In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Leonard Steinhorn, Professor of Communication and Affiliate Professor of History at American University, for a dynamic, deeply relevant conversation on how associations can lead with clarity, ethics, and impact in today’s fragmented media environment.
A former broadcast commentator, prolific writer, and award-winning educator, Professor Steinhorn offers timeless principles and timely advice on what’s changed in media—and what never should.
🎧 If you’re navigating polarization, disinformation, or simply trying to get your association’s message to stick, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Highlights:
Snackable, Story-Driven, & Strategic: Why attention spans have changed—and what associations must do to break through.
The Algorithm vs. the Mission: How modern media systems reward outrage and what that means for ethical communicators.
Media ≠ Journalism: A crucial distinction that affects how your message is received—and why it matters more than ever.
Trust Rebuilt Through Transparency: What history teaches us about institutional trust—and the power of doing good while doing well.
Gen Z & the Future of Media: What today’s students expect from organizations—and how to connect across generations.
🎧 Tune in now for a thought-provoking conversation that blends media literacy, strategic communication, and practical storytelling advice for every association leader.
Stay Connected:
Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.
Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.
Coming Soon: We’ll continue exploring how associations can communicate what matters—with fresh perspectives from leaders navigating crisis, complexity, and cultural change through smart, values-driven communication. Don’t miss what’s ahead.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.