

The TrustMakers
Edelman and Advertising Week
Trust is the ultimate currency in the relationship that all institutions – businesses and brands, governments, NGOs, media – build with their stakeholders. Trust enables an organization to operate, lead and thrive. Join The TrustMakers, where listeners connect with global experts to learn what it takes to build trust in today’s society.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 31, 2025 • 22min
Andrew Ng on Separating AI Facts from Fiction
Andrew Ng, founder of Coursera and Deeplearning.AI, joins Edelman CEO Richard Edelman to discuss what it will take to build trust in artificial intelligence at scale. They explore how AI is moving from experimentation to everyday use, why media narratives and sensational headlines have led to public fear and misunderstanding of AI, and how leaders can ensure AI innovation delivers real value for stakeholders.

Dec 17, 2025 • 29min
Stewart “Brittlestar” Reynolds on Trust, Humor, and Staying Relevant
Digital creator Stewart Reynolds – aka “Brittlestar” – joins Edelman’s Jackie Cooper to explore how creators build trust in an era of constant reinvention. They discuss why humor and authenticity outperform traditional advertising, how creators over the age of 50 are redefining influence, and what brands can learn from the deep audience trust that powers … Continue reading "Stewart “Brittlestar” Reynolds on Trust, Humor, and Staying Relevant "

Dec 3, 2025 • 25min
World Economic Forum’s Daniel Dobrygowski on What It Takes to Trust AI
World Economic Forum’s Daniel Dobrygowski joins Edelman’s Sat Dayal to discuss the global trust gaps highlighted in the new Edelman Trust Barometer Flash Poll on AI. They look at what past technology shifts can teach us about building trust in AI today, why cultural experiences shape enthusiasm and skepticism, and how leaders can help people … Continue reading "World Economic Forum’s Daniel Dobrygowski on What It Takes to Trust AI"

Nov 19, 2025 • 22min
Tech Analyst Benedict Evans on How AI Is Reshaping Work, Trust, and Daily Life
Benedict Evans, a renowned technology analyst and advisor, sheds light on the transformative impact of AI on work and trust. He discusses how AI's adoption varies globally, with surprising enthusiasm in countries like Brazil and China. Evans highlights the invisibility of transformative tech and its role in streamlining tasks such as translation and content creation. He warns companies to approach AI thoughtfully, emphasizing the importance of solving real problems while fostering trust among peers, akin to past debates over calculators.

Oct 29, 2025 • 27min
Jimmy Wales on How Wikipedia Earned the World’s Trust
Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation, joins Edelman’s Richard Edelman to discuss how one of the world’s most visited platforms has maintained trust in an era of misinformation, polarization, and AI-generated content. Drawing from his new book, “The Seven Rules of Trust,” Jimmy shares lessons on transparency, neutrality, and purpose.

Oct 15, 2025 • 27min
Haleon US CMO Katie Williams on Making Health More Human
Katie Williams, US Chief Marketing Officer at Haleon, joins Edelman’s Jackie Cooper to explore how trust in health is evolving as consumers take more control of their well-being. Katie shares how Haleon is meeting people where they are – across social platforms, AI-enabled tools, and new health journeys like GLP-1 use – while staying rooted … Continue reading "Haleon US CMO Katie Williams on Making Health More Human"

8 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 15min
Allstate CEO Tom Wilson on Creating Trust Through Community
Tom Wilson, Chair, President, and CEO of Allstate, shares insights on the evolving concept of trust, highlighting the shift from national institutions to local communities. He discusses how Allstate's initiatives foster neighborly connections and the significance of community engagement. Tom emphasizes that optimism drives trust and risk-taking, and addresses the impact of AI on jobs. He advocates for businesses to balance shareholder responsibilities with societal contributions, arguing for corporate leadership that prioritizes community improvement.

Sep 17, 2025 • 31min
Gen Z 2.0: Zach Gottlieb on Mental Health, AI, and Connection
Zach Gottlieb, founder of Talk With Zach, joins Edelman’s Amanda Edelman to explore how Gen Z is redefining conversations around mental health, social connection, and trust. Zach shares how his platform empowers young people to speak openly about emotions and challenges, and reflects on the opportunities and risks of seeking advice on social media and … Continue reading "Gen Z 2.0: Zach Gottlieb on Mental Health, AI, and Connection"

Sep 3, 2025 • 28min
Gen Z 1.0 vs. 2.0: Rachel Janfaza Explains a Generation’s Split
Rachel Janfaza, writer and founder of The Up and Up, joins Edelman’s Amanda Edelman to unpack how Gen Z is reshaping politics, culture, and the workplace. Rachel describes her influential theory of “Gen Z 1.0 vs. Gen Z 2.0,” exploring how social media, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political upheaval created two distinct sub-generations. She explains … Continue reading "Gen Z 1.0 vs. 2.0: Rachel Janfaza Explains a Generation’s Split"

Aug 20, 2025 • 31min
Media Literacy Influencer Kelsey Russell on Building Trust Through Transparency
Kelsey Russell, media literacy influencer and host of Kronikled, joins Edelman’s Brooks Miller to discuss Gen Z’s news consumption habits, what she values in brand partnerships, and why many people believe journalists purposely mislead them. Kelsey argues that journalists can rebuild trust by pulling back the curtain on how stories are created and being transparent about … Continue reading "Media Literacy Influencer Kelsey Russell on Building Trust Through Transparency"


