Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Attention Shift
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trailer: Attention Shift | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:00:56 | |
Hosts Allison Braley and Sean Garrett welcome you to Attention Shift, the podcast about communications and connection, where they discuss what gets our attention and why. With industry expert interviews, in-depth explorations of how we communicate and grab focus, and investigation into what we really care about, Attention Shift keeps us on track in the shifting sands of attention. —
— Transcript Allison Braley: [00:00:00] Every story, every thread, every meme. There's a battle for our attention happening every second. So what actually sticks? What do we really care about? I'm Allison Braley.
Sean Garrett: [00:00:11] And I'm Sean Garrett. Welcome to Attention Shift, where we dive into the ever-evolving world of communications, who's grabbing attention, how they're doing it, and why it matters.
Allison Braley: [00:00:22] We'll talk to the people shaping the future of how we connect, communicate, and, let's be honest, get totally distracted.
Sean Garrett: [00:00:29] So if you want to keep up with the shifting tides of attention, hit subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Allison Braley: [00:00:36] Don't miss an episode because, let's face it, there's already way too much to catch up on. | |||
| Speak Memorably: Bill McGowan on Breaking Out of the Conformity Zone and Transforming Workplace Communication | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:53:11 | |
How do you stand out in a world where every meeting, memo, and message sounds exactly the same? In this episode, we talked to Bill McGowan, veteran media trainer and author of Speak Memorably, about how professionals at every level can communicate with more clarity, distinction, and impact—especially in the workplace.
About Bill McGowan Bill McGowan is the founder and CEO of Clarity Media Group and a leading voice in executive communication coaching. He has worked with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures across every industry—including Jeff Bezos, Kim Kardashian, and execs from Facebook, Google, and Nike. A former Emmy-winning correspondent and producer, Bill’s media background powers his approach to helping leaders speak with confidence and credibility in high-stakes situations. He’s the author of Speak Like a Pro and the newly updated Speak Memorably, and he’s trained thousands of professionals to break bad habits, ditch corporate-speak, and leave a lasting impression. Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
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Contact Bill McGowan: | |||
| The Indie Media Playbook: Eric Newcomer on Trust, Transparency, and the Business of Being Feisty | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:56:40 | |
What happens when a journalist ditches the newsroom and builds one of Substack’s most influential publications from scratch? In this episode, we talked to Eric Newcomer—former Bloomberg reporter and founder of Newcomer—about going independent, building trust in the chaos of modern media, and what it means to be both the reporter and the brand. Eric opened up about his transition from legacy media to solo operator, how the pandemic shaped the new media wave, and why insider-first reporting resonates so deeply in Silicon Valley. We dug into the power of showing your work, why being “radically transparent” has helped him stand out, and what comms pros can learn from the indie creator model.
If you’re in comms and navigating how to earn trust, build reputation, or simply get your message through the noise, this one’s a must-listen. About Eric Newcomer
Eric lives in New York and frequently covers VC from the inside out, hosts events in major tech hubs, and has a healthy obsession with the next wave of AI. Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
Contact Eric Newcomer: | |||
| Crisis Comms, Brand Moves, and Coaching Little League with Josh Earnest | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:45:21 | |
Is there really a difference between political communication and corporate communication? We found out in our conversation with Josh Earnest, former White House Press Secretary and now VP of Communications and Advertising at United Airlines. Josh told us what it’s like to steer a major brand’s reputation in both political and corporate arenas. He took us behind the scenes of United’s bold decisions during the pandemic, from placing massive aircraft orders while the world stood still to quickly creating campaigns that blended PR, social media, and advertising into one powerful storytelling machine. His take? If you’re not proactively shaping the narrative, someone else will do it for you, and probably not the way you’d like it. We also dug into how Josh has evolved from being the face at the podium to leading strategy from behind the scenes. He also shared how integrating comms and marketing helped United move faster, stay more authentic, and boost employee pride, something they’ve done intentionally through internal platforms like United Daily and even gate-side advertising that resonates with both customers and crews on the ground. We wrap the episode with the topic capturing Josh’s attention—thoughts on coaching youth sports (yes, there are comms lessons there too!), and what the rise of AI means for keeping humanity and honesty in our messaging. About Josh Earnest Josh Earnest is the Executive Vice President of Communications and Advertising for United Airlines. He serves on United’s Executive Team and leads a world-class team to develop and implement the airline’s global communications, advertising, and community engagement strategies. Josh works closely with leaders across the company to shape the airline’s public image and serves as the company’s chief spokesman. He brings to this role more than two decades of strategic communications expertise from the highest levels of politics and government, which included serving as White House Press Secretary.
Before joining United in May 2018, Josh was a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, making appearances on the network’s leading news programs, including the Today Show, Meet the Press, and NBC Nightly News. During this time, he traveled across the country and around the world speaking to audiences of corporate executives, senior government officials, thought leaders, journalists, and students about the challenges of communicating in the modern media environment.
Prior to that, Josh served for eight years in the Obama White House, including as White House Press Secretary from 2014 to 2017. In addition to his work in front of the cameras, Josh played a leading role behind the scenes at the White House to develop and implement an innovative communications strategy that was paired with a fully-integrated digital media presence to drive the administration’s agenda.
His two-decade career in politics has taken him from Capitol Hill to some of the largest states and most competitive races in the country, including four presidential campaigns, statewide races in Texas and Florida, and Mike Bloomberg’s first campaign for mayor of New York. Josh received his degree in political science and policy studies from Rice University. He is married and has two children.
Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead.
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Contact Josh Earnest: | |||
| Inside the Executive Mind: Shannon Brayton on Trust, Strategy, and Board-Level Comms | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:51:59 | |
What do you do when your CEO doesn’t “get” marketing—or worse, thinks they already do? In this episode, we talked to Shannon Brayton, former CMO at LinkedIn and senior comms leader at Bessemer Venture Partners, about the high-wire act of educating power players on the value of marketing and communications. Shannon shared how she’s earned the trust of executives like Jeff Weiner by learning their communication styles, staying radically transparent, and explaining in detail the strategic impact of comms. For those of us who’ve had to decode a leader’s style while pushing forward a vision, her insights hit home.
We also explored how LinkedIn evolved from an internal tool to a global content powerhouse, and why its embrace of video and influencers was a game-changer. Shannon offered a candid take on the role of AI in modern marketing—what it can replace, what it can’t, and how we should be preparing for the shift. From navigating outdated assumptions in the C-suite to positioning yourself for board service, Shannon’s advice is sharp, grounded, and refreshingly actionable for anyone operating at the nexus of comms, leadership, and strategy.
About Shannon Brayton Shannon Brayton is the Chief Marketing Officer and leads marketing and communications for Bessemer Venture Partners. She has more than 25 years of experience leading teams and shaping corporate narratives for some of the world’s most innovative and disruptive brands, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer of LinkedIn. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Vidyard and Quizlet. She is also an advisory board member at several companies and an active angel investor.
Shannon was named one of the world’s most influential CMOs for three consecutive years by Forbes Magazine, and she was described by PRWeek in 2017 as “a force of nature any company would want on their side.”
Shannon lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two children. Her hobbies include reading the news, traveling with her family, and doing the New York Times crossword puzzle every day. Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
— Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett: Contact Shannon Brayton | Bessemer Venture Partners: | |||
| The Good, The Bad, and The Unknown of AI with Kevin Roose | 22 May 2025 | 00:44:49 | |
What happens when a generation grows up with AI as a daily companion—and the rest of us are still catching up? In this episode, we sit down with New York Times journalist and podcaster Kevin Roose to unpack how artificial intelligence is already transforming the way we work, learn, and connect. From teens using AI to write essays or talk through their emotions, to companies quietly integrating it into operations while navigating public backlash, the changes are happening fast—and not always out in the open.
We explore with Kevin why media outlets remain skeptical, shaped by years of tech industry overpromises, and how employers are weighing the reputational risks of automation against its undeniable advantages. Kevin calls for more honest, transparent leadership as AI reshapes the economy and society in real time.
As we dig into these tensions, we also talk about Kevin’s long-standing fascination with belief systems—whether rooted in religion, finance, or tech—and how journalism helps him trace the deeper human motivations behind them. This is more than a conversation about where AI is going—it’s about who we are becoming as it gets there.
About Kevin Roose Kevin Roose is an American author and award-winning technology columnist for The New York Times. He is the author of three books, the co-host of the “Hard Fork” podcast, and was included on the 2015 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
Contact Kevin Roose: | |||
| Going Viral, Building Brands, and Betting on Founders with Ashley Mayer | 22 May 2025 | 00:52:53 | |
What does it take to make the bold switch from a successful career in comms to venture investing? We sit down with Ashley Mayer to find out why and how she made her career transition. We talk about those early Twitter days—when social media was still uncharted territory—and how Ashley helped her then-CEO build a voice online while simultaneously growing her own presence. She even revisits that unforgettable “AirPod subway rescue” moment, a reminder of how randomness and relatability can shape what resonates online.
We dig into the art of storytelling in both media and business. Ashley makes a compelling case for why founders should prioritize narrative clarity and strategic intent over the allure of personal branding or chasing viral fame. It's about substance, not just splash. Ashley also opens up about the challenges of early-stage investing—from evaluating founders’ visions to navigating uncertainty—and shares how she made the leap from communications to venture capital. Her reflections on timing, serendipity, and career evolution are refreshingly candid.
And of course, we get into her latest venture: the podcast Great Chat. Ashley gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build something authentic from the ground up—why experimentation matters, how to stay patient, and what it really means to engage with an audience. Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about tech, media, and building with intention.
About Ashley Mayer Ashley Mayer is the cofounder and GP of Coalition Operators, where she and her partners back early-stage founders. She began her career at enterprise software company Box, where she led global communications from a 50-person startup through IPO. She then moved to Social Capital, where she led all things marketing and communications for three years, helping to launch new capital products and working with founders spanning healthcare, aerospace, climate, fintech, enterprise and education. Most recently, she led communications at a New York-based beauty company, Glossier.
Ashley has also been a key advisor to Mixing Board since before its official inception and serves on the organization’s operating council. Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett: Contact Ashley Mayer: | |||
| From the White House to the Classroom: Cody Keenan on Storytelling and Speechwriting | 22 May 2025 | 00:47:51 | |
What does it take to write words that move a nation—and still feel deeply personal? We sit down with Cody Keenan, former chief speechwriter for President Barack Obama, to pull back the curtain on the craft of writing speeches that don’t just inform, but inspire. From Obama’s electrifying 2004 DNC address to poignant eulogies and everyday policy remarks, we explore how structure, storytelling, and emotional clarity come together to leave a lasting mark.
Cody walks us through his process, emphasizing why every great speech needs a clear beginning, middle, and end—and how tapping into values and real human experiences makes a message resonate long after the applause fades. We talk about the pressure and privilege of writing during high-stakes, high-emotion moments, and how Cody learned to write like it might be the only chance the audience would ever hear the speaker’s voice.
We also dive into how social media has completely reshaped the way speeches are received. How do you strike the balance between crafting a thoughtful message and creating a moment that cuts through the noise? Cody brings a grounded, behind-the-scenes perspective on that constant creative tension. Plus, we explore where speechwriting is headed next—from AI’s growing presence in the writing world to Cody’s work mentoring the next generation of communicators at Northwestern. He even gives us a peek into his life outside the spotlight—raising kids and staying inspired by the writers of tomorrow.
About Cody Keenan Cody Keenan is Barack Obama’s former chief speechwriter and a current partner at Fenway Strategies. He spent over a decade crafting some of the most memorable speeches of the Obama presidency and now teaches political speechwriting at Northwestern University. Cody’s work has been featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Morning Joe, The Circus, and Pod Save America. A Chicago native and die-hard Cubs fan, he lives in New York City with his wife and two kids. Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett: Contact Cody Keenan | Fenway Strategies: | |||
| How Reddit Became the Most Human Place on the Internet with Anna Soellner | 31 Jul 2025 | 00:53:13 | |
When Anna joined Reddit in 2016, the company was a fraction of its current size, and the brand was facing skepticism from all sides. What followed was a masterclass in community listening, reputation recovery, and trust-building at scale. We got into the human side of comms—from democratic storytelling to tackling AI-induced brand noise—and how Anna helped turn Reddit into one of the most trusted corners of the internet in a time when trust in platforms was disintegrating. About Anna Soellner
Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
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| The Future of Internal Communications with Andrew Blotky | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:48:47 | |
We talked to Andrew Blotky about how internal communication has evolved—and why it’s no longer just a function that supports the business, but a core part of how organizations lead. Drawing from his time at Facebook, and Johnson & Johnson Andrew shared how effective internal communication builds trust, reinforces culture, and helps teams navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.
About Andrew Blotky
Now the founder of Azure Leadership Group, Andrew works with executives, founders, and teams to help them lead with greater clarity, authenticity, and trust. His coaching and advisory work is grounded in the belief that communication is more than a skill—it’s a lens for how we relate to each other, build culture, and move organizations forward.
Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
— Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett: Contact Andrew Blotky: | |||
| From the Pentagon to the Podium with Admiral John Kirby | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:57:48 | |
We talked to Admiral John Kirby—former Pentagon Press Secretary, State Department Spokesperson, and Strategic Communications Coordinator at the White House—about what it takes to communicate clearly and credibly when the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
Contact Admiral John Kirby:
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| Disruption with Discipline: Michael Corcoran’s Social Playbook | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:50:50 | |
If you’re trying to understand what it really takes to create a memorable brand in today’s noisy digital landscape, this conversation is a masterclass in brave marketing. About Michael Corcoran
At Ryanair, he fused humor, honesty, and strategic clarity to create content that entertained while educating customers, earning buy-in from leadership and shifting perceptions of the brand. Today, he runs Slice, a consultancy that equips brands with the strategy, teams, and operations they need to thrive. His mission: make social media more than tactics, building brave and memorable brands that last. Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
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Contact Michael Corcoran | |||
| Navigating Crisis and Misinformation with Nick Shapiro | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:53:25 | |
In this episode, we talk to Nick Shapiro about how the lessons he learned in the Situation Room, where seconds and precise context can shape history, now guide the way he helps leaders and companies navigate today’s most pressing crises. From managing high-stakes decisions at the CIA to serving as national security spokesperson for President Obama in the White House, he learned the importance of arming decision-makers with the right information at the right time. That same discipline guides his approach to crisis management for organizations now, where speed, clarity, and credibility can make or break a reputation. We also dive into the challenges of the modern communications landscape: viral scandals, disinformation campaigns, and the internet as its own unpredictable stakeholder. Nick unpacks case studies like his work with Governor Newsom during COVID-19 and the astronomer crisis, showing why effective crisis response isn’t just about speed but about thoughtful stakeholder communication. His reflections on deepfakes, misinformation, and the pressure of “instant response” offer practical lessons for comms professionals navigating an era of constant scrutiny. About Nick Shapiro Nick Shapiro is the founder of 10th Avenue Consulting, a crisis management and strategic communications firm that has worked with leaders across politics, technology, entertainment, and beyond. Before launching his own company, Nick built a career at the highest levels of public service and private enterprise, serving as national security spokesperson for President Obama, deputy chief of staff to CIA Director John Brennan, and later as a global communications executive at Airbnb. Across his career, Nick has managed crises that spanned global politics, national security, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood. Today, he applies those lessons to help clients navigate their most difficult moments, balancing speed, clarity, and integrity in a world where information and misinformation spread instantly. His unique experience gives him a perspective that few others in the communications field can offer. Sponsored by: It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead. Resources discussed in this episode:
— Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett:
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