Episode 012 // Adam Gonshor, owner & publicist of Collabo PR, on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0nda

Summary:

- Adam Gonshor dives deep into his story. From founding and running andPOP.com to his 10+ years at Warner Music Canada, he talks publicity, his company Collabo PR, story-first pitching, and the music business.

👀 What You’ll Hear:

Use deep research tactics to uncover fresh angles editors can’t ignore today
Turn a DIY website into industry access using message boards, local artists, and simple momentum plays
Learn when not to hire a publicist and what story makes media actually care
Build careers at a major label by prioritising Canadian artists, teamwork, and long-term development
Decode how social media changed publicity, from content creators and paid posts to authentic voice
Start and grow Collabo PR by choosing happiness, clear goals, and honest client selection

🕰️ Chapters:

00:00 Welcome, origins in Thornhill and journalism ambitions

03:21 O-Town interview hack and message boards drive early traffic

06:58 NCAA deadline panic and deciding against daily journalism

10:19 Pivot to publicity and learning from publicists

16:12 Naming andpop, banner ads, Google News and the Janet Jackson spike

21:44 Early Taylor Swift interview and lessons on access

27:12 Selling shares, conflict of interest, joining Warner Music

38:00 Developing Canadian artists, Brett Kissel and ETalk goals

45:20 Spotting hits early: fun’s “We Are Young” and Ed Sheeran run

49:00 Team vs label, TikTok breakouts, and development realities

1:03:00 What makes a great publicist and when to say no

1:09:01 How publicity changed—creators, paid posts, and authenticity

Examine Yourselves Whether You Be in the Faith, Part 2 B

Grace to You: Radio Podcast

Warnings to Those Who Know the Truth

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