Simone Randolph

Nitish Pahwa, Slate writer on energy and politics, and Simone Randolph, communications director at OSMRE, discuss Coalie, a viral cartoon coal. They trace Coalie’s origin as an in-office mascot, the agency’s public rollout, and how the image collided with political messaging and late-night ridicule. Short takes on design choices, legal limits on promotion, and what comes next for Coalie.

Simone Randolph, OSMRE communications director who led the Coalie rollout, and Nitish Pahwa, Slate energy and climate writer, discuss the viral cartoon coal mascot. They unpack how a playful office mascot became politicized online. They trace the mascot’s origins, the rollout around infrastructure messaging, and why it read as propaganda in the current political climate.

Nitish Pahwa, Slate energy and climate writer, gives context on the viral Coley image. Simone Randolph, OSMRE communications director, explains the agency’s mission and how Coley started. They talk about the mascot’s origins as an internal morale tool, its public launch tied to infrastructure funding, and why the cute coal meme ignited national mockery and political debate.