The Writer's podcast

We're joined by Catherine Brew-Cain, Head of Corporate Brand Marketing and Voice at McKesson. Find out how the 186-year-old healthcare company is using language to evolve its brand.

Today we talk to people making a difference with words. We’re joined by Catherine Brew-Cain who’s been giving a voice to one of the biggest names in healthcare: McKesson. We’ll also be looking at some hilariously over-the-top emails from deodorant and vitamin brands. But the question is: are they really hilarious or are they just plain annoying? You be the judge.

Today we’ll be speaking about the risks and rewards about having a distinctive voice in the super regulated world of asset management. Joining us is Kevin Knighten, Global Brand Director and man in charge of all things language at asset management firm, Franklin Templeton.

Rachel Eyre from Sainsbury's and Professor Jenni Romaniuk from the Ehrenberg Bass Institute talk about that mysterious beast: distinctiveness. And how you could make sure your brand stands out.

How English really works, with the grumpy liberal linguist (and co-author of the Cambridge Grammar of the English Language). Take cover: copy editors, ‘pork-for-brains’ consultants, blog commenters and HSBC.

Lacy Rohre on her mission to turn around EA's customer experience by talking to players like players. And feeling ‘verklempt’.

The Economist’s language columnist Robert Lane Greene takes down ugly unsplit infinitives, Nerdview and Delta Airlines. And 8 Mile comes to the podcast… kinda.

Google’s naming guru, Amanda Peterson, talks about cats, Bundt cakes, keeping secrets, and names. And will the robots replace us all?

How can language help revive a much-loved brand? The Co-op brand team tell all. Oh, and the word ‘clart’.

Innocent’s group head of brand talks about inventing wackaging, and being funny in Finnish. And what’s gone awry with English teaching in British schools?

Jon Hawkins talks about his eight-year mission to transform the language of one of Britain's biggest businesses. And we learn about poetry from The Donald.