PR Explored: The Podcast for Public Relations and Communications Pros

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.

Burnout in the PR and social media marketing fields is rampant.Many communications pros are exhausted. The non-stop news cycle. The demand to be “always on.” The rising stress level, as day-to-day responsibilities continue to grow.Surveys repeatedly show that those working in public relations and social media marketing experience some of the highest rates of burnout.It’s no wonder, because, more than almost any other group of workers, we’re under pressure to stay in touch with our audiences, even during the most challenging circumstances. We’re so consumed with worrying about what our audiences need, we may have forgotten about taking care of ourselves.So what can we do about it?My guest, Breanne A. Mertz, DBA, Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Tampa, and I talk about burnout and how practitioners and their employers can address it.Mertz has extensively researched social media marketer burnout and shares insight on how her findings apply to those working in PR, comms, and social 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.

The media relations game is ever-changing. While traditional media outlets remain coveted by businesses that want to be in the news, non-traditional outlets are on the rise.Podcasts, newsletters and social media influencers now often play a key role in effective media outreach. PR pros need to ensure they’re immersed in as much client-relevant content as possible, regardless of where it comes from.PR Consultant Michelle Garrett and her guest, Peter Himler, founder of Flatiron Communications and veteran of agencies including Edelman and Hill & Knowlton, discuss how to reconcile clients’ desire for coverage in legacy media with the impact of a new cadre of earned media platforms.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.

Eleanor Hawkins, a communications strategist and writer at Axios, and PR Consultant Michelle Garrett discuss trending topics in the world of communications. Hawkins authors the weekly Axios Communicators newsletter covering topics and trends that impact how leaders, brands and employers communicate.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.

Newer to PR? Or maybe you’ve worked in PR for a while but are trying to keep up with the changing landscape. Sure, writing is important. But what other skills and aptitudes are vital for today’s public relations and communications professionals?As roles become more sophisticated and communication challenges more complex, PR pros must prove value, adapt to new technologies, navigate ethical challenges  – and there is so much unknown. And unknowable.My guest is Steve Ryan, Assistant Professor of Instruction & Program Director of Public Relations at Temple University.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.