True Story: The Public Relations Podcast

What does it really take to grow a successful PR agency—and keep it thriving through the ups, downs, and plot twists?In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Jessy Klein-Fafana, founder and CEO of LaRue PR, for a real and inspiring conversation about her journey in the industry. From the early days of building her agency to leading a team through the chaos of COVID-19, Jessy opens up about what it takes to lead with clarity, navigate client dynamics, and stay adaptable in an industry that’s constantly evolving.You’ll hear:How LaRue PR has evolved—and what’s stayed the sameThe lessons Jessy learned about leadership, team building, and client managementWhat the pandemic taught her about resilience and reinventionHer honest take on the ever-changing PR landscapeWhether you're in PR, running a business, or just love a good entrepreneurial story—this one’s packed with insight and inspiration.------LaRue PR on LinkedInJessy on Instagram LaRue PR on Instagram LaRue PR Website------Whitney on LinkedInWhitney on Instagram

Running a restaurant takes grit, heart, and hustle—and when it comes to filling seats and staying relevant, smart marketing is a key piece of the puzzle.In this episode, Whitney Lee shares insights from years in the restaurant industry, diving into the real work of building a brand that goes beyond just great food. From defining your unique identity to leveraging PR, events, and digital strategy, she breaks down what it takes to grow a loyal following and keep guests coming back.You’ll learn:Why a strong digital presence is non-negotiableHow to use PR to boost visibility and credibilityTips for creating events that actually move the needleWhat consistency and creativity look like in a successful strategyWhether you're behind the pass or behind the scenes in marketing, this episode is full of actionable advice to help your restaurant thrive.-----Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn

Marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all—and trying to force it can lead to stress, burnout, and frustrated clients.In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with marketing strategist Lauren Peachie for a candid conversation about what really goes into building strong client relationships and marketing systems that actually work. Lauren shares her journey through the industry, the lessons she’s learned about strategy, communication, and why flexibility is one of the most underrated skills in marketing.You’ll hear about:How to navigate tricky client expectations with confidenceWhy a rigid proposal might be hurting your resultsThe power of perspective—and how to meet clients where they areWhat it means to truly guide a client, not just “do marketing” for themIf you’ve ever felt caught between a client’s vision and what you know is right—this one will hit home.---------Visit Lauren's WebsiteConnect with Lauren on Instagram---------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn

Ever feel like you're throwing money at marketing and just hoping something sticks? You’re not alone—and it’s time to change that.In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the difference between doing marketing stuff and actually having a strategy. She shares why data should drive your decisions (not just gut feelings), and how building trust with clients starts with showing you know what’s working—and what’s not.You’ll hear about:The difference between tactics vs. true strategyHow to read your data without getting overwhelmedWhy course correction isn’t failure—it’s smart marketingHow to stop the "spray and pray" mindset for goodIf you're ready to tighten up your budget, get more out of your marketing efforts, and build client confidence in the process—hit play.-----------Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story PR Website

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