The Data Center Backlash: What the Industry Gets Wrong About Public Opposition with Jeff Hahn and Jason Stephenson

The Data Center Backlash: What the Industry Gets Wrong About Public Opposition with Jeff Hahn and Jason Stephenson

In this episode, Prof. Fridrik Larsen sits down with Jeff Hahn, founder of Hahn Agency and an authority on crisis communications, and Jason Stephenson of Escalent, to explore the growing public opposition to data center expansion across the United States. While capital and demand behind the data center boom are at record levels, public skepticism is rising just as fast. Their research shows that awareness of data centers is widespread, but consumer knowledge remains shallow, leaving the conversation open to fears around water and energy consumption, rising utility costs, and the pace of unchecked industrial expansion. Hahn and Stephenson argue that the industry's tendency to operate "under the radar" has become a strategic liability. Without proactive communication and genuine corporate citizenship, developers and utilities risk losing the social license to operate at exactly the moment they need it most. They explore: * Why public awareness of data centers is high but understanding remains shallow * How the information gap is fueling political opposition on both sides of the aisle * Why legal battles are no substitute for community engagement * What developers and utilities can do to rebuild public trust in an increasingly bipartisan environment Jeff Hahn's data center communications playbook is available to download here: https://learn.hahn.agency/data-center-communications-playbook-info [https://learn.hahn.agency/data-center-communications-playbook-info]

Neuroscience & Energy Branding: Why Behavior Changes Beliefs with Dr. Kris De Meyer

Are we approaching energy communication backwards? In this episode, Prof. Fridrik Larsen sits down with Dr. Kris De Meyer, Neuroscientist and Director of the UCL Climate Action Unit, to explore how the human brain responds to large-scale change in the energy sector. While the technology and capital for a lower-carbon future are ready, progress is often slowed by resistance, misinformation, and polarised narratives. Dr. De Meyer explains why the traditional PR model of “changing minds to change behavior” often fails and why action-based storytelling may be the key to building acceptance. They explore: * Why our brains struggle to process rapid industry change * Why actions often shape beliefs, not the other way around * How persuasion can unintentionally fuel polarisation * Practical ways to shift messaging from problems to progress A fascinating discussion at the intersection of neuroscience, branding, and energy communication.

The State of Energy Brands: Insights from CHARGE North America

What are the biggest branding and marketing challenges facing energy companies today? In this episode, Prof. Fridrik Larsen is joined by Rob Cantrell, CEO of Atlantic Energy and long-time CHARGE supporter, to reflect on the recent CHARGE North America event held at CPS Energy in San Antonio. Rob shares his key takeaways from the event, including the conversations that challenged his thinking, the sessions that delivered real practical value, and why conferences like CHARGE are becoming increasingly important for business development in the energy sector. Together they explore: • The most valuable insights and discussions from CHARGE San Antonio  • Why practical, “nuts and bolts” marketing sessions resonated with attendees  • A thought-provoking perspective on the value of green branding  • Why branding and marketing should be part of every CEO’s strategic agenda Rob also shares why energy leaders should stop thinking of branding as a cost centre and start seeing it as a revenue driver.

From Charging Stations to Brand Perception: The New Frontline of EV Adoption

New research from Escalent reveals a critical shift in the EV buying journey: it’s not just about vehicle range it’s about confidence in charging infrastructure. While most EV owners charge at home, public charging reliability has an outsized impact on perception, recommendation and adoption. When charging fails, trust erodes. When it works seamlessly, it strengthens brand confidence and accelerates consideration. In this episode, KC Boyce, Vice President of Automotive & Mobility at Escalent, joins Fridrik Larsen, Founder of CHARGE/ brandr Index, to explore: • The link between charging reliability and EV recommendations • Why infrastructure visibility matters to non-EV buyers • The brand advantage of networks like Tesla Supercharger • How design and experience influence perception For energy leaders and automakers, the message is clear: charging infrastructure is no longer just operational, it’s reputational.

Breaking Bad News: Crisis Communication Insights

What should you say when everything goes wrong?  In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Hahn, author of Breaking Bad News and one of the most experienced voices in crisis communication. With more than 30 years in reputation management, Jeff breaks down why crisis communication isn’t a “dark art,” but a learnable system.  We explore:  * Why most organizations fail before a crisis even begins * The “3Ms” model: Message, Messenger, Method of Delivery * Real-world energy-sector case studies, from Colonial Pipeline to Hurricane Beryl * The biggest misconceptions leaders have when the pressure is on Jeff also shares what participants can expect from his upcoming session at CHARGE North America in San Antonio and why preparing for the worst can actually be fun. 🎧 Listen now!