end of the first trimester, Dave had put on 12lbs.” A surprising theme links our two stories this week. In the first, Dave has a hellish trip to the grocery store—and Jess has a backstory about what shopping with Stuart was really like. Our second story takes us back to the early days of Dave and Morley’s relationship, when Morley is pregna…

1
Seeing is Believing: The Power of Demonstration Commercials 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

This week, I ask a dozen of the top creative directors in the advertising business to tell me the best “demonstration commercials” they have ever seen. Because there is nothing more powerful than a dramatic product demonstration. We’ll talk about a famous Krazy Glue commercial. And a Volvo ad where the ad writer risked his life to demonstrate a poi…

1
Trapped - Rat-a-tat-tat & Dave Buys a Coffin 53:32

2M ago53:32

53:32

"He was about to climb in—just for a second, just to see…" Poor Dave gets himself into some tight situations in both this week’s stories. And Jess explores the snapshots of detail that enrich them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Glide - The Greatest Hockey Game Ever Played 55:03

2M ago55:03

55:03

“'They tried to stop us,' says the old man. 'But we kept playing.'” More about the joy of winter sports on this week’s pod. Including Stuart’s ode to skating from Jasper, Alberta. And a beautiful Big Narrows story about a memorable game of hockey from long ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Putting the Awe in Audio 26:56

2M ago26:56

26:56

This week, we look at the most creative audio ideas from around the world. Including a podcast for runners that only works if you’re actually running, a police recruitment campaign that capitalized on the popularity of True Crime, and a very ambitious alternative audio track created to be played over Disney’s Pocahontas movie – that tells the truth…

1
Valentine’s Day - Holland 32:41

2M ago32:41

32:41

“It was the greatest skate of her life.” Love is in the air today on the pod, with a Dave and Morley origin story—the one about how they first met. For our second story, we’re bringing back the Vinyl Cafe Story Exchange, with one of our favourite listener love stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Terry talks with a Cannabis Producer 23:44

3M ago23:44

23:44

Recently, we produced an episode on cannabis marketing. With cannabis legalization, it’s a brand-new, challenging marketing category. As a result of that episode, I asked the Ontario Cannabis Store to introduce me to an actual cannabis producer. I wanted to know how a cannabis producer becomes licensed, how a craft cannabis company competes with th…

1
The Marketing of Taylor Swift: (Taylor's Version) 27:19

3M ago27:19

27:19

This week, we analyze the remarkable marketing skills of one of the top music artists in the world – Taylor Swift. She has challenged the status quo at every turn – she regained ownership of her master recordings. She convinced Apple and Spotify to pay artists in a more equitable way. She defied Hollywood. She markets her music to her fans in very …

1
Occupational Hazards - Kenny Wong and the Tank of Tranquility & Tree Planting 43:54

3M ago43:54

43:54

“The secret to planting more trees, is to plant more trees.” We have two hilarious Vinyl Cafe stories for you on today’s pod. Stories of things that happen at work. In the first, Kenny helps Dave out with something at the store. In our second story, Steph experiences a summer job like no other. And Jess digs into the research process behind the sto…

1
Cannabis Marketing 27:06

3M ago27:06

27:06

This week, we go one toke over the line and look at the emerging world of cannabis marketing. We start with the question - just how does a plant become illegal? We’ll explore the history of cannabis. We’ll talk about which celebrities have their own brands (Hello Willie Nelson!) Which high-end retail stores are now selling expensive cannabis paraph…

1
Stories Ahead of Their Time - Toilet Training the Cat & Dave Versus the Flu 55:07

3M ago55:07

55:07

"Galway began flushing the toilet again in the autumn…" This week, two Dave and Morley stories that, in hindsight, seem strangely prescient. In the first, a fan favourite, Dave decides to teach Galway the cat a new skill. The second is a story that we haven’t felt comfortable playing in a long time. Jess explains why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com…

1
Analog Dave - The Phone Message & The Razor’s Edge 59:40

3M ago59:40

59:40

"It began simply enough. It began with a phone call." On today’s episode, two stories about technical difficulties. In our first story, Dave attempts an inventive solution to an ill-considered phone message left for the Turlingtons. In our second, an electric razor causes him problems at the airport. And Jess shares some stories about Stuart’s habi…

1
Copycat Brands 27:18

3M ago27:18

27:18

This week, we look at copycat brands. Even though they walk a razor’s edge legally, copycat brands seem to pop up all over the world. You may like Walmart here, but there’s a Wumart in China. You may like North Face apparel, but did you know there was a South Butt brand? And, we’ll tell the story of a copycat cookie that overtook the original to be…

1
I Resolve To… 45:13

3M ago45:13

45:13

I resolve to organize upstairs. Welcome back for Season 3 of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe! We’re embracing the spirit of the New Year with a show all about resolutions and lists and getting things done. We start with an essay about Stuart’s fraught relationship with his to do list. And Jess has a backstory about her own relationship to lists and res…

1
Disappearing Acts: When Popular Brands Are Discontinued 27:24

4M ago27:24

27:24

To kick off our 2024 season, we look at a strange phenomenon happening in Canada. Well-established brands are suddenly leaving the country. Kleenex is leaving after nearly 100 years. Skippy Peanut Butter has skipped the country after nearly 90 years. And KFC actually held a funeral for their terrible-tasting French fries. What’s happening up here? …

1
Season 3 - Starting January 12th 0:56

4M ago0:56

0:56

A New Year = A New Season of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe! So join us next week for Episode 1. Hilarious stories by Stuart McLean. Entertaining backstories and more by host Jess Milton. Here's a sneak peek... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
We're back January 6th 1:21

4M ago1:21

1:21

Happy New Year. We have a fun 2024 season planned for you. Here'a a sneak peek at what's in store... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
A Perfect, Imperfect Christmas - Christmas at the Turlingtons’ & Christmas on the Road 1:03:57

4M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

“Family and friends, they sure mess up our lives…” For our final episode of this season, two classic Vinyl Cafe Christmas stories by Stuart McLean. Dave tries to make himself useful at Mary Turlington’s festive dinner party, with disastrous consequences. In our second story, the family experiences a very different kind of Christmas, special in its …

1
Rejecting Elf 41:27

4M ago41:27

41:27

We regret to inform you, this week marks the final episode of our 2023 season. And, as it’s the 20th of December, we thought it only fitting to tell a holiday-themed story. Elves love to tell stories. I bet you didn’t know that about elves… Elf is a beloved and timeless Christmas classic. Starring Will Ferrell, the film brought in over $200M at the…

1
May Contain Gravel - Rashida & Amir and the Great Gift-Giving & Polly Anderson’s Christmas Party 50:54

4M ago50:54

50:54

“Come and get me, copper!” We’ve got to know Dave and Morley’s neighbours well over the years. This week, two stories about the neighbourhood at Christmas. Holiday gift-giving gets a bit out of hand in our first story, while a punchbowl mix-up livens up the party (for some) in our second. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Rejecting The Supremes 33:20

4M ago33:20

33:20

Last week, we told the story of EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson. Hudson put the O in EGOT when she won the Oscar for her role as Effie White in Dreamgirls. It’s said Dreamgirls is based on the story of The Supremes – Deena as Diana Ross, Effie as Florence Ballard. And in researching that episode, we discovered it wasn’t just Jennifer Hudson who had a r…

1
Christmas Presents - Christmas Presents & Christmas in the Narrows 49:50

4M ago49:50

49:50

“I was thinking it would be fun if we made presents for each other this year” What’s the best gift you have ever received? On today’s podcast, Jess shares the surprising truth about her favourite gift, ever. Accompanied by two hilarious Dave and Morley stories about Christmas gifts and gift-giving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in…

1
Sounds That Sell 35:51

5M ago35:51

35:51

Every once in a while, we drop an interesting show into our feed that we think you’ll like. This week, it’s “Twenty Thousand Hertz” - a show about the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds. The show’s title comes from the highest frequency that can be perceived within the human hearing range. In this episode, host Dallas Taylor explores …

1
The Turkey Story - Dave Cooks the Turkey & Dave on the Roof 38:14

5M ago38:14

38:14

“Did you take the turkey out of the freezer?” Today is the day Dave Cooks the Turkey! Jess tells us why it gives her such pleasure to say those words on the pod today and plays the beloved turkey story that has become a Christmas tradition for so many. Also on today’s episode more of Dave’s festive shenanigans – in another hilarious story from the …

1
Rejecting Jennifer Hudson 36:14

5M ago36:14

36:14

Like Rita Moreno last week, Jennifer Hudson is an EGOT winner. She’s won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony – not to mention a Golden Globe. But before earning THE major award in every major entertainment category, Hudson was eliminated from American Idol – twice. Rejected after her first Hollywood audition, she had fallen off the radar. That i…

1
Ask Terry (From the AOP Archives) 31:37

5M ago31:37

31:37

This week, we turn the show over to listeners. It’s our annual “As Terry” show. We asked you to submit any questions you had about the advertising world, and you responded with a record amount of very interesting, very insightful ones that touch on subjects like negative political advertising, why there are so many bad local commercials, and what d…

1
Sounds Like… - Jim & Molly the Cat 41:07

5M ago41:07

41:07

“Jim never had any intention of having any pets at all” To be fair to the other household critters (and no, we’re not talking about headlice again!), last week was dogs, so today we have a story about cats. One of our favourite characters, Jim Scoffield, finds a new friend while caring for his cat Molly. And Jess gets into some of the practical and…

1
Doggone It! - Stanley & Arthur Takes the Cake 40:08

5M ago40:08

40:08

“You know how loud he snores? Ninety decibels. That’s the equivalent of sleeping beside a pneumatic drill.” This week, two stories about dogs. Oh how we love them! Even if, like Stanley, they snore and have – um – “digestive problems”, or if, like Arthur, they add a whole new level of challenge to Dave and Morley’s important dinner party. Jess shar…

1
Rejecting Rita Moreno 43:50

5M ago43:50

43:50

Rita Moreno is a member of the coveted and exclusive EGOT club. Meaning, throughout her career, she’s won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony. And not only that, Moreno is the first and only Latina EGOT winner in history. But before earning her Academy Award for West Side Story, Moreno was dropped by MGM. She spent years typecast – or simply not…

1
Remembrance Day 57:21

5M ago57:21

57:21

“There’s something about the ghosts who live in the house where you live. Some kind of an inexpressible pull between the people who have lived and loved under the same roof as you have.” Today, a Dave and Morley story that is seldom heard: a story about place, about history, and about remembering and sharing those histories with the next generation…

1
Terry's Book Club (From the AOP Archives) 26:34

6M ago26:34

26:34

This week, we invite you to our Book Club. We'll be telling stories from Terry's favourite advertising books, and will examine the incredible lessons they contain that have served him well for his entire career. By the way, a few of those books aren’t even about advertising. In fact, one is a book about science, and another is about theatre actors.…

1
Finding Beauty - Dave and Tommy & Murphy Kruger, Philatelist 58:33

6M ago58:33

58:33

“Our daughter is living with a man who takes pictures of roadkill!” We’re dealing with difficult and weighty matters on this week’s episode. Yes, this week is all about art and beauty. Dave is slightly perturbed and not a little afraid to receive an invite to an art exhibit about roadkill. The artist is his daughter’s boyfriend, Tommy. And Jess sha…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Apostrophe Podcast Network

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide