The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

While you may think it’s unlikely that you will end up on a live television interview, with webinars, streaming, short-form videos, and other channels, there are so many opportunities for you to find yourself on screen. This episode breaks down five tested prep tips for appearing on camera for a live interview on very short notice, from the perspective of someone who understands this experience well. Hear about how Molly ended up on NOW Tonight with Joshua Johnson at short notice, and how she prepared herself for this. This podcast explains why you should keep it simple and interview with three talking points. It also covers how to dress, how to frame yourself, why you should smile, tips on how to overcome your nerves and everything you should keep in mind if interviewed on screen. Key Points From This Episode:Why this episode is relevant to you, even if you think you’re unlikely to be on a television interview. How Molly ended up on NOW Tonight with Joshua Johnson at short notice.Why you should keep it simple when prepping for an interview like this. How to dress for a broadcast interview.Why you should interview with three talking points.Why you should always prepare and never wing an interview like this.The importance of remembering to smile when you are on camera.Why you should keep framing in mind if you’re being interviewed online.The importance of thinking quickly on your feet.A tip to overcome your nerves. The Indestructible PR tip for the day about the one thing Molly forgot in her live interview.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:NOW Tonight with Joshua Johnson - Oct. 25 | NBC News NOW Room Rater tweet on MollyMolly McPhersonIndestructible: 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 ...

Kanye West (better known simply as Ye) has always been a contentious figure, but after his latest string of racist and anti-Semitic remarks, major brands like Adidas are dropping their endorsements with the rapper. This episode delves into this controversy to explain what happened, how Ye redefined the term 'cancel culture' and how the use of it can actually damage your brand. You’ll hear about Adidas’ termination of their partnership of Ye, as well as what they did wrong and what they did right, plus you’ll discover a possible strategic motivation behind Ye’s recent actions. You’ll also learn more about the ‘alt-right playbook’ that Ye seems to be following, and the elements of it that can be seen in his behavior, before hearing how he and the alt-right have attempted to weaponize cancel culture, and why you may never want to use the term in a defensive response again.Key Points From This Episode:The story behind the controversy surrounding Ye. The statement released by Adidas and why it’s a good example of how to respond to a crisis.Blowback Adidas has received for taking its time to sever its partnership with Ye. Why silence is so damaging and what Adidas should have done in the interim. Netflix’s decision not to drop Ye’s documentary, Jeen-Yuhs. The idea that Ye is following a playbook that is commonly used by the alt-right. How the alt-right is using this situation to further its cause.Insight into the ‘alt-right playbook’ and what it entails, including deliberately offensive speech. The preservation of ambiguity and Poe’s law as a tactic of the alt-right. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Press release: 'Adidas Terminates Partnership With Ye Immediately' Molly’s TikTok post: 'Adidas Terminates Partnership With Ye Immediately''Netflix will not remove Kanye West’s doc ‘Jeen-Yuhs’ amid anti-Semitic rants'Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy 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 ...

Please note this episode carries a trigger warning for sexual assault.After a long series of other troubling accusations, including one by a woman sexually assaulted by eight hockey players, and cover-ups, secrecy, and poor leadership, the reputation of Hockey Canada is severely tarnished. This week’s podcast breaks down the three reasons why the crisis has been so deadly for the brand and so devastating for the victims and the stakeholders. This episode sheds light on how long this crisis has been going on, some of the attempts to cover it up, and the lack of transparency on the part of Hockey Canada when it came to the media. Hear about how the problem of leadership not backing down fed the scandal and the additional crisis caused when the entire board stepped down at the same time. Listen in for some key takeaways to consider to prevent a future crisis at your organization. Key Points From This Episode:A clip from TSN Senior Correspondent Rick Westhead breaking the story about Hockey Canada. TW: For listeners who wish to avoid his account of an incident involving sexual assault, please skip audio between [00:17] and [00:44].The framing of this story for the purpose of this podcast, and why it feels so American.TW: For listeners who wish to avoid further details about the sexual assault, please skip audio from [05:24] to [08:00] The masculine nature of the sport and the risky behavior that accompanies it.Other Canadian PR crises from recent times. Insight into how long this crisis has been going on and some attempts to cover it up.The stepping down of President and CEO Scott Smith, as well as the entire board, and how it caused an additional crisis.The problem of lack of transparency and the company’s silence towards the media. How leaders not backing down fed the scandal. The survey Hockey Canada sent to supporters and how this can be seen as a doubling down tactic. The Indestructible PR TipIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media CrisisIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis 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 ...

You can unleash a full-blown PR crisis on social media with one bad move against someone with a social media platform. To handle these situations, companies and brands need a plan. Who didn't prepare for her social media crisis? Bethenny Frankel. The "Real Housewives of New York City" alum has gained popularity on TikTok for her beauty product reviews and sometimes harsh criticism of other celebrities like Meghan Markel. However, when Frankel appeared to silence two creators on TikTok for critiquing her brand, users of the app took notice. She effectively destroyed her reputation by sending legal notices to two TikTok creators who criticized her brand. First, for being a bully. Second, for botching her social media response. Avoid these mistakes when dealing with a social media PR crisis. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Molly McPherson's Bethenny Frankel reaction on TikTok #1 Molly McPherson's Bethenny Frankel reaction on TikTok #2Molly McPherson on YouTube Molly McPherson on Instagram Molly McPherson on TwitterIndestructible PR on FacebookIndestructible: 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 Podcasts    © 2022 Indestructible PR PodcastWant 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 episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast looks at the public relations crisis created by Joy Gendusa, CEO of PostcardMania in Clearwater, Florida, when she claims she underestimated the severity of Hurricane Ian and insisted her staff continue to work through the storm. This podcast unpacks exactly what was communicated in that Zoom meeting when Gendusa addressed her staff before the arrival of Hurricane Ian and the media crisis that resulted, before it delves into Gendusa’s response. We cover why issuing a press release was wise, but also dissecting the not-so-wise moves in a corresponding YouTube video.  Listen in to learn how to respond to a natural disaster, and not create one with your staff. Key Points From This Episode:How having a healthy amount of ego comes with the territory when it comes to being a CEOWhat Joy Gendusa said in the Zoom call when she addressed her staff before the hurricane.The difference between hype and legitimate danger.Three reasons why this situation made headlines.Why issuing a press release was a good move.Mixed feelings about the setting of Gendusa’s video and why it should have been shot at the office. What the hard edits in the video tell us about the subtext. Questions related to the truth of some statements she made in the video. The takeaway from this response is about the importance of owning up to your mistakes.The Indestructible PR TipPress release: "PostcardMania CEO Speaks Out After Hurricane Ian, World Should be More Forgiving and Helpful” YouTube Video: PostcardMania CEO Speaks Out After Hurricane Ian, World Should be More Forgiving and Helpful Andrew Cuomo on “What’s Next?” The 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 ...

Anyone who lives in Florida will have heard a hurricane warning recently, well today’s episode is a hurricane content warning. At the time of this podcast’s recording, Hurricane Ian was close to making landfall. This episode looks at President and CEO of the Red Cross Gail McGovern’s warning to those in Florida, why some people did not heed her advice, and what social media has to do with the problem. Discover why Hurricane Ian is the first social media hurricane and how both ordinary citizens and federal and local authorities are creating content around it. Tune in to hear a breakdown of three concerning social media trends related to the hurricane and people’s safety, as well as a warning and some key takeaways related to communication about crisis situations like this one.  Key Points From This Episode: Today’s topic: Why people did not heed Gail McGovern’s warning to Floridians about Hurricane Ian and what social media has to do with this problem. The current status of the hurricane at the time of this episode’s recording.Three concerning social media trends related to Hurricane Ian and people’s safety.Why Hurricane Ian is the first social media hurricane. Thoughts on how federal and local officials are using social media.The value of live video and why organizations need to use social media to reach people.How younger generations use social media as a search engine. The Indestructible PR tip for the day about remote workers in crisis situations.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Molly's Hurricane Ian TikTok post  Molly McPherson  Molly McPherson on Twitter  Molly McPherson on TikTok  Molly McPherson on YouTube  Molly McPherson on Instagram  Indestructible PR on Facebook 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 ...

In today's digital age, with the constant posting, sharing, and posts going viral, PR crises can spiral out of control in the blink of an eye. This week’s Indestructible PR Podcast shares some key takeaways from how Adam Levine responded to his PR crisis in the aftermath of the video posted by Instagram model, Sumner Stroh. You’ll learn more about the one big mistake he made, a mistake you never want repeated in a PR crisis. Also discussed are the details released by Sumner and the importance of going further to understand the why behind her actions. Don’t miss out, tune in now.  Key Points From This Episode:  • How a PR crisis can spiral out of control thanks to the digital age we live in. • More about Levine’s response to the spilling of more sordid details of his personal life. • Details released by Instagram model, Sumner Stroh. • A closer look at his one, colossal, mistake.  • Why it’s important to understand the why behind the other person’s actions. • Why showing remorse plays a role in handling a PR crisis. • A look at the statement released by Adam Levine and his PR team. • The grand takeaway from Levine’s post. • The Indestructible PR tip. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  Sumner Stroh on TikTokMolly McPherson Molly McPherson on Twitter Molly McPherson on TikTok Molly McPherson on YouTubeMolly McPherson on Instagram Indestructible PR on FacebookIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis  Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Audio Book Listen and Subscribe on ApWant 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 ...

Recently, Rudy Giuliani, formerly known as ‘America's Mayor,' sat down for a media interview with Newsmax, and likely it did not go as intended. One unprepared quote later, and the resulting gaff ended up all over social media. This type of thing can happen to anyone, and this week’s podcast looks at why this interview was such a train wreck. Tuning in, you’ll find out how Giuliani started off on the wrong foot, why the biggest mistake he made was treating a media interview like a conversation, and you’ll hear the soundbite of the shocking faux pas that rocked headlines as a viral pull quote. This episode also includes five important things to consider to avoid saying something you’ll regret in a media interview, as well as tips on how to handle mistakes, difficult questions, and tough reporters! You won’t want to miss it.  Key Points From This Episode:  • Thoughts on the 21st anniversary of 9/11 and how much has changed.  • Rudy Giuliani, his unofficial title of 'America's Mayor,' and his subsequent downfall. • The Newsmax interview with Giuliani and why it was such a train wreck. • How a pull quote is different from a soundbite. • The importance of preparing for a media interview. • The soundbite where Giuliani got off on the wrong foot. • Five things to consider to avoid saying something you’ll regret in your next media interview. • Why conducting an interview 'off the cuff ' is one of the most dangerous things you can do. • What to do if you make a mistake in an interview. • Tips for answering difficult questions and dealing with tough reporters. • The Indestructible PR tip. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: "Rudy Giuliani to Newsmax: US 'in More Danger' Than Before 9/11"  Molly McPherson Molly McPherson on Twitter Molly McPherson on TikTok Molly McPherson on YouTube  Molly McPherson on InstagramIWant 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 Indestructible PR podcast episode discusses the trending TikTok drama surrounding the Don’t Worry Darling Venice Film Festival premiere. Did Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine? Did Olivia and Harry break up? What’s the deal with Florence Pugh? As the cast of the upcoming American psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde, hit the Venice Film Festival, they brought plenty of behind-the-scenes drama. Covered in this episode is Olivia’s statement at a press conference regarding the fallout with Miss Florence Pugh, the press junket, and more comments surrounding the drama. And as always, tune in for an indestructible PR tip at the end of the episode. Key Points From This Episode:Scene: Venice Film Festival. Topic of discussion: Olivia Wilde’s second directorial effort.The crazy thing about the TikTok platform: mashing together public relations crisis management and pop culture. A quick digression about Shia LaBeouf and his rebranding to Catholicism. A deeper look at the press conference with Olivia Wilde.A red flag: a quote or line that should never be used in a PR situation.The cascading consequences of Olivia Wilde’s statement. Looking at Flo’s diva behavior and how that’s working for her.Is any PR really good PR? Indestructible PR tip: Be prepared! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Molly McPhersonMolly McPherson on TwitterMolly McPherson on TikTokMolly McPherson on YouTube Molly McPherson on Instagram Indestructible PR on FacebookIndestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Indestructible: 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 ...

In a recent exclusive interview with The Cut, Meghan Markle opened up about her new life in California, the struggles of her past, and her plans for her future. This was partly done as part of a promotion effort for Meghan’s new podcast, Archetypes. This week, we examine and decode this article to analyze what she said and what she meant. Hear how Meghan and Harry’s PR has perpetually let them down, why their campaigns always feel like plan Bs, and discover examples of their many PR missteps. This episode explains why this article feels like another plan B in trying to reshape their reputation, and breaks down some framing attempts in it and the agenda behind them. Please note this episode carries a trigger warning for suicide and depression.  Key Points From This Episode:  • The Cut’s article about Meghan Markle and how it’s part of a promotion effort for her new podcast, Archetypes. • Today’s topic: The major takeaway from how this article has been framed. • Framing attempts in the article and the agenda behind them. • Harry's suspicious absence from this profile and why this might be. • The relatable aspects of Meghan and Harry’s lives versus the unrelatable aspects. • The message she sends to the royal family and the tricky nature of navigating hypocrisy in media relations. • TW: To avoid references to suicide, skip audio from 29:34 to 30:03. • The key takeaway from this article and the message Meghan is sending to the royal family. • The Indestructible PR tip for the day, relating to hypocrisy in media interviews.   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  ‘Meghan of Montecito She’s left the Firm behind. Harry’s found a polo team in Santa Barbara. The kids are doing great. Now she’s ready for her next act.’ — Archetypes Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis Molly McPherson on TwitterThe 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 ...