With every story, thread and meme battling for our attention, what do we focus on and care about? Communications pros Sean Garrett and Allison Braley—trusted by Twitter, Amazon, Meta, Slack, Bain Capital Ventures, and more—talk with those shifting the future of communications and who pays attention to what.
Disruption with Discipline: Michael Corcoran’s Social Playbook
Michael Corcoran, former Head of Social Media at Ryanair, discusses Ryanair's social media strategy, explaining how the company uses a disciplined framework to build its brand through entertaining and educational content in this interview.
11 Sept 2025
Navigating Crisis and Misinformation with Nick Shapiro
Host Allison Braley and Sean Garrett interview Nick Shapiro, founder of 10th Avenue Consulting, about navigating modern crises and misinformation with lessons from his high-stakes public service career.
28 Aug 2025
From the Pentagon to the Podium with Admiral John Kirby
Admiral John Kirby shares insights on clear and credible communication during high-stakes situations, detailing his career journey and strategies for effective messaging.
14 Aug 2025
The Future of Internal Communications with Andrew Blotky
Host Sean Garrett interviews Andrew Blotky, founder of Azure Leadership Group, about how internal communications builds trust and navigates complexity, offering insights for effective leadership.
31 Jul 2025
How Reddit Became the Most Human Place on the Internet with Anna Soellner
Anna Soellner, former Head of Communications at Reddit, discusses shaping the reputation of a complex online community, navigating growth, and building trust during scrutiny in an interview.
17 Jul 2025
Speak Memorably: Bill McGowan on Breaking Out of the Conformity Zone and Transforming Workplace Communication
Veteran media trainer Bill McGowan discusses how professionals can communicate with more clarity and impact in the workplace, breaking out of the "conformity zone" in this interview.
3 Jul 2025
The Indie Media Playbook: Eric Newcomer on Trust, Transparency, and the Business of Being Feisty
Journalist Eric Newcomer discusses his transition from Bloomberg reporter to independent Substack publisher, Newcomer, and how transparency builds trust in modern media in an interview with Allison Braley and Sean Garrett.
19 Jun 2025
Crisis Comms, Brand Moves, and Coaching Little League with Josh Earnest
Josh Earnest, United Airlines VP and former White House Press Secretary, discusses steering a major brand's reputation, integrating communications with marketing, and maintaining humanity in messaging during an interview.
5 Jun 2025
Inside the Executive Mind: Shannon Brayton on Trust, Strategy, and Board-Level Comms
Former CMO of LinkedIn Shannon Brayton discusses how to earn executive trust by understanding communication styles and demonstrating the strategic impact of communications in this interview with Allison Braley and Sean Garrett.
22 May 2025
The Good, The Bad, and The Unknown of AI with Kevin Roose
What happens when a generation grows up with AI as a daily companion—and the rest of us are still catching up? In this episode, we sit down with New York Times journalist and podcaster Kevin Roose to unpack how artificial intelligence is already transforming the way we work, learn, and connect. From teens using AI to write essays or talk through their emotions, to companies quietly integrating it into operations while navigating public backlash, the changes are happening fast—and not always out in the open.
We explore with Kevin why media outlets remain skeptical, shaped by years of tech industry overpromises, and how employers are weighing the reputational risks of automation against its undeniable advantages. Kevin calls for more honest, transparent leadership as AI reshapes the economy and society in real time.
As we dig into these tensions, we also talk about Kevin’s long-standing fascination with belief systems—whether rooted in religion, finance, or tech—and how journalism helps him trace the deeper human motivations behind them. This is more than a conversation about where AI is going—it’s about who we are becoming as it gets there.
About Kevin Roose
Kevin Roose is an American author and award-winning technology columnist for The New York Times. He is the author of three books, the co-host of the “Hard Fork” podcast, and was included on the 2015 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Sponsored by:
Delve.
“Delve is an insight engine that transforms how brands understand their world.”
It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead.
Learn more at delve.news/shift (https://www.delve.news/shift)
Resources discussed in this episode:
Anthropic (https://www.anthropic.com)
Chat GPT (https://openai.com/index/chatgpt/)
Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation (https://www.kevinroose.com/futureproof)
Vinod Khosla (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinod_Khosla)
DALL-E (https://openart.ai/home?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Ser_NA_Midjourney_Dalle&utm_content=Dalle_Exact&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20958630232&utm_term=dall%20e&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4cS-BhDGARIsABg4_J2S1yDocGiwJ20wdHFsD_CzSvd-RpVkQ5sLNmReBUYti70C69mFsEUaAjWOEALw_wcB)
Midjourney (https://www.midjourney.com/home)
Cursor (https://www.cursor.com/en)
Replit AI (https://www.augmentcode.com)
Bolt (https://bolt.new)
Claude (https://claude.ai)
Hard Fork Podcast (https://www.kevinroose.com/hard-fork-1)
Character AI (https://character.ai)
Replika (https://replika.com)
Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett:
MixingBoard.co (http://mixingboard.co)
LinkedIn: Allison Braley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonbraley/)
LinkedIn: Sean Garrett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/seangarrett1/)
Linkedin: Mixing Board
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/mixing-board/)
Contact Kevin Roose:
Website: kevinroose.com (http://kevinroose.com)
Instagram: Kevin Roose (https://www.instagram.com/kevinroose)
Facebook: Kevin Roose (https://www.facebook.com/kevinroose#)
X: Kevin Roose (https://x.com/kevinroose)
Linkedin: Kevin Roose
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-roose/)
22 May 2025
Going Viral, Building Brands, and Betting on Founders with Ashley Mayer
What does it take to make the bold switch from a successful career in comms to venture investing? We sit down with Ashley Mayer to find out why and how she made her career transition. We talk about those early Twitter days—when social media was still uncharted territory—and how Ashley helped her then-CEO build a voice online while simultaneously growing her own presence. She even revisits that unforgettable “AirPod subway rescue” moment, a reminder of how randomness and relatability can shape what resonates online.
We dig into the art of storytelling in both media and business. Ashley makes a compelling case for why founders should prioritize narrative clarity and strategic intent over the allure of personal branding or chasing viral fame. It's about substance, not just splash. Ashley also opens up about the challenges of early-stage investing—from evaluating founders’ visions to navigating uncertainty—and shares how she made the leap from communications to venture capital. Her reflections on timing, serendipity, and career evolution are refreshingly candid.
And of course, we get into her latest venture: the podcast Great Chat. Ashley gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build something authentic from the ground up—why experimentation matters, how to stay patient, and what it really means to engage with an audience. Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about tech, media, and building with intention.
About Ashley Mayer
Ashley Mayer is the cofounder and GP of Coalition Operators, where she and her partners back early-stage founders. She began her career at enterprise software company Box, where she led global communications from a 50-person startup through IPO. She then moved to Social Capital, where she led all things marketing and communications for three years, helping to launch new capital products and working with founders spanning healthcare, aerospace, climate, fintech, enterprise and education. Most recently, she led communications at a New York-based beauty company, Glossier.
Ashley has also been a key advisor to Mixing Board since before its official inception and serves on the organization’s operating council.
Sponsored by:
Delve.
“Delve is an insight engine that transforms how brands understand their world.”
It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead.
Learn more at delve.news/shift (https://www.delve.news/shift)
Resources discussed in this episode:
Box (https://www.box.com/en-ca/home)
Glossier (https://www.glossier.com/en-ca)
Great Chat podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/great-chat/id1798501652)
Chat GPT - Open AI (https://chatgpt.com)
Brian Johnson - New York Times article (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/technology/bryan-johnson-blueprint-confidentiality-agreements.html)
Magentic (https://www.magentic.com)
Platformer (https://www.platformer.news)
Hard Fork podcast (https://www.nytimes.com/column/hard-fork)
Lingo (https://www.hellolingo.com)
Aura (https://www.aura.com)
Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett:
MixingBoard.co (http://mixingboard.co)
LinkedIn: Allison Braley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonbraley/)
LinkedIn: Sean Garrett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/seangarrett1/)
LinkedIn: Mixing Board
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/mixing-board/)
Contact Ashley Mayer:
Website: coalitionoperators.com (http://coalitionoperators.com)
X: @ashleymayer (https://x.com/ashleymayer?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor)
LinkedIn: Ashley Mayer
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymayer/)
22 May 2025
From the White House to the Classroom: Cody Keenan on Storytelling and Speechwriting
What does it take to write words that move a nation—and still feel deeply personal? We sit down with Cody Keenan, former chief speechwriter for President Barack Obama, to pull back the curtain on the craft of writing speeches that don’t just inform, but inspire. From Obama’s electrifying 2004 DNC address to poignant eulogies and everyday policy remarks, we explore how structure, storytelling, and emotional clarity come together to leave a lasting mark.
Cody walks us through his process, emphasizing why every great speech needs a clear beginning, middle, and end—and how tapping into values and real human experiences makes a message resonate long after the applause fades. We talk about the pressure and privilege of writing during high-stakes, high-emotion moments, and how Cody learned to write like it might be the only chance the audience would ever hear the speaker’s voice.
We also dive into how social media has completely reshaped the way speeches are received. How do you strike the balance between crafting a thoughtful message and creating a moment that cuts through the noise? Cody brings a grounded, behind-the-scenes perspective on that constant creative tension. Plus, we explore where speechwriting is headed next—from AI’s growing presence in the writing world to Cody’s work mentoring the next generation of communicators at Northwestern. He even gives us a peek into his life outside the spotlight—raising kids and staying inspired by the writers of tomorrow.
About Cody Keenan
Cody Keenan is Barack Obama’s former chief speechwriter and a current partner at Fenway Strategies. He spent over a decade crafting some of the most memorable speeches of the Obama presidency and now teaches political speechwriting at Northwestern University. Cody’s work has been featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Morning Joe, The Circus, and Pod Save America. A Chicago native and die-hard Cubs fan, he lives in New York City with his wife and two kids.
Sponsored by:
Delve.
“Delve is an insight engine that transforms how brands understand their world.”
It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead.
Learn more at delve.news/shift (https://www.delve.news/shift)
Resources discussed in this episode:
Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America by Cody Keenan (https://codykeenan.com/book)
Between Two Ferns with Barack Obama (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnW3xkHxIEQ)
Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett:
MixingBoard.co (http://mixingboard.co)
LinkedIn: Allison Braley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonbraley/)
LinkedIn: Sean Garrett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/seangarrett1/)
LinkedIn: Mixing Board
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/mixing-board/)
Contact Cody Keenan | Fenway Strategies:
Website: codykeenan.com (http://codykeenan.com)
Website: fenwaystrategies.com (http://fenwaystrategies.com)
Instagram: @codykeenan (https://www.instagram.com/codykeenan/)
X: @codykeenan (https://x.com/codykeenan?lang=en)
Facebook: Cody Keenan (https://www.facebook.com/codykeenan44)
LinkedIn: Cody Keenan
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/codykeenan/)
19 Mar 2025
Trailer: Attention Shift
Hosts Allison Braley and Sean Garrett welcome you to Attention Shift, the podcast about communications and connection, where they discuss what gets our attention and why. With industry expert interviews, in-depth explorations of how we communicate and grab focus, and investigation into what we really care about, Attention Shift keeps us on track in the shifting sands of attention.
—
Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett:
MixingBoard.co (http://mixingboard.co)
LinkedIn: Allison Braley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonbraley/)
LinkedIn: Sean Garrett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/seangarrett1/)
Linkedin: Mixing Board
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/mixing-board/)
—
Transcript
Allison Braley: [00:00:00] Every story, every thread, every meme. There's a battle for our attention happening every second. So what actually sticks? What do we really care about? I'm Allison Braley.
Sean Garrett: [00:00:11] And I'm Sean Garrett. Welcome to Attention Shift, where we dive into the ever-evolving world of communications, who's grabbing attention, how they're doing it, and why it matters.
Allison Braley: [00:00:22] We'll talk to the people shaping the future of how we connect, communicate, and, let's be honest, get totally distracted.
Sean Garrett: [00:00:29] So if you want to keep up with the shifting tides of attention, hit subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Allison Braley: [00:00:36] Don't miss an episode because, let's face it, there's already way too much to catch up on.
Who has been a guest on Attention Shift
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Michael Corcoran
Nick Shapiro
Admiral John Kirby
Andrew Blotky
Anna Soellner
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
15 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
75
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
85
Contact Attention Shift
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Attention Shift?
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