

HearSay
maslansky + partners
The language experts from maslansky + partners take on the smartest, savviest, and sometimes stupidest messages in the market today. CEO Michael Maslansky and President Lee Carter bring their experience with words, communication, and behavioral science to the table — along with a colleague or two — and offer up a "lay of the language." Their insight helps make sense of business, life, and culture, and proves over and over again that It's Not What You Say, It's What They Hear.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 14, 2024 • 26min
The LVIII Superbowl Ads
Join Lee Carter, Keith Yazmir, and Will Howard in this special episode of HearSay as they delve into the world of Super Bowl ads. They'll debate which ads truly stood out, not just in terms of popularity but in their messaging impact. From breaking down language to assessing brand impact, this episode explores the ads that left a lasting impression on viewers during the biggest advertising night of the year.

Feb 6, 2024 • 35min
What Would You Have Said?: Boeing
This podcast episode discusses the challenges and response of Boeing after an incident, exploring conflicting interests among senior executives, analyzing the CEO's communication strategy, addressing the magnitude of the problem, highlighting the importance of language in crisis communication, and emphasizing effective communication in crisis response.

Jan 11, 2024 • 43min
Framing an Organization's Mission with Theirworld
What's so hard about doing the right thing? In today's environment, it's often met with skepticism. So how do you take an organization with a noble cause: like educating the world's youth and ending the global education crisis and get people to both care and act about it? In today's show, we'll talk through the process we go through in framing an organization's mission and impact in a way that ensures you're heard the right way.

Dec 14, 2023 • 41min
Language Moments of 2023
What were those top Language Moments of 2023? As language experts, we're always listening for those moments that change the way we view companies, politics, business… and each other. From Bidenomics to MAGAnomics, from rainbow capitalism to Barbenheimer, this year had more than its share of new language moments, and in this new episode of Hearsay, Michael Maslansky, Lee Carter, and guest Ben Feller talk through those big moments of the year that changed our view of the world around us.

Nov 30, 2023 • 38min
Walking the Walk on Responsible Business with Daggerwing
Congratulations, you've set your sustainability goals! Now you actually have to achieve them. How do you make environmental sustainability work for your business? It all comes back to people. Selling in, rolling out, and scaling up real, functional sustainability programs requires understanding your employees. It requires a thoughtful business case, careful change management, and, of course, the right message. In this episode of HearSay, we'll discuss how to implement environmental sustainanability programs in a practical, profitable, and people-centric way with our two special guests from Daggerwing Group, Michelle Mahony and Tiana Ritchell.

Sep 7, 2023 • 33min
HearSay Presents: Pile of Scrap with John Sacco and Michael Maslansky
How can a simple shift in language revolutionize perceptions? In this special episode of HearSay, join Pile of Scrap host John Sacco as he engages with communication expert Michael Maslansky where they explore the rebranding of the recycled materials industry. From redefining raw materials to spotlighting its vital role in iconic products, Michael's insights guide listeners on embracing recycled materials' value, changing the narrative, and encouraging responsible disposal.

Aug 17, 2023 • 36min
Fear, Trust, and AI
How can companies use language to overcome fear and build trust in AI? In this episode, Michael Maslansky, Keith Yazmir, and Robert Ledniczky dive into the rapidly changing world of AI and explore how companies should be talking about it. They discuss widespread concerns and excitement surrounding AI to set the stage for recommendations on how to generate trust. By narrating the AI story with a focus on benefits, responsibility, and familiarity, they shed light on how companies can successfully communicate about how they're integrating AI into their business.

Jul 31, 2023 • 27min
Authenticity is in the Eye of the Beholder
Not all actions that companies take in the name of ESG are controversial. How do some companies manage to seamlessly integrate ESG initiatives into their brand messaging while others get accused of superficial "greenwashing" or "rainbow-washing"? In this episode of Hearsay, Michael Maslansky, Will Howard, and Keith Yazmir discuss the delicate balance of serving stakeholders while remaining authentic and credible.

Jul 13, 2023 • 32min
The S in the ESG
What's the future for ESG now that it has become politicized? Can companies speak out on ESG without risk of being criticized as Woke Capitalists or should they really just focus on products and profits? What if the most controversial aspect of ESG is the language used to talk about? In this episode of HearSay, Michael Maslansky, Lee Carter, and guest Will Howard cover new research on the language of ESG and how companies can find a path forward that serves stakeholders and customers on both sides of the political aisle.

May 25, 2023 • 37min
An Intellectually Honest Approach to Insights with Ori Ben Yishai
We all know it's critical to understand your audience before creating any marketing, but how do you do it in an intellectually honest way? How do you make sure you are truly focused on your audience as they are, not as you want them to be? In this episode of HearSay, guest Ori Ben Yishai, a partner at Viewpoint Ventures, talks about the intellectually honest approach to insights and how to use what you learn to build language strategy that drives results.


