What's the Big Idea?: Recent Episodes
Abel Communications
This is "What's the Big Idea?" from Abel Communications, a podcast about ideas: where they come from, what they have the power to achieve, and why some ideas catch on while others falter.
Public Relations expert and founder of Abel Communications, Greg Abel, is joined by business leaders, innovators and other communications professionals to explore the big ideas that are shaping successful businesses and helping them stand out.
From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by Funlayo Alabi, chief executive officer and co-founder of Shea Radiance. Funlayo takes Greg through her journey in founding her company and its mission to support the women-run cooperatives in Africa from whom they source their shea butter. For Funlayo, Shea Radiance is more than just a beauty brand––it’s an opportunity to empower women in meaningful ways from self-care to financial independence.
Funlayo Alabi (LinkedIn)
Shea Radiance
Instagram: @shearadiance
Facebook: @shearadiance
Twitter: @shearadiance
What’s the Big Idea is an Abel Communications production.
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher.
Outro music produced by Alec Abel.
From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by Emily Taylor, AuD., FAAA, a.k.a. “Dr. Earwax” on TikTok, where she’s amassed over one million followers with her wax and molds videos. Greg and Dr. Taylor discuss her journey from deciding to pursue audiology to becoming a TikTok sensation and how she’s using her work and platform to educate people all over the world on hearing health. Dr. Taylor shares the trials and errors that came along with creating her channel and offers advice for others looking to gain a following on social media.
Emily Taylor (LinkedIn)
TikTok: @dr_ear_wax
Instagram: @dr_ear_wax
Taylor Listening Center
What’s the Big Idea is an Abel Communications production
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher
Outro music produced by Alec Abel
From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by Dr. Shanaysha Sauls, CEO of the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF). The two explore the idea of a community foundation and the main issues that BCF tackles including public education, neighborhood safety, and the digital divide. Dr. Sauls examines the power of collaboration and how BCF’s partnership with the Baltimore philanthropic community during the pandemic allowed them to streamline resources and efforts across the Baltimore region. In Dr. Sauls’ words, we can only be as successful as the place where we reside.
Baltimore Community Foundation
What’s the Big Idea is an Abel Communications production.
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher.
Outro music produced by Alec Abel.
From Abel Communications, this is What’s the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by Jonathan Reisman, M.D., author of “The Unseen Body: A Doctor’s Journey Through the Hidden Wonders of Human Anatomy.” The two explore how Dr. Reisman’s travels and perpetual curiosity uncovered unexpected connections between the natural world and the human body. Dr. Reisman shares how he was inspired to write his book and his experience diving into the world of public relations to help promote it.
Dr. Jonathan Reisman (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter): @jonreismanmd
“The Unseen Body: A Doctor’s Journey Through the Hidden Wonders of Human Anatomy.”
Anatomy Eats
The Long Now
What’s the Big Idea is an Abel Communications production.
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher
Outro music produced by Alec Abel
From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by Adam Lindquist, VP of Programs and Environmental Initiatives at the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, and the creative mind behind the Mr. Trash Wheel persona. The two dive into the creation of Mr. Trash Wheel and his role in helping clean Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Adam discusses how he and his team have used the anthropomorphic water wheel to expand their audience and generate environmental change.
Then, Mr. Trash Wheel himself answers Greg's burning questions.
Adam Lindquist (LinkedIn): @adam-lindquist
Mr. Trash Wheel (Twitter): @MrTrashWheel
Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore: waterfrontpartnership.org
Mr. Trash Wheel: mrtrashwheel.com
Mr. Trash Wheel song: youtube.com/watch?v=hrz-7lmZfpQ
Floatilla: waterfrontpartnership.org/healthy-harbor/floatilla
Clearwater Mills: clearwatermills.com
Ziger/Snead Architects: zigersnead.com
What Works Studio: whatworksstudio.com
What's the Big Idea is an Abel Communications production
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher
Outro music produced by Alec Abel
*TW: This episode contains discussion of infant loss and grief. From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea? In this episode, Greg is joined by Shantell Roberts, founder and executive director of Touching Young Lives, Inc., a Baltimore-based nonprofit. The two explore how remarkable innovation can come from tragedy and adversity, and how a seemingly simple idea can have life-saving impacts. Shantell shares how her nonprofit pivoted during COVID-19 and how adapting to the crisis enabled her to touch even more lives than before. Shantell Roberts (LinkedIn): @shantell-roberts
Touching Young Lives, Inc.
Port Discovery
What's the Big Idea? is an Abel Communications production.
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher
Outro music by Alec Abel
From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by Dr. Seth Hickerson, founder and CEO of My Steady Mind, to explore the idea of "cognitive fitness." Seth discusses the importance of training your brain through exercises, habits, and routines to become more mentally tough - an essential skill in a society that perpetuates negativity. Seth sees cognitive fitness as the next evolution in health and wellness and stresses that businesses must change with the times and provide their employees with mental health resources.
Dr. Seth Hickerson (LinkedIn): @seth-hickerson
My Steady Mind
What's the Big Idea? is an Abel Communications production
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher
Outro music produced by Alec Abel
Program note: this episode was recorded in January 2022.
From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by MaryBeth Hyland, founder of SparkVision and author of "Permission to be Human: The Conscious Leader's Guide to Creating a Values-Driven Culture." The two explore the importance of values-driven leadership and how culture can be uncovered to drive performance in the workplace. Marybeth discusses how the last few years have culminated in unprecedented job burnout and how giving employees "permission to be human" can help them thrive.
MaryBeth Hyland (LinkedIn): @marybethhyland
SparkVision
MaryBeth's book: "Permission to be Human: The Conscious Leader's Guide to Creating a Values-Driven Culture"
Art with a Heart
Program note: this episode was recorded in January 2022. Safety protocols at sporting events may have changed since that time.
From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by Chris Heck, president of the Philadelphia 76ers. The two explore the challenges COVID-19 created, the innovative solutions that have been getting fans back in the door, and the necessity for businesses to reinvent themselves in the face of a drastically changed world. Chris shares his thoughts on creating an exceptional experience for the customer and the importance of the human touch when it comes to getting people to engage with your brand.
Chris Heck: @chris-heck-4204a05
Philadelphia 76ers
Fanatics
What’s the Big Idea is an Abel Communications production.
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher
Outro music produced by Alec Abel
From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by Paul Roetzer, founder and CEO of PR 20/20. The two explore how artificial intelligence is changing the marketing world and how you can professionally prepare and integrate it into your life. Rather than rendering human work obsolete, Paul argues that AI will help optimize our roles and enrich the content we create.
Paul Roetzer (LinkedIn): @paulroetzer
PR20/20
Marketing Artificial Intelligence Institute
Intro to AI For Marketers
"Marketing Artificial Intelligence: AI, Marketing, and the Future of Business" by Paul Roetzer (coming June 2022)
MAICON (Marketing Artificial Intelligence Conference)
What's the Big Idea is an Abel Communications production
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher
Outro music produced by Alec Abel
From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by Roz Cauthen, executive director at Baltimore School for the Arts. The two delve into the ways educational institutions have innovated over the past two years, how interpersonal priorities have changed in the post-pandemic world and the enduring importance of the arts in all of our lives.Roz discusses how her experiences as a leader have revealed the importance of taking care of oneself first, and how we should all continue to insist on excellence while keeping empathy in mind.
Baltimore School for the Arts
Expressions
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Black Arts District: @officialblackartsdistrict
What's the Big Idea is an Abel Communications production
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher
Outro music produced by Alec Abel
*This interview was recorded on Jan. 5, 2022
From Abel Communications, this is What's the Big Idea?
In this episode, Greg is joined by Kait LeDonne, founder of Brandwise Media. The two explore the Big Idea of building your personal brandand becoming a movement maker. From finding the "niche within the niche" to prioritizing your audience over yourself, Kait offers expert advice on building large followings and profiting off of your brand.
Kait LeDonne (LinkedIn): @kaitledonne
Brandwise Media
Jennifer Welsh (LinkedIn): @jennifer-a-welsh
Lakrisha Davis (LinkedIn): @lakrishadavis
Levain Bakery
The Bouqs Co.
What's the Big Idea is an Abel Communications production.
Produced by Martin Thompson and Katie Beecher
Outro music produced by Alec Abel