Governments are full of data, but it’s insight that drives real change.

In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke joins Garrett Tyler-Parker, Director of Analysis and Insights at Tourism Research Australia.

Together, they break down how good research transforms spreadsheets into strategy.

Garrett shares why formative research should shape a campaign from the start, how human stories give meaning to dashboards, and what’s changing fast as mobility data and AI enter the mix.

Find out how to make evidence easier to understand, harder to ignore, and far more useful for the people who need to act on it. 

Key Points

• Insight beats information: government (and tourism) are awash with data, but the real job is turning the ‘what’ into the ‘so what’
• Start research early: use formative research to shape the campaign, rather than using it to evaluate after
• Blend big data with human context: numbers show patterns, but storytelling makes evidence more memorable

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As we step into 2026, now's the time to ensure everyone's voice is heard.

In this episode of GovComms, we revisit host David Pembroke's conversation with Richard Etienne: internal communications expert, author of The Introvert’s Survival Guide, and founder of The Introvert Space. Together, they explore how introverts can lead, influence, and thrive in workplaces that often reward volume over value.

From overcoming self-doubt to navigating hybrid work, Richard shares powerful, practical strategies to help introverts find their voice without having to shout. He also offers advice for leaders on how to build inclusive teams where every personality type can succeed.

Whether you identify as an introvert, manage one, or simply want to create more inclusive and effective teams, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable tips.

• Why introverts often go unheard and how to change that
• How to build your personal brand without self-promotion
• The hidden strengths introverts bring to leadership
• What Theresa May taught Richard about quiet influence at the top

• The Introvert Space | Richard Etienne
• The Introvert’s Survival Guide | Richard Etienne
• Quiet | Susan Cain
• Blog | GovComms Podcast

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In an era of constant disruption, government communicators are being asked to lead without all the answers.

In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke is joined by leadership experts Dr Marianne Broadbent and Adam Kyriacou to explore how communications teams can navigate AI and rising expectations, whilst building trust and impact.

It’s an insightful discussion revealing why comms professionals are no longer at the ‘end of the line’, but rather central figures in enterprise performance.

Join David, Marianne and Adam as they pull back the curtain on how to lead in the face of transformation.

Discussed in this Episode

• How to integrate AI responsibly while maintaining a human-centred approach
• Why trust, purpose, and psychological safety are now core leadership capabilities in the public sector
• Practical ways comms teams can support senior leaders and build public trust

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What if better communication starts with listening, not telling?

In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Natasha Plowman: a communications strategist, advisor, and founder of Spinning Red. Together they explore how listening, empathy, and authentic storytelling can transform the way governments engage citizens.

From unpacking the ineffectiveness of the old ‘broadcast’ model to examining the use of buzzwords in sustainability conversations, Natasha urges listeners to imbue their stories with honesty, empathy, and curiosity.

In a world where government communicators are facing rapid transformation, this episode offers a timely reminder. Meaningful change begins with understanding your audience — not just speaking louder.

• How listening creates more effective and trusted communication
• Ways to communicate across five generations in the workplace
• How storytelling connects people and drives understanding
• Why transparency builds credibility during complex change
• How curiosity and self-awareness improve leadership communication

• Spinning Red | Natasha Plowman
• Break the Silence Collective | Natasha Plowman
• Emily’s List | Emily’s List Australia
• Higher Ground | Alison Taylor
• Blog | GovComms Podcast
• LinkedIn | GovComms

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What happens when authenticity becomes your greatest communication strategy?

In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Oluchi Ezeugo, a leading corporate communications professional from Lagos, Nigeria, who’s helped organisations across Africa navigate change, crisis, and culture.

Oluchi reveals how authentic storytelling transforms workplaces — building trust, inspiring teams, and connecting people to purpose. From guiding leaders through tough moments to rebuilding confidence after crisis, she shares practical lessons every communicator can use.

For public sector and government professionals, this episode is a masterclass in real, human communication — showing that when you lead with honesty and empathy, trust follows.

• Discover why authentic storytelling is the foundation of trust
• Learn how to communicate change with empathy and clarity
• Explore the power of internal comms to shape culture
• Hear how great leaders build psychologically safe teams
• Understand how to rebuild confidence after professional setbacks
• How AI and social media are reshaping communication

• Blog | GovComms Podcast
• LinkedIn | GovComms

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What does it take to thrive as a communicator in a rapidly changing world?

In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke speaks with Ross Monaghan, award-winning educator and communications leader from Deakin University. From his early days as a teenage journalist in Warrnambool to senior roles at Optus and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, Ross has seen the profession evolve from every angle.

Ross shares why persistence and curiosity matter, how communicators can show leadership at any stage of their career, and why “dreaming big” is vital. He also unpacks the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, urging communicators to take the lead on its ethical use.

• Lessons from Ross’s early career in journalism and industry.
• Building confidence to chase opportunities others might not.
• Why leadership is about action, not job titles.
• Creating stronger workplace culture through human connection.
• Open, honest communication as a tool for solving conflict.
• The communicator’s role in guiding ethical AI adoption.

• International Association of Business Communicators | IABC
• Panuara South community benefits from new Optus mobile tower | OPTUS
• AI Workshops | Ross Monaghan
• HypeCloudAI podcast | Ross Monaghan
• Ross Monaghan | LinkedIn
• Blog | GovComms Podcast
• LinkedIn | GovComms

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What if everything you thought you knew about effective communication was wrong?

In this episode, host David Pembroke speaks with James Healy, founder of The Behaviour Boutique and co-author of BS at Work. James has worked in more than 60 countries and brings deep insights from behavioural science, anthropology, and psychology to the challenges facing modern organisations and governments.

James unpacks why so much of work is “BS” and why policies often fail to change behaviour. He shows how context shapes decisions, why storytelling matters, and shares the simple EAST framework to help communicators cut through.

• James’s path from economics to behavioural science
• Lessons from the global financial crisis
• Why massive handbooks never change behaviour
• How culture and incentives drive decisions
• Where governments use behavioural science well
• Quick wins for communicators on timing and delivery

• BS at Work: Why So Much of Modern Work is BS and How Behavioural Science Can Make It Better | James Healy
• The Behaviour Boutique
• Adopting AI: The People First Approach | James Healy, Paul Gibbons
• The EAST framework | The Decision Lab
• James Healy | LinkedIn
• The B Word | Podcast by James Healy
• Behavioural Science | OECD Report
• Blog | GovComms Podcast
• LinkedIn | GovComms

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What do bushfires, TikTok, and police comms have in common?

For Kendall Masters, they’ve each shaped a sharp, no-nonsense approach to government communication.

In this episode, she joins David Pembroke to unpack what it really takes to build trust, cut through the noise, and connect with the public — especially when time and attention are in short supply.

Kendall shares lessons in agility, authenticity, and strategic clarity, from rolling out TikTok with Victoria Police to managing emergency comms during the 2019–20 bushfires and COVID-19. They explore the limits of video, the myth of reach-for-the-sake-of-it, and why good reporting is about more than numbers — it’s about telling the right story to the right people.

• Moving from traditional media to digital-first comms
• Lessons from bushfire and COVID-19 emergency response
• When video works — and when it doesn’t
• Launching TikTok with  Victoria Police
• Ditching vanity metrics for meaningful reporting
• Building skilled, strategic comms teams

• TikTok | Victoria Police
• Blog | GovComms Podcast
• LinkedIn | GovComms

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Is your comms team keeping up, or just keeping busy?

In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Mitchell Dye, the dynamic voice behind the City of Greater Geelong’s external communications. From community radio to leading digital strategy, Mitchell shares a front-row view of how local government is reinventing the way it engages with citizens—one authentic story at a time.

David and Mitchell unpack what it takes to stand out in the crowded digital landscape, why the best communicators aren’t always in the comms team, and how to build trust through relatable, local voices. With fresh insights from years of hands-on experience, Mitchell offers a practical roadmap for future-proofing local government communication.

• Reinventing comms in local government
• Authentic storytelling vs polished branding
• What community radio taught Mitchell about public comms
• Finding trusted voices beyond the comms team
• Managing 24/7 comms without burning out

• Planner | Microsoft
• 94.7 The Pulse | Geelong Community Radio
• Blog | GovComms Podcast

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How will AI reshape the future of government communications—and what skills will you need to thrive?

In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke is joined by Wayne Aspland, expert in public sector communication and AI strategy, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the role of communicators today and into 2030.

Wayne shares how government teams can build AI capability, drive strategic alignment, and stay trusted in an era of rapid technological change. He also explains why human creativity, leadership, and critical thinking will be even more essential as automation accelerates.

• How AI is reshaping communication roles
• Achieving alignment across complex teams
• Building AI skills as a team
• Managing AI risks with clear guardrails

• Day in the life of a comms person in 2030 | Wayne Aspland
• State of the Sector report | Gallagher
• Blog | GovComms Podcast

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