Adam Gonshor: A great publicist knows when it’s NOT time to work with the artist.”

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