Ad Infinitum

What happens when you invite AI onto a podcast about podcast advertising?In this episode Claude “Buttery” joins Stew Redwine to break down ads from McDonald’s, Chumba Casino, ISSA, and Meta, exploring why so many podcast ads are starting to sound like radio.Together they unpack host reads, authenticity, Audiolytics™ scores, and the difference between brand advertising and direct response.In this episode:• Why some podcast ads still sound like radio• Why host-read ads still work• Brand ads vs direct response ads• What Audiolytics® scores actually measure• Why authenticity matters in podcast advertising

Audio is different. Not better. Not worse. Different.In this episode, Rahul Sabnis (President & Chief Creative Officer at iHeartMedia) breaks down the idea of “Guaranteed Human”, and why, in a world of AI-generated everything, audio might be the last place where trust still lives.We get into what makes podcasts fundamentally different from video, why attention in audio works the way it does, and how the industry is thinking about AI, voice cloning, and the future of creative.This isn’t theory. It’s how one of the largest audio companies in the world is choosing to move forward.In this episode:Why podcasts ≠ video (and why that matters)The “Guaranteed Human” stance and what’s behind itAI, voice cloning, and where to draw the lineWhy audio builds trust differently than any other mediumWhat most brands still get wrong about podcast advertising

Ad Infinitum returns for Season 4, and for the first time, we’re on video.To kick things off, I brought back the very first guest ever on the show: Dallas Taylor, host of Twenty Thousand Hertz, founder of Defacto Sound, and now creator of the fast-growing video channel DallasTaylor.mp3.In this episode, Dallas shares the moment he almost quit podcasting entirely, and the simple insight that changed everything.Two circles.One for podcast audiences.One for YouTube.That realization led to a completely new way of thinking about media: podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram working together as a discovery engine rather than competing formats.Along the way we discuss:• Why creators shouldn’t think of themselves as “podcasters” or “YouTubers”• The psychology of creativity in the age of algorithms• Why the audience sometimes comes last in the creative process• How Dallas built a solo production workflow that unlocks impossible access• Why vertical video and audio storytelling can coexist• The difference between client work and self-expressionIf you care about podcasting, creative work, or the future of media, this conversation is a masterclass in how the landscape is changing, and how creators can adapt without losing the craft.Ad Infinitum is the podcast devoted to audio ads, the creatives who make them, the thinking behind them, and how to make them work better.Hosted by Stew Redwine.Ad Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Angela Hunter, Caitlyn Spring, & Ezra Fox, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Remember: have fun making the ads work.

In the Season 3 Finale of Ad Infinitum, host Stew Redwine hands the mic to producer Jeanna Isham for a special editorial episode - no ad roundup, no scoring, no guest interview - just a wide-angle story about the history of audio advertising and why sound has always been the hidden power in advertising, regardless of how it shows up.Jeanna frames audio history as a monarchy: King Radio establishes the original six “sonic laws” that still govern the medium today - Attention, Trust, Memory, Proximity, Monetization, and the Covenant (the promise not to abuse a listener’s time). Through a “Royal Council” of historians, strategists, and creators - including Kraig Kitchin, Cynthia Meyers, Tom Webster, Paul Riismandel, Arielle Nissenblatt, Shaun Michael Colón, and Dallas Taylor - the episode traces how radio evolved from scarce, centralized broadcast into today’s fragmented, platform-shaped attention economy.Along the way, the story tracks the transfer of power: from advertisers who once owned the show, to broadcasters who later owned the minutes, to the reality that now rules everything audio and audio advertising - the audience owns the time. Podcasting rises as the rebellious prince built on abundance, intimacy, and active attention. But the same old risks return in new clothes: ad load inflation, disinvestment in voices, and platforms that reward behavior over craft.The takeaway is both a warning and a blueprint for all audio advertising: the future belongs to the creators, brands, and networks that earn attention fast, protect trust, create memory, stay close to context, monetize without breaking the covenant - and keep building the lane instead of copying the last winner.Ad Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Caitlyn Spring & Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the key to unlocking your creativity lies in the simple act of making things without waiting for permission? Join host Stew Redwine as he dives deep into this compelling question with his longtime friend Michael Olson, the brilliant creator and head writer of Young Jedi Adventures. Michael's journey from college days at Biola University, where he co-founded the Guerrilla Film Society, to becoming a pivotal voice in children's animation is a testament to the power of instinct, momentum, and the creative process. Throughout this engaging episode of Ad Infinitum, Stew and Michael share personal anecdotes that highlight the significance of collaboration and creativity in their careers. They explore the transformative influence of Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way, which inspired both men to embrace their artistic paths through practices like morning pages and artist dates. As they reflect on their experiences, listeners will gain valuable insights into how embracing creativity can lead to unexpected opportunities and career advancements. One of the most striking moments of the conversation comes when Michael recounts how a seemingly small writing gig paved the way for his role as head writer for Puppy Dog Pals. This story perfectly encapsulates the theme of synchronicity and the unexpected twists that can shape one's career trajectory. As they discuss the meticulous sound design in Young Jedi Adventures, you'll discover how honoring the Star Wars legacy through audio storytelling is crucial to maintaining brand messaging and engaging audiences. Here are three specific takeaways from this episode:Learn how to cultivate a mindset that embraces creativity without waiting for external validation. Discover the importance of collaboration and how it can enhance your creative projects. Gain insights into the evolving landscape of audio production and marketing strategies in the realm of podcast advertising. By tuning into this episode of Ad Infinitum, you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of the creative process but also learn how to implement effective marketing strategies that resonate with your audience. Stew and Michael's honest, practical insights will inspire you to embark on your own artistic journey, armed with the knowledge that creativity is a collaborative endeavor that thrives on shared experiences. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your understanding of advertising creativity and audio ad effectiveness! Ad Infinitum is Presented by Oxford Road and Produced by Caitlyn Spring & Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by Stew Redwine, and sound designed by John Mattaliano, with audio production by Zach Hahn.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.