The Fourth Draft

Story Studio Network
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Fourth Draft

The Fourth Draft with Erin Trafford: Unpacking the Media Landscape Erin Trafford dives deep into the evolving media sphere, sharing her journey from traditional broadcasting to the vibrant world of podcasting. A focus on "building in public," Erin brings forward raw, authentic conversations about the future of media, the intersection of old broadcast models and new podcasting trends, and the challenges facing the industry. Welcoming listeners to a collaborative space, Erin encourages feedback, ideas, and even guest appearances to shape the content and direction of her podcast. Subscribe for candid insights, expert guest appearances, and a fresh perspective on media's transformative journey.Stay connected! Find Erin on LinkedIn and Instagram and explore opportunities with Story Studio Network in the show notes.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Nonprofits Are Playing It Safe—And It’s Costing Them

    In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford delivers a powerful wake-up call for nonprofits: playing it safe with your messaging and media strategy is no longer an option. Erin breaks down why diluted, overly cautious communication leads to lost impact, reduced fundraising, and even eroded relevance. She shares bold, actionable strategies to help nonprofits shift from safe to effective by embracing clarity, emotional resonance, and audience-first thinking. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, communications strategist, or advocate, this episode will challenge your approach and inspire you to craft bolder, more effective campaigns in 2025. Key Takeaways:Why playing it safe leads to diluted messaging and missed fundraising opportunities.How nonprofits can break free from outdated communication strategies and engage more effectively.The importance of emotional spectrum storytelling to inspire trust and action.Key Quotes:[00:05:00]: “Playing it safe with your messaging isn’t just cautious—it’s costing you impact, relevance, and trust.”[00:12:00]: “Your audience doesn’t need more data or sob stories—they need clarity, boldness, and a reason to act.”[00:18:00]: “Hope is not a strategy. If you’re playing it safe, you’re not asking for what you actually need.”Episode Highlights:[00:03:00] Why trust hits differently for nonprofits and why it’s critical for success.[00:07:00] The dangers of diluted messaging and how it impacts fundraising outcomes.[00:11:00] Breaking the emotional spectrum trap: balancing sob stories with bold, actionable narratives.[00:17:00] The power of audience-first thinking: how to meet your audience where they are.[00:20:00] Why nonprofits should invest in owned media to build trust and advocacy.Call-to-Action:Ready to rethink your nonprofit’s communication strategy? Book a call with Erin using the link in the show notes or connect with her on LinkedIn.Don’t miss upcoming episodes! Subscribe to The Fourth Draft for more expert insights.Resources Mentioned:Story Studio Network: storystudionetwork.comFor consulting inquiries, contact Erin directly.Connect with Erin:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erintrafford

    22 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    Why Your Audience Doesn’t Trust You (And How to Fix It)

    In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford dives deeper into the topic of trust and its role as the cornerstone of modern media strategy. If your audience doesn’t trust you, the hard truth is: it’s not their fault—it’s yours. Erin breaks down why trust has become the ultimate metric for success in 2025, the most common ways brands and organizations erode trust without realizing it, and actionable steps you can take to rebuild and sustain it. Whether you’re a business leader, nonprofit executive, or entrepreneur, this episode provides the insights and strategies you need to strengthen connections with your audience and build a foundation of trust that lasts. Key Takeaways: Why oversaturation of content and inauthentic messaging are the biggest trust-killers.How transparency and responsiveness create deeper audience connections.Trust isn’t optional anymore—it’s your new foundation for success.Key Quotes: [00:04:00]: “If your audience doesn’t trust you, it’s not their fault—it’s yours. Trust isn’t a bonus anymore; it’s the foundation of every successful strategy.”[00:10:00]: “Your audience knows when you’re phoning it in. Authenticity will always beat perfection—it’s time to get real.”[00:18:00]: “Listening is the secret weapon for 2025. Stop broadcasting; start engaging. That’s how you rebuild trust.”Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] What causes the erosion of trust in today’s media landscape.[00:08:00] The dangers of oversaturation: why “more” isn’t better—it’s noise.[00:13:00] How inauthentic messaging damages credibility and alienates your audience.[00:16:00] Three pillars for fixing the trust gap: authenticity, transparency, and responsiveness.[00:20:00] Practical tips for auditing your current communications strategy to prioritize trust.Call-to-Action: Ready to close the trust gap with your audience? Book a call with Erin using the link in the show notes or connect with her on LinkedIn.Subscribe to The Fourth Draft for more actionable insights every week.Resources Mentioned: Story Studio Network: storystudionetwork.comFor personalized media strategy consulting, contact Erin directly.Connect with Erin: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erintrafford

    23 min

  3. 5 DAYS AGO

    The Old Media Playbook is Dead: What’s Next for Modern Communications

    Welcome to Season 2 of The Fourth Draft! After a year-long hiatus, Erin Trafford is back to guide you through the evolving media landscape. In this episode, Erin sets the stage for 2025 with a bold declaration: the old media playbook is officially obsolete. Learn why traditional communication strategies no longer work, how to align your media plan with modern principles, and why trust has become the most critical metric for success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or executive, this episode offers actionable insights to help you rethink your approach and simplify your strategy for greater impact. Key Takeaways: Why your 2022 media strategy no longer resonates in a post-2024 world.The three pillars of modern communication: authenticity, adaptability, and audience-first thinking.How trust, not visibility, is the ultimate measure of success in 2025.Key Quotes: [00:05:00]: “The old media playbook isn’t just outdated—it’s holding you back. If your strategy is more than two years old, it’s time for a serious rewrite.”[00:11:00]: “You don’t need to climb to the top of the content mountain anymore. Simplify your strategy, focus on trust, and watch your audience engage more deeply.”[00:19:00]: “Authenticity isn’t optional—it’s your greatest asset. Be real, be adaptable, and prioritize your audience’s needs over the noise.”Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Why Erin took a year-long break and what’s new in Season 2.[00:06:00] A deep dive into why outdated strategies fail to resonate with today’s audiences.[00:13:00] The key to trust-building: how to measure it and make it a core part of your strategy.[00:20:00] Practical advice for rethinking your communications plan for 2025.Call-to-Action: Ready to future-proof your media strategy? Book a call with Erin using the link in the show notes or connect with her on LinkedIn.Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe to The Fourth Draft on your favorite podcast platform.Resources Mentioned: Story Studio Network: storystudionetwork.comFor personalized media strategy consulting, contact Erin directly.Connect with Erin: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erintrafford

    24 min

  4. 12/13/2023

    My big goal for 2024 and SSN's Media Mission

    The final episode of 2023, and Erin is sharing th behind the scenes of the latest gathering of the Story Studio Network team in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Sharing the new and refined values for the company: curiosity, integrity and courage - and how they blend to create great storytelling and a new media model. Erin also shares two reading suggestions for the holidays if you are looking to better understand how to turn creativity into a business. John Warrilow's Built to Sell Marc Randolph's That Will Never Work Connect with Erin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erintrafford/ Email us with feedback or ideas hello@storystudionetwork.com *NEW* Download our In-Depth Guide to Branded Podcasting here https://storystudionetwork.com/branded-podcasts-guide This show is part of The Story Studio Network www.storystudionetwork.com Remember to rate, review and share The Fourth Draft!

    24 min

  5. 12/06/2023

    Why do Podcast Networks Fail?

    Why are podcast networks so hard to start, run and sustain? What forces are at play in the media industry now that prevent independent companies from having true succuess in podcasting? Where are the opportunities for growing a new media landscape that includes profitable, ethical and creative podcasting? These are all the questions Erin tackles in this episode (which was simulcast live on Instagram!) Connect with Erin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erintrafford/ Email us with feedback or ideas hello@storystudionetwork.com *NEW* Download our In-Depth Guide to Branded Podcasting here https://storystudionetwork.com/branded-podcasts-guide This show is part of The Story Studio Network www.storystudionetwork.com Remember to rate, review and share The Fourth Draft!

    30 min

  6. 11/29/2023

    What is a podcast download?

    Erin answers the perennial question 'what is a download?' and 'how do I get more downloads?' and suggests that perhaps the better question to ask is 'how do I get more attention on my show?' Highlights of this episode: how different platforms measure podcast downloads (and why they aren't all equal)why do you want more downloads?a measurement that helps you go beyond downloads (and the full calculation)Connect with Erin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erintrafford/ Email us with feedback or ideas hello@storystudionetwork.com *NEW* Download our In-Depth Guide to Branded Podcasting here https://storystudionetwork.com/branded-podcasts-guide This show is part of The Story Studio Network www.storystudionetwork.com Remember to rate, review and share The Fourth Draft!

    19 min

  7. 11/22/2023

    Branded Podcast Myths - Eavesdrop with Team SSN

    Join Team Story Studio Network as they share the biggest misconceptions and myths about branded podcasting, including: misaligned expectations with what a podcast can and should do for your brandhow to best position your podcast in your marketingquestioning what it is you're 'selling' with your podcast Connect with Erin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erintrafford/ Email us with feedback or ideas hello@storystudionetwork.com *NEW* Download our In-Depth Guide to Branded Podcasting here https://storystudionetwork.com/guide This show is part of The Story Studio Network www.storystudionetwork.com Remember to rate, review and share The Fourth Draft!

    17 min

  8. 11/15/2023

    How Should Branded Podcasts Sound?

    In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford explores the transformative power of branded podcasts, the nuances of content marketing and how brands are using podcasts to engage audiences and foster deep connections. Key Takeaways: Emotional Resonance: Erin discusses how branded podcasts, such as "The Sauce" by McDonald's and "Inside Trader Joe's," skillfully narrate stories that resonate emotionally with listeners, turning ordinary experiences into memorable journeys.Active Engagement: Podcasts provide a unique opportunity for brands to engage with their audience while they are immersed in activities, leading to enhanced neural pathways and greater information retention.Brand Affinity: Erin emphasizes how branded podcasts can create a lasting impression and brand affinity, even without a direct call to action or promotional content. Here's the link to the AdWeek article about Wendy's new podcast: https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/why-wendys-has-launched-a-true-crime-podcast/ Connect with Erin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erintrafford/ Email us with feedback or ideas hello@storystudionetwork.com *NEW* Download our In-Depth Guide to Branded Podcasting here https://storystudionetwork.com/branded-podcasts-guide This show is part of The Story Studio Network www.storystudionetwork.com Remember to rate, review and share The Fourth Draft!

    20 min
See All (16)

Trailer

About

The Fourth Draft with Erin Trafford: Unpacking the Media Landscape Erin Trafford dives deep into the evolving media sphere, sharing her journey from traditional broadcasting to the vibrant world of podcasting. A focus on "building in public," Erin brings forward raw, authentic conversations about the future of media, the intersection of old broadcast models and new podcasting trends, and the challenges facing the industry. Welcoming listeners to a collaborative space, Erin encourages feedback, ideas, and even guest appearances to shape the content and direction of her podcast. Subscribe for candid insights, expert guest appearances, and a fresh perspective on media's transformative journey.Stay connected! Find Erin on LinkedIn and Instagram and explore opportunities with Story Studio Network in the show notes.

Information

  • Creator
    Story Studio Network
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Story Studio Network
  • Show Website
    The Fourth Draft

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada