The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

Today, the Golden Globes 2023 edition of the Indestructible PR® Podcast takes a look at the people and the brands that haven’t successfully overcome their PR crises of the past and examines what the ceremony reveals about their failings. Tune in to find out why these brands still haven’t recovered a year later and discover some helpful tips to avoid becoming a PR loser. Key Points From This Episode:Today’s topic: How the Golden Globes sheds light on the brands that haven’t successfully overcome their PR crises. Why Will Smith was still the biggest PR loser of the night.The backstory of what happened between Will Smith and Chris Rock last year.What Will Smith should have done immediately after last year’s incident.The current state of Will Smith and his brand and what this indicates about his PR response. Why Will Smith’s video apology wasn’t enough.Why the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was also a PR loser.Tom Cruise as a PR loser and the backstory behind this.The Indestructible PR® tip for the day about managing PR crises.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Molly's TikTok about the Golden Globes Molly McPherson Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audiobook Listen and Subscribe on Apple PodcastsMolly McPherson on Patreon© 2023 Indestructible PR® Podcast with Molly McPhersonWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...

Today’s podcast sheds light on a new dirty trick used by special interest groups and people who are activist-minded. It takes a look at an article by NPR, “She Was an ABC News Producer. She Also Was a Corporate Operative,” and reveals how Kristen Hentschel used her previous work experience as a journalist to challenge Toby Overdorf, a candidate for the Florida House of Representatives, while working as an advocate for a political consulting firm. This episode covers a brief overview of the story, why you need to be aware of this dirty trick if you work in communication, media, news, or a leadership-related position, and what you should bear in mind if facing an activist-minded foe. A second twist follows...Key Points From This Episode:Insight into the article  “She Was an ABC News Producer. She Also Was a Corporate Operative,” and why it’s relevant to listeners of this podcast. A brief overview of the story.How this story reveals a new tactical strategy used by activists.The statement released by ABC denying that Kristen Hentschel worked for them.The twist of Kristen Hentschel working as a journalist while simultaneously working as an advocate.How this relates to a situation faced by one of Molly’s clients with an activist-minded foe.An interesting twist relating to Kristin’s previous career as a journalist under a different name.The Indestructible PR® tip for the day for identifying or dealing with fake or former journalists.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:"She was an ABC News producer. She also was a corporate operative"Kristen Hentschel on LinkedInMolly McPherson Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and SubWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...

In this episode, discussing some of the worst PR crises that happened in 2022 based on an informal poll on Twitter. It's no secret that 2022 was a year full of PR disasters. From celebrities getting caught up in scandals to brands making massive mistakes, here are some of the worst PR crises that happened last year.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:What are some of the worst PR crises that happened in 2022? - Twitter 12/27/22 The Top 10 PR Crises in 2022 - Tik Tok 1/2/2023212: Why The Term Cancel Culture is Dangerous And How It Can Hurt Your Brand: Kanye West ExplainsIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple PodcastsMolly McPherson on PatreonThe media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...

ChatGPT is here and is making waves globally for its ability to generate human-like written text. This episode of the Indestructible PR® Podcast delves into some of the risks and benefits of using this new platform. It provides a bit of background into what ChatGPT is, how it works, and how it’s different from other IA programs. It also explains how it can be especially useful to those in communications and public relations before providing a list of some of the many things it can be used for, including content creation, language translation, copywriting, and others. You’ll learn what to consider if you are using ChatGPT for external communications and how to harness its benefits without jeopardizing your reputation. Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to what ChatGPT is and how it works.What makes ChatGPT different from other IA programs. The limitations of ChatGPT.How it can be useful to you in terms of communications and public relations. A list of the many things you can use it for including responding to customer inquiries, content creation, language translation, etc.How this can be used by students to cheat and evade plagiarism. What to consider if you are using Chat GPT for external communications.The Indestructible PR® tip for the day regarding your reputation and ChatGPT. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:ChatGPTMolly McPherson Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple PodcastsMolly McPherson on PatreonWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...

Everyone has been in a situation where they’re asked a question and don’t know how to answer it. Whether it be during an interview, a meeting, or a media interview, being able to provide clear, concise answers can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you give good answers to any question:  Mastering the art of giving good answers takes time and practice; however following these tips should help ensure that no matter what type of question is put forth, you can confidently provide an effective response.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Molly McPherson Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple PodcastsMolly McPherson on PatreonWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...

After body cam footage emerged showing Mary O’Connor, the Police Chief of Tampa, Florida, trying to get out of a traffic violation by showing her badge and the internal affairs investigation that followed, she was ultimately forced to resign. This episode takes a look at this incident to see what can be learned from a PR perspective, and breaks down three easy choices in ethical leadership that can save your reputation. Hear the entire body cam clip and learn what guilt sounds like, how guilty people behave, and how this sheds light on unethical leadership. Also covered is the statement that was released when the truth came out and how Mary tried to protect the lie instead of taking responsibility for her actions. Hear more about what it means to be an ethical leader in any organization and how to build an indestructible reputation.Key Points From This Episode:The traffic stop incident that resulted in Mary O’Connor’s resignation as Police Chief of Tampa, Florida.What guilt sounds like and how this relates to a media interview.How this sheds light on unethical leadership.Assessing the ethical ramifications of her actionsA sense of relief, and insight into how guilty people behave.The statement that was released when the truth came out and how she tried to protect the lie.How the first statement tells you the intent of the person. A previous incident and speculation that she may be driving under the influence of alcohol.What it means to be an ethical leader and how this relates to an organization’s core values.The Indestructible PR® tip for the day about taking responsibility.\Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:YouTube: "#Tampa #Police Chief Resigns After Flashing Badge To Get Out Of Golf Cart Stop" Official statement: "Incident involving chief of police" "Tampa police Chief Mary O’Connor resigns amid traffic stop controversy" Molly McPherson Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...

These days news happens in milliseconds and with the social media algorithms functioning the way they do, a negative comment can result in a disruption that can damage your public image in a very short space of time. This episode takes a look at the public relations strategy that effectively got two of Molly’s clients out of crises. It breaks down the three elements of the 'Social Media Checklist' and covers why you need to consider the intent of the person attacking you or your brand, the different intentions someone may have for attacking you, and whether you should delete a post or reply to it. You’ll learn what to consider when responding to a post like this, why you want to reply early, and why you should build your statements around key messaging. It also explains exactly how the Indestructible PR® response framework can be implemented into your response to make for an indestructible reputation.Key Points From This Episode:Patreon and other platforms where Molly engages with her followers.  A question from one of Molly’s Patreon subscribers about what Molly does behind the scenes.How what Molly talks about on TikTok translates into her work.The definition of a social media disruption and how this is different from a crisis.The social media disruption checklist that Molly created for one of her clients.How she applied this same checklist to the disruption faced by another client.The three elements of the Social Media Checklist. Why you need to consider the intent of the person attacking you before replying. The different types of people who may attack or challenge you on social media.Why Molly’s belief that you should never delete anything on social media has changed.What to delete and what to respond to. Other things to consider when responding to a post like this. Why you want to reply early and what to consider as you draft your response.Why you should build your statements around key messaging.How to implement the Indestructible PR response framework into your response.The importance of monitoring all yThe media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...

If you say the wrong thing in front of the press, it could live online for years to come and greatly damage your reputation. This episode takes a look back at a previous podcast episode and webinar with media trainer extraordinaire Warren Weeks, where he broke down the three mistakes that most spokespeople make in media interviews, why these faux pas can be so damaging, and how to avoid them. From not treating an interview like it’s a conversation to identifying and avoiding the traps set by reporters, learn how to perfect the art of the media interview and protect your brand. Also covered are some helpful tips for the preparation of “quotable quotes” to ensure that you don’t just avoid saying the wrong thing, but also get the right message across.Key Points From This Episode:The challenges faced by spokespeople in media interviews and how they are based on fear. The practice and patience required to craft the right messaging to protect yourself in a media interview.Why you should never treat a media interview as a conversation and why people do this. The awkward pause, what it is, and how journalists use this against spokespeople.How to avoid falling into the trap of the awkward pause. Why spokespeople often avoid repeating themselves and why they shouldn’t.Why you shouldn’t repeat the reporter’s words in your answer and how to avoid this reflex.The importance of discipline and control. The Indestructible PR® Tip for the day regarding the preparation of “quotable quotes.”Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Warren Weeks Media Training TorontoMolly McPherson Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisThe media tool I use to track stories, monitor coverage, and help clients get their message in the right hands. Click here to learn more. Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...

How a leader handles layoffs can have a major impact on the future success and reputation of their company. This episode takes a look at some of the recent layoffs that have made the news before breaking down five tips on how to handle layoffs during this time of year. It unpacks how Mark Zuckerberg handled the Meta layoffs differently from how Elon Musk handled the Twitter layoffs and what we can learn from both these situations. From managing expectations to supporting your employees, and ongoing communication, this episode will help you to mitigate unnecessary distress and protect your reputation in the unfortunate event of corporate downsizing. Key Points From This Episode:Some of the companies that have been in the media for layoffs recently.Why it’s so important to a company’s future success and reputation for its leader to handle a layoff well.Today’s topic: How to handle layoffs during this time of year. The difference between how Mark Zuckerberg handled the Meta layoffs and how Elon Musk handled the Twitter layoffs.Why, as a leader, you should be clear about the situation upfront. How to support both the employees who are being laid off and those who are staying.Why this process should be followed whether you’re laying off many people or only a few.The value of ongoing communication and updates.How to manage expectations by answering questions.The Indestructible PR® Tip for the day about framing the bad news. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Molly's TikTok video about the Meta Layoffs "Mark Zuckerberg Said He Cut Meta Jobs Better Than Elon Musk"Molly McPherson Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...

This week’s podcast discusses the anger algorithm and why social media platforms favor aggression, enraged behavior, and the shaming of people. It looks at the 60 Minutes episode “Angry in America,” what it reveals about the combative ecosystem of social media, and why you should watch it if you are a business leader or someone involved in communication. Our Indestructible PR Tip discusses how you might be able to hack the social media algorithm to stop the negative commentary. Key Points From This Episode:The 60 Minutes episode “Angry in America” and what it revealed about the social media algorithm. Why you should watch it if you are a business leader or someone involved in communication.The concept of shaming people online and how it relates to anger.Why you should factor in that people may not watch the whole video.Thoughts on when it’s okay to shame someone and when it is not. The Indestructible PR tip for the day about hacking the algorithm. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:60 Minutes: Angry in AmericaIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on Apple PodcastsWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson ...