Stories and Strategies

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Channel • 11 Shows

Marketing

Marketing

Updated weekly
Mental Health

Mental Health

Updated twice weekly
Home & Garden

Home & Garden

Updated twice weekly
Investing

Investing

Updated 24/06/2024
Investing

Investing

Every two weeks
Business

Business

Twice monthly
News Commentary

News Commentary

Every two weeks

22/09/2024

Public Relations Strategies When Companies Hire Controversial Leaders

How do you navigate leadership changes, even when the decisions make little sense? In this episode, Doug and Dean Heuman tackle the challenges of handling leadership transitions, especially when the choices seem controversial. Using the recent example of the Edmonton Oilers hiring a new GM, they explore the delicate balance between maintaining trust, managing emotions, and ensuring transparency. Heuman introduces the EFA (Emotion, Fact, Action) approach as a framework for communicators to manage such transitions effectively, stressing the importance of addressing internal and external concerns. When leadership decisions ripple across employees, sponsors, and the broader community – the challenges become intricate, and the stakes are higher. Listen For: 5:51 The Ripple Effect of Leadership Changes 7:59 Edmonton Oilers: A Leadership Change Breakdown 12:42 The EFA Method: Managing Emotions First 18:19 When to Question a Leadership Change 20:12 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Akeem Anderson Guest: Dean Heuman, Focus Communications Website | Email | LinkedIn 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

22/09/2024

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24 min
11/06/2023

The Best PR Campaign that Changed the World

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has launched an initiative to find the ultimate Campaign that Changed the World over the last three quarters of a Century. CIPR is asking YOU to vote on one of the seven PR Campaigns shortlisted below as the best in the last 75 years: 1948-59 Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott 1960-69 Civil Rights Movement in the United States 1970-79 The first Earth Day 1980-89 AIDS activism: a medical breakthrough 1990-99 Virgin Atlantic vs British Airways 2000-09 iPhone Launch 2010-19 Climate Change: The Paris Agreement 2020-23 Covid, vaccinating the world You’re familiar with each of these including some iconic moments and sound bites, but how much do you know about the actual campaigns? We cover them all in this episode. If you were to pick just one… JUST ONE… what would it be? Read the CIPR News Release SPOILER - Voting closed June 23, 2023 and the winner was... 2000-09 iPhone Launch Guest: Anne Gregory, Ph.D., BA, FRSA, HonFCIPR, Huddersfield University Email a.gregory@hud.ac.uk On Twitter @gregsAnne Leave a rating for this podcast with 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. Follow us on: · LinkedIn · Twitter · Instagram · Facebook · Our NEW You Tube Channel Request a transcript of this episode Support the show

11/06/2023

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37 min
04/02/2024

Saying Sorry: Why is it so Hard?

There are a lot of apologies out there. And a lot of them only serve to make things worse. “I’m sorry if you were offended” “We’re sorry if what we said was misunderstood” “The situation is regrettable” “Sorry but we have the right to do it and we reserve the right to do it again” Sometimes a bad apology is because someone wants to hold on to their pride, or deep in their heart an apology can’t be right because they know they’re the hero of their own story. In this episode Susan McCarthy and Marjorie Ingall of SorryWatch.com share some of what they see behind the bad apologies and offer good advice for doing better. Listen For 4:23 Why Apologies are Important to Society 5:54 The Challenges (and Benefits) of Apologizing 9:59 The Key Elements of a Good Apology 13:15 Why Sometimes You Shouldn’t Apologize Right Away Guests: Marjorie Ingall Website |Facebook| LinkedIn | Instagram | Wikipedia Page | Contact | Publishers Website for Book Susan McCarthy X | LinkedIn SorryWatch.com 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

04/02/2024

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23 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

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22 min
15/09/2024

How CEOs and Other Senior Executives Are Using Digital Media

As the stakes grow higher in today's fast-paced, interconnected world, top executives are increasingly turning to social and other digital platforms to shape their public personas, engage with critical social issues, and build direct connections with key stakeholders. A new report explores the public relations and communications strategies behind these efforts and how this shift is redefining leadership in the digital age. Listen For 6:32 Executives are Moving Beyond Just Sharing Company News 9:51 Authenticity and Thumb-Stoppers 13:33 Building a Consistent Voice 16:24 Multi-Channel Presence 19:14 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Shayoni Lynn Guest: Akeem Anderson, H Advisors Abernathy LinkedIn 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

15/09/2024

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25 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

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22 min
25 FEB

How to Build a Personal Brand That Opens Doors

Personal branding isn’t just for influencers or CEOs—it’s for anyone who wants to stand out, build trust, and create new opportunities. Whether you’re an employee, entrepreneur, or freelancer, the way you present yourself can open doors or close them. In today’s digital world, people aren’t just hiring résumés—they’re hiring reputations. A strong personal brand can make you the go-to expert in your field, help you attract new clients, and even future-proof your career. But crafting a brand that feels authentic and powerful doesn’t happen by accident—it takes strategy, consistency, and a clear message. It’s the business of being YOU. Listen For 7:08 Why if You Fake it... You WON'T Make it 10:35 The Rise, and Risks, of Influencers 11:54 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Branding 16:58 How to Build a Personal Brand from Scratch 18:58 Your LinkedIn is your Resume – is it Working for You? 21:07 Answer to Last Episode’s Question From Guest Michelle Garrett Guest: Greg Wasserman LinkedIn | Linktr.ee Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies Website 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 Feb

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26 min
21/07/2024

Top Instagram Trends in 2024

Instagram Reels has become critical for brand promotion. Of all the things you can do on IG (Stories, Posts, Carousels…), Reels is number one. SocialInsider studied this recently and found brands have increased their use of reels by 40% compared to the previous year because they’re more engaging than single images or carousels. Brands should have a consistent calendar for creating reels, but also use other content formats like carousels to reach their goals on Instagram. And, as in any PR campaign, it’s important to understand your audience and tailor content to their preferences. The “Reel” success for brands just might be in creating smaller, niche communities for more effective engagement. Listen For 3:38 Why Reels is Number One on Instagram and How Brands have responded 6:30 The Importance of a Content Mix 9:18 Understanding Your Audience 12:00 Why You Need to Get Their Attention in Three Seconds Guest: Adina Jipa, Founder and CMO Social Insider Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Instagram Benchmarks Report 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

21/07/2024

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21 min
23/04/2023

FEED DROP – Micro Influencers – When Smaller is Better

This week we’re offering a bonus episode in the form of a “Feed Drop” by the podcast Woman Up With the Sister Brand. This episode was first published by Woman Up in early March 2023 Macro influencers offer huge audience numbers, sometimes in the millions. But right now the trend is toward micro influencing and there are all kinds of reasons for that not the least of which is there are “fake” macro influencers out there charging insanely high fees AND THEY’RE BEING FOLLOWED BY BOTS. Micro influencers also tend to bring, not only a targeted audience but a loyal one. Forbes estimated micro influencers offer a 60% higher engagement rate which leads to a 20% higher conversion rate. They’re often more willing to work with new or smaller brands and best of all they provide access to niche communities. But how do you know the right micro influencer to choose? How do you know they’re “On Target?” And what kinds of fees are the going rate? Listen to, and follow, Woman Up With the Sister Brand https://thesisterbrand.com/podcast What do you think of the Feed Drop Concept? Let us know in this anonymous survey Support the show

23/04/2023

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19 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

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26 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.

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