Best Annenberg Podcasts (2025)

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

12d 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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C-Suite POV: Moody’s Christine Elliott on Modernizing the Communications Function 20:37

17d ago20:37

20:37

In this episode of PodCatalyst, Moody’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Christine Elliott joins IABC Executive Director Peter Finn to share her journey of transforming the company’s communications function. By integrating branding, government relations, community impact, and sustainability into the work they do, Moody’s communicators have become in…

1
The Future of PR: Exploring Four Generations in the Workforce 57:26

1M 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…

1
Thrivers, Strivers, and Survivors: Gallagher’s Chris Lee Returns to Talk Internal Comms 25:05

1M ago25:05

25:05

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, Peter Finn sits down with friend of the podcast Chris Lee from Gallagher Communication. Chris helps us unpack this year’s Gallagher State of the Sector 2025, looking at different profiles of communicators: thrivers, strivers, and survivors. He walks us through how to address change fatigue, smart ways to use AI…

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

2M 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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Viewing The Next Generation Through a Different Lens, With Merge Gupta-Sunderji 23:42

2M ago23:42

23:42

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we speak with MergeGupta-Sunderji, a highly respected leadership expert. We dig into common misconceptions across generations, research that busts certain generalizations, ways to tap into certain strengths, advice to help bridge the gap without compromising quality, and more. Merge is a speaker at IABC World C…

1
2025 USC Annenberg Relevance Report: AI Activated 44:58

2M 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…

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

3M 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

3M 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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Episode 39: Helping Kids Navigate Global Conflicts from Pediatric Psychologist Dr. Parker Huston 21:38

3M ago21:38

21:38

By Annenberg Learner

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Culture Leaks When Leaders Speak: Shane Hatton on the Communicator’s Role in Workplace Culture 19:50

3M ago19:50

19:50

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, IABC ExecutiveDirector Peter Finn returns as host, sitting down with Shane Hatton to talk all things company culture. From the critical role communicators play in shaping the language of the organization, to understanding Gen Z’s expectations, what this year’s Edelman Trust Barometer means for leaders, and more…

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9. Get Better at Effective Communication - A Talk With Scott H Young (Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Programmer & Entrepreneur) 20:26

3M ago20:26

20:26

Listen and learn how to get better at Effective Communication in this talk with our guest, Scott H Young. He is the author of 2 books on Learning: Get Better at Anything - 12 Maxims for Mastery, and Ultralearning - Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career. Scott is a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Programmer…

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Episode 38: Inside Wallis Annenberg PetSpace: Innovation in Animal Welfare 24:17

4M ago24:17

24:17

By Annenberg Learner

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26. FRIENDSHIP 37:03

5M 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…

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

5M 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 –…

1
The evolving world of PR & Comms, with Pilaar Terry 40:38

5M 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. A production…

1
Episode 37: Lakisha Young on Transforming Education with The Oakland Reach 33:24

5M ago33:24

33:24

By Annenberg Learner

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Replay: A Closer Look at Studies in PR Education With the CPRE 24:50

5M ago24:50

24:50

Founded in 1973, the Commission on Public Relations Education (CPRE) provides recommendations on public relations education for universities and professional associations around the world. CPRE’s latest signature report, “NavigatingChange: Recommendations for Advancing Undergraduate PR Education,” offers an in-depth look into what’s needed and expe…

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

5M 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

6M 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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Episode 36: Inside LabXchange’s Kenyan Teacher Ambassador Cohort 41:52

6M ago41:52

41:52

By Annenberg Learner

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

6M 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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8. Grow Your Personal Power - A Talk With Chris Lipp (Speak Value & Tulane University Freeman School of Business) 20:31

6M ago20:31

20:31

Listen, and learn how to grow your Personal Power in this talk with our guest Chris Lipp. He is author of 3 books on Personal Power & Persuasion: The Startup Pitch - A Proven Formula to Win Funding; Magnetic - How Great Leaders Persuade and Inspire - which we discussed in podcast episode 5 -; and The Science of Personal Power - How to Build Confide…

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25. THANKSGIVING 1621 44:00

6M 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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From Promote to Protect: The Evolution of the Communicator, With Jessamyn Katz 26:31

6M ago26:31

26:31

This episode of PodCatalyst features guest host KamyarNaficy, chair of the IABC International Executive Board, and Jessamyn Katz, CEO of Heyman Associates, a leading executive search firm focused on communications, corporate affairs, marketing, and investor relations. Jessamyn has been with Heyman Associates for nearly twodecades. Since 2019, she’s…

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

7M 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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Communicating in a Year of Elections: A Conversation With David Imber 23:45

7M ago23:45

23:45

With 64 countries around the world hosting elections,representing nearly 50% of the global population eligible to vote, many have dubbed 2024 as the year of elections. How do communicators navigate this landscape, especially as things continue to feel more polarized each year? We spoke with David Imber, political communications expert and principal…

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Episode 01: Unpacking Election Politics 31:34

7M 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

8M 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 …

1
Defining the Future of Work With USC Annenberg’s Fred Cook 19:19

8M ago19:19

19:19

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, Matt Tidwell, member of the IABC International Executive Board, sits down with Fred Cook to discuss findings from “Communicating Culture During a Hybrid Revolution,” a joint report from IABC and the USC Center for Public Relations. Tune in as they discuss how the shift to remote and hybridwork is impacting corp…

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Episode 35: The Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper with Dr. Harvey Karp 27:45

9M ago27:45

27:45

By Annenberg Learner

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Episode 23 - Wesley Swainston 28:42

9M 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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In Under 10: Getting the C-Suite’s Take on Comms 13:51

9M ago13:51

13:51

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we sit down with Joe Spratt, expert, strategic communications and change, at McKinsey & Company. Tune in as we dig into the future of comms through the lens of the C-suite, based on a series of in-depth conversations, interviews, and survey results that McKinsey & Company conducted. Joe walks us through key fin…

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Episode 34: 2024 National Teacher of the Year with Missy Testerman 22:34

9M ago22:34

22:34

By Annenberg Learner

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Episode 22 - Thom Mcallum 29:48

10M 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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Overheard at World Conference 30:40

10M ago30:40

30:40

Earlier this summer, IABC hosted communicators from all over at its annual World Conference, held this year in Chicago. In this special edition of PodCatalyst, we catch up with attendees between sessions to get their aha moments. From insights around how they’re are thinking about AI, tobetter practices for accessibility, rethinking hiring practice…

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

11M 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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In Under 10: Deciphering Misinformation With Candace Denison 9:22

11M ago9:22

9:22

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we sit down with Candace Denison, communications and engagement manager at Rocky View County, to discuss misinformation and the role of the communicator. As we navigate the Wild West era of AI, allowingmisinformation to spread easier than before, how can communicators come armed with facts? What tactics and str…

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7. Conversational Receptiveness - A Talk With Michael Rain (ENODI & Harvard University) 25:04

11M ago25:04

25:04

Listen, and learn about Conversational Receptivenss in this talk with our guest Michael Rain. Michael founded ENODI, a media and research company focused on all people with immigrant backgrounds. His TED Talk 'What it's like to be the child of immigrants' has over 1 million views. Michael is also a practitioner-in-residence at Harvard University, j…

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Leaning in to Neurodiversity and Flexibility With Becca Chambers 37:49

12M ago37:49

37:49

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we sit down with Becca Chambers, chief communications officer at ControlUp. Her journey to the C-suite began with a role in sports PR and from there took a few twists and turns, including grad school and landing on her love of all things branding and communication. Today, she remains a staunch advocate for comm…

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Episode 20 - Jess Rona 38:13

12M 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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In Under 10: What Does Taylor Swift Have to Do With Your Comms Strategy? 9:21

1y ago9:21

9:21

In the latest installment of In Under 10, we talk to EmilyCaister about what communicators can learn from Taylor Swift’s marketing mastery. Whether you consider yourself a Swiftie or not, there’s something for everyone to learn. Tune in as we discuss the pop star’s approach to branding,as well as how dialing into pop culture more broadly can help c…

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Episode 19 - Kelsey Darragh 44:03

1y 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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Listening Leads to Understanding, a Prize Worth Fighting For: A Conversation With Julian Treasure 28:19

1y ago28:19

28:19

“Everybody wants to be heard, but not many people areinterested in listening,” Julian Treasure, expert in sound and listening, says in the latest episode of PodCatalyst. So when was the last time you listened to the world around you? Is a lack of listening harming your business or, worse, your well-being? Tune in as Julian shares how listening has …

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Episode 18 - Vanessa Villela 33:17

1y 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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In Under 10: TikTok, Policy and Losing Community 8:20

1y ago8:20

8:20

Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded one week prior to recent legislative decisions by U.S. President Joe Biden, signing into law that TikTok will be banned unless sold within a year. Catalyst will continue to follow this story as it develops. What happens when an app fades from existence — or gets legislated out of the hands of the public? Wha…

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24. FRIENDSHIP. Friends With Fur 50:13

1y 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

1y 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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In Under 10: Understanding Digital Accessibility With Matisse Hamel-Nelis 8:57

1y ago8:57

8:57

In today’s digital age, making sure your online presence meets basic accessibility standards isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s good for business, too. In the latest installment of In Under 10, Matisse Hamel-Nelis walks us through the basics of understanding digital accessibility, recent examples of well-known brands that have gotten into hot …