Inspired by the classic cult film How to Get Ahead in Advertising, that episode of The Office where Dwight kills Angela’s cat, and several skits their employees once wrote at summer camp, JAR Audio is at long last putting their considerable creative mojo where their mouth is… or maybe not exactly where their mouth is, because who knows where their mouth has been… but you get the picture. The Vancouver-based branded podcasting company, started by former CBC journalist Jen Moss and Advertising veteran Roger Nairn is announcing the June 8th launch of How to Get Ahead in Podcasting, supposedly a “tell-all” about the branded podcast industry. In fact, the show is part audio advice column and part sketch comedy. Chief Creative Officer Jen Moss says, “it will fill your head with all kinds of nonsense that you should probably ignore. Think of it as the first Canadian mockumentary about the Branded Podcast Industry (which – I mean – why has it taken so long?)… but full of authentic tips!”
And here’s the kicker – JAR Audio is asking everyone who reviews the show to give them a BAD REVIEW. They’d love 5 stars (pretty standard for a professional show to help it get heard) but also they’re asking the public to unleash a torrent of criticism on the show – with whatever choice bits of nastiness come to mind.
Here’s what the (actual) critics are saying so far:
“A new low for the branded podcasting industry.'”
– Ruth Barnes, Chalk and Blade
“I don’t care if AI takes these producers’ jobs.”
– Chris Kelly, Kelly and Kelly
“If podcasts could chart in the Bottom 100, this would be #1”
– Bryan Barletta, Sounds Profitable
“My ears will never forgive me.”
– Steve Pratt, The Creativity Business
“I’ve heard better.”
– James Cridland, PodNews.
“I wish this was a joke… is this a joke?”
– Joni Deutsch, The Podglomorate
Essentially, this podcast presents a ludicrous and deeply incorrect view of the branded podcasting industry. From naming your aviation podcast “Bombs on a Plane,” to getting out-pitched by an AI intern, to receiving a cease-and-desist for stalking Samuel L. Jackson, to underscoring a children’s show with Swedish horror music — THE JAR AUDIO EXPERIENCE ™ team is bound to steer you completely wrong as they brainstorm their way ineptly through meeting after meeting. Think of their guidance as lessons in “what not to do” at each stage of the branded podcasting process.
Are you still here?
Great! You must be an audio storyteller, a journalist, or a brand considering making a podcast. Or a bot. Maybe you’re a bot. Either way, rest assured, you’re in the right place. But here’s a word to the wise: Stick with each episode to the end and someone from the real JAR Audio team steps in to right the wrongs and lay out what they ACTUALLY do for their valued clients to land them award-winning shows, (like this one they did for Genome BC). The show offers practical tips on everything from how to choose a name for your podcast, how to book that dream guest, how to market your podcast, common mistakes made in DIY audio recording), and much more.
What on Earth Made Them Do This?
JAR’s Co-founder and CCO Jen Moss says, “I was inspired by the hilarious show Shameless Acquisition Target,” where gifted audio storyteller Laura Mayer set out to shake things up by creating a whole show with the sole purpose of selling-out. In the process she managed to create an intelligent and hilarious, insider look at the podcasting industry.”
Co-founder and CEO Roger Nairn adds, “JAR Audio prides itself in being really, really good at what we do. Our team has decades of combined experience in the audio realm, and we wanted to share that knowledge with you while having fun!”
Ultimately, this show lets you experience JAR Audio doing what they’re passionate about; building truly engaging podcasts for listeners that solve business engagement challenges. “It’s the opposite of advertorials,” says Moss. “We do real podcasting for real listeners. Progressive brand marketers understand how powerful it is to create content that people actually want.” JAR’s clients include a wide range of brands and non-profit organizations, from Amazon, to LUSH, to lululemon, the BC Women’s and Children’s Hospitals, the BC Schizophrenia Society, Cirque du Soleil, Staffbase, Russell Reynolds Associates, and more.
So please, step into the world of JAR Audio, and discover firsthand the value pillars the company was built on: Listening, authenticity, creativity, quality…. and people doing funny voices.
Check out the season 1 launch trailer and keep an eye on the blog for corresponding posts that round up all the key information from each episode. Thanks for being here for our audio journey!
For interviews or more information, please contact: Jen@Jaraudio.com or Roger@jaraudio.com
