We’ve spent the whole second season of Infernal Communication talking about storytelling. So it’s time we focus on the other side of the conversation: listening. You know the old saying, we’ve got one mouth and two ears, yet for some reason, listening can really take a back seat to talking, let’s flip the script. In this episode, former 9-1-1 operator, Doug Showalter, shares real world examples of how careful listening saves lives. And then, How to Listen Like You Mean It, author Ximena Vengoechea gives practical advice for deciphering the right kind of listening– depending on who you’re talking to. Join host Lottie Bazley in our series finale for insight into how to become a better listener– whether it’s a life-threatening situation or your average Monday meeting. 

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again (and again…), know your audience! Get specific and think of them early and often. It’s all too easy to try to be all things to all people, and casting too wide a net that can leave you connecting with no one. But sometimes getting very specific and using insider language leaves people out. Metaphors, allegories, and unique shared experiences can make us feel connected while alienating others. How do you toe that line? How can you target a niche audience without being totally inaccessible to newcomers? Few things are more polarizing than Star Trek, so we dig into a very specific episode to really demonstrate how language can bring us together or pull us apart. Join host Brian Tomlinson in conversation with Star Trek super fan and former legal investigator Ron Yamauchi and writer and professor Sara Rivera. They’ll talk about what’s so special about this episode and what it says about communication at its core. Whether or not you’re a die-hard ‘Trekker,’ this episode will make you dig deep into the question: “Who are you really writing for?”

In the moment, it’s awful. And often for many moments afterwards, still awful. But inevitably we are going to embarrass ourselves, let’s figure out how to flip the script.In this episode, we’ll hear the story of how restaurateur Will Beckett’s humour and kindness turned a very expensive mistake into great press and a boost in sales. Then, branding expert and leadership coach Tori Lazar speaks to the benefits of seeing the levity in humiliating experiences, and facing it all head on. Join host Lottie Bazley as she walks us through some good old-fashioned embarrassing stories, cringe-worthy moments, and, of course, lasting lessons. 

Messing up is often all too easy. But then what? How do you make it right? You apologize and you make it good.But the days of switching blame with, ‘sorry if’ or explaining away your responsibility with, ‘actually,’ are long gone. We expect better from our apologies. So, how do we do that— how do we apologize like we mean it? That’s where Marjorie Ingall & Susan McCarthy, co-authors of Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies and co-creators of the super fun site sorrywatch.com, come in. With Karina Schumann, Associate Professor of Social Psychology and Director of the Conflict Resolution Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh, you’ll hear what a good apology can do for the giver and the receiver.Join host Lottie Bazley as we break down the anatomy of a good apology and bask in the glory of some of the worst apologies out there. 

Why did I walk into this room? And, why was I pulling out my phone again? That’s right, to listen to Infernal Communication’s episode on memory.Join us as we speak to two time Canadian memory champion, Francis Blondin about the power of memory palaces and how to access the untapped capability of our brains. We also speak with psychologist Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway, who has both short term and long term hacks for boosting our brain power. Dr. Alloway also answers the nagging question that creeps up after every time-wasting death scroll: are our devices making us stupid?How can we do a better job of remembering things, and how do we get others to remember what we do? Join host Brian Tomlinson as he talks memory, attention economy and Ghandi. Heads up, there’s a quiz at the end.For more information on Francis Blondin's memory palace technique, click here.

There are so many uncomfortable conversations to be had, or avoided, depending on the day. But uncomfortable doesn’t have to be bad, it just means it isn’t easy. In this episode, we dive into the notorious "F word" – Feedback! Without it, we might run around convinced we're flawless employees with perpetually minty-fresh breath, blissfully ignorant of any missteps we’ve taken. But a world without feedback would also mean a world without improvement. Our guest, Joe Hirsch gives us his expert 2 cents on how to take a different approach to this dreaded process. And, Comedian Jeff D’Silva shares how he spins uncomfortable content into comedic gold. Join host, Lottie Bazely, as we explore how to get the most out of uncomfortable situations and maybe even make them a little easier and a lot more fruitful.

Renu B, an expert in CEO blunders, joins the podcast with host Brian Tomlinson. They discuss the consequences of CEO blunders and the importance of communication for leaders. The podcast also covers topics such as handling the media, addressing audiences, preventing mistakes, and offers stage tips from renowned speaker Julian Treasure. Additionally, they emphasize the need for honesty in communication, overcoming nerves in public speaking, and conducting oneself appropriately in public.

Dr. Anne Curzan, author of 'Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words', and linguistics expert Dr. Andreea Calude discuss the evolving rules of grammar and the impact of language on judgments. They explore the history of English grammar, the concept of grammar gatekeeping, the influence of social media on language and literacy, and the importance of embracing linguistic diversity.

The almighty internet algorithm, we know it's out there, dishing out content it thinks we care about most, but how does it really work? As communications pros, it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of tech giants who get to pick and choose what lights up our screens. But there’s a way to become active participants in these systems, rather than just passive users.  In this episode, Cameron Hickey, CEO of the National Conference on Citizenship, walks us through the payoffs and pitfalls of content filtering. We also have algorithmic puppet master extraordinaire Gretchen Andrew, who shares how she tricked Google’s search engine into showing people her art instead of presidential election results. Join host Brian Tomlinson as guides us through practical tips on how we can work WITH algorithms to bridge the gap between humans and computers.

Did you ever hear the one about Tough Laroque? No? Well, have we got a story for you. Our guests are three Métis aunties and scholars, Sheila Laroque, Tanya Ball and Kayla Lar-Son. All three are lovers of books, they even have their own podcast called Book Women or masinahikan iskwêwak. But Sheila, Tanya and Kayla are also huge proponents of oral storytelling, both because they know a lot about it and they’re pretty good at it. There is often a lot of importance placed on writing things down but, when it comes to telling stories, some may be best saved for our ears, rather than on paper. Listen in to their conversation on Indigenous storytelling. With host Brian Tomlinson, Sheila, Tanya and Kayla will cover what makes a good story, how its lessons change depending on the storyteller and the listener. And they’ll also remind us that sometimes a good story is just a good story! So sit back and enjoy.