The golden age of British advertising was more than just Mad Men and liquid lunches.

 The History of Advertising podcast reveals the stories behind the nation’s most celebrated adverts.

HAT’s podcast reveals stories behind some of the ad industry’s creative conundrums and changing landscapes through a series of interviews with creative legends from the golden age of British advertising. ‘The History of Advertising Podcast’ looks back at some of the most revelatory ads and memories of the introduction of new media from the past 65 years, whilst also giving listeners an insight into the nation’s social history and how consumer attitudes have changed over time. 

 
Hosted and co-produced by Jack Meggitt-Phillips, the podcast is available as a series of 10-minute episodes.

Dave Trott, creative director, copywriter, author and contributor to the podcast says: 
 “How can we expect to learn anything, unless we study and discuss the history of it? Maths, engineering, philosophy, politics, art, design, fashion, sport, war, business. Don’t we need to learn from previous mistakes and successes before we start? This podcast series is living history: a unique opportunity to learn how the great advertising was done by the people who did it. Don’t learn it second-hand, get it first-hand.”

The podcasts are a continuation of the ‘Inspiring Minds’ video project, which was launched by the History of Advertising Trust in 2018. 

LISTEN TO THE PODCASTS HERE    


Series 1

L-R Sir Alan Parker CBE, Dave Trott, Hugh Hudson, Martin Boase, Judie Lannon, Jeremy Sinclair, Sir Frank Lowe

A series of 12 x 10 minute episodes launched in early 2019 feature Dave Trott, Sir Alan Parker (director of Bugsy Malone) and Hugh Hudson (director of Chariots of Fire), Sir Frank Lowe, Martin Boase, Jeremy Sinclair and Judie Lannon.
Listeners will learn from Jeremy Sinclair, the ‘quiet man’ of British advertising about the role which  the ‘Labour Isn’t Working’ campaign played in Margaret Thatcher’s rise to power. You will also get to hear how advertising restrictions affected the industry and how definitive campaigns like Tesco’s ‘Every Little Helps’ and  After Eight’s ‘Dinner Party’ were created.

Ep1 Taking Down the Competition pt 1
Ep2 Taking Down the Competition pt 2
Ep3 Spoofed
Ep4 The Killer Line
Ep5 Sex, Drugs and Advertising Restrictions
Ep6 Politics pt 1
Ep7 Politics pt 2
Ep8 Celebs v Muggles
Ep 9 Morecambe, Wise & Benny Hill
Ep10 A Visual Feast for the Ears
Ep11 The Illegal Campaign
Ep12 The Turd that Changed the World

Series 2

L-R Jeremy Bullmore, Sir Frank Lowe, Rory Sutherland, Dave Trott, Brian Palmer

In a further series of 10 x 10 minute episodes, listeners will learn from Jeremy Bullmore about the difference between a brand and a product, what exactly goes into creating a brand’s personality and from Brian Palmer and Rory Sutherland on how initially commercial TV was seen as too vulgar for the British. Listeners will also get to hear a variety of views on the value of research, the role of directors in ad production, and the influence of the original ‘Madmen’.

Ep1 The Kipling Conspiracy
Ep2 Flogging an Unfashionable Horse
Ep3 Too Vulgar for the British
Ep4 The Rise of Commercial TV
Ep5 Directing the Golden Age
Ep6 Do you need to do your Research?
Ep7 Managing Creativity
Ep8 The Rise of the Internet
Ep9 US vs UK
Ep10 What Makes a Great Ad?

Series 3

L-R Guy Parker, Lord Smith, Rosie Arnold, Richard Brim, Trevor Robinson

A third series of 10 x 10min episodes launched from Sept 2022. A wonderful mix of Creatives and also the people who have the task to regulate Creative output. Rosie Arnold, Creative Consultant and former Deputy Executive Creative Director of Bartle Bogle Hegarty and Guy Parker CEO of ASA kick off the series looking at gender stereotypes. You’ll also hear (funnily enough just before Christmas!) from Richard Brim CCO of adam&eveDDB, Lord Smith Chair of ASA from 2007-17 and Quiet Storm’s CEO Trevor Robinson as the series rolls out.

Ep1 The Problem with Sexy Stockings
Ep2 How Nice, You Noticed My Breasts
Ep3 The Advertising Gatekeepers
Ep4 The Most John Lewis Time of Year
Ep5 The Tango Slap
Ep6 Create Not Hate
Ep7 Embrace the Silly
Ep8 The Future of Advertising