The PRovoke Media Podcast

In this episode of the PRovoke Media podcast, editors Arun Sudhaman and Maja Pawinska Sims have a lively discussion about the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton to create the world's biggest PR firm, Burson. The conversation covers bringing the legacy name back to the industry, the talent implications of the merger, whether we'll see more consolidation across other networks, and the potential i...

The Guyer Group’s Kevin Whalen joins the PRovoke Media podcast to discuss the evolving practice of analyst relations.

In this edition of the PRovoke Media podcast, Paul Holmes is joined by GCI Health global CEO Kristin Cahill and Europe and Middle East president Kath Harrison, along with Aimee Christian, VP and global head of corporate communications and engagement at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, to talk about the success factors for modern global healthcare campaigns. The discussion includes how to translate campaigns...

In October, Unlock Health joined me to discuss the PRovokeGlobal Summit. This month they sat down again to discuss the main lessons learned from a diverse and provocative event. In a wide-ranging discussion that took in major industry challenges from the growing use of artificial intelligence to the spread of disinformation, from the “pink economy” post-Barbie to the need to address social inequal...

Over the last decade or so, influencer marketing has matured to the point where today being a creator is considered a bona fide career built on rich relationships with agencies, brands and consumers (to say nothing of talent agents).  In this episode of the PRovoke Media podcast, Red Havas’ Kerry Anderson in the UK and Audrey Arbogast in the US discuss the evolution of influencer marketing and how...

Global suicide prevention and crisis support organisation Lifeline International has launched a new campaign, Decriminalise Suicide Worldwide : the first initiative of its kind to call for legal change in 25 countries around the world where suicide and attempted suicide are still a criminal offence. The charity’s communications and campaign director Nick Stravs, a former leader at BCW and Weber Sh...

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner Sonja Stills joins the PRovoke Media podcast to discuss raising the visibility of HBCU sports.

In this episode sponsored by Racepoint Global, we discuss how the themes of curiosity and cross-generational collaboration apply to the world of communications. Guests include Marci Alboher of CoGenerate and Scott Shigeoka, author of "SEEK: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World." 

Kate Cronin joins the PRovoke Media podcast to discuss Moderna showing up at large events not typically associated with pharmaceutical companies.

PRovokeGlobal Podcast Sponsor, Unlock Health joins Paul Holmes ahead of this year's Global Summit to talk disruption in the PR space and making impact. Unlock Health is a single source growth partner for healthcare providers with services that span the full range of marketing solutions from audience engagement and consulting, to technology solutions that connect the full eco-system for their partn...

Codeword founding partner Kyle Monsoon discusses the value in brands acting like creators — and what that looks like.

Bob Pickard joins the PRovoke Media podcast to discuss his dramatic exit from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, whom he accused of being overly influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. In conversation with Arun Sudhaman, Pickard responds to a subsequent AIIB report that dismissed his allegations, and instead claimed his tenure was marked by "managerial shortcomings". He also discusses th...

In an era when it is reported that more than half of Americans believe national news organizations intend to mislead, misinform or persuade the public, what does this mean for brand communicators? James Wright, CEO of Havas Red, joins this episode of the PRovoke Media Podcast to discuss a new era of brand purpose and the shift from brand storytelling to fact-telling. 

Tier One Partners’ Marian Hughes and Celina Fine discuss the art and science of trendspotting and how the firm leverages trends to boost brands. 

In this episode of the PRovoke Media podcast, Cirkle’s consumer managing director Kate Gibson and her client Jim Shearer, marketing director of frozen food giant Birds Eye, discuss how brands can continue to build consumer love and loyalty in a cost-of-living crisis – and why new research shows earned media is more powerful than ever.  

BCW joins the podcast to discuss their recently announced partnership with Limbik, a top information defense technology company rooted in cognitive artificial intelligence (AI), which will provide clients with advanced identification and mitigation solutions in today's post-factual environment. Paul Holmes hosts guests BCW Chief Innovation Officer Chad Latz, and Limbik's Co-Founder and CEO Zach Sc...

Lippe Taylor founder and chairman Maureen Lippe discusses her new book, Radical Reinvention, and the personal story behind it.

Marina Maher Communications' Olga Fleming and Ketchum's Diane Fakhouri join the PRovoke Media Podcast to discuss why wellness programs are not just a nice to have, but a necessity for business models in 2023. 

Stan Getui, the Africa director of Luminate, joins Maja Pawinska Sims to talk about the global philanthropy organisation’s new  ‘Winning Hearts and Minds’  report on how nonprofits, activists, community groups, funders and creative agencies can harness the power of strategic communications for greater social impact, and the barriers to collaboration between strategic communications firms and these...

W Communications associate Creative Director John Wilkinson, and Director Jess O'Donohoe join PRovoke Editor Maja Pawinska Sims to unpack their first experience of Cannes. In the episode, they talk about lessons and takeaways from the festival, do a review of their own work which won this year, and discuss other winners they loved.    

Megan Driscoll, CEO and founder of EvolveMKD, discusses the substantial disconnect between how the media views itself and how its audience sees it.

Andrew Bloch, co-founder of iconic UK agency Frank, joins the PRovoke Media podcast to discuss his new career direction, which involves twin roles focusing on agency selection and M&A. In conversation with PRovoke editor-in-chief Arun Sudhaman, Bloch explores challenges in the client-agency relationship, the evolution of new business and pitching, and the current state of play when it comes to...

In this two-part PRovoke Media Podcast, PRovoke Media editor-in-chief Arun Sudhaman sits down with Wimbart founder and CEO Jessica Hope and CC Group CEO Rich Fogg and COO Paul Nolan.

Mike Sadowski, who leads comms for adventure travel company Intrepid, joins the PRovoke Media podcast to discuss communicating the benefits of sustainable travel.

PRovoke Media editors Arun Sudhaman and Maja Pawinska Sims sit down in London to review the 2023 Cannes Lions, addressing the PR industry's performance and influence at the festival. The duo also discuss the current market slowdown, including recent agency layoffs.