Best USC Annenberg Podcasts (2025)

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

12d 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

11d 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…

1
A conversation with Chantelle Darby, Accel's VP of Communications 36:49

20d 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…

1
Viewing The Next Generation Through a Different Lens, With Merge Gupta-Sunderji 23:42

1M 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

1M 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
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…

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

4M 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
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
AI In Your Workplace, with WE Communication’s Lindsey Bastani and Michael Sullivan 33:38

5M 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…

1
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…

1
Strengthening workplace culture through communication, with David Michaelson, PhD 35:38

6M 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 …

1
Communicating in a Year of Elections: A Conversation With David Imber 23:45

6M 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…

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

7M 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…

1
In Under 10: Getting the C-Suite’s Take on Comms 13:51

8M 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…

1
Overheard at World Conference 30:40

9M 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…

1
In Under 10: Deciphering Misinformation With Candace Denison 9:22

10M 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…

1
Leaning in to Neurodiversity and Flexibility With Becca Chambers 37:49

11M 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…

1
In Under 10: What Does Taylor Swift Have to Do With Your Comms Strategy? 9:21

11M 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…

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

12M 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 …

1
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…

1
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 …

1
‘Leadership Is an Act of Extended Storytelling’: A Conversation With Oscar Munoz, Former United Airlines CEO and Chairman 17:48

1y ago17:48

17:48

What happens when your frontline employees are tired of apologizing on behalf of the company? When public perception isn’t in your favor? This was the reality Oscar Munoz faced when he took the role of CEO and chairman of United Airlines in 2015. So he went back to basics, embarking on an extensive listening tour with thousands of employees — and i…

1
A Deep Dive into Gen Z's Scrolls with Day One Agency's Josh Rosenberg 26:47

1y 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…

1
PR Education: What Does the Next Generation Need to Succeed? 24:07

1y ago24:07

24:07

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

1
In Under 10: Guiding Principles for the Ethical Use of AI 5:59

1y ago5:59

5:59

In Under 10:Guiding Principles for the Ethical Use of AI As a complement to the association’s Code of Ethics, IABCrecently released Guiding Principles for the Ethical Use of AI by CommunicationProfessionals. In this first edition of “In Under 10,” Kristin Frankiewicz,IABC content manager, sits down with Simon Murphy, a member of the IABC EthicsComm…

1
Building Your Brand With Microsoft Senior Storyteller Miri Rodriguez 27:09

1y ago27:09

27:09

When it comes to brand-building, the communicator iswell-equipped to not only manage that of their organization or clients, buttheir own brand as well. So what does that look like in practice? Miri Rodriguez, senior storyteller at Microsoft, offers herinsight and sage advice to “date the brand and marry yourself.” IABC Content Manager Kristin Frank…

1
Unwrapping M&M's Super Bowl Magic: How to Manage A Legacy Brand with Jessica Adelman 36:40

1y 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 …

1
2024 State of Comms: Influence, Algorithms, Intention in a Post-Truth World and More 39:54

1+ y ago39:54

39:54

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, Peter Finn, IABCexecutive director, sits down with Maliha Aqeel, IABC chair, Kamyar Naficy, IABC vice chair, and Danielle Bond, IABC past chair (2021-2022) to discuss the year ahead. This conversation has something for everyone: how commspros can wield influence in the C-suite and within their own teams, the im…

1
Advocacy, Nimble Tech and Climate: Mike Klein, #WeLeadComms, on Opportunities Communicators Can Seize 17:51

1+ y ago17:51

17:51

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, Peter Finn, IABCexecutive director, sits down with Mike Klein, founder of #WeLeadComms. Mike is a seasoned comms pro and champion of the profession.In 2021, he created #WeLeadComms to recognize everyday achievement in the field. To date, he’s shone a light on more than 600 communication leaders. Tune in as Mike…

1
2024 Relevance Report Discussion: Welcome to AI 57:20

1+ y 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…

1
44 – Martha Muzychka on Being an IABC Fellow, Part of a ‘Human Library of Different Life Experiences’ 36:28

1+ y ago36:28

36:28

Martha Muzychka was named an IABC Fellow in 2019, acknowledging her decades of service to the profession and excellence in the field. Peter Finn, IABC executive director and host, sat down to talk with Martha about what led her to an entrepreneurial career, observations from her experience as a Gold Quill evaluator, what it means to join the ranks …

1
43 – Josie Cox on Addressing the Gender Equality Gap 25:03

1+ y ago25:03

25:03

Josie Cox is a global journalist with a long held interest in business, power, workplace culture and gender. As author of the upcoming book, “Women Money Power” (March 2024), Josie sat down with IABC Executive Director Peter Finn to talk about the work she’s done to uncover the stories of women who have been instrumental in driving significant lega…

1
42 – Southwest Airlines’ Linda Rutherford on Creating a Culture of Caring 30:55

1+ y ago30:55

30:55

Linda Rutherford, chief administration and communicationsofficer at Southwest Airlines, joins IABC Executive Director Peter FinnPodCatalyst to talk about her 30+ years with the company and the changes she’s seen in the field along the way. After a pivot from journalism, Rutherford grew her PR careerand climbed the ranks to where she is today. Tune …

1
41 – Jared Curtis on the Power of Human-AI Collaboration in Content Generation 27:47

1+ y ago27:47

27:47

While AI excels at word predictions and learns from existing content, itlacks empathy, emotion and sometimes accuracy. This is where communicatorsshine, leveraging the technology as one tool in their toolbox rather than aone-stop solution. Tune into this episode of PodCatalyst to hear from Jared Curtis, seniordirector of corporate communications at…

1
40 – USC Annenberg’s Fred Cook on Managing the Reputation Rubik’s Cube 28:31

2y ago28:31

28:31

Managing reputation in today’s polarized world is not unlikesolving a Rubik’s Cube — each move is connected and one step impacts the next. This is lens through which USC Annenberg viewed the findings of their 2023Global Communication Report. In this episode of PodCatalyst, Fred Cook, chairman emeritusat Golin and director of the USC Center for Publ…

1
39 – Zaria Parvez Taking Risks on Social With Zaria Parvez, Duolingo 15:46

2y ago15:46

15:46

Zaria Parvez, global social media manager at Duolingo, joinsPodCatalyst host and IABC Executive Director Peter Finn to share heroutstanding journey on TikTok. With her creative and interactive approach,Zaria has made Duolingo a prominent figure in the TikTok community,particularly among Gen Z and with over 6.7 million followers and counting. This e…

1
How AI is transforming the future of PR and communications 25:58

2y ago25:58

25:58

How is AI transforming the public relations industry, and what does it mean for PR professionals? We recently hosted a captivating discussion with a panel of AI pioneers, including Aaron Kwittken of PRophet, Ed Clarke of Cometrics, and Bobby Lincoln of PeakMetrics, to explore this fascinating topic. Our conversation delves into the need for communi…

1
38 – Eli Carmona on the Impact of Inclusive Communications 28:36

2y ago28:36

28:36

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, Eli Carmona,communication specialist at The 519 andWorld Conference 2023 speaker, talks about the critically important rolecommunicators play in supporting trans and gender diverse communities throughtheir work. They share how design can help break stereotypes, theirexperience navigating difficult conversations…

1
PR & Its Role in Mental Health Support 40:04

2y ago40:04

40:04

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most significant disruption of our lives. Its impact has been far-reaching, altering our work habits, communication styles, and even our priorities. Most importantly, it sparked a widespread discussion about mental health. In this episode, we are joined by guests who wrote about mental health in USC Center for PR’…

1
37 – Ed Cook on Finding Joy in Change at Work 42:27

2y ago42:27

42:27

Can change bring joy? Ed Cook, co-founder of The ChangeDecision, believes so — and has years of experience and the data to back it up. Tune in to the latest episode of PodCatalyst, where Eddiscusses how change can drive energy, boost morale and make people feel moreconnected to their work. Prior to co-founding The Change Decision, Ed worked at amaj…

1
Making an Impact: Grubhub, NBCUniversal, and Union Pacific Railroad on Corporate Social Engagement 35:19

2y ago35:19

35:19

The USC Center for PR’s 2023 Relevance Report found that 47% of consumers believe corporations should get involved with social issues by focusing on internal policies and issues. But what does that look like in action? In this episode, we talk with communication leaders spearheading various corporate social engagement efforts at their organizations…

1
36 – Alex Sevigny on Why Communicators Should Be at the Forefront of the AI Revolution 38:42

2y ago38:42

38:42

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) remains one of thehottest topics of 2023 and is changing the way businesses think about contentcreation. Who better, Alex Sevigny argues, than the communicator to lead thischarge? Long before it was trending, Sevigny, an associate professorat McMaster University, has been interested in the power of AI and how…

1
35 – Chris Lee on Gallagher’s 2023 State of the Sector 40:53

2y ago40:53

40:53

Returning for a second year, Chris Lee shares insights from the 2023 Gallagher State of the Sector report. Tune in as he and IABC Executive Director Peter Finn discuss trends around belonging and culture, a results-only work environment, how communicators can retain their role as strategic partner and more. Want to hear more from Chris? Join him at…

1
Public Relations in the Age of Social Media with TikTok Satirist ColorMeLoverly 39:05

2y ago39:05

39:05

TikTok has knocked down the wall between public figures and their audiences, putting celebrities and high profile individuals in closer contact than ever before. Inspired by the Harry and Megan interview with Oprah Winfrey, ColorMeLoverly has blown up on TikTok for her comedic and relatable takes on the public relations field and the irony of this …

1
Driving Corporate Activism with Lyft's Dominic Carr 26:32

2+ y ago26:32

26:32

How far should a company go with corporate activism? Lyft is setting the example for how companies should use corporate activism to speak out on issues. Last year, Texas passed the Heartbeat Act, which banned women from receiving abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat. The bill went even further, putting Lyft drivers who take women to a…

1
34 – Slma Shelbayah on the State of Social Media, Why ‘Intentionality Precedes Everything’ 38:38

2+ y ago38:38

38:38

As Twitter shifts under new leadership and platforms like TikTok continue to emerge, what is the state of social media for communicators? We spoke with Slma Shelbayah, chief marketing and communications officer at Yardstick Management, to gain her perspective on this evolving landscape. Plus, learn how her seven-year tenure as a journalist at CNN h…

1
33 – Unpacking ESG With Kamyar Naficy 33:31

2+ y ago33:31

33:31

If you search ESG on Google, you’ll get about 436 million search results. The term (environmental social governance), while not new, has been gaining traction in recent years. We spoke with Kamyar Naficy, who’s been following this business framework for the better part of two decades. In this episode, he helps us unpack what ESG really means, oppor…

1
32 – Stephanie Speck on Deep Curiosity and Facing the World’s Most Complex Issues 24:07

2+ y ago24:07

24:07

Stephanie Speck has had a fascinating career, working in more than 23 countries across the world. While she was a soprano diva early in her career, Speck soon shifted gears and became a first responder during the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Her passion for development work in change communication and crisis response took flight. She has since bui…

1
Encore: Digital Marketing With Dr. Lilian Ajayi-Ore, Columbia University, NYU 26:22

2+ y ago26:22

26:22

This episode of PodCatalyst is republished as an encore of the April 2022 interview featuring Dr. Lilian Ajayi-Ore. Revisit the episode in anticipation of Dr. Lilian's upcoming, three-part webinar series on digital acumen for business communicators. Learn more and register for the webinar series. Dr. Lilian Ajayi-Ore has had a rich, remarkable care…

1
31 – Charlene SanJenko on Brands That Shift to Lift 23:35

2+ y ago23:35

23:35

Charlene SanJenko is a two-time Founder, Impact Producer, and Modern-Day Medicine Woman — and media is her medicine. She’s taken her background in impact investing and applied it to advertising, asking the question “What if we brokered impact media deals like we do any other business deal?” In other words, how can advertising dollars shift toward m…

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