The Stuck Record Podcast

Finding a new groove for internal communication...

The Stuck Record is for anyone tired of hearing the same old internal communication clichés on repeat.

Hosted by Emma Bridger and Lee Smith, co-authors of People-First Internal Communication, each episode explores how we can break free from outdated thinking and create more human, connected and impactful workplaces.

Tune in for fresh ideas, honest conversations and the occasional blast from the past.

22 OCT | 46 min 11 sec

Why does internal communication feel like it’s stuck on repeat?

In this opening track, authors Lee Smith and Emma Bridger trace the journey of IC from its people-first roots to today’s AI era — exploring why we keep replaying the same challenges and how to finally move on.

03 Nov | 33 min 39 sec

From expert first to people first (and why that's scary!)

In this second track, Emma and Lee discuss the shift from“expert-as-power” to what it means to co-create. Plus why it might feel risky but it's absolutely necessary for the profession to succeed.

13 Nov | 37 min 22 sec

What does it take to thrive as an internal communicator in a people-first, AI-enabled world?

Emma and Lee , explore the six human superpowers that define the future-ready communicator — empathy, curiosity, creativity, resilience, influence and courage.

28 Nov | 45 min 29 sec

From traditional communication campaigns, to creating meaningful internal comms experiences

This episode unpacks the "People-First Design Loop," the core methodology at the heart of Emma and Lee's book, People-First Internal Communication. 

04 Dec | 32 min 52 sec

What AI can already do, what it definitely can't do - and what the real value of IC lies in the human strengths machines can't replicate.

Expect more honest stories, practical tools, a few AI-induced mishaps — and a roadmap for thriving in the hybrid human+AI era.

10 Dec | 34 min 33 sec

A rallying cry, a reflection and a challenge...

Lee and Emma close out their debut 'album' with the People-First Internal Communication Manifesto: here we have a call to reset the profession’s purpose, methods and mindset for the age of AI.