Gone in 60 Seconds: Crazy Automobile Stunt Commercials

Summary

Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly Episode: Gone in 60 Seconds: Crazy Automobile Stunt Commercials Release Date: June 14, 2025

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Introduction to Automobile Stunts in Advertising

In this episode of Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly, host Terry O'Reilly delves into the thrilling world of automobile stunt commercials. He explores how car manufacturers employ death-defying stunts to capture audience attention, differentiate their brands, and showcase the capabilities of their vehicles. Through vivid storytelling and detailed examples, Terry illustrates the lengths to which advertisers go to make a lasting impression.

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The Genesis of "Gone in 60 Seconds"**

[03:20 - 09:05]

Terry begins by recounting the origin of the cult classic film Gone in 60 Seconds, directed by Henry Blight Halicki. Initially conceived as a low-budget B movie with minimal scripting and real-life participants, the film is renowned for its unparalleled 40-minute car chase—“the longest in film history”—which featured 93 destroyed vehicles from Halicki's own junkyard.

Key Highlights:

• DIY Filmmaking: Halicki's approach involved minimal scripting, real participants, and improvised dialogue, making the production authentically chaotic.
• Iconic Car Chase: The epic 40-minute chase through five cities resulted in significant vehicle destruction, showcasing extreme automotive stunts.
• Harsh Realities: Halicki performed his own stunts, leading to severe injuries, including a leg cast and broken ribs, yet the production persevered.

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Memorable Car Stunts in Commercials

1. Volkswagen’s Airtight Beetle

[08:13 - 09:05]

A standout example discussed is Volkswagen's 1972 commercial aimed at proving the Beetle's durability. The announcer dramatically drives the Beetle into a lake to demonstrate its “airtight, watertight quality”.

Notable Quote:

"Try looking at a Volkswagen this way. It's the only small car with a sealed steel bottom that leaves nothing exposed beneath it." [08:13]

Key Insights:

• Dramatic Demonstration: The visual of a car sinking (or in this case, not sinking) powerfully conveys product strength.
• Subtle Messaging: The additional text—“the VW will definitely float, but it won't float indefinitely”—adds humor and honesty to the claim.

2. Audi’s Quattro Ski Jump Stunt

[09:05 - 16:39]

Audi's 1986 commercial showcased the Quattro's all-wheel-drive capabilities by having the car climb a nearly vertical, snow-covered ski ramp in Finland. The stunt required precise execution with minimal modifications—just snow tires.

Key Highlights:

• Extreme Challenge: The ski jump’s 37.5-degree angle presented an immense challenge, making the successful climb a testament to the Quattro’s performance.
• Impact on Brand: This memorable stunt significantly elevated Audi’s reputation for innovation and performance, leading to a resurgence in interest and subsequent re-creations of the commercial.

3. Continental Tires’ Rooftop Maneuver

[16:39 - 23:39]

In 1992, Continental Tires created a high-stakes commercial filmed atop a skyscraper in South Africa. A stunt driver performed a series of precise maneuvers, including running the car parallel to the building’s edge with tires hanging over, demonstrating the superior grip and control of Continental Tires.

Key Insights:

• Precision Engineering: The stunt emphasized the reliability and performance of Continental Tires under extreme conditions.
• Viewer Engagement: The lack of safety barriers heightened the drama, making the demonstration gripping and memorable.

4. BMW’s "Oldest Trick in the World" Motorcycle Commercial

[23:39 - 35:03]

BMW’s 2011 commercial titled “The Oldest Trick in the World” showcased the motorcycle’s acceleration power by pulling a 35-foot tablecloth laden with fragile items without disturbing them. This clever stunt underscored the bike’s impressive torque and speed.

Notable Quote:

“When you come back, a car stunt that doesn't involve a car.” [09:05]

Key Highlights:

• Innovative Approach: Utilizing a common trick in a novel automotive context demonstrated the motorcycle’s capabilities in a relatable way.
• Visual Impact: The flawless execution of the stunt left a lasting impression on viewers, effectively communicating the product’s strengths.

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Exceptional Stunts Beyond Cars

1. Volkswagen Passat’s Pedestrian Detection in a Movie Theater

[18:23 - 25:33]

A unique commercial for the Volkswagen Passat introduced the car’s pedestrian detection technology through a live demonstration in a Madrid movie theater. As latecomers entered the cinema, the car intercepted them, highlighting the vehicle’s safety features in an unexpected setting.

Key Insights:

• Innovative Setting: Conducting the stunt in a live environment like a movie theater created an authentic and impactful demonstration.
• Surprise Element: The unexpected nature of the live commercial captured audience attention effectively, conveying the technology’s benefits seamlessly.

2. Honda’s Live Skydiving Formation to Spell “HOND A”

[25:33 - 33:05]

Honda's ambitious 2005 commercial featured skydivers forming the letters of the company’s name mid-air. This high-risk, high-reward stunt required meticulous planning and coordination, ultimately resulting in a spectacular visual display that garnered widespread attention.

Notable Quote:

“It took a couple of goes, but it worked fine.” [25:33]

Key Highlights:

• Complex Execution: The formation of letters in mid-air showcased not only precision but also the brand’s commitment to excellence.
• Significant Investment: The commercial’s hefty budget of £500,000 was justified by the subsequent surge in sales, demonstrating the effectiveness of grandiose stunts in advertising.

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The Competitive Edge of Stunt Commercials

[33:05 - 35:03]

Terry emphasizes that the automotive industry is fiercely competitive, with brands continuously striving to outdo each other through innovative and daring advertisements. Whether it’s climbing steep ramps, driving into lakes, or executing flawless airborne formations, these stunts are designed to:

• Capture Attention: In a saturated market, dramatic visuals help brands stand out.
• Demonstrate Capabilities: Stunts vividly showcase the performance and reliability of vehicles.
• Enhance Brand Image: Successful executions can significantly boost a brand’s reputation and consumer trust.

Key Insights:

• High Stakes: The competitive nature often leads to high-risk endeavors, where the rewards of successful stunts can be substantial.
• Memorability: Unique and bold stunts are more likely to be remembered by consumers, fostering brand loyalty and recognition.

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Conclusion

In this episode, Terry O'Reilly masterfully illustrates the lengths to which car manufacturers go to create memorable and persuasive advertisements through extreme stunts. From the bold endeavors of Volkswagen and Audi to the innovative approaches of BMW and Honda, these commercials not only entertain but also effectively communicate the strengths and unique features of each brand’s vehicles. The episode underscores the importance of creativity, precision, and risk-taking in the realm of automotive advertising, highlighting how impactful stunts can significantly influence consumer perception and brand success.

Final Thoughts:

“In a world of indifferent viewers, the payoff can be huge. You just have to hope the parachute opens when you're under the influence.” [35:03]

Terry concludes by reflecting on the fine balance between ambition and execution, reminding listeners that while stunts can propel a brand into the spotlight, they require meticulous planning and a bit of fortune to achieve success.

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Produced by: Debbie O'Reilly
Chief Sound Engineer: Jeff Devine
Theme: Casey Pick, Jeremiah Pick, and James Ayton
Music: APM Music
Published by: Apostrophe Podcast Network, powered by Acast

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For more insights into the intersection of pop culture, marketing, and human behavior, subscribe to "Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly" on Apple Podcasts and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the ad industry’s most fascinating stories.

Transcript

[Terry O'Reilly]

Did you know that if you subscribe to our But Wait, There's More option, you get a bonus story in every episode of under the Influence. But Wait, there's more. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you get early access so you hear every episode a full week before everybody else. Plus you enjoy that episode ad free. Tsk tsk. And by subscribing, you support our podcast. Just go to Apple Podcasts and subscribe to under the Influences. But Wait, There's More.

[Tony]

G' Day America. It's Tony and Ryan from the Tony and Ryan Podcast from Down Under.

[Ryan]

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[Tony]

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[Ryan]

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[Tony]

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[Ryan]

Yep, they have blazing fast Internet and plans for all the latest devices. Visit your nearest Boost Mobile store or find them [e-mail] hey, I'm Elise Hu.

[Elise Hu]

Host of the podcast Ted Talks Daily. For more than 20 years, Paylocity has been leading the way with cutting edge work solutions like On Demand Payment which offers employees access to wages prior to payday, flexible time tracking features which enable staff to clock in and out through their mobile device, and numerous other cutting edge solutions that simplify collaboration across hr, finance and it. Learn more about how Paylocity can help streamline work and enhance business outcomes for your [e-mail].

[Verizon Representative]

Now at Verizon we have some big news for your peace of mind. For all our customers, existing and new, we're locking in low prices for three years guaranteed on MyPlan and MyHome. That's future you peace of mind and everyone can save on a brand new phone on MyPlan. When you trade in any phone from one of our top brands, that's New phone Peace of Mind. Because of Verizon, whether you're already a customer or you're just joining us, we got you. Visit Verizon today. Price guarantee applies to then current base monthly rate. Additional terms of conditions apply for all offers.

[Terry O'Reilly]

This is an apostrophe podcast production.

[Unknown]

We're going to show you our big new Studebaker that's a Spicy meatball. What love doesn't conquer, Alka sells her will. What a relief.

You're under the influence with Terry O'Reilly.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Yeah. Henry Blight Halicki was a director, writer, stunt driver, actor and owner of a car impound and towing business in California. In 1974 he came up with an idea for a movie. It was titled Gone in 60 Seconds.

[Unknown]

Should I be gone 60 seconds?

[Terry O'Reilly]

The basic plot of the movie was that 48 cars had to be stolen in five days to pull off an insurance scam. There was no official script, just a few pages outlining the sparse dialogue which was mostly ad libbed. There were no real actors in the movie, just friends and neighbors of Halicki's. The police officers and firefighters in the movie were real police officers and firefighters. Even the bystanders in the movie were just real bystanders. For one of the main car stunts, all Halicki had in the way of a description for the crew was a piece of cardboard with a circle drawn on. Was what you would call a loose film shoot. Gone in 60 seconds is strictly a B movie, but it has become a cult film. It's famous because it contains a 40 minute car chase, the longest in film history. And during that 40 minute car chase which takes place through five cities, a total of 93 vehicles were destroyed. The HP Halicki & Co. Junkyard owned all 93 of them. Occasionally, Halicki would have to halt filming for several days, repair the cars, then continue production. Halicki did his own stunt driving and the 40 minute car chase is chock full of death defying stunts. In one scene, the Mustang Halicki was driving gets rear ended and his car spins into a light pole at 160km or 100mph. Halicki was badly injured when people ran to his rescue. He was unconscious. When he came to, his first words were, did we get the shot? Filming resumed three weeks later with Halicki in a full leg cast and several broken ribs. Near the end of the famous 40 minute car chase, Halicki's Mustang is being chased by over 20 police cars. As the yellow Mustang speeds along the highway, it comes roaring over a hill and suddenly comes upon an accident scene with smashed cars spread across the road. The Mustang is going too fast to stop. This next moment is what film historians call the jump that set the standard for car stunts. Halicki's Mustang hits the stalled cars and takes flight. The car manages to attain a jump height of 9 meters or 30ft over a distance of 39 meters or 128ft. To put that jump in perspective, it was done with no computer graphic tricks, no rocket boosters, or no hydraulic catapults, things all car stunts use today. It was just a flat out historic car jump. It's still remembered to this day. Henry Halicki would remember it too. He compacted 10 vertebrae performing this stunt. Halicki said his injuries were not that serious, but his cameraman said Halicki never walked the same again. Dramatic car stunts aren't just the stuff of movies. They are also the stuff of car commercials. Car manufacturers are always looking for ways to make their brand stand out to the public. And one of those ways is to film a dramatic car stunt. A stunt that usually shows off an exciting aspect of the automobile. Often, these car stunts are persuasive. Sometimes they're jaw dropping. And occasionally, car commercials can actually be death defying. You're under the influence. In 1972, Volkswagen pulled off a stunt that not many other cars could have achieved. The goal was to prove that the VW was airtight.

[Unknown]

Try looking at a Volkswagen this way. It's the only small car with a sealed steel bottom that leaves nothing exposed beneath it. And the VW is built to take a little punishment. As small as the VW is, It's covered with 13 pounds of paint outside and in, even in places you can't see but which corrosion can find. In fact, the VW is so well put together, it's practically airtight.

[Terry O'Reilly]

At that point, the announcer gets in and literally drives the Beetle straight into a lake. The VW didn't sink. It floated. And as it floated, the announcer casually rests his elbow out the window and.

[Unknown]

Says, now what other car gives you this kind of quality at this kind of price?

[Terry O'Reilly]

It was a dramatic stunt you don't see coming. And it clearly showed the airtight, watertight quality of the Beetle. Words on the screen at the end of the commercial said the suggested retail price was $1999. And if you look closer at the smaller type, it said the VW will definitely float, but it won't float indefinitely. Ha ha. Back in 1986, Audi needed a way to launch its 100 CS Quattro equipped cars. Essentially, the Audi Quattro was an all wheel car, sending power to both axles when required. While that seems like standard fare today, it was a new concept to most people in the mid-80s. So the people at Audi and its advertising agency came up with a dramatic idea for a television commercial in Finland. There was a famous Olympic style ski jump, not Far from Helsinki, this snow covered ski ramp was 138 meters, or 452ft long. It had an angle of 37.5 degrees or a jaw droppingly steep 80% gradient. Skiers would take off down the ramp, pick up incredible speed, then become airborne at the takeoff point. The people at Audi wanted their new Quattro to tackle the ramp. Only they didn't want to drive down the steep ramp, they wanted to drive up back in. 86 companies didn't use the array of backup fail safe systems they employ today when doing stunts that include things like pulleys and cables and harnesses. When Audi wanted its new Quattro model to successfully climb one of the steepest, slipperiest ski ramps in the world, the only modification on the car was snow tires. That was it. And if the car started to slide uncontrollably down the ramp, there was nothing anyone could do about it. At the start of the commercial, the Audi Quattro begins its seemingly impossible climb. It's a breathtaking scene. The angle of the ski jump is shockingly severe. The ramp is covered in snow and the Audi is not just inching up the icy slope, it's actually clipping along. And in just 20 real time seconds, the Audi Quattro easily climbed to the top of the ramp. That stunt put Audi Quattro and all wheel drive on the map. The commercial is nearly 40 years old now, and people still remember it to this day. As a matter of fact, it was such a legendary commercial for Audi, the car company recreated it again in 2005 to celebrate 25 years of Quattro. Speaking of death defying car stunts, Continental Tires filmed a spectacular one in 1992. The Continental Tire Company began in Germany in 1871. It was the first company to incorporate tread patterns into their tires. Prior to that, all tires were smooth. The addition of tread significantly improved the grip, braking and cornering performance of tires. Filmed in South Africa, this entire commercial takes place atop the roof of a skyscraper. The roof is perfectly flat with no fencing or barriers at the edges. And it's a long way down. As the commercial begins, a stunt driver accelerates on the roof at full speed, then jams on the brakes just as he comes to the very edge of the building. Yikes. In testing conditions, the case for precision German engineering rests on our tyres. Then the driver accelerates again, whips the car completely around and then stops absolutely parallel to the very edge of the skyscraper, with the left tires hanging ever so slightly off the building. To watch this maneuvering is absolutely toe curling. Next, the driver throws the car into reverse, floors the gas pedal, then jams on the brakes and stops just in time. As half of the rear tires hang on over the edge, we rest our case. Continental Tires, German engineering where you need it most on a car. You can watch this heart stopping commercial by searching Continental Tires rooftop ad on YouTube. In 2011, BMW pulled off a pretty good stunt to advertise the acceleration power of its new motorcycle. The commercial was titled the Oldest Trick in the World. In the first scene, a man successfully yanks a tablecloth out from under a wine glass, a wine bottle and a flower vase. The oldest trick in the world. Then the scene changes. Now we see a very long dining room table, maybe 35ft long by my count. There are four large candelabras, at least 70 wine glasses, over 100 plates, three very elaborate flower vases, multiple buckets of wine cooling on ice, and all of this is sitting on a white tablecloth. I mean this long table is just covered with breakable items. A BMW motorcycle backs into the scene and is attached to the tablecloth with two ropes and a clip. The bike is idling just two feet from the table. The goal was to accelerate so fast, so quickly that it would pull the tablecloth out from under all those dinner pieces on the 35 foot long table from a standing start without breaking or disturbing anything, which seemed impossible. Then the BMW motorcycle takes off and pulls the entire 35 foot tablecloth out from under all those plates and glasses without a single piece moving or even wobbling. Words on the screen say BMW Motorcycles. Welcome to Planet Power. It was an amazing demonstration of acceleration. When we come back, a car stunt that doesn't involve a car.

[Elise Hu]

Hey, I'm Elise Hu, host of the podcast Ted Talks Daily. For more than 20 years, Paylocity has been leading the way with cutting work solutions like on demand payment, which offers employees access to wages prior to payday, flexible time tracking features which enable staff to clock in and out through their mobile device and numerous other cutting edge solutions that simplify collaboration across hr, finance and it. Learn more about how Paylocity can help streamline work and enhance business outcomes for your [e-mail] simplified now at Verizon we.

[Verizon Representative]

Have some big news for your peace of mind for all our customers, existing and new, we're locking in low prices for three years guaranteed on MyPlan and my home. That's future, you peace of mind and everyone can save on a brand new phone on MyPlan. When you trade in any phone from one of our top brands. That's new phone peace of mind. Because at Verizon, whether you're already a customer or you're just joining us, we got you. Visit Verizon today. Price guarantee applies to then current base monthly rate. Additional terms and conditions apply for all offers.

[Unknown]

Every idea starts with a problem. Warby Parker's was simple. Glasses are too expensive. So they set out to change that. By designing glasses in house and selling directly to customers, they're able to offer prescription eyewear that's expertly crafted and unexpectedly affordable. Warby Parker glasses are made from premium materials like impact resistant polycarbonate and custom acetate, and they start at just $95, including prescription lenses. Get glasses made from the good stuff. Stop by a Warby Parker store near you.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Occasionally. The best Car Stunts Don't Even Involve a Car In a movie theater in Madrid, the audience was getting settled in to watch upcoming trailers before the main feature. The lights go down and the trailer starts nombre dis espinado. But just as it starts, a latecomer walks down the aisle looking for a seat. The trailer suddenly stops for a second, a spotlight hits the latecomer, a small red car icon flashes on the screen and two alarm beeps are heard. Then the trailer starts up again. A few moments later, a couple comes in late looking for seats. Then a few seconds after that, a fourth person stumbles in late, walks down to the very front row looking for the only remaining empty seat. The spotlight hits him. Red car icon flashes on screen. Alarm goes off. The audience in the cinema doesn't know what's going on, but they're getting annoyed. Then words on the screen say, the new Volkswagen Passat with pedestrian detector. That's when the audience realized it was actually a live commercial for Volkswagen. A very surprising live demonstration to explain the new VW detection technology, which stops the vehicle if a pedestrian crosses in front of the car unexpectedly. As the marketing world knows, the best way to explain new car technology is to show how it works, which BW did without a car in a movie theater. And by the way, after the stunt was revealed to the audience, a final line appeared on the screen that said, it's better to never arrive late at a cinema. Speaking of live stunts, Honda pulled one off in the uk. The idea began when Honda invited advertising companies to pitch ideas to dramatize Honda's campaign theme line, Difficult is Worth Doing. It wanted a big idea that would stop the trend of people ignoring commercial breaks. Here's the idea they chose. First, Honda promoted the fact it was doing a live, dramatic one time only, three minute television commercial at precisely 8:10pm on May 29 that got the attention of viewers and the British press. Then on May 29th at precisely 8:10pm viewers crowded around their TVs to watch the stunt unfold. What they saw was a small aircraft in the air being filmed from another plane flying beside it.

[Unknown]

30 seconds for green light, 30 seconds.

[Terry O'Reilly]

Then at 14,000ft the aircraft's door opened and out jump 16 skydivers. As they fell at a rate of 217 km or 135 mph, the skydivers slowly joined hands and created the letter H. Then they separated then rejoined forming an O. There's the N. Then came the trickiest letter of all, the N. It looked like the skydivers were struggling, not quite able to form the letter, but then they got it. Next came the letter D followed by the final A spelling out Honda at what was then 5,000ft with the Earth coming at them fast. This amazing stunt was filmed with two additional skydiving camera people, multiple cameras aboard the two planes, cameras on the helmets of the skydivers and body cameras. It was a huge undertaking that cost a reported 500,000 British pounds. The live Honda skydiving commercial was watched by 2.2 million people in the UK that night. Channel 4 who aired the commercial said the viewing audience for the Honda ad was astounding compared to regular commercial breaks. Was a £500,000 ad worth it? Well, Honda dealers in the UK sold £1,000,000 worth of cars in a single weekend. According to Honda. That spelled success. When we return, a car has a little trouble with a parachute.

[Elise Hu]

Hey, I'm Elise Hu, host of the podcast Ted Talks Daily. For more than 20 years Paylocity has been leading the way with cutting edge work solutions like on demand payment which offers employees access to wages prior to payday, flexible time tracking features which enable staff to clock in and out through their mobile device and numerous other cutting edge solutions that simplify collaboration across hr, finance and it. Learn more about how Paylocity can help streamline work and enhance business outcomes for your [e-mail] simplified now at Verizon we.

[Verizon Representative]

Have some big news for your peace of mind for all our customers, existing and new, we're locking in low prices for three years guaranteed on MyPlan and my home. That's future, you peace of mind and everyone can save on a brand new phone on MyPlan. When you trade in any phone from one of our top brands that's new phone peace of mind. Because at Verizon, whether you're already a customer or you're just joining us, we got you. Visit Verizon today. Price guarantee applies to then current base monthly rate. Additional terms and conditions apply for all offers.

[Unknown]

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One of.

[Terry O'Reilly]

My favorite stories of a car stunt involved a British sports car called the MGB. By the early 70s, foreign sports cars were starting to break into the North American market, and the sleek little MGB was a sexy option. In 1973, MGB's advertising manager, Bob Burden, wanted a blockbuster television commercial as the company was facing increased competition from Japanese imports. The creative director of MGB's advertising agency was a Canadian named Mayhew, and he had a big idea. As Mayhew described it, three competitor cars a Datsun, a Fiat and a Porsche would be racing across the desert, leaving plumes of dust in their wake. Then an MGB would be dropped out of an airplane a mile and a half up in the sky and would fall dramatically to the earth with a parachute. A skydiver who jumped out of the same plane would land beside the mgb, hop in and drive away, leaving the competitors in the dust. Burdon just stared at Mayhew blankly. But what's the selling point? He asked. Mayhew said MGB still one jump ahead. With that line, Burden was sold. Filming would take place over the Mojave Desert in California, not far from the Edwards Air Force Base, where Chuck Yeager had broken the sound barrier in 1947. The cost of this stunt exceeded anything previously spent on an MGB commercial by a factor of 10. Burton's nervous boss wished him luck with an undercurrent of don't come back if it doesn't work. On the morning of the shoot, two brand new red MGBs were polished and ready. There were dozens of details to contend with. Wind was the biggest factor, but luckily it was a spectacular still morning. The FTC insisted the commercial had to be Authentic. It had to be a real car that landed and drove away. No tricks or the commercial could not be aired. So every single detail of the drop and landing had to be calculated to the last millimeter. A small armada of aircraft got ready. Two small Cessnas and a helicopter to do the filming. And a caribou mothership to drop the mgb. With the early morning light just right, it was go time. The planes climbed into the sky, and at 8,000ft, the caribou opened its huge rear doors and the red MGB slid out. The skydiver jumped. It was a beautiful sight. Both seemed to be falling in slow motion. The skydiver chute opened. Then everyone went silent. The car chute wasn't opening. The car started falling a lot faster than the skydiver. Everyone just stared as the MGB gracefully smashed to the ground. The skydiver landed beside the brand new mgb, which was now a completely flattened pancake. Bob Burden went pale. As it turned out, the parachute lines had snagged and tore on bolts inside the caribou, rendering the parachute inoperable. Mayhew, the creative director, just shrugged his shoulders, turned to Burton and said, let's try it again with the backup mgb. Burdon responded, saying, but I don't have a backup job. Mayhew put his arm around him and said, you can only be fired once, whether you destroy one car or two. With that inescapable logic, take two was called. The planes lifted to the sky. The caribou's hatch opened gleaming. MGB2 slipped out. The skydiver jumped and everyone held their breath. Suddenly, the car's chute opened. Then the skydiver chute unfolded. Both drifted perfectly to the desert floor as the three competitor car raced towards them. The skydiver landed, hopped into the MGB and sped away to the wild applause of one Bob Burden. At the national MGB dealers meeting later that month, the parachute ad received a standing ovation. The commercial generated press from outlets across the country. It won a top advertising award. And when Bob Burden was asked how they pulled it off, he replied in the most understated way. It took a couple of goes, but it worked fine. Little did everyone know that a couple of goes meant a couple of cars. Over the years, I've worked on just about every car brand you can imagine. Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mini minivans and pickup trucks. And I can tell you it is an extremely competitive category. Every year, new models come out, new commercials are required, and millions are spent to one up each other. That one upmanship often leads to to brinksmanship. Driving up a snow covered, nearly perpendicular ski jump is a scary proposition, but a highly persuasive one. Driving a car into a lake is a daring way to prove a point, and pulling the tablecloth out from under hundreds of breakable dinnerware pieces is a memorable feast for the eyes. But then there are the truly death defying ideas like spelling out a brand name using live skydivers, or speeding on the top of a skyscraper, or dropping a car from an airplane at 8,000ft. It's all about gaining attention. In a world of indifferent viewers, the payoff can be huge. You just have to hope the parachute opens when you're under the influence I'm Terry O'Reilly. This episode was recorded in the Terrastream Mobile recording studio. Producer Debbie O'Reilly Chief Sound Engineer Jeff Devine under the Influence Themed by Casey Pick, Jeremiah Pick and James Ayton. Tunes provided by APM Music. Follow me at Terry oinfluence this podcast is powered by acast. See you next week.

[Unknown]

Fun Fact Hi, this is Nessa from Toronto. In the film Dark of the moon, a whopping 532 cars were destroyed making the movie. It's a Guinness World Record.

[Elise Hu]

Hey, I'm Elise Hu, host of the podcast Ted Talks Daily. For more than 20 years, Paylocity has been leading the way with cutting edge work solutions like on demand Payment which offers employees access to wages prior to payday, flexible time tracking features which enable staff to clock in and out through their mobile device and numerous other cutting edge solutions that simplify collaboration across hr, finance and it. Learn more about how paylocity can help streamline work and enhance business outcomes for your [e-mail] simplified now at Verizon we.

[Verizon Representative]

Have some big news for your peace of mind. For all our customers, existing and new, we're locking in low prices for three years guaranteed on MyPlan and my home. That's future. You peace of mind and everyone can save on a brand new phone on MyPlan. When you trade in any phone from one of our top brands, that's new phone Peace of mind because at Verizon, whether you're already a customer or you're just joining us, we got you. Visit Verizon today. Price guarantee applies to then current base monthly rate. Additional terms and conditions apply for all offers.

[Unknown]

Every idea starts with a problem. Warby Parker's was simple. Glasses are too expensive. So they set out to change that by designing glasses in house and selling directly to customers. They're able to offer prescription eyewear that's expertly crafted and unexpectedly affordable. Warby Parker glasses are made from premium materials like impact resistant polycarbonate and custom acetate, and they start at just $95, including prescription lenses. Get glasses made from the good stuff. Stop by a Warby Parker store near you.

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.