What if We?

RALLY
  • 5.0 (6)
  • NON-PROFIT

What If We? is a new podcast about advocacy, persuasion, and the messages that move us. Hosted by Kaitlin Funaro from advocacy agency RALLY, each episode features real talk with advocates and strategists working on issues like marriage equality, education equity, climate action, racial justice, and many others. Follow wherever you get your podcasts, and reach out to us at pod@wearerally.com.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Metrics Don’t Create Community: Engagement Tips for Advocacy Communications

    Storytelling moves people — but it’s not enough on its own. The real magic happens when stories spark engagement and build community. That’s why one of our persuasion principles is “storytelling needs engagement.”  In this episode, host Kaitlin Funaro talks with content creator Benjamin Coy and Dr. Ashley Elliott, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and content creator better known as Dr. Vivid, about what it takes to turn storytelling into connection. From reclaiming queer narratives online to bringing those stories to life offline, they explore how authentic engagement transforms content into community — and why that’s where real change begins. In This Episode: The importance of cultivating online and offline connections The emotional cost of chasing metrics and numbers over meaning and impactEngagement is a two-way street to cultivate belonging for your followersWhy marginalized creators need safe, inclusive spaces to tell their storiesAdvice for creators and organizations building authentic community on social mediaLinks: Learn more about Dr. Vivid at doctorvivid.com and Benjamin Coy at linktr.ee/benjiecoy  About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    21 min

  2. OCT 30

    Main Character Energy: The Psychology of Audience Identity

    What if we stopped thinking about audiences as demographics and started seeing them as heroes of their own stories? In this episode of What If We?, guest host, Sheri Klein, Senior Director of  Research and Strategy at RALLY, sits down with Principal Hillary Moglen and Riki Conrey, Principal Scientist at Harmony Labs, to unpack how audience identity shapes persuasion. From the shows we watch to the personal conflicts we face, our media choices reflect more than just preferences; they reveal our values, aspirations, and worldviews. Together, Hillary and Riki explore how advocates and communicators can move beyond “reaching everyone” to instead meet audiences where they are, address their concerns, and craft stories that resonate deeply. They also share why the “movable middle” isn’t about convincing people to agree, but about understanding their internal conflicts and helping them see the choices in front of them. If you’ve ever wondered how to tailor messages that move people toward shared understanding and action, this episode offers both the art and the science behind it. In This Episode: What “audience identity” really means.How the shows we watch reflect our values and worldviewWhy advocates should explore different media segments to understand different audiencesThe biggest mistake communicators make: trying to “reach everyone”How to think about the “movable middle” through the lens of identity and conflictWhy conflict is not something to avoid—but to embrace as a path to persuasionWhat the future of audience engagement looks like in an era of AI and changing media habits About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    21 min

  3. OCT 16

    'No One Trusts a Phony:' What Authenticity in Action Looks Like

    Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of trust, influence, and real persuasion. In this episode of The Art and Science of Persuasion series, Kaitlin Funaro sits down with RALLY Principal Latia Curry Harrison to talk about why authentic, genuine communication matters more than ever in a world flooded with polished messaging. They explore how leaders and organizations can show up authentically—even within the guardrails of talking points—by embracing vulnerability, rejecting jargon, and backing up words with meaningful action. From public figures like AOC and Charlamagne tha God to lessons from the advocacy space, this episode unpacks real examples that make messages feel real and what makes them fall flat.  In This Episode: Why authenticity is the foundation of persuasion and trustThe dangers of jargon and over-filtered messagingWhy unfiltered, emotionally honest communication connects with audiences What we can learn from leaders who speak with consistency and convictionThe role of vulnerability in building trust and influenceWhy actions must match words to sustain credibility About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    20 min

  4. OCT 2

    Emotions > Facts: How MTV’s 16 & Pregnant and Jersey Shore became an advocacy juggernaut

    Why do we remember stories, not statistics?  Persuasion isn’t just about presenting the facts—it’s about connecting with people on an emotional level. Today in our series The Art and Science of Persuasion, Kaitlin Funaro talks with Stephen Friedman, former president of MTV and adjunct professor at Columbia University, and Jason Rzepka, Senior Director at RALLY, to discuss how storytelling and emotional engagement can drive real-world impact. From MTV campaigns that shaped cultural conversations to lessons for today’s advocacy work, they reveal why tapping into emotion often works better than relying on data. In This Episode: How MTV used reality TV like 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom, and Jersey Shore to connect with audiences through story and emotion Why connecting emotionally—rather than overloading with facts—can change minds, especially among audiences that aren’t already convinced or awareThe role of authentic, relatable storytelling in shaping public opinion and fostering social changeStrategies for advocates to integrate emotional storytelling without sacrificing credibility or forcing a narrativeLessons from reality and scripted TV on how narrative can spark awareness, action, and empathyHow partnering with professional storytellers and showing social issues through personal journeys engages, educates, and inspires audiences Read more:  Media Influences on Social Outcomes: The Impact of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant on Teen Childbearing About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    20 min

  5. SEP 18

    The Art & Science of Persuasion: How We Change Minds

    What does it mean to be persuaded? And why do so many of us resist the idea of changing our minds? Persuasion isn’t just about convincing—it’s about influence, connection, and building shared understanding. And in today’s polarized world, it might be one of the most important tools advocates have. This episode kicks off a special series on persuasion. Over the next six episodes, we’ll explore the principles that make persuasion possible—how identity shapes who we listen to, how emotions matter more than facts, and how we can use connection and storytelling to bridge divides and make progress on sticky issues. Today, Kaitlin talks with research director Sheri Klein and Dr. Nichole Argo, social psychologist and founder of the TogetherUp Institute. They unpack what persuasion really means in advocacy today, why going on the attack often backfires, and what the research tells us about how people actually change their minds. From sacred values to the power of community, they explore how communicators can use persuasion to build a “bigger we.” In This Episode: What persuasion really is—and why it’s more common in daily life than we thinkThe three M’s of persuasion: message, messenger, and mediumHow authentic connection, curiosity, and listening can move people more than logicLessons from deep canvassing: why persuasion often works best when you’re not trying to persuadeThe importance of building a “bigger we” in advocacy and communicationsTo hear more conversations about community and belonging, check out the podcast Reimagining Us with Nichole Argo & Scott Hutcheson.  About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    27 min

  6. SEP 4

    15 Min FAQ: Becoming A LinkedInfluencer & Cracking the LinkedIn Algorithm

    LinkedIn—it’s not just an online résumé. It’s a platform for storytelling, visibility, and connection. When used strategically, it helps decision-makers, partners, and allies find you, learn from you, and amplify your work.  RALLY's Kaitlin Funaro chats with the pod's favorite digital expert Elyse Dickson Becker and thought leadership extroidinare René Verma to break down all the essentials of LinkedIn — from what the algorithm rewards, to the role of video, visuals, and engagement, in just 15 minutes (well, almost!). In This Episode: What quality thought leadership looks like on LinkedIn Practical tips to make your posts stand out The value of engagement: commenting, sharing, and interacting to boost your presenceVideo? Photos? Emoji lists? What kind of content the algorithm rewards Why the "golden hour" of a LinkedIn post is so important for visibility Read More:  How the LinkedIn algorithm works in 2025 LinkedIn Algorithm Explained & How It Works  What LinkedIn Golden Hour Algorithm Means for Early Engagement About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    17 min

  7. AUG 21

    Building a Digital Community - Part 2

    Episode Summary In part two of our series, Building a Digital Community, RALLY’s Kaitlin Funaro is back with Jack Spiegelman and Maha Ghandour from our digital team to dive into what it takes to build strong digital communities. This episode is all about community management — the often invisible, always essential work of building digital culture that can handle the heat. From moderating comment sections to managing a viral moment gone wrong, this is your blueprint for turning followers into a values-aligned, engaged community. In This Episode: Why community management is more than just moderating commentsHow to assess risk in real-time and decide when (and if) to engageWhy your message shouldn’t aim for consensus — but clarityHow to stay narrative-driven in a hot take eraAbout RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    13 min

  8. AUG 7

    Building a Digital Community (Without Feeding the Trolls) - Part 1

    When you're trying to break through online, playing it safe doesn't always cut it. In part one of this two-part series, RALLY's Kaitlin Funaro sits down with Jack Spiegelman and Maha Ghandour from our digital team to talk about how to embrace controversy strategically. From knowing when to lean in to how to prep your team for the reaction, they unpack what it takes to post with purpose and build power, not just attention. In This Episode: How to lean into controversy without being recklessWhat makes a post worth pushing and when to sit one outWhy first-person storytelling is your secret weaponThe case against chasing virality (and when to ride the wave)How authenticity and values create staying power onlineAbout RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    13 min

  9. JUL 24

    15 Min FAQ: Influencers & Digital Advocacy

    Are influencer campaigns worth it? If you’ve ever asked yourself (or your comms team) that question, this episode is for you. From how to find the right creators to how much budget you really need, RALLY's Elyse Dickson Becker and Maha Ghandour break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about influencer engagement for advocacy campaigns…in just 15 minutes. In This Episode: Influencer vs. content creator: what’s the difference, and why it mattersHow to find the right creators to reach your audienceWhat kind of budget you actually need—and how to scaleWhy smaller creators can be more impactful than big namesWhat long-term investment in creators could look like for issue advocacy About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    16 min

  10. JUL 10

    Why "Everyone" Isn't a Strategy

    When you try to talk to everyone, you often reach no one. In this episode, RALLY's Sheri Klein breaks down why defining your audience is one of the most powerful and cost-effective choices an advocacy campaign can make. If you have ever been told your message should speak to all, this one is for you. In This Episode: What exactly is a campaign audience and why it mattersThe risks of trying to reach too many people or the wrong peopleHow to handle pushback around inclusion and targetingWhy even big-budget campaigns should resist trying to talk to everyoneTwo strategies for when you do need to speak more broadlyReal-world campaign examples that got audience targeting right Resources: More from Sheri: The Megaphone: May 2025 Edition – We Are RALLY   About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    13 min

  11. JUN 25

    Love, Justice & the Legacy of the Prop 8 Fight

    Ten years after the Supreme Court victory for marriage equality nationwide, we revisit the fight that came before it: against California’s Prop 8. RALLY's Felix Schein and Prop 8 plaintiff Kris Perry share firsthand stories about shifting public opinion and the cultural battle behind this legal victory for LGBTQ+ rights. In This Episode: Behind-the-scenes and front-line perspectives on Prop 8The cultural and communications strategy that made change possibleLessons for today’s advocates navigating a new political landscapeCredits:  Host: Kaitlin Funaro, Principal @ RALLY  Producers: Maha Ghandour, Miki Katoni Editor: Sarah Treanor  About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    28 min

  12. JUN 18

    What If We… Launched a Podcast?

    Introducing What If We? Episode Summary: Get a sneak peek at What If We?, a new podcast about advocacy, persuasion, and the messages that move us. Kaitlin Funaro shares what to expect from upcoming episodes and why this podcast matters for advocates and communicators across social change movements. Episode Credits: Host: Kaitlin Funaro, Principal @ RALLY  Producers: Maha Ghandour, Miki Katoni About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.

    21 sec
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

What If We? is a new podcast about advocacy, persuasion, and the messages that move us. Hosted by Kaitlin Funaro from advocacy agency RALLY, each episode features real talk with advocates and strategists working on issues like marriage equality, education equity, climate action, racial justice, and many others. Follow wherever you get your podcasts, and reach out to us at pod@wearerally.com.

Information

  • Creator
    RALLY
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 What if We?
  • Show Website
    What if We?

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