PodCatalyst: The Official Podcast of IABC

After seven years of research, Zora Artis and Wayne Asplandreveal why leadership teams leave strategy meetings with completely different understandings — and why comms is left to fix the fallout. This month we’re replaying an episode from Stories & Strategies , the official podcast partner of the IABC World Conference 2026. Tune in as host Doug Downs chats with Zora and Wayne tolearn what’s re...

In this episode of PodCatalyst, we sit down with Axios reporter Eleanor Hawkins to talk about what’s really changing in the world of comms and what’s just noise. Eleanor shares how her background in politics and corporate communications shapes the way she covers the industry, and why more companies are getting serious about who they’re trying to reach instead of talking to everyone. She also walks...

In this episode of PodCatalyst, Andrew Marshall, vice chairman of Cognito, joins IABC Executive Director Peter Finn tot discuss how the communications landscape is being reshaped by independent voices and evolving expectations for executives. Andrew shares how independent voices, from Substack commentators to niche influencers, are reshaping thought leadership. He offers practical advice for engag...

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we sit down with TimJohnson, president of UPRAISE Marketing and Public Relations. Tune in as he joins IABC Executive Director Peter Finn to discuss how PR professionals are adapting to an AI-driven landscape, blurring the lines between internal and external comms, and the growing demand for creativestorytelling. Tim shares insights from his own journey — from...

This episode of PodCatalyst is brought to you by IABC’spartners at the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Provided by the PRFuture podcast , this episode features host Fred Cook in conversation with Matt Tidwell, member of the IABC International Executive Board, Barby Seagal and Victoria Hamilton from Zeno Group, and USC Fellow David Michaelson. Tog...

In this episode of PodCatalyst, we bring you another “InUnder 10” conversation from the ground at IABC World Conference 2025 in Vancouver. Sia Papageorgiou, managing partner at the Centre forStrategic Communication Excellence (CSCE), joins guest host Dawn De La Torre to talk about findings from the 2025CSCE Professional Development Survey . The research reveals a clear gap between how communicator...

In this episode of PodCatalyst, our “In Under 10” seriesbrings you a behind-the-scenes conversation from IABC World Conference 2025 in Vancouver. Christal P. Austin, public affairs officer for the Government of Barbados, joins guest host Dawn De La Torre to unpack what it really takes to lead during a crisis. Drawing on firsthand examples from government communications, Christal shares how today’s...

In this episode of PodCatalyst, we continue our “In Under 10” series with a powerful conversation recorded live at IABC World Conference 2025 in Vancouver. Juli Holloway, SCMP, IABC Fellow, and communications advisor at the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics, joins guest host Dawn De La Torre to discuss Indigenous-led communication methods and their role in building authentic, cross-cultural rela...

In this episode of PodCatalyst, Moody’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Christine Elliott joins IABC Executive Director Peter Finn to share her journey of transforming the company’s communications function. By integrating branding, government relations, and community impact into the work they do, Moody’s communicators have become invaluable players in the company’s strategy. Christine walks us thr...

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, Peter Finn sits down with friend of the podcast Chris Lee from Gallagher Communication. Chris helps us unpack this year’s Gallagher State of the Sector 2025 , looking at different profiles of communicators: thrivers, strivers, and survivors. He walks us through how to address change fatigue, smart ways to use AI with the human touch in mind, and more. As an ad...

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we speak with MergeGupta-Sunderji, a highly respected leadership expert. We dig into common misconceptions across generations, research that busts certain generalizations, ways to tap into certain strengths, advice to help bridge the gap without compromising quality, and more. Merge is a speaker at IABC World Conference , takingplace in Vancouver, 8-11 June. T...

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, IABC ExecutiveDirector Peter Finn returns as host, sitting down with Shane Hatton to talk all things company culture. From the critical role communicators play in shaping the language of the organization, to understanding Gen Z’s expectations, what this year’s Edelman Trust Barometer means for leaders, and more, this conversation covers some of the more pressi...

Founded in 1973, the Commission on Public Relations Education (CPRE) provides recommendations on public relations education for universities and professional associations around the world. CPRE’s latest signature report, “ Navigating Change: Recommendations for Advancing Undergraduate PR Education ,” offers an in-depth look into what’s needed and expected of educators and practitioners when it com...

This episode of PodCatalyst features guest host Kamyar Naficy, chair of the IABC International Executive Board, and Jessamyn Katz, CEO of Heyman Associates, a leading executive search firm focused on communications, corporate affairs, marketing, and investor relations. Jessamyn has been with Heyman Associates for nearly two decades. Since 2019, she’s led the firm’s strategy and day-to-day operatio...

With 64 countries around the world hosting elections, representing nearly 50% of the global population eligible to vote, many have dubbed 2024 as the year of elections . How do communicators navigate this landscape, especially as things continue to feel more polarized each year? We spoke with David Imber, political communications expert and principal of David Imber Advisory, on what has been one o...

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, Matt Tidwell, member of the IABC International Executive Board, sits down with Fred Cook to discuss findings from “Communicating Culture During a Hybrid Revolution,” a joint report from IABC and the USC Center for Public Relations. Tune in as they discuss how the shift to remote and hybrid work is impacting corporate culture, management employee dynamics, mora...

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we sit down with Joe Spratt, expert, strategic communications and change, at McKinsey & Company. Tune in as we dig into the future of comms through the lens of the C-suite, based on a series of in-depth conversations, interviews, and survey results that McKinsey & Company conducted. Joe walks us through key findings of the report, where the value of th...

Earlier this summer, IABC hosted communicators from all over at its annual World Conference, held this year in Chicago. In this special edition of PodCatalyst, we catch up with attendees between sessions to get their aha moments. From insights around how they’re are thinking about AI, to better practices for accessibility, rethinking hiring practices with cognitive biases in mind, training the nex...

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we sit down with Candace Denison, communications and engagement manager at Rocky View County, to discuss misinformation and the role of the communicator. As we navigate the Wild West era of AI, allowing misinformation to spread easier than before, how can communicators come armed with facts? What tactics and strategies must be used, and in what instances does...

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we sit down with Becca Chambers, chief communications officer at ControlUp. Her journey to the C-suite began with a role in sports PR and from there took a few twists and turns, including grad school and landing on her love of all things branding and communication. Today, she remains a staunch advocate for communicators in the C-suite, advocating for a clear d...

In the latest installment of In Under 10, we talk to Emily Caister about what communicators can learn from Taylor Swift’s marketing mastery. Whether you consider yourself a Swiftie or not, there’s something for everyone to learn.  Tune in as we discuss the pop star’s approach to branding, as well as how dialing into pop culture more broadly can help communicators tap in to the human element of the...

“Everybody wants to be heard, but not many people are interested in listening,” Julian Treasure, expert in sound and listening, says in the latest episode of PodCatalyst. So when was the last time you listened to the world around you? Is a lack of listening harming your business or, worse, your well-being?     Tune in as Julian shares how listening has become a lost skill and the ways we can pract...

Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded one week prior to recent legislative decisions by U.S. President Joe Biden, signing into law that TikTok will be banned unless sold within a year. Catalyst will continue to follow this story as it develops. What happens when an app fades from existence — or gets legislated out of the hands of the public? What does it mean for the communities created and the...

In today’s digital age, making sure your online presence meets basic accessibility standards isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s good for business, too. In the latest installment of In Under 10, Matisse Hamel-Nelis walks us through the basics of understanding digital accessibility, recent examples of well-known brands that have gotten into hot water for not following standards, ways communicat...

What happens when your frontline employees are tired of apologizing on behalf of the company? When public perception isn’t in your favor? This was the reality Oscar Munoz faced when he took the role of CEO and chairman of United Airlines in 2015. So he went back to basics, embarking on an extensive listening tour with thousands of employees — and in time, things turned for the better. We sat down...