On Message: Recent Episodes
McLeod Communications
A weekly podcast by McLeod Communications, bringing you communication tips for leaders, insights from the public relations industry, and the best stories in PR and communications.
Join Chad this week as he talks political mailers, controversial remarks by Six Flags' CEO, the Capri Sun recall and more.
Join Chad as he talks PR problems vs. true disasters, plus how some crisis communications tips of old don't apply in today's world.
Join us for this week's episode of On Message, as we discuss the Will Smith/Chris Rock incident and what communicators can learn from everything that's happened so far.
On this episode of On Message, we're talking PR and communications takeaways from the Supreme Court confirmation hearings — as well as the recent controversy at Disney over the CEO's approach to taking a public position on political issues.
As Russia invades Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky is proving to be a powerful and persuasive communicator, strengthening his ability to ability to lead in a time of crisis. We discuss the lessons Zelensky offers for leaders and communicators everywhere.
Is there much of a difference when it comes to PR vs. marketing? Plus our thoughts on the Super Bowl ads, the half-time show and more!
While the companies and personalities are different, these types of situations are happening a lot these days. How can your organization prepare before you're in the middle of it, and how should you approach apologies?
How are Carhartt's leaders messaging their decision to stick by their employee vaccine mandate — and will this affect their standing with consumers?
What will it take for the CDC and public health voices to deliver clear and consistent messages about COVID?
Challenging Conventional PR Wisdom: Special Guest Arthur Solomon by McLeod Communications
Don’t Overcook the Grits: Conversation with Crisis Expert Jeff Hahn by McLeod Communications
On this episode of On Message, we chat with Brian Butler, president and CEO of Tampa-based Vistra Communications.
—The leadership lessons from the Army that have helped him build a successful PR firm —Why he decided to write a personal op-ed about race relations and his own experiences as a Black man in the U.S —His thoughts on the future of the PR and communications industry
On tap for discussion this week: Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks' national anthem controversy, University of Florida football coach's PR miscues, messaging failures over the power outages in Texas, and White House Press Secretary Jenn Psaki's recent briefings.
PR aftermath of Super Bowl Ads, Robinhood (Historical Society) by McLeod Communications
When PR and politics mix: Dr. Birx on Face the Nation + Jen Psaki's debut as WH press secretary by McLeod Communications
Topics this week: PR takeaways from the Inauguration speeches, science and the need for better communication, the CIA's new look
Topics this week: U.S. Space Force, COVID vaccine rollout, Capitol Hill Police communications, Chuck Norris
From Joel Osteen to the Cleveland Indians – Our final epsidode of 2020 by McLeod Communications
On the pod this week:
—What went wrong with the 2020 election polling —Jet Blue looks for help from ad agencies —Controversy at Arlington National Cemetery —Confusion over the term "public relations"
On the pod this week:
—The presidential election results —Why the polls got it wrong again —Gap and other brands wade into the election results
Join us for a special Election Day episode as we talk predictions for the presidential election and the candidates and their campaign messaging efforts over the past few weeks. Plus we discuss the Girl Scouts social media kerfuffle over Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
On the pod this week: We're talking Perdue Chicken and their response to calls for a boycott of their products after being mistakenly associated with U.S. Senator David Perdue.
On the pod this week: Joe talks social media and Instagram strategy with Karen Sorenson from Global Results Communications.
–Why you shouldn't try to be on every social media platform -Using social media to improve customer service -The pitfalls of having outdated accounts without current content -Strategies for Instagram success
After reports last week that Tesla has ditched its PR department, we discuss whether companies still public relations in today's media environment.
Did the White House muddle its message about President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis? Is it ever a good idea to go "off the record" with a reporter? We discuss the PR takeaways on this week's episode.
On this week's episode of On Message, we're talking Bumble Bee's response to President's Trump's mention of their brand. Plus political communications strategies surrounding Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination for the Supreme Court and the presidential debate on Tuesday.
On this episode of On Message, we talk about what organizations should do when their issue or cause is hijacked by a group with different motives.
Looking at the recent reversal on mask-wearing by U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, we tackle the question, "How can leaders communicate effectively when they change their mind on an important topic?"
We're back for more on our discussion about how companies should handle non-COVID-related messages right now. Special guest Lora Wilson of Global Results Communications joins us for this episode.
On this week's episode: How should leaders and organizations approach announcements and news that's unrelated to COVID-19 or other high-profile national events? Plus we discuss the Facebook boycott by companies such as Starbucks and Verizon.
On this week's episode, we're sharing tips for how nonprofits can effectively communicate their message and mission in our current climate.
[0:00] - Who needs a billboard?
[7:20] - What nonprofits should be doing right now
[10:40] - Communicating your mission as a nonprofit
[13:12] - Nonprofits’ work in the current climate of protests and civil unrest
[14:24] - How to ask for support and donations right now
[18:07] - Wendy’s under fire over franchisee’s political contributions
Welcome to the first episode of On Message (formerly PR & Politics).
[0:00] - Why we're rebranding
[2:54] - What On Message means
[5:40] - A new normal
[11:25] - Why you should reassess your communications efforts
[14:00] - One thing leaders should be doing now
[18:24] - Getting fired up about PR research
[19:50] - Story: Dow Chemical pond
On the pod this week:
--Communication lessons from Dr. Fauci --The YMCA launches a new campaign, Stay with Us --Challenges for Joe Biden and other candidates on the campaign trail
111: #GreatAmericanTakeout, National Cowboy Museum, Campaigns & Coronavirus by McLeod Communications
On the pod this week: COVID-19
--How leaders can communicate effectively during the COVID-19 crisis --Tips and strategies for internal communications --The effect of the pandemic on political campaigns
109: Communicating the Coronavirus + Special Guest Gerard Braud by McLeod Communications
On the pod this week:
-J.M. Smucker Company teams up with Giphy to settle gif/jif pronunciation debate.
-Challenges for government agencies when communicating about the coronavirus
--Takeaways from the Democratic debate in South Carolina
--Interview with Anne Milo Shanahan of Global Results Communications about reaching Millenials and Gen Z.
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On the pod this week:
--Lessons for communicators from the Democratic debate this week in Nevada
--Mike Bloomberg's campaign continues to build its digital presence, but will it be enough?
--The Houston Astros' attempt at an apology for their cheating scandal isn't going over well in the baseball world.
On the pod this week:
-Wendy's rolls out its new breakfast menu by trolling competitor McDonald's.
-The cruise industry struggles with PR problems from the coronavirus.
-Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg is pouring millions of dollars and hiring thousands of staffers to try and pull off an upset on Super Tuesday.
On the pod this week:
-The Iowa Democratic Party and their struggle to respond to the botched caucus results
-Trump's State of the Union Address
-The impeachment trial and Mitt Romney's vote against the president
-Best of the Super Bowl Ads
On the pod this week:
-The coronavirus and the communication challenges for the CDC, World Health Organization and others
-The spike in "avocado-hand" injuries and ER visits on Super Bowl Sunday
-Reaction to the new U.S. Space Force logo that was released last week
-An army general stumbles on Twitter when talking about the death of Kobe Bryant
For our 100th episode, Joe interviews Chad about his successful campaign for Lakeland City Commissioner. — What motivated him to run for office? — What were some of the biggest surprises of the campaign? — How did he handle criticism? — What PR lessons can we learn from the campaign?
97: Peloton, Campaign 2020, Interview with Casey Bush of Global Results Communications by McLeod Communications
On this week's episode: how a tweet about China has caused problems for the NBA. Plus we're interviewing the founder and editor of lkldnow.com, Barry Friedman.
95: 18th Anniversary of 9/11, Andrew Yang's Debate Prep, Dem Debates by McLeod Communications
On the pod this week: We're talking Hurrican Dorian and emergency communications, Google's new policy on political discussions, and updates on the 2020 race for the White House.
92: On the pod this week: We're chatting with Lora Wilson of Global Results Communications about how technology has changed and will change the PR industry — and what that means for organizations today.
On the pod this week: Is it worth it for politicians to use profanity in interviews? Plus Lance Armstrong's viral tweet and a recap of the last Democratic debate.
For the 90th episode of the podcast, we're on location at the Florida Public Relations Association Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida. Guests include FPRA President Gordon Paulus, Dr. Mitchell Marovitz and PR pro Buffy Lokette.
On the pod this week: We're chatting with cross-cultural communications expert Wilson Camelo of Camelo Communication on what organizations should keep in mind when communicating with Hispanic and other diverse audiences.
On the pod this week: We chat with PR Daily Editor Ted Kitterman about Boeing and rumors of a name change for its 737 Max. Plus our thoughts on Joe Biden bringing in a new debate coach and lessons brands can learn from the #FaceAppChallenge.
On the pod this week: Breaking down the 2nd night of the Democratic debates, plus PR insights from the recent controversies at Nike and Starbucks.
On the pod this week: Takeaways from the first Democratic Debate, PR lessons from the Wayfair Walkout, and U.S. Women's Soccer player Megan Rapinoe's comments about visiting the White House.
On the pod this week: We're talking President Trump's re-election campaign kick-off in Orlando, Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale's digital media background, Boeing and more.
On the pod this week: We're chatting with the editor of PR News, Seth Arenstein. Plus we discuss the President Trump's upcoming rally in Orlando and the departure of White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.
On the pod this week: A look back at the D-Day landings and how leaders communicated in 1944, plus we discuss the latest on the upcoming presidential debates and President Trump's visit to McLean Bible Church in Virginia.
On the pod this week: We're chatting with the producers and writers of LALtoday, plus we're talking the latest news on the first Democratic presidential debate.
On the pod this week: A coffee cup appearance in Game of Thrones, Boeing's continued struggles with crisis communications, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio's rocky presidential rollout
On the pod this week: We're talking about University of South Florida's decision to ditch its new logo, plus we chat with Major League Soccer's PR representative Gabriel Gabor.
On the pod this week: The crisis in Venezuela and the powerful images coming from that country this week, the latest on the 2020 presidential campaign, and the Topeka Zoo's tiger crisis
On the pod this week: We're interviewing PR pro Martin Waxman to discuss the artificial intelligence and the future of the PR industry.
On the pod this week: PR lessons from the Notre Dame Cathedral fire, Tiger Wood's comeback at the Master's, Pete Buttigieg on the rise, and much more.
On the pod this week: Our first reporter to come on PR & Politics, Stephanie Claytor with Spectrum Bay News 9 shares insights into today's newsroom, tips for PR pros trying to pitch stories, how she got started in the media industry and much more.
On the pod this week: The McPickle burger and other April Fool's Day ads, Joe Biden's recent struggles, social media advertising in the 2020 election, and the debate over whether the Oxford comma is necessary.
On the pod this week: Guest interview with Valerie Christopherson, the founder and CEO of Global Results Communications.
On the pod this week: Why did it take Boeing a week for the CEO to release a statement about the 737 MAX? Plus we talk about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her response to the mass shooting, the media's obsession with Beto O'Rourke, and South Bend Mayor and Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg's messaging strategy.
On the pod this week: -YouTube Kids and the struggle to reassure parents that videos on the platform are safe -Outbreaks of the measles and the need for a PR campaign about vaccine safety -Nike's #shoegate -JetBlue's Black History Month display that caused an uproar -Joe Biden's likely presidential run
On the pod this week: Amazon's decision to back out of New York, Coors Light's #ToastToFarmers campaign, and the Florida student who was arrested after the pledge incident. Plus we chat with PR News Editor Melissa Hoffmann about BuzzFeed's layoff debacle.
On the pod this week: The best of the Super Bowl ads, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's political crisis and President Trump's State of the Union address.
On the pod this week: We're talking with the editor of PR Daily, Ted Kitterman, about Gillette's controversial ad and the PR lessons for other organizations. Plus we discuss Covington Catholic High School's response to a viral video and the social media presence of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
On the pod for this first episode of 2019, we're talking about Johnson & Johnson's campaign to attempt to show their talc powder has always been safe, an off-message tweet from U.S. Strategic Command, Beto O'Rourke's social media strategy and more.
On the pod this week: The latest with the Mueller investigation, Ivanka Trump's interview with ABC's Deborah Roberts, the data breach at Marriott and more.
On the pod this week: Facebook cuts ties with PR firm, ethics in the PR industry, plus we interview the editor of PRWeek, Steve Barrett, to discuss the role of today's media in public relations.
On the pod this week: We're discussing the meaning of the midterm election results, American Airlines' new policy on passengers with nut allergies, and Ryanair's Twitter defense. Plus we chat with PR professional John David about the best ways to protect your digital reputation.
Google Walkout - 3:40 Google employees stage a walkout to protest the company's handling of sexual harassment claims. What are the lessons for internal communications?
PR for Saudi Arabia - 10:27 There are reports that the Saudi government is mounting a PR campaign to try to improve its image with U.S. lawmakers. What are the implications of doing PR work for a country that is involved in a controversy?
Trump's Border and Immigration Messaging - 18:40 The Trump team is using the immigration debate and his immigration policies as a major theme heading into the midterms. Is this a smart strategy?
Midterm Election Predictions - 25:57 Joe and Chad give their predictions for Tuesday's elections.
On the pod this week: We discuss the messaging around the midterm elections, the Florida governor's debate, the president's response to the mail bombs and more
2:25 - Countdown to the midterms 5:20 - Florida governor's debate 11:53 - Migrant caravan 18:39 - President Trump's response to the mail bombs 26:32 - Disney and dead people
On the pod this week: The U.S. takes the top spot as the world's most competitive economy, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) releases the results of her DNA test showing Native American ancestry. Plus we're chatting with crisis communications expert Gerard Braud.
3:00 — The U.S is named the most competitive economy by the World Economic Forum 7:00 — Sen. Warren's decision to take a DNA test to show Native American ancestry 15:13 — The optics in a crisis: Crisis communications expert Gerard Braud shares some of the most important things organizations should be doing when in a crisis
On the pod this week: We're talking Kanye West's Oval Office speech, Taylor Swift's political endorsements, Google Plus shutting down and President Trump's op-ed piece in USA Today.
Kanye West - 1:05 Taylor Swift - 8:04 Google Plus - 12:40 President Trump's Op-Ed - 17:40
On the pod this week: We interview Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd about his new podcast, Not In My County. Plus we discuss social media lessons from the tweet by a dean at Catholic University. We end with our thoughts on the upcoming midterm elections and the potential for Democrats or Republicans to win big.
2:38 - Interview with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd 16:40 - Public Relations in Law Enforcement 23:43 - Catholic University Responds to a Dean's Controversial Tweet 34:48 - Will We See a Red or Blue Wave in November?
On the pod this week: What to make of the Ford-Kavanaugh hearings on Thursday, lessons and laughter from President Trump's speech to the U.N. General Assembly, and our thoughts on Dunkin' Donuts dropping 'Donuts' from its name.
On the pod this week: We're discussing the latest with Judge Kavanaugh's nomination, the leaked emails from Google, and whether silence can be an effective PR strategy. Plus we interview the author of Spin Sucks, Gini Dietrich.
On the pod this week: We discuss the 17th anniversary of Sept. 11 and a new campaign – Tariffs Hurt the Heartland – that hopes to influence the president on tariffs. Plus we chat with PR and communications expert Deirdre Breakenridge, author of the new book Answers for Modern Communicators.
On the pod this week: We're discussing Nike's Just Do It ad featuring Colin Kaepernick, the anonymous op-ed from a White House official, the Supreme Court nomination hearings for Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Plus we interview Toyota Marketing Manager and PR pro Javier Moreno.
On the pod this week: The White House's statements about Sen. McCain's death, Trump accuses Google of censorship, plus our interview with Florida politico Kevin Doyle to break down the primary election results
On the pod this week: Why Urban Meyer's statement fell flat, the Pope's slow response to the sexual abuse scandal in Pennsylvania, an interview with a Florida political communications expert to discuss next week's primary
On the pod this week: The #FreePress movement started by the Boston Globe plus an interview with storytelling expert and speech coach Mike Ganino.
On this week's episode, we're discussing Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer, Google's secret project to develop a search engine in China, President Trump's plans for a space force and more.
On the pod this week: #lipsyncchallenge among police departments, Eric Church's criticism of the NRA, House Democrats new slogan, and the soccer ball Vladimir Putin gave President Trump.
Does Elon Musk need PR help? We're discussing his recent comments on Twitter, along with President Trump's crazy week after meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Build-A-Bear apologizes after its promotion gone wrong. The founder of Papa John's steps down as chairman of the board after using a racial slur. A candidate from Texas is running, literally, to unseat Senator Ted Cruz.
On the pod this week: We're discussing #boycottWalMart, the Supreme Court justice selection, the Florida's governor's race and more. Be sure to listen to the end for our July 4th trivia!
On the pod this week: What can communicators learn from the Red Hen incident, plus discussions on Justice Kennedy's retirement, the Trump administration's travel ban, trade wars and more.
On the pod this week: The Trump administration's handling of separating families at the border, plus Burger King's bizarre ad for the World Cup
On the pod this week: IHOP changes its name, Trump meets with the president of North Korea, the future of the GOP, Twitter and Chick-fil-A and more.