What do goats, valentines and broadband labels have in common? They each offer a chance for you to tell your story. 

In March, “The StoryConnect Podcast” published our 250th episode: 

While we don’t claim to be the GOAT of storytelling podcasts, we’re proud that our podcast episodes, both new and from the archives, were played thousands of times last year. Each episode shares ideas from telco or electric utility communicators and industry leaders. Recent topics include: 

• How Can a Wet, Lost Dog Become a Champion For Your Story, with Christy Tuckey
• Helping Consumers Understand New Technology While Sharing Your Story, with Crystal Johnson-Smith 
• How Can You Engage Your Community to Celebrate Staff, with Lorri Freeman 
• Grant Writing Tips for Communicators, with Will O’Donnell 
• Crisis Communications, with Nathalie Strickland 
• What You Need to Know About New Broadband Labels, with Jeff Smith 
• How One Texas Telco Got 86% of Customers to Use Its App, with Russell Kacer 
• Rethinking Your Annual Meetings, with Garrett Hylton 

Since the podcast began in 2016, hosts Stephen Smith and Andy Johns have interviewed industry thought leaders to spark ideas for Utility Pioneers. Brand Storyteller Megan McKoy-Noe joined the podcast as a host in 2022.  

Behind the scenes, Associate Podcast Producer Sarah Wootten works with Lucas Smith to edit the audio, write episode summaries and get the podcast published on Google Play, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, pioneer.coop and other audio outlets.  

Award-winning Content 

“The StoryConnect Podcast” plays a critical role in Pioneer’s effort to turn pioneer.coop into a free, value-packed content resource for Utility Pioneers. Pioneer won two gold 2023 Spotlight on Excellence Awards from NRECA for the cross-channel storytelling strategy: Most Innovative Use of Digital Communication and Best Total Communication Program. 

More Podcasts From Utility Storytellers 

Pioneer’s team produces several podcasts covering broadband news, Northwest energy policy, consumer stories and more. Learn how you can tune in! 

• ‘Rural Broadband Today’
  Hear the stories of those working to bring broadband internet access within reach of every American. This interview-style show presents conversations with industry experts, business leaders and elected officials at the forefront of America’s efforts to solve the rural broadband challenge
• ‘Ruralite The Podcast’
  The episodes dive deeper into the stories of the people and community groups featured on the pages of Ruralite magazine
• NewsData’s Energy West
  Go inside the headlines with a podcast from our partners at Energy NewsData. “NewsData’s Energy West” explores energy policy and insights from utility industry leaders
• ‘Public Power Underground’
  Are you an electric utility enthusiast? Folks in the know tune in weekly to “Public Power Underground,” the premier infotainment podcast in the Northwest. A partnership between NewsData and Seattle City Light, “Public Power Underground” delivers fun and action-packed utility storytelling.
• ‘Lead Tennessee Radio’
  “Lead Tennessee Radio,” produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association and Pioneer, features interviews with lawmakers, public officials and others with a role in the growth and progress of Tennessee
• ‘BLC Connection Podcast’
  The “BLC Connection Podcast” is a fun and informative show from Ben Lomand Connect, produced in partnership with Pioneer, that answers consumer questions about the internet, Wi-Fi, home security and more. The podcast also offers tips for business marketing and residential/workplace technology.
• Coming soon: “Alaska Powerline,” a podcast partnership with the Alaska Power Association.  

Want to share your story on one of our podcasts?  

We’d love to hear from you! Send podcast story ideas to hello@pioneer.coop. 

Want to create your OWN podcast? We can help there, too!