Those who like grammar, like it a lot. For the rest of us, it can be a bit of a nuisance. But, we do our best to follow the rules because bad grammar is a bad look. Whether we’re looking for love, a job or an apartment, improper grammar can take us out of the running.But according to our experts these preconceived notions around grammatical rules are off track. Dr. Anne Curzan says good grammar has been a moving target for centuries while Dr. Andreea Calude says we’re very adept at tempering our language to suit the situation, which is a good thing.Join host Lottie Bazley on this episode of Infernal Communication as we learn how to tame our inner grammando and reveal the real rules of good grammar.

The almighty internet algorithm, we know it's out there, dishing out content it thinks we care about most, but how does it really work? As communications pros, it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of tech giants who get to pick and choose what lights up our screens. But there’s a way to become active participants in these systems, rather than just passive users.  In this episode, Cameron Hickey, CEO of the National Conference on Citizenship, walks us through the payoffs and pitfalls of content filtering. We also have algorithmic puppet master extraordinaire Gretchen Andrew, who shares how she tricked Google’s search engine into showing people her art instead of presidential election results. Join host Brian Tomlinson as guides us through practical tips on how we can work WITH algorithms to bridge the gap between humans and computers.

Did you ever hear the one about Tough Laroque? No? Well, have we got a story for you. Our guests are three Métis aunties and scholars, Sheila Laroque, Tanya Ball and Kayla Lar-Son. All three are lovers of books, they even have their own podcast called Book Women or masinahikan iskwêwak. But Sheila, Tanya and Kayla are also huge proponents of oral storytelling, both because they know a lot about it and they’re pretty good at it. There is often a lot of importance placed on writing things down but, when it comes to telling stories, some may be best saved for our ears, rather than on paper. Listen in to their conversation on Indigenous storytelling. With host Brian Tomlinson, Sheila, Tanya and Kayla will cover what makes a good story, how its lessons change depending on the storyteller and the listener. And they’ll also remind us that sometimes a good story is just a good story! So sit back and enjoy. 

The hero’s journey is a familiar tale. It’s an archetype that follows The Hero on a quest where challenges are faced, insights are gained, after which the hero returns home transformed. That’s it. Simple, and very well used (see The Matrix, StarWars, The Lion King, etc).Join host Lottie Bazley as she takes us on a journey with a new storyline. This one includes flipping this well-known narrative on its head to find different perspectives, and rejecting the all encompassing confines of the hero’s journey. Lottie speaks with author and academic Emily Hauser, as well as Professor of Classical and Early Mediterranean Studies Joel Christiansen. Listen in for their takes on how heroic most heroes really are (not very), and more importantly, what we lose when we ignore other narratives and what we gain when we invite the background characters to center stage.

Everybody’s got a story, but how do you best tell yours?To delve into the depths of what makes a good story, we have storyteller extraordinaire, Kate Tellers to guide the way. She’s a host, director of MothWorks at The Moth, and co-author of the book How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling. The Moth is a non-profit storytelling extravaganza with a podcast heard by millions. With host, Staffbase’s Brian Tomlinson, Kate gets personal and down to business as she reveals the secrets behind spinning a good yarn, how to keep it fresh, and how to get “off the page” in front of an audience.The stories we hear shape who we are, and so do the stories we tell. Listen in!

Welcome back to Season 2 of Infernal Communication, where we take a deeper look at the wild little fires communicators have to put out every day. Join our hosts Lottie Bazley and Brian Tomlinson of Staffbase as they bring together experts, authors and even a former private eye – for fresh perspectives that will soothe the burn of your latest communication breakdown. We’ve got new ways to look at the hero’s journey, and the art of the apology. We’ll talk about how to have difficult conversations, and the best way to bounce back from embarrassment by seizing control of your own narrative. This season we’re focusing on the depth and breadth of what it means to be a storyteller – because we know: Communication is hard. Being a communications professional is even harder. So why not let Infernal Communications make your job easier and probably a little more fun.