Mickord.com Ltd

02/08/2024

Media training with Black Swans?

We'll put you through your paces with our intensive but supportive media training workshops.

Whether your a blue chip company, a housing association, a local authority or a small business.

Our workshops are certainly challenging but great fun.

(Just watch out for the Black Swans.)

https://www.mickord.com/media-training-with-black-swans/

17/07/2024

In episode 52 of the Baltic Triangle podcast we hear from two inspirational service-providers in the Liverpool City Region.

We visit the Bootle Tool Shed, a community workshop that brings men together to work on DIY projects from woodworking to cycle repair and helps to tackle the problem of loneliness and isolation among males into the bargain.

The project, led by Eddy Flynn, is 100% staffed by volunteers and it's part of a global network that more of us should know about.

EdenFiftyOne is the brainchild of Liverpool-based former teacher Tom Reynolds.

It's a multi-award winning edtech platform that encapsulates his unique approach to the teaching of English to improve reading, writing and listening skills - raising standards and outcomes for children and teachers alike.

You can hear from the REAL movers and shakers in our region like Tom and Eddy every month in the Baltic Triangle podcast.

Enjoy.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/16bA5OvERXqQelksFCU7qt?si=2d2f09a807914aef

07/07/2024

Most of my work involves creating Media Training workshops for companies, housing associations or local authorities focusing on Crisis Communications training.

But more recently I've been working with bioscience PhD students from Liverpool John Moores University on our Introduction to Podcasting course.

They came out with a cracking idea for a podcast (watch this space) and also the media training workshop with flying colours.

Initially, nobody likes the sound of their own voice or how they look on camera but once people get over the initial reticence they inevitably improve and gain more confidence which they can carry on into public speaking as well as media work.

27/06/2024

The increasing wealth divide in the UK and the extent of deep poverty have not really figured much in the current election campaign, so I was particularly keen to chair this Religion Media Centre briefing to try to redress the balance.

Speakers representing faith charities describe the “deep poverty” in society, with many families unable to find enough support to even afford the essentials.

There is some blue-sky thinking too, as some speakers argue that the current model of state support with charities picking up the pieces showed the system really had failed.

They say there is a need for a root-and-branch approach to social inequality.

It's a complex issue which defies simple solutions but unless it's tackled head-on, speakers feel things are unlikely to improve.

The cost of living is a top election issue, yet the increasing wealth divide and extent of poverty haven't really figured in election debates

19/05/2024

Albie Donnelly from Supercharge is our guest in the latest episode of the Misadventures in Music podcast with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord.

Albie's tales of music and madness are wonderful in a career that spanned six decades...and he's still going strong.

Enjoy.

Albie Donnelly, the maestro behind the sensational Supercharge, joins Ian Prowse and Mick Ord on the latest episode of Misadventures in Music

16/02/2024

The tables will be turned on me by none other than author and broadcaster Spencer Leigh in a fortnight at in Liverpool.

Tales from 20 yrs at the helm of BBC Radio Merseyside- the good, the bad & the horrific😂

Tickets here -see you there.
Bowl of too !





https://merseymade.uk/events/spencer-leigh-mick-ord-local-radio-talk/

06/02/2024

There is not a person reading this who hasn’t had a fashion disaster at some time.

Here’s one from my collection – by no means the worst.

Note the eighties curly perm, skinny neckie, horribly tight-fitting elasticated leggings and of course the black ‘Chinese slippers’.

All for a week’s walking holiday in Cornwall.

So what's this got to do with media training?

Click on the link below to read the rest of my blog on why media training for companies ISN'T going out of fashion.

Despite appearances to the contrary.

https://www.mickord.com/is-media-training-the-new-fashion/

30/01/2024

Looking to hire staff or searching for a new job?

Or maybe you just want to give yourself a bit more time to think about the meaning of life?

The new Baltic Triangle podcast as ever features an eclectic range of guests including Sam and Georgia from Hiyrd who've re-imagined how we search for jobs and staff via their simple but very impressive new video-based app.

(Oh yeah, and it's free.)

Our other guest is Paul Doran who co-founded Philosophy in Pubs way back in 2001 in his home city of Liverpool.

It's now expanded to 40 UK towns and cities and shows no signs of slowing down.

The Baltic Triangle podcast - speaking to the REAL movers and shakers.

Available wherever you listen to podcasts.





https://open.spotify.com/episode/5UAcMi71IaIOG2yqrsniKr...

29/12/2023

In episode 48 of the Baltic Triangle podcast we meet 2 women whose dynamism is propelling their award-winning businesses into 2024 while at the same ensuring that they remain rooted to the local communities they serve.

Angela McKay's the Operations Manager at Homebaked Bakery opposite Liverpool FC's Anfield Stadium - running on social enterprise principles and providing good quality food and jobs for the community.

Michelle O'Dwyer runs Bay Tree Catering and Training Academy and is looking to expand in the New Year such is the success of both her ventures - one commercial and one not-for-profit.

Join Mick Ord and Mark Reeson for the Baltic Triangle podcast - hearing from the REAL movers and shakers in Liverpool City Region every month.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2LBvuUv2pgIWL7IFQV9geB?si=3ef304588e8846c1

01/12/2023

When such an established and respected institution as The British Library is subject to a damaging cyber-attack then it gives us all pause for thought....surely?

https://www.mickord.com/british-library-cyber-attack-a-lesson-for-us-all/

30/11/2023

Who knew a year in Westminster could have so many positive outcomes 😉

It's been a little quiet on here for a bit, so just you know, there's been a whole load of great things happening this past year with incredible outcomes we're very proud of!

This is what a good art commission looks like, time to get to know the locals leading to VERY GOOD THINGS inc a book, a podcast, an exhibition, and a lasting legacy taking our North End Sketch Club model for their own.

A link to a short film, 'Unlocked Lockdown, 2023' by Jason Lock, in our bio, tells a tiny part of the journey with residents and community centres and groups from Ellesmere Port.

22/11/2023

The legendary Merseybeater Billy Kinsley is our guest in this month's Misadventures in Music podcast with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord.

Billy started up his first band when he was 14 and then went on to form The Merseybeats and The Merseys with Tony Crane in the Sixties, and Liverpool Express in the Seventies.

He's toured with Rod Stewart and played alongside Chuck Berry - neither of which was exactly a pleasant experience for him, to say the least!

Misadventures in Music is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Enjoy.

A new podcast interviewing Liverpool music legend Billy Kinsley, chatting about the ups and downs of such illustrious career in music

07/11/2023

In episode 47 of the Baltic Triangle podcast we feature multi-award winning French cuisine, scouse-style and an new book by linguistics professor Tony Crowley on the REAL origins of the scouse dialect.

Andy Rogers studied and practised the art of charcuterie in the Pyrenees for many years and then returned to Merseyside to set up his own business which is now 'erm flying ...producing ethically and locally sourced pork products.

Based -of course- in Bootle.

Tony Crowley's new book ' Liverpool - A Memoir of Words' is an entertaining and informative deep dive into the scouse lingo.
Described by Frank Cottrell-Boyce as ' a gold mine of a book'.

The Baltic Triangle podcast : deep-diving where others fear to go, la (or 'lad', depending on your age, as Tony explains).

https://open.spotify.com/episode/59iLJ1czuiNWv0qUbu0sA5...

05/11/2023

There's a cracking event taking place in Liverpool this Thursday 9th November at The Black-E starting at 2pm.

"Creating Connections" aims to improve mutual understanding and trust between people of faith and the media.

Guests include author Malik Al Nasir, founder of the children's charity KIND Stephen Yip and local historian Ken Pye.

We aim to shed more light than heat and we're hoping for a really diverse mix of attendees for a series of discussions and networking.
There'll be representatives from ITV, the BBC & the Liverpool Echo, to name just a few.

Tickets are free - click on the link to register.

https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/events/creating-connections-liverpool/

28/10/2023

'Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail', 'Don't run before you can walk', 'A bird in hand is worth two in the bush'...are all cliches admittedly, but they can all apply if your reputation is at risk.

Maybe Captain Tom's family should have paused for a moment or two before going into the studio with Piers Morgan a few weeks ago to try to salvage their reputation after a couple of big PR hits?

https://www.mickord.com/if-youre-not-ready-just-say-no/

29/09/2023

Nobody embodies the spirit of Rock 'n' Roll more than Little Richard.

He's the fascinating and at times hilarious subject of the new episode of the Misadventures in Music podcast with Ian Prowse and Mick Ord.

Our special guest is the author of a forthcoming biography of Richard by the author and broadcaster Spencer Leigh, ' Send Me Some Lovin'.

Misadventures in Music is available from all podcast providers and Urbanista magazine (link below).

Enjoy.

Misadventures in Music Podcast: A Dive into Spencer Leigh’s Life and His New Little Richard Biography in episode 6, season 2

15/09/2023

Many of us are maybe keen to forget our experiences during the Covid lockdowns but in recent months while working on a project for Cheshire West and Chester Council, the memories have come flooding back to me and they’ve been strangely life-affirming, despite the pain and trauma that many of us experienced.

I’ve been working with the artist Jayne Lawless who was commissioned by Cheshire West and Chester Council to work on a major project to reflect how local people in Ellesmere Port coped during the pandemic – the highs, the lows and the lessons learned.

Liverpool-based Jayne has worked in the USA, Poland and Slovakia and has an infectious drive and imagination which invariably inspires those she works with.

My contribution was to produce a series of 8 podcasts recording the experiences of a wide range of residents - a refugee, a foodbank worker, a musician, a local councillor...and more.

[Read the rest of my blog here - https://lnkd.in/eqhi5v9s]

10/09/2023

Check out 2 more inspirational stories from the Baltic Triangle podcast #46.

Meet Nicola Chan, the woman behind Waishee Coaching and who specialises in mind and body confidence, particularly among women.

And there's Anthony Grice whose Swedish-inspired FIKA coffee shops in Liverpool are really taking off...not just for their coffee and cakes but by promoting mental well-being among their customers.

The Baltic Triangle podcast - speaking to the REAL movers & shakers on Merseyside.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/01L04FPSLiFNZJHW7xaq0f?si=cee53fb1a8d64e30

03/09/2023

"The best arguments in the world won't change a person's mind.
The only thing that can do that is a good story."

My (very) short blog on how a quote from this amazing novel applies to media training and crisis comms.

https://www.mickord.com/richard-is-right/

18/08/2023

One of the most enjoyable and illuminating books this year is 'Why is this Lying Bastard lying to me?' by Rob Burley.

It provided the spark for my latest blog on media training and crisis comms - for non-politicians!

https://www.mickord.com/navigating-crisis-communications-politicians-and-lies/

08/07/2023

In episode 45 of the Baltic Triangle podcast there's definitely a cultural vibe going on.

We hear from Peter Lloyd who designed the wonderful Ukrainian Peace Garden on Jamaica St and from community artist and activist Alex Corina who talks about his long and varied career and his most recent work - Lennonardo !

The Baltic Triangle podcast - where you'll hear the REAL movers & shakers in the Liverpool City Region.

Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Enjoy.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Atpky5SHlFAWY81JCQs6H?si=b1a7aea132484b37

24/03/2023

My blog on Blue Skies Thinking....it's all about timing.





https://www.mickord.com/blue-skies-thinking-before-a-crisis/

10/03/2023

The Oscars - crisis what crisis?

https://www.mickord.com/crisis-communications-at-the-oscars/

20/02/2023

Welcome to Frodsham’s sixth Weaver Words Literature Festival. The theme for the festival is ‘New Beginnings’.

16/02/2023

It's all about ME...😏

“It was just so amazing to be part of that story…to breathe in that Irishness and be part of it.”

Journalist, broadcaster and adoptee Mickord.com Ltd on discovering his heritage, reporting from Northern Ireland and the power of teabags. Out now.

http://ow.ly/obq150MTRK1

16/02/2023

This time it's all about ME....😉

“It was just so amazing to be part of that story…to breathe in that Irishness and be part of it.”

Journalist, broadcaster and adoptee Mickord.com Ltd on discovering his heritage, reporting from Northern Ireland and the power of teabags. Out now.

http://ow.ly/obq150MTRK1

18/01/2023

We speak to broadcaster James Campion about his new book that explores the origins of the Beatles song 'Hey Jude'.

14/12/2022

Fancy standing in for a comedian at the last minute, like I had to do a few years ago?

Being out of your comfort zone can be really good for you, but it rarely seems like it at the time, does it?





https://www.mickord.com/out-of-our-comfort-zone/

18/11/2022

Will Rogers is an American legend.

Although he's less well-known in Europe, he was a social commentator, actor, writer and "wit" in the twenties & thirties, making more than 70 films.

At one time he was reputed to be the highest-paid film star in Hollywood.

Thankfully his quotations live on, and the one I use in my new blog is one of his best...particularly appropriate when appearing on the media or speaking in public.

https://www.mickord.com/media-training-in-praise-of-silence/

04/11/2022

In episode 13 of the Misadventures in Music podcast we take a deep dive with a man involved in a film documentary about post-punk music in the UK.

Russell Craig Richardson, now based in New Jersey, is a writer/filmmaker whose love of that period in music (1978-82) is second to none.

Russell's a cracking storyteller and his choice of music is of course exemplary as Ian Prowse and I discovered.

You can too....Misadventures in Music is available on all podcast platforms.

Rate, review, share but most of all enjoy!

A deep dive into the UK’s Post-Punk music scene (1978-1982) with New Jersey-based writer and film-maker Russell Craig Richardson