Claim OwnershipThe Crux of the Story
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Hosted by one of the world's top communicators, currently SVP & Chief Communications Officer at Enbridge, the show tackles relevant and controversial topics in the field of communications that are shaping business, politics, and our lives.
Prominent guests from PR, journalism, business, and academia discuss how communications can inspire, persuade, deepen one’s understanding, or move an audience - or even a nation - to action.
Prominent guests from PR, journalism, business, and academia discuss how communications can inspire, persuade, deepen one’s understanding, or move an audience - or even a nation - to action.
157 Episodes
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Maril MacDonald, founder and CEO of Gagen MacDonald, joins The Crux to explore how leaders can steer organizations through today’s turbulence—AI disruption, geopolitical risk, layoffs, and rapid M&A activity. A pioneer in culture and change management, Maril shares lessons from advising Fortune 500 executives on building resilient, future-ready enterprises. She discusses how leaders can balance transparency with stability, spot when culture is an asset or liability, and mobilize employees around strategic goals. Drawing on decades of experience, including her own leadership journey, Maril offers practical advice on engagement, succession planning, and the traits leaders need most in a topsy-turvy world.
Three of the lead researchers behind the Canadian Public Relations Society’s landmark report, 2025 State of Public Relations in Canada: Ethics, AI and Reframing the Professional Field, join The Crux of the Story to unpack how the profession is evolving at a pivotal moment. Kim Blanchette (EVP of Castlemain/ChangeMakers), Dr. Terry Flynn (Associate Professor at McMaster University), and Colleen Killingsworth (Principal of CKCommunications) explore the identity shift between “communications” and “public relations,” the trust gap with the public, and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Together, they reveal how Canadian practitioners are adopting AI, where governance is falling short, and what role professional associations must play to remain relevant. This episode goes beyond the findings—it challenges the profession to confront its future with clarity, courage, and purpose.
Bill Myers, Managing Director of Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility at Liberty Global, joins The Crux to reflect on the legacy of media titan John Malone and the shifting dynamics of global telecom. With a career spanning government and politics, healthcare, and tech, Myers shares insights on leading through crisis, balancing local brands within a global strategy, and embracing AI’s role in storytelling. From DaVita controversies to Liberty’s European footprint, we explore how Myers blends political acumen with corporate leadership to shape communications in a fragmented media world.
Leroy Chapman Jr., Editor-in-Chief of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, discusses the paper’s bold decision to go digital-only in 2026—making Atlanta the largest U.S. city without a printed daily. Chapman shares his vision for transforming local journalism in a polarized media landscape, and how he’s guiding one of the South’s most influential newsrooms through cultural, technological, and civic shifts. We explore his leadership philosophy, and the transformation of modern newsrooms. Chapman also reflects on his journey from reporter to editor-in-chief, including pivotal moments covering the rise of Barack Obama and Nikki Haley.
Fernando Vivanco, Chief Communications Officer at Marelli, returns to The Crux to unpack one of the most challenging—and least talked about—topics in corporate communications: bankruptcy. Following Marelli’s Chapter 11 filing, Fernando has led a global messaging strategy across 23 countries, confronting myths, managing stakeholder sentiment, and maintaining morale amid uncertainty. In this episode, he shares how his team crafted a proactive, multi-channel approach to reshape perceptions of restructuring, coordinate with legal and financial leaders, and keep employees and customers informed and engaged. Drawing on lessons from Boeing, Honeywell, and Medtronic, Fernando offers candid insights into balancing transparency with legal constraints, tailoring messages across cultures, and leading with empathy in the face of disruption.
American Airlines’ EVP of Communications and Marketing Ron DeFeo, shares insights from a decade at one of the world’s largest airlines. We explore his approach to crisis management—from flight disruptions to viral passenger incidents—and how empathy, transparency, and strategic storytelling shape public response. Ron reflects on his career journey through Ketchum, Darden Restaurants, and The Home Depot, and discusses the importance of building resilient teams and defining corporate ethos. We also dive into his role as host of American Airline’s podcast Tell Me Why.
The President & CEO of The Latino Coalition discusses public policy and expanding economic opportunity for Latino entrepreneurs. We explore his career journey across five companies – Anheuser-Busch, Carnival, Ford Motor Company, Tyson Foods, and Waste Management Inc – and his leadership of the Hispanic Association for Corporate Responsibility. We also talk about Carlos’s book From Havana to DC: The Rise of Cuban Americans in Florida Politics as he shares insights on stakeholder engagement, communications strategy, and the evolving role of Latino leadership in business and politics.
Described as a “creative instigator,” Cheryl Overton who leads her own firm and previously worked for top agencies – including Ogilvy, Edelman and EGAMI Group – and has worked on several iconic brands from P&G to Lancome, Dove, the American Red Cross, and McDonald’s talks with us about the intersection of brands with culture.
We discuss: the NFL and the “Taylor Swift effect,” the American Eagle jeans campaign with actress Sydney Sweeney, the backlash to Cracker Barrel’s brand refresh, and the DEI boycott impact on Target’s retail sales. We also chat about emerging issues: how marketers need to better connect with consumers over the age of 50, balancing cultural connectivity and authenticity, and what CMOs and advertisers might do to future-proof their brands.
Manny Ruiz is a media, marketing and creative dynamo. From founding the first Hispanic PR newswire service in the U.S… to launching Hispanicize an event that highlighted the best of Hispanic and Latino PR, marketing and advertising… to co-founding Brilla Media Ventures with his wife and creative partner Angela, Manny has spent three decades shaping how brands engage with U.S. Hispanic and Latino audiences. He’s also the creative force behind Bistec – Audible’s top Spanish-language fiction podcast of 2024.
In this episode we discuss his journey from Miami Herald journalist to entrepreneur, his impact, the missteps of marketers as they try to connect with Latino and bicultural audiences. And the future of Latino media.
Chernoff Newman CEO David Campbell, head of one of the US’s more successful regional agencies, discusses his firm’s integrated approach – employing public relations, advertising, digital media and public affairs – to solve unique client challenges across many industry sectors, government and education. In our conversation we touch on agency growth, how technology and AI are changing the firm’s work, and the challenges of navigating brands in today’s politically charged world as we reflect on Cracker Barrels’ attempt to modernize its brand and other events.
With over 25 years of expertise in organizational transformation, leadership development, and employee engagement, Kate Bullinger, CEO of United Minds (Weber Shandwick’s global management consultancy) discusses how businesses can navigate uncertainty, foster purpose-driven cultures, and lead effectively through change. We also explore the evolving role of communications executives, the workplace of the future given A.I. and technology. In this conversation we take deep dives into the strategies shaping the success of organizations today.
David Grossman is the founder and CEO of The Grossman Group, a leading communications consultancy focused on leadership, change management and internal communications. We spoke with him about his 25th year in business and career journey, the evolution of leadership communication, and key insights from his upcoming book, The Heart Work of Modern Leadership: Six Differentiators of Exceptional Leaders.
We discuss how authentic and courageous leadership drives transformation; common communication challenges organizations face; and how leaders can foster employee engagement and cultural change. David also shares recent research on employee engagement in the public relations industry.
What are on the minds of future journalists from technology to storytelling to trust? We speak to three top students from the University of South Carolina's School of Journalism and Mass Communications with different broadcast disciplines and unique work experiences as interns and fellows to give us some insight: Sarah Craft (international news/ WIS-TV, WYFF-TV and WMBF-TV), Chloe Castain (sports/NASCAR), Kiki Gushue (news and broadcast production/The Crux of the Story).
Shelley Spector, founder and CEO of the Museum of Public Relations, and Dick Martin, Chair of the museum’s board and former AT&T communications executive shed light on the rich history of the PR profession, the importance of preserving its legacy, and how the Museum of Public Relations is shaping the future of the profession. Shelley and Dick share their insights on tackling contemporary challenges like disinformation and technological advancements – based in large measure by better understanding our past. Tune in for an enlightening conversation with two PR powerhouses!
Dr. Tina McCorkindale, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations (IPR), discusses IPR's declaration of April as Disinformation Awareness Month and sheds light on combating disinformation, trends in public relations and the media. We delve into groundbreaking research reports about the changing media landscape and employee engagement in the communications industry. We also explore strategies for raising awareness, improving trust, and addressing challenges faced by PR and media professionals. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation packed with actionable insights and reflections on the future of public relations.
Professor Damion Waymer, Director of the University of South Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications, discusses the misuse of scientific information and corporate misinformation. We explore the challenges faced by vulnerable publics, the role of social media, and the impact of political polarization on science communication. Professor Waymer also shares insights on improving public scientific literacy and his current research interests.
Tune in for an enlightening discussion at the intersection of communication, culture, and power.
Kim Hunter, a trailblazing entrepreneur with over four decades of making his mark in multicultural integrated marketing, makes the case that the business of diversity is business. His LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS has produced innovative marketing solutions for some of America’s top brands from Verizon to Harley Davidson and the American Cancer Society. THE LAGRANT FOUNDATION, which he founded, has awarded more than $3 million in academic scholarships to aspiring young professionals in advertising, marketing, and public relations. And his executive search firm, KLH & ASSOCIATES, has helped place racially and ethnically diverse candidates in top-level communications roles at top companies and agencies.
Join us as we delve into Kim's inspiring journey, his interesting – and maybe surprising – take on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the impact of his work.
A powerful speech can inspire, persuade, and move an audience to action. That said, crafting and delivering a speech can be daunting. In his new book, "Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience," former White House speechwriter Terry Szuplat demystifies the art of public speaking and shares valuable pointers and lessons from his distinguished career. He also discusses favorite speeches and the role of social media and AI. Szuplat runs a speechwriting firm, Global Voice Communications, helping leaders in business, non-profits and politics.
Doug Pinkham, a veteran of Washington, DC's political scene, served for 27 years as the president and CEO of the Public Affairs Council. Under his leadership, the Council became the leading public affairs membership organization, known for its annual Public Affairs Pulse Survey and its comprehensive State of Corporate Public Affairs Report.
Doug discusses how political transitions, including the new Trump Administration’s, have and are changing public discourse and the public affairs profession. He also explores the vital importance of public affairs and government relations for corporations and non-profits, the impact of digital advocacy, and the growing significance of and need for transparency and smart stakeholder engagement.
Greg Galant, co-founder and CEO, of Muck Rack discusses Muck Rack's unique market position serving the needs of journalists as well as PR professionals and newsmakers – connecting each to each other and offering services to both that enhance workflow and measure impact. Greg discusses his firm’s AI-enhanced services that enhance pitches and better connect professionals across digital platforms. We also discuss The Shorty Awards, social and digital media trends, the state of journalism and PR, the influence of AI, and much more.
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