Ad Infinitum

In this brief bonus episode of Ad Infinitum, Stew Redwine shares a short audio story created for the 20,000 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.

5/10/25 • 06:04

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.You’ll hear:🤖 What “AI Slop” is—and how to spot it in the wild 💸 Why boring ads are the most expensive kind to make 🎙️ How the human touch is disappearing from podcast ads 🧠 When AI is helpful—and when it becomes a creative shortcut 📉 What happens when audio loses its nuance, and how to fight backStew, 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. Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

4/22/25 • 50:34

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.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

4/9/25 • 29:35

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.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

4/5/25 • 53:21

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.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

3/27/25 • 53:43

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.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

3/1/25 • 46:21

Ad Infinitum S3E01 | Audio is for the ChildrenEpisode Summary: In the Season 3 premiere of Ad Infinitum, host Stew Redwine explores the unique dynamics of audio advertising in fiction and kids & family podcasts. Joined by Deborah Goldstein and Jeremy Westphal from Gen Z Media, this episode unpacks the persuasive power of storytelling-driven audio ads and how they influence both young listeners and the adults making purchasing decisions.Gen Z Media has mastered the art of crafting immersive, award-winning fiction podcasts for children and families with shows like Six Minutes, The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel, and The Big Fib.Deborah and Jeremy share insights on the intersection of fiction podcasting and kids & family content, the ethical considerations of advertising in the space, and the creative strategies that make ads in these genres resonate.And no episode, well, most episodes, aren't complete without the analysis of recent real-world ads from top spenders identified by Magellan AI - and this episode includes ads from BetterHelp, Mint Mobile, Amazon, and one for Gen-Z Media.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

2/14/25 • 61:33

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 Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

1/31/25 • 57:38

In 2025's inaugural Ad Infinitum episode, Stew gathers an all-star panel to dissect Amazon's multi-million-dollar podcast advertising strategy. Joined by Amelia Coomber, CMO at Podscribe; Adam McNeil, SVP of Client Services at Adopter Media; Paul Riismandel, President of Signal Hill Insights; and Arielle Nissenblatt, founder of Earbuds and podcasting advocate, the group dives deep into a series of Amazon audio ads and doesn't pull any punches.From candid critiques to constructive insights, this episode gives several podcast professionals' POVs on how Amazon shows up in audio across its vast portfolio—including Audible, Whole Foods, Amazon Prime, and more; concluding with a challenge to the creative teams rooted in the resonant words: "With great power comes great responsibility."Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

1/3/25 • 48:44

In this special episode of Ad Infinitum, Stew Redwine explores the cutting-edge world of AI-driven audio advertising with Dave "Chachi" Denes, President of Benztown and host of Chachi Loves Everybody, and Masa Patterson, VP of Operations at Benztown. The trio dives into a live demonstration of Spec AI, an innovative tool that streamlines the creation of professional audio advertisements by generating scripts, selecting music, and producing mixed spots in real-time.Listeners gain insights into how Spec AI empowers account executives to pitch ad concepts with ready-made spots, bridging the gap between creative vision and client buy-in. The episode also highlights the nuances of using generative AI responsibly, ensuring creativity remains central to the process while leveraging AI to save time and spark ideas.Through a hands-on ad creation session for OXFORd, they showcase the platform's flexibility, demonstrating how it can craft compelling, custom-tailored audio that resonates with clients and audiences alike. This episode celebrates the intersection of AI and human creativity, emphasizing the potential for AI to enhance—not replace—the artistry of audio advertising.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

12/13/24 • 26:25

Season 2, Episode 11: "The Authors of Audio Branding."In this episode, you'll hear from two experts who wrote the book on Audio Branding - called Audio Branding:  Colleen Fahey, U.S. Managing Director at Sixième Son, and Larry Minsky, Professor at Columbia College Chicago, and co-authors of Audio Branding: Using Sound to Build Your Brand & Voice Marketing: Harnessing the Power of Conversational AI to Drive Customer Engagement.We will be discussing the evolution of what we know of as Audio Branding and what the future of multisensory marketing, including Voice Marketing, looks like for brands, along with grading some ads to see just how well the guiding principles of Audio Branding do or do not play out in reality.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

11/27/24 • 48:56

In Ad Infinitum Season 2, Episode 10 - "Congruent Cues," Stew sits down with Chelsea Campbell, Group Creative Director at Studio Resonate, to explore the science of persuasive audio advertising.Together, they dissect the alchemy of sound, diving into psychoacoustics, sonic branding, and how congruence in audio drives listener engagement through analysis of top spenders like Progressive, T-Mobile, and The Home Depot.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

10/30/24 • 44:46

In Ad Infinitum Season 2, Episode 9 - "Simulacrum Ex Machina," Stew welcomes Oskar Serrander (Co-Founder/CEO of Wondercraft) to talk about Wondercraft's origins and recent launch, how to think in audio, and the most important audio factor: Ryan Reynolds.Plus–breaking down ~$20M in audio ads from Magellan.ai's Top Podcast Sepnders Breakdown, including advertisers BetterHelp, Toyota, Whole Foods, and Mint Mobile (Guess which one’s the best/hint: Ryan Reynolds).Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

9/19/24 • 41:16

Ad Infinitum is the only podcast solely focused on audio ads - the creatives who make them and/or the latest thinking that informs them how the space is evolving - AND, usually, a round-up of recent audio ads and analysis by host Stew Redwine and each episode's guest - BUT, this episode is a little different.This is Season 2, Episode 9 of Ad Infinitum, and this episode's title is "Sonic Truths." It discusses the evolution of McDonald's sonic branding and its current and future audio recipes with guest JJ Healan, Vice President of U.S. Marketing, Brand Content, and Culture at McDonald's.JJ is an expert on brand strategy, content creation, innovative marketing techniques, and a lot of fun! Enjoy listening to what has helped define McDonald's sound over the years: a focus on fan truths, striking the balance of freedom and constraints, and a commitment to collaboration by "sharing the pen."Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

9/11/24 • 31:01

In this episode, Stew Redwine and guest Kraig Kitchin discuss the power of audio and its effects on emotions, memory, and perception.They also review and rate top radio advertisers, including Lowe's, The Home Depot, Babbel, and Progressive.The conversation highlights the importance of relevance, entertainment, and clear messaging in audio ads.Special thanks to Premiere Studios for providing studio space in Sherman Oaks, California.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

8/5/24 • 38:06

In this episode,  "Audio’s Rule of Thirds", Stew Redwine's guest is Mike Jensen, CEO of Rhapsody Voices and they discuss how brands can best connect with hosts, what the ingredients of a persuasive host read ad are, and rating some recent movers and shakers in the podcast space form Magellan.ai’s May 2024 report -  MeUndies, Rakuten, IBM, and monday.com. Audio is replete with threes: first, there’s production: voice-over, sound design, and music. Then, there’s the classic story structure of beginning, middle, and end. Of course, there are also timeless rhetorical appeals: pathos, logos, and ethos. And with Rhapsody Voices, Mike Jensen, focuses on three things to "deliver on the connectivity between the host, the sponsors, and the audience.” Mike's three suggestions for CAO's who want to make the ads work better than ever?Authenticity is key: Authenticity in host-read ads is paramount. A host should be able to demonstrate their genuine connection to the product—otherwise, why else are they reading it?Simplicity: For Mike, authenticity goes hand-in-hand with simplicity. For example, if a Starbucks ad has 20 potential value propositions, the host shouldn’t try to highlight all of them; instead, they should key into one or two things, like the new summer drinks and caffeine-free options. That way, the host can expand on what they genuinely like about the products.Clear call to action: Everyone knows an ad works best when it has a call to action. However, not all CTAs are equal. Triple down on having a clear, concise, and persuasive CTA, and triple-check the copy to make sure it’s solid. After all, a read is only as good as its copy.Special thanks to Benztown Studio for providing the space to record this episode at their recording studio in Glendale, CA.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

7/17/24 • 49:06

Season 2 Episode 5 of Ad Infinitum is titled "Sound Business is Sound Business" and is all about B2B advertising in audio.We discuss some of the best practices for B2B ad reads, why is audio such a good fit for B2B, particularly podcast, and then rank 4 recent B2B podcast ad spots with one of the best in the business of podcasting and B2B advertising; Hala Taha, CEO and Founder of YAP Media and host of the Young and Profiting Podcast.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

6/26/24 • 48:48

In this episode, host Stew Redwine discusses the creative approach to scripting fiction podcasts, the role of sponsors and ads in spoken word audio, and analyzes four ads from the Ambie Award-winning podcast Ad Lucem.Stew is joined by two guests:Ray Harkins, Senior Director of Ad Sales at WonderyNathalie Chicha, producer of the 2023 Ambie Award-winning podcast "I Hear Fear"Key points from the discussion:How knowing upfront that ads will be included affects the creative process when scripting a fiction podcast. Nathalie notes that while it can be challenging for listeners to shift from the story into a commercial break, it forces the creators to think strategically about building engaging cliffhangers to retain the audience through the ads.Ray shares insights on selling ads for fiction podcasts and the importance of matching the tone and style of the ads to the show's content.The rise of fiction podcasts and audio storytelling as an alternative to screen-based media. Stew believes there will be increasing growth in this space.The second half of the episode focuses on analyzing four ads from the podcast Ad Lucem:Sonos Era 300 Speaker - rated highly for relevance to an immersive audio experience, but critiqued for not demonstrating the product's capabilities.Twizzlers - seen as a weaker ad without a clear connection to the story themes.Dave Banking App - praised for capturing the financial struggles of the show's young characters, but felt longer than necessary.BetterHelp - the favorite of the four for cleverly integrating the show's AI assistant character into the ad copy.The overall takeaway was that while 60-second ads provide room for storytelling, the additional time must be earned through engaging, relevant content. Shorter ads may be preferable for fiction podcasts unless the extra length enhances the listening experience.Special thanks to Benztown Studio for providing the space to record this episode at their recording studio in Glendale, CA.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

5/29/24 • 56:52

Season 2 of Ad Infinitum continues with Episode 3, “Branding With Your Eyes Closed,” defining and discussing the importance of sonic branding, and then ranking 4 recent top spenders through that lens.And that’s why this episode's guest is Joel Beckerman - author of The Sonic Boom and Founder of Made Music Studio - a person who is practically synonymous with Sonic Branding whenever it comes up with anyone who is serious about the topic.In this episode of Ad Infinitum, Stew and Joel discuss the importance of sonic branding in audio advertising. They analyze four recent top spenders in radio advertising and evaluate their sonic branding strategies. The conversation highlights the need for consistency, emotional connection, and clear messaging in sonic branding. They also emphasize the value of frequency and long-term commitment to sonic branding. The episode provides insights and examples for chief audio officers and marketers looking to enhance their audio advertising strategies.TakeawaysConsistency is key in sonic branding to create a recognizable and memorable sonic identity.Sonic branding should evoke an emotional connection with the brand and differentiate it from competitors.Clear messaging and information transfer are important in sonic branding to effectively communicate the brand's value proposition.Frequency and long-term commitment to sonic branding can lead to a significant lift in advertising effectiveness.Creating space for the sonic identity to be heard and designing the messaging around it are crucial for successful sonic branding.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

4/24/24 • 38:46

Season 2 of Ad Infinitum continues with Episode 2, “Hosts are People Too”, discussing the importance of advertisers considering the hosts' humanity on the other end of the talking points. And that's why the guest is a real host and a real person - Jordy Meiselas - one of the three Founders of MeidasTouchNetwork and co-host of The MeidasTouch Podcast.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

3/21/24 • 39:07

Welcome to Season 2 of Ad Infinitum, this Episode’s title is “Sound Strategy”; discussing the importance of strategy in advertising and ranking 5 recent top spenders in audio (Pfizer, Verizon, Progressive, Apple, and AT&T) through that lens with guest Mark Pollard - podcast host and CEO of Sweathead and Author of Strategy is Your Words.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

2/21/24 • 43:20

Ad Infinitum is the only podcast solely focused on audio ads - the creatives who make them and/or the latest thinking that informs them, how the space is evolving, and a round-up of recent audio ads and analysis by Stew Redwine, VP Creative at Oxford Road, and each episode's guest. The first season's episodes focus on individual Audiolytics™ Key Components and how they show up in the ads for some of the top spenders in audio.The finale episode of Ad Infinitum Season 1 - "It's all in the Execution" - welcomes two Sound Strategists; Steve Keller, Sonic Strategy Director for SXM Media’s Studio Resonate, and Bjorn Thorleifsson, Head of Research & Insights at amp sound branding, to discuss the 9th and final Audiolytics™ Key Component; Execution. In short, does every word count?Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

1/24/24 • 43:04

Ad Infinitum is the only podcast solely focused on audio ads - the creatives who make them and/or the latest thinking that informs them, how the space is evolving, and a round-up of recent audio ads and analysis by Stew Redwine, VP Creative at Oxford Road, and each episode's guest. The first season's episodes focus on individual Audiolytics™ Key Components and how they show up in the ads for some of the top spenders in audio.Amanda DiMarco, VP of Client Success, at Veritonic, is the guest for Episode 6: titled "Why Now?", with a conversation focused on the power of Veritonic's platform and Audiolytics™ Key Components #6, 7, & 8 "Offer, Scarcity, and Path".Why should the listener take action? By when? And where do they need to go? In short, Why Now?Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

12/19/23 • 36:51

Ad Infinitum is the only podcast solely focused on audio ads - the creatives who make them and/or the latest thinking that informs them, how the space is evolving, and a round-up of recent audio ads and analysis by Stew Redwine, VP Creative at Oxford Road, and each episode's guest. The first season's episodes focus on individual Audiolytics™ Key Components and how they show up in the ads for some of the top spenders in audio. Episode 5 is titled "Trust Factories or Illusions of Credibility" and focuses on Audiolytics™ Key Component #5, "Substantiation: Why should I trust you?".Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

11/30/23 • 37:50

Ad Infinitum is the only podcast solely focused on audio ads - the creatives who make them and/or the latest thinking that informs them, how the space is evolving, and a round up of recent audio ads and analysis by Stew Redwine, VP Creative at Oxford Road, and each episode's guest. The first season's episodes focus on individual Audiolytics™ Key Components and how they show up in the ads for some of the top spenders in audio. Episode 4 is titled "Demonstrated = Persuaded" and Focuses on Audiolytics™ Key Component #4, "Demonstration: How does it work?".Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

10/4/23 • 44:04

It's time for an unforgettable episode of Ad Infinitum, the only podcast that's all about how audio ads work (and how to make them work harder). This week, host Stew Redwine (Oxford Road's VP of Creative Services) welcomes unstoppable wordsmith Lucinda (co-founder and Head Hen of Moink), who is a positioning genius, Shark Tank veteran, and on a mission to save the family farm, one ethical meat box at a time. Episode 3, "Sirius Listening" isn't like the other episodes. We're seeing what makes a brand stand out from competitors and breaking down top-spending audio ads from Sofi, Ethos, Upside, and Progressive. Who's in pole position and who's trailing the pack? And of course, we're adding more power tools to our Chief Audio Officer's toolbelt.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

9/28/23 • 36:29

Oxford Road VP of Creative Services Stew Redwine brings marketers a rare look into what makes the ads work on Oxford Road’s all-new podcast: Ad Infinitum.The first season's episodes focus on individual Audiolytics™ Key Components and how they show up in the ads for some of the top spenders in audio. Episode 1 is titled "Starting Right" and Focuses on Audiolytics™ Key Component #1, "Setup: Why Should I Listen?". In this episode, Stew and Dallas Taylor, host of 20k Hertz and Creative Director at Defacto Sound, break down ads from four top spenders in Radio; ZipRecruiter, Progressive, The Home Depot, and Lowes.About this episode's guest: Dallas Taylor is the host and creator of Twenty Thousand Hertz, the award-winning podcast revealing the stories behind the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds. He is also the Creative Director of Defacto Sound - the sonic source for the world’s most thoughtful brands, a TED mainstage speaker, a regular contributor to major publications (like the guardian, wired, the wall street journal, and more), and a respected thought leader on the narrative power of sound.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

9/27/23 • 60:01

Ad Infinitum is the only podcast solely focused on audio ads - the creatives who make them and/or the latest thinking that informs them, how the space is evolving, and a round up of recent audio ads and analysis by Stew Redwine, VP Creative at Oxford Road, and each episode's guest. The first season's episodes focus on individual Audiolytics? Key Components and how they show up in the ads for some of the top spenders in audio. This episode's guest is Phill Agnew. Phill is a senior product marketer at Buffer, product marketing ambassador at the PMA, and host of Nudge, the only podcast dedicated to consumer psychology where he interviews professionals in the business of persuasion like Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us & To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport 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.

9/27/23 • 29:25

Ad Infinitum is the award-winning podcast solely focused on audio ads, the creatives who make them, the latest thinking that informs them, how the space is evolving, and a roundup of recent audio ads with analysis by Stew Redwine and each episode's guest.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.

9/17/23 • 01:12