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GovComms Institute Team

GovComms Ep 170 Alfred & David

A podcast by contentgroup, GovComms explores our industry through conversation with industry greats, experts and innovators from around the world. Hosted by our Founder and CEO David Pembroke, we share with you insights from our years of experience and through the vast knowledge of our guests. Whether you’re an industry professional or just starting out, this podcast is a must listen.

Featured, From the Vault

Strengthening Democracy and Citizen Engagement with Sanjay Pradhan (2022)

This week on GovComms 'From the Vault,' we revisit our conversation with a special guest, the CEO of the Open Government Partnership, Sanjay Pradhan. Sanjay joined OGP in May 2016. Prior to joining OGP, he served as the Vice President for Leadership, Learning, and Innovation at the World Bank, as ...

Listen now
From the Vault

Communicating Humanitarian Crises with Osama Saeed Bhutta (2017)

This week on Govcomms 'From the Vault', we revisit our conversation with Osama Saeed Bhutta, who is currently the Director of Communications, Policy & Campaigns at Shelter UK. At the time of this conversation, he was the Director of Communications at Amnesty International.

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From the Vault

Communicating Public Health Risks with Clare and Alice Collins (2015)

Are you interested in public health advocacy? This week on Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit our conversation with Clare and Alice Collins, a mother-daughter duo who run Insight Communications- a multi-award winning agency specialising in communication management for cause, culture, community ...

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From the Vault

The UK Government Communication Service with Russell Grossman (2015)

Russell Grossman wears many hats; he was, and still is the Director of Communications at the Office of Rail and Road, an Executive Committee member and adviser to the Board.

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From the Vault

Mastering Social Media in the Public Sector with Roger Christie (2021)

This week on Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit our podcast with the Founder & Managing Director of Propel, Roger Christie. This podcast in particular investigates the role of social media and how government communicators can use social media effectively.

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From the Vault

Utilising Digital Marketing Tools for Success with Ian Cleary (2015)

In this episode of Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit our conversation with Ian Cleary, Founder of the acclaimed social media training business and blog, RazorSocial. He joins host David Pembroke remotely from Dublin, Ireland.

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From the Vault

Strengthening Internal Communication in Government with Rita Zonius (2018)

As communicators, we should all know by now that internal communication is the beating heart of any healthy organisation. Because without it, everything falls apart. And though that may sound scary there are plenty of tools available to introduce smooth internal communication to your department or ...

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From the Vault

Thinking like a System with Howard Parry-Husbands (2021)

In this episode of Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit our insightful conversation with Howard Parry-Husbands, CEO and Founder of Pollinate, one of Australia’s consulting and market research leaders in the world of branding, innovation and communications.

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From the Vault

Communicating the Benefits of Content Marketing with Russell Sparkman (2015)

In this episode of Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit a conversation between our host David Pembroke and Russell Sparkman, who is one of the pioneers of global content marketing and a believer in its inevitability. As the Co-founder of FusionSpark Media, Inc., Russell brings more than two ...

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Featured

EP#178: Leading quietly: The power of introverts at work

What if the best ideas in your team are the ones you never hear? In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Richard Etienne—internal communications expert, author of The Introvert’s Survival Guide, and founder of The Introvert Space. Together, they explore how introverts can lead, ...

Read more
Featured

EP#177: From Jargon to Genuine: Reclaiming Trust in Government Comms

Trust is on life support. People are tuning out. Tech is speeding up. Noise is everywhere. So how can government communicators break through? In this powerhouse episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke is joined by Ros Weadman – strategic communication expert, author, and driving force behind the ...

Read more
Featured

EP#176: From Google to AI: The Search Revolution Explained

Is Google still the king of search or has AI changed the game forever? The way people find information is undergoing the biggest shift in decades and government communicators can’t afford to be left behind. In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Jim Stewart, CEO of Stewart ...

Read more
Featured

EP#175: How to Speak with Power & Build Trust: The Gravitas Masterclass

Great communicators aren’t born—they’re made. In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke chats with Dr. Louise Mahler, an expert in leadership communication, about the art of presence, authenticity, and confidence. With a background in business and opera, Louise brings a unique perspective to what ...

Read more
Featured

EP#174: Trust, Humour and Bureaucracy: The Secret Sauce of Gov Social Media

Governments generate endless information, but so much of it goes unseen. So, how do we turn it into content people actually care about? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke chats with Heather Lansdowne, a leader in transforming social media in government. As the social media manager at the ...

Read more
Featured

EP#173: Public Sector Content: Effective Strategies and Storytelling Tips

Buckle up for an episode packed with creativity, innovation, and a bit of storytelling magic! In this first GovComms Podcast of 2025, David Pembroke sits down with Andrew Parsons, a communication powerhouse with a knack for turning challenges into storytelling gold. From his humble beginnings as a ...

Read more
Featured

EP#172: The unmissable moments of 2024

What did 2024 teach us about communicating better? In this special 'Year in Review' episode, David Pembroke takes us through the stories, lessons, and ideas that made this year unforgettable. From LinkedIn storytelling tips with Stanley Henry to tackling climate anxiety with Ruth Dewsbury, this ...

Read more
Featured

EP#171: The AI Revolution in Comms

AI is shaking up the world of communications—are you ready? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with PR expert Stephen Waddington to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work. From streamlining tasks to offering new ways to tackle big challenges, Stephen ...

Read more
Featured

EP#170: Ubuntu and Storytelling: Building Relationships in the Public Service

What if leadership was less about authority and more about connection? Imagine a young boy in rural Zimbabwe, discovering the world through books borrowed from a modest village library. That boy is Alfred Chidembo, whose love for stories sparked a journey from his village to Australia, where he now ...

Read more
Featured

EP#169: Fighting Disinformation in Cities: Insights from the Global Response Playbook

As cities around the world grapple with a wave of disinformation, how can they fight back and restore public trust? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Ika Trijsburg, leader of the Disinformation in the City project, to tackle this urgent question. Ika unveils the Global ...

Read more
Featured

EP#168: From Disaster to Dialogue: Crisis, Community, and Communication

What happens when disaster strikes? In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, crisis communication expert Michael Player shares his experiences managing some of New Zealand’s most significant crises, including the Rena oil spill and Pike River mining disaster. Michael gives us a behind-the-scenes ...

Read more
Featured

EP#167: Comms unlocked: insights on influence, ethics and a lasting career in Government

What does it take to navigate a decades-long career in government communications while navigating ethics, changing media landscapes, and building lasting influence? In this special two-part episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Michael Player, a communications veteran with nearly five ...

Read more
Featured

EP#166: The AGILE approach to digital advocacy: transforming communications

How can digital communication drive real-world social impact? In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke sits down with Nicholas Bruneau, a leader in digital advocacy and purpose-driven marketing. Nicholas reflects on how effective digital strategies can rally support and create change, ...

Read more
Featured

EP#165: Applying Behavioural Science to Fight Misinformation and Sustain Change

What does it take to change public behaviour and create lasting impact? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke explores this question with Sharon Rosenrauch, Principal Behavioural Scientist at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water. Sharon shares how small ...

Read more

EP#164: Building Trust and Enhancing Government Resilience

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, Adrian Brown, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Impact, shares his insights on the evolving role of government today. The conversation begins with an exploration of how governments are increasingly expected to be agile, responsive, and centered on ...

Read more

EP#163: Managing High-Stakes Events and Data Driven Government Communication

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Alison Senti, a strategic communications professional with a career spanning both public and private sectors. Alison shares her journey from hotel management and legal marketing to consulting at KPMG, and various positions ...

Read more
Featured

EP#162: Navigating Crises and Pre-bunking Disinformation

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke sits down with Bob Jensen, an expert in crisis communication with extensive experience managing major US disasters. Jensen shares insights from his personal and professional journey, highlighting how his background in chemical ...

Read more
Featured

EP#161: LinkedIn mastery, storytelling secrets and the key to social media success

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Stanley Henry, the founder and CEO of The Attention Seeker, a New Zealand-based content creation agency. Stanley shares his journey from growing up in South Auckland, working in hospitality across the globe, to leveraging ...

Read more
Featured

EP#160: Climate Science and the Danger of Making Comms Too Simple

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Dr. Nathan Borgford-Parnell, the science lead at the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).

Read more
Featured

EP#178: Leading quietly: The power of introverts at work

What if the best ideas in your team are the ones you never hear? In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Richard Etienne—internal communications expert, author of The Introvert’s Survival Guide, and founder of The Introvert Space. Together, they explore how introverts can lead, ...

Read more
Featured

EP#177: From Jargon to Genuine: Reclaiming Trust in Government Comms

Trust is on life support. People are tuning out. Tech is speeding up. Noise is everywhere. So how can government communicators break through? In this powerhouse episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke is joined by Ros Weadman – strategic communication expert, author, and driving force behind the ...

Read more
Featured

EP#176: From Google to AI: The Search Revolution Explained

Is Google still the king of search or has AI changed the game forever? The way people find information is undergoing the biggest shift in decades and government communicators can’t afford to be left behind. In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Jim Stewart, CEO of Stewart ...

Read more
Featured

EP#175: How to Speak with Power & Build Trust: The Gravitas Masterclass

Great communicators aren’t born—they’re made. In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke chats with Dr. Louise Mahler, an expert in leadership communication, about the art of presence, authenticity, and confidence. With a background in business and opera, Louise brings a unique perspective to what ...

Read more
Featured

EP#174: Trust, Humour and Bureaucracy: The Secret Sauce of Gov Social Media

Governments generate endless information, but so much of it goes unseen. So, how do we turn it into content people actually care about? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke chats with Heather Lansdowne, a leader in transforming social media in government. As the social media manager at the ...

Read more
Featured

EP#173: Public Sector Content: Effective Strategies and Storytelling Tips

Buckle up for an episode packed with creativity, innovation, and a bit of storytelling magic! In this first GovComms Podcast of 2025, David Pembroke sits down with Andrew Parsons, a communication powerhouse with a knack for turning challenges into storytelling gold. From his humble beginnings as a ...

Read more
Featured

EP#172: The unmissable moments of 2024

What did 2024 teach us about communicating better? In this special 'Year in Review' episode, David Pembroke takes us through the stories, lessons, and ideas that made this year unforgettable. From LinkedIn storytelling tips with Stanley Henry to tackling climate anxiety with Ruth Dewsbury, this ...

Read more
Featured

EP#171: The AI Revolution in Comms

AI is shaking up the world of communications—are you ready? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with PR expert Stephen Waddington to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work. From streamlining tasks to offering new ways to tackle big challenges, Stephen ...

Read more
Featured

EP#170: Ubuntu and Storytelling: Building Relationships in the Public Service

What if leadership was less about authority and more about connection? Imagine a young boy in rural Zimbabwe, discovering the world through books borrowed from a modest village library. That boy is Alfred Chidembo, whose love for stories sparked a journey from his village to Australia, where he now ...

Read more
Featured

EP#169: Fighting Disinformation in Cities: Insights from the Global Response Playbook

As cities around the world grapple with a wave of disinformation, how can they fight back and restore public trust? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Ika Trijsburg, leader of the Disinformation in the City project, to tackle this urgent question. Ika unveils the Global ...

Read more
Featured

EP#168: From Disaster to Dialogue: Crisis, Community, and Communication

What happens when disaster strikes? In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, crisis communication expert Michael Player shares his experiences managing some of New Zealand’s most significant crises, including the Rena oil spill and Pike River mining disaster. Michael gives us a behind-the-scenes ...

Read more
Featured

EP#167: Comms unlocked: insights on influence, ethics and a lasting career in Government

What does it take to navigate a decades-long career in government communications while navigating ethics, changing media landscapes, and building lasting influence? In this special two-part episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Michael Player, a communications veteran with nearly five ...

Read more
Featured

EP#166: The AGILE approach to digital advocacy: transforming communications

How can digital communication drive real-world social impact? In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke sits down with Nicholas Bruneau, a leader in digital advocacy and purpose-driven marketing. Nicholas reflects on how effective digital strategies can rally support and create change, ...

Read more
Featured

EP#165: Applying Behavioural Science to Fight Misinformation and Sustain Change

What does it take to change public behaviour and create lasting impact? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke explores this question with Sharon Rosenrauch, Principal Behavioural Scientist at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water. Sharon shares how small ...

Read more

EP#164: Building Trust and Enhancing Government Resilience

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, Adrian Brown, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Impact, shares his insights on the evolving role of government today. The conversation begins with an exploration of how governments are increasingly expected to be agile, responsive, and centered on ...

Read more

EP#163: Managing High-Stakes Events and Data Driven Government Communication

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Alison Senti, a strategic communications professional with a career spanning both public and private sectors. Alison shares her journey from hotel management and legal marketing to consulting at KPMG, and various positions ...

Read more
Featured

EP#162: Navigating Crises and Pre-bunking Disinformation

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke sits down with Bob Jensen, an expert in crisis communication with extensive experience managing major US disasters. Jensen shares insights from his personal and professional journey, highlighting how his background in chemical ...

Read more
Featured

EP#161: LinkedIn mastery, storytelling secrets and the key to social media success

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Stanley Henry, the founder and CEO of The Attention Seeker, a New Zealand-based content creation agency. Stanley shares his journey from growing up in South Auckland, working in hospitality across the globe, to leveraging ...

Read more
Featured

EP#160: Climate Science and the Danger of Making Comms Too Simple

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Dr. Nathan Borgford-Parnell, the science lead at the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).

Read more

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