Advertise on podcast: The StoryConnect Podcast

Elizabeth Kuhns, of Dickson Electric and Ignite Broadband, shares how her team used employee incentives to help boost morale around the launch of the broadband division. Incentives don't have to be expensive, but they can go a long way toward keeping employees excited and encouraging ownership during a season of change and uncertainty.

From digital literacy classes for seniors to AI safety workshops for students, Hannah Patterson helps West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber build a smarter, safer online community. Her outreach programs partner with schools, libraries and local organizations to bring technology training to every age group—and she’s just getting started.

NISC merged with longtime competitor Meridian, bringing 1,500 member utilities under one roof. What does that mean for the marketers who rely on their tech? NISC CEO Doug Remboldt joins "StoryConnect" to unpack the platform conversion timeline, new data tools for targeted campaigns and storytelling resources for Utility Pioneers.

As digital storytelling evolves, Coweta-Fayette EMC's Tiffany Trueblood breaks down how her utility turned YouTube—with both shorts and long-form videos—into its top storytelling channel. Get practical tips on titles, B-roll shoots and handy tools to create video content.

In taking on the CEO role at DTC Communications, Kasey Krueger joined a small but growing number of top executives with roots in the marketing and communications departments. Listen in to hear his advice for others looking to climb the ladder in their careers. Other episodes in our informal series on marketing and comms professionals climbing to the C-suite: Libby Calnon: https://pioneer.coop/episode/communicators-moving-into-the-gm-role-part-1/Tim Brinkman: https://pioneer.coop/episode/from-the-marketing-department-to-the-gms-office/Scott Peters: https://pioneer.coop/episode/communicators-moving-into-the-gm-role-part-2/

Communicators are used to communicating outward. However, taking a few key steps can help them improve their organizations by communicating upward to the board and upper management.

Google noticed an increasing number of us are using artificial intelligence to search online and is making sweeping changes to how the web works. Broadband providers need to prepare for a world without the traffic from search engines they've relied on for decades.

Two Kentucky co-ops teamed up to foster community connections through casual coffee meetups. From discussing community concerns to sharing stories about the co-ops' histories, these meetups make a real impact. Learn why member engagement matters and how to create a community meetup of your own!

Are you tight on time and resources, but have a big event to plan? NTCA's Mark Marion outlines how an easy-to-build AI bot helped him plan and execute a recent big event.

As technology evolves, so do the challenges kids face while navigating the internet. CTC's Jenn Wilson-Kolesar shares how her telco created a children’s book, "Cyber Tech Critters," to engage kids and instill online safety lessons.

Sometimes the best storytellers aren’t on your communications team—they’re at your kitchen table. In this episode, White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s Jaime Dopp shares how a simple video series featuring lineworkers’ children captured hearts, racked up thousands of views and reminded members why this work matters.

Scott Meyer is back with more data to share on how younger subscribers feel about broadband pricing, customer attitudes toward satellite and cellular service and more. Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2026! Find the full 2026 Rural Broadbrand Subscriber Survey here: https://www.innovsys.com/innovsys/2026-rural-subscriber-study-2/

From cross-branding and tournaments to a local college team sporting the utility's name on its arena, Michigan's Midwest Energy & Communications plugs directly into a high-bandwidth internet subscriber audience. Candy Riem shares how Team Midwest turned an esports sponsorship into an effective broadband marketing story.

Erika Nelson of Lynxx Networks talks about the KPIs broadband providers should be paying attention to. From market share and ARPU to digital analytics and customer reviews, Erika shares how her team uses data to guide decisions and measure success.

Shelly Hansel, public relations director at SCTelcom, discusses creative ways cooperatives can incentivize employees and strengthen company culture. From referral bonuses to “Going the Extra Mile” awards and even monthly half-days off, Shelly shares how recognition, trust and leadership at every level help build a team of people who want to stay at the company for decades.