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PODCAST

Communication Breakdown

Communication Breakdown is a postgame show for PR pros. In each episode, hosts Craig Carroll (fmr. USC Annenberg, UNC Chapel Hill) and Steve Dowling (fmr. OpenAI, Apple) discuss the strategies and tactics companies are using in high-visibility crises and PR initiatives, giving listeners unique insight into how key decisions are made.The podcast offers two unique perspectives on communications theory and practice, drawing on Craig’s teaching and research at top universities around the globe and

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All Episodes

25:52

Diversity Critics Hit a Bullseye with Target

Communication Breakdown ·

2025/01/31

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the recent changes in Target's diversity policies amidst growing criticism and the broader implications for corporate reputation and strategy. They explore how companies are navigating public perception, the importance of data in defending diversity initiatives, and the delicate balance between appeasement and adaptation in a politically charged environment. The conversation highlights the challenges brands

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24:31

Inauguration Week — Comms Winners & Losers

Communication Breakdown ·

2025/01/24

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the implications of President Trump's second inauguration, focusing on his inaugural speech, the chaos of his administration, and how companies can navigate this unpredictable environment. They analyze the responses from corporate leaders, particularly Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan's response to President Trump during the World Economic Forum. The episode also covers the week's winners and losers in the

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25:36

Inside Starbucks’ Wildfire Relief Efforts

Communication Breakdown ·

2025/01/17

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the corporate response to the recent wildfires in California, focusing on Starbucks' rapid mobilization to support relief efforts. They explore the importance of preparedness, employee empowerment, and cross-functional coordination in crisis management. The conversation highlights the significance of authenticity and expertise in corporate responsibility, as well as the need for collaboration between companies

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23:58

Meta’s MAGA “Tipping Point” - CES takes Las Vegas

Communication Breakdown ·

2025/01/10

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss Meta's recent announcement regarding its content moderation policies, the implications for the company's corporate reputation, and the potential reactions from advertisers. They also touch on the relevance of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the current digital landscape, exploring how companies are adapting to changes in consumer behavior and expectations.TakeawaysMeta is shifting its content moderation

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27:51

Costco Stands Up To Diversity Critics

Communication Breakdown ·

2025/01/03

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss Costco's recent defense of its diversity initiatives amidst growing pressure from anti-diversity activists. They analyze Costco's proxy filing, the company's communication strategy, and the implications of its stance on diversity for corporate reputation and investor relations. The conversation highlights the unique position Costco holds in the ongoing DEI debate and the potential ripple effects for other

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25:19

Best of Q4 2024

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/12/27

In this special End of Year edition of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll reflect on some of the most compelling stories and discussions from their first season.From Episode 1, "Ford Quits the HRC Index", they examine the corporate retreat from diversity commitments, the influence of online provocateurs like Robbie Starbuck, and the broader implications for stakeholder engagement in the DEI space.Episode 3, "You Deserve a (Price) Break Today", highlights McDonald’s bold

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21:21

Attack of the Drones

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/12/20

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the recent surge of drone sightings across the eastern United States, the government's response, and the public's reaction. They explore the themes of timing, transparency, and tone in communication, the role of media in amplifying public anxiety, and the implications for corporate security in light of drone activity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proactive communication strategies to manage

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32:41

UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Sends Shockwaves

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/12/13

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and its implications for corporate communication. They explore the public's reaction, the challenges of crisis communication, and the need for empathy in messaging. The conversation highlights the disconnect between corporations and the public, the importance of internal communication, and the potential changes in security measures within the healthcare

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30:52

Walmart's U-turn on DEI

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/12/06

In this episode, Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss Walmart's recent decision to roll back its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They explore the political and economic pressures influencing corporate America, the tactical considerations behind Walmart's announcement, and the implications of this shift on company values and messaging. The conversation delves into the disconnect between public perception and stakeholder expectations regarding DEI, the potential

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22:14

JaGUar’s Roundly-Panned Rebrand

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/11/22

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll dissect Jaguar's recent rebranding efforts, focusing on a controversial promotional video that has sparked widespread criticism. They explore the implications of the marketing strategy, the disconnect between the brand's heritage and its new messaging, and the role of social media in shaping public perception. The conversation highlights the challenges of rebranding in a polarized environment and the importance of

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26:18

Trump II: Chaos Communications

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/11/18

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the implications of the new Trump administration on corporate communication strategies. They explore the themes of adaptability, boundaries, and the chaotic nature of Trump's communication style. The conversation emphasizes the importance of companies charting their own course amidst political turbulence, the role of industry associations, and a framework for engagement that includes principles, priorities, and

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32:25

Now What?

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/11/08

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the implications of Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election on corporate communication strategies. They analyze the contrasting responses from corporations compared to the 2016 election, highlighting a significant silence from many companies. The conversation delves into the importance of articulating corporate values, preparing for potential fallout from divisive policies, and the need for proactive

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33:32

Bezos' No-Endorsements Brouhaha

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/11/01

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the recent controversial decision by Jeff Bezos, owner of the Washington Post, to halt presidential endorsements. This decision sparked significant backlash from journalists and readers alike, leading to a notable drop in subscriptions. The hosts explore the implications of ownership on journalistic integrity, the crisis of trust in media, and the importance of clear communication during times of upheaval. They

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25:12

McDonald’s: You Want Fries With That?

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/10/25

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss McDonald's recent challenges, including a political photo op with Donald Trump and a serious E. coli outbreak linked to their food. They analyze the company's communication strategies, employee sentiments, and the implications of their actions on brand reputation and public trust. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency and effective crisis management in maintaining corporate

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30:33

Kellogg’s, Crumbl, and Angry Customers

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/10/18

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the controversy surrounding Kellogg's and its failure to eliminate artificial ingredients from its cereals, despite a decade-old promise. They analyze the implications of consumer activism led by influencers like Vani Hari, known as the Food Babe, and explore the various strategies companies can adopt when faced with protests. The conversation then shifts to a misadventure involving Crumbl Cookies, where an

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23:15

You Deserve a (Price) Break Today

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/10/11

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the reputational challenges faced by consumer companies in the wake of price increases and supply chain issues. They explore McDonald's lawsuit against some suppliers for alleged price fixing, the new scrutiny on “shrinkflation,” and the value of transparency in crisis communications. The conversation highlights how companies can navigate consumer trust and maintain their reputation amid scrutiny from Congress

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20:05

The Headless Boar

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/10/04

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the recent crisis faced by Boar's Head due to food safety issues, including listeria contamination that resulted in multiple deaths. They analyze the company's lack of transparency and accountability, the importance of visible leadership during a crisis, and compare Boar's Head's response to that of CrowdStrike during a separate incident. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication

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37:48

Ford Quits the HRC Index

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/09/27

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll explore the evolving landscape of corporate communications, particularly in relation to the Corporate Equality Index and the impact of activism on corporate reputation. They discuss how companies are navigating the pressures of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives while facing backlash from various activist groups. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency, consistency in messaging, and

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1:19

Introducing "Communication Breakdown" with Craig...

Communication Breakdown ·

2024/09/17

Communication Breakdown is a postgame show for PR pros — a podcast about reputation management and corporate communications, offering unique perspectives on the strategies and tactics companies are using to shape today’s headlines. Drawing on decades of experience and research, hosts Craig Carroll and Steve Dowling discuss how PR leaders are navigating real-world corporate crises and driving comms initiatives.

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59 results

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