True Story: The Public Relations Podcast

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your agency’s numbers—or just kind of guessed your way through profitability—this episode is your wake-up call.Whitney Lee sits down with Louise Hipperson, CEO of The Finance Agency, to unpack what’s really going on behind the spreadsheets. Louise shares her own journey into finance, then dives into what every agency owner needs to understand: how to use financial data to make smart decisions and actually boost profitability.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why team utilization and project scoping are make-or-break metricsHow to use billable rates strategicallyThe power of niching down (yes, even when it feels scary)What most agency owners get wrong about money—and how to fix itIf you're ready to shift from flying blind to making confident, data-backed moves in your business, this one’s a must-listen.---------The Finance Agency on InstagramLouise Hipperson on LinkedIn---------Whitney on Instagram Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story PR Website

Ever seen a killer ad for a product or service… only to try it and think, “Wait, what?”That is the disconnect between marketing and operations—and it’s more common (and costly) than you think.In this episode, Whitney Lee gets real about the tension that can bubble up between the teams promising the dream and the ones delivering it. She shares personal stories, hard-won lessons, and practical ways to build better collaboration across departments—so your customer experience doesn’t fall flat.You’ll also hear about:The power (and pitfalls) of user-generated contentWhy authenticity is more than a buzzwordHow consumer expectations are shifting—and what that means for your businessIf you’ve ever felt stuck between what’s being sold and what can actually be delivered, this one’s for you.-----------Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram True Story on Instagram True Story Website

What if landing podcast interviews wasn’t just about pitching yourself—but about showing up with purpose, strategy, and a little storytelling magic?In this episode, Whitney sits down with Carrolee Moore, founder of The Podcast Pitching Society, to talk all things visibility, authenticity, and how to actually get results from being a guest on podcasts. Carrolee shares how she went from storytelling pro to podcast pitching queen—and why she believes guesting is one of the most underrated marketing moves out there.They cover everything from overcoming the weird mental blocks that keep us playing small, to building real relationships (not just one-and-done appearances), to why email might just be your secret weapon.If you've ever thought about putting yourself out there through podcasting—or helping your clients do the same—this one's for you.What You’ll Hear About:Why visibility is everything in today’s content-saturated worldWhat makes a great podcast guest (hint: it’s not just a polished pitch)How to push past perfectionism and actually show upThe long game of relationship-building through podcastingHow email marketing fits into the bigger picture-------------------Connect with Carrolee on LinkedInConnect with Carrolee on Instagram CarroleeMoore.com-------------------Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram TrueStoryPR.co

Should you hire in-house or bring in an agency?In this episode, Whitney breaks down one of the biggest questions business owners face when it comes to marketing. She walks through the pros and cons of both approaches—and how to know what’s right for your business.From the role agencies can play in strategy, to why communication (not just contracts) makes or breaks a partnership, Whitney keeps it real about what works, what doesn’t, and how to make smart decisions in a post-2020 world.You’ll hear about:The key differences between in-house and agency supportHow to assess what kind of marketing help you actually needWhat to expect from a good agency partnerWhy outsourcing can be a game-changer for growing businessesThe mindset shift every business owner needs to makeIf you’ve ever wondered how to structure your marketing team for real results—this one’s for you.---------Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram True Story Website

What is the truth anymore—and who gets to tell it?In this episode, Whitney chats with political communicator Mike Barco about what it’s really like to work in the world of politics, where the news never sleeps and the stakes are sky high. From his early days in journalism to navigating the ever-changing winds of public opinion, Mike shares what it takes to communicate clearly in a world full of noise.They get into:What it’s like working in political PR behind the scenesHow shifting administrations can derail long-term strategyThe rise of AI and its role in misinformationThe importance of media literacy (and how to sharpen it)Tips for anyone curious about a career in political commsIt’s honest, eye-opening, and full of insight into a world most people only see from the outside.-------------Connect with Mike on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram True Story Website --------------

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