A podcast from the language strategists at maslansky + partners. CEO Michael Maslansky and guests analyze messaging, from message strategy to message framing, talking about what worked, what didn't… and why. We provide lessons in effective communications, to help make sense of the world around us through the lens of language. From business to politics to culture and life, remember: it's not what you say, it's what they hear… which is why we call this podcast, HearSay.
Publisher
maslansky + partners, the experts in Language Strategy
Winning Arguments without Losing Friends... with Jessica Tarlov
Ever walked into a room where everyone disagrees with you—and had to stay calm, stay credible, and still get your point across? That's Jessica Tarlov's job every single day. As the lone liberal voice on Fox News's The Five, she's mastered something most communicators only talk about: how to argue without alienating, and disagree without disconnecting.
In this episode, Michael sits down with Jessica to unpack the strategy behind her new book, I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends. They dig into why data alone rarely changes minds, why "empathy before education" beats facts-first every time, and why staying calm under fire is its own kind of communication superpower. Whether you're managing a boardroom debate or a Thanksgiving table blowup, Jessica's playbook works. Because the goal was never to win the argument—it's to open the door.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Enjoyed the podcast? Rate us on Spotify or write us a review on Apple Podcasts.
Questions? Email us at podcast@maslansky.com. We would love to hear from you!
Want to keep up with what's new with us? Follow us on LinkedIn at maslansky + partners.
11 Feb 2026
The Language of Super Bowl LX Ads: The Messaging Winners and Losers
The Super Bowl isn't just about football—it's about messaging. For 30 seconds, brands spend millions trying to connect with millions of viewers. But not all of them succeed.
In this annual episode, one of our most popular every year, our partners break down the messaging behind this year's most talked-about commercials. What made some ads resonate so powerfully that people can't stop talking about them? Why did others completely miss the mark despite massive budgets and star power?
Lee, Michael, Keith, Ben, and Katie analyze the themes, language choices, and strategies that separated the winners from the losers. You'll discover what these ads reveal about how audiences think right now, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at what actually makes messaging work. Whether you're a communicator, a business leader, or simply curious about why certain messages stick with us, this episode is a masterclass in the power of language done right… and a whole lot of fun! _______________________________________________________________________________________
Enjoyed the podcast? Rate us on Spotify or write us a review on Apple Podcasts.
Questions? Email us at podcast@maslansky.com. We would love to hear from you!
Want to keep up with what's new with us? Follow us on LinkedIn at maslansky + partners.
4 Feb 2026
The Language of MAHA & Food Ingredients
The rules have changed. Food and beverage brands that market artificial ingredients used to have breathing room. Not anymore. With MAHA gaining real momentum in Washington, the conversation around "healthy," artificial additives, and what we put in our bodies has become impossible to ignore—and it's moving fast.
If you're a communications or business leader, you're already feeling the pressure. The old playbook doesn't work. Talking about the "science" doesn't persuade. Even the words themselves can blow up in your face. So what do you say when the language itself is contested—and how do you say it so people will actually listen?
In Episode One of our sixth season, we reveal strategies to help you navigate this moment of change, find language that actually connects, and position your brand to lead—not just survive—through what's coming next.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Enjoyed the podcast? Rate us on Spotify or write us a review on Apple Podcasts.
Questions? Email us at podcast@maslansky.com. We would love to hear from you!
Want to keep up with what's new with us? Follow us on LinkedIn at maslansky + partners.
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
14
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
27
Contact HearSay
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of HearSay?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
