Podcast
The Smart Communications Podcast
Hosted by Big Duck · EN
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.
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 211: Why do communicators need a seat at the table?
2w ago00:18:49Summary readyWhy are nonprofit communicators so often brought in at the end of a project and treated more like an order-taker than a strategic partner? Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Ally Dommu, director of service development, about why communications staff deserve a seat at the table and what changes when they get it. They explore the organizational habits and assumptions that keep communications stuck in a tactical role, and share practical steps communicators can take to shift the culture, build stronger cross-team relationships, and demonstrate their strategic value.
SummaryEpisode 210: What is the connection between your brand and hiring?
4w ago00:21:02Summary readyWhat does your brand have to do with hiring? More than you think. Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Olivia Freire, director of operations, to explore how a clear, authentic brand helps nonprofits attract the right candidates, set expectations, and build stronger teams. Together, they share practical ways to align what you post in job ads with what it’s actually like to work at your organization.
SummaryEpisode 209: How can we build trust, bridge divides, and engage communities?
Apr 1500:25:25Summary readyHow can nonprofits connect more meaningfully with the people they serve during times of deep division and declining trust? Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Doug Hattaway, president of Hattaway Communications, and Erica Pelletreau, founder and CEO of The Pelletreau Group, about the science and strategy behind building trust, bridging divides, and fostering real community engagement. Drawing on the Trust Playbook developed for The Communications Network, they share practical insights on addressing misconceptions, using plain language, and designing communications that prioritize listening, relationships, and shared goals.
SummaryEpisode 208: How can you lead an inclusive strategic planning process?
Apr 100:22:17Summary readyWhat does it take to really lead an inclusive strategic planning process, and why does it matter? Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Dr. Renee Rubin Ross, author of Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits, about designing plans that center participation, clarify purpose, and build real alignment. Get practical tips for assessing readiness, integrating communications throughout, and turning big ideas into actionable plans.
SummaryEpisode 207: How can you center community voices in messaging?
Mar 1800:22:48Summary readyWhat does it really mean to center community voices in your messaging? Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Logan Herring, CEO of The WRK Group, about how organizations can develop communications grounded in authentic community experiences and how sharing genuine stories can revolutionize your nonprofit’s messaging.
SummaryEpisode 206: How can you use science to engage donors?
Mar 400:27:33Summary readyWhat if fundraising strategy started with the brain? Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP, author of Neurogiving: The Science of Donor Decision-Making, about how neuroscience and behavioral psychology can strengthen donor engagement. They share insights nonprofits can use to build trust, write clearer appeals, and design campaigns that motivate supporters.
SummaryEpisode 205: Why is it important to change how you talk to funders?
Feb 1800:13:57Summary readyHow you talk to your funders shapes how they understand your work, your community, and your impact. Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with grant writer and fundraising strategist, Dani Fauklner, about why nonprofits must rethink traditional, jargon-heavy fundraising language. Together, they explore practical ways teams can audit and improve proposals, reports, and messaging. Learn how cross-team communication can help nonprofits secure funding without compromising integrity.
SummaryEpisode 204: Is the field of nonprofit communications coming of age?
Jan 3000:23:10Summary readyFarra Trompeter, co-director, and Kivi Leroux Miller, founder and chief strategy officer of the Nonprofit Marketing Guide, discuss insights from the 16th annual Nonprofit Communications Trends Report. Together, they explore why communicators are ready for strategy, what AI means for visibility and influence, and where the approach to nonprofit communications is showing real maturity.
SummaryEpisode 203: How to bridge belonging in your narratives?
Jan 2100:21:16Summary readyNarratives don’t just tell stories; they shape meaning. Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Sadé Dozan, vice president of advancement at Borealis Philanthropy, discuss how nonprofits can use plain language and narrative strategies to build belonging, expand your “we”, and create more inclusive communications. Get practical guidance for anyone working at the intersection of storytelling and social change.
SummaryEpisode 202: How can you put AI to work for your nonprofit?
Jan 700:34:32Summary readyAI is reshaping nonprofit work, but adopting it responsibly takes intention. Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by Cheryl Contee, chief innovation officer at BrightWorksAI.com, and Darian Rodriguez Heyman, founder of Helping People Help, to discuss insights from their new book, AI for Nonprofits, including practical, ethical ways nonprofits can use AI from fundraising and communications to operations and culture.
Summary