Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

Mel Loy
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Communications expert, business owner, group fitness instructor...that's your podcast host, Mel Loy! In the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, Mel shares tips on how to improve your communication skills, and interviews with the experts.In 2020, after almost 20 years in corporate communications, Mel (happily) took a redundancy from her full-time, executive corporate job and went out on her own, founding her communications agency, Cuttlefish Communications.These days, she's a sought-after speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant, working for some of the biggest brands in Australia and popping up on speaker line-ups at conferences world wide. Expect short, entertaining episodes packed with valuable tips that will inspire you to try new things. Communication tips to improve your relationships at work, navigate crises, internal communication, and deliver change are top of the agenda.

  1. #150 Your 2025 episode wrap up

    19H AGO

    #150 Your 2025 episode wrap up

    As 2025 comes to a close, Episode 150 marks a major milestone and offers a moment of reflection on the ideas, conversations, and insights shared throughout the year from a tonne of our incredible poddy guests. In this special wrap-up episode, we revisit some of the most powerful moments from conversations with guests across communication, change, leadership, and storytelling. Rather than introducing new material, this episode curates key lessons that are worth hearing again, especially as we head into a new year. You’ll hear highlights on: Why every interaction “leaves a trace” and how storytelling shapes reputationWhat alignment really looks like in organisations — and what happens when it’s missingThe difference between hearing and listening, and why action mattersHow humour and storytelling can transform safety and workplace communicationPractical ways to plan communication in change without underestimating the workloadCommunicating effectively across cultures and contextsWhy organisations are now facing change apathy — not just change fatigueHow body language, events, and leadership behaviour communicate more than wordsWith over 15,300 downloads and listeners in 98 countries, this episode is also a heartfelt thank-you to the guests and the global audience who have supported the podcast throughout the year. Whether you’re catching up, revisiting favourite moments, or setting intentions for 2026, this episode offers perspective, insight, and inspiration to carry forward... even into the new year ahead. So, get listening, get some tips and if you're interested, find the links to the episodes you'll want to hear below. Previous podcasts mentioned in this episode: #147: How to find, and tell, a story in the comms world (ft. David Pullan)#142: Strategic alignment: the role of comms and the impact on leadership (ft. Zora Artis) #138: How storytelling can save lives (ft. Stephen Harvey)#134: Change communications pet peeves, and how to fix them (ft. Gilbert Kruidenier)#132: Listening, and how it can change your internal comms (ft. Howard Krais)#130: Storytelling to drive change for NFPs (ft. Gurpreet Bhatia)#128: Building connection through cross-cultural comms (ft. Tiffany English)#126: How to use storytelling more effectively in your comms (ft. Soundari Mukherjea)#124: Why body language matters for your comms, even online (ft. Shea Evans)#117: Communications as the fix for change fatigue (ft. Kate Neilson)#108: Event management tips for comms pros (ft. Sally Porteous)Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookSay hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    39 min
  2. #149 How to talk about challenging times with your employees

    6D AGO

    #149 How to talk about challenging times with your employees

    In the wake of tragic events, silence from organisations can feel just as loud as saying the wrong thing. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we explore five key things every business communicator should consider when responding to tragedy. From why ignoring the situation can damage trust, to when and how to pause planned content, we unpack what it really means to communicate with care when emotions are high. The episode also looks at how organisations can help people channel their grief or shock into something meaningful, why the choice of channel and voice matters more than ever, and how leaders can avoid amplifying division by sticking to facts and shared values. This is a practical, human-centred guide for communicators and leaders navigating difficult moments, where empathy, credibility and judgement matter most. Listen in now. Links mentioned in this episode: Topic in Ten - have your say!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTemplate packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    15 min
  3. #148 2025 in review … and what to expect in 2026

    DEC 10

    #148 2025 in review … and what to expect in 2026

    What a year! Filled with political upheaval and natural disasters all the way through to global protests, major elections and fast-moving technological change... you could say 2025 has been a whirlwind.  With so much happening around us and within our organisations, it’s no wonder many people feel overwhelmed as we approach the end of the year. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we take a look back at the trends that shaped the comms and change landscape in 2025 and what they signal for 2026. We unpack what communicators and change professionals need to be paying attention to as we enter a new year, and what trends are arising from the craziness of 2025 and beyond. In fact, consider this your roadmap to what’s coming next. No crystal ball required, just clear trends, practical insights and a chance to step into 2026 with clarity, capability and confidence. Get listening! Links mentioned in this episode: Topic in Ten - have your say!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTemplate packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    22 min
  4. #147 How to find, and tell, a story in the comms world (ft. David Pullan)

    DEC 3

    #147 How to find, and tell, a story in the comms world (ft. David Pullan)

    In a world overflowing with noise, leaders everywhere are searching for ways to make their messages land. Whether you’re communicating with employees, customers or entire organisations, the challenge is the same: how do you cut through? In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we are joined by actor-turned-corporate-communication expert David Pullan, co-founder of The Story Spotters and co-author of The DNA of Engagement and The Art of the Unignorable Email - both with his wife, Sarah Jane McKechnie. David has built a career helping leaders and teams harness the power of story; not just the stories they tell, but the stories they spot, listen for, trigger through their behaviour, and even the ones they tell themselves. David shares why most people struggle not with storytelling, but with the crucial first step in finding ideas worth sharing. He breaks down his well-known DNA framework (Dream, Nightmare, Action), offering a practical way to engage people during change, and explains why vulnerability, co-creation and curiosity are essential leadership behaviours. You’ll also hear how the second book tackles one of today’s biggest workplace challenges: creating emails people actually read. From practical structures like PRET, to the mindset shifts leaders need, this episode is full of simple, memorable techniques to elevate your communication and influence. If you want your ideas to survive, thrive and stick in a busy world, this conversation is.... unignorable. Links mentioned in this episode: David's LinkedInThe Story Spotters LinkedInThe Story Spotters website The DNA bookThe Unignorable Email book90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    35 min
  5. #146 Looking to 2026 … what and how to plan

    NOV 26

    #146 Looking to 2026 … what and how to plan

    We’re officially entering the pointy end of the year and with the holiday slowdown approaching, there are only a few short weeks left to get your planning done for 2026. If you’re feeling overloaded now, that pressure won’t disappear next year unless you take time to reset, refocus and set your team up with clear goals and boundaries. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we walk you through a practical, six-step approach to creating your 2026 communication plan. From aligning your goals with organisational strategy to defining deliverables, building capability, setting boundaries, celebrating wins and securing stakeholder buy-in, this is a roadmap to help any comms or change team plan with intention and impact. We share tips for running an effective planning session, why external perspectives matter, and the simple mindset shift that turns a plan into a strategic tool. And for those who listen to the end, there’s a little surprise waiting to help you build your own plan even faster.... so, tune in and get ready to shape a calmer, clearer and more strategic 2026. Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    21 min
  6. #145 Strategy and values … how to build understanding

    NOV 19

    #145 Strategy and values … how to build understanding

    Clear strategic goals and meaningful values are essential for organisational success, but most employees can’t remember them, let alone apply them.  In this episode, we explore why strategy and values often fail to stick, and then, we share six practical, research-backed tactics to embed them effectively across your organisation. You’ll learn how co-creation taps into ownership and social identity, why simplicity boosts recall, and how to break free from the broken communication cascade. We also unpack the importance of repetition, the power of making communication fun and easy, and why concrete, image-rich language dramatically increases understanding and adoption. This episode will help you communicate strategy and values in ways that resonate, engage and drive real organisational performance. But most importantly: in a way that people can remember. Links mentioned in this episode: Sign up to the waitlist for the Fresh to Freelancing eBook!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    22 min
  7. #144 5 things that make change succeed or fail in an organisation

    NOV 12

    #144 5 things that make change succeed or fail in an organisation

    Here we see a Tale of Two Transformations... and with it, the large divide between experiences that became the catalyst for this episode's creation.  This divide: why a change can thrive in one organisation but collapse in another — even when they start with the same strategy, consultants, and goals? In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we explore five universal truths about what makes or breaks transformation. Through the stories of two very different organisations, Happiness Co and Sadness Co, we explore how leadership alignment, culture, capability, progress, and people can completely change the outcome of a transformation effort. It’s a tale of what happens when change is driven with people, not at them, and what you can do to avoid becoming the tale of a failing change transformation. Listen in now! Links mentioned in this episode: Sign up to the waitlist for the Fresh to Freelancing eBook!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    20 min
  8. #143 5 big comms lessons from 5 big years in business

    NOV 5

    #143 5 big comms lessons from 5 big years in business

    This week, we’re celebrating a big milestone! Five years in business and a brand new chapter with a brand new brand name (say that fast 10 times). We are now: Cuttlefish! To celebrate, this episode is all about five of the biggest communication lessons we have learned along the way. These lessons apply whether you run your own consultancy or work in-house. We chat about why it's important to find clarity in your value in order to stay visible and building meaningful two-way conversations. We touch on a whole lot more in this episode, and each of these are the practices that have helped us grow, evolve, and adapt (just like our new namesake, the cuttlefish). So tune in to learn how to strengthen your communication impact, stay top of mind, and grow with purpose. Links mentioned in this episode: Episode 62: What is thought leadership and how do you use it?Sign up to the waitlist for the Fresh to Freelancing eBook!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    20 min
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About

Communications expert, business owner, group fitness instructor...that's your podcast host, Mel Loy! In the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, Mel shares tips on how to improve your communication skills, and interviews with the experts.In 2020, after almost 20 years in corporate communications, Mel (happily) took a redundancy from her full-time, executive corporate job and went out on her own, founding her communications agency, Cuttlefish Communications.These days, she's a sought-after speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant, working for some of the biggest brands in Australia and popping up on speaker line-ups at conferences world wide. Expect short, entertaining episodes packed with valuable tips that will inspire you to try new things. Communication tips to improve your relationships at work, navigate crises, internal communication, and deliver change are top of the agenda.

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