Stories and Strategies

•

Channel • 11 Shows

Parenting

Parenting

Monthly
Marketing

Marketing

Updated weekly
Business

Business

Updated 5 Aug
Home & Garden

Home & Garden

Updated twice weekly
Investing

Investing

Updated 24/06/2024
News Commentary

News Commentary

Every two weeks
Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Updated 11 Aug

9 SEPT

The Hidden Reason Women are Leaving Public Relations

More women are now leaving the PR industry because of perimenopause and menopause than because of childbirth. That’s a staggering, often invisible, that’s shift happening right at the top. It’s not burnout or work-life balance pushing them out, but a phase of life that’s rarely acknowledged and even more rarely supported. This episode is an unflinching conversation about the real pressures senior women face. Why is menopause still a taboo topic at work? How misunderstood are its impacts on confidence, performance, and retention? And what must organizations and agencies do to support their best talent before they quietly walk away? Listen For 4:22 The Invisible Workplace Crisis 7:01 The “Rush Hour” of Women’s Lives 10:01 Emotions, Gender, and Professionalism 13:37 Finding Balance in Psychological Safety 18:53 Answer to Last Episode’s Question from Fred Cook Guest: Heather Blundell, CEO Grayling Website | X | LinkedIn | Email Stories and Strategies Website Curzon Public Relations Website Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | Pinterest Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

9 Sept

•

25 min
03/03/2024

The Ukrainian PR Army

For the past 2+ years nights have been tense in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine. Julia Petryk, one of the co-founders of the Ukrainian PR Army joins us one evening to share what life is like now and the critical role of communications in the ongoing conflict. The efforts of the PR Army have helped mobilize a formidable information front to combat disinformation and keep Ukraine's situation in the international consciousness. This episode offers a unique look at the power of strategic communication in times of war and the unyielding fight for national identity and sovereignty. Listen For 3:15 The Role of PR in Conflict Zones 4:37 Founding the Ukrainian PR Army 13:56 Utilizing AI in Counteracting Disinformation 23:25 How PR Pros can Help Guest: Julia Petryk Website | Ukraine PR Army Website | Email | X | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Read Kateryna’s Story on the PR Army website Rate this podcast with just one click Leave us a voice message we can share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/StoriesandStrategies Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

03/03/2024

•

26 min
25/08/2024

Marketing For a Tough Industry

Helping a brand within a heavily regulated industry develop a positive reputation can be a challenge. Tobacco, alcohol, adult entertainment, pharmaceuticals, firearms, cryptocurrency, or cannabis. These sectors face stringent regulations and significant public scrutiny. They also present incredible opportunities for marketers willing to navigate these hurdles. In this episode we explore the strategies needed to effectively promote products and services in tough industries, where traditional marketing approaches often fall short, and innovative, compliant strategies are keys to success. Listen For 9:05 Overcoming Industry Challenges Through Earned Media 11:45 The Importance of “Receipts” 14:32 Engaging the Canna-Curious Segment 19:11 Leveraging Testimonials and Case Studies for Older Demographics Guest: Michael Mejer, Green Lane Communication Website | Email | Michael’s LinkedIn | Green Lane Communication’s LinkedIn | Instagram Rate this podcast with just one click Leave us a voice message we can share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/StoriesandStrategies Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

25/08/2024

•

22 min
17/03/2024

The Strategic Storyteller

Stories capture imagination and can entertain but they’re most powerful when they also serve a strategic purpose. In this episode, Doug, and Mike Nachshen dive into the profound impact of narrative alignment with business goals. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of strategic intent behind stories, citing examples by Marriott Hotels, a Fortune 50 company, and Ronald Reagan at the Berlin Wall. Listen For: 03:44 Strategy Over Story 07:19 The Physical Power of Messaging 10:01 Audience Desires vs. Business Goals 18:53 The Historic Call to Action Guest: Mike Nachshen, Fortis Strategic Communications LLC Website | LinkedIn Read Mike’s article in PR Daily about Why Strategy Beats Storytelling Every Time Reagan Library Berlin Wall Speech Rate this podcast with just one click Leave us a voice message we can share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/StoriesandStrategies Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

17/03/2024

•

22 min
11/08/2024

How Everyday PR Pros are Using AI to Shave Hours Off Their Workflows

Double the output – but lose the human touch? From automating media monitoring and sentiment analysis to optimizing content and reshaping billing practices. AI tools are revolutionizing the PR landscape. But while AI can handle many tasks efficiently, there are critical areas where human creativity and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable. It’s not all rosy predictions for AI and PR – there are very real challenges of AI adoption and the surprising inertia many in the field are experiencing. Listen For 3:36 An example of AI Adoption Dramatically Increasing Productivity 7:44 Why PR and Marketing Pros Will Need to Shift to Value-Based Billing 15:29 AI Excels at Certain PR Tasks 21:55 Authenticity Will Stand Out in an AI-Saturated World Guest: Michael Smart Subscribe to Michael's popular weekly newsletter on PR and AI tips Rate this podcast with just one click Leave us a voice message we can share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/StoriesandStrategies Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

11/08/2024

•

25 min
14/07/2024

As Communications Director, What’s Your Next Step for the Democrats? Or Republicans?

The debate was a disaster. In this episode, we look at the chaotic political showdown between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, exploring the “What Now” for each party. Janet Brown is an extremely well-respected pollster in Canada with NO political affiliation to either US party. We talk about what she would do if she was in charge of communications strategy for the Democrats and the Republicans. Listen For 6:38 The Need to Focus on Donors 8:40 Utilize Private Meetings for Recovery 14:06 Emulate Ronald Reagan’s “Morning in America” Campaign 21:32 How to Monitor Grassroots Indicators Guest: Janet Brown Website | Email | X | LinkedIn Rate this podcast with just one click Leave us a voice message we can share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/StoriesandStrategies Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

14/07/2024

•

24 min
03/12/2024

Political Campaigns as PR Case Studies

We want to hear from you https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/survey Rate this podcast with just one click What can political campaigns teach us about the art of public relations? Political strategist Matt Krayton explores how modern political campaigns have become masterclasses in PR strategy. From messaging and media to influencers and voter vibes, Matt breaks down what worked in the recent US election, what didn’t, and why. Listen For 8:09 The Role of Social Media in Shaping Voter Perceptions 9:10 Were Democrat Messages on Target? 11:29 Celebrity Endorsements. Do They Work Anymore? 13:10 Podcasts and Niche Media: The New Political Battleground 14:19 Why Influencers Resonate More than Celebrities 16:44 The Double Edged Sword of Traditional Media 17:48 How “Horse Race” Reporting Impacts Political Narratives 20:11 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Adrian Cropley Guest: Matt Krayton, Publitics Website | Email Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies Website Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

03/12/2024

•

27 min
08/09/2024

The Disinformation Playbook

There is an anatomy of a disinformation campaign. In this episode we reveal the tactics that make false narratives so dangerously effective. From the subtle beginnings of a lone post to the orchestrated amplification by bots, and finally, the unwitting spread by receptive hosts. These campaigns infect the public psyche faster than you can blink. But we can fight back. We can invest in early warning systems, develop proactive diagnosis and intervention, and perhaps most uniquely, we can conduct experiments to test different interventions and techniques on audiences – simulating exposure to disinformation in a controlled environment. Listen For: 4:40 Understanding the Life Cycle of Disinformation 9:36 The Role of Receptive Hosts (or DisInfluencers) 11:15 Importance of Early Warning Systems 15:06 Experimentation and Simulated Exposure Guest: Shayoni Lynn, Lynn Group Website | LinkedIn How Hate Spreads: How Hate Spreads: A briefing note from The Misinformation Cell - Lynn Mpox and Conspiracy Theories: Mpox and conspiracy theories - Lynn Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

08/09/2024

•

23 min
04/06/2024

Focus, Discipline, Success: Debra Bain’s Real Estate Story

Send us a text From Photography to Realty Royalty. Join Ken McLachlan as he interviews Debra Bain, his wife and president of RE/MAX Hallmark, in a heartfelt episode of Realty Life. Debra shares her inspiring journey from a 21-year-old photographer to a leading figure in the real estate industry, recounting personal challenges, career milestones, and her impactful role as a mentor to many, especially women. Together, they explore the importance of focus, discipline, and the power of mentorship in achieving success and navigating the ups and downs of a real estate career. Listen For: 02:51 - First Year in Real Estate 06:47 - Transition to Management and Leadership 12:21 - Role as a Mentor 21:30 - Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Professionals Guest: Debra Bain Broker/Owner President, RE/MAX Hallmark Group of Companies Website | Email | Office: 416-699-9292 | Cell: 416-564-9918 Ken can be reached at: ken@remaxhallmark.com

04/06/2024

•

29 min
07/07/2024

Why Public Relations Shouldn’t Abandon Controversial Industries

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres's has made a controversial suggestion that public relations professionals should sever ties with fossil fuel companies. While his comments are aimed at combating climate change, they overlook the crucial role PR pros play in driving innovation and transparency within these companies. By disengaging, PR experts could inadvertently hinder progress towards net-zero goals, as their expertise is vital in communicating and facilitating the transformative changes necessary for a sustainable future. But this raises another question – when should we say no to working with a company? Listen For 4:02 Understanding the Influence of Public Relations 4:40 The Role of Public Relations in Environmental Progress 6:10 Ethics vs Morality in Public Relations 17:45 Driving Positive Change Guest: Stuart Bruce Website | Email | LinkedIn Rate this podcast with just one click Leave us a voice message we can share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/StoriesandStrategies Stories and Strategies Website Do you want to podcast? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it. Apply to be a guest on the podcast Connect with us LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

07/07/2024

•

22 min

Whether your focus is global, or community-targeted, Stories and Strategies produces attention-grabbing podcasts. We take the time to understand your business strategy and how a podcast weaves into that. Then, we develop content that’s engaging, entertaining, and driven by measurable results. Our team is comprised of seasoned professionals in audio and video production, strategic communications and marketing planning, as well as presentation training.

Website

Stories and Strategies

Top Shows

Top Episodes

About