Debut Commercials

Summary

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Under the Influence with Terry O’Reilly

Episode: Debut Commercials (May 9, 2026)

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Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of "Under the Influence," host Terry O’Reilly takes listeners on a tour through advertising history, examining the debut television commercials for iconic products, brands, and movements. O’Reilly weaves fascinating stories behind the first appearances of familiar mascots, brands, and even social causes, revealing how debut commercials not only helped introduce the products but, in several cases, broke ground for the entire industry.

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Main Theme

The episode's main theme is the power and cultural impact of "firsts" in advertising. Terry O’Reilly explores how the debut commercial for a brand or public message can set the tone, shape public perception, and sometimes even create new rules and social conventions for the ad world.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A “Hello” to Commercial Firsts (03:15–07:27)

• Terry opens with the story of the Looney Tunes cartoon "One Froggy Evening" (1955)—a tale about a singing frog and the famous novelty song "Hello, My Baby".
• He connects the word “hello,” introduced for answering telephones, with how advertising often marks the “first hello” for a product to the world.
• Notable Quote:
  “Today we take a look at marketing firsts, specifically the very first commercials ever produced for popular products and companies... we say hello to these products for the first time.” —Terry O’Reilly (06:35)

2. Mascots & Food Brands: Jolly Green Giant & Chef Boyardee (07:42–10:49)

• Green Giant Peas

  • Originally rebuffed by other companies for their size, the Minnesota Canning Company launched their own brand and mascot.
  • The Jolly Green Giant’s mascot evolution is recapped:
    • “He was a giant scowling caveman wearing a bearskin and kind of terrifying, to be honest.” (07:55)
    • Leo Burnett agency softened the character into the familiar friendly giant.
  • Debut TV commercial: 1954, already with the “ho ho ho” theme, but the character was still a bit intimidating.
  • Memorable moment:
    • “From the valley of the Jolly… ho ho ho, Green Giant.” —Commercial audio (09:51)

• Chef Boyardee

  • The debut commercial features Chef Hector Boiardi himself, pronouncing his name the Italian way—“Chef Boyardi” (B-O-I-A-R-D-I), before altering it for easier pronunciation.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “Perhaps you have seen my picture on Chef Boyardee products...” —Chef Boiardi (10:15)
  • Demonstrates how product and persona were intertwined from the outset.

3. The First Toy Commercial: Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head (11:52–12:24)

• In 1952, Hasbro launched the first-ever toy TV ad aimed directly at children.
• The original kit required kids to use a real potato.
• Impact: Over 1 million kits sold in the first year, opening the floodgates for toy advertising to children.

4. Automotive Gamechanger: Ford Mustang’s Debut (12:57–13:24)

• 1964: The first Mustang commercial launches with futuristic imagery, targeting a new generation.
• Ford was among the first to saturate all three TV networks simultaneously.
• Result: The Mustang became a phenomenon, with over one million sold in just two years.

5. Famous Mascots Emerge: Ronald McDonald & Colonel Sanders (13:24–17:09)

• Ronald McDonald (1963)
  • Originated from a local Washington D.C. promotion involving Bozo the Clown, played by Willard Scott.
  • The debut spot introduced him as the “hamburger happy Clown”—originally quite unsettling in appearance.
  • Quote:
    • “Watch for me on TV. We'll have lots of fun.” —Ronald McDonald (15:34)
• KFC/Colonel Sanders (1967)
  • The first TV ad featured Colonel Sanders, with a theme expressing appreciation for overworked housewives.
  • The ad introduced the “Sunday dinner, seven days a week” positioning, plus the legendary “finger-lickin’ good” line.

6. Firsts in Music & Regional Advertising (17:09–18:28)

• The Ontario pavilion at Expo67 was home to the first commissioned provincial anthem, “A Place to Stand,” composed by Dolores Claman (also composer of the “Hockey Night in Canada” theme).

7. Changing Technologies & Regulatory Landscapes (20:52–25:44)

• Sony Walkman (1981)—first commercial simply called it the “Sony Walkman,” with messaging about seeing the world differently through music.
• Pharmaceutical Advertising (1983)—Boots Pharmaceuticals aired the first ever over-the-counter painkiller ad, sparking the FDA’s invention of “fair balance” side effect disclosures that define pharma ads today.
  • Notable Story:
    • “When Boots went to meet with the FDA, it was clear the FDA had never anticipated that a drug company would attempt to advertise directly to the general public... That’s why American drug ads look and sound like they do to this day.” —Terry O’Reilly (22:39)
• AIDS PSAs (1986–88)
  • Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep participated in the earliest AIDS awareness announcements.
  • The 1988 “Macho” PSA became the first to use the word “condom” on US TV—breaking a major broadcast taboo and opening the door for condom industry advertising.
  • Quote:
    • “My brother wouldn’t listen to me. I told him, you have sex, you use condoms so you don’t get AIDS. He laughed and said condoms weren’t macho.” —Commercial audio (24:54)

8. Bold Messaging and Social Progress: Nike, IKEA, and Apple (27:58–31:34)

• Nike's “Just Do It” (1988)
  • Agency Wieden & Kennedy’s first TV spot featured octogenarian runner Walt Stack, inaugurating Nike’s iconic slogan.
  • Memorable moment:
    • “People ask me how I keep my teeth from chattering in the wintertime. I leave them in my locker.” —Walt Stack (28:36)
  • “Just Do It” debuted on screen as Stack jogs away.
• IKEA and LGBTQ+ Representation (1994)
  • First North American commercial to feature a gay couple discussing selecting a dining table, which provoked both protest and praise.
  • Impact:
    • “Ikea refused to pull the ad.” —Terry O’Reilly (30:09)
• Apple iPhone “Hello” Spot (2007)
  • Premiered during the Oscars. Montage of famous movie scenes with characters answering the phone by saying “Hello”—a playful nod to the product’s name and phone heritage.
  • Metric: 1 million iPhones sold in 76 days; 3 billion to date.
    • “That’s a lot of hellos.” —Terry O’Reilly (31:34)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Commercial Evolution:
  “We can follow a telephone line all the way from Hello, My Baby to the Apple Hello commercial 108 years later.” (33:00)
• Mascot Transformations:
  “The Jolly Green Giant was terrifying at first. So was Ronald McDonald. Both had to undergo dramatic facelifts over the years to be palatable.” (32:40)
• On Social Progress:
  “Some of these original commercials were not just the first in their categories, but were the first to tackle important issues.” (33:20)
• Advertising’s Forward Impact:
  “Such was the power of television. It was a medium that allowed us to leapfrog into the future.” (33:40)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|------------------------------------------------| | 03:15–07:27 | Introduction to debut commercials – setting up the “hello” theme via cartoons and song history | | 07:42–10:49 | Jolly Green Giant and Chef Boyardee first TV ads | | 11:52–12:24 | Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head: first toy ad | | 12:57–13:24 | Ford Mustang TV debut | | 13:24–17:09 | First appearances: Ronald McDonald (1963) & Colonel Sanders (1967) | | 17:09–18:28 | Expo67 & “A Place to Stand” provincial anthem ad | | 20:52–21:34 | Sony Walkman original ad | | 21:34–22:39 | Boots Pharmaceuticals: First pharma TV ad & the birth of “fair balance” | | 24:02–25:44 | First AIDS PSAs and first condom ad | | 27:58–28:47 | Nike’s first “Just Do It” TV spot | | 29:40–30:09 | IKEA: First gay couple in North American commercial | | 31:13–31:34 | Apple iPhone “Hello” Oscars ad and its impact | | 32:40–33:40 | Reflections on advertising firsts and their cultural significance |

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Episode Tone

Terry O’Reilly’s trademark combination of wry humor, curious storytelling, and industry insight permeates the episode. He peppers the narrative with fascinating facts, lightly tongue-in-cheek observations, and an appreciation for how both culture and commerce shape each other through advertising.

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Conclusion

Through a vibrant collection of debut commercials, this episode illustrates how “firsts” in advertising serve as cultural milestones. From terrifying mascots to groundbreaking social statements and evolving regulations, these commercials not only sold products but helped shape public conversations, expectations, and industries.

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Transcript

[Callie]

Hi, I'm Callie. I'm a co founder of Apostrophe Podcasts alongside Terri, Debbie and Sydney. We're a family business that brings you a family of podcasts. We also have a subscription option where you can listen ad free, hear bonus episodes like My Sit down with Terry to ask him burning questions or extended versions of under the Influence episodes. Just visit the link in the description to subscribe.

[Child]

The to do list doesn't stop, and neither does the pressure to keep up with it if you've been running on fumes Growth Therapy makes it easier to find care that's covered by insurance and actually built around you. Whether it's your first time in therapy or your 50th, grow makes it easier to find a therapist who fits you, not the other way around. You can search by what matters like insurance, specialty, identity or availability and get started in as little as two days. And if something comes up, you can Cancel up to 24 hours in advance at no cost. Grow helps you find therapy on your time. Whatever challenges you're facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Grow accepts over 100 insurance plans. Sessions average about $21 with insurance and some pay as little as $0 depending on their plan. Visit growththerapy.com acast today to get started. That's growththerapy.com acast growththerapy.com acast availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan.

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

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[Callie]

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[Commercial Voice Actor]

I'll send you text America's Best network based on RootMetric's best overall mobile network performance. US second half 2025, four new lines and unlimited welcome and autopay. See verizon.com for details.

[Terry O'Reilly]

This is an Apostrophe podcast production.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

We're going to show you our big new Studebaker. Start the. Mama Mia. That's a spicy meatball. What love doesn't conquer, Alka sells her will.

[Callie]

What a relief.

[Terry O'Reilly]

You're under the influence with Terry O'Reilly. On the last day of the year in 1955, Looney Tunes released a new cartoon titled One Froggy Evening. It was inspired by a 1944 Cary Grant movie titled Once Upon a Time, which involved a dancing caterpillar in a small box. The Looney Tunes cartoon featured a singing frog in a small box. In this short, a construction worker is demolishing a building. He pries the top off the cornerstone and discovers a small metal box. He opens the lid. A frog jumps out, grabs a top hat and cane and starts singing.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Hello my baby hello my honey hello my rag on gal Send me a kiss by wire Baby, my heart's on fire if you refuse me Honey, you lose me Then you'll be left alone oh baby and tell me I'm your own.

[Terry O'Reilly]

The construction worker can't believe his luck. A singing frog that will make him rich. But every time he shows the frog to someone, it just sits there. But when no one's around, the frog pulls out the top hat.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Hello, my baby hello my honey hello my rag on gal.

[Terry O'Reilly]

It's a very funny cartoon. Time magazine said. It comes as close to any cartoon ever has to perfection. Steven Spielberg called it the Citizen Kane of the animated short. And the song hello, My Baby has an interesting history. When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, he answered calls with the nautical greeting Ahoy hoy. It didn't catch on. Thomas Edison suggested another greeting instead. The word hello. Up until then, the word hello was an exclamation of surprise, as in hello. Soon, people began adopting hello when answering the phone. It was a brand new word for a brand new invention. Because the telephone was such a revolutionary device, and because saying hello was so new, a novelty song was recorded to poke fun at it all. Titled hello, My Baby, the song was written in 1899. The lyrics tell the story about a man who has a girlfriend he knows only through the telephone.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

I've got a little baby but she's out of sight I thought I brought a telephone I've never seen Molly but she's mine all right so take my face and

[Terry O'Reilly]

the song was first recorded by a singer named Arthur Collins back in 1899. The song, beyond being used in one froggy evening, has two important distinctions. It is credited as the first song ever written about the new invention called the telephone. And it's the very first song to make fun of the brand new telephone greeting. Hello. Today we take a look at marketing firsts, specifically the very first commercials ever produced for popular products and companies. Television was brand new in the 40s and 50s, and it ushered in another new thing, the television commercial. From the debut of the Jolly Green Giant to the first Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial, to the very first pharmaceutical ad, and all the way to the first iPhone commercial, we say hello to these products for the first time.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

You're under the influence.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Back in 1925, the Minnesota Canning company discovered a brand new variety of green peas called Prince of Wales peas. These peas were tender with a delicious flavor and had one more distinguishing feature. They were huge. So the Minnesota canning company, who canned vegetables for other companies, offered the huge peas to their clients, but no one was interested. So the Minnesota Canning company decided to sell the peas under its own brand name. And it decided to emphasize the size of the peas they called the brand Green Giant. Three years later, a mascot was created to help sell these Giant. He was a giant scowling caveman wearing a bearskin and kind of terrifying, to be honest. In 1935, an ad writer named Leo Burnett, who had started his own advertising agency, decided the Green Giant mascot needed to be warmed up a bit. So he traded in the bearskin for a leafy onesie, made the giant smile, turned him green, and put the word jolly in front of his name. Now, when the Jolly Green Giant came to television in 1954, he gave a friendly wave to viewers while holding a can of Giant peas. Here's the very first Green Giant TV commercial. The fee fi fo fum soundtrack borrowed heavily from the Jack and the Beanstalk story. The giant was still a bit scary looking. But over the years, Leo Burnett and company would soften him up and added a jolly laugh so kids wouldn't run and hide under their beds when he came on television from the valley of

[Commercial Voice Actor]

the Jolly Ho ho ho, Green Giant.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Speaking of friends, another well known advertising campaign began in 1953. It was for spaghetti sauce made by Chef Boyardee. But when you listen to this very first commercial for the brand, you realize the correct pronunciation was actually Chef Boiardi.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Hello, May I come in? I am Chef Boyardee. Perhaps you have seen my picture on Chef Boyardi products at your grocer's. Today I want to tell you about a wonderful dinner for three. A dinner that only cost about 15 cents a serving. It's my own Chef Boyardi Spaghetti dinner with meat sauce or mushroom sauce. It all comes in one carton. A full half pound of tender quick cooking spaghetti. 10 full ounces of rich, tasty sauce. And to top it off, a whole can of Zippy grated cheese. A wonderful food.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Chef Hector Boiardi, spelled B O I A R D I was an Italian immigrant and the head chef at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Later he and his wife opened a popular restaurant in Cleveland. Where his spaghetti sauce became so popular they decided to bottle it. And Hector changed his name on the label to a more phonetic spelling. B O Y A R D E E. So non Italians could pronounce it. The rest is spaget history. The very first toy TV commercial ever aimed at kids was created in 1952. It was for Mr. And Mrs. Potato Head. The commercial introduced the toy. Then showed kids that the box came with eyes, ears, hands and feet. All they had to do was supply the potato.

[Callie]

Hey, there's Hasbro. Hasbro makes toys. What's new Hasbro? Mr. And Mrs. Potato Head with their own cars and trailers. That's what's new. Take any fruit or vegetable. Just stick in eyes, then ears and then the mouth. You can make the funniest looking people in the whole world. But Potato Head people look different every time you make them. Mr. And Mrs. Potato Head with cars and trailers come in one and two dollar sizes.

[Terry O'Reilly]

That simple commercial sold over 1 million Mr. Potato Head kits in its first year. This first toy commercial would lead to an avalanche of toy commercials. Now that kids were a captive TV audience, The car industry arms around television. In 1964, Ford released the very first commercial for its exciting new sports car. The Mustang.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Coming April 17, the unexpected. The new Ford Mustang. Brilliant new kind of car. A new generation of Fords for the new breed of Americans. Who want big shift action and room for four car badges and trading stamps. Want the elegance of a European touring car. Until now have to settle for basic transportation. This is for them. This is Mustang.

[Terry O'Reilly]

The one millionth Mustang would roll off the assembly line just two years later. Thanks in large part to television. As the Mustang advertising launch was one of the first to use all three TV networks. Cbs, NBC and abc. Simultaneous. Ronald McDonald has been a staple of McDonald's advertising since 1963. It all began when a local Washington D.C. mcDonald's did a successful promotion with the Bozo the Clown TV show. Kids love Bozo and sales shot up 30%. But when the Bozo TV show was canceled in 1963, the McDonald's franchise owner saw an opportunity. First, he hired the actor who played Bozo named Willard Scott, who years later would go on to become the weatherman on NBC's Today Show. Then the franchise owner gave Willard Scott a new costume and a new name. Ronald McDonald. Back in 63, Ronald was a scary looking dude. He wore lots of odd makeup, a striped costume, a soft drink cup as a nose, and he wore a tray on his head that held a hamburger, fries and a milkshake. In this debut commercial, he was called Ronald McDonald, the hamburger happy Clown.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Introducing the world's newest, silliest and hamburger eating est clown, Ronald McDonald. Now where is the that clown? Oh, Ronald. Here I am, kids. Hey, isn't watching TV fun? Especially when you got delicious McDonald's hamburgers. Ronald, you can't be on TV and watch it at the same time. Now come on and meet the boys and girls. Oh, we've already met. I know we're going to be friends too. Cuz I like to do everything boys and girls like to do. Especially when it comes to eating those delicious McDonald's hamburgers. Watch for me on TV. We'll have lots of fun.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Three commercials later, McDonald's head office knew a good thing when they saw it and incorporated Ronald McDonald into national advertising campaigns. Colonel Sanders opened his first restaurant back in 1930. His fried chicken was so popular the Colonel began franchising his business. The first KFC TV commercial was created in 1967. It has a sexist theme where a husband gets a phone call and a voice on the other end says,

[Commercial Voice Actor]

sir, do you have any idea what your wife has to do to run your house?

[Terry O'Reilly]

We then see a quick sequence of a wife washing the dishes, shining shoes, scrubbing the floor, dusting, ironing and vacuuming.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Come on, doesn't she deserve a break? Take her out to dinner at home with convenient, delicious Colonel Sanders Kentucky Fried Chicken. Made from the Colonel's secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices, it's the best tasted chicken you ever ate and the best way to say thank you to your busy wife.

[Terry O'Reilly]

The Colonel hands a bucket of chicken to the husband and he brings it home.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Enjoy Sunday dinner tonight at your house. Colonel Sanders fixes Sunday dinner seven days a week and it's finger licking good.

[Terry O'Reilly]

It wasn't just the first Kentucky Fried Chicken TV ad. It was also the debut of Colonel Sanders in a TV ad. Expo67 was a celebration of Canada's centennial year. The Progressive Conservative Party commissioned a short film to promote the Ontario pavilion at Expo 67. The film also contained a memorable song, the first time a song had ever been written to celebrate Ontario. It was composed by the amazing Dolores Clayman. The song was titled A Place to Stand. You probably remember it word for word. Hats off to the legendary Dolores Clayman, who also wrote the famous theme song for Hockey Night in Canada. When we come back, music takes a walk.

[Callie]

If you're enjoying this episode, you might also like Kentucky Fried Brand myths from our 2018 season where we bust the myth that P G's logo promoted Satanism. You'll find the episode on your favorite podcast app.

[Child]

The to do list doesn't stop, and neither does the pressure to keep up with it if you've been running on fumes growtherapy makes it easier to find care that's covered by insurance and actual built around you. Whether it's your first time in therapy or your 50th, grow makes it easier to find a therapist who fits you, not the other way around. You can search by what matters like insurance, specialty, identity or availability and get started in as little as two days. And if something comes up, you can Cancel up to 24 hours in advance at no cost. Grow helps you find therapy on your time. Whatever challenges you're facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Grow accepts over 100 insurance plans. Sessions average about $21 with insurance and some pay as little as $0 depending on their plan. Visit growththerapy.com acast today to get started. That's growththerapy.com acast growtherapy.com acast availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan. Could AI help you do more of what you love? Workday is the AI platform for HR and finance that actually knows your business. We help you handle the have to dos so focus on the can't wait to do's. It's a new workday.

[Callie]

Hey honey, it's Mom. Did you know if we switch to Verizon we can get four phones for $0 plus four lines for $25 a line. Call me back me again. That's just a hundred dollars a month for four lines on unlimited welcome plus four phones. No trade in needed. Call me. It's Mom. America's Best Network Verizon. That's the one we're talking about.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

I'll send you text America's best network based on root metrics Best Overall mobile network performance us second half 2025 four new lines and a limited welcome and autopay. See verizon.com for details.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Not all debut commercials happened back in the 50s and 60s. In the 1980s, we saw several debut commercials for brand new products like the revolutionary Sony Walkman in 1981, which this very first commercial tells us is actually called the Sony Walkman.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

The Sony Walkman is a tiny stereo

[Terry O'Reilly]

cassette player with truly incredible sound.

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

Put on a Walkman and see the world.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

World in a whole new light.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Back in 1981, a woman named Liz Mensch was interviewing for a job at Boots Pharmaceuticals. She was meeting with the president of the company, John Breyer, and they were talking about marketing. Mensch asked Breyer to describe the company's main customers. Doctors, the president replied. Mensch was surprised. Why isn't it the consumer? She asked. Breyer sat there silent for a moment, then hired her on the spot. On May 19, 1983, Boots aired the first broadcast television commercial for a pharmaceutical pain reliever called Rouxen, starring the president of Boots.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

If you're one of the many people who take the prescription drug Motrin, you should ask your physician or pharmacist about Rufen. They will tell you that both Motrin 400mg tablets and Rufen 400mg tablets are different brand names for the same drug, ibuprofen. There is only one important difference. Rufen can cost you considerably less.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Within two days, Boots received a cease and desist letter from the fda, otherwise known as the Food and Drug Administration. When Boots went to meet with the fda, it was clear the FDA had never anticipated that a drug company would attempt to advertise directly to the general public. The FDA didn't exactly know what to do. Suddenly, dozens of pharma companies were kicking at the door, wanting to advertise. That's when the FDA was forced to draft regulations and insisted on fair balance, which meant drug companies could advertise, but they had to give equal weight to benefits and the possible side effects. That's why American drug ads look and sound like they do to this day. And it all started with that first Boots commercial. In 1986. AIDS was reaching epidemic levels and couldn't be ignored anymore. At the time, the public was well aware of AIDS but didn't fully understand how it spread. The first two AIDS public service announcements were produced in 86. One starred Robert De Niro and another with Meryl Streep.

[Callie]

There's a reason people whisper when they tell you a rumor. It's because 9 times out of 10 it's not true. Take all the rumors about AIDS. People are saying you can catch AIDS from a mosquito bite or in swimming pools. The fact is, there isn't a single case of AIDS on record caused by casual contact. It's up to you. You can believe the rumors, or you can get the facts.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Rumors are spreading faster than AIDS. For more information, write the American Red Cross.

[Terry O'Reilly]

In 1988, the Ad Council created another groundbreaking AIDS PSA. It was the first commercial to ever use the word condom, a word that had been banned on network TV for decades. The ad was titled Macho, and by the end of the commercial, we realize it's taking place in a graveyard.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

My brother wouldn't listen to me. I told him, you have sex, you use condoms so you don't get aids. He laughed and said, condoms were macho. My brother, he was so macho.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Words on the screen said, help stop aids. Wear a condom. That aids. PSA also meant the entire condom industry could now start advertising for the first time Time. When we come back, the first Nike commercial launches a famous slogan.

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

What if a marginal gain unlocked greater performance? What if an insight in data could change everything? At Aramco, our focus on detail helps us deliver reliable energy to millions across the world. Because margins aren't marginal, they're where we can truly push the limits of what's possible. Aramco, an integrated energy and chemicals company. Learn [e-mail] the to do list doesn't

[Child]

stop, and neither does the pressure to keep up with it. If you've been running on fumes, GrowTherapy makes it easier to find care that's covered by insurance and actually built around you. Whether it's your first time in therapy or your 50th, grow makes it easier to find a therapist who fits you, not the other way around. You can search by what matters like insurance, specialty, identity, or availability, and get started in as little as two days. And if something comes up, you can Cancel up to 24 hours in advance at no cost. Grow helps you find therapy on your time Whatever challenges you're facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Grow accepts over 100 insurance plans. Sessions average about $21 with insurance, and some pay as little as $0, depending on their plan. Visit growththerapy.com acast today to get started. That's growthherapy.com acast growtherapy.com acast availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan.

[Mom]

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[Terry O'Reilly]

When advertising agency Wieden and Kennedy first landed the Nike account in 1988, Nike founder Phil Knight told agency founder Dan Wyden that he hated advertising. Wieden said he did too, which was an odd thing for an ad man to say. But what they really meant was that they both hated bad advertising. So Dan Wyden created the very first Nike commercial. It showed a man named Walt Stack jogging over the Golden Gate Bridge on a sun filled morning in San Francisco.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

I run 17 miles every morning.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Walt Stack was 80 years old.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

People ask me how I keep my teeth from chattering in the wintertime. I leave in my locker room.

[Terry O'Reilly]

I leave them in my locker so good. As we watch Walt jog away, words on the screen reveal the new Nike slogan. Just do would become the brand's empowering slogan to this day. And since 1988, Nike has gone on to do some of the world's best advertising, making Phil Knight a very happy and rich man. This next commercial was done in 1994 for Ikea. It wasn't the first commercial ever done for Ikea, but it was the very first commercial in North America to feature an openly gay couple. In the ad, two middle aged men talk about choosing a dining room table at ikea.

[Ikea Couple]

Well, you know, we went to Ikea because we thought it was time for a serious dining room table. We have slightly different tastes. I mean Steve is more into country. It frightens me, but at the same time I have compassion. We've been together about three years. I met Steve at my sister's wedding. I was really impressed with how just well designed the Ikea furniture was. He's really into craftsmanship. These chairs are really sturdy. This table concluded a leaf. A leaf means staying together, commitment. We've got another leaf waiting when we really start getting along.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Being the first commercial to show a gay couple, it created quite a stir. CNN ran the ad 38 times in news blocks. Commenting on reactions from viewers. Ikea received over 3,000 phone calls. Conservative Catholic groups protested, and an Ikea store in New York received a bomb threat. Ikea refused to pull the ad. Back in 2007, nobody had any idea how remarkable and addictive smartphones would be. But Steve Jobs knew. The very first iPhone commercial premiered during the Academy awards broadcast on February 5, 2007. Playing to the audience, this commercial featured a montage of famous actors in famous movies picking up a phone and saying, hello. It begins with Lucille Ball and ends with the reveal of the first Apple iPhone.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello.

[Callie]

Hello.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello.

[Callie]

Oh, hello, Barney.

[Commercial Voice Actor]

Hello, hello, hello, hello, Boozhoo. Hi. How you doing there? Yell hello. Hello, hello, hello, hello. Yo, yo. Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Words on the screen said hello. Coming in June. By September, just 76 days later, Apple had sold its 1 millionth iPhone. 3 billion have been sold to date. That's a lot of hellos. You never forget your first. Seeing and hearing these debut commercials is not only fun, we get let in on the origin stories. The Jolly Green Giant was terrifying at first. So was Ronald McDonald. Both have become perennial mascots, and both had to undergo dramatic facelifts over the years to be palatable. We learned that Chef Boyardee was actually Chef Boyardee, and the Sony Walkman was originally called the Sony Walkman. And we can follow a telephone line all the way from hello, my baby to the Apple hello commercial 108 years later. Some of these original commercials were not just the first in their categories, but were the first to tackle important issues. The first pharma ad opened a Pandora's box of regulatory issues. Ikea dared to show the first gay couple in a commercial. And the first AIDS PSAs not only helped people understand the disease, they opened the door so the entire condom industry could walk through. A lot of ground was broken there. Such was the power of television. It was a medium that allowed us to leapfrog into the future. When you're under the influence. I'm Terry O'Reilly. This episode was recorded in the Tearstream mobile recording studio. Producer Debbie O'Reilly. Chief sound engineer Jeff Devine. Theme music by Casey Pick, Jeremiah Pick and James Ayton. Tunes provided by APM Music. Follow me at Terry oinfluence. This podcast is powered by Acast. Terry's top slogans of all time. Number seven, kfc. It's finger lickin good. Stay tuned for part two of this episode. See you next week.

[Ikea Couple]

This is the table. The one with the view. This is how you reserve exclusive tables with Chase Sapphire Reserve. This is your name on the list. This is the chef sending you something he didn't put on the menu. This is 3 times points on dining with Chase Sapphire reserve and a $300 dining credit that covered the citrus pavlova and drinks. And the thing you didn't think you liked until you tasted it. Chase Sapphire Reserve now even more rewarding.

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

Learn [e-mail] SapphireServe cards issued by JP Morgan, Chase bank and a member FDIC

[Ikea Couple]

subject to credit approval.

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

You're listening to this podcast, so I know you've got a curious mind. Here's a helpful fact you might not know yet. Drivers who switch and save with Progressive save over $900 on average. Pop over to progressive.com, answer some questions and you'll get a quick quote with discounts that are easy to come by. In fact, 99% of their auto customers earn at least one discount. Visit progressive.com and see if you can enjoy a little cash back. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates national average 12 month savings by $946 by new customers surveyed who saved with Progressive between June 2024 and May 2025. Potential savings will vary.

[Mom]

Now more people than ever can bring in their bill for a better deal at Verizon. Got AT&T or T Mobile. We got you Xfinity or Spectrum.

[Terry O'Reilly]

You too.

[Mom]

So tell your friends, your family, your quirky neighbor. Jeff, grab your megaphone and yell it from the rooftop. Get a better deal at Verizon because chances are anyone in shouting distance is included. Bring in your at&t, t Mobile, Xfinity or Spectrum bill and we'll give you a better deal on the best network. Come by Verizon today. Best Network based on RootMetrics Best Overall Mobile Network Performance US 2nd Half 2025 all rights reserved. Must provide recent Consumer Mobile bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply.

[Child]

Mom, can you tell me a story?

[Callie]

Sure.

[Mom]

Once upon a time, a mom needed a new car.

[Callie]

Was she brave? She was tired mostly. But she went to Carvana.com and found a great car at a great price. No secret treasure map required. Did you have to fight a dragon?

[Terry O'Reilly]

Nope.

[Callie]

She bought it 100% online from her bed, actually. Was it scary?

[Mom]

Honey, it was as unscary as car buying could be.

[Child]

Did the car have a sunroof?

[Terry O'Reilly]

It did actually.

[Child]

Okay, good story.

[Mom]

Car buying you'll want to tell stories about. Buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply.