Wag The Dog Newsletter Podcast
Episodes
Stop Telling Me to "Build Trust": Why Crisis Communication’s Favorite Mantra Is Broken
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the "Golden Rule" of public relations actually making us worse at our jobs? In this episode of The Wag The Dog Podcast, we deconstruct the industr...
Crisis Communication Strategies from the WEF Global Risks Report 2025: Key Priorities
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we unpack the key insights from the World Economic Forum's 2025 Global Risks Report, focusing on the rapidly shifting landscape of cr...
Revolutionizing Crisis Communication: The Power of Low-Code Tools
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Wag The Dog Newsletter Podcast, your virtual hosts explore how low-code and no-code platforms like Replit are transforming the ...
When should we use AI in crisis communications?
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in crisis communication. From real-time sentiment analysis to multilingual s...
Survey Data Risks: Crisis Communication Oversimplification
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore why relying solely on demographic data—like generational heat maps—can lead to critical missteps in crisis communicati...
Crisis Communications in an Age of Constant Upheaval - how polycrises and permacrisis changes the way we communicate.
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you still thinking about crises as one-off events? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the emergence of "polycrises" and "perma...
Preview: Universal Adaptive Crisis Communication (UACC) Framework
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Universal Adaptive Crisis Communication (UACC) Framework is designed to manage complex, overlapping crises. It focuses on five key areas: engagi...
Three risk and crisis reports analysed
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of crisis communication, diving into key insights from recent global reports. From the rise of co...
Risk, Crisis and emergency Communication - differences and similarities
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to *The Wag The Dog Newsletter Podcast*, where hosts Emily Thompson and James Rodriguez dive into crucial topics that matter to crisis, risk, ...
Strategic Foresight for Crisis-Ready Communications Leaders
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we argue that communications professionals must proactively prepare for potential crises by adopting a "strategic foresight" approach...
Ditching risk maps - introducing crisis scenario analysis
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode introduces a step-by-step guide for implementing scenario analysis in crisis communications. It argues that scenario analysis is a more ...
Battling the Conspiracy Beast: How AI Might Be Our Unexpected Ally
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the danger of conspiracy theories during emergencies and how they can undermine public trust and safety. Learn how AI is...
Using AI avatars for personalised disaster relief.
14 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This audio version generated by Notebook LM from my latest article explores the potential benefits of using AI avatars for personalized disaster relie...
AI's Impact on Emergency Preparedness: Insights from a Climate Crisis Communication Study
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Wag The Dog Podcast, Athena, Philippe Borremans's audio avatar, discusses the future of technology, particularly Artificial Int...
How AI is changing crisis simulation design
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about the transformation of crisis simulations from static, predictable scripts to dynamic, AI-driven scenarios. Explore ho...
ISO 22361:2022: Alining crisis communication with international best practises
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the significance of ISO 22361-2022 for crisis management and communication professionals. The standard provides a struct...
The Role of AI in Public Relations: Essential Insights for Crisis Communication Specialists
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past two years, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in corporate communications and public relations has sparked intense debate a...
How Populism Affects Crisis and Risk Communication
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Mihelj's research focused on Brazil, the USA, Poland, and Serbia—countries led by populist leaders at the onset of the pandemic. By using ...
The European AI Act and its impact on Crisis Communication
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As you might have heard, the European AI Act 🇪🇺, was officially adopted last week following a political agreement in December 2023. It represen...
Preparing For The Unknown - Disease X
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode discusses the concept of "Disease X," a hypothetical pathogen that could cause a future pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of prepara...
Report: Artificial Intelligence in Crisis Response: Perspectives from Communication Experts
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Artificial Intelligence in Crisis Response: Perspectives from Communication Experts" is now available! The report analyses how AI is changing risk,...
The AI Spy Who Came In From The Cold
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another episode of Wag The Dog, where we dive into the intriguing world of AI chatbots and their potential role in espionage. It may sound ...
How Artificial Intelligence Could Enhance or Undermine Effective Crisis Communication
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I explore the STEEP framework (Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political) for analyzing current scenarios in AI and c...
GPT4 new features - what do they mean for crisis communicators?
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we'll cover the recent OpenAI announcement of GPT4's new features, like expanded and customizable models, and what this exactly me...
Strategic Outlook 2024: What It Means for Crisis Communicators
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we'll be diving into the freshly published report by Dragonfly titled "Strategic Outlook 2024: The Resilience Gap." Dragonfly, a trusted geopol...
The 4-Rs of Resilience in Crisis Communication
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everybody talks about the importance of "resilience", but in crisis communication, it's still a woolly term. Being resilient means having the ability ...
Red Teaming: A forward-looking approach to Crisis Communication Preparedness
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of Wag The Dog, we're diving into the concept of 'Red Teaming' - an interesting simulation technique often overlooked in crisis commun...
Crisis Communication Planning with AI: Before, During, and After a Crisis
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Wag The Dog newsletter and podcast, we're diving into the fascinating topic of integrating AI into the entire crisis communicat...
Public Relations Professionals as Ethical AI Gatekeepers
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we'll discuss the important role of Public Relations professionals in handling ethical issues related to generative AI. This includes addressin...
Risk = Hazard + Outrage with Dr Peter Sandman
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we will learn about Dr. Peter Sandman's risk communication theory. We will also discuss the difference between hazard and outrage, th...
Crisis Communication: Unpacking ChatGPT's Voice and Image Capabilities
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we'll cover the recent release of ChatGPT with voice, image, and multimodal elements and see how they could be used for crisis com...
Report: Artificial Intelligence in Public Relations and Communications
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll summarize a report called "Artificial Intelligence in Public Relations and Communications: cases, reflections and predictions" ...
Two must read reports analysed - AI and Crisis Communication Summary
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Covering the most importants points related to crisis communication and AI covered in the European Communication Monitor Report 2023 and "Humans neede...
Crisis Communication Competencies - do we have what it takes?
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of crisis communication skills, knowledge, and attitudes in the absence of a capability framework.
The use of podcasts during emergencies and how AI can help.
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we'll cover the use of podcasts during emergencies and the benefits of AI in creating professional-sounding podcasts.
Interview with Dimitris Nikolaou about the future of podcasting
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An interview with the founder of Wondercraft AI, a podcast platform with a serious AI twist. This episode was completely generated via the text of the...
AI's Impact on Data Analysis in Health Emergencies
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In health emergencies, clear and concise information is crucial. Social listening, both online and offline, helps health organisations capture the con...
From the archives - Public Relations, media and democracy - interview with Prof. Anne Gregory
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This was my first official podcast, recorded in 2006. I had the incredible opportunity to cross paths with Professor Anne Gregory in Antwerp, Belgium....
The Golden World Awards for Excellence in PR with Bart de Vries
09 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Hi everyone and welcome to what is, already, episode number 40 of the Wag The Dog FM Podcast! In this episode, I talk with Bart de Vries, President of...
Crisis and Emergency Communications with Christine Townsend
06 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s episode is all about my favourite topic; Crisis and Emergency Communications. What better guest to have on the show than Christine Towns...
Science for PR, a new website with Jo Detavernier
28 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jo Detavernier launches a new website about Science for PR – to help communications professionals with insights from diverse scientific disciplines....
Emergency Mobile Apps with Maleknaz Nayebi
19 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Smartphone apps designed for emergency & crisis situations (emergency mobile apps) don’t provide what people actually need in a disaster, accord...
How to Future Proof Your Brand with Marc Cloosterman
12 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
According to Brand Finance, brands account for 18% of the top 500 global brands market-value (2017). Traditionally, brands have been created by agenci...
Career Strategies in Public Relations with Heather Yaxley
05 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Wag The Dog’s guest this week is Heather Yaxley and we’re talking about career strategies in public relations. In the context of her Phd research ...
#FuturePRoof – A Guide for Managers of Communication Teams
29 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
#FuturePRoof, a crowdsourced book and community with the bold ambition of asserting the value of public relations launched earlier last month. The boo...
Inside Monsanto’s Stakeholder Management Strategy
22 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Monsanto… It seems almost impossible to mention the company without entering in a heated discussion about GMO’s. And for a very long time the mana...
Dieselgate – The Volkswagen Crisis PR Case Study
15 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Episode number 32 of Wag The Dog is dedicated to the “Mother Of All Crisis”– Dieselgate. Estimates from Credit Suisse peg the costs of #Dieselga...
Priorities and Challenges for the PR Industry – an interview with the new ICCO President – Maxim Behar
08 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am talking to Maxim Behar, the brand new President of ICCO – The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO). Maxim and...
The Need for Continuous Learning in Public Relations
01 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Thirty days is the length of time it takes to form a habit or shed an old one… In this week’s edition of Wag The Dog FM I am talking with Stephen ...
The State of European Digital Advocacy
25 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am talking with András Baneth, the Managing Director of the European office of the Public Affairs Council. We’re covering the state of ...
Lean and Agile Public Relations – An Agency Example.
18 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
FINN PR – a Belgian, Brussels based public relations agency – is probably one of the few agencies which is working according to the Agile and Lean...
How to Create Emotionally Intelligent Content for PR ?
11 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
So true and yet, “emotion” is a strange word in the context of Public Relations work and content… That’s why I was so interested to talk to Ch...
The Dirty Little Secrets of CSR Communications with Bree Devin
04 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR always had a bit of a greenwash feel to it if you ask me. You might call me an old cynic but in general I don’...
Skills & Competencies for today’s PR Professionals – the GBOK Project
07 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
What kind of skills do we, public relations professionals need today ? What kind of credentials and competencies can we put forward ? What is the stan...
How to Create the Perfect Social Media Team with Sofie De Beule and Sarah Mouton
23 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
So how do you integrate social media monitoring and outreach into an organisation ? In this week’s episode I talk to Sofie De Beule and Sarah Mouton...
The Business of Podcasting – an interview with Steve Lubetkin
16 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
For this episode of Wag The Dog FM I reached out to Steve Lubetkin, also known as @PodcastSteve on Twitter. We talk about a new book – The Business ...
How Automation will Impact Public Relations – an interview with David Phillips
09 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
One of my side interests is Artificial Intelligence and how supercomputers will impact all of our lives in the – not so far away – future. So I wa...
Using the 20 Master Plots of Storytelling in PR with Michael L. Kent, Ph.D
02 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 21 already and this time I am going back to the topic of storytelling… I reached out to Michael L. Kent, Ph.D who did research around using ...
Wag The Dog - Episode 20 with Philippe Borremans
27 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Hi everyone, This will be a short episode but an important one as it is already Wag The Dog number 20 ! Although I am on holiday I couldn’t let this...
How to Combine Digital Marketing, PR and Social Media - with Farhad Koodoruth
20 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first time someone asks me to be on the Wag The Dog FM show… And I am glad they did…! In this episode we’ll cover a communications c...
The CEO Reputation Premium - an interview with Annick Boyen
12 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Last week I spoke with Annick Boyen, CEO of Weber Shandwick in BeNeLux about their recent study called “The CEO Reputation Premium, a New Era of Eng...
Communications Measurement and Evaluation with Richard Bagnall
05 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am talking with Richard Bagnall, CEO of PRIME Research UK Ltd and board director of the International Association for Measurement and Eval...
Do we Communicate with Purpose ? An interview with Inge Wallage
28 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Last week I was at the European Communications Summit, the yearly gathering of about 700 senior communicators from across Europe. The conference is or...
The CEO - Reputation Risk or Opportunity - an interview with Kristien Vermoesen
21 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
“CEO’s come and go, the company stays…” That’s what a senior PR executive – and someone I consider a mentor – once told me and for one o...
Wag The Dog FM - The History of PR with Tom Watson
14 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
I admit, I am a history buff… Mostly military history but this time I am diving into the history of my profession; public relations. And I am very g...
Online Crisis Communications Case Studies with Larissa Ott
07 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we’re looking deeper into three online crisis communications case studies with Larissa Ott. Her Master Thesis is an analysis of the ...
Politico Social Meda Footprint with Simon McDermott
31 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Politico and German publisher Axel Springer are acquiring the website and weekly newspaper European Voice and rebranding it as the European edition of...
Not All Voices Are Equal On Twitter - an interview with Emma Pierson
24 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
So you would think that social media have this “vox populi” effect and that Twitter would give everyone a voice…. Think twice… Research by Emm...
Communications Across Continents – with Steven Shepperson-Smith
17 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It might be that the world has become a small village but at the same time, managing a global communications operation across different continents is ...
Corporate Newsrooms with Sally Falkow
10 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am focusing on a lingering problem in corporate communications; the online press or newsroom… I am sure your online corporate press room...
Cultural Intelligence and Communications with Rana Nejem
03 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
“Culture is the widening of the mind and the spirit” said Jawaharlal Nehru – but do we really stop and think about the real cultural and social ...
The Story on Storytelling with Eva Snijders
26 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
I’ll be honest, the whole storytelling hype was really getting on my nerves… A bit like the “content marketing” one and – let’s face it, t...
Branding and Corporate Culture with Luis Ramos
20 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Change and transformation. The new normal as we say, but still… It is never easy to change an organisation and its people, especially if the company...
PR Apps, Tools and Hacks – an interview with Frederik Vincx
13 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
For this episode of Wag The Dog FM I met up with Frederik Vincx from Prezly and we chatted about PR apps, tools and hacks… While Frederik and his c...
Internal Communications & Managers – An interview with Liam FitzPatrick
06 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Internal Communications; if you ask me, one of the most challenging specialities in public relations. In this episode of Wag The Dog I interview Liam...
An Update on Enterprise 2.0 – An Interview with Rawn Shah
30 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Wag The Dog FM I am catching up with Rawn Shaw on the state of social and digital collaboration. We talk about internal communicat...
Communicating Science and Complexity – An interview with James Gillies & Chris Sciacca
23 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Higgs Boson particle, dark matter, computational biology and artificial intelligence… Our two guests – our first double interview – on this...
Trust me PR is Dead – An interview with Robert Phillips
15 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Trust me PR is Dead – An interview with Robert Phillips For the very first show of Wag The Dog I wanted something special… Coincidence (is there ...