Insights – OnWrd & UpWrd

Building Trust, Community, and Belonging: Inside Virginia REALTORS®

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:May 27, 2026
Post category:Podcast

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Leslie Frazier, SVP of Community and Industry Relations at Virginia REALTORS®, for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, advocacy, housing, and the evolving role of associations in building stronger communities. With experience spanning political campaigns, state government, and association leadership, Leslie shares how relationship-building, data, and authentic communication help Virginia REALTORS® navigate complex issues like housing affordability, advocacy, and belonging in a rapidly changing environment. Whether you lead advocacy, membership, communications, or strategy, this episode offers practical insight into how associations can stay trusted, relevant, and member-focused during times of change.

Helpful Marketing: Building Trust and Loyalty That Lasts

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:May 20, 2026
Post category:Podcast

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Katy Thorbahn, President & CEO of Shiny, for a thoughtful conversation about customer indifference, trust-building, and why the most effective organizations focus less on selling—and more on being genuinely helpful. Drawing from her deep experience in financial services marketing, Katy shares how brands in highly commoditized industries build loyalty by creating confidence at every step of the customer journey. While her work centers on financial services, the lessons translate directly to associations navigating member engagement, retention, and long-term trust. Whether you’re rethinking onboarding, trying to improve renewal experiences, or looking for ways to create stronger member connection in a crowded landscape, this conversation offers practical, human-centered insights that associations can apply immediately.

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.