True Story: The Public Relations Podcast

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

Are you leveraging the full power of SEO in your PR strategy, or are you leaving potential untapped?In this episode, Whitney sits down with Jade Pruett to uncover the vital connection between SEO and PR—a must-know for any modern marketer. Together, they break down the challenges PR professionals face in navigating SEO and share actionable strategies to bridge the gap.💡 Here’s what you’ll learn: The art of acquiring backlinks and why guest posting still reigns supreme. How media coverage can amplify your SEO game. The value of tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console for tracking success. Why transparency and accessibility are crucial in SEO practices. The role of AI in content creation and how to integrate it effectively. How social media platforms, including Pinterest, play into SEO strategies.Jade also shares inspiring success stories and practical tips to help local businesses thrive in the digital marketing space. Whether you're a PR professional, a marketer, or a business owner, this conversation is packed with insights to boost your online visibility and deliver measurable results for your clients.Tune in now to discover the strategies you need to dominate the digital marketing landscape!-----------Free SEO Report CardHelloSEO WebsiteJade on LinkedInJade on Instagram-----------Whitney on LinkedInWhitney on Instagram True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com

You’ve probably heard the term “fractional CMO” floating around—but what does it actually mean? In this episode, Whitney breaks down the growing trend of fractional roles in business, with a deep dive into the role of a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).She’s covering it all: what a fractional CMO does, how they can level up your marketing, and why more businesses are ditching the traditional full-time hire for a more flexible, high-impact approach. Whitney also busts some common myths, shares when it’s the right time to bring one on board, and gives pro tips on finding the right fit.What You’ll Learn:⚡ What a fractional CMO actually does (and why it’s a game-changer)💰 How hiring one can save money and boost results🤯 The biggest misconceptions about fractional roles🚀 When your business is ready for a fractional CMO🔍 How to spot the right candidate for the jobIf your marketing needs strategic leadership—but not a full-time salary—this episode is a must-listen. Hit play and get the inside scoop on this fast-growing trend!----------Connect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com

What does it take to go from jobless to running your own thriving PR agency? In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Amore Philip, CEO and founder of Apples & Oranges Public Relations, to talk about her incredible journey from unemployment to building a powerhouse agency.Amore gets real about the evolution of her business, how she navigated the shift to remote work during the pandemic, and the lessons she’s learned about managing client expectations. She also dives into the future of PR, from the impact of AI to why building a strong, connected team is more important than ever.PR isn’t a quick win—it’s a long game. Hit play and soak up Amor’s wisdom on strategic planning, client management, and making PR work for the long haul.-----------Amore on InstagramApples and Oranges Public Relations WebsiteApples & Oranges Public Relations on Instagram Whitney on LinkedInWhitney on InstagramTrue Story PR on Instagram True Story PR Website

Ever feel like you’re throwing money at marketing and getting nothing in return? You’re not alone. In this episode, Whitney breaks down why so many businesses struggle to see results—and what to do about it.With over a decade in marketing and PR, Whitney has seen it all. She’s spilling the biggest mistakes business owners make, why “more ads” isn’t always the answer, and how to actually measure if your marketing is working. Plus, she’s sharing her secret sauce.What You’ll Learn:🔥 The #1 reason most marketing plans flop🎯 How to define success (so you actually know if it’s working)🔍 Why skipping research is a costly mistake⚡ The power of adaptability in marketing💡 When it’s time to bring in the prosIf you’re tired of marketing that misses the mark, this episode is your wake-up call. Hit play and let’s get your strategy on point!--------------Whitney on LinkedInWhitney on Instagram True Story on Instagram True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com