Best Apostrophe Podcast Network Podcasts (2025)

1
A Moment I'll Never Forget: The Power of PSAs 27:20

24m ago27:20

27:20

This week, we look at public service announcements. PSAs have to compete with - not just other PSAs - but with all other commercials out there. And do it with an iota of the budget. It requires exceptional creativity. We’ll talk about how Elvis got teens to get a polio vaccine, and a drinking & driving commercial recorded by drunk actors. -------- …

1
Stories from Way Back - Walking Man & Why I Buy 8-tracks 38:06

1h ago38:06

38:06

“Dave was going to see Morley. He was trying to find the courage to ask her to marry him.” Some vintage Stuart McLean this week with two stories from way, way back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Rejecting Josh Allen 35:13

2h ago35:13

35:13

Happy NFL Draft Day to all who celebrate. Quarterback Josh Allen just signed a six-year, $330M contract with the Buffalo Bills, with $250M guaranteed – the largest guaranteed contract ever given to an NFL player. Yet, when Allen graduated high school, he had zero four year scholarship offers. He bounced around junior college before deciding to send…

1
Brand Strategist & Author Peter Wilken 55:16

8h ago55:16

55:16

Peter Wilken has over 40 years experience working with the world’s top brands. He has run advertising agency networks around the world. In our far-reaching conversation, Peter brings battle-tested insights to the table, tells us interesting stories about the brands he’s worked for, how to manage creative people, and explains the critical difference…

1
Interview with Author & Arkells Frontman Max Kerman 46:17

3d ago46:17

46:17

Arkells frontman Max Kerman has written his first book, “Try Hard: Creative Work in Progress.” Max talks about what a lead singer for a band does all day, the nuts and bolts of song writing, how he prepares for a show - but more importantly - Max talks about how the creative process is not all about talent, it’s about curiosity, enthusiasm, and lea…

1
Encore: Rejecting Women in the Boston Marathon (The Stories of Bobbi Gibb and Kathrine Switzer) 47:17

2d ago47:17

47:17

In honour of the 13,700 women running today in the Boston Marathon, we bring you an encore of our favourite episodes, and take you back to a not-so-distant time when the number of women running the marathon was one. Join us as we remember the stories of two brave women – Bobbi Gibb and Kathrine Switzer – the first women to ever run the Boston Marat…

1
Brand, James Brand 28:45

4d ago28:45

28:45

It was big news recently that Amazon is taking over creative control of the James Bond franchise. So this week, we look at how James Bond has been employed to pitch products over the years. From high-end watches, to beer, liquor and breakfast cereals, 007 has been busy. And even the Bond villains have been hawking products. Hosted on Acast. See aca…

1
Obsession - Blood Pressure Chair & Dave’s Truck 40:04

5d ago40:04

40:04

“It was not as if they *needed* a 1948 red panel truck…” On today’s episode, two hilarious Vinyl Cafe stories that highlight Dave’s tendency to, let’s say, really commit to the things in his life. In the first story it’s his health, in the second, a special new purchase. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Commercial Outtakes & Bloopers 27:25

11d ago27:25

27:25

This week, we have some fun and listen to commercial outtakes. Just like the movies, there are multiple takes, lots of pressure, and mistakes happen. Sometimes actors get the words all mixed up to hilarious results. Sometimes celebrities have melt-downs. And sometimes professional actors just break down in a fit of the giggles. Hosted on Acast. See…

1
Mechanical Mutiny - The Jock Strap & Dave and the Vacuum 31:15

12d ago31:15

31:15

“Morley thought she was the Athletic Support” We’re all about equipment failure on this week’s pod. Those everyday items that make life easier – until, suddenly, they very much don’t! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Rejecting Alanis Morissette 32:18

14d ago32:18

32:18

Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill is one of the biggest debut albums of all time – selling 33M copies worldwide and earning Morissette the Grammy for Album of the Year. But you oughta know that just one year prior, Morissette was rejected by every major label, on a plane back home to Ottawa and “deeply depressed.” What changed everything? A sp…

1
Two Minutes For Looking So Good: Star Athlete Endorsements 28:23

18d ago28:23

28:23

This week, we’ll tell the stories behind some of the most famous – and infamous – sports star endorsements of all time. We’ll talk about a Rocket Richard commercial that spawned a catchphrase that nearly every Boomer can recite. We’ll look at a powerful Nike commercial Serena Williams did about women in sports. And we’ll talk about what it took to …

1
Parents 29:29

19d ago29:29

29:29

More about parenting and family life this week, with two moving essays by Stuart McLean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Minisode: Hader’s Haters – Bill Hader & Critic Anxiety 22:34

21d ago22:34

22:34

Welcome to our first ever “Minisode” – where we zoom in on individual moments or facets of rejection we've come across in our research. This week, we tell the story of Bill Hader’s Saturday Night Live anxiety and what happens when you come face to face with your biggest hater. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Busiest Day Of The Year 27:17

25d ago27:17

27:17

This week, we ask an interesting question: What is the busiest day of the year for pizza delivery companies, Airbnb, Emergency Rooms, Maternity Wards, restaurants and dating apps? What is the busiest day of the year for weddings? And what is the busiest day of the year for… plumbers? It’s all fascinating – and often very surprising. Hosted on Acast…

1
Kids - Susan is Serious & Sam Goes Green 50:00

26d ago50:00

50:00

“I think I have an alien.” This week, two wonderful stories about kids… and their parents. And Jess admits to a surprising source of inspiration for her own parenting journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Hug the Cactus: Lessons on Rejection from Under the Influence 27:48

29d ago27:48

27:48

Some companies actually advertise to their haters. Every advertiser gets negative comments on social media. Some brands shrink away – and some take those negative comments and spin them into marketing gold. In this episode of Under the Influence, Terry looks at Supercuts – who took negative comments about cheap haircuts and created a hilarious adve…

1
Brand Envy #Canada 26:32

1M ago26:32

26:32

This week, we thought it would be timely to retrieve this episode from our archives. A Brand Envy episode in celebration of Canadian brands. We’ll look at what may be the most successful global retailer Canada has ever built, a television pioneer worshipped and revered by generations of Canadians and a world-class brand that operates out of the sma…

1
The Power of Song - Dave's Last Kind Word Blues 39:26

1M ago39:26

39:26

“He didn’t understand that the organic confusion that’s at the heart of the Vinyl Cafe is, in fact, the thing that makes it work.” Is there anything that cuts to the heart quicker than music? On the pod today, we’re talking about the power of song. Jess shares a script Stuart wrote for the radio show, about a song that moved him to tears. And we ha…

1
Rejecting the Goalie Mask 32:57

1M ago32:57

32:57

“Masks prevent goalies from seeing the puck at their feet.” “Masks eliminate fear in goalies – the fear that drives them to play well.” “Masks make goalies complacent.” “A real man wouldn’t hide his face from his opponents.” Rejecting the Goalie Mask. Hope you’ll join us. Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:…

1
Orchestrating Elections: Political Campaign Songs 25:20

1M ago25:20

25:20

This week, we take a look at one of the tools of political marketing – the campaign song. Politicians have used songs going all the way back to at least the 1700s. Sometimes the songs are written expressly for the political party or candidate. Sometimes, politicians co-opt pop songs. And sometimes, pop artists have a major problem with that. Hosted…

1
Stealing - Sam Steals & Emil 40:14

1M ago40:14

40:14

“Crimestoppers. It’s synonymous.” We’ve got two of Stuart’s older stories on today’s episode. One from the very early days of the show; it’s one you may not have heard before. These two stories are both about…stealing! But, as Jess observes, they’re also about parenting, and love, and respect. And they’re both hilarious! Hosted on Acast. See acast.…

1
Recorded Live in Toronto: Wicked Brand Fails of 2024 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

Recorded before a live audience at Reid’s Distillery, this episode lists some of the biggest brand fails of 2024. We’ll talk about when Apple launched its thinnest computer ever, which led to a big fat PR problem. We’ll look at a seasonal candle that fired up accusations of white supremacy. And we’ll try and figure out how a children’s doll package…

1
The Movies – Sam’s First Kiss 40:46

2M ago40:46

40:46

“Of all of the theatres, in all the complexes, in all of the towns, she walks into mine.” This week on the pod we’re at the movies, basking in the light of the silver screen. We have Stuart McLean’s Ode to the Movies, recorded at the glorious Capitol Theatre in Port Hope; including a fascinating story about a celebrity interview (with Peter O’Toole…

1
Rejecting Yellowstone 39:47

2M ago39:47

39:47

The season five premiere of Yellowstone drew 16 million viewers. The series creator, writer and showrunner Taylor Sheridan recently signed a nearly $200M deal with Paramount to produce the hit show and its subsequent franchise. But rewind 10 years, Sheridan had $800 to his name. He had been trying to make it as an actor in Hollywood for the better …

1
Putting the Motion in Motion Pictures: Movie Theatre Marketing 27:06

2M ago27:06

27:06

Today, movie theatres have to compete with home theatre systems and streaming services. This week, we look at how cinemas are transforming to attract more movie goers. To survive, theatres now offer restaurant meals and full bar menus. They offer loyalty programs and special theme nights. And many cinemas now offer patrons “atmospheric” movie exper…

1
Deception - Dave and the Sourdough Starter & A Day Off 30:20

2M ago30:20

30:20

“I have a genealogy, said Carl. Of the starter. Like a family tree. I have it in a frame in the den.” A pandemic favourite on this week’s episode: Dave and the Sourdough Starter! And we have two more stories for you, stories about deception! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Season 6. 🤚🏽 1:10

2M ago1:10

1:10

We don't regret to inform you that Season Six of the Rejection Pod will begin in one week's time. Artists, athletes and...umbrellas? Join us for more inspiring stories of grit, determination and courage – with some signature twists and turns along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Forbidden Branding 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

There are things in the world of marketing that are forbidden. It’s illegal to use certain sounds, for example. If an advertiser does use them, they are heavily fined. In some countries, there are rules around using national anthems in commercials. In other countries, there are no rules. And even Winnie the Pooh is forbidden in one country because …

1
People from the Past - Whatever Happened to Johnny Flowers & Morley and the Century of Wind Theatre Company 49:14

2M ago49:14

49:14

“In celebration of 100 years. Big Narrows, Cape Breton. Centennial Baby.” In our first story this week, Dave is jolted back in time by a sudden reminder of someone from long ago, someone he hadn’t thought about for years. And Jess shares the surprising reason why it took so many years to release our second story. You can find our latest CD, So Long…

1
SNL & Commercial Parodies (Encore) 27:27

2M ago27:27

27:27

During SNL's recent 50th anniversary special, it showed a montage of their famous commercial parodies. Here’s an episode that talks about those and many others - and how SNL influenced the ad writers of my generation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Hug the Cactus: Advertising to Haters 26:04

2M ago26:04

26:04

This week, we look at how some companies advertise to haters. Every advertiser gets negative comments on social media. Some brands shrink away – and some take those negative comments and spin them into marketing gold. Supercuts took negative comments about cheap haircuts and created a hilarious advertising campaign. Spirit Airlines gave haters a pl…

1
Love – Love Never Ends 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

“It’s funny the things that you miss.” For you love birds out there, we’re playing one of our most requested love stories today. The chocolate bar story! And Jess plays an entertaining story exchange and reflects on the somewhat less romantic side of Valentines Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Strange Smells: The Marketing of Unusual Fragrances 27:17

2M ago27:17

27:17

This week, we take a whiff of some of the strangest fragrances being marketed today. Choosing a perfume or cologne is a form of personal expression. What you smell like says something about you. But does that include bacon perfume? Or mayonnaise cologne? There’s a fragrance that makes you smell like a bakery, and a soap for men that smells like gas…

1
Cape Breton Tales - The Black Beast of Margaree & The Roundabout 48:47

3M ago48:47

48:47

“I didn’t know you were a fan of Mr. Bond…” On this week’s episode we’re spending time in Dave’s childhood neighbourhood: Big Narrows, Cape Breton. Our first story is a hilarious tale of literary adventures, while the adventures in our second story are of the vehicular variety. And Jess shares the inspiration behind that story, inspiration from clo…

1
Purple Comb-Overs: The Power of Personal Style 26:48

3M ago26:48

26:48

This week, we talk about some of the most interesting people throughout history – and the fact they all had a consistent personal style. Consistency is the key to branding, and these famous people all understood that. We’ll take a look at Julius Caesar, who shocked fellow Romans with the way he dressed and acted. We’ll examine the incredible popula…

1
The Neighbourhood - Kenny Wong’s Contest & Late Date 40:50

3M ago40:50

40:50

“How could he explain skulking around their property when he was supposed to be inside eating” Oh Dave, how do you manage it! This week, two more hilarious stories from Stuart McLean, stories about good intentions gone awry. Plus, an exciting announcement about an upcoming project (hint: you’ll finally get to meet Dave). Hosted on Acast. See acast.…

1
The Iceman Cometh: How Ice Transformed Our Lives 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

This week, we look at the marketing of ICE. It may sound like a strange topic, but our obsession with ice - as a product - is only 200 years old. The history of ice marketing starts with an amazing story about a bold entrepreneur with a vision, the cutthroat clash between competing ice companies, and the long list of ice brands and products that ha…

1
Postcards from Canada - Whitehorse & Annapolis Royal 35:16

3M ago35:16

35:16

We’re on the road again! On this week’s episode, two of Stuart’s popular postcards from Canada, from two memorable spots across the country that we visited with the Vinyl Cafe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Last Chance Tourism 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

This week, we take a look at Last Chance Tourism. Tourism companies around the world have started to advertise specific destinations to travelers, because those locations have a very unique offering. Namely, they are vanishing. From glaciers, to polar bears, to the Amazon Rainforest. Marketers are using a strategy called “Loss Aversion” – where the…

1
Growing up - Dream Bunnies & Sam is Home Alone 47:08

3M ago47:08

47:08

“It’s a tricky thing to negotiate, the war of independence” Today on the pod, Sam and Stephanie step towards independence, while Dave and Morley learn to let go. And Jess shares a backstory about the inspiration behind Stuart McLean’s story, Dream Bunnies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
From Bonanza to Batman: When Fictional Characters Endorse Real Products 27:19

3M ago27:19

27:19

In our first episode of 2025, we explore a strange aspect of advertising. Specifically, when TV and movie characters endorse products. Not the actors themselves - but the characters they portray. It's a trend that started in the early '60s with the Andy Griffith Show and Bonanza. Today, it includes characters like Breaking Bad's Walter White and ev…

1
Winter – Minnedosa & Jim’s Toboggan 42:48

3M ago42:48

42:48

“Two men who should have known better, climbing onto an old wooden toboggan” Happy New Year and welcome back to Season 5 of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe! We’ll be with you all the way to summer. But right now, summer is the last thing on our minds: this week’s podcast is all about winter and the joys and perils of winter sports. Hosted on Acast. See…

1
Season 5 - Starting January 10th 0:42

4M ago0:42

0:42

Happy New Year everyone! Join us in 2025 for a brand new season of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe - featuring heartwarming and hilarious stories and essays by Stuart McLean. Plus behind-the-scenes back stories by longtime Vinyl Cafe producer, Jess Milton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Hanukkah - Dave’s Christmas Tree 30:48

4M ago30:48

30:48

“Light, said Dave, amidst the darkness.” An extra episode for the holidays with a special story about Dave and Sam out and about on a perfect winter’s night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Dave Cooks the Turkey 39:18

4M ago39:18

39:18

As you might know, the team behind Under The Influence has more podcasts executive produced by Terry. The story in this episode of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe is the most requested Vinyl Cafe story of all time. "Today is the day Dave cooks the turkey!" Jess tells us why it gives her such pleasure to say those words, and plays the beloved story that…

1
Christmas Preparations - The Christmas Card & Morley’s Christmas Concert 56:02

4M ago56:02

56:02

“There is something about sitting on a plastic chair several sizes too small for you that puts you in touch with feelings you never knew you had.” Ah, the trials and tribulations of Christmas preparations! On today’s episode we have two wonderful stories for you: our first is the final Christmas story Stuart wrote. Jess tells the backstory of the r…

1
Rejecting Elf 42:53

4M ago42:53

42:53

Another one of our favourite episodes from our sister podcast We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast and just in time for the holiday, is the rejection story of the movie Elf. This beloved and timeless Christmas classic, starring Will Ferrell brought in over $200M at the box office. But, back in 2000 the script was rejected by production co…

1
The Reflection Podcast, 2024 25:02

4M ago25:02

25:02

We regret to inform you that today marks the final episode of our fifth season. So, we thought we’d do a little call back to season one. This week, Sidney and Terry answer some of your questions. Like – why did we start this podcast? What’s our connection to each other outside the show? And is there a situation in which someone *should* give up? Th…

1
Terry guests on Talk About Talk 46:21

4M ago46:21

46:21

Terry was recently interviewed on Dr. Andrea Wojnicki's podcast, Talk About Talk. Andrea is an executive communications coach. She helps executives improve their communication skills and elevate their confidence and credibility. It is an interesting chat about communication. Hope you enjoy it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Apostrophe Podcast Network

Podcasts Worth a Listen