From Pulitzer Reporting To Public Libraries That Serve Everyone w/ Natalie Hauff

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A Pulitzer Prize is rare. Turning that level of storytelling into day-to-day public service is even rarer. We’re joined by Natalie Hauff, deputy director of Charleston County Public Library, to talk about how a journalism career built her work ethic, her people skills, and her obsession with making information clear, useful, and human.

We dig into what news really looks like behind the scenes, then zoom in on the investigative project that helped drive policy change in South Carolina by combining data reporting with lived experience. From there, Natalie breaks down the scary part many communicators face: leaving a career that feels like your identity and stepping into PR, marketing, and leadership without a perfect roadmap.

Then we go deep on modern library marketing and community engagement, including CCPL’s website relaunch, the surprising list of free digital resources available with a library card, and creative branding wins like Albert the owl. Natalie also shares the story behind the Listening Booth, a retrofitted payphone that amplifies voices from the community through recorded storytelling, training, and thoughtful support. We close with sharp advice on personal branding, authenticity, TEDx prep, and why communications deserves a seat at the leadership table.

Listen, share with a friend who cares about Charleston, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. If you liked the conversation, leave a review and tell us: what’s one library service you wish more people knew about?

The Harbor House Party Vol. II brings together conversation, connection, and live music for one unforgettable night in Charleston - all while raising funds to support the Harbor Entrepreneur Center.

On September 23, guests can choose how they experience the night, from an intimate VIP gathering at Share House to the roundtable and live music at Music Farm featuring the Futurebirds.

HarborEC.org

Join Camp Happy Days on Saturday, September 19th for Happy Steps, a 5K run/walk on Sullivan's Island in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The race starts and finishes at The Island Club, where we invite you to stick around for the afterparty featuring food, drinks, raffles, auction items, music, and race awards — all benefiting Camp Happy Days and the children and families we serve. 

https://www.camphappydays.org/happysteps

How can Charleston businesses get noticed, found and chosen? The Charleston Marketing Podcast, brought to you by Charleston AMA and recorded at Charleston Media Solutions, answers the marketing and media questions local business owners are asking. We explore media buying, advertising budgets, radio, digital marketing, storytelling and the customer journey, with practical strategies for growing your business in today’s attention economy. CharlestonMediaSolutions.com

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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