True Story: The Public Relations Podcast

Some things in business are worth saving on. These five? Not so much.In this episode, Whitney breaks down the top five places where you shouldn't try to save a buck when it comes to marketing. From branding and atmosphere to strategy and customer experience, she explains why skimping in the wrong spots can cost you more in the long run.If you’re trying to grow a business that lasts—and actually looks good doing it—this one’s packed with the kind of advice you’ll wish someone told you sooner.---------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story PR on Instagram True Story Website

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by paid ads—or wondered why your budget isn’t getting results overnight—you’re not alone. In this episode, Whitney sits down with Ashley Brock, founder of Paid Ads Academy, to break down what’s really going on behind the curtain.They chat about everything from how the paid ads game has changed, to common mistakes businesses make, to why SEO still matters (yes, still). Ashley also shares her journey from agency life to running her own thing, and offers up some no-BS advice for brands looking to grow through ads.Whether you’re just dipping your toe into digital advertising or trying to get your team up to speed, there’s a lot to think about—and even more to learn.-----------AshleyBrock.comConnect with Ashley on InstagramConnect with Ashley on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story Website-------------About Ashley: Ashley Brock is a seasoned paid advertising expert with over a decade of experience managing over $200 million in ad spend for some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Fortune 500 companies like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, California Closets, and Nutpods. Having worked at four leading advertising agencies, Ashley has honed her expertise across Google Ads, YouTube Ads, social media ads, and more. She’s taught the skill of paid advertising to business owners worldwide, empowering hundreds of entrepreneurs through her signature training program to generate seven-figure-results in a single month and helping some of her clients win with paid ads. Ashley’s mission is simple: to help you win with ads and achieve your goals faster.

Let’s be real—business partnerships sound like a dream… but they don’t always play out that way. In this episode, Whitney’s digging into the good, the bad, and the kinda messy side of going into business with someone else. She talks through why so many partnerships don’t work out, what to think about before you dive in, and some other ways to grow your business that don’t involve sharing ownership.If you’ve ever thought, “I just need a partner to make this work,” this one’s for you. Whitney’s got some thoughts (and a few gentle reality checks) that might just shift your perspective.--------Whitney on LinkedInWhitney on InstagramTrue Story on Instagram True Story Website

Ever feel guilty for stepping away from work — even when you really need it? You’re not alone.In this episode, Whitney sits down with Louise Oliver, founder of Peritus PR, to talk about what it really looks like to take a break as a business owner and why it’s so dang hard. From the awkward re-entry after time off to the mind games we play with ourselves about worth and productivity, this conversation gets real about the emotional rollercoaster behind the scenes.Louise shares what she’s learned since launching her own agency, how her leadership style has evolved, and the major mindset shifts that come with learning to actually delegate. Whitney and Louise also dig into what it means to build a sustainable culture, trust your team, and find your identity beyond your job title.If you’ve ever wrestled with burnout, boundaries, or the constant pressure to “do more,” this one’s for you.--------Louise on Instagram Peritus PR on Instagram Peritus PR on LinkedinPeritus PR WebsiteWhitney on Instagram Whitney on LinkedinTrue Story PR Website

You’ve refreshed the website. You’ve posted to Instagram. You’ve sent the press release. And still… crickets. 😬If your marketing or PR efforts just aren’t hitting like they used to, this episode is for you. Whitney Lee gets real about what to do when your strategy feels stale and why even the most experienced pros hit that wall sometimes.Drawing from her own pivot from in-house hospitality marketing to running a thriving agency, Whitney shares practical ways to breathe life back into your brand. From hiring a consultant or fractional CMO to simply inviting a fresh set of eyes to the table, this convo is packed with ideas to help you shake things up and get results.----------Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with True Story PR on InstagramTrue Story PR Website

Ever feel like you're throwing content into the void and hoping something sticks? Same. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Jonathan Halley—owner, executive producer, and all-around badass at Big Slate Media—to talk about what actually moves the needle in the wild world of content and social.From mixing video production with social media strategy (hello, powerhouse combo) to managing sky-high client expectations, Jonathan pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to run a creative agency that gets it. He breaks down Big Slate's approach to building trust, the art of saying "no," and why “SNARF content” might be your new favorite marketing term.They also dive into:How to niche down without having a full-blown identity crisisWhy having a “wow factor” isn't optional anymoreThe truth about momentum on social (hint: it’s not a one-and-done game)Educating clients without sounding like a condescending jerkIf you're in the agency world, leading a marketing team, or just trying to get your brand noticed without selling your soul, this one's a must-listen.🔥 Get ready to challenge the way you think about content, strategy, and that ever-elusive thing called authenticity.---------Connect with Jonathan on InstagramConnect with Big Slate Media on InstagramBig Slate Media Website Connect with Whitney on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story PR Website

Thinking of buying a franchise? Listen to this first.In this episode, Whitney is breaking down everything you need to know before buying a franchise—because there’s way more to it than picking a cool brand and cashing checks. From understanding hidden costs to figuring out what kind of support you’ll actually get (spoiler alert: it varies), she’s sharing the real talk no one else is giving you.We’re diving into:How much owning a franchise really costsWhy your grand opening can make or break your successWhat kind of marketing help you can expect—and what you’ll need to do yourselfRed flags and common mistakes people make when jumping into the franchise worldWhether you're just curious or already deep in the research rabbit hole, this episode is your go-to guide for making smarter moves in the franchise game.----------Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on InstagramTrue Story Public Relations Website

This one’s for anyone who’s ever had to manage a message—or rethink one. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Ryan McCormick, co-founder of Goldman McCormick PR, for a conversation that challenges the typical PR playbook.From navigating high-stakes situations to balancing authenticity with strategy, Ryan shares hard-earned insights from his journey through the ever-evolving world of public relations. They touch on the ethical tightrope of mixing business with beliefs, the real meaning of “trusted advisor,” and why some moments in PR can truly change lives.Tune in to hear:• A behind-the-scenes look at crisis PR• Why authenticity matters more than ever• How to lead clients through chaos without losing your coolYou’ll walk away thinking a little deeper about what PR really means and what it can do when done right.-------Connect with Ryan on LinkedInGoldman McCormick PR Website Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram True Story PR Website

Is your brand franchise-ready? Or maybe you're a franchisee wondering what it really takes to thrive. In this episode, Whitney Lee pulls back the curtain on the world of franchising—what works, what doesn’t, and what most people overlook.From setting expectations to building marketing systems that actually scale, Whitney dives into the mindset shifts and operational must-haves for franchise success. Whether you’re dreaming of expanding your concept or you're managing multiple locations already, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable insights.-------------⁠Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn⁠⁠Connect with Whitney on Instagram⁠⁠True Story PR Website ⁠⁠TheWhitneyLee.com

Is AI the key to getting your time—and your life—back?In this episode, Michael Sacca, CEO of Leadpages joins Whitney and breaks down the evolution of Leadpages from a simple landing page builder to a comprehensive marketing tool fueled by automation and AI. He and Whitney dive into the shifting landscape of agency life, the need for productization, and how AI is transforming the way we work—from task execution to high-level problem-solving.They also explore the changing nature of client relationships, the debate between niche vs. generalist approaches, and why staying adaptable is the key to thriving in a rapidly evolving industry.You won't want to miss this episode! ---------Connect with Michael on LinkedInLeadPages WebsiteConnect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com