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How can institutions define and measure belonging? What are inspirational examples of programs, spaces, and support services that foster it? How is student belonging changing, and how can folks adapt? In a LinkedIn Live Webinar, Elliot Felix talked through these questions with Suzanne Rivera the President at Macalester College, Jeff Doyle the Executive Director of Student Support at UT Austin, and James Vasquez the Associate Dean of Operations and Strategy at the USC Annenberg School. They share different perspectives along with the programs and places they've used to foster belonging and drive student success – from environments to athletics to communications and more. Episode Highlights include: [5:47] The Book's Big Ideas - Host Elliot Felix defines student belonging using research proving that connected first-year students are 41% more likely to be retained into year two. [8:18] The Power of One Question - Jeff Doyle shares how asking students if they feel like they belong is five times more predictive of retention than 100 other variables. [15:06] Spaces Built for Synergy - James Vasquez explains how USC Annenberg used cross-collaborative stakeholder workshops to design a highly utilized, multi-departmental campus facility. [19:11] Mapping the Student Journey - President Suzanne Rivera details how Macalester College used student heat maps to transform their main administrative building into a student-facing hub. [44:31] Human Connections Over Bots - The panel analyzes why automated AI chatbots are short-term fixes, advocating instead for peer-to-peer leadership and scaling high-touch human relationships.
Anika Jackson sits at the intersection of technology, education, and media — helping communicators and brands amplify their impact. She strives to create ecosystems where these fields converge to address global challenges and empower individuals to realize their full potential as catalysts for change. She is a faculty member at USC Annenberg, founder of the top 0.5% globally ranked podcast Your Brand Amplified®, and an MBA-trained strategist specializing in Al/ML and Marketing. She advises entrepreneurs and startups on branding, podcasting, and business strategy while serving as a Webby Awards judge and building agentic Al tools. @amplifywithanika @yourbrandamplified#anikajackson #successchronicles #gogetit Chip Baker Resource Pagehttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1SthFbf_iCbJgRXG4SasrLh1pWw9m50gnttFzHDGmutE/edit?pli=1&tab=t.0
Ben Albert and I explore the three pillars of the LST philosophy at the Real Business Connections through the lens of Artificial Intelligence and entrepreneurship. We discuss how AI is here to support human effort rather than replace it, and I share the motivation behind my own jump into full-time podcasting. This conversation was so packed with value that I had to drop it here for you. Learn Speak Teach Episode #139 with Anika Jackson. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is influencing nearly every industry and transforming the way we live, work, and connect with the world. Nevertheless, it's essential to understand that AI is designed to enhance and support human efforts, not replace them. Joining us on the show is Anika Jackson, a professor at USC Annenberg specializing in digital media management and social media, where she pioneered an AI-first curriculum. She is also the founder and podcast host of Your Brand Amplified. Anika shares insights on the latest trends in teaching AI. She explains what artificial intelligence is here to do for us, where it's headed, and how its relationship with humans is evolving. She also opens up about her bold decision to leave her full-time job to pursue podcasting. Anika takes us through her podcasting journey, explaining why she started Your Brand Amplified, the motivation behind it, and the strategies she's using to grow and succeed in the podcasting world. For a fun twist, the episode wraps up with an AI-generated rap recap that creatively summarizes the key insights from the conversation. Follow Ben Albert: Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/ For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We're happy you're here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
¿Alguna vez te has preguntado qué sucedería si cruzaras una comunidad agrícola con la forma más avanzada de tecnología humana?¡Fuimos al Valle Imperial para averiguarlo! En este episodio especial de Electric Futures, describimos cómo la demanda de centros de datos y de la inteligencia artificial está alterando el tejido no solo del Valle Imperial de California, sino también el de comunidades en todo el país.Puedes seguirnos en Instagram en @usc_electricfutures.Recursos adicionales del Centro Annenberg de Periodismo y Comunicación Climática de la USC:The Data Center Next Door, Key Considerations for Communities Navigating Data Center DevelopmentHow to Create a Climate Podcast----- Este episodio fue una colaboración con Dimelo, la unica publicacion en espanol para USC Annenberg Media. Las voces de las entrevistas fueron hechas por Jose Guzman-Wug, Mayte Abrica, Damian Lopez, y Valeria Macias.Katherine Contreras Hernández y profesor encargado de Dimelo, Allan López, realizaron las ediciones del guion. Apoyo en la traducción por Emma Kahn.Esto es una adaptación de el Podcast de USC, Electric Futures. Este episodio fue presentado por Natalie Lopez. Esta serie fue producida ejecutivamente por Allison Agsten, directora del centro de Periodismo y Comunicación Climática de USC Annenberg. Mallory Carra, profesora de USC Annenberg, es nuestra supervisora de producción. Spencer Cline es nuestro productor asociado. Tahjah Fortune es nuestra asistente de producción. El anfitrión original de este proyecto es Charles Zukoski, profesor de Ingeniería Química y Ciencia de Materiales y ex rector de USC. Electric Future se grabó en el Valle Imperial y en el Estudio B de Annenberg Media Center. Victor Figeroa, Sebastian Grubaugh [GRU-BAH], Tom Norris y S-R Meredith proporcionaron supervisión técnica.Nuestra portada es de Kim Ly [LEE]. Toda la música y los efectos de sonido se utilizan con permiso expreso bajo una licencia general ilimitada de Epidemic Sound....
Recorded live in USC's Wallis Annenberg Hall in April 2026, this special episode focuses on the key issues surrounding data centers, the focus of Season 3. What exactly are data centers? Who benefits from their development? What are the drawbacks? Experts will answer those questions – and yours – alongside host Chip Zukoski, USC's Robert E. Vivian Professor in Energy Resources and Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering. Featured panelists include:Shaolei Ren, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, RiversideKelly Twomley Sanders, Professor, Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringSean Wilcock, Vice President of Business Development & Services at Imperial Valley Economic Development CorporationYou can follow us on Instagram at @usc_electricfutures.Additional resources from USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication:The Data Center Next Door, Key Considerations for Communities Navigating Data Center DevelopmentHow to Create a Climate Podcast-----Electric Futures is an original podcast from the University of Southern California, hosted by me, Charles Zukoski, the Vivian Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the former USC Provost. This series was executive produced by Allison Agsten, the director of USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.USC Annenberg professor Mallory Carra is our supervising producer. Natalie Lopez and Spencer Cline are our associate producers. Imperial Valley College student Tahjah Fortune is our production assistant. Our live episode was edited and sound designed by Spencer Cline.Technical supervision was provided by Sebastian Grubaugh, Tom Norris, Ray Barkley, Victor Figueroa and S-R Meredith. Video interviews were directed by Makayla Idelburg. Rhysea Argawal, Nadia Lozano Murphy, Anahita Mehra, Avidha Raha, and Lina Rehbein provided live event support.With special thanks to Leslie Berestein Rojas, Edward Lifson, Jim Yoder, and Pawan Ahuja.All music and sound effects are used with express permission under unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound.
Our ‘Money Masterclass' series for Financial Literacy Month continues with Anika Jackson, USC Annenberg Professor of Digital Media Management, founder of Your Brand Amplified, and co-host of Mediascape and Zen Power Hour. This entrepreneurship powerhouse shares how she went from club promoter to thriving brand-builder by teaching clients and students to first know themselves as a brand. Ms. Jackson breaks down her proven system and explains how she turned her ‘side hustle' into scalable success without hiring a team too quickly. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, learn how to amplify your authentic voice across niches and take advantage of her AI clone for instant branding tips! Ms. Jackson is a MBA Candidate at Villanova School of Business specializing in AI/ML and Marketing. She received her Bachelor of Science in Public Administration at the University of San Francisco, and she is master-certified in Allan Knight's Zen Empowered program. Ms. Jackson creates ecosystems where technology, education, and philanthropy converge to address global challenges. As founder of Your Brand Amplified®, her business podcast ranks in the top 0.5% globally and top 10 on Apple Podcasts for US Marketing, charting across multiple countries. Her podcast production and consulting company, Your Branded Podcast, offers comprehensive podcast production services and online courses and coaching for entrepreneurs. At USC's Annenberg School, she shapes future communicators as faculty for both the MS in Digital Media Management and the MS in Digital Social Media programs, creator of the Podcasting for Brand Building elective, and co-host/producer of the Mediascape podcast. To learn more about Ms. Jackson, visit her at Annenberg.USC.edu/faculty/anika-jackson and connect with her on LinkedIn to access her free resources.
In this episode, we look how the proposed data center in the Imperial Valley would use water, then explore similarities and differences with data centers around the nation. How much water is really needed for a data center — and why?You can follow us on Instagram at @usc_electricfutures.Additional resources from USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication:The Data Center Next Door, Key Considerations for Communities Navigating Data Center DevelopmentHow to Create a Climate Podcast-----Electric Futures is an original podcast from the University of Southern California, hosted by me, Charles Zukoski, the Vivian Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the former USC Provost. This series was executive produced by Allison Agsten, the director of USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.USC Annenberg professor Mallory Carra is our supervising producer. Natalie Lopez and Spencer Cline are our associate producers. Imperial Valley College student Tahjah Fortune is our production assistant. This episode was directed by Mallory Carra and Natalie Lopez and story edited by Mallory Carra. It was edited and sound designed by Spencer Cline.Technical supervision was provided by Sebastian Grubaugh, Tom Norris, and S-R Meredith. Video interviews were directed by Makayla Idelburg. With special thanks to USC professors Leslie Berestein Rojas and Edward Lifson.Our cover art is by Kim Ly. All music and sound effects are used with express permission under unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound.
When a hyperscale data center comes to a place like Imperial Valley, communities have questions and concerns. Billions of dollars of investment — and profit – are at stake. Community members have questions. But rather than excitement, there's community pushback. Why? We dive into the resistance in Imperial Valley and beyond.You can follow us on Instagram at @usc_electricfutures.Additional resources from USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication:The Data Center Next Door, Key Considerations for Communities Navigating Data Center DevelopmentHow to Create a Climate Podcast-----Electric Futures is an original podcast from the University of Southern California, hosted by me, Charles Zukoski, the Vivian Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the former USC Provost. This series was executive produced by Allison Agsten, the director of USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.USC Annenberg professor Mallory Carra is our supervising producer. Natalie Lopez and Spencer Cline are our associate producers. Imperial Valley College student Tahjah Fortune is our production assistant. This episode was directed and story edited by Mallory Carra. It was edited and sound designed by Spencer Cline.Technical supervision was provided by Sebastian Grubaugh, Tom Norris, and S-R Meredith. Video interviews were directed by Makayla Idelburg. With special thanks to USC professors Leslie Berestein Rojas and Edward Lifson.Our cover art is by Kim Ly. All music and sound effects are used with express permission under unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound.
In this episode, we explore how communities think about jobs when a data center comes knocking. When a data center comes to town, will it bring high paying jobs to a community? Could this be the main benefit of hosting a data center in your community? You can follow us on Instagram at @usc_electricfutures.Additional resources from USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication:The Data Center Next Door, Key Considerations for Communities Navigating Data Center DevelopmentHow to Create a Climate Podcast-----Electric Futures is an original podcast from the University of Southern California, hosted by me, Charles Zukoski, the Vivian Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the former USC Provost. This series was executive produced by Allison Agsten, the director of USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.USC Annenberg professor Mallory Carra is our supervising producer. Natalie Lopez and Spencer Cline are our associate producers. Imperial Valley College student Tahjah Fortune is our production assistant. This episode was directed and story edited by Mallory Carra. It was edited and sound designed by Spencer Cline.Technical supervision was provided by Sebastian Grubaugh, Tom Norris, and S-R Meredith. Video interviews were directed by Makayla Idelburg. With special thanks to USC professors Leslie Berestein Rojas and Edward Lifson.Our cover art is by Kim Ly. All music and sound effects are used with express permission under unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound.
In our Season 3 finale, we explore what it is about data centers that has been creating animosity across the country. Is it the pushback against what powers artificial intelligence…or is it something else?You can follow us on Instagram at @usc_electricfutures.Additional resources from USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication:The Data Center Next Door, Key Considerations for Communities Navigating Data Center DevelopmentHow to Create a Climate Podcast-----Electric Futures is an original podcast from the University of Southern California, hosted by me, Charles Zukoski, the Vivian Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the former USC Provost. This series was executive produced by Allison Agsten, the director of USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.USC Annenberg professor Mallory Carra is our supervising producer. Natalie Lopez and Spencer Cline are our associate producers. Imperial Valley College student Tahjah Fortune is our production assistant. This episode was directed and story edited by Mallory Carra. It was edited and sound designed by Spencer Cline.Technical supervision was provided by Sebastian Grubaugh, Tom Norris, and S-R Meredith. Video interviews were directed by Makayla Idelburg. With special thanks to USC professors Leslie Berestein Rojas and Edward Lifson.Our cover art is by Kim Ly. All music and sound effects are used with express permission under unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound.
We take a deep dive into the AI data center planned for California's Imperial Valley and talk to the developers themselves about how the project came about. Then, we explore the mathematics of AI and how exactly a data center works.You can follow us on Instagram at @usc_electricfutures.Additional resources from USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication:The Data Center Next Door, Key Considerations for Communities Navigating Data Center DevelopmentHow to Create a Climate Podcast-----Electric Futures is an original podcast from the University of Southern California, hosted by me, Charles Zukoski, the Vivian Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the former USC Provost. This series was executive produced by Allison Agsten, the director of USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.USC Annenberg professor Mallory Carra is our supervising producer. Natalie Lopez and Spencer Cline are our associate producers. Imperial Valley College student Tahjah Fortune is our production assistant. This episode was directed by Spencer Cline and story edited by Mallory Carra. It was edited and sound designed by Spencer Cline.Technical supervision was provided by Sebastian Grubaugh, Tom Norris, and S-R Meredith. Video interviews were directed by Makayla Idelburg. With special thanks to USC professors Leslie Berestein Rojas and Edward Lifson.Our cover art is by Kim Ly. All music and sound effects are used with express permission under unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound.
Have you ever wondered what might happen if you crossed an agricultural community with the highest form of human technology?We went to the Valley to find out! In this season of Electric Futures, we describe how the demand for AI is altering the fabric of not only California's Imperial Valley but of communities across the country. In this first episode, we catch you up on what's happening in the Valley and discover the most amazing coincidence that sharpens our interest and brings this season closer to home…This is Season 3 of Electric Futures: The Data Center Next Door.You can follow us on Instagram at @usc_electricfutures.Additional resources from USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication:The Data Center Next Door, Key Considerations for Communities Navigating Data Center DevelopmentHow to Create a Climate Podcast-----Electric Futures is an original podcast from the University of Southern California, hosted by me, Charles Zukoski, the Vivian Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the former USC Provost. This series was executive produced by Allison Agsten, the director of USC's Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.USC Annenberg professor Mallory Carra is our supervising producer. Natalie Lopez and Spencer Cline are our associate producers. Imperial Valley College student Tahjah Fortune is our production assistant. This episode was directed by Spencer Cline and story edited by Mallory Carra. It was edited and sound designed by Spencer Cline.Technical supervision was provided by Sebastian Grubaugh, Tom Norris, and S-R Meredith. Video interviews were directed by Makayla Idelburg. With special thanks to USC professors Leslie Berestein Rojas and Edward Lifson.Our cover art is by Kim Ly. All music and sound effects are used with express permission under unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound.
How many different hats do you wear as host and producer of your own podcast? If you actually wrote out everything you do for your podcast besides speaking into the microphone, the list would be extensive. Podcasters often get asked what it means to be a podcast producer. As Emma Krebs explains, that's because "producer" is an umbrella term that encompasses a ton of different roles. Emma is a seasoned podcast and YouTube producer who currently produces celebrity doctor Mark Hyman's show. While she's lucky enough today to have a robust team and suite of tools at her disposal, she remembers what it was like to fly solo. In this episode, she breaks down what her current role looks like and which of the many, many steps every hybrid host–producer should prioritize. From heavy guest research to tracking spreadsheets to really perfecting that intro, Emma's tips and tricks will help you position your podcast as a meaningful contributor to the medium and to positive change across the industry. Dust off the countless hats of a solo showrunner: How spending more time on show prep will save you time later; The ongoing inequality and hopeful future of women in podcasting; Why you need to think about your intros long before post-production; Why jumping on the video podcast bandwagon might be the wrong move. Links worth mentioning from the episode: Episode 110, "Start Strong with a Purposeful Intro": https://www.organizedsound.ca/start-strong-with-a-purposeful-intro-episode-110/ USC Annenberg, "Inequality in Popular Podcasts? An Examination of Gender & Race/Ethnicity": https://assets.uscannenberg.org/docs/aii-inequality-Podcasts-2025-11-06.pdf Engage with Emma: Learn more about her work: https://www.emmakrebs.com/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byemmakrebs/ Listen to the Dr. Hyman Show, produced by Emma: https://drhyman.com/blogs/content/tagged/podcast Connect with Mary! Leave a voice note with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/ Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions Show Credits: Podcast audio design, engineering, and editing by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words Studio Post-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.
linkshttps://maddymyer.comBioMaddy Myer is a Los Angeles–based publicist, freelance writer, podcast host, and creative communications strategist specializing in entertainment, pop culture, and talent-driven storytelling. As a publicist, she leads client campaigns spanning red carpets and live events, brand partnerships, and high-profile press placements.Alongside her PR work, Maddy is a freelance journalist for Teen Vogue and Sweety High, where she's known for artist interviews, album and concert reviews. She brings a perspective shaped by fandom, media literacy, sharp, culturally fluent commentary and community-first storytelling. Maddy brings a rare blend of industry expertise and genuine enthusiasm to every conversation.She holds a Master's degree in Public Relations & Advertising from USC Annenberg, and in addition to her day job and the pod, is currently writing her first pilot. Her work centers on building authentic narratives that create impact without sacrificing well-being.Outside of work she enjoys sports, live music, theatre, video games, film and tv. In her free time she likes hanging with her friends and 2 dogs, trying new places and visiting theme parks. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/creator-to-creators-with-meosha-bean--4460322/support.
Professor of Journalism at USC Annenberg, Robert Kozinets, and Henry Jenkins speak with us about their ongoing book series Frames of Fandom. Both authors explore how they met, their ever-evolving work in fan studies, and what inspired them to create a 16-book series. Both scholars discuss the complexity of fandom as it intersects with consumer culture and subcultures. They even ask if fandom itself can be considered a subculture or something akin to religion! The conversation ends with a discussion of accessibility to academic texts, their choice of writing personal ethnographies throughout the books, and the future of the book series. Here are some of the references from this episode, for those who want to dig a little deeper: Academic/Educational readings and resources: Frames of Fandom book series [Amazon Link] Netnography Unlimited Understanding Technoculture using Qualitative Social Media Research Influencers and Creators Business, Culture and Practice Convergence Culture Convergence Culture Consortium Textual Poachers People & Places: Led Zeppelin Camille Bacon-Smith Constance Penley Eric Arthur von Hippel Rogers Centre Disneyland Haunted Mansion Jonas Brothers George Lucas Pop Mart JK Rowling Daniel Miller Michael Baxandall Angela McRobbie Media: 2025 MLB World Series 1993 World Series CFL MLB Super Bowl LIX Labubu Reddit Facebook Star Trek Aurora monster models [Article on toys] Dark Shadows Universal Monster Films Famous Monsters of Filmland Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Strange Sports Stories [Article on the comic series] Space Jam (1996) Space Jam: A New Legacy Harry Potter HBO Magic The Gathering Monster Hunter Fortnite Dragon Ball Ford Mustang Disney Bounding [Blog Guide] ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Share your thoughts via Twitter with Henry, Colin and the How Do You Like It So Far? account! You can also email us at howdoyoulikeitsofarpodcast@gmail.com.Music:“In Time” by Dylan Emmett and “Spaceship” by Lesion X.In Time (Instrumental) by Dylan Emmet https://soundcloud.com/dylanemmetSpaceship by Lesion X https://soundcloud.com/lesionxbeatsCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/in-time-instrumentalFree Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/lesion-x-spaceshipMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/AzYoVrMLa1Q––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This special three-episode season takes an intimate look at the impact of the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires on the USC community. We'll get to know five USC professors who were displaced as a result of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires over the course of nine months. In this first episode, we go back to the first few nights, when the fires raged all across Pacific Palisades and Altadena. You can follow us on Instagram at @usc_electricfutures: https://www.instagram.com/usc_electricfutures-----Electric Futures is an original podcast from the University of Southern California. This special season is hosted and executive-produced by Allison Agsten, director of USC Annenberg's Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.USC Annenberg professor Mallory Carra is our supervising producer. Rhysea Agrawal and Spencer Cline are our associate producers. This episode was written and directed by Rhysea Agrawal and story edited by Mallory Carra. It was edited and sound designed by Spencer Cline. Additional interviews were conducted by Grace Galante and Yana Savitsky.Victor Figueroa, Sebastian Grubaugh, Tom Norris, and S.R. Meredith provided technical supervision. Our cover art is by Rhysea Agrawal with photography by Malcolm Caminero. All music and sound effects used with express permission under an unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound.
Climate-amplified extreme weather events are rising in frequency and intensity all over the world; yet the emotional impacts of these events, the loss and grief they bring, and the long-lasting impacts they cause for affected people are still understudied and underreported.In the second episode of this special season, our five USC professors share their emotional journey months after their losses in the 2025 LA wildfires.You can follow us on Instagram at @usc_electricfutures: https://www.instagram.com/usc_electricfutures-----Electric Futures is an original podcast from the University of Southern California. This special season is hosted and executive-produced by Allison Agsten, director of USC Annenberg's Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.USC Annenberg professor Mallory Carra is our supervising producer. Rhysea Agrawal and Spencer Cline are our associate producers. This episode was written and directed by Rhysea Agrawal and story edited by Mallory Carra. It was edited and sound designed by Spencer Cline. Additional interviews were conducted by Grace Galante and Yana Savitsky.Victor Figueroa, Sebastian Grubaugh, Tom Norris, and S.R. Meredith provided technical supervision. Our cover art is by Rhysea Agrawal with photography by Malcolm Caminero. All music and sound effects used with express permission under an unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound.
It has been a year since the fires, and some of the impacts are only now starting to come into play. Despite efforts from the government and community groups to provide speedy disaster recovery, the road towards recovery appears to be long.In our final episode, our USC professors catch us up with their lives a year after the disaster. They share with us what recovery has looked like for them and how they are finding ways to approach the rebuilding process as an opportunity.You can follow us on Instagram at @usc_electricfutures: https://www.instagram.com/usc_electricfutures-----Electric Futures is an original podcast from the University of Southern California. This special season is hosted and executive-produced by Allison Agsten, director of USC Annenberg's Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.USC Annenberg professor Mallory Carra is our supervising producer. Rhysea Agrawal and Spencer Cline are our associate producers. This episode was written and directed by Rhysea Agrawal and story edited by Mallory Carra. It was edited and sound designed by Spencer Cline. Additional interviews were conducted by Grace Galante and Yana Savitsky.Victor Figueroa, Sebastian Grubaugh, Tom Norris, and S.R. Meredith provided technical supervision. Our cover art is by Rhysea Agrawal with photography by Malcolm Caminero. All music and sound effects used with express permission under an unlimited blanket license authority from Epidemic Sound.
That Solo Life, Episode 329: The New Alphabet of PR - From AEO to PESO Episode Summary In this highly anticipated episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane welcome industry legend Gini Dietrich, founder of Spin Sucks and creator of the PESO Model. Together, they dive deep into the current state of public relations and what lies ahead for 2026. The conversation tackles the pervasive topic of AI, moving beyond simple prompting to discuss how PR pros can teach clients to integrate AI into their workflows strategically. Gini addresses recent online debates regarding the evolution of the PESO model, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in our industry. The trio also explores the concept of "Visibility Engineering"—how to ensure your brand shows up in AI-generated search answers through robust owned and earned media strategies. Finally, they remind listeners that despite technological advances, human storytelling remains the heart of the profession. Episode Highlights [01:52] Gini discusses the current landscape of PR and the ubiquity of AI. [02:28] Addressing the critics: Has the PESO model really not been updated in a decade? Gini sets the record straight. [05:54] The opportunity for PR pros in 2026: Teaching clients how to incorporate AI into systems and workflows, not just how to prompt. [09:20] The new SEO: Whether you call it AEO, GEO, or AIO, the goal is showing up in AI search answers. [11:42] How AI search actually rewards genuine thought leadership rather than keyword stuffing. [13:33] Visibility Engineering: How to engineer the robots to ensure your content answers the contextual questions your audience is asking. [15:41] Why storytelling and engaging hearts and minds will never go out of style (featuring a nod to A Christmas Story). About Gini Dietrich Gini Dietrich is the founder, CEO, and author of Spin Sucks, host of the Spin Sucks podcast, and author of Spin Sucks (the book). She is the creator of the PESO Model© and has crafted a certification for it in collaboration with USC Annenberg. She has run and grown an agency for the past 19 years. She is co-author of Marketing in the Round, co-host of Inside PR, and co-host of The Agency Leadership podcast. She also holds "legend" status on Peloton. Related Episodes & Additional Information Visit Spin Sucks for resources on the PESO Model and professional development. Connect with Gini on LinkedIn for daily insights. Forbes Article: Why AEO Is The Future Of SEO And How To Master It Episode 292: Utilizing Zero Click Conent for Better Engagement Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today's dynamic professional landscape. Enjoyed this episode? Don't keep it to yourself! If you found value in today's discussion, please subscribe and share this episode with a fellow PR pro. Helping us spread the word ensures we can continue bringing you legendary guests and actionable advice. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
"When you called me yesterday, I came up with eight different reasons to say no to you."That's Kosturi Ghosh, partner at Tri-Legal, explaining why she almost didn't show up for this podcast. It's a revealing admission and one that gets to the heart of why business and tech podcasts have such a lopsided gender problem.This week on Two by Two, hosts Praveen Gopal Krishnan and Rohin Dharmakumar do something uncomfortable: they examine their own track record. Joined by Kosturi and Swapnika Nag, co-founder and CEO of Periscope, they confront the fact that 95% of guests on Two by Two have been men.A recent USC Annenberg study found that business and tech podcasts have the worst gender split of any genre—92.3% male guests. The conversation explores why this happens, from relying on existing networks and the challenges of cold outreach, to the fact that women are held to different standards when speaking publicly. They also debate whether this is even a problem worth solving, given that the representation issue starts much earlier—in boardrooms, founder circles, and senior leadership positions.The group discusses what can be done differently: building trust over time and being more intentional about guest planning. They also touch on imposter syndrome and why men seem more comfortable winging it. It's a moment of self-reflection with no easy answers, but plenty of ideas on how to do better in 2026._______Additional readings:USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative (November 2025)Accidental Feminism: Gender Parity and Selective Mobility among India's Professional Elite by Swethaa S. Ballakrishnen_______This episode was produced by Uddantika Kashyap and mixed and mastered by Rajiv CN, our resident sound engineer.If you liked this episode of Two by Two, please share it with your friends, family and colleagues who would be interested in listening. And if you have more thoughts on the discussion, we'd love to hear your arguments as well. You can write to us at twobytwo@the-ken.com or comment below.
What assumptions are holding you back from creating a more accessible show? If you knew more about your listener's accessibility needs, how would that change your show? Podcasting borrows so much of its policy and practice from more traditional forms of media, and while that's given us a great place to start, it's also slowed down innovation in this unique medium. Meg Wilcox is a journalist and professor at Mount Royal University. Her research focuses on where podcasting could improve in terms of accessibility and ethics. In this episode, she shares how her experience producing an audio memoir for a woman with vision impairment prompted her to reconsider how we approach everything from recording and publishing to promoting our shows. You'll learn about the ethics of copyright ownership, the slow adoption of accessibility tools, and the ongoing barriers that, if dismantled, would give anyone with a podcasting dream the tools to make it come true. Reframe how you think about your show's accessibility and availability: The power of accessibility upgrades to make podcasting better for everyone; The importance of understanding your audience and what they need; What's still missing in the wider world of media accessibility; Our flawed expectations around what's "professional" in audio. Links worth mentioning from the episode: USC Annenberg, "Inequality in Popular Podcasts? An Examination of Gender & Race/Ethnicity": https://assets.uscannenberg.org/docs/aii-inequality-Podcasts-2025-11-06.pdf PodNews, "25 Podcasts Announced as Eligible for Golden Globes": https://podnews.net/press-release/golden-globes-eligible-podcasts-26 Episode 99, "Canadian Identity in the Indie Podcasting Ecosystem with Kattie Laur": https://www.organizedsound.ca/canadian-identity-in-the-indie-podcasting-ecosystem-with-kattie-laur-episode-99/ Engage with Meg Wilcox: Listen to Static: A Party Girl's Memoir: https://www.megwilcox.com/2024/11/08/static-a-party-girls-memoir/ Connect with Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megwilcox/ Learn more about Meg's work: https://www.megwilcox.com/ Connect with Mary! Leave a voice note with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/ Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions Show Credits: Podcast audio design, engineering, and editing by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words Studio Post-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.
Influence isn't about being seen—it's about what you build when no one's watching.This conversation is for high-capacity women and dreamers who feel called to big stages but are unsure how to navigate the industry, the politics, or the pressure. Candi's journey reveals what it really takes to rise, lead, and last in a world that often values image over integrity.When you think of the entertainment industry, you might think lights, cameras, red carpets—and yes, there's all of that. But what you don't always see is the grit. The resilience it takes to lead behind the scenes, especially as a woman. Especially as a woman of color.According to a 2023 USC Annenberg report, only 26% of executive producers across the top 100 television shows were women—and just 6% were Black women. So what does it take to break those barriers? What does it cost? And more importantly, how do you keep your soul intact while doing it?Today's guest didn't just walk through the doors of the entertainment industry—she helped build the house. She's produced iconic shows, navigated high-stakes rooms, and carried the weight of leadership with grace, grit, and faith. And today, she's sharing what she's learned so others can follow—not just in her footsteps, but in her faith.
Go Help Yourself: A Comedy Self-help Podcast to Make Life Suck Less
On this episode of Go Help Yourself, Misty is joined by special guest Megan Parlen Isser to review the book Mindful Drinking: How Cutting Down Can Change Your Life by Rosamund Dean, which promises to help us cultivate a new, healthy and more mindful relationship with alcohol.Journalist Rosamund Dean combines scientific expertise with practical advice in a game-changing four-step plan, and says drinking less will improve your mood, your skin and your body as well as reduce stress and anxiety for the long term.In this Mindful Drinking book review podcast, we cover each part of Rosamund's four-step plan:The ProblemThe IncentiveThe Clean BreakThe End GameIf you'd like to purchase the book, you can do so at Bookshop.org and Libro.fm (and choose Bloomsbury Books to support as your independent book store).About Megan Parlen Isser:Megan was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA where she was a child actress from the age of 2 until 20. She decided to get out of the acting game and attended UCLA for undergrad and USC Annenberg's Graduate School for Journalism. She worked in the entertainment industry as an Executive Producer in documentary film and television and as a Creative Director for some of your favorite streaming projects. She and her husband fled to Ashland, Oregon with their two young daughters during COVID for "a few weeks of relief from LA." Within 6 months, they bought a house and never left. Megan is now the co-owner of Ashland's treasured independent bookstore Bloomsbury Books along with her husband. She is also a professor at Southern Oregon University in the Digital Cinema and Communications Department. In her spare time she likes to color with her daughters, read books, go on morning runs, walk her aging dog and laugh with her handsome husband.Want more GHY?Download our secret episode here for FREE!Follow us on instagram @gohelpyourselfpodcastFor self-help tips delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter at gohelpyourself.coIf you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a review as it helps other people discover our show.XO,Misty & LisaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
With a career spanning music promotion, marketing, publishing, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, Anika Jackson knows firsthand how powerful—and challenging—a career change can be. Her journey began in Chicago's house music scene and took her from nightlife marketing in Los Angeles to launching major magazines in San Francisco. After stepping away to focus on philanthropy and nonprofit work, she reinvented herself again as an entrepreneur, consultant with a focus on AI advocacy, and top-rated podcast host. As the creator of Your Brand Amplified® and a graduate instructor at USC Annenberg, Anika now helps others leverage storytelling and strategy to navigate their own career pivots. Her story is proof that embracing change can lead to new opportunities and unexpected success. Listen now! Connect with Anika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajackson/
The recent firing of ABC News correspondent Terry Moran over a politically charged social media post has sparked fierce debate across newsrooms nationwide. To help us unpack the ethics, implications, and future of journalist conduct in the digital age, KFI's Heather Brooker spoke with Christina Bellantoni—Director of the Media Center and Professor of Professional Practice at USC Annenberg. A veteran journalist and newsroom leader, Christina brings deep insight into how news organizations are navigating objectivity, transparency, and the ever-blurring boundaries of social media. We're going beyond the headline to ask: Is the age of the outspoken journalist over? Or is this just the start of a long-overdue reckoning?
Fred Cook kicks off a timely conversation on the future of public relations—through the lens of generational differences and shared experiences. The episode unpacks key insights from the USC Center for PR's 2025 Global Communication Report: Mind The Gap, which examines how four major forces—AI, hybrid work, media evolution, and polarization—are reshaping the industry and impacting the four generations working within it.Moderated by Barby K. Siegel, Global CEO of Zeno Group, the panel explores questions like:How do different generations view AI's role in the future of PR?What does true collaboration across age groups look like?How can organizations foster flexibility without sacrificing culture?How should communicators approach purpose-driven work amid growing polarization and risk aversion?Key Discussion Highlights:AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: AI is seen as a career-enhancing tool that frees up time for creativity and strategic thinking — but panelists caution against using it as a crutch, emphasizing the need to maintain strong writing and critical thinking skills.Hybrid Work Expectations: Younger generations value autonomy and flexibility, with many willing to take pay cuts for remote options. But panelists stress that trust, clear expectations, and intentional relationship-building remain critical in hybrid settings.Media Consumption Gaps: Gen Z leans into social and influencer-driven media, while older generations still prioritize traditional outlets like The New York Times and CNN. The takeaway? Successful communicators must be media-fluid and audience-focused.The Purpose Divide: Younger employees (especially Gen Z) expect companies to take stands on social issues, even as overall industry willingness to engage has dropped sharply—from 89% in 2023 to 52% in 2025.Soft Skills Still Reign: From phone calls to peer reviews, interpersonal communication, empathy, and networking remain essential soft skills for all generations.Call for Collaboration: Panelists advocate for breaking down hierarchies by bringing younger professionals into leadership conversations early and often. Generational gaps should be "galvanized," not just "minded."Reports: 2025 Global Communication Report: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations/global-communication-reportFeaturing: • Fred Cook (USC Annenberg Center for PR) • Kelly McGinnis (Levi Strauss & Co.) • Sona Iliffe-Moon (Yahoo) • Bill Imada (IW Group) • Kyndall L. Echols (fashion & brand communications consultant)Host: Fred Cook (@fredcook),Chairman Emeritus of Golin, Director of the USC Center for Public Relations,Author of Improvise: Unorthodox Career Advice from an Unlikely CEOExecutive Producer: Ron AntonetteProducers: Joe Carreon and Javiera ContrerasFollow us: @USCCenterforPR on X, Instagram, and FacebookSubscribe to our newsletter: News from the USC Center for Public RelationsLearn more: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relationsThis episode was recorded live at USC Annenberg. A production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California.
Faryar Borhani, Sona-Iliffe Moon, Jeff Beringer, Christina Bellantoni, and Michael Kittilson join Fred Cook to discuss the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations' latest Relevance Report: AI Activated. The conversation covers governance, training and up-skilling, augmentation and more as we delve into how global institutions are handling the increased presence of AI, embracing change, and utilising the tools available.Featuring:Faryar Borhani: Faryar is the Chief Communications Officer at Encore Capital Group and has been a USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations Board Member since June 2024.Sona Iliffe-Moon: Sona is currently the Chief Communications Officer at Yahoo. Prior to this, Sona was at Facebook and Lyft among other companies. Sona is also a USC alum having completed an MA in Strategic Public Relations at USC Annenberg.Jeff Beringer: Jeff has been with Golin for over two decades and currently serves as their first Chief AI Officer. Jeff previously led marketing and transformation teams at IPG and web relations at Weber Shandwick.Christina Bellantoni: Currently director of the Media Center at USC Annenberg, Christina was previously the Assistant Managing Editor of the LA Times and Editor-in-Chief at Roll Call.Michael Kittilson: Michael is a USC Graduate student in Annenberg's PRA program. He leads multiple collaboration efforts with the PR Center's partners and is a Senior Research Associate at USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication.Host: Fred Cook (@fredcook), Chairman Emeritus of Golin. Author of “Improvise - Unorthodox Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO” and Director of the USC Center for Public RelationsReports: USC 2025 Relevance ReportExecutive Producer: Ron Antonette Producers: Marshall Winfield, Joseph Carreon, Anahita Mehra, Javiera ContrerasFollow us: @USCCenterforPR (X, Facebook and Instagram) Newsletter: News from the USC Center for Public Relations Visit our website: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations A production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. A production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California.
PR leaders from Microsoft, WE Communications, and the USC Center for PR unpack their latest research on AI's impact on the industry. The WE and USC Annenberg study Energized by AI reveals that AI is making communicators feel more valued, while USC's Relevance Report, produced with Microsoft, showcases how AI is reshaping the way we work, create, and connect. Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek
We need a recovery of the sacred in our secular world. Because the mental, emotional, and psychological struggles haunting society right now can't be solved without addressing meaning, purpose, and the longing for connection to something beyond ourselves.In other words, spiritual health is an essential part of mental health.An attorney, religious scholar, and university chaplain, Dr. Varun Soni is Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California, and is leading us back to our true north, through spacious and life-giving spiritual conversations and sacred practices that realign us to our values and identity.In this conversation with Varun Soni, we discuss:Finding the sacred in our secular culture.Religious pluralism and what it means to build trust that reaches across religious lines of difference.The transformative power of finding your “truth north”—your North Star—to orient our journeys of faith and spirituality.Varun shares six pillars of flourishing; how to align our actions with our values; and the benefit of listening to the cultural narratives and stories we tell.He reflects on the missing elements of spirituality in our understanding of mental health today, evidenced in his work with teens and emerging adults.He offers us a Hindu meditative practice to provide inner clarity, stability, and calm.And he comments on compassion and a cultivation sacred spiritual practices to counteract the loneliness, anguish, and suffering in our world.Show NotesDr. Pam King welcomes Varun Soni, Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life at USCJourney from Hindu attorney to first Hindu Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life in the U.S.“What does it mean to be Indian? What does it mean to be Hindu? What does it mean to be American? What is this Indian American experience?”1965 Immigration and Naturalization ActInspired by grandfather's connection to Mahatma Gandhi“ What it meant to be Hindu was to be like Gandhi. What it meant to be Indian was to be like Gandhi. What it meant to live a meaningful life was to live like Gandhi.”“ I continued to study religion as a way of understanding myself.”Sitting with the Dalai Lama on Mahatma Gandhi's birthdayMentorship from the Dalai LamaDeepak Chopra's influence“Interfaith trust building”University ChaplaincyWhat is thriving to you?"Thriving is the alignment of purpose and practice—it's not about arriving, but about moving in the right direction."“What is my north star, and how do I get there?”Spiritual well-being about asking the right questions, not having all the answersReligion once provided meaning, rituals, and community—now young people seek new structures"What is sacred to you? If you can't answer that, you're drifting without a compass."The urgency of time when turning 50 years old“I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone anymore.”“Put the process before the answer.”6 pillars of thriving and well-being: diet, sleep, exercise, contemplative practice, emotional intelligence, connection to natureBasic physical pillars of thriving: Diet, Sleep, ExerciseSpiritual pillars of thriving: Contemplation, Emotional Intelligence, and Communing with NatureFinding what is sacred—faith, relationships, personal values51% of USC students non-religious, 80% spiritualRecord levels of loneliness, imposter syndrome, comparison culture“Not just a mental health crisis, but a spiritual health crisis.”Loss of intergenerational religious experiences—key protective factor against depression"We took away religion and replaced it with social media, then wondered why anxiety skyrocketed."Social media fuels disconnection rather than community"We weren't built for this much bad news. Our brains weren't designed to process global suffering 24/7."“There's no right way to do contemplative practice.”Find moments built into your dayExercise: So Hum breath meditation: Inhale “So,” exhale “Hum”Using meditation as a spiritual technology or tool"You are not your thoughts—you are the awareness behind them."Identity shaped by personal narrative—"If you don't like your story, rewrite it."Telling the story of who you will become"Every individual is the hero of their own journey, whether they realize it or not."Cultural mythology, from sacred texts to Marvel movies, reflects search for meaningSpirituality helps build redemptive life narratives“There power in being part of something bigger.”The Spiritual Child by Lisa Miller—research on spirituality and mental health"It's hard to hate the people you love—universities are one of the last places where people can learn to love each other across differences."Technology and mediated relationshipsWhat is sacred to you?"Gen Z's greatest superpower is empathy, but they've never been lonelier."Building protective factors for young peopleGratitude rituals shift focus from anxiety to appreciationCare, justice, and connectionMental Health CrisisMental Health and Spiritual HealthAwe-inspiring moments—nature, music, relationships—essential to well-being"Awe, wonder, and gratitude aren't luxuries—they're survival tools."“You can't doom-scroll your way to joy. Presence and connection matter.”Religious institutions declining, but human need for transcendence remainsCreating new rituals and meaning-making for a secular generation"Spiritual health is just as important as mental health—ignore it, and you miss a key part of the equation."What is your North Star? What gets you up in the morning?How do your daily practices align purpose and action?How do the stories you tell shape your identity and thriving?Try So Hum meditation as a daily mindfulness practiceEngage in one act of gratitude—write a note, express appreciation, savor a momentIt's all too easy to fragment our lives into secular and sacred, but thriving and spiritual health require wholeness and integration of every aspect of ourselves, including our faith and spirituality.Future generations of leaders need our guidance and support in their connection to community and their search for meaning, purpose, and hope.Keep your seat-belt firmly fastened, your seat-back upright, tray table stowed, and secure your own spiritual oxygen mask before assisting others.We can counteract the outrage, anxiety, and information overload with simple, daily practices that bring stability and clarity.We thrive when we align our actions and our values, our behavior with our beliefs, and our practices with our purpose.About Varun SoniVarun Soni is the Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California. He received his B.A. degree in Religion from Tufts University, where he also earned an Asian Studies minor and completed the Program in Peace and Justice Studies. He subsequently received his M.T.S. degree from Harvard Divinity School and his M.A. degree through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He went on to receive his J.D. degree from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, where he also completed the Critical Race Studies Program and served as an editor for the Journal of Islamic and Near Eastern Law. He earned his Ph.D. through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Cape Town, where his doctoral research focused on religion and popular culture. As an undergraduate student, Dean Soni spent a semester living in a Buddhist monastery in Bodh Gaya, India through Antioch University's Buddhist Studies Program. As a graduate student, he spent months doing field research in South Asia through UCSB's Center for Sikh and Punjab Studies.Dean Soni is currently a University Fellow at USC Annenberg's Center on Public Diplomacy and an Adjunct Professor at the USC School of Religion. He is the author of Natural Mystics: The Prophetic Lives of Bob Marley and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (Figueroa Press, 2014) and his writings have appeared in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Crosscurrents, Jewish Journal, and Harvard Divinity Bulletin. He produced the critically acclaimed graphic novel Tina's Mouth: An Existential Comic Diary by Keshni Kashyap, which is currently being adapted as a feature length film. He also produced and hosted his own radio show on KPFK-Pacifica that showcased music from South Asia and its diaspora. In 2009, he was one of the organizers of the historic Concert for Pakistan, a benefit concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall featuring Salman Ahmad, Sting, Outlandish, Jeff Skoll, Deepak Chopra, and Melissa Etheridge.Dean Soni is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Academy of Religion, and the Association for College and University Religious Affairs. He is on the advisory board for the Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement, Journal for Interreligious Dialogue, Hindu American Seva Charities, Future45, and the Parliament of the World's Religion. Prior to joining USC, Dean Soni spent four years teaching in the Law and Society Program at UCSB. Born in India and raised in Southern California, he has family on five continents and they collectively represent every major religious tradition in the world. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking. About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.
New York Women in Film and Television: Women Crush Wednesdays
This week on The NYWIFT Podcast, we're kicking off International Women's Month with three women shaping the media industry: co-founder of The Women's List (www.thewomenslist.org) Jan Kimbrough (NYWIFT Writers Lab participant) and Screenwriter and NYWIFT Member Leah Curney tell us about this game-changing resource for overlooked writers and filmmakers searching for outstanding stories.Founder of the Socially Relevant Film Festival, Nora Armani, shares insider tips on making your film stand out on the festival circuit. Plus, hosts Janine and Katie discuss the latest findings from USC Annenberg's study on women's representation in film, and offer up their Oscars-themed animated streaming recommendations!The USC Annenberg ReportTo be featured on the podcast, email us at communications@nywift.org.For more great content go to NYWIFT.org.Social Media:The Women's List: IG: @thewomenslist / Twitter/X: @TheWomensList / Threads / BlueSky Leah Curney: IG: @leahcurneyNora Armani: IG: @noraarmaniSocially Relevant Film Festival: IG: @srfilmfestnycNYWIFT: IG: @NYWIFT / Twitter/X: @NYWIFT / #NYWIFT
Complex problems cannot be solved if examined only through a narrow lens. Enter interdisciplinarity. It is now widely accepted that drawing on varied expertise and perspectives is the only way we can understand and tackle many of the most challenging issues we face, as individuals and as a species. So, there is a growing movement towards more cross disciplinary working in higher education but it faces challenges. Interdisciplinarity requires a shift of mindset in an academy built upon clear disciplinary distinctions and must compete for space in already overcrowded curricula. We speak to two leadings scholars in interdisciplinary research and teaching to find out why it is so important and how they are encouraging more academics and students to break out of traditional academic silos. Gabriele Bammer is a professor of integration and implementation sciences (i2S) at the Australian National University. She is author of several books including ‘Disciplining Interdisciplinarity' and is inaugural president of the Global Alliance for Inter- and Transdisciplinarity. To support progress in interdisciplinarity around the world, she runs the Integration and Implementation Insights blog and repository of theory, methods and tools underpinning i2S. Gabriele has held visiting appointments at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center at the University of Maryland and the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies in Potsdam, Germany. Kate Crawford is an international scholar of the social implications of artificial intelligence who has advised policymakers in the United Nations, the White House, and the European Parliament on AI, and currently leads the Knowing Machines Project, an international research collaboration that investigates the foundations of machine learning. She is a research professor at USC Annenberg in Los Angeles, a senior principal researcher at MSR in New York, an honorary professor at the University of Sydney, and the inaugural visiting chair for AI and Justice at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris. Her award-winning book, Atlas of AI, reveals the extractive nature of this technology while her creative collaborations such as Anatomy of an AI System with Vladan Joler and Excavating AI with Trevor Paglen explore the complex processes behind each human-AI interaction, showing the material and human costs. Her latest exhibition, Calculating Empires: A Genealogy of Technology and Power 1500-2025, opened in Milan, November 2023 and won the Grand Prize of the European Commission for art and technology. More advice and insight can be found in our latest Campus spotlight guide: A focus on interdisciplinarity in teaching.
Jeffrey Cole, director of the Center for the Digital Future at USC Annenberg, discusses the new realities in journalism and their impact with Host Llewellyn King and Co-host Adam Clayton Powell III.
We talk to reporters in Los Angeles about the challenges of covering the fires there. As the government prepares to begin the charter renewal process which will decide the future of the BBC, one option being discussed is mutualisation. We explore what that could look like. A new podcast features celebrities interviewed by a reincarnated AI Michael Parkinson. We meet the team behind it. We get an update on the possibility of Tiktok being banned in the US, plus sift the TV industry's viewing data for Christmas to see what it tells us about the kind of TV we all want to watch. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy WaiGuests: Jonathan Hunt, Chief Correspondent, Fox News; Emma Vardy, LA Correspondent, BBC News; Allison Agsten, Director, USC Annenberg's Center for Climate Journalism and Communication; Caroline Frost, Columnist, Radio Times; Lara O'Reilly, Senior Correspondent, Business Insider; Tom Mills, Chair, Media Reform Coalition; Benjamin Field, Executive Producer, Deep Fusion Films
As part of USC Annenberg's PR Futures podcast, Professor Burghardt Tenderich spoke with USC alum and former Annenberg Executive in Residence, Pilaar Terry. Pilaar is currently the Managing partner and COO of POV Agency and the conversation covers her experiences as a founder, client relationships, advice to those starting out and more. A production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California.
In this episode of Frictionless Marketing, host Paul Dyer interviews Alex Wagner, Vice President of Public Relations and Brand Experience at Constellation Brands. Alex discusses her extensive career journey, from starting in communications at USC Annenberg to leading global brand communications at Calvin Klein and eventually shaping consumer engagement at Constellation Brands. She delves into leadership practices, the importance of staying connected with her team, and the value of transparency. Additionally, Alex talks about the significance of purpose-driven marketing and highlights successful initiatives like the Prisoner Wine Company's social justice focus and High West's “Protect the West” program.00:00 Introduction to Frictionless Marketing Podcast00:43 Alex Wagner's Career Journey03:49 Leadership and Team Dynamics12:52 Brand Purpose and Consumer Engagement19:30 Measuring ROI and Business Impact25:14 Values in Action and Corporate Culture28:09 Fun Conclusion: Reflecting on Personal PreferencesFrictionless Marketing is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future. To learn more about how to make marketing frictionless, purchase Friction Fatigue by /prompt CEO Paul Dyer online and at booksellers worldwide.Produced and distributed by Simpler Media Productions.
Brad Berens wears a few different hats: he's a strategic advisor and senior fellow at the Center for the Digital Future at USC Annenberg, Principal at Big Digital Idea Consulting, serves on a variety of boards, and has spent many years working in digital media. He's also a science fiction novelist and writes a weekly newsletter, The Brad Berens Weekly Dispatch on Substack, and also on LinkedIn. He has a Ph.D. in Shakespeare studies from U.C. Berkeley, where he was an award-winning teacher.Brad joined me to discuss Dr. Jonathan Haidt's newest book, The Anxious Generation, How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Brad is a longtime friend and colleague from my time in the world of advertising. And over the years, he has made it clear that he is “Less than impressed” with Dr. Haidt's many books and conclusions in the field of social psychology. In today's chat, Brad quickly points out that Dr. Haidt's title alone is flawed - because there is no “Epidemic of Mental Illness” nor is there any causal data to back up this very controversial claim. During our time together, I admit my biases… and do my best to defend my years-long intellectual crush on Dr. Haidt…in spite of Brad's cogent and valid concerns about the book's lack of unidirectional causality, specific to its title and theoretical positioning in the field of social psychology. As usual with my time with Brad, I had a blast, and learned a ton. I hope you enjoy this episode, too. Brad Berens' Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradberens/And The Brad Berens Weekly Dispatch: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truethirty.substack.com/subscribe
AI tools are a hot topic right now, so I am excited to share this episode of the Ready Yet?! Podcast with guest Anika Jackson, a multifaceted podcaster, consultant, and educator at USC Annenberg. Listen in as she shares her journey from a club promoter in Kansas City to her dynamic roles in marketing, PR, and AI consultancy. We also dive into how AI tools can be used effectively in small businesses, emphasizing the importance of human connection and brand authenticity. Annika also shares her thoughts on the evolving landscape of AI, practical steps for small business owners, and how staying true to your brand's essence can drive success. GUEST RESOURCEShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajacksonhttps://yourbrandamplified.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYBpCEEQb7_N9s1krea4fWQhttps://www.tiktok.com/@amplifywithanikahttps://www.instagram.com/yourbrandamplifiedhttps://www.facebook.com/amplifywithanika Connect as a Human First: A simplified path to creating compelling content BE IN CHARGE >> TAKE ACTION >> GET RESULTSConquer Your BusinessJoin us on FacebookLinkedInInstagram
I am excited to share an episode about one of my favorite topics... branding!!! And my guest, Anika Jackson, is absolutely brilliant in sharing her advice and insight to help you build not only your professional brand, but your personal one as well. Anika Jackson is a senior communications and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience working with diverse brands and clients to build local and global interest and create meaningful, synergistic relationships between brands and consumers. Anika produces and hosts the Your Brand Amplified® podcast, a Listen Notes top 0.5% podcast. In addition, she is a graduate level professor at USC Annenberg and co-producer and co-host of the USC MediaSCape speaker series and podcast. Separately, she is VP of PR at Full Capacity Marketing and president of the ISF women's expo and a board member for the International Soccer Festival. Ms. Jackson is a bestselling Amazon author in the women's anthology, Business on Purpose Vol. 2. Join us for this incredible podcast that will surely impact your perspective about branding.
The high-flying Angel City Football Club has new controlling stake owners: Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife, USC Annenberg dean, Willow Bay. Their investment takes Angel City to a valuation of $250 million — the highest ever for a professional women's sports team. When the Los Angeles team started, franchises in its league went for as little as $2 million. In this episode, originally recorded in February 2024 for Masters of Scale, ACFC co-founders Kara Nortman and Julie Uhrman talk to host Jeff Berman about the game-changing strategies behind the team, created with a third co-founder, actor and activist Natalie Portman.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a Text Message.Anika Jackson is a senior communications and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience working with diverse brands and clients to build local and global interest and create meaningful, synergistic relationships between brands and consumers. Anika produces and hosts the Your Brand Amplified® podcast, a Listen Notes top 0.5% podcast. In addition, she is a graduate level professor at USC Annenberg and co-producer and co-host of the USC MediaSCape speaker series and podcast. To learn more about Anika's work:https://fullcapacitymarketing.systeme.io/brandamplifier-entrepreneur
Popular TV shows, aside from being entertaining, can help deliver critical health information for millions of viewers – particularly at a time when education and access to healthcare is threatened not only by social, economic, and behavioral factors, but political ones as well. From breast cancer and the BRCA gene, to pregnancy and abortion, to mental health and racial disparities within the healthcare system, ATX TV Festival and USC Annenberg's Hollywood, Health & Society explore the shows that are putting women's health front and center, and why including these storylines (and getting them right) is more critical than ever.This conversation was recorded live at ATX TV Festival Season 12 (June 1-4, 2023) in Austin, TX.Learn more about Hollywood, Health & Society: https://hollywoodhealthandsociety.org/PANELISTS:Zoanne Clack, MD (Writer / Executive Producer, Grey's Anatomy)Kristi Korzec (Writer, Superman and Lois)Matt Selman (Showrunner / EP, The Simpsons)Renee Ridgeley (Actor, The Simpsons)MODERATOR: Kate Langrall Folb (Director, Hollywood, Health & Society)SUBSCRIBE to youtube.com/ATXTV for more panels, conversations & events with your favorite TV creatives and casts.FOLLOW ATX TV:Twitter: twitter.com/ATXFestivalFacebook: facebook.com/ATXFestivalInstagram: instagram.com/atxfestival/TikTok: tiktok.com/@atxtvLearn more about year round ATX TV programming & events: https://atxtv.co/Become an ATX TV Member: https://atxtv.co/membership
Original Air Date: October 26, 2023 The newest entry in the Road to COP 28 series brings an all-new panel of experts, chaired by Allison Agsten, Director of USC Annenberg's Center for Climate Journalism and Communication and Curator at the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability. Allison is joined by Stephan Crawford, Stanley Chan (Chen Qiufan), Anne de Carbuccia, Michael Gerrard, Ana Teresa Fernandez, Benjamin Von Wong, and Gernot Wagner. Don't miss their conversation about the role that artists and activists play in the fight against climate change and the ways everyone can do their part to create a more green future. This material is distributed by TRG Advisory Services, LLC on behalf of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the U.S.. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Original Air Date: October 11, 2023 This week's installment of the Road to COP 28 features the second half of a discussion from a panel of experts chaired by Frederick “Fritz” Mayer, Dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. Our panel of experts includes author and science journalist Laurie Garrett, NASA Climate Scientist Peter Kalmus, Professor at the University College London Mark Maslin, Professor at Yale School of the Environment Robert O. Mendelsohn, Associate Professor in the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Karen M. O'Neill, Associate Professor at the University of California Santa Cruz and the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Malin L. Pinsky, and Director of USC Annenberg's Center for Climate Journalism and Communication Allison Agsten. Tune in for the rest of their conversation on what actions both individuals and governments must take to combat climate change. In addition, we've included a segment from our recent conversation with Dr. Michael Mann, who shares his outlook for the COP 28 conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Original Air Date: October 3, 2023 The third episode in our Road to COP 28 series is here. This week's episode focuses on Green Growth and is chaired by Frederick “Fritz” Mayer, Dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. Our panel of experts includes author and science journalist Laurie Garrett, NASA Climate Scientist Peter Kalmus, Professor at the University College London Mark Maslin, Professor at Yale School of the Environment Robert O. Mendelsohn, Associate Professor in the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Karen M. O'Neill, Associate Professor at the University of California Santa Cruz and the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Malin L. Pinsky, and Director of USC Annenberg's Center for Climate Journalism and Communication Allison Agsten. Don't miss their critical conversation on what needs to be done to get us to a more sustainable future and the numerous challenges ahead of COP 28. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The newest entry in the Road to COP 28 series brings an all-new panel of experts, chaired by Allison Agsten, Director of USC Annenberg's Center for Climate Journalism and Communication and Curator at the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability. Allison is joined by Stephan Crawford, Stanley Chan (Chen Qiufan), Anne de Carbuccia, Michael Gerrard, Ana Teresa Fernandez, Benjamin Von Wong, and Gernot Wagner. Don't miss their conversation about the role that artists and activists play in the fight against climate change and the ways everyone can do their part to create a more green future. Fill out the DSR Listener Survey here: https://bit.ly/dsrsurvey2023 This material is distributed by TRG Advisory Services, LLC on behalf of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the U.S.. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week's installment of the Road to COP 28 features the second half of a discussion from a panel of experts chaired by Frederick “Fritz” Mayer, Dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. Our panel of experts includes author and science journalist Laurie Garrett, NASA Climate Scientist Peter Kalmus, Professor at the University College London Mark Maslin, Professor at Yale School of the Environment Robert O. Mendelsohn, Associate Professor in the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Karen M. O'Neill, Associate Professor at the University of California Santa Cruz and the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Malin L. Pinsky, and Director of USC Annenberg's Center for Climate Journalism and Communication Allison Agsten. Tune in for the rest of their conversation on what actions both individuals and governments must take to combat climate change. In addition, we've included a segment from our recent conversation with Dr. Michael Mann, who shares his outlook for the COP 28 conference. This material is distributed by TRG Advisory Services, LLC on behalf of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the U.S.. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The first episode from our Green Growth panel in the Road to COP 28 series is here. This week's episode features a new panel of experts chaired by Frederick “Fritz” Mayer, Dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. Our panel of experts includes author and science journalist Laurie Garrett, NASA Climate Scientist Peter Kalmus, Professor at the University College London Mark Maslin, Professor at Yale School of the Environment Robert O. Mendelsohn, Associate Professor in the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Karen M. O'Neill, Associate Professor at the University of California Santa Cruz and the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Malin L. Pinsky, and Director of USC Annenberg's Center for Climate Journalism and Communication Allison Agsten. Don't miss their critical conversation on what needs to be done to get us to a more sustainable future, and the numerous challenges ahead of COP 28. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since Chris is just getting back from vacation this week, we're re-sharing one of our favorite episodes. You might be feeling that artificial intelligence is starting to seem a bit like magic. Our guest points out that AI, once the subject of science fiction, has seen the biggest rise of any consumer technology in history and has outpaced the uptake of TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. As we see AI becoming more of an everyday tool, students are even using chatbots like ChatGPT to write papers. While automating certain tasks can help with productivity, we're starting to see more examples of the dark side of the technology. How close are we to genuine external intelligence? Kate Crawford is an AI expert, research professor at USC Annenberg, honorary professor at the University of Sydney and senior principal researcher at Microsoft Research Lab in New York City. She's also author of “Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence.” Crawford joins WITHpod to discuss the social and political implications of AI, exploited labor behind its growth, why she says it's “neither artificial nor intelligent,” climate change concerns, the need for regulation and more.
You might be feeling that artificial intelligence is starting to seem a bit like magic. Our guest this week points out that AI, once the subject of science fiction, has seen the biggest rise of any consumer technology in history and has outpaced the uptake of TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. As we see AI becoming more of an everyday tool, students are even using chatbots like ChatGPT to write papers. While automating certain tasks can help with productivity, we're starting to see more examples of the dark side of the technology. How close are we to genuine external intelligence? Kate Crawford is an AI expert, research professor at USC Annenberg, honorary professor at the University of Sydney and senior principal researcher at Microsoft Research Lab in New York City. She's also author of “Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence.” Crawford joins WITHpod to discuss the social and political implications of AI, exploited labor behind its growth, why she says it's “neither artificial nor intelligent,” climate change concerns, the need for regulation and more.