https://cohostpodcasting.com <![CDATA[Infernal Communication]]> en 70132d0c-1a5f-4882-8248-4d82f1435351 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:40:19 -0400 Sat, 09 May 2026 16:25:57 -0400 http://infernalcommunication.com/ <![CDATA[Infernal Communication]]> https://files.cohostpodcasting.com/quill-file-prod/63627244-1f59-477c-b394-396ee385cd4e/shows/70132d0c-1a5f-4882-8248-4d82f1435351/cover-art/original_3f328fd28fddb481c072e2447c3407b1.jpg http://infernalcommunication.com/ episodic false https://feeds.cohostpodcasting.com/C0DYDaSm podcasts@jaraudio.com <![CDATA[Beyond the Words: The case for listening to what isn’t said]]> We’ve spent the whole second season of Infernal Communication talking about storytelling. So it’s time we focus on the other side of the conversation: listening. You know the old saying, we’ve got one mouth and two ears, yet for some reason, listening can really take a back seat to talking, let’s flip the script. 


In this episode, former 9-1-1 operator, Doug Showalter, shares real world examples of how careful listening saves lives. And then, How to Listen Like You Mean It, author Ximena Vengoechea gives practical advice for deciphering the right kind of listening– depending on who you’re talking to. 


Join host Lottie Bazley in our series finale for insight into how to become a better listener– whether it’s a life-threatening situation or your average Monday meeting. 

]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 01:01:00 -0400 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 24:24 We’ve spent the whole second season of Infernal Communication talking about storytelling. So it’s time we focus on the other side of the conversation: listening. You know the old saying, we’ve got one mouth and two ears, yet for some reason, listening can really take a back seat to talking, let’s flip the script. 


In this episode, former 9-1-1 operator, Doug Showalter, shares real world examples of how careful listening saves lives. And then, How to Listen Like You Mean It, author Ximena Vengoechea gives practical advice for deciphering the right kind of listening– depending on who you’re talking to. 


Join host Lottie Bazley in our series finale for insight into how to become a better listener– whether it’s a life-threatening situation or your average Monday meeting. 

]]> We’ve spent the whole second season of Infernal Communication talking about storytelling. So it’s time we focus on the other side of the conversation: listening. You know the old saying, we’ve got one mouth and two ears, yet for some reason, listening can really take a back seat to talking, let’s flip the script. 


In this episode, former 9-1-1 operator, Doug Showalter, shares real world examples of how careful listening saves lives. And then, How to Listen Like You Mean It, author Ximena Vengoechea gives practical advice for deciphering the right kind of listening– depending on who you’re talking to. 


Join host Lottie Bazley in our series finale for insight into how to become a better listener– whether it’s a life-threatening situation or your average Monday meeting. 

]]> false full 12 2 <![CDATA['The Beast at Tanagra': Allegories, metaphors, and connecting with your audience]]> We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again (and again…), know your audience! Get specific and think of them early and often. It’s all too easy to try to be all things to all people, and casting too wide a net that can leave you connecting with no one. But sometimes getting very specific and using insider language leaves people out. Metaphors, allegories, and unique shared experiences can make us feel connected while alienating others. How do you toe that line? How can you target a niche audience without being totally inaccessible to newcomers? 


Few things are more polarizing than Star Trek, so we dig into a very specific episode to really demonstrate how language can bring us together or pull us apart. Join host Brian Tomlinson in conversation with Star Trek super fan and former legal investigator Ron Yamauchi and writer and professor Sara Rivera. They’ll talk about what’s so special about this episode and what it says about communication at its core. Whether or not you’re a die-hard ‘Trekker,’ this episode will make you dig deep into the question: “Who are you really writing for?”

]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2024 01:01:00 -0400 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 23:43 We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again (and again…), know your audience! Get specific and think of them early and often. It’s all too easy to try to be all things to all people, and casting too wide a net that can leave you connecting with no one. But sometimes getting very specific and using insider language leaves people out. Metaphors, allegories, and unique shared experiences can make us feel connected while alienating others. How do you toe that line? How can you target a niche audience without being totally inaccessible to newcomers? 


Few things are more polarizing than Star Trek, so we dig into a very specific episode to really demonstrate how language can bring us together or pull us apart. Join host Brian Tomlinson in conversation with Star Trek super fan and former legal investigator Ron Yamauchi and writer and professor Sara Rivera. They’ll talk about what’s so special about this episode and what it says about communication at its core. Whether or not you’re a die-hard ‘Trekker,’ this episode will make you dig deep into the question: “Who are you really writing for?”

]]> We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again (and again…), know your audience! Get specific and think of them early and often. It’s all too easy to try to be all things to all people, and casting too wide a net that can leave you connecting with no one. But sometimes getting very specific and using insider language leaves people out. Metaphors, allegories, and unique shared experiences can make us feel connected while alienating others. How do you toe that line? How can you target a niche audience without being totally inaccessible to newcomers? 


Few things are more polarizing than Star Trek, so we dig into a very specific episode to really demonstrate how language can bring us together or pull us apart. Join host Brian Tomlinson in conversation with Star Trek super fan and former legal investigator Ron Yamauchi and writer and professor Sara Rivera. They’ll talk about what’s so special about this episode and what it says about communication at its core. Whether or not you’re a die-hard ‘Trekker,’ this episode will make you dig deep into the question: “Who are you really writing for?”

]]> false full 11 2 <![CDATA[What's Done is Done: How to bounce back from embarrassment]]> In the moment, it’s awful. And often for many moments afterwards, still awful. But inevitably we are going to embarrass ourselves, let’s figure out how to flip the script.


In this episode, we’ll hear the story of how restaurateur Will Beckett’s humour and kindness turned a very expensive mistake into great press and a boost in sales. Then, branding expert and leadership coach Tori Lazar speaks to the benefits of seeing the levity in humiliating experiences, and facing it all head on. 


Join host Lottie Bazley as she walks us through some good old-fashioned embarrassing stories, cringe-worthy moments, and, of course, lasting lessons. 

]]> Thu, 07 Mar 2024 01:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 20:52 In the moment, it’s awful. And often for many moments afterwards, still awful. But inevitably we are going to embarrass ourselves, let’s figure out how to flip the script.


In this episode, we’ll hear the story of how restaurateur Will Beckett’s humour and kindness turned a very expensive mistake into great press and a boost in sales. Then, branding expert and leadership coach Tori Lazar speaks to the benefits of seeing the levity in humiliating experiences, and facing it all head on. 


Join host Lottie Bazley as she walks us through some good old-fashioned embarrassing stories, cringe-worthy moments, and, of course, lasting lessons. 

]]> In the moment, it’s awful. And often for many moments afterwards, still awful. But inevitably we are going to embarrass ourselves, let’s figure out how to flip the script.


In this episode, we’ll hear the story of how restaurateur Will Beckett’s humour and kindness turned a very expensive mistake into great press and a boost in sales. Then, branding expert and leadership coach Tori Lazar speaks to the benefits of seeing the levity in humiliating experiences, and facing it all head on. 


Join host Lottie Bazley as she walks us through some good old-fashioned embarrassing stories, cringe-worthy moments, and, of course, lasting lessons. 

]]> false full 10 2 <![CDATA[How to ditch bad apologies and say sorry like you mean it]]> Messing up is often all too easy. But then what? How do you make it right? You apologize and you make it good.


But the days of switching blame with, ‘sorry if’ or explaining away your responsibility with, ‘actually,’ are long gone. We expect better from our apologies. So, how do we do that— how do we apologize like we mean it? That’s where Marjorie Ingall & Susan McCarthy, co-authors of Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies and co-creators of the super fun site sorrywatch.com, come in. With Karina Schumann, Associate Professor of Social Psychology and Director of the Conflict Resolution Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh, you’ll hear what a good apology can do for the giver and the receiver.


Join host Lottie Bazley as we break down the anatomy of a good apology and bask in the glory of some of the worst apologies out there. 

]]> Thu, 29 Feb 2024 01:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 21:29 Messing up is often all too easy. But then what? How do you make it right? You apologize and you make it good.


But the days of switching blame with, ‘sorry if’ or explaining away your responsibility with, ‘actually,’ are long gone. We expect better from our apologies. So, how do we do that— how do we apologize like we mean it? That’s where Marjorie Ingall & Susan McCarthy, co-authors of Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies and co-creators of the super fun site sorrywatch.com, come in. With Karina Schumann, Associate Professor of Social Psychology and Director of the Conflict Resolution Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh, you’ll hear what a good apology can do for the giver and the receiver.


Join host Lottie Bazley as we break down the anatomy of a good apology and bask in the glory of some of the worst apologies out there. 

]]> Messing up is often all too easy. But then what? How do you make it right? You apologize and you make it good.


But the days of switching blame with, ‘sorry if’ or explaining away your responsibility with, ‘actually,’ are long gone. We expect better from our apologies. So, how do we do that— how do we apologize like we mean it? That’s where Marjorie Ingall & Susan McCarthy, co-authors of Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies and co-creators of the super fun site sorrywatch.com, come in. With Karina Schumann, Associate Professor of Social Psychology and Director of the Conflict Resolution Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh, you’ll hear what a good apology can do for the giver and the receiver.


Join host Lottie Bazley as we break down the anatomy of a good apology and bask in the glory of some of the worst apologies out there. 

]]> false full 9 2 <![CDATA[Memory Palaces and Digital Dummies: How to stay sharp when feeling stupid]]> Why did I walk into this room? And, why was I pulling out my phone again? That’s right, to listen to Infernal Communication’s episode on memory.


Join us as we speak to two time Canadian memory champion, Francis Blondin about the power of memory palaces and how to access the untapped capability of our brains. We also speak with psychologist Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway, who has both short term and long term hacks for boosting our brain power. Dr. Alloway also answers the nagging question that creeps up after every time-wasting death scroll: are our devices making us stupid?


How can we do a better job of remembering things, and how do we get others to remember what we do? Join host Brian Tomlinson as he talks memory, attention economy and Ghandi. Heads up, there’s a quiz at the end.


For more information on Francis Blondin's memory palace technique, click here.

]]> Thu, 22 Feb 2024 01:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 20:50 Why did I walk into this room? And, why was I pulling out my phone again? That’s right, to listen to Infernal Communication’s episode on memory.


Join us as we speak to two time Canadian memory champion, Francis Blondin about the power of memory palaces and how to access the untapped capability of our brains. We also speak with psychologist Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway, who has both short term and long term hacks for boosting our brain power. Dr. Alloway also answers the nagging question that creeps up after every time-wasting death scroll: are our devices making us stupid?


How can we do a better job of remembering things, and how do we get others to remember what we do? Join host Brian Tomlinson as he talks memory, attention economy and Ghandi. Heads up, there’s a quiz at the end.


For more information on Francis Blondin's memory palace technique, click here.

]]> Why did I walk into this room? And, why was I pulling out my phone again? That’s right, to listen to Infernal Communication’s episode on memory.


Join us as we speak to two time Canadian memory champion, Francis Blondin about the power of memory palaces and how to access the untapped capability of our brains. We also speak with psychologist Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway, who has both short term and long term hacks for boosting our brain power. Dr. Alloway also answers the nagging question that creeps up after every time-wasting death scroll: are our devices making us stupid?


How can we do a better job of remembering things, and how do we get others to remember what we do? Join host Brian Tomlinson as he talks memory, attention economy and Ghandi. Heads up, there’s a quiz at the end.


For more information on Francis Blondin's memory palace technique, click here.

]]> false full 8 2 <![CDATA[How to have very uncomfortable conversations]]> There are so many uncomfortable conversations to be had, or avoided, depending on the day. But uncomfortable doesn’t have to be bad, it just means it isn’t easy. 


In this episode, we dive into the notorious "F word" – Feedback! Without it, we might run around convinced we're flawless employees with perpetually minty-fresh breath, blissfully ignorant of any missteps we’ve taken. But a world without feedback would also mean a world without improvement. Our guest, Joe Hirsch gives us his expert 2 cents on how to take a different approach to this dreaded process. And, Comedian Jeff D’Silva shares how he spins uncomfortable content into comedic gold. 


Join host, Lottie Bazely, as we explore how to get the most out of uncomfortable situations and maybe even make them a little easier and a lot more fruitful.

]]> Thu, 15 Feb 2024 01:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 26:07 There are so many uncomfortable conversations to be had, or avoided, depending on the day. But uncomfortable doesn’t have to be bad, it just means it isn’t easy. 


In this episode, we dive into the notorious "F word" – Feedback! Without it, we might run around convinced we're flawless employees with perpetually minty-fresh breath, blissfully ignorant of any missteps we’ve taken. But a world without feedback would also mean a world without improvement. Our guest, Joe Hirsch gives us his expert 2 cents on how to take a different approach to this dreaded process. And, Comedian Jeff D’Silva shares how he spins uncomfortable content into comedic gold. 


Join host, Lottie Bazely, as we explore how to get the most out of uncomfortable situations and maybe even make them a little easier and a lot more fruitful.

]]> There are so many uncomfortable conversations to be had, or avoided, depending on the day. But uncomfortable doesn’t have to be bad, it just means it isn’t easy. 


In this episode, we dive into the notorious "F word" – Feedback! Without it, we might run around convinced we're flawless employees with perpetually minty-fresh breath, blissfully ignorant of any missteps we’ve taken. But a world without feedback would also mean a world without improvement. Our guest, Joe Hirsch gives us his expert 2 cents on how to take a different approach to this dreaded process. And, Comedian Jeff D’Silva shares how he spins uncomfortable content into comedic gold. 


Join host, Lottie Bazely, as we explore how to get the most out of uncomfortable situations and maybe even make them a little easier and a lot more fruitful.

]]> false full 7 2 <![CDATA[How to stop your CEO from saying stupid sh*t]]> We all put our foot in our mouths once in a while. A joke that isn’t funny for all the wrong reasons, going into too many details about just about anything, or slagging off your place of business. It's easy to do, but hard to bounce back from. In front of family or friends it can make for an uncomfortable meal, in front of an audience it can mean disaster.


In this episode, host Brian Tomlinson, leads us through examples of the good, the bad and downright ugly when it comes to CEO blunders. Renu Bakshi, an International Crisis Manager and Media Trainer will get into the nitty gritty of how to lead your CEO away from common pitfalls and renowned speaker and communication expert Julian Treasure is on hand to give us some useful tips on how to take to the stage with confidence, or at the very least preparedness. 


Listen in, for tips on how to steer your CEO in the right direction and get the PR team home on-time.

]]> Thu, 08 Feb 2024 01:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 20:16 We all put our foot in our mouths once in a while. A joke that isn’t funny for all the wrong reasons, going into too many details about just about anything, or slagging off your place of business. It's easy to do, but hard to bounce back from. In front of family or friends it can make for an uncomfortable meal, in front of an audience it can mean disaster.


In this episode, host Brian Tomlinson, leads us through examples of the good, the bad and downright ugly when it comes to CEO blunders. Renu Bakshi, an International Crisis Manager and Media Trainer will get into the nitty gritty of how to lead your CEO away from common pitfalls and renowned speaker and communication expert Julian Treasure is on hand to give us some useful tips on how to take to the stage with confidence, or at the very least preparedness. 


Listen in, for tips on how to steer your CEO in the right direction and get the PR team home on-time.

]]> We all put our foot in our mouths once in a while. A joke that isn’t funny for all the wrong reasons, going into too many details about just about anything, or slagging off your place of business. It's easy to do, but hard to bounce back from. In front of family or friends it can make for an uncomfortable meal, in front of an audience it can mean disaster.


In this episode, host Brian Tomlinson, leads us through examples of the good, the bad and downright ugly when it comes to CEO blunders. Renu Bakshi, an International Crisis Manager and Media Trainer will get into the nitty gritty of how to lead your CEO away from common pitfalls and renowned speaker and communication expert Julian Treasure is on hand to give us some useful tips on how to take to the stage with confidence, or at the very least preparedness. 


Listen in, for tips on how to steer your CEO in the right direction and get the PR team home on-time.

]]> false full 6 2 <![CDATA[Grammar Gatekeeping: Taming the Inner Grammando]]> Those who like grammar, like it a lot. For the rest of us, it can be a bit of a nuisance. But, we do our best to follow the rules because bad grammar is a bad look. Whether we’re looking for love, a job or an apartment, improper grammar can take us out of the running.


But according to our experts these preconceived notions around grammatical rules are off track. According to Dr. Anne Curzan, author of 'Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words', good grammar has been a moving target for centuries while Dr. Andreea Calude says we’re very adept at tempering our language to suit the situation, which is a good thing.


Join host Lottie Bazley on this episode of Infernal Communication as we learn how to tame our inner grammando and reveal the real rules of good grammar.

]]> Thu, 01 Feb 2024 01:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 20:00 Those who like grammar, like it a lot. For the rest of us, it can be a bit of a nuisance. But, we do our best to follow the rules because bad grammar is a bad look. Whether we’re looking for love, a job or an apartment, improper grammar can take us out of the running.


But according to our experts these preconceived notions around grammatical rules are off track. According to Dr. Anne Curzan, author of 'Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words', good grammar has been a moving target for centuries while Dr. Andreea Calude says we’re very adept at tempering our language to suit the situation, which is a good thing.


Join host Lottie Bazley on this episode of Infernal Communication as we learn how to tame our inner grammando and reveal the real rules of good grammar.

]]> Those who like grammar, like it a lot. For the rest of us, it can be a bit of a nuisance. But, we do our best to follow the rules because bad grammar is a bad look. Whether we’re looking for love, a job or an apartment, improper grammar can take us out of the running.


But according to our experts these preconceived notions around grammatical rules are off track. According to Dr. Anne Curzan, author of 'Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words', good grammar has been a moving target for centuries while Dr. Andreea Calude says we’re very adept at tempering our language to suit the situation, which is a good thing.


Join host Lottie Bazley on this episode of Infernal Communication as we learn how to tame our inner grammando and reveal the real rules of good grammar.

]]> false full 5 2 <![CDATA[Algorithm Alchemy: Outsmarting our digital gatekeepers]]> The almighty internet algorithm, we know it's out there, dishing out content it thinks we care about most, but how does it really work? As communications pros, it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of tech giants who get to pick and choose what lights up our screens. But there’s a way to become active participants in these systems, rather than just passive users. 

 

In this episode, Cameron Hickey, CEO of the National Conference on Citizenship, walks us through the payoffs and pitfalls of content filtering. We also have algorithmic puppet master extraordinaire Gretchen Andrew, who shares how she tricked Google’s search engine into showing people her art instead of presidential election results. 


Join host Brian Tomlinson as guides us through practical tips on how we can work WITH algorithms to bridge the gap between humans and computers.

]]> Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 23:37 The almighty internet algorithm, we know it's out there, dishing out content it thinks we care about most, but how does it really work? As communications pros, it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of tech giants who get to pick and choose what lights up our screens. But there’s a way to become active participants in these systems, rather than just passive users. 

 

In this episode, Cameron Hickey, CEO of the National Conference on Citizenship, walks us through the payoffs and pitfalls of content filtering. We also have algorithmic puppet master extraordinaire Gretchen Andrew, who shares how she tricked Google’s search engine into showing people her art instead of presidential election results. 


Join host Brian Tomlinson as guides us through practical tips on how we can work WITH algorithms to bridge the gap between humans and computers.

]]> The almighty internet algorithm, we know it's out there, dishing out content it thinks we care about most, but how does it really work? As communications pros, it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of tech giants who get to pick and choose what lights up our screens. But there’s a way to become active participants in these systems, rather than just passive users. 

 

In this episode, Cameron Hickey, CEO of the National Conference on Citizenship, walks us through the payoffs and pitfalls of content filtering. We also have algorithmic puppet master extraordinaire Gretchen Andrew, who shares how she tricked Google’s search engine into showing people her art instead of presidential election results. 


Join host Brian Tomlinson as guides us through practical tips on how we can work WITH algorithms to bridge the gap between humans and computers.

]]> false full 4 2 <![CDATA[Tell Me a Story: An audio history of oral cultures]]> Did you ever hear the one about Tough Laroque? No? Well, have we got a story for you. 


Our guests are three Métis aunties and scholars, Sheila Laroque, Tanya Ball and Kayla Lar-Son. All three are lovers of books, they even have their own podcast called Book Women or masinahikan iskwêwak. But Sheila, Tanya and Kayla are also huge proponents of oral storytelling, both because they know a lot about it and they’re pretty good at it. There is often a lot of importance placed on writing things down but, when it comes to telling stories, some may be best saved for our ears, rather than on paper. 


Listen in to their conversation on Indigenous storytelling. With host Brian Tomlinson, Sheila, Tanya and Kayla will cover what makes a good story, how its lessons change depending on the storyteller and the listener. And they’ll also remind us that sometimes a good story is just a good story! So sit back and enjoy. 

]]> Thu, 18 Jan 2024 01:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 24:11 Did you ever hear the one about Tough Laroque? No? Well, have we got a story for you. 


Our guests are three Métis aunties and scholars, Sheila Laroque, Tanya Ball and Kayla Lar-Son. All three are lovers of books, they even have their own podcast called Book Women or masinahikan iskwêwak. But Sheila, Tanya and Kayla are also huge proponents of oral storytelling, both because they know a lot about it and they’re pretty good at it. There is often a lot of importance placed on writing things down but, when it comes to telling stories, some may be best saved for our ears, rather than on paper. 


Listen in to their conversation on Indigenous storytelling. With host Brian Tomlinson, Sheila, Tanya and Kayla will cover what makes a good story, how its lessons change depending on the storyteller and the listener. And they’ll also remind us that sometimes a good story is just a good story! So sit back and enjoy. 

]]> Did you ever hear the one about Tough Laroque? No? Well, have we got a story for you. 


Our guests are three Métis aunties and scholars, Sheila Laroque, Tanya Ball and Kayla Lar-Son. All three are lovers of books, they even have their own podcast called Book Women or masinahikan iskwêwak. But Sheila, Tanya and Kayla are also huge proponents of oral storytelling, both because they know a lot about it and they’re pretty good at it. There is often a lot of importance placed on writing things down but, when it comes to telling stories, some may be best saved for our ears, rather than on paper. 


Listen in to their conversation on Indigenous storytelling. With host Brian Tomlinson, Sheila, Tanya and Kayla will cover what makes a good story, how its lessons change depending on the storyteller and the listener. And they’ll also remind us that sometimes a good story is just a good story! So sit back and enjoy. 

]]> false full 3 2 <![CDATA[Myth busting the hero's journey]]> The hero’s journey is a familiar tale. It’s an archetype that follows The Hero on a quest where challenges are faced, insights are gained, after which the hero returns home transformed. That’s it. Simple, and very well used (see The Matrix, StarWars, The Lion King, etc).


Join host Lottie Bazley as she takes us on a journey with a new storyline. This one includes flipping this well-known narrative on its head to find different perspectives, and rejecting the all encompassing confines of the hero’s journey. 


Lottie speaks with author and academic Emily Hauser, as well as Professor of Classical and Early Mediterranean Studies Joel Christiansen. Listen in for their takes on how heroic most heroes really are (not very), and more importantly, what we lose when we ignore other narratives and what we gain when we invite the background characters to center stage.

]]> Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:02:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 21:34 The hero’s journey is a familiar tale. It’s an archetype that follows The Hero on a quest where challenges are faced, insights are gained, after which the hero returns home transformed. That’s it. Simple, and very well used (see The Matrix, StarWars, The Lion King, etc).


Join host Lottie Bazley as she takes us on a journey with a new storyline. This one includes flipping this well-known narrative on its head to find different perspectives, and rejecting the all encompassing confines of the hero’s journey. 


Lottie speaks with author and academic Emily Hauser, as well as Professor of Classical and Early Mediterranean Studies Joel Christiansen. Listen in for their takes on how heroic most heroes really are (not very), and more importantly, what we lose when we ignore other narratives and what we gain when we invite the background characters to center stage.

]]> The hero’s journey is a familiar tale. It’s an archetype that follows The Hero on a quest where challenges are faced, insights are gained, after which the hero returns home transformed. That’s it. Simple, and very well used (see The Matrix, StarWars, The Lion King, etc).


Join host Lottie Bazley as she takes us on a journey with a new storyline. This one includes flipping this well-known narrative on its head to find different perspectives, and rejecting the all encompassing confines of the hero’s journey. 


Lottie speaks with author and academic Emily Hauser, as well as Professor of Classical and Early Mediterranean Studies Joel Christiansen. Listen in for their takes on how heroic most heroes really are (not very), and more importantly, what we lose when we ignore other narratives and what we gain when we invite the background characters to center stage.

]]> false full 2 2 <![CDATA[The art of effective storytelling with Kate Tellers]]> Everybody’s got a story, but how do you best tell yours?


To delve into the depths of what makes a good story, we have storyteller extraordinaire, Kate Tellers to guide the way. She’s a host, director of MothWorks at The Moth, and co-author of the book How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling. The Moth is a non-profit storytelling extravaganza with a podcast heard by millions. With host, Staffbase’s Brian Tomlinson, Kate gets personal and down to business as she reveals the secrets behind spinning a good yarn, how to keep it fresh, and how to get “off the page” in front of an audience.


The stories we hear shape who we are, and so do the stories we tell. Listen in!

]]> Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 25:19 Everybody’s got a story, but how do you best tell yours?


To delve into the depths of what makes a good story, we have storyteller extraordinaire, Kate Tellers to guide the way. She’s a host, director of MothWorks at The Moth, and co-author of the book How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling. The Moth is a non-profit storytelling extravaganza with a podcast heard by millions. With host, Staffbase’s Brian Tomlinson, Kate gets personal and down to business as she reveals the secrets behind spinning a good yarn, how to keep it fresh, and how to get “off the page” in front of an audience.


The stories we hear shape who we are, and so do the stories we tell. Listen in!

]]> Everybody’s got a story, but how do you best tell yours?


To delve into the depths of what makes a good story, we have storyteller extraordinaire, Kate Tellers to guide the way. She’s a host, director of MothWorks at The Moth, and co-author of the book How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling. The Moth is a non-profit storytelling extravaganza with a podcast heard by millions. With host, Staffbase’s Brian Tomlinson, Kate gets personal and down to business as she reveals the secrets behind spinning a good yarn, how to keep it fresh, and how to get “off the page” in front of an audience.


The stories we hear shape who we are, and so do the stories we tell. Listen in!

]]> false full 1 2 <![CDATA[Trailer: Infernal Communication Season 2]]> Welcome back to Season 2 of Infernal Communication, where we take a deeper look at the wild little fires communicators have to put out every day. Join our hosts Lottie Bazley and Brian Tomlinson of Staffbase as they bring together experts, authors and even a former private eye – for fresh perspectives that will soothe the burn of your latest communication breakdown. We’ve got new ways to look at the hero’s journey, and the art of the apology. We’ll talk about how to have difficult conversations, and the best way to bounce back from embarrassment by seizing control of your own narrative. This season we’re focusing on the depth and breadth of what it means to be a storyteller – because we know: Communication is hard. Being a communications professional is even harder. So why not let Infernal Communications make your job easier and probably a little more fun.

]]> Thu, 14 Dec 2023 01:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 1:30 Welcome back to Season 2 of Infernal Communication, where we take a deeper look at the wild little fires communicators have to put out every day. Join our hosts Lottie Bazley and Brian Tomlinson of Staffbase as they bring together experts, authors and even a former private eye – for fresh perspectives that will soothe the burn of your latest communication breakdown. We’ve got new ways to look at the hero’s journey, and the art of the apology. We’ll talk about how to have difficult conversations, and the best way to bounce back from embarrassment by seizing control of your own narrative. This season we’re focusing on the depth and breadth of what it means to be a storyteller – because we know: Communication is hard. Being a communications professional is even harder. So why not let Infernal Communications make your job easier and probably a little more fun.

]]> Welcome back to Season 2 of Infernal Communication, where we take a deeper look at the wild little fires communicators have to put out every day. Join our hosts Lottie Bazley and Brian Tomlinson of Staffbase as they bring together experts, authors and even a former private eye – for fresh perspectives that will soothe the burn of your latest communication breakdown. We’ve got new ways to look at the hero’s journey, and the art of the apology. We’ll talk about how to have difficult conversations, and the best way to bounce back from embarrassment by seizing control of your own narrative. This season we’re focusing on the depth and breadth of what it means to be a storyteller – because we know: Communication is hard. Being a communications professional is even harder. So why not let Infernal Communications make your job easier and probably a little more fun.

]]> false trailer 2 <![CDATA[Ancient Communication: A people’s history]]> In this final episode of season one of Infernal Communication, join host Kyla Sims as she speaks with Genevieve Von Petzinger, paleo anthropologist and author of The First Signs: Unlocking the Mysteries of the World's Oldest Symbols, as well as  Dan Everett, linguistic anthropologist, author, and one of only four second-language speakers of the Amazon Basin's Pirahã people. They’ll talk about what we know about our earliest communications and how communication has shaped what it means to be human. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 23 Mar 2023 08:01:00 -0400 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 29:22 In this final episode of season one of Infernal Communication, join host Kyla Sims as she speaks with Genevieve Von Petzinger, paleo anthropologist and author of The First Signs: Unlocking the Mysteries of the World's Oldest Symbols, as well as  Dan Everett, linguistic anthropologist, author, and one of only four second-language speakers of the Amazon Basin's Pirahã people. They’ll talk about what we know about our earliest communications and how communication has shaped what it means to be human. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> In this final episode of season one of Infernal Communication, join host Kyla Sims as she speaks with Genevieve Von Petzinger, paleo anthropologist and author of The First Signs: Unlocking the Mysteries of the World's Oldest Symbols, as well as  Dan Everett, linguistic anthropologist, author, and one of only four second-language speakers of the Amazon Basin's Pirahã people. They’ll talk about what we know about our earliest communications and how communication has shaped what it means to be human. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 12 1 <![CDATA[Noise, Noise, Noise! Cutting through the digital roar.]]> Our host Kyla Sims chats with neuroscientist Dr. Carl Marci about what happens to our brain when we spend too much time online and what we can do to protect ourselves. Then, “Master of Decibels” Paul Mellor shares his tactics for making brands famous and cutting through all the noise.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 09 Mar 2023 09:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 27:54 Our host Kyla Sims chats with neuroscientist Dr. Carl Marci about what happens to our brain when we spend too much time online and what we can do to protect ourselves. Then, “Master of Decibels” Paul Mellor shares his tactics for making brands famous and cutting through all the noise.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Our host Kyla Sims chats with neuroscientist Dr. Carl Marci about what happens to our brain when we spend too much time online and what we can do to protect ourselves. Then, “Master of Decibels” Paul Mellor shares his tactics for making brands famous and cutting through all the noise.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 11 1 <![CDATA[Several short questions about writing: What does it mean to be a “good writer?”]]> Our host, Kyla Sims, sits down with writer and Yale English professor, Verlyn Klinkenborg, about how he teaches writing. Most of his students know how to write well, but do they understand how to think about writing? According to Verlyn, there is an important distinction. From sentence structure to personal motivation, this episode takes a deep look into what it means to be a “good writer.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2023 09:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 31:47 Our host, Kyla Sims, sits down with writer and Yale English professor, Verlyn Klinkenborg, about how he teaches writing. Most of his students know how to write well, but do they understand how to think about writing? According to Verlyn, there is an important distinction. From sentence structure to personal motivation, this episode takes a deep look into what it means to be a “good writer.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Our host, Kyla Sims, sits down with writer and Yale English professor, Verlyn Klinkenborg, about how he teaches writing. Most of his students know how to write well, but do they understand how to think about writing? According to Verlyn, there is an important distinction. From sentence structure to personal motivation, this episode takes a deep look into what it means to be a “good writer.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 10 1 <![CDATA[Get a room: Can we recreate the magic of in-person collaboration online?]]> Our host Kyla Sims chats with researcher and psychologist Dr. Sophie Wohltjen about the intricacies of human connection and what goes on in our brains when we look someone in the eye. Jennifer Britton joins in to discuss what it was like to work remotely before digital workspaces were even possible. From the neuroscience of eye contact to effective online leadership, this episode looks at whether we can really connect through remote work the same way we do face-to-face. 

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 27:33 Our host Kyla Sims chats with researcher and psychologist Dr. Sophie Wohltjen about the intricacies of human connection and what goes on in our brains when we look someone in the eye. Jennifer Britton joins in to discuss what it was like to work remotely before digital workspaces were even possible. From the neuroscience of eye contact to effective online leadership, this episode looks at whether we can really connect through remote work the same way we do face-to-face. 

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Our host Kyla Sims chats with researcher and psychologist Dr. Sophie Wohltjen about the intricacies of human connection and what goes on in our brains when we look someone in the eye. Jennifer Britton joins in to discuss what it was like to work remotely before digital workspaces were even possible. From the neuroscience of eye contact to effective online leadership, this episode looks at whether we can really connect through remote work the same way we do face-to-face. 

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 9 1 <![CDATA[Lost in translation: There's no such thing as bad English]]> Getting lost in translation is bound to happen when languages, accents, and cultures collide. 

In this episode, our host Kyla Sims speaks to linguist and polyglot, Dr. Luis Miguel Rojas-Berscia, about how language works and what happens when languages and their variations don't quite line up. Global Communications Specialist, Heather Hansen, then weighs in on what we lose when we dub people “bad” English speakers. Hansen encourages us to stop being language snobs and shares her tips on understanding and being understood. 

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2023 09:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 31:01 Getting lost in translation is bound to happen when languages, accents, and cultures collide. 

In this episode, our host Kyla Sims speaks to linguist and polyglot, Dr. Luis Miguel Rojas-Berscia, about how language works and what happens when languages and their variations don't quite line up. Global Communications Specialist, Heather Hansen, then weighs in on what we lose when we dub people “bad” English speakers. Hansen encourages us to stop being language snobs and shares her tips on understanding and being understood. 

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Getting lost in translation is bound to happen when languages, accents, and cultures collide. 

In this episode, our host Kyla Sims speaks to linguist and polyglot, Dr. Luis Miguel Rojas-Berscia, about how language works and what happens when languages and their variations don't quite line up. Global Communications Specialist, Heather Hansen, then weighs in on what we lose when we dub people “bad” English speakers. Hansen encourages us to stop being language snobs and shares her tips on understanding and being understood. 

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 8 1 <![CDATA[The bearer of bad news: Compassion in times of crisis]]> WARNING: This episode deals with sensitive subject matter, including school shootings, sexual harassment, and racism.

We all have to deliver bad news at some point, but is there a better way to do it? 
 
First, we will speak with Tangia Renee Estrada, Co-founder of BIPOC Podcast Creators and Amplify BIPOC, about her experiences as a crisis comms professional, her learnings, and her regrets.
 
Next, we'll speak with Robin Stickley, a former Global News Canada journalist, who has delivered the news (good and bad) to broadcast television audiences for years — including the devastating events in the Sandy Hook. 

Finally, we’ll sit down with Janet Stovall, author of “The Conscious Communicator: The Fine Art of Saying Stupid Sh*t”, about her experiences delivering hard truths and her methodology for helping organizations determine if they should weigh-in on the difficult issues of our times. 

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2023 09:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 40:13 WARNING: This episode deals with sensitive subject matter, including school shootings, sexual harassment, and racism.

We all have to deliver bad news at some point, but is there a better way to do it? 
 
First, we will speak with Tangia Renee Estrada, Co-founder of BIPOC Podcast Creators and Amplify BIPOC, about her experiences as a crisis comms professional, her learnings, and her regrets.
 
Next, we'll speak with Robin Stickley, a former Global News Canada journalist, who has delivered the news (good and bad) to broadcast television audiences for years — including the devastating events in the Sandy Hook. 

Finally, we’ll sit down with Janet Stovall, author of “The Conscious Communicator: The Fine Art of Saying Stupid Sh*t”, about her experiences delivering hard truths and her methodology for helping organizations determine if they should weigh-in on the difficult issues of our times. 

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> WARNING: This episode deals with sensitive subject matter, including school shootings, sexual harassment, and racism.

We all have to deliver bad news at some point, but is there a better way to do it? 
 
First, we will speak with Tangia Renee Estrada, Co-founder of BIPOC Podcast Creators and Amplify BIPOC, about her experiences as a crisis comms professional, her learnings, and her regrets.
 
Next, we'll speak with Robin Stickley, a former Global News Canada journalist, who has delivered the news (good and bad) to broadcast television audiences for years — including the devastating events in the Sandy Hook. 

Finally, we’ll sit down with Janet Stovall, author of “The Conscious Communicator: The Fine Art of Saying Stupid Sh*t”, about her experiences delivering hard truths and her methodology for helping organizations determine if they should weigh-in on the difficult issues of our times. 

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 7 1 <![CDATA[How do you really feel? And this time we mean it.]]> How are you?
 
Most of us answer without really thinking about it.
 
The truth is that many of us are not doing well — including those of us in the comms industry. In this episode, two brave communicators (Haleigh Brouillette, Sr. Comms Manager at Hudl & Tangia Renee Estrada, co-founder of BIPOC Podcast Creators and veteran communications pro) share their stories of burnout, loss, and mental health, to help break the stigma and start a conversation about how we're really feeling.
 
Resources:
Talk Suicide Canada & 1-833-456-4566 by phone
Wellness Together Canada
https://www.mentalhealth.gov
National Suicide Helpline US & 988 by phone
Find a Helpline (Global)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 29 Dec 2022 09:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 27:07 How are you?
 
Most of us answer without really thinking about it.
 
The truth is that many of us are not doing well — including those of us in the comms industry. In this episode, two brave communicators (Haleigh Brouillette, Sr. Comms Manager at Hudl & Tangia Renee Estrada, co-founder of BIPOC Podcast Creators and veteran communications pro) share their stories of burnout, loss, and mental health, to help break the stigma and start a conversation about how we're really feeling.
 
Resources:
Talk Suicide Canada & 1-833-456-4566 by phone
Wellness Together Canada
https://www.mentalhealth.gov
National Suicide Helpline US & 988 by phone
Find a Helpline (Global)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> How are you?
 
Most of us answer without really thinking about it.
 
The truth is that many of us are not doing well — including those of us in the comms industry. In this episode, two brave communicators (Haleigh Brouillette, Sr. Comms Manager at Hudl & Tangia Renee Estrada, co-founder of BIPOC Podcast Creators and veteran communications pro) share their stories of burnout, loss, and mental health, to help break the stigma and start a conversation about how we're really feeling.
 
Resources:
Talk Suicide Canada & 1-833-456-4566 by phone
Wellness Together Canada
https://www.mentalhealth.gov
National Suicide Helpline US & 988 by phone
Find a Helpline (Global)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 6 1 <![CDATA[The trial of Comic Sans: The font everyone loves to hate]]> WARNING: This episode contains swearing, suggestive language, and references that some listeners may prefer to avoid.

How does a simple font elicit such strong emotions? Is Comic Sans the villain we've made it out to be, or is it just misunderstood and misused?

Listen in as Comic Sans stands trial for crimes against typeface, obstruction of font protocol and indecent exposure on documents both printed and digital.

While the kangaroo court is in session, join host Kyla Sims and graphic designer Craig Rozynski, the creator of comics sans’ cool uncle, Comic Neue. He shares his insights as to why he felt the goofiest of fonts needed a redesign. We also hear from Dr. Dawn Shaikh, a human factors psychologist who wrote her doctoral thesis on the Personality of Cleartype Fonts.

She digs deep into her research to provide a glimpse into where Comic Sans came from, what it was meant for (trust us, it isn’t your résumé) and what all the negative connotations say about the biases that shape our communication norms.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 09:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 31:28 WARNING: This episode contains swearing, suggestive language, and references that some listeners may prefer to avoid.

How does a simple font elicit such strong emotions? Is Comic Sans the villain we've made it out to be, or is it just misunderstood and misused?

Listen in as Comic Sans stands trial for crimes against typeface, obstruction of font protocol and indecent exposure on documents both printed and digital.

While the kangaroo court is in session, join host Kyla Sims and graphic designer Craig Rozynski, the creator of comics sans’ cool uncle, Comic Neue. He shares his insights as to why he felt the goofiest of fonts needed a redesign. We also hear from Dr. Dawn Shaikh, a human factors psychologist who wrote her doctoral thesis on the Personality of Cleartype Fonts.

She digs deep into her research to provide a glimpse into where Comic Sans came from, what it was meant for (trust us, it isn’t your résumé) and what all the negative connotations say about the biases that shape our communication norms.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> WARNING: This episode contains swearing, suggestive language, and references that some listeners may prefer to avoid.

How does a simple font elicit such strong emotions? Is Comic Sans the villain we've made it out to be, or is it just misunderstood and misused?

Listen in as Comic Sans stands trial for crimes against typeface, obstruction of font protocol and indecent exposure on documents both printed and digital.

While the kangaroo court is in session, join host Kyla Sims and graphic designer Craig Rozynski, the creator of comics sans’ cool uncle, Comic Neue. He shares his insights as to why he felt the goofiest of fonts needed a redesign. We also hear from Dr. Dawn Shaikh, a human factors psychologist who wrote her doctoral thesis on the Personality of Cleartype Fonts.

She digs deep into her research to provide a glimpse into where Comic Sans came from, what it was meant for (trust us, it isn’t your résumé) and what all the negative connotations say about the biases that shape our communication norms.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 5 1 <![CDATA[Cursing & crossed fingers: What our word choice says about us]]> WARNING: This episode contains swearing, suggestive language, and references that some listeners may prefer to avoid.

In this episode, Kyla sits down with Professor Timothy Jay, psycholinguist and the foremost expert on swearing and curse words. Together they unpack the origins of benign office jargon, how certain naughty words develop from childhood, and the story of one comedian's infamous bit that ended up in front of the Supreme Court. We also hear from Jennifer Saul, Chair in Social and Political Philosophy of Language at the University of Waterloo. She shares how one presidential campaign upended decades of political linguistic thought and inspired her own research into deceptive speech and linguistic devices.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2022 09:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 34:46 WARNING: This episode contains swearing, suggestive language, and references that some listeners may prefer to avoid.

In this episode, Kyla sits down with Professor Timothy Jay, psycholinguist and the foremost expert on swearing and curse words. Together they unpack the origins of benign office jargon, how certain naughty words develop from childhood, and the story of one comedian's infamous bit that ended up in front of the Supreme Court. We also hear from Jennifer Saul, Chair in Social and Political Philosophy of Language at the University of Waterloo. She shares how one presidential campaign upended decades of political linguistic thought and inspired her own research into deceptive speech and linguistic devices.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> WARNING: This episode contains swearing, suggestive language, and references that some listeners may prefer to avoid.

In this episode, Kyla sits down with Professor Timothy Jay, psycholinguist and the foremost expert on swearing and curse words. Together they unpack the origins of benign office jargon, how certain naughty words develop from childhood, and the story of one comedian's infamous bit that ended up in front of the Supreme Court. We also hear from Jennifer Saul, Chair in Social and Political Philosophy of Language at the University of Waterloo. She shares how one presidential campaign upended decades of political linguistic thought and inspired her own research into deceptive speech and linguistic devices.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 4 1 <![CDATA[Is going viral still a thing? Can you intentionally make something go viral? Or better yet, should you?]]> Our host Kyla Sims sits down with Tech and Culture reporter Christianna Silva from Mashable. Together, they unpack why our world is obsessed with constantly trying to pursue internet virality. Patrick Yurick, Head Comic at MakingComics.com also joins the show to tell the tale of his own internet virality and what he learned. From unpacking the neuroscience to recounting stories of going viral for the wrong reasons, this episode will make you question whether going viral is really what it’s cracked up to be. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2022 09:01:00 -0500 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 34:16 Our host Kyla Sims sits down with Tech and Culture reporter Christianna Silva from Mashable. Together, they unpack why our world is obsessed with constantly trying to pursue internet virality. Patrick Yurick, Head Comic at MakingComics.com also joins the show to tell the tale of his own internet virality and what he learned. From unpacking the neuroscience to recounting stories of going viral for the wrong reasons, this episode will make you question whether going viral is really what it’s cracked up to be. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Our host Kyla Sims sits down with Tech and Culture reporter Christianna Silva from Mashable. Together, they unpack why our world is obsessed with constantly trying to pursue internet virality. Patrick Yurick, Head Comic at MakingComics.com also joins the show to tell the tale of his own internet virality and what he learned. From unpacking the neuroscience to recounting stories of going viral for the wrong reasons, this episode will make you question whether going viral is really what it’s cracked up to be. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 3 1 <![CDATA[Flatten the curve: Dissecting the comms campaign that changed the world]]> In this episode of Infernal Communication, host Kyla Sims sits down with microbiologist and science communicator Dr. Siouxsie Wiles to talk about arguably the most successful communication campaign of our generation. Together Kyla and Dr. Wiles walk us through the journey of collaborating with award-winning illustrator Toby Morris to make "flatten the curve" go viral and potentially saving millions of lives, to the aftermath and fallout.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 03 Nov 2022 08:01:00 -0400 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 28:48 In this episode of Infernal Communication, host Kyla Sims sits down with microbiologist and science communicator Dr. Siouxsie Wiles to talk about arguably the most successful communication campaign of our generation. Together Kyla and Dr. Wiles walk us through the journey of collaborating with award-winning illustrator Toby Morris to make "flatten the curve" go viral and potentially saving millions of lives, to the aftermath and fallout.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> In this episode of Infernal Communication, host Kyla Sims sits down with microbiologist and science communicator Dr. Siouxsie Wiles to talk about arguably the most successful communication campaign of our generation. Together Kyla and Dr. Wiles walk us through the journey of collaborating with award-winning illustrator Toby Morris to make "flatten the curve" go viral and potentially saving millions of lives, to the aftermath and fallout.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 2 1 <![CDATA[Make it pretty: How rethinking these three little words can shift our perception of beauty]]> In this episode of Infernal Communication, Kyla sits down with Director of Design Strategy at Mural and author Stephen P. Anderson, to get to the heart of the intangible request that infuriates communicators and designers alike: "Make it pretty." They dive into Stephen's article “In Defence of Eye Candy” and discuss the value of “Beauty” as a design concept and what pitfalls professionals make in trying to capture it. Then we go even deeper with Forbes contributor, and disability and beauty advocate Xian Horn. She challenges us to interrogate our monoculture of beauty standards and visual communication, and helps us find more meaning in the request to “Make it pretty”.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2022 08:01:00 -0400 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 26:40 In this episode of Infernal Communication, Kyla sits down with Director of Design Strategy at Mural and author Stephen P. Anderson, to get to the heart of the intangible request that infuriates communicators and designers alike: "Make it pretty." They dive into Stephen's article “In Defence of Eye Candy” and discuss the value of “Beauty” as a design concept and what pitfalls professionals make in trying to capture it. Then we go even deeper with Forbes contributor, and disability and beauty advocate Xian Horn. She challenges us to interrogate our monoculture of beauty standards and visual communication, and helps us find more meaning in the request to “Make it pretty”.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> In this episode of Infernal Communication, Kyla sits down with Director of Design Strategy at Mural and author Stephen P. Anderson, to get to the heart of the intangible request that infuriates communicators and designers alike: "Make it pretty." They dive into Stephen's article “In Defence of Eye Candy” and discuss the value of “Beauty” as a design concept and what pitfalls professionals make in trying to capture it. Then we go even deeper with Forbes contributor, and disability and beauty advocate Xian Horn. She challenges us to interrogate our monoculture of beauty standards and visual communication, and helps us find more meaning in the request to “Make it pretty”.

Do you work in communications? Join us at Staffbase's VOICES Conference in NYC April 26-27th, 2023. Get your ticket at voices.staffbase.com/us and use promocode VOICES-PODCAST-25 for 25% off your ticket.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> false full 1 1 <![CDATA[Welcome to Infernal Communication]]> Communication is hard. Being a communications professional is even harder. In each episode of Infernal Communication, we take a deeper look at the wild little fires communicators have to put out every day. We stop, drop and uncover the surprising reach of these oh-so-common problems in internal comms and beyond.

Join Kyla from Staffbase as she recruits authors, scientists, and experts to help get some fresh perspectives that will soothe the burn of your latest communication snafu, and help you think differently about your work and life. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Thu, 18 Aug 2022 19:08:19 -0400 http://infernalcommunication.com/ 1:35 Communication is hard. Being a communications professional is even harder. In each episode of Infernal Communication, we take a deeper look at the wild little fires communicators have to put out every day. We stop, drop and uncover the surprising reach of these oh-so-common problems in internal comms and beyond.

Join Kyla from Staffbase as she recruits authors, scientists, and experts to help get some fresh perspectives that will soothe the burn of your latest communication snafu, and help you think differently about your work and life. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

]]> Communication is hard. Being a communications professional is even harder. In each episode of Infernal Communication, we take a deeper look at the wild little fires communicators have to put out every day. We stop, drop and uncover the surprising reach of these oh-so-common problems in internal comms and beyond.

Join Kyla from Staffbase as she recruits authors, scientists, and experts to help get some fresh perspectives that will soothe the burn of your latest communication snafu, and help you think differently about your work and life. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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