Best Apostrophe Podcast Network Podcasts (2025)

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Long Overdue: The Creative Boom of Library Marketing 27:18

Play Pause

2d ago27:18

27:18

From our Season 11 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we look at the ways libraries market themselves. If you think libraries are quiet, you’ve got another thing coming. We’ll talk about a library video series that played like a TV cop show - and - we’ll look at library wars - when libraries battle each other on social media. -------- Get …

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The Beatlology Interviews: Actor Mark Hamill 45:09

5d ago45:09

45:09

Something a little different this week that we think you’ll enjoy. From our friends at the Apostrophe Podcast Network: Terry O’Reilly’s “The Beatlology Interviews”. You may not know that Stuart McLean was a huge Beatles fan (though really, aren’t we all?) And he collected Beatles memorabilia. Another huge fan and collector is Terry O'Reilly. In thi…

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Fish Where The Fish Are: Surprising Help Wanted Ads 26:44

9d ago26:44

26:44

From our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we take a look at the most creative “help wanted” ads in the world. We’ll talk about how IKEA recruited new workers without needing to buy an ad. How VW found new mechanics by posting ads in the most unusual place. And the amazing ways the intelligence community recruits spies and code …

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Listener Rejection Stories (2025) 23:06

12d ago23:06

23:06

Each week on this series, we tell the stories of famous names who overcame debilitating career rejection. We’ve talked through the careers of actors, artists, authors, athletes and even one astronaut. But rejection affects us all. So we put out a call for listener rejection stories. Your stories. They’re inspiring, they’re insightful, they’re remar…

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REWIND WEDNESDAY: The Mistakes We Make – Petit Lac Noir & Dog Pills 46:06

14d ago46:06

46:06

Bonjour,” he said. “Je m’appelle Dave.” Yup, sometimes things go wrong. It happens to the best of us. Especially on the Vinyl Cafe, as you’ll hear in Stuart McLean’s Dave and Morley stories Dog Pills and Petit Lac Noir. Also on this week’s episode, Jess shares a surprising and funny backstory about the inspiration behind Dave’s mistake in Dog Pills…

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Singer Dion DiMucci 45:51

16d ago45:51

45:51

Now that we’ve moved the Beatlology Interviews to its own feed, you might not be caught up. Thought you might like to hear one of my favourite episodes - singer Dion DiMucci is one of only five people still alive who are on the cover of Sgt. Pepper. Dion was also supposed to be on the plane with Buddy Holly that fateful night - and he tells us that…

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REWIND WEDNESDAY: Summer – A Letter from Camp & The Waterslide 53:39

20d ago53:39

53:39

"This waterslide was the waterslide to end all waterslides” We are taking a break over the summer, so in honour of our final episode of Season 1 we’ve got two Vinyl Cafe stories for you about summer. If you listen carefully you’ll hear something unusual in the first, A Letter from Camp, when Stuart inserts a personal story from his own days at his …

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The Willy Wonka Secret: Candy Bar Advertising 27:17

23d ago27:17

27:17

From our Season 12 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we look at candy bar advertising. Millions are spent marketing candy bars every year. We'll talk about how the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was owned by a candy company. And we'll reveal whether it really was Phil Collins inside that gorilla costume in that famous Cadbury…

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Bonus Episode: Meet Greg! 1:03:52

25d ago1:03:52

1:03:52

For this summer bonus episode, my conversation with long-time Vinyl Cafe and Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe recording engineer, Greg DeClute. Greg has some great stories to share about working with Stuart McLean for so many years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Selling Love: The Business of Online Dating 28:42

1M ago28:42

28:42

From our Season 11 Archives, one of our favourites. This week, we explore how dating agencies Sell Love. We’ll talk about the very first dating service in history, we’ll explore one app that is more about lust than love and we’ll talk about how heartthrob Reynolds created one of the best dating commercials of the last 10 years. -------- Get an excl…

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Rejecting Monty Python, Part 2 30:21

1M ago30:21

30:21

In Part II of our "Rejecting Monty Python" episode, the Knights of the Round Table head west. Led Zeppelin enters the chat. Rabbis protest – and the Life of Monty Python is saved by a Beatle. Hope you’ll join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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We're on CBC Radio this summer! 0:41

1M ago0:41

0:41

We DON'T regret to inform you that our show will be airing on the CBC this summer. Find us on CBC Radio One & Sirius XM ch.169 for 10 weeks, beginning June 25th: Wednesdays at 11:30am (CBC & Sirius) Fridays at 4:00pm (Sirius) Sundays at 7:00pm (CBC & Sirius) Or stream us anytime on the CBC Listen app. It's a CBC summer. Hope you'll join us. Hosted …

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Ask Terry 2025 27:51

1M ago27:51

27:51

This week, it’s our annual Ask Terry episode. As we do every year, we open the show to questions from our listeners. This week, we’ll answer a question about the longest-lasting slogans in history, we’ll explore why there is so much dancing going on in commercials these days, and we’ll play a fun game where you have to guess the celebrity voice. Ho…

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Summer Trips - Canoe Trip & The Summer Cottage 42:08

1M ago42:08

42:08

“There is nothing like a 20th wedding anniversary to drive home the point that you are no longer 20 years old” For our final episode of this season, two entertaining stories about summer vacations. And Jess talks about the additional perspective going further afield can bring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Rejecting Monty Python 22:33

1M ago22:33

22:33

Lo! Upon the first breath of Monty Python’s Flying Circus o’er the enchanted waves of BBC One, scribes within the castle walls did trade many a curious whisper and scroll, to wit: “This episode contained two really awful sketches.” “The treatment of the national anthem is not amusing.” “Parts of this...are disgusting.” And, “The death sequence was …

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Gone in 60 Seconds: Crazy Automobile Stunt Commercials 27:23

2M ago27:23

27:23

Dramatic car stunts are not just the stuff of movies. They’re also the stuff of car commercials. We’ll talk about one ad where skydivers risked their lives spelling out the word “Honda” in the sky, a commercial where a car speeds on the roof of a skyscraper, and a story about a car that was dropped from an airplane - and the parachute didn’t work. …

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Childhood - The One and Only Murphy Kruger & The Great Train Adventure 52:02

2M ago52:02

52:02

“When are you supposed to let your children march off alone? When are you supposed to let them learn from their mistakes” On today’s episode, two stories about childhood. And Jess talks about how one of her own childhood dreams has recently come to fruition - with the making of the upcoming Vinyl Cafe: The Musical! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr…

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Yes I Can: Marketing to People with Disabilities 28:13

2M ago28:13

28:13

This week, we explore how advertisers market to people with disabilities. Disabled people are usually ignored in advertising campaigns. Yet people with disabilities control half a trillion dollars in spending money. We’ll look at four powerful campaigns that not only feature people with disabilities, but these commercials are disrupting the public’…

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Summer Things - Dave and Morley, Dancing 37:54

2M ago37:54

37:54

“Dave said, you’re thinking about dancing, aren’t you?” We’re looking towards summer on today’s episode. We have a script Stuart wrote about a magical evening spent in pursuit of fireflies. And a story of summer evenings in Dave and Morley’s neighbourhood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Encore: Rejecting Jim Carrey 46:39

2M ago46:39

46:39

Today we bring you another favourite episode from our Apostrophe team. On the eve of The Truman Show's 27th anniversary, our sound engineer Geoff Devine explains why this timeless film is one of his all time favourites and why Carrey's stand up story stands out for him. Jim Carrey is Ace Ventura. He’s the Grinch. He’s Bruce Almighty. Need we say mo…

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Brand Envy (2025) 26:54

2M ago26:54

26:54

This week, it’s our annual Brand Envy episode. We look at four brands that I admire. One is a cosmetics empire started by a woman in an era when women couldn’t even vote. One is a band I have a soft spot for. Another is a family-owned business that has lasted 88 years. The fourth is a TV show that broke records. And they all have one thing in commo…

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Toys - Rhoda’s Revenge & Planet Stuart 34:37

2M ago34:37

34:37

“When Dave was a boy, dolls terrified him” Something a little different on today’s episode: two stories about kids' toys -- the good, the bad and the ugly! One is a story about Dave's childhood, the other is a story by Stuart about his own childhood experience with toys. Plus a backstory from Jess about how that autobiographical story got its name.…

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Minisode: Rue McClanahan – “Every Kick’s a Boost” 11:54

2M ago11:54

11:54

Welcome to another “Minisode” – where we zoom in on individual moments or facets of rejection we've come across in our research. This week, we talk about the golden piece of advice Rue McClanahan’s mother gave her when she was told she’d never make it in television. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Out and About - Cousin Dorothy & Have Snake, Will Travel 42:45

2M ago42:45

42:45

“Murphy was terrified of snakes” Today’s episode features two stories that take place out and about, further afield. Dave’s Cousin Dorothy visits from England and has an exciting side adventure on their trip to Ottawa. And in the second story, Dave, Sam and Murphy make an unusual delivery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information…

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Rejecting Mariska Hargitay 31:16

2M ago31:16

31:16

Mariska Hargitay has played Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU for 26 years and counting. In 2024, Forbes named Hargitay the highest paid TV actor by a wide margin. But in 1999, she had been a struggling actor for decades, landing only a handful of substantial roles. She turned 35 and decided to leave Los Angeles. Then she got a call about a…

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CAT-alogues & DOG-alogues: Pet Marketing 27:14

2M ago27:14

27:14

This week, we talk about Pet Marketing. The pet products industry is worth about $150 billion dollars. And when you love a pet, money is no object. We’ll listen to a pet food campaign that had dogs conduct a symphony orchestra. We’ll flip through IKEA’s CAT-alogues and DOG-alogues. And we’ll explore Dolly Parton’s “Doggy Parton” fashion line. Hoste…

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Birthdays! - Sam’s Birthday & Morley’s 40th Birthday Bash 46:07

2M ago46:07

46:07

“I don’t want a birthday party, said Morley. I hate birthday parties” Some vintage Stuart McLean this week, as Morley celebrates a milestone birthday. And we have an older story for you, one you may not have heard before, where Dave is not necessarily his ‘best self’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Bookmarks 2025 32:12

3M ago32:12

32:12

This week, it’s our annual “Bookmarks” episode. We read a lot of books to research this show, and often we stumble on great stories that don’t fit our regular episodes. So we save them up for this show. We’ll talk about a new book on SNL producer Lorne Michaels, we’ll take a few notes from a famous songwriter, and we’ll talk about a Bible with a wi…

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Old Friends - The Wedding Dress & Jimmy Walker of Foggy Bottom Bay 50:46

3M ago50:46

50:46

“Dave was still a kid the night he and Jimmy met.” Stuart loved to write about old friends. This week we’ve chosen two of our favourite friendship stories – one will make you laugh, one might also make you cry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Rejecting Billie Holiday 36:34

3M ago36:34

36:34

Billie Holiday’s life is one of perseverance like we’ve never seen before on our show. Her story is heartbreaking, beyond inspiring and important. Hope you’ll join us. Tell us your rejection story, and you could be featured in an upcoming episode: Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejection Write to us: [email protected] Hosted on Ac…

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Seizing The Moment 28:06

3M ago28:06

28:06

This week, we look at how the marketing industry seizes pop culture moments. We’ll talk about a website that got national attention by making a bold prediction about a TV show. How A1 Steak Sauce caught the funniest – and luckiest break. And how Pepsi grabbed a hilarious opportunity by following pizza delivery drivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co…

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Car Trouble – Driving Lessons & Car Wash 34:32

3M ago34:32

34:32

"Thank God, he thought, help has arrived.” Today on the show, Jess shares a back story about a Vinyl Cafe tour bus adventure. Plus two Dave and Morley stories about more car trouble.“ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

3M 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. Hosted on…

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

3M 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.

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Rejecting Josh Allen 35:13

3M 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…

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Brand Strategist & Author Peter Wilken 55:16

3M 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…

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Interview with Author & Arkells Frontman Max Kerman 46:17

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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Brand, James Brand 28:45

3M 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…

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

3M 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.…

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Commercial Outtakes & Bloopers 27:25

4M 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…

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

4M 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.

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Rejecting Alanis Morissette 32:18

4M 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…

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

4M 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

4M 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.

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

4M 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.…

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Busiest Day Of The Year 27:17

4M 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…

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

4M 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.

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

4M 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…

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Brand Envy #Canada 26:32

4M 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…