The Talking Points Podcast

Thanks for listening! Here’s a bonus episode for April, as Kevin talks with Vineeta Sawkar, senior media relations manager for the University of St. Thomas. Vineeta spent the first part of her career in television news, as an award-winning reporter and anchor (she worked with Kevin at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul). In this interview, she talks about her work in TV, making the transition away from journalism to a corporate role and her latest position at St. Thomas. She also offers advice for PR pros and communicators for working with journalists. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our April episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about the response by companies and brands to Facebook’s controversy (2:45), LinkedIn’s decision to open up video uploads for companies (4:40) and why communicators everywhere need to pay attention to GDPR (7:00). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights how H&R Block handled “National Shred Day” (9:15). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about a study that said employees would leave their company because of poor workplace communications (12:00), corporate storytelling (21:40) and alarming data about bots on Twitter (31:50). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Andy Jacobson, director of strategic communications at HealthFitness (37:55). For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook

Thanks for listening! Here’s a bonus episode for March, the first edition of our “Hot Topics” series. The focus of the discussion is the impact of “fake news” (or more appropriately, misinformation) being shared online. What can communicators and marketers do to make sure the truth about their companies, brands and organizations is not manipulated? We’re joined by Bruce Anderson and Susan Beatty. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our March episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about what YouTube creators really earn from their content (2:40), new data from the Pew Research Center about social media use (4:20) and the takeaways from the 2018 Infinite Dial study (5:25). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights an interesting podcast from McDonald’s (8:15). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the death watch for Facebook (12:45), a post that says companies and brands focus too much on their existing fans and customers (23:30) and why social sharing has continued to decline (30:05). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Kristin Zima, social media director at Optum. Arik talked with her about her role, what she looks for in hiring for her team, and more (36:30). For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, arti

Thanks for listening! Here’s a bonus episode for February, as Arik talks with Heidi McGuire, communications business partner for the Trane Commercial business, within Ingersoll Rand,. Their conversation covers her career path, the trends in communications that she’s paying attention to, how executives and employees have a stronger voice online, the Super Bowl activations in Minneapolis, and the challenge of engaging employees in internal communications. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our February episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about the social media activity of CEOs (2:00), Facebook’s declining user count (3:10) and the 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer (6:05). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights the marketing activity in Minneapolis for the Super Bowl (8:40). The Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about why it’s a good time to work in internal communications (12:45), a new criticism of brands aiming to be publishers (17:55), the investigation by The New York Times into fake social media followers (31:10) and a roundup of several articles exploring trends in influencer marketing (39:20). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Jen Bowring-McDonough of the Center for Victims of Torture. Kevin talked with her about what she does for CVT and the variety of experiences she’s had in her media relations career (51:10). For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://ww

Thanks for listening! We kick off 2018 with a jam-packed show: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about a new study of consumer opinions about brands taking a stand (5:30), the newest features and user stats about Instagram (8:00) and there’s new data about the decline of TV news viewership so we ponder if PR pros should even pitch local TV stations anymore (10:40). The Talking Points Spotlight shines on Explore Minnesota’s latest use of its #OnlyInMN hashtag (12:45). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about Arik’s eight realistic social media trends for 2018 (13:55), what the data says about the sustainability of content marketing and “Content Shock” and why you may want to adjust your distribution strategy (20:55) and we share our thoughts on the impact of Facebook’s announcement that it will favor posts from your friends and family instead of from news outlets and companies/brands (29:20). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about the rise of the “headline browser” (3:30), influencer campaigns and the use of trackable URLs (5:40), and why your podcast’s success might depend on the “super-listener” (7:50). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights Patagonia and the POTUS (10:20). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about a presentation on the future of media that with some eye-opening stats (12:50), the not-so-secret way some brands get into Forbes, Fast Company and the Huffington Post (19:15), and the key insights in an annual study of corporate social media use by the Fortune 500 (26:10). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Jamie Plesser (31:40). And in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, Arik highlights a Vanity Fair article that suggests we’re all ready for the end of the social media era (33:15) and Kevin offers the three things Warren Buffett looks for in a person (40:45). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTa

A bonus episode for December, as Arik talks with Mykl Roventine of Orange Jackalope Creative in Minneapolis, Social Media Breakfast - Minneapolis-St Paul (SMBMSP), and Get Social Events. Their conversation primarily covers the history and evolution of SMBMSP (believed to be the longest running chapter in the U.S.), as well as where social media is headed in 2018. (Apologies for some audio difficulties in the first few minutes). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about what influencers are looking for from companies, brands and organizations (5:45), a report on employee attitudes about the workplace and what’s costing them time (7:55), and an annual survey of bloggers about their frequency, writing time and more (11:40). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights Walmart’s podcast (15:00). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the supposed death of organic content (17:20), the evolution of social media - 10 years after the first Social Media Breakfast-Minneapolis/St. Paul event (27:40), and an extensive report about the use and adoption of internal social media platforms (38:10). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Perry Cowen of Graco (49:30). And in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, Kevin highlights why many millennials are apparently very open to sharing their salary information (50:10) and Arik shares a story that seeks to explain why incompeten

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about Walmart using Facebook’s Workplace (5:15), the type of content that people are reading on LinkedIn (6:25), and the frequency of social posts by brands (8:30). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights the Mayo Clinic and Amazon’s Alexa (9:55). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about content strategy and what’s changed about companies acting like publishers (12:00), Edelman’s new survey about brands speaking up on politics and social issues (18:35), and how communicators can prepare for the fake news peddlers who are ready to pounce (26:45). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Paul Maccabee (34:50). And in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, Arik highlights a story about the emphasis on year-round training for youth and high school athletes (36:00), and Kevin found an article that can help you answer the question most people ask the first time they meet you (48:40). For show notes, visit

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment includes stories about how people are getting their news (31:50), an employee advocacy survey (33:50) and the latest numbers about teen use of Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook (38:10). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights an unsung hero of Hurricane Harvey (40:10). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the difference between commenting and conversation (42:15), why companies and brands are still having trouble staying quiet online in the middle of major news (48:30) and what reporters wish PR pros would do and not do (56:45). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Rob Koch (1:02:50), a former TV news meteorologist turned content marketer. The episode also features a conversation with Sarah Grap, senior PR manager at Mall of America (4:30). And in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, Kevin highlights a study that says today’s high school students are getting more A’s but doing worse on college entrance tests (1:04:30)

Arik talks with Cydney Strommen of Fast Horse in Minneapolis. The conversation covers the state of influencer marketing. Strommen talks about the role of influencers today, how companies/brands can evaluate and monitor influencers, what most companies/brands don’t do right and more. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin recorded this month’s show after the Minnesota PRSA’s first-ever Digital Skills Workshop in Minneapolis. The Quick News & Quick Takes segment includes stories about brand use of messaging apps (16:15), a study about the technology used by communicators in their organizations (17:45) and the popularity of live-streaming (19:40). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights Cambria (20:45). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the current risk environment for corporations around digital/social (23:00), Arik’s disdain for popular blog post headlines (28:35) and why PR pros need to be in the room with execs and others who do media interviews (34:35). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Heather Cmiel, president of the Minnesota PRSA (39:30). The episode also features a conversation with Kristen Pechacek, senior manager of digital marketing at Self Esteem Brands (4:45). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about y

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about the popularity of interactive content (1:55), new data on smartphone use (3:45) and Instagram’s big advantage when it comes to engagement (5:10). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights the Star Tribune’s 150th anniversary in Minneapolis (6:30). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about Mary Meeker’s 2017 Internet Trends Report (7:50), the collaboration and approval process in content production (14:10), and the death of organic social media posting (22:30). The Talking Points Shoutout goes to Brian Bellmont of Bellmont Partners PR (30:15). Plus, in the Talking Points 2 Cents segment at the end of the show, Arik and Kevin talk about the NBA Finals (31:30), the best advice from some recent commencement speeches (37:30), teenagers and summer jobs (41:15) and the potential of voice technology (46:15). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment includes stories about the FTC’s recent reachout to influencers and marketers (2:35), a lack of recognition for CEOs among their employees (3:30) and new data on podcast awareness and listening (5:10). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights Mall of America (6:45). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the supposed demise of corporate storytelling (8:50), the effectiveness of snark by brands in social media (26:45), and the most in-demand marketing skills in 2017 (32:10). The Talking Points Shoutout goes to Zach Spanton (35:30). Plus, in the Talking Points 2 Cents segment at the end of the show, Arik and Kevin weigh in on LaVar Ball’s ongoing antics (36:45), the NBA Playoffs (39:50), “Imposter Syndrome” (43:05) and the workplace obsession with “hustle” (48:10). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin went on-location again, this time from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The episode features a conversation with UWEC Chancellor Jim Schmidt about his use of social media, blogging and thoughts on leadership communication (27:00). The Quick News & Quick Takes segment includes stories about the online engagement of CEOs (3:00), a Google survey about the brands that Gen Z thinks are "cool" (5:00) and the increasing use of brand stickers (6:45). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights the UWEC Instagram account (9:00). And the three Talking Points in this episode feature articles about career advice for the young public relations pro (10:45), the USC Annenberg study that predicts a convergence of PR and marketing (15:00), and why the web is still full of sites that are poorly designed for the user experience (22:55). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a “truther” movement underway in marketing? Arik and Kevin discuss a post that said more people in the industry think “this internet stuff is a bunch of hooey.” Also, clients of PR pros are often confused about what PR really is or does, the importance of having differentiated content and serving a niche audience, YouTube picks up viewers and announces its own live TV service, and more. Plus, in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, news about an “Adulting School.” Yes, really. And, it’s March Madness time so of course there is some college hoops talk. For show notes, visit http://thetalkingpointspodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Communicators are talking about the 2017 Edelman Trust Barometer, so Arik and Kevin tee that up this month and discuss what it means for PR and corporate communications. Also, a new approach to influencer marketing and who should “own” it, revisiting the concept of “content shock,” the use of emojis in business communication, and more. Plus, in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, commentary about Gen Z (the “Pivotals”), working from home and the Super Bowl game/commercials. For show notes, visit http://thetalkingpointspodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first episode of 2017 kicks off the new year with discussions about Help a Reporter Out (HARO), the PR implications of voice technology, and Richard Edelman’s PR predictions for 2017. Plus, in Quick News & Quick Takes: Facebook’s new live audio feature, a survey of social media use by executives, and the most-shared video brand of 2016. Also, in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, Arik and Kevin put on their talk radio hats and discuss Minnesota sports (the collapse of the Vikings’ season, the Gopher football’s team’s new rah-rah head coach and the strong start by the Gopher men’s basketball team), plus a New York Times story that looked at the unwritten rules kids apply to using social media with their friends. For show notes, visit http://thetalkingpointspodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices