Podcast appearances and mentions of Ben Smith

On this episode, Ben Smith of BrightReach Sales and Tim Wehner of LendingOne join Andrew Smallwood to talk about what broker/owners need to know about building a business development function and winning business.

On this week’s podcast, Tom Crook, Ben Smith and Paul Whitty share their experiences from this year’s Wood Festival before returning home and sharing their favourite new tracks for your enjoyment. Artist – Track [Album] [edit] radio podcast 819 – Right Click and Save As to Download The post Podcast 819 | Featuring The Milk Cartoon Kids, Getdown Services & John Bramwell appeared first on [edit] radio.

Better late than never: let's talk about Eurovision 2026. We'll discuss what happened in Vienna, what this means for the Contest going forward, and share our post-confetti plans. Also: BULGARIA?!

In this episode of the PRmoment Podcast, host Ben Smith sits down with the industry's veteran commentators, Mark Borkowski and Angie Moxham, to dissect the shifting boundaries of media integrity, agency workflows, and national political communication. Together, the panel delivers a timely analysis of an industry facing an existential crisis of trust.Here's the link to PRmoment's PR Masterclass AI in PR.1. The threat AI "make-believe" journalistsThe episode kicks off with a sobering discussion centered on tech journalist Rob Waugh's latest reporting in the Press Gazette. Waugh exposes an industrial-scale manipulation scheme where entirely fabricated, AI-generated journalist personas have successfully placed hundreds of articles across major global business titles. These ghost writers are systematically deployed to surreptitiously plug crypto schemes, tech startups, and corporate interests.Borkowski notes that while propaganda and astroturfing are legacy tactics, generative AI scales them to a terrifying degree. The panel recalls the recent Cannes Lions scandal, where an entry won a prestigious award using entirely fabricated media coverage out of South America, highlighting a systemic vulnerability where agencies prioritize superficial metrics over verification. Moxham points out that this "phantom press" is the inevitable consequence of traditional newsrooms being hollowed out by massive redundancies, leaving overstretched editorial teams vulnerable to automated deception.2. "Back to the Future": The PR revivalIn response to this rising tide of automated noise, Moxham champions a radical return to traditional PR foundations—a strategy she calls "back to the future." As algorithmic content compromises independent media, the panel predicts a massive audience backlash that will drive consumers back to trusted, verified heritage brands.For PR practitioners, the antidote to AI replication is raw human connection. Moxham sharply critiques the modern tendency of junior agency staff to act like "monkeys on a typewriter," hiding behind digital data and email grids. Instead, she urges a revival of "white-eyeballing it"—picking up the phone, pressing the flesh, and stepping out of the office to build deep client and media rapport. Borkowski echoes this, identifying a generational deficit where younger professionals struggle to navigate real-time phone conversations, even as overstretched journalists operate like "galley slaves" with little time to meet. Ultimately, the panel agrees that personal networks are the only asset guaranteed to survive a career, suggesting modern alternatives like personalized WhatsApp voice notes to maintain a high-touch human presence.3. Political Vacuums and the Power of the SoundbiteShifting to national politics, the conversation turns to the brewing leadership crisis within the Labour Party. With the party locked in a high-stakes strategic vacuum ahead of a pivotal, by-election, Moxham views Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as Labour's strongest candidate to stabilize market confidence and protect the country's recent economic growth metrics.Analyzing the broader communication landscape, Borkowski argues that while figures like Keir Starmer are fundamentally decent, they struggle because they project robotic corporate brands. Conversely, populists like Nigel Farage excel because they understand that modern audiences react emotionally to punchy soundbites rather than structured paragraphs. Farage operates masterfully as a "soundbite man," fearlessly voicing the exact grievances an unsettled electorate is thinking. The panel concludes with a stark warning: Reform UK is poised to deploy its deep pockets and sophisticated social media apparatus to destabilize Labour's By-election campaign.

Title: Dressed For BattleSpeaker: Pastor Ben SmithDate: 10th May 2026Location: Adelaide, Australia Summary: "The strength that we find in the Lord by the Spirit comes from the softness of the attributes of the Spirit, not the hardness." This episode takes a close look at the armour of God in Ephesians 6, and why God's approach to spiritual warfare looks nothing like what we might expect. Drawing from Ephesians 6, Isaiah, the Psalms, and the story of David and Goliath, the episode works through each piece of the armour and explains what it actually is and where it comes from. The girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the rest are not things we manufacture or maintain on our own. They are given to us, and their power comes not from human force or strategy, but from the character of God Himself. The episode also follows the people of Judah, who were offered the quiet waters of Shiloah but chose military alliance instead, and paid for it. That contrast between trusting God's provision and reaching for worldly strength runs through the whole message. When Hezekiah led Israel to rest in God rather than fight in their own strength, they won without lifting a finger. The same principle holds today. Key Points: Spiritual battles cannot be won with carnal methods. Trying to fight them that way means defeat before you start. The armour of God is not your armour. Every piece of it, truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, comes from God and is received, not earned. Strength in spiritual warfare comes through softness, prayer, trust, and the Spirit, not through force, arguments, or self-reliance. Reference Scriptures: Ephesians 6:10-18 Isaiah 11:1-5 Isaiah 59:16-17 Isaiah 8:5-8 Isaiah 30:7, 15 Psalm 18:30-35 1 Samuel 17:38-40 2 Chronicles 32:8 John 9 (Pool of Siloam) Hebrews 13:7 Listen to the entire Podcast Revival library by visiting https://podcastrevival.com The Revival Fellowship is a Bible-directed, Spirit-filled Church and we welcome visitors to our meetings at any of our locations worldwide. To find your nearest venue visit https://therevivalfellowship.com © 2026 The Revival Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain has been ride-or-die for Eurovision since debuting in 1961. In this episode, we'll be taking a look at how Spain's original approach to the Contest may have informed their decision to not attend the festivities in Vienna for the first time in 65 years. Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

This PRmoment podcast looks at the PR pitch market in the UK and the PR M&A activity for April 2026.PRmoment founder Ben Smith interviews Andrew Bloch.Andrew also runs the advisory firm Andrew Bloch & Associates.Pitch Market - Trading has been generally positive and the market remains resilient, with many agencies out performing expectations. However, operational pressures are evident, including slower client response times and higher-than-expected inflation causing rising costs and impacting profitability. Transparent conversations around value, output, and outcomes are becoming increasingly critical as both sides navigate a more complex and cost-sensitive landscape. Agencies will be closely monitoring the impact of global events but for now, many are benefiting from momentum built in Q1, which shows little sign of slowing. By month-end, most agencies should have a clearer view of the year ahead.M&A Market - M&A activity points to a market increasingly driven by capability consolidation, specialist expertise and tech-enabled differentiation. Large holding groups are continuing to make targeted acquisitions to deepen strengths in high-growth areas such as social, influencer, sports marketing and experiential, with a clear focus on building more connected, end-to-end communications ecosystems. Private equity remains active in backing platform-building businesses and specialist agencies with strong vertical expertise, particularly where there is an opportunity to internationalise, professionalise or bolt on proprietary tech and data assets. We are also seeing growing value placed on owned technology, data and creator/influencer platforms as acquirers look for defensible IP and measurable ROI. Alongside strategic and PE-led deals, founder succession and management buyouts continue to shape the independent agency landscape, while newer niche businesses are increasingly carving out value through highly defined audience propositions before either scaling independently or becoming attractive acquisition targets. Overall, the market remains robust for differentiated assets that combine specialist sector expertise, scalable international reach and technology-led or measurable service offerings.

Trumps Always Chickens Out. Als puntje bij paaltje komt, haakt president Trump af en zet hij zijn dreigement niet door. Een uitdrukking die je als belegger héél véél hebt gehoord. Er komt nu een bij: NACHO. Klinkt lekker, maar dat is het niet. En heeft te maken met de Iran-oorlog die diezelfde Trump is gestart. Not A Chance Hormuz Opens, dat is waar je als belegger nu rekening mee moet houden. Dat is waar we het deze aflevering over hebben. Het scenario dat de Straat van Hormuz voorlopig dicht blijft. Een redelijk realistisch vooruitzicht, nu de vredesgesprekken tussen Iran en de VS zijn geklapt. Met NACHO moet je rekening houden met een lange periode van hoge olieprijs én inflatie. Hebben we het ook over Air France-KLM. Dat gaat verdwijnen. De naam dan, lezen we in De Telegraaf. Topman Ben Smith wil op overnamepad en wil meer luchtvaartmaatschappijen toevoegen. Waardoor de naam Air France-KLM niet meer past. Goed moment voor ons om te kijken naar dat nieuwe concern dat ontstaat. Is dat dan eindelijk een goede investering? Ook in deze aflevering: een spannend verhaal over insider trading. Een netwerk van advocaten gaf maar liefst 12 jaar lang informatie aan elkaar door over enorme deals op Wall Street. Een explosief verhaal. Over explosief gesproken: we bespreken het aandeel Rheinmetall. Het Duitse defensiebedrijf gaat niet lekker op de beurs, terwijl het juist zou moeten profiteren van al het leed in de wereld. Te gast: Corné van Zeijl van Cardano. BNR Beurs is een journalistiek onafhankelijke productie, mede mogelijk gemaakt door Saxo. Over de makers: Jelle Maasbach is presentator van BNR Beurs en freelance financieel journalist. Zijn favoriete aandeel om over te praten is Disney, maar daar lijkt hij de enige in te zijn. Sinds de eerste uitzending van BNR Beurs is 'ie er bij. Maxim van Mil is presentator van BNR Beurs en journalist bij BNR, waar hij zich focust op de financiële markten en ontwikkelingen in de tech-wereld. Je krijgt hem het meest enthousiast als hij kan praten over ASML, of oer-Hollandse bedrijven zoals Ahold of ABN Amro. Jorik Simonides is presentator van BNR Beurs, economieredacteur en verslaggever bij BNR. Hij wordt er vooral blij van als het een keer níet over AI gaat. Milou Brand is presentator van BNR Beurs, freelance podcastmaker en columnist bij het Financieele Dagblad. Jochem Visser is presentator van BNR Beurs, maakt Beursnerd XL en is redacteur bij de podcast Onder Curatoren. Vraag hem naar obscure zaken op financiële markten en hij vertelt je waarom het eigenlijk nóg leuker is dan je al dacht. Over de podcast: Met BNR Beurs ga je altijd voorbereid de nieuwe beursdag in. We praten je in een kleine 25 minuten bij over alle laatste ontwikkelingen op de handelsvloer. We blijven niet alleen bij de AEX of Wall Street, maar vertellen je ook waar nog meer kansen liggen. En we houden het niet bij de cijfers, maar zoeken ook iedere dag voor je naar duiding van scherpe gasten en experts. Of je nu een ervaren belegger bent of net begint met je eerste stappen op de beurs, de podcast biedt waardevolle inzichten voor je beleggingsstrategie. Door de focus op zowel de korte termijn als de lange termijn, helpt BNR Beurs luisteraars om de ruis van de markt te scheiden van de essentie. Van Musk tot Microsoft en van Ahold tot ASML. Wij vertellen je wat beleggers bezighoudt, wie de markten in beweging zet en wat dat betekent voor jouw beleggingsportefeuille.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trumps Always Chickens Out. Als puntje bij paaltje komt, haakt president Trump af en zet hij zijn dreigement niet door. Een uitdrukking die je als belegger héél véél hebt gehoord. Er komt nu een bij: NACHO. Klinkt lekker, maar dat is het niet. En heeft te maken met de Iran-oorlog die diezelfde Trump is gestart. Not A Chance Hormuz Opens, dat is waar je als belegger nu rekening mee moet houden. Dat is waar we het deze aflevering over hebben. Het scenario dat de Straat van Hormuz voorlopig dicht blijft. Een redelijk realistisch vooruitzicht, nu de vredesgesprekken tussen Iran en de VS zijn geklapt. Met NACHO moet je rekening houden met een lange periode van hoge olieprijs én inflatie. Hebben we het ook over Air France-KLM. Dat gaat verdwijnen. De naam dan, lezen we in De Telegraaf. Topman Ben Smith wil op overnamepad en wil meer luchtvaartmaatschappijen toevoegen. Waardoor de naam Air France-KLM niet meer past. Goed moment voor ons om te kijken naar dat nieuwe concern dat ontstaat. Is dat dan eindelijk een goede investering? Ook in deze aflevering: een spannend verhaal over insider trading. Een netwerk van advocaten gaf maar liefst 12 jaar lang informatie aan elkaar door over enorme deals op Wall Street. Een explosief verhaal. Over explosief gesproken: we bespreken het aandeel Rheinmetall. Het Duitse defensiebedrijf gaat niet lekker op de beurs, terwijl het juist zou moeten profiteren van al het leed in de wereld. Te gast: Corné van Zeijl van Cardano. BNR Beurs is een journalistiek onafhankelijke productie, mede mogelijk gemaakt door Saxo. Over de makers: Jelle Maasbach is presentator van BNR Beurs en freelance financieel journalist. Zijn favoriete aandeel om over te praten is Disney, maar daar lijkt hij de enige in te zijn. Sinds de eerste uitzending van BNR Beurs is 'ie er bij. Maxim van Mil is presentator van BNR Beurs en journalist bij BNR, waar hij zich focust op de financiële markten en ontwikkelingen in de tech-wereld. Je krijgt hem het meest enthousiast als hij kan praten over ASML, of oer-Hollandse bedrijven zoals Ahold of ABN Amro. Jorik Simonides is presentator van BNR Beurs, economieredacteur en verslaggever bij BNR. Hij wordt er vooral blij van als het een keer níet over AI gaat. Milou Brand is presentator van BNR Beurs, freelance podcastmaker en columnist bij het Financieele Dagblad. Jochem Visser is presentator van BNR Beurs, maakt Beursnerd XL en is redacteur bij de podcast Onder Curatoren. Vraag hem naar obscure zaken op financiële markten en hij vertelt je waarom het eigenlijk nóg leuker is dan je al dacht. Over de podcast: Met BNR Beurs ga je altijd voorbereid de nieuwe beursdag in. We praten je in een kleine 25 minuten bij over alle laatste ontwikkelingen op de handelsvloer. We blijven niet alleen bij de AEX of Wall Street, maar vertellen je ook waar nog meer kansen liggen. En we houden het niet bij de cijfers, maar zoeken ook iedere dag voor je naar duiding van scherpe gasten en experts. Of je nu een ervaren belegger bent of net begint met je eerste stappen op de beurs, de podcast biedt waardevolle inzichten voor je beleggingsstrategie. Door de focus op zowel de korte termijn als de lange termijn, helpt BNR Beurs luisteraars om de ruis van de markt te scheiden van de essentie. Van Musk tot Microsoft en van Ahold tot ASML. Wij vertellen je wat beleggers bezighoudt, wie de markten in beweging zet en wat dat betekent voor jouw beleggingsportefeuille.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We probably don't talk about it enough but we've all benefited from the increased depth and breadth of public relations which has developed over the past 20 odd years. This change has probably been most vividly illustrated in consumer public relations. Which is why it's going to be so interesting to talk to today's guests: Charlotte Brooks MD, Mischief and Dan Deeks-Osbourn, head of strategy, Mischief as we compare consumer PR now, to 20 years ago, when Mischief was born.Mischief is one of a small band of consumer PR shops in London that have surfed the wave of creative and cultural relevance for the last 20 years. Current clients include Samsung, Just Eat, Eon, Ocado and Coca Cola. Currently 35 people work at Mischief and it is part of the MHP Group. On the show this week we talk about the evolution of consumer public relations and strategies for sustained agency success.Before we start, do check out our next PR Masterclass: AI in PR. Here are the themes:Is AI making PR more efficient, but less effective?What are the AI implementation trapsWhich media titles control ChatGPTWhy AI is winning the copyright warWhat is PR's Missed AI OpportunityWhy AI means that you will need to redesign your PR team's workflowHow newsrooms are using AIHow are in-house PR and comms teams using AI?Check out the full speaker line-up on  https://www.prmasterclasses.com/masterclass/pr-masterclasses-ai-in-prHere is a summary of what Charlotte, Dan and PRmoment founder Ben Smith discussed on the show:What was consumer PR like 20 years ago? And how does that compare with consumer PR today?Is what made a consumer PR firm great 20 years ago, still the same today?Is consumer PR more powerful now than in 2006?Why are PR budgets not increasing in line with the increased depth and breadth of work?Why PR makes marketing distinctive.Why is most consumer PR bought by CMOs? What happened to the in-house PR managers/directors? How has Mischief managed to keep itself relevant as a consumer PR for 20 years?What's the secret of client retention for PR firms?What will consumer PR look like in 20 years time?Evolution of PR landscapeModern public relations requires integrated multi-channel strategies rather than legacy media coverage focus. Effectiveness is now proven through sales impact rather than outdated metrics.Strategy in AI eraAlgorithms and Large Language Models demand clear messaging and constant, always-on creativity. Teams must balance generalist account management with specialized expertise in content and data analysis.Agency growth and retentionLong-term client retention relies on consistent impact and transparent partnerships. Agencies must reject complacency to maintain creative standards while expanding influence within broader marketing departments.

Ben Smith, the former editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News and co-founder of Semafor, joins Preet to discuss today's media industry, covering the news, and his latest venture.Then, Preet answers listener questions on preemptive pardons, paternity leave for the Vice President, and…his favorite potatoes.In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Smith discuss the decline of thoughtfulness, parent-child competition, and the trouble with wanting to be liked.Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work.Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website.You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE's Youtube channel and subscribe.Shop Stay Tuned merch and featured books by our guests in our Amazon storefront.Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on BlueSky, or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 833-997-7338 to leave a voicemail.Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eurovision is an expensive enterprise, and the Netherlands has been one of the Contest's largest financial supporters. In this episode, we'll be taking a look at the financial impact of Netherland's absence from Eurovision 2026. Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

Today we're chatting to Zeno's Sarah Ogden and Thomas Bunn about its Clarity 2030 report. The report identifies a fundamental shift in the PR sector suggesting we are moving from the "Information Age" (where PR focused on distribution and volume) to the "Intelligence Age" (where PR must focus on strategic counsel and business outcomes).The report suggests PR has a Readiness Gap - in essence it is saying that currently public relations does not possess the skills required for the future this report predicts.This is a study across N America, Europe and Asia.Before we start, do check out our next PR Masterclass: AI in PR. When I put together the speaker lineup for PR Masterclass: AI in PR, I make sure we invite speakers who are actually doing it. Not just talking about it.Check out the full speaker line-up on  https://www.prmasterclasses.com/masterclass/pr-masterclasses-ai-in-prHere is a summary of what PRmoment founder Ben Smith discussed with Sarah and Thomas on the PRmoment podcast:What is PR's readiness gap?What are the skills PR people have, and what are the skills the Clarity 3030 report predicts PR people will need? And what are the skills people with therefore no longer need in PR, according to this report?What are your other top 5 findings of the report?In the report it predicted 40% of current people working in PR will leave the sector. What was the justification for that prediction?What were the main geographical differences coming through in the report?How does Clarity 2030 view the evolving role of agencies in the PR ecosystem?Likewise, how does the report predict the role of the in-house team will change?The report suggests AI will automate the tactical 'heavy lifting' by 2030. If the tasks juniors traditionally use to 'cut their teeth' disappear, how does Zeno—and the wider industry—plan to train the next generation of strategic advisors who have never had to do the tactical groundwork?Top FindingsThe Strategic Pivot: By 2030, "Media Relations" will no longer be the primary KPI for top-tier PR. Instead, Strategic Counsel and Reputation Risk Management are cited as the top priorities for business leaders.The Talent Mismatch: There is a significant lag in "Business Acumen." The report finds that while PR pros are excellent at storytelling, they are often unable to speak the "language of the boardroom" (finance, operations, and data analytics).SummaryMeeting discussions analyzed the PR sector readiness gap and the necessity for strategic business advisory evolution.Industry Readiness Gap ChallengesThe PR sector faces a significant readiness gap, with 29% of professionals feeling unprepared for the shift toward strategic advisory roles. High-pressure environments and insufficient investment contribute to projected talent departures.AI Integration and SkillsCommunications teams are pivotally involved in AI adoption, yet lack necessary internal tools. Prioritizing emotional intelligence and creativity remains essential for overcoming the deprioritization of traditional tactical skills.Strategic Evolution of RolesAgencies must transition to providing deep business intelligence while in-house teams adopt strategic growth advisor positions. Training programs require fundamental restructuring to emphasize critical thinking alongside AI literacy for junior talent.

On this week’s episode, we welcome back Tom Crook, Paul Whitty, and Ben Smith as hosts, and the trio shares their favourite stories and tracks they’ve been enjoying over the past few weeks. Artist – Track [Album] [edit] radio podcast 815 – Right Click and Save As to Download The post Podcast 815 | Featuring Beach House, Anthony Szmierek & Les Cowboys Fringants appeared first on [edit] radio.

Days ago President Trump signed an Executive Order allowing expanded research and access to psychedelic treatments for metal health disorders, specifically allowing access for veterans to seek treatment using Ibogaine. SIMON talks to former Navy SEAL and Ibogaine recipient, BENJAMIN SMITH about what he experienced and how his life has changed since. Don't miss this fascinating conversation!!! AMBIO.life

In this episode of our spring 2026 season of The Publisher Podcast, we're joined by Ben Smith, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Semafor. Ben has previously worked at publications like the New York Times and Buzzfeed, before joining Justin Smith to co-found Semafor in 2022. The publication, which distills the news for global audiences, has launched industry-leading events, pioneered their own article format, and reached profitability in its third year. Ben spoke to us about how their audience and approach has evolved since launch, where they see opportunities and red lines for AI, where he sees paid content fitting into their business model, and how their exclusive CEO newsletter is going. He also shares his advice for anyone looking at launching a news start-up today. Read the key takeaways from this interview, find our weekly newsletter and more on voices.media  

Max Tani and Ben Smith sit down with bestselling author and journalist Patrick Radden Keefe to discuss his gripping new book, London Falling. Keefe reveals how he finds his projects, and navigates his new, unexpected status as a celebrity journalist. They also discuss the art of true crime storytelling, adaptations of his work for film and TV, and how compelling human drama lies at the heart of every interesting topic. Sign up for Semafor Media's Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media  For more from Think with Google, check out ThinkwithGoogle.com. Find us on X: @semaforben, @maxwelltaniIf you have a tip or a comment, please email us mixedsignals@semafor.com

Slovenia has struggled to find momentum and consistency on the Eurovision scoreboard. In this episode, we take a look at how rule changes—especially around who qualifies—has impacted Slovenia's ability to succeed at the Contest. Hvala, Ne Summary Slovenia and the Relegation Era (4:39) One Semi to Rule Them All (11:32) Semi Finals go to Pot (15:17) Slovenia vs. the Televote (25:39) Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

Welcome to the PRmoment podcast and on the show today we're chatting to Jim Donaldson about the news that WPP might sell Burson.Previously Jim was CEO UK and Middle East at Fleishman and held senior roles at both Weber Shandwick and Hill & Knowlton. He is now a non-exec to a raft of independent PR firms including Woodrow, Schon&Co and Matlin PR.Before we start, don't miss our new PR Masterclass: AI in PR.Check out the full speaker line-up at  https://www.prmasterclasses.com/masterclass/pr-masterclasses-ai-in-prAt PRmoment we usually let these industry navel gazing moments go, as most of the time, the news has been widely covered elsewhere but I've found the level of paranoid PR commentary linking PR's future to the Burson deal pretty nauseating.I get the need for self appointed PR thought leaders to feed the algorithms but much of the analysis of this potential deal seems ill informed.PRmoment founder Ben Smith put this alternative scenario to ex WPP and Omnicom executive Jim Donaldson about the reasons behind WPP's plans to sell Burson:WPP needs to grow.It still has quite a bit of debt (total net debt £2.17 billion) and its revenue has decreased in recent years. Sources: https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/regulatory/article/-/view/type/HTML/id/3530066 and https://www.fidelity.co.uk/factsheet-data/factsheet/JE00B8KF9B49-wpp-plc/financialsCirca 84% of WWP's revenue comes from ad agencies, which it now calls its Global Integrated Agencies. PR is 9%. (including Ogilvy PR and Burson.) https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=1323-17477290-1Q8TEVR2NNFQVT91FOUCPOQ2BFAd agencies' market has been decimated by the social media owners and they are petrified about what AI is likely to do to their business models.None of the WPP board have any PR experience, and frankly, they've got bigger problems right now. https://www.wpp.com/en/about/our-leadership/the-wpp-boardBurson is a potentially salable asset and WPP can then use those funds to invest in the renewal of its main source of revenue - advertsing agencies.Here's a summary of what Jim Donaldson and PRmoment founder Ben Smith discussed:Does Jim agree with our alternative hypothesis to the reasons WPP might sell Burson?Jim identifies the "huge market shifts" impacting the marketing holding groups currently.Was WPP always a reluctant PR firm owner? Many of the deals where Sorrell acquired a PR firm, included a larger ad agency and the PR firm was a much smaller part of the deal.How salable is Burson as an asset? Does it have growing or declining revenues?Jim describes the holding groups as “a side show” to the most important, mainly positive trends happening in PR at the moment.

This week's PR News review covered Donald Trump's foreign policy, the resulting and global chaos before moving on to disucss NASA's Artemis mission for its public relations.Trump's foreign policy rhetoricMark Borkowski and Ben Smith centered on whether Donald Trump's actions were aimed at selling war or peace?Borkowski argued that Trump failed in the propaganda war with Iran by not achieving a clean exit.Global vulnerability, the Axis of chaos and increased defense spendingParticipants discussed the global chaos caused by single figures and the growing vulnerability to modern warfare. Governments need to communicate the necessity of a stronger defense, possibly through increased taxation or fund reallocation away from welfare and health.NASA's Artemis mission PR masterclassNASA's Artemis mission to the moon was praised as a PR masterclass due to its precise choreography and positive global impact. The mission served as a strong beacon of positive human ingenuity and counter-narrative to political chaos.It also served as a "reminder to us all of when America used to have a more positive role in the world."Melania denies Epstein rumoursBorkowski and Smith discuss why Melania Trump felt the need to make a statement denying rumours she had any connection with Epstein, when there were no rumours she had any connection with Epstein!

Ep 121: In Episode 121 of the Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, Ben Smith and Curtis Worcester revisit the evolving world of cryptocurrency and digital finance with returning guest Tyler Frederick. Since their last conversation, crypto has moved further into the mainstream with ETFs, institutional adoption, and new innovations like stablecoins and tokenization. Tyler breaks down what's changed, what's coming next, and what retirees should actually pay attention to, without the hype. The episode also explores real-world applications, security risks, and scams, helping listeners understand how this technology may impact their financial lives, even if they never invest in it directly. Chapters: Why Cryptocurrency Matters Today [00:00] Meet Tyler Frederick and His Background in Crypto [02:00] Understanding Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Basics [08:30] How Crypto Has Evolved Since 2021 [14:30] Stablecoins and the Future of Digital Money [16:30] Tokenization and Faster Financial Systems [19:45] Risks, Volatility, and Investing Considerations [14:50] Scams, Security, and Protecting Your Assets [28:30] The Future of Crypto in Everyday Life [41:15] Retirement Success and Final Thoughts [43:45]

Welcome to this special podcast to celebrate the shortlists for the PRmoment Awards.In this show we're going to be talking in detail about the shortlist for the PRmoment Awards in London and we'll be talking about the shortlist for the North next week.On the show today we're going to be discussing the shortlist, talking about which firms were shortlisted the most and revealing some new data highlighting some of the extraordinarily high cumulative average category score for this year's PRmoment Awards.Don't miss out on your charts to attend the PRmoment Awards in either Manchester or London or even both if you fancy. Will and I were the chairs for two of the five streams for the PRmoment Awards judging day,  so we get a great insight into the work that's happening in UK PR and we're hopefully in a decent position to offer a behind the scenes view on that judging day and what we saw and how competitive it was in many of the categories.Important to note that host Ben Smith or Will Hart get a vote in the PRmoment Awards judging process. Who wins is entirely down to our wonderful judges.London Awards Ceremony , Park Plaza Westminster - Thursday 16 AprilManchester Awards Ceremony, Manchester Hall - Thursday 30 AprilMost Shortlisted AgenciesAnalysis of the London event shortlists showed W Communications, Hope&Glory, and The Romans topping the list, indicating breadth of high-standard work across these agencies. Being shortlisted is considered a significant achievement given the intense competition and high judging standards for all campaigns submitted.Judging Process ReviewThe judging process involves individual prescoring, followed by group discussion across 5 streams, which determines the final winners. Criteria are weighted across 6 areas, including objectives, strategy, creativity, implementation, results, and evaluation, ensuring a consistent and transparent evaluation.Emerging Award CategoriesNew categories introduced this year include Generative Engine Optimization Campaign of the Year and Pro Bono Campaign of the Year, reflecting the evolving PR sector and acknowledging previously unacknowledged work. 

Iceland's television broadcaster RUV turns 60 this year and 2026 is also their 40th anniversary of entering Eurovision. We take a look at why it took 20 years for Iceland to join the party, how the country helped push the Contest into a more modern mode, and why they won't be in Vienna this year. Icy Reception Summary History of Iceland Speedrun Any% (4:51) 1986: Iceland Joins Eurovision (19:38) Iceland's First Decade at Eurovision (27:03) Pall Oskar / Paul Oscar (29:30) Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

Presenting Sponsor Thirdzy!  https://thirdzy.com/JAZZYPromotion Code for 15% off: JAZZYEveryday we take a break from the busy work day to catch our breath, hang out with friends and talk about the world of Sports, Entertainment and specifically CrossFit. Today we talk about what does Ben Smith have to say, should all cheaters be punished? What is one thing you would change about QF is given the ability to change one and only one thing?

This week, President Trump announced that the end of the Iran war may be in sight, while news outlets report the US is deploying thousands of troops to the Middle East. Then, Democratic governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear hints at a 2028 presidential campaign while making jabs at Vice President JD Vance. And, book publisher Hachette found that a book that they were about to publish was 78% AI-generated. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines, and then Clarissa speaks with Ben Smith and Isaac Bledsoe from the American Institute for Boys and Men to discuss the trend that fewer men are going to college. What's to account for the shifting demographics in college attendance? REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE: Getting Men Re-engaged in College by Isaac Bledsoe and Ben Smith CT's education reporting GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Isaac Bledsoe is a senior research assistant at the American Institute of Boys and Men (AIBM) with an interest in transitions to adulthood, as well as fatherhood and family. Isaac was a research assistant at the Urban Institute, supporting a national survey of Early Head Start directors and a study to understand and improve parents' experiences with Georgia's child care subsidy program. Ben Smith is a researcher at AIBM with an interest in male labor market decisions and educational outcomes. He previously worked as a policy researcher at the RAND Corporation where he frequently focused on issues related to labor, employment, and financial decision making. His research provides an in-depth, ethnographic look at the ways some Americans manage day-to-day financial volatility. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the PR News Review panel of Angie Moxham, Mark Borkowski and Ben Smith explore Nigel Farage's data-driven political stunt, the gossip surrounding Zendaya and Tom Holland and finish with a discussion about Banksy's identity reveal.Farage's political stuntNigel Farage's action of paying an entire street's electricity bill was deemed a clever stunt to draw attention to the energy debate and, perhaps more importantly, collect valuable data for Reform UK campaigns. Zendaya and Holland's publicity powerSpeculation regarding Zendaya and Tom Holland's marriage was viewed as a powerful, controlled publicity move that created "catnip" marketing and forced the press to follow the celebrity-driven narrative. This approach demonstrated modern film marketing's focus on seeding gossip and hype, amplifying stories via social media.Banksy identity impact debatedThe reported revelation of Banksy's identity as Robin Gunningham was confirmed as an old scoop, but it was agreed that Banksy's anonymity significantly impacted the value of his work. The consensus was that the identity reveal will not damage the brand but will likely increase their power as a "national treasure."

This week on edit radio, Tom Crook, Paul Whitty, and Ben Smith celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as they share stories from their lives, a first play of Starter Car’s new single, and their other favourite tracks both new and used. Artist – Track [Album] [edit] radio podcast 811 – Right Click and Save As to... The post Podcast 811 | Featuring Starter Car, Joshua Burnside & Squid appeared first on .

Boycotts, jury overhauls, technological shifts, major protests, religious and political violence, hot pants... Ireland had a lot to deal with when it hosted Eurovision for the first time in 1971. All Kinds of Everything Summary Ireland at Eurovision (0:39) The State of Eurovison 1970-1971 (4:33) RTE presenting Eurovision in Color (13:53) Protests and Politics (22:29) Wrapping Up (35:43) Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

Ben Smith from The West Australian newspaper joins Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene, to delve into the Western Force's start to Super Rugby Pacific and take a look at a tough road ahead. And of course, to cover off on the biggest news in Australian rugby this week, the Force and Rugby Australia signing NRL star Zac Lomax for this year and next, and with immediate effect. The obvious questions are numerous: where does he play, how soon will he play, and has he fixed all the Force's on and off-field issues yet? #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby' on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and we're doing more on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Romania returns from its Eurovision hiatus this year, hopefully with some things figured out. We review the country's history at the Contest, its qualification troubles, and how their strategy at the contest may be high risk, high reward. Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

In this week's show Ben Smith and Michael Kempner discuss the current US political climate. Michael Kempner talks us through the organic growth of MikeWorldwide from a garage in 1986 to a “$70 million turnover”, crediting early success to "intentional serendipity," a strong network, and a focus on problem-solving outside of traditional PR conventions. The discussion also covered Michael Kempner's optimism about the future of PR and Michael's advice on risk, failure, and the importance of hiring and retaining the right people.Ben Smith also reminded listeners that the shortlists for the PRmoment Awards in London and Manchester are now live and that ticket sales for both events have opened.

The semi-final era has not been kind to Poland. Though the country has done okay at Eurovision the last few years, they haven't reached the heights of their debut entry in 1994. We'll be doing a deep dive on what worked 30+ years ago and identify where Poland may secretly have its finger on the pulse of what does well at the Contest. Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

Ben Smith, Angie Moxham, and Mark Borkowski discuss the Greens' bi-election win in Gorton and Denton, attributing the success of the candidate, Hannah Spencer, and Zack Polanski's  effective communication campaign that provided a message of hope, local authenticity, and leveraged identity politics against Labour. On the show we also discuss the language of war in the Iran conflict, where Mark Borkowski noted the problematic trend of naming military operations like video games and the increased control of narrative through restricted journalist access.Angie Moxham critiques the current political rhetoric as incendiary and thoughtless. DetailsThe Greens' Bi-election Win in Gorton and Denton: Angie Moxham suggested that the Greens' success, led by Zack Polanski, was anticipated because they effectively campaigned on a message of hope and optimism, which resonated with people fatigued by negative news. They concluded that the victory was more attributable to effective communication than to the specifics of the party's policy.Authenticity and Identity Politics in the Bi-election: Mark Borkowski emphasized the authenticity of the successful candidate, Hannah Spencer, who was described as a working-class local person with a background as a plumber and plasterer. This local identity and seeming distance from the "Westminster bubble" provided credibility and appeal to the electorate, suggesting that identity politics played a significant role. Angie Moxham added that the lack of a genuinely working-class Labour leader, referencing Keir Starmer, highlighted the smartness of the Greens' communication strategy.Campaign Strategy and Protest Vote Analysis: Mark Borkowski noted that a clever local campaign, including the alleged dark arts use of an image connecting Keir Starmer with Indian President Narendra Modi, to target the Pakistani community, was effective in the constituency. Regarding the nature of the win, Angie Moxham concluded that the victory was likely a combination of the local grassroots efforts and a broader desire among people for hope, especially considering the current negative climate in the UK.The Language of War and Conflict Communication: The discussion shifted to the communication strategies observed in relation to the conflict in Iran, involving the US and Israel. Mark Borkowski noted the concerning trend of giving military operations evocative names like "Operation Roaring Lion" and "Operation Epic Fury," suggesting that the conflict is being "sold" as a "Call of Duty type of game". This language aligns with the increasing mechaniaation of warfare, making it easier to engage in conflict without physical "boots on the ground".The Danger of Incendiary Political Rhetoric: Angie Moxham described the language of war, particularly from figures like Trump, as "absolutely excruciating" and incendiary. They expressed concern that this thoughtless, insulting rhetoric will only lead to more death and destruction, likening the political climate to a "child's playground.”Mark Borkowski agreed that there is a current lack of calming voices on the global scene, emphasising that the aggressive language is driven by the 24/7 news cycle.Media Control and Propaganda in Modern Warfare: Mark Borkowski highlighted the extreme control of the narrative, specifically citing the IDF's restriction of independent journalists, which they contrasted with earlier conflicts where journalists had more access. They pointed out that both sides understand the power of propaganda, referencing ISIS's carefully staged executions for YouTube, concluding that the current age amplifies the loudest voice, making it easier to create factionalization.

Ben Smith and Andrew Bloch reviewed the UK PR pitch and M&A market in February, noting that the pitch market was "steadier" with clients taking longer to decide, while agency M&A was "booming" with high demand and competition driving up prices for agencies around the £20 million enterprise value, especially those leveraging AI. PR pitch wise we saw significant client wins for Edelman, Words and Pixels, Brazen, W, and Hope&Glory, and key acquisitions included Resident acquiring Okay Cool, Future Group acquiring Alfred's assets, Kink acquiring Lobby PR, Havas acquiring a 51% stake in Acento, and Source Code acquiring Rally Point. WPP's strategy was discussed, as it shifts into four unified business units, including WPP Creative under which PR brands will sit.

This morning we're breaking down the latest news in the ever-unfolding Jeffrey Epstein saga as Bill Clinton testifies about his relationship and involvement. What will be revealed? What has already been confirmed? And what does this mean for the broader web of powerful names connected to this case? And let's be honest, while past presidents are being questioned, many Americans are wondering whether people currently in power (looking at you, Donald Trump) will ever face meaningful scrutiny or accountability for their own connections. Then we pivot to a bombshell media shakeup: Netflix has reportedly backed out of a bid for Warner Bros., clearing a path for Paramount to acquire it. What does that mean for the future of media consolidation? Who controls what we watch and how worried should we be. Joining us to unpack it all is Founding Editor of Mediaite.com Colby Hall along with Semafor's Max Tani and Ben Smith. This episode is sponsored by 120Life. Go to https://120Life.com and use my code DON for 20% off. Try it risk-free for two weeks. If your blood pressure doesn't come down, you get a full refund. This episode is brought to you by Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/donlemon and use code donlemon at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! This episode is sponsored by MSI. Donate today Text LEMON to 511511, or https://MSIUnitedStates.org This episode is sponsored by Wildgrain. Right now, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off your first box - PLUS free Croissants for life - when you go to https://Wildgrain.com/LEMON to start your subscription today. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://SHOPIFY.COM/lemon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finland's UMK is one of the premiere selection shows each Eurovision season, but it didn't start out that way. We explore the evolution of the format and how YLE continues to make the program must see TV. Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

News of a potential choreographed change at the top of the ECB has pushed Europe's Stoxx 600 to another record close. Wall Street also closed in the green even though FOMC minutes signal a rate cut pause in the near term. We are live at the A.I. Impact summit in New Delhi where we hear from Microsoft CEO Brad Smith. He tells CNBC that U.S. and European tech companies should be wary of increased Chinese competition within the A.I. sector. Continued tensions in the Arabian Sea over potential U.S. naval intervention in Iran, pushing crude prices more than 4 per cent higher in yesterday's session. Swiss food giant Nestlé beats Q4 sales expectations and has unveiled plans to streamline its product portfolio. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump getting brutally mocked at a major German festival in Düsseldorf and Meiselas interviews Semafor's Ben Smith about Trump's crashing presidency. Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lithuania isn't exactly a Eurovision powerhouse, but their lengthy selection processes have been showcases for the country's music industry. We take a look at the Baltic nation and how their approach to the Contest may be serving a different purpose than competition. Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

Ben Smith, Mark Borkowski, and Angie Moxham discussed several key topics including the difficulty of the Downing Street director of communications role and the need for a fresh perspective, Jim Ratcliffe's controversial "colonialisation" comment, and the emergence of fake AI experts.Angie Moxham and Mark Borkowski analysed the Washington Post redundancies, attributing reduced war coverage to "war fatigue" and economic factors driving editorial decisions, and concluded that PR professionals have an opportunity to engage the public with entertaining and mood-lifting campaigns amidst negative news fatigue.

Croatia is very specific about how it chooses to represent itself on the Eurovision stage. We take a look at the country's history at the Contest via its long-running national selection format Dora. Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

The Southeastern 16 crew of Graham Doty, Alfred Ezman and Chris Lee look at Missouri baseball entering the 2026 season. Topics include: Coach Kerrick Jackson has the league's worst resources and it's not close, but Jackson kept his undermanned team in the fight enough last season to knock preseason No. 1 Texas A&M out of NCAA tournament consideration. It's good to be able to see the baseball if you're going to hit it, and Pierre Seals--who now wears contacts, which he didn't a year ago--could be primed for a jump. Returnees Mateo Serna, Kaden Peer and Gehrig Goldbeck will likely form part of the Tigers' everyday lineup. Transfers Kam Durnin, Jase Woita and Jamal George will also challenge for every-day roles, and JUCO transfer Eric Maisonet put up eye-popping numbers last season, too. Javyn Pimental, who might have been Missouri's best pitcher last year if he'd been available, returns to likely play a key role. Returnees Kaidden Drew, Brady Kehlenbrink, Ian Lohse, Ben Smith, PJ Green, Josh McDevitt and Nic Smith should again have roles, while transfers like Juan Villareal, Dane Bjorn and Jackson Sobel could have bigger roles at their new stop. And keep an eye on freshman Richie Swain. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey “Everybody”! Estonia and Latvia were the first two new countries to win Eurovision after the EBU expanded its membership in 1993. As we get ready for the Eesti Laul and Supernova selection processes, “I Wanna” take a look at the Contest history of these two Baltic nations. Baltic Buddies Summary Estonia at Eurovision (1:03) Join the EuroWhat? AV Club (17:34) Latvia at Eurovision (18:45) Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

Bulgaria returns to Eurovision following a three-year absence. We take a look at the country's history at the Contest: a rough start in its initial tenure, a renaissance after its first hiatus, and looking ahead to how Bulgaria's next tenure may go. Rough Summary Selection Season So Far: Moldova, Malta, Luxembourg, Georgia, Israel, Switzerland (0:40) Join the EuroWhat? AV Club (4:29) Bulgaria's History at Eurovision (6:30) How is Bulgaria selecting for 2026? (28:32) Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

Luxembourg returned to Eurovision in 2024 after a 30-year hiatus. When they left the Contest, they were tied with Ireland and France in having won the most times at 5 wins apiece. We'll explore Luxembourg's incredible run and see how they've adapted to the modern era as we preview the third edition of the Luxembourg Song Contest. Bad Lucksembourg Summary Luxembourg Stats at Eurovision (1:20) Luxembourg Hosting Eurovision (4:55) Luxembourg Song Contest 2026 (17:02) Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

Semafor CEO Justin Smith joins Mixed Signals for a candid discussion about why the digital media company raised $30 million late last year, and how it reached profitability in just three years. Max asks Justin and Semafor editor-in-chief Ben Smith about the company's $330 valuation, the company's planned investment in the Gulf and East Asia, and what it takes to build a modern media company in 2026. Justin and Ben reflect on lessons from earlier eras of digital media, and the triumphs and mistakes Semafor made in its first three years. Sign up for Semafor Media's Sunday newsletter: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media  For more from Think with Google, check out ThinkwithGoogle.com. Find us on X: @semaforben, @maxwelltani If you have a tip or a comment, please email us mixedsignals@semafor.com

We've been talking about the Paramount Skydance/Warner Brothers Discovery/Netflix Billionaire Boys Club Spectacular for a few days now. But it's really worth digging into the details to understand how all of this could reshape our media diets – and our politics. If Netflix buys Warner Bros. Discovery, that could be very bad news for Hollywood. But if Paramount buys Warner Bros. Discovery, the Trump-supporting Ellisons would own: CBS, CNN, HBO, Paramount, DC Studios, TNT Sports, Warner Bros., Oracle and a whole bunch more. It's basically a big, complicated mess — so to unpack what it means for consumers and why on earth President Trump is involved, we spoke to Ben Smith. He's co-founder and editor-in-chief of Semafor, and host of the Mixed Signals podcast.And in headlines, Trump brings his economic message to the American people on the first stop of his affordability tour, the Supreme Court hears arguments over campaign finance limits, and will Americans follow Australia's footsteps and ban social media for children?Show Notes:Check out Mixed Signals – https://tinyurl.com/ycxvkz6fCall Congress – 202-224-3121Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sometimes, the perfect guest to discuss your own writing is ... you. On this special crossover episode, I am interviewed by Ben Smith and Max Tani of Semafor's Mixed Signals podcast about my recent essay, "Everything Is Television." During our conversation, which you can also find on the Mixed Signals feed, we discuss TV, politics, the definition of charisma, and much more. If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. Hosts: Ben Smith and Max Tani Guest: Derek Thompson Listen to my episode on the Mixed Signals feed HERE. You can find my essay "Everything is Television" HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ryan and Saagar discuss Israel breaks ceasefire, RSF massacre in Sudan, Hurricane slams Jamaica. Ben Smith: https://x.com/semaforben To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.comMerch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump orders National Guard troops to Chicago and Portland, making good on his promise to generals to use American cities as "training grounds." Jon, Tommy, and Lovett discuss the court order—issued by a Trump-appointed judge—that blocked the deployment in Portland, the military-style immigration raids that rocked Chicago last week, and the signals that Stephen Miller and the rest of the Trump administration are sending about what's next for blue America. Then, the guys check in on the ongoing government shutdown, react to Trump's unexpected hint that he may be willing to negotiate with Democrats on healthcare subsidies, and discuss what it'll take for Prop 50—California's redistricting response act—to pass in November. Then, Ben Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Semafor and host of the Mixed Signals podcast, joins Tommy to talk about Bari Weiss taking over CBS News, the right's attack on free speech and Jimmy Kimmel, and the future of network media.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Get tickets to CROOKED CON November 6-7 in Washington, D.C at http://crookedcon.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.