HearSay: Lessons in Effective Communication & Messaging

Hosted by maslansky + partners, the experts in Language Strategy

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Latest episode

Feb 2026

Language

About the show

A podcast from the language strategists at maslansky + partners. CEO Michael Maslansky and guests analyze messaging, from message strategy to message framing, talking about what worked, what didn't… and why. We provide lessons in effective communications, to help make sense of the world around us through the lens of language. From business to politics to culture and life, remember: it's not what you say, it's what they hear… which is why we call this podcast, HearSay.

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57 recent

February 11, 2026Episode 240 min

The Language of Super Bowl LX Ads: The Messaging Winners and Losers

The Super Bowl isn't just about football—it's about messaging. For 30 seconds, brands spend millions trying to connect with millions of viewers. But not all of them succeed. In this annual episode, one of our most popular every year, our partners break down the messaging behind this year's most talked-about commercials. What made some ads resonate so powerfully that people can't stop talking about them? Why did others completely miss the mark despite massive budgets and star power? Lee, Michael, Keith, Ben, and Katie analyze the themes, language choices, and strategies that separated the winners from the losers. You'll discover what these ads reveal about how audiences think right now, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at what actually makes messaging work. Whether you're a communicator, a business leader, or simply curious about why certain messages stick with us, this episode is a masterclass in the power of language done right… and a whole lot of fun! _______________________________________________________________________________________ Enjoyed the podcast? Rate us on Spotify or write us a review on Apple Podcasts. Questions? Email us at podcast@maslansky.com. We would love to hear from you! Want to keep up with what's new with us? Follow us on LinkedIn at maslansky + partners.

February 4, 2026Episode 144 min

The Language of MAHA & Food Ingredients

The rules have changed. Food and beverage brands that market artificial ingredients used to have breathing room. Not anymore. With MAHA gaining real momentum in Washington, the conversation around "healthy," artificial additives, and what we put in our bodies has become impossible to ignore—and it's moving fast. If you're a communications or business leader, you're already feeling the pressure. The old playbook doesn't work. Talking about the "science" doesn't persuade. Even the words themselves can blow up in your face. So what do you say when the language itself is contested—and how do you say it so people will actually listen? In Episode One of our sixth season, we reveal strategies to help you navigate this moment of change, find language that actually connects, and position your brand to lead—not just survive—through what's coming next. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Enjoyed the podcast? Rate us on Spotify or write us a review on Apple Podcasts. Questions? Email us at podcast@maslansky.com. We would love to hear from you! Want to keep up with what's new with us? Follow us on LinkedIn at maslansky + partners.

December 16, 2025Episode 1240 min

The Language Moments that Defined 2025

This year's language didn't just describe the world—it reshaped it. In this episode of HearSay, an annual favorite, we recap and analyze the most memorable language moments of 2025, across politics, culture, and business. It's a fast, fun look at the language that moved audiences this year, from big, bold language shifts (Gulf of America) and unforgettable political phrases (DOGE)… to new tech terms (AI slop) and pop-culture gems (Labubu)… we break down why certain phrases jumped from headlines to headspace. Lee, Michael, and the m+p crew riff on what stuck, what fizzled, and why, with strategic takeaways for every communicator. If you love language, this one is right up your alley—and fun listening as you wind down your year! Tune in and play along. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Enjoyed the podcast? Rate us on Spotify or write us a review on Apple Podcasts. Questions? Email us at podcast@maslansky.com. We would love to hear from you! Want to keep up with what's new with us? Follow us on LinkedIn at maslansky + partners. Like to know more about what we do? Head over to our website.

November 11, 2025Episode 1128 min

The Language of MAHA & Vaccines

It's no secret that America's trust in vaccines is declining, fast. Childhood vaccination rates are dropping, and nearly one in three Americans now questions what used to be a no-brainer. Then there's the "Make America Healthy Again" movement. Once dismissed as fringe, it's become a rapidly growing force reshaping the national conversation. If you're a communicator or business leader, you're probably already feeling the pressure. The old rules don't work. Talking about "science" doesn't persuade. Even the word "vaccine" can blow up in your face. So what do you say when the language itself is under attack—and how do you say it so people will actually listen? In today's environment, this is more than just a messaging challenge; it's a survival skill. In this episode, we reveal some strategies that can help you break the deadlock, connect with skeptical audiences by communicating effectively about vaccines, and turn a polarizing issue into a moment of real leadership. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Enjoyed the podcast? Rate us on Spotify or write us a review on Apple Podcasts. Questions? Email us at podcast@maslansky.com. We would love to hear from you! Want to keep up with what's new with us? Follow us on LinkedIn at maslansky + partners. Like to know more about what we do? Head over to our website.

October 16, 2025Episode 1033 min

From Goodness to Fairness: A Wake-Up Call for Corporate America

We all feel it: anger, frustration, the sense that something fundamental is broken. People aren't just upset today. They believe the system is rigged against them. They don't just doubt companies, they expect to be taken advantage of. That's the reality we face today. The rules of engagement have changed. And it's vital for companies to start rethinking how they engage with consumers in the world we're operating in. In this new era, every business must view its actions and words not through their own efforts at goodness, but through the lens of fairness. In this powerful episode of HearSay, Lee and Michael will help you understand the context that we're living in and why people are so angry, so you can begin to communicate, resonate, and engage more effectively. They'll help you find a path forward by thinking differently about where your customers are, so you can meet them there… talk to them and engage with them in different ways… to reduce that anger and begin to rebuild trust. This is critical listening for anyone who's responsible for shaping messages, building trust, or protecting your brand.

September 25, 2025Episode 940 min

Calming the Chaos: Communicating to Win in Today's World

Do you ever feel like you're shouting into a hurricane… hoping your message lands, but knowing it might get lost in the storm? Today, one misstep in communication can cost you trust, customers, and credibility. The stakes have never been higher, and the noise has never been louder. Whether you're navigating the unknowns of AI, political upheaval, or global market shocks, the difference between chaos and clarity comes down to one thing: how you communicate when it matters most. On this episode of HearSay, we talk with Michelle Russo, EVP and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, about "Calming the Chaos." Michelle has spent her career turning uncertainty into opportunity—and she shares some real-world communication strategies to help businesses not just survive, but win in this environment.

September 18, 2025Episode 836 min

Find Your Winning Corporate Narrative

Every day, in boardrooms, break rooms, and across the internet, people are shaping their own version of your company's story—whether it's accurate or not. Here's the hard truth: If you don't own your narrative, someone else will. And when that happens, you can lose control—not just of your story, but of your brand, your reputation, and your future. On this episode of HearSay, we dive into a critical question every business leader should be asking: Do you have a corporate narrative that truly defines you—or are you letting the world fill in the blanks? Join us, because the answer could be the difference between leading the conversation and being left behind.

July 24, 2025Episode 739 min

The Fairness Factor: Earning Trust in an Age of Rage

In case you haven't noticed, people are angry. And not just at politics, but at corporations. It's an anger that runs deep, based on a strong perception and a primal feeling of unfairness. As a result, the rules of engagement have changed, and what worked yesterday may not work today. In this episode of Hearsay, CEO of OPRG, Chris Foster, joins Michael Maslansky and Lee Carter to share highlights from important new maslansky + partners research that looks at the state of the world and how people think about business today. They provide actionable insights on how to connect with audiences in this volatile environment… and reveal what language and strategies will resonate in this critical moment.

May 14, 2025Episode 638 min

The Pharma Dilemma: Trust, Pricing, and the New Language of Fairness

In this episode of Hearsay, Lee Carter is joined by partners Keith Yazmir and Katie Cronen to unpack why communicating effectively—especially in industries like pharma—is harder than ever. In a world fueled by mistrust, audiences are no longer asking, "Are you doing good?" but rather, "Are you being fair?" The team explores how fairness, not goodness, is now the key to resonating with audiences, especially when discussing sensitive topics like drug pricing, health equity, and scientific trust. They offer practical strategies for corporate communicators to respond with transparency, empathy, and clarity—avoiding jargon and embracing straight talk in a time where silence speaks louder than words.

April 17, 2025Episode 533 min

Inside Voice: How Companies Are Navigating DEI Internally

In this episode, Michael Maslansky, Lee Carter, and special guest Michelle Mahony from Daggerwing, dive into the evolving role of language in business, with a special focus on internal communications and DEI. As companies face external pressures and shifting political climates, how do they navigate the tension between staying true to their values and adjusting their language? They explore the real-world challenges internal comms and HR teams face when words like "diversity" and "equity" come under scrutiny—and what happens when companies change course, stay firm, or try to find middle ground.