HearSay: Lessons in Effective Communication & Messaging

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, CEO of Maslansky + Partners, Michael Maslansky, and President and Partner Lee Carter discuss the challenges businesses face in realigning their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies following recent executive orders from the new administration. With companies grappling to find a balance between adhering to their DEI commitments and navigating external pressures from political entities and advocacy groups, Michael and Lee dive deep into how companies can effectively communicate and implement these changes. Tune in to hear firsthand of how businesses can continue to champion DEI amidst a rapidly shifting landscape.

Dive into the latest episode of HearSay, where Michael Maslansky, Lee Carter, and Ben Feller serve up a no-holds-barred analysis of the Super Bowl ads—because if there's one thing we love discussing more than touchdowns, it's bold messaging! Did brands play it too safe, or did they hit that sweet spot of emotional resonance we're all craving—(even if the game itself was lacking)? The crew takes a critical look at the pharma industry's ads, dissecting Pfizer's heartfelt strategy and questioning the audacity of the Hims & Hers ad that boldly capitalizes on our skepticism about Big Pharma. From themes of patriotism and diversity to an oddly low focus on actual products, this episode is packed with sharp insights into how powerful messaging can shatter or strengthen a brand's image in today's fast-moving landscape. Tune in for spirited debates that might just change how you think about the ads we all saw!

In our final episode of the season, we dive into the language moments that defined politics, culture, and business in 2024. From groundbreaking political quotes to cultural catchphrases and impactful business language, we explore not only what was said but what it means for the future. Join us for an engaging discussion on the implications of these language moments and what they might signal for 2025.

It's been one of the most unconventional and consequential presidential elections in American history. Amid the confusion, division, and turbulence, we spotted some valuable insights and important takeaways. This special live episode of HearSay will help you make sense of the outcome so you can thrive in these post-election days, with lessons from both sides that you can leverage for your own work.

You've got a breakthrough innovation that is much better than what's come before – why is it so hard to sell it? In this episode, CEO Michael Maslansky, Partner Keith Yazmir, and Senior Vice President Will Howard dissect the challenges of selling innovation whether you are selling enterprise technology, a new investment product, or plant-based meat. They discuss language tactics for conveying the benefits of innovation, address resistance to change, and offer solutions for navigating unrecognized problems. Through compelling examples and practical insights, the episode provides valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of selling innovation in today's dynamic market landscape.

In this new episode of HearSay, Lee Carter and Ben Feller look at what the two presidential candidates are saying, what's important about it – and what people should be listening for in the political months ahead. Now that President Biden and Former President Trump are officially set for a rematch, Lee and Ben will analyze their contrasting approaches to how they frame issues like the economy, threats to our democracy, and the issue looming above both of theme room—their age. Lee and Ben offer insights into the current political landscape and speculate on the future trajectory of the election, based on many years of covering and considering how language shapes voter perception and behavior.

Join Lee Carter, Keith Yazmir, and Will Howard in this special episode of HearSay as they delve into the world of Super Bowl ads. They'll debate which ads truly stood out, not just in terms of popularity but in their messaging impact. From breaking down language to assessing brand impact, this episode explores the ads that left a lasting impression on viewers during the biggest advertising night of the year.

What's so hard about doing the right thing? In today's environment, it's often met with skepticism. So how do you take an organization with a noble cause: like educating the world's youth and ending the global education crisis and get people to both care and act about it? In today's show, we'll talk through the process we go through in framing an organization's mission and impact in a way that ensures you're heard the right way.