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Trust is the ultimate currency in the relationship that all institutions — businesses and brands, governments, NGOs, media — build with their stakeholders. Trust enables an organization to operate, lead and thrive. Join The TrustMakers (A podcast from Edelman and Advertising Week), where listeners connect with global experts to learn what it takes to build trust in today’s society.

The Trustmakers
Gen Z 1.0 vs.2.0: Rachel Janfaza Explains a Generation's Split
Rachel Janfaza, writer and founder of The Up and Up, joins Edelman’s Amanda Edelman to unpack how Gen Z is reshaping politics, culture, and the workplace. Rachel describes her influential theory of “Gen Z 1.0 vs. Gen Z 2.0,” exploring how social media, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political upheaval created two distinct sub-generations. She explains why young people feel both empowered and powerless, and how Gen Z’s demand for safety, security, and economic stability is shaping public trust.
The Trustmakers
Media Literacy Influencer Kelsey Russell on Building Trust Through Transparency
Kelsey Russell, media literacy influencer and host of Kronikled, joins Edelman’s Brooks Miller to discuss Gen Z’s news consumption habits, what she values in brand partnerships, and why many people believe journalists purposely mislead them. Kelsey argues that journalists can rebuild trust by pulling back the curtain on how stories are created and being transparent about their sources.
The Trustmakers
AlphaGeo's Dr. Parag Khanna on Designing for Global Disruption
Dr. Parag Khanna, global strategist and founder of AlphaGeo, joins Edelman’s Sat Dayal to explore how climate change, migration, and emerging technologies are redrawing the global map, and reshaping public trust. Parag breaks down his concept of “programmable geography,” and shares how data, design, and local adaptation can build resilience in an age of disruption.
The Trustmakers
Creator Blakely Thornton on Becoming the Internet's Favourite Truth Teller
Cultural commentator and Creator Blakely Thornton joins Edelman’s Brooks Miller from Cannes Lions for a no-filter conversation on the evolution of influence and why consistency, humor, and honesty are his non-negotiables. Known for his Met Gala interviews and sharp takes on brand campaigns, Blakely shares how he carved out a trusted voice in a crowded space by staying unapologetically himself.
The Trustmakers
Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi & Olympian Jordan Chiles on Proving Authenticity in the Age of AI
Microsoft Consumer CMO Yusuf Mehdi and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles join Edelman’s Smita Reddy from Cannes Lions to discuss how AI, authenticity, and Gen Z are reshaping brand trust. From product innovation to personal expression, they look at what it means to build influence around shared values and vibrant communities, and discuss differentiation at a time when attention is fragmented.