The StoryConnect Podcast

Elizabeth Kuhns, of Dickson Electric and Ignite Broadband, shares how her team used employee incentives to help boost morale around the launch of the broadband division. Incentives don't have to be expensive, but they can go a long way toward keeping employees excited and encouraging ownership during a season of change and uncertainty.

From digital literacy classes for seniors to AI safety workshops for students, Hannah Patterson helps West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber build a smarter, safer online community. Her outreach programs partner with schools, libraries and local organizations to bring technology training to every age group—and she’s just getting started.

NISC merged with longtime competitor Meridian, bringing 1,500 member utilities under one roof. What does that mean for the marketers who rely on their tech? NISC CEO Doug Remboldt joins "StoryConnect" to unpack the platform conversion timeline, new data tools for targeted campaigns and storytelling resources for Utility Pioneers.

As digital storytelling evolves, Coweta-Fayette EMC's Tiffany Trueblood breaks down how her utility turned YouTube—with both shorts and long-form videos—into its top storytelling channel. Get practical tips on titles, B-roll shoots and handy tools to create video content.

In taking on the CEO role at DTC Communications, Kasey Krueger joined a small but growing number of top executives with roots in the marketing and communications departments. Listen in to hear his advice for others looking to climb the ladder in their careers. Other episodes in our informal series on marketing and comms professionals climbing to the C-suite: Libby Calnon: https://pioneer.coop/epis...

Communicators are used to communicating outward. However, taking a few key steps can help them improve their organizations by communicating upward to the board and upper management.

Google noticed an increasing number of us are using artificial intelligence to search online and is making sweeping changes to how the web works. Broadband providers need to prepare for a world without the traffic from search engines they've relied on for decades.

Two Kentucky co-ops teamed up to foster community connections through casual coffee meetups. From discussing community concerns to sharing stories about the co-ops' histories, these meetups make a real impact. Learn why member engagement matters and how to create a community meetup of your own!

Are you tight on time and resources, but have a big event to plan? NTCA's Mark Marion outlines how an easy-to-build AI bot helped him plan and execute a recent big event.

As technology evolves, so do the challenges kids face while navigating the internet. CTC's Jenn Wilson-Kolesar shares how her telco created a children’s book, "Cyber Tech Critters," to engage kids and instill online safety lessons.

Sometimes the best storytellers aren’t on your communications team—they’re at your kitchen table. In this episode, White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s Jaime Dopp shares how a simple video series featuring lineworkers’ children captured hearts, racked up thousands of views and reminded members why this work matters.

Scott Meyer is back with more data to share on how younger subscribers feel about broadband pricing, customer attitudes toward satellite and cellular service and more. Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2026! Find the full 2026 Rural Broadbrand Subscriber Survey here: https://www.innovsys.com/innovsys/2026-rural-subscriber-study-2/ 

From cross-branding and tournaments to a local college team sporting the utility's name on its arena, Michigan's Midwest Energy & Communications plugs directly into a high-bandwidth internet subscriber audience. Candy Riem shares how Team Midwest turned an esports sponsorship into an effective broadband marketing story.

Erika Nelson of Lynxx Networks talks about the KPIs broadband providers should be paying attention to. From market share and ARPU to digital analytics and customer reviews, Erika shares how her team uses data to guide decisions and measure success. 

Shelly Hansel, public relations director at SCTelcom, discusses creative ways cooperatives can incentivize employees and strengthen company culture. From referral bonuses to “Going the Extra Mile” awards and even monthly half-days off, Shelly shares how recognition, trust and leadership at every level help build a team of people who want to stay at the company for decades.

Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements. Recorded live at the Calix ConneXions conference.

KPIs, NPS, churn—oh my! Data doesn’t have to be daunting. Ty Houglum, CIO at ECE Fiber, shares how his team turns numbers into action, building a culture that makes data meaningful, not mysterious. Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

A blank page can be scary—unless you already know what you’re writing. In this episode, Mt. Wheeler Power’s Christina Sawyer shares how using AI to brainstorm story ideas at the start of the year gave her more time to research, write with confidence and even inspire other utilities through the Ruralite share package. Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

As a writer on shows like Paw Patrol, Spirit Rangers and Cocomelon Lane, Joey Clift shares some of the keys to reaching the youngest audiences. Joey will be a speaker at StoryConnect 2026.

From teaching 95-year-olds to stream their favorite shows to connecting the 5,000th home to fiber, Beacon Broadband proves inclusion and innovation go hand in hand. Bill Gerski shares how their Connected Senior Program bridges generations and the ways other Utility Pioneers can replicate the success in their own communities. Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

What if every staff member at your utility felt confident answering energy questions? In this episode, Benton PUD’s Jodi Henderson shares how its Empowered program turns staff into energy pros through training built on employee needs. Find out more about the program at bentonpud.org/empowered .  Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

When you walk into a legislator’s office, will your story stick or slip away? In this episode, Inland Power & Light’s Andy Barth shares how utilities can move beyond numbers to craft stories lawmakers care about. Notes: Filmed at NWPPA’s Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

Getting lineworkers to relax and share stories isn’t easy—unless you’ve got a mic and a clever idea. In this episode, Mason PUD 3’s Asia Cline shares how her award-winning staff podcast, “Over the Line,” opens conversations, builds trust and keeps internal communications fresh. Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

Casey French, marketing and PR director at CASSCOMM discusses how branding goes beyond a logo to include community engagement, co-branding, locally produced video and creative mascots, like their superhero, “Gigabolt.”

In her recently published book, “Personal Branding for Introverts,” Goldie Chan outlines how to remain true to yourself, while taking strategic steps to improve your network and reputation. Goldie previews the book and her session at StoryConnect 2026 in this episode. Link to purchase the book: https://a.co/d/85WjjJa .