Wag The Dog Newsletter Podcast

Is the "Golden Rule" of public relations actually making us worse at our jobs? In this episode of The Wag The Dog Podcast , we deconstruct the industry’s obsession with "building trust" and explore why it is often the wrong goal for modern crisis management. Based on the viral newsletter issue by Philippe Borremans , we dive deep into the science of why trust is not a mechanical switch you can fli...

In this episode, we unpack the key insights from the World Economic Forum's 2025 Global Risks Report, focusing on the rapidly shifting landscape of crisis communication. From geopolitical instability and environmental degradation to technological vulnerabilities and deepening social divides, the discussion explores how these interconnected risks demand more adaptable and culturally aware communica...

In this episode of the Wag The Dog Newsletter Podcast , your virtual hosts explore how low-code and no-code platforms like Replit are transforming the field of crisis, risk, and emergency communication. We dive into the challenges communicators faced in the past when developing custom tools—long timelines, high costs, and reliance on technical experts—and discuss how platforms like Replit are brea...

In this episode, we explore the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in crisis communication. From real-time sentiment analysis to multilingual support, AI offers incredible potential to enhance response strategies. But where does technology end and human connection begin? We discuss the Universal Adaptive Crisis Communication (UACC) framework and the AI Integration Matrix—tools designed to hel...

In this episode, we explore why relying solely on demographic data—like generational heat maps—can lead to critical missteps in crisis communication. While these tools are helpful in marketing, they often fall short when precision and immediacy are required. Learn how generational stereotypes and oversimplified messaging can alienate your audience during emergencies, and discover five practical st...

Are you still thinking about crises as one-off events? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the emergence of "polycrises" and "permacrises" - the new challenges reshaping how organizations handle emergencies. Learn why traditional crisis management approaches are becoming obsolete and discover practical strategies for navigating these complex, interconnected challenges. Whether you...

The Universal Adaptive Crisis Communication (UACC) Framework is designed to manage complex, overlapping crises. It focuses on five key areas: engaging all stakeholders, recognizing interconnected crises, balancing proactive and reactive communication, ensuring cultural sensitivity, and using emotional intelligence. It’s applied through a four-phase process—preparation, training, crisis response, a...

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of crisis communication, diving into key insights from recent global reports. From the rise of compound crises to the challenges posed by climate change, cyber threats, and psychosocial impacts, we discuss how communicators must adapt their strategies to meet these growing complexities. Join us for an engaging discussion on the power of data, loca...

Welcome to *The Wag The Dog Newsletter Podcast*, where hosts Emily Thompson and James Rodriguez dive into crucial topics that matter to crisis, risk, and emergency communicators. In this insightful episode, they break down the often-confused terms of **crisis communication**, **risk communication**, and **emergency communication**.  Listeners will gain a clear understanding of the key differences,...

In this podcast, we argue that communications professionals must proactively prepare for potential crises by adopting a "strategic foresight" approach. We outline various techniques, including trend analysis, scenario planning, and message framing, to anticipate future challenges and opportunities. We emphasize the importance of organizations investing in foresight activities, fostering a culture...

This episode introduces a step-by-step guide for implementing scenario analysis in crisis communications. It argues that scenario analysis is a more effective approach to risk management than traditional risk maps, as it provides a more in-depth and nuanced understanding of potential crises. The conversation outlines the six-step process for conducting scenario analysis in the guide, covering step...

In this episode, we explore the danger of conspiracy theories during emergencies and how they can undermine public trust and safety. Learn how AI is becoming an unexpected ally in the fight against misinformation, especially during crises like pandemics and natural disasters. We'll dive into groundbreaking research on AI-driven conversations that reduce belief in conspiracy theories and discuss st...

This audio version generated by Notebook LM from my latest article explores the potential benefits of using AI avatars for personalized disaster relief. It argues that AI avatars, powered by machine learning and natural language processing, can provide tailored support to individuals affected by disasters by analyzing real-time data and offering personalized instructions, guidance, and emotional s...

In this episode of The Wag The Dog Podcast, Athena, Philippe Borremans's audio avatar, discusses the future of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs), in combating climate change, focusing on their application in emergency preparedness. Through a case study, he investigates the potential time savings and efficiency gains of incorporating AI and LLMs...

In this episode, we talk about the transformation of crisis simulations from static, predictable scripts to dynamic, AI-driven scenarios. Explore how these advancements are revolutionizing crisis preparedness by creating more realistic, adaptive training environments that mirror the complexities of real-world crises. Discover the potential of AI in enhancing decision-making, introducing unexpected...

In this episode, we dive into the significance of ISO 22361-2022 for crisis management and communication professionals. The standard provides a structured approach to crisis management, emphasizing the need for strategic, flexible, and sustained communication efforts during crises. We discussed the key elements of ISO 22361-2022, such as the importance of a well-crafted Crisis Management Plan (CMP...

Over the past two years, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in corporate communications and public relations has sparked intense debate and experimentation. So I read  Stephen Waddington 's recent management briefing paper  "Use of AI in Corporate Communications and Public Relations: The Story So Far"  and explored the key learnings and insights that are particularly important for cri...

Professor Mihelj's research focused on Brazil, the USA, Poland, and Serbia—countries led by populist leaders at the onset of the pandemic. By using diverse methods like media policy analysis, interviews with officials, and news coverage examination, she analyzed how populist leadership and attitudes shaped the effectiveness of crisis communication.

As you might have heard, the European AI Act 🇪🇺, was officially adopted last week following a political agreement in December 2023. It represents the world's first comprehensive legislation to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) systems within the European Union. This ground-breaking regulation aims to: “ Ensure that AI systems deployed in the EU are safe, transparent, traceable, non-discriminat...

This episode discusses the concept of "Disease X," a hypothetical pathogen that could cause a future pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of preparation in crisis communication and emergency management for businesses and organizations. Strategies include building flexible plans, engaging with communities, exchanging information effectively, prioritizing training in risk communication, and mainta...

" Artificial Intelligence in Crisis Response: Perspectives from Communication Experts " is now available! The report analyses how AI is changing risk, crisis, and emergency communication worldwide.🌍 Key insights include: Practical AI applications in crisis management The benefits and challenges of integrating AI into communication strategies Perspectives on AI across different experience levels a...

Welcome to another episode of Wag The Dog, where we dive into the intriguing world of AI chatbots and their potential role in espionage. It may sound like something straight out of a spy novel, but the reality is that our friendly chatbots could be acting as unwitting intelligence agents!

In this episode, I explore the STEEP framework (Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political) for analyzing current scenarios in AI and crisis communication. I present and dissect four distinct potential scenarios, focusing on how each STEEP dimension influences AI's role in crisis management and communication strategies. My aim is to equip listeners with a deep understanding of both...

In today's episode, we'll cover the recent OpenAI announcement of GPT4's new features, like expanded and customizable models, and what this exactly means for crisis communicators.

Today, we'll be diving into the freshly published report by Dragonfly titled "Strategic Outlook 2024: The Resilience Gap." Dragonfly, a trusted geopolitical and security intelligence service, provides a comprehensive analysis of global security challenges and resilience strategies in this report.