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The StoryConnect Podcast

The StoryConnect Podcast

Hosted by Pioneer Utility Resources

BusinessTechnologyInterviews guests

Episodes

374

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN

About the show

StoryConnect features interviews with marketers, communicators, CEOs and other leaders at cooperative and independent broadband companies, electric cooperatives and municipal power providers. The goal of the podcast is to help listeners discover ideas to shape their stories and connect with their customers. It is produced by Pioneer Utility Resources.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
June 10, 2026Episode 37617 min

Cyber Tech Critters: How to Champion Online Safety Through Storytelling

As technology evolves, so do the challenges kids face while navigating the internet. CTC's Jenn Wilson-Kolesar shares how her telco created a children’s book, "Cyber Tech Critters," to engage kids and instill online safety lessons.

May 27, 2026Episode 37514 min

Kids Say It Best: How to Support Lineworkers with Family Storytelling, With Jamie Dopp

Sometimes the best storytellers aren’t on your communications team—they’re at your kitchen table. In this episode, White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s Jaime Dopp shares how a simple video series featuring lineworkers’ children captured hearts, racked up thousands of views and reminded members why this work matters.

May 13, 2026Episode 37413 min

Age, Price and LEOs: The Latest Rural Broadband Data, With Scott Meyer

Scott Meyer is back with more data to share on how younger subscribers feel about broadband pricing, customer attitudes toward satellite and cellular service and more. Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2026!Find the full 2026 Rural Broadbrand Subscriber Survey here: https://www.innovsys.com/innovsys/2026-rural-subscriber-study-2/

April 1, 2026Episode 37314 min

Fiber Cup Champions: How Team Midwest Scores with Esports Sponsorships, With Candy Riem

From cross-branding and tournaments to a local college team sporting the utility's name on its arena, Michigan's Midwest Energy & Communications plugs directly into a high-bandwidth internet subscriber audience. Candy Riem shares how Team Midwest turned an esports sponsorship into an effective broadband marketing story.

March 25, 2026Episode 37220 min

Discovering Key Metrics for Broadband Providers, With Erika Nelson

Erika Nelson of Lynxx Networks talks about the KPIs broadband providers should be paying attention to. From market share and ARPU to digital analytics and customer reviews, Erika shares how her team uses data to guide decisions and measure success.

March 11, 2026Episode 37122 min

Incentives That Build Stronger Teams, With Shelly Hansel

Shelly Hansel, public relations director at SCTelcom, discusses creative ways cooperatives can incentivize employees and strengthen company culture. From referral bonuses to “Going the Extra Mile” awards and even monthly half-days off, Shelly shares how recognition, trust and leadership at every level help build a team of people who want to stay at the company for decades.

February 25, 2026Episode 37022 min

The Power of Strategic Partnerships, With Chris Townson

Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements.Recorded live at the Calix ConneXions conference.

February 11, 2026Episode 36915 min

Turning Data Into Direction: How ECE Fiber Turns Metrics Into Momentum, With Ty Houglum

KPIs, NPS, churn—oh my! Data doesn’t have to be daunting. Ty Houglum, CIO at ECE Fiber, shares how his team turns numbers into action, building a culture that makes data meaningful, not mysterious.Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

January 28, 2026Episode 36818 min

Improving Your Writing Style with Planning, With Christina Sawyer

A blank page can be scary—unless you already know what you’re writing. In this episode, Mt. Wheeler Power’s Christina Sawyer shares how using AI to brainstorm story ideas at the start of the year gave her more time to research, write with confidence and even inspire other utilities through the Ruralite share package.Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

January 21, 2026Episode 36730 min

The Keys to Connecting With Kids, With Joey Clift

As a writer on shows like Paw Patrol, Spirit Rangers and Cocomelon Lane, Joey Clift shares some of the keys to reaching the youngest audiences. Joey will be a speaker at StoryConnect 2026.

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