The Gong Show: Ads That Could Never (Ever) Run Today
Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

The Gong Show: Ads That Could Never (Ever) Run Today

B2Upper-intermediateSeptember 19, 202626 min

In this episode, we go back in advertising history and take a look at the ads and commercials that could never, ever, EVER run today. They are either so politically incorrect, so sexist, or so inappropriate, you won’t believe your ears. From doctors recommending cigarettes, to 7-Up advertising to babies, to everyone singing about the joys of DDT, it’s amazing to think they all ran back in the day. Ads that couldn’t run today. From our 2024 Archives. ...

Play episode

Opens the player: the full transcript, every word clickable, with translation and flashcards.

Try it: tap any word

Real sentences from the start of this episode. Every word is marked with its level.

Sentence 1 of 12 · 0:00

?

Superman or Batman?

Tap a word to see its meaning in your language.

Do you know these words?

8 harder words from this episode. Tap one to see what it means, then mark it.

Mark a few words and we'll tell you how this episode fits your level.

Is this episode right for you?

B2

B2 · Upper-intermediate

Comfortable if you already follow TV news

A1 49%A2 30%B1 16%B2 4%C1 0%
  • 96% of the words are B1 or easier.
  • 127 words a minute: slow, clear speech.
  • 87 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.

Transcript

The opening of the episode. The whole transcript is in the player.

0:00

Is Subliminal Advertising Real? Superman or Batman? Best Canadian City to do a book event? Best ad of the past year?

0:10

Well, I answer all these cues and more in a recent subscriber-only bonus episode, Apple or Android. Tap the link in the description. It's a good idea when you're hungry. You're a good man with all things.

0:32

You're a good man with all things. You're a good man with all things. You're a good man with all things. You're a good man with all things.

That was the opening. The rest of the episode (26 min) is in the player: every word clickable, with translation, saved words and flashcards.

Continue in the player

Automatically generated from the audio. May contain errors. Audio belongs to its publisher and is played from their feed. Rights holders can request removal — copyright & takedown policy