Podcasts about Global Alliance

What happens when PR meets scandal, tech chaos, and gender bias? This episode of The Week UnSpun is a whirlwind of explosive headlines. The trio of David Gallagher, Doug Downs, and guest host Miranda Mitchell look into the renewed Epstein files controversy and its potential to dominate headlines well into 2025. They unravel Cloudflare's swift crisis response and debate the alleged gender bias in LinkedIn's algorithm. Add a healthy dose of Cracker Barrel branding blunders and viral live-TV moments, and you've got a jam-packed show.Listen For2:03 What's coming with the Epstein files and who could be impacted?6:57 How could media coverage of the Epstein case harm innocent people?10:46 How did Cloudflare's apology turn disaster into a win?13:27 Does LinkedIn's algorithm favor male voices?18:47 Is AI helping or hurting your brand voice? Watch For2:10 What will the release of the Epstein files reveal, and who gets hurt?6:00 Should we worry about innocent people in raw investigative data dumps?13:21 Is LinkedIn's algorithm biased against women, and how do we know?20:02 Will AI kill or save PR agencies in the era of LLMs and brand drift?26:09 Did Cracker Barrel's rebrand backfire, and what's the PR lesson?Guest Host Miranda Mitchell, PretailWebsite | LinkedIn | ContactThe Week Unspun is a weekly livestream every Friday at 10am ET/3pm BT. Check it out on our YouTube Channel or via this LinkedIn channelWe publish the audio from these livestreams to the Stories and Strategies podcast feed every Friday until Sunday evening when it's no longer available.Folgate AdvisorsCurzon Public Relations WebsiteStories and Strategies WebsiteRequest a transcript of this livestreamSupport the show

On this episode, Alyx, Flint & Ashleigh go over: The EHRC wanting to get out in front of any statements made by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) with mixed success. Some social science, of the LGB Alliance. An NHS ICB threatening to close a group of GP's surgeries for continuing to support trans young people, in line with existing legislation. Lib Dem returning officers don't get off lightly after an encounter with the FAP committee. Stop sniggering! Yes you read that correctly! And for our meat, we find out what Your Party's Trans Liberation Group had to say about Alyx's recent article calling Your Party a waste of time... References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep144  

AI can imitate your voice, your words, even your face, but it can't steal your story. What happens when companies hand their storytelling to machines that don't understand who they are? As businesses race to automate, they risk losing the very thing that makes them distinct: the human truth that built their brand.Listen For3:15 How are story, narrative, and voice different?7:00 What is brand drift and how does AI cause it?10:04 Why do people distrust AI-generated content?11:33 How does story protect brand identity?14:54 How can you fight disinformation about your brand?15:25 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest Jessica HopeGuest: Nick UsborneWebsite | Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Link to Nick's CoursesFollow Farzana on SubstackFollow Doug on SubstackCurzon SubstackStories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

What happens when science, law, and love for the Ocean come together? Callie Veelenturf, marine conservation biologist and National Geographic Explorer, has walked the nesting beaches with sea turtles and worked hand in hand with coastal communities, turning relationship into real protection. Michelle Bender, an international leader in Ocean Rights, is helping reshape law itself—pioneering policies that recognize the Ocean and her beings not as resources, but as relatives with rights of their own.In this conversation, Callie and Michelle share how their paths of biology and law weave into a movement for change: sea turtles and people thriving side by side, orcas and other beings gaining legal recognition, and humanity stepping into its role as caretaker of the living Sea. Be inspired by two voices showing that transformation is not only possible—it is already underway.Callie Veelenturf is a marine conservation biologist, National Geographic Explorer, a Scientist with the United Nations Harmony with Nature Programme, and Founder of The Leatherback Project and National Geographic Society's program For Nature, who inspires high-impact conservation measures through collaborative scientific research initiatives. Callie has a special focus on marine turtles, ocean ecosystems and the Rights of Nature. As Founder of The Leatherback Project, she has trained over two thousand Panamanian Army and Navy soldiers in the recognition of illegal sea turtle products; identified new to science sea turtle nesting and foraging sites; and spearheaded groundbreaking conservation proposals and laws in Panama including a new National Wildlife Refuge; Law 287 recognizing the Rights of Nature; and Article 29 of Law 371 that recognizes sea turtles as legal entities with specific rights. She leads the Operations for three field research programs that document coastal development threats, justify new protection measures, and combat fisheries bycatch in the Pearl Islands Archipelago, Darien Gap, and project Iluminar el Mar from 2022-2025 in Ecuador.  Most recently, she has received the 2024 Future For Nature Award, 2024 Schmidt Ocean Institute Visionary Award, and 2024 New Explorer of The Year Award from The Explorers Club and been named a 2022 United Nations Development Programme Ocean Innovator and 2020 National Geographic Early Career Leader.Michelle Bender is the creator and leading expert in the movement towards "Ocean Rights," the application of Rights of Nature in the ocean policy seascape. She has provided her expertise to Rights of Nature laws and policies worldwide, including in the United States (Rhode Island and Washington), Panama (national law, sea turtle conservation law and marine reserve), the Philippines (national law), Aruba (constitutional amendment), the Moananui Sanctuary Agreement to recognise whales as legal persons, and within international law and institutions (IUCN Motion 056 (2025)). She serves on the Advisory Board for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, is a member of the IUCN's World Commission on Environmental Law, an expert of the UN Harmony with Nature initiative and Steering Committee Member for the UN Ocean Decade Coordination Office on Connecting People and the Ocean. In 2018, she was named one of 15 Youth Ocean Leaders taking on the world internationally by the Sustainable Ocean Alliance. Michelle graduated Summa Cum Laude from Vermont Law School, where she earned a Master's in Environmental Law and Policy and holds a B.S. in Biology with a Marine Emphasis from Western Washington University.  To learn more about Michelle and her work visit the Ocean Vision Legal website.  Support the show

Is the BBC losing its grip on journalistic credibility? Or is it being pushed?  This episode of The Week Unspun unpacks a chaotic week in media and politics with sharp insight from PR veterans Farzana Baduel, David Gallagher, Doug Downs, and special guest Adrian Monck. The BBC's controversial editing of a Donald Trump speech for Panorama sparks a fierce debate on ethics, institutional accountability, and media governance. From internal BBC politics to the broader implications for press freedom, the team dissects why this incident led to resignations at the highest levels.  The conversation then pivots to the political circus of the U.S. government shutdown and the erosion of trust in public institutions, before exploring the branding brilliance behind Dubai's appeal to wealthy expatriates fleeing taxation and uncertainty in the UK.  Audio Chapters4:06 Should One Edit lead to Top BBC resignations?13:49 Are Governments Held to the Same PR Standards as Corporations?17:45 Why are UK Tech Billionaires Fleeing to Dubai?20:58 Is the UAE Winning the Global Nation Branding Game?  Video Chapters2:02 What did the BBC really edit out of Trump's speech, and why does it matter?4:06 Should one error lead to top BBC resignations?13:49 Are governments held to the same PR standards as corporations?17:45 Why are UK tech billionaires fleeing to Dubai?20:58 Is the UAE winning the global nation branding game?Guest: Adrian MonckWikipedia | Website The Week Unspun is a weekly livestream every Friday at Noon ET/5pm BT. Check it out on our YouTube Channel or via this LinkedIn channel We publish the audio from these livestreams to the Stories and Strategies podcast feed every Friday until Sunday evening when it's no longer available. Folgate AdvisorsCurzon Public Relations WebsiteStories and Strategies WebsiteRequest a transcript of this livestreamSupport the show

In public relations, success often depends on one quiet skill: knowing how to adapt. The best communicators read the room, sense the temperature, and adjust their tone without losing their message. In this episode, we explore what it really means to be a PR chameleon – someone who can blend into the cultural landscape enough to connect, yet still stand out enough to be remembered. Jessica Hope, founder of Wimbart, has built one of Africa's most respected tech PR agencies by mastering that balance. From WhatsApp-based storytelling to navigating privilege, identity, and power across 54 distinct markets, Jessica reveals how empathy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence have become the true currencies of influence in global communications. Listen For4:36 How Do You Break the “One Africa” Myth in PR?7:40 What Is Emotional Intelligence in African Business?9:22 How Do Comms Channels Differ in Africa?12:06 Should Brands Adjust Their Values in Africa?16:26 What's Africa's Media Landscape Really Like?18:30 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Jo JamiesonGuest: Jessica Hope, WimbartWebsite | Contact Page | Email | LinkedIn | X | InstagramChimamanda Ngozi Adichie Ted Talk Farzana mentionedhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg  Rate this podcast with just one click Follow Farzana on SubstackFollow Doug on SubstackCurzon SubstackStories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

In this audience-driven “mailroom” episode of The Week Spun, the conversation opens with a provocative idea from the PRovoke Summit: AI is now being discussed in full-time equivalent (FTE) terms, signaling a shift in how agencies and organizations think about synthetic labor. Guest host Kim Sample, President of the PR Council, joins Doug Downs and David Gallagher to explore what this means for the future of work in PR.From there, the trio digs into listener-submitted questions on everything from Apple's conspicuous silence in the podcasting space, to why PR professionals struggle with personal branding, how fairness is driving consumer outrage, gender representation in politics, and the surprising TikTok-fueled backlash to a Halloween ad campaign from Hatch Sleep.Audio Episode Chapters 1:51 What is a “synthetic FTE” and how is AI reshaping PR teams 4:29 Are brands finally taking owned content like blogs and podcasts seriously 8:11 Does Apple still care about podcasts or is their silence a statement 13:05 Why do PR pros struggle with confidence and self promotion 21:03 Does visibility for women in politics actually equal shared power Video Episode Chapters1:54 What is a “Synthetic FTE” and How Will AI Change PR Teams? 5:16 Are Brands Finally Getting Serious About Owned Media and Podcasts? 10:51 Does Apple Still Care About Podcast? Or Are They Quietly Quitting? 13:15 Why Do PR Pros Struggle With Their Own Personal Branding? 26:14 Does Representation Equal Power in Politic? Or Just PR Optics? Guest Kim Sample, PR CouncilWebsite | Email | LinkedInThe Week Unspun is a weekly livestream every Friday at 10am ET/3pm BT. Check it out on our YouTube Channel or via this LinkedIn channelWe publish the audio from these livestreams to the Stories and Strategies podcast feed every Friday until Sunday evening when it's no longer available.Folgate AdvisorsCurzon Public Relations WebsiteStories and Strategies WebsiteRequest a transcript of this livestreamSupport the show

Afraid of posting on LinkedIn? You're not alone, and it's not about time or talent, it's about confidence.In this episode we look at why communicators, especially women, struggle to show up confidently on LinkedIn. Fear, not time or skill, is the biggest barrier to visibility. PR professionals who are used to writing for others often stumble when the byline is their own. From how to post authentically without oversharing, to navigating gendered expectations in professional visibility, to practical LinkedIn content strategies (yes, including algorithm hacks!), we've got smart, tactical advice for anyone looking to show up and stand out online. Whether you're battling imposter syndrome or just wondering what to post next, this conversation is your confidence booster and content guide in one.Listen For4:25 Why don't communicators post on LinkedIn?6:44 How do you stay authentic without oversharing?9:40 Why is visibility harder for women online?13:25 What's a simple LinkedIn strategy?16:07 Can you beat the LinkedIn algorithm?17:59 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Tina McCorkindaleGuest: Jo JamiesonEmail | X | LinkedIn | Website Rate this podcast with just one click Follow Farzana on SubstackFollow Doug on SubstackCurzon Substack Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

This week, on another packed episode, Ashleigh, Alyx and Flint rake over the coals about: Esther Ghey, mother of Brianna Ghey, has launched a campaign called Phone-Free Education and the team consider its implications. Multiple organisations have submitted evidence to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights institutions showing that the EHRC is, to put it lightly, not really fulfilling its stated role. A symphony of statistics from two new GLP-instigated YouGov polls.  Labour backbenchers warn of "chaos" if the EHRC's guidance is implemented as is, but not for the reasons you might be expecting.  Before moving on to the meat of the episode, which we've developed alongside https://www.wearequeeraf.com/ and Claire Prosho (https://linktr.ee/CTransTalks). This final part in our series about the UK's Gender Clinic system looks at potential future outcomes, including: The upcoming -although much delayed- Levy Review. Suggested ways for the GIC's to deal with their extreme backlog of patients. The numerous failures of the "specialist clinic" model as it stands. A lack of consistent data standards across the clinics and why this presents a problem.  References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep143 Action Alley:  Widnes Bridge Walk: Walk in solidarity for Transgender Awareness Week If you've been affected by the Virgin active ban on trans people in bathrooms and changing  rooms, as either a member or a staffer, then the Good Law Project would like to hear from you: Post by @goodlawproject.bsky.social TransActual's MP emailing tool: Scrap the Bathroom Ban - Action Network Amnesty's emailing tool to ask the government to remain in the European Convention on Human Rights: Defend our Human Rights – Tell Your MP to Back the ECHR

Across Southeast Asia, we're all grappling with plastic waste, from rivers choked with bottles and packaging to new proposals for “waste-to-energy” plants that promise to turn rubbish into electricity. But are these really solutions, or just shifting the problem elsewhere? The Philippines, like Malaysia, faces this tension between convenience, consumption, and sustainability too. In this episode, we're joined by two experts from the Philippines who've spent years studying and tackling these issues: Dr. Jorge Emmanuel, an environmental scientist and former UN Chief Technical Advisor on the Environment, who's worked with the WHO and UNDP on safe and sustainable waste management, who's currently an Adjunct Professor and Senior Research Fellow at Silliman University Philippines, and also Merci Ferrer, the Co-Convenor for War on Waste Negros Oriental, and the President of the Philippines Office for the Global Alliance of Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA). Together, we'll explore what it really takes to move toward cleaner, more sustainable ways of living. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do a billionaire climate pivot, AI-fueled layoffs, and a scandalous Italian election have in common? They all got the PR treatment in this episode.  Farzana Baduel, David Gallagher, and Doug Downs peel back the media layers behind some of the week's most buzzworthy stories, from Bill Gates' controversial “climate realism” memo and its impact on corporate sustainability narratives, to Amazon's AI-framed mass layoffs and what that messaging means for employer branding.  They also take a wildly entertaining detour into Italian politics where ex-lovers are facing off at the polls, with leaked documents and social media drama in full swing.  Add in royal baseball cap faux-pas and you've got a sharp, witty, and deeply PR-savvy breakdown of the week's biggest headlines. Listen For:58 Is Bill Gates backtracking? Or just reframing climate change?7:54 How is Amazon using AI to spin layoffs as progress?13:43 How does branding tie into an Italian political scandal?16:05 What if your opponent knows all your political secrets?19:26 Did Prince Harry's hat choice betray Canada?The Week Unspun is a weekly livestream every Friday at 10am ET/3pm BT. Check it out on our YouTube Channel or via this LinkedIn channelWe publish the audio from these livestreams to the Stories and Strategies podcast feed every Friday until Sunday evening when it's no longer available.Folgate AdvisorsCurzon Public Relations WebsiteStories and Strategies WebsiteRequest a transcript of this livestreamSupport the show

We live in a moment where artificial intelligence can write our emails, plan our meetings, even give us life advice. But here's the problem: these systems are often too agreeable for our own good. They're less like truth tellers and more like digital echo chambers. They nod along, validate our choices, and tell us exactly what we want to hear. To use an outdated term… GenAI is too often like a Yes Man.In this episode we're looking at the rise of sycophancy in generative AI, the tendency of machines to flatter us instead of challenging us. What does this mean for employees, for leaders, and especially for communicators who rely on AI as a tool? And how do we make sure our AI mirrors are giving us clarity, not just compliments? Listen For3:49 Is ChatGPT too nice for our own good?6:55 Can AI flattery mislead leaders?8:52 Do AIs just tell you what you want to hear?14:36 Is generative AI breaking social unity?20:45 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Mark Lowe Guest: Tina McCorkindale, PhDWebsite | LinkedIn | Google Scholar ProfileLink to Tina's LinkedIn article on The Danger of Sycophancy in GenAICheck out the IPR Video Series In a Car with IPR Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

En este episodio, Lila Gasca, directora de Probono y RSE en Hogan Lovells y copresidenta de GAIL Latinoamérica (Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers), nos presenta la revolucionaria Ley de Empresas de Beneficio e Interés Común (BIC) que se acaba de presentar en el Senado mexicano en un esfuerzo de varios colectivos sociales.En este episodio descubrirás:Qué son las empresas BIC, por qué México necesita esta ley y la recepción que tuvo en el Senado.Cómo este reconocimiento legal puede impulsar la inversión de impacto y transformar la economía.El papel crucial de los abogados y de todas las profesiones en la construcción de un mundo más justo y sostenible.La poderosa red global que está detrás de este movimiento.Lila nos comparte su visión de construir un ecosistema donde el éxito empresarial se mida por su impacto positivo. ¡No te lo pierdas!Descubre todas nuestras entrevistas y reportajes suscribiéndote a nuestro canal. Opina qué te pareció el episodio en los comentarios y no te olvides de dejarnos tantas estrellas como creas que merecemos, nos ayudarás mucho a seguir contando historias sobre RSE y Sostenibilidad. Te dejamos nuestra web: valor-compartido.com

Can a cyclist-turned (accused) communist New York mayoral candidate teach the PR world a thing or two about emotional storytelling?  This week we unpack the “Mamdani effect” how Zohran Mamdani is rewriting the rules of political communications with cultural fluency, TikTok charm, and unforgettable soundbites.  Other topics, what are the comms implications of the Omnicom-IPG mega-merger, and what is the likely impact on agency identities, client retention, and the war for talent? From Alberta, Canada… a Teacher's Stike and the Government is paying parents. Is that to help them manage or is it a PR bribe? Are there ethical implications here? Listen For:34 What makes Mamdani a standout communicator?3:10 Can Mamdani's social strategy work outside NYC?10:00 What's the real impact of the Omnicom-IPG merger?14:55 Is Alberta's $30/day tactic good PR or spin?18:49 Are PR communities key in turbulent times? The Week Unspun is a weekly livestream every Friday at 10am ET/3pm BT. Check it out on our YouTube Channel or via this LinkedIn channelWe publish the audio from these livestreams to the Stories and Strategies podcast feed every Friday until Sunday evening when it's no longer available.Folgate AdvisorsCurzon Public Relations WebsiteStories and Strategies WebsiteRequest a transcript of this livestream Support the show

Thirty years after the landmark World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, the world reconvenes in Doha for the second edition of the Summit — a defining moment to assess global progress in poverty eradication, employment, and social inclusion. As nations prepare to renew their commitments to the Copenhagen Declaration, the Summit offers a crucial opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of social protection in advancing the social development agenda.  In this episode, we look back at the forces that shaped the first Summit and explore how the Copenhagen Declaration helped elevate social protection in global discourse. We trace the evolution of social development and consider what progress has been made, what gaps remain, and how today's challenges, from conflict and fiscal pressures to climate and geopolitical change, are redefining the global agenda. We also examine the potential impact of the upcoming Summit for universal social protection, sustainable financing, and multilateral cooperation in an era of mounting headwinds.  Meet our guests:  Ms. Iffath Sharif, Global Director for Social Protection and Labour, World Bank  Ms. Shahra Razavi, Director of the Social Protection Department, International Labour Organization (ILO)  For our Quick Wins segment, we are joined by Marta Pedrajas, Deputy Assistant Director for Multilateral Development Policies at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, to delve into a special side event at the WSSD 2025: the First Leaders' Meeting of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty She also explores what this new global initiative to eradicate poverty and hunger could mean in practice.  References:  Publication | Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development  Publication | World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal social protection for climate action and just transition  Publication | Sevilla Commitment: Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development  Publication | Elements paper for the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development  Event |  First Leaders' Meeting of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty  Event | Universal Social Protection for Equitable Growth and Equitable Societies 

Ty Beal, PhD is a nutrition scientist and head of data and analytics at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), whose research for WHO, FAO, and UNICEF helps shape international nutrition policy. In this episode, he cuts through diet confusion with an evidence-based, pragmatic framework for eating to support long-term health and longevity.15 Daily Steps to Lose Weight and Prevent Disease PDF: https://bit.ly/46XTn8f - Get my FREE eBook now!Subscribe to The Genius Life on YouTube! - http://youtube.com/maxlugavereWatch my new documentary Little Empty Boxes - https://www.maxlugavere.com/filmThis episode is proudly sponsored by:Upgrade your workspace with the new UPLIFT V3 Standing Desk — built to keep you moving, focused, and pain-free while you work. Get four free accessories and an exclusive discount at upliftdesk.com/GENIUS with code GENIUS.Puori provides IFOS-certified, high potency fish oil to satisfy all of your omega-3 needs! Plus a ton of other high quality, rigorously tested supplements (protein, creatine, and more). Visit ⁠Puori.com/MAX⁠ and use promo code MAX to get 20% off site-wide.Kion is known for their transparent and evidence-based essential amino acid (EAA) supplements which help save you calories while providing all essential amino acids for muscle growth and more. Save 20% by going to http://getkion.com/geniuslife.

Is attention the new currency? Politicians, brands, influencers, even your neighbor's viral TikTok are all competing for the same scarce resource: your focus. But attention is slippery. It can make you a household name overnight and it can vanish just as quickly. In an age where algorithms decide what we see and artificial intelligence rewrites how we discover information, the fight for attention has never been more intense.What happens when public relations and communications agencies find themselves at the same crossroads media once faced? How do you win attention when the competition is everything else in the feed? How do you turn fleeting visibility into lasting credibility? And how do you build narratives that not only go viral but endure?Listen For5:14 What is attention as a commodity in PR?8:48 How has the attention economy changed branding?11:22 What can PR learn from politics?14:05 Are we paying too much for lost attention?17:51 Are attention spans shorter or content louder?18:53 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Richard BagnallGuest: Mark Lowe, Third CityWebsite | Email | X | Instagram | YouTubeRate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

The call for better measurement in public relations is not new. For decades, leaders in the field have warned that counting impressions, likes, and advertising value equivalents is not enough. Yet here we are, still leaning on the same empty numbers while the C-suite is asking for proof of outcomes that matter.  The urgency has been with us for years, but too often the industry has not listened to its own advice.  We aren't listening to ourselves! Now, as budgets are cut and communications teams risk being sidelined, the pressure to finally get measurement right has never been greater. Richard Bagnall is recognized as one of the world's foremost experts in PR measurement, past chair of AMEC, and co-creator of the Integrated Evaluation Framework. He has worked with global organizations from NATO to the World Bank and continues to remind practitioners that vanity metrics will not protect their budgets or their jobs.  Listen For4:48 Why does PR measurement matter now?7:27 What are outputs, outtakes, and outcomes?11:41 How do you measure with no budget?14:05 What is “crawl, walk, run”?18:40 Jonathan Mast's answer to last episode's question?Guest: Richard BagnallX | LinkedIn   Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

Search is changing faster than most PR professionals realize. For years, SEO was about keywords and backlinks. Now, with AI-driven tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity shaping how people find information, the game is shifting to AEO (Answer Engine Optimization).Instead of tricking algorithms, brands need to prove expertise, authority, and trustworthiness at every turn. To stay discoverable, we need to craft smarter prompts, produce content that actually engages, and choose the right AI tools for visibility. AI is rewriting the rules of credibility and your PR efforts might get left behind. Listen For5:32 What's the difference between SEO, AEO, and GEO?8:32 Is Google losing its dominance in the search space to tools like ChatGPT?11:24 Can AI-generated thought leadership be trusted?13:28How should PR professionals train AI tools to deliver better content results?18:19 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Susana MendozaGuest: Jonathan MastWebsite | Email | X | Facebook Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

Getting Hispanic communications wrong is not just a slip. It can cost brands credibility, trust, and millions in wasted campaigns. Too often, companies think a simple translation is enough, only to find their carefully crafted message falls flat or even offends the very audience they are trying to reach. With more than 65 million Hispanics in the United States, representing one of the fastest growing and most influential communities, PR professionals cannot afford cultural blind spots.In this episode Susana Mendoza, who helps brands authentically connect with Hispanic audiences, shares where campaigns most often go wrong, how to segment messaging without stereotypes, and why understanding generational and cultural nuances is critical to success. From Univision and Telemundo to influencers and radio, Susana lays out the media landscape and offers practical insights for PR teams navigating sensitive issues such as immigration, healthcare, and public safety.Listen For4:38 Translation Traps & Cultural Missteps 8:27 The Power of Spanish-Language Radio 11:17 Can ChatGPT Really Translate Culture? 15:38 Build Trust Before the Campaign Starts 17:21 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Jackson Wightman Guest: Susana MendozaLinkedIn Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

What do Tylenol, Jimmy Kimmel, and Disney all have in common? They're all caught in the crosshairs of public opinion this week. On this episode hosts David Gallagher and Doug Downs are joined by B2B PR powerhouse Michelle Garrett to dissect a week of PR minefields. From President Trump's dangerous misinformation about Tylenol and pregnancy, to the backlash and brand gymnastics following Jimmy Kimmel's controversial monologue.  The trio also touches on the shifting global perception of American brands and how companies can (and must) navigate reputational risk in polarized times.  Listen For5:42 What did President Trump say about Tylenol? And how should PR teams respond to misinformation?14:52 Why did Jimmy Kimmel get pulled off the air, and what does it say about Disney's PR strategy?26:33 How can political polarization affect brand trust and corporate reputation?Special Guest Michelle GarrettWebsite | Email | X | LinkedInThe Week Unspun is a weekly livestream every Friday at 10am ET/3pm BT. Check it out on our YouTube Channel or via this LinkedIn channelWe publish the audio from these livestreams to the Stories and Strategies podcast feed every Friday until Sunday evening when it's no longer available. Folgate AdvisorsCurzon Public Relations WebsiteStories and Strategies WebsiteRequest a transcript of this livestream Support the show

What happens when your newsfeed becomes a battlefield?In the US and UK, political leaders trade accusations, social media thrives on outrage, and communities are left simmering in distrust. What used to be disagreements over policy now look more like open hostility, with violence creeping closer to the center of public life. Attacks on lawmakers, threats to schools, and the killing of high-profile figures are no longer shocking outliers but part of a troubling pattern.This episode asks a difficult but urgent question: how much of this violence is rooted in the way we communicate? Words frame identities, assign blame, and sometimes push people toward radical action. Sticks and stones may break bones… but in today's world, it's the words that are drawing blood. Listen For3:17 Identity-Based Polarization6:22 How Algorithms Divide Us10:20 The Rush to Blame14:49 Messaging That Can Prevent Violence19:33 Teaching Kids to Resist Radicalization and DisinformationGuest: Amy PateEmail | Website | X Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

Google Search still holds about 90% of global search volume as of mid‑2025, but change is underway as more users begin turning to AI. AI search is rewriting the rules of discovery, and PR needs to adapt. With ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity each scraping different corners of the web, the old focus on big-name publications is no longer enough. The most influential sources may now be niche review sites, specialized forums, or content hubs you have never pitched. Knowing what each Large Language Model (LLM) values and how to optimize for it, is becoming a core PR skill.In this episode, we explore how Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is reshaping PR. From the rise of “dual websites” for humans and bots to the ethical tensions between LLMs and media outlets, we discuss how PR teams can rethink targeting, adapt content, and position clients for visibility in an AI‑first world. Listen For5:49 Dual Websites: One for Humans, One for Machines8:39 LLMs as New Media Channels11:38 What AI Tools Scrape (and Why It Matters)14:45 Can Bots Get Past Paywalls? The Legal and Ethical Minefield17:01 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Heather Blundell Guest: Jackson Wightman, Founder Proper PropagandaWebsite | Email | LinkedIn  Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

Every Friday we scan the PR Mega Chat and pick the stories that actually shaped the week. What happens when narrative control collides with tragedy, misinformation, and an unfiltered digital age?In the second episode of The Week Unspun, hosts Farzana Baduel, David Gallagher, and Doug Downs dive into the breaking news of political commentator Charlie Kirk's shocking shooting and the volatile aftermath, both online and off. From exploring how disinformation spreads faster than facts to how leadership (or lack thereof) shapes national reaction, the trio offer PR-savvy analysis of crisis communication, media ethics, and the real-world consequences of social media. They also explore surprising connections between gender inclusion, menopause in the workplace, and how ageism and AI are reshaping the public relations industry.  Listen For4:07 The Vacuum of Information and Divisive Reactions7:58 Unfiltered Violence: Children, Social Media, and Emotional Fallout18:53 Menopause in PR: The Silent Career Killer?24:33 The Great Unbundling of PR Talent30:15 Are Reputations Still Vulnerable in the Teflon Age?The Week Unspun is a weekly livestream every Friday at 10am ET/3pm BT. Check it out on our YouTube Channel or via this LinkedIn channelWe publish the audio from these livestreams to the Stories and Strategies podcast feed every Friday until Sunday evening when it's no longer available. Folgate AdvisorsCurzon Public Relations WebsiteStories and Strategies WebsiteRequest a transcript of this livestream Support the show

This episode is available in audio format on our Let's Talk Loyalty podcast and in video format on www.Loyalty.TV.This republished episode features the SAS Group, the Swedish airline holding company originally formed in 1946 after the merger of the three Scandinavian flag carriers serving Sweden, Denmark and Norway.It is now Scandinavia's leading airline, offering the most departures to, from and within Scandinavia.Like many airlines, the SAS Group has made significant changes to its corporate structure over the years and particularly this year to its global alliance strategy.SAS was one of the original founding members of the Star Alliance in 1997 which it left on 31 August 2024 and it then joined Skyteam the very next day on September 1st 2024! It's an incredible story.Joining us to share some insights on their loyalty program and some recent award-winning loyalty-led campaigns is Olivia Wasniewski, who is the Head of the EuroBonus Program operated by SAS.Show notes:1) Olivia Wasniewski2) SAS Group3) SAS EuroBonus4) Watch the full video interview for free

More women are now leaving the PR industry because of perimenopause and menopause than because of childbirth. That's a staggering, often invisible, that's shift happening right at the top. It's not burnout or work-life balance pushing them out, but a phase of life that's rarely acknowledged and even more rarely supported.This episode is an unflinching conversation about the real pressures senior women face. Why is menopause still a taboo topic at work? How misunderstood are its impacts on confidence, performance, and retention? And what must organizations and agencies do to support their best talent before they quietly walk away? Listen For4:22 The Invisible Workplace Crisis7:01 The “Rush Hour” of Women's Lives10:01 Emotions, Gender, and Professionalism13:37 Finding Balance in Psychological Safety18:53 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Fred CookGuest: Heather Blundell, CEO GraylingWebsite | X | LinkedIn | EmailStories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

In this episode of AUHSD Future Talks, Superintendent Matsuda interviews Jennifer Adams, former Director of Education for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board in Ontario Canada and Editor-in-Chief of the Knowledgehook Signature Leadership Series. During the episode Ms. Adams discusses the Global Alliance for Social Emotional Learning and Life Skills, artificial intelligence and human skills, a North Star for education, framing social emotional learning, beyond standardized testing, artificial intelligence policies, AI literacy and AI fluency, AI implications for K-16, and professional development/learning.

PR really is at a crossroads… we've got old playbooks and new players coming in who want to change the rules. In its report Mind the Gap, USC's Center for Public Relations reveals sharp divides between Gen Z and older professionals on everything from AI and hybrid work to media influence and corporate purpose.  While Boomers and Gen X cling to the belief that human creativity will always be irreplaceable, Gen Z is charging ahead, optimistic about technology, eager for flexibility, and expecting brands to stand for something more than just profit. But will that energy survive once they step into leadership — or will they, too, get swallowed by the system?In this episode, we sit down with Fred Cook, Director of USC's Center for Public Relations and author of the Mind the Gap report, to explore whether we're training young professionals for a world that no longer exists. Are we too obsessed with purpose and not focused enough on performance? Are old myths about PR holding us back? And most importantly — can Gen Z avoid the mistakes their predecessors made, or are they destined to repeat them? Listen For3:04 The Weight on Gen Z's Shoulders5:15 Communicating Across Generations in a Fragmented Media Landscape8:08 Polarization as a Business Model12:02 The Death of Corporate Purpose?17:56 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Ayeni Samuels Guest: Fred Cook, Director USC Center for Public RelationsEmail | X | LinkedIn Mind the Gap StudyStories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

Ayeni Adekunle Samuel argues that Africa is often misunderstood or reduced to oversimplified stereotypes by global brands, agencies, and even tech platforms.  Despite Africa's complexity, diversity, and economic importance, key decisions — including PR, marketing, and tech strategies — are still shaped in places like New York and London, often without African expertise or context. Ayeni shares his personal journey as a Nigerian entrepreneur building a pan-African and international PR firm, highlighting both the structural barriers (like bias, access to capital, lack of representation) and the opportunities (especially in areas like AI and local innovation).Listen For4:15 The Africa Strategy Mistake Global Brands Keep Making7:41 The Case for Local Advisors12:36 PR Prejudice: The Hidden Hurdles African Firms Face Abroad16:30 Africa Has Talent, But Not Opportunity17:10 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest David GallagherGuest: Ayeni Adekunle SamuelWebsite | Email | InstagramStories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

The Trump administration has taken aim at green energy, but one technology has largely been left untouched: batteries to store wind and solar electricity. California alone surpassed 13GW of battery storage last year, and Texas has become the fastest growing market for the technology. But producing batteries isn't without its downsides, especially when it comes to mining the necessary raw materials. The upside is that those materials can be recycled and reused. If the recycling technology can reach scale and price targets, the environmental impact would drop significantly. And spent EV batteries could become a grid scale storage site even without breaking down the battery packs. How soon before renewables plus batteries can power our grid 24/7? This episode features a reported piece by Camila Domonoske that was originally broadcast on NPR's All Things Considered on July 10, 2024  Guests:  Julian Spector, Senior Reporter, Canary Media David Klanecky, President, Cirba Solutions Shelia Davis, EV Battery Waste Strategist, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives 4:08 - Julian Spector on what grid scale battery instillations look like 7:43 - Julian Spector on the success of battery deployment in 2024 14:14 - Julian Spector on the impacts of Trump's new budget law  20:06 - Julian Spector on the outlook for battery storage in the next decade  24:09 - Reported piece on Ascend by Camila Domonoske 28:43 - David Klanecky on the battery recycling process 36:21 - David Klanecky on competing with China 41:45 - Shelia Davis on the biggest concerns about battery production  44:56 - Shelia Davis on some of the risks posed by battery storage facilities 47:13 - Shelia Davis on the risk a battery recycling facility posed in New YorkFor show notes and related links, visit ClimateOne.org. Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today. Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration has taken aim at green energy, but one technology has largely been left untouched: batteries to store wind and solar electricity. California alone surpassed 13GW of battery storage last year, and Texas has become the fastest growing market for the technology. But producing batteries isn't without its downsides, especially when it comes to mining the necessary raw materials. The upside is that those materials can be recycled and reused. If the recycling technology can reach scale and price targets, the environmental impact would drop significantly. And spent EV batteries could become a grid scale storage site even without breaking down the battery packs. How soon before renewables plus batteries can power our grid 24/7? This episode features a reported piece by Camila Domonoske that was originally broadcast on NPR's All Things Considered on July 10, 2024  Guests:  Julian Spector, Senior Reporter, Canary Media David Klanecky, President, Cirba Solutions Sheila Davis, EV Battery Waste Strategist, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives Episode highlights: 00:00 - Intro 4:08 - Julian Spector on what grid scale battery instillations look like 7:43 - Julian Spector on the success of battery deployment in 2024 14:14 - Julian Spector on the impacts of Trump's new budget law  20:06 - Julian Spector on the outlook for battery storage in the next decade  24:09 - Reported piece on Ascend by Camila Domonoske 28:43 - David Klanecky on the battery recycling process 36:21 - David Klanecky on competing with China 41:45 - Sheila Davis on the biggest concerns about battery production  44:56 - Sheila Davis on some of the risks posed by battery storage facilities 47:13 - Sheila Davis on the risk a battery recycling facility posed in New York For show notes and related links, visit ⁠ClimateOne.org⁠. *** Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on ⁠Patreon⁠, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. ⁠Sign up today⁠. Ad sales by ⁠Multitude⁠. Contact them for ad inquiries at ⁠multitude.productions/ads⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is the PR industry still having the same tired conversation? Year after year, event after event… while the world moves on without us? We talk about getting a seat at the table, then sit quietly when we do. We debate metrics like we haven't had decades to solve them. We celebrate awards for campaigns that often say nothing and change even less.We hold events that are same panel conversations… different year.Somewhere along the way, the industry built for cultural leadership got stuck in a cycle of repetition, imposter syndrome, and comfort. David Gallagher of Folgate Advisors is a veteran voice who's seen the industry from the inside and isn't afraid to say what others won't. It's time to stop outsourcing our thinking and start redefining what this industry is actually for. Listen For4:58 Are We Really as Dynamic as We Claim?10:22 Why PR Avoids True Innovation11:34 How PR Lost Its Science-Driven Edge17:43 Following the Wrong Model: PR as Advertising's Shadow19:30 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest Bill Welser Guest: David Gallagher, Folgate AdvisorsEmail | LinkedIn | Folgate LinkedIn Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

This Day in Legal History: Social Security ActOn August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, establishing the foundation of the modern American welfare state. The legislation was a centerpiece of Roosevelt's New Deal and aimed to address the widespread economic insecurity caused by the Great Depression. For the first time, the federal government created a structured system of unemployment insurance and old-age pensions, funded by payroll taxes collected from workers and employers. The law also introduced Aid to Dependent Children, a program designed to support families headed by single mothers, later expanded into Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).The Act marked a major shift in federal involvement in individual economic welfare and signaled a broader acceptance of the idea that the government bears some responsibility for the financial well-being of its citizens. Though limited in scope at first—agricultural and domestic workers, for example, were excluded—the framework it established would evolve through amendments and court challenges over the following decades.The Social Security Act was challenged on constitutional grounds shortly after its passage, but the Supreme Court upheld its key provisions in Helvering v. Davis (1937), affirming Congress's power to spend for the general welfare. Over time, the Social Security program expanded to include disability insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. While the structure and funding of these programs remain a subject of political debate, the 1935 Act remains one of the most enduring and significant pieces of social legislation in U.S. history.A Texas state court has appointed a receiver to take control of Alex Jones' company, Free Speech Systems LLC, the parent of his Infowars show, in an effort to collect on $1.3 billion in defamation judgments related to his false claims about the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting. Judge Maya Guerra Gamble granted the request from families of victims in the Connecticut case, authorizing receiver Gregory S. Milligan to manage and potentially liquidate the company's assets. Another hearing is scheduled for September 16 to determine whether the Texas-based judgments should also be placed under receivership.Jones, who has been in personal bankruptcy since 2022, has been shielded from immediate collection on many of these judgments, but his company's Chapter 11 case was dismissed in 2024, giving a separate bankruptcy trustee limited control over its assets. The receiver now has authority, subject to that trustee's approval, to pursue the sale of Infowars' media assets, access financial records, and initiate legal actions to recover property.Attorneys for the Sandy Hook families hailed the order as a major step toward accountability. Meanwhile, Jones' legal team plans to appeal, arguing the court was misled about prior bankruptcy rulings. Jones is also seeking U.S. Supreme Court review of the Connecticut judgment, with a filing deadline set for September 5.Alex Jones' Infowars Assets to Be Taken Over by Receiver (1)A federal judge in Philadelphia struck down Trump administration rules that allowed employers to deny birth control coverage based on religious or moral objections. U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone ruled that the 2018 exemptions were not justified and found a disconnect between the sweeping scope of the rules and the limited number of employers likely to need them. The ruling came in a case brought by Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which previously reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court upheld the rules on procedural grounds in 2020 but did not evaluate their substance.The Affordable Care Act mandates contraception coverage in employer health plans, with narrow exemptions for religious organizations. The Trump administration expanded this to a broader class of employers, arguing that even applying for exemptions could burden religious practice. Judge Beetlestone disagreed, saying the administration failed to show a rational link between the perceived issue and its response.The Biden administration had proposed reversing the Trump-era policy in 2023, but that effort stalled before Biden left office. The Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic group involved in defending the rules, plans to appeal the new decision. The Department of Justice has not yet commented on the ruling.US judge blocks Trump religious exemption to birth control coverage | ReutersPresident Trump revoked a 2021 executive order issued by then-President Joe Biden that aimed to promote competition across the U.S. economy. Biden's order targeted anti-competitive practices in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and labor, and was a key element of his economic agenda. It included efforts to reduce consumer costs by curbing monopolistic behavior and increasing oversight of mergers.Trump's administration criticized the Biden-era approach as overly restrictive and burdensome. The Justice Department, under Trump, endorsed the revocation, stating it would pursue an “America First Antitrust” strategy focused on market freedom and less regulatory interference. Officials also announced plans to streamline the Hart-Scott-Rodino merger review process and reinstate targeted consent decrees to address specific anti-competitive behavior.Critics argue the revocation will weaken protections for consumers and small businesses. A June 2025 report by advocacy groups estimated that dismantling consumer protection policies, including those from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has cost Americans at least $18 billion through higher fees and lost compensation. Trump has also taken steps to drastically reduce the CFPB's workforce.Former Biden competition policy director Hannah Garden-Monheit condemned the move, claiming it contradicts Trump's promise to support everyday Americans and instead benefits large corporations.Trump revokes Biden-era order on competition, White House says | ReutersA federal judge in Texas dismissed a lawsuit filed by video-sharing platform Rumble, which had accused major advertisers—Diageo, WPP, and the World Federation of Advertisers—of conspiring to boycott the platform by withholding ad spending. U.S. District Judge Jane Boyle ruled that the Northern District of Texas was not the appropriate venue for the case, as the defendants are based in the UK and Belgium. Her decision did not address the substance of Rumble's antitrust claims.Rumble's lawsuit alleged that the advertisers participated in a “brand-safety” initiative through the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, which it claims was used to pressure platforms like Rumble—known for minimal content moderation—into compliance or risk being excluded from ad budgets. The defendants countered that business decisions not to advertise on Rumble were based on brand protection and had nothing to do with collusion or a boycott.Judge Boyle noted it remains an "open question" whether the Texas court is the right venue for a similar lawsuit brought by Elon Musk's social media platform X, which is also pending. The advertisers argued Rumble's legal action was a misuse of antitrust laws intended to force companies to do business with it.US judge tosses Rumble lawsuit claiming advertising boycott | ReutersA federal appeals court ruled in favor of President Donald Trump, allowing him to halt billions in foreign aid payments that had been previously approved by Congress. In a 2-1 decision, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted an injunction issued by a lower court that had ordered the administration to resume nearly $2 billion in aid. The aid freeze was initiated on January 20, 2025—Trump's first day of his second term—through an executive order and followed by significant staffing and structural changes to USAID, the government's main foreign aid agency.The lawsuit challenging the freeze was brought by two nonprofit organizations that depend on federal funding: the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and Journalism Development Network. The appeals court, however, ruled that the groups lacked legal standing to challenge the freeze and that only the Government Accountability Office, a congressional watchdog, had authority to do so.Judge Karen Henderson, writing for the majority, explicitly stated the court was not deciding whether Trump's actions violated the Constitution's separation of powers or Congress's control over federal spending. In a sharp dissent, Judge Florence Pan argued the decision undermined the Constitution's checks and balances and enabled unlawful executive overreach.A White House spokesperson praised the ruling, framing it as a victory against "radical left" interference and a step toward aligning foreign aid spending with Trump's "America First" agenda.US appeals court lets Trump cut billions in foreign aid | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

What does it take to rebrand an entire nation? Not just a logo or slogan—but the name itself. Gökhan Yücel helped lead the campaign to officially shift the international name from Turkey to Türkiye.  It's a move that goes far beyond semantics—touching diplomacy, identity, and global perception. Gökhan pulls back the curtain on how such a monumental change has been communicated to the world and why it matters more than most of us think. But this conversation goes even deeper. From repositioning Türkiye as the “nexus of the world” instead of merely a bridge between East and West, to attracting the next generation of global investors, to reshaping the way governments confront disinformation and how strategic storytelling can reshape the image of an entire country. Listen For3:06 Renaming a country… where do you even start?6:53 How “country as brand” became a global strategy9:42 “Hype is the new narrative” 13:57 Branding Türkiye for audiences in the West16:33 From SEO to AEO — marketing in the AI era18:15 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest Bill Welser IVGuest: Gökhan Yücel, Campaign Designer Hello Türkiye Country Rebranding CampaignEmail | X | LinkedIn Hello Türkiye Campaign (YouTube)Türkiye Century Campaign (Official Site) Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

What if the most powerful tool in public relations isn't a pitch deck or media list, but your own story? In this episode, we're joined by technologist-turned-storytelling-evangelist William Welser IV, founder of Lotic, a platform that uses artificial intelligence to help people uncover the data hidden inside their own narrative. From his days building satellites to his unexpected pivot into behavioral science, Bill shares why he believes personal storytelling isn't just therapy, it's strategy. The most powerful communication connects the head and the heart, the human and the machine and yes, the PR and the AI. Listen For4:36 Why Story is the Richest Data Set 6:34 What lotic.ai Actually Does 12:15 Why PR Pros Need Self-Awareness Tools 17:28 How lotic.ai Makes Money (Hint: It's Not Your Data) 21:09 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest Brett FarmiloeTry lotic.ai for yourself, FOR FREEGuest: Bill Welser, LoticWebsite | Email | X | Instagram Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

Planning for the FutureIt was Charles Stewart Parnell who said: “No man has the right to say to his country. Thus far shalt thou go and no further.” This was in the 19th century. He also declared; “Let no one set a boundary to the march of a nation.”Parnell was clearly setting out the right of the people of Ireland to self-determination. Interestingly he chose Cork to make this declaration.  That was the 21st January 1885. One of the current Cork TDs and the current Taoiseach Micheál Martin has a contrary view. Our right to self-determination is contained in the Good Friday Agreement so that right has been won. We now need to exercise it. There is an irony that An Taoiseach has set his face against this and that he refuses to plan for the certain day when the Good Friday Agreement referendums will be held.Planning for the FutureIt was Charles Stewart Parnell who said: “No man has the right to say to his country. Thus far shalt thou go and no further.” This was in the 19th century. He also declared; “Let no one set a boundary to the march of a nation.”Parnell was clearly setting out the right of the people of Ireland to self-determination. Interestingly he chose Cork to make this declaration.  That was the 21st January 1885. One of the current Cork TDs and the current Taoiseach Micheál Martin has a contrary view. Our right to self-determination is contained in the Good Friday Agreement so that right has been won. We now need to exercise it. There is an irony that An Taoiseach has set his face against this and that he refuses to plan for the certain day when the Good Friday Agreement referendums will be held.Our MartinLast week, in the Guildhall in Derry, several hundred friends, comrades and family of Martin McGuinness came together for the launch of Jim McVeigh's authoritative and compelling new book on Martin. Jim is a gifted writer.‘Our Martin' is a very personal, insightful account of Martin's life in Derry and his love for his wife Bernie, and she for him, and for their children, Fionnuala, Emmet, Fiachra and Grainne.Martin said: “What politicised me was the civil rights protest. It wasn't anything I heard in the house, or even in my grandmother's house in Donegal. There was no republicanism whatsoever in my background.”‘Our Martin' by James McVeigh will be launched in Belfast at 1pm on 2 August in St. Mary's University College Belfast, as part of Féile an Phobail. It is available from An Fhuiseog, 55 Falls Road and from www.beyondthepalebooks.com 

What if the expert quote you just read in a news article wasn't written by a human — but by AI? That's already happening.  A PR tool called Synapse is selling agencies the ability to fire off automated expert pitches to journalists, complete with research, personal-sounding anecdotes, and polished email copy — all with minimal human input. It promises one person can do the work of five and crank out twenty media pitches an hour.  But is this innovation, or is it a warning sign for the future of public relations? In this episode, we're unpacking what Synapse means for PR and media. We'll explore why this kind of automation raises ethical alarms, how journalists are likely to respond, and what PR professionals need to do right now to protect trust, credibility, and the real value we bring to the table.  Listen For6:12 Creepy or Clever? How Synapse Targets Reporters7:48 Fabricated Experts: Ethical Red Line Crossed10:35 Should the PR Industry Be Regulated?11:16 How Journalists Will Fight Back With Closed Networks22:40 Don't Blame the AI—Blame OurselvesStories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

In today's media landscape, journalists are drowning in pitches while PR professionals scramble for attention—often missing the mark entirely. But what if the problem isn't the story, but the way it's being told—and the tools we're using to tell it? In this episode, we sit down with Brett Farmiloe, the revivalist behind Help a Reporter Out (HARO), to unpack why this once-iconic platform fell off the radar, how he brought it back to life, and what it now takes to genuinely stand out in a journalist's inbox.Listen For5:56 Why Journalists Are Still Drowning in Spam7:05 The HARO Pitch Formula: Helpful, Authentic, Relevant, On-Time10:20 Is the Definition of “Journalist” Changing?14:05 What Journalists Really Want from PR People20:15 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Graham Goodkind Guest: Brett FarmiloeWebsite | Email | X | LinkedIn | HARO LinkedInStories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

What if everything you've been taught about pricing your work—tracking time, logging hours, justifying effort—was wrong? What if the real value of what you do isn't how long it takes, but what impact it has? In a world where generative AI can draft press releases in seconds and churn out strategy decks before your coffee cools, PR professionals face a crossroads: race to the bottom by charging less for faster work—or redefine what clients are actually paying for.In this episode, Graham Goodkind, founder and chairman of Frank, one of the UK's most creatively disruptive PR agencies challenges how we think about pricing, pitching, and protecting our creative value—because if you're still selling time, you're selling yourself short.Listen For3:25 Why Time Is Not Your Currency in PR 4:49 Building Frank PR on Selling Ideas Not Hours7:57 Frank PR Revenue and Profitability Stats10:37 AI's Role in Creativity and Workflow17:42 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Lauren Passell21:17 Graham's Best Advice for Starting in PR Guest: Graham Goodkind, Frank PRWebsite | Email | LinkedIn  Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSupport the show

What if the smartest pitch you ever sent didn't sound smart at all—but sounded real? In a world where inboxes are flooded with AI-polished messages, Lauren Passell makes a strong case for going the other way: writing like a human, listening like a fan, and leading with a story—not a sales hook. This episode unpacks how to stand out by showing up differently, not louder.Listen For6:44 Authenticity: Real or Just a Buzzword?9:43 The Empathy Wake-Up Call for PR Pros”10:59 Pitching as Love Letters, Not Spam12:00 Tink's Radical No-AI Policy18:34 Why PR Has a Reputation Problem21:53 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Bradley Davis  Guest: Lauren Passell, Tink MediaWebsite | Email | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | You Tube | SubstackPodcast the Newsletter Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

The cabal against Conservatism is real.The world's biggest advertisers are getting squeezed between Congress and federal regulators on their history of uniting against purportedly harmful speech, which conservative brands, publishers and politicians portray as illegal and ideological collusion.The House Judiciary Committee released an interim staff report Friday on the defunct Global Alliance for Responsible Media, alleging the World Federation of Advertisers-created coalition colluded with foreign governments to pressure Twitter to censor Americans' speech after Elon Musk closed his acquisition of the social media company, since rebranded as X.Source: Just the NewsYou would think Leftists would learn their lessons, particularly in the wake of the results of Trump's policies…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your reputation is your most valuable asset — but also the most fragile. In today's world, a single tweet, leaked email, or bad headline can trigger a crisis faster than you can hit "refresh." But reputation isn't just about avoiding scandal — it's about building trust, culture, and resilience before anything goes wrong. In this episode, we speak with Emma Woollcott, one of the UK's top legal experts in reputation protection, about what organizations need to know now to prepare for the headlines they hope they never make. Listen For4:42 Reputation Redefined: It's About Feeling, Not Thinking7:54 Avoidable Crises: Most Disasters Don't Come Out of Nowhere9:38 Simulate the Storm: Why Crisis Drills Are Gamechangers12:56 Crisis Command: Cutting Through Chaos and Ego17:19 Rise of the Newsfluencers: The New Media Landscape20:23 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Mark Burey  Guest: Emma WoollcottWebsite | Email | LinkedIn  Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

George and Joy Adamson lived for lions. After raising a cub they named Elsa and telling the world about it, they were catapulted into the center of conservation and controversy. Their methods were questioned, but their love for the wild was not. While they were both murdered, their legacy remains alive in Africa and beyond. Grab some Merch! Listen to Watch Her Cook on Apple and Spotify! Follow us on Instagram Sources: Documentary: Elsa's Legacy: The Born Free Story by PBS Books:  Tropical Nature: Colonial and Post-Colonial Conservation in Africa and Asia, Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds by Joy Adamson Websites: Born Free Foundation, Global Alliance of National Parks Articles: New York Times, Daily Nation, The Guardian, The Conscious Explorer, The Times For a full list of our sources, visit npadpodcast.com/episodes For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdark TikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to the week's partners! IQBAR: Text PARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products and free shipping. iRestore: Reverse hair loss with @iRestorelaser and unlock HUGE savings on the iRestore Elite with the code NPAD at https://www.irestore.com/NPAD! Hello Fresh: Use our link to get up to 10 FREE meals and a free item for life. Pagagen: For an extra 25% off your order and a special gift, head to Pacagen.com/NPAD.

As HHS Secretary RFK Jr announces the defunding of Bill Gates' GAVI - the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization - a monster Czech study of more than a million women shows those vaccinated for Covid-19 are suffering a crippling blow to their ability to conceive and carry a baby to term. Plus new information about Operation Midnight Hammer - a mission 15 years in the making. Good News takes us to the Pacific Ocean where the lone survivor from a sunken boat is reunited with the sailors who saved her life 35 years ago.

Is your media diet making you smarter? Or just more stubborn? In this episode, we sit down with senior communicator and former journalist Mark Burey to explore how the collapse of shared truth is reshaping public relations. From the erosion of local journalism to the rise of AI-generated content. What does media literacy really looks like today? And what role do PR professionals play in rebuilding trust? Listen For7:33 What media literacy means in 202510:13 The decline of local journalism and its ripple effects11:08 How PR has absorbed the watchdog role13:39 What to do when misinformation feels like fact15:43 Appreciative inquiry: changing minds without confrontation21:23 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Bradley Davis Guest: Mark BureyWebsite | Email | LinkedIn  Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

A few years ago, Twitter Beach was one of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity places to be. Nowadays, the beach and Twitter execs are harder to find. Instead of the flashy fireside chats and branded lounges, X's execs are found behind closed doors, quietly courting marketers and media buyers against a backdrop of lawsuits, Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM)'s disbanding and political crosshairs. It's a clear sign that the platform's role in the ad ecosystem– and culture overall–has dramatically shifted. In this episode of the podcast, platforms reporter Krystal Scanlon joins host Kimeko McCoy about Twitter, now X, and what its retreat from the Cannes beachfront says about its relationship with advertisers, as well as TikTok's head in the sand mentality around the ban.

Most PR strategies still focus on the big three: social, legacy media, and search. But while everyone's watching the headlines, the real conversations—the ones shaping trust, behavior, and brand reputation—are happening in people's ears. Podcasts aren't just a trend or another content format. They're a strategic intelligence channel, and if you're not monitoring them, you're missing critical signals. In this episode of Stories and Strategies, we talk to Bradley Davis, co-founder and CEO of Podchaser, the platform often called the “IMDb of podcasts.” From how global brands like Starbucks and Amazon use podcast data to shape campaigns, to why the most valuable audience insights aren't public-facing at all,  PR pros need to know what they can no longer afford to ignore.Listen For1:29 The Crackle That Started It All3:33 Podchaser: IMDb for Podcasts5:25 Podcasting as a Third Dimension of Analytics8:20 Guest Pitching vs. Starting a Podcast10:32 How Rogan, Newsom & Trump Changed the Game13:05 Key Messages Out. Vibe Is In.21:09 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest Irene LunguGuest: Bradley Davis, Co-Founder & CEO, Podchaser Podchaser | LinkedIn | Instagram | X | About BradleyRate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSupport the show

Ralph welcomes Heidi Shierholz, president of the Economic Policy Institute, to break down the budget bill passing through Congress that is the largest transfer of wealth from the poor and working-class to the wealthy in United States history. Then, insurance expert, Robert Hunter returns to discuss the recent rise in auto insurance rates.Heidi Shierholz is the president of the Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that uses the power of its research on economic trends and on the impact of economic policies to advance reforms that serve working people, deliver racial justice, and guarantee gender equity. In 2021 she became the fourth president EPI has had since its founding in 1986.We've never seen a budget that so plainly takes from the poor to give to the rich… The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that lower and lower middle-income people will actually lose out. They may get something of a tax break, but they lose benefits. So that on net, their after-tax income will be lower after this bill, while the rich just make out like bandits.Heidi Shierholz, President of the Economic Policy InstituteThe draconian cuts that we are seeing to the safety net are not big enough, because the tax increases are so huge that this bill also increases the deficit dramatically.Heidi ShierholzMany folks are calling this the MAGA Murder Bill. They're not wrong. People will die because of the cuts that we're seeing here.Heidi ShierholzRobert Hunter is the Director Emeritus of Insurance at the Consumer Federation of America. He has held many positions in the field, both public and private, including being the Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Texas being the President and Founder of the National Insurance Consumer Organization and served as United States Federal Insurance Administrator.Decide how much you need. Don't ask for more than you really need. And then once you have it, “I need this much for my car. I need this much if I hit somebody” and so on. And then you get that statistic, and you send it out to several companies and get quotes.Robert Hunter on buying auto insuranceThere isn't any program benefiting the American people that Trump is not cutting in order to turn the country over to the giant corporations and the super-rich. It's basically an overthrow of the government and an overthrow of the rule of law.Ralph NaderNews 6/6/251. On May 23rd, the Trump administration Department of Justice officially announced it had reached an agreement with Boeing to drop its criminal case against the airline manufacturer related to the 2018 and 2019 crashes that killed 346 people, NPR reports. The turnover at the federal government in recent years has prolonged this case; the first Trump administration reached a deferred prosecution agreement with Boeing in 2021, but prosecutors revived the criminal case under President Biden, and as NPR notes, “Boeing agreed last year to plead guilty to defrauding regulators, but a federal judge rejected that proposed plea deal.” Just before the deal was reached, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal penned a letter calling on the DOJ not to “allow [Boeing] to weasel its way out of accountability for its failed corporate culture, and for any illegal behavior that has resulted in deadly consequence,” but this was clearly ignored. Paul Cassell, a law professor at the University of Utah and former federal judge who, according to NPR, is representing the families of victims for free, said, “This kind of non-prosecution deal is unprecedented and obviously wrong for the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history…My families will object and hope to convince the court to reject [the deal]."2. That same day, Trump signed a new executive order to “cut down on regulations and fast-track new licenses for [nuclear] reactors and power plants,” per Reuters. According to the wire service, “Shares of uranium mining companies Uranium Energy…Energy Fuels…and Centrus Energy…jumped between 19.6% and 24.2%” following this announcement. Sam Altman-backed nuclear startup Oklo gained 23.1%. The administration's new interest in the nuclear industry is spurred in part by increased demand for energy as, “power-hungry data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence and crypto miners plug into the grid.” The nuclear industry is also expected to retain many tax incentives stripped away from green energy initiatives in the so-called Big Beautiful Bill.3. In yet another instance of the Trump administration going soft on corporate greed, the Republican-controlled Federal Trade Commission has dismissed their case against PepsiCo. As the AP explains, “The lawsuit…alleged that PepsiCo was giving unfair price advantages to Walmart at the expense of other vendors and consumers,” citing the 1936 Robinson-Patman Act, which bans companies from “using promotional incentive payments to favor large customers over smaller ones.” Current FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson called the case a “dubious partisan stunt,” in a press release. Former Chair Lina Khan however, called the dismissal “disturbing,” and wrote, “This lawsuit would've protected families from paying higher prices at the grocery store and stopped conduct that squeezes small businesses and communities across America. Dismissing it is a gift to giant retailers as they gear up to hike prices.”4. Instead of utilizing the federal regulatory apparatus to protect consumers and the public, the Trump administration instead continues to weaponize these institutions to target progressive groups. According to Axios, the FTC is “investigating…Media Matters over claims that it and other media advocacy groups coordinated advertising boycotts of Elon Musk's X.” As this report notes, “X [formerly Twitter] sued Media Matters for defamation in 2023 for a report it publicly released that showed ads on X running next to pro-Nazi content. X claimed the report contributed to an advertiser exodus.” While it seems unlikely the social media platform could prevail in such a suit, the suit has effectively cowed the advertising industry, with the World Federation of Advertisers dismantling their Global Alliance for Responsible Media just months after the suit was filed. Media Matters president Angelo Carusone is quoted saying, “The Trump administration has been defined by naming right-wing media figures to key posts and abusing the power of the federal government to bully political opponents and silence critics…that's exactly what's happening here…These threats won't work; we remain steadfast to our mission.”5. On Thursday, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cotez endorsed State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in his bid for Mayor of New York City, POLITICO reports. This endorsement came the morning after the first mayoral primary debate, a rollicking affair featuring nine candidates and including a testy exchange in which the moderators disregarded their own rules to press Mamdani to say whether he believed in “a Jewish state of Israel?” Mamdani responded that he believed Israel has a right to exist “as a state with equal rights.” This from the Times of Israel. In her endorsement, AOC wrote “Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack…In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that.” Ocasio-Cortez said she would rank Adrienne Adams, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer and Zellnor Myrie in that order after Mamdani.6. Turning to Palestine itself, the Times of Israel reports notorious Biden State Department spokesman Matthew Miller admitted in an interview that, “It is without a doubt true that Israel has committed war crimes” in Gaza. While Miller stops short of accusing the Israeli government of pursuing “a policy of deliberately committing war crimes,” and repeats the tired canard that Hamas resisted ceasefire negotiations, he admits that the Biden administration “could have done [more] to pressure the Israeli government to agree to…[a] ceasefire.” Hopefully, Miller's admission will help crack the dam of silence and allow the truth to be told about this criminal military campaign.7. Even as Miller makes this admission, the merciless bombing of Palestinians continues. The Guardian reports “On Sunday, at least 31 Palestinians were killed after Israeli forces opened fire at the site of a food distribution centre in Rafah…On Monday, another three Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire at the same site…And on Tuesday, 27 people were killed after Israeli forces opened fire again, say Gaza officials.” This report continues, citing UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, who said on Tuesday that “Palestinians in Gaza now faced an impossible choice: ‘Die from starvation or risk being killed while trying to access the meagre food that is being made available.'” Türk added that by attacking civilians, Israel is committing yet more war crimes.8. Some high-profile activists are taking direct action to deliver food to Gaza. Democracy Now! reports 12 activists aboard The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, have departed from the Italian port of Catania. This group includes Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, actor Liam Cunningham, and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. Despite the previous ship being targeted by a drone attack, Thunberg is quoted saying “We deem the risk of silence and the risk of inaction to be so much more deadly than this mission.” Threats to the flotilla continue to pour in. South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham tweeted, “Hope Greta and her friends can swim!” In Israel itself, IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin ominously stated “we will act accordingly," per FOX News.9. In more foreign policy news, Gareth Gore – a Washington Post reporter and author of Opus, an exposé of the shadowy Opus Dei sect within the Catholic Church – reports Pope Leo has given Opus Dei six months to “pass comprehensive reforms” and has told the group that if significant changes are not made by December, “necessary measures will be taken.” Gore further reports that in addition to the reforms, “[Pope] Leo has also demanded an investigation into abuse allegations…[including] human trafficking, enslavement…[and] physical and psychological abuse of members.” According to Gore, the reforms were first ordered by Pope Francis in 2022, but “Opus Dei dragged its feet – in the hope the pope would pass away first.” Upon his death, Pope Francis had been on the, “cusp of signing into canon law a huge reform of Opus Dei.” The Vatican was also moving to force a vote on a revised Opus Dei constitution, which was, “quietly cancelled” within hours of Francis' death. Perhaps most tellingly, Gore reports “The Vatican has privately reassured Opus Dei victims who have long campaigned for justice that they ‘won't be disappointed'”10. Finally, a political earthquake has occurred in South Korea. Listeners may remember the failed coup attempt by right-wing former President Yoon Suk Yeol, which culminated in his ouster and could ultimately lead to a sentence of life in prison or even death. Now, the country has elected a new president, Lee Jae-myung, by a margin of 49.4% to 41.2%. Lee, who leads Korea's Democratic People's Party, has “endured a barrage of criminal indictments and an assassination attempt,” since losing the last presidential election by a margin of less than 1 per cent, per the Financial Times. Lee is a former factory worker who campaigned in a bulletproof vest after surviving being knifed in the neck last year. The FT notes “Lee…grew up in poverty and suffered [a] permanent injury at the age of 13 when his arm was crushed in a machine at the baseball glove factory where he worked…in 2022 [he] declared his ambition to be a ‘successful Bernie Sanders'.” That said, he has pivoted to the center in his recent political messaging. Beyond the impact of Lee's election on the future of Korean democracy, his tenure is sure to set a new tone in Korea's relations with their neighbors including the US, the DPRK, China and Japan.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ty Beal—global nutrition researcher and Senior Technical Specialist at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)—to uncover the hidden epidemic of micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. From food access and affordability to ultra-processed diets and nutrient bioavailability, we explore how modern food systems are failing billions and what needs to change to truly make the world healthier.We cover:Why 3 billion people can't afford a healthy diet—and how that affects nutrient statusThe most common global and U.S. micronutrient deficiencies (and why they're often overlooked)Why women and children are especially vulnerable during pregnancy, infancy, and adolescenceThe role of ultra-processed foods in displacing nutrient-rich optionsHow bioavailability, anti-nutrients, and the “food matrix” impact your real nutrient intakeWhy plant-based diets aren't always safer—and the hidden risks of nutrient shortfallsThe science behind biofortification, food system reform, and why animal-source foods stil matterWhat the U.S. gets wrong about food guidelines, global trade, and nutritional equityWhether you care about maternal health, child development, or just making better nutrition decisions, this is a vital conversation about nutrient density, food justice, and global health.Who is Dr. Ty Beal?Dr. Ty Beal is a Senior Technical Specialist and global nutrition scientist at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) where he leads research on global food systems, nutrient inadequacy, and diet quality. His work bridges science and policy to help address the world's most pressing nutrition challenges—especially among vulnerable populations. He's published extensively on micronutrient gaps, ultra-processed foods, and global dietary patterns, and is one of the most cited voices on nutrition equity in developing nations.This episode is brought to you by:LMNT – Code DRLYON for a free LMNT Sample Pack! → https://drinklmnt.com/drlyonTimeline – Get 10% OFF Mitopure with code DRLYON → https://timelinenutrition.com/LYONNed – Get 15% off with code DRLYON → https://helloned.comOur Place – Get 10% off sitewide with code DRLYON → https://fromourplace.com/DRLYONFind Dr. Ty Beal at:GAIN Health - https://www.gainhealth.org/ty-beal Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3y5uHRIAAAAJ&hl=en X (Twitter) - https://x.com/TyRBeal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tybeal/Find Me at: Instagram:@drgabriellelyon TikTok: @drgabriellelyonFacebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyonYouTube: