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 it
• AI, voice cloning, and where to draw the line
• Why audio builds trust differently than any other medium
• What 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-expression

If 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.

Have you ever wondered how some brands' audio ads seem to effortlessly influence your decisions while MOST fade into oblivion? Join host Stew Redwine as he dives deep into the fascinating world of behavioral science and marketing with the renowned expert Richard Shotton, author of the groundbreaking book "Hacking the Human Mind." In this riveting episode of Ad Infinitum, Redwine and Shotton explore the psychological principles that govern human decision-making and how brands can leverage these insights to create compelling advertising strategies.

Richard Shotton is a leading voice in the realm of behavioral science and marketing, recognized for his ability to translate complex psychological concepts into practical marketing strategies. His latest work, "Hacking the Human Mind," unveils clever 'hacks'—not shortcuts, but strategic approaches that resonate with human nature. As the conversation unfolds, Redwine and Shotton dissect how brands like Red Bull and Apple have successfully tapped into innate human biases through creative audio ads and impactful messaging.

“To truly connect with consumers, we must understand the psychology that drives their choices,” Shotton asserts, emphasizing the need for advertising creativity that aligns with behavioral insights. Throughout this episode, listeners will gain invaluable takeaways, including:

• The importance of making messages concrete and relatable to enhance memorability.

• How to assess the effectiveness of recent advertising efforts through the lens of behavioral science.

• Practical strategies for crafting audio ads that resonate with audiences in an era dominated by AI.

As the advertising landscape continues to evolve, understanding audio ad trends and the intersection of digital marketing and behavioral science has never been more crucial. This episode is packed with advertising insights that will empower marketers to embrace creativity and craft messages that truly resonate. Whether you’re a seasoned industry expert or just starting your journey in podcast advertising, this conversation will provide you with the tools you need to elevate your brand messaging and enhance audio ad effectiveness.

Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion that promises to transform your approach to marketing strategies and audio storytelling. Tune in to Ad Infinitum and discover how to hack the human mind to create persuasive advertising that stands the test of time.

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 secret to successful audio advertising lies not in flashy production, but in the authenticity of your message? Join host Stew Redwine as he sits down with Brandon Beville, a seasoned producer for Morning Wire at The Daily Wire, to explore the essence of authenticity in audio advertising. With years of experience in both TV and audio production, Brandon brings invaluable insights into how tone and conviction can create a powerful bond of trust with listeners. His expertise in creative audio ads makes him a vital voice in the evolving landscape of podcast advertising.

“Honesty is the best policy, especially in advertising,” Brandon emphasizes as he shares his approach to crafting ad reads that resonate on a personal level. This episode is packed with advertising insights that can transform your approach to audio storytelling. Together, Stew and Brandon dive deep into the Audiolytics® framework - the Nine Key Components of Setup, Value Prop, Positioning, Demonstration, Substantiation, Offer, Scarcity, Path, Execution - grading recent audio ads from industry giants like Google, Wells Fargo, and LG Electronics. They dissect what works, what doesn’t, and why authenticity, or, if you like, honesty, is paramount in today’s digital marketing environment.

• Takeaway 1: Learn how to assess audio ad effectiveness through a structured framework that can elevate your campaigns.

• Takeaway 2: Discover practical tips for audio advertising professionals on designing compelling and relatable ad content that speaks to your audience.

• Takeaway 3: Understand the current audio advertising trends that are shaping the future of advertising creativity and brand messaging.

As the audio advertising evolution continues, it’s crucial to adapt your marketing strategies to meet the expectations of a discerning audience.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Something different this episode: a stripped-down breakdown of four top-spending podcast ads pulled from Magellan AI, examined without a guest and put straight through the Audiolytics™ engine to see how they really hold up in the wild.

This week’s listen focuses on how major brands actually sound in-market right now, what’s working, and where even high-spend creative drifts into “fine” — the danger zone where attention slips and performance fades.

Featuring analysis of:

• Washable Sofas

• FanDuel

• BetterHelp

• Toyota

The episode highlights the patterns that emerged across all four: clarity winning over cleverness, generic storytelling flattening impact, and the huge lift available when hosts bring real personal connection into the message.

A focused, no-frills creative diagnostic that shows why “fine is forgettable” — and what it takes for an audio ad to stand out.

Support the show

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 truly makes audio ads resonate with listeners? Join us for a deep dive into the world of audio advertising with Stew Redwine, the VP of Creative Services at Oxford Road, as he shares his invaluable insights from a live talk at Podcast Movement 2024 in Washington, D. C. Stew is a seasoned expert in the field of podcast advertising, known for his innovative approach to creative audio ads that captivate and convert. His experience is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone looking to elevate their marketing strategies in the ever-evolving landscape of audio advertising.

“The power of storytelling in audio ads is unmatched; it creates a personal connection that no other medium can achieve. ” This powerful quote encapsulates the essence of Stew's message. Throughout this episode of Ad Infinitum, he delves into the evolution and effectiveness of audio ads, emphasizing the critical role of understanding your audience. With a keen focus on audio ad analysis, Stew discusses the importance of leveraging sonic branding and crafting compelling narratives that resonate deeply with listeners.

Here are three specific takeaways you won't want to miss:

• Discover the significance of pre-roll calls to action and how they can enhance your audio ad effectiveness.

• Learn about the necessity of customizing scripts to fit different genres, ensuring your brand messaging aligns perfectly with your target audience.

• Understand the unique advantages of podcast ads, including their ability to forge a personal connection with listeners, setting them apart from traditional advertising channels.

As Stew Redwine wraps up his talk, he reminds us of the importance of maintaining high standards for ad content and advocating for ourselves as hosts in the advertising space. This episode is more than just a discussion; it's a masterclass in advertising creativity and audio storytelling that will empower you to enhance your digital marketing efforts.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of Ad Infinitum and unlock the secrets behind successful audio advertising. Whether you're an industry expert or just starting out, you'll walk away with actionable insights that can transform your approach to podcast advertising and elevate your brand's presence in the audio landscape. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business!

Ad Infinitum is Presented by linkedin. com/company/oxford-road/">Oxford Road and Produced by linkedin. com/in/caitlyn-spring-9614a974/">Caitlyn Spring & linkedin. com/in/ezrafox/">Ezra Fox, MFA, written & hosted by linkedin. com/in/stewredwine/">Stew Redwine, and sound designed by linkedin. com/in/john-mattaliano-17a3ab19a/">John Mattaliano, with audio production by linkedin. com/in/zach-hahn-63a15827/">Zach Hahn.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.