Practically Social

Minter Dial is one of the first remote interviews Charlie ever recorded and he is absolutely delighted to have an update on Minter's work. In addition to a 16 year career at L'Oreal, Minter is an author of several books as well as an accomplished podcaster. His latest book, YOU LEAD, How Being Yourself Makes You A Better Leader, is Charlie's latest excuse to catch up with Minter and get to enjoy some of his magic. The book argues that business leaders deliver superior results when they are themselves and come across as genuine. Practically Social completely agrees! Join us! 

Just like old times, Jeff, Charlie and Podville Media sound engineer Robb Spewak were back together in the Glover Park studio for episode 52! Charlie shares a dishwasher story and the guys talk about hashtag missteps and misperceptions. Charlie gives a shout-out to Brad Sherman and the relaunch of Launch Financial and Robb goes excessively nerdy during the Tip Before We Go segment covering musical motifs, melodies and the mystique of the radio jingle.

After a conversation about the status of podcast listening trends and the steady increase in advertising dollars (“Podcast Advertising To Surpass $1B This Year,” according to a podcast revenue study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and shared by Jeff) the guys talked about new hires at Podcast Village, soon to be Podville Media. Charlie gave an update on the Bethesda podcast meetup group and Sound Engineer Robb Spewak offered another tip, this time resulting in the show’s first bleep!

Charlie provides an update on his special project, “Songs of His Times,” Jeff shares positive news about ad spending and one of the lessons in publishing: the profitability of specialization. A few Podville Media podcasts receive Communicator Awards and another episode of the JFK Assassination series by the American Diplomat is live. In our “A Tip Before We Go” segment, sound engineer Robb Spewak goes deep again, this time revealing the little things we do to make a podcast sound so great. Hint: silence the breath but maintain the rhythm.

As an update to Episode 37 when the guys talked about the op-ed (opposite the editorial page), Jeff shares news from The New York Times that they will no longer use the term op-ed, and instead call it the “guest essay.” The NYT’s reasoning: in the internet space, can anything be opposite something? Charlie brings up user experience and customer experience and Robb blows us away with another podcast engineering tip, this one on how the mute button can really mess with the track. In the what’s new at Podville Media segment, the guys talked about a three-part series on the American Diplomat podcast covering Charles Thomas and the JFK Assassination. All this and more on your favorite PR and social media podcast!

The show opened on a down note, as Jeff and Charlie discussed news that Maddy (“here are the guys!”) Masiello will be leaving Podcast Village (soon to be Podville Media) for New York City. We wish her well and hope she doesn’t forget us. The guys continued their discussion about Room Rater and adding an audio rating system. They also shared frustrations with social media dashboards and boring automated posts (“Happy Arbor Day!”), many of which get zero engagement. Sound engineer Robb Spewak is back with another podcasting tip, this time on filling the silence during interviews.

Jeff took a road trip to Elon University in North Carolina where his daughter Julia is a freshman. While walking around campus they checked out the Elon School of Communications, home of the Elon News Network and the ENN Radio podcast where student journalists extend stories that appear in their newspaper, The Pendulum. The guys talked about James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, and his tips for prioritizing what’s important. Charlie talks about Shoeman and sound engineer Robb Spewak reveals another podcast tip, this one on his “save as you go” technique.

Charlie talks about the golf business and use of QR codes and other technology. Sound engineer Robb Spewak offers another audio tip, this time on over-modulation. Jeff brings up the popular Room Rater Twitter account, @ratemyskyperoom, which scores TV pundits’ pretty rooms and backdrops, and the guys suggest creating an audio version to rate sound quality. Practically Social listeners will now be treated to new music by Joel’s Beanie Beltran to close out each episode. The voice of Maddy Masiello still welcomes our listeners (“Here are the guys!”) with the Spinto Band.

We go deep with podcasting audio tips in this episode, thanks to sound engineer Robb Spewak. The guys talk about LinkedIn cold calls and how more podcast hosts are on the receiving end of off-target PR pitches. The recently vaccinated Jeff talks about a webinar he attended by The Daily Record on diversity, equity and inclusion and Charlie draws a link between crisis communications planning and “walking the talk” when it comes to corporate DE&I. A big welcome to new music at the end of the show by Joel’s Beanie Beltran. Check it out on Spotify!

The guys talk about Clubhouse -- again -- and the magic of creativity. Jeff recalls how at one of his first agency jobs, Richardson, Myers & Donofrio in Baltimore, they named the conference rooms “Theatre A” and “Theatre B” to help employees understand what those rooms were all about, especially during client meetings and pitches. Podville Media is in the process of naming studios, so ideas are welcomed. Charlie introduces Beanie Beltran at the top of the episode.

Jeff tuned in to The Infinite Dial 2021 report prior to recording the show and shares what he learned to get Charlie’s reaction. Since 1998, it’s the longest-running survey of digital media consumer behavior in America. A few take-aways: TikTok is gaining ground, surpassing Twitter among some demographics. More people listen to podcasts in groups than you might think. And 57 percent of Americans have listened to a podcast. That’s 162 million people. That and more, including a special mention of the recent passing of Dutch engineer Lou Ottens. He led the team at Philips that changed the audio world in 1963 by introducing a small, portable way to play and record: the cassette.

Covering the gamut, from Jeopardy to Twitch, the guys talk about Podville Media’s first-ever Twitch production for Broccoli City. The new entertainment and culture show, "As The World Spins," is hosted by Brittany Alexandra and Jeff shares the story of tuning in to that inaugural episode from his living room where family members were watching Jeopardy. Unimpressed, they asked him to leave the room or at least use his ear buds. All this and more on the anniversary of the microphone, invented in 1877 by German-American Inventor Emile Berliner.

Jeff talks about one of the podcasts he listens to, 2Bobs - with David C. Baker and Blair Enns, and how they simulcasted an episode on Clubhouse. The guys talked about this approach in episodes 29 and 34. Podville Media is getting ready to produce a Twitch for an unnamed client. A big move as this will gain in popularity, Charlie says. Jeff somehow makes it through an awkward ending to the show.

Jeff’s daughter Isabel goes to Eddie’s to purchase the ingredients for the now-viral TikTok Pasta and catches the eye of the cheese counter worker and even the cashier who both know what she’ll be making! Charlie talks about another use of QR codes, this time guiding him through the assembly of his new NordicTrack. Podcast Village, soon to be Podville Media, is helping a client create content for Twitch and the guys discuss ways to find podcasts.

Jeff talked about an article in Esquire, written by Columbus PR pro Michelle Garrett, who makes the point that “when a journalist gets intrigued about a business, one of the first things they may do is check it out on social media.” Whatever they find - or don’t find - on social media has an impact on what is (or is not) written. Charlie gives a shout out to designer Erin Sweeney again, this time for the new show logo. The guys also talk about what’s new at Podville Media, including more work with client Lincoln Project, including their new podcast, “This is Politicology” with Ron Steslow.

In the aftermath of last summer’s racial unrest and the recent election results in Georgia, understanding the African American news audience is more crucial than ever. The Black Press, which has been a key news and information outlet in America for nearly 200 years, is once again being rediscovered as an essential partner for professional communicators. Jeff attended a PRSA Maryland webinar on the topic and shares what he heard from panelists Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO/Publisher, AFRO American Newspapers; Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association, the trade association for 230 of America’s Black-owned media companies; and Joy Bramble, publisher of the Baltimore Times. The panelists agreed on a call to action for the PR and advertising industry: contact the Black press to discuss your clients’ needs and work together on a program to move the needle so there is true equality and a win-win for all. Become aware of their history and role in the community. Subscribe to and read the newspapers and make them part of your media plans.

Yes, that’s what op-ed stands for! Jeff shared the latest thinking on op-eds, thanks to a National Press Club webinar he attended featuring op-ed experts Sam Ryan and Robby Schrum of Keybridge Communications. Takeaways included “don’t yell” and “don’t be boring.” Listen for more! Also, Charlie did the show from Studio M2 on M Street and gave a shout out to podcaster Anne Pasmanick whose Power Station turns 150! (episodes). One of the very first clients we had when Podcast Village restarted in Glover Park was the amazing Anne Pasmanick. She saw past our literal sawdust and had an amazing vision for a show that would talk about community needs and so much more. And now she has hosted over 150 episodes of this unique and important show. Charlie often talks about Power Station to his friends and wished all high school and college seniors would be asked to listen to any three episodes. It will change your perspective forever.

Jeff and Charlie welcomed a special guest, someone who we hope becomes a regular, Brittany Alexandra! Brittany knows social, so we really got into the latest and hit on topics such as Clubhouse, how to reinvent yourself on social media, the power of Instagram and its algorithm and best ways to promote podcasts. Also discussed with on-air host and executive producer Brittany: Fox 5 DC’s Angie Goff and Broccoli City and how it’s mobilizing and educating urban millennials through social impact campaigns and major events.

This is a special episode where Jeff and Charlie pull back the curtains and reveal some of the inner workings of your favorite podcast. Thanks to everyone who has helped take us to where we are today, from our first intro announcer, Nichelle, and the creator of our logo, Erin Sweeney. The voice intro you hear now is none other than Maddy Masiello and our sound engineers have included Rob Ford and Robb Spewak. That theme music? It’s from The Spinto Band, and Charlie tells a story about the band. As always, thanks for listening to Practically Social.

Jeff has been spending more time with Clubhouse, still in private beta, and judging from the conversations and early adopters there, it has a lot of potential. Charlie explores Twitter Analytics and the guys talk about the lure of vanity metrics and what really matters. Finally, Jeff’s son, Trevor, introduced him to Twitch, opening Jeff’s eyes to a new world and a new way of reaching a huge and younger demographic.

Topics include Foursquare’s confusing brand announcement; the FIR (For Immediate Release) podcast with Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson; Fred Diamond of the Sales Game Changers podcast; and, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, who Jeff and Charlie interviewed during the early days of Practically Social and is now a candidate for Governor of Maryland.

Jeff attended the virtual Share of Ear announcement by Edison Research and the guys talked about some of the findings, including stats on Latinx listeners, podcast listenership vs. percentage who use of Twitter, the impact of smart speakers and more. Pre-pandemic, podcast use typically started at 7:15 a.m., and now listeners begin around 8:30 a.m. Sound engineer Robb Spewak does an excellent job running the boards for this episode.

A new report on podcast “super listeners” is out. Jeff and Charlie attended the webinar on the results by Edison Research, Ad Results Media and PodcastOne and shared what they heard, much of it not surprising as podcasting continues with slow but steady advances and is now considered mainstream. Super listeners average 10.5 hours per week (up from 9.8 hours last year) and pay more attention to podcast ads when they are read by the host. The guys also talk about the “unreachables,” who prefer on-demand and device-driven content (such as podcasts).

Jeff visits the M Street studio and is impressed! The guys talk about Clubhouse, Voice Tweets and Twitter’s latest addition that is already stressing out social media managers, Fleets. Charlie delivers the show’s first hardware review, sharing his experience with Zoom for Home’s DTEN ME product. Based on a tip from listener Danita Terry with the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, Jeff shares the news about how companies like Sephora and Dunkin are finding positive employee TikToks and sharing the content for authentic behind the scenes stories. Consider this the next step after the now-famous Ocean Spray TikTok video the guys discussed during Episode 22. Charlie calls it EGC, for employee generated content, the sister to UGC (user generated content).

Jeff and Charlie talk about two new social media platforms, Clubhouse and Parler. One seems promising, the other is alarming. Charlie previews ideas for a new Practically Social series, where thought leaders will share what our next normal might look like.

How long is too long when it comes to social media? Jeff and Charlie talk about news that TikTok might triple the length of its videos and whether its users can devote that much time before they swipe up. Jeff shares a summary of a National Press Club webinar by Robert Udowitz and Steve Drake of RFP Associates, where they covered PR firm blended hourly rates and that many PR firms could be missing out on a lot of opportunities by skipping the RFP process. Companies need to look at the process the same way HR would approach hiring multiple people. Get to know the team that will work on your account, not the fancy presentation and flashy pitch team! Charlie talks about the upcoming release of the second annual Super Listeners study from Podcast One, Ad Results Media, and Edison Research. Thanks, again, to Robb Spewak for producing this episode, plus his bonus tagline idea: “Practically Social: It’s Like a Tweet with Two Characters!”

Jeff and Charlie talk about two new social media platforms, Clubhouse and Parler. One seems promising, the other is alarming. Charlie previews ideas for a new Practically Social series, where thought leaders will share what our next normal might look like. He’s also looking forward to a visit from Marni with some new swag for the studio!

Boeing’s lead 737 MAX crisis spokesman Gordon Johndroe, vice president of global media relations and public affairs, spoke during a PRSA webinar and Jeff shared some of the take-aways, including Gordon’s #1 crisis communications tip: keep calm, get the facts and then proceed with a combination of accuracy and speed. Gordon plays a central role in Boeing’s response to the historic 737 MAX airplane crisis, so he brings real experience to this topic. As the company’s media relations leader, he regularly engages with the CEO, legal, finance, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, the company’s Washington, D.C. office, government regulators and journalists to shape narratives that resonate with key audiences worldwide. This episode wasn’t all crashes and crises. Charlie gave another update on the new M Street studio and Jeff shared a Thanksgiving story he wrote about having dinner (as a guest) at the Delaware County (Ohio) Jail during his first newspaper job at the Delaware Gazette.

The 2021 Social Media Trends Report by HubSpot and Talkwalker is out, and while it includes multiple TikTok mentions, two predictions stood out for Jeff. The report says to expect to see a rise in newsletters and podcasts – a return to “old-school marketing” – as brands shift to a simpler way of engaging consumers. Jeff and Charlie talk about the report’s reference to podcasting and this takeaway: “Even if creating your own podcast may not be suitable, it’s become such a broad market—there will be one out there suitable for a brand relationship. Interviews and sponsorships give you an opportunity to connect your company to a pre-nurtured, defined audience.” It’s true, podcast audiences listen closely to “their” shows. Earbuds provide an intimate connection, and the more niche your podcast is, the more you should value the presence of each listener. During the cool tools segment, the guys talk about SparkToro, promoted as a way to “instantly discover what your audience reads, watches, listens-to, and follows.” Thanks to Josh Greene of The Mather Group for that bit of knowledge, shared during his SEO, wikipedia and digital agency’s 5-year-anniversary webinar series.

Jeff headed a panel discussion at the #MACsummit on trends in content marketing and it boils down to this: the best content delivers the human side of your brand. No one wants to be sold to. Instead, show authenticity, foster connection and share your purpose. Thanks to co-presenters Kipp Monroe, VE and Executive Creative Director from WHITE64 and WHITE64 Studios; Imani Samuels, director of loyalty marketing and digital strategy at AARP, and Aynat Ravin, head of M Live, Marriott’s Real-Time Marketing Command Center.

We need to be on guard against attempts to influence us with messaging trickery, much of it orchestrated from abroad. In this episode, the guys dive into the topic of “Dark PR,” based on a session by that name offered by the National Press Club.Takeaways from the presenters: regulating the algorithms will be key; don’t comment on a topic you know nothing about and certainly don’t share this stuff! On a lighter note, Charlie talks about a recent episode of “All the Best” featuring Jenna Bush Hager and Jeff shares a fun Zoom tip.

Jeff and Charlie have daughters named Isabel, and this episode is dedicated to their contributions! Jeff’s Isabel was the first person to send him the now-viral Ocean Spray TikTok video, and the guys talked about how a fun, in-the-moment share probably outperformed many advertising campaigns. "When we saw Nathan Apodaca's video and the joy it created, we knew we needed to celebrate him and the happiness he spurred," said Ocean Spray chief executive Tom Hayes. Charlie shared his Isabel’s moments of fame when, as a member of the Lawrence Debate Union, an intercollegiate debating program at the University of Vermont, she was interviewed by a TV station in Vermont to get her take on how you’re *really* supposed to perform in a debate. Isabel’s take: a clash in values is OK, but you need to be respectful and productive. Hmmmmmm.

Jeff recently served on a panel at the National Press Club speaking on the impact of the global pandemic on public relations and he shares what he and his co-presenters discussed. It begins with how you define “PR.” If it’s press releases and publicity, your future doesn’t look that promising. PR professionals need to stay ahead of the curve, using the strong base that public relations provides but expand the skill-set to include digital, social media, content and measurement. The core of PR will always be its expertise in messaging and the use of third-party endorsement, and of course protecting reputations through crisis communications preparation and management, which is the hallmark and value that a PR professional delivers. Jeff’s co-presenters were his colleagues from Capitol Communicator, Publisher Paul Duning and Editor Phil Rabin, who cited a report noting that PR professionals will be evaluated on how they can take a company or agency into the future, not on their skills that got the organization to where it is today.

True to the show’s title, Jeff and Charlie spend some time sharing their favorite social media shortcuts and tricks, including how to add 100 extra characters to your LinkedIn headline. They offer an update on Voice Tweets (first mentioned in Episode 8), Instagram Reels, Medium as a content hub and more. Jeff brings up the emerging specialty of content repurposing. We’ve spent years creating new content, but much of it can be updated, repackaged and shared again.

Charlie talks about what’s new at the M Street studio (hint: a lot!) and the soft launch of a new brand: introducing Podville. Jeff reflects on the Episode 18 TikTok Tammy interview from a PR standpoint: Her long and difficult to remember Twitter handle (@Tammy59039968); how authenticity is rewarded and the time-tested media relations strategy of starting local before you take a shot at national coverage.

You’ve seen her smile-inducing and high-energy dance moves on Good Morning America and the Steve Harvey Show, and now she’s our guest for a special episode of Practically Social! Jeff and Charlie interview Tammy Ortery, a 59-year-old high school guidance secretary from Virginia Beach who proves that people respond to positive content, in this case with millions of views. This episode was developed in conjunction with the Public Relations Society of America, Maryland chapter as part of their annual conference. Special thanks to PRSA Maryland conference chair Laurie Farrell for making this happen, along with committee members Tia Malloy, Paola Vargas-Strassner, Danita Terry, Melanie Formentin, Ph.D., and special thanks to Laurie “Roz” Reuben, Peggy Hoffman, Carol Blattau and Chapter President Lisa Coster.

The guys talk about the latest Edison Report on podcast listening trends and of course the upcoming interview with TikTok Tammy, who just appeared on Steve Harvey’s show with a surprise appearance by Mufasa (@mufasatweetss on Twitter and @cousinskeether on Instagram). During Episode 15 they talked about Mark Twain and how he might view podcasting, and this week they had a similar discussion about Ernest Hemingway. Finally, Charlie talks about a recent episode of All the Best, a podcast produced by Podcast Village for the George and Barbara Bush Foundation and hosted by grandson, Sam LeBlond. All the Best features interviews with George H. W. and Barbara Bush’s family, friends, former colleagues and fellow Points of Light with a special emphasis on service to others. Episode 44 with presidential biographer Jon Meacham included a few comments by Meacham that really stood out for Charlie.

In this episode, Jeff finds himself secluded at Bernie & Allison’s house in Rehoboth Beach, DE, the perfect spot to reflect on 2020 and plan for what’s to come. With his days beginning with a walk along the boardwalk and ending with a bike ride on the Gordon’s Pond trail, Delaware’s natural beauty once again performs its magic. Charlie shares stats from the record-breaking Podfest Global Summit, where he was a featured speaker, and the guys announce a special guest for a future episode of Practically Social: TikTok viral sensation Tammy Ortery (Ramsgirl30) who has appeared on GMA with her high-energy dance videos that have been shared by Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake as she climbed to more than 25 million views in just three months. Is Practically Social becoming a secondary launchpad for TikTok’s rising stars? We’ll see! Check out our interview (Episode 7) with Andrea Lopez, recognized by Cosmopolitan magazine as one of “14 TikTok Creators to Follow.”

Jeff and Charlie talk about a new Edison Research report on podcast listening time. Jeff brings up a post Charlie had been working on to find a replacement word for “intimate” to describe how a message received via a podcast is different than reading it in print. Charlie says that although he has been using intimate for quite a while, it’s not really the right word: “My point has always been that the listening experience is a truly genuine and clear way to communicate passion in a way that the written word cannot. ‘Intimate’ normally denotes revealing some aspect of personal details.” Charlie talks about coming across this Mark Twain quote about the spoken word vs. print: “the color, play of feature, the varying modulations of a voice, the laughs, the smile, the informing inflections, everything that gave that body warmth, grace, friendliness, and charm, and commend it to our affection ... is gone” when it appears in print. Twain called it “the soul of the speaker.”

Jeff participated in a Twitter chat and shared his experience, this one with Julia Angelen Joy’s #PrimeTimePRchat where participants shared thoughts and ideas on diversity and inclusion challenges facing the PR and communications industry, including the woke-washing problem. Charlie talks about a “conversation cluster” by Talkwalker (and shared via Twitter by Sophie Clark) showing today’s top podcast topics. Leading the way: Social Justice podcasts, and Charlie gives a shout out to Organize Your Butterflies, an original podcast of YWCA produced by Podcast Village.

Jeff and Charlie talk about the early days of Podcast Village, when we shared microphones and worked out of a co-working space in Gaithersburg, Md. Look at us now! A shout-out to long-time friend and an early guest, Garret Ohm, and the risks of being a social media early adopter, including the time we ran a golf charity tournament and gave sleeves of Pro VIs to anyone who checked in on Foursquare! Yep, Jeff, Charlie and Garret were the only ones who walked away with sleeves. Jeff, who earlier in his career worked as a reporter at The Capital newspaper in Annapolis, talks about Tribune Publishing’s decision to close the newspaper’s office/newsroom, forcing reporters to do their work from home, from coffee shops and from their cars. Not good.

This episode was recorded minutes after Charlie shared the story of Podcast Village during the Podfest Global Summit. He went on right after Tina Dietz of Twin Flames Studios and global business celebrity and podcast host Jeffrey Hayzlett. Charlie did not disappoint as he shared images from the early days in Gaithersburg, Md. and the path toward today’s state-of-the-art studio on M Street. Jeff’s ah-ha moment came when Tina talked about the need for C-level execs who are being evaluated for CEO and Board posts to demonstrate their ability to navigate an interview. Many are taking to podcasts to share their voice and grow their brands. Perhaps there’s a need for a new form of media training to take advantage of this opportunity.

Jeff had quite the day on the eve of his vacation (but isn’t showing it as the show must go on!); Charlie talks about the democratization of content and gives a shout-out to Anne Pasmanick, host and creator of Power Station. They also talk about Patton Oswalt tweets.

We talk about new music seekers and how video games play a role. Jeff geeks out on PR measurement and the guys learn about a compliment from a Practically Social fan.

Charlie shares new datasets from Edison Research’s Share of Ear® data showing Americans are spending less of their total listening time with YouTube in 2020. Americans now spend 9% of their audio listening time on sources such as YouTube where it’s down from 11% in 2018. Maybe Spotify is taking some of that share? Jeff notes that Facebook’s desktop version has a new streamlined look as of this episode (he likes it) and he experienced a new anonymous chat feature called wooclap.com that can be used on Zoom. Now you can learn what your Zoom audience really think. And Japan’s theme parks have banned screaming on roller coasters because it spreads coronavirus: “Please scream inside your heart.”

The new Latino Podcast Listener Report is out and Charlie shares stats. “On average, Latinos listen to an astounding 44 more minutes of audio per day than the general population,” according to Gabriel Soto, Manager of Research at Edison Research. Jeff predicts Twitter’s new Voice Tweets will catch on, beginning with the media, but he’s not so optimistic about the anti-Facebook newcomer, MeWe. We will see. Pro tip: say “OK, Google (or Alexa), play ‘Practically Social,’” and there we are! Charlie gives a shoutout to Brad Sherman and shares microphone equipment tips to prevent poor sound quality from distracting from your engaging podcast content.

Impressionist, comedian, influencer and podcast host Andrea Lopez joins Jeff and Charlie to talk TikTok. Cosmopolitan magazine featured Andrea as one of “14 TikTok Creators to Follow,” and in just three months she has 278,000 followers and climbing, attracting media attention and more. Jeff talks about TikTok’s role in the Juneteenth weekend political rally in Tulsa and Charlie compares TikTok’s rise to the early days of Twitter. Follow @andrealopezcomedy for her Kourtney Kardashian impressions and more!

Charlie made history this week when he joined Edison Research’s first Ask Me Anything on Digital Audio webinar! Top podcast findings were shared, along with a shout out to Tom Webster. Jeff talked about another PRSA Maryland webinar, this one on “The Role of PR in Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” moderated by executive coaches and senior PR professionals Tracy Imm, APR and Cathy Nyce. 

Charlie shares the story about sending coffee cakes to business associates and co-workers at Podcast Village. And the range of surprising reactions such a well-meaning gesture elicits! Jeff has been on the webinar circuit, this time speaking on crisis communications as part of PRSA Maryland’s weekly chat series. Plus a shout-out to Trevor Davis and the Downcast app during our Cool Tools segment..

Charlie continues to be busy with virtual meetings and shares his recent experience with Tien Wong’s CONNECTpreneur event. The guys talk about Edison Infinite Dial Research that shows a rise in desktop and laptop use by podcast listeners and an increase in home- and self-improvement podcast topics. Commercial real estate companies discuss communicating the many Covid-19 changes coming to their spaces and Jeff wonders if our new-found Zoom skills could mean an end to snow days.

With some sectors of the economy poised to reopen, Jeff and Charlie talk about how things will be different when we move to the next normal. Jeff attended a virtual awards ceremony put on by the National Association of Government Communicators. Winners from across the U.S. provided 10-second acceptance videos for the NAGC Blue Pencil Awards event and all went well! Charlie is still enjoying making connections in these virtual events. Jeff had some private chats during webinars and came away thinking the connections made this way are more focused. The guys talked about the Edison Research on podcasting and consumption during a quarantine; there are some decreases but it’s holding steady overall with certain topics like personal growth gaining listeners.