We are living in troubling times when Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, feel they have to go to court to prove she is a woman. The couple's lawyer says 'a line has been crossed' by an online influencer who has repeatedly claimed Mrs Macron is a man. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the 'fight for truth'. Famous people and businesses used to be able to ignore or not comment on stories that were clearly untrue. But in the disinformation age, lies gain traction - and stick - f...
Sep 24, 2025•31 min
It was only a few months ago that Prince Harry was being roundly criticised pretty much everywhere. An ill-judged and hot-headed BBC interview where he discussed the King's health did him few favours. And yet, this week, there has been a shift. In this week's episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis discuss whether this is a genuine turning point for Harry's PR. Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they'll explain why it might not all be over for the master of spin, Peter Mandelson. He may...
Sep 17, 2025•38 min
Rebrands, name changes, financial black holes. Just what is going on with WH Smith? This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the reputation of a high street institution. With stores up and down the country now being called TG Jones, what sort of messaging - if any - has taken place between the new owners and Smith's existing customers? And with most of us looking for a cheap online deal, they'll also explain why retail PR is no longer the glamorous industry it once was. And in the extend...
Sep 10, 2025•32 min
'PRs hold up the mirror and sometimes people don't like what they see.' So say David Yelland and Simon Lewis in their final episode on golden rules. This week, it's all about self-awareness and the ability to ask, 'Are we the bad guys?'. David and Simon look at why it's vital to understand how other people really see you or your business, because it changes how you behave. And why it can lead to making far better PR decisions. Part of the solution is to challenge groupthink and having the confid...
Sep 03, 2025•8 min
If you say you're going to hit a target, make sure you hit it. Managing expectations is one of the most important golden rules of PR, according to David Yelland and Simon Lewis. In this episode, they look at the pitfalls of over promising - both to shareholders and the public. It's far better for people to be pleasantly surprised at what you've achieved rather than wildly disappointed. David and Simon look at real examples taken from the boardroom and politics to highlight the risks and rewards ...
Aug 27, 2025•8 min
Non attributable, authorised leaks, Chatham House rules. Briefing the media can be a baffling minefield. In this episode on golden rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the art of going on and off the record. They explain how it's possible to reveal and conceal vital or sensitive information, while protecting yourself and your clients in the process. Just make sure you've made it very clear what is -and isn't - up for publication. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executiv...
Aug 20, 2025•10 min
'Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.' An excellent nugget of wisdom from boxing legend Mike Tyson. But you don't need to be heavyweight champion to understand where he's coming from. In this episode on the golden rules of PR, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the importance of crisis planning - and why it's very common for those plans to go out the window the moment the crisis actually hits. You might not be able to rehearse exactly what's going to happen but you can ta...
Aug 13, 2025•11 min
It's not quite two tribes going to war but it can feel like that. In this episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the complicated relationship between PR and the media. You know what story you want to tell but a journalist might have another idea entirely. David and Simon examine the mistakes that even the top CEOs make when talking to reporters. And they explain the conflicting nature of the two worlds and how to navigate between them. Top tip: Even if you've known a journalist for years...
Aug 06, 2025•10 min
Just the word 'networking' can conjure up images of high-powered people in suits who all seem to be part of the same club - and you have no idea how to get in. But it doesn't have to be like that. In this episode on golden rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why growing your network is vital to success - and the best time to start is right now. Whatever your background, they look at how you can start to increase your contacts - even if it's just asking for a phone number. And they expla...
Jul 30, 2025•10 min
Loads of money, success and power - great. But what do people actually think of you? In this new, short series, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at some of the golden rules that they come back to time and again on When it Hits the Fan. First up, they explain why reputation really is everything. You might be flying high now but if you fall, you might find it very hard to climb back to the top without having a good reputation. David and Simon explain why it can be very healthy - if not a little ...
Jul 23, 2025•10 min
The idea of a secret meeting is just that - it stays secret. So what happens when that meeting becomes front page news? It's time to call in the PR detectives. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the curious case of a clandestine meeting between the senior staff of both Prince Harry and the King. Someone tipped off the press. But who - and why? David and Simon sift through the evidence to establish what might have been going on behind-the-scenes and which PR team - if any - has most...
Jul 16, 2025•23 min
We tend to like leaders to appear calm and in control. But we also want them to be human. The problem is, when they show genuine emotion, they often get slated for it - branded as 'weak' or an 'embarrassment'. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how people in public life are judged for letting the mask slip - and reveal how much effort goes in to preparing people to show more or less emotion. They'll also examine whether suppressing emotion is the only way to get to the top in busin...
Jul 09, 2025•35 min
Siblings at war, power struggles, a well-earned reputation in need of protection - who doesn't love a family dynasty drama? As Eric Trump hints he could try and run for President, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how you PR a dynasty, in both business and politics. How do you build momentum and create an inevitability about succession? And on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, why the world of PR loves an anniversary. As Keir Starmer marks a year in power, David and Simon explain why it ca...
Jul 02, 2025•26 min
Just be your best authentic self. That's supposedly what we should all be striving for. But is it good advice and in public life, is it even possible? This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at creating the illusion of authenticity and why the public can sniff out a fake a mile off. Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon celebrate the PR holy grail that is the word-of-mouth smash. And with new statues being announced for the late Queen and Sir Andy Murray, they'll loo...
Jun 25, 2025•28 min
Sure, who wouldn't want a wedding snap with Venice's Grand Canal in the background? But what if there were also dozens of banners showing your face on a rocket being blasted into space? As Jeff Bezos and his multimillionaire guests prepare to descend on Venice for his Big Day, David and Simon look at how the lavish bash is set against a backdrop of protests against mass tourism across Europe. And why AirBnB is trying to mount a fight back. Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, it seems ru...
Jun 18, 2025•29 min
Arise Sir Goldenballs. With David Beckham all set to receive a knighthood, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at whether it's possible to use PR to get yourself a major honour. Whisper it quietly, but there might be things you can do to, let's say, maximise your chances. Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they look at how to spin a change of direction after a week of high-profile U-turns. And they discuss what other campaigners could learn from Jamie Oliver as he sets his sights on how...
Jun 11, 2025•30 min
What do you get if the designer of the iPhone teams up with the founder of OpenAI? Unbelievable hype, that's what. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the huge buzz created by the news that Jony Ive and Sam Altman have joined forces to create 'the coolest bit of tech the world will have ever seen'. The claims don't end there - even though we have no idea what their new product will be. So how do you PR something that doesn't yet exist? Also, on the extended version on BBC Sounds, we...
Jun 04, 2025•27 min
It's that moment when a boss, a CEO or football manager goes all Peggy Mitchell and screams: 'You're Barred'. It might work in EastEnders but is it sensible in the world of PR? In this episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the motivations behind banning journalists. Is a ban just one big power play and does it ever achieve anything? And more importantly, are there darker arts that can be more effectively employed to freeze someone out? Also, in the extended episode on BBC Sounds, they'l...
May 28, 2025•29 min
How do you PR the future? That's the question David Yelland and Simon Lewis are wrestling with this week. As Uber says it's 'ready to go' with driverless cabs, can the British public be persuaded to jump in? How do you sell a vision? Also, in the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they look at Gary Lineker's departure from the BBC and the PR rules around staying silent or speaking out. And when is a gift not just a gift? Possibly when it's a $400m plane. David and Simon pull back the covers on the ...
May 21, 2025•31 min
Spying tends to be a fairly secretive game, for obvious reasons. So eyebrows have been quizzically raised (a bit like Roger Moore's 007) following the naming of the woman apparently favourite to become the new chief of MI6. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis explore the murky world of leaks. Who benefits from them, why are they done and just how damaging can they be? They'll explain why leaking is far from victimless and reveal their own experiences of turning on the news and realising som...
May 14, 2025•24 min
As far as royal interviews go, it'll take some beating. This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis sift through Prince Harry's BBC interview - and discuss whether it's a PR disaster. They discuss what sort of advice Harry is being given and why, when it comes to doing a big interview, the golden rule is 'never go in hot'. Listen to the full extended version on BBC Sounds, where David and Simon also look at how Marks & Spencer responded to a cyber attack - and why saying nothing can sometimes b...
May 07, 2025•24 min
What if your profession is to blame for almost everything? This week, David Yelland is joined from Washington by PR guru Phil Elwood - who thinks the industry needs to take a long hard look at itself. Accusing PR of being like a virus, Phil says the tricks of the trade that have been used for decades to influence, mislead and cajole have been co-opted by both the media and by governments. And the results aren't pretty. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William...
Apr 30, 2025•25 min
David Yelland and Simon Lewis discuss the global battle for hearts, minds and reputations between the US and China. Following JD Vance calling the people of China peasants, how far is China's retaliatory social media PR strategy seeking to embarrass America, or is the United States damaging its own reputation all by itself? Plus - Birmingham's rat problem, Signal chat leaks and what's been dubbed 'the biggest PR disaster in the universe' - it's Jeff Bezos's rocket launch and why all great PR cri...
Apr 23, 2025•29 min
Quick Wins from the When It Hits the Fan team is our how-to guide to being better at your own PR and navigating the world of work like a pro. In these special short episodes, David Yelland and Simon Lewis give you lots of useful tips that might just change your working life – and it’ll only take a few minutes of your time. In this episode, they share their advice on how to avoid being taken for granted at work. If you feel like you're the office dogsbody, David and Simon have some great advice f...
Apr 15, 2025•11 min
Quick Wins from the When It Hits the Fan team is our how-to guide to being better at your own PR and navigating the world of work like a pro. In these special short episodes, David Yelland and Simon Lewis give you lots of useful tips that might just change your working life – and it’ll only take a few minutes of your time. In this episode they share their advice on how bosses and HR departments should best deal with making people redundant. Managing expectations and compassion are key. And remem...
Apr 08, 2025•11 min
In this special episode David Yelland and Simon Lewis answer PR questions sent in by When It Hits the Fan listeners. First off, they are just two little words but they carry a lot of meaning... why 'no comment' can be both a good and bad thing to say - and what you might be able to say as an alternative. Also, they have some great tips for how to deal with a boss who's demanding national coverage despite having nothing newsworthy to report. There's advice for small charities on how to get your m...
Apr 01, 2025•20 min
In this special episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis unpick the PR levers being pulled behind the Heathrow airport shutdown caused by a fire at a local power substation – which left 300,000 passengers stranded, 1,300 flights cancelled and its CEO in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Was it wise to let it be known that CEO Thomas Woldbye was asleep when the decision was made to shut the airport? Or was it a leak? In any crisis there is always a blame game - who are the winners and losers...
Mar 25, 2025•26 min
Letting the cameras go behind the scenes of a company is always a risky strategy - but did it pay off for Thames Water? David Yelland and Simon Lewis assess whether BBC2's Thames Water: Inside the Crisis is a PR victory or a PR disaster for the much maligned utility. The frontline staff emerge as heroes, but is the real story being told? Also, how bad PR can kill a business - will the Tesla brand survive being tainted by Elon Musk? And how Prince William is using Aston Villa and football as soft...
Mar 18, 2025•28 min
Across the world reputations are being set by how leaders react to Donald Trump, including those of Keir Starmer and the King. Now Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, has seen his standing transformed by his "elbow’s up" anti-Trump stance. But in the country’s upcoming election, the Canadian question will be binary – who is the best candidate to deal with Trump’s America? Plus Abrdn’s reverse ferret and the decision by the investment company to return all its missing vowels following a wid...
Mar 11, 2025•28 min
In the wake of Donald Trump's decision to pause all US aid to Ukraine, David Yelland and Simon Lewis reflect on the breakdown in the relations between presidents Trump and Zelensky. How far was his humiliation in the Oval Office press huddle orchestrated in the Trumpian echo chamber? Was deploying the stabilising effect of the King both before and after that car crash press conference the wisest use of royal PR in decades? Also - how toy giant Hasbro managed to interrupt the global crisis to ann...
Mar 04, 2025•28 min
