Stories and Strategies with Curzon Public Relations
By: Stories and Strategies
Language: en-us
Categories: Business, Marketing, Society, Culture, Careers
Welcome to Stories and Strategies, the world’s most listened to Public Relations podcast according to Podchaser, Goodpods, and data from Rephonic.Hosted by award-winning PR professionals Doug Downs in Canada and Farzana Baduel in the UK, this weekly podcast offers you bold ideas, sharp insights, and honest conversations about the future of public relations, strategic communications, and marketing.Every Tuesday, we release a new 20-minute episode packed with practical takeaways for PR professionals, communication strategists, and marketing leaders around the world. Whether it’s earned media, brand storytelling, digital communications, or navigating AI and behavioral science, we go beyond the...
Episodes
Why Your NGO Can’t Afford to be the “Best Kept Secret”
Dec 16, 2025Nonprofits often describe themselves with a strange sense of pride: “We’re the best kept secret.” But in an era where funding is shrinking, donor expectations are shifting, and public trust must be earned every single day, staying a secret is no longer a virtue. It’s a liability.
So why do so many NGOs still hide behind humility, overwhelm, or the hope that their good work will somehow speak for itself?
It’s same problem everywhere. Leaders who underestimate the power of strategic communication. Teams overwhelmed by tactical delivery. Fundraisers separated from PR staff. And organiz...
Duration: 00:26:09Who Will Control Hollywood’s Future? Netflix vs. Warner Bros
Dec 12, 2025Who’s Really Writing the Stories That Shape Our World?
This week, we dive into the high-stakes power play unfolding in Hollywood as Netflix and Paramount battle to take over Warner Bros. What looks like a blockbuster business deal is, in fact, a global struggle over who gets to shape the stories that define how we think, feel, and remember.
Farzana explores the soft power implications of the deal, asking what happens when control of cultural narratives shifts to private or even foreign-backed hands. Doug examines the potential impact on creators, especially if Netflix, known fo...
Duration: 00:19:58Winning Trust When the World is Skeptical
Dec 09, 2025In every corner of the world the public mood is shifting, sometimes quietly and sometimes all at once. Climate anxiety, pandemic fears, economic pressure, geopolitical tension and a surge in concern about data security have all reshaped what people expect from companies.
For organizations trying to build trust across borders the rules keep changing. What mattered in 2019 did not matter in 2021. What mattered last year may not matter next year. And unless communicators understand these shifts they will miss the signals that determine whether a message lands or falls flat.
That is why this conversation w...
Duration: 00:26:49The Agency Checkup: How Healthy Is Your PR Firm?
Dec 02, 2025Most agencies can tell you how their clients are doing but ask how they are doing and the room gets quiet. The truth is that even the best run firms skip their own checkups. Margins thin out, teams burn out, and culture drifts while the spotlight stays fixed on the next pitch.
But what if agencies treated their operations the way a doctor treats a patient, tracking vital signs, diagnosing problems early, and prescribing real solutions before things spiral.
From hidden symptoms to running a full-scale agency fitness test, in this episode we look at w...
Duration: 00:25:16Are Leaks Strategic PR Tools or Signs of Corporate Decay?
Nov 28, 2025This week, we look into the murky ethics of media leaks and their growing role in shaping political, corporate, and cultural narratives. From leaked peace plans that spark international diplomacy to budget details released minutes before parliamentary debate, we dissect whether leaks are ethical whistleblowing or manipulative PR tactics.
Farzana argues that leaks often reveal broken internal cultures, while Doug, from a journalistic perspective, explores how leaks are used to test narratives and steer public perception.
Also in this episode, David wonders if written reports are becoming relics in a world obsessed with video and vi...
Duration: 00:23:54The Old Fashioned Deal: Trust and Influence in a Digital Age
Nov 25, 2025Trust isn’t built in boardrooms or over Zoom. It’s built in the quiet moments. A conversation that lingers, a promise kept, a drink shared between people who still believe words matter.
In this episode, we explore how the foundations of influence have shifted from handshakes to hyperlinks, and what that means for anyone trying to shape opinion or policy in a world that’s forgotten how to connect.
You’ll hear stories from inside the world of public affairs, where relationships once forged in the late hours of party conferences now play out on screen...
Duration: 00:23:15Releasing the Epstein Files and is LinkedIn Gender Biased?
Nov 21, 2025What happens when PR meets scandal, tech chaos, and gender bias?
This episode of The Week UnSpun is a whirlwind of explosive headlines. The trio of David Gallagher, Doug Downs, and guest host Miranda Mitchell look into the renewed Epstein files controversy and its potential to dominate headlines well into 2025.
They unravel Cloudflare’s swift crisis response and debate the alleged gender bias in LinkedIn’s algorithm.
Add a healthy dose of Cracker Barrel branding blunders and viral live-TV moments, and you’ve got a jam-packed show.
Listen For
2:03...
Duration: 00:24:28Is AI Quietly Rewriting Your Brand?
Nov 18, 2025AI can imitate your voice, your words, even your face, but it can’t steal your story.
What happens when companies hand their storytelling to machines that don’t understand who they are?
As businesses race to automate, they risk losing the very thing that makes them distinct: the human truth that built their brand.
Listen For
3:15 How are story, narrative, and voice different?
7:00 What is brand drift and how does AI cause it?
10:04 Why do people distrust AI-generated content?
11:33 How does story protect brand identity?
14...
BBC’s Trump Edit – Mistake or Malice?
Nov 14, 2025Is the BBC losing its grip on journalistic credibility? Or is it being pushed?
This episode of The Week Unspun unpacks a chaotic week in media and politics with sharp insight from PR veterans Farzana Baduel, David Gallagher, Doug Downs, and special guest Adrian Monck. The BBC’s controversial editing of a Donald Trump speech for Panorama sparks a fierce debate on ethics, institutional accountability, and media governance. From internal BBC politics to the broader implications for press freedom, the team dissects why this incident led to resignations at the highest levels.
The conversation then pivo...
Duration: 00:23:56How Cultural Intelligence Shapes Great Public Relations
Nov 11, 2025In public relations, success often depends on one quiet skill: knowing how to adapt. The best communicators read the room, sense the temperature, and adjust their tone without losing their message.
In this episode, we explore what it really means to be a PR chameleon – someone who can blend into the cultural landscape enough to connect, yet still stand out enough to be remembered.
Jessica Hope, founder of Wimbart, has built one of Africa’s most respected tech PR agencies by mastering that balance. From WhatsApp-based storytelling to navigating privilege, identity, and po...
Duration: 00:23:32Is AI the Newest Entry on Your Public Relations Org Chart?
Nov 07, 2025In this audience-driven “mailroom” episode of The Week Spun, the conversation opens with a provocative idea from the PRovoke Summit: AI is now being discussed in full-time equivalent (FTE) terms, signaling a shift in how agencies and organizations think about synthetic labor. Guest host Kim Sample, President of the PR Council, joins Doug Downs and David Gallagher to explore what this means for the future of work in PR.
From there, the trio digs into listener-submitted questions on everything from Apple’s conspicuous silence in the podcasting space, to why PR professionals struggle with personal branding, how fairne...
Duration: 00:23:09The LinkedIn Confidence Gap for Public Relations Pros
Nov 04, 2025Afraid of posting on LinkedIn? You’re not alone, and it’s not about time or talent, it’s about confidence.
In this episode we look at why communicators, especially women, struggle to show up confidently on LinkedIn.
Fear, not time or skill, is the biggest barrier to visibility. PR professionals who are used to writing for others often stumble when the byline is their own.
From how to post authentically without oversharing, to navigating gendered expectations in professional visibility, to practical LinkedIn content strategies (yes, including algorithm hacks!), we’ve got smart, tactical a...
Duration: 00:22:14Rebranding Climate: Alarmism vs. Optimism in PR
Oct 31, 2025What do a billionaire climate pivot, AI-fueled layoffs, and a scandalous Italian election have in common? They all got the PR treatment in this episode.
Farzana Baduel, David Gallagher, and Doug Downs peel back the media layers behind some of the week’s most buzzworthy stories, from Bill Gates’ controversial “climate realism” memo and its impact on corporate sustainability narratives, to Amazon’s AI-framed mass layoffs and what that messaging means for employer branding.
They also take a wildly entertaining detour into Italian politics where ex-lovers are facing off at the polls, with leaked documents and social m...
Duration: 00:21:28Flattered to Death: The AI Sycophant in the Room
Oct 28, 2025We live in a moment where artificial intelligence can write our emails, plan our meetings, even give us life advice. But here’s the problem: these systems are often too agreeable for our own good. They’re less like truth tellers and more like digital echo chambers. They nod along, validate our choices, and tell us exactly what we want to hear.
To use an outdated term… GenAI is too often like a Yes Man.
In this episode we’re looking at the rise of sycophancy in generative AI, the tendency of machines to flatter us instea...
Duration: 00:24:43The Mamdani Effect: Can TikTok Win a Mayoral Race?
Oct 24, 2025Can a cyclist-turned (accused) communist New York mayoral candidate teach the PR world a thing or two about emotional storytelling?
This week we unpack the “Mamdani effect” how Zohran Mamdani is rewriting the rules of political communications with cultural fluency, TikTok charm, and unforgettable soundbites.
Other topics, what are the comms implications of the Omnicom-IPG mega-merger, and what is the likely impact on agency identities, client retention, and the war for talent?
From Alberta, Canada… a Teacher’s Stike and the Government is paying parents. Is that to help them manage or is it a PR bri...
Duration: 00:22:48Is Attention the New Currency in Public Relations?
Oct 21, 2025Is attention the new currency? Politicians, brands, influencers, even your neighbor’s viral TikTok are all competing for the same scarce resource: your focus.
But attention is slippery. It can make you a household name overnight and it can vanish just as quickly.
In an age where algorithms decide what we see and artificial intelligence rewrites how we discover information, the fight for attention has never been more intense.
What happens when public relations and communications agencies find themselves at the same crossroads media once faced? How do you win attention when the comp...
Duration: 00:24:46The PR Community Asks: Can We Fix Ageism, DEI Retreats, and Reputation Laundering?
Oct 17, 2025Farzana Baduel and David Gallagher take on everything from Justin Trudeau’s headline-grabbing kiss with Katy Perry to how PR pros can unwittingly become enablers in global corruption scandals.
In this special mailbag edition, the duo responds to smart, sharp questions from their audience, spanning topics from King Charles III’s strategic image evolution to the silent retreat from ESG and DEI in corporate America. They unpack ageism in the PR industry, dissect Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s contradictory branding, and spotlight how London became the global capital of reputation laundering, all through the lens of real-time feedba...
Duration: 00:30:02What’s the Point of Public Relations if You Can’t Prove it Worked?
Oct 14, 2025The call for better measurement in public relations is not new. For decades, leaders in the field have warned that counting impressions, likes, and advertising value equivalents is not enough. Yet here we are, still leaning on the same empty numbers while the C-suite is asking for proof of outcomes that matter.
The urgency has been with us for years, but too often the industry has not listened to its own advice.
We aren’t listening to ourselves!
Now, as budgets are cut and communications teams risk being sidelined, the pressure to fi...
Duration: 00:22:44Is PR still powerful when public opinion no longer matters?
Oct 10, 2025Farzana Baduel, David Gallagher, and Doug Downs tackle everything from President Trump’s militarized immigration crackdown to what brands can (and shouldn’t) learn from his relentless communication machine.
The trio explore how symbolism, messaging velocity, and the "attention economy" are reshaping both politics and brand strategy. They dissect a compelling new report on navigating the “era of compounding crisis,” debate PR’s role in a post-truth landscape, and end with a sharp take on the commercial and reputational mechanics behind Netflix’s Victoria Beckham doc.
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2:33 How is Operation Midway Blitz b...
Duration: 00:23:41Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is here… is Public Relations Ready?
Oct 07, 2025Search is changing faster than most PR professionals realize. For years, SEO was about keywords and backlinks. Now, with AI-driven tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity shaping how people find information, the game is shifting to AEO (Answer Engine Optimization).
Instead of tricking algorithms, brands need to prove expertise, authority, and trustworthiness at every turn. To stay discoverable, we need to craft smarter prompts, produce content that actually engages, and choose the right AI tools for visibility.
AI is rewriting the rules of credibility and your PR efforts might get left behind.
Li...
Duration: 00:24:40Keir Starmer’s Image Crisis: Can Labour Win Over Its Own Members?
Oct 03, 2025This week on The Week UnSpun, the trio of Farzana Baduel, Doug Downs, and David Gallagher dive headfirst into a whirlwind of global news through a comms lens, touching on everything from the chaos and opportunity of the UN General Assembly, to Keir Starmer’s image struggles within his own party, to the ethics of AI-generated media.
Farzana shares her rookie experience navigating UNGA week in New York, revealing the sheer magnitude, and confusion, of diplomatic and fringe events.
Doug flies the flag for ostrich rights in a bizarre Canadian court case that’s become a comm...
Duration: 00:23:18Public Relations for Hispanic Audiences
Sep 30, 2025Getting Hispanic communications wrong is not just a slip. It can cost brands credibility, trust, and millions in wasted campaigns. Too often, companies think a simple translation is enough, only to find their carefully crafted message falls flat or even offends the very audience they are trying to reach. With more than 65 million Hispanics in the United States, representing one of the fastest growing and most influential communities, PR professionals cannot afford cultural blind spots.
In this episode Susana Mendoza, who helps brands authentically connect with Hispanic audiences, shares where campaigns most often go wrong...
Duration: 00:24:19Tylenol Trouble: When Misinformation Goes Viral
Sep 26, 2025What do Tylenol, Jimmy Kimmel, and Disney all have in common?
They’re all caught in the crosshairs of public opinion this week.
On this episode hosts David Gallagher and Doug Downs are joined by B2B PR powerhouse Michelle Garrett to dissect a week of PR minefields. From President Trump’s dangerous misinformation about Tylenol and pregnancy, to the backlash and brand gymnastics following Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial monologue.
The trio also touches on the shifting global perception of American brands and how companies can (and must) navigate reputational risk in polarized times. <...
Duration: 00:30:22The Dangerous Echo of Polarized Voices
Sep 23, 2025What happens when your newsfeed becomes a battlefield?
In the US and UK, political leaders trade accusations, social media thrives on outrage, and communities are left simmering in distrust. What used to be disagreements over policy now look more like open hostility, with violence creeping closer to the center of public life.
Attacks on lawmakers, threats to schools, and the killing of high-profile figures are no longer shocking outliers but part of a troubling pattern.
This episode asks a difficult but urgent question: how much of this violence is rooted in the way w...
Duration: 00:23:47Is Free Speech Really Free Anymore? The PR Truth Behind Protests, Kimmel, and AI
Sep 19, 2025Every Friday at 3pm UK and 10 am Eastern we scan the PR Mega Chat and pick the stories that actually shaped the week.
This week’s episode is a fiery, globe-spanning dive into the uncomfortable truths of modern communication. From protests on the streets of London to censorship in North America, we break down what’s really going on behind the headlines.
Farzana delivers a powerful personal reflection on racism and PR spin around far-right movements in the UK, while Doug unpacks Jimmy Kimmel’s removal from airwaves and the free speech debate in the U.S. <...
Duration: 00:30:19Beyond SEO: Understanding Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
Sep 16, 2025Google Search still holds about 90% of global search volume as of mid‑2025, but change is underway as more users begin turning to AI.
AI search is rewriting the rules of discovery, and PR needs to adapt. With ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity each scraping different corners of the web, the old focus on big-name publications is no longer enough. The most influential sources may now be niche review sites, specialized forums, or content hubs you have never pitched. Knowing what each Large Language Model (LLM) values and how to optimize for it, is becoming a core PR skill.
<... Duration: 00:23:44Charlie Kirk Shooting Suspect Arrested
Sep 12, 2025Every Friday we scan the PR Mega Chat and pick the stories that actually shaped the week.
What happens when narrative control collides with tragedy, misinformation, and an unfiltered digital age?
In the second episode of The Week Unspun, hosts Farzana Baduel, David Gallagher, and Doug Downs dive into the breaking news of political commentator Charlie Kirk’s shocking shooting and the volatile aftermath, both online and off.
From exploring how disinformation spreads faster than facts to how leadership (or lack thereof) shapes national reaction, the trio offer PR-savvy analysis of crisis communication, medi...
Duration: 00:38:54The Hidden Reason Women are Leaving Public Relations
Sep 09, 2025More women are now leaving the PR industry because of perimenopause and menopause than because of childbirth.
That’s a staggering, often invisible, that’s shift happening right at the top. It’s not burnout or work-life balance pushing them out, but a phase of life that’s rarely acknowledged and even more rarely supported.
This episode is an unflinching conversation about the real pressures senior women face.
Why is menopause still a taboo topic at work?
How misunderstood are its impacts on confidence, performance, and retention?
And what must organiz...
Duration: 00:25:04The Week Unspun: Friday September 25, 2025
Sep 05, 2025Every Friday at 5 pm UK and noon Eastern we scan the globe and pick the stories that actually shaped the week then apply a public relations lens. This first live edition explains the format, brings the chat into the room, and sets a simple goal: turn a firehose of posts into practical takeaways for communicators.
We start with breaking UK politics and what a resignation and reshuffle signal about timing, narrative control, and public affairs workload. Then we track a viral rumor about a US president to show how influence and incentives push disinformation. Finally we hit W...
Duration: 00:31:22What Kind of Public Relations Industry Will Gen Z Inherit?
Sep 02, 2025PR really is at a crossroads… we’ve got old playbooks and new players coming in who want to change the rules.
In its report Mind the Gap, USC’s Center for Public Relations reveals sharp divides between Gen Z and older professionals on everything from AI and hybrid work to media influence and corporate purpose.
While Boomers and Gen X cling to the belief that human creativity will always be irreplaceable, Gen Z is charging ahead, optimistic about technology, eager for flexibility, and expecting brands to stand for something more than just profit. But will tha...
Duration: 00:24:57Africa’s Missing Seat at the Global Public Relations Table
Aug 26, 2025Ayeni Adekunle Samuel argues that Africa is often misunderstood or reduced to oversimplified stereotypes by global brands, agencies, and even tech platforms.
Despite Africa’s complexity, diversity, and economic importance, key decisions — including PR, marketing, and tech strategies — are still shaped in places like New York and London, often without African expertise or context.
Ayeni shares his personal journey as a Nigerian entrepreneur building a pan-African and international PR firm, highlighting both the structural barriers (like bias, access to capital, lack of representation) and the opportunities (especially in areas like AI and local innovation).
Lis...
Duration: 00:24:09It’s Groundhog Day in the Public Relations Industry
Aug 19, 2025Why is the PR industry still having the same tired conversation? Year after year, event after event… while the world moves on without us?
We talk about getting a seat at the table, then sit quietly when we do.
We debate metrics like we haven’t had decades to solve them.
We celebrate awards for campaigns that often say nothing and change even less.
We hold events that are same panel conversations… different year.
Somewhere along the way, the industry built for cultural leadership got stuck in a cycle of repeti...
Duration: 00:29:52Rebranding a Country
Aug 12, 2025What does it take to rebrand an entire nation? Not just a logo or slogan—but the name itself. Gökhan Yücel helped lead the campaign to officially shift the international name from Turkey to Türkiye.
It’s a move that goes far beyond semantics—touching diplomacy, identity, and global perception. Gökhan pulls back the curtain on how such a monumental change has been communicated to the world and why it matters more than most of us think.
But this conversation goes even deeper. From repositioning Türkiye as the “nexus of the world” inst...
Duration: 00:24:43AI that Maps the Mind
Aug 05, 2025What if the most powerful tool in public relations isn’t a pitch deck or media list, but your own story? In this episode, we’re joined by technologist-turned-storytelling-evangelist William Welser IV, founder of Lotic, a platform that uses artificial intelligence to help people uncover the data hidden inside their own narrative. From his days building satellites to his unexpected pivot into behavioral science, Bill shares why he believes personal storytelling isn’t just therapy, it’s strategy.
The most powerful communication connects the head and the heart, the human and the machine and yes, the PR and the A...
Duration: 00:28:59When the Media Quote isn’t Human: Fake Quotes – Real Damage
Jul 29, 2025What if the expert quote you just read in a news article wasn’t written by a human — but by AI?
That’s already happening.
A PR tool called Synapse is selling agencies the ability to fire off automated expert pitches to journalists, complete with research, personal-sounding anecdotes, and polished email copy — all with minimal human input. It promises one person can do the work of five and crank out twenty media pitches an hour.
But is this innovation, or is it a warning sign for the future of public relations?
In this epis...
Duration: 00:25:15HARO Reloaded: How to Pitch Like It’s 2025
Jul 22, 2025In today’s media landscape, journalists are drowning in pitches while PR professionals scramble for attention—often missing the mark entirely. But what if the problem isn’t the story, but the way it’s being told—and the tools we’re using to tell it?
In this episode, we sit down with Brett Farmiloe, the revivalist behind Help a Reporter Out (HARO), to unpack why this once-iconic platform fell off the radar, how he brought it back to life, and what it now takes to genuinely stand out in a journalist’s inbox.
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Duration: 00:26:15Selling our Value – Not our Time
Jul 15, 2025What if everything you’ve been taught about pricing your work—tracking time, logging hours, justifying effort—was wrong? What if the real value of what you do isn't how long it takes, but what impact it has?
In a world where generative AI can draft press releases in seconds and churn out strategy decks before your coffee cools, PR professionals face a crossroads: race to the bottom by charging less for faster work—or redefine what clients are actually paying for.
In this episode, Graham Goodkind, founder and chairman of Frank, one of the UK’s most...
Duration: 00:24:31Authenticity Isn’t a Buzzword, It’s a Business Model
Jul 08, 2025What if the smartest pitch you ever sent didn’t sound smart at all—but sounded real?
In a world where inboxes are flooded with AI-polished messages, Lauren Passell makes a strong case for going the other way: writing like a human, listening like a fan, and leading with a story—not a sales hook. This episode unpacks how to stand out by showing up differently, not louder.
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6:44 Authenticity: Real or Just a Buzzword?
9:43 The Empathy Wake-Up Call for PR Pros”
10:59 Pitching as Love Letters...
Name, Blame, and Damage Control
Jul 01, 2025Your reputation is your most valuable asset — but also the most fragile.
In today’s world, a single tweet, leaked email, or bad headline can trigger a crisis faster than you can hit "refresh." But reputation isn’t just about avoiding scandal — it’s about building trust, culture, and resilience before anything goes wrong.
In this episode, we speak with Emma Woollcott, one of the UK’s top legal experts in reputation protection, about what organizations need to know now to prepare for the headlines they hope they never make.
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4:42 R...
Duration: 00:27:40Media Literacy in the Age of Misinformation
Jun 24, 2025Is your media diet making you smarter? Or just more stubborn?
In this episode, we sit down with senior communicator and former journalist Mark Burey to explore how the collapse of shared truth is reshaping public relations. From the erosion of local journalism to the rise of AI-generated content. What does media literacy really looks like today? And what role do PR professionals play in rebuilding trust?
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7:33 What media literacy means in 2025
10:13 The decline of local journalism and its ripple effects
11:08 How PR has absorbed th...
Duration: 00:27:58Public Relations: Independent Function or Marketing Tool?
Jun 17, 2025Are public relations and marketing two distinct disciplines—or is PR simply one piece of the broader marketing puzzle? It’s a question that stirs up strong opinions in boardrooms, agencies, and comms teams alike.
Some argue PR is strategic storytelling aimed at building relationships, while marketing is focused on driving sales. Others say that in today’s world of integrated messaging, the separation is outdated.
In this episode, we take on the debate head-on, exploring how the roles overlap, where they diverge, and whether the modern media landscape has blurred the lines beyond repair. Is PR s...
Duration: 00:28:42The Missing Channel in Your PR Strategy
Jun 10, 2025Most PR strategies still focus on the big three: social, legacy media, and search. But while everyone’s watching the headlines, the real conversations—the ones shaping trust, behavior, and brand reputation—are happening in people’s ears. Podcasts aren’t just a trend or another content format. They’re a strategic intelligence channel, and if you’re not monitoring them, you’re missing critical signals.
In this episode of Stories and Strategies, we talk to Bradley Davis, co-founder and CEO of Podchaser, the platform often called the “IMDb of podcasts.” From how global brands like Starbucks and Amazon use podcas...
Duration: 00:29:28Zambia’s Public Relations Revolution
Jun 02, 2025What does public relations look like in a country where radio is still growing, social media still exploding, and communication reaches from rural villages to global platforms?
In this episode, we take a closer look at Zambia — a nation with a vibrant, evolving PR landscape shaped by both tradition and innovation.
Irene Lungu is one of Zambia’s leading voices in public relations and a board member of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management. She joins us to talk about ethics, communication trends, and the responsibilities that come with influence in today’s media...
Duration: 00:23:46Employee Engagement Inside PR: What the Research Reveals
May 27, 2025Employee engagement is evolving — and the old assumptions no longer hold. Today, workers want more than a paycheck. They want growth, flexibility, and to feel like their voices matter. In this episode, we unpack surprising new research on what really drives engagement, retention, and belonging inside organizations. Olivia Fajardo joins us to explain why internal communications has become mission critical — and how companies can move from simply talking to truly connecting. If you care about building teams that stay and thrive, this conversation is for you.
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4:14 PR: As Stressful as Firefighting
...
Duration: 00:26:28British Voices, American Ears: A Shift in News Consumption
May 20, 2025More Americans are turning down the volume on domestic news — and turning up British voices instead. From BBC to The Guardian, outlets across the Atlantic are reshaping how U.S. audiences see their own country.
Why is this happening? And what does it say about trust, tone, and the global conversation?
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3:48 British Media’s Rising Credibility in the U.S.
7:23 Could BBC Influence U.S. Culture?
12:29 Feminism, TikTok, and the Tradwife Dilemma
18:47 Femininity and Power Around the World
21:32 Answer to Last Episod...
Duration: 00:26:00GROW Your Way Out of PR Workplace Stress
May 13, 2025Feeling stuck or stressed at work? You might just need to GROW your way out.
Executive coach Sarah Waddington shares the power and practicality of the GROW model — Goal, Reality, Options, Way forward — in transforming workplace performance, especially within high-pressure environments like PR.
Sarah breaks down how this deceptively simple coaching framework fosters self-awareness, reduces stress, builds resilience, and helps individuals and teams move from dependency to interdependency.
From managing difficult clients and workplace lethargy to unlocking mindset shifts for career advancement, this conversation offers actionable tips to leaders and middle managers alike on how...
Duration: 00:24:52Crisis Insurance: The New Safety Net for Reputations
May 06, 2025Reputation is often treated like an invisible asset—vital but fragile. And while we insure everything from homes to art collections, very few think to protect their name.
In this episode, we speak to PR pioneer Mark Borkowski about a bold new product: crisis insurance for individuals. It’s not just an idea—it’s a rethinking of how we prepare for the worst-case scenario in a world where reputation can be destroyed with just one social media post.
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4:10 The Power of Optimism Bias
10:33 Delivering Bad News...
Duration: 00:28:55Culture Add – NOT Culture Fit
Apr 29, 2025What makes a workplace culture truly thrive—especially in the pressure-cooker world of creative agencies?
Can you REALLY be tough on the work but kind to your people without compromise?
Jo Carr, co-founder of Hope and Glory and President of Women in PR breaks down the complexities of workplace culture, empathy-driven leadership, and how to create spaces where people—and their diverse lives—can flourish.
From crafting policies that acknowledge the full spectrum of life’s moments to challenging outdated hiring mindsets, Jo brings wisdom, warmth, and a welcome dose of honesty. She shares how...
Duration: 00:27:16Why Modern Communication is Making Us LESS Connected | Suhel Seth
Apr 22, 2025In an age where opinions form faster than facts and headlines spark outrage before understanding, how do brands, leaders, and storytellers stay credible?
Is your opinion truly yours? Or just an echo of your tribe?
In this episode, Suhel Seth unpacks the transformation of communication in the era of attention deficit — from the collapse of nuance to the rise of instant outrage, and why the art of thoughtful messaging might just be the most urgent skill of our time.
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3:07 The Cult of Immediacy: A Communication Crisis
7...
Duration: 00:31:42The Evolution of Communication in the Age of Attention Deficit
Apr 17, 2025In an age where opinions form faster than facts and headlines spark outrage before understanding, how do brands, leaders, and storytellers stay credible?
Is your opinion truly yours? Or just an echo of your tribe?
In this episode, Suhel Seth unpacks the transformation of communication in the era of attention deficit — from the collapse of nuance to the rise of instant outrage, and why the art of thoughtful messaging might just be the most urgent skill of our time.
Listen For
3:07 The Cult of Immediacy: A Communication Crisis
7...
Duration: 00:31:42Cancelled. Convicted. Came Back: Andy Coulson’s Story
Apr 15, 2025What happens when the man behind the headlines becomes the headline?
Former tabloid editor and Downing Street comms chief Andy Coulson opens up about his very public fall from grace — from resignations and scandal to serving time in prison — and how he rebuilt his life and career in the shadow of cancel culture.
With raw honesty and sharp insight, Andy talks about the realities of recovery, the myth of reinvention, and why consistency and character matter more than ever in a world obsessed with outrage.
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10:57 How to Recover...
Duration: 00:31:09Who Do You Trust? Rethinking Media in a Fractured World
Apr 08, 2025The media landscape is changing – and fast.
In this episode, Tina McCorkindale, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations, breaks down the shift away from traditional news and the rise of emerging media. Drawing on insights from a recent survey with PepperCom, she explores how trust in media is evolving and what that means for public relations.
From the rise of podcasts and influencers to the decline of legacy outlets, Tina offers essential strategies for communicators in today’s fractured media world.
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6:54 The New Media Relatio...
Duration: 00:25:19Talked Over and Ignored: PR Occupational Hazards for Women
Apr 01, 2025The public relations industry has long been recognized as a female-dominated field, with women making up approximately two-thirds of the workforce. However, when it comes to leadership, women remain significantly underrepresented, comprising just one-third of top-tier roles. This disparity raises critical questions about the systemic barriers that prevent women from rising to senior leadership positions in PR agencies and organizations.
In this episode, we examine the challenges faced by women in their careers, the personal and societal factors that hinder their progress, and the strategies they’ve employed to overcome these obstacles.
Sue Heuman is a s...
Duration: 00:25:52Welcome CoHost Farzana Baduel - Season Four Trailer
Mar 28, 2025Curzon Public Relations CEO, Farzana Baduel, joins the world’s most-listened-to PR podcast, as Guest Resident Co-Host!
Alongside host Doug Downs, SCMP and producers Emily Page and David Olajide MPRCA, this season will explore PR through a truly global lens—tackling industry challenges, leadership insights, and the evolving media landscape.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘙 – 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 75% 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯, 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺’𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘪𝘥-𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘨𝘢𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵.
𝘈 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 – 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘍𝘢𝘳𝘻𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘒, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘰𝘶𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘢, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘥𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴.
Support the show
Duration: 00:01:21The Science of How to Talk Like Ted
Mar 25, 2025Ideas shape the world, but only when they’re communicated effectively. Some individuals have a remarkable ability to present their ideas in a way that captivates, influences, and inspires. A well-crafted and powerfully delivered idea doesn’t just inform—it transforms.
Imagine if you could unlock the exact techniques used by the world’s best communicators, watch them deliver unforgettable presentations, and apply their secrets to engage your own audience. Carmine Gallo, has studied hundreds of TED Talks, interviewed top speakers, and worked alongside neuroscientists and psychologists to uncover why certain presentations resonate so deeply.
Listen F...
Duration: 00:29:03The Words We Need: Communicating with Someone in Times of Grief and Tragedy
Mar 18, 2025This episode is in honour of Podcasthon and in support of the Canadian Cancer Society
When facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis, how much does communication—between doctors, patients, and loved ones—truly matter?
In this deeply moving episode, Doug Downs sits down with Tim Kelter and Pete Paczko, two men with firsthand experience navigating cancer’s devastating impact.
Tim shares the heartbreaking story of losing both his daughter and wife to cancer, while Pete, currently battling stage 4 liver cancer, discusses the power of resilience and the role of community support.
They dive into...
Duration: 00:32:51Case Study: Rethinking Community Engagement in the Global Southeast
Mar 11, 2025What if the key to development isn’t learning more—but unlearning first?
In this episode, we explore how rural communities in underdeveloped nations can shape their own futures by moving beyond Western-imposed models of engagement.
Professor Anne Gregory, shares insights from her research in rural Indonesia, where micro-hydro powerplants are transforming villages, and explains how a new approach to participatory communication is empowering communities to take charge of their development.
Listen For
7:15 Why Top-Down Strategies Fail Without Community Input
9:35 The Importance of Local Partnerships in Community Engagem...
Duration: 00:31:02How AI is Learning to Understand Human Emotions (Polyvagel Theory)
Mar 04, 2025In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with human emotions, a new frontier is emerging—artificial intelligence that can understand how we feel. Imagine an AI system that doesn’t just analyze data but senses our emotional state through the words we choose, the way we describe our experiences, and even how consistently we check in with ourselves.
This isn't science fiction. Advances in natural language processing, psychology, and machine learning are making it possible for AI to interpret human emotions with surprising accuracy. Researchers are now using AI-powered systems to classify mood states based on self...
Duration: 00:27:30FLASHBACK SUNDAY - PRSA’s Strategy to Out-Communicate Misinformation
Mar 02, 2025This episode originally published in May 2024.
At the end of 2023, PRSA assembled a group of 25 senior communicators from a wide range of industries, in-house and firms, for an additional meeting, with several follow-up meetings with subject matter experts, all spearheaded by Ray Day, 2024 PRSA Chair-elect. Three main actions emerged:
We need to champion honesty and transparency, recognizing the need to enhance message strategies to outpace misleading information (which will always exist)We need to emphasize the importance of community-based listening and education, advocating for civil discussion to foster a more informed and respectful publicThe PR industry... Duration: 00:25:27How to Build a Personal Brand That Opens Doors
Feb 25, 2025Personal branding isn’t just for influencers or CEOs—it’s for anyone who wants to stand out, build trust, and create new opportunities.
Whether you’re an employee, entrepreneur, or freelancer, the way you present yourself can open doors or close them.
In today’s digital world, people aren’t just hiring résumés—they’re hiring reputations.
A strong personal brand can make you the go-to expert in your field, help you attract new clients, and even future-proof your career. But crafting a brand that feels authentic and powerful doesn’t happen by accident—it...
Duration: 00:26:16Why Your PR Plan is Gathering Dust… and How to Fix it
Feb 18, 2025Ever created a PR or communications plan, only to stash it away and forget about it? You’re not alone.
Guest Michelle Garrett breaks down why so many businesses struggle to execute their PR strategies—and what they can do to fix it.
You need to set clear goals, measure meaningful metrics beyond just media mentions, and ensure consistency in PR efforts instead of relying on one-off campaigns.
Michelle also shares insights on the rising importance of personal branding, the evolving media landscape with AI-driven searches, and how companies can effectively identify and reach t...
Duration: 00:26:08Executive Storytelling: A New Era for Public Relations
Feb 11, 2025As brands seek to cut through the digital noise, a fascinating trend has emerged: recording conversations with CEOs and decision-makers to create authentic, shareable content that humanizes their leadership.
Kendall Breitman shares her insights on why this strategy is resonating with brands and audiences and how storytelling and transparency are becoming key drivers of brand trust in today’s world.
Listen For
5:25 Turning Internal Meetings into Public Content
8:26 The Shift from Logos to Personal Branding
20:30 Authenticity vs Message Control in CEO Storytelling
22:45 Answer to Last Ep...
Duration: 00:27:00The Rise of Fractional Leadership: Filling Gaps, Driving Growth
Feb 04, 2025Fractional Leadership is a growing, and possibly permanent, trend of fractional leadership and why it’s becoming a permanent shift in the business world. As organizations face leadership gaps, budget constraints, and rapidly evolving challenges, fractional leaders—experienced executives hired on a part-time basis—are stepping in to provide strategic guidance and stability.
What is the unique value they bring? How do they differ from consultants and full-time executives? And what does it take to succeed in these high-impact roles?
Listen For
4:02 Fractional Leadership as an Agile Solution
8:16 Building Trust Quickly as a T...
FLASHBACK SUNDAY - How a Ban on TikTok Might Impact PR and Marketing Pros
Feb 02, 2025TikTok is a powerful social media tool in the United States. About 170 million Americans use the platform and for many marketing and PR agencies it’s the preferred go to tool.
The average time on TikTok in 2024, per user, is estimated to be 58 minutes per day.
But several governments have banned TikTok from being used on Government devices – including the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia. In India, TikTok is banned altogether.
In late April 2024, President Biden signed a bill into law that has bipartisan support. It’s called the National Security Act, 20...
Duration: 00:25:15Why Communication is a Navy SEAL’s Greatest Asset
Jan 28, 2025Communication is the most important weapon a Navy SEAL can carry—more vital than physical strength, endurance, or even firepower.
I was in Salt Lake City recently at a conference and saw former Navy SEAL William Branum speak. He served for 26 years with the US Navy and 23 of those years was a Navy SEAL. In his presentation he talked about how clear, concise, and often nonverbal communication plays a critical role in high-stress, life-or-death situations—whether underwater, in a firefight, or clearing a house. He broke down the lessons SEALs learn on the battlefield that can be appl...
Soft Power in Public Relations: Persuasion over Pressure
Jan 21, 2025Soft Power. It’s the concept of influence… not control – and it can shape global perceptions, drive brand loyalty, and create lasting impact.
In this episode we learn what soft power really means, how it differs from traditional PR, and how companies can use it to build trust, foster connections, and stand out in a competitive market (or even world order).
Through storytelling, cultural identity, and corporate responsibility, discover how your organization—or personal brand—can expand its reach and impact… all done softly.
Listen For
6:24 Defining Soft Power
7:48 Soft Power i...
Hawk Tuah: Meme Queen – Crypto Scheme. Fame in the Age of Absurdity
Jan 14, 2025She made the internet howl with one absurd phrase. Haliey Welch, the self-proclaimed “Hawk Tuah Girl,” turned a bizarre street interview viral fame almost overnight.
What started as a joke spiraled into a full-blown phenomenon, with memes, merchandise, and her very own cryptocurrency. But it was the viral cry that became a crypto crash.
In this episode, we unpack the wild story of Haliey Welch’s meteoric fame. Her viral catchphrase to the lawsuits surrounding her failed crypto venture, the absurdity of meme culture, the dangers of influencer hype, and what it all says about us as...
Reimagining School Marketing: Partnering, Not Promoting
Jan 07, 2025Rate this podcast with just one click
In today’s crowded digital landscape and with marketing budgets tighter than ever, brands are looking for fresh, innovative ways to connect with younger audiences. One emerging frontier? K-12 schools. These classrooms are no longer just hubs of learning—they’re evolving into powerful spaces where brands can make a meaningful impact while building long-term affinity.
Whoa… you mean vending machines for soft drinks and chips?
No.
From sponsoring STEM programs to supporting arts initiatives and even helping address teacher burnout, brands are finding creative...
Duration: 00:26:50SUNDAY FLASHBACK - Harnessing the Influence of Wikipedia for Your Brand
Jan 05, 2025Wikipedia is one of the top the most-visited websites in the world. Additionally, it has influence. The information on Wikipedia is also disseminated across the web on Google’s Knowledge Graph and associated search page components, quick summaries of topics on Siri and Alexa, and even into news articles, podcast discussions, and government websites.
Wikipedia is also of interest for SEO practitioners, heavily influencing Google search results and now impacting outputs from generative AI software like Chat-GPT.
Everyone from journalists, investors, and your customers are using Wikipedia to understand your company. Do you understand how it...
Is AI a Hero or a Villain for Public Relations and Marketing in 2025?
Dec 31, 2024Rate this podcast with just one click
Time to explore predictions for the coming year in public relations, marketing, and the evolving role of AI. There are conflicting views on AI's future, its role in content generation, and whether the hype has peaked or we're still climbing the AI rollercoaster.
But there’s no arguing with the importance of transparency and authenticity rising to the challenges of disinformation. Frank Strong of Sword and Script conducted an industry survey and shares the results with us.
Listen For
6:43 Is the Future of AI...
AI Written Poetry is SHOCKINGLY Better Than Human Writers
Dec 24, 2024Rate this podcast with just one click
We think we can tell when bots take the pen,
When AI spins words again and again.
"Deep dives" and "delves" in their usual tone,
The cadence, the phrasing, they’re not quite our own.
But the line’s getting blurred, it’s harder to see,
Is this human or machine-crafted poetry?
The last bastion, they said, where humans excel,
Was poetry’s heart, its unbreakable shell.
Yet now a new study has shattered the view,
At Pittsburgh, they’ve found s...
Why is My CEO so BORING on Social Media?
Dec 17, 2024Rate this podcast with just one click
Executives are finally beginning to understand the power of participating in digital channels.
“What if I mess up?”
“Why would anyone want to hear from ME?”
Those WERE the common excuses until about five years ago when the trend lines changes and it was more common for executive leaders to BE on social media than not.
Still, most sound like cheerleaders for their company don’t they? We aren’t REALLY getting to know them, just where they work and a less-than-subtle message abou...
WOMEN Can Reach PR Executive Leadership Roles Faster Than You Think!
Dec 10, 2024Rate this podcast with just one click
There’s a striking imbalance in the PR industry: while women make up two-thirds of the workforce, they hold only a third of executive positions.
For Dr. Karen Hills Pruden the strategy to help women close this leadership gap is to focus strongly on provable analytics. She shares how to amplify your value through metrics, finding your unique selling proposition, and why silence is NOT a superpower when it comes to self-advocacy.
Listen For
4:34 Amplifying Your Value at the Table
6:21 Immediate vs De...
Political Campaigns as PR Case Studies
Dec 03, 2024We want to hear from you https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/survey
Rate this podcast with just one click
What can political campaigns teach us about the art of public relations? Political strategist Matt Krayton explores how modern political campaigns have become masterclasses in PR strategy. From messaging and media to influencers and voter vibes, Matt breaks down what worked in the recent US election, what didn’t, and why.
Listen For
8:09 The Role of Social Media in Shaping Voter Perceptions
9:10 Were Democrat Messages on Target?
11:29 Celebrity Endorsements. Do They Wo...
Has JAGUAR Committed Brand Suicide?
Nov 26, 2024We want to hear from you https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/survey
Rate this podcast with just one click
Jaguar is one of the most iconic luxury car brands in the world, known for its sleek designs and powerful engines. But has the company made a fatal mistake that could impact its future?
It’s rebranding, launched last week, has drawn widespread and almost universal criticism. One writer even called it “Imminent Brand Immolation.”
Is this the end of Jaguar? Or does a cat always land on its feet?
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Adapt or Die: PR in the Age of AI
Nov 19, 2024We want to hear from you https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/survey
Rate this podcast with just one click
In many ways, the ground is shifting beneath our feet. PR professionals are shifting from traditional roles to becoming trusted advisors in a world where AI and data are reshaping the landscape.
Generative AI and advanced analytics are changing the way PR pros build strategies, measure success, and influence public perception. But how can AI be used responsibly? How do we go beyond simple metrics to understand true impact? And what skills are essential in this...
PROTECT Your Organization from Misinformation with Blockchain Tech!
Nov 12, 2024We want to hear from you https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/survey
There’s a rising tide of disinformation threatening corporate communication and financial stability. It’s increasingly influential and at times very well-funded.
Most recently there was the infamous Adidas hoax, where activists manipulated public perception to spark conversations about workers' rights.
A new tool called Wiztrust Protect is a blockchain-based solution designed to certify and verify corporate information, helping companies safeguard their reputation and ensure the truth prevails in an increasingly deceptive digital landscape.
Listen For
3:51 The Risi...
The Human Element of Crisis Management in PR
Nov 05, 2024We want to hear from you https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/survey
Our World faces a lot of big problems all at once right now. Wars, disinformation, climate change, and money troubles.
A new report suggests these problems actually reinforce each other, creating a “new abnormal” state of constant risk. Life feels uncertain and that’s becoming normal.
The report emphasizes we need to shift our focus, not just by using technology but by focusing on people. Shift resources toward human preparedness and critical human infrastructure rather than relying solely on technical systems.
Why Communications Strategy is NASA’s Secret Weapon
Oct 27, 2024We want to hear from you https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/survey
Why is strategic communications so important to NASA? And what strategies do they use? What audiences do they target?
Brittany Brown of NASA shares how NASA tailors messages for different audiences - ranging from super fans to untapped communities and stakeholders. She shares insights into memorable campaigns, including the Apollo 11 moon landing and the Parker Solar Probe.
Listen For
5:21 Segmenting NASA's Audiences
9:38 Making Complex Science Relatable
11:02 Collaborating with Partners - There's Space for Everybody
21:30 Answer to La...
Regulating PR. What Three African Nations are Doing
Oct 20, 2024We would love to hear about your experience with the Stories and Strategies podcast https://form.jotform.com/242954786599279
Arik Karani, the President of the African Public Relations Association shares why three African nations have introduced mandatory certification for public relations professionals. It’s intended to standardize the PR practice and enforce ethical practice but they also standardize pay rates and even protect practitioners from being fired needlessly.
Is it working in Africa? Would it work in the United States?
Listen For
4:37 Elevating Professional Standards
8:57 Penalties for Unlicensed Practice
12:58 St...
Accreditation vs Certification for Communications Pros
Oct 13, 2024We would love to hear about your experience with the Stories and Strategies podcast https://form.jotform.com/242954786599279
Is professional certification is becoming a must for the industry? Sia Papageorgiou challenges the traditional idea of accreditation and argues that certification is the real game-changer for PR professionals. She shares insights on why the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) stands out with its internationally recognized standards, and why it’s crucial for communication professionals to continually update their skills to stay relevant in a rapidly changing field.
Listen For
2:43 Certification over Accreditation
6:02 Ong...
AI Issues in Content Creation: Striking a Balance Between SEO and Authenticity
Oct 06, 2024We perform a tricky balancing act every day – writing for both the human eye and the search engine algorithm. As content creators, we’re constantly faced with the dilemma: Should we prioritize crafting engaging, meaningful stories that resonate with our readers, or should we focus on hitting those all-important keywords that boost our SEO rankings?
The rise of semantic SEO adds yet another layer to this puzzle, as it pushes us to consider not just the words we use, but the intent and sentiment behind them.
In this episode, the Search Dilemma: Human Eye or Algori...
Duration: 00:26:06Throwback Thursday - Oh the Things We Can Do With Generative AI
Oct 03, 2024This episode first published in May 2023.
It’s as if we have a new toy. When Open AI released Chat GPT-3 last November, and made it fully accessible to the public, it suddenly changed how we can create engaging and relevant content for our audiences, with just a few prompts.
Not only can we CREATE content, but we can also gather valuable insights into customer behaviours and preferences like never before. By analyzing the data generated by customer interactions, businesses can identify patterns and trends they can use to optimize their strategies.
But it’s...
Duration: 00:25:37The Influential Power of Audio
Sep 29, 2024Sound is powerful.
Doug connects Dallas Taylor of the Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast to explore the remarkable influence of audio on human connection and branding. From the hidden magic of Sonic branding to how podcasts create lasting bonds, they uncover why audio remains one of our most potent yet underutilized senses.
They also dive into the darker side of audio, discussing the rise of deep fake technology and its impact on trust in the digital age. Whether you’re a PR professional or just curious about sound’s role in our lives, this episode offers valuab...
Duration: 00:27:02Public Relations Strategies When Companies Hire Controversial Leaders
Sep 22, 2024How do you navigate leadership changes, even when the decisions make little sense?
In this episode, Doug and Dean Heuman tackle the challenges of handling leadership transitions, especially when the choices seem controversial. Using the recent example of the Edmonton Oilers hiring a new GM, they explore the delicate balance between maintaining trust, managing emotions, and ensuring transparency. Heuman introduces the EFA (Emotion, Fact, Action) approach as a framework for communicators to manage such transitions effectively, stressing the importance of addressing internal and external concerns.
When leadership decisions ripple across employees, sponsors, and the broader co...
Duration: 00:23:55How CEOs and Other Senior Executives Are Using Digital Media
Sep 15, 2024As the stakes grow higher in today's fast-paced, interconnected world, top executives are increasingly turning to social and other digital platforms to shape their public personas, engage with critical social issues, and build direct connections with key stakeholders. A new report explores the public relations and communications strategies behind these efforts and how this shift is redefining leadership in the digital age.
Listen For
6:32 Executives are Moving Beyond Just Sharing Company News
9:51 Authenticity and Thumb-Stoppers
13:33 Building a Consistent Voice
16:24 Multi-Channel Presence
19:14 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Shayoni Lyn...
The Disinformation Playbook
Sep 08, 2024There is an anatomy of a disinformation campaign.
In this episode we reveal the tactics that make false narratives so dangerously effective. From the subtle beginnings of a lone post to the orchestrated amplification by bots, and finally, the unwitting spread by receptive hosts. These campaigns infect the public psyche faster than you can blink.
But we can fight back. We can invest in early warning systems, develop proactive diagnosis and intervention, and perhaps most uniquely, we can conduct experiments to test different interventions and techniques on audiences – simulating exposure to disinformation in a controlled envi...
Duration: 00:22:42Throwback Thursday – When Lies BUILD Trust
Sep 05, 2024This is a Replay from Episode 79 which first published in January 2023.
In this age of misinformation and disinformation we can all agree lies and deception are bad right?
Aren’t they?
Philosophers, psychologists, economists – and all those morality experts on social media have always insisted deception harms trust.
Four Behavioral Science studies done through the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania show that assertion just isn’t true. In fact, there lies we hear, knowing they are lies, that make us trust those liars even more.
So what’s the trut...
Duration: 00:22:53The AI Solution for Navigating Reputational Risks
Sep 01, 2024Narratives matter.
In a world where information spreads faster than ever, understanding and managing the stories that shape public perception is crucial. Constellation is an advanced narrative intelligence platform by Blackbird.AI designed to identify and mitigate reputational risks before they spiral out of control.
For marketing and public relations professionals, the stakes have never been higher. With a single post capable of damaging a brand's reputation, knowing how to detect and respond to harmful narratives is essential.
Listen For:
3:23 The Importance of Narrative Intelligence in Managing Public Perception
4:41 AI...
Marketing For a Tough Industry
Aug 25, 2024Helping a brand within a heavily regulated industry develop a positive reputation can be a challenge.
Tobacco, alcohol, adult entertainment, pharmaceuticals, firearms, cryptocurrency, or cannabis. These sectors face stringent regulations and significant public scrutiny.
They also present incredible opportunities for marketers willing to navigate these hurdles. In this episode we explore the strategies needed to effectively promote products and services in tough industries, where traditional marketing approaches often fall short, and innovative, compliant strategies are keys to success.
Listen For
9:05 Overcoming Industry Challenges Through Earned Media
11:45 The Importance of “Recei...
The Hidden Costs of Cutting Corners in PR and Marketing
Aug 18, 2024It’s an often overlooked but critical sin. Taking too many shortcuts in our work. The allure of quick fixes can lead to long-term damage and tank a brand’s reputation and trustworthiness. In this episode we uncover the hidden costs of cutting corners and the ethical implications that come with it.
Listen For
4:42 Cutting Corners Using AI
6:26 Prioritizing Your Unique Strengths
11:00 Impacts of Cross Posting Content on Social Media
16:12 Cold Email Campaigns. Yea or Nay?
Guest: Jeremy Enns
Jeremy Enns is the Founder of Podcast Marke...
How Everyday PR Pros are Using AI to Shave Hours Off Their Workflows
Aug 11, 2024Double the output – but lose the human touch?
From automating media monitoring and sentiment analysis to optimizing content and reshaping billing practices. AI tools are revolutionizing the PR landscape. But while AI can handle many tasks efficiently, there are critical areas where human creativity and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable.
It’s not all rosy predictions for AI and PR – there are very real challenges of AI adoption and the surprising inertia many in the field are experiencing.
Listen For
3:36 An example of AI Adoption Dramatically Increasing Productivity
7:44 Why PR and Mark...
Mastering Consumer Shortcuts: How Marketers Leverage Heuristics for Success
Aug 04, 2024We all use mental shortcuts to make decisions. Those mental shortcuts are the reason that first sentence in this episode description is so short.
Savvy marketers tap into these cognitive biases to influence out choices and drive success. In this episode, Nathan Yeung shares why understanding these shortcuts is crucial for creating effective marketing strategies and how trust and avoiding overconfidence play pivotal roles in winning over consumers.
Listen For
4:21 Utilizing Availability and Accessibility Heuristics
9:08 Channel Strategy and Consumer Habits
11:35 Ethical Use of Cognitive Biases
14:15 Trust and Overconfidence in Ma...
Throwback Thursday - The Behavioural Science Communications Firm That's Changing Everything
Aug 01, 2024This episode was originally published September 13, 2022.
Enter Behavioural Science, which is an umbrella term capturing economics, anthropology, cognitive neuroscience, sociology, psychology, and political science. It’s the study of when and why individuals engage in specific behaviours by experimentally examining the impact of factors such as conscious thoughts, motivation, social influences, contextual effects and habits.
There are hundreds of firms exploring in this field now, working for clients trying to convince people to buy the right soap, vote for the preferred candidate, or choose the right behaviour. It’s a shift away from just best pract...
Duration: 00:26:49Networking: Effective Communication at Big Events
Jul 28, 2024Those big networking events. Many of us enjoy those but the repetitive small talk can be exhausting and challenging especially when conversations are frequently interrupted. In this episode we look at strategies for engaging storytelling in brief interactions, making meaningful connections, and ensuring your conversations stand out.
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5:06 The Power of Listening
9:13 When You’re an Introvert
13:30 Finding Your Wedge into Group Conversations
20:14 Tailoring Your Stories
Guest: Robert Kennedy III
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Duration: 00:26:23Top Instagram Trends in 2024
Jul 21, 2024Instagram Reels has become critical for brand promotion. Of all the things you can do on IG (Stories, Posts, Carousels…), Reels is number one.
SocialInsider studied this recently and found brands have increased their use of reels by 40% compared to the previous year because they’re more engaging than single images or carousels. Brands should have a consistent calendar for creating reels, but also use other content formats like carousels to reach their goals on Instagram.
And, as in any PR campaign, it’s important to understand your audience and tailor content to their preferences.
As Communications Director, What’s Your Next Step for the Democrats? Or Republicans?
Jul 14, 2024The debate was a disaster.
In this episode, we look at the chaotic political showdown between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, exploring the “What Now” for each party.
Janet Brown is an extremely well-respected pollster in Canada with NO political affiliation to either US party. We talk about what she would do if she was in charge of communications strategy for the Democrats and the Republicans.
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6:38 The Need to Focus on Donors
8:40 Utilize Private Meetings for Recovery
14:06 Emulate Ronald Reagan’s “Morning in America” Campaign
21:32 How to Mon...
Why Public Relations Shouldn’t Abandon Controversial Industries
Jul 07, 2024The UN Secretary-General António Guterres's has made a controversial suggestion that public relations professionals should sever ties with fossil fuel companies. While his comments are aimed at combating climate change, they overlook the crucial role PR pros play in driving innovation and transparency within these companies.
By disengaging, PR experts could inadvertently hinder progress towards net-zero goals, as their expertise is vital in communicating and facilitating the transformative changes necessary for a sustainable future.
But this raises another question – when should we say no to working with a company?
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Throwback Thursday - The ORID Method for Structured Conversation
Jul 04, 2024This is a Replay from Episode 73 which first published in October 2022.
You know how this feels. You’re called into a meeting on something important where a decision or action must be determined. But in the meeting, everyone takes turns making different points (presumably so they feel they’ve contributed to the meeting in front of their superior), the conversation goes wayward and when it comes time to making the decision, everyone’s confused or (worse) misled. This is typically the point where the most senior person in the room then makes decisions, essentially based on what they t...
Shifting Leadership Communication from Command to Curiosity
Jun 30, 2024Leadership, and leadership communication, is evolving. The rules from even just five years ago (pre COVID) have shifted. In this episode Paige Williams shares how we can transform communication and leadership effectiveness by asking the right questions and staying rooted in curiosity.
These are strategies that can enhance creativity, engagement, and resilience in your team, whether you’re leading a small group or a large organization.
Listen For
5:22 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
7:09 Modern Leadership and the Ecosystem
10:14 Holding Plans Lightly
18:29 Positive Deviance
Guest: Pa...