Colleen Gallagher – OnWrd & UpWrd

Replay: How OnWrd & UpWrd — and This Podcast — Got Started

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:May 13, 2026
Post category:Podcast

In this special replay episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, O&U CEO Colleen Gallagher revisits the very first episode of the show — originally recorded more than four years ago when the podcast launched as The Association 100. As OnWrd & UpWrd approaches six years in business, Colleen reflects on the early conversations, industry frustrations, and vision that led her and Meghan Henning to build an agency focused on helping associations strengthen communications, visibility, and trust. While the industry has evolved significantly since this episode first aired, many of the core themes — authentic storytelling, strategic communications, and serving as true extensions of client teams — remain just as relevant today. Tune in for a look back at where it all started and the mission that continues to shape Association Insights and OnWrd & UpWrd today.

AI + PR Right Now: What’s Actually Working, What’s Not, and What’s Changing Fast

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:May 6, 2026
Post category:Podcast

In this solo episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & Upwrd, host Colleen Gallagher takes a step back to unpack where AI actually stands right now in association communications and PR. After months of rapid experimentation across the industry, Colleen moves beyond the hype to focus on what’s actually working, where teams are seeing real value, and where challenges are starting to surface. From accelerating workflows to protecting voice and credibility, this episode offers a clear, practical lens on how associations can use AI effectively—without losing what makes their communications impactful. If your team is navigating how to use AI in PR, messaging, or content strategy, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters most right now.

Why Trust Is the Most Valuable Asset Associations Have Right Now

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:April 29, 2026
Post category:Podcast

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher takes a step back to focus on a foundational—but often overlooked—driver of association success: trust. In a landscape shaped by information overload, growing skepticism, and declining institutional credibility, trust is no longer assumed—it’s earned, reinforced, and, if neglected, quickly lost. Whether you’re leading communications, shaping strategy, or thinking about how your organization shows up in the market, this episode offers a clear, practical lens on how to build trust in a time when it matters more than ever.

Using Member Data to Strengthen Your Messaging

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:April 22, 2026
Post category:Communications Strategy Podcast

In this solo episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher, President & CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd, breaks down one of the most overlooked opportunities in association communications: how to better use the member data you already have to shape stronger, more relevant messaging. While many organizations focus on collecting more data, Colleen challenges that assumption arguing that most associations already have a wealth of insight at their fingertips. The real gap isn’t access to information. It’s how that information is translated into what organizations actually say publicly. If you’re responsible for communications, marketing, membership, or leadership strategy, this episode offers a practical, mindset-shifting approach to building messaging that resonates—and drives real engagement.

How Leading Associations Are Turning Annual Meetings Into Year-Round Visibility

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:April 15, 2026
Post category:Podcast

In this solo episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher explores how leading associations are rethinking their annual meetings—not just as events, but as strategic opportunities to build visibility, credibility, and momentum that lasts well beyond the closing session. Whether you’re planning your next annual meeting or reflecting on one you just hosted, this episode offers practical insight into how to turn a single event into longer-term impact for your organization and your members.

Turning Insight into Action: Real-World Scenarios Associations Are Facing Right Now

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:April 8, 2026
Post category:Podcast

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher is joined by Meghan Henning, Senior PR Strategist & Founding Partner, and Christine Stay, Director of Operations at OnWrd & UpWrd, for a fast-paced conversation on the real challenges associations are facing right now. Instead of going deep on one topic, this episode takes a rapid-fire approach to the situations many teams are navigating every day—from lack of visibility and overwhelmed staff to stalled campaigns, underused member stories, and uncertainty around AI. Whether you’re leading communications, managing operations, or wearing multiple hats, this episode offers useful insight on how to focus, prioritize, and move forward with more clarity.

Building a Movement: Advancing Women in Association Leadership

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:April 1, 2026
Post category:Podcast

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Alexandra Bradley, President; Kim Howard, CAE, President-Elect; and Whitney Meyerhoeffer, MPA, CAE, Secretary/Treasurer of The Alliance for Women in Associations. Together, they share how the Alliance came to life, the gap it is designed to fill, and why creating community for women in the association space feels especially urgent right now. If you’re thinking about leadership growth, community-building, or how associations can better support women at every stage of their careers, this conversation offers thoughtful perspective and practical insight.