EP#186: Stop talking, start listening — the secret to better government communication episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 18, 2025 · 46 MIN

EP#186: Stop talking, start listening — the secret to better government communication

from GovComms: The Future of Government Communication

What if better communication starts with listening, not telling?In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Natasha Plowman: a communications strategist, advisor, and founder of Spinning Red. Together they explore how listening, empathy, and authentic storytelling can transform the way governments engage citizens.From unpacking the ineffectiveness of the old ‘broadcast’ model to examining the use of buzzwords in sustainability conversations, Natasha urges listeners to imbue their stories with honesty, empathy, and curiosity.In a world where government communicators are facing rapid transformation, this episode offers a timely reminder. Meaningful change begins with understanding your audience — not just speaking louder.DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEHow listening creates more effective and trusted communicationWays to communicate across five generations in the workplaceHow storytelling connects people and drives understandingWhy transparency builds credibility during complex changeHow curiosity and self-awareness improve leadership communicationSHOW NOTESSpinning Red | Natasha PlowmanBreak the Silence Collective | Natasha PlowmanEmily’s List | Emily’s List AustraliaHigher Ground | Alison TaylorBlog | GovComms Podcast LinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if better communication starts with listening, not telling?In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Natasha Plowman: a communications strategist, advisor, and founder of Spinning Red. Together they explore how listening, empathy, and authentic storytelling can transform the way governments engage citizens.From unpacking the ineffectiveness of the old ‘broadcast’ model to examining the use of buzzwords in sustainability conversations, Natasha urges listeners to imbue their stories with honesty, empathy, and curiosity.In a world where government communicators are facing rapid transformation, this episode offers a timely reminder. Meaningful change begins with understanding your audience — not just speaking louder.DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEHow listening creates more effective and trusted communicationWays to communicate across five generations in the workplaceHow storytelling connects people and drives understandingWhy transparency builds credibility during complex changeHow curiosity and self-awareness improve leadership communicationSHOW NOTESSpinning Red | Natasha PlowmanBreak the Silence Collective | Natasha PlowmanEmily’s List | Emily’s List AustraliaHigher Ground | Alison TaylorBlog | GovComms Podcast LinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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EP#186: Stop talking, start listening — the secret to better government communication

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This episode was published on November 18, 2025.

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What if better communication starts with listening, not telling?In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Natasha Plowman: a communications strategist, advisor, and founder of Spinning Red. Together they explore how listening,...

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