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Advertising is everywhere, but does it actually work? In this week’s episode of What The Frock?, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod wade into the noisy, glitter-filled swamp of ads, influencers, and political campaigns. Spoiler alert: they are not impressed.

The conversation kicks off with podcast advertising itself. Dave admits he does not charge for the show and prefers to rely on donations, because 93 percent of podcast listeners skip ads. That statistic leads into a wider discussion about whether any of us are actually paying attention anymore, especially in a world where ad-free streaming, ad blockers, and sheer impatience have made traditional spots feel like relics.

But not all ads are created equal. From Super Bowl extravaganzas to oddly captivating influencer plugs, Dave and Rod dissect what makes a commercial stick in your brain. Dave even shares a rare instance where a clever ad for a tracking app grabbed his attention. The two also revisit the golden age of radio live reads, ads that worked precisely because they felt personal.

Then comes the fun part, political advertising blunders. The hosts roast a recent mayoral campaign that recycled stock photos, accidentally featuring people who had already endorsed everything from toothpaste to travel agencies. In today’s world, Rod argues, it is practically asking to get caught. Rod ups the ante by suggesting that AI-generated images might actually be less fake than fake stock photos.

Of course, the episode does not shy away from bigger questions. The guys wrestle with government power, the media’s spin, and whether dismantling agencies like the FBI or FCC would solve more problems than it creates. Rod, true to form, keeps one eyebrow permanently raised.

The show closes with a lighter look at sequels and nostalgia. From “Spaceballs 2” to “History of the World Part 2,” they wonder whether comedy legends and cult classics can really survive the march of time. And if that was not enough, Dave shares some personal news, shoulder surgery looms, which could keep him off the mic for a few weeks. Do not worry though, he is already plotting ways to keep the frock flying.

It is an episode packed with sharp takes, a little skepticism, and plenty of laughs. Whether you are a cynic about commercials or someone who secretly enjoys the big-budget spectacle, you will find something to nod, groan, or chuckle at. Tune in and you will never look at stock photo campaigns the same way again.