Podcast appearances and mentions of Simon Lewis

When you're in a crisis, you discover very quickly who your friends are. Or perhaps more accurately, who your friends aren't.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine how different types of friends are deployed to the PR front line when it comes to reputational combat.When you can't defend yourself in public, you need the right sort in your corner. But not all friends are equal. There's the named friend, the unnamed friend and the showbiz favourite - 'close friend of the couple'.And David and Simon reveal there are often PR campaigns going on behind-the-scenes to ensure the best calibre of friend is speaking up - and why a 'source', a 'spokesperson' and a 'friend' might actually be the same person.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, a moment of indulgence as When it Hits the Fan reaches its 100th episode. David and Simon explain what's surprised them about the world of PR since the show started - and why they've had to think differently about the world they move in. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis talk through Ireland's memorable and historic victory at Twickenham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis talk through Andy Farrell's decision to start Jack Crowley in Twickenham, the other changes and the abuse directed this week at Edwin Edogbo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Lewis and Brendan O'Brien ask where Ireland's victory and flawed performance against the Azzurri leaves them ahead of next week's trip to Twickenham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Lewis and Brendan O'Brien dig into a very interesting Ireland team selection ahead of Saturday's Six Nations game at home to Italy. Rotation? Not a bit of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some jobs just can't be done. Circumstances, events and a changing world simply make them undoable.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis ask whether one such job is communicating on behalf of the Prime Minister. Not just this Prime Minister, but any Prime Minister.After only five months, the PM's Director of Communications, Tim Allan has quit. He's the fourth person to hold the role under Sir Keir Starmer. The old levers of PR clearly aren't working and there seems to be a general bafflement has to how to get the public onboard.Put simply, is Downing Street now beyond PR?On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, how Buckingham Palace is rapidly changing its PR game. Widely criticised for being too slow to react to the scandal around Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the Palace is going on the front foot - with two statements that would've been inconceivable just months ago. Plus there's nothing like a formal letter from the Government to put you in the mood for love. That's the hope anyway. In France, all 29-year-olds are being written to - to remind them of their duty to have babies. As you might expect, there's been something of a backlash.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis reflect on a long dark night for Ireland at the Stade de France after an opening Six Nations defeat to the hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis preview Ireland's Six Nations opener in Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How close is the Palace to being sucked into the Epstein reputational black hole - again?In this episode David Yelland and Simon Lewis discuss the latest revelations from the Epstein files about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Can a reputation ever be so utterly ‘nuked' that there is no coming back and anyone close gets sucked in? What is the Royal Family's PR calculus to avoid the gravity pull of the Epstein PR black hole? On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon look at another man in a PR black hole, Lord Mandelson. Is it really the end of the road for the king of spin, or can the ultimate political survivor find a way out? Also, the Sunday Times Tax List and why being one of the UK's biggest tax payers is good PR. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

It started with a bombshell but the aftershocks are only just getting started.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis ask whether David and Victoria Beckham's seemingly bulletproof brand is under threat. The cause is of course the incredibly emotional social media outburst from their son, Brooklyn.Theirs is a brand built on family - so what are the PR challenges when threads start to unravel? And crucially, what say will the money men have about how the Beckham's handle the fallout? On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, where best to see where the worlds of PR, power and business collide than Davos? Simon spent the week there and reveals what's really going on behind-the-scenes. It's certainly not as glamorous as you might think. Plus, how to take on Elon Musk and win. Ryanair's Michael O'Leary delivered a PR masterclass as the two men had a very public spat - using a killer blend of humour and facts. It seems to have done wonders for the airline's business - and given us a timely reminder of how to use your opponent's strength against them. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis check in with all the latest Six Nations news from the tournament launch in a freezing and wet Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday, January 17th, 2025President Biden's farewell speech included a stark warning about oligarchy; Speaker Johnson has ousted House intelligence chair Mike Turner; Rudy Giuliani was a no-show to his bench trial today but Reuters reports that he and Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss have reached a settlement; Minnesota state House Republicans are attempting a political coup; Mark Cuban is willing to fund a TikTok alternative piggybacking off Bluesky's AT protocol; Trump is attempting to dismantle personnel protections at the State Department; Obama the Clintons and Bush have declined to attend the inaugural lunch; Ron DeSantis has appointed Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubio's Senate seat; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Guest: John FugelsangTell Me Everything — John FugelsangThe John Fugelsang PodcastSexy LiberalStories:Exclusive: Trump team asks three US senior career diplomats to resign, sources say (Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis, Gram Slattery | Reuters)Speaker Johnson removes Mike Turner as House Intelligence Committee chairman (Scott Wong, Ryan Nobles, Kyle Stewart | NBC News)Minnesota Democrats ask state Supreme Court to resolve state House power struggle (Seteve Karnowski| AP News)Ron DeSantis picks Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubio's Senate seat (Matt Dixon | NBC News)Good Trouble - Keep writing those letters to urge Merrick Garland to dismiss the charges against Trump's co-defendants and release Volume II of the report.Send Your message to the Department of JusticeWatch DutyWatch Duty Fire Public Safety Information (App)Cal FireIncidents | CAL FIRE Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.com Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis analyse a consequential weekend of Champions Cup action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When everything's going really well, there's always a lurking fear that it can't possibly last.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how the discussion around weight-loss injections is suddenly, subtly shifting. New research suggests that once you come off them, you put weight back on faster than if you'd shed the pounds in a more traditional way.The findings dominated the news agenda.So is the PR worm ever so slightly turning? David and Simon discuss what happens when a product leaves the ordinary world of day-to-day business and becomes something far bigger - something talked about by everyone.What's crucial is being able to look far enough down the track to see what pitfalls may lay ahead.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, we're talking black gold. Or rather, how the big oil firms are dealing with President Trump - especially after he claimed he'd briefed them before the US raid to capture Venezuela's President Maduro.David and Simon look at the skills required to PR an oil firm - and why they're more like states than businesses. They'll also explain why big tech has a lot to learn from how oil runs its communications.Also, there is a traitor in our midst - and she's a head of comms. It's no spoiler to say Rachel is one of the stars of the latest series of The Traitors. But what dark and mysterious PR genius is she bringing to the show to make her so successful? Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis -- freshly home from France -- discuss Munster's narrow defeat at Toulon, Leinster's exploits in Europe and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Call it smoke and mirrors, call it sleight of hand. The best PR is often invisible PR.In this latest episode of our mini-series on the Golden Rules of PR, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the risks of showing your workings.Increased transparency is admirable in many cases - but beware of just how much you reveal.A great example from 2025 was the Heathrow Airport crisis. A power outage caused the airport to shut down - and it quickly became known that Heathrow's CEO was asleep when the decision to close the airport was made. There may have been very good reasons for him not to be awake but the optics were terrible.Creating an illusion is part of the PR toolbox - you're trying to persuade people to come on a journey with you. If, like in the Wizard of Oz, the curtain is pulled back and the artifice crumbles, it could mean game over.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Most of us are guilty of it. A problem looms or a crisis kicks off and the knee-jerk reaction is often to ignore it and hope it goes away.Newsflash - it rarely does.In this latest episode of our mini-series on PR's Golden Rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why doing something is usually better than doing nothing.Two great examples from 2025 involve the BBC and the Royal Family. Both faced enormous crises - both faced accusations of not saying or doing the right thing quickly enough.David and Simon explain the perils of being paralysed by group-think in such situations and the difficulties of making yourself heard when you know you've got a solution. And sometimes you have to accept that there isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer - but you just have to say something.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis look back on Saturday night's imperfect URC interpro between Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode will change your life. Seriously.It's a big claim and carries an enormous risk of over-promising.Welcome to the latest episode in our mini-series on the Golden Rules of PR. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the risks of rolling the pitch - of laying the PR groundwork - for a forthcoming announcement.As the Chancellor Rachel Reeves found out in the run up to the Budget, trying to manage expectations can seriously backfire. But we all do it - we try to soften people up ahead of delivering some tricky news. David and Simon explain why there are very sensible reasons for doing this.The problem is - if you say what's going to happen and people react badly - how do you change your plans without being accused of making a U-turn?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

It may be the season to be jolly but there's not a lot of good cheer going around at the moment. With so much unrelentingly bleak news, how do you persuade anyone that not everything's as bad as it seems? This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the power of optimism. It's not just a useful PR tool, it's vital. When optimism is authentic, it can inspire and be incredibly infectious. The trouble is, it can also feel totally out of step with people's own experiences.That's why it's such a tricky PR balancing act. You want to take people with you but not make them think you're living in a dream world.When people are crying out for good news, David and Simon look at why the phrase 'positive spin' is almost always used in a derogatory way - even though the very last thing you want is a pessimistic PR team.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, who's on the list and who isn't? The PR minefield that is Christmas cards. David and Simon discuss whether the festive staple is still a good way of judging where you sit in the business and social firmament.Should you send cards to all your contacts, should they each get a personalised message - and if someone suddenly stops sending one to you, what are you supposed to think? And given the cost of postage - how do you decide who is really worth the price of a stamp?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

It is Episode 100 of That'll Teach You! To celebrate, we are joined by fan favourites Tina (@teacherofdotes) and Robbie (@positiveprimaryprincipal) to look back on the first term of the school year. We also spoke with Simon Lewis (@anseodotnet) of Anseo.net and Mash.ie to catch up on his very different first school term.Thank you for listening to us - we can't wait to start back on 7th January with Episode 101!Don't forget to enter our fantastic Christmas giveaway competition - follow us @thatllteachyoupodcast for details!Please recommend us to a friend, and take a moment to rate and review us - it really helps! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rhett Burnie, Australian journalist; Simon Lewis, Principal of Carlow Educate Together; Chris Griffin, member of the Ireland Australia Association; and Andrew Silke, Visiting Professor in Terrorism, Risk and Resilience at Cranford University

It's panto season and panto villains don't come much bigger than Simon Cowell.The music mogul's made a career and fortune playing the Bad Guy on TV talent shows. But is there more to him - and crucially, is it good PR for him to show a different side?This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis wade through the blizzard of publicity created ahead of Simon Cowell's latest show - to piece together a PR jigsaw that hints at his attempts to stay relevant while also offering glimpses into his world that he may not have intended.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, what happens when a CEO goes missing in action? The good people of Tunbridge Wells are once again disgusted - following a drinking water crisis in the spa town. And their mood has not been helped by the boss of South Eastern Water, David Hinton, refusing to give any interviews. If the buck stops with you, do you have a duty to show your face in public - or can there be very good reasons for staying invisible when everything is going wrong?Also, what is going on at HSBC? There's a distinct whiff of chaos around the search for a new CEO. George Osborne had been heavily touted, only for the job to be given to a 76-year-old internal candidate who, by all accounts, might not be hanging around for long. Given it's one of the most prestigious roles in global finance, where is the succession planning? And what does all this confusion at the top mean for the bank's reputation?Producer: Duncan MIddleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve StreeterMusic by Eclectic Sounds. A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4.

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis discuss Wednesday's 2027 Rugby World Cup pool draw, and look ahead to Munster and Leinster's latest Champions Cup campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not easy winning a PR fight when you're up against three octogenarian nuns whose story has become a global smash.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the case of Sister Bernadette, Sister Regina and Sister Rita. They ran away from the care home they'd been sent to and broke back into the Austrian convent where they'd lived for more than 60 years. In the process, they've gained huge support on social media.Now, they've been told they can stay at the convent - so long as they stop posting online. The nuns and their hundreds of thousands of followers aren't happy.David and Simon explain why harnessing authentic, joyful, grassroots support is the PR holy grail - and why it's almost impossible to counter. It almost doesn't matter what the Church authorities say or do. The facts are no longer important if people have already decided who is in the right and wrong. On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, there's the distinct whiff of crisis at Campbell's. Its CEO has had to go on the record to insist the chicken used in its soups is "not made with a 3D printer". This follows a secret recording of a senior member of staff, who seemingly said the opposite during a long rant about the company. The claim is clearly nonsense so David and Simon look at whether Campbell's reaction is proportionate - or whether we now live in a world where a company has to respond, no matter how ludicrous a claim seems.Keeping your customers happy is of course vital in any business. Which brings us to Turkish Airlines. It's facing accusations of poor treatment after the former BBC correspondent, Mark Mardell, was told he wasn't allowed to board a flight because of his Parkinson's. David and Simon examine the response - or lack of - from Turkish Airlines and explain why getting ahead of a PR problem is absolutely crucial.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Imagine being able to read the private emails sent between some of the most powerful people on the planet. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis do exactly that. The release of thousands of pages from the so-called Epstein files shows the ways in which the elite communicate with each other. The exchanges reveal what one New York Times columnist describes as the 'nomadic bat signals' the rich send the rich. Epstein's criminality and cruelty are already crystal clear - but the legacy of these emails tells us so much more about the times we're living in.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, a scandal threatening the reputation of a very British institution. The former CEO of Lloyd's of London, John Neal, has had his multi-million pound job offer with AIG rescinded - over claims of a workplace affair. Did Lloyd's do enough to investigate the matter - and does the case undo all the positive PR Lloyd's has received for trying to reform behaviour within the company?Also, insert your own joke about weird handshakes. The Freemasons are making a fresh attempt to become more transparent. The 600 meeting halls of the Grand Lodge of Scotland are throwing open their doors to public guided tours. It's all part of an effort to be more 'inclusive' and 'engaging'. But what if secrecy is part of your selling point? If you lose the mystique, what have you got left?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

It's parent-teacher meeting season and while the experience can be a joy for some parents and teachers, that's not quite the case for everyone. So, what's the most annoying thing about parent-teacher meetings? Is it parents who hog teachers?Jonathan asked Jen Hogan, Irish Times journalist and Host of Conversations with parents' podcast and Simon Lewis, Primary School principal & Host of If I were the Minister for Education podcast.

Simon Lewis and Brendan O'Brien look ahead to the visit of the world champion South Africans after a busy day of media with both camps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a top job becomes available, there very soon follows a list of potential 'runners and riders'. But how do you get your name on it? And how do you get your name off it?This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis reveal the PR secrets of The List. Whether it's the BBC, HSBC or Apple, there are suddenly lots of big names being touted around for some very serious jobs.But there are PR traps along the way. Being seen as the frontrunner doesn't always end well - and if you didn't put your name forward, who did and what are they playing at?And when it comes to these lists, there is sometimes great value in not appearing on them at all.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds - Penguin PR. David and Simon look at the campaign to get 15 Gentoo penguins released from London Aquarium. The owner, Merlin Entertainments, has pledged to listen to 'constructive ideas' about how best to care for the animals. But has the company already lost the argument?Also, when someone says AI will "evolve and transition certain jobs", what do they really mean? Especially when that someone is the head of Google's parent firm, Alphabet. Sundar Pichai sits at the top of company valued at more than $3tn - so when he says he's worried about the AI bubble bursting and the effect it'll have on every company, it's probably worth paying close attention to his choice of words.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis at the Aviva Stadium reflect on Ireland's win over the Wallabies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"They make really stupid basic mistakes and they are hopeless at PR."If you're a podcast about PR, then that quote - made about the BBC this week - is a good place to start when assessing the reputation of the Corporation. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the crisis engulfing the BBC. One which began with a leaked memo, resulted in two huge resignations and now has President Trump threatening to sue for $1bn.How did we get here and did the BBC make some cardinal PR mistakes along the way?Maybe the BBC could do with putting in a call to the man dubbed 'Drastic Dave'. On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon look at the risks and rewards of parachuting a 'superstar CEO' into a struggling company. In this case, it's Dave Lewis - who's now tasked with turning round drinks business Diageo. The company has seen an immediate bounce in its value, but how long can that PR honeymoon period last?And what happens if you need to get hold of your CEO - superstar or otherwise - but they're not picking up? The answer, according to the boss of Heathrow, is to give them an extra loud phone. Thomas Woldbye says that's what he's now got - after sleeping through several alerts when the airport was hit by a huge power failure back in March. David and Simon recall moments from their own careers when they had to decide if, when and how to wake the boss. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

BBC Director General resigns after “error of judgement” over Trump speech. Plus: Jailed climate activist faces deportation, and Lisa Nandy stands firm on her stance surrounding the banning of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. With Kieran Andrieu, Ash Sarkar and Simon Lewis.

Simon Lewis and Brendan O'Brien set the scene for a much-changed Ireland's Test match against Japan on Saturday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was barely a fortnight - but in that time everything seemed to change.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the dramatic way Buckingham Palace responded to the growing crisis over the then-Prince Andrew. Going from an initial statement that seemed - to many - to get almost everything wrong to a second statement that went further than almost anyone was expecting.Behind-the-scenes, just what was going on for the Royal comms team? What powers were at play, how was there such a gulf between the two statements and just how hard is it to react quickly when working for an institution as unwieldy as the Royal Family?On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, we're on patrol with the 'Pleasure Police'. Well, that's who the gambling industry has in its sights as it fights to stop the sector being hit with higher taxes. But David and Simon think it's a particularly old fashioned type of PR campaign - complete with backing from The Sun and a slogan to Save Our Bets. With the Budget looming large, they examine whether these campaigns ever work.And what price loyalty? John Lewis is making a fresh attempt to lure members into its flagship store - with the promise of free fizz, nibbles and arm massages. But beyond the pampering, how hard is it for brands and businesses to secure loyalty - and what are the reputational risks if you have to withdraw or adapt those perks?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

As PR moves go, it would surely have earned a '10 from Len'.But what about the BBC's own communications team, who were seemingly as surprised as everyone else when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they were leaving Strictly Come Dancing?This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at what happens when a PR team is left blindsided by events. And while not strictly a double act, Tess and Claud are a Strictly double act - so it's a chance to discuss the challenges of how to bow out when your reputation is, at least in part, tied up with someone else.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, the Prince Andrew scandal still looms large. The clamour for some kind of decision on his living arrangements is only growing. As yet, there's nothing official. But there does seem to be an awful lot of briefing behind-the-scenes. David and Simon look at how this lack of formal information is playing out for both the King and Prince William.And how many times have we heard there's a problem at head office? That seems to be the case at Waitrose. The supermarket chain has reversed its decision not to offer paid work to an autistic man after initially saying he had to stop stacking shelves at the store where he had volunteered for four years. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

No more Duke of York, no more Order of the Garter. But he is still Prince Andrew. And he is still the King's brother.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how Buckingham Palace is trying to distance the Royal Family from the constant slew of damaging headlines. But many questions remain about the way it's being handled.Why was Prince Andrew allowed to sound like he was giving up his titles voluntarily, in a statement that may be argued to show little contrition, focussing instead on his innocence? If it was a decision based on short-term PR pain, has it backfired spectacularly?Buckingham Palace has asked the public to look at the King's Royal work rather than the scandals involving his brother. But if you're having to ask, have you already lost the argument?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Victoria Beckham is no stranger to headlines. And now she's revealed that intense media scrutiny led to her developing an eating disorder. Cue more headlines. One particular article stood out, which asked why those around Victoria - including her PR team - didn't seem to address the problem at the time.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at what this tells us, not just about Victoria Beckham's story, but the delicate line that people in the world of PR must tread when they are dealing with a client facing a highly sensitive and personal issue. How do you discuss the elephant in the room?On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, we're on the comeback trail. Three-time Olympic dressage gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin has begun a very low-key return to her sport after serving a ban for 'excessively' whipping a horse. So far, she's not given any interviews. But is that sustainable - and what are the PR options for trying to return to the spotlight after a scandal?Also, it's never a good idea to wind up a bear. Especially one from Darkest Peru with a serious marmalade habit. But that's what the makers of Spitting Image have done. The Michael Bond estate and Studio Canal - who make the Paddington films - are taking legal action after the much-loved bear was depicted as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed beast in a YouTube series. Time for David and Simon to sit down with Paddington and offer some reputational repair work.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

We are living in troubling times when Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, feel they have to go to court to prove she is a woman. The couple's lawyer says 'a line has been crossed' by an online influencer who has repeatedly claimed Mrs Macron is a man. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the 'fight for truth'. Famous people and businesses used to be able to ignore or not comment on stories that were clearly untrue. But in the disinformation age, lies gain traction - and stick - faster than ever. So what are the PR challenges and risks of taking a stand when people have already made up their minds?And on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon look at arguably the toughest PR job in the country - the Archbishop of Canterbury. An announcement on who'll take up the position is expected in the next few weeks - and they face a huge challenge. They'll have a guaranteed platform, but what's the message? At a time when church leaders have written an open letter criticising the 'misuse' of Christian symbols during a march organised by the Far Right, is being controversial unavoidable?Also, who's up and who's down? Yes, it's league table PR. As Oxford and Cambridge slip down the list of best universities, what dark arts are at play in similar lists? Can they be manipulated - and what are the real reputational risks of falling down the rankings?Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Simon Lewis in Sydney reflects on his time in Oz following the tourists Down Under, with host Brendan O'Brien. The Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care – the official Personal Care Product of Choice for the British and Irish Lions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan O'Brien is joined by Simon Lewis from Sydney ahead of the final test.The Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care – the official Personal Care Product of Choice for the British and Irish Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British and Irish Lions have secured the series with a game to spare, but the second Test ended in controversy. Julian Linden joins Simon Lewis to assess it all. The Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care – the official Personal Care Product of Choice for the British and Irish Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lions will attempt to clinch the series win against Australia at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. Simon Lewis checks in with Brendan O'BrienThe Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care – the official Personal Care Product of Choice for the British and Irish Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Lewis and Brendan O'Brien reflect on a first Test win and preview a busy week ahead in Melbourne. The Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care – the official Personal Care Product of Choice for the British and Irish Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish Examiner rugby columnist Donal Lenihan joins Simon Lewis in Australia to discuss Andy Farrell's team selection and look ahead to the Lions' first Test with the Wallabies.The Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care – the official Personal Care Product of Choice for the British and Irish Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Lewis joins Brendan O'Brien from Adelaide to reflect on the Lions' impressive win over the AUNZ Invitational XV team.The Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care – the official Personal Care Product of Choice for the British and Irish Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mick Cleary joins Simon Lewis to reflect on the action in Brisbane.The Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care – the official Personal Care Product of Choice for the British and Irish Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis review the Lions' opening game of the tour Down Under, a 54-7 victory over Super Rugby side Western Force. The Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care - the official Personal Care Product of choice for the British and Irish Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis assess Andy Farrell's selection for the opening tour match with Western Force. The Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care – the official Personal Care Product of Choice for the British and Irish Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis review Argentina's defeat of the Lions in their Aviva Stadium pre-tour clash. Just how bad was it for the Lions? The Irish Examiner Rugby Podcast Lions Tour Special is brought to you in partnership with Dove Men+Care – the official Personal Care Product of Choice for the British and Irish Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday, January 17th, 2025Today, President Biden's farewell speech included a stark warning about oligarchy; Speaker Johnson has ousted House intelligence chair Mike Turner; Rudy Giuliani was a no-show to his bench trial today but Reuters reports that he and Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss have reached a settlement; Minnesota state House Republicans are attempting a political coup; Mark Cuban is willing to fund a TikTok alternative piggybacking off Bluesky's AT protocol; Trump is attempting to dismantle personnel protections at the State Department; Obama the Clintons and Bush have declined to attend the inaugural lunch; Ron DeSantis has appointed Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubio's Senate seat; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Guest: John FugelsangTell Me Everything — John FugelsangThe John Fugelsang PodcastThe Sexy Liberal Save The World Comedy Tour : One Final ShowSAVE THE WORLD INAUGURATION SPECIAL PAY PER VIEW LIVE FROM THE WARNER THEATRE (DC)Sexy LiberalStories:Exclusive: Trump team asks three US senior career diplomats to resign, sources say (Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis, Gram Slattery | Reuters)Speaker Johnson removes Mike Turner as House Intelligence Committee chairman (Scott Wong, Ryan Nobles, Kyle Stewart | NBC News)Minnesota Democrats ask state Supreme Court to resolve state House power struggle (Seteve Karnowski| AP News)Ron DeSantis picks Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubio's Senate seat (Matt Dixon | NBC News)Good Trouble - Keep writing those letters to urge Merrick Garland to dismiss the charges against Trump's co-defendants and release Volume II of the report.Send Your message to the Department of JusticeWatch DutyWatch Duty Fire Public Safety Information (App) Cal FireIncidents | CAL FIREHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/From The Good NewsMedicaidNight Fever (YouTube)Peter Kay UK (YouTube)paul 77006.bskyb.socialRate The Daily Beans Podcast Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewroteDana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts