Episode Description
Send us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episode
Most communicators assume that if people reject a message, they must not understand it. Lord David Evans argues the opposite. Backlash often isn’t confusion. It’s threat. When people feel insecure, unheard, or looked down on, they don’t lean in. They shut down. And in that moment, facts don’t persuade, values don’t inspire, and “better messaging” can make things worse.
In this episode Lord David Evans breaks down what political campaigning can teach PR professionals about trust, psychological safety, and why populist narratives spread so quickly. This isn’t about copying tactics. It’s about understanding what your audience needs before they will even give you permission to listen.
Listen For
2:22 Who is Lord David Evans and why does his perspective matter right now?
3:54 Why is behaviour change almost never an information problem?
6:36 Why do people get drawn to extreme political movements?
10:36 Are politicians themselves fueling fear and insecurity?
12:48 Is social media pushing people into fight-or-flight mode?
Guest: Lord David Evans
Doug
Farzana
Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.
Apply to be a guest on the podcast
Connect with us
LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | Pinterest
Request a transcript of this episode
Stories and Strategies is the Official Podcast Sponsor of IABC World Conference in Toronto June 14-16, 2026
Click here to check it out https://wc.iabc.com