Lee Carter and Michael Maslansky, hosts of the HearSay podcast from maslansky+partners
In the HearSay podcast, our language experts from maslansky+partners take on the smartest, savviest, and sometimes stupidest messages in the market today. CEO Michael Maslansky and President Lee Carter bring their experience with words, communication, and behavioral science to the table — along with a colleague or two — and offer up a “lay of the language.” Their insight helps make sense of business, life, and culture, and proves over and over again that It’s Not What You Say, It’s What They Hear.

Catch up on all HearSay podcast episodes here:

The Language of MAHA & Vaccines

America’s trust in vaccines is declining fast, as the “Make America Healthy Again” movement is 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 do you say when the language itself is under attack—and how do you say it so people will actually listen?

In this episode, we reveal some strategies that can help you break the deadlock, connect with skeptical audiences by communicating effectively about vaccines, and turn a polarizing issue into a moment of real leadership.

Continue reading ➔ The Language of MAHA & Vaccines

From Goodness to Fairness: A Wake-Up Call for Corporate America

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.

Continue reading ➔ From Goodness to Fairness: A Wake-Up Call for Corporate America

Calming the Chaos: Communicating to Win in Today’s World

Today, one misstep in communication can cost you trust, customers, and credibility. 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 Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, about “Calming the Chaos.” Michelle has spent her career turning uncertainty into opportunity—and she shares some real-world communication strategies to help businesses not just survive, but win in this environment.

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Find Your Winning Corporate Narrative

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.

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Threading the needle on DEI: What companies can do now

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 this week’s episode to hear firsthand of how businesses can continue to champion DEI amidst a rapidly shifting landscape. 

Continue reading ➔ Threading the needle on DEI: What companies can do now

From Populism to Purpose: Redefining your business narratives

Welcome back to a new season of HearSay! In this episode, CEO Michael Maslansky and President and Partner, Lee Carter delve into the complexities of communication strategies under the Trump administration. With public trust at an all-time low, companies must redefine their messaging to connect authentically with audiences, avoid becoming targets of political and social backlash, and stay aligned with national narratives. Listen here!

Continue reading ➔ From Populism to Purpose: Redefining your business narratives