Best Annenberg Podcasts (2026)

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Season 2, Episode 02: Journalism in a Changing Information Landscape 36:58

Play Pause

6d ago36:58

36:58

Budget and workforce cuts. Loss of local news. Accusations of fake news. New platforms and changing habits. Journalism is facing a crossroads. As media institutions lose their funding, Dean Sarah Banet-Weiser invited professors Victor Pickard, co-director of the Media, Inequality & Change Center, and Duncan Watts, director of the Computational Soci…

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Inside Hollywood PR: A Conversation with Simon Halls 43:14

1M ago43:14

43:14

Guest Simon Halls — Co-Founder, Apex Public Relations; USC alum; one of the most influential entertainment publicists working today Host: Fred Cook, Director, USC Center for Public Relations Discussion Breakdown Introduction to Simon’s Career — 0:00 From USC to Warner Bros: A Non-Linear Start — 1:07 Launching McDonald’s in Russia & Early Global PR …

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28. Thanksgiving 1621 2025 Version 45:00

1M ago45:00

45:00

In this special Thanksgiving Episode, originally aired in 2023, Host Julian G. Simmons lets Director Rob Wilson break his vow of silence to share a bit of family genealogy about the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Rob had eight ancestors on the Mayflower. His grandmother, Carol Green Wilson, meticulously catalogued that history, and passed it on to her…

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Interviewing AI About The Future of PR: A Conversation with Rupert 22:28

1M ago22:28

22:28

Guests Rupert — AI persona created by Joe Carreon Student Interviewers: Toma Battino, Joe Carreon Host: Fred Cook, Director, USC Center for Public Relations Discussion Breakdown Introducing Rupert — 0:00 How AI Is Impacting PR — 0:45 Will AI Replace Entry-Level Jobs? — 1:40 Who’s Adopting AI Faster — Young or Experienced Pros? — 3:06 Passion Projec…

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Student Voices of The Relevance Report 2025: Sports 26:23

2M ago26:23

26:23

Guests Sierra Sohn — Author of “Where The Hell is My Money Going: A Gen Z Perspective” exploring Gen Z fandom, shareability, and what young audiences expect from the sports experience. Chinelọ Ogogor — Author of "Emerging Technologies for Sports Training, Biomechanics, and Injury Prevention" exploring biomechanics and the science-driven technologie…

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DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (REBROADCAST) 49:00

2M ago49:00

49:00

A revisit to Hollywood Forever Cemetery and a moving story of the Latin American celebration of Dia de los Muertos from Family Service Counselor Adela Marquez. Adela has a close understanding of the essence of the event, which follows our Halloween. The Dia de los Muertos -- Day of the Dead -- is a celebration, when Latinos believe the veil between…

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Relevance Report 2025: Sports 31:49

2M ago31:49

31:49

Season 7, Episode 1 — "Relevance Report 2025: Sports" As the 2025 Relevance Report launches, this debut episode brings together three leading voices in communication to reflect on how sports mirror the industry’s biggest transformations — from AI and media disruption to purpose-driven storytelling. Guests: Jennifer Stephens-Acree — Founder & CEO, J…

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Season 2, Episode 01: Following Global Media Flows 34:28

3M ago34:28

34:28

As tariffs and the transnational flow of goods are dominating political debates, Dean Sarah Banet-Weiser takes a look at the cross-border flow of media with Annenberg professor Aswin Punathambekar and assistant professor Juan Llamas Rodriguez. Punathambekar also directs the Center for Advanced Research in Global Research, where Llamas is associate …

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Introducing Season Two (Promo) 0:49

4M ago0:49

0:49

In season two of Annenberg Conversations, Dean Sarah Banet Weiser talks with Annenberg School for Communication faculty experts about global media flows, climate communication, and the complexities of the way information moves in today’s world.

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27. GEORGE WASHINGTON 2025 36:22

6M ago36:22

36:22

This year "Independence" means something a bit more serious than fireworks and parades. Not since the early 1770's have we found our rights and freedoms so seriously challenged. We address that perilous threat in an updated version ofour George Washington episode. These are frightening, angry times, but we see hope in the massive and peaceful "No K…

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PRWeek Replay: AI Activated Discussion 28:32

7M ago28:32

28:32

This episode is a replay of special podcast hosted by PRWeek about the 2025 USC Relevance Report. This special PRWeek podcast, "AI Activated," brought together three PR industry leaders and PRWeek Hall of Famers to discuss AI's impact on public relations. Hosted by Steve Barrett, Editorial Director of PR Week, the conversation featured: Frank X. Sh…

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Mind The Gap: 2025 Global Communication Report Recap 47:36

7M ago47:36

47:36

Based on a survey of over 1,000 PR professionals, the 2025 Global Communication Report from the USC Center for Public Relations –in conjunction with Zeno Group and IABC – reviews how AI, hybrid work, generational shifts, influencer culture, and polarization are reshaping public relations. To download the report, go to this link To find information …

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Life Actually: A No Bullshit Study on the Future Gen Z Wants ft 37:28

8M ago37:28

37:28

Eli Williams of Day One Agency joins the conversation to unpack findings from the agency’s latest report, Gen Z: Life, Actually. The study challenges common assumptions about Gen Z and reveals a generation that’s more multifaceted—and in some ways, more traditional—than many marketers assume. Through the lens of public relations and cultural insigh…

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The Future of PR: Exploring Four Generations in the Workforce 57:26

8M ago57:26

57:26

Fred Cook kicks off a timely conversation on the future of public relations—through the lens of generational differences and shared experiences. The episode unpacks key insights from the USC Center for PR’s 2025 Global Communication Report: Mind The Gap, which examines how four major forces—AI, hybrid work, media evolution, and polarization—are res…

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A conversation with Chantelle Darby, Accel's VP of Communications 36:49

9M ago36:49

36:49

Burghardt Tenderich, Professor of Professional Practice at USC, speaks to Chantelle Darby, VP of Communications for the global Venture Capital firm, Accel. Chantelle started her career on the agency side before leading Yelp through an IPO and working with Sheryl Sandberg on Lean In. Chantelle covers these roles and offers crucial advice for student…

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2025 USC Annenberg Relevance Report: AI Activated 44:58

10M ago44:58

44:58

Faryar Borhani, Sona-Iliffe Moon, Jeff Beringer, Christina Bellantoni, and Michael Kittilson join Fred Cook to discuss the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations' latest Relevance Report: AI Activated. The conversation covers governance, training and up-skilling, augmentation and more as we delve into how global institutions are handling the inc…

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Season 1, Episode 02: Lessons in Joy and Care 31:29

10M ago31:29

31:29

Dean Sarah Banet-Weiser talks to Annenberg Professors Desmond Upton Patton and Julia Ticona about centering joy and care within institutions, building communities of compassion and trust, creating a joy plan, and how researchers, social workers, and even social media users should think about these terms.…

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Lessons in Joy and Care (Promo) 0:41

10M ago0:41

0:41

🎤 MONDAY, MARCH 17 🎤 Listen as Dean Sarah Banet-Weiser talks to Annenberg Professors Desmond Upton Patton and Julia Ticona in the latest episode of Annenberg Conversations. They discuss centering joy and care within institutions, building communities of compassion and trust, creating a joy plan, and how researchers, social workers, and even social …

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26. FRIENDSHIP 37:03

12M ago37:03

37:03

This episode, originally aired during the holidays and before the horrendous fires ravaged Los Angeles where we live, is about Friendship. It is told in the voices of our listeners and guests. It is striking how much of what people said about Friendship is so relevant right now, as friends and neighbors reach out to help, and there is an outpouring…

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Episode 26 - Best Of Vol.2 1:11:07

12M ago1:11:07

1:11:07

We made it to the new year, can you believe it? To celebrate, we’re looking back at the second half of the episodes that brought us here, with highlights from PetSpace Podcast episodes 11-20. Guests include viral sensations, trailblazers in animal welfare, and more folks fighting the good fight to raise awareness and make the world a better place –…

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The evolving world of PR & Comms, with Pilaar Terry 40:38

1y ago40:38

40:38

As part of USC Annenberg’s PR Futures podcast, Professor Burghardt Tenderich spoke with USC alum and former Annenberg Executive in Residence, Pilaar Terry. Pilaar is currently the Managing partner and COO of POV Agency and the conversation covers her experiences as a founder, client relationships, advice to those starting out and more. Production C…

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Episode 25 - Best Of Vol.1 1:05:08

1y ago1:05:08

1:05:08

2024 is almost over, which means it’s a perfect time to look back at the episodes of the podcast that got us here. Today, we’re celebrating our first full year on the air by diving back into our favorite moments from our first 10 episodes. This eclectic collection of guests has really helped us explore just how broad the world of rescue can be…and …

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EPISODE 26 PROMO 2:05

1y ago2:05

2:05

A sampler of our upcoming episode, "Woodstock through the eyes of an Ingenue"By Julian G. Simmons, Robert Wilson

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AI In Your Workplace, with WE Communication’s Lindsey Bastani and Michael Sullivan 33:38

1y ago33:38

33:38

Episode Summary: New research from WE Communications and USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations finds communication professionals who frequently use AI are more excited to come to work. In this episode of PR Future, host Fred Cook is joined by Lindsey Bastani and Michael Sullivan from WE Communications to discuss the impact of AI in the PR indus…

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25. THANKSGIVING 1621 44:00

1y ago44:00

44:00

In this special Thanksgiving Episode, Host Julian G. Simmons interviews our Director, Rob Wilson -- who had eight ancestors on the Mayflower. They discuss the origins of this holiday in a very personal way, Just for this episode, Julian allowed Director Rob Wilson to share some of the knowledge gathered by his Grandmother, Carol Green Wilson.…

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Strengthening workplace culture through communication, with David Michaelson, PhD 35:38

1y ago35:38

35:38

USC Research Fellow and Burson, Ogilvy, and Teneo alum David Michaelson, PhD, joins Fred Cook to discuss USC’s latest research on internal communications and the future of work. They note challenges in maintaining corporate culture following shifts to hybrid and remote working and emphasize how internal communications can be used to build employee …

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Season 1, Episode 01: Unpacking Election Politics 31:34

1y ago31:34

31:34

In the inaugural episode, Dean Banet-Weiser speaks to Sarah J Jackson, and Yphtach Lelkes, associate professors at Anneneberg School for Communication about how affective polarization, uncommitted movement, and race and gender are shaping the 2024 presidential elections in the United States.By Sarah Banet-Weiser

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Episode 24 - Aimee Sadler 42:56

1+ y ago42:56

42:56

For some shelters and rescues, “every dog every day” might only be an aspiration, but for Aimee Sadler, it defines her entire approach to canine enrichment. As CEO of Dogs Playing For Life, Aimee has traveled the country to introduce shelters to the idea of playgroups, a perfect way for dogs to get their ya-ya’s out; in doing so, Aimee has changed …

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Episode 23 - Wesley Swainston 28:42

1+ y ago28:42

28:42

Wesley Swainston is on the run – literally – to help shelter dogs get the exposure they need to find their forever homes. You may have seen him on TikTok or Instagram, inviting you to join him on a run as he gives a dog a much-needed break from a kennel at a shelter. Wesley’s videos combine his lifelong passion for volunteering with his more recent…

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Episode 22 - Thom Mcallum 29:48

1+ y ago29:48

29:48

There’s beauty in everything, even a litter of rambunctious puppies, running through their own poop. And for videographer Thom McCallum, capturing the beauty and joy of fostering is just one part of the job – because ultimately, Thom’s role is to say farewell to as many pups as possible, so he can continue to make room for more little lives to come…

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Episode 21 - Sterling Davis aka The Trap King 44:56

1+ y ago44:56

44:56

Many people would gladly settle for a successful career in music, but for Sterling “TrapKing” Davis, rapping was merely a stepping stone towards his true calling: TNR and community cat management. After doing years of outreach and education, Sterling founded TrapKing Humane Cat Solutions in 2017. Today, his nonprofit continues to champion TNR and p…

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Episode 20 - Jess Rona 38:13

1+ y ago38:13

38:13

Let’s be real: dog groomers are the unsung heroes of the pet industry. They’re the ones who battle through the matted coats, risk life and limb to clip nails, and make it look so easy to keep our pets well-maintained, happy, and healthy. And who better to talk about dog grooming than Jess Rona, groomer to the stars and a star in her own right? As a…

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Episode 19 - Kelsey Darragh 44:03

1+ y ago44:03

44:03

Sometimes, the rescue world can be heavy. But today’s guest – creator, filmmaker, and author Kelsey Darragh – somehow captures the most magical moments, especially with her ever rotating cast of foster dogs. Admittedly, Kelsey was a pro at saying goodbye… until Hippo came along. She shares how one dog seemingly changed her life for nothing but the …

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Episode 18 - Vanessa Villela 33:17

1+ y ago33:17

33:17

Not all rescue stories are “love at first sight”; often, it’s simply about helping an animal in need, and the bond that grows from there. Sometimes that electric feeling is undeniable where you know that you and your pet-to-be are absolutely perfect for each other. That’s what happened when Vanessa Villela met her cat, Osita, here at PetSpace. On t…

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24. FRIENDSHIP. Friends With Fur 50:13

1+ y ago50:13

50:13

As we return to our series on Friendship after a brief hiatus, we talk about our animal friends and the value they bring to our lives. A recurring them that came up in comments submitted from guests, friends, and listeners about what friendship means to them, was he importance pets were in their lives. That's certainly true for us. "Pets" doesn’t e…

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Episode 17 - Brett Yates 40:24

1+ y ago40:24

40:24

Our guest on today’s episode, Brett Yates, is involved in more pet-friendly initiatives than you can shake a stick at. Pet-inclusive housing? You’ve got it. Community outreach and support? Throw it on the list. Research to incentivize and rapidly develop a single-dose, nonsurgical sterilant that would change spay/neuter practices forever? Yeah, why…

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Episode 16 - Matt Nelson aka WeRateDogs 55:27

2y ago55:27

55:27

“The dogs are good again this week.” Over the years, Matt Nelson of WeRateDogs has delivered some iconic lines in support of man’s best friend, and as WeRateDogs’ presence has grown, so has Matt’s ambitions to give back to the community of dog-lovers that he has amassed. Enter the 15/10 Foundation, inspired by the followers of WeRateDogs this found…

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A Deep Dive into Gen Z's Scrolls with Day One Agency's Josh Rosenberg 26:47

2y ago26:47

26:47

In this episode, Josh Rosenberg, CEO of Day One Agency, joins Fred Cook to discuss the results of a real-time ethnographic study about Gen Z media habits that Day One and the USC Annenberg collaborated to conduct. The discussion uncovers the nontraditional news sources and the 'always on' media engagement that characterize Gen Z's unique media land…

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Episode 15 - Nathan Kehn aka Nathan The Cat Lady 43:36

2y ago43:36

43:36

Nathan Kehn is many things: an actor, a video game designer, an influencer, a budding TNR enthusiast… but first and foremost, he identifies as a “crazy cat lady” in the best of ways. He found that leaning into being a “cat lady” was a superior alternative to “Nathan the Cat Daddy” (trust us, he very quickly learned why). Nathan the Cat Lady hasan i…

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Episode 14 - Zach Skow 59:28

2y ago59:28

59:28

“Who rescued who?” It’s something you hear often when it comes to our pets, but for Zach Skow, the sentiment couldn’t be truer. Faced with end-stage liver disease and an uphill battle with addiction, Zach credits his dogs with getting him through his darkest days, and he’s been returning the favor ever since. His rescue, Marley’s Mutts, has been go…

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Episode 13 - Holly Allen 34:18

2y ago34:18

34:18

Okay, so let’s say you were inspired by our last episode with Puppy Bowl ref Dan Schachner, who fostered dogs for a decade before finally adopting one for himself. Or maybe fostering has been on your to-do list, or it’s a New Year’s Resolution of yours, but you don’t know where to start. Well, today’s guest on the PetSpace Podcast, Holly Allen, has…

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Unwrapping M&M's Super Bowl Magic: How to Manage A Legacy Brand with Jessica Adelman 36:40

2y ago36:40

36:40

M&M’s is Gen Z’s favorite brand. Its spokescandies are beloved by all, so much so that any minor change to their cadence can cause a political discourse and polarize the nation. How does a legacy brand stay relevant in the modern world and remain pervasive in the minds of millions? In honor of the upcoming Super Bowl, we’re revisiting the 2023 M&M …

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Episode 12 - Dan Schachner 34:28

2y ago34:28

34:28

On this episode of the PetSpace Podcast, we’re joined by someone who truly scored a touchdown when he landed the role of a lifetime: as the referee – or “ruffaree,” as the case may be – of the Puppy Bowl. Each year, Dan Schachner attempts to maintain order for the 100+ puppies who participate in the event, while also highlighting adoptable puppies …

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Episode 11 - Hannah Shaw aka Kitten Lady 43:46

2y ago43:46

43:46

What would you do if you found an abandoned kitten in a tree? Hopefully we’d all do something to help, but for Hannah Shaw, stumbling upon her cat-to-be, Coco, literally changed her life. And in the years since, as the Kitten Lady, she’s made it her mission to educate people on how to care for neonatal kittens, the most vulnerable – and incredibly …

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Episode 10 - Susan Michals CatCon 34:30

2y ago34:30

34:30

Our guest on this episode of the PetSpace Podcast, Susan Michals has spent close to a decade producing events that challenge typical “cat people” stereotypes. A former writer and producer at E!, Susan decided to marry her love of cats and her art background into the first Cat Art Show; impressed by the turnout, she created CatCon a year later, and …

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Episode 09 - David Hoffman 40:44

2y ago40:44

40:44

As the human half of Liberty Mutual’s buddy-cop pair LiMu Emu and Doug, writer/actor David Hoffman is pretty famous for working with animals… well, one specific animal. But, as he confesses on this episode of the PetSpace Podcast, despite his rapport with his emu partner, he has actually been afraid of dogs for most of his life. The keyword there i…

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Episode 08 - Brad Goreski 39:48

2y ago39:48

39:48

On this episode of the PetSpace Podcast, celebrity stylist and rescue dog dad, Brad Goreski, joined us in-studio to share what he loves most about his resced dogs,how he is using his Instagram as a platform for rescue activism, and how he can no longer imagine a night where he isn't sleeping snugly with a pup on either side. During our conversation…

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2024 Relevance Report Discussion: Welcome to AI 57:20

2y ago57:20

57:20

In this episode, we navigate through the transformative impact of AI on the PR industry, discussing its potential for crisis communication, risk assessment, and countering disinformation. We reflect on the potential for AI to revolutionize PR, comparing it to the invention of electricity. Listen to our insights on how AI could bring about a culture…

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Episode 07 - Rita Earl Blackwell 34:05

2y ago34:05

34:05

On this episode of the PetSpace Podcast, we are joined by one of our most treasured rescue networkers and fairy dogmother, Rita Earl Blackwell. This time we took the show on the road to Rita’s home away from home - one of LA County’s Animal Care Centers. Rita has repeatedly gone viral for her videos and photos of shelter dogs in need. This incredib…