Segment from New & Improved

Break Me Off

Composer Michael Levine, who wrote the long-running Kit-Kat jingle, tells host Brian Balogh what makes a jingle powerful—and catchy. Then… he offers up a new jingle for BackStory.

00:00:00 / 00:00:00

Wheat Paste Razzle Dazzle

Historian Cathy Gudis tells hosts Ed Ayers and Peter Onuf about the ad-drenched streets of late 19th century American cities.

00:04:26

Clean Skin, Dirty Minds

Historian Kathleen Franz describes a scandalous 1917 soap ad that hooked consumers by showing them a little more than just the soap.

00:06:16

Scenic Buyways

Historian Cathy Gudis returns with the story of how advertising followed 20th century Americans out onto the open road, and discusses efforts to curb the spread of ubiquitous billboards. Plus, an ad inspired by BackStory listener Jim Mica’s request.

00:10:05

You're In Good Hands

Ed and Peter take Brian through advertisements of yore, from the testimonials of the 19th century to the earliest advertising in colonial America.

00:06:04

Listener Ad 1

00:01:46

Break Me Off

Composer Michael Levine, who wrote the long-running Kit-Kat jingle, tells host Brian Balogh what makes a jingle powerful—and catchy. Then… he offers up a new jingle for BackStory.

00:09:35

As Luckies Would Have It...

Author Larry Tye and host Brian Balogh discuss the masterful campaign by PR guru Edward Bernays, to convince American women to take up smoking. Plus, listener Cameron from Regina, Saskatchewan suggests an ad for BackStory in the style of a 1950s cigarette ad. Read more here.

00:10:42

Listener Ad 2

00:01:43

Straight To The Moon

Author Richard Jurek describes how one giant leap in public relations helped launch NASA’s lunar program. Read more here.

00:09:09

Back To My BackStory

00:00:46