In this episode of What If We?, Kaitlin Funaro sits down with researcher and Gen Z expert Rachel Janfaza, author of the popular Substack The Up & Up  to unpack what young people are actually feeling right now, and why so many institutions are getting it wrong.

Drawing from a series of listening sessions with 11–22-year-olds across the country, Rachel explains why Gen Z’s political identity is fluid, why “identity politics” feels outdated to many young people, and how COVID fundamentally reshaped their trust in authority.

They explore the generational “bullsh*t meter,” why authenticity beats jargon every time, and what adults, educators, and institutions can do to create meaningful political dialogue instead of shutting it down.

If you work in advocacy, education, communications, or simply care about the future of civic engagement, this conversation offers a reality check, and a hopeful one.

In This Episode:

• Why Gen Z’s political views are fluid not fixed
• How COVID reshaped Gen Z’s trust in authority
• Gen Z evaluates leaders based on results, not political parties.
• Gen Z can quickly spot inauthentic or top-down messaging (“the sniff test”).
• They prefer open debate and honest conversation over silence or rigid rules.
• Frustration with politics does not mean disengagement for GenZ.

Learn more: 

Read RALLY’s insights report Youth Research: Identity, Culture, & Issue Advocacy 

Check out Rachel Janfaza’s work at The Up & Up

About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

• wearerally.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at [email protected].

What if getting press meant more than just a headline in the New York Times? In this episode of What If We?, host Kaitlin sits down with earned media experts Sara Lueders and Alexis Gosselin to demystify the insider world of earned media. From the shifting landscape of traditional newsrooms to the rise of Substack communities, they explore how to reach audiences in today's media landscape.

Sara and Alexis break down why audience identity, not just outlet size, should dictate your strategy and how being scrappy is the new standard for communication professionals. Whether you're pitching a national reporter or sliding into the DMs of a niche content creator, this episode reveals the art of the hustle and the science of storytelling in the current media ecosystem.

In This Episode:

•  What do we actually mean by earned media?
• When starting an earned media strategy, what information do you need to gather and what is the first question to ask?
•  Navigating the world of podcasts, substacks, and social media clips that are fed to audiences by algorithms.
• How to pitch to content creators and podcasts who don't have traditional newsroom email addresses and can be harder to reach. 
•  How to evaluate a spokesperson’s ability to deliver engaging audio and video performances.

About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

• wearerally.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at [email protected].

During the border patrol crackdown in Minneapolis, people have shown up—loudly and visibly—for immigrant rights. That kind of mobilization is real, necessary, and powerful. 

But movements don’t win by speaking only to the people already in the streets. They also win by persuading the people watching from the sidelines—the ones who don’t see themselves as anti-immigrant, but aren’t fully on board either.

In this episode, Kaitlin talks with Tasha Moro, the communications director for Justice Action Center, and RALLY Director Claire Shipton about how to reach that audience—what our new research calls “Conflicted Colin”. 

Key Takeaways:

• Persuasion starts with how people feel, not what they know.
• Sacred values like safety, order, and protection often guide political decisions more than policy positions.
• Many people in the “movable middle” hold conflicting views—and that tension is an opportunity, not a liability.
• People are more likely to change their minds when they arrive at conclusions on their own.
• Narrative change requires experimentation, creativity, and meeting audiences in the spaces they already trust.

Why This Conversation Matters

At a moment when anti-immigrant narratives have become increasingly normalized, this episode challenges advocates to rethink how persuasion works—and who it’s for. Instead of speaking only to the base, it asks: what would it look like to build a broader, more durable coalition rooted in shared values and lived experience?

This episode is part of The Art and Science of Persuasion series, exploring how people actually change their minds—and what that means for movements working toward a more inclusive future for immigrants in the US.

About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

• wearerally.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at [email protected].

What if fandoms are doing what traditional movements struggle to achieve—building belonging, joy, and coordinated power at scale?

In this episode of What If We?, Kaitlin Funaro sits down with Destiny Willis and Lillian Greer to explore what stan culture can teach organizers, advocates, and movement builders about identity, engagement, and collective action. From the origins of the term “stan” in Eminem’s song to today’s highly organized digital fandoms, the conversation unpacks how online communities evolved from passionate fans into sophisticated networks capable of real-world impact.

Using examples like Swifties taking on Ticketmaster—sparking congressional hearings and newer artist-led fan mobilizations—Destiny and Lillian examine how fandoms turn shared frustration into coordinated strategy. Together, they explore why joy, humor, merch, and being “in on the joke” can be powerful tools for sustaining engagement, especially among Gen Z.

In This Episode:

• What fandoms understand about belonging and shared purpose that traditional movements often overlook
• How movements can adopt fandom strategies without feeling cringe or inauthentic
• The idea of “creating your own algorithm” to build issue-based communities
• Which principles are universal—and which are specific to Gen Z digital culture
• Why identity, joy, and shared culture drive sustained engagement
• The risks of applying stan culture to advocacy spaces—and how to do it responsibly
• What the next generation of movements might look like

About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

• wearerally.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at [email protected].

Storytelling moves people — but it’s not enough on its own. The real magic happens when stories spark engagement and build community. That’s why one of our persuasion principles is “storytelling needs engagement.” 

In this episode, host Kaitlin Funaro talks with content creator Benjamin Coy and Dr. Ashley Elliott, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and content creator better known as Dr. Vivid, about what it takes to turn storytelling into connection. From reclaiming queer narratives online to bringing those stories to life offline, they explore how authentic engagement transforms content into community — and why that’s where real change begins.

In This Episode:

• The importance of cultivating online and offline connections 
• The emotional cost of chasing metrics and numbers over meaning and impact
• Engagement is a two-way street to cultivate belonging for your followers
• Why marginalized creators need safe, inclusive spaces to tell their stories
• Advice for creators and organizations building authentic community on social media

Links:

Learn more about Dr. Vivid at doctorvivid.com and Benjamin Coy at linktr.ee/benjiecoy 

About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

• wearerally.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at [email protected].

What if we stopped thinking about audiences as demographics and started seeing them as heroes of their own stories? In this episode of What If We?, guest host, Sheri Klein, Senior Director of  Research and Strategy at RALLY, sits down with Principal Hillary Moglen and Riki Conrey, Principal Scientist at Harmony Labs, to unpack how audience identity shapes persuasion.

From the shows we watch to the personal conflicts we face, our media choices reflect more than just preferences; they reveal our values, aspirations, and worldviews. Together, Hillary and Riki explore how advocates and communicators can move beyond “reaching everyone” to instead meet audiences where they are, address their concerns, and craft stories that resonate deeply.

They also share why the “movable middle” isn’t about convincing people to agree, but about understanding their internal conflicts and helping them see the choices in front of them.

If you’ve ever wondered how to tailor messages that move people toward shared understanding and action, this episode offers both the art and the science behind it.

In This Episode:

• What “audience identity” really means.
• How the shows we watch reflect our values and worldview
• Why advocates should explore different media segments to understand different audiences
• The biggest mistake communicators make: trying to “reach everyone”
• How to think about the “movable middle” through the lens of identity and conflict
• Why conflict is not something to avoid—but to embrace as a path to persuasion
• What the future of audience engagement looks like in an era of AI and changing media habits

About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

• wearerally.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at [email protected].

Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of trust, influence, and real persuasion. In this episode of The Art and Science of Persuasion series, Kaitlin Funaro sits down with RALLY Principal Latia Curry Harrison to talk about why authentic, genuine communication matters more than ever in a world flooded with polished messaging.

They explore how leaders and organizations can show up authentically—even within the guardrails of talking points—by embracing vulnerability, rejecting jargon, and backing up words with meaningful action. From public figures like AOC and Charlamagne tha God to lessons from the advocacy space, this episode unpacks real examples that make messages feel real and what makes them fall flat. 

In This Episode:

• Why authenticity is the foundation of persuasion and trust
• The dangers of jargon and over-filtered messaging
• Why unfiltered, emotionally honest communication connects with audiences 
• What we can learn from leaders who speak with consistency and conviction
• The role of vulnerability in building trust and influence
• Why actions must match words to sustain credibility

About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

• wearerally.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at [email protected].

Why do we remember stories, not statistics? 

Persuasion isn’t just about presenting the facts—it’s about connecting with people on an emotional level. Today in our series The Art and Science of Persuasion, Kaitlin Funaro talks with Stephen Friedman, former president of MTV and adjunct professor at Columbia University, and Jason Rzepka, Senior Director at RALLY, to discuss how storytelling and emotional engagement can drive real-world impact. From MTV campaigns that shaped cultural conversations to lessons for today’s advocacy work, they reveal why tapping into emotion often works better than relying on data.

In This Episode:

• How MTV used reality TV like 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom, and Jersey Shore to connect with audiences through story and emotion 
• Why connecting emotionally—rather than overloading with facts—can change minds, especially among audiences that aren’t already convinced or aware
• The role of authentic, relatable storytelling in shaping public opinion and fostering social change
• Strategies for advocates to integrate emotional storytelling without sacrificing credibility or forcing a narrative
• Lessons from reality and scripted TV on how narrative can spark awareness, action, and empathy
• How partnering with professional storytellers and showing social issues through personal journeys engages, educates, and inspires audiences 

Read more: 

• Media Influences on Social Outcomes: The Impact of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant on Teen Childbearing

About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

• wearerally.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at [email protected].

What does it mean to be persuaded? And why do so many of us resist the idea of changing our minds?

Persuasion isn’t just about convincing—it’s about influence, connection, and building shared understanding. And in today’s polarized world, it might be one of the most important tools advocates have.

This episode kicks off a special series on persuasion. Over the next six episodes, we’ll explore the principles that make persuasion possible—how identity shapes who we listen to, how emotions matter more than facts, and how we can use connection and storytelling to bridge divides and make progress on sticky issues.

Today, Kaitlin talks with research director Sheri Klein and Dr. Nichole Argo, social psychologist and founder of the TogetherUp Institute. They unpack what persuasion really means in advocacy today, why going on the attack often backfires, and what the research tells us about how people actually change their minds. From sacred values to the power of community, they explore how communicators can use persuasion to build a “bigger we.”

In This Episode:

• What persuasion really is—and why it’s more common in daily life than we think
• The three M’s of persuasion: message, messenger, and medium
• How authentic connection, curiosity, and listening can move people more than logic
• Lessons from deep canvassing: why persuasion often works best when you’re not trying to persuade
• The importance of building a “bigger we” in advocacy and communications

To hear more conversations about community and belonging, check out the podcast Reimagining Us with Nichole Argo & Scott Hutcheson. 

About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

• wearerally.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at [email protected].

LinkedIn—it’s not just an online résumé. It’s a platform for storytelling, visibility, and connection. When used strategically, it helps decision-makers, partners, and allies find you, learn from you, and amplify your work. 

RALLY's Kaitlin Funaro chats with the pod's favorite digital expert Elyse Dickson Becker and thought leadership extroidinare René Verma to break down all the essentials of LinkedIn — from what the algorithm rewards, to the role of video, visuals, and engagement, in just 15 minutes (well, almost!).

In This Episode:

• What quality thought leadership looks like on LinkedIn 
• Practical tips to make your posts stand out 
• The value of engagement: commenting, sharing, and interacting to boost your presence
• Video? Photos? Emoji lists? What kind of content the algorithm rewards 
• Why the "golden hour" of a LinkedIn post is so important for visibility 

Read More: 

How the LinkedIn algorithm works in 2025

LinkedIn Algorithm Explained & How It Works 

What LinkedIn Golden Hour Algorithm Means for Early Engagement

About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

• wearerally.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at [email protected].