The Smart Communications Podcast

Big Duck

The Smart Communications Podcast helps busy nonprofit leaders build their communications skills and develop their organization’s voice. Every episode shares insights and practical tips to help you leverage strategic communications to advance your nonprofit’s mission.

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215 episodes
Updated July 22

Episodes215

Newest first

May 8, 2019 · 14 min
Episode 35: Does your nonprofit need a new logo?
You might think your nonprofit’s logo needs to change, but it’s not that simple. Tune in to learn how colors, typography, imagery and more affect an organization’s brand.
Apr 24, 2019 · 15 min
Episode 34: How can you make a lean team more effective?
Christine Hughes, Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Burke Neurological Institute, built a precision comms team from scratch fast. Learn how in this podcast.
Apr 10, 2019 · 18 min
Episode 33: Should your organization produce a PSA?
Stephanie Paul, VP of Marketing and Development at the American Parkinson Disease Association, shares her experiences creating Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for TV and print.
Mar 27, 2019 · 14 min
Episode 32: What data really matters?
There’s more digital data now than ever before. George Weiner, Founder and Chief Whaler of Whole Whale, shares tips for nonprofits to get a handle on the most valuable metrics.
Mar 12, 2019 · 25 min
Episode 31: Should you rename your nonprofit?
If your nonprofit’s name is inaccurate, misleading, or outdated, it may be time to change it. Tune in to learn what goes into a name change and how to navigate the process successfully.
Feb 26, 2019 · 17 min
Episode 30: How do you structure a growing communications team?
Suzanne Shaw, Director of Communications at the Union of Concerned Scientists, bridged silos, built in-house capacity, and more through department restructuring. Listen to her story.
Feb 13, 2019 · 12 min
Episode 29: Can you legally use that photo or song?
Grabbing an image from Google is easy. But if your nonprofit is planning an online campaign, recording a PSA, or launching a podcast, it’s crucial to use media legally.
Jan 30, 2019 · 18 min
Episode 28: How can you facilitate better internal communications?
For nonprofit leaders, it’s vital to communicate effectively with staff, board, and other stakeholders in order to carry out their vision for the organization. Listen for tips on how to do just that.
Jan 16, 2019 · 13 min
Episode 27: How can an executive director realize their vision?
Over 12 years, Vince Warren shaped the Center for Constitutional Rights around his vision of what the organization could be. Tune in to hear about his experiences and insights.
Jan 2, 2019 · 12 min
Episode 26: What is “strategy?”
“Strategy” is an approach to effectively break down problems or respond to opportunities. Listen in to learn how you can put strategy into practice at your nonprofit.
Dec 19, 2018 · 19 min
Episode 25: Should your nonprofit podcast?
Podcasting can be a smart way to reach new audiences. Chandra Hayslett, Communications Director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, shares her experiences launching The Activist Files Podcast.
Dec 5, 2018 · 21 min
Episode 24: How can you communicate better with the board?
The key to building trust with your board is candor. Craig Shelley, Managing Director of Orr Group, goes deep on what exactly that entails, how to practice it, and more.
Nov 28, 2018 · 17 min
Episode 23: How can nonprofit communications leaders collaborate more effectively?
Elise Dowell, Vice Chancellor for Communications and External Affairs at The Jewish Theological Seminary, shares the lessons she's learned about collaboration as a nonprofit communications leader.
Nov 14, 2018 · 17 min
Episode 22: What are the ingredients of great storytelling?
A compelling story is a powerful tool nonprofits can use to engage, inspire, and move people to act. Jenny Dyson, Creative Director of Pencil, shares tips on how to start telling yours.
Oct 31, 2018 · 19 min
Episode 21: How can communications help development?
Big Duck goes to Fundraising Day 2018 and asks rockstars in the fundraising world one question: What can communications do to support development? Tune in to hear their answers—and more.
Oct 17, 2018 · 14 min
Episode 20: How do you get affiliates to speak with one voice?
Stephanie Paul, VP of Marketing and Development at the American Parkinson Disease Association, shares her experiences rebranding and how it helped APDA's chapters sing from the same songbook.
Oct 10, 2018 · 16 min
Episode 19: How can you get your new brand to stick?
As a nonprofit’s rebrand comes to a close, the task of getting the brand to take hold—and stay alive—begins. Tune in to learn what nonprofits need internally to ensure their new brand sticks.
Sep 19, 2018 · 11 min
Episode 18: Should you fire that lousy board member?
A shared understanding of governance is the key to a strong nonprofit board. Simone Joyaux, author of “Firing Lousy Board Members” defines what that means, why it matters, what it takes to get there.
Sep 5, 2018 · 15 min
Episode 17: How can you facilitate great internal communications?
Communicating well internally can help your organization communicate well externally. Listen in for useful tools and practices to facilitate productive conversations inside your org.
Aug 22, 2018 · 7 min
Episode 16: Should nonprofits rebrand when overhauling their websites?
Should nonprofits squeeze in a full rebrand when their website needs an update? Listen to learn more.

The Smart Communications Podcast

Episode 35: Does your nonprofit need a new logo?

Episode 34: How can you make a lean team more effective?

Episode 33: Should your organization produce a PSA?

Episode 32: What data really matters?

Episode 31: Should you rename your nonprofit?

Episode 30: How do you structure a growing communications team?

Episode 29: Can you legally use that photo or song?

Episode 28: How can you facilitate better internal communications?

Episode 27: How can an executive director realize their vision?

Episode 26: What is “strategy?”

Episode 25: Should your nonprofit podcast?

Episode 24: How can you communicate better with the board?

Episode 23: How can nonprofit communications leaders collaborate more effectively?

Episode 22: What are the ingredients of great storytelling?

Episode 21: How can communications help development?

Episode 20: How do you get affiliates to speak with one voice?

Episode 19: How can you get your new brand to stick?

Episode 18: Should you fire that lousy board member?

Episode 17: How can you facilitate great internal communications?

Episode 16: Should nonprofits rebrand when overhauling their websites?