Why Joy is Missing at Work in 2025 and How to Reclaim It
Association Chat Podcast
In a time when leadership feels more stressful than ever, what if the secret to thriving was as simple as joy? In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with The Party Scientist himself, Jacques W. Martique, to explore how science-backed joy can transform the way we lead and build community. Jacques has rocked festival stages, corporate offices, and global events with his high-energy approach to human connection, helping people tap into their body’s natural feel-good chemicals—without needing a drink in hand. His insights are especially relevant in today’s...
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How to Boycott an Event and Avoid Unintended Consequences
Association Chat Podcast
With political tensions high, associations and nonprofits face tough choices about where and how they host events. Enter SocialOffset, a groundbreaking initiative co-founded by Dr. Elena Gerstmann that empowers conference attendees to offset the economic impact of destination boycotts—without sacrificing meaningful participation. In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with Dr. Gerstmann, Executive Director of INFORMS, to explore how SocialOffset is changing the conversation around ethical event planning. With a distinguished career in association...
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The Association Executive of the Year Will Inspire You
Association Chat Podcast
Lori Anderson, the president and CEO of the International Sign Association (ISA), is our distinguished guest this week on Association Chat. In January, she was named Association Executive of the Year and recently celebrated her 20th anniversary leading ISA. However, when she took over, things were a bit more unstable. In this interview, we’ll discuss change management, stabilizing chaos, and how to be comfortable in your own skin as an association leader. We also cover navigating unimaginable personal hardships while simultaneously transforming the structure and culture of an entire...
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How Nonprofits Can Break the Cycle of Doing the “Same Old Thing” to Grow Revenue & Drive the Mission Forward
Association Chat Podcast
Join host KiKi L’Italien on the Association Chat Podcast as she sits down with Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), to explore how associations can discover new revenue opportunities through creative strategies and innovation. With over a decade of experience leading APMP and a reputation as a nonprofit growth expert, Rick shares his insights on: How to identify and capitalize on untapped revenue opportunities. Aligning staff performance with organizational vision to achieve big goals. How listening and collaboration lead...
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Must Know P.R. Strategies for the Turbulent Times of 2025
Association Chat Podcast
Join host KiKi L'Italien for a riveting conversation with PR powerhouse Adele Gambardella. In today's politically charged climate, when should associations take a stand—and how can they do it effectively? Dubbed "the expert to call in a crisis" by The Wall Street Journal, Gambardella brings over 20 years of high-stakes PR experience to this timely discussion. Her client roster includes President Biden, billionaire Ted Leonsis, and former Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson. As Washington, DC navigates the post-election landscape, Gambardella shares proven strategies from her crisis campaigns...
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Like Nothing Else: The Police and Fire Games [with CPAF President James King]
Association Chat Podcast
In this episode of Association Chat, we’re talking with James King, President of the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), to explore the vital role CPAF plays in supporting first responders. CPAF fosters wellness, camaraderie, and resilience among law enforcement and firefighter athletes and as you will learn in today’s episode there is nothing on earth quite like the games we discuss and what they ultimately do for the morale of our world’s incredibly selfless and heroic first responders. Learn more about United States Police & Fire Championships, World Police & Fire...
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"Future of Nonprofits in Time of Political Chaos" with ASAE CEO Michelle Mason
Association Chat Podcast
What exactly is the state of associations in the opening days of President Trump’s second term? As the political climate shifts dramatically, Association Chat Magazine Editor-in-Chief and Association Chat Podcast Host KiKi L’Italien is joined by ASAE President & CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, and Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, ASAE’s Chief Public Policy and Governance Officer for this discussion, which has unprecedented consequences for nonprofits. ❤️ FOLLOW Association Chat! ❤️ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Visit our Website: Sign Up for Our Newsletter (SMS Opt-In...
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Navigating Hurricanes, Hope, and a Mega Conference – Lessons from SWANA’s Amy Lestition Burke
Association Chat Podcast
In this episode of Association Chat, KiKi L’Italien sits down with Amy Lestition Burke, Executive Director and CEO of SWANA, to uncover the extraordinary leadership required to guide an association through two devastating hurricanes and a critical annual conference. As Amy shares her experiences, listeners will gain insight into how SWANA supports its members during crises, the lessons learned from disaster recovery, and the pivotal role the association plays in maintaining national infrastructure. From navigating immediate challenges to preparing for the long-term impacts of climate change,...
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Finding Common Ground
Association Chat Podcast
In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien welcomes David Allison, founder of the Valuegraphics Project and best-selling author of The Death of Demographics. Together, they explore how associations can uncover and leverage shared human values to bridge divides and foster stronger connections. From finding common ground in loyalty, personal responsibility, and independence to addressing internal politics and divisive challenges, this episode provides strategies for creating a more inclusive, values-driven community. Learn how understanding what truly drives people can...
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Can You Make Your Association Members Happy In Divisive Times?
Association Chat Podcast
Fresh off the heels of the US Presidential Election, they explore how values—not demographics—drive behavior and decision-making, even in the association space. From origin stories in the advertising world to actionable insights on bridging divides, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how associations can better connect with their members by focusing on what truly matters. In this timely episode of Association Chat, KiKi L'Italien sits down with David Allison, creator of the Valuegraphics Database, to discuss the importance of understanding core human values in a...
info_outlineAn association introduces its new AI "staff" – and the robot overlords are friendly (for now)...
Welcome to this episode of the Association Chat Podcast, full of the delights and dorkiness that any well-intentioned association podcast talking about technology these days can hardly avoid.
For this episode, we talk with Liz Peuster, CAE, Director Of Communications & Public Relations for the South Carolina Association of CPAs about how they are using AI, and specifically generative AI, in their association.
Liz has some poignant thoughts about curiosity, ongoing learning, and how to embrace our robot overlords (okay, maybe I made up that last part, but I was looking for some drama).
Please enjoy this episode and let me know what you think about it. I'm part of a small group of association podcasters who are regularly providing feedback for each other's podcasts now and so I feel the pressure to improve the experience for all of us. Your feedback helps me!
You can subscribe to the Association Chat newsletter at AssociationChat.com and please share this episode with your friends and colleagues of you liked it!