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Podcasts

  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    The Power of Strategic Partnerships

    Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements.
    Andy Johns
    May 14, 2026
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    How Telcos are Responding to COVID-19 Part 1

    What You’ll Learn In partnership with Lead Tennessee Radio, WordSouth has four telco managers discussing how COVID-19 has impacted their operations. This episode includes Mark Patterson, William Bradford, Bruce Mottern and Jonathan West. Guest Speaker Mark Patterson, William Bradford, Bruce Mottern & Jonathan West Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. […]
    Andy Johns
    June 3, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    An Annual Meeting Goes Virtual

    What You’ll Learn Norvado became one of the first — but likely not the last — cooperatives to hold its annual meeting virtually. How did they pull it off? Guest Speaker Chad Mix Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: What does it look like to have your annual […]
    Andy Johns
    May 18, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Working (& Managing) Remotely Webinar

    What You’ll Learn This episode is the audio from a WordSouth webinar on April 30 titled Working (and Managing) Remotely. Guest Speaker Jared Dovers, Kerry Scott & Noble Sprayberry Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: Good morning, everybody. If you don’t know me, if we’ve not met before, […]
    Andy Johns
    May 7, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    WordSouth’s COVID-19 Resource Kit

    What You’ll Learn WordSouth developed the industry’s first COVID-19 resource kit for utility communicators. CEO Stephen V. Smith joins the show to discuss the free kit and strategies for communicating in this unprecedented time. Guest Speaker Stephen V. Smith Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: What went into […]
    Andy Johns
    April 13, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Introducing the Smart Rural Communities Podcast

    What You’ll Learn NTCA has rolled out it’s brand new Smart Rural Communities Podcast. How is the association using podcasts to help tell the rural broadband story? Guest Speaker Laura Withers Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: How is NTCA using podcasts to share the word about their […]
    Andy Johns
    March 17, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Everyone At Your Company Is A Storyteller

    What You’ll Learn At Omnitel, storytelling is an important skill for all employees. CEO Ron Laudner tells us how and why it’s important for everyone to be on the same page. Guest Speaker Ron Laudner Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: What can you do to get your […]
    Andy Johns
    March 17, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Telcos & Electric Cooperatives Working Together

    What You’ll Learn At RTIME, Fred Johnson was called on to articulate NTCA’s position on electrics getting into the broadband business. He joined the podcast after his address to share his thoughts. Guest Speaker Fred Johnson Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: What can your telco do to […]
    Andy Johns
    March 17, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Innovative Systems’ 2020 Video and Internet Study

    What You’ll Learn Scott Meyer of Innovative Systems shares insights from the 2020 Video and Internet Study, discussing DVR usage, streaming only households and an alarming decrease in customer satisfaction among rural telcos. Guest Speaker Scott Meyer Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: What are some of the […]
    Andy Johns
    March 17, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Using Podcasts To Communicate With Legislators

    What You’ll Learn The Tennessee Broadband Association has launched Lead Tennessee Radio as a tool to both communicate important policy issues with listeners and build relationships with legislators. Checkout Lead Tennessee Radio. Guest Speaker Levoy Knowles Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: How can podcasts play a role […]
    Andy Johns
    March 17, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    How To Be Interviewed

    What You’ll Learn PRTC has received a fair share of media attention in recent years. CEO Keith Gabbard offers tips on being interviewed and discusses how telling stories can positively shape coverage. Guest Speaker Keith Gabbard Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: What can you do to help […]
    Andy Johns
    March 17, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    The story of Freedom Fiber

    What You’ll Learn Tombigbee Electric Cooperative was early to the game on fiber optics. What can other electrics learn from Tombigbee’s Freedom Fiber service? Guest Speaker Steve Foshee Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: What can electric cooperatives learn about getting into the broadband business from freedom FIBER? […]
    Andy Johns
    January 16, 2020
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Partnership Helps Electric Cooperative Enter Broadband Business

    What You’ll Learn Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market, Tennessee, did its homework before deciding to enter the broadband business — what Director of Member Services Mitch Cain calls “the largest investment our cooperative had ever made.” In this episode, Mitch talks about what led to AEC’s decision to offer broadband, and how finding the […]
    Andy Johns
    November 27, 2019