Podcasts about strategic communications

Murshed Zaheed returns to The Great Battlefield podcast to talk about what he's been up to and starting his own consultancy, Pacifica Strategies.

How to turn complexity into connection through clear communication.Communication in high-stakes moments isn't about saying more — it's about connecting better. For Jonathan Berek and Phil Polakoff, the most effective communicators don't rely on jargon or performance. They rely on empathy, listening, and stories that resonate.Both longtime Stanford Medicine leaders, Berek and Polakoff have spent their careers translating complex, emotional, and often urgent health issues for patients, colleagues, and the public. And they've learned that the message only lands when it's delivered at the right level, with the right intention. “Know your audience,” Berek says, describing the importance of “leveling” — communicating in language that meets people where they are, without talking down or over their heads.For both Berek and Polakoff, listening is the foundation. “The two most important skills in communication are empathy and listening,” Berek explains — not as soft skills, but as the core mechanics of trust. Polakoff agrees, pushing for directness and clarity: “I like a yes or a no. I don't like ambivalence or ambiguity.” And when it comes to being memorable, he's relentless about simplicity: “Think bold, start small.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Berek and Polakoff join host Matt Abrahams to examine what great communicators actually do: prepare deeply, speak concisely, listen with intention, and use storytelling to bring others along. Because as Berek puts it, “People feel the emotion when they see a story,” and emotion — paired with clarity — is what turns information into impact.Episode Reference Links:Phil PolakoffJonathan BerekConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:49) - Raising Awareness For Women's Cancer (03:46) - Redefining Health Beyond Disease (05:08) - Why Storytelling is Essential (07:08) - What Makes a Story Memorable (08:45) - Advice for Better Communication (09:46) - Making Complex Ideas Accessible (10:34) - Speaking at Your Audience's Level (11:57) - Listening & Empathy (12:39) - Improving Communication with Improv (14:08) - Communication for Collective Change (16:47) - Mentorship & The Big Picture (17:58) - The Final Three Questions (21:48) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription.Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

0:30 - John Anthony filling in for Dan Proft 11:43 - Black History Month 32:54 - Jesse Jackson 51:45 - School Choice 01:12:59 - Martin McLaughlin, Illinois State Rep - 52nd District, reviews JB Pritzker’s State of the State address, calling it “performance art” and not “worth the paper it was written on” Keep updated with Rep McLaughlin on X @MartyForIL 01:31:26 - Brian Lonergan, Director of Strategic Communications & Content at FAIR, says the debate over Voter ID is really Elites versus Ordinary Americans. Brian is also co-host of the “No Border, No Country” podcast 01:50:13 - Dustin Grage, columnist at Townhall.com, updates the Minnesota fraud investigations. Follow Dustin on X @GrageDustin 02:09:05 - Scott McKay, publisher of TheHayride.com & senior editor at The American Spectator, with a look at AI, Revolution and the Future of Celebrity. Scott is also the author of the brand-new novel Blockbusters, which is available at AmazonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Salcedo Storm Podcast:He is the host of Bolling. He is the host of “The Edge,” With Eric Bolling. He is the author of two NYT Best Sellers—Wake Up America and The Swamp—exposing the dangerous drift away from America's core values of freedom, family, and individual opportunity. He is Eric BollingANDTim Young is a very talented comedian, pundit, and writer. Tim Young is a Media Fellow for Strategic Communications at The Heritage Foundation.

Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Rachael Hagerstrom of the University of Massachusetts Amherst to explore an often-overlooked yet critical area of institutional communications: issues management. In this conversation, Rachael shares how her journalism and social media background uniquely prepared her for a role focused on monitoring, anticipating, and mitigating potential reputation threats before they escalate. This episode is a must-listen for any higher ed communications pro wondering what's next in their career.Guest Name: Rachael Hagerstrom, Director for Strategic Communications, University of Massachusetts AmherstGuest Social: LInkedInGuest Bio: Rachael Hagerstrom is the director for strategic communications at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Over a decade in social media management—including at Smith College and Amherst College— she created multiple award-winning campaigns, served on national social media boards, and provided research and counsel to senior leaders on emerging issues.At UMass, she works on helping the university team future forecast by staying on top of trends and news in the social media landscape. Rachael has also co-authored a travel guide to Nicaragua and once worked as a reporter at the Daily Hampshire Gazette and Watertown Daily Times. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLiAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Steve Gruber Show | Trans Ideology, Mass Violence & The Truth They Won't Say --- 00:00 - Hour 1 Monologue 18:54 – Marc Beckman, CEO of DMA United, producer of MELANIA, and senior advisor and agent to Mrs. Trump for more than 25 years. Beckman offers a first look at the new documentary Melania, sharing insights into the life and legacy of the former First Lady. He discusses her accomplishments and the story behind the film. 27:14 – Dr. Ben Tapper, Director of Epigenetics at The Wellness Company. Dr. Tapper discusses National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month and why most cancers are linked to lifestyle and environmental factors rather than genetics. He outlines prevention strategies and explains the role of natural compounds featured in The Wellness Company's SHIELD product. Visit twc.health/GRUBER and use promo code GRUBER to save 10%. 37:16 - Hour 2 Monologue 46:08 – Erika Sanzi, Senior Director of Communications at Defending Education. Sanzi examines how major donors allegedly helped build what appears to be a “youth-led” protest movement. She discusses the funding networks and messaging strategies behind modern activism. 55:55 – Brian Lonergan, Director of Strategic Communications and Content at the Federation for American Immigration Reform and co-host of the No Border, No Country podcast. Lonergan argues that Democratic leaders are putting the country at risk in efforts to halt immigration enforcement. He outlines FAIR's concerns over border security and public safety. 1:14:45 - Hour 3 Monologue 1:23:39 – Ron Rademacher, travel writer, author, speaker, storyteller, and record-holder for getting lost on Michigan's back roads. Rademacher highlights upcoming events and destinations across Michigan. He shares local travel ideas and hidden gems worth exploring. 1:33:30 – Sen. Michael Holmstrom, representing Minnesota's 29th District. Holmstrom discusses Minnesota's clash over ICE enforcement, including protests and calls for accountability. He explains the policy and political implications for the state. 1:41:59 – Ivey Gruber, President of the Michigan Talk Network. Gruber reacts to Oregon's proposed ballot initiative that would ban hunting and fishing, potentially criminalizing common outdoor activities. The conversation also touches on related concerns involving pest control and animal breeding regulations. --- Check out our brand new podcast, 'Forgotten America'... The First Episode is live NOW at Steve Gruber on YouTube! Link below: https://youtu.be/LcYYLfQWCY0

Greg Brady spoke to Sabrina Maddeaux, political columnist and Director of Strategic Communications at Global Public Affairs about her article: The Tumbler Ridge murders were preventable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke to Sabrina Maddeaux, political columnist and Director of Strategic Communications at Global Public Affairs about her article: The Tumbler Ridge murders were preventable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why curiosity is the best way to start a conversation.No matter how wide political, cultural, and generational divides seem to grow, Fareed Zakaria is convinced: communication has the power to connect.Zakaria is the host of CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS, a Washington Post columnist, and author of Age of Revolutions, a book about the seismic societal shifts that define modern history. In his decades of translating complex geopolitical issues for broad audiences, he's found the key to navigating change and conflict. “The most important thing is being genuinely curious,” he says, “genuinely believing that everybody has a story to tell. Everybody has something to teach you. Everybody has a lesson you can learn.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Zakaria and host Matt Abrahams explore how curiosity opens the door to conversation. Whether we're communicating across ideological divides or bridging gaps between our past, present, and future, Zakaria shows why maintaining connection starts with a willingness to learn.Episode Reference Links:Fareed ZakariaFareed's Book: Age of Revolutions Ep.161 Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You're Talking To Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:27) - The “Age of Revolutions” (04:33) - Do Facts Still Matter? (06:04) - How To Persuade (08:08) - On-Camera Communication (10:36) - Making Radical Ideas Mainstream (12:05) - When To Change Your Mind (13:32) - Helping Adolescents Communicate (19:15) - The Final Three Questions (23:02) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why clarity and authenticity matter more than ever in modern communication.Clear communication in the age of likes, LLMs, and constant noise isn't about talking more. For Nick Thompson, it's about being unmistakably clear and unmistakably yourself.Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former editor-in-chief of Wired, has spent his career shaping stories that hold attention. “Clear beats clever,” he says, stressing that authenticity and specificity are what make messages land. “If you can get across what you're really trying to say— if you can say it honestly, specifically, and ideally briefly—that's good. And if you can say it in a way that feels like you, that's great.”Beyond journalism, Thompson is an elite marathon runner, ranking among the top competitive runners in the world, an identity that, for him, isn't separate from writing or leadership but deeply connected to it. “[Running] has taught me all kinds of habits of mind and discipline and pacing,” he says, “There are all kinds of lessons from the sport that apply to my business life.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Thompson joins host Matt Abrahams to share how great communicators craft “sticky” ideas without chasing soundbites. From practical editorial tests to the importance of editing, structure, and authenticity, Thompson offers a roadmap for communication that doesn't just get noticed but lasts.Episode Reference Links:Nick ThompsonNick's Book: The Running GroundEp.183 Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (04:10) - Good Communication in the Modern Day (04:52) - Finding Your Authentic Voice (05:59) - The Power of Editing (07:43) - Reading Your Writing Out Loud (09:36) - How to Create “Sticky” Content (10:58) - AI's Role in Journalism & Communication (13:01) - Using AI in Daily Life (13:45) - Running As Meditation (17:22) - What Running Teaches About Simplicity (18:57) - The Final Three Questions (23:15) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Marc and Mary Vought, Heritage Foundation VP of Strategic Communications, analyze U.S. population trends and their political impact, noting that Trump-won states are experiencing the largest growth while key blue states stagnate. They discuss how declining birth rates among left-leaning voters could shape future elections and examine the rise of church disruptions, including incidents involving Don Lemon, framing them as a growing threat to religious freedom. The segment blends demographic insights with cultural commentary, emphasizing long-term political and societal implications. Hashtags: #MaryVought #HeritageFoundation #PopulationTrends #SwingStates #ReligiousFreedom #MarkCoxMorningShow

Figures in the UK Government are preparing to hand over reams of material to parliament's security watchdog. They face pressure to reveal the extent of what was known about Peter Mandelson's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein when he was picked for the role of Ambassador last year. To discuss further with Anton was James Lyons who was the Former Director of Strategic Communications for Keir Starmer and was in role until September of last year.

The understanding of women's leadership roles has changed throughout the decades, but to inspire the next generation of women is Alanood Aldhaher, Director of the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, who joined the Morning Majlis team to describe the fundimental benefits of having women in leadership positions. Alanood continues to praise the importance of universities for when it comes to empowering women to step into leadership roles at different stages of their career. Listen to #Pulse95Radio in the UAE by tuning in on your radio (95.00 FM) or online on our website: www.pulse95radio.com ************************ Follow us on Social. www.facebook.com/pulse95radio www.twitter.com/pulse95radio

Figures in the UK Government are preparing to hand over reams of material to parliament's security watchdog. They face pressure to reveal the extent of what was known about Peter Mandelson's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein when he was picked for the role of Ambassador last year. To discuss further with Anton was James Lyons who was the Former Director of Strategic Communications for Keir Starmer and was in role until September of last year.

James Lyons, former Director of Strategic Communications at 10 Downing Street, on the fallout of Morgan McSweeney's resignation as chief of staff for the British Prime Minister over the Peter Mandelson scandal.

After serving as CEO of ICR for nearly 30 years, Tom's role within the company is changing. Today, Tom sits down for a chat with his successor — the new CEO of ICR, Anton Nicholas.  After joining ICR in 2012, Anton eventually came to run ICR's consumer practice, and was subsequently tasked with managing the entire communications division. He has over 25 years of communications and advisory experience, having served in several senior positions at leading US and International public relations firms.  Anton joins us to discuss what sets ICR apart in the world of strategic communications, and how he aims to build on that legacy of excellence as he leads the company into the future.  Highlights:What sets ICR apart? (1:55)StratComs (5:18)Why ICR services are critical for management (6:34)ICR Capital (9:09) Services for Private Companies (12:04)Building Culture (14:48)Case Studies (16:47)Getting to know Anton (19:23)The benefit of ICR's network (20:35)ICR's 3-5 year outlook (23:34) Links:Anton Nicholas LinkedInICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co.

0:30 - Pretti on Jan. 13 confronting ICE, yelling profanities, kicking vehicle 18:11 - like bananas and rice 39:34 - Springsteen ICE protest song "Streets of Minneapolis" 01:00:51 - Rand Paul and Rubio: if it happened to US would it be an act of war 01:21:10 - Stu Smith, investigative analyst at City Journal: Terror Supporters Are Influencing Students at the University of Washington. Follow Stu on X @thestustustudio 01:40:21 - From factory floors to the White House: Auto Workers for Trump founder Brian Pannebecker on tariffs — and meeting Nicki Minaj 01:53:37 - Brian Lonergan, Director of Strategic Communications & Content at the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR): The rhetoric form Minnesota leadership has created an “unsafe and deadly environment” Brian is also co-host of the “No Border, No Country” podcast 02:13:42 - Susan Crabtree, RealClearPolitics’ national political correspondent & regular contributor for the California Post, walks us through an epically bad week for Gavin Newsom. Check out Susan’s most recent book Fool’s Gold: The Radicals, Con Artists, and Traitors Who Killed the California Dream and Now Threaten Us AllSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For those interested in the public sector and politics, this one is for you! Join us as we speak with Lauren, the Director of Strategic Communications at the ACLU. This episode is perfect for those who want to work in the public interest/legal sector without going to law school! A Northwestern University alumna, Lauren is a wealth of knowledge.

In this episode, Adam Torres interviews Andrew Frank, Founder and President of KARV, about strategic communications and stakeholder engagement across the Middle East and global markets. Andrew discusses how companies and governments can navigate geopolitical shifts, policy changes, and international expansion through clear, credible communication strategies. About Andrew Frank Andrew Frank is a seasoned expert in communications strategy, specializing in high-stakes situations including crisis management, public affairs, product recalls, and complex litigation. He is a sought after advisor to CEO's and officials in foreign countries.  He founded KARV thirteen years ago, following a distinguished career as Managing Partner at Strategy XXI Group and Kreab. A political appointee in the Clinton Administration, Andrew served in key roles, including Communications Director for the US Information Agency, Deputy Spokesman for the UN World Conference on Human Rights, and media representative for the National Security Council during the Haiti crisis. He also played a pivotal role in media coordination during the 1994 GATT signing in Morocco and worked on numerous overseas presidential and vice-presidential trips. About KARV KARV, a global advisory & communications firm, was founded in 2012 to solve complex, daunting reputational challenges confronting companies and individuals. They specialize in communications campaigns and advisory services for CEOs and corporations, crisis communications, reputation management, litigation support, public affairs, and brand strategy. They work seamlessly across time zones and their clients trust us to provide forward-thinking holistic strategies. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lee Edwards, Professor of Strategic Communications and Public Engagement at the London School of Economics, and Chair of the Media Reform Coalition, discusses in detail the government's green paper on the BBC's future: the consultation process and timetable; proposed changes to BBC funding—including the possibility of a household levy; principles of universality and public service; and questions about government involvement in BBC governance.We also examine the balance between public purpose and commercial pressures, the BBC's role in local media, ideas for public engagement and accountability, and consider the funding of the BBC World Service. There is also practical advice on how listeners can respond to the consultation and join the wider debate. The problem is the lack of funding. That does not have to be resolved by advertising or subscription. The lack of funding is about the British government and public's willingness to buy into and support a substantial public service media organisation. Listen to all our episodes here: https://podfollow.com/beebwatch To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership @beebwatch.bsky.social@BeebRogerInstagram: rogerboltonsbeebwatchLinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watchemail: roger@rogerboltonsbeebwatch.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why it's not about being born a great communicator, but becoming one.The greatest communicators aren't always great from the start. As Lerone Martin knows, even the great Martin Luther King Jr. had to practice before he could persuade.Martin is the Martin Luther King Jr. Centennial Professor at Stanford, and as director of the King Research and Education Institute, he has spent years studying how King developed his brilliant communication that continues to captivate audiences to this day. “This is a skill that Martin developed over years,” Martin says. “There are stories of him practicing in the mirror... And I think it speaks to us about how we can develop this skill over time.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Martin and host Matt Abrahams unpack the techniques behind King's legendary speeches, from the musicality of his voice to his use of repetition and narrative structure. Whether you're preparing a speech or building conversation skills, Martin highlights King's example to show that great communication isn't always born — it's built.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Lerone MartinEp.192 Quick Thinks: How to Supersize Your Stories Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:50) - Why MLK Was So Compelling (04:17) - MLK's Early Speaking Struggles (05:49) - How MLK Practiced and Improved (06:44) - Favorite MLK Speech (07:58) - “I Have A Dream” and Prepared Spontaneity (10:03) - MLK's Core Techniques (13:01) - Repetition, Rhythm, and Momentum (15:30) - Conviction vs. Performative Messaging (19:00) - The Final Three Questions (23:35) - Conclusion ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

Margie Newman Tsay is the Founder & CEO of Intesa Communications Group, a strategic communications firm specializing in reputation management, executive coaching, and crisis response. A seasoned communicator and entrepreneur, Margie draws on her background in media relations, advocacy, and leadership to help high‑profile professionals and organizations build trust, align their message, and navigate change.Her work is guided by a deep belief in authenticity, clarity, and purpose‑driven communication. Based in San Diego but rooted in Nashville, Margie serves as a champion for leaders who want to elevate their impact and build cultures anchored in connection, integrity, and clarity.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of Selling from the Heart Podcast. Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Margie Newman Tsay, founder of Intesa Communications Group, who shares her expertise in strategic communications, reputation management, executive coaching, and crisis response. Margie emphasizes the need for clarity, brevity, and effective communication during crises and how these skills are essential for building trust and credibility. She also highlights the role of continuous learning and vulnerability in becoming a successful communicator, regardless of age or gender. The episode underscores the overlooked necessity of crisis communication training in the sales profession and offers actionable insights for sales leaders and professionals.KEY TAKEAWAYSCommunication requires repetition - Say things 10-11 times before people truly retain them; don't assume once is enough Make the customer the hero - Focus on their goals and needs, not your product or yourself Reputation is built daily - Trust and authenticity come from how you show up every single day, not just when making a sale Surprises are for birthdays - Over-communicate to avoid catching people off guard in business relationships Crisis communication essentials - Focus on brevity, roles, and goals; reduce oxygen to the flame rather than escalating Diversify your network - Learn from people across different ages, genders, and industries to expand your communication toolkit Humans first in crisis - Remember everyone defaults to fear and ego under pressure; sometimes people just need to be heardQUOTES"Selling from the heart means remembering that it's not about you. Make the customer the hero." "Surprises are for birthdays. You gotta communicate, communicate, communicate in four different ways to make sure people get it." "Leadership is context. When we stop communicating and giving that context, trust erodes." "No one is born a great communicator. This is a learned skill. You can start today being a great communicator." "In a crisis, our brains are ego and overwhelm. We immediately need to know what is going on, how do we solve for it, and what's my job." "What's the closest gator to your boat? You take 'em one gator at a time." (on prioritizing in crisis) "Everyone is a human first. Ego and fear don't bring out the best in any person, and that is what you're dealing with in a crisis."Learn more about Margie Newman Tsay.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margienewmantsay/Learn more about Darrell and Larry.Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/Website: https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/ADDITIONAL RESOURCESDiscover Heart-Centered Leadership:Explore the Culture from the Heart Podcast and uncover the secrets to thriving workplace cultures. Know a visionary CEO? Nominate them today at

Religious identities have shifted dramatically in the last quarter century. But how, and it what ways? Is religion as we once knew it dying in the U.S.? Or are people finding other ways of expressing the same kinds of needs for affiliation and meaning in different forms? What do people really mean when they say they are spiritual but not religious? Or religious but not affiliated with any traditional communities or institutions?This panel discussion, held on October 25, 2025, centered around what recent trends might tell us about the future of faith and belonging in American life. Our panel of experts, moderated by Bushman Chair Laurie Maffly-Kipp, explored one of the most communitarian traditions, the Mormon faith, as well as other American religious affiliations and spiritual identities.Visit our website to learn more.PanelistsRosemary Avance is Assistant Professor of Media and Strategic Communications at Oklahoma State University. Her research focuses on the interplay between social dynamics, communication technologies, and identity formation across diverse domains. Avance's recent book, Mediated Mormons: Shifting Religious Identities in the Digital Age, examines case studies of practicing and former Latter-day Saints to understand how these individuals relate to the church, the internet, and modernity during our media-saturated age.Matthew Hedstrom is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia. He specializes in religion and culture in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, particularly examining the intersections of American modernity and Protestant and post-Protestant religious modernity in the United States. Within this field, Professor Hedstrom studies the rise in spirituality among Americans who aren't tied to particular religious institutions, as explored in his 2012 book The Rise of Liberal Religion: Book Culture and American Spirituality in the Twentieth Century, and his popular undergraduate course: “'Spiritual But Not Religious': Spirituality in America”.Jana Riess is an author, editor, and senior columnist for Religion News Service. Her written works have primarily focused on the intersections of American religion with popular culture, ethics, and society. Riess's most recent book, The Next Mormons: How Millennials Are Changing the LDS Church (Oxford University Press, 2019) discusses the faith practices and institutional distrust of Millennial Mormons. She is currently writing a follow-up book, based on her research with Benjamin Knoll, about the Mormon faith crisis and changing understandings of belonging among Latter-day Saints.ModeratorLaurie Maffly-Kipp is the Richad Lyman Bushman Chair of Mormon Studies at the University of Virginia. She is a distinguished scholar of American religious history and has authored numerous influential works on Mormonism, religion in the American West, and African American religious history. Over the past few decades, Professor Maffly-Kipp has become an influential interpreter of Latter-day Saint history and participated in shaping the field of Mormon Studies. She is also a former president of the American Society of Church History and the Mormon History Association.

The Day The Grid Failed- "The Chinese Conspiracy" by John Mariotti  "Not since The Manchurian Candidate have I read such a compelling thriller about global conspiracy. But Mariotti goes much further, linking his masterfully fast-paced narrative to the clear and present danger of total cyberwar. This novel is a call to action that our society must answer now."--Richard S. Levick, President and CEO, Levick' Strategic Communications, author of The Communicators: Leadership in the Age of Crisis."The Chinese Conspiracy has the intrigue of John Grisham, the spice of Mickey Spillane and the technical aspects of Tom Clancy." --Tom Quinn"A fascinating book that gives the reader a glimpse into warfare of the future. The outcome of future wars will be determined far in advance of the actual conflict. This is but a preview of things to come."--Paul Broadbent, Former Sr. CIA/Defense Intelligence Program Manager"America is at war and the latest front is the war on cyber terrorism....U.S. computer networks are under constant cyber attacks, by direct assaults by remote sites, by probes by hackers and criminal networks, and by espionage from foreign countries."---Jon Stout, CEO, Aspiration Software LLC"This chilling new novel links the world's increasing dependency on the internet to vulnerabilities that can be exploited for evil."---Calvin Myer, Co-founder Worldwide Ltd."This is fascinating and concerning story - nation-state terrorists using known technologies as "Weapons of Mass Disruption." I'm concerned that it is actually possible, and hope it can be prevented."--Ed Straw, Vice Admiral, USN Retired"If you can read only one exciting novel this year, this is the one to read. It is so realistically possible it's scary."---Bo Dietl, Retired NYPD Homicide Detective, & One Tough CopJohn Mariotti is an award-winning business author and an internationally recognized executive consultant and keynote speaker. He has written hundreds of articles and columns, and 12 nonfiction books. He started his career in the telecommunications industry and was deeply involved in government affairs during parts of his career. He lives in the Columbus Ohio area.AMAZONhttps://www.thechineseconspiracy.net/https://bookstolifemarketing.com/

When Renee Goode was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, two completely different stories emerged from the same event. One side called her a domestic terrorist who weaponized her Honda Pilot, while the other saw a mother trying to escape. As a crisis manager from the Twin Cities, I break down the competing narratives from President Trump, JD Vance, Kristi Noem, Governor Tim Walz, and Mayor Jacob Frey to reveal the five hidden cues in any crisis communication: who gets humanized first, how they treat uncertainty, what the process looks like, what they ask you to do with your anger, and what happens to people who disagree. This isn't just political analysis, it's a framework you can apply to workplace drama, family conflict, or any situation where someone's trying to control the narrative. You'll learn why Walz's calm messaging worked after he learned from past mistakes, how Frey's profanity-laced response was strategically brilliant, and why the administration's gaslighting playbook falls apart under scrutiny. Once you learn to spot these patterns, you can't unsee them—in politics or in your personal life.Trigger Warning: This episode discusses a fatal police shooting and contains strong language.Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar. Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://mollymcpherson.substack.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson https://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/ ...

Mark Cox interviews Mary Vogt, Vice President of Strategic Communications at the Heritage Foundation, about state-level efforts to protect women's sports. They discuss Nevada's initiative to amend the state constitution to prevent biological boys from competing in girls' sports and highlight the risks and unfairness girls face in such situations. Vogt also addresses the long-term unknowns of puberty blockers for minors and the importance of birth certificates for fair competition. The segment closes with Vogt explaining investigative reporting on left-leaning groups funding activism against ICE, emphasizing the need to follow the money. #WomensSports #HeritageFoundation #MaryVogt #NevadaPolicy #YouthProtection #PubertyBlockers #InvestigativeReporting

The keys to communicating clarity, not confusion.What separates communicators who clarify from those who confuse? The ability to “Simplify complexity,” says Adam Bryant. “I don't think you can be an effective leader if you can't do that.”Bryant is a senior managing director at the ExCo Group and former New York Times journalist who interviewed over 500 CEOs for his renowned Corner Office column. Through those conversations, he identified a pattern: the best communicators turn complexity into clarity. For Bryant, that means checking your own expertise, considering not whether something makes sense to you, but whether it makes sense to someone else. “Empathy [is] a component of communication,” he says, “to be an effective communicator, you have to be able to get in the head of the audience.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bryant and host Matt Abrahams explore the keys to clear communication, from simplifying (without oversimplifying) to repeating messages until people can recite them back. Whether you're leading a whole company or just one conversation, Bryant's insights reveal how to communicate complex ideas in ways anyone can understand.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Adam BryantAdam's Books: Quick and Nimble / The CEO TestEp.98 Give It to Me Straight: How to Give Honest, Constructive Feedback Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:10) - Traits of Successful Leaders (03:25) - Communication Mistakes to Avoid (07:22) - Listening as a Leadership Skill (10:42) - Simplifying Complex Ideas (14:18) - How to Capture Attention (16:58) - Leading Life with Curiosity (18:22) - The Final Three Question (22:47) - Conclusion

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Preceptor in Public Speaking, Strategic Communications, and Public Relations for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University Terry Gipson, The Empire Report's JP Miller, Associate Professor of Government at Dutchess Community College and President of the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley Dr. Karin Riedl, and Former Times Union Associate Editor Mike Spain.

Hyedi Nelson, the Director of Health Strategy at Bellmont Partners and an award-winning strategic health communications leader, shares her journey from studying mass communication to becoming an expert in medtech communications. She discusses the importance of storytelling, building trust, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including engineers and regulatory bodies. Hyedi also touches on the evolution of social media in the medtech space and offers insights on fostering creativity while staying compliant.    Guest links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hyedinelson/ | https://bellmontpartners.com/health-and-medical-public-relations/  Charity supported: Equal Justice Initiative  Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host & Editor: Lindsey Dinneen Producer: Velentium Medical   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 071 - Hyedi Nelson Lindsey Dinneen: [00:00:00] Hi, I'm Lindsey, and I'm talking with medtech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating, and so are the people who work with them. Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives, and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives, Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is the Leading Difference. Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host, Lindsey, and today I'm delighted to introduce you to my guest, Hyedi Nelson. Hyedi is an [00:01:00] award-winning strategic health communications leader with deep experience partnering with MedTech companies of all sizes and stages, with a special affinity for working with entrepreneurial startup companies. She has dedicated her career to leveraging her strategic communication skills and expertise to help improve health outcomes. Hyedi is the Director of Health Strategy at Bellmont Partners, a full service PR and communications agency where she helps medtech organizations navigate and communicate around complex crisis situations and mergers and acquisitions, launch breakthrough technologies, raise capital, drive clinical study patient enrollment, and ultimately position themselves effectively with key partners and interested parties, including investors, healthcare providers, current and prospective employees, media, and patients and caregivers. All right, Hyedi, welcome to the show. Thank you so much for being here today. Hyedi Nelson: Thank you for having me. Lindsey Dinneen: Of course. I would love, if you wouldn't mind starting off by sharing just a little bit about yourself, your background, and what led you to medtech.[00:02:00] Hyedi Nelson: Sure. Absolutely. So my name is Hyedi Nelson. I'm currently the Director of Health Strategy at Bellmont Partners. We're a full service communications and PR agency located in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, which I'm sure you're well aware, that's considered Medical Alley. My whole background, my whole career has been spent in health and medtech communications. So, I kind of gotten to that area and just really fell in love with it. I guess the backstory on that, I was graduating undergrad from the University of Minnesota in mass communication and still kind of didn't really know what I wanted to do and timing-- I'll date myself here-- but that was around 2008 and so if you recall, it's kind of a tough time, you know, in the economy and a lot of my friends who were graduating were having a hard time finding a job. And around the same time I ended up just kind of looking for a class to take to fill some re remaining requirements for graduation. And I took a health [00:03:00] theory class and I just like became obsessed with health and I started to think, well, maybe there's something there. And the professor of that class actually shared with me that they had a two year master's MA program that was like a joint program between the School of Journalism and the School of Public Health. And so you've got this really nice combination of you know, communication theory and how to create, you know, more communication strategies and influence public health, but you also got a really good overview of the healthcare field as well as some basic knowledge in like epidemiology and biostats to like really give you the tools you need to do a good job as a healthcare communicator. So I ended up applying for that and finishing out that program and kind of positioning myself in a better place a couple years later to graduate and look for employment. So during that time, I was asked to participate on a Social Media for Healthcare panel. [00:04:00] So at the time it was like social media was super new to healthcare. They were really far behind, you know exactly what I'm talking about. And I met someone who was PR professional and I was not super familiar with the world of prPR but we started talking and she shared that they were really looking to expand their health and MedTech practice within the, within their agency. And kind of one thing led to another and I applied and started working there, and the rest is history there. That's kind of what I've been doing ever since. Lindsey Dinneen: Wow. That's amazing. Yeah. So first of all, thank you for sharing a little bit about that. There's so much I kind of wanna dive into. But I'm curious, was journalism and marketing and those kinds of interests were, did you have those, you know, growing up? Or was this something that developed in college, or how did that all come about? Hyedi Nelson: I think for me, just the love of writing, first and foremost, was what really did it for me. I read a lot, so I was always just [00:05:00] like really amazed that people could, like, use words to, you know, make you transport yourself into this other place, or get you to take some sort of action. It seemed like kind of a magical thing. And then you know, just going through school and everything, I realized that like my skillset definitely wasn't like math or that side of things and was really drawn more to the the writing piece of it all. So, I thought about, "Do I wanna be an English major?" Do I, I actually went into college wanting to go into the music industry and did an internship for a record label-- I suppose that's another story for another day-- but ended up deciding an English major, wasn't sure I what I wanted to do with that. And so, trial and error kind of decided that communications more broadly, you know, whether it's journalism or strategic communications felt like it would be a really good fit for kind of where my interests lied. Lindsey Dinneen: Nice. Yeah. And so-- okay, well what's funny is I actually did wanna dive a little bit. So we're gonna, if we can take a [00:06:00] very quick detour into the music aspect, because I did notice on your LinkedIn that's something you still do, is you actually help musicians-- is that correct-- with some of their PR and marketing? Hyedi Nelson: Yeah. I, a couple years ago started my own consulting side hustle thing where I really use, you know, my skills that I do like in my full-time job and a communication strategy and promotion and publicity and project management to help independent artists, just because I have a lot of friends and my partners a musician. And I see kind of the struggles that they go through with how the industry is, is really like how it exists and how the payment structures aren't there and it's really hard for them to make a living as well as the fact that they're expected to like not only be a super creative person who's putting like this music out into the world, but also like a business person and a marketer and, you know, all those things. [00:07:00] So, kind of doing that to like merge all of my passions together and do something kind of fun and different than what I do, you know, during the day. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. No, I love that. I love that. Especially because I don't know if we've talked about this before-- it's, I know we've had a few different conversations before this-- but yeah, i'm also a professional ballerina and so I understand. Stand having the two sides of, you know, the art, the artist and the medtech enthusiast and sort of the both worlds. So I just I love that you do both too. Hyedi Nelson: There's gotta be some sort of like where that helps us in our job somehow, like having that too. I don't know, but I think so, yeah. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. I think part of it is, you know, creative problem solving and, you know, sort of the skill sets that are learned. Are you a music musician yourself? Hyedi Nelson: I mean, I am not very good at it, Okay. I do play, yes. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. And so I think a lot of the, of it comes from the [00:08:00] discipline of having, you know, grown up learning some kind of an artistic endeavor because it's, there's so much discipline that goes into it. There's so much you have all of these skill sets that you're learning. And anyway, I don't wanna get too far off on the tangent, but that is one thing that I do think it helps honestly. But yeah. So, okay. So back to your career. So now you are working with Bellmont Partners, and can you just share a little bit about what your day-to-day kind of looks like helping these medtech, health, tech life science companies succeed? Hyedi Nelson: Sure. Yeah. I mean, every day can be wildly different than the last. But in my role, I really, I've been with the agency now for about 12 years and we've really grown tremendously our business in this space because I think one, there just continues to be like more of a need for our services in this area, but also I think, we've just uncovered so many more like [00:09:00] areas and places where our team that works on our health and medtech accounts specifically are like super passionate about and we just like wanna do more and more. But I would say day to day I work with a number of companies that are in, you know, early stage or more in the startup phase. So a lot of my work is helping them, you know, develop and execute communication strategies that you know, look really different than companies that are at a later stage. So we're focused more on things that are really educating the market or priming the market for you know, once they have FDA clearance or helping with patient enrollment and clinical studies sharing their story in a way that will resonate to really position them for the next step, either raising another round of financing or, you know, maybe positioning themselves for a specific type of exit, or even doing work that helps them start to recruit, you know, potential employees that they're looking to hire. So. That's a lot of [00:10:00] what I do. And that can, the actual tactics that kind of align with that can be, you know, connecting with members of the media and then trying to tell those stories through those outlets and those vehicles, supporting trade show, you know, if some of my clients have a booth at a trade show are gonna be at the podium finding the way to really leverage that big investment of their time and resources. You know, a lot of storytelling, a lot of interviewing, key opinion leaders and experts, which is one of my favorite things to do. And then taking that content and using it, you know, in a lot of different ways to help them reach their goals. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Excellent. And so, you know, medtech and health tech, all of that is just such a heavily regulated industry for very good reason. Now, when you are on the PR side and the marketing side, it's a very different animal, say, then, you know, other types of PR for other industries basically. And so I'm wondering how do you navigate being [00:11:00] cognizant of all of the regulations and being compliant with all of that, with your storytelling and perhaps, you know, wanting to share more, I suppose. Hyedi Nelson: Yeah, I have so many thoughts around this topic. It's actually funny, I'm working on an event that Bellmont Partners is putting on in the spring that's gonna like tackle that exactly. It's about like infusing creativity into medtech marketing while being compliant, basically. So exactly what you're asking about. Part of, I think my answer to this question starts with the fact that I worked for a couple years for an integrated nonprofits' healthcare provider and payer and I worked on their individual Medicare plans. And so everything I was doing needed to be reviewed and approved by CMS. And I think working in that space and within those types of constraints really [00:12:00] primed me for being able to like be as creative as possible without like sacrificing anything that would make them fall out of regulation or compliance. I will say that a lot of it has come from experience seeing different things and just learning what the guidelines are and what's okay and what's not. I love to get really close and have a great working relationship with my clients' regulatory folks. And I think sometimes there's a little bit of like tension between marketing and those folks. And I've seen that. But you know, if you really keep in mind like that, what they're trying to do and they're doing their jobs and and knowing when it, you know, it might be appropriate to push back or trying to work together collaboratively, you can still come out with a really great product. And then I think we as an agency, just at the end of the day, like, we don't wanna get a warning letter. We don't want our clients to get a warning letter. And so, we just always have that in mind and [00:13:00] and know that like at different stages that the company is in, we're able to say different things. So early on, we might need to be a little bit softer in our language and only talk about certain things, but knowing that down the road we'll be able to say more, is also helpful. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah, I think that's great advice, and I think it's, it's helpful to know that there are ways to do that. I love the fact that you collaborate so well with the regulatory people. I think that makes so much sense. I, and actually that brings up a really good point I wanted to ask you about too, is just in general with-- especially with this industry-- I feel like when you're doing marketing and PR, that collaboration within the company itself is so critical. So you're not just necessarily speaking-- and please correct me if you have a different experience-- but you're not just necessarily speaking to the marketing people, but hopefully if you have the opportunity, you're also speaking to the engineers and many different facets of the company. [00:14:00] And one thing that I've always really enjoyed the challenge of, and I'm curious about your take on it, is how do you translate sort of that engineering speak, the scientific speak-- which is really important to include as well-- but how do you translate that into, again, storytelling and messaging that might resonate with a broader audience than a highly, you know, technical background might have? Hyedi Nelson: That's a really great question, and what I spent a ton of my time doing is figuring out just that. We love and I love-- especially when we're first starting out with a new client, but we do this kind of on an ongoing basis-- is getting a bunch of people around a table that might not necessarily sit around a table. And that can either be an actual table or like, you know, how we're talking right now. And, we try and have a good representation of all of those different voices, like you're talking about. Members, you know, they're out in the field and they're, you know, more of like on the sales side of things as well as those engineers, as well [00:15:00] as, you know, maybe that, you know, an end user, maybe a patient, if that's possible, in addition to leadership, marketing and the other folks that you'd expect us to be talking to. And we play that third party role of asking questions, hearing the different ways that people that all work for the same company answer the questions differently because, you know, they have different perspectives and you know, different priorities. And I think one thing that I feel like I've developed a skill around is being able to like hear all of that and take all of that into consideration 'cause it's all very valid, but then pull out the pieces that ultimately you know, get at what we've heard or the company's objectives. And so I think then taking that and then applying it, whether it's distilling down technical information into digestible language, or if it's just, even just tweaking it to pull out like things and prioritize [00:16:00] it differently because certain audiences obviously care about certain things more than others. I think part of it is just putting yourself in those audience's shoes and thinking about what they care about. And it seems like kind of obvious, but it's not like everyone is working on so many different things and there's so many different competing priorities that feel like that's kind of where myself and my team, like we really provide value because we're able to like come in and take that perspective and do that. And then of course, you know, making that a collaborative process as well. So making sure I didn't dilute the messaging too much and really working with those subject matter experts to make sure, like explaining, "Yeah, we can't say it that way because they won't understand it, but does this, is this what I'm saying, still accurate?" And having those kinds of conversations, and sometimes it takes a little while. You know, I found out that engineers, scientists, you know, these really brilliant, you know, medical professionals, like, they're so smart and they've gone [00:17:00] to a ton of school and they do this every day, like they are the experts. And so when I'm coming here being like, "No, we don't wanna say it that way," like, I think, like, I understand why there's like a little bit of hesitation on their part to just be like, "Okay." So really trying to like communicate why, you know, the why behind things. And make sure that they know that, you know, we're all working towards the same goal and just trying to figure out the best way to get there. Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, I love that. Yeah, I think building that trust that, you know, also on some level, their baby, so to speak, is in good hands. You know, you care just as much-- maybe not just as much, but you do, you, I'm sure that you take on a kind of ownership in, you know, with your clients and their success, and you want them to be able to talk about these amazing innovations they're producing. So being able to build that trust in that room with all those people is such a critical part, but I think it makes a [00:18:00] profound difference. Hyedi Nelson: Absolutely. Yeah, totally agree. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. So, you know, you mentioned kind of at the beginning a little bit about social media, and I'm curious how you've seen the evolution of it in terms of specifically for your clients and for, you know, the health tech, biotech, medtech industries in general. How have you found that companies can actually leverage it in a way that makes sense since it's so niche and they're not necessarily going to need to be on every platform? Hyedi Nelson: Yes, and it changes like every day, I feel like, the rules and the best practices and how you measure things. I think that what we've found for our clients and for this space that works the best is starting off by using social media as a listening tool. And trying to, we call it an audit, but like really just trying to get a, like a lay of the land before [00:19:00] diving into anything or adjusting anything. So oftentimes, what I think is the most helpful to inform a good social media strategy for a specific company is by taking a look at, you know, what others in their space are doing, what maybe their competitors are doing, where their key audiences are spending their time. And being able to pull some insights from that kind of research can be really valuable in deciding what platforms they actually need to be on, what type of content is gonna resonate, how much they actually do need to post. And those kinds of things because it's so different from company to company. You know, for example, our clients that are in the urology space, like there's a ton of urologists on, you know, formally Twitter now X, it's just remarkable. But a lot of, you know, when we work maybe in more in the neurology space, it's not so much so, you know, so [00:20:00] it's you can't just go in assuming anything basically. And then I think the other thing is like not taking a set and forget it approach. So like once you start, you say, "Okay. This company, we think LinkedIn makes the most sense for you because you're really focusing on you know, speaking with investors or potential employees. And here are the things that you should be talking about right now." But then knowing that like that's not always gonna be the goals and that's not always gonna be the things that are resonating. And you might start looking at metrics and realize that like maybe what you thought wasn't quite right. So having some humility and being able to like, keep an eye on that and make informed, you know, recommendations to change course if you need to, I think is really important. And that's kind of the approach that we take for, you know, most of our clients when we're talking about social media. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah, I love that. And what an interesting example about urologists and X, like I, I didn't know that either. So that's such a cool example that, you know, like you [00:21:00] said, research is so critical and trying things and being willing to, to change if it doesn't work. You know, being willing to take those risks, so to speak, although that's kind of a over little bit too strong of a word. But to take those opportunities and see what resonates and what doesn't. Yeah, so, I'm curious, so when you are engaging with a potential client, what are some things that you want to make sure is a good fit for both parties? And then I guess alongside that, when should a startup company or a medtech company engage with you? Hyedi Nelson: That's a really fantastic question. A few thoughts come to mind. I think in terms of fit, this would probably be different if you were talking to, you know, other consultants or agencies. But for us specifically, we really like to be very [00:22:00] collaborative and be seen as a partner to our clients. And I think both parties get the most value out of it when that approach is taken. So, we always say it's kind of cheesy, but like Bellmont Partners, like "partners is more than just a part of our name," but it's true. And I think that actually works really well in most cases because a lot of our clients, especially the startups, are very lean teams and maybe we are their marketing team or maybe they have one person and they aren't able to hire anyone else yet. And so, you know, by default we really do become that extension of the team. But it's, you know, of course always great when they invite us to be at the table for certain conversations or you know, kind of understand the bigger picture, strategy and business objectives, because it really does help us do our jobs better and be able to connect more dots and bring up things and ask questions that maybe others, just because they're so in it from day to day, might not see. You know, and for them, I think, you [00:23:00] know, obviously they need to be okay with that and comfortable with that. And I think that thing you talked about earlier, that really important piece about trust is you know, something that might-- obviously trust needs to be built and it's something that can take some time-- but once we get to that point, it's like that's when everything just works a lot better and fits really well. So, and then, throughout the years, I think we've started working with companies earlier and earlier than we have in the past. And I think that's for a number of reasons. One, I think companies are starting to understand the importance of that. And I think just the way that, you know, the changing in the way investing is being done and other things that need to kind of happen early on or setting that exit strategy and figuring out how communications plays a role in that early on is just becoming more and more important. I think, from the very beginning is great. I mean there, you know, there needs to be some funding [00:24:00] available, but, you know, we've worked with companies with, you know, just some seed funding, and I think because we're so passionate and because we like wanna be able to build that relationship early on, like oftentimes we will like work in maybe a different way than we would work with other clients, where it's just to "call us when you need us" kind of thing. And you know, maybe we just consult with you and answer some questions and then you can execute. We, you know, we just at the end of the day want them to be so successful that like, that's okay. So, really there's not a time that's too early at least even just have a conversation. So that's what I would say about that. Lindsey Dinneen: That's great. Yeah, I mean, I think also starting off on the right foot, to be frank, is a huge thing. So if there's the ability for a company to engage with you as early as possible, it's just gonna set them up for success because there's so much value that you all bring to the table. So I'm [00:25:00] also wondering, are there any moments that stand out to you that, you know, along your career path helping these clients just really reinforce the idea that, "Wow, I am in the right industry at the right time." Hyedi Nelson: Oh, I feel like I'm still like, I have those moments, like every day still, it's, which is why I am still doing this. I guess, I suppose one moment in particular stands out to me. It was like very early on in my career when I was still like even trying to figure out probably honestly like what PR was. But I had the opportunity to sit in on an interview between this amazing entrepreneur, inventor, and a health reporter with a, you know, major daily newspaper. And he was explaining how he came up with the idea for the technology that he created and was in the process of, you know, trying to develop into something that was [00:26:00] gonna go to market. And, you know, he's telling this incredibly personal story about his family and how it affected them directly and how he kind of made it his life's mission to focus on finding a cure and a better solution that was than what was currently available. And it was like this moment where everything clicked, it was like so powerful. I was like, overcome with a million different emotions. And then I was also like, "I am helping tell this story" and that felt really great too. And so I think that was really powerful. And then, yeah, like moments like that happen all the time where, you know, when my clients get FDA approval and you know, something that they've been working on for so long and, you know, I played a very tiny role in that. But like, it's, that is very cool, and that is a very real confirmation that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yes. I could not agree more. I totally relate to the-- you know, I'm not the engineer [00:27:00] who's creating this incredible product. I'm not the scientist who's vetting it. I'm not, you know-- but I, I do get to, to help tell the story and that feels really cool to get to play a part. So, yeah. Hyedi Nelson: We're so lucky, aren't we? Lindsey Dinneen: I know. I know. Yeah. Okay, so pivoting the conversation a little bit, just for fun. Imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a masterclass on anything you want. It can be within your industry, but it doesn't have to be. What would you choose to teach? Hyedi Nelson: I feel like there's a couple areas I'd probably focus in on. I think one is more around like more specific to like what I do in my job every day, or even just like how I approach my job and the world, I guess is like-- always looking for connections or dots that can connect. I think even when it does not seem like it is possible, like it probably is. And so [00:28:00] teaching people how you might be able to connect those dots and then, like, why that's important. Whether it's making a connection to someone who, you know, might be looking for something you have to offer or maybe it's oh, there's this weird connection to this investor of this product that like all of a sudden like this new collaboration could be formed that you had never thought of before. It works in so many different ways and I feel like, that is something that like, I feel like I've gotten really good at over the years and would be really like, really fun to share that with other people because it makes me really excited. And then I think the other thing is more about, so I like to really, I like to speak to college students. I will oftentimes like do guest lecturing at some of the local universities and typically what I'm talking about is like my career path or you know, what the field is like in general or what it's like to work at an agency or that kind of [00:29:00] thing. And I think that being able to teach some sort of masterclass on how to develop confidence-- or even if it's not totally real and you're kind of faking until you make it-- but of being comfortable being in a room that you might not feel like you deserve to be. And I think that can be applied in so many different places. So like for me over the years, especially working with startups, I find myself in rooms with, you know, physicians with a bunch of letters after their name and they, you know, like performed all of these major surgeries, or I'm with, you know, CEOs of companies who've also founded, you know, dozens of other companies and sold them. And people that on paper and sometimes in person are very intimidating. But like at the end of the day, I'm being hired to do my job for a certain reason. And it took me a long time to be able to get [00:30:00] there to that point and realize that and be able to be like, "Yes, I should be in this room." And now I can do my job better now that I feel that way. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, I love that so much. And I think, and I very much relate to that. I very much understand where you're coming from. I think a lot of people probably struggle with that at some point during their career. You know, imposter syndrome is super real. And I also think that one of the things that I've found for me is really helpful is to be curious and if you're curious, that makes such a difference 'cause you're asking good questions and "Yeah, I'm not the expert, like you're the expert at X, Y, and Z, but I am the expert in the room with this really niche thing." But still being able to say, "I don't know anything about this, can you please educate me?" is-- it can be really helpful too in, in navigating those otherwise uncomfortable rooms to be in. [00:31:00] Did you find that as well? Hyedi Nelson: Oh, absolutely. But like, you just put it way more eloquently. Yeah, that's really great advice. And I think it just, it sets the tone and like the environment in like a very safe way that I really love. And yeah, like we're all communicators and journalists and, you know, marketing strategists, like most of us come from a place of curiosity anyway, so really leading into that makes a ton of sense. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Love it. And how do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? Hyedi Nelson: I mean, gosh, like hopefully people thought I was nice. I, you know, it would be amazing to have people think about me in that I really cared about others and really cared about making a difference. And whether that's through my profession, but you know, also in how I'm [00:32:00] raising my child or how I'm spending my, you know, free time and volunteer work and that kind of thing. I hope that's what really shines through. And you know, maybe some of the things that, you know, you aren't as proud of people just kind of forget that conveniently. Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, I, yes, I understand. Yeah. And then final question, what is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? Hyedi Nelson: I have two answers I think for this. So, professionally, I would say I worked with a hearing aid manufacturer for a while, and part of what we did is tell some of the stories that they would do on the philanthropic side. And I-- there are things that you just don't think about until all of a sudden it's right there in front of you. And one of the things like [00:33:00] I didn't, I guess I just didn't realize, was like how powerful and impactful someone not being able to hear, to being able to hear like what that looks like and how that can be. So, what we would often do is pitch local media in certain areas about someone being gifted hearing aids, and then there would be, like a news story would be the deliverable there, and and it would be like this moment of someone being able to hear again. And there were a couple instances where it was like a child hearing their mom's voice for the first time. And like, obviously like I was also crying, but like smiling and I can, if I need to smile, like I can just like cue that up in my memory and it makes me smile. And then my other answer is like, anytime I see any sort of living creature of any kind, basically like if I'm on a walk and there's like a caterpillar, like I smile and I get very excited. So that's probably the other [00:34:00] one. Lindsey Dinneen: I love both of those answers so much. Yeah, those videos of especially the child hearing their mom for the first time or something like that. Oh my goodness. I'm just like, "Did I need to cry today? I guess I did!" But also it makes me smile and also every little living creature, so yeah. I, I love that so much. Well, this has been an amazing conversation and I really appreciate your time today and I am so excited about, you know, where you are heading professionally. In fact, I feel like I saw on your LinkedIn profile, you just won an award, didn't you? 2025 Women in Business something? Hyedi Nelson: That was, that was a very cool, unexpected thing. Yes, the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, our local business journal, has a Women in Business list, and one of my colleagues was kind enough to nominate me and I was selected and got to do the whole you know, award ceremony and, you know, remarks and [00:35:00] it's been great. It's been, I've met so many really amazing people through that experience, so. Lindsey Dinneen: Love it. Well, congratulations on that, and I am delighted to continue to stay in touch and, you know, follow everything that you're doing. But thank you so much for your time today, and thank you so much for everything you're doing to just change lives for a better world. Hyedi Nelson: Well, and likewise, thank you for this podcast existing. It's so wonderful and you're such a great host and and keep up your amazing work as well. Lindsey Dinneen: Thank you. All right. Thank you so much and thank you to our listeners, and if you're feeling as inspired as I am right now, please share this episode with a colleague or two and we'll catch you next time. Dan Purvis: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium Medical. Velentium Medical is a full service CDMO, serving MedTech clients worldwide to securely design, manufacture, and test class two and class three medical [00:36:00] devices. Velentium Medical's four units include research and development pairing electronic and mechanical design, embedded firmware, mobile app development, and cloud systems with the human factor studies and systems engineering necessary to streamline medical device regulatory approval, contract manufacturing, building medical products at the prototype, clinical and commercial levels in the US as well as in low cost regions, in 1345 certified and FDA registered Class VII Clean Rooms, cybersecurity generating the 12 cybersecurity design artifacts required for FDA submission, and automated test systems assuring that every device produced is exactly the same as the device that was approved. Visit velentiummedical.com to explore how we can work together to change lives for a better world.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are public policy and communications expert Theresa Bourgeois, Preceptor in Public Speaking, Strategic Communications, and Public Relations for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University Terry Gipson, and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Robert Pondiscio.

Lauren Schregardus is Vice President of Strategic Communications for BAR Communications   Listen to Circle City Success Podcast episode 223, where you'll hear Lauren tell us about...   ● Her dream was to be a sports announcer and attended theatre school at Miami University ● How she became one of the youngest Directors of Communication for FSSA, landed as press secretary for Indiana Department of Education, and that knowing the right people will open career opportunities ● BAR Communications builds and executes strategies to share client messages that help connect them to targeted audiences   Circle City Success Podcast Sponsors

Our 10 favorite communication insights from 2025.The most transformative communication insights are the ones we actually remember to use. That's why host Matt Abrahams is taking stock of his favorite communication tips from this year, so we can carry them into the next.In this annual Think Fast, Talk Smart tradition, Abrahams shares his top 10 communication insights from guests over the past year, from facilitating connection through Gina Bianchini's "proactive serendipity” to Jenn Wynn's use of dialogue as a gateway to synergy. Whether you're looking to build trust, boost productivity, or speak more spontaneously, this year's top 10 insights offer a reminder of all we've learned this year — and a roadmap for better communication in the year ahead.Episode Reference Links:Ep.177 Don't Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons From 2024Ep.120 A Few of Matt's Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS Episodes  Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:21) - Facilitation and Productive Serendipity (03:56) - Toxic vs. Healthy Productivity (06:19) - Dialogue as the Path to Synergy (08:51) - How Actions Build Trust (10:17) - Communication as an Unselfish Act (12:12) - Be Present and Prepare to Be Spontaneous (14:17) - Why Memorable Words Matter (17:32) - Persuasion and Identity (19:21) - Finding Meaning Through Purpose (21:16) - Listening to Negative Emotions (23:33) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart

Social media restrictions could infringe on First Amendment rights for children Note: This conversation originally aired on the "Sound of Ideas" on Nov. 3, 2025. How to manage young people's social media use is a big question, with many factors at play, including the well-being of minors, the logistics of monitoring online activity and their constitutional rights. In Ohio, lawmakers are trying to take this matter into their own hands. One law limiting social media access is currently on hold, after a federal court blocked it as an unconstitutional restriction on First Amendment rights. That decision is now being appealed by Attorney General Dave Yost. This year, two new bills have been introduced that would limit children's access to social media in different ways and bring app stores into the equation: Senate Bill 167 (backed by Meta) and Senate Bill 175 (backed by Google). The topic was the first in our newly created series “Law of the Land” which explores how the law impacts your life. Guests: Jonathan Entin, Professor of Constitutional Law, Case Western Reserve University School of Law Morgan Reed, President, The App Association Tony Coder, Executive Director, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Kareem Moncree-Moffett, Ph.D., Founder, Youth Lead Alliance MLB, Ohio's Casino Control Commission and sports betting companies agree to regulation changes Note: This conversation originally aired on the "Sound of Ideas" on Nov. 17, 2025. Federal indictments against two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, have rocked Major League Baseball and the sports betting world. In response to these charges of rigging bets on specific pitches, MLB worked together with the Ohio Casino Control Commission and sports betting companies to come up with mutually-agreed upon new regulations governing what's known as microprop bets, limiting them considerably compared to what was allowed before. In this installment of our "Law of the Land" series on "Sound of Ideas," we'll explain the sports betting regulation changes, and look at the other legal problems that have come up surrounding betting in Ohio in both the NFL, involving famed Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, and NBA, related to allegations of faking an injury to help gamblers win against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who is a former Shaker Heights High School basketball star, along with how and why the rules differ for college sports. Guests: Joe Maloney, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications for the American Gaming Association Eric Chaffee, John C. Hutchins Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law Joe Scalzo, Sports Business Journalist for Crain's Cleveland Business

Presenting complex information for your audience to understand.As communicators, we often need to take complex information (e.g., financial, technical, or scientific) and make it more understandable for our audience – we're experts and they likely aren't. But having so much knowledge on the topics we discuss can often make the job more difficult: we dive in too quickly, forget about our audience's needs, or use jargon that goes over their heads. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, strategic communications lecturers Matt Abrahams and Lauren Weinstein explore the “curse of knowledge” and offer specific techniques you can use to be more successful in getting your point across.Episode Reference Links:Lauren WeinsteinEp.3 When Knowing Too Much Can Hurt Your Communication: How to Make Complex Ideas AccessibleEp.49 Make Numbers Count: How to Communicate Data EffectivelyEp.91 Um, Like, So: How Filler Words Can Create More Connected, Effective Communication  Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:35) - Where Complexity Breaks Down (03:48) - Start With the Audience (04:50) - The Power of Analogy (07:51) - The “Chunking” Technique (09:46) - Make Data Relatable (11:56) - The Final Three Question (15:19) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription.Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

Why good communication requires presence, not performance.Effective communication isn't about perfecting your performance. According to Dr. Kate Mason, it's about being powerfully present.Mason is a world champion debater, executive communication coach, and author of the book Powerfully Likable. In her work coaching senior executives to communicate more effectively, she emphasizes that it's not about creating a performative persona, it's about uncovering the authentic communicator you already are. “The coaching is just bringing the real parts of you to the fore,” she says, “uncovering rather than totally building from scratch. A lot of people come to me and say, I need to be more warm or more insert adjective here. And I say, I'm not gonna help you be more warm if that's not what's coming naturally to you. I am gonna help you work out the thing you're already doing, the thing you're already saying, how to make that comfortable for people around you.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Mason and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for more present communication. From avoiding "imposing syndrome” to reducing “the delta between your real self and that corporate persona,” Mason's insights explore how we can bring more of our true selves to the table.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Dr. Kate MasonKate's Book: Powerfully LikeableEp. 210 First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:32) - Why Confidence Is the Wrong Goal (03:55) - Bridging Your Real and Work Selves (05:27) - What Is Imposing Syndrome? (07:01) - Catching Yourself Shrinking (08:58) - Rethinking Imposter Syndrome (10:15) - Assertive vs. Agreeable (12:40) - Naming Your Communication Style (15:38) - What You Say vs. How You Show Up (17:43) - Body Language That Signals Openness (19:04) - Executive Messaging Lessons (22:01) - The Final Three Questions (26:51) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

On this Salcedo Storm Podcast:Tim Young is a very talented comedian, pundit, and writer. Tim Young is a Media Fellow for Strategic Communications at The Heritage Foundation.

Dr. Karen Sutherland is a multi-award winning educator and author from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia. As a Certified AI Consultant and Director of Dharana Digital Marketing Agency, Dr. Sutherland specializes in using AI for strategic marketing and communication. In addition to designing and delivering training and workshops globally for over a decade, her research spans AI in strategic communication, B2B relationships, social media pedagogy and practice. She has authored two editions of her book 'Strategic Social Media Management – Theory and Practice' Palgrave Macmillan, downloaded more than 170k times, 'Transmedia Brand Storytelling - Immersive Experiences from Theory to Practice' Palgrave Macmillan, and 'Public Relations and Strategic Communication', Oxford University Press. Her latest book, '⁠Artificial Intelligence for Strategic Communication⁠,' , Palgrave Macmillan, has been adopted across 20+ countries. Dr. Sutherland has featured in global media including  the Wall Street Journal, Euro News AAP, ABC, Nine, Sky News and has been Ticker's AI and social media expert for the past five years. 

Celebrate our 250th episode with expert strategies that make tough conversations easier — and more meaningful.Some of the most meaningful shifts in how we communicate come from the moments that challenge us the most. In this special 250th episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams reflects on the insights that have shown him how conflict can become a catalyst for clarity, connection, and even compassion. From Amy Gallo's reminder that the “right kind of conflict” leads to better outcomes to Jenn Wynn's framework for calming our nervous system before stepping into a hard conversation and Julia Minson's HEAR method for signaling genuine curiosity, each tool helps turn tension into understanding for every stage of conflict. And with Joseph Grenny's guidance on noticing when our motives shift from problem-solving to winning, this episode highlights how self-awareness can reset even the toughest moments. Whether you're navigating workplace disagreements or everyday friction at home, this milestone episode offers practical ways to make difficult dialogue feel less daunting — and a real opportunity to communicate better.Episode Reference Links:Amy GalloAmy's Book: Getting Along: How to Work With AnyoneEp.144 Communicating Through Conflict: How to Get Along with AnyoneJenn Wynn  Jenn's Podcast: The H.I. Note: Healing Inspirations from LifeEp.222 Discussing Through Discomfort: Why the Conversations You Avoid Cost You the MostJulia MinsonEp.136 The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the NuanceJoseph GrennyJoseph's Book: Crucial ConversationsEp.207 From Conflict to Connection: Having Crucial Conversations that CountMusic from Blue Dot Sessions:Etude 3 Chessanta Etude 1 CherubEtude 12 TaminyOjufemiCloud CannonThe Caspian Sea DoghouseAn Opus in AbFirst Results Cach PKLTenawayConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInTimed Links:(1:45) Getting Along: How to Work With Anyone (18:31) Crucial ConversationsChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:36) - Why Conflict Is Necessary (04:35) - Transforming Unproductive Conflict (05:23) - Inner Experience of Difficult Conversations (06:19) - Self-Awareness, Pause, Reframe (08:26) - Four Questions For Understanding (11:45) - Acting Curious vs. Feeling Curious (14:01) - The HEAR Framework (18:22) - Humility & Willingness To Be Wrong (19:53) - Practice & Repetition (21:20) - Acknowledging Motives (22:34) - Two Questions to Reset Motives (24:28) - Bringing the Frameworks Together (25:54) - What Really Matters (27:26) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: In a zero-click world, reputation can shift instantly. Our guest, Kathleen Lucente, CEO of Red Fan Communications, reveals how to turn PR into a measurable revenue driver. She details the "crisis trinity" of speed, transparency, and messaging, and how to avoid the "announcement trap" during M&A. We discuss why brands need an authority reality check to survive in the AI era, and how to identify hidden thought leaders to help build credibility and weather social media storms.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Preceptor in Public Speaking, Strategic Communications, and Public Relations for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University Terry Gipson, Executive Director of Communities for Local Power and former White House Advance Lead Anna Markowitz, and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Robert Pondiscio.

For students and families, navigating the world of higher education isn’t easy. Some of the challenges, like student loan debt, have been going on for years. Other challenges come from more recent changes in how the federal government approaches universities. To explore these challenges, we're talking to John Maduko, who was appointed Interim Chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system in June. We'll also hear from Jamal Watson, whose new book is The Student Debt Crisis: America’s Moral Urgency. GUESTS: Jamal Watson: Journalist covering higher education. He’s also Associate Dean of the School of Professional and Graduate Studies and Professor of Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Trinity Washington University. His new book is The Student Debt Crisis: America’s Moral Urgency. John Maduko: Interim Chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. If you want to learn more about higher education, you can listen to our recent interview with Beverly Daniel Tatum. You can also listen to our 2022 interview with John Maduko.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, Jennifer welcomes her daughter, Georgia Brucato, a senior at Elon University majoring in Strategic Communications. Georgia joins the show for a thought-provoking discussion as part of her final class project, bringing her perspective as a young woman aiming to enter politics. As the daughter of a single mother, of Syrian descent and Christian background, Georgia offers a compelling intersection of identities navigating today’s political landscape. Jennifer and Georgia explore the unique challenges faced by women, especially women of color and conservative women, in American politics. The conversation takes on controversial and timely topics including stigmas surrounding political alignment, expectations placed on women based on gender, race, and religion, and the backlash conservative women often endure. Jennifer shares personal stories about being labeled for her political beliefs, discusses misconceptions about Republican women, and highlights prominent Republican women of color such as Nikki Haley and Condoleezza Rice. Georgia reflects on her experiences with shame and guilt around her views, the pressures of campus life, and the need for open dialogue and respect across ideologies. The episode emphasizes the importance of allowing diverse identities to define their own political engagement, challenges oversimplification of identity, and calls for mutual respect as foundational to democracy. “The goal should be to allow people, especially women of color, the freedom to shape their political identities. Without being boxed in.” ~Georgia Brucato This week on Political Contessa: Guilt and stigma faced by conservative women, especially on college campuses Intersectional challenges of women of color in conservative politics Personal experiences of being labeled and misunderstood for political beliefs Notable Republican women of color: Nikki Haley, Candace Owens, Susana Martinez, Condoleezza Rice Differences between New England Republicans and national party positions Roles of religion and immigrant heritage in political identity Importance of mutual respect across political, racial, and religious lines Need for open dialogue and the dangers of polarization in American democracy Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Vogt, VP of Strategic Communication at the Heritage Foundation, joins Marc Cox to discuss a massive Somali-linked fraud scheme in Minneapolis, highlighting government waste and Governor Tim Walz's oversight. She also weighs in on the Boy Scouts' shift toward a “woke” agenda, the Department of War distancing itself, and the implications of a recent Republican special election win in Tennessee as a model for future GOP strategy.

Two new Think Fast Talk Smart AI tools put communication skills to the test in real time.Technology promises many things, but few experiments illustrate its potential more vividly than a coach in conversation with his own digital counterpart. In this episode, Matt Abrahams introduces two new AI-powered tools from the Think Fast Talk Smart Online Learning Community: Coach Matt and Chat Matt. Trained on years of Matt's communication teachings and podcast insights, these digital counterparts offer a rare opportunity to watch human expertise meet machine-driven guidance in real time.Coach Matt begins by addressing a familiar tension: the surge of anxiety that surfaces before high-stakes speaking moments. His approach reframes that nervousness as a form of future-focused energy that can be redirected toward curiosity and clarity. He also introduces the “What–So What–Now What” framework, a simple but powerful method for giving feedback that remains constructive, direct, and grounded in shared purpose.Chat Matt then steps into the conversation, tackling the challenge of crafting a compelling proposal in just two minutes. Its responses reveal how AI can quickly synthesize communication principles while also highlighting the evolving space where human nuance and digital precision intersect.By pairing Matt Abrahams with his own digital counterparts, this episode of Think Fast Talk Smarts explores the future of communication learning—one where technology doesn't replace the coach, but expands the possibilities for insight, clarity, and confident expression.Episode Reference Links:Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:13) - Introducing Coach Matt and Chat Matt (04:14) - Coach Matt: Speaking Anxiety (06:14) - Reframing Nervousness (07:14) - Constructive Feedback Framework (08:33) - Testing Communication Advice (10:07) - Chat Matt: High-Stakes Presenting (13:59) - Strengthening a Two-Minute Proposal (16:35) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

Why good communication is the key to good communities.Community and communication go hand-in-hand. For Sandy Pentland, the culture and cohesion of any group “has to do with the stories [people] tell each other.”Pentland is a professor at MIT, where he helped create and direct the MIT Media Lab. As a pioneer in computational social science, he's using data to map social networks and decode communication. In his latest book, Shared Wisdom: Cultural Evolution in the Age of AI, he explores the interplay between human culture, technological development, and societal change — arguing that communication is the tool that enables groups to achieve these advancements and to cohere throughout them. “Stories are the stuff of culture,” he says. “Sharing stories educates the community… defining the worldview and culture of that group.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Pentland and host Matt Abrahams explore what our communication patterns reveal about group dynamics and organizational health. From the “honest signals” in our interactions to strategies for strengthening remote work connections, Pentland shares how better communication can fuel more connected communities.Episode Reference Links:Sandy PentlandSandy's Book: Shared WisdomEp.137 When Words Aren't Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication Ep.65 Ties That Bind: Why Remote and Hybrid Teams Need the Right Connection Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:19) - Honest Signals & Human Behavior (04:12) - The Sociometric Badge Research (05:42) - Human Connection in Remote Work (06:59) - Organizations as Networks (09:31) - How Ideas Spread in Groups (12:42) - Bringing the Right People Together (14:10) - Stories as Cultural DNA (16:53) - The Final Three Questions (21:51) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 

Mary Vought, Vice President of Strategic Communications at The Heritage Foundation, joins the show to break down the ongoing health care policy debate, the complexities of federal funding, and the fight over abortion funding tied to the Hyde Amendment. She also discusses the legal case involving James Comey and what steps may follow.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Professor of Political Science at Hartwick College in Oneonta and Co-Director of the Institute of Public Service Laurel Elder, Preceptor in Public Speaking, Strategic Communications, and Public Relations for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University Terry Gipson, Political Consultant and lobbyist Libby Post, and Professor of Government at Dutchess Community College and President of the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley Dr. Karin Riedl.

Today, in a special bonus episode, we bring you a major panel from the Ukraine Freedom Summit in London, moderated by Dom and featuring a distinguished lineup: Lt General (Ret.) H.R. McMaster (U.S. National Security Adviser to President Trump, 2017–18), Boris Johnson (Former UK Prime Minister), Sergey Vysotsky (Deputy Chairman, Association of Strategic Communications, National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries), and Michael Kofman (Senior Fellow, Russia & Eurasia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace).Titled “The Strategic Architecture of Victory,” the discussion offers candid reflections on Western failures, why Europe struggled to unite in the face of a growing Russian threat, Putin's motivations, America's true strategic position, insider insights into Ukrainian weapons procurement, and the West's capacity to wage a long war.Please note: this panel was recorded several weeks ago, prior to the developments of recent days.Speakers:Lt General (Retired) H.R. McMaster (US National Security Adviser to President Trump from 2017 to 2018)Boris Johnson (Former Prime Minister of the UK)Sergey Vysotsky (Deputy Chairman of the Association of Strategic Communications, National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries)Michael Koffman (Senior Fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)Learn More about the Ukraine Freedom Summit and the Borderlands Foundation:https://ukrainefreedomsummit.org/ukraine-summit-london-2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.