Cut Through the Noise with Aisling O' Rourke

Welcome to Cut Through the Noise, your go-to podcast for mastering the art of communication in your business!I’m your host, Aisling O’Rourke, the communications coach. With nearly twenty years in the Irish media landscape, I use my experience to advocate for communication as the cornerstone of business success.As we close out Season 10 , and the year that was 2025, this final episode is part reflection, part reset, and part invitation to slow down before moving forward.Throughout this season, I explored artificial intelligence through a communications and marketing lens: how it can support productivity, scale, creativity, and decision-making, and where it can quietly undermine our thinking if we’re not intentional. From systems and structure to cybersecurity, critical thinking, and business growth, the conversations highlighted one central truth: tools only work when the foundations are solid.In the second half of the show, I take a step back to acknowledge the reality of 2025, a year that has felt fast, complex, and overwhelming for many business leaders. Global uncertainty, shifting priorities, and constant change have made it harder to pause, reflect, and work on the business instead of just in it.This episode is an honest acknowledgment of that collective fatigue, and a reminder that progress still happened, even when it didn’t always feel like it.I share:Why it’s vital to pause before rushing into 2026How reflection creates clarity, momentum, and better decision-makingThe importance of recognising small wins in a challenging yearHow to separate facts from assumptions when reviewing your businessA practical walkthrough of the Gibbs Reflective Cycle as a simple framework to assess 2025 and plan intentionally for the year aheadRather than pushing goal-setting or resolutions, this episode encourages a quieter but more powerful practice: getting everything out of your head, naming what worked (and what didn’t), and using those insights to shape how you want to communicate, market, and lead in 2026.This is a grounding end-of-year listen for business leaders who want to move forward with clarity, confidence, and intention, without ignoring how hard the last twelve months have been.🎙 Cut Through the Noise will return in 2026 with more conversations, tools, and guidance to help you stand out, communicate clearly, and lead authentically.Make sure to check out our YouTube for exclusive bonus content: YouTubeIf you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: hello@thecommunicationscoach.ieEditing is by Amanda FitzgeraldAisling’s Socials:Website Email InstagramLinkedIn

Welcome to Cut Through the Noise, your go-to podcast for mastering the art of communication in your business!I’m your host, Aisling O’Rourke, the communications coach. With nearly twenty years in the Irish media landscape, I use my experience to advocate for communication as the cornerstone of business success.Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, but what does that really mean for communications and marketing professionals?In this extended episode of Cut Through The Noise, I had the pleasure to be joined by Tom Hewitson, AI expert and founder of General Purpose, the UK’s longest-established AI training school. Together, they unpack the hype, fear, and opportunity surrounding AI and explore how business leaders can use it ethically, safely, and effectively without losing the human touch that makes great communication work.From the fear of AI replacing marketing jobs, to the rise of generic “AI slop”, to concerns about sustainability, regulation, and mental health, this conversation cuts through moral panic and focuses on what actually matters.We talk about:Why AI will never replace the human role in communications and marketingHow AI can help marketers become faster, more responsive, and more strategic, not more genericWhy AI struggles with emotion, creativity, and originality, and why that’s good news for communicatorsHow to avoid obvious “AI-generated” content and train tools to better match your voicePractical tips for getting more value from ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and similar toolsIn this week’s bonus content, available exclusively on YouTube, Tom discusses the regulation around the various AI platforms, and if more rigorous regulation is needed to monitor their use and enhance their success.Make sure to check out our YouTube so you don’t miss out: YouTubeIf you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: hello@thecommunicationscoach.ieEditing is by Amanda FitzgeraldAisling’s Socials:Website Email InstagramLinkedInConnect with Tom:LinkedInXWebsite

Welcome to Cut Through the Noise, your go-to podcast for mastering the art of communication in your business!I’m your host, Aisling O’Rourke, the communications coach. With nearly twenty years in the Irish media landscape, I use my experience to advocate for communication as the cornerstone of business success.In this thought-provoking episode of Cut Through the Noise, I had the pleasure to speak to cyber psychologist and lecturer Dr. Nicola Fox Hamilton about the psychological impact of AI on the way we work, think, and create.We talk about:Why AI cannot replace human creativityHow AI influences stress and workplace expectationsThe risks of offloading too much thinking to technologyHow bias embedded in AI models can distort decision-makingHow to use AI mindfully without losing your voice or perspectiveWhy a simple three-second pause can dramatically improve your judgment onlineDr. Nicola also shares practical strategies for communicating with managers about AI expectations, how to use it ethically and effectively in marketing and communications roles, and why skepticism is an essential skill in an AI-driven world.In this week’s bonus content, available exclusively on YouTube, Nicola gives her key takeaways from our conversation, as well as some practical ways you can protect and nurture your critical thinking in the advent of AI.Make sure to check out our YouTube so you don’t miss out: YouTubeAI is a tool, it is not a replacement for your creativity, authenticity, or professional value.If you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: hello@thecommunicationscoach.ieEditing is by Amanda FitzgeraldAisling’s Socials:Website Email InstagramLinkedInConnect with Nicola:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteNicola's Podcast: In bits: Deconstructing our digital lives 

Welcome to Cut Through the Noise, your go-to podcast for mastering the art of communication in your business!I’m your host, Aisling O’Rourke, the communications coach. With nearly twenty years in the Irish media landscape, I use my experience to advocate for communication as the cornerstone of business success.In this week’s episode, I am joined by tech journalist and co-host of For Tech Sake, Elaine Burke, for a deep dive into AI security, data protection, and the hidden risks behind your favourite AI tools.We explore:What you should never upload to AI platformsWhy free AI tools often mean you are the productReal-world examples of data leaks and how to avoid them)How to protect client confidentiality when using generative AIIf you rely on AI in your work, this episode will help you do it more safely, securely, and responsibly.In this week’s bonus content, available exclusively on YouTube, Elaine gives her top tips for managing your confidentiality and security when using AI day-to-day.Make sure to check out our YouTube so you don’t miss out: YouTubeIf you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: hello@thecommunicationscoach.ieEditing is by Amanda FitzgeraldAisling’s Socials:Website Email InstagramLinkedInConnect with Elaine:LinkedInInstagramElaine’s Podcast: For Tech Sake

Welcome to Cut Through the Noise, your go-to podcast for mastering the art of communication in your business!I’m your host, Aisling O’Rourke, the communications coach. With nearly twenty years in the Irish media landscape, I use my experience to advocate for communication as the cornerstone of business success.In this week’s episode, I was delighted to chat to everyday innovations specialist Julie Creffield, about how you can harness AI to really excel in your everyday innovation.We talk about:Debunking the fear around innovation.How to strategically use AI to be innovative, not just using it for the sake of it.How to ask better questions, and take real-world action.In this week’s bonus content, available exclusively on YouTube, Julie gives her top tips if you want to take your innovation and your business as a whole to that next level.Make sure to check out our YouTube so you don’t miss out: YouTubeIf you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: hello@thecommunicationscoach.ieEditing is by Amanda FitzgeraldAisling’s Socials:Website Email InstagramLinkedInConnect with Julie:LinkedInInstagram

Welcome to Cut Through the Noise, your go-to podcast for mastering the art of communication in your business!I’m your host, Aisling O’Rourke, the communications coach. With nearly twenty years in the Irish media landscape, I use my experience to advocate for communication as the cornerstone of business success.In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure to chat to Liz Hardwick of DigiEnable. She shared her insights into how we can really be productive, and build long-lasting habits that will help us reach our full potential.We talk about:How you can leverage AI to improve your productivity.How to conduct a digital review.The importance of your own self-awareness and trust in yourself. In this week’s bonus content, available exclusively on YouTube, Liz gives her top tips for leveraging AI to enhance your productivity for 2026.Make sure to check out our YouTube so you don’t miss out: YouTubeIf you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: hello@thecommunicationscoach.ieEditing is by Amanda FitzgeraldAisling’s Socials:Website Email InstagramLinkedInConnect with Liz:LinkedInWebsite

Welcome to Cut Through the Noise, your go-to podcast for mastering the art of communication in your business!I’m your host, Aisling O’Rourke, the communications coach. With nearly twenty years in the Irish media landscape, I use my experience to advocate for communication as the cornerstone of business success.Welcome to series 10! In this season, we’re focused on a topic that’s transforming how we work, how we create, and how we connect  – Artificial Intelligence.We talk about:The practical, real-world ways to use AI in your communications and marketing.How tools like ChatGPT, Canva’s Magic Studio, and Descript can help you save time, generate ideas, and refine your messaging.The importance of including trust, warmth, and authenticity in your messaging, after all, building strong relationships can’t be automated.In this week’s bonus content, available exclusively on YouTube, I talk you through how I use my chosen AI tool to leverage my communications and marketing, without losing that human touch.Make sure to check out our YouTube so you don’t miss out: YouTubeIf you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: hello@thecommunicationscoach.ieEditing is by Amanda FitzgeraldAisling’s Socials:Website Email InstagramLinkedIn

Welcome to Cut Through the Noise, your go-to podcast for mastering the art of communication in your business!I’m your host, Aisling O’Rourke, the communications coach. With nearly twenty years in the Irish media landscape, I use my experience to advocate for communication as the cornerstone of business success.We have reached the final episode of Series 9, and what a series it’s been. We have had such insightful conversations with incredible guests, all about the power of social media, and how you can leverage it to allow you and your business to thrive.In this episode, we look at the key takeaways from the series, including:The do’s and don’ts for social media advertising.How to get comfortable showing up on camera.The power of the hook.Leveraging influencer marketing for your business.This season has also been jam-packed with exclusive YouTube bonus content, with practical steps on how to achieve your goals using social media.Make sure to check out our YouTube so you don’t miss out: YouTubeIf you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: hello@thecommunicationscoach.ieEditing is by Amanda FitzgeraldAisling’s Socials:Website Email InstagramLinkedIn

Welcome to Cut Through the Noise, your go-to podcast for mastering the art of communication in your business!I’m your host, Aisling O’Rourke, the communications coach. With nearly twenty years in the Irish media landscape, I use my experience to advocate for communication as the cornerstone of business success.In the penultimate episode of series 9, I had the pleasure to speak with Conor Cochrane from Icon Management, a bespoke management company helping influencers and businesses work together for mutual benefit and business success.We talk about:How a content creator becomes an influencer.Micro influencers vs bigger influencers, and their impact.How to leverage influencers for business success.In this week’s bonus content, available exclusively on YouTube, we delved into the ongoing issue of negativity towards influencers. We discuss why this negativity exists, and how we can steer away from this and instead leverage influencers’ reach and talent for business success.Make sure to check out our YouTube so you don’t miss out: YouTubeIf you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: hello@thecommunicationscoach.ieEditing is by Amanda FitzgeraldAisling’s Socials:Website Email InstagramLinkedInIcon Management:WebsiteInstagramConor Cochrane:LinkedIn