The Smart Communications Podcast

By Big Duck

What's The Smart Communications Podcast about?

The Smart Communications Podcast helps busy nonprofit leaders build their communications skills and develop their organization’s voice. Every episode shares insights and practical tips to help you leverage strategic communications to advance your nonprofit’s mission.

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The Smart Communications Podcast episodes:

05.15.2024
Episode 161: How can you challenge the power and practices of philanthropy?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Lisa Pilar Cowan, vice president of the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, about the concepts of trust-based philanthropy, new ways some funders are working with nonprofits for more authentic relationships, and the connection between the community's...
05.01.2024
Episode 160: Why does your website need a content strategy?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by Natalie Yelton, content strategist at Kanopi Studios, to delve into content strategy and how to create an engaging nonprofit website. They share key performance indicators to use while writing new content for your site...
04.17.2024
Episode 159: How can you better position your organization for funding?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by Sheleia Phillips, founder and principal consultant of SMP Nonprofit Consulting, to talk about how to better position your organization to secure funding. Hear examples of nonprofits that have better positioned themselves to receive funding...
04.03.2024
Episode 158: How can staff take care of themselves while changing the world?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Meico Marquette Whitlock, founder and CEO of Mindful Techie, about mindfulness in the workplace and offers tips that nonprofit leaders can apply to cultivate care and resilience among their teams.
03.20.2024
Episode 157: How can you raise awareness and build trust?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, sits down with Derrick Feldmann, managing director of Ad Council Research Institute and Ad Council Edge, who shares tips for nonprofit staff who are looking to connect awareness and action, to reach people who are hard to...
03.06.2024
Episode 156: How can we have courageous conversations?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by Nneka Allen, Camila Pereira, and Nicole Salmon, co-editors of Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love, a collection of lived experiences written by 15 accomplished Black North American fundraisers in the United States and...
02.21.2024
Episode 155: What are the latest nonprofit communications trends?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Kivi Leroux Miller, founder and CEO of the Nonprofit Marketing Guide, about the latest nonprofit communications trends, including hot topics like AI, brand archetypes, and the structure of communications teams.
02.07.2024
Episode 154: How can you deliver the right message to the right audience?
What is most important, the message, the channel, or the mindset of the audience you are trying to reach? Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Ryan Gerhardt, copy director, discuss how we think about segmentation and messaging, the differences between organizational and...
01.24.2024
Episode 153: How should you approach audience research?
Effective research begins with clear objectives and choosing methods aligned with your audience to answer key questions. Farra Trompeter, co-director, sits down with senior strategist, Menaka Chandurkar, to talk about the benefits research provides to in-house communications teams and how...
01.10.2024
Episode 152: How do you get messaging to take hold within your organization?
Join Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Jennifer R. Hudson, president of Think Beyond Public Relations, as they discuss how nonprofit staff can create messaging that gets people to engage with that organization's mission. Together they discuss important frameworks on developing messages...
12.20.2023
Episode 151: Why and how are nonprofits diversifying their donors?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Funmilayo Brown, founder and CEO of Layo Philanthropic Partners chat about redefining philanthropy for people of color and how nonprofits can effectively use communications to attract and engage their donors.
12.06.2023
Episode 150: How can you navigate the highs and lows of the naming journey?
Farra Trompeter and Liz Ricca, co-directors, explore the emotional nuances of changing a nonprofit's name and break down six highs and lows of the journey.
11.22.2023
Episode 149: How can you bring accessibility and inclusion into your communications?
Farra Trompeter is joined by Kerry Thompson, senior advisor for inclusion and accessibility at the Disability Rights Fund and the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund, to discuss the significance of incorporating accessibility and inclusion in your nonprofit communications and sheds light...
11.08.2023
Episode 148: What do nonprofits need to know about AI and data science?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by Dr. Ashutosh Nandeshwar, senior vice president of data science and analytics at CCS Fundraising to talk about how nonprofits should approach AI, various use cases, and practical tips that nonprofits can use to determine...
10.25.2023
Episode 147: How do you hire for a strong communications team?
How do you hire for a strong communications team? Co-directors, Farra Trompeter and Elizabeth Ricca zoom out and talk about communications in general, why nonprofits are investing more now in how they structure their communications teams, and talk through four...
10.11.2023
Episode 146: What's your next move on social media?
What's your next move on social media? Farra Trompeter is joined by Julia Campbell, author, speaker, and host of the Nonprofit Nation Podcast, who shares four pillars of social media management as well as three insightful questions to help your...
09.27.2023
Episode 145: How should you approach GivingTuesday?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Abby Jarvis, Senior Content Marketing Manager from Neon One discuss the history, the challenges, and the opportunities of GivingTuesday as a global generosity movement.
09.13.2023
Episode 144: How can communications help you recruit and engage board members?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Rob Acton, founder and CEO, and Erin Pierson, director of strategic growth, from Cause Strategy Partners to discuss how to engage board members in marketing and communications from recruitment through board service to alumni status.
08.16.2023
Episode 143: How can you manage change?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, sits down with Mara Mintz, consultant, and account lead, and Caitlin Corda, head of marketing, brand, and business development, from Blue Beyond Consulting to discuss the importance of change management for nonprofits, especially those going through branding,...
08.02.2023
Episode 142: What and who is a major donor?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Alyssa Wright, founder and principal of Wright Collective, about what and who is a major donor and encourages organizations to have deeper conversations with donors about the diverse ways they contribute to nonprofit missions.
07.19.2023
Episode 141: How can your nonprofit staff maximize LinkedIn?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, welcomes Tania Bhattacharyya, founder of Lumos Marketing, to discuss maximizing LinkedIn for nonprofit staff and the power of personal branding. Get tips for how your organization can use LinkedIn more strategically, including the importance of sharing compelling...
07.05.2023
Episode 140: How can you create true partnerships with sponsors?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Mariah Monique, founder, and CEO of The Sponsorship Catalyst, discuss the importance of building true partnerships with sponsors and offer pointers on how sponsorships can be a game changer for nonprofits.
06.22.2023
Episode 139: How can you create messaging and communications that reflect the principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, delves into the topic of creating messaging and communications that embody justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles with Vanessa Wakeman, founder, and CEO of The Wakeman Agency.
06.07.2023
Episode 138: How should new communications directors approach their role?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Ally Dommu, director of service development, share insights and strategies for those starting or looking to refresh their approach to leading communications at their nonprofit. Whether you're onboarding a new communications director or seeking a fresh...
05.24.2023
Episode 137: What can branding really do for your org?
Farra Trompeter, co–director, chats with Vince Warren, executive director at the Center for Constitutional Rights, about their branding journey and what outcomes they achieved by shifting how they expressed their mission more robustly through new visuals and messaging.
05.10.2023
Episode 136: How can we bring radical honesty to communications?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Marisa DeSalles, founder of Good Tilth LLC, and Michelle Flores Vryn, chief development officer with OneStar, about radical honesty and the power of rooting truth and trust throughout your communications.
04.26.2023
Episode 135: What does it actually mean to show up as a "good" board member?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Brooke Richie-Babbage, founder and CEO of Bending Arc, and the host of The Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast, about what they find meaningful about board service and the benefits of having board members who are passionate and...
04.12.2023
Episode 134: Does the nonprofit sector need to rebrand itself?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Joan Grangenois-Thomas, principal of JGT Public Relations, about misconceptions surrounding the nonprofit sector and suggestions for shifting perspectives and language about the industry.
03.29.2023
Episode 133: How can you center community in your communications?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Michelle Shireen Muri, host of The Ethical Rainmaker podcast, about valuing staff contributions, rethinking audience priorities, the importance of analysis, and ways to communicate in a more inclusive way.
03.15.2023
Episode 132: What can messaging do for your organization?
A nonprofit’s approach to messaging should strategically advance its mission and engage its staff as brand ambassadors. Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Wayne Ho, president and CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council, about the lasting impact of their branding and...
03.01.2023
Episode 131: What are the latest nonprofit communications trends?
A nonprofit’s approach to communications should strategically advance its mission. Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Kivi Leroux Miller, founder and CEO of Nonprofit Marketing Guide, about ways to refine your team’s communications initiatives
02.15.2023
Episode 130: How should you evolve your approach to digital marketing?
Does your digital marketing strategies and tactics stall, get stuck, or succeed? Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Geraldine Zamora, account director at Community Boost discuss approaches for you to efficiently ramp up your online advertising, search engine optimization, and more.
02.01.2023
Episode 129: How can development and communications teams work better together?
Clear communication and shared strategy internally are essential to strong external communications. Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Sunil Oommen, President of Oomen Consulting LLC, about why collaboration between your teams is so important.
01.18.2023
Episode 128: How can you stop the spread of so many sub-brands?
Do the sub-brands of your nonprofit reflect your brand strategy and help you engage audiences, or do they cause confusion and limit participation? Join co-director, Farra Trompeter, and creative director, Claire Taylor Hansen, as they discuss how to use sub-brands...
01.04.2023
Episode 127: How can you build a strong relationship with a consultant?
Why does good work take time? Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Josh Riman, founder and president of Great Believer, talk about why it's essential to have mutual trust, kindness, and respect between nonprofit organizations and creative agencies.
12.14.2022
Episode 126: How can you make the case with funders to invest in staff?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Rusty Stahl, founder, president, and CEO of Fund the People, about how you can communicate the value of your organization, including the value of your staff, and how to get your funders to invest...
11.30.2022
Episode 125: How can you manage burnout and fatigue as a communications professional?
Should we strive for work-life balance or work-life harmony? Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Sarah Boison, digital strategist, about how we can support our colleagues, and ourselves, when we are experiencing burnout.
11.09.2022
Episode 124: Why should you try new approaches in your donor communications?
How do you center equity and justice in your fundraising efforts? Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Gladiator Consulting, Rachel D'Souza-Siebert, chats with co-director, Farra Trompeter about how to shift our relationships with donors and bring more abundance to our...
10.26.2022
Episode 123: How can you get donors to give again?
Monthly giving programs bring more stability and sustainability to an organization. In this episode, Farra Trompeter chats with Dana Snyder, founder of Positive Equation, who shares tips on how to attract and engage repeat donors.
10.12.2022
Episode 122: How should you rethink your approach to strategic planning?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Craig Shelley, partner and chief growth officer at Orr Group discuss different approaches to develop and apply your organization’s strategic plan.
09.28.2022
Episode 121: Why should you prioritize internal communications?
Communicating first or at the same time with your staff as external communications roll out builds trust. Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Fatima Jones, senior director of marketing and communication, at The Apollo, about what a high-functioning internal communications team...
09.14.2022
Episode 120: How can you engage your community in your brand?
Why is it important to center your community in shaping and representing your organization’s brand? Ally Dommu, director of strategy, talks with Farra Trompeter, co-director, about the value and practices of community-informed branding.
08.18.2022
Episode 119: How can you create and use your vision, mission, and values?
Clear vision, mission, and values are essential to establishing and reinforcing your brand. Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Ryan Gerhardt, senior copywriter, explore how your vision, mission, and values can help provide clarity and build stronger, lasting connections with your audiences.
08.03.2022
Episode 118: How can you use your vision, mission, and values to guide your donor communications?
How can your organization use its vision, mission, and values to guide and inform your work? Farra, co-director, talks with Ruth McFarlane, chief advancement officer at Ms. Foundation for Women about their vision, mission, and value statements and how they...
07.20.2022
Episode 117: How does branding make things easier?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Elandria Jackson Charles, chief development and communications officer at Blue Engine, about their decision to rebrand and the freedom and confidence that comes from being clear on who you are and what you stand for.
07.06.2022
Episode 116: How can you direct transformative fundraising for your nonprofit?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Rhea Wong, fundraiser and author of Get That Money, Honey!: The No-Bullsh*t Guide to Raising More Money For Your Nonprofit, chat about how people's feelings about money impact their ability to fundraise.
06.22.2022
Episode 115: Why does belonging matter in the workplace?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with DEI thought leader and author, Rhodes Perry, about the benefits of fostering belonging and inclusion in our workplaces–and the costs when we don’t. They discuss how to build power, understand exclusion, and steps you can...
06.08.2022
Episode 114: What can white managers do to reduce racial harm?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with equity and justice practitioner, coach, and consultant, Yejin Lee to discuss how white managers can disrupt harmful and racist behaviors, the importance of identification, reflection, and accountability for transformation.
05.25.2022
Episode 113: How can you use research to understand your brand perception?
Looking to raise awareness, increase visibility, and become a household name? Before any of this can happen, it is important to conduct research to understand your organization’s brand perception. Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Ally Dommu, director of strategy, share...
05.11.2022
Episode 112: How can you facilitate inclusive conversations?
Ally Dommu, director of strategy, & Key Jackson, deputy executive director for programs & power building at GLSEN dive into facilitation practices and how to create spaces where all people can engage and feel comfortable joining in the discussion.

What's The Smart Communications Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Smart Communications Podcast episodes:

Episode 161: How can you challenge the power and practices of philanthropy?

Episode 160: Why does your website need a content strategy?

Episode 159: How can you better position your organization for funding?

Episode 158: How can staff take care of themselves while changing the world?

Episode 157: How can you raise awareness and build trust?

Episode 156: How can we have courageous conversations?

Episode 155: What are the latest nonprofit communications trends?

Episode 154: How can you deliver the right message to the right audience?

Episode 153: How should you approach audience research?

Episode 152: How do you get messaging to take hold within your organization?

Episode 151: Why and how are nonprofits diversifying their donors?

Episode 150: How can you navigate the highs and lows of the naming journey?

Episode 149: How can you bring accessibility and inclusion into your communications?

Episode 148: What do nonprofits need to know about AI and data science?

Episode 147: How do you hire for a strong communications team?

Episode 146: What's your next move on social media?

Episode 145: How should you approach GivingTuesday?

Episode 144: How can communications help you recruit and engage board members?

Episode 143: How can you manage change?

Episode 142: What and who is a major donor?

Episode 141: How can your nonprofit staff maximize LinkedIn?

Episode 140: How can you create true partnerships with sponsors?

Episode 139: How can you create messaging and communications that reflect the principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion?

Episode 138: How should new communications directors approach their role?

Episode 137: What can branding really do for your org?

Episode 136: How can we bring radical honesty to communications?

Episode 135: What does it actually mean to show up as a "good" board member?

Episode 134: Does the nonprofit sector need to rebrand itself?

Episode 133: How can you center community in your communications?

Episode 132: What can messaging do for your organization?

Episode 131: What are the latest nonprofit communications trends?

Episode 130: How should you evolve your approach to digital marketing?

Episode 129: How can development and communications teams work better together?

Episode 128: How can you stop the spread of so many sub-brands?

Episode 127: How can you build a strong relationship with a consultant?

Episode 126: How can you make the case with funders to invest in staff?

Episode 125: How can you manage burnout and fatigue as a communications professional?

Episode 124: Why should you try new approaches in your donor communications?

Episode 123: How can you get donors to give again?

Episode 122: How should you rethink your approach to strategic planning?

Episode 121: Why should you prioritize internal communications?

Episode 120: How can you engage your community in your brand?

Episode 119: How can you create and use your vision, mission, and values?

Episode 118: How can you use your vision, mission, and values to guide your donor communications?

Episode 117: How does branding make things easier?

Episode 116: How can you direct transformative fundraising for your nonprofit?

Episode 115: Why does belonging matter in the workplace?

Episode 114: What can white managers do to reduce racial harm?

Episode 113: How can you use research to understand your brand perception?

Episode 112: How can you facilitate inclusive conversations?