The Fourth Draft

The Fourth Draft

The Fourth Draft with Erin Trafford: Unpacking the Media Landscape Erin Trafford dives deep into the evolving media sphere, sharing her journey from traditional broadcasting to the vibrant world of podcasting. A focus on "building in public," Erin brings forward raw, authentic conversations about the future of media, the intersection of old broadcast models and new podcasting trends, and the challenges facing the industry. Welcoming listeners to a collaborative space, Erin encourages feedback, ideas, and even guest appearances to shape the content and direction of her podcast. Subscribe for candid insights, expert guest appearances, and a fresh perspective on media's transformative journey. Stay connected! Find Erin on LinkedIn and Instagram and explore opportunities with Story Studio Network in the show notes.

Episodes

February 27, 2025 19 mins
If your messaging is off, your sales will be too. In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford dives deep into the connection between storytelling and revenue generation. She unpacks why traditional sales tactics fall flat without a strong narrative and how brands can shift from simply selling to creating an emotional connection that drives action. If your marketing efforts aren’t converting, this episode will help you diagno...
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Your content isn’t just media—it’s an asset. But how do you measure its true value? In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford redefines the way we think about content, introducing the concept of a “content stack” as an investment that grows over time.

From understanding the energetic value of your stories to envisioning how they contribute to your long-term goals, Erin explores how to move beyond superficial metrics and tur...
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Is your messaging falling flat or are your sales not converting?

The two are deeply connected, but the solutions are often very different. In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford helps you diagnose whether your organization has a content problem, a revenue problem, or both—and what to do about it.

Using practical steps and real-world insights, Erin explains how to audit your strategy, align your storytelling with your goal...
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Press releases aren’t dead—but relying on them is. In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford unpacks why traditional press release strategies aren’t cutting it in today’s media landscape. From shrinking newsrooms to the rise of hyper-personalized storytelling, Erin explains what’s changed and how to adapt your approach for better results.This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone frustrated with their press r...
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Repurposing isn’t about slicing and dicing your content like a potato—it’s about adding value and resonance to your core story. In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford redefines repurposing as a strategic, intentional process that adapts your message to meet your audience where they are. With practical examples and actionable advice, Erin shares how to turn one strong piece of content into an appreciating asset that buil...
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Feeling overwhelmed by your media strategy? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford explores why complexity is killing your results—and how simplifying your approach can help you succeed. From focusing on your audience to aligning your messaging and choosing the right platforms, Erin provides actionable steps to streamline your media plan and create real impact in 2025. Whether you’re a nonprofit, entre...
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December 27, 2024 22 mins
Awareness is nice—but it’s not enough. In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford explores how to move beyond awareness and turn your audience into powerful advocates. Advocacy isn’t just about big campaigns or flashy messages; it’s about creating personal, emotional connections that inspire your audience to act and amplify your mission. Whether you’re a nonprofit, brand, or organization tackling complex issues, this episod...
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December 19, 2024 28 mins
The media landscape is changing fast, but not all trends are created equal. In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford breaks down the three key media trends you can’t afford to ignore in 2025. From the rise of AI-driven personalization to the shift from awareness to advocacy, and the evolving role of earned media, Erin highlights where the opportunities lie—and how to use them to simplify your media strategy while building...
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In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford delivers a powerful wake-up call for nonprofits: playing it safe with your messaging and media strategy is no longer an option. Erin breaks down why diluted, overly cautious communication leads to lost impact, reduced fundraising, and even eroded relevance. She shares bold, actionable strategies to help nonprofits shift from safe to effective by embracing clarity, emotional resonan...
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In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford dives deeper into the topic of trust and its role as the cornerstone of modern media strategy. If your audience doesn’t trust you, the hard truth is: it’s not their fault—it’s yours. Erin breaks down why trust has become the ultimate metric for success in 2025, the most common ways brands and organizations erode trust without realizing it, and actionable steps you can take to rebui...
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Welcome to Season 2 of The Fourth Draft! After a year-long hiatus, Erin Trafford is back to guide you through the evolving media landscape. In this episode, Erin sets the stage for 2025 with a bold declaration: the old media playbook is officially obsolete. Learn why traditional communication strategies no longer work, how to align your media plan with modern principles, and why trust has become the most critical metric for success...
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The final episode of 2023, and Erin is sharing th behind the scenes of the latest gathering of the Story Studio Network team in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Sharing the new and refined values for the company: curiosity, integrity and courage - and how they blend to create great storytelling and a new media model.

Erin also shares two reading suggestions for the holidays if you are looking to better understand how to turn creativity into a...
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December 6, 2023 30 mins
Why are podcast networks so hard to start, run and sustain? What forces are at play in the media industry now that prevent independent companies from having true succuess in podcasting?

Where are the opportunities for growing a new media landscape that includes profitable, ethical and creative podcasting?

These are all the questions Erin tackles in this episode (which was simulcast live on Instagram!)


Connect with Erin on LinkedIn ...
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November 29, 2023 18 mins
Erin answers the perennial question 'what is a download?' and 'how do I get more downloads?' and suggests that perhaps the better question to ask is 'how do I get more attention on my show?'

Highlights of this episode:
  • how different platforms measure podcast downloads (and why they aren't all equal)
  • why do you want more downloads?
  • a measurement that helps you go beyond downloads (and the full calculation)
Connect with Erin on ...
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Join Team Story Studio Network as they share the biggest misconceptions and myths about branded podcasting, including:



  • misaligned expectations with what a podcast can and should do for your brand
  • how to best position your podcast in your marketing
  • questioning what it is you're 'selling' with your podcast

Connect with Erin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erintrafford/

Email us with feedback or ideas hello@storystudionet...
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November 15, 2023 19 mins
In this episode of The Fourth Draft, Erin Trafford explores the transformative power of branded podcasts, the nuances of content marketing and how brands are using podcasts to engage audiences and foster deep connections.

Key Takeaways:
  • Emotional Resonance: Erin discusses how branded podcasts, such as "The Sauce" by McDonald's and "Inside Trader Joe's," skillfully narrate stories that resonate emotionally with listeners, turning ...
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Dive into the repercussions of the Canadian bill C-18 as Erin Trafford and her team at Story Studio Network explore its impact on digital media platforms and the public's response to the shifting news landscape.

Key Takeaways:
  • Impact of C-18: The Canadian bill C-18 has led to a standoff between the government and tech giants, resulting in a shift in how news content is presented on platforms like Facebook and Google.
  • Public Awaren...
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November 1, 2023 23 mins
Join host Erin Trafford as she dives into the shifting tides of the Canadian media landscape, addressing the unique challenges Canadian media faces, the impact of government regulations, and the need for advocacy and innovation in the media industry.


Key Takeaways:
  • Unique Canadian Challenge: The Canadian media landscape operates differently than its international counterparts, particularly when juxtaposed with the American model....
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Dive into a raw and real behind-the-scenes look at our Monday morning meetings with Team Story Studio Network. This episode delves deep into the current state of podcasting, the rise of celebrity podcasts, the future of digital media, and the undeniable connection between podcast hosts and their audience.

Key Takeaways:
  • The Influence of Celebrity Podcasts: Are celebrity-driven podcasts overshadowing the essence of podcasting or a...
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Ever wondered if podcasts are just a fleeting trend or the future of digital media? Dive into this episode of 'The Fourth Draft' as Erin Trafford demystifies the unique power and potential of podcasting.

In this episode, we unpack:
  • The Future of Podcasting: Despite some skepticism in the industry, podcasting has a bright future, differentiating itself from traditional media forms like radio and television. Podcasting offers an i...
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