Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Smart Communications Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Big Duck
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 weeks ago29 min
Episode 222: How can you stay relevant during and beyond awareness months?
Awareness months can bring a flood of attention to your cause, but that attention can fade. Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Elana Silber, CEO of Sharsheret, the national Jewish breast and ovarian cancer organization, about how Sharsheret treats Breast Cancer Awareness Month as the start of a relationship, not a one-off moment. They explore ways to creatively use events to educate your community and how to adapt materials for different audiences without changing the facts. You’ll also learn practical ways to segment and follow up with the people you meet during an awareness month so they stay engaged all year.
- Sep 30, 202616 min
Episode 221: How can you move from swag to storytelling?
Nonprofit swag can be something that people want to use and wear. Carl Glenn, director of communications and strategy at Grand Street Settlement, talks with Farra Trompeter, co-director, about turning merchandise into a storytelling tool. They explore how to make affordable, wearable swag that staff and community members actually want, how a fundraiser tapped into local themes that turned products into program stories, and how a children’s book became a relationship-building tool. Get practical, budget-conscious ideas for making your brand something people want to carry with them.
- Sep 16, 202621 min
Episode 220: How can you accelerate planned giving?
Planned giving can feel intimidating, especially if your team is small and your days are already full. But you don’t need dedicated staff, or expensive resources. Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Tony Martignetti, evangelist for planned giving and author of Planned Giving Accelerated, about why planned giving is easy, accessible, and affordable for organizations of any size. They explore Tony's three-step launch framework, and discuss why donors who include you in their will actually increase their annual giving. You’ll also learn how to reframe planned giving from a "death conversation" to a joyful legacy conversation and practical low-lift marketing tactics. Get actionable advice for launching a planned giving program this month—with no additional staff.
- Sep 2, 202622 min
Episode 219: How can nonprofits make videos sustainably?
Video is increasingly how people connect with nonprofits today, but many communications teams feel stuck: they lack time, budget, and skills. Ally Dommu, director of service development, talks with Ben Nathan, filmmaker and founder of All of Us Films, about making accessible, authentic video storytelling a regular part of your nonprofit's communications strategy. They explore why authenticity resonates more than polished content, how to ethically capture stories from clients and donors, and the right and wrong ways to use AI in nonprofit video. They also talk about Impact Reel, Ben’s scalable model designed for nonprofit budgets. Get practical advice on starting with what you have, interviewing techniques that feel natural, and one simple challenge to get your video practice started this month.
- Aug 19, 202624 min
Episode 218: How can you update a brand across a federated network?
Updating a brand across connected, yet independent organizations is no small feat. Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Omoiye Kinney, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for United Way Worldwide, about managing a global brand refresh across 1,000 local United Ways in 30+ countries. They explore how United Way conducted an 18-month data-driven process that centered trust and listening with network leaders and balanced brand consistency with local autonomy. Omoiye shares lessons on phasing brand rollout, empowering brand ambassadors, connecting brand to fundraising, and why your brand is more fragile than you think. Get practical strategies for any organization managing a nonprofit brand.
- Aug 5, 202619 min
Episode 217: What do leaders need to make difficult decisions?
When tasked with charting a course forward, Dr. Traci Lester, the final president of The Opportunity Agenda (TOA), chose to lead the organization through a deliberate dissolution rather than let it persist in a weakened state. Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Dr. Lester about what leaders need to make difficult decisions, from embracing ambiguity to building collaborative decision-making processes. They explore how Traci communicated internally and externally through the crisis, the importance of vulnerability and support systems, and why emerging leaders should still lean into this work. Get honest insight into leadership, change management, and what it really takes to thrive.
- Jul 22, 202619 min
Episode 216: How can you get staff to feel seen in your communications?
Staff engagement starts with a simple principle: in order for staff to feel seen, they have to see you. Farra Trompeter, co-director, talks with Raine Martin, chief advancement officer at Brooklyn Community Services, about building internal communications that work. They explore practical tools to boost staff morale and recruitment and strengthen external messaging. Get actionable steps to make your staff feel heard and connected to your mission.
- Jul 8, 202619 min
Episode 215: Does your nonprofit really need a new name?
Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Ryan Gerhardt, copy director at Big Duck, discuss when a name change makes sense and when the real problem is something else. They cover how to conduct a brand audit, the power of consistency, where taglines fit in, and the hidden financial costs of solving the wrong problem. Get practical tools to assess your brand before making an expensive decision.
Get The Smart Communications Podcast summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The Social Impact Solutions Podcast
Practical strategies for measuring and promoting social impact to attract support and drive change.
Nonprofit Hub Radio
Interviews with nonprofit leaders and experts offering practical insights to help organizations improve and grow.
The PM Podcast
Personal conversations with changemakers driving social impact, exploring their journeys of struggle, resilience, and purpose.
Inspired Nonprofit Leadership
Practical advice and inspiration for nonprofit leaders to grow their skills and impact.
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Communication techniques from Stanford lecturer Matt Abrahams and experts to improve clarity, confidence, and impact in professional settings.
Nonprofit Everything
A bi-weekly Q&A podcast covering topics related to nonprofits.
Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark Vandeventer
Practical strategies and insights for development professionals to raise major gifts and build sustainable donor relationships.
Social Proof Podcast
Social Proof Network
Your Brand Amplified
Explores the strategies and mindsets of successful entrepreneurs in business growth, marketing, and personal branding.
Marketing Happy Hour
Real marketing career advice and strategies from industry pros, with honest conversations on growth, leadership, and balance.
Do Small Business Like a Big Boss Podcast
A lawyer offers practical legal and business strategies for small business owners to scale and compete effectively.
Community Catalysts
Leaders from local government and nonprofits share hard-won lessons and practical strategies for building stronger communities.
About The Smart Communications Podcast
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.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The Smart Communications Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Smart Communications Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Smart Communications Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The Smart Communications Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Smart Communications Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Big Duck.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The Smart Communications Podcast release new episodes?
The Smart Communications Podcast publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Smart Communications Podcast cover?
The Smart Communications Podcast covers topics including Business, Government, Marketing, Non-Profit. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The Smart Communications Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.