When It Hits the Fan Podcast
David Yelland and Farzana Baduel take you behind the headlines and into the high-stakes world of power, influence and reputation as they unpack the PR playbook.
When It Hits The Fan takes you behind the headlines and into the high-stakes world of power, influence and reputation. Each week, it unpacks the PR playbook used by some of the world's most powerful people and asks how the hidden hand of the communications industry shapes what you see, hear and believe.
Hosts David Yelland and Farzana Baduel dive into the week's biggest media storms, scandals and corporate crises, revealing how PR disasters unfold in real time. From political controversies to celebrity missteps and brand meltdowns, they trace where the story began, how it spiralled, and who ended up in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Bringing sharp insight and insider knowledge.
David Yelland is the former editor of The Sun and Farzana Baduel is an award-winning communications strategist and crisis management specialist. Together, they draw on decades of frontline experience shaping narratives, handling reputational firestorms and understanding what really drives the news cycle.
Episodes to download
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Captain Tom's family, Barclays and the Grand National
Wed 18 Oct 2023
David and Simon discuss the decision of Captain Tom鈥檚 family to enter the lion鈥檚 den.
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Tobacco, Beckham Inc and an Eton mess
Wed 11 Oct 2023
David and Simon discuss tobacco PR ethics, Beckham on Netflix and an Eton mess.
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The Taylor Swift effect, GB News and following Feargal
Wed 4 Oct 2023
David and Simon discuss the Taylor Swift effect, GB News and Feargal Sharkey.
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Murdoch, HS2 and British Gas
Wed 27 Sep 2023
David and Simon discuss Murdoch鈥檚 retirement and royal relations, HS2 and British Gas.
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Russell Brand, BP and Britain's 'golden triangle'
Wed 20 Sep 2023
David Yelland and Simon Lewis discuss Russell Brand, BP and Britain's 'golden triangle'.
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Elon Musk, 'sorry not sorry' and being booed
Wed 13 Sep 2023
David and Simon discuss Elon Musk, the 'sorry not sorry' interview and getting booed.
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Crumbling concrete, Harry returns and the Spanish FA
Wed 6 Sep 2023
David Yelland and Simon Lewis lift the bonnet on the government concrete crisis.
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Introducing When It Hits the Fan
Fri 1 Sep 2023
Who's in the news for all the wrong reasons? With David Yelland and Simon Lewis.
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3. Don't Break the Fourth Wall—Golden Rules - S3
Wed 7 Jan 2026
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain the risks of showing your PR workings.
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2. Don't Delay PR—Golden Rules - S3
Wed 31 Dec 2025
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why speed can be vital in a crisis.
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1. Rolling the Pitch—Golden Rules - S3
Christmas Eve 2025
David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why making your plans public can carry great risks.
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Quick Wins: How to avoid being typecast
Tue 15 Apr 2025
David Yelland and Simon Lewis share tips on how to avoid being the office dogsbody.
