Best Axios HQ Podcasts (2025)

1
Emergency Episode: How to Actually Get Hired in Comms Right Now 24:13

6d ago24:13

24:13

🔍 It’s a tough market. But if you're in comms and looking for your next job, this episode is your playbook. 💥 In this episode, recruiter Brooke Kruger breaks down: The top resume red flags and why design ≠ substance What actually makes you stand out on LinkedIn Why clarity > cleverness in a job search The rise of consulting-as-career in comms How t…

1
PR for PR: The Meta Magic (and Madness) of Comms at Muck Rack with Linda Zebian, VP of Comms at Muck Rack 47:06

6d ago47:06

47:06

Send us a text In this episode of Under Embargo, we’re joined by Linda Zebian, newly-minted VP of Communications at Muck Rack, for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and unhinged—in the best way possible. Linda breaks down what it’s like to do PR for a PR tech company (spoiler: it’s very meta), how her time at The New York Times shaped he…

1
Add a Zero: Bribes, Rankings, and the B2B Fame Game with Jeremy Boissinot, CEO of Favikon 51:16

20d ago51:16

51:16

Send us a text What happens when you create the only legit LinkedIn influencer ranking platform in the world… and then make the algorithm public? You get bribe offers. Hate mail from millionaires. And a viral loop so strong it powers a 6-person startup with zero outbound sales. In this episode of Under Embargo, we sit down with Jeremy Boissinot, CE…

1
Leading with Empathy: A Comms Imperative with Robin Daniels, CBO of Zensai 46:49

1M ago46:49

46:49

Send us a text What is a Chief Business Officer, anyway? This week on Under Embargo, Parry and I sat down with Robin Daniels—Chief Business & Product Officer at Zensai—for a conversation that honestly left me thinking about everything from go-to-market strategy to workplace happiness to ethical leadership. (No big deal, right?) If you don’t know Ro…

1
Crisis, Comms, and Cults—Oh My! with Chris Willis, CMO of Axios HQ 53:07

1M ago53:07

53:07

Send us a text ✨ The Real Power of Strategic Comms: Chris Willis on "Under Embargo" The latest episode of Under Embargo was packed with gold. Chris Willis, CMO of Axios HQ, joined hosts Perry and Becca to talk about how strategic communications isn’t just a "nice-to-have"—it’s a business driver. Forget the corporate fluff. They dive into the real, …

1
Introducing the 'Under Embargo' Podcast: No fluff, No F's Given 48:44

2M ago48:44

48:44

Send us a text ### The Birth of "Under Embargo" Podcast: Cracking Through Industry Norms In the inaugural episode of the "Under Embargo" podcast, hosts Becca and Parry explore their motives and expectations in launching a platform that promises to dissect, analyze, and potentially disrupt the communications industry. Their dialogue unfolds as a can…

1
How to Listen: Oscar Trimboli's Method to Better Communication 35:21

2M ago35:21

35:21

Oscar Trimboli – best-selling author, award-winning podcast host, and workplace listening expert is on the show! 1 big thing: Most of us listen poorly and that has a surprising impact on leadership, meetings, and productivity. Why It Matters: Better listening means more effective communication, shorter meetings, and stronger organizational alignmen…

1
Plan for the Best, Prepare for the Worst: Mastering Proactive vs Reactive Comms 23:59

2M ago23:59

23:59

1 big topic: We're exploring the nuanced difference between proactive planning and reactive responses. In a world where every comms moment counts, understanding when to lead the narrative, and when to pivot, is crucial. Jennifer Kaplan, CEO of Evolve PR and Marketing, shares her 25+ years of expertise on turning potential PR disasters into brand vi…

1
It's Now or Never: Six Fundamentals to Winning Back Trust 33:50

3M ago33:50

33:50

Trust in media, institutions, and corporate comms is eroding. Neil Brown, president of Poynter Institute and founder of PolitiFact, knows why—and how to fix it. 🔹 The danger of clickbait & why credibility wins 🔹 How relationships & transparency build trust 🔹 AI’s role in comms & why ethics matter 🔹 Fact-checking: accountability, not censorship Trus…

1
Say Less to Say More: How Smart Brevity is Changing the Way We Communicate 27:26

3M ago27:26

27:26

Why it matters: Communication is broken. Messages are too long, unclear, and ignored. Smart Brevity is the fix. And Axios HQ's Emily Inverso is here to talk about it. The big picture: Smart Brevity isn’t just a writing style—it’s a movement reshaping how professionals, executives, and businesses communicate. With over 250,000 copies of the book in …

1
You’re Not Alone: Expanding Internal Comms by Engaging the Business 21:57

3M ago21:57

21:57

Why it matters: Internal communicators often feel like they’re working alone—overwhelmed and under-resourced. But the truth? You’re surrounded by potential contributors who can help extend your reach and impact. What’s happening: In this episode, Chris Willis talks with Thereasa Roy, Director of Product and Content Marketing at OffSec, about how in…

1
Surviving the Comms Crunch: Lessons in Strategic Positioning 29:03

3M ago29:03

29:03

Why it matters: Communications professionals are struggling to keep their seats at the table in a challenging job market. Becca Chambers, a comms exec with a flair for straight talk, joins WordBirds to explore why comms teams are being cut and how they can shift from "cost center" to "business driver." Key takeaways: Post-pandemic priorities have d…

1
Align to Thrive: Unlocking the Business Power of Internal Communications 24:17

4M ago24:17

24:17

Alignment fuels business success—but it’s hard to achieve. In this episode, Janet Hitchen shares how she used internal comms to: Build alignment across teams. Simplify complex ideas into clear stories. Drive revenue and growth at Apple, Nespresso, and beyond. 💡 Why it matters: Internal comms aren’t just newsletters. They’re the key to smarter, fast…

1
Future-Proofing Communications: Staying Ahead in a World of Constant Change 26:23

5M ago26:23

26:23

Why it matters: Communications leaders face constant change—from evolving technology to shifting workplace dynamics. Staying ahead means mastering new skills, tools, and strategies. The big picture: Trey Sarten CCO at Anywhere, and a communications veteran, joins us to explore: The evolving role of communicators as strategic business partners. How …

1
Engagement Redefined: Moving Beyond Clicks to Real Alignment 29:58

5M ago29:58

29:58

What’s engagement, really? In this episode of WordBirds, Doreen Maciak from Takeda challenges the buzzword “engagement” and dives into what it truly means. Why it matters: Engagement isn’t just about clicks and opens—it’s about aligning employees to purpose and business goals. What you’ll learn: How to move beyond vanity metrics. Why authenticity a…

1
Cutting Through the Buzz: How Plain English Drives Real Communication Impact 26:51

5M ago26:51

26:51

Cut the jargon. Boost the clarity. Jolene Peixoto, Relex Solutions’ anti-marketing comms leader, joins WordBirds to challenge buzzwords and embrace plain English messaging. Why it matters: Clear, concise communication builds trust, drives engagement, and sets your brand apart. Key takeaway: Prove your value with data and authenticity—not empty clai…

1
AI Takes the Mic: Key Insights From the First Half of Season 6 20:19

6M ago20:19

20:19

This special episode brings you the top insights from WordBirds Season 6, hosted by AI voices Lance and Audrina (from NotebookLM). Why it matters: This AI-powered and hosted recap dives into must-hear lessons on intentional communication, bridging generational gaps, and building trust. Catch up: Perfect for anyone who missed an episode—but don’t st…

1
From Tactics to Strategic Influence: How Communicators Can Drive Real Business Impact 24:11

6M ago24:11

24:11

Why it matters: Communicators often get stuck in tactical roles, but real value comes from strategic influence. In this episode, Bronagh Hanley, Partner & CCO at Preface Global, shares how she built influence at companies like Netflix and Discovery, and how you can too. Key takeaways: Ask "why" to uncover the strategy behind every communication. Bu…

1
Measuring the Impact: Why Internal Comms Needs Hard Data to Thrive 22:26

6M ago22:26

22:26

In this episode (part 2 of 2), we talk with Joanna Parsons about the power of measurement in internal communications. Joanna, author of Innovative Internal Communications, explains why many comms teams avoid measurement, how to align goals with business strategy, and practical ways to demonstrate value. We also explore how measuring impact can elev…

1
Bridging the Gap: Communicating Across Generational Divides in the Workplace 24:26

6M ago24:26

24:26

Chris Willis and guest Michael Franklin, founder and executive director of Speechwriters of Color, dive into the complexities of communicating across a multi-generational workforce and navigating evolving workplace expectations. Why it matters: Understanding how different generations interact in the workplace is crucial to fostering collaboration, …

1
AI and the Future of Internal Communications: Enhancing Strategy and Influence 29:30

7M ago29:30

29:30

Chris Willis and guest Monique Zytnik author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, and Chairman of IABC EMEA as they explore the changing landscape of internal communications in an AI-driven world. Why it matters: Internal communicators are pivotal in aligning communication strategies with organizational goals, fostering …

1
Messaging That Matters: How Strategic Communications Drive Brand Success 25:32

7M ago25:32

25:32

Chris Willis sits down with Rachel Adam, Head of Brand and Communications at Sonar, to explore the critical role of strategic communications in shaping and amplifying brand identity. Why it matters: Strategic communications are vital for aligning brand and comms to drive business success. Effective storytelling can command the narrative and elevate…

1
The Strategic Path: Becoming a Chief Communication Officer 24:26

7M ago24:26

24:26

In this episode of WordBirds, Chris Willis interviews Dave Guarino, Head of Global Communications at Wolters Kluwer. What it's about: Understanding the journey to a C-suite position in communications provides invaluable lessons for aspiring leaders. Dave shares his transition from stick-ball fanatic to financial compliance to corporate communicatio…

1
Innovative Internal Communications: A Curious Route 23:44

7M ago23:44

23:44

In this episode of WordBirds, Chris Willis interviews Joanna Parson, CEO of The Curious Route and author of Innovative Internal Communications. Why it matters: Joanna’s journey from a curious thinker to a leading internal communications expert offers valuable insights and practical advice on rethinking internal comms strategies. Driving the news: J…

1
Communicating in a Crisis: Leading with Clarity & Purpose 29:17

8M ago29:17

29:17

Navigating crisis communications In this episode of WordBirds, Chris Willis sits down with communications expert Roberto Munoz (Fannie Mae, HSBC, Tesco) to explore the critical role of crisis communications. Why it matters: Effective crisis communication can be the difference between maintaining your brand's reputation and losing it. Roberto shares…

1
Reimagining Communications: From Tactical Function to Strategic Powerhouse 31:23

8M ago31:23

31:23

We're back with Season 6! And we're kicking off with Eleanor Hawkins, Axios Communications Strategist and writer of the Communicators newsletter. Eleanor spent years as a communicator in media and politics and now covers the topics and trends that impact how organizations, leaders, and employers communicate. Listen in to hear Eleanor and Chris dig …

1
Beyond Favors: Tactics for Customer Marketing 23:11

1+ y ago23:11

23:11

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Kristine Englert, Director of Customer Marketing at Mirakl, sharing her wealth of experience in the dynamic realm of marketing. Our host, Chris, dives into Kristine's journey, shedding light on impactful campaigns that transcend marketing channels. Kristine kicks off by unveiling the secret behind her most su…

1
From Web Pages to Prompt Fields: The Future of Digital Content Experiences 36:13

1+ y ago36:13

36:13

We consider the existential future of content on this week’s episode, with Phyllis Davidson — VP, Principal Analyst at Forrester — who doesn’t hold back in her Provocative Statement of the Day. We also cover everything from content experimentation and strategy to the future of the content landscape and role of generative AI, in this insightful inte…

1
Synchronizing PR and Marketing: A Blueprint for Newsworthy Messaging 27:27

1+ y ago27:27

27:27

With such a crowded digital marketplace, how can your organization cut through the noise and build relationships with your messaging? Amanda Proscia has the answers in this episode of WordBirds. This week we dive into the world of public relations (PR) and marketing with the Co-founder of Lightspeed PR/Marketing and bestselling author of PR Confide…

1
Championing Success: Strategies for Unlocking Customer Stories and Advocacy 32:10

1+ y ago32:10

32:10

How can we get customers to share their stories with us? For this conversation, Chris spoke to Christine Bottagaro, Chief Marketing Officer at Alviere. We delve into the strategies behind unlocking the invaluable narratives of happy customers and how to transform them into compelling case studies and brand advocacy. And here’s a hit, it’s all about…

1
Marketing, Partners, and the Community-First Content Nexus 29:27

1+ y ago29:27

29:27

This week’s guest, Chip Rodgers, Chief Partner Officer at WorkSpan, believes that content is all about community. You have to know your target audience to engage them and build meaningful connections. So how do you create content that cultivates community? Chip has the answers in our interview and educational content has a big role to play — especi…

1
The Art of Brand Recognition: Consistency in Content 27:01

1+ y ago27:01

27:01

Branding is more than just a logo or a catchy slogan; it's the personality and identity of a company. It's what distinguishes your brand from your competitors and connects you with your target audience. In today's episode, Julie Kaplan (Senior Vice President, Marketing and Revenue Operations at CareMetx) explains how at the heart of effective brand…

1
The Content Conundrum: Is Long-Form Losing Its Luster? 26:06

1+ y ago26:06

26:06

In today's conversation, we delve into the evolving dynamics between long-form and short-form content, guided by the expertise of our guest, Isabelle Papoulias — SVP Global Marketing at BackBox. Isabelle sheds light on a fundamental shift in the way today’s consumers engage with content, especially during the era of information overload. The conver…

1
AI-Driven Content: From Guesswork to Governance 31:30

1+ y ago31:30

31:30

How do we move from guesswork to governance in the AI generated content era? How can we ensure the quality and relevance of content while harnessing the power of AI to scale production? For this episode, we’re turning the tables on our host, Christopher Willis, who will be the guest and our producer Charlotte Baxter-Read steps in to host (and quiz)…

1
Brand Building: Why Marketing Should Report to Communications 21:33

1+ y ago21:33

21:33

Is it time to rethink the value of press releases? And what if marketing reported to communications instead of the other way around? In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate world of communications and marketing strategy. Our guest, Nikki Festa O’Brien — President of the brand marketing and PR agency Greenough — challenges conventional thi…

1
Beyond Gating Content: The Thought Leadership Approach to Demand Gen 29:33

1+ y ago29:33

29:33

In the ever-evolving landscape of B2B marketing, we want to know: Is the primary goal of content marketing to generate leads and conversions, or does it encompass a more profound awareness mission? We dive into this topic with Flora Felisberto, Senior Director, Global Growth Marketing & Operations at OutSystems, someone who’s not afraid to challeng…

1
Why 'Good Enough' Might Be Your Best Marketing Strategy 29:40

1+ y ago29:40

29:40

Are you asking the right questions to find out the reasons why you’re creating a piece of content? And once you’ve created that piece of content, is good enough good enough? In this captivating interview, we delve into the world of marketing and content creation with Gabi Zijderveld, Chief Marketing Officer at Smart Eye. Gabi shares her insights on…

1
Maximizing Your Reach: How To Get People To Share Your Content 28:29

1+ y ago28:29

28:29

What leads people to sharing your content? Rainer Gawlick has the answers in this episode. Is there a formula for content virality? Shareable content has to be valuable for your target audience — regardless of the type of content. A piece of content that’s actionable and informative is easy to share because it helps people achieve their goals or so…

1
The Continuum of Content Strategy and the Impact of Generative AI 29:44

1+ y ago29:44

29:44

This week Chris interviews the Chief Marketing Officer at Caf, Vanita Pandey. We'll uncover the secrets to successful content campaigns, dissect the pitfalls of content that misses the mark, and explore the ever-evolving role of generative AI in content creation. Vanita shares her valuable perspective on the nuances of content strategy, offering a …

1
Why You Should Invest in Content Marketing 34:32

1+ y ago34:32

34:32

Welcome to a new season of the WordBirds Podcast: Friends of the Bird! For our first episode Gideon (Gidi) Pridor joins Chris to chat about why investing in content marketing is a must for business success. Gidi is the Chief Marketing Officer at Workvivo (a Zoom company) and an expert in all things related to content marketing strategy. Gidi shares…

1
Rolling Out Brand Voice Guidelines at HubSpot With the BethBot 19:13

2y ago19:13

19:13

Beth Dunn, Head of Product Content at Practice Better and Founder of Product Content Advisors, joins us this week to discuss why brand voice can’t just sit with marketing. A strong consistent brand voice is what makes some companies stand out from the crowd. If you have a strong brand identity that’s present at every content touchpoint, from social…

1
How Paychex Rebuilt Their Website 25:53

2y ago25:53

25:53

For this week’s episode we explore how to rebuild a website, the role of generative AI, and what MarTech stack a successful organization needs with Brian Nizinsky from Paychex. The website redesign process can be a long and complicated one. But support from the relevant stakeholders and customer journey data makes it a much more manageable task acc…

1
The Role of Generative AI and Content Governance in Marketing Unity 24:37

2y ago24:37

24:37

This week we have a very exciting episode, featuring not one, but two Vice Presidents from Acrolinx! Mariana Just and Cynthia Spiers are here to talk about why enterprises need to focus on marketing harmony across teams. How aligned is your marketing department? Content teams and demand generation teams need to be talking to each other. And it has …

1
Pain Points Over Personas and B2B Community Building at Sales Hacker 26:04

2y ago26:04

26:04

It’s time to focus on pain points first. Stop getting hung up on the nuances of your personas and focus on the problems you’re solving for them. Marciela Ross, Head of Content, Sales Hacker at Outreach, believes that content needs to address pain points in order for it to be effective and engage a community. As a part of Outreach, Sales Hacker has …

1
Ableism in Language: Why Enterprises Need to Prioritize Inclusivity 20:33

2y ago20:33

20:33

Does your content really speak to everyone? With one billion people with disabilities, they make up the largest minority in the world. But when it comes to enterprise events, often they’re reduced to a single check box which does take into account the diversity of disabled people. Disability activist and co-founder of Access2Funding CIC, Celia Hens…

1
Creating A Balanced Content Marketing Strategy at Fiserv 24:17

2y ago24:17

24:17

After the pandemic, a lot of organizations had to rethink their content marketing strategy. With in person events out of the question, a thought leadership strategy built on quality content became a must. Vice President of Content Strategy Wade Coleman, describes how at Fiserv they pivoted to a balanced content marketing strategy to capture the att…

1
How Okta Measures Content Success and Why Okta Uses TikTok 26:16

2y ago26:16

26:16

Everyone has business goals tied to enterprise content. So how do you get a handle on your content marketing success? Yes, you can track social shares, conversion rates, organic traffic, or any other key performance indicators (KPIs). But that doesn’t show how one piece of content has been used and repurposed across multiple channels. We tackle thi…

1
Content Marketing and Storytelling: How Salesforce Makes Content Magic 22:42

2y ago22:42

22:42

How can you capture a reader’s attention? What motivates them to keep reading down a page? Better yet, how can we achieve that across our content marketing efforts? Storytelling in content. Scott Nyberg, Content Marketing Manager and Senior Writer at Salesforce, believes you should always introduce the problem in the lead and never stop innovating.…

1
How HPE Is Revolutionizing Customer Experience With Content 22:35

2y ago22:35

22:35

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is changing the customer experience game with their Customer Innovation Centers. Fancy exploring the International Space Station (ISS) or working in the pit lane during a Formula One (F1) race? Anything is possible with HPE’s virtual reality (VR) experiences for their customers. HPE understands that the best way to …

1
How Brewdog Uses Content and Voice To Stand Out From the Crowd, With Richard Innes 24:23

2y ago24:23

24:23

For the first episode of season three, we’re joined by Richard Innes — Head of Content at Brewdog. In this episode, we cover everything from Brewdog’s famously witty and acerbic tone of voice to some of Brewdog’s most successful content campaigns. Richard also discusses how his background in journalism has influenced how he's approached content cre…

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