Minter Dial is one of the first remote interviews Charlie ever recorded and he is absolutely delighted to have an update on Minter’s work. In addition to a 16 year career at L’Oreal, Minter is an author of several books as well as an accomplished podcaster. His latest book, YOU LEAD, How Being Yourself Makes You A Better Leader, is Charlie's latest…

Just like old times, Jeff, Charlie and Podville Media sound engineer Robb Spewak were back together in the Glover Park studio for episode 52! Charlie shares a dishwasher story and the guys talk about hashtag missteps and misperceptions. Charlie gives a shout-out to Brad Sherman and the relaunch of Launch Financial and Robb goes excessively nerdy du…

After a conversation about the status of podcast listening trends and the steady increase in advertising dollars (“Podcast Advertising To Surpass $1B This Year,” according to a podcast revenue study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and shared by Jeff) the guys talked about new hires at Podcast Village, soon to be Podville Media. Charlie gave an …

Charlie provides an update on his special project, “Songs of His Times,” Jeff shares positive news about ad spending and one of the lessons in publishing: the profitability of specialization. A few Podville Media podcasts receive Communicator Awards and another episode of the JFK Assassination series by the American Diplomat is live. In our “A Tip …

As an update to Episode 37 when the guys talked about the op-ed (opposite the editorial page), Jeff shares news from The New York Times that they will no longer use the term op-ed, and instead call it the “guest essay.” The NYT’s reasoning: in the internet space, can anything be opposite something? Charlie brings up user experience and customer exp…

The show opened on a down note, as Jeff and Charlie discussed news that Maddy (“here are the guys!”) Masiello will be leaving Podcast Village (soon to be Podville Media) for New York City. We wish her well and hope she doesn’t forget us. The guys continued their discussion about Room Rater and adding an audio rating system. They also shared frustra…

Jeff took a road trip to Elon University in North Carolina where his daughter Julia is a freshman. While walking around campus they checked out the Elon School of Communications, home of the Elon News Network and the ENN Radio podcast where student journalists extend stories that appear in their newspaper, The Pendulum. The guys talked about James …

Charlie talks about the golf business and use of QR codes and other technology. Sound engineer Robb Spewak offers another audio tip, this time on over-modulation. Jeff brings up the popular Room Rater Twitter account, @ratemyskyperoom, which scores TV pundits’ pretty rooms and backdrops, and the guys suggest creating an audio version to rate sound …

We go deep with podcasting audio tips in this episode, thanks to sound engineer Robb Spewak. The guys talk about LinkedIn cold calls and how more podcast hosts are on the receiving end of off-target PR pitches. The recently vaccinated Jeff talks about a webinar he attended by The Daily Record on diversity, equity and inclusion and Charlie draws a l…

The guys talk about Clubhouse -- again -- and the magic of creativity. Jeff recalls how at one of his first agency jobs, Richardson, Myers & Donofrio in Baltimore, they named the conference rooms “Theatre A” and “Theatre B” to help employees understand what those rooms were all about, especially during client meetings and pitches. Podville Media is…

Jeff tuned in to The Infinite Dial 2021 report prior to recording the show and shares what he learned to get Charlie’s reaction. Since 1998, it’s the longest-running survey of digital media consumer behavior in America. A few take-aways: TikTok is gaining ground, surpassing Twitter among some demographics. More people listen to podcasts in groups t…

Covering the gamut, from Jeopardy to Twitch, the guys talk about Podville Media’s first-ever Twitch production for Broccoli City. The new entertainment and culture show, "As The World Spins," is hosted by Brittany Alexandra and Jeff shares the story of tuning in to that inaugural episode from his living room where family members were watching Jeopa…

Jeff talks about one of the podcasts he listens to, 2Bobs - with David C. Baker and Blair Enns, and how they simulcasted an episode on Clubhouse. The guys talked about this approach in episodes 29 and 34. Podville Media is getting ready to produce a Twitch for an unnamed client. A big move as this will gain in popularity, Charlie says. Jeff somehow…

Jeff’s daughter Isabel goes to Eddie’s to purchase the ingredients for the now-viral TikTok Pasta and catches the eye of the cheese counter worker and even the cashier who both know what she’ll be making! Charlie talks about another use of QR codes, this time guiding him through the assembly of his new NordicTrack. Podcast Village, soon to be Podvi…

Jeff talked about an article in Esquire, written by Columbus PR pro Michelle Garrett, who makes the point that “when a journalist gets intrigued about a business, one of the first things they may do is check it out on social media.” Whatever they find - or don’t find - on social media has an impact on what is (or is not) written. Charlie gives a sh…

In the aftermath of last summer’s racial unrest and the recent election results in Georgia, understanding the African American news audience is more crucial than ever. The Black Press, which has been a key news and information outlet in America for nearly 200 years, is once again being rediscovered as an essential partner for professional communica…

Yes, that’s what op-ed stands for! Jeff shared the latest thinking on op-eds, thanks to a National Press Club webinar he attended featuring op-ed experts Sam Ryan and Robby Schrum of Keybridge Communications. Takeaways included “don’t yell” and “don’t be boring.” Listen for more! Also, Charlie did the show from Studio M2 on M Street and gave a shou…

Jeff and Charlie welcomed a special guest, someone who we hope becomes a regular, Brittany Alexandra! Brittany knows social, so we really got into the latest and hit on topics such as Clubhouse, how to reinvent yourself on social media, the power of Instagram and its algorithm and best ways to promote podcasts. Also discussed with on-air host and e…

This is a special episode where Jeff and Charlie pull back the curtains and reveal some of the inner workings of your favorite podcast. Thanks to everyone who has helped take us to where we are today, from our first intro announcer, Nichelle, and the creator of our logo, Erin Sweeney. The voice intro you hear now is none other than Maddy Masiello a…

Jeff has been spending more time with Clubhouse, still in private beta, and judging from the conversations and early adopters there, it has a lot of potential. Charlie explores Twitter Analytics and the guys talk about the lure of vanity metrics and what really matters. Finally, Jeff’s son, Trevor, introduced him to Twitch, opening Jeff’s eyes to a…

Topics include Foursquare’s confusing brand announcement; the FIR (For Immediate Release) podcast with Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson; Fred Diamond of the Sales Game Changers podcast; and, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, who Jeff and Charlie interviewed during the early days of Practically Social and is now a candidate for Governor of Maryland.…

Jeff attended the virtual Share of Ear announcement by Edison Research and the guys talked about some of the findings, including stats on Latinx listeners, podcast listenership vs. percentage who use of Twitter, the impact of smart speakers and more. Pre-pandemic, podcast use typically started at 7:15 a.m., and now listeners begin around 8:30 a.m. …

A new report on podcast “super listeners” is out. Jeff and Charlie attended the webinar on the results by Edison Research, Ad Results Media and PodcastOne and shared what they heard, much of it not surprising as podcasting continues with slow but steady advances and is now considered mainstream. Super listeners average 10.5 hours per week (up from …

Jeff visits the M Street studio and is impressed! The guys talk about Clubhouse, Voice Tweets and Twitter’s latest addition that is already stressing out social media managers, Fleets. Charlie delivers the show’s first hardware review, sharing his experience with Zoom for Home’s DTEN ME product. Based on a tip from listener Danita Terry with the Gi…

Jeff and Charlie talk about two new social media platforms, Clubhouse and Parler. One seems promising, the other is alarming. Charlie previews ideas for a new Practically Social series, where thought leaders will share what our next normal might look like.

How long is too long when it comes to social media? Jeff and Charlie talk about news that TikTok might triple the length of its videos and whether its users can devote that much time before they swipe up. Jeff shares a summary of a National Press Club webinar by Robert Udowitz and Steve Drake of RFP Associates, where they covered PR firm blended ho…

Charlie offers another product review, this time the Zoom Q2n, “the fast and easy way to create HD videos with high-impact audio.” The guys talk about QR codes and Charlie comes close to revealing an upcoming QR code promotion for the show. A big day at Podville Media as Marni from Curry Printing delivered the first batch of some great looking swag…

Boeing’s lead 737 MAX crisis spokesman Gordon Johndroe, vice president of global media relations and public affairs, spoke during a PRSA webinar and Jeff shared some of the take-aways, including Gordon’s #1 crisis communications tip: keep calm, get the facts and then proceed with a combination of accuracy and speed. Gordon plays a central role in B…

The 2021 Social Media Trends Report by HubSpot and Talkwalker is out, and while it includes multiple TikTok mentions, two predictions stood out for Jeff. The report says to expect to see a rise in newsletters and podcasts – a return to “old-school marketing” – as brands shift to a simpler way of engaging consumers. Jeff and Charlie talk about the r…

Jeff headed a panel discussion at the #MACsummit on trends in content marketing and it boils down to this: the best content delivers the human side of your brand. No one wants to be sold to. Instead, show authenticity, foster connection and share your purpose. Thanks to co-presenters Kipp Monroe, VE and Executive Creative Director from WHITE64 and …

We need to be on guard against attempts to influence us with messaging trickery, much of it orchestrated from abroad. In this episode, the guys dive into the topic of “Dark PR,” based on a session by that name offered by the National Press Club. Takeaways from the presenters: regulating the algorithms will be key; don’t comment on a topic you know …

Jeff and Charlie have daughters named Isabel, and this episode is dedicated to their contributions! Jeff’s Isabel was the first person to send him the now-viral Ocean Spray TikTok video, and the guys talked about how a fun, in-the-moment share probably outperformed many advertising campaigns. "When we saw Nathan Apodaca's video and the joy it creat…

Jeff recently served on a panel at the National Press Club speaking on the impact of the global pandemic on public relations and he shares what he and his co-presenters discussed. It begins with how you define “PR.” If it’s press releases and publicity, your future doesn’t look that promising. PR professionals need to stay ahead of the curve, using…

True to the show’s title, Jeff and Charlie spend some time sharing their favorite social media shortcuts and tricks, including how to add 100 extra characters to your LinkedIn headline. They offer an update on Voice Tweets (first mentioned in Episode 8), Instagram Reels, Medium as a content hub and more. Jeff brings up the emerging specialty of con…

Charlie talks about what’s new at the M Street studio (hint: a lot!) and the soft launch of a new brand: introducing Podville. Jeff reflects on the Episode 18 TikTok Tammy interview from a PR standpoint: Her long and difficult to remember Twitter handle (@Tammy59039968); how authenticity is rewarded and the time-tested media relations strategy of s…

You’ve seen her smile-inducing and high-energy dance moves on Good Morning America and the Steve Harvey Show, and now she’s our guest for a special episode of Practically Social! Jeff and Charlie interview Tammy Ortery, a 59-year-old high school guidance secretary from Virginia Beach who proves that people respond to positive content, in this case …

The guys talk about the latest Edison Report on podcast listening trends and of course the upcoming interview with TikTok Tammy, who just appeared on Steve Harvey’s show with a surprise appearance by Mufasa (@mufasatweetss on Twitter and @cousinskeether on Instagram). During Episode 15 they talked about Mark Twain and how he might view podcasting, …

In this episode, Jeff finds himself secluded at Bernie & Allison’s house in Rehoboth Beach, DE, the perfect spot to reflect on 2020 and plan for what’s to come. With his days beginning with a walk along the boardwalk and ending with a bike ride on the Gordon’s Pond trail, Delaware’s natural beauty once again performs its magic. Charlie shares stats…

Jeff and Charlie talk about a new Edison Research report on podcast listening time. Jeff brings up a post Charlie had been working on to find a replacement word for “intimate” to describe how a message received via a podcast is different than reading it in print. Charlie says that although he has been using intimate for quite a while, it’s not real…

Jeff participated in a Twitter chat and shared his experience, this one with Julia Angelen Joy’s #PrimeTimePRchat where participants shared thoughts and ideas on diversity and inclusion challenges facing the PR and communications industry, including the woke-washing problem. Charlie talks about a “conversation cluster” by Talkwalker (and shared via…

Jeff and Charlie talk about the early days of Podcast Village, when we shared microphones and worked out of a co-working space in Gaithersburg, Md. Look at us now! A shout-out to long-time friend and an early guest, Garret Ohm, and the risks of being a social media early adopter, including the time we ran a golf charity tournament and gave sleeves …

This episode was recorded minutes after Charlie shared the story of Podcast Village during the Podfest Global Summit. He went on right after Tina Dietz of Twin Flames Studios and global business celebrity and podcast host Jeffrey Hayzlett. Charlie did not disappoint as he shared images from the early days in Gaithersburg, Md. and the path toward to…

Jeff had quite the day on the eve of his vacation (but isn’t showing it as the show must go on!); Charlie talks about the democratization of content and gives a shout-out to Anne Pasmanick, host and creator of Power Station. They also talk about Patton Oswalt tweets.

We talk about new music seekers and how video games play a role. Jeff geeks out on PR measurement and the guys learn about a compliment from a Practically Social fan.

Charlie shares new datasets from Edison Research’s Share of Ear® data showing Americans are spending less of their total listening time with YouTube in 2020. Americans now spend 9% of their audio listening time on sources such as YouTube where it’s down from 11% in 2018. Maybe Spotify is taking some of that share? Jeff notes that Facebook’s desktop…

The new Latino Podcast Listener Report is out and Charlie shares stats. “On average, Latinos listen to an astounding 44 more minutes of audio per day than the general population,” according to Gabriel Soto, Manager of Research at Edison Research. Jeff predicts Twitter’s new Voice Tweets will catch on, beginning with the media, but he’s not so optim…

Impressionist, comedian, influencer and podcast host Andrea Lopez joins Jeff and Charlie to talk TikTok. Cosmopolitan magazine featured Andrea as one of “14 TikTok Creators to Follow,” and in just three months she has 278,000 followers and climbing, attracting media attention and more. Jeff talks about TikTok’s role in the Juneteenth weekend politi…

Charlie made history this week when he joined Edison Research’s first Ask Me Anything on Digital Audio webinar! Top podcast findings were shared, along with a shout out to Tom Webster. Jeff talked about another PRSA Maryland webinar, this one on “The Role of PR in Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” moderated by executive coaches and senior …

Charlie shares the story about sending coffee cakes to business associates and co-workers at Podcast Village. And the range of surprising reactions such a well-meaning gesture elicits! Jeff has been on the webinar circuit, this time speaking on crisis communications as part of PRSA Maryland’s weekly chat series. Plus a shout-out to Trevor Davis and…

Charlie continues to be busy with virtual meetings and shares his recent experience with Tien Wong’s CONNECTpreneur event. The guys talk about Edison Infinite Dial Research that shows a rise in desktop and laptop use by podcast listeners and an increase in home- and self-improvement podcast topics. Commercial real estate companies discuss communica…