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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

    When a DDoS Attack Derails Your Rebranding Efforts

    What You’ll Learn In the summer of 2019, Director of Communications Patricia Contic and her team at Morristown (TN) Utility Systems were set to launch a company-wide rebranding effort. And then someone launched a DDoS attack on their network. In this episode, Patricia talks about how they managed the public backlash, deleted their Facebook page […]
    Andy Johns
    November 27, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Electrics Getting Member Approval to Offer Broadband

    What You’ll Learn The demand for broadband was there, but Joe Wheeler EMC (Trinity, Alabama) needed approval from its membership to enter the business. In this episode, Director of Communications Michael Cornelison talks about the actions his electric cooperative took to inform members and hold an election to change the company bylaws. Guest Speaker Michael […]
    Andy Johns
    November 27, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Boost Business with Diversified Services

    What You’ll Learn How can we diversify services to create market resilience, reduce churn, and increase revenue? What innovative methods can we use to add to the value we provide to customers? To explore these and other questions, NeoNova conducted an industry survey and hosted a small-group discussion workshop at the 2019 NTCA Technology & […]
    Stephen V. Smith
    November 6, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Options for Funding Broadband Expansion

    What You’ll Learn Federal and state grant programs are providing another source of funding for many to expand their broadband buildout. Whether an outright grant, a low-interest loan, or funding through the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunities Fund, there are several programs that can help fund your broadband project. Each program has detailed application requirements, but […]
    Stephen V. Smith
    November 6, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    An Overview of RUS Broadband Funding Programs

    What You’ll Learn Shawn Arner is the USDA RUS Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Loan Origination and Approval Division. He spoke from the conference main stage about the many funding programs available through the Rural Utilities Service. To learn more, contact Shawn at shawn.arner@usda.gov. Guest Speaker Shawn Arner
    Stephen V. Smith
    November 6, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Is the End of Robocalls Near?

    What You’ll Learn Robocalling is a huge issue for all of us and continues to be the number-one complaint to the FCC and FTC. More than half the calls to all mobile phones in the US in 2019 will be robocalls. STIR-SHAKEN is a framework developed by the ATIS/SIP Forum NNI Task Force to reduce […]
    Stephen V. Smith
    November 6, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    A Framework for Listening to your Customers

    What You’ll Learn If your company wants to reach its goals, improve its results and become more competitive, the Baldrige Framework provides a system for moving you toward excellence. In his presentation to on the conference main stage, Keiffer dove deep into the Customer Focus leg of the Leadership Triad, exploring how customer expectations, engagement […]
    Andy Johns
    November 6, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Building a Broadband Brand

    What You’ll Learn When Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative wanted to get into the broadband business, they created the Wave Rural Connect brand. How did they do it and what are the advantages of building a new brand? Guest Speaker James Ratterree
    Andy Johns
    October 25, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Storytelling & Improv for Business

    What You’ll Learn What can rural broadband communicators learn from improv and storytelling? Guest Speaker Jim Karwisch
    StoryConnect
    October 25, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    Opti-Fi branding & Digital Ad Tactics

    What You’ll Learn Riverstreet is offering a broadband only package under the Opti-Fi brand. How is the brand being recieved? This episode also includes a discussion about tactics for online ad tactics. Guest Speaker Wes Triplett
    Andy Johns
    October 17, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    The Latest Data on Rural TV Network Viewership

    What You’ll Learn Updating one of the year’s most popular episodes, Scott Meyer of Innovative Systems shares summer quarter viewership numbers showing which channels are the most and least popular rural viewers. Guest Speaker Scott Meyer Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: What can the latest data teach […]
    Andy Johns
    October 16, 2019
  • Podcasts
    The StoryConnect Podcast

    The Idea Co-Op

    What You’ll Learn NineStar Connect has launched “The Idea Co-Op” for business startups, remote workers and other people in need of work space. How did the make it a reality? Guest Speaker Jill Snyder
    Andy Johns
    August 8, 2019