Best USC Annenberg Podcasts (2024)

1
Payal Shah's Evolution: From Product Technologist to Digital Eco-Warrior and Sustainable Business Innovator 24:12

21h ago24:12

24:12

Imagine transforming from a product technologist to an eco-warrior in the world of digital entrepreneurship. Payal Shah, the trailblazing founder of Good 4 Earth, shares her captivating transition and the revolutionary steps she's taken from advising giants like Coca-Cola and Warner Brothers to leading sustainable change through her ed-tech and HR-…

1
Narek Vardanyan's Odyssey: Cultivating Resilience and Revolutionizing Product Launches on Prelaunch.com 28:24

1d ago28:24

28:24

Embark on an enthralling voyage with us as Narek Vardanyan, the CEO of Prelaunch.com, shares his personal narrative of cultural transition and entrepreneurial conquest. From the early setbacks of his initial crowdfunding efforts to the triumphs of his current venture, Narek's story is a testimony to the resilience and adaptability necessary for suc…

1
Thomas Helfrich's Blueprint for Conquering Digital Branding and Mastering LinkedIn Mastery 57:46

8d ago57:46

57:46

Ever felt like the corporate 9-to-5 just isn't cutting it for your ambitious spirit? Tune in as I chat with the indomitable Thomas Helfrich, who shares his voyage from the corporate world to the land of entrepreneurship. Discover how he built a digital brand that not only stands out but speaks volumes to those who matter in his professional circle.…

1
Jennifer Reitman's Media Odyssey: From Dame Magazine's Roots to Independent Media's Horizon 41:50

16d ago41:50

41:50

When Jennifer Reitman reminisces about her father's legacy at Brides Magazine and Publisher's Clearinghouse, it's like opening a time capsule of media history that echoes through her own career trajectory. From the inception of Dame Magazine, which faced the onslaught of the 2008 financial crash, to its metamorphosis into a digital powerhouse, Jenn…

1
Ron Skotarczak’s Secrets to Crafting Sales Stories That Resonate 34:49

23d ago34:49

34:49

Discover the transformative power of storytelling in sales with Ron Skotarczak, the EVP and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Madison Square Garden Entertainment Company. He's not just a top executive; Ron is a maestro of personal connections and narrative who knows that the key to unlocking success in sales goes beyond pushing products—it's abo…

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

28d 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
Envisioning Success Beyond Profits with Legacy Architect Natalie Byrne 15:31

30d ago15:31

15:31

Discover the transformative power of authentic legacy and its undeniable imprint on business success with Natalie Byrne, the visionary from Blank Space, an impact strategy powerhouse at the nexus of culture, impact, and capital. As we unravel their journey from journalism to impact strategy, you're promised insights into the artistry of storytellin…

1
David Freeman on the Art of the CAA's Talent Acquisition and Digital Strategies 34:00

1M ago34:00

34:00

Prepare to get a front-row seat to the digital transformation revolution with the masterminds at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). As we unravel the intricacies of talent acquisition in the era of influencers and gamers, our guest from CAA shares how personal branding and networking are key in an industry that's constantly seeking the next big thing. …

1
Navigating the Podcasting Revolution: Anika Jackson's Insider Guide to Industry Shifts, AI Integration, and Authentic Growth 57:33

1M ago57:33

57:33

Embark on an audio odyssey where we unravel the podcasting phenomenon alongside Anika Jackson, a VP at Full Capacity Marketing and podcast pro. Our conversation paints a vivid picture of the industry's seismic shifts, putting into perspective the sheer number of weekly podcast aficionados outstripping Netflix subscribers! Anika's transition from ra…

1
Leonora Zilkha Williamson on Crafting a Career That Echoes Beyond the Boardroom 31:18

2M ago31:18

31:18

When Leonora Zilkha Williamson, founder and CEO of Platinum Rule Advisors, and lecturer at Vanderbilt University, speaks, you can't help but be drawn into her world—a tapestry where the vibrant threads of business, media, and the human spirit intertwine. Our latest conversation with this Vanderbilt sage takes you from the halls of liberal arts to t…

1
Mastering Digital Influence: AJ Kumar's Playbook for Viral Success 1:09:30

2M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Unlock the full potential of your online influence with insights from digital marketing maestro AJ Kumar of The Limitless Company, as he recounts his transformative journey from sales to thought leadership. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies and stories, including AJ's role in catapulting the likes of Kimberly Snyder and Neil Patel to d…

1
From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Steve Gatena's Transformational Journey in Media and Personal Growth 50:14

2M ago50:14

50:14

When collegiate athlete turned media mogul Steve Gatena stepped onto our digital stage, he brought with him a treasure trove of insights bridging the world of personal growth and digital innovation. Founder of Pray.com, Steve's journey is anything but ordinary, as he narrates his transition from the football field of USC to the high-stakes game of …

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

3M 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
Bridging the Digital Divide: Cortney Woodruff on Assemble and the Future of Networking 37:52

3M ago37:52

37:52

Have you ever stumbled across a story so compelling, it inspired you to rethink your own path? That's precisely what happened when I sat down with tech entrepreneur Cortney Woodruff. He walked us through his conception of Assemble, a groundbreaking online platform earmarked to democratize the digital landscape. Rooted in his own challenges of being…

1
Welcome to Mediascape! 0:32

3M ago0:32

0:32

Welcome to MEDIASCAPE: Insights from Digital Changemakers; a speaker series and podcast brought to you by USC Annenberg's MS in Digital Media Management Program. Join us as we unlock the secrets to success in an increasingly digital world. Learn more about the Online Masters of Science in Digital Media Management by visiting https://annenberg.onlin…

1
6. Active Listening for Conflict Resolution - A Talk With Peter Novak (Strictly Speaking Group) 32:08

4M ago32:08

32:08

Listen, and learn about Active Listening for Conflict Resolution in this talk with our guest Peter Novak, CEO and Founder of Strictly Speaking Group: better communicators build better companies. In this Help To Grow Talk Episode, Peter Novak talks about how you can you use the technique of active listening for conflict resolution. Links Company: St…

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

5M 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
5. How To Be More Convincing And Be Heard - A Talk With Chris Lipp (SpeakValue) 23:38

5M ago23:38

23:38

Listen and learn how to be more convincing and be heard in this talk with our guest, Chris Lipp, based on his book 'Magnetic: How Great Leaders Persuade and Inspire' co-authored with Antoine De Morree. He is also the author of the book The Startup Pitch: A Proven Formula to Win Funding. Chris is writing his third book on communication and empowerme…

1
4. Storytelling & Vocal Justice - A Talk With Shawon Jackson (Stanford GSB & Vocal Justice) 30:58

8M ago30:58

30:58

Listen, and learn about Storytelling & Vocal Justice in this talk with our guest Shawon Jackson, Adjunct Lecturer in Management at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and Founder & CEO at Vocal Justice. In this episode about Sortytelling & Vocal Justice, we cover the following topics: the what and why of storytelling, and its different …

1
3. The Art Of Pitching To Investors - A Talk With Burt Alper (Stanford GSB) 43:09

9M ago43:09

43:09

Listen, and learn about the Art of Pitching to Investors in this talk with our guest Burt Alper, Lecturer in Management at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and Founder of Burt Alper Consulting. We talk about pitching frameworks - AIM (Audience, Intent, Message) and CUE (Curiosity, Understanding, Excitement); making your pitch memorab…

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

12M 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
PR & Its Role in Mental Health Support 40:04

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

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

1y 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

1y 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
2. Communicate With Mastery - A Talk With JD Schramm (USC Annenberg) 18:53

1y ago18:53

18:53

Learn how to make your words count every time you write or speak in this talk with JD Schramm, Lecturer at USC Annenberg and a Keynote Speaker, Communication Consultant, Coach & Author. We talk about his book Communicate with Mastery. You never have a perfect call, talk, or email, but the goal in communication is: to get better and better. Links Li…

1
1. What? So What? Now What? - A Talk With Matt Abrahams (Stanford GSB) 23:04

1+ y ago23:04

23:04

Listen, and learn how to overcome your speaking anxiety in this talk with our guest Matt Abrahams, Lecturer at Stanford University Graduate School of Business & Podcast Host of Think Fast Talk Smart. We talk about speaking anxiety sources & solutions, presentation structure: What? - So What? - Now What?, techniques to handle the fear of forgetting,…

1
The Future of Corporate Activism 48:13

2y ago48:13

48:13

As a bookend to our third season of episodes, we are presenting a replay of our Kenneth Owler Smith Symposium on Public Relations, held at USC Annenberg, on the topic of “The Future of Corporate Activism.” The panel was moderated by our Dean, Willow Bay, and featured leaders from companies that are actively engaged in communicating about and suppor…

1
Building With Purpose: Elyse Cohen of Rare Beauty 29:26

2+ y ago29:26

29:26

Inspired by Selena Gomez’s own mental health journey, Rare Beauty was built with a focus on mental health as the heart of its brand. When Rare Beauty was launched in September 2020, its commitment to truly making a difference through de-stigmatizing mental illness and spreading resources and self-love through their products and programs was evident…

1
Combating Media Bias with Vanessa Otero of Ad Fontes Media 32:46

2+ y ago32:46

32:46

In 2016, patent attorney Vanessa Otero posted a chart on the web. It was a simple graphic, rating the bias of news sources. And it went absolutely viral. This chart was the first of many iterations of the Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart, a map that helps news consumers, educators and communications pros navigate the complexities of today’s media landsca…

1
Brand Purpose Best Practices with Burghardt Tenderich and Julia Kiefaber 34:23

2+ y ago34:23

34:23

Creating a truly purpose-driven communications campaign is a nuanced and laborious process — one that has become increasingly crucial in the world of public relations. In an era where brands are expected to be a part of social change efforts and use their influence for good, it is essential that companies have a road map for creating authentic camp…

1
Season 2 Wrap-Up: Fred Cook on Politics, Polarization and Purpose 36:52

2+ y ago36:52

36:52

This past year and a half has been nothing short of historic. As we’ve chronicled momentous events in real time through a communications lens this season, our guests have provided invaluable insight into effectively addressing some of the most prominent social issues of today. Change, especially large-scale social change, is never easy. But through…

1
Truth Decay: Discussing Disinformation, Polarization and Data with Jennifer Kavanagh 26:36

3y ago26:36

26:36

Political scientist Jennifer Kavanagh believes that there’s more behind polarization than just the existence of opposite perspectives. In 2018, she published a report with RAND CEO Michael D. Rich that proposes a framework for understanding one of the deeper issues behind the division in our country: truth decay. In a nutshell, the phrase “truth de…

1
High Conflict: Understanding Polarization with Bestselling Author Amanda Ripley 39:39

3y ago39:39

39:39

In her book “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out,” journalist and author Amanda Ripley introduces the framework that there are two types of conflict: high conflict and good conflict. In America, Ripley believes that we are stuck in a vicious cycle of high conflict — one that is destructive and unproductive. But as Ripley tells us, …

1
Dinner Discussions and Democracy: Breaking Through Polarization with Philippa Hughes 34:09

3y ago34:09

34:09

From cooking red and blue spaghetti while hosting Democrats and Republicans around her dining room table to leading dinner events with hundreds of people from diverse political viewpoints in communities across the nation, social sculptor Philippa Hughes has been entrenched in the polarization issues that plague our country, and intent on solving th…

1
The Polarization Problem: Media Perspectives on Bridging the Divide with Christina Bellantoni 30:05

3y ago30:05

30:05

While it seems like people with different political ideologies can’t agree on anything these days, one thing we can all agree on is that our nation is polarized; perhaps like it never has been before. As we enter into a new political era with messaging focused on reaching across the divide and restoring a sense of unity, we talked with Christina Be…

1
A Conversation with NextGen PR Practitioners 29:36

3y ago29:36

29:36

The Gen Z and Millennial audience is often an enigma; to seasoned PR practitioners, their obsession with TikTok videos clocking in at 60 seconds or less, the ever-evolving Instagram culture and their use of various media channels as catalysts for change — such as during the Black Lives Matter movement — can be hard to puzzle through. This week, we …

1
Inauguration Special: Communicating in the Divided States of America 17:30

3+ y ago17:30

17:30

As we inaugurate a new president amidst a pandemic and civil unrest, new data from the 2021 Global Communication Survey gives us valuable insight into what this next year may hold. In this episode, our guest Dr. Ulrike Gretzel, senior research fellow at the USC Center for Public Relations, discusses the preliminary findings with Fred, exploring the…

1
The Time is Now: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2021 35:53

3+ y ago35:53

35:53

This year, we’ve not only experienced a pandemic that continues to upend our lives, but the resurgence of a powerful racial justice movement that has reminded us all that it is time for change. It is time for equality. It is time to put in the work across our industry and many others to dismantle white supremacy and systemic racism, and establish a…

1
Live Entertainment and Experiences: What Brands Need to Know in 2021 41:47

3+ y ago41:47

41:47

2020 is unlike any year we’ve experienced in our lifetimes; arguably, the only constant has been change. As PR professionals, we’re well-equipped to deal with crises. But in the time of COVID-19, we’ve grappled with entirely new kinds of challenges: closures of entire business sectors, fluctuating reopening guidelines and an entirely new definition…

1
Melissa Waggener Zorkin on Finding your Purpose — And Leading With It 23:47

3+ y ago23:47

23:47

Fulfillment and purpose: two things that we all search for throughout our lives, and maybe have been thinking more about lately in our new normal. And two things that Global CEO and Founder of WE Communications Melissa Waggener Zorkin thinks about constantly. Leading with purpose and fulfillment in mind, Melissa and her agency have built strong, au…

1
Season 1 Wrap-Up: Fred Cook on New Activism 27:08

3+ y ago27:08

27:08

In this special season finale episode, our host Fred Cook puts on his professor cap to bring together everything we’ve learned from prominent activists and communications pros in our debut season of #PRFuture, in the context of the research that started it all: the 2020 Global Communication Report. In our research, we found that “New Activism” requ…

1
Carolyn DeWitt on Rock the Vote's Brand Partnerships for Civic Engagement 29:35

3+ y ago29:35

29:35

As we near November, the 2020 presidential election is on everyone’s minds. Dubbed the fight for the “soul of America,” it’s also the first presidential election to take place during a pandemic. With a pandemic election comes a variety of obstacles to the voting process, which means voting rights organization Rock the Vote is working overtime to pr…

1
Christopher Miller on Ben and Jerry’s Flavor for Activism 30:05

3+ y ago30:05

30:05

Ben and Jerry’s has always been known for serving delicious ice cream with extra scoops of peace, love and justice. Social mission has always been an integral part of the company’s day-to-day operations — so much so that Ben and Jerry’s has their own in-house activism department. Christopher Miller is the head of this activism team. A few months ag…

1
USC Annenberg School's Henry Jenkins and Robert Kozinets on Fan Activism 35:22

3+ y ago35:22

35:22

From Star Trek to K-pop, fan culture is everywhere — and as USC Professors Henry Jenkins and Robert Kozinets say, so is fan activism. This week, we’re taking a more theoretical approach to New Activism, exploring the roots of activism in fandom, and how corporate fans — also known as invested consumers — can help companies improve their corporate s…

1
Kelly McGinnis on Employee Activism and Earning Profits Through Principles at Levi’s 32:09

3+ y ago32:09

32:09

Corporate activism has long been sewn into the fabric of Levi Strauss and Company, and over the past seven years, senior vice president and chief communications officer Kelly McGinnis has continued to uphold Levi Strauss’ reputation as a pioneer in tackling social issues. Bringing her background in social work to the table, Kelly has continued to s…

1
Damon Jones on CSR in the Age of New Activism: How P&G is Changing the Tide 30:53

4y ago30:53

30:53

Damon Jones has been challenging gender stereotypes, promoting sustainability and fighting for racial equality for the past 23 years through his work at Procter and Gamble. Since being promoted to P&G's chief communications officer at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Damon has continued to foster important discussions within P&G’s audiences and…

1
April Reign on #OscarsSoWhite, Racial Justice and Social Media Activism 32:57

4y ago32:57

32:57

As she watched the Oscars from her living room, attorney April Reign tweeted a single hashtag that would change the conversation around diversity and inclusion in Hollywood forever. #OscarsSoWhite started a movement that led her to devote her life to activism, working to amplify traditionally underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry. I…

1
Jamie Margolin on Leading Youth to Power: PR and Activism in Zero Hour 19:25

4y ago19:25

19:25

At age 15, Colombian-American activist Jamie Margolin organized the Zero Hour Youth Climate March, a youth-led demonstration urging those in power to take concrete measures against climate change. Using traditional PR tactics and leveraging the power of social media, Jamie and her team turned their initial march into a global movement that has more…

1
March For Our Lives (Part II): Brendan Duff on Sparking a National Movement, PR and Youth Activism 20:38

4y ago20:38

20:38

March for Our Lives began in a small town in Florida, but its student organizers went on to spearhead the largest single-day protest against gun violence in U.S. history. The organization registered over 50,000 new voters and spurred the highest percentage of youth voter turnout ever in the 2018 midterm elections. In part two of our interview with …

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