The Language Moments that Defined 2025
HearSay
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...
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The Language of MAHA & Vaccines
HearSay
It’s no secret that America’s trust in vaccines is declining, fast. Childhood vaccination rates are dropping, and nearly one in three Americans now questions what used to be a no-brainer. Then there’s the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. Once dismissed as fringe, it’s become a rapidly growing force reshaping the national conversation. If you’re a communicator or business leader, you’re probably already feeling the pressure. The old rules don’t work. Talking about “science” doesn’t persuade. Even the word “vaccine” can blow up in your face. So what...
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From Goodness to Fairness: A Wake-Up Call for Corporate America
HearSay
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...
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Calming the Chaos: Communicating to Win in Today's World
HearSay
Do you ever feel like you’re shouting into a hurricane… hoping your message lands, but knowing it might get lost in the storm? Today, one misstep in communication can cost you trust, customers, and credibility. The stakes have never been higher, and the noise has never been louder. Whether you’re navigating the unknowns of AI, political upheaval, or global market shocks, the difference between chaos and clarity comes down to one thing: how you communicate when it matters most. On this episode of HearSay, we talk with Michelle Russo, EVP and Chief Communications and Marketing...
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Find Your Winning Corporate Narrative
HearSay
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,...
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The Fairness Factor: Earning Trust in an Age of Rage
HearSay
In case you haven’t noticed, people are angry. And not just at politics, but at corporations. It’s an anger that runs deep, based on a strong perception and a primal feeling of unfairness. As a result, the rules of engagement have changed, and what worked yesterday may not work today. In this episode of Hearsay, CEO of OPRG, Chris Foster, joins Michael Maslansky and Lee Carter to share highlights from important new maslansky + partners research that looks at the state of the world and how people think about business today. They provide actionable insights on how to connect with audiences...
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The Pharma Dilemma: Trust, Pricing, and the New Language of Fairness
HearSay
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,...
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Inside Voice: How Companies Are Navigating DEI Internally
HearSay
In this episode, Michael Maslansky, Lee Carter, and special guest Michelle Mahony from Daggerwing, dive into the evolving role of language in business, with a special focus on internal communications and DEI. As companies face external pressures and shifting political climates, how do they navigate the tension between staying true to their values and adjusting their language? They explore the real-world challenges internal comms and HR teams face when words like “diversity” and “equity” come under scrutiny—and what happens when companies change course, stay firm, or try to find...
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Threading the needle on DEI: What companies can do now
HearSay
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...
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The Tariffs Are Coming: Should Companies Speak Up or Stay Silent?
HearSay
In this episode, Michael Maslansky and Lee Carter tackle a pressing question for businesses and trade groups: Should they publicly speak out on tariffs, or is silence the smarter move? And if they do want to engage, how should they do it? We explore the risks and rewards of making a statement, the challenge of breaking through public skepticism, and the evolving strategies needed to shape the conversation. Plus, they debate whether traditional corporate messaging still works—or if it’s time for a radically different approach.
info_outlineThis 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.
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