The Media Download with John Ondo

John Ondo
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Monthly

The Media Download with John Ondo is a podcast packed with tips, tricks, and current media trends with practical ideas to help you improve your media quality. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started with your own social media content, you will find time-saving, quality-increasing ideas here. Drawing on John's decades of Emmy Award-winning experience in broadcasting and digital media, John shares production shortcuts, & creative strategies to help your projects look and sound more polished. From video and audio to storytelling and workflow, The Media Download is your go-to resource for smarter, better media.

  1. May 5

    Emotional Commericals Create A Connection

    Send us Fan Mail AT&T’s “When the Connection Matters” Campaign: The Storytelling Lesson for Content Creators Media Consultant and Filmmaker, John Ondo, breaks down AT&T’s new ad campaign after seeing spots during the Masters, focusing on “Swing Coach” and “Doomscroll,” and argues they sell meaningful relationships rather than bandwidth or coverage. He notes that the ads target people who value family and connection, using personal stories that emotionally reward viewers and then tie back to reliability. Ondo compares the approach to a powerful OnStar campaign he cited in his book, How to Avoid a Media Meltdown, in which authenticity drove an immediate desire to buy. He explains the shift from spec-based advertising to emphasizing better, more meaningful connections in a multi-screen, shared media environment, and concludes with a lesson for creators: audiences want real, trusted connections driven by storytelling, not more content.  #tvcommericals #storytelling  @ATT #filmmakers #adagency #nonprofitsuccess #communication #branding  00:00 Why This Ad Matters 00:09 Meet John Ondo 00:44 AT&T Swing Coach 02:11 Who They Targeted 02:29 AT&T Doomscroll 03:03 Make It Personal 03:36 OnStar 2005 Ad 04:28 From Specs to Meaning 05:14 Media Is Shared Now 06:01 Less Content - More Connection 06:34 Wrap Up and Subscribe Watch all of the video format of this podcast on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqz-XMZ8v2VLfSXSCrEtDmfKum5g5ZEb

    7 min

  2. Apr 29

    THE PITT vs Starfleet Academy - a tale of two shows

    Send us Fan Mail John Ondo, a 40-year TV and filmmaking veteran, compares HBO’s The Pitt and Paramount’s Star Trek: Starfleet Academy—both are teacher-and-student shows with very different outcomes—to explain what content creators can learn about respecting audiences. He argues The Pit succeeds by trusting viewers with real-time, authentic hospital storytelling, minimal handholding, and relatable characters with consequences, helping it become a top streaming hit with broad demographic appeal (75% 30+; 10 million weekly global viewers). In contrast, he says Starfleet Academy tells viewers what to feel, violates core Star Trek principles, targets youth while alienating legacy fans, and has seen viewership drop from 2.1 million to under 200,000. Key takeaways: respect the audience, build real characters instead of message vehicles, and don’t chase demographics—tell universal human stories. #thepitt #startrek #starfleetacademy #contentcreators #television #mediainfluencer #writing #media #MediaTips #AudienceEngagement #ondomedia #podcast 00:00 Two Shows One Lesson 00:23 Host Intro And Setup 01:41 Why The Pit Works 04:40 Why Starfleet Academy Fails 05:43 Authenticity And Audience Respect 07:43 Demographics And Ratings Reality 08:45 Creator Takeaways 10:15 Wrap Up And Subscribe Watch all of the video format of this podcast on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqz-XMZ8v2VLfSXSCrEtDmfKum5g5ZEb

    11 min

  3. Mar 19

    Names Matter! - The Corvette E-Ray Fumble

    Send us Fan Mail Names Always Matter: What the Corvette E-Ray Teaches About Branding John Ondo explains how naming and branding shape perception, using the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray as a case study. Though the 2024 E-Ray was a high-performance V8 hybrid with all-wheel drive and 0–60 in 2.5 seconds, many consumers assumed the “E” meant fully electric and treated it like a Tesla, hurting sales. In contrast, Chevrolet’s 2025 ZR1 X—built on the same gas/electric all-wheel-drive concept at a much higher price—became highly sought after, showing how perception drives demand. Reports suggest GM will discontinue the E-Ray and rebrand it as the Grand Sport X to avoid “charging” assumptions and emphasize performance. Ando connects this to business marketing: customers may not test a product, but they instantly test its name, illustrated by “Digital Transformation Initiative” versus “Grow Your Reach Online.” 00:00 Names Always Matter 00:20 Meet the Host 00:53 The E Ray Branding Flop 01:44 What the E Ray Really Is 02:06 ZR1X Name Wins 03:15 GM Plans a Rebrand 03:52 Why Naming Matters 04:13 A Simple Naming Test 05:21 Final Takeaway and Outro Watch all of the video format of this podcast on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqz-XMZ8v2VLfSXSCrEtDmfKum5g5ZEb

    6 min

  4. Feb 25

    High-Quality Filmmaking on a Budget with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3

    Send us Fan Mail The One Production Tool That Changed My Shoots: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 John Ondo explains how the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has become the biggest production tool he’s bought and why it’s transformed his field workflow in an era of compressed budgets and schedules. With most clients expecting a half-day shoot and fast editing, he emphasizes “get in, get out” without sacrificing quality, especially for B-roll. He highlights the Pocket 3’s 4K one-inch sensor, built-in gimbal stabilization, face tracking, usable depth-of-field control, and strong performance in sunlight and low light, plus color science that matches his Sony a7 III cameras and DJI Mavic footage, with options for Rec. 709 or D-Log. He suggests it as a practical, affordable option for creators, nonprofits, churches, travel, and even client-generated footage to edit. 00:00 Biggest Production Tool 00:48 Faster Shoots New Reality 01:20 Why B Roll Takes Forever 01:56 Meet Osmo Pocket 3 02:16 Stabilization And Workflow 02:57 Color Matching And Log 03:29 Real World Test Footage 04:37 Starter Kit Creator Combo 05:52 Client Strategy And Volume 06:58 Buyers Notes And Wrap 07:14 Subscribe And Sign Off #mediainfluencer  #columbusohio #Filmmaking #TipTuesday #Podcast #djiosmopocket3 #dslrcamera #journalism #photography  Watch all of the video format of this podcast on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqz-XMZ8v2VLfSXSCrEtDmfKum5g5ZEb

    7 min

  5. Feb 10

    Photoshop vs. Canva: Breaking Down the Graphics War

    Send us Fan Mail Photoshop vs. Canva: Craft vs. Convenience for Media Creators In this episode of The Media Download, John Ondo dives into the ongoing debate between Adobe Photoshop and Canva. He discusses the pros and cons of each tool—highlighting Photoshop's control, collaboration, and industry recognition versus Canva's speed, simplicity, and beginner-friendliness. Through thoughtful comparisons, John emphasizes the importance of a hybrid approach that uses both tools to optimize workflow and creativity. Finally, he dispels the myth that one tool is inherently faster than the other, noting that speed depends on the user's familiarity and proficiency. 00:00 Introduction: The Great Debate 00:42 Meet Your Host: John Ando 01:22 The Power of Photoshop 03:32 The Convenience of Canva 05:40 Finding the Balance: A Hybrid Approach 07:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts. #mediainfluencer #columbusohio #adobephotoshop  #canva #graphicsdesign #podcast #broadcasters #printing #mediadesign #socialmediamarketing  Watch all of the video format of this podcast on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqz-XMZ8v2VLfSXSCrEtDmfKum5g5ZEb

    8 min

  6. Feb 3

    Unpacking Super Bowl 60's Best Commercials

    Send us Fan Mail Top Super Bowl Commercials of 2023: Hilarious & Heartfelt Reviews In this week's episode of The Media Download, John Ondo and his wife Angel review some of the top Super Bowl commercials of 2023. Despite neither of their favorite teams playing, they delve into ads from big brands like Michelob, PepsiCo, Budweiser, GrubHub, Ring, Hellman's, and Instacart. With a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, they rank their favorites and share their thoughts on what makes a commercial memorable. Join them for a fun, insightful discussion packed with nostalgia and star power. 00:00 Introduction and Super Bowl Sentiments 00:26 Meet the Hosts: John and Angel 01:28 Super Bowl Commercials: A Special Review 03:05 Michelob Ultra Instructor Ad Review 05:04 Pepsi's Polar Bear Ad Review 07:50 GrubHub's Fee-Free Ad Review 11:11 Budweiser's American Icons Ad Review 13:39 Animal-Themed Commercials Continue 13:56 Ring's Innovative Lost Dog Campaign 15:43 Bud Light's Star-Studded Wedding Ad 18:50 Hellman's Mayonnaise Makes a Comeback 20:59 Instacart's Catchy Banana Ad 24:21 Final Thoughts and Super Bowl Ad Predictions Watch all of the video format of this podcast on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqz-XMZ8v2VLfSXSCrEtDmfKum5g5ZEb

    27 min

  7. Jan 27

    Seize the Snow Day: Boosting Church Media Production

    Send us Fan Mail Join John Ondo on the Media Download this week as he walks through how Oasis City Church navigated a massive snowstorm that forced the cancellation of in-person services. Learn essential hacks and tips for pivoting to an online live-streamed service during emergencies. Discover the importance of pre-production communication, effective planning, and collaboration between media teams and church leadership to ensure a successful and engaging live stream. Whether you're part of a church's media team or a pastor looking to improve weekend services, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable advice. 00:00 Massive Snowstorm Disrupts Midwest Churches 00:29 Introduction to Media Download 01:32 The Importance of Pre-Production Communication 03:52 Crafting an Engaging Online Service 04:54 Executing the Plan: Production Day 07:37 The Power of Good Production 09:12 Final Thoughts and Call to Action  #mediainfluencer #columbusohio Watch all of the video format of this podcast on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqz-XMZ8v2VLfSXSCrEtDmfKum5g5ZEb

    10 min

  8. Jan 20

    Podcasting Hacks: Elevate Your Storytelling Game

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'The Media Download,' Media Consultant, John Ondo talks with veteran radio broadcaster and podcaster Terry Dismore about the enduring power and unique advantages of audio podcasting. They delve into why podcasting remains an effective medium for communication, sharing personal viewpoints, and detailed discussion that isn't feasible on social media platforms like Instagram. The conversation includes practical tips for starting a podcast, the significance of keeping it interesting and focused, and the underestimated potential of local podcasts. They also discuss techniques for engaging interviews, emphasizing authenticity, and emotional storytelling. Terry shares insights from his experience and the benefits of consistency and promotion in maintaining a podcast. Whether for business or personal interests, this episode offers valuable advice for anyone considering venturing into the world of podcasting. #podcasting @buzzsprout @quizthediz #youtube #filmmakers #socialmedia 00:00 Introduction 02:52 Why Podcasts Still Matter 03:52 Audio vs Video Podcasts 04:49 Local Podcasting Opportunities 06:49 Getting Started with Podcasting 07:54 Monetization and Audience 11:35 Podcast Length and Format 11:53 Getting to the Point 15:47 The Art of Interviewing 17:14 Emotion in Storytelling 21:16 Video Podcast Production 23:21 Closing Thoughts Watch all of the video format of this podcast on my YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqz-XMZ8v2VLfSXSCrEtDmfKum5g5ZEb

    25 min
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About

The Media Download with John Ondo is a podcast packed with tips, tricks, and current media trends with practical ideas to help you improve your media quality. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started with your own social media content, you will find time-saving, quality-increasing ideas here. Drawing on John's decades of Emmy Award-winning experience in broadcasting and digital media, John shares production shortcuts, & creative strategies to help your projects look and sound more polished. From video and audio to storytelling and workflow, The Media Download is your go-to resource for smarter, better media.

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