Public Affairs Trends

In this episode, Neil speaks with Chazz Clevenger, founder and CEO of Civiclick, a digital advocacy technology and data company. We delve into the pervasive influence of AI in public affairs, dissecting where the technology offers genuine value versus merely creating "noise." Clevenger, with two decades of experience in advocacy tech, explains how AI can revolutionize advocate messaging by enablin...

In this episode of the Public Affair Trends Podcast, host interviews Max Fose, President and CEO of Fose + McKay, a national marketing and public affairs agency. Max shares insights from his 26-year career, discussing how the fundamentals of communication—his '3 C's' of creative, consistent content—remain crucial despite radical shifts in delivery platforms, from email to social media and AI.  He...

This episode features Nicole Schlinger, founder and president of Campaign HQ, discussing the evolution of public affairs. She emphasizes the diminishing impact of traditional, top-down communication strategies in the current climate of declining trust and rising misinformation, especially on hyperlocal issues like data center development. Schlinger advocates for identifying supporters and persuada...

In October's First Friday edition of Public Affairs Trends, host Neil Hughes revisits conversations with Katie Harbath, Gerry Gunster, and Megan Bloomgren. Their insights explore preparing for difficult decisions, understanding the people behind the data, and building credible coalitions. Together, they highlight why listening, trust, and sound judgment remain essential as technology changes how p...

In this episode, host delves into the complex intersection of technology, politics, and public trust with guest Katie Harbath. Harbath, former head of Facebook's global elections work and author of "Disrupting Politics," shares insights from her front-row seat to pivotal moments like the 2016 election and Cambridge Analytica. She discusses the 'impossible trade-offs' leaders face, the unintended i...

Gerry Gunster, CEO of Gunster Strategies Worldwide, breaks down the evolution of political persuasion from the era of "Harry and Louise" to modern digital warfare. He explains why data-driven targeting can never replace qualitative listening and reveals the strategic missteps that led to the Brexit referendum result.

Megan Bloomgren, a partner at DCI Group, discusses the profound shifts in public affairs over her nearly 30-year career. She highlights the constant need for strategic positioning and action, emphasizing how data now accelerates these efforts. Bloomgren shares insights from her work transforming the American Petroleum Institute's narrative and advising top leaders through challenging transitions....

In this month's Public Affairs Trends First Friday Briefing , host Neil Hughes examines the latest developments shaping public affairs, government relations and strategic communications. Topics include Craig Stevens of DCI Group on crisis coordination, Gov Business Review 's look at the growing strategic role of public affairs, Nathan Gonzales and the Public Affairs Council on how John Fetterman c...

Veteran Republican pollster Micah Roberts, partner at Public Opinion Strategies, takes listeners inside the high-stakes world of public opinion polling. He explains how pollsters turn relatively small samples into meaningful insights, how the industry has evolved from landline calls to voter files and text-based surveys, and why reaching a representative audience is now more difficult and expensiv...

AI is transforming how public affairs professionals research issues, analyze audiences, create content, and respond to events. But as the technology becomes faster and more accessible, human judgment matters more than ever. In this special solo episode, host Neil Hughes revisits insights from recent conversations with Jordan Lieberman, Matt Kenney, Curt Mercadante, and Jonathan Grella. He explores...

Jonathan Grella joins the show to discuss why public affairs is fundamentally a business of persuasion rather than just communication. He explains how pattern recognition and 30 years of cross-industry experience inform his strategy, and why he's embracing AI as an 'influence multiplier' to scale impact without sacrificing authenticity.

What happens when public affairs organizations have more data, more technology and more intelligence than ever before, but still struggle to turn that information into better decisions? In the August edition of the Public Affairs Trends First Friday Briefing, Neil Hughes looks at five stories shaping government relations, advocacy, strategic communications and the wider business of influence. Jord...

In this episode, host delves into the world of consulting with Joe Pici, an expert in helping individuals and companies convert their knowledge into income. Pici offers practical advice on leveraging LinkedIn intentionally to build genuine relationships and developing repeatable processes for lead generation. The conversation also explores the impact of AI on business and the importance of authent...

In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming the public affairs landscape, not by replacing human professionals, but by empowering them with powerful tools. Curt Mercadante, co-founder of Pipeline Media Agency, joins us to discuss the essential role of humans as "architects" while AI serves as a capable assistant. We delve into the practical applications of AI for tasks like research, conten...

How is technology changing the way political campaigns, advocacy groups, and public affairs professionals reach and influence people? In this episode of Public Affairs Trends, Matt Kenney, founding partner of Echo Canyon Consulting, shares his perspective on the changing world of political campaigns, grassroots advocacy, and public engagement. Drawing on a career that has taken him from military s...

In this episode, Jordan Lieberman, CEO of Powers Interactive, discusses how AI, data, and programmatic advertising are transforming political campaigns and offers valuable insights for businesses. He emphasizes that while technology is rapidly evolving, human qualities like trust, sound judgment, and attention to detail remain paramount for success. Lieberman shares his perspective on the impact o...

In the inaugural Public Affairs Trends First Friday Briefing, host Neil Hughes rounds up the month's most important developments affecting public affairs, government relations, advocacy, and strategic communications. This episode covers DCI Group's expansion of its public affairs team, Trident's top industry recognition for crisis and litigation communications, how Google's AI-powered search is ch...

How do you stay ahead when communications, public affairs, technology, and public opinion are all changing at the same time? In this introductory episode of Public Affairs Trends, I explain why we created this podcast and who it's for. This isn't a show about party politics or campaigning. Instead, it's a place for thoughtful conversations about the profession of public affairs itself, from stakeh...