Episode 31: Trust and Grievance

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 30: Hospital Crisis Communications

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 29: LA Wildfires Crisis – Crisis Beat Podcast – January 26, 2025

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!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.