In this episode, podcast producer Daniela Albertina shares key insights on effective podcast pitching and expected trends in 2025. Daniela Albertina is a seasoned podcast producer and marketing strategist with over seven years of experience helping storytellers and entrepreneurs amplify their voices and build authority in their fields. With a foundation in journalism and a background as a TV reporter and radio host, Daniela brings a unique storytelling approach to her work.This week, Lexie Smith and Daniela Albertina dive into the evolving landscape of podcasting as we head into 2025, exploring critical trends and strategies for effective pitching. Lexie and Daniela provide actionable tips for maximizing the podcast guest experience, from preparing for recordings to promoting episodes after they go live. They stress the importance of research, connection, and authenticity in building rapport with hosts and audiences. With the rise of video podcasting and platforms like YouTube, they discuss the need to adapt content for different media, noting that a show's performance can vary significantly across platforms. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to pitch effectively and navigate the complex world of podcasting in 2025, focusing on building genuine connections and delivering impactful content.Here’s What You’ll Learn:Why downloads don’t always measure a podcast’s true value and how to find worth in smaller audiences.How can we focus on niche topics and reach an audience that’s truly interested rather than prioritizing large numbers alone?Tips on making your host feel comfortable and engaged can improve the interview and increase the likelihood of being invited back.How to work with or without show-provided graphics to amplify your episode after it airs, including creating your assets if necessary.Insights on why video-based podcasts on YouTube are rising and how to adapt content for YouTube’s SEO requirements.Tips on tailoring titles, descriptions, and tags for different platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to increase reach.Despite shifts and how authentic voices drive podcast longevity, podcasts remain a powerful medium.From media training to research, learning how being a well-prepared guest can lead to more podcast opportunities.Listener Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danyalbertina/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danyalbertina1989/featuredSign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn about Growth Mode Agency: https://www.growthmodeagency.com/Connect with Lexie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/

In this episode, Lexie Smith and Joni Sweet dive deep into the do's and don'ts of pitching for holiday gift guides, offering invaluable insights for publicists and brands eager to make their mark. Joni Sweet has been a writer, editor, and content strategist for over 13 years. Her work has been published by TIME, National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, SELF, Real Simple, Frommer's, and dozens of other publications. She also offers consulting services to help publicists deepen relationships with journalists, develop smarter pitching strategies, and troubleshoot challenges, earning media coverage for their clients. Joni shares her experience working with PR professionals, highlighting common pitfalls, such as excessive follow-ups and pitching irrelevant products. With holiday gift guide season in full swing, she emphasizes the importance of timely and targeted pitches.Joni advises publicists to curate their submissions, showcasing only the most unique and giftable products rather than overwhelming her with options. She also explains her selection process for gift guides, which involves thorough organization and a keen eye for what resonates with readers. Tune in for essential tips on crafting compelling pitches, understanding seasonal trends, and navigating the competitive landscape of holiday gift coverage.Here’s What You’ll Learn:Learn about frequent errors publicists make, like excessive follow-ups and irrelevant product pitches.Discover that opportunities for pitching gift guides can extend into November and December due to evolving trends.Get tips on curating your pitches—showcasing only the most unique and giftable products.Learn how Joni selects products for gift guides, including the need for diversity in price points and categories.Find the key elements that should be included in every pitch, such as product links and high-quality images.See how a writer's interests can influence the types of gift guides they create.Gain insights into how many follow-ups are appropriate and how to execute them respectfully.Understand the pitfalls of pitching through social media DMs and the preferred communication channels.Listener Links: Substack: https://jonisweet.substack.com/Website: https://www.jonimsweet.com/X: https://x.com/JoniSweetInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonisweet/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonisweetwriter/Flash Consulting: https://www.jonimsweet.com/coaching-services/p/flash-consultingSun Moon Rising Wine - the world's first astrology-inspired wine brand - is offering all Pitchin' and Sippin' listeners 10% off their first purchase. Visit sunmoonrisingwine.com and use promo code PITCHIN10 at checkout.Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn about Growth Mode Agency: https://www.growthmodeagency.com/Connect with Lexie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/

In this episode, Lexie Smith sits down with Christina Nicholson, a TV host, producer, correspondent, and the owner of Media Maven, a public relations and content creation agency. The two dive into the complex world of pay-for-play TV segments and the evolving role of press releases in modern public relations. With her background as a TV producer, Christina sheds light on how to leverage paid TV opportunities effectively. They discuss the state of the press release in 2024, with Christina sharing her candid thoughts on why press releases no longer hold the power they once did. Lexie and Christina discuss how publicists must adapt their strategies to stand out in an oversaturated industry as the media landscape becomes increasingly challenging and reliant on affiliate marketing and paid placements.Here’s What You’ll Learn:The difference between earned media and paid-for-play TV segments and how to leverage each.How to legally share media appearances, including what to avoid when using logos or video clips.When paid media placements might be worth the investment, what should be considered before committing?Why press releases have lost effectiveness and what works better in today's PR landscape.How affiliate programs are now essential for product-based companies seeking media coverage.Content creation, blogging, and SEO support PR strategies and client goals.How has the shift in the media industry made pitching harder, and what tactics help cut through the noise?The role of affiliate marketing in media placements, especially for significant outlets like Cosmopolitan and Good Morning America.Common misconceptions around earned vs. paid media and how to communicate this to clients.The importance of personalized pitches and building relationships with journalists over-relying on outdated methods like press releases.Social Links:BusinessWebsite: https://www.mediamavenandmore.com/35 Things and More: https://www.mediamavenandmore.com/35-things/Personal Website: https://christinanicholson.com/Lifestyle Blog: https://christinaallday.com/Facebook: https://Facebook.com/MediaMavenAndMoreTwitter: https://Twitter.com/ChristinaAllDayLifestyle Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ChristinaAllDayProfessional Instagram: https://Instagram.com/MediaMavenAndMoreLinkedIn: https://LinkedIn.com/in/ChristinaAllDayPinterest: https://Pinterest.com/ChristinaAllDayProfessional YouTube: https://Youtube.com/c/MediaMavenAndMoreSun Moon Rising Wine - the world's first astrology-inspired wine brand - is offering all Pitchin' and Sippin' listeners 10% off their first purchase. Visit sunmoonrisingwine.com and use promo code PITCHIN10 at checkout.Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn about Growth Mode Agency: https://www.growthmodeagency.com/Connect with Lexie on Link

In this episode of Lexie Smith sits down with Whitney Lee, APR, CPRC, a marketing and PR expert and the founder of True Story Public Relations – an award-winning creative agency helping companies in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries get in front of the right people with the right message. Today, True Story has grown into a fully remote agency of ten, serving clients all over the US and internationally. She was named Scarlett Magazine’s “Woman of the Year” in PR, one of the “Five Most Dynamic Women Leaders Ruling the PR Industry” in the CIO Times, and one of United Way’s 40 under 40.Whitney provides insight into scaling her agency, staying within her niche, and the unique challenges of managing a remote workforce. She also dives into the importance of travel and how being mobile helps inspire creativity and strategy for her hospitality clients.The episode also touches on the intricacies of hospitality PR, from building relationships in an industry where connections are key to managing complex client expectations. Whitney explains how her agency focuses on a triad approach of PR, social media, and email marketing to build a holistic marketing strategy for clients. For listeners looking to grow their own PR firms, Whitney offers valuable advice on networking within the hospitality sector and leveraging client relationships to expand business opportunities.Here’s What You’ll Learn:How Whitney Lee grew her PR agency from a small beach town in Florida to an international, award-winning firm.The unique challenges and rewards of running a fully remote, all-female team of 10 in the hospitality industry.The importance of maintaining flexibility while balancing the demands of a remote team in different time zones.Why relationships are vital in the hospitality industry and how networking helps agencies grow.The misconceptions around PR and what true media relations and earned media look like in the hospitality space.Whitney’s method of finding inspiration by visiting hotels and restaurants during her travels to gather insights for her clients.How Whitney has leveraged her hospitality background to secure diverse clients from luxury resorts to aquariums and sailing lines.The key differences between PR, social media, and email marketing, and why having all three in sync is crucial for business growth.Tips for breaking into the hospitality PR industry, especially for those without prior hospitality experience.Insight into the value of offering core services like media relations, award submissions, and thought leadership in PR.Social Links: Website: https://truestorypr.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitneylee/Sun Moon Rising Wine - the world's first astrology-inspired wine brand - is offering all Pitchin' and Sippin' listeners 10% off their first purchase. Visit sunmoonrisingwine.com and use promo code PITCHIN10 at checkout.Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR inc.: https://theprbarinc.com/the-bar-menu/Learn about THEPRBAR Agency: https://www.theprbaragency.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/

In this minisode, Lexie Smith discusses five PR strategies that are actively yielding success for her agency, GROWTH MODE, and coaching clients at THEPRBAR Inc.From pitching podcasts to landing TV segments, Influencer Marketing wins, and more, tune in to learn new PR strategies you can implement today!Here’s What You’ll Learn:Discover why Pitchcraft is a valuable platform for lifestyle and hospitality PR professionals.Learn how pitching TV hosts, rather than producers, can increase media coverage and sales.Understand the benefits of founder-led outreach in influencer marketing to avoid large influencer fees.Explore how LinkedIn follow-ups with podcast hosts and producers can improve response rates.Get tips on utilizing the Quoted platform by responding quickly to PR queries.Hear insights on how being among the first to pitch in PR platforms can lead to higher success rates.Find out how TV appearances can impact sales and brand visibility within a short time frame.Learn creative ways to adapt your outreach when encountering email deliverability issues.Gain insights on building genuine relationships with influencers through personalized outreach.Explore how PR best practices evolve and why experimenting with new tactics is crucial for success.Sun Moon Rising Wine - the world's first astrology-inspired wine brand - is offering all Pitchin' and Sippin' listeners 10% off their first purchase. Visit sunmoonrisingwine.com and use promo code PITCHIN10 at checkout.Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn about Growth Mode Agency: https://www.growthmodeagency.com/Connect with Lexie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/Go back to the homepage

In this episode, Lexie Smith sits down with Marie Incontrera, a two-time TEDx speaker and founder of Incontrera Consulting. Marie Incontrera is the CEO and Founder of Incontrera Consulting, a digital marketing and thought leadership consulting agency; author, creative professional, and speechwriter. She works with thought leaders to leverage their online presence through social media, podcasts, and speaking. Her speaker clients have booked TED and TedX conferences globally and have talked on keynote stages worldwide. Her media clients have been booked on popular podcasts and radio stations such as The World’s Most Amazing People, Entrepreneur On Fire, and more. Marie authorizes the Amazon best-sellers Social Your Book Launch and Spread Your Idea. She is a two-time TEDx speaker and a keynote speaker.Marie shares her journey from jazz musician to digital marketing expert and successful speaker coach, having placed over 100 clients on TEDx stages worldwide. Whether you’re a budding speaker or a seasoned pro, Marie’s insights will help you confidently navigate the TEDx application landscape.Marie also discusses the broader speaking landscape, comparing TEDx to keynote opportunities. She provides valuable tips on creating a "speak to sell" strategy, focusing on identifying pain points for potential clients and leveraging speaking engagements for business growth. With a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering thought leaders, Marie offers actionable advice that can help anyone looking to elevate their public speaking game and make a lasting impact. Tune in to learn how to turn your ideas into powerful presentations and unlock new opportunities on the global stage!Here’s What You’ll Learn:Learn the distinctions between TED and TEDx, including the application process and the types of talks allowed.Discover how to select a compelling and relevant topic that resonates with a global audience.Gain insight into the specific guidelines TEDx organizers look for, such as avoiding political or religious agendas.Understand the importance of providing clear, actionable takeaways that your audience can implement immediately.Learn effective strategies for applying to TEDx events, including preparing a strong video pitch and written blurb.Discover how to handle rejection and keep applying to different TEDx events until you find the right fit.Understand the distinction between TEDx talks and keynote speeches, including their formats and purposes.Explore how to structure your talk to effectively address audience pain points and promote your services.Learn how to maximize both paid and unpaid speaking engagements for business growth and networking.Get actionable advice on refining your message and presentation skills to captivate your audience and enhance your speaking career.Social Links: Website: https://www.incontrera.com/marie-incontreraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marieincontrera/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieincontrera/Sun Moon Rising Wine - the world's first astrology-inspired wine brand - is offering all Pitchin' and Sippin' listeners 10% off their first purchase. Visit sunmoonrisingwine.com and use promo code PITCHIN10 at checkout.Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn about GROWTH MODE Agency:

In this episode, Lexie Smith sits down with John Sampogna, the CEO and Co-founder of Wondersauce, an agency specializing in brand storytelling, paid media, e-commerce, and digital experiences. With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing and advertising, John has created and led work for a wide range of clients such as L’Oreal, Scott’s, Golf.com, and Subway, amongst many others. Featured early in his career in Business Insider’s “30 Most Creative People In Advertising Under 30”, John’s insights have been featured in numerous media outlets, including Glossy, Adweek, CNBC, Medium, Yahoo, and Digiday. Today, he manages a team of over 100 creatives, strategists, producers, and technologists at Wondersauce, and is well-regarded industry-wide for his innovative approach toward digital marketing and brand storytelling.Lexie and John delve into the intricate dynamics of brand storytelling and media strategies. They explore the importance of crafting a cohesive brand narrative and discuss how brands can navigate the often complex landscape of both media strategies. John emphasizes that successful marketing today requires more than effective campaigns—it demands a thoughtful integration of top-of-funnel brand-building efforts and bottom-of-funnel performance tactics.John also provides practical advice for businesses, whether they're just starting out or scaling up. He discusses how brands can effectively leverage paid media to generate earned media, stressing the importance of creating engaging content that resonates with audiences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to refine their brand strategy and harness the full potential of both paid and earned media.Here’s What You’ll Learn:Understand why a brand's content is a crucial reflection of its identity and how it can influence audience perception.Learn how to balance large-scale, brand-building campaigns with tactical, performance-focused marketing efforts.Discover how to use paid media not just for immediate results but to test and refine content strategies that can generate organic, earned media.Explore the potential of newer advertising platforms like connected TV for reaching audiences in innovative ways.Get insights into using paid media for AB testing to determine which messaging resonates best with audiences before full-scale deployment.Learn how partnering with influencers can be a cost-effective way to amplify brand stories and create engaging content.Understand how to create effective content strategies on a smaller budget and why foundational content development is crucial before scaling paid efforts.Emphasize the importance of knowing where your audience spends their time and tailoring content and advertising strategies accordingly.Find out how to identify and exploit niche market opportunities that can offer high rewards for brands willing to diverge from traditional tactics.Gain insights into effectively integrating paid and earned media strategies to maximize impact and drive brand success.Social Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsampogna/Wondersauce: https://www.wondersauce.com/ Sun Moon Rising Wine - the world's first astrology-inspired wine brand - is offering all Pitchin' and Sippin' listeners 10% off their first purchase. Visit sunmoonrisingwine.com and use promo code PITCHIN10 at checkout.Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: 

In this episode, Lexie Smith sits down with Jessica Booth, a freelance writer, former editor and a Commerce Writer for leading global media company BDG. She has written for a wide variety of outlets, including Refinery 29, Bustle, Elite Daily, Parents, Brides, What To Expect, The Knot, People, The Bump, Reviewed, The Daily Beast, Forbes, Insider, Cosmopolitan, She Knows, Romper, and Food & Wine. Jessica covers tons of different topics, but specializes in parenting and commerce writing.In this episode, Jessica delves into the intricacies of commerce writing, detailing her journey from editorial assistant to managing editor and now a key player in BDG’s dedicated commerce team. She explains how commerce writing often revolves around assignments rather than pitches and discusses the distinct roles of assignment-based and freelance commerce writing.Jessica also shares insightful tips on what makes a pitch stand out, emphasizing the importance of clear, concise communication and relevant product information. She breaks down her process for evaluating products, highlighting the significance of personal experience and customer reviews. As the discussion turns to the impact of AI on journalism, Jessica expresses her concerns while also acknowledging the potential benefits. Whether you're a publicist looking to refine your pitch strategy or a journalist navigating the evolving media landscape, this episode offers valuable perspectives on pitching and product evaluation in commerce.Here’s What You’ll Learn:Details about Jessica's extensive career from her beginnings as an intern at Redbook to her role as a freelance commerce writer for BDG and other prominent outlets.The nuances of commerce writing, including how Jessica manages assignments for different brands under BDG and the specific focus areas of her work.The difference between freelance commerce writing and in-house roles, including how product pitches are handled in each context.Insights into what makes a successful product pitch, including the importance of getting straight to the point and providing essential assets like product links and images.How assignments work in the commerce writing field, from how Jessica receives them to the creative liberties allowed in her roles.How holiday gift guide pitches are managedJessica’s perspective on the potential impact of AI on the commerce writing industry and its effects on jobs and the writing process.Jessica’s preferences for receiving product pitches, including the type of information she values and how she likes to be approachedHow Jessica sources and evaluates products for inclusion in her articlesHow to connect with Jessica Booth for media and PR inquiriesListener Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jboothyy Twitter: https://x.com/JBoothyyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabooth1031/ Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn about Growth Mode Agency: https://www.growthmodeagency.com/Connect with Lexie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/

Lexie Smith, an insightful commentator on the evolving media landscape, challenges the norms of traditional media categories. She introduces the concept of the 'gray zone,' a hybrid blending paid and earned media, urging listeners to rethink media strategies. Lexie provides compelling examples, including awards programs, that highlight this new category’s relevance. She emphasizes the importance of embracing hybrid opportunities for enhanced credibility and engagement, calling on PR professionals to collaborate in defining this fresh approach.

Emily L. Foley, a prominent journalist and TV personality with vast experience in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, shares her journey from political speechwriting to trendspotting. She discusses how social media, especially TikTok, has transformed journalism, enhancing our understanding of trends. Emily also highlights the balancing act of juggling multiple roles and offers insightful pitching strategies for aspiring media professionals. Tune in for her unique perspectives on staying ahead in the fast-paced world of media.