Crisis Beat Podcast – March 23, 2025

Hosts: Brady Wood & Dr. Mark Crowther

In this episode, PR strategist Brady Wood and Dr. Mark Crowther, Chair of Medicine at McMaster University, unpack the headline findings from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer—a report that reveals a deepening global “crisis of grievance.”

Main Event: The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer – A Global Crisis of Grievance

Now in its 25th year, Edelman’s annual trust survey captures growing public disillusionment with governments, businesses, media, and NGOs. The 2025 edition shines a light on rising resentment and mistrust worldwide, calling for leadership that’s more transparent, accountable, and socially attuned.

News & Updates – Here’s What’s New in the News:

    •    Pyramid Secrets? A controversial new study claims SAR radar has identified a vast underground complex beneath the Pyramids of Giza.

    •    Meghan Markle: With Love, Meghan gets renewed by Netflix, despite mixed critical reviews.

    •    Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: Blake Lively moves to dismiss Baldoni’s $400M defamation suit, calling it retaliatory. The case escalates, now drawing attention after a pointed joke from Ryan Reynolds at the SNL 50th Anniversary.

Tune in as Brady and Mark connect the dots between global trust dynamics, high-profile lawsuits, and mysterious underground discoveries. Catch the full episode—wherever you get your podcasts.

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Crisis Beat Podcast – February 9, 2025

Hosts: Brady Wood & Dr. Mark Crowther

In this episode, Brady Wood—PR professional and former hospital leader—and Dr. Mark Crowther, Chair of Medicine at McMaster, take listeners inside the high-stakes world of hospital crisis communications. Drawing from Brady’s firsthand experiences, they break down how hospitals manage public relations during emergencies, navigate sensitive messaging, and maintain public trust under pressure.

They also discussed multiple news story’s, such as the drama with Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, Megan Markle, plane malfunction at Pearson Airport, and much more.

Tune in for a compelling look at hospital PR strategies, crisis response, and real-world lessons from the front lines.

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Hosts: Brady Wood (PR Pro and Business Owner) & Dr. Mark Crowther (Chair of Medicine, McMaster)

News & Updates

Here’s what’s new in the news!

• Rebranding Fossils from China
• Justin Baldoni/Blake Lively
• Sam Altman
• Drake's Defamation Lawsuit
• Roger Telecom
• Megan & Harry

Main Event: Case Study – LA Wildfires Crisis

The Wildfires Erupt: On January 7, 2025, the Palisades Fire broke out, followed by the Eaton Fire. Los Angeles residents faced immense danger as these fires spread quickly.

Key Events:

• Mayor Karen Bass’s Absence: Bass was in Ghana on a diplomatic trip when the fires began, sparking criticism from her political opponents, including Rick Caruso.
• Governor Gavin Newsom’s Response: Newsom declared a state of emergency on January 7 and worked with federal agencies to secure resources. However, his handling of water resources during the fires came under fire.
• Trump’s Visit: Former President Donald Trump toured the damage and criticized Newsom’s management of the crisis. He made several controversial claims, including misstatements about forest management, water shortages, and fire hydrant issues.

Crisis Communications Insights:

• Transparency: Leaders need to clarify the causes of the crisis and the steps being taken to resolve it. In this case, better communication from both Bass and Newsom could have alleviated much of the public confusion.
• Empathy & Engagement: Acknowledging the hardship faced by affected communities and engaging directly with the public is essential to maintaining trust.
• Consistency & Clarity: Mixed messages, particularly those from Trump, fueled confusion. A unified and consistent approach is critical in a crisis like this.

Leadership Responses

• Mayor Karen Bass: Emphasized her focus on saving lives and homes upon her return to the city.
• Governor Gavin Newsom: Declared a state of emergency, but faced backlash for budget cuts to wildfire management.
• Donald Trump: Criticized Newsom’s handling of the crisis while offering his own controversial solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Crisis Communication is Crucial: In crises like wildfires, effective communication can mean the difference between success and failure in managing public perception.
• Managing Misinformation: During disasters, misinformation spreads quickly. Leaders must respond swiftly to clarify facts and keep the public informed.
• The Importance of Preparedness: Leaders must be proactive, prepared with crisis communication plans, and responsive to public concerns.

Catch the full episode for a deep dive into the LA wildfire crisis, the PR challenges faced by officials, and the lessons learned from this unfolding disaster!

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Crisis Beat Podcast – January 6, 2025

Hosts: Brady Wood (PR Pro and Business Owner) & Dr. Mark Crowther (Chair of Medicine, McMaster)

Here’s some of the topic we discussed throughout the 2024 Review!

• United States election 
• Possible provincial and federal election for Canada
• Elon Musk and his multiple crisis, involvement in US public affairs, SpaceX throughout the year, etc 
• The possible terrorist attack involving cyber truck
• Boeing aircraft’s 
• Plane crashes
• Drake and kendrick Lamar, Drake suing,
• Ryan Reynold and Blake Lively, lawsuit, suing Justin Baldoni, new movie, New Year Times, etc 
• All the worst humans book

Catch the full episode for a deeper dive into the 2024 review and the crisis management strategies! 

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Hosts: Brady Wood (PR Pro and Business Owner) & Dr. Mark Crowther (Chair of Medicine, McMaster)

News & Updates

Here’s what’s new in the news!

• Boeing: The company is slowly restarting production after a labor strike, with no major PR disasters in the last few weeks, but still facing challenges.
• Royal Family: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have decided to scale back on joint appearances, sparking rumors about their relationship.
• Jay-Z & Diddy: Jay-Z strongly denies recent allegations involving a 13-year-old, describing them as a "blackmail attempt" and expressing the emotional toll on his family.
• Meta Data Breach: On December 3, 2024, Meta suffered a data breach, exposing the personal data of millions, leading to criticism and legal challenges.
• Amazon Labor Strike: On December 5, 2024, thousands of Amazon warehouse workers went on strike over poor working conditions and low wages, disrupting the company during the holiday season.
• PharmaCorp Scandal: A major pharmaceutical company, PharmaCorp, falsified clinical trial data, causing a massive recall and a drop in stock prices.

Main Event: Case Study - Jaguar’s Rebrand Crisis

Jaguar’s controversial rebrand and the PR challenges it faces:

Timeline of Events

• 1922: Williams Lyons founded the Swallow Sidecar Company, which eventually became Jaguar.
• 1945: The company changed its name from SS Cars to Jaguar Cars.
• 2008: Jaguar was acquired by Tata Motors, which merged it with Land Rover.
• 2021: Jaguar announced plans to transition to fully electric vehicles by 2025.
• November 2024: Jaguar launched a new brand identity, moving towards ultra-luxury electric vehicles, focusing on diversity and inclusion.

Crisis Communications Insights

• Transparency: Jaguar needs to explain the reasons behind the rebrand and its vision for the future.
• Empathy & Engagement: Addressing criticism constructively and engaging meaningfully with customers will help rebuild trust.
• Consistency: Consistent messaging across all platforms is key to aligning with customer expectations while staying true to the brand's new direction.

Leadership Responses

• Rawdon Glover (Managing Director)
• Gerry McGovern (Creative Director)

Key Takeaways

• Reputation Matters: Jaguar’s struggles demonstrate how important it is to maintain clarity about your brand’s identity, especially when pivoting in a new direction.
• Handling Backlash: Brands need to approach rebrands thoughtfully, being mindful of their history while adapting to modern trends.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Listening to customer feedback and engaging with them meaningfully can help mitigate negative reactions to controversial moves.

Catch the full episode for a deeper dive into Jaguar’s rebrand, the crisis management strategies involved, and the lessons that can be learned from the pushback they’ve faced!

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Hosts: Brady Wood (PR Pro and Business Owner) & Dr. Mark Crowther (Chair of Medicine, McMaster)

News & Updates

Here’s what’s new

This episode opens with a quick update on ongoing stories:

• Donald Trump’s Teflon Nature: A brief election update on Trump’s resilience in the face of scandals.
• Cool Study on Crisis Perception: A study debunking the idea that we’re living in more dangerous times, despite widespread media coverage of crises.
• U.S. vs. Canadian Crime Rates: Despite media perceptions, both the U.S. and Canada have seen significant declines in crime rates over the past 30 years.

Main Event: Case Study - Boeing’s Crisis Management

A deep dive into Boeing's ongoing struggles, from safety and production issues to leadership changes:

Timeline of Crises:

1. Lion Air Flight 610 (October 29, 2018)
2. Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 (March 10, 2019)
3. Global Grounding of 737 Max (March 2019)
4. Renewed Grounding in 2024
5. Financial Losses (April 2024)

Impact on Boeing:

• Erosion of Trust & Reputation Damage: The crashes and the company’s delayed responses damaged public trust. Boeing has faced criticism for not being more transparent and empathetic during the crises.
• Financial Fallout: The company’s financial performance remains poor, with large losses attributed to labor strikes, production delays, and quality issues. Trust has dropped significantly, impacting both market value and reputation.
• Ongoing Scrutiny: Regulatory bodies like the FAA continue to scrutinize Boeing’s practices, especially concerning its 737 MAX and new aircraft certifications.

Key Takeaways:

• Reputation Matters: Boeing’s crisis management strategies, especially in response to the 737 MAX disaster, have shown how crucial it is to act with transparency and empathy during crises.
• Ongoing Challenges: Despite efforts to improve, Boeing still faces significant challenges in restoring its reputation and stabilizing its financial health.
• Leadership Impact: The new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has a monumental task ahead in navigating these crises and rebuilding trust with both employees and customers.

Catch the full episode for more insights into Boeing’s struggles, leadership transitions, and lessons in crisis management!

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Hosts Brady Wood (business owner and PR pro) and Dr. Mark Crowther (Chair of Medicine at McMaster) are back to tackle the hot topic of cybersecurity and privacy. This episode dives into recent cyberattacks and the lessons we can learn from them.

News & Updates

Here’s what’s buzzing:

•Trump Assassination Attempt – An update on this shocking news.

•NASA Starliner – What’s the latest with this space project?

•Boeing’s Financial Woes – A rough patch for the aerospace giant.

•William Osler Hospital Incident – Apology issued after a Sikh man’s beard was shaved without consent.

•Pierre Poilievre & CTV – Another political moment worth noting.

Main Event: Cyberattack Case Studies

It’s been a wild month in the world of cybersecurity with some jaw-dropping breaches:

•Snowflake Breach

•Hacked by UNC5537; customer data, including Ticketmaster and Santander, exposed.

•CEO Frank Slootman is working with Mandiant to clean up the mess.

•Ticketmaster Breach

•A massive 560 million records leaked (linked to Snowflake).

•CEO Michael Rapino stepped up with credit monitoring for affected customers.

•AT&T Data Breach

•73 million customers’ details stolen.

•CEO John Stankey offered identity theft protection and reassured customers.

•CDK Global Ransomware Attack

•Thousands of car dealerships impacted.

•CEO Brian Krzanich focused on client communication and getting systems back online.

•Ascension Health System Ransomware Attack

•Emergency care disrupted at hospitals.

•CEO Joseph Impicciche prioritized patient safety while coordinating the response.

Leadership Lessons from the Breaches

Who handled these crises best? The hosts break it down:

•Snowflake: Frank Slootman went all-in on transparency.

•Ticketmaster: Michael Rapino led with quick action and customer care.

•AT&T: John Stankey stayed open and communicative.

•CDK Global: Brian Krzanich kept clients informed.

•Ascension Health: Joseph Impicciche focused on protecting patients.

Standout Star: Michael Rapino of Ticketmaster. His proactive crisis management and genuine focus on customers earned him top marks.

Key Takeaways

•Prevention is ideal, but how you respond to a breach can make or break your reputation.

•Strong communication and putting people first (customers, clients, patients) are what set leaders apart during a crisis.

Catch the full episode for all the details and insights!

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Other updates in this Episode include: 

• Wells Fargo employee who died at work and wasn’t found for several days 
• San Francisco hospital where a patient went missing in 2013 and was found dead in a stairwell 
• An update on Drake’s reputation recovery efforts via recent New Yorker article ‘How Drake Lost the Plot’ 
• Kim Dotcom found liable to be extradited to the US 
• Premier of Ontario Canada Doug Ford made an off-colour joke of using the resources of a new animal hospital to help with wait times for humans in Ontario’s health system 

Other topics:

• What ‘Meh’ means 
• Bruce Springsteen 
• Doppelgangers 
• New Yorker article by Joshua Rothman on “Info-Determinism,” echo chambers, radicalization and ideology 
• The Crusades 
• Comedian Shane Gillis and Fox News 

Words of the day: Meh, Determinism 

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Also 

• An aerospace company stranded astronauts on the international space station 
• A giant meat recall
• A antional sports team using drones to spy on competitiors 
• A US presidential candidate plays a prank with dead wildlife 

And

• Why is it called ‘The Crisis Beat’?
• Existential and espistemological musings about our different feeds and news sources creating two streams of truth; and the general believability of news  

Join us for another exciting episode and don’t forget to subscribe!

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Main Topic: The Secret Service in the Spotlight

The episode delves into the ongoing controversy surrounding the U.S. Secret Service, particularly focusing on the Senate hearings involving Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.

Key Events:

• July 13: A Trump rally in Pennsylvania saw an assassination attempt by Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old. The Secret Service’s response, especially regarding the security of a building with a sloped roof, comes under intense scrutiny.
• July 22: Cheatle is subpoenaed to appear before the Senate. Key issues include her handling of the situation, the decision not to use a counter-sniper, and her statements about the sloped roof, which lacked clear policy support.
• July 23: Cheatle resigns amid growing criticism and calls for accountability.
• July 30: Acting Director Donald Rowe testifies, facing tough questions from Senator Josh Hawley about disciplinary actions and internal communication failures.

Breaking News Briefs:

• CrowdStrike Outage: Discussion on the recent widespread outage impacting critical systems, emphasizing the importance of proactive crisis management.
• Activist Targeting: Tips on how organizations can prepare for being targeted by activists.
• Food Recall Best Practices: Best practices for navigating recall communications.

Takeaways:

• Understanding and addressing issues in detail is crucial. If unsure, acknowledge it clearly.
• Accountability and transparency are key—avoid equivocation and be clear about processes and timelines.
• Leaders should demonstrate personal due diligence and make themselves available to address issues directly.

The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of clear communication and accountability in crisis situations, and the need for robust response strategies in both internal and external crises.

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The heart of the episode is a creative exploration of how the T. Rex, typically seen as the ultimate predator, could be portrayed in a new light. Brady and Mark discuss how the T. Rex's image could be softened by focusing on its potential parental behaviors and ecological significance, moving away from its fearsome reputation. They propose a multifaceted strategy that includes educational campaigns, media partnerships, and interactive experiences to highlight these lesser-known aspects of the T. Rex. The idea is to shift public perception from seeing the T. Rex solely as a ruthless carnivore to appreciating its complex role in the prehistoric ecosystem.

To add depth to their discussion, the hosts also touch on Marshall Ganz’s framework for public narrative, explaining how storytelling can be used to inspire change. They break down the components of Ganz’s approach—Story of Self, Story of Us, and Story of Now—and discuss how these elements could be employed in rebranding efforts not just for the T. Rex, but for any entity facing a crisis in public perception. By the end of the episode, listeners are left with a fresh perspective on how narratives are constructed and the power they hold in shaping public opinion.

Crisis Beat closes with Brady and Mark reflecting on the broader implications of their thought experiment, suggesting that the lessons learned from reimagining the T. Rex’s image could be applied to real-world public relations challenges. Their conversation is a reminder of the importance of narrative in defining how we understand the world around us, whether it’s the story of a prehistoric predator or a modern-day corporation.

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Hosts Introduction

• Brady Wood: Business owner and public relations professional.
• Dr. Mark Crowther: Chair of Medicine at McMaster University.

Main Event: Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar

Drake: A Global Superstar Under Fire

• Accomplishments: Drake is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with over 170 million records sold, numerous awards including five Grammys, and 13 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Feud Background: The beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar dates back years, with Kendrick winning a Pulitzer for his album 'Damn'.
• Controversial Claims: Kendrick Lamar's songs accuse Drake of being a 'pedophile,' cultural appropriation, and colonization, with references to Drake's controversial friendship with Millie Bobby Brown and other concerning details.
• Current Struggles: Drake's personal and business life is under scrutiny, from security concerns to multiple company ventures and issues with corporate lobbying.

Other Updates

Airlines Under Fire

• Air Canada’s Cultural Insensitivity: Backlash for mishandling the traditional headdress of a Chief of the National Assembly of First Nations.
• Boeing’s Quality Control Issues: A door panel fell off an Alaskan Airlines flight, raising deeper concerns about Boeing's safety standards and the mysterious deaths of whistleblowers.

Corporate Apologies and Controversies

• Apple Apologizes: Addressing a misstep in their advertising campaign.
• Panera Bread: Phasing out their controversial caffeinated lemonade linked to two deaths.
• Bumble’s Advertising Blunder: Another company apologizing for a poorly received ad campaign.

Political Communications

• Kristi Noem’s Downfall: Analyzing why some political figures fail to maintain public trust despite bold, often false statements.
• RFK Jr.’s Shocking Admission: Revealing a parasitic worm ate part of his brain, sparking discussions on health and credibility.

Breaking News Briefs

• Harvard’s New Measures: Introducing checks and balances in public statements.
• Satire on Harvard’s New Comms Director: Highlighting the lighter side of serious institutions.

Why You Can't Miss This Episode:

• In-Depth Analysis: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest crises in various high-profile sectors.
• Expert Commentary: Listen to expert breakdowns on how these entities are managing—or failing to manage—their public relations challenges.
• Engaging and Informative: Stay informed with engaging stories that offer both serious insights and lighter cultural notes.

• AND... learn more about Mark's love of Electronic Dance Music (EDM), in particular Deadmaus :)

Tune in now for an episode packed with drama, expert analysis, and the practical tools you need to navigate the complex world of crisis communications. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the latest high-stakes situations in business and public life.

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Hosts Introduction

• Brady Wood: Business owner and public relations professional.
• Dr. Mark Crowther: Chair of Medicine at McMaster University.

Episode Focus

• Examining the "Stick the Landing" theory of public relations.
• Analyzing how public perception and media portrayal affect stock performance, using Meta and Tesla as case studies.

In This Episode:

Airlines Under Fire

• Air Canada’s Cultural Insensitivity: Discover the backlash Air Canada faced for mishandling the traditional headdress of a Chief of the National Assembly of First Nations.
• Boeing’s Quality Control Nightmare: Dive into the details of a Boeing door panel falling off an Alaskan Airlines flight and the deeper issues of quality control at Boeing.
• Whistleblower Tragedies: Uncover the mysterious deaths of Boeing whistleblowers and the dark theories surrounding their potential murders.

Hospital Crisis

• Vancouver Island Health Authority: Learn about the shocking cockroach infestation at a hospital under the Vancouver Island Health Authority and how it’s being handled.

Royal Family Insights

• Health Crises: Understand how the Royal Family is managing the recent illnesses of public leaders.
• Fashion Highlight: A lighter note on why Prince Charles is being celebrated as one of the best dressed in public life.

Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg Showdown

• MMA Match in Rome?: Hear about the surprising plans for an MMA match between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg at the Colosseum in Rome.
• Tesla’s Financial Turbulence: Analyze the criticism Tesla faced during its investor call about earnings and how Elon Musk pivoted to address the concerns.
• Meta’s Bullish Outlook: Contrast the bearish narrative on Tesla with the bullish analysis on Meta, highlighting the boost in Mark Zuckerberg’s image and profile.
• Tesla’s PR Woes: Discuss the implications of Tesla firing its PR team and operating without a dedicated public relations department.

Why You Can't Miss This Episode:

• In-Depth Analysis: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest crises in various high-profile sectors.
• Expert Commentary: Listen to expert breakdowns on how these entities are managing—or failing to manage—their public relations challenges.
• Engaging and Informative: Stay informed with engaging stories that offer both serious insights and lighter cultural notes.

Tune in now for an episode packed with drama, expert analysis, and the practical tools you need to navigate the complex world of crisis communications. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the latest high-stakes situations in business and public life.

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Featuring:

Dr. Andrew Huberman: The Neuroscientist Under Fire

• Discover the story of Dr. Andrew Huberman, a renowned Stanford neuroscientist and wellness influencer.
• Unpack the allegations of dishonesty and personal controversy that have shaken his massive following.
• Get the inside scoop on how Huberman’s crisis management strategies might save or sink his public image.
• Explore the balance between personal integrity and professional credibility in today’s media landscape.

Canoo: The EV Company’s Turbulent Ride

• Delve into the financial rollercoaster of Canoo, the ambitious electric vehicle startup.
• Learn about the eyebrow-raising $1.7 million CEO spending spree on private jets, amidst staggering losses.
• Understand the challenges of the EV market slowdown and investor scrutiny.
• Hear expert analysis on what Canoo must do to turn the tide and win back investor confidence.

Plus:

Air Canada: Discover why Air Canada has mysteriously disappeared from the headlines, possibly heeding advice from previous episodes.

Southwest Airlines: Get the latest on Southwest's emergency landing in Denver after an engine part fell off a Boeing 737, and what it means for airline safety.

Tesla: Understand the implications of Tesla eliminating its PR department and how CEO Elon Musk's social media communications are shaping the company's public image.

Why You Can’t Miss This Episode:

• Actionable Insights: Get practical tips on avoiding PR disasters from industry experts.
• Real-World Analysis: Understand how high-profile figures and companies manage—or mismanage—public crises.
• Engaging Stories: Dive into the human side of business controversies, from personal betrayals to corporate excess.

Tune in now for an episode packed with drama, insights, and the tools you need to navigate your own crisis communications! Don't miss out on this chance to learn from the high-stakes world of public relations.

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In this Episode of The Crisis Beat, Brady and Mark again explore who can defy communications gravity.

Kate Middleton's seeming disappearance caused a great deal of upset and speculation metastasizing into conspiracy theory, briefly dominating the news and social media sphere cycles. Tempest in a teapot? Kate recently cleared up all the fuss quite effectively by releasing a 'cover all' video explaining the circumstances of her cancer diagnosis, and what comes next. We parse the issues and review what led to a communications mess, and what went extremely well in this recent clean-up effort. We also review analysis of the issue by other PR experts like Drs. Terry Flynn and Alexandre Sévigny, as well as Molly McPherson.

In other Royal Family news, The Netflix product 'Scoop' starring Gillian Anderson about Prince Andrew's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein will also look at how 'The Firm' (mis)handles a previous crisis. We also discuss the HBO show Succession.

Other things we touch on this week:

The finding that Amazon's AI store checkout was actually manned by humans in India reviewing the camera feeds.

An update on the recent story Instagram enables exploitation of child influencers, attracting pedophiles.

An incident where a woman lost her Planet Fitness membership for filming a trans woman getting dressed in the changeroom.

More updates on the Airlines - United and Alaskan airlines have differing reputation results handling safety issues; Boeing quality issues continue.

We also discuss Quebec Hospital where woman gave birth outside because security wouldn't open a locked door, and Brady's similar experience running communications on an incident at a hospital where a woman fell in the lobby and the staff from Emergency said something to the effect of 'you'll need to call an ambulance.'

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Heavy metal episode: Stanley Mugs and Baby Food contain concerning contamination

We thought we were well past lead poisoning in the North American food supply, but there are still holes in our quality controls. Baby food and Stanley mugs are the culprits. In this episode we explore what offending organizations could do to recover trust.  

Other news and topics covered: 

• Elon Musk sues OpenAI 
• Harvard Business School and DEI 
• Media Bias
• Airlines continue to be in the news for safety and quality control issues
• The “Dude Chill” approach to crisis communications
• The "Mind Bomb" concept from Dr. Terry Flynn
• Two members of the Royal Family withdraw from family life

And...the Word of the Day was Renumerative versus Remunerative...

Tune in next time for Episode 17 where we pick up where we left off re: how Kate Middleton disappearing from public life created a communications catastrophe.  

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Mark Zuckerberg recently presented at a US Senate hearing and was forced into an awkward apology by leaders of the the committee, following testimony on harms caused by social media. A New York Times Article also highlighted exploitation faced by children influencers on Instagram: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/us/instagram-child-influencers.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

This episode, Mark and Brady dissect these moments as well as related media coverage and issues. 

Other News this week: 

• Conestoga College - John Tibbits, called Sioux College President a whore and made comments about international students; the issue of funding related to international students 
• Funny Beaverton satire article about Rogers Communications; discussion of duopoly of Bell and Rogers in Canada https://www.thebeaverton.com/2021/02/rogers-cant-fucking-believe-theyre-the-less-evil-telecom-giant/
• In news about the Airlines, Air Canada was lambasted in the House of Commons for poor Accessibility outcomes, and Alaska Airlines handled an in-air mishap quite well, and offered insight on a communications best practice for drumming up good news stories 

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Date: January 7, 2023

Hosts: Brady Wood and Dr. Mark Crowther

Main Topic:

Celebrity Downfalls - Case Studies in Apologetics:

Our main topic revolves around a detailed discussion inspired by a New York Post article highlighting celebrities whose careers took significant hits in 2023.

https://nypost.com/2023/12/27/entertainment/celebrities-whose-careers-imploded-in-2023-jonathan-majors-more/

Harvard President's Resignation:

The episode takes a turn to academia with the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay. This segment delves into the complexities of her departure, initiated by a plagiarism scandal and exacerbated by her handling of sensitive campus issues. Gay's resignation prompts a broader discussion on the interplay between legal counsel and leadership decisions in times of crisis. 

Read this highly recommended Forbes article.

Other Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

A Contrast in Leadership - Columbia's President:

In juxtaposition to Harvard's leadership crisis, we discuss how Columbia University's president adeptly managed a potential crisis.

The Epstein Controversy:

While not the focus of our episode due to time constraints, the ongoing revelations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and his connections to high-profile individuals continue to cast a long shadow, emphasizing the enduring impact of his case on public perception and trust.

Safety in the Skies - Aircraft Incidents:

The episode also touches on notable safety concerns in the aviation industry, including a critical incident involving a Boeing 737-900.

Other Dimensions:

Mark and Brady also continue their digressions about the English language.

WORD OF THE DAY: effluvium https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effluvium

RUNNER UP: detritus

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A few weeks ago, Presidents of esteemed universities Harvard, Penn State, and MIT appeared before a committee of US Congress to answer to lawmakers about a rise in antisemitic events on campuses. When asked directly whether calls for the genocide of the Jewish people constituted a violation of the code of conduct or constituted harassment, all 3 Presidents failed to say unequivocally that this was a violation of their schools' rules.

* Since we recorded this Episode, Claudine Gay of Harvard has resigned her post, something we will pick up in the next Episode.

In this Episode explore some of the fallout of these events, as well as other topics including:

- Telsa recalls, compared to other recalls by Ford and Toyota

- President Zelensky of Ukraine and his handling of their country's communications

- 'Leave the World Behind,' a dystopic near-future film on Netflix produced by the Obamas

- Open AI's recent communications since restoring Sam Altman to the CEO role

Brought to you by words of the day 'equivocate' and 'invigilate'...

Some links:

Tesla recalls nearly 2M vehicles https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/13/tech/tesla-recall-autopilot/index.html

Elon Musk says DEI initiatives must die https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2023/12/15/elon-musk-says-dei-must-die-and-criticizes-diversity-schemes-as-discrimination/?sh=113d74464e71

OPENAI - Sam Altman returned to CEO, Board Implications

https://gizmodo.com/openai-s-new-board-members-are-now-the-boss-of-sam-altm-1851109038

University Presidents Under Fire https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/12/25/university-presidents-under-fire

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/20/us/harvard-claudine-gay-plagiarism.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/21/opinion/harvard-claudine-gay.html?partner=slack&smid=sl-share

https://nypost.com/2023/12/21/news/billionaire-len-blavatnik-yanks-donations-to-harvard/

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Here's a quick summary of Episode 12:

In this episode, Mark and Brady explore the recent crisis involving Elon Musk, a well-known figure due to his leadership in companies like SpaceX, Tesla, and others. The backdrop of this crisis is the global tension following the events of October 7 between Hamas and Israel.

Inciting Incident: The controversy began with Musk's response on his social media platform, X.com, to a post discussing antisemitism in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Musk agreed with a comment that echoed the 'great replacement' theory, a concept linked to white supremacist ideology.

Advertiser Reaction and Consequences: Musk's comments led to a significant advertiser withdrawal from X.com, including major companies like Warner Bros. Discovery and Apple. This exodus poses a severe financial and reputational risk to the platform.

Musk's Response to Backlash: Musk reacted confrontationally, threatening legal action against critics and deviating from typical crisis management strategies, which usually involve conciliatory measures.

Public and Industry Response: The response from the public and industry has been largely critical. Calls for Musk's resignation and disappointment from investors signify a shift in perception of Musk's personal brand.

Recent Developments: Musk's comments at The Times's DealBook Summit further escalated the situation. His dismissive response to advertisers' concerns exacerbated the crisis, leading to increased reputational risks for X.com. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's decision to leave the platform and label it a 'Global Sewer' highlights the growing backlash.

Discussion Points covered by Mark and Brady:

• - The impact of a CEO's personal conduct on their company's reputation and operations.
• - Best practices for handling rapidly evolving online crises.
• - The role of empathy and cultural sensitivity in crisis response, especially in ethically charged situations like antisemitism.
• - Balancing swift crisis responses with comprehensive, well-thought-out statements.
• - Long-term strategies for rebuilding trust and repairing stakeholder relationships post-crisis.

Key Takeaways:

• - The importance of initial responses in crisis communications.
• - The need for clarity, empathy, apology, and action in crisis management.
• - The role of positive leader reputation in crisis outcome and company bottom line.
• - The challenges posed by digital media in crisis escalation and management.
• - The significant impact of a leader's personal brand on their company.

This episode not only dissects the ongoing crisis around Musk but also provides broader insights into effective crisis communication strategies, emphasizing the interplay between personal conduct, public perception, and corporate responsibility.

Also discussed: Sam Altman/OpenAI Board and Leadership Updates, Kate Middleton and King Charles being revealed as 'the Royal Racists' mentioned in Prince Harry's memoir, and new missteps by airlines.

With word of the day 'Melofluous,' and runner-up 'Bollard.'

Don't forget to subscribe!

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President Biden made a potentially major diplomatic flub by answering a journalist's question in the affirmative when asked if China's President Xi Jinping was a dictator. Elon Musk also made a controversial move on X.com where what he wrote was perceived as antisemitic, Substantial fallout ensued in both cases, with important learnings from both these multi-dimensional case studies. Both cases are analyzed through the lens of crisis communications, focusing on the impact on Musk's businesses and the potential long-term effects on his public image and industry dominance, and also the potential ramifications for diplomacy of President Biden's flub.

Books discussed include: Walter Isaacson's biography 'Elon Musk', Arnold Schwarzenegger 'Be Useful' and his ecosystem of subscription self-help and bodybuilding advice called ‘Arnold's Pump Club.'

Other matters discussed include:

- Sam Altman's firing at OpenAI the creators of ChatGPT

- Elon Musk Space X Starship launch

- Air Canada's approach to failures related to disabled persons

- Recent business and personal dealings of Prince Harry and Megan Markle

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Also discussed:

Mark's trip to Reykjavik Iceland during a volcanic event.

The impact of banning Incandescent lightbulbs.

The fashion brand Shein's terribly transparent exploitation of influencer naivete to try to bolster the reputation of their potentially sweat-shop-like factories.

Some colourful updates on Megan Markle and Prince Harry.

An update on Nicola Sturgeon's alleged criminal case and the impact on Scottish independence.

...and an update on the ongoing saga of Elon musk, including his control over a large satellite communications network, and his renaming of twitter to X.

Here are related articles on Bud Light:

SUMMARY

https://www.nytimes.com/article/bud-light-boycott.html

https://www.vox.com/money/2023/4/12/23680135/bud-light-boycott-dylan-mulvaney-travis-tritt-trans

DYLAN MULVANEY'S TAKE

https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4074264-dylan-mulvaney-bud-light-not-standing-by-me-worse-than-not-hiring-a-trans-person-at-all/

MODELO becomes #1 BEER IN US

https://www.economist.com/business/2023/06/20/the-new-king-of-beers-is-a-mexican-american-success-story

GOOD ARTICLES ON $ IMPACT

https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/bud-light-parent-says-u-s-market-share-stabilizing-after-transgender-promotion-cost-sales-1.6505062

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bud-light-anheuser-busch-dylan-mulvaney-beer-sales/

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/03/business/anheuser-busch-revenue-bud-light-intl-hnk/index.html

GOOD OVERALL SUMMARY

https://www.them.us/story/dylan-mulvaney-bud-light-drama-explained

Here are updates on the other issues discussed:

INCANDESCENT LIGHTBULBS

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/01/business/incandescent-light-bulb-ban/index.html

SHEIN AND INFLUENCERS

https://passionfru.it/richest-twitch-streamers-2936/

PRINCE HARRY / MEGAN MARKLE UPDATE

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/07/31/prince-harry-talkin-trauma

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/us-celebrity-news/prince-harry-meghan-markle-urged-30540243

NICOLE STURGEON UPDATE

https://www.politico.eu/article/scottish-national-party-lose-half-seats-labour-2024-poll/

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Join hosts Mark and Brady in Episode 9 of our podcast as they delve into the intriguing world of scientific retraction and academic fraud. The discussion begins with a recent incident involving a reprint of a Lancet article on 'long Covid,' which serves as a launchpad to explore famous cases of academic reprinting and fraud. The team also addresses the potential threats these instances pose to public confidence in science.

In this specific case, a crucial article defining long Covid faced data issues, leading to its retraction and republication by the esteemed journal Lancet. The authors displayed integrity by promptly notifying the editors and collaboratively working with the journal to clarify the situation in a unique manner.

References:

1. Retracted Lancet Article on Long Covid: [Link](https://retractionwatch.com/2023/06/13/highly-cited-lancet-long-covid-study-retracted-and-republished/)

The hosts go on to discuss three infamous cases of academic fraud, starting with Diederik Stapel, a Dutch social psychologist, who fabricated studies to cater to popular beliefs about human nature.

2. Diederik Stapel's Academic Fraud: [Link](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/magazine/diederik-stapels-audacious-academic-fraud.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare)

The conversation then shifts to Jonathan Pruitt, a spider biologist at McMaster University, who falsified data, noteworthy as both Mark and Brady are faculty members at the same institution. #Spidergate

3. Jonathan Pruitt's Data Fabrication: [Link](https://www.science.org/content/article/university-investigation-found-prominent-spider-biologist-fabricated-falsified-data)

Lastly, the podcast touches upon Dr. Hwang Woo Suk, a disgraced stem cell scientist, who manipulated data in his research.

4. Dr. Hwang Woo Suk's Stem Cell Fraud: [Link](https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/12/science/south-korea-scientist-contrite-for-stem-cell-fraud.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare)

Amidst these intriguing discussions, the hosts also explore Hanlon's Razor, Gray's Corollary, and cognitive distortions, adding depth to the conversation.

ALSO: Duke Settles Doctored Data Lawsuit for $112.5 Million

[Link] (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/910871?form=fpf)

AND:

Bonus: Crisis Beat co-host Mark Crowther's academic biography: [Link] (https://g.co/kgs/8HK69Q)

The episode then takes a wider perspective, delving into various news items with significant implications. They touch upon Canadian wildfires and the questioning of communication by Canadian officials, which affected air quality in New York City and the US.

5. Canadian Wildfires and Air Quality Impact: [Link](https://www.nytimes.com/article/canada-wildfires-what-to-know.html)

Next, they discuss the Nicola Sturgeon scandal, wherein the former leader of the Scottish Nationalist party (SNP) retracted from the public eye. Subsequently, both she and her husband were arrested for financial irregularities in SNP money management, raising questions about their communications approach and potential outcomes and its impact on Scottish independence.

6. Nicola Sturgeon Scandal: [Link](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-65871857)

Shifting gears, the hosts analyze recent developments surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan, including court testimony, the cancellation of their Spotify deal, and its implications on their brand and ambitions.

7. Prince Harry and Meghan's Recent Communications: [Link1](https://www.economist.com/britain/2023/06/07/prince-harry-complains-again-this-time-in-court) [Link2](https://nypost.com/2023/06/18/meghan-markle-appears-downcast-in-first-sighting-since-spotify-split/)

Finally, the hosts recommend watching the 'Arnold' 3-part documentary on Netflix, which showcases a crisis communications example involving Arnold Schwarzenegger during his run for Governor amid allegations of inappropriate sexualized behavior. They reflect on takeaways and best practices from apparent successful management of the situation.

8. Arnold Schwarzenegger Crisis Communications Example: [Link](https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81317673)

As a bonus, the podcast features sidebar discussions on warfarin and heart valve surgery factoids and the differences between mechanical and xenogeneic (pig) heart valve transplants.

Tune in to Episode 9: Retraction Action for a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of these riveting topics.

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As the pandemic continues to impact communities around the world, effective situational crisis communications have never been more important. From providing clear and accurate information to demonstrating empathy and understanding, public health agencies and governments have faced a range of communication challenges in responding to the pandemic.

Looking at the crisis communications best practices that have been particularly relevant and effective in COVID-19 public health communications, we delve into topics such as transparency, consistency, empathy, two-way communication, flexibility, and collaboration, and examine real-world examples of how these practices have been applied in different contexts. Could Public Health Agencies done more to show evidence, convince the public and counter false claims about vaccines? What structural changes to media, to the flow of information, even to the WHO would be required to increase efficacy and trust?

Other topics covered this episode include:

Tucker Carlson's termination from Fox News (and Don Lemon's from CNN)

The Coronation of King Charles, and a continuation of our ongoing discussions about the Royal Family's communications in the wake of Prince Harry and Megan Markle's ‘revelations'.

Articles:

WHO Announces COVID Emergency over:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/who-says-covid-emergency-is-over-so-what-does-that-mean-1.6386061#:~:text=The%20World%20Health%20Organization%20has,represents%20a%20global%20health%20emergency

Ontario context:

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-doug-fords-handling-of-the-pandemic-draws-praise-from-friends-and/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/public-health-ontario-new-science-advisory-table-1.6570146

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Also under discussion in this Episode:

- Crisis communications for Balenciaga's scandal of ads featuring children with stuffed animals in sadomasochistic bondage outfits

- The Oscars hiring and prepping a comms team for another Will-Smith-slap-like event

- The Ohio train derailment and ensuing political maelstrom, including Pete Buttigieg, transportation secretary for the country, telling reporter he's on 'personal time'

- Biden's remarkable stagecraft in visiting the active warzone in Ukraine, making his way by train to Kiev

Here are some supporting links for further reading:

• Martin Amis New Yorker article on Queen Elizabeth (2002)

• https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/05/20/queen-elizabeth-iis-fine-tuned-feelings

• Polling date on Prince Harry and Megan Markle

• https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11785559/Prince-Harry-Meghan-Markles-popularity-slumps-South-Park-episode.html

• South Park Episode Highlights

• https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/meghan-harry-south-park-episode-funniest-moments-legal-ramifications-b1061951.html

• Ohio Train Derailment

• https://nypost.com/2023/02/22/buttigieg-snaps-on-personal-time-when-asked-about-ohio/

• Biden in Kiev - extraordinarily crafted comms message

• https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-bidens-washington/joe-bidens-showy-defiance-of-vladimir-putin

• Oscars Crisis Comms Team

• https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/feb/23/oscars-ceremony-academy-awards-crisis-team

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We also try something new in this episode: running scenarios on imagined case studies to illustrate best practices. We are ultimately looking at providing some downloadable resources and other support for companies that inevitably encounter what could be a win-or-lose crisis moment.

A letter to Toronto Mayor John Tory by Journalist Steve Paikin:

https://www.tvo.org/article/a-letter-to-john-tory

CBC on Flare Airlines:

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2171391555969

Also, Tesla fire statistics (less frequent than gas-powered):

https://insideevs.com/news/584722/tesla-car-fires-statistic-2021/

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Discount Canadian Airlines Sunwing and Westjet stranded passengers and lost baggage. In the US, Southwest - an airline renowned for customer service, culture, and profitable performance - cancelled an enormous level of flights, and ultimately revealed major failings of underinvesting in communication technology.

In all cases these airlines failed on the front of following crisis communications best practices, with spotty and slow responses. The Southwest failure resonated so deeply that it featured in a lead sketch in a Saturday Night Live Sketch.

Tune in to hear what went wrong (and right) in terms of these corporate communications. Will these brands ever recover? How?

Also, check out these supporting articles if you want to dig a bit deeper:

SUNWING

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sunwing-cancun-mexico-flights-1.6697993#:~:text=228-,Hundreds%20of%20Canadians%20stranded%20in%20Cancun%2C%20Mexico%2C%20after%20their%20Sunwing,in%20sight%20to%20their%20ordeal.

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/inhumane-sunwing-passenger-recounts-scene-at-mexico-airport-after-being-stranded-on-christmas-eve-1.6209223

WEST JET

https://bc.ctvnews.ca/passenger-told-to-find-own-flight-after-westjet-cancellation-leaving-her-stuck-in-calgary-1.6206608

SOUTHWEST

https://www.yahoo.com/news/southwest-airlines-ceo-described-mondays-111751666.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADMZn8eQaR4R1SWRvNJj62r5EGYan6rbvMv01J_V7nj9O6_snYu_sm5Qz5reR0xmkwnjuOOrRxAj9j9t3CMFXpjr_DgfpJGQC5fAhGvJIFLeIjH8A1dkVTSp5Su-SCN4QYxyvVbHytone4WPN1BZ74YKqPE-BAgpV-GuK6VbMdGX

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/27/business/southwest-flights-canceled-travel.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/28/us/southwest-airlines-canceled-flights.html#:~:text=the%20main%20story-,Southwest's%20Woes%20No%20Longer%20'Weather%2DDriven%2C'%20Transportation%20Secretary,days%20before%20normal%20service%20resumed.&text=As%20a%20subscriber%2C%20you%20have,can%20read%20what%20you%20share.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/28/travel/southwest-airlines-flight-cancellations.html#:~:text=Because%20Southwest%20is%20the%20largest,dozens%20of%20cities%2C%20he%20said

https://www.forbes.com/sites/edwardsegal/2022/12/29/crisis-management-lessons-from-southwest-airlines-meltdown/?sh=1f036f861d5e

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/26/southwest-airlines-luv-earnings-q4-2022.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2023/01/29/snl-skewers-southwest-airlines-mass-cancellations-over-holidays/11144875002/

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64362249

PEARSON

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/this-is-a-joke-right-some-travellers-baggage-lost-for-days-as-pearson-struggles-with-broken-luggage-belt-1.6209134

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The article Mark and Brady discuss in detail gives an occasion to discuss evidence-based crisis communications as a concept, where there is a rich academic literature of case-based and theory-based studies to draw on.

The article in question:

'The failure of ‘scientific' evidence in Taiwan: a case study of international image repair for American beef.' by Chun Wena, Tzu-hsiang Yub and William L. Benoit. Asian Journal of Communication. Vol. 22, No. 2, April 2012, 121139

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01292986.2011.642393

OTHER LINKS and RESOURCES:

This Week In Virology, episode 950: https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/twiv-950/

Elon Musk / Tesla / Twitter articles:

https://boingboing.net/2022/12/12/tesla-is-on-the-way-to-becoming-the-mypillow-of-cars.html

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/teslas-approval-rating-sinks-into-negative-territory-survey-finds-11670602596

https://www.wsj.com/articles/twitters-advertising-truth-hurts-11670706720

Thanks for tuning in, and catch you next time when we explore the 2022 Winter Holiday airline failures of Southwest Airlines and Canadian discount carriers.

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Mark and Brady do a deep dive on the impact of Tiger Woods' 2009/2010 sex scandal as the ultimate case study, with discussion of economic impact as well as best practices, missed opportunities, and salacious details.

By way of background, listeners can review these supporting documents that were discussed in the Episode (regarding the Academic Articles, they may appear behind a paywall):

1. Timeline of Tiger Woods crises: https://www.biography.com/news/tiger-woods-sex-scandal-facts

2. Tiger Woods worth $ 1 billion https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattcraig/2022/06/10/tiger-woods-officially-a-billionaire-no-thanks-to-the-saudis/?sh=f6d3b07da03d

3. Academic Article 1 Tiger Woods crisis cost to sponsors https://www.jstor.org/stable/42919517

4. Academic Article 2 - https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsc/6/1/article-p87.xml

5. Academic Article 3 https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/abs/10.1287/mnsc.2018.3243.2018.3243

The gents also discuss Kanye West and Kyrie Irving's recent antisemitic remarks and the fallout, as well as sponsorship revenue declines at Twitter after Elon Musk's purchase and abrasive actions and messaging. They also revisit the latest news on the Rogers Telecommunications service failure and the impacts of the failures of their corporate crisis communications.

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This episode also briefly touches on: a Toronto restaurant with poisonous ingredients, Trumps purloined documents at Ma-a-Lago, and Tiger Woods' scandals and responses.

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On July 8, 2022, the entire Rogers cellular and internet service crashed, leaving Canadians without service - and without a lot of clarity on when service would be restored - for at least 16 hours. Rogers had also endured a similar outage in April of 2021.

In the aftermath, Rogers has been criticized for a lack of information, and has been hauled in front of government committees to explain itself, potentially threatening a proposed merger with Shaw Communications - a multi-billion dollar deal which was already being analyzed through the lens of the perils of monopoly.

In this pilot episode, your hosts Mark and Brady dissect the crisis communications approach of Rogers Telecommunications, the fallout, and other learnings.

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