In this special live edition of Ad Infinitum, Executive Creative Director Stew Redwine takes the stage at Podcast Movement 2025 to deliver the third installment of his talk: What Makes Audio Ads Work.

This time, Stew makes it practical. With stories, data, and a few unexpected metaphors (including his dog, Maverick), he breaks down six essential lessons every marketer, podcaster, and advertiser can put into practice immediately:

1. Host’s Voice – Keep the ad in the authentic sound of the person listeners trust.
2. Host’s Words – Let them say it in their own language, not yours.
3. Early & Often – Mention the brand within the first six seconds, then keep it present throughout.
4. Sonic Branding – Build sound cues that make your brand recognizable with eyes closed.
5. Distinct & Consistent – Repetition creates memory. Resist the urge to constantly refresh.
6. Care – Tools can scale, but only human care makes the work matter.

From the history of radio to the warp-speed evolution of podcasting, Stew shows where audio is headed and why keeping host authenticity at the center is the industry’s best chance to “keep podcasting, if we can.”

It’s equal parts rallying cry and practical handbook for anyone who wants their audio ads to actually work.

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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.