It is hard to even believe that HERA has made the major milestone of releasing our 100th podcast episode!

I recall the moment that we sat in our newly engaged PR company’s office discussing how HERA could improve its communication reach, and they pitched the podcast idea.

I honestly thought they were mad. I had no idea how to curate a podcast and I was unsure how we could get people to listen when we were struggling to get engagement with our normal communications as it was! All I can say is that Alexander PR was extremely convincing because fast-forward a few months and we were launching our first podcast to the world!

Now five seasons on with over 10,000 downloads and 100 episodes under our belt, as well as being named a shortlisted finalist in the global SABRE Awards – it is safe to say it was the communications move of a lifetime!

How it all began… a focus on digital

Back in 2019 HERA was looking to do things differently.  We had made a strategic communications plan which was focused on pivoting to digital communications, increasing our touch points and committing to being more transparent and genuine on a regular basis. We also decided that we had to be a stronger thought leader which meant provoking conversations and choosing a side of a fence when it came to topical conversations in play.

Until that time, we had not been too loud in sharing what we were doing, what we stood for, or responding to statements in media. In fact, it would be safe to say that for the most part, our industry has always been comfortable with saying very little… sticking to the notion that a ‘heads down and bottom up’ approach ensures our great work does the talking for us!  Of course, this didn’t work in our favour as it allowed others to position us in the market.

For HERA, our podcast ‘Stirring the Pot’ was the answer. If the topic wasn’t inspiring, insightful or challenging in someway to the listener – it didn’t make the cut. From steel making to our research, sustainability, innovation, Industry 4.0, mātauranga Māori and more we have had amazing guests share their expertise on the topics that matter.

A new lease of life

Admittedly, mid-way through this year we were thinking the podcast had done its dash and perhaps it was time to wind it up. Five seasons is a long time, and it is hard to know if you are cutting through the noise.

The podcast gods must have heard us! Last month hitting our 10,000 download milestone, a week later releasing our 100th episode, and then low and behold – we made the top 15 inspirational podcasts in Aotearoa list!

It was enough to keep us hooked – so don’t worry, Stirring the Pot is not going anywhere soon, because these are three amazing milestone that we’re really proud of!

So, what better way to celebrate… than to highlight the top 25 podcasts across our five seasons who have contributed greatly to getting us where we are today!

Season 5 | 2023: Episodes 84 – 100

Season 4 | 2022: Episodes 60 – 83

Season 3 | 2021: Episodes 41 – 59

Season 2 | 2020: Episodes 23 – 40

Season 1 | 2019: Episodes 1 – 22

Keen on ‘Stirring the Pot’ yourself?!

If you haven’t yet tuned in to our podcast, please head over to your favourite podcast platform and hit subscribe!

If you want to stir the pot yourself when it comes to your communications but aren’t sure how to do it… we have an amazing digital content studio ‘Pūtātara’ which is available to support our members in their own digital content creation.

Find out how you can utilise it today by contacting our General Manager Communications, Kim Nugent.