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PODCAST

When It Hits the Fan

Inside the world of crisis managers and spin doctors as David Yelland and Simon Lewis watch the week"s biggest PR disasters unfold. In each episode our hosts go behind the scenes of the latest news stories and find out how, where and when it all began to hit the fan. When It Hits The Fan is hosted by two of the most influential and experienced people in the game; David Yelland is the former editor of the Sun and alongside him is Simon Lewis, former trouble-shooter for the Queen and Gordon Brown, as

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All Episodes

9:42

5. Know How To Go Off the Record

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/08/20

Non attributable, authorised leaks, Chatham House rules. Briefing the media can be a baffling minefield.In this episode on golden rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the art of going on and off the record.They explain how it's possible to reveal and conceal vital or sensitive information, while protecting yourself and your clients in the process.Just make sure you've made it very clear what is -and isn't - up for publication.Producer: Duncan MiddletonEditor: Sarah Teasdale Executive

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10:50

4. Prepare For A Crisis

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/08/13

'Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.'An excellent nugget of wisdom from boxing legend Mike Tyson. But you don't need to be heavyweight champion to understand where he's coming from.In this episode on the golden rules of PR, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the importance of crisis planning - and why it's very common for those plans to go out the window the moment the crisis actually hits.You might not be able to rehearse exactly what's going to happen but you can take

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10:02

3. The Media is Not Your Friend

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/08/06

It's not quite two tribes going to war but it can feel like that.In this episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the complicated relationship between PR and the media. You know what story you want to tell but a journalist might have another idea entirely.David and Simon examine the mistakes that even the top CEOs make when talking to reporters. And they explain the conflicting nature of the two worlds and how to navigate between them.Top tip: Even if you've known a journalist for years -

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10:18

2. Start Networking Now

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/07/30

Just the word 'networking' can conjure up images of high-powered people in suits who all seem to be part of the same club - and you have no idea how to get in.But it doesn't have to be like that.In this episode on golden rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why growing your network is vital to success - and the best time to start is right now.Whatever your background, they look at how you can start to increase your contacts - even if it's just asking for a phone number. And they explain how

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9:47

1. Reputation is Everything

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/07/23

Loads of money, success and power - great. But what do people actually think of you?In this new, short series, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at some of the golden rules that they come back to time and again on When it Hits the Fan.First up, they explain why reputation really is everything. You might be flying high now but if you fall, you might find it very hard to climb back to the top without having a good reputation.David and Simon explain why it can be very healthy - if not a little

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22:43

A Right Royal Whodunnit

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/07/16

The idea of a secret meeting is just that - it stays secret. So what happens when that meeting becomes front page news? It's time to call in the PR detectives.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the curious case of a clandestine meeting between the senior staff of both Prince Harry and the King. Someone tipped off the press. But who - and why?David and Simon sift through the evidence to establish what might have been going on behind-the-scenes and which PR team - if any - has most to

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35:20

The Crying Game

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/07/09

We tend to like leaders to appear calm and in control. But we also want them to be human. The problem is, when they show genuine emotion, they often get slated for it - branded as 'weak' or an 'embarrassment'.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how people in public life are judged for letting the mask slip - and reveal how much effort goes in to preparing people to show more or less emotion. They'll also examine whether suppressing emotion is the only way to get to the top in

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25:59

Dynasty PR: Can the Trumps learn from the Royals?

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/07/02

Siblings at war, power struggles, a well-earned reputation in need of protection - who doesn't love a family dynasty drama?As Eric Trump hints he could try and run for President, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how you PR a dynasty, in both business and politics. How do you build momentum and create an inevitability about succession?And on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, why the world of PR loves an anniversary. As Keir Starmer marks a year in power, David and Simon explain why it can be

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27:33

Faking It To Make It

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/06/25

Just be your best authentic self. That's supposedly what we should all be striving for. But is it good advice and in public life, is it even possible?This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at creating the illusion of authenticity and why the public can sniff out a fake a mile off.Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon celebrate the PR holy grail that is the word-of-mouth smash. And with new statues being announced for the late Queen and Sir Andy Murray, they'll look at

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28:47

Is Bezos blind to Venetians?

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/06/18

Sure, who wouldn't want a wedding snap with Venice's Grand Canal in the background? But what if there were also dozens of banners showing your face on a rocket being blasted into space?As Jeff Bezos and his multimillionaire guests prepare to descend on Venice for his Big Day, David and Simon look at how the lavish bash is set against a backdrop of protests against mass tourism across Europe. And why AirBnB is trying to mount a fight back.Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, it seems rumours

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29:47

Sirs, Dames and the PR Game

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/06/11

Arise Sir Goldenballs. With David Beckham all set to receive a knighthood, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at whether it's possible to use PR to get yourself a major honour.Whisper it quietly, but there might be things you can do to, let's say, maximise your chances.Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they look at how to spin a change of direction after a week of high-profile U-turns. And they discuss what other campaigners could learn from Jamie Oliver as he sets his sights on how the

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27:00

'Humanity Deserves Better'

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/06/04

What do you get if the designer of the iPhone teams up with the founder of OpenAI? Unbelievable hype, that's what.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the huge buzz created by the news that Jony Ive and Sam Altman have joined forces to create 'the coolest bit of tech the world will have ever seen'. The claims don't end there - even though we have no idea what their new product will be. So how do you PR something that doesn't yet exist?Also, on the extended version on BBC Sounds, we all

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29:13

You're Banned!

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/05/28

It's that moment when a boss, a CEO or football manager goes all Peggy Mitchell and screams: 'You're Barred'. It might work in EastEnders but is it sensible in the world of PR? In this episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the motivations behind banning journalists. Is a ban just one big power play and does it ever achieve anything? And more importantly, are there darker arts that can be more effectively employed to freeze someone out?Also, in the extended episode on BBC Sounds, they'll be

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31:20

Robotaxis: Look, no hands!

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/05/21

How do you PR the future? That's the question David Yelland and Simon Lewis are wrestling with this week. As Uber says it's 'ready to go' with driverless cabs, can the British public be persuaded to jump in? How do you sell a vision? Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they look at Gary Lineker's departure from the BBC and the PR rules around staying silent or speaking out. And when is a gift not just a gift? Possibly when it's a $400m plane. David and Simon pull back the covers on the

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23:46

The Spy Who Leaked Me

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/05/14

Spying tends to be a fairly secretive game, for obvious reasons. So eyebrows have been quizzically raised (a bit like Roger Moore's 007) following the naming of the woman apparently favourite to become the new chief of MI6. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis explore the murky world of leaks. Who benefits from them, why are they done and just how damaging can they be?They'll explain why leaking is far from victimless and reveal their own experiences of turning on the news and realising someone

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24:02

Prince Harry's bombshell interview

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/05/07

As far as royal interviews go, it'll take some beating. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis sift through Prince Harry's BBC interview - and discuss whether it's a PR disaster. They discuss what sort of advice Harry is being given and why, when it comes to doing a big interview, the golden rule is 'never go in hot'.Listen to the full extended version on BBC Sounds, where David and Simon also look at how Marks & Spencer responded to a cyber attack - and why saying nothing can sometimes be the

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24:35

PR is a virus

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/04/30

What if your profession is to blame for almost everything? This week, David Yelland is joined from Washington by PR guru Phil Elwood - who thinks the industry needs to take a long hard look at itself.Accusing PR of being like a virus, Phil says the tricks of the trade that have been used for decades to influence, mislead and cajole have been co-opted by both the media and by governments. And the results aren't pretty.Producer: Duncan MiddletonEditor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William

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29:04

China's meme warfare, rats and rockets

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/04/23

David Yelland and Simon Lewis discuss the global battle for hearts, minds and reputations between the US and China. Following JD Vance calling the people of China peasants, how far is China's retaliatory social media PR strategy seeking to embarrass America, or is the United States damaging its own reputation all by itself? Plus - Birmingham's rat problem, Signal chat leaks and what's been dubbed 'the biggest PR disaster in the universe' - it's Jeff Bezos's rocket launch and why all great PR crises

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10:47

Quick Wins: How to avoid being typecast

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/04/15

Quick Wins from the When It Hits the Fan team is our how-to guide to being better at your own PR and navigating the world of work like a pro. In these special short episodes, David Yelland and Simon Lewis give you lots of useful tips that might just change your working life – and it’ll only take a few minutes of your time.In this episode, they share their advice on how to avoid being taken for granted at work. If you feel like you're the office dogsbody, David and Simon have some great advice for

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10:43

Quick Wins: How to deal with redundancies

When It Hits the Fan ·

2025/04/08

Quick Wins from the When It Hits the Fan team is our how-to guide to being better at your own PR and navigating the world of work like a pro. In these special short episodes, David Yelland and Simon Lewis give you lots of useful tips that might just change your working life – and it’ll only take a few minutes of your time.In this episode they share their advice on how bosses and HR departments should best deal with making people redundant. Managing expectations and compassion are key. And remember,

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