Spring Break Bonanza
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll revisit key moments from the first quarter, focusing on how companies responded to politically charged events and public pressure. They examine the contrast between vague, low-risk corporate statements and decisive, values-driven action, using examples like a group of Minnesota CEOs, Capgemini, and media framing […]
Friendly skies vs. strong headwinds
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll examine how United and Delta communicated through a punishing week for the airline industry, marked by soaring fuel costs, geopolitical instability, airport disruption, and rising public frustration. They break down why United CEO Scott Kirby’s memo worked on substance but raised questions on timing, […]
Chalamet’s Choke, Daryl’s Splash
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll unpack how Timothée Chalamet’s Oscar campaign unraveled despite strong box office performance and critical acclaim. They examine how an aggressive, highly visible promotional strategy blurred the line between marketing and message, ultimately creating credibility issues with Academy voters. The discussion moves beyond surface-level PR […]
McMisfire
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll analyze two very different communications moments playing out in public view. First, they examine a viral Instagram video featuring McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski promoting the company’s new Big Arch sandwich. What began as a routine executive social media post quickly became an internet authenticity […]
