9 chapters across the catalog
Russian New Year, Russia House, Anthony Robbins Marketing History
A local celebration of the Russian New Year in Texas featured a founding partner of Guthrie Renker, who shared the origin story of Anthony Robbins' "Power Talk" series. The event took place at a Russia House establishment, noted for its unique atmosphere and waitstaff attire. The conversation also touches on the history of the infomercial industry and its marketing pioneers.
The hosts deconstruct an infomercial for the Rocky Mountain Tumbler, which offers a "free" second mug if the customer pays a "separate fee." They point out the deceptive nature of the offer, as the product already includes free shipping, making the additional fee a hidden cost. The segment serves as a critique of late-night television marketing tactics and consumer scams.
The vocal delivery of NBC reporters, specifically Richard Engel, is compared to the high-energy cadence of infomercial host Billy Mays. The analysis suggests that network field reporters often adopt a specific, repetitive rhythm that mimics sales pitches, regardless of the seriousness of the news topic.
Jane Seymour is featured in an infomercial for a skincare product called Crepe Erase, which claims to treat "crepey" skin. The presentation includes a demonstration using slices of dough to represent human skin elasticity, which the hosts characterize as ludicrous. Analysis of the product ingredients suggests the formula relies heavily on common components like olive oil and shea butter.
New York Times Native Advertising, Dell Paid Posts
The New York Times has begun running "native ads," which are paid promotional stories designed to look like editorial content. One example features Dell promoting technology standards for Common Core education. This practice is criticized as a "scandalous" blurring of the lines between journalism and advertising, essentially turning the newspaper into a platform for high-end infomercials to compensate for declining traditional ad revenue.
PBS NewsHour Silk Road Report, MDMA Testing and Drug Quality
A PBS NewsHour report by Cordelia Lynch demonstrates the ease of purchasing MDMA and opium on Silk Road, which were later verified by a toxicologist. The hosts characterize the news segment as an "infomercial" for the darknet market due to its emphasis on product quality and delivery speed. The discussion notes that the Silk Road economy functioned effectively by creating a trust-based system for illegal substances.
Operation Geronimo Commemorative Coin, Military Commercialization
A television infomercial is marketing a "rare commemorative coin" paying tribute to the SEAL Team 6 operation that killed Osama bin Laden. The $19.95 offer includes a "military briefing packet" with maps and operational details, which the hosts characterize as a tasteless commercialization of military events. The segment mocks the "limited edition" nature of the brass and gold-layered product.
Billy Mays Death, Infomercial Pitchman Celebrity Deaths
Television pitchman Billy Mays was found dead in his Florida home, marking another high-profile death in a short period. The discussion links his passing to other recent celebrity deaths, including Ed McMahon and David Carradine. A theory is proposed regarding the "rule of three" for celebrity deaths, specifically categorizing Mays and McMahon as pitchmen.
Obama Infomercial Analysis, Production Quality and Casting
The 30-minute Obama campaign infomercial is analyzed for its high production values and Hollywood-style art direction. While the pre-recorded segments were praised for their professional casting and visual effects, the transition to a live rally in Florida was criticized as a production error. The broadcast reached an estimated 30 million viewers across multiple networks.
