Author Archives: Rod Schwartz

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About Rod Schwartz

Rod Schwartz backed into a lifelong career in radio advertising in 1973 in Springfield, Illinois. He joined the Pullman (Wash.) Radio Group in 1979, where he worked until his retirement at the end of 2022. From 1991 to March 2024, Rod and his family operated Grace Broadcast Sales, providing short-form syndicated radio features to radio and TV stations across the U.S. and Canada. Rod currently operates an independent advertising, marketing, and media consultancy for radio stations, independent business owners and busy professionals, and he continues providing syndicated audio features to radio and TV station clients. More information is available at RodSchwartz.com. An avid photographer, Rod shares some of his favorite images at PalousePics.com and on his Viewbug gallery. See Links for details.

The Restless Heart and the Hope of Christmas

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Rod Schwartz

“Merry Christmas!” This universal Christmas greeting permeates our interactions with others during this season of comfort and joy, happiness and good cheer. Here we are, living in the freest, most prosperous nation on earth, a fact made even more marvelous … Continue reading →

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On Thanksgiving

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Rod Schwartz

“In everything give thanks.…” The apostle Paul’s simple exhortation is easy enough to understand but often found difficult to practice, especially when we’re faced with suffering or setbacks to our health, our finances, our work, or a relationship that’s become … Continue reading →

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The Problem with A.I. “Humans”

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Rod Schwartz

I’ve been noticing a trait common to all the AI-generated “humans” in the video ads I see online—and they’re ubiquitous these days—including those made using the images and audio of real people: they all come across to me as being … Continue reading →

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Sam Dial’s Thanksgiving Commercial

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Rod Schwartz

My jewelry store client kicks off the holiday season—which accounts for up to a third of his annual sales—with a special commercial that he runs the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Are you thanking your customers—publicly? In your own voice? … Continue reading →

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An Email from a Listener About the Commercials

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Rod Schwartz

The email read, in part: Was listening to the local news this morning…which is always informative and entertaining…. and just wanted to say that two relatively new commercials have broken into my Top 5. #1. Moscow & Pullman Eye Care.  Those … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising (General), Branding, Client-voiced commercials, Communication, Copy, Copywriting, Radio Advertising, Radio Commercials, Radio Copywriting, Radio Production, Slogans and taglines, Storytelling, Voiceover | Leave a comment

Inexpensive Tools to Help Grow Your Sales or Business—Introducing AppSumo

Posted on August 29, 2023 by Rod Schwartz

If you’re an entrepreneurial salesperson, marketer, or business operator, you’re going to love this! AppSumo is a clearinghouse for a ton of inexpensive and highly useful digital tools for sales and marketing, to help you expand your effectiveness! Here are 5 … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Communication, graphic design, Internet, Problem-solving, Productivity, Promotions, Sales & Marketing | Leave a comment

The 100 Most Valuable Brands

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Rod Schwartz

From Visual Capitalist, the top 100 brands in 2023, ranked according to value. Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet’s Google lead the pack, and U.S. companies comprise half of this year’s top brands. According to VC: Amazon ranks number one globally with its … Continue reading →

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On Creativity – lessons from LA Gear, Jesse Stone, James Bond, and the Bible)

Posted on July 27, 2022 by Rod Schwartz

“That’s really creative—I like it!” For an ad writer, getting that kind of reaction to a new spot or campaign idea brings joy-joy feelings. But what makes someone creative? Is it innate or learned behavior? What exactly is creativity? I … Continue reading →

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“Make Us Famous”

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Rod Schwartz

Early in his snarky, whip-smart analysis of what advertising can and cannot do for a business or brand, veteran adman Bob Hoffman asks:  – Why do some actors get million dollar fees for appearing in movies while other equally good actors get … Continue reading →

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The Era of the Ear

Posted on May 1, 2022 by Rod Schwartz

“…there is virtually no waking moment that isn’t now an OTL (opportunity to listen) to some form or other of third-party content.” – Charles Vallance Despite the many constraints of lockdowns and pandemic living, there are two parts of us … Continue reading →

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