From the Comms Cupboard
A podcast for media professionals.
The From the Comms Cupboard podcast is a series of lighthearted discussions between two communications professionals. The conversation may be off the cuff and sometimes tongue-in-cheek, but these are popular topics within the comms industry. There’s plenty of advice for professionals to contemplate over coffee.
The show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Anchor and many more. See also the dedicated YouTube channel.
Two comms people signing off
From the Comms Cupboard draws to a close after 40 episodes. John + Shaun discuss why they started the podcast in the first place.
Has Covid-19 helped digital communications, or revealed gaps?
A new report looks at trends in employee engagement and internal communications. John + Shaun discuss some of the bullet points and statistics.
Who should help managers communicate better?
Managers are often thrust into positions they’re unsuited for. Whose job is it to help them handle communication better: the comms department, HR or the boss?
Performance appraisals, communications and Covid-19
Performance appraisals will look different this year because of Covid-19. But how so? And are communications clear enough about what they might look like?
Communicating through the mist of bureaucracy
Humans seem to love hierarchy, but red tape and bureaucracy can lead to poor communication and lack of respect for creativity.
‘Must have excellent communication skills … ‘
Professional comms teams aren’t the only ones with the ability to communicate well. John and Shaun talk about what makes an effective business.
The value of communications in a crisis
Do we rely too much on leaders to guide us through a crisis, or can we all use the power of communication?
It’s time to talk about mental health
On Time to Talk Day, John and Shaun discuss mental health at work, supporting the campaign ‘the power of small’.
How comms teams combat short-term thinking
The pandemic brought with it short-term plans to counter its effects. But what about the long-term? John and Shaun have a short discussion about it.
Brainstorming – better alone or in a group?
A good brainstorming session is great, but do all the best ideas make it to the surface? John + Shaun discuss the possibilities.
Understanding the impact of a change programme
Change programmes rely on good, transparent communication. John and Shaun focus on the steps that mitigate the impact of organisational change.
How comms people gather and share insight
What do we do with the insight we gather, and what role do comms professionals play in ensuring good insight is shared? John and Shaun discuss the ins and outs.
Tools to help comms people in 2021
Kick off the new year with a few tips about tools. John and Shaun come up with a couple of ideas, and about how comms can help spread the word.
Workplace bullying and how comms can help
When bullying reveals its ugly face in the workplace, what do we do? John and Shaun discuss stats, signs and potential comms solutions.
Can older employees learn new tricks?
As we get older, is it easy to stay fresh and hungry? John and Shaun believe it’s important to be adaptable more than ever.
Looking after our workmates
How do we look after our colleagues’ well-being without insulting them or affecting our own happiness? John and Shaun float a few theories of their own.
How to beat remote work fatigue
Working at home doesn’t have to be tedious. John and Shaun discuss ways to battle remote fatigue that you might eventually take back to the office.
Did you know the boss doesn’t write those messages?
Does it matter if your boss isn’t actually the person writing those inspiring messages to the troops?
The importance of backups (and showing people how)
It’s really important for businesses to back things up properly, but many employees still aren’t doing it right. John and Shaun are on the case.
Should we talk about salary in the workplace?
Should we talk openly about our salary to help transparency in the workplace, or would we be opening a can of worms? John and Shaun discuss the pros and cons.
How comms teams ask for more resources
From their dimly lit isolation cabin, John and Shaun consider the difficulties of asking for more money or resources.
Finding a job in comms. How hard can it be?
Does experience trump being a jack of all trades? From their lily scented closet, John and Shaun talk about finding a new comms job.
The principles of communication, and leadership humility
John and Shaun say it doesn’t matter whether you’re a large or small business, the basic principles of communication are universal.
What do we mean by employee engagement?
John and Shaun chat about what employee engagement means while falling off their comms cupboard chairs.
How to be good at breaking bad news
John and Shaun discuss the practicalities around delivering bad news, while sat in their pitch black cupboard.
What skills do you need to work in comms?
Stuck in the black fixings of their humid cupboard, John and Shaun talk about the various skills of a communications professional.
The benefits of acknowledging people
A pat on the back can mean the world to somebody. From the sticky gloom of their cupboard, John and Shaun discuss being kind in the workplace.
Staying connected with global offices
John and Shaun ruminate on the flexibility required for global communications while stuck in a hot cupboard.
What have we learned from lockdown?
Social distancing may be easy to talk about, but what about the practicalities of returning to the office? John and Shaun discuss the ins and outs.
Automation for the (comms) people
The fiddly business of automation is the hot topic from the comms cupboard this week, scrutinised by John and Shaun.