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When It Hits the Fan

Inside the world of crisis managers and spin doctors as David Yelland and Simon Lewis watch the week's biggest PR disasters unfold.

Radio 4,131 episodes

Episodes

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Golden Rules - S3
3. Don't Break the Fourth Wall
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain the risks of showing your PR workings.
9 mins
Golden Rules - S3
2. Don't Delay PR
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why speed can be vital in a crisis.
10 mins
Golden Rules - S3
1. Rolling the Pitch
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why making your plans public can carry great risks.
10 mins
Why Optimism is a PR Superpower
David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at why PR needs reasons to be cheerful.
17 Dec 2025,24 mins,
Simon Cowell's PR: Judged!
David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at whether Simon Cowell's PR has the X-Factor.
10 Dec 2025,29 mins
Nuns on the Run
David Yelland and Simon Lewis celebrate the PR brilliance of an incredible Sister Act.
03 Dec 2025,30 mins
Power, PR and the 'Epstein Class'
David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the secrets of how the elite communicate.
26 Nov 2025,30 mins
The Secrets of the List: Putting Yourself in the Frame for a Top Job.
David Yelland and Simon Lewis reveal how to PR yourself onto the list for a top job.
19 Nov 2025,28 mins
Is the BBC 'hopeless at PR'?
David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how the BBC's handling its reputation in a crisis.
12 Nov 2025,27 mins
Two Weeks that Shook the Palace
David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the gulf between two royal statements.
05 Nov 2025,31 mins
The Strictly Bombshell
David Yelland and Simon Lewis dance around what happens when a PR team is blindsided.
29 Oct 2025,36 mins
The Prince Andrew Crisis
David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how the Palace is handling the Prince Andrew crisis.
22 Oct 2025,25 mins
What Victoria Beckham's revelation reveals about PR
David Yelland and Simon Lewis discuss how to have the most delicate conversations.
15 Oct 2025,27 mins,
Michelle Mone: Her PR Rise and Fall
David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine whether some people are beyond the help of PR.
08 Oct 2025,32 mins
Prince Harry and the Men in Grey Suits
David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the fine line between coincidence and conspiracy.
01 Oct 2025,28 mins
Why the Macrons are willing to bare all
David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine how to fight back against disinformation.
24 Sep 2025,30 mins
Prince Harry's PR Comeback
David Yelland and Simon Lewis analyse a surprisingly good week for Prince Harry.
17 Sep 2025,38 mins
Alas WH Smith and Jones
David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the rebranding of a high street institution.
10 Sep 2025,31 mins
When it Hits The Fan: Golden Rules
1. Reputation is Everything
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why success is not the same as reputation.
23 Jul 2025,9 mins
When it Hits The Fan: Golden Rules
2. Start Networking Now
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why networking is something everyone can do.
30 Jul 2025,10 mins
When it Hits The Fan: Golden Rules
3. The Media is Not Your Friend
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain the need for caution when dealing with the media.
06 Aug 2025,10 mins
When it Hits The Fan: Golden Rules
4. Prepare For A Crisis
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why even the best plans can go wrong in a crisis.
13 Aug 2025,10 mins
When it Hits The Fan: Golden Rules
5. Know How To Go Off the Record
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain how to speak to the media on and off the record.
20 Aug 2025,9 mins
When it Hits The Fan: Golden Rules
6. Never Over Promise
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why managing expectations is a vital part of PR.
27 Aug 2025,8 mins
When it Hits The Fan: Golden Rules
7. Be Honest With Yourself
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain the importance of self awareness in business.
03 Sep 2025,8 mins
A Right Royal Whodunnit
David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the fallout from a very public secret royal meeting.
16 Jul 2025,22 mins
The Crying Game
David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the risks and rewards of showing your emotions.
09 Jul 2025,35 mins
Dynasty PR: Can the Trumps learn from the Royals?
David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how to PR family dynasty.
02 Jul 2025,25 mins
Faking It To Make It
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why 'being yourself' might just be a terrible idea.
25 Jun 2025,27 mins
Is Bezos blind to Venetians?
David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how Venice is preparing to 'welcome' Jeff Bezos.
18 Jun 2025,28 mins