The Public Affairs in Practice Podcast

Hosted by Stuart Thomson

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May 2026

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About the show

Public Affairs in Practice is a practical podcast about how public affairs, lobbying and political engagement actually work. Hosted by Dr Stuart Thomson — public affairs practitioner, author and trainer — the podcast explores how organisations influence policy, engage decision-makers and build effective public affairs strategies. Episodes draw on real-world experience across government relations, campaigning, reputation management and political communication. Through interviews with leading practitioners, policymakers and recruiters, alongside solo episodes and case studies, Public Affairs in Practice focuses on the skills, judgement and strategic thinking needed to succeed in modern public affairs. The podcast is designed for people working in, or aspiring to work in, public affairs, government relations, policy, communications and related fields — offering practical insight rather than theory alone. New episodes explore career development, campaign strategy, insider and outsider lobbying, ethics, and how policy change really happens. As featured in The Times . If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or other plaforms then please follow the show to get new episodes as they’re released. Learn more about Stuart and his public affairs consultancy, CWE Communications .

Listen to episodes

47 recent

May 26, 2026Episode 4834 min

Interview with Tracey Cain, CEO H/Advisors, Australia

In an interview episode, I talk to Tracey Cain, CEO of H/Advisors in Australia. We talked about Tracey's route into public affairs and her wide ranging experience across reputation and crisis management. With more than 30 years of experience in journalism, and later in politics in Australia and the White House in the USA, Tracey focuses on governance and operational issues. She was the first in-house Director of Communications at an Australian law firm and later a founding CEO of a Health and Aged Care Foundation, before establishing APA which became part of H/Advisors in 2023. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

March 30, 2026Episode 4734 min

Interview with Genevieve Young, Global Public Affairs, Canada

In an interview episode, I talk to Genevieve Young, President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Public Affairs in Canada. We talked about Genevieve's route into public affairs and her wide ranging experience providing strategic counsel to the C-suite of some of Canada’s most iconic companies and organisations. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

January 21, 2026Episode 4644 min

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Building A Career in Public Affairs

How recruiters assess talent in UK public affairs – insights from leading recruiters In this special episode of Public Affairs in Practice, I speak to five leading recruiters in UK public affairs about what employers really look for when hiring. When delivering public affairs training, I’m often asked how to build a career in public affairs, how to stand out to employers, and what skills matter most at different stages. To answer those questions, I asked experienced recruiters to share their perspectives from the front line of hiring. We discuss: What public affairs employers value most Common mistakes candidates make How career paths in public affairs are changing Advice for those entering or progressing in the profession A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their insight: Adam Pritchard, Door 10 Alec Zetter, Vox Partners Janie Emmerson, Hanson Search Rohan Shah, Reuben Sinclair Ross Picton, Taylor Birchwood You can learn more about my public affairs training, consultancy and mentoring work at @CWE Communications Thanks, as ever, to my editor, Callums World. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, please follow the show or leave a review — it really helps others working in public affairs discover the podcast.

December 8, 2025Episode 4520 min

Interview with Marg Joiner, independent consultant, New Zealand

In an interview episode, I talk to Marg Joiner, an independent government relations consultant from New Zealand. We talked about Marg's route into public affairs and her wide ranging experience including her experience in mediation and conflict resolution. More details about the book that Marg contributed to, and her chapter on public affairs in New Zealand, can be found here. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

October 8, 2025Episode 4442 min

Interview with Daniel Rice, 5654, and Sam Cooper, MessageSpace

In an interview episode, I talk to Daniel Rice, Director at 5654, and Sam Cooper, Managing Director at MessageSpace. As well as learning more about Daniel and Sam and their paths into public affairs and political communication, we focused on the findings of their recent joint report, "Influence and Information: Media Habits of Westminster." You can access the report by clicking here. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

June 12, 2025Episode 4328 min

Interview with Richard Gard, Nissan

In an interview episode, I talk to Richard Gard, Director and Head of External and Government Affairs Africa, Middle East, Europe, India, Oceania at Nissan Motor Corporation. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, how he leads a small team covering such a huge region, his use of agency support, how the work of agencies has evolved over the past 10-15 years and how he manages to keep track of so many markets and balance the pressures on his time. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

April 22, 2025Episode 4234 min

Interview with Robert Magyar, Weber Shandwick

In an interview episode, I talk to Robert Magyar, Head of Healthcare, APAC at Weber Shandwick. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, his experience of public affairs and lobbying across Asia and, in particular, China, and how his experience of running a consultancy. More details about the book that Robert contributed to, and his chapter on public affairs in China, can be found here. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

March 7, 2025Episode 4129 min

Interview With Matt Day, Adobe

In an interview episode, I talk to Matt Day, Head of Government Relations, UK & Ireland. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, his experience of working for in consultancy and in-house roles, and how he sees the profession developing in the future. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

January 6, 2025Episode 4048 min

Interview with John Johnston, Politico, London Influence

In an interview episode, I talk to John Johnston, author of the weekly London Influence email for Politico which covers campaigning, lobbying and political influence in the U.K. We talk about his background and how he got into journalism, how he has found navigating the industry, and trends for 2025. There is also mention of the current consultation on the PRCA's Public Affairs Code. You can read details here. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

July 29, 2024Episode 391 hr 0 min

Interview with Doug Pinkham, President, Public Affairs Council

In an interview episode, I talk to Doug Pinkham, President of the Public Affairs Council. We talk about the importance of public affairs, its role in reputation management, how the industry has changed and what we can expect from the future. We also couldn't avoid talking about the forthcoming US Presidential election! This episode was recorded before the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and the withdrawal of President Biden from the Democratic nomination. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

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