

The Crux of the Story
Gary Sheffer and Mike Fernandez
Hosted by one of the world's top communicators, currently SVP & Chief Communications Officer at Enbridge, the show tackles relevant and controversial topics in the field of communications that are shaping business, politics, and our lives.
Prominent guests from PR, journalism, business, and academia discuss how communications can inspire, persuade, deepen one’s understanding, or move an audience - or even a nation - to action.
Prominent guests from PR, journalism, business, and academia discuss how communications can inspire, persuade, deepen one’s understanding, or move an audience - or even a nation - to action.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 9, 2019 • 1h 2min
The Crux- Chris Graves
This week on The Crux, Gary and Mike discuss hate speech and media coverage of mass shooting events, fake news, and no news. They also sit down with Chris Graves, the Founder of the Ogilvy Center for Behavioral Science, to talk about all things persuasion. On behalf of The Crux, our deepest condolences go out to the family members and loved ones of the victims of El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. Our thoughts are with you all.

Jul 25, 2019 • 45min
The Crux- Craig Buchholz
The Crux- Craig Buchholz by Gary Sheffer and Mike Fernandez

Jul 12, 2019 • 46min
The Crux- Tina McCorkindale
In the eighth episode of The Crux, Mike and Gary talk about the 250-page Apollo 11 press kit, Wayfair protests, and pay equity, and interview Tina McCorkindale, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations.

Jun 28, 2019 • 54min
The Crux- Kyle Dropp
In the seventh episode of The Crux, Mike and Gary discuss the Nudge Theory, behavioral science, and all things persuasion. Mike also sits down with Kyle Dropp, Co-Founder and Chief Research Officer of Morning Consult, to talk about the current state of survey research and disinformation.

Jun 20, 2019 • 46min
The Crux- Karen Raskopf
In episode six of The Crux, Gary and Mike bring you a caffeine-fueled interview with Karen Raskopf, the chief communications officer at Dunkin’ Brands. From branding and name changes to Enron and social blurps, one thing’s for sure-- The Crux runs on Dunkin'.

Jun 13, 2019 • 41min
The Crux- Alex Gibney
In the fifth episode of The Crux, Mike and Gary talk about some of their favorite documentaries and what makes a truly riveting story. They also sit down with Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney who shares with us what animates his own storytelling, including his latest work, The Inventor (now on HBO).

Jun 6, 2019 • 36min
The Crux- Matt Murray pt. 2
In the fourth episode of The Crux, Gary and Mike discuss capitalism, press secretary roles, and give their answer to the much-debated communication question— to be the President’s press secretary, or not to be. Plus, this episode features the second part of the interview with Matt Murray, editor of the Wall Street Journal.

Jun 4, 2019 • 47min
The Crux- Matt Murray pt. 1
In a special two-part interview series, episode 3 of The Crux takes you behind the scenes of the journalism world with Matt Murray, editor of the Wall Street Journal. Gary and Mike also discuss some litigation results against major companies, Major League Baseball, and consumer goods.

May 17, 2019 • 41min
The Crux- Tom Fiedler
In our first episode, Gary and Mike reflect on their first year as college professors, and interview Tom Fiedler, Pulitzer-Prize winner and Dean of BU’s College of Communication.

May 13, 2019 • 39min
The Crux- Becky Edwards
In this episode, Gary and Mike discuss the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal, Boeing's 737 Max crisis, Facebook's shift to privacy, and interview Becky Edwards, CCO at Schneider Electric.