Our two most recent episodes featuring Dr. Renata Schiavo on the science of trust in health communication (Part 1, Part 2) landed in the top 5% of all podcasts worldwide shortly after release, according to industry benchmarks (Buzzsprout data ).
This is a first for us, and I want to say thank you!
10 Minutes to Better Patient Communication consistently ranks in the top 25% of podcasts, often reaching the top 10%. But breaking into the top 5% reflects exceptional audience engagement and interest. It’s been exciting to see that kind of response, but what’s more interesting to me is why it happened, and what it might tell us.
These viral-in-podcast-land episodes featured Dr. Renata Schiavo, returning to the show after nearly 5 years. So much has changed. I think it’s safe to say that Dr. Schiavo’s topic–the science of trust–drove the spike in engagement. It’s an urgent and complex subject, and Dr. Schiavo brought fresh insight: newly published research, along with links to a trust-focused initiative through the Journal of Communication in Healthcare where she serves as Editor-in-Chief. That combination of research, momentum, and direction evidently resonated.
And there was broad reach globally! Over the last 30 days, our content reached users from more than 25 countries! These data show cross-cultural relevance for our recent topics like trust, and AI in health communication.
My purpose in starting the series was to help bring research, and an approach, from education that I believed could be helpful in health. Part of the energy of Health Communication Partners overall is this crossing of the fields. Another part of the energy of Health Communication Partners is you and me, and how we’re learning from each other. I created this series as a teaching and learning space, where all of us–myself included–could learn as much as teach.
So for me, personally and professionally, having this global moment is incredibly humbling because it is a kind of validation. We’ve always had a strong community, and to witness its expansion these last 10 days has put me through many emotions–pride, shock, fear, gratitude. I’m still processing (writing this post to you is helping) and will process some more in the next episode I’m sure.
The backdrop of this moment is crucial. Public health is literally under attack— the shooting at the CDC offices is tragic in itself and a stark reminder of the intense pressures and hostility facing public health institutions. Health providers are trying to do what’s best for your patients while having to think twice about the sources of the information you’ve long relied on to make clinical decisions.
I think we all heard Dr. Schiavo’s conversation about trust within these social, political, and economic contexts. (One of the things this spike in our audience has done is remind me of my own inclinations to be US-centric, and I’ve got to be mindful of that here too.)
I hope these episodes struck a chord because they managed to speak to you. I work hard at this. It’s part of what makes the show different: you, our audience and guests, lead the conversation. We shape it thoughtfully. We honor reflection over didacticism. All within a concise format that respects your expertise and time. In a sea of podcasts, the fact that you’ve tuned in, shared, and responded with such generosity, I don’t take for granted.
So what’s next? I’m updating our Equitable Communication course. I’d love to hear from you. What’s missing in the conversations around you? What would be most useful right now? If you have ideas, questions, or just want to share a perspective, drop a note through the contact form here. I really do read every message.
Thank you for this. Thanks for being here. Thanks for the work you do in the world.
