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We’re sharing our most popular podcast episodes of the year. Haven’t been tuning in? Search “The StoryConnect Podcast” episodes by topic at pioneer.coop/podcasts and subscribe so you don’t miss future ideas!
What challenges are you facing as a communicator at your utility? Chances are, someone else has been there—and we’ve likely asked them about it on Pioneer’s national award-winning “The StoryConnect Podcast.”
Co-hosts Andy Johns and Megan McKoy-Noe record video podcasts throughout the year and podcast from industry events, including NRECA’s CONNECT conference, Calix ConneXions and NWPPA’s Northwest Innovations in Communications event. An average of 57 Utility Pioneers tunes in to each episode, adding up to more than 20,340 downloads by the end of 2025.
With fresh episodes each month, ideas range from reducing churn and energizing annual meetings to creating an influencer program. We love every episode, and it’s an annual tradition to share which episodes you listened to the most, with handy audio and video links so you can catch up if you missed one.
Top 10 “The StoryConnect Podcast” Episodes in 2025:
1. “Status Quo Is Not Company Policy”
Want to change the culture at your company? Hear how David Naylor at Rayburn Electric Cooperative realigned core values to push for innovation throughout the organization. He wrote the book on it. Literally.
2. “The Value-Based Approach to Selling Broadband“
Calix’s Joe Kohegyi says competing on price and speed is a recipe for failure. Modern consumers want value in their connection, and smart broadband marketers are working to communicate the value they deliver.
3. “The Importance of Alignment and How to Get There”
Clever marketing campaigns are fun, but they won’t work unless staff and sales processes are aligned. CLtel’s Vernon Johnson walks through how his utility gets everyone, from CSRs to technicians, on the same page.
4. “Reducing Broadband Business Churn”
Tired of losing subscribers every month? It’s even harder when business subscribers leave. Business customers need reliability, flexibility and simple billing. Shannon Stafslien at RTC Networks shares how delivering and communicating those value adds can lead to long-lasting subscriber relationships.
5. “Subscriber Study Shows Shifting Attitudes About Satellite Internet”
Fun fact: 37% of people don’t know their broadband speed. Want more? Scott Meyer dives into Innovative Systems’ annual Rural Subscriber Study, exploring low Earth orbit satellite attitudes, pricing pain and video needs.
6. “Changing an Annual Meeting to Energize the Attendees”
Are you ready to reimagine your annual meeting? In Montana, Flathead Electric’s team was challenged by the board to reach more members. We talked to Sharilyn Fairweather, Courtney Stone and Will Tutvedt about how incorporating an energy expo, interactive videos and staff experts adds value to your event.
7. “Personal Branding for Introverts”
Can’t wait for StoryConnect? Get a preview in this episode with author and StoryConnect 2026 speaker Goldie Chan. In her book, “Personal Branding for Introverts,” Goldie outlines how to remain true to yourself, while taking strategic steps to improve your network and reputation.
8. “Co-op Influencers: How to Find People to Tell Your Story”
How do you get consumers invested in focus groups? Rebrand them as influencers! Anna Politano shares how people are reacting to Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives’ Co-op Influencers Program. Awesome co-op swag may be involved.
9. “How Can Subscribers ‘Cash In’ at Community Events?”
Want to get attention? Give folks free money! In Kansas, one utility is handing out branded cash to use at local businesses during festivals. Hear Erma Ratliff share the idea behind Kanokla Cash to see if you can cash in on community growth, too!
10. “Bringing on Junior Board Members”
Seeking to engage younger members, Kankakee Valley REMC launched a Junior Board program to introduce high school students to the co-op’s operations. Amanda Steeb and Dave Howell share how the utility went back to school to engage future members.
Go to Amanda’s EpisodeWait. You Haven’t Heard of the Podcast?
Celebrating a decade of storytelling in 2026, “The StoryConnect Podcast” plays a critical role in Pioneer’s effort to make pioneer.coop a value-packed content resource for Utility Pioneers. Since the podcast began in 2016, hosts Stephen Smith and Andy have interviewed industry thought leaders to spark ideas for Utility Pioneers. Megan joined the podcast as a host in 2022.
Behind the scenes, Associate Podcast Producer Sarah Wootten works with Lucas Smith to edit the audio, helps the AV team edit the video, then writes episode summaries and gets the podcast published on popular platforms.
To share what we’ve learned about podcasting, Pioneer’s podcast production team wrote an award-winning guide, “How to Stream Stories with Podcasts,” on how to create, launch and promote audio storytelling. We help many Utility Pioneers with podcast production. Want a podcast of your own? We’d love to work with you!
Ready to tune in? You’ll find us wherever you tune in to podcasts, including:
Want to share your story on one of our podcasts? Send ideas to hello@pioneer.coop.