Commical

Marie El Daghl

Join communication specialist Marie El Daghl and special guests as we unpack the high-stakes moments they handled like pros - or wish they'd called one. We break down how people show up, speak up and what happens when it counts. For better or worse.

  1. Delivering huge news

    28 May

    Delivering huge news

    A letter arrives unexpectedly and turns Phil Sim's world upside down. In this episode of Commical, the CEO of Influencing and MediaConnect shares the moment he discovered he was adopted, and the communication challenges that followed. From navigating difficult conversations to balancing the needs of multiple individuals, Phil reflects on what happens when the stakes are intensely personal and there is no playbook. A moving conversation about identity, empathy, timing and the power of thoughtful communication. Hosted by communication specialist and coach, Marie El Daghl, from Chasing Albert.

    55 min

  2. 10/09/2025

    From Headlines to Head of Digital

    What does it take to go from journo to digital marketing heavyweight?  John Kerrison started his career in TV newsrooms before shifting gears into government communications. Today he's Director of Digital Content & Creative at the NSW Department of Customer Service, leading teams across social, web, video and brand.  In this episode, we talk about:  • The surprising skills journalism gave him for digital comms  • Why trust and transparency are non-negotiable for brands in the AI era  • How curiosity (and the odd chocolate croissant) fuels career growth  • The story behind a Sky News panel and some very quick-thinking producers  From broadcast to government, John's story is all about reinvention, resilience and finding your voice in unexpected places.

    42 min

  3. 03/07/2025

    Biting into 35 years of Byron Bay Cookies

    How do you take a local cookie brand from a Byron Bay market stall to Qantas flights and Oscar gift bags?  In this episode, we explore the magic behind building brands that last, without losing what made them lovable in the first place. Emilie shares how her small but mighty marketing team gets big results, and the surprising role comedy and improv play in her creative process. From supermarket shelves to stand-up stages, this episode leaves no crumbs.

    36 min

  4. 15/05/2025

    The RAP Effect

    What difference can a business make to Reconciliation in Australia?  Hint: It's not just an Acknowledgment of Country on the footer of your website.  It's about real action - creating jobs, supporting Indigenous businesses, and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a seat at the table. This is where a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAPs) comes in.  We spoke with Adrian Cheatham, from Reconciliation Australia to learn more about the power of RAPs and the tangible benefits of having one in place. We've even committed to starting on ourselves.    In this episode, hear why:  Why over 3,300 organisations have committed to a RAP  The real impact RAPs are having in workplaces across Australia   The uncomfortable truth about businesses that choose to do nothing

    32 min

  5. 07/04/2025

    From Playdates to Pitch Decks

    80% of working parents are now in the workforce, and the juggle is real. It's pushing brilliant people out of fast-paced industries like media and marketing.  In this episode, we hear from media gun Lauren Thornborough, co-founder of The Village, a community built to support, connect and advocate for working parents in the media industry.  Lauren shares why she launched the movement and what needs to change if we want to keep great talent in the game.  We talk flexibility, mental load, and building cultures that work with people's lives, not against them.

    44 min

  6. 24/01/2025

    Ditch Fear and Build Authentic Connections with Aboriginal Culture

    Are you ready to move beyond ticking boxes and truly connect with Aboriginal culture?  Fear of saying or doing the wrong thing often keeps people stuck in their comfort zones, creating barriers to genuine connection with culture and Country. But cultural confidence isn't about perfection—it's about intention, action, and authenticity.  In this episode of Commical, we're joined by Aboriginal educator and cultural desensitivity expert, Rhys Paddick, who shares four simple steps to ditch fear, embrace curiosity, and find your own way to connect with Aboriginal culture. Rhys explains why small, meaningful actions matter and how marketing companies, individuals, and organizations alike can create connections that go well beyond words.  🎧 Tune in and take your first steps toward a deeper, more impactful connection with culture and Country

    43 min

  7. 11/10/2024

    The state of the Media

    Elise Hedley-Dale has been shaking up the media world since the 90's (exact year, not to be disclosed!). With nearly three decades of experience, she's gone from media planner to business owner. Elise is the Founder of Media Words, a company born from the request of a loyal client – Ocean Spray.   This episode discusses how media consumption has transformed over the years from traditional TV spots and glossy magazines to the wild (and rapidly evolving) world of digital media. While some brands are quick to chase the next big thing and jump on the latest trends, it doesn't mean you should throw out the playbook and follow suit. Elise emphasises that knowing your audience like the back of your hand is the key to creating a successful campaign. Elise reminds us of the fundamentals —understanding who your audience is, where they are, and how they want to be spoken to.  Elise and Marie discuss the power of adding a touch of humour and creativity into campaigns, from the viral 'poo at work' campaign (yes, you read that correctly) by Queensland Health to the clever 'Love a Duck campaign. Elise stresses the power of simplicity and wit in creative messaging, and how a well placed billboard can still pack a punch.

    33 min

  8. 03/06/2024

    The Case for Inclusive Recruitment

    A critically important and infinitely insightful episode that will show you how simple recruitment processes we all follow are leaving people out and businesses behind.  Our guest? Sabrina Maddock, CEO, Avanti Search. And how's this for a bio. Sabrina competed on The Apprentice, was Miss World Australia (placing third overall at Miss World 2006). Co-authored a book that landed on Malcolm Turnbull's prime ministerial reading list. She is a diversity & inclusion consultant. She's also a member of Mensa.  Find us someone better suited to talk about inclusive and diverse recruitment practices.   See? Impossible.

    30 min
See All (29)

4.7
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Join communication specialist Marie El Daghl and special guests as we unpack the high-stakes moments they handled like pros - or wish they'd called one. We break down how people show up, speak up and what happens when it counts. For better or worse.

Information

  • Creator
    Marie El Daghl
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © (c) 2026
  • Show Website
    Commical