PR Explored: The Podcast for Public Relations and Communications Pros

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.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author and writer, talks with public relations consultant Crystal Richard about managing client expectations in the realm of public relations.They delve into Crystal’s background, which includes over 15 years in the PR industry and founding her own company, Crystal Richard & Co. Crystal also shares details about her lifestyle and travel brand, East Coast Mermaid.The discussion covers the critical aspect of setting realistic client expectations around media coverage, including the time it takes to secure placements, the importance of trade publications, and the role of consistency in pitching.Michelle and Crystal also address common client misunderstandings regarding instant results in PR, the value of press releases, and the impact of shrinking newsroom staffs on media relations strategies.They emphasize the need for clients to be proactive and understanding about the intricacies and timelines involved in media outreach and coverage.Crystal offers valuable insights into effective media pitching, the significance of being available for media opportunities, and tips for businesses looking to handle their own PR.00:00 Welcome to PR Explored00:59 Meet Crystal Richard: PR Expert and Lifestyle Brand Founder01:38 Crystal’s Unique PR Journey and Media Adventures04:16 Discussing PR Expectations and Client Realities06:28 The Challenges of Media Coverage and Client Education12:17 The Importance of Setting Realistic PR Goals24:32 Navigating Media Relations and Press Releases32:06 The Importance of Press Releases in Modern PR32:56 Effective Press Release Distribution Strategies36:22 Adapting to Shrinking Newsrooms39:36 Leveraging Thought Leadership and Affiliate Links42:38 DIY PR: Tips for Small Businesses44:20 Consistency and Persistence in PR Efforts47:50 Building Relationships with Journalists50:14 Setting Realistic PR Expectations56:14 Crisis PR and Timing Considerations57:37 Final Thoughts and EncouragementShow notes:Crystal Richard’s site: https://www.crystalrichard.com/Follow Crystal Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalrichard/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.

Working with companies in so-called “boring” industries can be its own type of challenge.PR and communications pros in industries like construction, manufacturing, agriculture and others often struggle to find creative ways to talk about what they do.How can those in public relations and marketing breathe new life into their efforts when working in these industries?Michelle's guest, Ayo Abbas, an award-winning built environment marketing consultant with a background in communications and public relations and host of The Built Environment Marketing Show, joins her to discuss how to approach this challenge.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 public relations consultant, discusses the crucial topic of PR ethics with industry experts Mary Beth West and Jared Mead. They explore the importance of ethical practices in public relations, share their extensive backgrounds, and discuss the creation of an online PR ethics community on LinkedIn.The episode covers why ethics in PR is often overlooked, the necessity of integrating ethical discussions into the classroom, and the importance of collaborating with legal teams.Highlighting relevant resources such as industry associations, ethical guidelines, and initiatives like the International Communications Consultancy Organization (ICCO) and the Ethics and Compliance Initiative (ECI), the guests emphasize proactive steps to integrate ethical practices in PR.The discussion also touches on the ethical use of AI in PR and the need for continuous advocacy to improve the public perception of the PR profession.The episode concludes by encouraging PR professionals to engage deeply with ethical standards to enhance the industry’s credibility and effectiveness.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:39 Mary Beth’s Background and PR Ethics Advocacy01:57 Jared’s Background and Ethics in PR03:33 The Importance of PR Ethics05:02 Challenges in Discussing PR Ethics08:05 Ethics Education in PR17:05 Handling Unethical Requests25:44 Creating Effective Ethics Guidelines31:35 The Psychological Toll of Whistleblowing34:20 The Importance of Legal and PR Collaboration37:07 Navigating the Court of Public Opinion43:10 Ethical Use of AI in PR55:51 Advocating for PR Ethics58:40 Final Thoughts and ResourcesShow notes:PR Ethics community on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prethics/Mary Beth West on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbwcommunications/Jared Meade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredmeademps/Jared Meade of Rayne Strategy Group website: https://www.raynestrategygroup.com/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 public relations consultant, author and writer, interviews Sunny Hunt, CEO of Hunt Interaction, about the intersection of public relations (PR) and the customer buying journey.Sunny discusses the importance of integrating PR with sales and customer success teams to better understand and meet customer needs, ultimately driving revenue and shortening sales cycles. She emphasizes the need for customer-driven PR strategies, the value of customer testimonials, and the impact of consistent messaging.The episode also highlights the significance of understanding where customers get their information and how to measure PR’s impact on business outcomes effectively.Sunny also addresses the challenges of cutting through the noise in today’s market and offers actionable advice on using customer insights to craft effective PR campaigns.00:00 Welcome to PR Explored00:26 Meet Our Guest: Sunny Hunt00:44 Introduction to the Customer Buying Journey00:53 Sunny Hunt’s Professional Background02:43 Marketing Fridays: A Free Webinar Series03:59 The Importance of Content Repurposing05:06 Customer Growth and Retention Strategies11:01 Aligning PR with Sales and Marketing15:54 The Value of Customer Insights23:49 Measuring PR Success Beyond Impressions27:39 Combating the Status Quo in PR31:37 The Role of Trade Media in PR32:14 Voice of Customer Data32:56 Integrating Sales and PR Efforts33:30 Leveraging Customer Success Teams34:36 Breaking Down Silos35:17 Engaging with Sales Teams36:41 Understanding Customer Behavior37:54 Gathering Customer Insights39:17 Effective Customer Surveys40:51 Adapting to Market Changes41:55 Challenges in PR and Marketing47:37 The Importance of Consistent Messaging48:44 The Shift in B2B Sales Dynamics51:17 The Role of PR in Market Expansion54:00 Cutting Through the Noise57:02 The Value of PR in Tight Budgets58:33 Actionable PR Advice59:26 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsShow notes:Join Sunny Hunt for Free Marketing Fridays: https://www.huntinteraction.com/free-marketing-fridays/Hunt Interaction: https://www.huntinteraction.com/Follow Sunny Hunt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunnyhunt/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 public relations consultant and writer, interviews Matisse Hamel-Nelis, founder and principal of Matisse Nelis Consulting. They discuss the importance of digital accessibility in public relations and communications. Matisse explains her background, her work in teaching, and her PR & Lattes blog and podcast.Matisse emphasizes the importance of making digital content accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. They discuss practical steps for ensuring content such as videos, PDFs, and social media posts are inclusive.Matisse shares her journey into the realm of accessible communications and highlights several companies leading by example. The conversation also addresses the growing significance of including accessibility in strategic planning, training, and overall communication efforts.Matisse encourages starting small and progressing with intention, ensuring that all audiences can fully engage with and benefit from the information shared.00:00 Welcome to PR Explored00:20 Meet Matisse Hamel-Nellis03:39 The Importance of Accessibility in PR04:18 Defining Accessibility in Communications06:02 The Market Impact of Accessibility08:46 Challenges and Solutions in Digital Accessibility13:51 Learning from Mistakes16:45 Practical Tips for Accessible Communications22:21 Avoiding Hashtag Mistakes23:58 Testing and Engaging for Accessibility25:33 Importance of Integrated Audio Descriptions26:00 Camel Case vs Pascal Case26:49 Brands Leading in Accessibility29:34 Making Trends Accessible32:17 The Growing Importance of Captions34:31 Encouraging Accessibility in Organizations39:08 Starting Your Accessibility Journey42:52 Progress Over Perfection45:04 Final Thoughts and ResourcesMatisse Hamel-Nelis' site: https://matissenelis.com/Michelle Garrett's site: www.michellegarrett.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUsX/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergalMichelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is aFollow 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 and writer, interviews Kathy Kashani, the principal of Azul Communications, about the nuances of public relations for startups.Kathy discusses her journey from a long-time PR agency veteran to an independent PR consultant, focusing on consumer goods and B2C brands, especially startups. The conversation centers around defining a startup, understanding the distinct needs of startups versus established companies, and the foundational steps necessary for effective PR.They delve into the importance of having clear business goals, identifying the right time to start PR, and how startups can build foundational elements like a solid website and social media presence before engaging in PR activities.Kathy also highlights common mistakes startups make, such as not having a clear plan or budget, and the need for ongoing, rather than one-off, PR efforts. The discussion also covers how startups can attract investors through media visibility and the evolving nature of PR resources, including the benefits of hiring consultants or smaller agencies over large firms.The episode wraps up with practical advice on how startups can evaluate and select the right PR help, emphasizing the importance of honest communication and setting clear goals.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.

It’s time for a mid-year check-in on PR trends. Has AI destroyed PR as we know it? Is TikTok the only social media channel that matters?Back in December, Bill Byrne of Remedy Public Relations and I discussed which PR trends we’d be keeping an eye on as we headed into the new year. Some of the trends we noted: AI in PR. The shrinking number of media outlets. How silos impact our work. The role the C-suite plays in the success of a PR program.So, where are we now? And what trends should we be watching as we enter the second half of 2025?I’m excited that my colleague Bill Byrne is joining me again. He’s frequently named a Top 10 PR expert and influencer and often contributes to marketing industry trades, including Ragan PR Daily, Muck Rack, and Bulldog Reporter.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.

The public relations industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by artificial intelligence, hybrid work, a changing media landscape, and deepening political divides.Across four generations — Gen Z to Baby Boomers — PR professionals are navigating these transformations, each with unique perspectives on where the industry is headed.On this episode of PR Explored, we discuss the findings of this year’s USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism‘s survey, as compiled in its Global Communication Report.“The future of the PR industry depends upon how tomorrow’s leaders tackle the critical issues we are beginning to face today,” said Fred Cook, director of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations and chair emeritus of Golin.Cook is my guest on this latest episode of PR Explored.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.