Explore every episode of the podcast Public Relations Stories and Strategies
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The AI Solution for Navigating Reputational Risks | 01 Sep 2024 | 00:22:46 | |
Narratives 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: Guest: Dan Lowden Articles
Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us Request a transcript of this episode | |||
| Marketing For a Tough Industry | 25 Aug 2024 | 00:22:29 | |
Helping 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 Guest: Michael Mejer, Green Lane Communication Rate this podcast with just one click Leave us a voice message we can share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/StoriesandStrategies Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode | |||
| Throwback Thursday - The ORID Method for Structured Conversation | 04 Jul 2024 | 00:25:01 | |
This is a Replay from Episode 73 which first published in October 2022. "First you have to take the work of art seriously by observing carefully what's there, and what's not. Then you must look seriously at what is going on inside of you as you observe the art to see how you are reacting, what repels you? What delights you? You have to peel back layers of awareness so that you can begin to ask what it means to you. Art, the professor explained, is like listening. You must work to create your own meaning from an artwork, or a conversation.” Matthews recalled his exposure to phenomenology - the study of phenomena and brought to mind readings of Soren Kierkegaard. Matthews used this structure to create, what was called the art form conversation, and what facilitators affectionately call the focused conversation method. The idea is a structured conversation that helps participants develop their thinking in a logical manner but following a natural human process for focused communication. Logic and facts are introduced first, then emotion is welcomed, followed by interpretation, and then a decision or resolution to the thinking process. In this episode we talk with Robin Parsons, a seasoned professional facilitator who uses the ORID method all the time. Listen For Leave us a voice message we can share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/StoriesandStrategies Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast | |||
| You Want a Seat at the Table? Earn it | 21 Mar 2021 | 00:22:28 | |
LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS SERIES - Episode 2 | |||
| The Trust Trifecta of Leadership | 14 Mar 2021 | 00:21:53 | |
LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS SERIES - Episode 1 Guest Jordan Berman To purchase a copy of the Trust Trifecta link here The Trust Trifecta | Iguana Books | |||
| The Psychology of Giving and Receiving Feedback | 07 Mar 2021 | 00:21:54 | |
Adopting a growth mindset, as opposed to a fixed mindset, is one of the best strategies for accepting and giving constructive feedback. A growth mindset thrives on challenge and sees failure, not as evidence of unintelligence but as a springboard for growth and stretching existing abilities. From these two mindsets springs a great deal of our behaviour, our relationship with success and failure both personally and professionally, and ultimately, our ability to be happy. Guest: Dr Steve Joordens, Psychologist, University of Toronto Scarborough | |||
| Is it Better to be Street-Smart or Book-Smart in PR? | 28 Feb 2021 | 00:19:58 | |
Professional communications is about making an impact to help the organization. It must get things done, change attitudes, or at least understand them. At the same time, we need to be evidence-based, use “best practices”, provide ROI and meet KPI. Is our battle on the street or in the boardroom? Is it better to be street-smart or book-smart working in PR and Marketing? Guest: Eva Shortt, Zahav PR Connect with Eva on Instagram: instagram.com/zahavpr Take the Quiz “Are you more book smart or street smart?” https://play.howstuffworks.com/quiz/are-you-more-book-smart-or-street-smart | |||
| Communication Strategies when De-escalation is Needed | 21 Feb 2021 | 00:20:29 | |
Those who respond to help people in high-tension, or even life-threatening situations, need strong communication skills and the right training. Police Officers, Security Guards, front-line health care workers, even bus drivers all find themselves, with alarming frequency, in interactions where safety is at risk. In this episode we speak with an expert in de-escalation and mental health training who has dedicated her professional life to helping those, who must help others. Guest: Dr Yasmeen Krameddine, Ph.D. Protraining.com | |||
| When the Words Mean Nothing – and the Message Means Everything | 14 Feb 2021 | 00:19:48 | |
You may have recently heard on social media a song from the early 1970’s, Prisencolinensinainciusol, by Adriano Celentano. The song’s lyrics are in no language – total and utter nonsense. It was a smash hit in 1973 in Italy, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The song resurfaced on social media in 2010 and once again in 2020. Seems every generation finds it and marvels in the creativity and originality. The idea itself has a long and storied history going to back to creative arts. It uses Grammelot, a system of language, based on gibberish, popularized by Commedia dell’Arte, a theatrical form that emerged in 16th Century in Italy. In this episode we speak with a leading professor in business ethics and stakeholder theory who says the creative arts can have powerful impacts to human dignity in organizations, and help managers to develop their moral imagination. Guest Simone de Colle, Ph.D. in Management and Business Ethics, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia) Associate Professor of Business Ethics & Strategy, IESEG School of Management in Paris Dario Fo example of Grammelot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A4n9Ez9O8g&list=RD8A4n9Ez9O8g&index=5 Professor de Colle’s presentation mentioning grammar of improvisation: https://responsiblecapitalism.it/presentations | |||
| 11 Capabilities of a Communications Professional or Team | 07 Feb 2021 | 00:19:06 | |
The Global Capability Framework is the Global Alliance’s benchmark for how professionals in public relations and communications management perform at their best. It applies to individuals as well as those who assemble teams of communications professionals, including entire departments. The framework took two years to build with contributions from all around the World. In this episode we explore the 11 capabilities, speaking with one of the authors of the Framework, Dr Amy Thurlow. Guest Professor Amy Thurlow Ph.D., APR, FCPRS Link to the Global Capabilities Framework https://www.globalalliancepr.org/capabilitiesframeworks | |||
| The Success of Digital News Start-ups | 31 Jan 2021 | 00:22:44 | |
According to World Press Trends 2019, digital news subscriber numbers are up 208% over the last five years. That could be a welcome sign that local news may survive after all. As many legacy news outlets struggle, industry analysts are looking to digital start-ups to fill the need. And without some of the traditional business models, some are showing remarkable creativity. In this episode we speak with the co-founder of an award-winning digital model based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. https://www.taprootedmonton.ca/ “On every continent and in every market context, innovating news publishers are finding ways to adapt and thrive in the face of changing consumer behaviour and competition that is driven, in large measure, by the rapid changes and challenges of digital technology.” | |||
| Exploring the Impacts of COVID-19 on Health Care Communications Professionals | 24 Jan 2021 | 00:25:49 | |
In a special report, authors Anne Gregory, Ph.D., Bill Nichols, Ph.D., and Professor John Underwood examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for professional communicators in the English National Health Service (NHS). Specifically, they look at the first three months of the pandemic from March 2020 to the beginning of June 2020 – the period when communication was initiated and the peak of first-wave infections. Inevitably they found gaps we can all learn from. Guest: Professor Anne Gregory, Ph.D., BA, FRSA, HonFCIPR, Huddersfield University, a.gregory@hud.ac.uk The article Anne refers to ““The lived experience of health communication professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic” is not yet available. Once it’s public, we will publish a link to it in these show notes – please check back. | |||
| Stirring the Right Pot | 17 Jan 2021 | 00:20:41 | |
Throughout this COVID pandemic we all know frontline healthcare workers have been doing extraordinary work and working under exceptional stress. It’s so hard to communicate on Twitter – that limitation of 280 characters. In this episode we chat with Dr Viz, toss the character limit aside, and get to the heart of the message… and to the right audience intended. Meenal Viz, Ph.D. Clinical Fellow Link to Meenal’s World podcast (via apple) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/meenals-world/id1499166981 | |||
| Shifting Leadership Communication from Command to Curiosity | 30 Jun 2024 | 00:22:32 | |
Leadership, 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. Leave us a voice message we can share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/StoriesandStrategies Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us Request a transcript of this episode | |||
| Progress, in a World of Cancel Culture | 10 Jan 2021 | 00:21:27 | |
Cancel Culture is a neologism meaning it’s a newly coined term. It’s essentially the phenomenon of publicly shaming, rejecting, and ceasing to provide support to people, companies, or stores if they are deemed unacceptable. Celebrities are frequent targets but not exclusively. The shaming, for the most part, is done through social media. T.S. Eliot once wrote, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” But how are we, as people, supposed to progress if accountability, and the inherent ability to “cancel” is left to the unaccountable? Guest: Alex Malouf, SCMP @alex_malouf | |||
| Ode to Joy (and Positivity) | 13 Dec 2020 | 00:17:47 | |
This is an episode about “Positivity” which has everything to do with communication. It’s a state of mind we all want but let’s be honest, it can also be really annoying. False positivity is an irritating personality quirk. The official definition from the Oxford Dictionary implies that positivity is not something you are; it's more something you feel. Positive Psychology is an investment in who you are and what you can do to live your best life. Your best life looks and feels different every day. Annoyed yet? 😊 Guest Josephine Tite, Positivity Centre | |||
| Stressing the Benefits… of Stress | 06 Dec 2020 | 00:20:33 | |
Stress is almost an evil word in our lives today. Nobody wants stress. Do we? Actually, could you imagine life with no stress? In this episode we speak with a neuroscience expert who says we can all benefit from the right kinds of stress. Guest: Sue Langley, Langley Group, Australia | |||
| Why Are There So Few African American Males in Public Relations? | 29 Nov 2020 | 00:20:50 | |
According to 2015 numbers by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the total number of men working in public relations and related services and advertising, 5.9 percent are African American. In this episode we speak with a PR Executive who has researched the perceptions, experiences, and possible barriers for African American males to getting into, and leading within, the field of communications. Guest: Chuck Wallington Link to Ken Chenault address to Barron’s Tech Conference https://bit.ly/2HAhl2B | |||
| PRCA in Latin America | 22 Nov 2020 | 00:19:49 | |
Guest Isobel Arrowsmith MPRCA, Director of the Americas, PRCA isobel.arrowsmith@latam.prca.global https://latam.prca.global/ | |||
| A Little Less Presentation. A Little More Conversation | 15 Nov 2020 | 00:20:31 | |
Presentations are stereotyped. A speaker stands in front of an audience, uses PowerPoint to guide a talk. And says very little that departs from the slides being shown. Frequently, the speaker provides a handout or electronic version of the PowerPoint as a record of the talk. Depending on the nature of the talk, a few minutes may be left at the end for questions. This format is almost universal. And it takes place thirty to forty million times a day, according to some estimates. It’s led to a new expression … Death by PowerPoint … one slide at a time. In this episode we speak with Eric Bergman who believes with a little less presentation and a little more conversation … we can make presentations more interesting, and ultimately effective. And we can relegate the term Death by PowerPoint to the dust heap of history. Guest: Eric Bergman, BPA, ABC, APR, MC, FCPRS For a copy of One bucket at a time link here https://amzn.to/2HvnYmc | |||
| Communication Strategies We Learn at Work (and Use at Home) | 08 Nov 2020 | 00:21:57 | |
Work is the place we get learning opportunities through professional development. Many of those opportunities introduce sophisticated communications strategies intended to be work lessons but let’s be honest, they’re life lessons too. Some of those strategies and tips are so good, we can’t help but use them at home and in our personal lives. Guest Sheryl Kent | |||
| The 2020 US election through a psychological lens | 04 Nov 2020 | 00:21:17 | |
Guest Dr Jeremy Holt, Ph.D. Chartered Occupational Psychologist Centre for Team Excellence | |||
| Media? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Media | 01 Nov 2020 | 00:16:58 | |
Guest: Shawna Randolph, Randolph Communications | |||
| Creativity – the UNcommon sense | 25 Oct 2020 | 00:21:45 | |
It’s a powerful tool that can solve complex problems, build resilience, create empathy, and develop space for human determination. Psychologists have found creativity is more a personality trait than the result of a high IQ; and those traits are most commonly found in people we might call nonconformists, curious, or persistent. In short, creativity is borne from divergent thinking as opposed to convergence. Guest: Helen (Hel) Reynolds To see Hel’s cartoons, visit https://commscreatives.com/ | |||
| How Digital Media is Redefining Consumer Behavior | 23 Jun 2024 | 00:25:42 | |
Awareness is likely the most compelling element of purchase decisions. Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode | |||
| Change Management Needs to Change | 18 Oct 2020 | 00:14:44 | |
Change Management exists as a process and strategy because change is both inevitable and critical in business. In simple terms, it’s so important, the change must be managed. But modern trends are moving away from controlling every aspect of those strategies and are seeking to empower team members to play a more active design role in the change. In this episode we speak with a corporate leader from a global corporation steering through significant change. Tammy Arseneau, MBA | |||
| Why Professional Comedians Have Serious Presentation Skills | 11 Oct 2020 | 00:20:54 | |
Watch a good comedian on stage and it just seems so easy. But we all know what goes into it… timing, structure, body language, the ability to think on their feet, heckler management… everything that goes into a great presentation at work. Those are serious skills and many leaders looking to advance in their careers begin to see the only impediment is their ability to learn what comedians have mastered. Guest: Lars Callieou, professional stand-up comedian Facebook Firepit Comedy Tour https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=firepit%20comedy%20tour | |||
| Women in PR – Canada, USA, the Americas | 04 Oct 2020 | 00:20:49 | |
Everything begins with an idea. Talia Beckett Davis had one a few years ago to start a networking, coaching, idea-sharing, and training group dedicated specifically to women. Guest: Talia Beckett Davis, Founder of Canadian Women in Public Relations and American Women in Public Relations (Women in PR North America) | |||
| The 2020 IPR Disinformation in Society Report | 27 Sep 2020 | 00:22:38 | |
The Institute for Public Relations has issued its 2020 Report measuring how Americans perceive intentionally misleading news or information. Guest Tina McCorkindale, Ph.D, APR, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations Link to the full study: https://instituteforpr.org/2020-disinformation-report | |||
| Secrets of Content Marketing | 20 Sep 2020 | 00:17:59 | |
The Content Marketing Institute defines content marketing as a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience, ultimately driving desired action. Key word? Valuable. In this episode, we speak with Amanda Milligan of Fractl, a Content Marketing Agency based in Washington, DC. Guest: Amanda Milligan, Marketing Director, Fractl Amanda’s podcast is called “Cashing in on Content Marketing” | |||
| The AI in PR ethics report | 13 Sep 2020 | 00:24:19 | |
"Society is changing... there's a new elite emerging and those elite have huge amounts of power." To access the Ethics Guide to Artificial Intelligence in PR: | |||
| Coffee may be the best communications strategy of them all | 06 Sep 2020 | 00:19:41 | |
Why is coffee so perfect for conversations? In fact, coffee houses were born in 18th Century Austria as a place for middle-and-upper class society to meet and discuss ideas. They spread to England quickly. Fast-forward to today and it seems everything coffee means every social, and perhaps the secret weapon for communications strategy. Guest: Professor Thomas Merritt, Ph.D., M.Sc., B.Sc Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada | |||
| Is Digital Media Leaving a False Impression? | 30 Aug 2020 | 00:19:53 | |
In digital media, Reach can be defined as the total number of people who see your content and Impressions as the number of times your content is displayed. Guest: Doug Lacombe, President Communicatto Inc | |||
| Your Brain in Crisis-Mode | 23 Aug 2020 | 00:20:57 | |
Understanding how our brains operate in a crisis can help leaders think more clearly and effectively manage emergencies. In this episode Dr Steve Joordens, Psychologist at the University of Toronto Scarborough, helps us understand why sometimes our brains have a mind of their own… and what we can do about that. Guest: Dr Steve Joordens, Psychologist, University of Toronto Scarborough Centre for Crisis and Risk Communications - https://centreforcrisiscommunications.com/ Secret Code SNSJGR | |||
| The Value of Mentorship in Professional Communications | 16 Aug 2020 | 00:15:57 | |
Some of the key benefits of mentorship in professional communications include the ability to foster an exchange of ideas, friendship, and expertise in an industry that is constantly changing. Guest Tamara Vineberg @TamaraVineberg | |||
| Does the C-Suite Still Not Understand Public Relations? | 16 Jun 2024 | 00:19:38 | |
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, effective communication is more crucial than ever for organizations aiming to maintain a positive public image. Public relations (PR) advisors play a vital role in shaping these communications, ensuring that messages align with company values, respond appropriately to crises, and enhance the brand's reputation. Rate this podcast with just one click Leave us a voice message we can share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/StoriesandStrategies Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode | |||
| Working From Home and the Impacts to Communication and Leadership | 09 Aug 2020 | 00:18:27 | |
Are office workers really more productive working from home? Truth is, the idea is so novel, we aren’t too sure. With COVID-19, there’s a better opportunity to explore the medium and long-term effects of the concept. One thing is for sure, there will be substantial impacts to how we communicate and how we lead. Guest: Professor Nita Chhinzer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Human Resources, Department of Management University of Guelph, ON, Canada | |||
| Interviewing Professional Athletes | 02 Aug 2020 | 00:22:28 | |
In a world of seemingly never-ending clichés the best interviewers find a way to make it not feel like an interview at all, but rather, a conversation. In this episode we speak with Bryn Griffiths, a broadcaster who has conversed with athletes around the world, always seeking to help them get from “110%” to a more authentic 100%. Guest Bryn Griffiths | |||
| CIPR State of the Profession Survey | 26 Jul 2020 | 00:14:55 | |
For a decade the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in the UK has been reporting on trends, issues, and challenges impacting the communications profession. What are the skills we need? What are the challenges we face? How much are we being paid? And is there pay equity yet? Institute President Jenni Field joins Stories and Strategies to talk about the 2020 Report released this summer. Guest Jenni Field | |||
| Tweeting a Social Movement - Black Lives Matter and its use of Twitter | 19 Jul 2020 | 00:15:30 | |
Through a content analysis of all public tweets sent by Black Lives Matter over a four-year period, this study examined the message strategies used on Twitter by the social movement as a means to share information, build community, and promote action. Guest Candice LaShara Edrington, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication, High Point University, North Carolina | |||
| Snake Oil in the PR business? Say it ain't so... | 12 Jul 2020 | 00:20:18 | |
According to the Urban Dictionary, the term "Snake Oil" comes from the 19th century American practice of selling cure-all elixirs with false claims. On this week’s episode, award-winning public relations consultant Michelle Garrett helps us differentiate between good stories and strategies and the stuff sold in traveling medicine shows. Guest Michelle Garrett Garrett Public Relations, Columbus, Ohio | |||
| COVID-19 Brand Pulse Report | 05 Jul 2020 | 00:17:07 | |
Human beings have been described as emotional beings who think. We're also emotional beings who buy things. This May 2020 report tracks how changing attitudes are changing our behaviours, and what brands should do about it. Emotive Technologies nick@emotiveinc.com | |||
| Public Engagement: Finding Rumi's Field | 29 Jun 2020 | 00:21:00 | |
Beyond the ideas of key messages and social media posts, there is a place for us to talk and listen to one another... I’ll meet you there. On this episode we speak with one of the most experienced public participation practitioners (and trainers) in Canada, about the power of engagement Guest Gay Robinson canadiantrainerscollective.ca | |||
| The History (and Future) of Mass Media | 22 Jun 2020 | 00:22:03 | |
Canadian broadcast legend Marty Forbes reflects on his 50 years in broadcasting and print, the influences at the time and how those who truly understand the mediums are able to harness today’s technologies to make those personal impressions that last so much longer. Guest Marty Forbes Radiowise Inc | |||
| Ready or Not... Here Comes the "Recovery" | 14 Jun 2020 | 00:19:37 | |
Many have said the world simply wasn’t ready for COVID-19 the pandemic. Months in, we’re all anxious to get back to our lives, but are we ready for the recovery? And what does “recovery” look like? | |||
| Culture Club - Looking Beyond Fit | 08 Jun 2020 | 00:17:56 | |
For many companies the 2020 pandemic creates an opportunity to reexamine foundational pillars such as values and culture. It's the same for employees who should take this opportunity to step-back and decide if the company they work for is a fit for them. | |||
| Embracing AI as a Stakeholder in Public Relations | 09 Jun 2024 | 00:20:05 | |
Here’s a different perspective. What if we didn’t regard AI as a technology? What if we thought of it as a stakeholder? Publications Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode | |||
| Why it's Important to be a Member of a Professional Communications Association | 29 May 2020 | 00:15:44 | |
In a field of practice that features few certainties, there is this one - membership in a professional communications association will make you a better professional and help your career. In this episode, Sue Heuman of Focus Communications explains how. | |||
| Change-Up, the Modern Way to "Pitch" the Media | 22 May 2020 | 00:22:28 | |
It's all changed. Today you need to reach out to specific reporters, producers, and editors to give your story pitch a fighting chance. In this episode, award-winning journalist Tony Tighe takes us for a virtual tour of the modern newsroom and explains what does and doesn't work | |||
| Lights Camera Crisis! | 18 May 2020 | 00:24:43 | |
"There were no exercises for the one in 100 year flood with a complete loss of the downtown core, the massive evacuation of 80,000 people from 26 communities, a power grid failure, the evacuation of the local Zoo, and a diesel train stalled above a river on a bridge that was about to fail." | |||