PR Explored: The Podcast for Public Relations and Communications Pros

Bill Byrne, co-founder of Remedy Public Relations, shares insights from over 25 years in the industry. He discusses the rapidly changing landscape of PR as we approach 2026, highlighting the impact of AI, the resurgence of press releases, and the importance of building media relationships. They emphasize creating credible content, leveraging niche outlets, and the value of consistent PR efforts. Bill also warns against over-reliance on automated outreach, advocating for a human touch in communications.

Social media is a valuable part of a company’s marketing program – but it can sometimes take a turn we may not have anticipated .What happens when your brand finds itself in the midst of a crisis created by a social media post?Well, first, you probably panic. Then, you might turn to your social media or PR team for help.How can a company best manage a crisis created when a customer complaint goes viral?Overview: In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes guest Brooke Sellas, founder of B Squared Media, to discuss the nuances of managing social media crises.Brooke shares her expertise on how social media, often viewed merely as a content channel, should be utilized more effectively as a customer experience channel. Brooke emphasizes that the key to handling crises includes proactive listening, empathetic responses, and timely engagement with customers.She introduces the CARE model (Conversation, Acquisition, Retention, Engagement) for social media management and stresses the importance of building a strong community before a crisis occurs.They discuss various real-world examples, including crises at Chipotle, Kit, and Nike, and the long-term impacts of each.Brooke also shares advice about team coordination, especially between social media and PR, and provides tips on how to keep responses authentic without sounding scripted.The episode concludes with a Q&A session addressing common social media crisis scenarios.00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction01:02 Brook Solis: Social Media Expertise03:49 Defining a Social Media Crisis07:08 Examples of Social Media Crises10:43 Handling a Social Media Crisis22:15 The Role of PR in Crisis Management29:35 Balancing Brand Personality and Crisis Management30:22 The Power of Emotional Content: Patagonia Case Study32:16 Breaking Down Silos in Marketing and PR34:22 The CARE Model for Social Media Crisis Management46:19 Handling Layoffs and Sensitive Situations51:07 The Importance of Authentic Conversations on Social Media57:34 Final Thoughts and Future TrendsShow notes:Brooke Sellas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookebsellas/Brooke’s website – B Squared Media: https://bsquared.media/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Joel Schwartzberg, a communications and presentations coach, joins to share insights on elevating executive communication. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear, compelling key message and practical strategies for media training. Joel discusses the effectiveness of the primacy and recency effects, tips for bridging off-topic questions, and why simplicity enhances impact. He also highlights how to adapt messages across different media while maintaining core points, proving that with the right preparation, anyone can become a confident spokesperson.

This episode of PR Explored explores how companies can make the most out of a partnership with a PR consultant or agency.What do B2B clients need to bring to the start of the engagement?Join my guest, John Forberger, communications strategist for B2B companies, and me as we dig into this topic. Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes guest Amanda Milligan to discuss brand authority and its critical role in public relations and marketing.Amanda shares her background in content, SEO, and brand strategy, emphasizing the importance of holistic marketing efforts.They delve into how brand authority is measured, identify practical steps to assess it through tools like Reddit, LLMs, and social media, and discuss the intricate relationship between owned and earned media.The episode also addresses the evolving landscape of SEO and the importance of maintaining continuous engagement to build long-term brand trust and authority.00:00 Welcome to PR Explored00:28 Meet Amanda Milligan01:38 Amanda’s Professional Journey02:49 The Importance of Brand Authority03:29 Challenges in Marketing and PR04:30 Speaking Engagements and Networking06:37 Brand Authority Club and Community Building23:15 Defining Brand Authority26:19 Brand Authority in PR and Communications30:20 Why Companies Overlook Brand Authority32:45 Introduction to Reddit Search Tool33:22 Trust Issues in Online Platforms35:01 Google’s Shift Towards Reddit37:20 Using LLMs for Brand Analysis40:18 Importance of Third-Party Signals43:28 Tracking Mentions and Backlinks53:48 Social Media and Content Value58:32 Owned vs. Earned Media01:02:41 Final Thoughts and Wrap-UpShow notes:Brand Authority Club: https://www.brandauthority.club/Amanda Milligan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandamilligan/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of ‘PR Explored,’ hosted by Michelle Garrett, PR consultant and writer, the focus is on the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and corporate ethics in the realm of Public Relations.The guest, Bo Breuklander, founder of Breuklander Communications, shares insights on how AI affects sustainability, governance, and the broader PR landscape. They discuss the importance of values, consistency, and trust in corporate behavior, and how companies can proactively address issues like DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), AI policies, and data privacy.The conversation also touches on the current trends, challenges, and best practices for integrating AI responsibly and ethically, with a focus on employee well-being and corporate reputation. Bo highlights the necessity for companies to educate themselves about AI, develop robust policies, and maintain their core values to build trust among stakeholders.Bo further shares insights on evaluating AI vendors and stresses the need for ongoing professional development in this rapidly evolving landscape.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:57 Guest Background and Current Work01:41 Understanding ESG and Its Importance08:39 AI’s Role in ESG and Sustainability16:47 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Focus28:36 Governance and AI Policies40:02 Final Thoughts and Professional Development41:44 Conclusion and Upcoming EventsShow notes:Bo Breuklander’s Email Course: The GenAI Playbook: https://www.bobreuklander.com/generative-ai-playbook-for-executive-messaging-and-employee-engagementBo’s In-Person Workshop: GenAI Readiness for Communicators: https://www.bobreuklander.com/genai-readiness-workshop-for-communicatorsFollow Bo Breuklander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobreuklander/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews Lou Covey, a veteran journalist with 55 years of experience.Lou shares his journey from journalism to exploring cybersecurity and creating the Cyber Protection Magazine. They discuss the state of PR today, including formulaic approaches, the impact of AI, and the importance of storytelling.They also highlight the challenges of effectively pitching to journalists, the decline of independent journalism, and the need for PR professionals to support quality journalism.Key takeaways include the necessity of thorough research, avoiding overused phrases in press releases, fostering transparency, and the evolving relationship between paid and earned media.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:23 Guest Introduction: Lou Covey01:52 Lou Covey’s Career Journey05:29 The Evolution of PR08:43 Challenges in Modern PR11:55 The Importance of Human-Created Content15:15 Words That Kill Trust in PR25:15 The Disconnect Between PR and Clients31:38 The Ego Exercise32:13 Storytelling Principles for PR Pros33:13 The Importance of Context in Storytelling34:33 Finding the Right Person for Thought Leadership35:38 Challenges with the C-Suite40:05 Crafting Effective Pitches41:13 The Role of Statistics in PR43:59 Avoiding Common PR Mistakes54:53 The Decline of Journalism56:34 Supporting Independent Media58:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsShow notes:Link to Cyberprotection Magazine (Lou is the editor):​​www.cyberprotection-magazine.comLou’s podcast Crucial Tech: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crucial-tech/id1455648744Lou Covey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loucovey/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett discusses misinformation and its impact on public relations with guest Jennifer McGinley, a PR consultant specializing in healthcare.They delve into the definitions of misinformation, disinformation, and malformation, providing insights into how organizations can prepare and respond to these challenges.The conversation covers proactive crisis communication strategies, the importance of internal communications, media training, and the role of community building in maintaining trust and credibility.They also emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and engagement on social media platforms to manage and address misinformation effectively.00:00 Welcome to PR Explored00:15 Introducing Jennifer McGinley00:44 Understanding Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malformation05:24 The Importance of Crisis Communication09:26 Building Trust and Internal Communication17:51 Navigating Social Media and Information Overload24:48 Preparing for Misinformation in Healthcare34:20 Navigating Trust in Health Advice35:25 The Overwhelming Flood of Information35:56 Skepticism and Trust in the Digital Age36:18 The Importance of Media Literacy37:13 Purpose and Motivation Behind Sharing Information38:34 Managing Misinformation in Companies39:33 Proactive Crisis Management40:39 The Role of Social Media in Crisis Response42:30 Monitoring Online Discussions45:55 Leveraging Social Proof Against Disinformation46:52 Building Community Trust49:33 The Impact of Crisis on Reputation and Bottom Line50:03 The Importance of Accurate Information in Research53:38 Generational Differences in Brand Loyalty55:20 The Role of Reviews and Feedback56:46 The Importance of Clear Communication58:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsShow notes:JLM Strategic Communications: https://jlmstrategiccommunications.com/Follow Jennifer McGinley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mcginley/Follow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this discussion, Erika Heald, a marketing communications consultant and former journalist, shares her insights on the vital intersection of thought leadership and content marketing. She emphasizes the need for a strategic approach beyond basic press releases and highlights the importance of effective collaboration between PR and content teams. Erika defines authentic thought leadership and suggests diverse content types that contribute to it while offering practical tips to break down silos and measure impact. Tune in for actionable strategies and a fresh perspective on creating engaging content!

In this episode, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant and writer, interviews Doug Downs, the host of ‘Stories and Strategies’ podcast.They discuss the significance of podcasting in PR and marketing, highlighting how podcasts can build brand trust and engage audiences more deeply than traditional social media posts.Doug shares insights into his journey with ‘Stories and Strategies,’ a leading PR-focused podcast, and the launch of his podcast production agency. They also address common pitfalls that cause many podcasts to fail early, the importance of niching down content, and the effort required to produce and maintain a successful podcast.Additionally, Doug emphasizes the need for more diversity in podcasting, particularly the inclusion of more women and marginalized voices as guests and hosts.As the conversation progresses, they explore effective strategies for pitching guests to podcasts and how to differentiate oneself in a crowded media landscape.This episode is packed with valuable insights for brands considering starting their own podcasts and for individuals looking to become notable podcast guests.00:00 Welcome to PR Explored00:49 Introducing Doug Downs and His Podcast03:22 The Importance of Podcasts in PR and Marketing09:33 Challenges and Realities of Podcasting16:13 Building and Engaging Your Podcast Audience29:42 The Future of Podcasting and AI31:38 The Gender Dynamics in Podcasting32:15 Promoting Diversity in Podcasting33:05 Challenges in PR and Podcasting34:28 Effective Pitching Strategies38:21 Building Relationships Through Podcasting48:13 The Importance of Storytelling in Podcasts54:29 Concluding ThoughtsShow notes:Website: https://storiesandstrategies.ca/Podcast: https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/ (now co-hosted with Farzana Baduel) – #1 PR podcast in the World per Rephonic and GoodpodsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@storiesandstrategiespodcastYouTube video specific to how to pitch a podcast: https://youtu.be/IMdN6GROLDIInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesandstrategiespFollow the host: Website: www.michellegarrett.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here. About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.