What if we stopped thinking about audiences as demographics and started seeing them as heroes of their own stories? In this episode of What If We?, guest host, Sheri Klein, Senior Director of Research and Strategy at RALLY, sits down with Principal Hillary Moglen and Riki Conrey, Principal Scientist at Harmony Labs, to unpack how audience identity shapes persuasion. From the shows we watch to the personal conflicts we face, our media choices reflect more than just preferences; they reve...

Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of trust, influence, and real persuasion. In this episode of The Art and Science of Persuasion series, Kaitlin Funaro sits down with RALLY Principal Latia Curry Harrison to talk about why authentic, genuine communication matters more than ever in a world flooded with polished messaging. They explore how leaders and organizations can show up authentically—even within the guardrails of talking points—by embracing vulnerability, rejecting ja...

Why do we remember stories, not statistics? Persuasion isn’t just about presenting the facts—it’s about connecting with people on an emotional level. Today in our series The Art and Science of Persuasion, Kaitlin Funaro talks with Stephen Friedman, former president of MTV and adjunct professor at Columbia University, and Jason Rzepka, Senior Director at RALLY, to discuss how storytelling and emotional engagement can drive real-world impact. From MTV campaigns that shaped cultural conver...

What does it mean to be persuaded? And why do so many of us resist the idea of changing our minds? Persuasion isn’t just about convincing—it’s about influence, connection, and building shared understanding. And in today’s polarized world, it might be one of the most important tools advocates have. This episode kicks off a special series on persuasion. Over the next six episodes, we’ll explore the principles that make persuasion possible—how identity shapes who we listen to, how emotions matte...

LinkedIn—it’s not just an online résumé. It’s a platform for storytelling, visibility, and connection. When used strategically, it helps decision-makers, partners, and allies find you, learn from you, and amplify your work. RALLY's Kaitlin Funaro chats with the pod's favorite digital expert Elyse Dickson Becker and thought leadership extroidinare René Verma to break down all the essentials of LinkedIn — from what the algorithm rewards, to the role of video, visuals, and engagement, in j...

Episode Summary In part two of our series, Building a Digital Community, RALLY’s Kaitlin Funaro is back with Jack Spiegelman and Maha Ghandour from our digital team to dive into what it takes to build strong digital communities. This episode is all about community management — the often invisible, always essential work of building digital culture that can handle the heat. From moderating comment sections to managing a viral moment gone wrong, this is your blueprint for turning followers into ...

When you're trying to break through online, playing it safe doesn't always cut it. In part one of this two-part series, RALLY's Kaitlin Funaro sits down with Jack Spiegelman and Maha Ghandour from our digital team to talk about how to embrace controversy strategically. From knowing when to lean in to how to prep your team for the reaction, they unpack what it takes to post with purpose and build power, not just attention. In This Episode: How to lean into controversy without being recklessWha...

Are influencer campaigns worth it? If you’ve ever asked yourself (or your comms team) that question, this episode is for you. From how to find the right creators to how much budget you really need, RALLY's Elyse Dickson Becker and Maha Ghandour break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about influencer engagement for advocacy campaigns…in just 15 minutes. In This Episode: Influencer vs. content creator: what’s the difference, and why it mattersHow to find the right creators to reach yo...

When you try to talk to everyone, you often reach no one. In this episode, RALLY's Sheri Klein breaks down why defining your audience is one of the most powerful and cost-effective choices an advocacy campaign can make. If you have ever been told your message should speak to all, this one is for you. In This Episode: What exactly is a campaign audience and why it mattersThe risks of trying to reach too many people or the wrong peopleHow to handle pushback around inclusion and targetingWhy eve...

Ten years after the Supreme Court victory for marriage equality nationwide, we revisit the fight that came before it: against California’s Prop 8. RALLY's Felix Schein and Prop 8 plaintiff Kris Perry share firsthand stories about shifting public opinion and the cultural battle behind this legal victory for LGBTQ+ rights. In This Episode: Behind-the-scenes and front-line perspectives on Prop 8The cultural and communications strategy that made change possibleLessons for today’s advocates naviga...

Introducing What If We? Episode Summary: Get a sneak peek at What If We?, a new podcast about advocacy, persuasion, and the messages that move us. Kaitlin Funaro shares what to expect from upcoming episodes and why this podcast matters for advocates and communicators across social change movements. Episode Credits: Host: Kaitlin Funaro, Principal @ RALLY Producers: Maha Ghandour, Miki Katoni About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofi...