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The Truth About Aligners, Airway & Occlusion—From a Guy Who Practices in Two CountriesIn this episode, I sit down with my good friend, Dr. Bruce McFarlane—one of the most respected names in digital orthodontics and someone who's mastered the art of practicing seamlessly in two different countries. We dive deep into clear aligners, digital efficiencies, occlusion philosophy, and why airway awareness in children is no longer optional.Whether you're just starting to build your aligner practice or you're scaling your ortho empire, Bruce's insights will challenge what you think you know about clinical protocols, patient care, and long-term outcomes. This isn't fluff—it's a masterclass in doing ortho the right way.QUOTES"The teeth will tell you what they need—so stop asking aligners to do things they weren't designed to do."— Dr. Bruce McFarlane"If you're not at least assessing the airway in children, you're not practicing 2025 orthodontics."— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Bruce's dual-country practice model & digital workflow (04:10)The evolution of clear aligners from 1997 to today (13:17)Why he avoids excessive IPR and attachments (16:12)The digital boutique model vs. the big-box practice (23:17)How Bruce designs treatment from anywhere in the world (25:16)His 3 biggest aligner treatment rules (19:48)Airway awareness and its clinical impact on kids (30:02)The future of occlusion & the ModJaw revolution (36:25)Why poor occlusion is often behind the cases that keep you up at night (39:05)If you're ready to rethink how you approach aligners, occlusion, and the future of digital ortho, this episode is your roadmap.
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
A version of this essay has been published by firstpost.com at https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/shadow-warrior-from-crisis-to-advantage-how-india-can-outplay-the-trump-tariff-gambit-13923031.htmlA simple summary of the recent brouhaha about President Trump's imposition of 25% tariffs on India as well as his comment on India's ‘dead economy' is the following from Shakespeare's Macbeth: “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”. Trump further imposed punitive tariffs totalling 50% on August 6th allegedly for India funding Russia's war machine via buying oil.As any negotiator knows, a good opening gambit is intended to set the stage for further parleys, so that you could arrive at a negotiated settlement that is acceptable to both parties. The opening gambit could well be a maximalist statement, or one's ‘dream outcome', the opposite of which is ‘the walkway point' beyond which you are simply not willing to make concessions. The usual outcome is somewhere in between these two positions or postures.Trump is both a tough negotiator, and prone to making broad statements from which he has no problem retreating later. It's down-and-dirty boardroom tactics that he's bringing to international trade. Therefore I think Indians don't need to get rattled. It's not the end of the world, and there will be climbdowns and adjustments. Think hard about the long term.I was on a panel discussion on this topic on TV just hours after Trump made his initial 25% announcement, and I mentioned an interplay between geo-politics and geo-economics. Trump is annoyed that his Ukraine-Russia play is not making much headway, and also that BRICS is making progress towards de-dollarization. India is caught in this crossfire (‘collateral damage') but the geo-economic facts on the ground are not favorable to Trump.I am in general agreement with Trump on his objectives of bringing manufacturing and investment back to the US, but I am not sure that he will succeed, and anyway his strong-arm tactics may backfire. I consider below what India should be prepared to do to turn adversity into opportunity.The anti-Thucydides Trap and the baleful influence of Whitehall on Deep StateWhat is remarkable, though, is that Trump 2.0 seems to be indistinguishable from the Deep State: I wondered last month if the Deep State had ‘turned' Trump. The main reason many people supported Trump in the first place was the damage the Deep State was wreaking on the US under the Obama-Biden regime. But it appears that the resourceful Deep State has now co-opted Trump for its agenda, and I can only speculate how.The net result is that there is the anti-Thucydides Trap: here is the incumbent power, the US, actively supporting the insurgent power, China, instead of suppressing it, as Graham Allison suggested as the historical pattern. It, in all fairness, did not start with Trump, but with Nixon in China in 1971. In 1985, the US trade deficit with China was $6 million. In 1986, $1.78 billion. In 1995, $35 billion.But it ballooned after China entered the WTO in 2001. $202 billion in 2005; $386 billion in 2022.In 2025, after threatening China with 150% tariffs, Trump retreated by postponing them; besides he has caved in to Chinese demands for Nvidia chips and for exemptions from Iran oil sanctions if I am not mistaken.All this can be explained by one word: leverage. China lured the US with the siren-song of the cost-leader ‘China price', tempting CEOs and Wall Street, who sleepwalked into surrender to the heft of the Chinese supply chain.Now China has cornered Trump via its monopoly over various things, the most obvious of which is rare earths. Trump really has no option but to give in to Chinese blackmail. That must make him furious: in addition to his inability to get Putin to listen to him, Xi is also ignoring him. Therefore, he will take out his frustrations on others, such as India, the EU, Japan, etc. Never mind that he's burning bridges with them.There's a Malayalam proverb that's relevant here: “angadiyil thottathinu ammayodu”. Meaning, you were humiliated in the marketplace, so you come home and take it out on your mother. This is quite likely what Trump is doing, because he believes India et al will not retaliate. In fact Japan and the EU did not retaliate, but gave in, also promising to invest large sums in the US. India could consider a different path: not active conflict, but not giving in either, because its equations with the US are different from those of the EU or Japan.Even the normally docile Japanese are beginning to notice.Beyond that, I suggested a couple of years ago that Deep State has a plan to enter into a condominium agreement with China, so that China gets Asia, and the US gets the Americas and the Pacific/Atlantic. This is exactly like the Vatican-brokered medieval division of the world between Spain and Portugal, and it probably will be equally bad for everyone else. And incidentally it makes the Quad infructuous, and deepens distrust of American motives.The Chinese are sure that they have achieved the condominium, or rather forced the Americans into it. Here is a headline from the Financial Express about their reaction to the tariffs: they are delighted that the principal obstacle in their quest for hegemony, a US-India military and economic alliance, is being blown up by Trump, and they lose no opportunity to deride India as not quite up to the mark, whereas they and the US have achieved a G2 detente.Two birds with one stone: gloat about the breakdown in the US-India relationship, and exhibit their racist disdain for India yet again.They laugh, but I bet India can do an end-run around them. As noted above, the G2 is a lot like the division of the world into Spanish and Portuguese spheres of influence in 1494. Well, that didn't end too well for either of them. They had their empires, which they looted for gold and slaves, but it made them fat, dumb and happy. The Dutch, English, and French capitalized on more dynamic economies, flexible colonial systems, and aggressive competition, overtaking the Iberian powers in global influence by the 17th century. This is a salutary historical parallel.I have long suspected that the US Deep State is being led by the nose by the malign Whitehall (the British Deep State): I call it the ‘master-blaster' syndrome. On August 6th, there was indirect confirmation of this in ex-British PM Boris Johnson's tweet about India. Let us remember he single-handedly ruined the chances of a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine War in 2022. Whitehall's mischief and meddling all over, if you read between the lines.Did I mention the British Special Force's views? Ah, Whitehall is getting a bit sloppy in its propaganda.Wait, so is India important (according to Whitehall) or unimportant (according to Trump)?Since I am very pro-American, I have a word of warning to Trump: you trust perfidious Albion at your peril. Their country is ruined, and they will not rest until they ruin yours too.I also wonder if there are British paw-prints in a recent and sudden spate of racist attacks on Indians in Ireland. A 6-year old girl was assaulted and kicked in the private parts. A nurse was gang-raped by a bunch of teenagers. Ireland has never been so racist against Indians (yes, I do remember the sad case of Savita Halappanavar, but that was religious bigotry more than racism). And I remember sudden spikes in anti-Indian attacks in Australia and Canada, both British vassals.There is no point in Indians whining about how the EU and America itself are buying more oil, palladium, rare earths, uranium etc. from Russia than India is. I am sorry to say this, but Western nations are known for hypocrisy. For example, exactly 80 years ago they dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, but not on Germany or Italy. Why? The answer is uncomfortable. Lovely post-facto rationalization, isn't it?Remember the late lamented British East India Company that raped and pillaged India?Applying the three winning strategies to geo-economicsAs a professor of business strategy and innovation, I emphasize to my students that there are three broad ways of gaining an advantage over others: 1. Be the cost leader, 2. Be the most customer-intimate player, 3. Innovate. The US as a nation is patently not playing the cost leader; it does have some customer intimacy, but it is shrinking; its strength is in innovation.If you look at comparative advantage, the US at one time had strengths in all three of the above. Because it had the scale of a large market (and its most obvious competitors in Europe were decimated by world wars) America did enjoy an ability to be cost-competitive, especially as the dollar is the global default reserve currency. It demonstrated this by pushing through the Plaza Accords, forcing the Japanese yen to appreciate, destroying their cost advantage.In terms of customer intimacy, the US is losing its edge. Take cars for example: Americans practically invented them, and dominated the business, but they are in headlong retreat now because they simply don't make cars that people want outside the US: Japanese, Koreans, Germans and now Chinese do. Why were Ford and GM forced to leave the India market? Their “world cars” are no good in value-conscious India and other emerging markets.Innovation, yes, has been an American strength. Iconic Americans like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Steve Jobs led the way in product and process innovation. US universities have produced idea after idea, and startups have ignited Silicon Valley. In fact Big Tech and aerospace/armaments are the biggest areas where the US leads these days.The armaments and aerospace tradeThat is pertinent because of two reasons: one is Trump's peevishness at India's purchase of weapons from Russia (even though that has come down from 70+% of imports to 36% according to SIPRI); two is the fact that there are significant services and intangible imports by India from the US, of for instance Big Tech services, even some routed through third countries like Ireland.Armaments and aerospace purchases from the US by India have gone up a lot: for example the Apache helicopters that arrived recently, the GE 404 engines ordered for India's indigenous fighter aircraft, Predator drones and P8-i Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft. I suspect Trump is intent on pushing India to buy F-35s, the $110-million dollar 5th generation fighters.Unfortunately, the F-35 has a spotty track record. There were two crashes recently, one in Albuquerque in May, and the other on July 31 in Fresno, and that's $220 million dollars gone. Besides, the spectacle of a hapless British-owned F-35B sitting, forlorn, in the rain, in Trivandrum airport for weeks, lent itself to trolls, who made it the butt of jokes. I suspect India has firmly rebuffed Trump on this front, which has led to his focus on Russian arms.There might be other pushbacks too. Personally, I think India does need more P-8i submarine hunter-killer aircraft to patrol the Bay of Bengal, but India is exerting its buyer power. There are rumors of pauses in orders for Javelin and Stryker missiles as well.On the civilian aerospace front, I am astonished that all the media stories about Air India 171 and the suspicion that Boeing and/or General Electric are at fault have disappeared without a trace. Why? There had been the big narrative push to blame the poor pilots, and now that there is more than reasonable doubt that these US MNCs are to blame, there is a media blackout?Allegations about poor manufacturing practices by Boeing in North Charleston, South Carolina by whistleblowers have been damaging for the company's brand: this is where the 787 Dreamliners are put together. It would not be surprising if there is a slew of cancellations of orders for Boeing aircraft, with customers moving to Airbus. Let us note Air India and Indigo have placed some very large, multi-billion dollar orders with Boeing that may be in jeopardy.India as a consuming economy, and the services trade is hugely in the US' favorMany observers have pointed out the obvious fact that India is not an export-oriented economy, unlike, say, Japan or China. It is more of a consuming economy with a large, growing and increasingly less frugal population, and therefore it is a target for exporters rather than a competitor for exporting countries. As such, the impact of these US tariffs on India will be somewhat muted, and there are alternative destinations for India's exports, if need be.While Trump has focused on merchandise trade and India's modest surplus there, it is likely that there is a massive services trade, which is in the US' favor. All those Big Tech firms, such as Microsoft, Meta, Google and so on run a surplus in the US' favor, which may not be immediately evident because they route their sales through third countries, e.g. Ireland.These are the figures from the US Trade Representative, and quite frankly I don't believe them: there are a lot of invisible services being sold to India, and the value of Indian data is ignored.In addition to the financial implications, there are national security concerns. Take the case of Microsoft's cloud offering, Azure, which arbitrarily turned off services to Indian oil retailer Nayara on the flimsy grounds that the latter had substantial investment from Russia's Rosneft. This is an example of jurisdictional over-reach by US companies, which has dire consequences. India has been lax about controlling Big Tech, and this has to change.India is Meta's largest customer base. Whatsapp is used for practically everything. Which means that Meta has access to enormous amounts of Indian customer data, for which India is not even enforcing local storage. This is true of all other Big Tech (see OpenAI's Sam Altman below): they are playing fast and loose with Indian data, which is not in India's interest at all.Data is the new oil, says The Economist magazine. So how much should Meta, OpenAI et al be paying for Indian data? Meta is worth trillions of dollars, OpenAI half a trillion. How much of that can be attributed to Indian data?There is at least one example of how India too can play the digital game: UPI. Despite ham-handed efforts to now handicap UPI with a fee (thank you, brilliant government bureaucrats, yes, go ahead and kill the goose that lays the golden eggs), it has become a contender in a field that has long been dominated by the American duopoly of Visa and Mastercard. In other words, India can scale up and compete.It is unfortunate that India has not built up its own Big Tech behind a firewall as has been done behind the Great Firewall of China. But it is not too late. Is it possible for India-based cloud service providers to replace US Big Tech like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure? Yes, there is at least one player in that market: Zoho.Second, what are the tariffs on Big Tech exports to India these days? What if India were to decide to impose a 50% tax on revenue generated in India through advertisement or through sales of services, mirroring the US's punitive taxes on Indian goods exports? Let me hasten to add that I am not suggesting this, it is merely a hypothetical argument.There could also be non-tariff barriers as China has implemented, but not India: data locality laws, forced use of local partners, data privacy laws like the EU's GDPR, anti-monopoly laws like the EU's Digital Markets Act, strict application of IPR laws like 3(k) that absolutely prohibits the patenting of software, and so on. India too can play legalistic games. This is a reason US agri-products do not pass muster: genetically modified seeds, and milk from cows fed with cattle feed from blood, offal and ground-up body parts.Similarly, in the ‘information' industry, India is likely to become the largest English-reading country in the world. I keep getting come-hither emails from the New York Times offering me $1 a month deals on their product: they want Indian customers. There are all these American media companies present in India, untrammelled by content controls or taxes. What if India were to give a choice to Bloomberg, Reuters, NYTimes, WaPo, NPR et al: 50% tax, or exit?This attack on peddlers of fake information and manufacturing consent I do suggest, and I have been suggesting for years. It would make no difference whatsoever to India if these media outlets were ejected, and they surely could cover India (well, basically what they do is to demean India) just as well from abroad. Out with them: good riddance to bad rubbish.What India needs to doI believe India needs to play the long game. It has to use its shatrubodha to realize that the US is not its enemy: in Chanakyan terms, the US is the Far Emperor. The enemy is China, or more precisely the Chinese Empire. Han China is just a rump on their south-eastern coast, but it is their conquered (and restive) colonies such as Tibet, Xinjiang, Manchuria and Inner Mongolia, that give them their current heft.But the historical trends are against China. It has in the past had stable governments for long periods, based on strong (and brutal) imperial power. Then comes the inevitable collapse, when the center falls apart, and there is absolute chaos. It is quite possible, given various trends, including demographic changes, that this may happen to China by 2050.On the other hand, (mostly thanks, I acknowledge, to China's manufacturing growth), the center of gravity of the world economy has been steadily shifting towards Asia. The momentum might swing towards India if China stumbles, but in any case the era of Atlantic dominance is probably gone for good. That was, of course, only a historical anomaly. Asia has always dominated: see Angus Maddison's magisterial history of the world economy, referred to below as well.I am reminded of the old story of the king berating his court poet for calling him “the new moon” and the emperor “the full moon”. The poet escaped being punished by pointing out that the new moon is waxing and the full moon is waning.This is the long game India has to keep in mind. Things are coming together for India to a great extent: in particular the demographic dividend, improved infrastructure, fiscal prudence, and the increasing centrality of the Indian Ocean as the locus of trade and commerce.India can attempt to gain competitive advantage in all three ways outlined above:* Cost-leadership. With a large market (assuming companies are willing to invest at scale), a low-cost labor force, and with a proven track-record of frugal innovation, India could well aim to be a cost-leader in selected areas of manufacturing. But this requires government intervention in loosening monetary policy and in reducing barriers to ease of doing business* Customer-intimacy. What works in highly value-conscious India could well work in other developing countries. For instance, the economic environment in ASEAN is largely similar to India's, and so Indian products should appeal to their residents; similarly with East Africa. Thus the Indian Ocean Rim with its huge (and in Africa's case, rapidly growing) population should be a natural fit for Indian products* Innovation. This is the hardest part, and it requires a new mindset in education and industry, to take risks and work at the bleeding edge of technology. In general, Indians have been content to replicate others' innovations at lower cost or do jugaad (which cannot scale up). To do real, disruptive innovation, first of all the services mindset should transition to a product mindset (sorry, Raghuram Rajan). Second, the quality of human capital must be improved. Third, there should be patient risk capital. Fourth, there should be entrepreneurs willing to try risky things. All of these are difficult, but doable.And what is the end point of this game? Leverage. The ability to compel others to buy from you.China has demonstrated this through its skill at being a cost-leader in industry after industry, often hollowing out entire nations through means both fair and foul. These means include far-sighted industrial policy including the acquisition of skills, technology, and raw materials, as well as hidden subsidies that support massive scaling, which ends up driving competing firms elsewhere out of business. India can learn a few lessons from them. One possible lesson is building capabilities, as David Teece of UC Berkeley suggested in 1997, that can span multiple products, sectors and even industries: the classic example is that of Nikon, whose optics strength helps it span industries such as photography, printing, and photolithography for chip manufacturing. Here is an interesting snapshot of China's capabilities today.2025 is, in a sense, a point of inflection for India just as the crisis in 1991 was. India had been content to plod along at the Nehruvian Rate of Growth of 2-3%, believing this was all it could achieve, as a ‘wounded civilization'. From that to a 6-7% growth rate is a leap, but it is not enough, nor is it testing the boundaries of what India can accomplish.1991 was the crisis that turned into an opportunity by accident. 2025 is a crisis that can be carefully and thoughtfully turned into an opportunity.The Idi Amin syndrome and the 1000 Talents program with AIThere is a key area where an American error may well be a windfall for India. This is based on the currently fashionable H1-B bashing which is really a race-bashing of Indians, and which has been taken up with gusto by certain MAGA folks. Once again, I suspect the baleful influence of Whitehall behind it, but whatever the reason, it looks like Indians are going to have a hard time settling down in the US.There are over a million Indians on H1-Bs, a large number of them software engineers, let us assume for convenience there are 250,000 of them. Given country caps of exactly 9800 a year, they have no realistic chance of getting a Green Card in the near future, and given the increasingly fraught nature of life there for brown people, they may leave the US, and possibly return to India..I call this the Idi Amin syndrome. In 1972, the dictator of Uganda went on a rampage against Indian-origin people in his country, and forcibly expelled 80,000 of them, because they were dominating the economy. There were unintended consequences: those who were ejected mostly went to the US and UK, and they have in many cases done well. But Uganda's economy virtually collapsed.That's a salutary experience. I am by no means saying that the US economy would collapse, but am pointing to the resilience of the Indians who were expelled. If, similarly, Trump forces a large number of Indians to return to India, that might well be a case of short-term pain and long-term gain: urvashi-shapam upakaram, as in the Malayalam phrase.Their return would be akin to what happened in China and Taiwan with their successful effort to attract their diaspora back. The Chinese program was called 1000 Talents, and they scoured the globe for academics and researchers of Chinese origin, and brought them back with attractive incentives and large budgets. They had a major role in energizing the Chinese economy.Similarly, Taiwan with Hsinchu University attracted high-quality talent, among which was the founder of TSMC, the globally dominant chip giant.And here is Trump offering to India on a platter at least 100,000 software engineers, especially at a time when generativeAI is decimating low-end jobs everywhere. They can work on some very compelling projects that could revolutionize Indian education, up-skilling and so on, and I am not at liberty to discuss them. Suffice to say that these could turbo-charge the Indian software industry and get it away from mundane, routine body-shopping type jobs.ConclusionThe Trump tariff tantrum is definitely a short-term problem for India, but it can be turned around, and turned into an opportunity, if only the country plays its cards right and focuses on building long-term comparative advantages and accepting the gift of a mis-step by Trump in geo-economics.In geo-politics, India and the US need each other to contain China, and so that part, being so obvious, will be taken care of more or less by default.Thus, overall, the old SWOT analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. On balance, I am of the opinion that the threats contain in them the germs of opportunities. It is up to Indians to figure out how to take advantage of them. This is your game to win or lose, India!4150 words, 9 Aug 2025 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe
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
Superstar pianist Lang Lang first heard "Rhapsody in Blue" on the radio as a child and refined his performances with help from jazz greats Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. He'll perform it with Interlochen's World Youth Symphony Orchestra this weekend. He visited IPR to share his experience with teaching young musicians, from his classroom initiatives around the world to Interlochen students to his own son. What does a young classical musician need to succeed in the 21st century?
Interlochen's Advanced High School String Quartets recorded Beethoven's String Quartet op. 18, no. 6 in IPR's Studio A. Movement 1: Allegro con brio Halyn Kim, violin, Porter Ranch, CA Alex Gemeinhardt, violin, New York, NY Kasinda Willingham, viola, Hamilton, OH Natalie Helm, cello (faculty coach) Movement 2: Adagio ma non troppo Hannah Schweiger, violin, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Jiles Defosse, violin, Annapolis, MD Ashton Carter, viola, Memphis, TN Noah Scharback, cello, Eden Prairie, MN Lenny Schranze, faculty coach Movement 3: Scherzo: Allegro - Trio Karis Shin, violin, Incheon, South Korea Kieran Niska, violin, Mason, OH Lake Weeks, viola, Powell, OH Albert Lee, cello, Harrington Park, NJ Tim Shiu, faculty coach Movement 4: La Malinconia: Adagio – Allegretto quasi Allegro - adagio - Allegretto - Un poco adagio - Prestissimo Julia Lee, violin, Ellicott City, MD Evie Chow, violin, Edina, MN Preston Elliot, viola, Kansas City, MO Jisoo Park, cello, Troy, MI Mark Rudoff, faculty coach
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
① China has rejected NATO chief Mark Rutte's warning that Brazil, China and India could be hit by secondary US sanctions if they maintain trade with Russia. Why is Rutte's remark unhelpful to ending the Ukraine crisis? (00:55)② China has established partnerships with over 80 countries and regions in intellectual property cooperation over the past five years. We take a look at what China has achieved in IPR protection during its 14th five-year plan. (13:27)③ We speak to Benjamin Wong, Head of Transport & Logistics and Industrials at InvestHK, on how Hong Kong is positioning itself as a global supply chain hub. (24:59)④ Israel has launched heavy airstrikes on Syria, claiming to defend Druze minorities. What could happen next? (34:03)⑤ What has prompted the Trump administration to revoke federal funding for California's high-speed rail project? Do high-speed railways fit America's economic conditions? (42:12)
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
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
In this episode of the Post-Grant Podcast, Andy Zappia, Nick Gallo, and Bryan Smith explore the evolving landscape of estoppel in inter partes review (IPR) and post-grant review (PGR) proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The discussion centers around the recent Federal Circuit decision in the Ingenico case, which narrows the scope of IPR estoppel, and its potential tension with the PTAB's current approach to discretionary denial. The team delves into the implications of this decision for patent challengers, particularly in light of new PTAB guidance and recent cases that highlight the complexities of navigating estoppel and discretionary denial.
A state lawmaker from northwest Iowa has died of pancreatic cancer. State auditor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand kicks off a 100 town hall tour. The first GOP candidate has entered the race for Iowa's 4th congressional district, and IPR health reporter Natalie Krebs reports on research into concerns about environmental causes of cancer in Iowa.
Interproximal Reduction, When, Why, and How | 9 MINUTE SUMMARY In this episode, I dive into the fundamentals of interproximal reduction(IPR) when to use it, why it matters, and how to do it effectively.We'll cover how much IPR can safely be carried out, compare differentclinical protocols and their pros and cons, and take a critical look at howaligner software plans IPR (and where it may fall short).This summary is based on Dr. Flavia Artese's insightful lecture at therecent American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in Philadelphia,along with insights from my own clinical research and experience. How much IPR is possible? Recommended amount ½ to 1/3 of outer enamel Estimate with periapical radiographs are inaccurate, under-estimateas well as over estimate Meredith 2017 Brine 2001 Quantity of the enamel each interproximal surface Kailasam2021 systematic review, with an excellent table created by Bosio in 2022 highlightingthe enamel present and hypothetical safe reduction, ranging from 0.3-0.7mm,with 5-10% greater enamel on the distal surfaces Can all teeth have IPR?· Triangular teeth are idealo Large interradicular distance, roots canapproximate with no issue· Square shaped teeth not idealo Reduced interradicular distance, rootapproximation of 0.8mm = loss of crestal bone Taera 2008 Are we accurate with IPR? Johner 2013 AJODO· Manual strips Vs rotary disc Vs oscillatingstrips = all underperformed IPR by up to 0.1mm Protocols: Small Vs Large · 0.1-0.2mm manual strips· 0.3mm+ larger reduction · Polishing required – If not = 25 um furrows retainplaque Jack Sheridan1989 Separation posterior region· Separator – Requires measuring of premolarbefore and after· Bur – needle buro Parallel occlusal planeo Recontour tooth surface to create contact point· No separator - requires contact point to be broken, advantageis the measurement of the IPR site is accurate Bolton's analysis· Based on excess, rather than tooth removal Proportionality· Width o Canine 90% of central incisoro Lateral 70% of central incisor IPR planningBolton's discrepancy + Tooth proportionality= whento add or remove tooth structure However· “Don't do pre-emptive stripping for balancingtooth mass ratios between arches. Chances are it will work out just fine” Jack Sheradin 2007 JCO Method of use for 4 mm of IPR:· Posterior to anterior – Jack Sheridano Posterior IPR first, followed by distalisation,e.g. 4-5 first, distalise 4o Maintain arch length with stops etc, maintainanchorage· Anterior to posterior – Farooq o Anchorage preserving o Tony Weir 2021 the most common site in clinicalpractice was the lower anterior segment IPR on overlapping teeth· Not possible to achieve ideal anatomy withmotorised IPR instruments · Posterior IPR first, distalise, followed byanterior alignment and IPR – Flavia· Use of handstrips is possible on overlappingteeth - Farooq Limits of IPR· 4-5mm, although Sheridan described possible 8.9mm,technically challenging· IPR is not a possibility for sagittaldiscrepancy: Greater Bolton's discrepancies in class 3 and class 2malocclusions, SR 53 studies Machado 2020, greater in class 2 and 3 casesalbeit a small difference of 0.3-0.8% Retained primary 2nd molars· Idealise occlusion· Consider root morphology divergence, as post IPRspace may not closeo If divergence greater than crown, reconsider asspace closure unlikely Why do we need to use IPR with aligners? Dahhas 2024· Alogrythm reduces the number of aligners· More IPR rather than saggital correction· IPR staged inappropriately with large IPR whilstcontact point overlap, which is difficult to perform adequate anatomicalreduction
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
Meet IPR's latest Sound Garden Project ensemble in residence and hear about how they're bringing the sounds of the saxophone quartet to northern Michigan this week. Members Roberto Campa, Laura Ramsay, Kyle Kato and Samuel Dishon visited IPR's Studio A to talk about how they're taking their Fischoff Award-winning sounds from the concert hall to the public, with performances at gas stations, campgrounds, coffee shops and other unexpected places across the region. Music performed in IPR's Studio A Karalyn Schubring, Ambivert: I. Extrovert Edvard Grieg, Holberg Suite, II. Sarabande
Saša Michailidis se ptá architekta Vojtěcha Luxemburka z Kanceláře veřejného prostoru pražského Institutu plánování a rozvoje a ředitelky odboru parků a zahrad Správy Pražského hradu Heleny Pánkové. Je vedro a lidé dodržují pitný režim. Je tedy ale v Praze dostatek veřejných toalet? Jak zlepšit jejich dostupnost? Nejen to je obsahem koncepce, kterou zveřejnil IPR. A jaké důsledky má močení mimo veřejné toalety pro vegetaci ve městě? Všechny díly podcastu Akcent můžete pohodlně poslouchat v mobilní aplikaci mujRozhlas pro Android a iOS nebo na webu mujRozhlas.cz.
Saša Michailidis se ptá architekta Vojtěcha Luxemburka z Kanceláře veřejného prostoru pražského Institutu plánování a rozvoje a ředitelky odboru parků a zahrad Správy Pražského hradu Heleny Pánkové. Je vedro a lidé dodržují pitný režim. Je tedy ale v Praze dostatek veřejných toalet? Jak zlepšit jejich dostupnost? Nejen to je obsahem koncepce, kterou zveřejnil IPR. A jaké důsledky má močení mimo veřejné toalety pro vegetaci ve městě?
John Quinn is joined by Caleb Harris, Co-Founder and CEO of &AI, a startup focused on using artificial intelligence to transform patent litigation. They discuss how &AI uses AI to accomplish complex patent litigation tasks such as invalidity and infringement analysis, dramatically reducing the time and cost associated with these traditionally labor-intensive efforts. The service features four components: searches for prior art or infringing products, in-depth legal analysis (including creating claim charts), drafting litigation-ready documents like invalidity contentions or IPR petitions, and automating workflows using AI agents that operate independently.Patent litigation is particularly well-suited to AI because so much of the underlying data—such as patent filings, litigation histories, and prosecution records—is publicly available. &AI continuously updates its data sets and can provide summaries, detailed claim charts, and customized drafts in as little as 10 minutes. Unlike generative AI tools, &AI minimizes hallucinations by relying heavily on document retrieval rather than generation, and by providing verified citations in its output.The platform can also help streamline early-stage litigation decisions, such as assessing the strength of a patent portfolio or evaluating potential infringement claims in the marketplace. It also helps defense teams efficiently assess and respond to weak claims, including those from patent trolls, by producing tailored response letters and evidence.&AI uses AI agents—AI that develops multi-step plans to accomplish tasks and automatically adjusts those plans based on how the work is progressing. This allows the user to focus on the end product they want rather than the steps needed to get there. AI agents will enable faster, more scalable, and more economically viable litigation, especially patent litigation. This may lead to a boon for litigators as more lawsuits are filed and resolved quickly. Although human performance will remain crucial in areas like persuading a jury or a judge, law firms may gain a competitive edge by pairing their expertise with firm-specific AI tools trained on the firm's proprietary data and preferred styles.Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fmHost: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis HydeMusic and Editing by: Alexander Rossi
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
The recipients of this year's Dr. and Mrs. R. Schilling Award from the Grand Traverse Musicale are vocalist Cecilia Balog, a St. Francis High School senior, and violist Konrad Kuzma, a TC Central High School senior. They recently visited IPR's Studio A to perform and to talk about what it means to be the top scholarship recipients. Music performed in Studio A Cecilia Balog, voice, with pianist Jamie Hardesty W. A. Mozart, "In uomini, in soldati" from "Cosi fan tutte" Konrad Kuzma, viola Max Reger, Suite for solo viola, II. Vivace
What does public relations look like in a country where radio is still growing, social media still exploding, and communication reaches from rural villages to global platforms? In this episode, we take a closer look at Zambia — a nation with a vibrant, evolving PR landscape shaped by both tradition and innovation. Irene Lungu is one of Zambia's leading voices in public relations and a board member of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management. She joins us to talk about ethics, communication trends, and the responsibilities that come with influence in today's media environment. We explore how Zambian practitioners are navigating rapid change, and what global conversations they're helping to shape. Listen For3:50 Why Zambia Regulated Its PR Industry6:14 Resistance and Discomfort: Who Pushed Back8:00 Is PR Regulation a Threat to Free Speech?14:36 Global Standards, Local Contexts16:14 The World's #1 Risk: Misinformation18:52. Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest Olivia FajardoGuest: Irene LunguLinkedIn | Global Alliance Board Profile 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
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | PandoraWe're celebrating our 30th Anniversary on the road, and this week, we make our fourth stop in Iowa City in partnership with IPR. We talk to bakers, chefs, restaurateurs, and farmers about the food of the heartland. First up, Shae and Anna Pesek of Over the Moon Farm and T.D. Holub of The Garden Oasis Farm talk about their personal experiences with farm life, from agricultural challenges to sustainability and the community and passion that contribute to the success and drive of a farm. Then, we talk to Jamie Powers, owner and executive chef of Deluxe Bakery, and Carrie and Andy Schumacher, owners of the restaurant Cobble Hill, about opening their restaurants in Iowa and how building community is the most important part of their businesses.Broadcast dates for this episode:May 30, 2025 (originally aired)Celebrate kitchen companionship with a gift to The Splendid Table today.
Employee engagement is evolving — and the old assumptions no longer hold. Today, workers want more than a paycheck. They want growth, flexibility, and to feel like their voices matter. In this episode, we unpack surprising new research on what really drives engagement, retention, and belonging inside organizations. Olivia Fajardo joins us to explain why internal communications has become mission critical — and how companies can move from simply talking to truly connecting. If you care about building teams that stay and thrive, this conversation is for you. Listen For4:14 PR: As Stressful as Firefighting5:05 Why Communicators Feel More Purpose6:34 Career Stagnation: The Hidden Threat9:27 The Hybrid Challenge for Internal Comms12:05 The Listening-Action Gap12:10 Olivia's Strategies to Build Trust and Accountability20:05 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest Helena HumphreyGuest: Oliva Fajardo, Director of Research, Institute for Public RelationsLinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookLink to IPR Study Employee Engagement in the Communications Industry 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
More Americans are turning down the volume on domestic news — and turning up British voices instead. From BBC to The Guardian, outlets across the Atlantic are reshaping how U.S. audiences see their own country. Why is this happening? And what does it say about trust, tone, and the global conversation? Listen For3:48 British Media's Rising Credibility in the U.S.7:23 Could BBC Influence U.S. Culture?12:29 Feminism, TikTok, and the Tradwife Dilemma18:47 Femininity and Power Around the World21:32 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest Sarah Waddington Guest: Helena Humphrey, BBCEmail | X | Instagram | You Tube | 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
①China's UNESCO-listed grottoes adopt advanced quake monitoring network②China's AG600 large amphibious aircraft completes crosswind flight tests③China advances AI curriculum to cover full basic education④China increases lifelong learning options via new university-led courses⑤China to boost vocational training for professionals in domestic services⑥China to establish new fast IPR protection service center to foster innovation
Feeling stuck or stressed at work? You might just need to GROW your way out. Executive coach Sarah Waddington shares the power and practicality of the GROW model — Goal, Reality, Options, Way forward — in transforming workplace performance, especially within high-pressure environments like PR. Sarah breaks down how this deceptively simple coaching framework fosters self-awareness, reduces stress, builds resilience, and helps individuals and teams move from dependency to interdependency. From managing difficult clients and workplace lethargy to unlocking mindset shifts for career advancement, this conversation offers actionable tips to leaders and middle managers alike on how to introduce coaching into fast-paced and demanding cultures.Listen For5:15 Why GROW works for both work and life7:04 Applying GROW in the pressure cooker of PR11:52 Nightmare client scenario: Using GROW in real-time challenges14:40 Resilience in PR: Avoiding burnout with GROW16:37 — Baby steps for senior leaders to start using GROW19:20 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Mark Borkowski Guest: Sarah Waddington, CBEWebsite | Email | X | LinkedIn | Wadds Inc. #FuturePRoof Community https://www.futureproofingcomms.co.uk/ Socially Mobile https://www.sociallymobile.org.uk/ 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
In Game Notes 043, we sit down with South Dakota official Jesse Stricherz for a reflective and educational IPR breakdown. Jesse, who began officiating at age 15, brings decades of experience and humility to the table as he shares the highs and challenges of managing competitive games. One of the standout moments in this episode is Jesse's discussion around coach interactions, particularly navigating a heated sideline exchange with a calm but firm response. The episode dives deep into his decision-making, signals, positioning, and ability to match the energy of emotional coaches without losing composure—an essential skill for any official climbing the ranks.This episode is a goldmine for officials seeking practical tools and game-ready insights. Topics include anticipating secondary defenders, traveling violations, the art of stepping down, patient whistles, communication cues, crew dynamics, and tactical rotation philosophy. Jesse's vulnerability and growth mindset shine through, as does our supportive community surrounding him on the call. Whether you're new to officiating or a seasoned vet, this conversation will leave you feeling more connected to the craft—and inspired to serve the game with purpose.
Reputation is often treated like an invisible asset—vital but fragile. And while we insure everything from homes to art collections, very few think to protect their name. In this episode, we speak to PR pioneer Mark Borkowski about a bold new product: crisis insurance for individuals. It's not just an idea—it's a rethinking of how we prepare for the worst-case scenario in a world where reputation can be destroyed with just one social media post.Listen For4:10 The Power of Optimism Bias10:33 Delivering Bad News to Powerful Clients13:25 Why Killing Your Ego Matters18:12 What Is Reputational Risk Insurance?21:39 Building an Insurance Product for Reputation22:50 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Jo Carr Guest: Mark BorkowskiWebsite | Email | X | LinkedIn See the LONGER FULL INTERVIEW on our YouTube ChannelYou TubeRate 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 us:LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show
What makes a workplace culture truly thrive—especially in the pressure-cooker world of creative agencies? Can you REALLY be tough on the work but kind to your people without compromise?Jo Carr, co-founder of Hope and Glory and President of Women in PR breaks down the complexities of workplace culture, empathy-driven leadership, and how to create spaces where people—and their diverse lives—can flourish. From crafting policies that acknowledge the full spectrum of life's moments to challenging outdated hiring mindsets, Jo brings wisdom, warmth, and a welcome dose of honesty. She shares how high standards and human kindness aren't mutually exclusive, why culture should be additive rather than restrictive, and what it takes to keep women in the leadership pipeline. Listen For4:27 Culture = Environment + Experience8:15 The House Metaphor: Building Structure, Allowing Individuality9:17 From Culture Fit to Culture Add16:57 How Do You Build Culture With Cultural Diversity?19:13 Women in PR: From Majority to Minority in Leadership23:09 Presence Over Perfection: Being Fully There, Wherever You Are23:26 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Suhel SethGuest: Jo Carr, founder Hope & Glory PR, Women in PRWebsite | Email | X | LinkedIn | Women in PR 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
In an age where opinions form faster than facts and headlines spark outrage before understanding, how do brands, leaders, and storytellers stay credible? Is your opinion truly yours? Or just an echo of your tribe?In this episode, Suhel Seth unpacks the transformation of communication in the era of attention deficit — from the collapse of nuance to the rise of instant outrage, and why the art of thoughtful messaging might just be the most urgent skill of our time. Listen For3:07 The Cult of Immediacy: A Communication Crisis7:59 The Lost Art of Contextualization12:26 Social Identity & Tribal Thinking14:32 Why Modern Society Fears Disruption19:14 India: A Market or a Civilization?23:57 Why India Didn't Create Google or Facebook24:50 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Andy Coulson Guest: Suhel SethWikipedia Page | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookStories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations Web siteApply 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 the man behind the headlines becomes the headline? Former tabloid editor and Downing Street comms chief Andy Coulson opens up about his very public fall from grace — from resignations and scandal to serving time in prison — and how he rebuilt his life and career in the shadow of cancel culture. With raw honesty and sharp insight, Andy talks about the realities of recovery, the myth of reinvention, and why consistency and character matter more than ever in a world obsessed with outrage. Listen For10:57 How to Recover from Cancellation: Strategy Over Reinvention15:45 Attention Deficit and the New Rules of Reputation17:48 Crisis Management vs. Political Strategy: Don't Follow the Trump Playbook20:28 In a Polarized World, How Do You Define Good and Bad?23:16 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Tina McCorkindale, PhD Guest: Andy CoulsonWebsite | Instagram | LinkedIn | Wikipedia Page Andy's Podcast Crisis? What Crisis? 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
The media landscape is changing – and fast. In this episode, Tina McCorkindale, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations, breaks down the shift away from traditional news and the rise of emerging media. Drawing on insights from a recent survey with PepperCom, she explores how trust in media is evolving and what that means for public relations. From the rise of podcasts and influencers to the decline of legacy outlets, Tina offers essential strategies for communicators in today's fractured media world. Listen For6:54 The New Media Relations Battlefield8:56 The Rise of News Avoidance14:22 Broccoli vs. Mars Bar: Explaining News to a Teen19:59 The Power of Owning Your Channels20:55 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Sue HeumanStudy with Peppercom Navigating a Changing Media Landscape | Institute for Public RelationsGuest: Tina McCorkindale, PhDWebsite | LinkedIn | Google Scholar ProfileCheck 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
Pianist Kara Huber and violinist Ara Sarkissian are taking their duo recital on a tour around northern Michigan this month. The K/Ara Duo visited IPR's Studio A to perform the Nocturne by Lili Boulanger and discuss the mutual admiration that brought them together as musical collaborators.
The public relations industry has long been recognized as a female-dominated field, with women making up approximately two-thirds of the workforce. However, when it comes to leadership, women remain significantly underrepresented, comprising just one-third of top-tier roles. This disparity raises critical questions about the systemic barriers that prevent women from rising to senior leadership positions in PR agencies and organizations.In this episode, we examine the challenges faced by women in their careers, the personal and societal factors that hinder their progress, and the strategies they've employed to overcome these obstacles. Sue Heuman is a strong female leader in the PR industry, a designated Master Communicator through IABC, Past Chair of the IABC Global Communication Certification Council, and an executive leader. Listen For7:35 Where Are the Mentors?9:38 Too Harsh or Too Soft? The Impossible Standards for Female Leaders12:23 Sue's Jaw-Dropping Boardroom Story14:23 The Confidence Gap: Why Women Don't Apply22:48 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Carmine Gallo Guest: Sue Heuman, IABC Fellow, Master CommunicatorWebsite | 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
Curzon Public Relations CEO, Farzana Baduel, joins the world's most-listened-to PR podcast, as Guest Resident Co-Host!Alongside host Doug Downs, SCMP and producers Emily Page and David Olajide MPRCA, this season will explore PR through a truly global lens—tackling industry challenges, leadership insights, and the evolving media landscape.
Ty Chiko is a baritone, a baker, a visual artist and a social justice advocate. Originally from the Bahamas, he joined Interlochen's faculty last fall as the director of vocal music. Chiko visited IPR's Studio A to perform music of Gustav Mahler and Betty Jackson King.
Ideas shape the world, but only when they're communicated effectively. Some individuals have a remarkable ability to present their ideas in a way that captivates, influences, and inspires. A well-crafted and powerfully delivered idea doesn't just inform—it transforms. Imagine if you could unlock the exact techniques used by the world's best communicators, watch them deliver unforgettable presentations, and apply their secrets to engage your own audience. Carmine Gallo, has studied hundreds of TED Talks, interviewed top speakers, and worked alongside neuroscientists and psychologists to uncover why certain presentations resonate so deeply. Listen For8:02 Make Others Feel Like the Most Important Person in the Room11:43 The Rule of Three: Why Simplicity Wins16:27 Energy and Passion: Your First 20 Seconds Matter22:22 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Anne GregoryGuest: Carmine GalloLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestCheck out Carmine's newest book “The Bezos Blueprint”Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies 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 | ThreadsRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show
This episode is in honour of Podcasthon and in support of the Canadian Cancer SocietyWhen facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis, how much does communication—between doctors, patients, and loved ones—truly matter? In this deeply moving episode, Doug Downs sits down with Tim Kelter and Pete Paczko, two men with firsthand experience navigating cancer's devastating impact. Tim shares the heartbreaking story of losing both his daughter and wife to cancer, while Pete, currently battling stage 4 liver cancer, discusses the power of resilience and the role of community support. They dive into the failures and successes of medical communication, the well-meaning but sometimes misguided reactions from friends and family, and how music and simple human connection help them process their grief. This is an emotional and eye-opening conversation about love, loss, and the urgent need for better conversations around cancer.Listen For7:25 "Dad, I Don't Want to Die" – Tim's daughter, Carolyn, breaks down upon hearing her diagnosis, expressing her deepest fear, while Tim struggles to find the right words to comfort her.9:35 "You Should Expect to Be Dead" – Pete recalls a temporary oncologist bluntly telling him he had only 12–18 months to live, only for his regular doctor to later dismiss the claim as unknowable.29:35 "The Song That Woke Her Up" – Tim shares how his son played Bennie and the Jets for Carolyn while she was in a coma, and when she woke up, she remembered hearing it.Guests: Tim Kelter and Pete Paczko Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies 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 if the key to development isn't learning more—but unlearning first? In this episode, we explore how rural communities in underdeveloped nations can shape their own futures by moving beyond Western-imposed models of engagement. Professor Anne Gregory, shares insights from her research in rural Indonesia, where micro-hydro powerplants are transforming villages, and explains how a new approach to participatory communication is empowering communities to take charge of their development. Listen For7:15 Why Top-Down Strategies Fail Without Community Input9:35 The Importance of Local Partnerships in Community Engagement14:51 The Problem with Western KPIs in Southeast Asian Communities19:26 The True Meaning of Empowerment in Development Work24:46 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest Michelle Baty, PhD Guest: Anne Gregory, Ph.D., BA, FRSA, HonFCIPR, Huddersfield UniversityUniversity Website page | Email | X | LinkedIn Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies 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
On this Newsbuzz episode we check in with a state government reporter on the first legislative hurdle, and follow up on reporting from IPR staff.
Interlochen Arts Academy piano students Olivia Sexton, Kieran Alston and Oliver Wang took the stage in IPR's Studio A, previewing their upcoming tour performance. Music performed in Studio A Missy Mazzoli: "A Map of Laughter" performed by Olivia Sexton from Frankfort, IL Sam Post: "O'Carolan's Dream" performed by Kieran Alston from Makawao, HI George Gershwin: Prelude no. 1 performed by Oliver Wang from Meadville, PA
In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with human emotions, a new frontier is emerging—artificial intelligence that can understand how we feel. Imagine an AI system that doesn't just analyze data but senses our emotional state through the words we choose, the way we describe our experiences, and even how consistently we check in with ourselves.This isn't science fiction. Advances in natural language processing, psychology, and machine learning are making it possible for AI to interpret human emotions with surprising accuracy. Researchers are now using AI-powered systems to classify mood states based on self-reported text, combining insights from neuroscience and behavioral psychology to enhance human decision-making.But how does an AI system detect emotions through words? What psychological theories guide its ability to distinguish between stress, motivation, or disengagement? And could this technology reshape how we interact with machines—perhaps even with one another?Listen For9:46 AI Can Accurately Estimate YOUR Emotional State12:34 AI Detects Emotions Before Humans Do18:41 Is this Ethical?22:48 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Greg WassermanGuest: Michelle Baty, Neuro PsychologistThreads | Instagram | FacebookListen to Michelle on the Stronger by Design podcast with Michelle MacDonaldRate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies 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
Personal branding isn't just for influencers or CEOs—it's for anyone who wants to stand out, build trust, and create new opportunities. Whether you're an employee, entrepreneur, or freelancer, the way you present yourself can open doors or close them. In today's digital world, people aren't just hiring résumés—they're hiring reputations. A strong personal brand can make you the go-to expert in your field, help you attract new clients, and even future-proof your career. But crafting a brand that feels authentic and powerful doesn't happen by accident—it takes strategy, consistency, and a clear message.It's the business of being YOU.Listen For7:08 Why if You Fake it... You WON'T Make it10:35 The Rise, and Risks, of Influencers11:54 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Branding16:58 How to Build a Personal Brand from Scratch18:58 Your LinkedIn is your Resume – is it Working for You?21:07 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Michelle Garrett Guest: Greg WassermanLinkedIn | Linktr.ee Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | ThreadsRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show
Ever created a PR or communications plan, only to stash it away and forget about it? You're not alone. Guest Michelle Garrett breaks down why so many businesses struggle to execute their PR strategies—and what they can do to fix it. You need to set clear goals, measure meaningful metrics beyond just media mentions, and ensure consistency in PR efforts instead of relying on one-off campaigns. Michelle also shares insights on the rising importance of personal branding, the evolving media landscape with AI-driven searches, and how companies can effectively identify and reach their target audiences. Listen For06:02 The Wrong Metrics: What NOT to Track in PR 07:39 Common Mistakes in Evaluating PR Success 11:03 The Rise of Personal Branding in PR 13:06 How AI is Changing PR and Searchability 14:34 Finding Your Audience in a Fragmented Media Landscape 15:49 Why Trade Publications Matter More Than Ever 18:23 How Leaders Can Lend Their Voice to PR Without It Eating Up Their Time 19:34 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Kendall BreitmanGuest: Michelle GarrettWebsite | Email | X Michelle's book B2B PR That Gets Results Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | ThreadsRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show
As brands seek to cut through the digital noise, a fascinating trend has emerged: recording conversations with CEOs and decision-makers to create authentic, shareable content that humanizes their leadership.Kendall Breitman shares her insights on why this strategy is resonating with brands and audiences and how storytelling and transparency are becoming key drivers of brand trust in today's world.Listen For5:25 Turning Internal Meetings into Public Content8:26 The Shift from Logos to Personal Branding20:30 Authenticity vs Message Control in CEO Storytelling22:45 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Guest Jim RudolphGuest: Kendall BreitmanWebsite | X | LinkedIn | InstagramRate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteApply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | ThreadsRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show
In this throwback episode Kevin and Zach discuss the importance of communication and managing patient expectations throughout the Invisalign process, from initial consultation to final results. Key Takeaways: Verbal skills are crucial: Effectively communicating with patients about the Invisalign process, including attachments, IPR ("slenderizing"), and potential refinements, is key to ensuring satisfaction. Manage expectations early: Clearly explain the process, including potential discomfort, dietary changes, and the need for retainers, to avoid surprises and disappointment later. Address objections proactively: Have answers prepared for common concerns like the appearance of attachments, the need for IPR, and the duration of treatment. Use visual aids: Models, photos, or videos can help patients understand the process and visualize the expected outcomes. Don't fight the "mostly satisfied": If an adult patient is happy with their results, even if not perfect, respect their decision and avoid pushing for further refinements. Be prepared for the "never satisfied": Some patients may have unrealistic expectations or hyper-focus on minor imperfections. Patience, clear communication, and gentle guidance are essential. Address noncompliance: Reiterate the importance of wearing aligners as prescribed and address non-compliance directly, but ultimately, patients are responsible for their own choices. Invest in a good Invisalign manager: A dedicated team member can handle patient communication, manage expectations, and provide support throughout the process. Remember the positive: While negative experiences tend to be more memorable, the majority of Invisalign patients are satisfied with their results. Very Clinical is brought to you by Zirc Dental Products, Inc., your trusted partner in dental efficiency and organization. The Very Clinical Corner segment features Kate Reinert, LDA, an experienced dental professional passionate about helping practices achieve clinical excellence. Connect with Kate Reinert on LinkedIn: Kate Reinert, LDA Book a call with Kate: Reserve a Call Ready to upscale your team? Explore Zirc's solutions today: zirc.com
IPR talked to one of 10 Iowans pardoned for crimes related to the Jan 6 attack on the U.S Capitol. Another attempt to limit the use of automatic traffic cameras in the state has started again in the Iowa House. 34 states have anti-SLAPP laws. Could Iowa become one of them?
Weary travelers check into the Sleep Easy Inn, a 2.5 star hotel by the side of the highway. They wake up in an infinite labyrinth beyond imagination. As they search for a way out, they find horrific monsters and unearthly temptations. Can they escape? If you like this scenario, you can run it yourself! The Night Clerk is available in print and PDF through IPR and PDF only on DTRPG and Itch.io. Ethan and Greg are members of Technical Difficulties Gaming Podcast. Check it out more RPG actual plays! Ethan as Tanner McGrath Greg as Cedar Mallory Neil as Ellen Hargrave David as Bob Hammersmith