Stories and Strategies with Curzon Public Relations

What happens when the man behind the headlines becomes the headline?  

Former tabloid editor and Downing Street comms chief Andy Coulson opens up about his very public fall from grace — from resignations and scandal to serving time in prison — and how he rebuilt his life and career in the shadow of cancel culture.  

With raw honesty and sharp insight, Andy talks about the realities of recovery, the myth of reinvention, and why consis...

The media landscape is changing – and fast. 

In this episode, Tina McCorkindale, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations, breaks down the shift away from traditional news and the rise of emerging media. Drawing on insights from a recent survey with PepperCom, she explores how trust in media is evolving and what that means for public relations. 

From the rise of podcasts and influencers to the decline of legacy outlets...

The public relations industry has long been recognized as a female-dominated field, with women making up approximately two-thirds of the workforce. However, when it comes to leadership, women remain significantly underrepresented, comprising just one-third of top-tier roles. This disparity raises critical questions about the systemic barriers that prevent women from rising to senior leadership positions in PR agencies and organizat...

Curzon Public Relations CEO, Farzana Baduel, joins the world’s most-listened-to PR podcast, as Guest Resident Co-Host!

Alongside host Doug Downs, SCMP and producers Emily Page and David Olajide MPRCA, this season will explore PR through a truly global lens—tackling industry challenges, leadership insights, and the evolving media landscape.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯...

Ideas shape the world, but only when they’re communicated effectively. Some individuals have a remarkable ability to present their ideas in a way that captivates, influences, and inspires. A well-crafted and powerfully delivered idea doesn’t just inform—it transforms. 

Imagine if you could unlock the exact techniques used by the world’s best communicators, watch them deliver unforgettable presentations, and apply their secrets to en...

This episode is in honour of Podcasthon and in support of the Canadian Cancer Society

When facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis, how much does communication—between doctors, patients, and loved ones—truly matter? 

In this deeply moving episode, Doug Downs sits down with Tim Kelter and Pete Paczko, two men with firsthand experience navigating cancer’s devastating impact. 

Tim shares the heartbreaking story of losing both his daughte...

What if the key to development isn’t learning more—but unlearning first? 

In this episode, we explore how rural communities in underdeveloped nations can shape their own futures by moving beyond Western-imposed models of engagement. 

Professor Anne Gregory, shares insights from her research in rural Indonesia, where micro-hydro powerplants are transforming villages, and explains how a new approach to participatory communication is em...

In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with human emotions, a new frontier is emerging—artificial intelligence that can understand how we feel. Imagine an AI system that doesn’t just analyze data but senses our emotional state through the words we choose, the way we describe our experiences, and even how consistently we check in with ourselves.

This isn't science fiction. Advances in natural language processing...

This episode originally published in May 2024.

At the end of 2023, PRSA assembled a group of 25 senior communicators from a wide range of industries, in-house and firms, for an additional meeting, with several follow-up meetings with subject matter experts, all spearheaded by Ray Day, 2024 PRSA Chair-elect. Three main actions emerged:

1. We need to champion honesty and transparency, recognizing the need to enhance message strategies...

Personal branding isn’t just for influencers or CEOs—it’s for anyone who wants to stand out, build trust, and create new opportunities. 

Whether you’re an employee, entrepreneur, or freelancer, the way you present yourself can open doors or close them. 

In today’s digital world, people aren’t just hiring résumés—they’re hiring reputations. 

A strong personal brand can make you the go-to expert in your field, help you attract new clien...

Ever created a PR or communications plan, only to stash it away and forget about it? You’re not alone.  

Guest Michelle Garrett breaks down why so many businesses struggle to execute their PR strategies—and what they can do to fix it. 

You need to set clear goals, measure meaningful metrics beyond just media mentions, and ensure consistency in PR efforts instead of relying on one-off campaigns. 

Michelle also shares insights on the ri...

As brands seek to cut through the digital noise, a fascinating trend has emerged: recording conversations with CEOs and decision-makers to create authentic, shareable content that humanizes their leadership.

Kendall Breitman shares her insights on why this strategy is resonating with brands and audiences and how storytelling and transparency are becoming key drivers of brand trust in today’s world.

Listen For

5:25 Turning Internal Mee...

Fractional Leadership is a growing, and possibly permanent, trend of fractional leadership and why it’s becoming a permanent shift in the business world. As organizations face leadership gaps, budget constraints, and rapidly evolving challenges, fractional leaders—experienced executives hired on a part-time basis—are stepping in to provide strategic guidance and stability.

What is the unique value they bring? How do they ...

TikTok is a powerful social media tool in the United States. About 170 million Americans use the platform and for many marketing and PR agencies it’s the preferred go to tool.

The average time on TikTok in 2024, per user, is estimated to be 58 minutes per day. 

But several governments have banned TikTok from being used on Government devices – including the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia. In India, TikTok is banned altoge...

Communication is the most important weapon a Navy SEAL can carry—more vital than physical strength, endurance, or even firepower.

I was in Salt Lake City recently at a conference and saw former Navy SEAL William Branum speak. He served for 26 years with the US Navy and 23 of those years was a Navy SEAL. In his presentation he talked about how clear, concise, and often nonverbal communication plays a critical role in high-...

Soft Power. It’s the concept of influence… not control – and it can shape global perceptions, drive brand loyalty, and create lasting impact.

In this episode we learn what soft power really means, how it differs from traditional PR, and how companies can use it to build trust, foster connections, and stand out in a competitive market (or even world order).

Through storytelling, cultural identity, and corporate re...

She made the internet howl with one absurd phrase. Haliey Welch, the self-proclaimed “Hawk Tuah Girl,” turned a bizarre street interview viral fame almost overnight.

What started as a joke spiraled into a full-blown phenomenon, with memes, merchandise, and her very own cryptocurrency. But it was the viral cry that became a crypto crash.

In this episode, we unpack the wild story of Haliey Welch’s meteoric fame. He...

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In today’s crowded digital landscape and with marketing budgets tighter than ever, brands are looking for fresh, innovative ways to connect with younger audiences. One emerging frontier? K-12 schools. These classrooms are no longer just hubs of learning—they’re evolving into powerful spaces where brands can make a meaningful impact while building long-term affinity.

Whoa… you...

Wikipedia is one of the top the most-visited websites in the world. Additionally, it has influence. The information on Wikipedia is also disseminated across the web on Google’s Knowledge Graph and associated search page components, quick summaries of topics on Siri and Alexa, and even into news articles, podcast discussions, and government websites.

Wikipedia is also of interest for SEO practitioners, heavily influencing ...