WeTransfer launches Influence Podcast to explore the history of advertising
Podcast guests will include Nicholas Thompson (WIRED), Pelle Sjoenell (formerly of BBH), Kate Hutchinson (Culture Writer) and more
AMSTERDAM — November 4, 2019
WeTransfer, the pioneer in noninvasive digital advertising, today announced the launch of the Influence podcast, a documentary podcast hosted by Chief Creative Officer Damian Bradfield that takes a deep dive into the world of advertising, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly of the industry. Take a listen here.
Each episode will take listeners on a journey through the history of advertising, from the birth of the industry after WW2 until present day, to answer the question: how has advertising transformed our economy and our world, and what can we do about it? The podcast explores why advertising works and the ideas that power our preferences. It will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
“As an advertising platform, WeTransfer has always valued innovation and beautiful design, hosting full screen ‘wallpaper’ advertisements with an uncompromising focus on simplicity and user experience,” said Damian Bradfield, Chief Creative Officer at WeTransfer and Host of Influence. “We’ve always been intrigued by the craftsmanship and storytelling elements of advertising. This podcast gives us the opportunity to understand the complicated state of advertising today and how we got here in order to continue innovating in our industry.”
Three episodes will be available at launch with more episodes available weekly. The first season will feature eight episodes, presenting a retrospective look on the events that have shaped our advertising culture. Damian, alongside guests prominent in the advertising and media industries like Nicholas Thompson, Editor-in-Chief of WIRED Magazine, Kari Shimmel, Chief Strategy Officer at Campbell-Ewald, and Amy Gibson Grant, Vice President of Campaign Development at the Ad Council, will share insight and perspective on historical events, cultural trends and shifts in consumer behavior.
Subscribe to Influence to listen for free.
Influence episode launch Schedule:
11/4/19 - Episode 1 - Time to Face(book) the music
In a fascinating discussion with Nick Thompson, Editor-in-Chief at Wired, Damian unearths the alarming power of Facebook advertising – from its potential disrupt and disable Western democracy, to some surprising reasons to stay logged in.
11/4/19 - Episode 2 - Going global without getting lost in translation
Damian talks with Pelle Sjoenell, former Worldwide Chief Creative Officer at BBH, about the ins and outs of global advertising – what works, what doesn’t and why it’s so tricky to get it right.
11/4/19 - Episode 3 - Does sex still sell?
Featuring culture writer and radio host, Kate Hutchinson, this week’s episode looks at the rise and fall of sex in advertising and its ability to sell everything – from chocolate to jeans.
11/11/19 - Episode 4 - The voice of the consumer
The best way to find out what consumers really want? Ask them. This week, journalist and author Liza Featherstone takes us through the history of focus groups, and how their decisions and influence continue to shape the world around us.
11/18/19 - Episode 5 - Public Service Advertising
11/25/19 - Episode 6 - Advertising, meet Internet
In a wide-ranging discussion about the early days of internet advertising and how it shaped our online experience today, Damian chats with Rick Boyce – a former media buyer and one of the creators of the first ever banner ad.
12/2/19 - Episode 7 - Advertising enters the home
Damian talks with Kari Shimmel, Chief Strategy Officer at Campbell-Ewald, about how the introduction of TV ads after World War II completely transformed consumer culture.
12/9/19 Episode 8 - The Birth of Modern PR
In this episode, Damian explores how the godfather of modern PR, Edward Bernays, mastered the art of spin. From soap to cigarettes, Damian chats with author Larry Tye on how Bernays dramatically changed the way we live.
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