In the Season 2 Finale of Ad Infinitum, host Stew Redwine and guest producer Jeanna Isham explore sonic branding's evolution, impact, and future through conversations with everyone from the inventors of audio logos we all know and love to current audio alchemists helping shape the sonic strategies of blue-chip brands around the world:

• Colleen Fahey, US Managing Director at Sixième Son
• Steve Keller, Sonic Strategy Director at SiriusXM
• Joel Beckerman, CEO of Made Music Studio
• Lisa DeStefano, former VP at The Home Depot
• Dallas Taylor, host of Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast
• Joe Sauer, consumer behavior researcher
• Chelsea Campbell, Group Creative Director at SiriusXM
• Jim Reekes, architect of Apple's startup sound
• Roger Sho Gehrmann, VP at Songtradr
• Walter Werzowa, creator of Intel's iconic five-note sequence

This episode reveals how sonic branding can transform brand recognition and ROI. From Intel's game-changing mnemonic to Mastercard's innovative sonic ecosystem, listeners will discover why sound isn't just another asset – it's a strategic imperative that's reshaping how brands connect with consumers across every touchpoint.

For Chief Audio Officers, the numbers make the case: while only 16% of advertising is correctly attributed, sonic branding delivers 700% better branded attention and drives response rates up by 30%. With one Fortune 100 company declaring it "the most leveraged item on their balance sheet," this deep dive into sonic branding isn't just informative – it's essential intelligence for staying competitive in an increasingly audio-first world - and... it's fun.

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.

In 2025's inaugural Ad Infinitum episode, Stew gathers an all-star panel to dissect Amazon's multi-million-dollar podcast advertising strategy. Joined by Amelia Coomber, CMO at Podscribe; Adam McNeil, SVP of Client Services at Adopter Media; Paul Riismandel, President of Signal Hill Insights; and Arielle Nissenblatt, founder of Earbuds and podcasting advocate, the group dives deep into a series of Amazon audio ads and doesn't pull any punches.

From candid critiques to constructive insights, this episode gives several podcast professionals' POVs on how Amazon shows up in audio across its vast portfolio—including Audible, Whole Foods, Amazon Prime, and more; concluding with a challenge to the creative teams rooted in the resonant words: "With great power comes great responsibility."

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.

In this special episode of Ad Infinitum, Stew Redwine explores the cutting-edge world of AI-driven audio advertising with Dave "Chachi" Denes, President of Benztown and host of Chachi Loves Everybody, and Masa Patterson, VP of Operations at Benztown. The trio dives into a live demonstration of Spec AI, an innovative tool that streamlines the creation of professional audio advertisements by generating scripts, selecting music, and producing mixed spots in real-time.

Listeners gain insights into how Spec AI empowers account executives to pitch ad concepts with ready-made spots, bridging the gap between creative vision and client buy-in. The episode also highlights the nuances of using generative AI responsibly, ensuring creativity remains central to the process while leveraging AI to save time and spark ideas.

Through a hands-on ad creation session for OXFORd, they showcase the platform's flexibility, demonstrating how it can craft compelling, custom-tailored audio that resonates with clients and audiences alike. This episode celebrates the intersection of AI and human creativity, emphasizing the potential for AI to enhance—not replace—the artistry of audio advertising.

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.

Season 2, Episode 11: "The Authors of Audio Branding."

In this episode, you'll hear from two experts who wrote the book on Audio Branding - called Audio Branding: Colleen Fahey, U.S. Managing Director at Sixième Son, and Larry Minsky, Professor at Columbia College Chicago, and co-authors of Audio Branding: Using Sound to Build Your Brand & Voice Marketing: Harnessing the Power of Conversational AI to Drive Customer Engagement.

We will be discussing the evolution of what we know of as Audio Branding and what the future of multisensory marketing, including Voice Marketing, looks like for brands, along with grading some ads to see just how well the guiding principles of Audio Branding do or do not play out in reality.

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.

In Ad Infinitum Season 2, Episode 10 - "Congruent Cues," Stew sits down with Chelsea Campbell, Group Creative Director at Studio Resonate, to explore the science of persuasive audio advertising.

Together, they dissect the alchemy of sound, diving into psychoacoustics, sonic branding, and how congruence in audio drives listener engagement through analysis of top spenders like Progressive, T-Mobile, and The Home Depot.

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.

In Ad Infinitum Season 2, Episode 9 - "Simulacrum Ex Machina," Stew welcomes Oskar Serrander (Co-Founder/CEO of Wondercraft) to talk about Wondercraft's origins and recent launch, how to think in audio, and the most important audio factor: Ryan Reynolds.

Plus–breaking down ~$20M in audio ads from Magellan.ai's Top Podcast Sepnders Breakdown, including advertisers BetterHelp, Toyota, Whole Foods, and Mint Mobile (Guess which one’s the best/hint: Ryan Reynolds).

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.

Ad Infinitum is the only podcast solely focused on audio ads - the creatives who make them and/or the latest thinking that informs them how the space is evolving - AND, usually, a round-up of recent audio ads and analysis by host Stew Redwine and each episode's guest - BUT, this episode is a little different.

This is Season 2, Episode 9 of Ad Infinitum, and this episode's title is "Sonic Truths." It discusses the evolution of McDonald's sonic branding and its current and future audio recipes with guest JJ Healan, Vice President of U.S. Marketing, Brand Content, and Culture at McDonald's.

JJ is an expert on brand strategy, content creation, innovative marketing techniques, and a lot of fun! Enjoy listening to what has helped define McDonald's sound over the years: a focus on fan truths, striking the balance of freedom and constraints, and a commitment to collaboration by "sharing the pen."

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.

In this episode, Stew Redwine and guest Kraig Kitchin discuss the power of audio and its effects on emotions, memory, and perception.

They also review and rate top radio advertisers, including Lowe's, The Home Depot, Babbel, and Progressive.

The conversation highlights the importance of relevance, entertainment, and clear messaging in audio ads.

Special thanks to Premiere Studios for providing studio space in Sherman Oaks, California.

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.