Podcasts about Public relations

This week, I'm sitting down with PR expert and local Wilmington community builder, Alli Rodriguez. She is the founder and CEO of ARPR and she is here to talk about the power of collaboration & community over competition in business!! From her journey into public relations to her commitment to creating spaces where women can thrive together, Alli shares candid insights into building authentic relationships, showing up as your full self, and why choosing community is always a winning strategy. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this conversation will remind you that you don't have to do business alone!! CONNECT: Follow Alli on Instagram Visit ARPR's Website Follow Wrestling With Life Need social media help?

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews Zoe Hiljemark, a PR and marketing strategist specializing in helping photographers. They discuss the importance of PR, SEO, and blogging in building a photographer's brand and attracting clients. Zoe emphasizes the changing landscape due to algorithm updates and AI-generated content, and she outlines common PR mistakes photographers make, such as being too broad in their media approaches. She also shares insights on how SEO is crucial for online visibility and talks about how PR can complement blogging to enhance a photography business. Zoe provides actionable steps for photographers to boost their marketing efforts and improve their online presence. Resources/Links: Support the Podcast on Patreon Learn more about Zoe's PR Services Arthelper SERanking Matt's Print Course

This Week: Emily Binder, Monty Hagler, Jason Lonsdale and Augie Ray join Bob to discuss Jaguar's rebrand in hindsight, why sustainability isn't enough, YouTube's new ad placements, Netflix's new ad offerings, plus this week's #FairFailFoul.

Gina Rubel and Jennifer Simpson Carr explore one of the most sensitive challenges law firms face: managing public and media communications during litigation. From defending global brands to navigating precedent-setting cases, they discuss why early engagement with communications professionals is essential, how to strike the right balance between legal accuracy and public clarity, and why “no comment” is never the right response.

In this episode, Lillian and I talk about the importance of looking outside the AEC space to get inspired, prevent burnout, and effectively communicate your firm's brand and strategy. About Lillian: Lillian Parker External Communications Manager | Little Diversified Architectural Consulting Lillian is a curious and enthusiastic communications strategist, relationship builder, and storyteller. Professionally, Lillian serves as External Communications Manager with Little Diversified Architectural Consulting and a freelance copywriter and communications consultant. She is a lifelong learner fascinated by the intersections of language and experience. In all spaces, she strives to move with sincerity and intention. Lillian hails from Montgomery, Alabama, and graduated from Auburn University with bachelor's degrees in Public Relations and Spanish Language. She has resided in Charlotte, North Carolina, since 2018. Outside of work, Lillian enjoys fostering creative talent, binging cultural commentary, and loving on her rescue pup. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillianvparker/ Website: littleonline.com

In this episode of the Hey Joe Podcast, Joe sits down with a friend and industry partner, Duane Carey of IMPACT Marketing & Public Relations, a marketing agency that helps brands and businesses grow and thrive using best practices and lead generation. IMPACT is a full-service marketing department for hire with a wide breadth of services, but most notably, they specialize in pet care and health care businesses. Join Duane and Joe as they discuss why investing in your marketing is not a "next step" or upgrade you can make, but a necessary and crucial piece of your business plan from day one. They dig into the various pieces that make up a successful marketing plan and share their experiences in this episode you won't want to miss!

Brought to you by HispanicMPR.com

Wondering how companies can navigate the evolving landscape of public relations to establish themselves as thought leaders in their industries? In this episode Doyle Albee, CEO of Comprise, shares strategies for building thought leadership emphasizing the role of content creation and provides actionable steps to become an industry authority.Website: www.comprise.agency LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doylealbee/ Let's Stay in Touch! LinkedIn (be sure to mention you heard the podcast ;-)) Website - B.O.O.S.T.® Your Brilliance

Album 7 Track 11 - Running Your Race w/LaDonna GoodenBrand Nerds, Brand Nerds, Brand Nerds - today's guest spans across various industries, experiences, and roles throughout her career. As a former athlete, LaDonna Gooden has carried those lifelong lessons with her - and is dropping jew-els from her time working alongside DC to her current advocacy for women's sports in her current hometown. We know you'll learn a thing or two, so grab a notebook or your notes app and enjoy! Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:Understanding your optimal communication styleRespecting boundaries for yourself and othersListen more than you speakOwn your mistakes.Slowing Down to Speed UpStay Up-To-Date on All Things Brands, Beats, & Bytes on SocialInstagram | Twitter

The latest guest on The PR Week podcast is Dan Kramer, chief executive of global shareholder services at Equiniti. On the agenda: Kramer talks about his company's recent acquisition of earned media platform Notified, working with PR and investor relations clients that report up through different parts of the business and how companies like his are using AI. Plus, PRWeek senior reporter Jess Ruderman with the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including a major agency people move and a perspective on how influencers and brands are monetizing personal relationships.  Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

Last week, my daughter graduated from Loyola University Chicago. After years of watching her build a life—on the field, on the sidelines, in the center of the action—she's stepping into the real world. And like so many graduates right now, she's walking in with drive, uncertainty, and a digital footprint that started long before her first job offer.This episode is a message to her—and to every graduate who needs a little direction that's not sugarcoated. It's a life list. The same one I've given my own kids (sometimes more than once). The same one I use with clients in crisis.In this episode:The top three questions students (and parents) ask me after every keynoteWhy your degree matters less than how well you can read a roomThe habits and mindsets that actually keep reputations intactWhat to say in your first “I don't know what to do” moment at workAnd the one thing every Gen Z grad needs to hear—especially those shaped by the pandemic yearsThis is not motivational filler. It's a real list for the real world. Send it to your grad. Save it for your kid. Or come back to it when your own clarity runs low.Read the entire list here on my PR Breakdown Substack: What No One Tells New Grads About Crisis Communication (And Life) 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. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcpherson https://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymcpherson/ © 2025 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

Suzanne's Top 5 Clifton Strengths are: Harmony, Empathy, Arranger, Connectedness & Activator. Suzanne Fox Trotter is an Associate Professor and the Director of Student Affairs at the Tufts University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Seattle. A proud Auburn Tiger, she began her academic journey in Public Relations but felt a powerful calling to physical therapy—and she's never looked back. Suzanne earned her Master's in Physical Therapy from Emory University in 1995 and went on to complete her Doctor of Science at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2014. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists, a recognition of her dedication to advanced clinical practice and dedication to lifelong learning. Suzanne is also one of the co-founders of Tesoro Project, a nonprofit organization committed  that is on mission  to empower healthcare leaders to heal and transform lives primarily in local Guatemalan communities.  Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths  

On this episode, Dan Wallach talks with Bob DiBiasio, who is the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the Cleveland Guardians, and has been a public relations executive with Cleveland for all but one season since 1979. Follow MBH on facebook, bluesky, twitter, and instagram @shoelesspodcast and sign up for the email newsletter at shoelesspodcast.substack.com Don't forget to rate, review, and listen on iTunes, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app. Thanks to: Ryan Starinsky for the opening theme and his acoustic version of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" Randy Moore for his baseball organ version of "Kingpin" by Get Married Gary Cieradkowski at www.studiogaryc.com for creating the artwork Bob DiBiasio My mom

Welcome to the Woman in PR Show! I'm your host, Talia Beckett Davis, Founder of the Organization of Canadian Women in Public Relations and the Organization of American Women in Public Relations.In today's episode, I'm thrilled to be speaking with Stu McClaren, Founder of the Membership Experience, Co-Founder of the technology platform membership.IO, and author of the game-changing book Predictable Profits: How to Transform Your Business from One-Off Sales to Recurring Revenue with Memberships and Subscriptions.If you've ever wondered how to build a thriving community around your brand or turn your business into a predictable, recurring revenue stream, this episode is for you. Stu's helped countless entrepreneurs unlock the power of memberships—and today, he's sharing his best insights with us.Download the Membership Calculator: https://www.taliadavis.com/TME

Send us a textIn this episode, Vannyda Thach joins host Jason Mudd to discuss expert strategies for media pitching and journalist relationshipsTune in to learn more!Our Guest:Vannyda Thach is the Head of Media Success at Qwoted. With a background in media relations and digital communications, Vannyda helps journalists find trusted sources and build meaningful relationships through the Qwoted platform. Her experience spans PR campaign management, social media strategy, and work with major entertainment events, including Disney's “Big Hero 6” premiere.Five things you'll learn from this episode:1. Why building relationships (and not just landing placements) is the foundation of good media pitching2. The difference between cold pitches and media query responses — and how to craft both effectively3. Best practices for using Qwoted to match sources with journalists quickly and accurately4. How personalization, clarity, and relevance impact whether journalists notice or ignore a pitch 5. The role of urgency and profile optimization in earning top-tier media coverage Quotables“You want to be unique. You want to have your own take on the topic.” — @VannydaThach“Remember to call the journalist by their name. If your pitch isn't personalized, they'll see right through it.” — @VannydaThach“Pitching media is about being helpful, not selling. Focus on building the relationship.” — @JasonMudd9“Don't ghost reporters. Communicate early if something changes. It's all about respect.” — @JasonMudd9“Journalists are busy and under pressure. The more complete your profile, the more credibility you have.” — @VannydaThachIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us though Buy Me a Coffee or by leavinging us a quick podcast review.About Vannyda ThachVannyda Thach is the Head of Media Success at Qwoted, a platform dedicated to connecting journalists with expert sources. Based in Los Angeles, she leads a team committed to supporting media professionals — including journalists, freelancers, podcasters, and producers by facilitating connections with the right experts for their stories, even under tight deadlines. With a journalism and public relations background, Vannyda earned her bachelor's degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations from California State University, Long Beach. Her career began with roles such as a communications intern at AARP and public relations manager for DisneyExaminer. She later joined Citizen Relations, progressing from a junior account executive to senior account executive, managing PR campaigns and fostering media relationships. At Qwoted, Vannyda leverages her PR experience to assist journalists in finding trusted sources and building meaningful relationships through the platform. She emphasizes the importance of being helpful over selling in media pitching and building genuine connections with reporters.Guest's cSupport the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America's Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

I'm baaaaack!  Today, we're talking about scheduling with third parties.  A bit of a rant, hope you can relate...or implement change in your organization.  xo Jess   I always love to hear from you: askanassistant.com Book a 1:1 with me: jesslindgren.com/coaching Lay your comments, questions, thoughts, and concerns on me.  Have an awesome week!  Want a note from me and my IBM Selectric II typewriter?  Write to me here and I'll type back soon: Jess Lindgren 4465 E Genesee Street STE 114 Syracuse, NY 13214

Feeling stuck or stressed at work? You might just need to GROW your way out. Executive coach Sarah Waddington shares the power and practicality of the GROW model — Goal, Reality, Options, Way forward — in transforming workplace performance, especially within high-pressure environments like PR. Sarah breaks down how this deceptively simple coaching framework fosters self-awareness, reduces stress, builds resilience, and helps individuals and teams move from dependency to interdependency. From managing difficult clients and workplace lethargy to unlocking mindset shifts for career advancement, this conversation offers actionable tips to leaders and middle managers alike on how to introduce coaching into fast-paced and demanding cultures.Listen For5:15 Why GROW works for both work and life7:04 Applying GROW in the pressure cooker of PR11:52 Nightmare client scenario: Using GROW in real-time challenges14:40 Resilience in PR: Avoiding burnout with GROW16:37 — Baby steps for senior leaders to start using GROW19:20 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Mark Borkowski Guest: Sarah Waddington, CBEWebsite | Email | X | LinkedIn | Wadds Inc. #FuturePRoof Community https://www.futureproofingcomms.co.uk/ Socially Mobile https://www.sociallymobile.org.uk/  Rate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

This Week: Michelle Excell and Lisa Laporte join Bob to discuss making a brand "less American," Google's perils continue, combatting dupe culture, unpacking TikTok's assurances, plus this week's #FairFailFoul.  

Stephanie Perry is the Assistant Director of Community & Public Relations at the City of Fishers. After 18 hard months, Stephanie became a marathoner at the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon last November 2024, something she never thought was possible. During this episode, sponsored by Previnex, we talk about:Having imposter syndrome about being a runner since she doesn't run fastThe Indy Mini that just happened on 5/3/25 and how she doesn't love it A little bit about my Mini with Ainsley's Angel Mom life and having a husband who also runs Why she signed up for her first half marathon Starting an informal run club at the City of Fishers where she works to run during lunch How we're both over going above and beyond to host parties (Thank you, Mel Robbins)Running at Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, IN and our love of vacation runs Nutrition and how she used to refuse to stop for water during races Her 18 month marathon training journey The 8 Hour Endurance Race around Butler University Life outside of running working for the City of Fishers (where she lives)The Geist Half Marathon Sponsor Details:- ⁠Previnex⁠ - Use ALLY15 for 15% off your first orderGoFundMe for Patrick Holden who passed away after the Indy Mini

Tracey Wilson is the Vice President of Public Relations with the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights. She discusses not only the work of the CCFR, but also their struggles in holding the government accountable in their quest to disarm Canadians.

Let's Be Honest: Money talk isn't tacky—it's transformative.This week, Andrea's flipping the script on the financial silence that's held women back for generations. From candid salary conversations to sharing investment wins (and missteps), every truth you tell chips away at a system built on keeping women in the dark. Tune in to explore how owning your financial story can unlock not just personal freedom, but collective empowerment. It's not about becoming money-obsessed, but about making money part of your wellness journey.. . .0:00 - Episode Intro2:23  - When Financial Silence Hurts Us All3:34 -  The Curious Case of Financial Confidence5:16 - Were You Silent, or Silenced?6:54 - Internalized Money Misogyny 9:07 - Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud Benefits Everyone10:11 - Pay Transparency = Pay Equity11:05 -  Kicking Off The Hard Conversation14:51 - Community Makes Everything Better15:37 - Closing Thoughts . . . RESOURCES ⁠⁠Get info about our upcoming Mastermind cohort!⁠⁠. . .CONNECT WITH KANDULAteam@kandulacommunications.com. . .CONNECT WITH KANDULA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kandula Blogs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. . .ABOUT ANDREA DE LA CERDAAndrea De La Cerda is a highly accomplished communications professional with over 25 years of experience in the fields of advertising, communications and marketing. Throughout her career, Andrea has held key positions in renowned advertising agencies, brand consultancies and in-house marketing departments before creating Kandula. She possesses a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, allowing her to develop innovative communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Andrea received both her B.A. in Advertising and Business Administration and a M.A. in Education from Pepperdine. She is currently pursuing her Accreditation in Public Relations and is a member of PRSA.Sign up for Andrea's monthly newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insights for Systemic Change⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.. . .WORK WITH USKandula works with nonprofits, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and established brands dedicated to expanding their influence and amplifying their impact through purpose-driven communication strategies. Reach out to work with us!

REMIX: Album 5 Track 10 - What's Poppin? Sprite Passes PepsiBrand Nerds, in this week's What's Poppin? we are diving into media's role in elevating the power of hip-hop culture in media through Sprite's iconic 'Obey Your Thirst' campaign. We are getting a behind the curtain look at Sprite's 'Obey Your Thirst' campaign from the innovator himself, Darryl 'DC' Cobbin, our co-host!  NOTES:Ad Week: Obey Your Third: How Sprite Became America's No. 3 Soft DrinkStay Up-To-Date on All Things Brands, Beats, & Bytes on SocialInstagram | Twitter

This Laurel Ridge Community College episode featured Brandy Hawkins Boies, the college's Director of Public Relations, and Deborah Zelleka-Yearwood, an inspiring student and commencement speaker. Brandy shared updates about the upcoming commencement ceremonies, which will be spread across two days to accommodate the large number of health profession graduates. With 795 graduates, the college is celebrating their achievements with grand festivities, including a significant tent setup on campus.  Graduates are invited, along with friends, family, faculty and staff, to gather in person to collectively recognize the accomplishments and confer the degrees of the class of 2025. The Health Professions Commencement and Pinning Ceremonies will take place on Thursday, May 15, with Commencement at 2pm and Pinning at 4pm on the Middletown campus. Commencement for all other programs will take place on Friday, May 16 at 2pm on the Middletown campus. In a heartwarming segment, Deborah recounted her journey to earning an associate's degree in surgical technology. She started her academic pursuit in her forties, motivated by the neonatal care her son, Joshua, received. Juggling family life and studies during the COVID pandemic, Deborah's story epitomizes perseverance. She expressed immense gratitude for her supportive family and highlighted the opportunities provided by Laurel Ridge, including scholarships and grants that made her education affordable - ZERO out-of-pocket expense! Janet and Deborah discussed the transformative power of education and the deep bonds formed with classmates. Deborah lauded her favorite professor, Ashley Seabolt, for her support. She shared insights about the practical and theoretical components of her coursework, enhancing her passion for surgical technology. The conversation also covered the broader impact of community college education, with Brandy emphasizing the financial benefits and career readiness offered by Laurel Ridge. The episode closed with an uplifting note, as Deborah dedicated her degree to her late father and encouraged everyone, regardless of age, to pursue their educational dreams. Brandy also invited the community to attend two upcoming events being hosted at the Middletown Campus of Laurel Ridge Community College. A Student Art Show will be held on Friday, May 9, from 3pm - 5pm in the Sekel Art Atrium next to the Wolk Library. On Saturday, May 10, at 4:30pm, the college will host a film screening and Q&A with the filmmaker, Andre Ferguson. 33 Black Frog: An American Story showcases the life and career of Chief Petty Officer Eddie L. Ferguson (Ret.), United States Navy, who was among the first African American members of the Underwater Demolition Team, the precursor to the Navy SEALs. His son, filmmaker Andre Ferguson, brings his inspiring story to life—from his childhood growing up in the South during the Jim Crow-era, where he didn't learn to swim until age 22, to his rise as an elite Navy Frogman. There will be a special guest appearance by Chief Petty Officer Eddie L. Ferguson.

The latest guest on The PR Week — and not just any week, but Agency Business Report week — is Doug Thornell, CEO of SKDK, a firm that was up 26% in 2025 by revenue earned. He talks about the current complicated operating environment, which includes giving advice to clients about issues such as President Donald Trump's promise to institute a 100% tariff on foreign-made movies. Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, from the just-convened Papal Conclave to Jack Leslie's return to Weber Shandwick in an advisory role.  Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Dr. Heidi Sipe, Superintendent of Umatilla School District in Oregon, a role she has held for a remarkable 17 years. Dr. Sipe previously served as  the district's Federal Programs Director and Assistant Superintendent for five years. She also has a higher education background: She is an Adjunct Professor at Lewis and Clark College in Oregon and was an Adjunct Professor at Concordia University in Chicago.  Dr. Sipe brings a government perspective as well, having served as an Assistant Superintendent in the Oregon Department of Education.Some Questions We Ask:What is the most rewarding aspect of serving as a superintendent? (01:24)What is your opinion about the 2023 RAND Study and how do you cope with stress in the superintendency? (02:06)How has scrutiny of the superintendency changed over the years? (03:26)What are your strategies for bringing the community together to see your vision as a superintendent? (06:51)How do you gauge the engagement level of your community?  (10:00)Do you think your stress level as a superintendent is representative of others across the nation? (11:30)What creative ways have you used storytelling and communication? (13:04)What's your advice to district leaders who are having difficulty building a community? (16:56)Why is it important to see superintendents as real people? (20:02)How can we better support superintendents in their roles? (21:39)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Rewarding aspects of the superintendency (01:33)Dr. Sipe's opinion on the 2023 RAND study and stress coping mechanisms (02:22)Scrutiny of the superintendency (03:31)Bringing the community together around one vision (07:01)Gauging community engagement levels (10:12)Stress level comparisons among superintendents (11:41)Creative ways of reaching out to the community (13:17)Advice for other district leaders (17:01)The importance of humanizing superintendents (20:28)Tips for advocating for superintendents (21:50)Quotes:“How I do parental involvement: I try to be places. I try to visit. I try to get to know people.”“We can't ever forget that we are given this incredible opportunity—but also responsibility—to be a partner in raising the next generation of leaders, and if we don't own that and recognize the significance of it, we're failing our communities. No one's going to trust someone to be a partner in raising their kid unless they know that person and they know what they stand for."Stay in touch with Dr. Heidi Sipe:LinkedIn Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:SWPR GROUP WebsiteLinkedInStay in touch with Chad Bolser:LinkedInAbout "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:Transformational Leadership Secret websitePurchase the print or ebook

Earned media opportunities for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and PR (Public Relations), specifically discussing how to create "power pages" on your website is in this episode.Focusing on the importance of having a strong online presence to leverage media features effectively, emphasizing that sending traffic to your own website first is crucial for building authority and gaining brand equity. We touched on using tools like Ahrefs to check domain authority, analyzing a platform's social media presence, and the strategic advantages of using platforms for Pinterest SEO for long-term visibility and traffic generation due to its unique features and user behavior. The discussion also explores the increasing role of AI tools in content creation and marketing strategies.FAQs on Earned Media Opportunities for SEO and PR1. What are earned media opportunities and why are they important for businesses?Earned media refers to publicity gained through promotional efforts other than paid advertising, essentially media exposure that is "earned" through relationships, content creation, and engagement. These opportunities are crucial for businesses because they can significantly boost your search engine optimization (SEO) and public relations (PR) efforts. By being featured on external platforms like radio, TV, podcasts, magazines, or websites, you gain exposure to new audiences and build brand authority. This exposure, especially when linked back to your website, creates "power pages" – pages on your site that receive significant traffic and engagement. This organic traffic and external validation contribute to stronger online presence and brand equity, which are vital for long-term business growth.2. How can I leverage earned media opportunities to benefit my website's SEO?To effectively leverage earned media for SEO, it's essential to ensure that any features or mentions on external platforms directly link back to your website. Instead of directing people straight to the platform where you were featured, guide them to your website first. On your website, you can have a dedicated page (a "power page") that highlights your earned media appearances. This serves as the "first landing" for visitors, establishing your authority and allowing them to explore your content and offerings before clicking through to the external source for more context. This strategy drives valuable organic traffic to your site and builds essential backlinks, which are votes of confidence from other websites that improve your search ranking.3. What is domain authority and why is it important when considering earned media opportunities?Domain authority is a search engine ranking score that predicts how likely a website is to rank in search engine results pages (SERPs). When considering earned media opportunities, it is crucial to check the domain authority of the platform offering the feature. A high domain authority indicates that the platform is credible and trusted by search engines. Getting featured on a website with a high domain authority means that the backlink you receive carries significant weight, positively impacting your own website's domain authority and overall SEO performance. You can use tools like Ahrefs to check the domain authority of both potential media partners and your own website.P.S. We are one episode away from 500 episodes! See you soon!More Resources ⬇️>> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our club community for exclusive information

Thomas Nitzsche, Vice President, Public Relations for Money Management International. A Non-Profit, Debt Relief Agency That Wants to Help You

Today I sit down with Ashley Gravois.Ashley Gravois currently serves as the Assistant Director of Arts Outreach for The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, a globally recognized outdoor amphitheater and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In her role, Ashley oversees all educational programs for The Pavilion, as well as the missional outreach initiatives to make the arts accessible to all in our community.Ashley joined The Pavilion staff in May 2017 as the Public Relations and Educational Outreach Manager where she was responsible for overseeing public relations and education efforts on behalf of The Pavilion as well as graphic design needs to help brand awareness and drive community engagement. Prior to that, she served as the Social Media Specialist for The Woodlands Township.Ashley received her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University and holds a Master of Business Administration degree, with a specialized concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of New Orleans.Ashley has a passion for giving back to her community and has served as the Vice President of Communications for her son's school PTO for the past two years. She is also a proud member of Leadership Montgomery County's current Class of 2025.

Jamie McLaughlin is the Founder and CEO of Monday Talent. He is regarded as an authority in Marketing, Creative and Communications recruitment and search, successfully working in the industry for nearly 20 years, across 5 continents and partnering with the world's most regarded brands.Jamie has an unrivaled global network and has created formidable tactical partnerships with some of the most high-profile organizations. He sits on the boards of the Institute for Public Relations, USC Annenberg School of Communication, creative agency ConCreates, influencer marketing firm Social Studies - as well as advising The Marketing Academy and Celtic Football Club

A look back at Santa Ono's career in higher education thus far, and what's been particularly challenging about high education administration in the last several years. GUESTS: David Jesse: senior writer, Chronicle of Higher Education Jamal Watson, PhD: editor of "Diverse: Issues in Higher Education," professor of Strategic Communication and Public Relations, Trinity Washington University Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Felicity Zadro, founder of Zadro Agency, a strategic communications firm in Sydney. Felicity shares how she built her business from just $5K and a heavy laptop named “Bruce” into a $2M agency with 10 team members. She discusses overcoming major challenges, including the GFC and losing 85% of revenue during COVID, and how she rebuilt with a strong retainer model. We dive into her focus on team culture, the shift from founder to CEO mindset, and balancing leadership with motherhood. It's a powerful story of resilience, clarity of purpose, and long-term growth. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Felicity Zadro, the hardest thing in growing a small business is juggling priorities and deciding where to focus your time. She emphasised that time is finite, so making the right decisions, learning how to delegate effectively, and focusing only on what the business owner can uniquely do—especially the tasks they might not always want to—are essential and challenging parts of growth. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Felicity Zadro's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Start With Why by Simon Sinek. She shared that it's been critical for Zadro Agency, particularly in shaping their brand and strategic planning process. It resonated deeply with her approach to purpose-driven business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Felicity Zadro emphasises her involvement in a CEO group, noting that while it requires a substantial commitment, she finds it incredibly valuable for gaining insights and building connections with key people and suppliers. She describes the group as a continuous, structured learning environment that has profoundly influenced her and reshaped how she manages her business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Felicity Zadro recommends developing a robust business plan as a critical tool for growing a small business. A clear plan focuses efforts, sets achievable goals, and ensures team alignment, creating momentum and long-term direction for success. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Felicity Zadro's advice to her day-oneself is to trust her instincts and embrace the journey, knowing it will challenge and transform her into a better leader. She highlights the importance of listening to your inner voice as it reflects accumulated experience. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Culture isn't created overnight; it's a daily commitment to values and people – Felicity Zadro   Success is a balance of ambition, focus, and adaptability – Felicity Zadro Resilience is the key to thriving through challenges and change – Felicity Zadro      

What does sofrito—a base of herbs and spices used in Puerto Rican cooking—have to do with reimagining business, food security, and conveying a history lesson about a rich and sometimes complex culture? For today's guest, it's everything. If you've ever wondered how to weave your culture, creativity, and calling into one powerful movement... then this episode is the recipe you've been looking for. In this episode, you will hear:   Food has a cultural foundation passed through generations. Cultural identity can be preserved and taught through everyday meals. How to make the best sofrito if you don't have time to cook. Food is more than just food – it's heritage, intention, and a story. The story of the Puerto Rican pasteles is shared. Food choices are power moves, shaping local or global economies. Imagination makes it possible to wear multiple hats and still stay rooted in purpose. You don't need permission to do things differently, just the will and a plan. This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact by Melissa Llarena Audible   Audio Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0CY9BZH9W/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0   Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0CK2ZSMLB   Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0D5B64347/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0   Or, download a free chapter at fertileideas.com       About Crystal Diaz   Crystal Díaz has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of food, marketing, and cultural advocacy. She co-founded PRoduce, Puerto Rico's digital marketplace for locally grown food. Crystal is also the force behind El Pretexto, the island's first culinary farm lodge, where food and imagination meet 2,600 feet above sea level. A committed advocate for food security, she collaborates with Espacios Abiertos to advance agricultural policy. Crystal holds two master's degrees, including one in Food Studies from NYU. She's been recognized by Fast Company and El Nuevo Día for her creative leadership and impact in the local food movement. Quotes that can change your perspective:  “If you really want to learn about something and you're obsessed about it, there's always ways to learn, to make it happen.” – Crystal Díaz   “With every single meal that we do, with every single snack, everything that we eat, you are impacting economies. And if you want to support your local communities and you want to see them, everybody having a better life, you might want to spend that dollar closer home and making sure that all of the ingredients that are on that food are closer to home so that money stays closer to home.” – Crystal Díaz   “Sofrito is very personal. You know? It's part of how your family has done it… but also learn that there is a lot of history into it. It's not something that we do because we do it. There is a lot of history to it.” – Crystal Díaz   “We are on a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension, so we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think about it differently.” – Crystal Díaz   “Puerto Rican food is full of history, is complex enough, is flavorful enough, and varied… so I can pull something like this [a culinary farm lodge] up in Puerto Rico.” – Crystal Díaz SHARE this episode with fellow food lovers, cultural storytellers, and moms on a mission to raise rooted kids. Crystal's insights on local food, identity, and imagination will inspire anyone looking to nourish their family and community from the inside out. Let's keep our culture alive—one pastel, one sofrito, and one big idea at a time. Supporting Resources:   Website: https://www.elpretextopr.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elpretextopr  Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/@elpretextopr/ Subscribe and Review   Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators?  I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.    I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms. About Fertile Imagination   You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert!    In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!  Advance Praise    “You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator    “Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on…even after the kids are in bed.” —KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money    “This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours.” —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX   TRANSCRIPT   00:00:00 Crystal: Come up with ideas to make it easier for food producers to produce more food because we are in a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension. So we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think it differently.  00:00:25 Melissa: Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub, your weekly podcast to inspire you to dream bigger. Plan out how you're gonna get to that next level in business, find the energy to keep going, and make sure your creative juices are flowing so that this way you get what you really want rather than having to settle. Get ready to discover founders have reimagined entrepreneurship and motherhood.  00:00:47 Melissa: Ever wonder how they do it? Tune in to find out, and stretch yourself by also learning from diverse entrepreneurs who might not be moms, but who have lessons you can tailor about how you can disrupt industries and step way outside of your comfort zone. I believe every mom's superpower is her imagination. In this podcast, I'm gonna give you the mindset, methods, and tools to unleash yours. Sounds good? Then keep listening.  00:01:17 Melissa: So what does sofrito, which is essentially a base of herbs and spices used in Puerto Rican cooking, have to do with reimagining business, food security, and passing along really critical history lessons. Well, for today's guest, it is everything. And if you've ever wondered how to weave your culture, creativity, and calling into one powerful movement, then this episode is the recipe you've been looking for.  00:01:49 Melissa: Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub. This is your weekly podcast designed to inspire you to dream bigger in your business and your life. Also, to help you find the energy to keep going because how are you going to sustain what's necessary to be big and to keep your imagination flowing so that this way you could feel inspired, lit up like a Christmas tree or Hanukkah candles. I'm your host Melissa Llarena. 00:02:17 Melissa: I'm a mom of three high energy boys. No. They did not get their energy from me. Psyched. They did. I'm also a best selling author of Fertile Imagination and an imagination coach for mom founders who are reimagining what success and motherhood can look like on their own terms, and that's really important.  00:02:34 Melissa: Now, if you've ever stirred a pot of sofrito, you already know this. Right? You know that the blend of flavors tells a deeper story. It tells a story that sometimes has made its way across generations. It preserves a culture, and it does nourish more than just our baby's bellies.  00:02:56 Melissa: So today's guest, I am thrilled to invite Crystal Diaz. Now she's taken the same approach in terms of her business ventures. She's a foodpreneur, culture keeper, I love that, and community builder. She wears four hats and in today's episode we're gonna go through each of those hats. One of which is as the owner of El Pretexto, i.e. The Excuse, a culinary farm lodge in the countryside of Puerto Rico where she serves 100% locally sourced meals and lives her mission every day.  00:03:33 Melissa: She has lots of degrees and an MA in food studies from NYU, which is why if you're watching the video, you could see, I hope, my NYU t-shirt. Hit subscribe if you see it and you love it. Subscribe on YouTube. Hit follow on this podcast. 00:03:53 Melissa: A little bit more about Crystal. She was recognized by Fast Company as one of the most creative people in business in 2022 and was named one of El Nuevo Diaz women of the year in 2023. She's the real deal. In this episode, we're gonna explore how Crystal uses her imagination as her main ingredient, whether it's in terms of the way that she's carving away for Puerto Rico to have its own food centric cultural immersive experience or even by how she decided to commute to NYU from San Juan every single week, which was creative in and of itself, or even in terms of the way that she describes the depth of a very famous Puerto Rican dish.  00:04:43 Melissa: Oh, and side note, I actually have her real life best on the planet, sofrito recipe. My gosh, do not run away, For sure. Check out the sofrito recipe we articulated in this conversation. You're gonna walk away with yummy ideas for how to use your own imagination to nourish your business, your family, and community, and it's gonna be so important even if you're not working in food.  00:05:13 Melissa: So before we dig in, I would appreciate if you hit follow, if you're listening to this on iTunes. Why hit follow? Because every time someone hits follow on iTunes, it tells me that I need to bring more guests with stories like this to the podcast. And I get really excited and when a mom is excited, it is a very good day in her entire home. So go ahead, hit follow. You will absolutely get that dopamine hit that everybody needs or if you're watching this on YouTube, then hit subscribe. I would be so appreciative and again, I will do the dance of joy. Okay. So enjoy the conversation.  00:05:54 Melissa: Crystal Diaz, thank you so much for this conversation on the Mom Founder Imagination hub. We are delighted to have you here. Crystal, just to kind of set off the scenery, why don't you explain to us where you are in Puerto Rico? What's outside your windows? 00:06:10 Crystal: All right. Well, let's… our imagination hub in a car. We are in San Juan, and you drove forty five minutes south, up to the mountains. Now we are in Cayey. I am at El Pretexto, which is also my home, and we are overlooking… we're up in the mountains, 2,600 feet over sea level, overlooking the Caribbean Sea at the south, and all the mountains slowly winding down all the way to the coast. 00:06:43 Crystal: And you will have some crazy chickens surrounding you. In my patio while you are probably sipping a wine or a coffee, depending on the time of the day. Enjoying the view and, surrounded by trees, lush greenery all over the place. And there are gardens on your side, also as well. So you are surrounded definitely by nature and you feel at peace. That's where we are.  00:07:15 Melissa: Oh, okay. Cool. So let's bring that sense of peace to this conversation. I am excited because I'm sure any listener right now who is a mom, has a business, might feel a little frazzled now and again. But right now, for the next thirty minutes, this is a peaceful zone. We are in Puerto Rico right now. 00:07:37 Melissa: Okay. So, Crystal, now I'm gonna ask you an obvious question, as you just described what you are surrounded by in Puerto Rico. But you attended NYU, and I'm just kind of super curious. You could have stayed in New York, let's say. Right? You could have been like this chef at a restaurant in New York City, Michelin star, etcetera, etcetera. But you decided to return home. And so I'm just curious, like, what informed that decision?  00:08:13 Crystal: Well, you will be surprised with my answer because I never left home. I commuted every single week to New York. Coming on to the city, take my classes, back to my home. So for two years, I was traveling every week to New York for one day.  00:08:34 Melissa: Oh my gosh. Yeah. That is so surprising. Okay. So now I'm just curious here. Okay. So you were on a plane. So, usually people complain about their commute. Right? 00:08:48 Crystal: Uh-huh.  00:08:49 Melissa: They have this whole return to work aggravation. Here you are getting on a plane every single week to take courses at NYU. So then let me ask you this other question. So I know that it's a little off track, but now I'm just way curious. Why did it have to be NYU? That's quite the pull.  00:09:13 Crystal: Yeah. Well, my background is in marketing, and I have a BA in Marketing with a Minor in Advertising and Public Relations. Then I worked with a newspaper for fourteen years. So my background is all about business and marketing. Then I did a first master degree here in Puerto Rico, in the University of Puerto Rico, about cultural action and management. And then, I wanted – because at this point, I believe that I am not passionate anymore. I am kind of obsessed with food, and I guess we will get into that later. 00:09:58 Crystal: But, I wanted to learn the policy part of it. And in Puerto Rico, we don't have any program in any of the universities nor public or private, specifically about food, and way less food policies and advocacy and that type of perspective on the food system, which is what I wanted to learn. So that's why I ended up in New York. I decided to do this because it's a direct flight. So it's gonna be a three hours and a half flight going in, then the one hour in the A train until Westport. 00:10:49 Crystal: Even though I know it's intense, it was pretty straightforward. You don't have make a stop then take another plane. And I was studying and reading all my plane hours, so there's no excuse to not complete your assignments, I guess.  00:11:07 Melissa: Yeah. I love that. Okay. So, hey, that is 100% using your imagination because I think a lot of us, myself included, I wouldn't have considered that to be an option in my mind. I still don't. Right? It's gotta be a certain set of circumstances that make that a possibility. But, I love that now that's an idea that we just planted in someone's head. Right? If they really are obsessed. Right?  00:11:35 Crystal: And if you really want to learn about something and you're obsessed about it, there's always ways to learn, to make it happen. And to my point, New York is so expensive that I spend way less money in flight tickets than actually living there.  00:11:56 Melissa: Yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Okay. So this is really interesting. Okay. So you could have stayed in New York, but you didn't even choose to stay in New York when you were taking classes at NYU. So now you have the whole, like… that's just so that's fascinating, Crystal. You really gobsmacked me right now with that piece of information.  00:12:18 Melissa: So along the same lines of using your imagination and thinking totally out of the box, let me ask you this one question. So, El Pretexto, of course, we'll go into what it is and all of that. But I also wanna understand because on your website, you say that you've traveled the world. Right? So you've seen all these different culinary experiences. And using your imagination and imagining where or how would you imagine Puerto Rico's cuisine fitting into the landscape of world gastro– I can't say the rest of that word, but I know it's a real word.  00:12:57 Crystal: Yes. Well, for me, I love to travel. I am a girl of no luxuries. Right? I don't care about purses or new shoes or jewelry. It's like I don't judge, but I don't care. So where I spend my money and my time, which I can't… money, you can recover it somehow, but time is just one time. You just have every minute that you have.  00:13:27 Crystal: And I like to spend those traveling and getting to know other cultures and exposing myself to other cultures. And I think that those travels have pushed me to understand and appreciate what we have back here at home and also understand the opportunities that we have back here at home. Not everybody is doing it perfectly, but you can definitely learn how it is done in other places. And I'm talking generally. Right? Depending on what you are interested.  00:14:01 Crystal: But you always learn of how the world do things in other places. So, I in my case, I love food and I try to expose myself, not only to eating in good restaurants or good food, but I love to go to markets. I even go to supermarkets every time I travel. I like to visit farms and I noticed, especially in Mexico, you can see this – Peru is developing this a lot and Italy has it all set. 00:14:40 Melissa: On lockdown.  00:14:41 Crystal: But you have these culinary experiences where you get to… expose to their cuisine, with a local chef and and you go to their farmers' markets and you get the whole country but with a special focus in food. And I was like, “You know what? Puerto Rican food is full of history, is complex enough, is flavorful enough, and varied so I can pull something like this up in Puerto Rico.” So that's how one of our offerings about the curated food experiences came to be because I was sure that somebody will have the curiosity to get to know Puerto Rico from its food.  00:15:33 Crystal: So that's how I got into there. And I think that because I am obsessed with the fact that Puerto Rico imports 90% of everything that we eat, I am then focused on cherish and enhance and share that 10% what it can be if we actually put a lot of effort into grow that 10% into 20%, let's say.  00:16:08 Melissa: That's interesting. So okay. So, I mean, I'm not cynical, but, in my opinion, I kind of believe that the person that controls food source kinda controls a lot. And that's not fantastic. And so I'm just wondering from a policy perspective and as you think about this share of stomach or however it's really considered, are you also part of that conversation too? Like, are you actively advocating for that too?  00:16:45 Crystal: Yes. Yes. I always say I have a couple of hats for all those also thinking that you only have to do one thing and one thing only. If you want to do one thing and one thing only, that's okay. But in my case, I am focused on food, but I try to deal with it from different perspectives. So I have four hats.  00:17:09 Crystal: And one of my hats, specifically works with food policy advocacy. And we try to understand the local food policies that are in place, understanding what programs work, what programs doesn't work, and then trying to make it as… to come up with ideas to make it easier for food producers to produce more food. 00:17:41 Crystal: Because we are in a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension, so we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think it differently. And I am not against importation. We all have globalized diets, and we love olive oil, and we can't produce that in Puerto Rico. And we love wine, and we can't produce that in Puerto Rico.  00:18:16 Crystal: So it's not like, all the way 100%. That's not what I mean. But definitely, we should aim to have, let's say, half of our stomach-share full of food that is produced locally. Not only because of its nutritional value, but also because it means economic growth and development for our island and our local communities. So every dollar that you spend on food… somebody might be hearing us while they are eating something.  00:18:55 Crystal: So you imagine whatever you're eating right now, let's say it cost you $1. It depends on where the ingredients came from, that dollar went to that place. It depends on where it was processed, part of that dollar went to that place. And then if you bought it in the supermarket or if you bought it in Amazon, to who you gave that share of that dollar.  00:22 Crystal: So with every single meal that we do, with every single snack, everything that we eat, you are impacting economies. And if you want to support your local communities and you want to see them, everybody having a better life, you might want to spend that dollar closer home and making sure that all of the ingredients that are on that food are closer to home so that money stays closer to home. And that's how I see it. 00:19:58 Crystal: How do we make that that share of that dollar that we as consumers have the power to choose where it goes. And, by the way, there are some parts that we have the power and some part we don't have the power. I understand that. But how do we make an effort in whatever way we can to stay as close as possible to our home.  00:20:24 Melissa: So I think you said that… was that one out of your four hats? 00:20:28 Crystal: Yes.  00:20:29 Melissa: What are the other three?  00:20:30 Crystal: Well, El Pretexto, which is a bed and breakfast, is our Puerto Rico's first and only culinary farm lodge. This is my home, but I also welcome guests here. So El Pretexto is my second one. I'm the co-founder of PRoduct, which is a digital marketplace that connects local food producers with consumers directly. We're trying to shorten that food chain and make it easier and convenient to get local products on your home. We deliver island wide. So that's my third hat. And then I have a super small, digital, marketing agency with another partner, and it's all focused on food and beverage. So everything is about food but from different perspectives.  00:21:25 Melissa: Yeah. That's so interesting because it's almost like you have a little supply chain kind of going on. Right? It's like we've got a lot going on, but it's all related to eating, which is essential. But I think it's smart. I mean, you have your little niche there. Huge niche. We keep being hungry, so you're in a good spot, I would say.  00:21:49 Melissa: So let me understand this idea about food and how you saw it as an opportunity for Puerto Rico because it has a rich history. Right? So me as a mom, for example, I'm second generation from a Puerto Rican perspective. As a mom, for me, passing down culture is urgent. It's almost on the verge of extinction, I feel, because of where I am generationally. Like, I'm, quote, unquote, “amongst people that I know I'm not,” quote, unquote, “supposed to know Spanish.” I'm not, quote, unquote, “supposed to literally make rice and beans every day,” which by the way, I don't have to. But my goodness, my children really like their rice and beans. And I am so lazy. So that is all I make because I just want one pot.  00:22:40 Melissa: But anyway, so culture, food, that's the one way that I pass it along. Right? You are what you eat. So guess what? My kids are Puerto Rican and Cuban, at this stage. Yes. They have Dominican in them, but, hey, that's just my culinary preference. So tell me about this idea of culture, Puerto Rican culture. And I would be super curious if you could maybe choose an example of a cuisine or food and just kind of walk us through how that kind of expresses culture or maybe there's a story behind it that is unique to Puerto Rico.  00:23:20 Crystal: Well, for me and my mentor used to be doctor Cruz Miguel Ortiz Cuadra, which was the only food historian in Puerto Rico. He passed two years ago, but I learned so much from him and pretty much I was his daughter. He inherit me all his library, which I have here, home. And, so we discussed this a lot. And I think that we both shared that the ultimate dish that represents the Puerto Rican culture will be the pasteles. For those that doesn't know what a pastel is, it's a tamal like preparation. But the tamales are corn based and they use corn leaves to wrap it up. The pasteles puertorriqueños is made out of a dough made out of root vegetables mainly. 00:24:20 Crystal: It will have bananas and plantains that we got from our African in [inaudible]. It will have pumpkin, which were already with our Taino peoples here in America. It will have yautia, which also was here in Puerto Rico. And then, it will have some pork stew that was brought by the Spanish people. So you have in one dish our full heritage of the three cultures that have conformed the Puerto Rican-ness in just one dish.  00:25:01 Crystal: And then that works too will use, what is the ultimate base of flavor of the Puerto Rican cuisine, which is the sofrito. And the sofrito itself also is a blend of African, Spanish, and Taino ingredients, but it's a bricolage of flavors and smells that then go into the stew that then is used to make the pastel. And the pastel is also representative of the most authentic Puerto Rican soul because el pastel is wrapped as a gift.  00:25:40 Crystal: And if you were poor and there was a lot of poverty in Puerto Rico at some – we still have, but there used to be a lot of poverty back in the days. If you didn't have any resources, monetary resources to gift things, you will make pasteles with the things that are on your patio. You will have that growing up in your patio, in your garden, and then you will do pasteles, and you will gift that to your adult, kids, to your sisters, to your brothers.  00:26:13 Crystal: And so because it's – now we have technology, and now we can use food processors and so on. But back in the day, you had to grate that by hand. So if you have that gift, I am not only gifting you my talent and the products that I grow in my patio, but I'm also gifting my time. So it's a very meaningful way of telling someone that you really care about them. 00:26:42 Crystal: And that's all about Puerto Ricans. We care. We care a lot. We want to share everything that we have. And all the visitors that we have, they all can say that Puerto Ricans are always nice to them. Even if we have people that doesn't speak so much English, they will take you to whatever place you wanted to go, trying to understand you and enjoying our island. So I think that the pastel is representative of all the goodness of the Puerto Ricans.  00:27:16 Melissa: Let's pause for a second. If you've been nodding your head all along while listening to Crystal talk about food as fuel for imagination, then I wanna put this on your radar. My book, Fertile Imagination is for any mom who's ever thought, “I know I'm capable of more, but I don't know where to start.”  00:27:39 Melissa: And as one Amazon reviewer said this of my book, Fertile Imagination, which is all about maximizing your superpower to make your maximum impact, She says this, “It's a non judgmental kick in the butt to start valuing your whole selves and to create a new reality where we combine motherhood with our big dreams. Whether you're chasing an idea during nap time or whispering your big vision,” this is hilarious, “into a spatula, then this book is your creative permission slip.”  00:28:17 Melissa: You're gonna hear stories, especially if you like this conversation with Crystal. You're gonna hear a story as well from a podcast guest that I had here who is a James Beard award winning chef, Gabriele Corcos. And you're gonna learn about how he has really latched on to this idea of novelty as his way to explore new categories of interest in his one beautiful life. So I want to just be sure that you realize that this conversation is the beginning of the process. I wanted you to see through Crystal how if your imagination was reawakened, you can start to reimagine how you approach your own life. And I think that's important.  00:29:04 Melissa: But then the book, Fertile Imagination, goes on and adds some tools that you can actually use to incorporate your imagination into your one divine life. And here's the thing, because you could use your imagination from any place you are in the world, you won't have to hop on a plane and go to any place. You can actually just close your eyes and replug in to the little girl that you once were who had all these beautiful ideas that you wanted to play out in the world and that's what I want for you. 00:29:41 Melissa: So here's what I have for you. Just go ahead to fertileideas.com. If you're driving, if you're running, if you're walking, you could do this in a bit. Just go to fertileideas.com and you could download a free chapter of my book, Fertile Imagination. What's really amazing about that chapter is that that chapter basically takes you to a place where you can go and travel back in time, to that moment when you were most free, to that moment where you had the world totally ahead of you and you were imagining what you wanted for your one divine life. That's what I did when I got on stage at the Magnet Theater in New York City 100 years ago now, so it feels. 00:30:25 Melissa: But I talk about that moment for me in that chapter that you can get for free right now on fertileideas.com. So back to the show. Again, shop the book. This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination, every mom's superpower. Go to fertileideas.com. Grab the free chapter. Why not? What are you gonna do? Have an amazing time reading a free chapter? That's the way to set yourself up for success for this summer. All right. Enjoy the rest of the conversation.  00:30:55 Melissa: I've never ever heard of un pastel in that way. I'm just like… it's fascinating because I also think it's… maybe it's just me, but I feel like there's a bit of an acquired taste to it too. Like, for me. Right? When I think about a pastel and I compare it to a tamal, I do not think about a Mexican tamal at all. I think about Cuban. I think about– 00:31:26 Crystal: Yeah. Sure. 00:31:28 Melissa: And for me, it's really fascinating to hear the story behind the pastel in the sense that it's very, very comprehensive. You could… I mean, I bet you there's probably books already. Or maybe you're gonna write a book. Maybe you got a fourth – a fifth hat to wear, right? You can write about pasteles. I mean, it's not a bad gig.  00:31:49 Melissa: But I think it's really interesting. And I think it's a testament to the fact that irrespective of where someone travels to the depth with which they can get to know and appreciate a culture is almost unlimited in a way, right? It's… like, for me and my family, I am not a Disney World person. But I've been to Disney World because it's kinda like, “Oh, we just go to Disney World and I have three kids.” And you got a cat. That's a little bit of a cat. She's got a cat. If you're watching this on video, you see her big and fluffy cat. Is your cat Puerto Rican though? 00:32:29 Crystal: She is Puerto Rican. She is a sato cat.  00:32:31 Melissa: Aw.  00:32:32 Crystal: She's a rescue one.  00:32:34 Melissa: So cute. She probably eats pasteles because she's got meat on her. She's a solid cat. But, yeah, just the depth with which you could understand a culture, what I'm hearing from you, Crystal, it can absolutely include history and and careful attention to the food that you're eating. Right? I think about just everywhere that I've traveled and every time I've eaten food, it's kind of like there's almost a story or a reason for why something is on a plate, and it's not always superficial. It's not just labor profile. It could have to do with political conversations. It could have to do with whoever decided that that food would make its way to that region.  00:33:27 Melissa: But let me ask you this question then. So just to kind of close-up this conversation on something that I think is very practical, I'm gonna ask you a very selfish question. Okay, so I'm on the quest for the perfect sofrito. I'm gonna tell you what I do for my sofrito. So it's my ritual on Sundays. I take all the peppers that I find, red, green, yellow, and even orange because it comes in that pack. I also then buy cilantro. I'm in Texas, so let's just be mindful I'm limited in some of the things I can get.  00:34:05 Melissa: Also because I'm a health conscious mom, I put bone broth in the blender so that this way things can blend. Right? I put onions. I put garlic. I put some oregano. That is what's in my sofrito on a good day. Melissa's like, “Okay. I am ready to make a sofrito.” How can I enhance that sofrito, or how do you teach people that visit El Pretexto how to make their own sofrito?  00:34:39 Crystal: Well, sofrito is one thing as the pasteles. Right? Everybody have their own recipe, and everybody says that their mom's sofrito is the best. Right? [inaudible] My mom's sofrito is the best. So that's the one that I do. And I'm happy to share the recipe for you because I have it written.  00:35:03 Crystal: But there are two schools of Sofrito to begin with. The school that says you do your Sofrito on a Sunday and you don't touch it… you don't do another Sofrito batch up until that one is gone in one or two weeks. And then you have my mom's school, which is you do your sofrito every time that you're gonna cook. 00:35:28 Melissa: Gotcha. Right.  00:35:31 Crystal: Obviously, that's nice for those that are retired and have all the time in the world. I do it that way. I'm not retired, but it's because I have a– 00:35:40 Melissa: That's your job. 00:35:41 Crystal: That's how she does it. And I don't want to, to your point, I want to continue her way of doing things. So, there are onions. We don't use all the colors of the bell peppers. We actually use cubanelle pepper. Onion cubanelle, then we will have the aji dulce, the sweet little pepper we need. We will have the cilantro, but we will also have culantro. [inaudible]. Yeah? And then, we will have garlic in it, a little bit of oregano, and pretty much that's the base. 00:36:29 Crystal: So depending on who you ask, there are people that will omit having the onion, and they will do it when they are cooking, if they're doing a batch. And then you will have people that will go all the way in with a lot of culantro in it, so it has that strong flavor to it. My mom's is more balanced in how much goes of each little thing in there. And we also use the bone broth, but not to blend the sofrito, but to stew the rice. If it's gonna be a stew rice, we will do bone broth instead of water with the rice. 00:37:18 Crystal: And then, the beans, we like them vegetarians. We don't use any hams or meat cuts into it. But, again, that's us. There are people that say that the most flavorful ones is with a piece of ham in it and whatever. But, I like… my mom's and mine are vegetarian. And my cat starts again.  00:37:43 Crystal: But, sofrito is is very personal. You know? It's part of how your family has done it. And as I told earlier, it's also a blend of these three cultures that goes into it. A lot of cultures have mirepoix or other type of base of flavors into their food and this is ours. So you have to make it yours but also learn that there is a lot of history into it. It's not something that we do because we do it. There is a lot of history into it. But, yeah, happy to share my mom's one with you. 00:38:29 Melissa: Yeah. For sure. Crystal, this was so amazing. So I would say around now, a lot of individuals are planning their summer holiday trips and vacations and all of that. So, maybe you can share where people can learn more about you, can learn more about El Pretexto if that's an option to them to kind of explore, and just follow your journey. 00:38:53 Crystal: Yeah. Sure. Well, a friendly reminder that it is an adults only project. So this might be your chance to… El Pretexto actually translates to “The Excuse.” So this might be your excuse to having your parents take care of the kids and hop down to the island and have a little bit of a honeymoon. But, El Pretexto, you can find it at elprotextopr.com. We're also in social media @elprotextopr in Facebook and Instagram.  00:39:30 Crystal: There you will meet our chickens and photos of our garden and our harvest and the breakfast, and maybe you get a little bit hungry. In our website, you will find different options because you could come for a weekend or you could come for a weekday stay, but also you could come for these curated food experiences, which are in very specific dates around the year. We also have dinners, farm to table dinners in our property. We invite guest chefs to cook dinners, around the year.  00:40:08 Crystal: And, also, I take people to other places in the countryside to enjoy a beautiful lunch, but getting to know another piece of countryside around the island. So, El Pretexto is no other thing than the celebration of the beautiful diverse countryside of Puerto Rico. And you can check all the information there. So, yeah, feel free to follow me there.  00:40:37 Melissa: Thank you so much, Crystal. This has been amazing. Have an awesome rest of your day. Keep enjoying the peace and serenity of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea and all the beauty that you see outside your window. Thank you so much for this conversation.  00:40:53 Crystal: Thank you. Thank you for the invitation.  00:40:56 Melissa: So what's your version of a sofrito? Right? Let's take it out of the kitchen and into your home office. What sort of things for you can you put together to create your next big idea, whether it's something for business, something for your personal life or something for your family this very summer. I am so excited to have had Crystal Diaz for this conversation because I think she's inspiring all of us. She's giving us a good idea of all the ways that we could color our own individual rainbows.  00:41:33 Melissa: At the same time, I want this to just remind you that your imagination could be stirred into anything, right? Especially like tonight's dinner. So catch up on Tuesdays on the Mom Founder Imagination Hub and until then, keep cooking up ideas that only you can serve. I honestly think there's a place in this world for imaginations. And irrespective of AI and technology, at the end of the day, it's only as good as the person behind the computer screen, our prompts, our ideas, the way that we decide to use these resources.  00:42:10 Melissa: And that is the best case for you to actually keep your imagination going and playing with it. So thank you for this conversation. And again, if you are interested in learning more about the book, just go to fertileideas.com. Have an amazing rest of your day, moms.  

Reputation is often treated like an invisible asset—vital but fragile. And while we insure everything from homes to art collections, very few think to protect their name. In this episode, we speak to PR pioneer Mark Borkowski about a bold new product: crisis insurance for individuals. It's not just an idea—it's a rethinking of how we prepare for the worst-case scenario in a world where reputation can be destroyed with just one social media post.Listen For4:10 The Power of Optimism Bias10:33 Delivering Bad News to Powerful Clients13:25 Why Killing Your Ego Matters18:12 What Is Reputational Risk Insurance?21:39 Building an Insurance Product for Reputation22:50 Answer to Last Episode's Question From Guest Jo Carr Guest: Mark BorkowskiWebsite | Email | X | LinkedIn See the LONGER FULL INTERVIEW on our YouTube ChannelYou TubeRate this podcast with just one click Stories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with us:LinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

In the ever-evolving world of business, visibility and credibility are more than just buzzwords—they're the cornerstones of success. Yet, for many entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors, the journey from obscurity to authority can feel like an insurmountable challenge.    In this engaging conversation, Cindy Watson dives deep with Christina to uncover the secrets behind this new approach to PR. Christina Lenkowski, a trailblazer in the world of PR and podcast publicity. Christina is a forward-thinking podcast publicist and educator who specializes in helping entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors go from being the “best-kept secret” to the “go-to expert” in their industries. Together, they explore how leveraging podcasting can turbocharge your ability to connect authentically with your audience, establish yourself as a trusted authority, and grow your influence in a way that feels natural and empowering. Let's begin this journey into the transformative power of podcast PR.   In this episode, you will discover:   How to think about marketing What are the benefits of effective marketing for professionals and others out there How to get to the right audiences The role of intuition plays in strategic decisions Tips for negotiating your mindset to overcome imposter syndrome and whatever beliefs that are holding you back Doing marketing ourself vs hiring a publicist When is the right time to look for a publicist Definition of freedom and success And many more!   Learn more about Christina:   Website: https://www.publicityxchristina.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/publicityxchristina Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/publicityxchristina/ Podcast: https://www.publicityxchristina.com/podcast   If you're looking to up-level your negotiation skills, I have everything from online to group to my signature one-on-one mastermind & VIP experiences available to help you better leverage your innate power to get more of what you want and deserve in life. Check out our website at www.artofFeminineNegotiation.com if that sounds interesting to you.   Get Cindy's book here: Amazon   https://www.amazon.com/Art-Feminine-Negotiation-Boardroom-Bedroom-ebook/dp/B0B8KPCYZP?inf_contact_key=94d07c699eea186d2adfbddfef6fb9e2&inf_contact_key=013613337189d4d12be8d2bca3c26821680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 EBook   https://www.amazon.com/Art-Feminine-Negotiation-Boardroom-Bedroom-ebook/dp/B0B8KPCYZP?inf_contact_key=94d07c699eea186d2adfbddfef6fb9e2&inf_contact_key=013613337189d4d12be8d2bca3c26821680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1 Barnes and Noble   https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-art-of-feminine-negotiation-cindy-watson/1141499614?ean=9781631959776 CONNECT WITH CINDY: Website: www.womenonpurpose.ca Website: www.practicingwithpurpose.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenonpurposecommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenonpurposecoaching/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thecindywatson Show: https://www.womenonpurpose.ca/media/podcast-2/ X(Twitter):  https://twitter.com/womenonpurpose1 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@hersuasion Email: cindy@womenonpurpose.ca

This Week: Farrah Bostic, Jo Darby and Ron Tite join Bob to discuss the growing importance of digital creators, Meta goes after agency business, navigating tariffs, privacy of ChatGPT's reverse image search, plus this week's #FairFailFoul.

Have you ever thought about becoming a brand expert for C. S. Lewis or J. R. R. Tolkien? On the one hand, these seem like authors who need no introduction. On the other hand, how many people today really know the work of these towering 20th Century authors, beyond what made its way onto the silver screen? And what about one of the authors closely associated with them – Dorothy Sayers – who is far from well known in the general public but whose work is of similar creative and literary quality with her more famous friends and interlocutors?Maybe you haven't ever thought about launching a public relations campaign for one of these authors for the sake of a modern audience of young adults, but my guest today has. She is Christie Kleinmann, Professor of Public Relations at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Professor Kleinmann is one of a dozen fellows in our second annual cohort of the Inklings Project, run out of the McGrath Institute for Church Life. Along with the other eleven fellows who come from colleges and universities across the United States and in four foreign countries, Professor Kleinmann developed and offered a new course this spring that draws the work of the Inklings into her own area of expertise: strategic public relations. The students in her course were divided into three semester-long groups, which each took as their “clients” one of these three Inklings: Lewis, Tolkien, and Sayers. Today, Professor Kleinmann joins me to talk about the project of her course, the relevance of the Inklings, and the creativity of her students.This is the first of a two-episode set. The second episode will feature three of Professor Kleinmann's students, one from each of the three Inklings groups. Follow-up Resources:Learn more about The Inklings Project. Interested in applying as a fellow for 2026–26? Check out the call for applications here (due July 1, 2025). Check out the Dorothy Sayers Instagram account from the Sayers group in Prof. Kleinmann's course.Check out the C. S. Lewis Instagram account from the Lewis group in Prof. Kleinmann's course.Check out the J. R. R. Tolkien Instagram account from the Tolkien group in Prof. Kleinmann's course.Find syllabi from Inklings Project fellows in our free syllabus repository.Read and subscribe to the “Inklings Quarterly.” Church Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Join host Nataraj as he speaks with Emily Gerber, founder and principal of SixEastern, a PR firm specializing in startups and tech companies. Emily shares her expertise on crafting effective PR strategies for early-stage startups and navigating the evolving media landscape.About the Episode:This episode demystifies the world of PR for tech founders. Emily differentiates PR from marketing, emphasizing the importance of earned media and credibility. She provides actionable advice on when to engage a PR firm, the types of media to target, and how to manage expectations. The conversation explores alternative strategies beyond traditional tech publications, including podcasts and new media platforms. Emily highlights the increasing importance of founders building their social profiles and telling authentic stories. She shares real-world examples of successful PR campaigns and offers valuable insights into navigating crisis communications.About the Guest and Host:Emily Gerber: Founder and Principal of SixEastern, a PR firm for startups and tech companies. Previously at Uber and Box. Connect with Emily: → Website: https://www.sixeastern.com/Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn:   /natarajsindam  → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠→ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:02 - Introduction and Guest Introduction00:45 - Emily's Background and PR for Tech Startups01:17 - PR vs. Marketing: Understanding the Difference03:13 - When to Engage a PR Firm: Seed vs. Series A05:40 - The Unique Landscape of AI Startup PR06:19 - Top Tier PR Firms and Their Specializations08:39 - Setting Expectations and Measuring PR Success09:18 - Pitching Podcasts vs. Traditional Media14:21 - The Problem with Automated PR Pitches16:42 - Storytelling for Series A to Series C Startups17:44 - Crafting the Founder's Message for Podcasts21:08 - The Trend of Founders Going Direct on Social Media24:15 - Why Elon Musk's Strategies Don't Work for Everyone25:26 - Concrete Examples of Successful PR Campaigns29:21 - Why Traditional Media Still Matters for Startups31:12 - Pitching to New Media Platforms32:00 - Organic vs. Strategic PR: Behind-the-Scenes Tactics34:12 - SEO for AI Search Engines and the Future of PR37:18 - PR Plus Marketing: Integrating Services38:47 - Emily's Current Media Consumption: TBPN42:39 - Mentors and Their Influence44:38 - Lessons Learned in PR45:40 - Crisis Communications at Uber48:16 - Ignored Sectors in Startup PR: Enterprise SoftwareSubscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠#StartupProject #PR #PublicRelations #Startups #Tech #Media #Marketing #Communications #Founders #Entrepreneurship #TechCrunch #WallStreetJournal #Podcast #YouTube #AI #SixEastern

I would very like to get a review from you. Please send a note to me. Thanks, Peter! like to much appreciate a review from you!! Thank you!The media landscape has fundamentally transformed, leaving brands struggling to navigate an increasingly fragmented ecosystem. But according to Michael Kempner, CEO of Mike WorldWide, this transformation presents unprecedented opportunities for those who understand how to leverage today's digital environment.Kempner, speaking with host Peter Woolfolk, reveals how successful PR strategies have evolved from broad-brush approaches to precision-targeted, audience-centric campaigns. "Today you can design media strategies that are very audience-centric," Kempner explains, noting that younger generations have almost entirely abandoned traditional news sources like newspapers. Instead, they curate personalized news environments through digital channels, newsletters, and social platforms.This shift demands a complete rethinking of media strategy. Rather than focusing solely on prestigious publications, brands must understand their audience's entire "media lifecycle" – what they consume when waking up, during commutes, at work, and before bed. Kempner calls this "the new top tier," emphasizing that cable news might reach only 1-2 million viewers while digital platforms collectively reach tens of millions.Perhaps most revolutionary is how AI and predictive analytics have transformed campaign planning and measurement. These tools now enable unprecedented precision in targeting specific journalists, predicting content virality, and demonstrating clear ROI. "If we increase brand love for your service or product by 2%, I can tell you how many more cases of beer you're going to sell," Kempner notes, highlighting how PR can finally prove its value alongside other marketing disciplines.For PR professionals seeking to remain relevant and effective, embracing these data-driven, audience-centric approaches isn't optional – it's essential. The future belongs to those who can integrate earned, owned and paid media strategies with precision measurement to deliver genuine business results in our increasingly complex digital ecosystem. Information on NEW podcast website.Support the showNewsletter link: https://www.publicrelationsreviewpodcast.com

Kelly Crosbie, Director of the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, tells us about the community crisis center initiative in her state; Carolyn Mullen, ASTHO's Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Relations, discusses Congress' to-do list as they return from a break; an ASTHO webinar later this month will dive into administrative preparedness for public health emergencies; and two members have been elected as ASTHO Board of Directors Regional Representatives. NCDHHS News Release: NCDHHS and Trillium Health Resources Announce New Crisis Centers ASTHO Webinar: Strengthening Administrative Preparedness in Public Health Agencies  

In this episode the host, Anca Platon Trifan, CMP, WMEP⁠ demystifies the incredible journey of Reina Herschdorfer, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for National Meetings and Events at Caesars Entertainment. Anca and the guest discuss Reina's international upbringing, her passion for inclusion, and how she has integrated decades of marketing experience to achieve groundbreaking success. Highlights include Reina's mentorship approach, her significant contributions to Caesars Entertainment's wellness initiatives, and insights on leadership and diversity. Tune in for a deep dive into transformational leadership, event wellness, and personal growth strategies.

The Kansas native and longtime Kansas City writer in numerous capacities has penned his first novel, "Discovery", an empathetic and engaging tale of aging, exploration, and friendship. A fascinating personal and artistic conversation.

Send us a textFrom Ordinary To Extraordinary: PR And Performance Building#business #success #publicrelations #performancebuilding #sales #software Aidan Sowa is a founder of Zoto Dialer, a high-performance calling platform built for outbound sales teams that need speed, scalability, and results. Designed for agencies, appointment setters, and entrepreneurs, Zoto Dialer helps users connect with more prospects in less time using smart parallel dialing technology.In addition to Zoto Dialer, Aidan runs Sowa Marketing Agency, a PR and podcast booking firm that gets clients featured on major media platforms. He also leads a data company which advises businesses on scaling, brand building, and going public. Aidan builds tools and systems that help companies dominate their markets through visibility, outreach, and execution.Website: https://www.zotodialer.co/Website: https://sowaagency.co/X: https://x.com/AidanCSowaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaidansowaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidansowa/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UClUio5mi3PMJYbWhe2b1zKQ Thanks for tuning in, please be sure to click that subscribe button and give this a thumbs up!!Email: thevibesbroadcast@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/listen_to_the_vibes_/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevibesbroadcastnetworkLinktree: https://linktr.ee/the_vibes_broadcastTikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeuTVRv2/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheVibesBrdcstTruth: https://truthsocial.com/@KoyoteFor all our social media and other links, go to: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_vibes_broadcastPlease subscribe, like, and share!

Album 7 Track 10 - Owning Your Brand w/Ed GoldWelcome back, Brand Nerds! Today's guest comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience on both the agency and client side. With this, he's bringing behind-the-scenes stories and insights on how to differentiate and own your personal brand, as well as the brand you're working on. An episode we know you'll enjoy! Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:Marketing Foundation: Authenticity Brand Differentiating: IconsAgency side beginnings provide great exposure & learningSometimes you just have to make the decision and goDo what you can to differentiate yourself.Stay Up-To-Date on All Things Brands, Beats, & Bytes on SocialInstagram | Twitter

Ever wondered how strategic public relations can help get your nonfiction book featured in top media outlets?This week's guest expert is Marjie Hadad, globally recognized PR leader, former television journalist, and author of The Power of PR Parenting. Marjie reveals the insider secrets every nonfiction author needs to attract media attention, establish expertise, and build lasting relationships with journalists. Key Takeaways:The number one way to capture a journalist's attention that most authors overlook.How to position yourself as the expert that journalists want to feature.Simple strategies to grow your visibility without relying on a big PR budget.Why timing is critical to your success and how to get it right.The secret to handling media interviews like a pro, even if you feel unprepared.Listen to this episode and discover how to grow your book's reach without spending a fortune.Here's how to connect with Marjie:WebsiteLinkedInYouTube*************************************************************************Want a copy of “10 Smart Ways to Make Money with Your Nonfiction Book?”

On today's podcast, Founder and CEO of af&co., Andrew Freeman shares Expert Tips and Trends in Travel, Luxury Hotels and Fine Dining, and Strategies to stay relevant, resourceful, and respected in your industry   BACK STORY Named as one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, and was named a PRNEWS CEO of the Year Honoree for 2023, Andrew brings a combination of deep industry experience, passion and creativity to every endeavor. With 40 years in the hospitality industry and af&co. celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, Andrew has built a legacy of innovation while staying at the forefront of industry trends. With over 200 restaurant and hotel launches, Andrew and his team have provided branding, marketing, PR, and operations consulting for hundreds more, including spirits, wine brands, and destinations. af&co. has also produced culinary events ranging from intimate dinners to festivals drawing over 10,000 guests. From 2016 to present, af&co. has been named by the San Francisco Business Times as one of the Top 50 LGBTQ-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area, consecutively moving up the ranks to its current position at number 34.  Andrew got his start in the restaurant business by working his way up through the ranks at several legendary New York City establishments. At the Russian Tea Room, Andrew opened the Cabaret, which became the toast of the town after only six months and he spent six years as VP of PR at The Rainbow Room, working alongside Joe Baum. He then moved onto the famed Windows on the World, Andrew was the VP of Public Relations and Marketing and oversaw the re-launch after the Trade Center bombing in 1992.  Before founding af&co., Andrew spent a decade as VP of Public Relations and Strategic Partnerships at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, launching over 40 properties and expanding the brand globally. He also spearheaded Kimpton's award-winning LGBTQ+ travel program, helping it become the first hospitality company to earn a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index—a distinction it has maintained since 2002. In addition to af&co., Andrew co-founded Carbonate in 2020, an independent branding and creative agency specializing in storytelling, identity, and positioning for the hospitality industry. Under Andrew's leadership, af&co. and Carbonate have become highly respected consulting firms with headquarters in San Francisco and Cincinnati, serving clients nationwide. The af&co. + Carbonate Annual Trends Report, now in its 17th year, continues to be one of the most influential industry resources, providing insights into emerging hospitality trends. When Andrew is not consulting with his growing list of notable clients, he dedicates any extra time he has to philanthropic efforts sitting on the boards of SF Travel, The Golden Gate Restaurant Association, Foodwise, and The Richmond Ermet AID Foundation. He's an honorary board member of Meals on Wheels San Francisco and a co-founder for Dress for Success San Francisco.  Andrew has been a driving force in initiatives that amplify and support hospitality businesses in the Bay Area. He is a co-founder of the Oakland Restaurant Collective and Savor Oakland and collaborates with Visit Oakland, Eat Drink SF, and The James Beard Foundation on yearly culinary events. He continues to advocate for hospitality businesses, ensuring they remain integral to the cultural and economic landscape. A regular contributor to industry publications, Andrew is a sought-after speaker at hospitality conferences worldwide. When not working – you can find Andrew at Barry's Bootcamp, catching the latest Broadway show (obsessed), exploring the wonders of San Francisco with his pooch Dolly and of course celebrating life's everyday moments at his favorite restaurants and hotels. Website: https://www.afandco.com/ Instagram: afandco SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.

Joseph talks to author Kevin Wells about St. John Vianney and his lessons for parents today.Purchase Kevin's book here: https://kevinwells.org/booksKevin Wells is a Catholic writer, speaker, and former sports reporter with the Tampa Tribune, where he covered major-league baseball. He is the author of the best-selling Catholic book The Priests We Need to Save the Church (Sophia, 2019) and Burst, A Story of God's Grace When Life Falls Apart (Servant). His most recent best-selling book, Priest and Begger, tells the story of the heroic life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz, a priest from Washington DC who went on to serve the poor in South Korea. Within 15 years, Father Schwartz had changed the course of Korean history, founding and reforming orphanages, hospitals, hospices, clinics, schools, and the Sisters of Mary, a Korean religious order dedicated to the sickest of the sick and the poorest of the poor. All the while, he himself—like the Sisters—lived the same hard poverty as the people he served and loved.Wells is currently the president of the Monsignor Thomas Wells Society for Vocations. He also serves a Director of Public Relations for World Villages of Children, which supports the works of Fr. Al Schwartz. His work with youths earned him the James Cardinal Hickey National Figure Award from the Archdiocese of Washington. He lives in Millersville, Md., with his wife and three children. Learn more at https://kevinwells.org/ As always, check out our work, and join our email list, at https://ouroutpost.org/join our free resource library platform herecatch our other podcast, Love Your Marriage, by clicking here: https://ouroutpost.org/podcasts/see what we have upcoming in terms of events here: https://ouroutpost.org/events/send us an email at hello@ouroutpost.organd please rate, review, and share!If you're a Catholic husband, feel free to sign up for some time to chat with Joseph! https://bookme.name/ouroutpost/45-minutes-with-joseph

PR success can create a snowball effect for your nonprofit, ALL at once. But how do you do it?In this episode, I'm talking to former U.S. diplomat turned PR powerhouse Gloria Chou, who's helped thousands of entrepreneurs and small organizations land over 10,000 media features without needing an agency, big budget, or insider contacts.Gloria shares why traditional PR is often gatekept and how you can break through using her "CPR Method" (Credibility, Point of View, and Relevance) to craft pitches that journalists actually want to open. You'll learn how to find your nonprofit's most compelling angles, leverage seasonal and cultural moments, and build a foundation for long-term visibility and impact.If you've ever thought your nonprofit was "too small" or "not newsworthy" enough, this conversation will change your mind.Resources & LinksConnect with Gloria on Instagram at @gloriachoupr and DM ‘DANA' to grab her pitching freebie. You can also watch Gloria's FREE masterclass.Grow your list of media contacts at Source of Sources and sign up for Google News Alerts. This show is presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits. We're so grateful for their partnership. Explore their incredible suite of resources and discounts for nonprofit teams here. Through April 30th, LinkedIn is giving away 6 months FREE of Sales Navigator Core to the first 2,000 eligible nonprofit professionals! Click here to apply.My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! Head to YouTube for digital marketing how-to videos and podcast teasers Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/OaPz08BtHZcDay 5 of the Karen Read Retrial happened on April 28, 2025. It began with testimony from Ian Whiffin of Cellebrite. He was approached by the Public Relations department to figure out why there is such confusion with the information from Jen McCabe's phone from the first trial. This new strategy from the Prosecution getting ahead of Jen McCabe's Google search for, "Hos long to die in cold," is smart and might take the string from that revelation when it is presented to the jury. Mr. Whiffin created a Timeline, combining health data, temperature, call/text logs, and location data from O'Keefe's phone. Cross-examination was conducted by Robert Alessi by confirming points on the timeline and highlighting what was included or left out. The Cross Examination was cut short due to the jury having a half day so that the Voir Dire of the ARCCA witnesses could be done.Hank Brennan did not use his time wisely when questioning the first ARCCA witness, Dr. Daniel Wolfe. Brennan accused Dr. Wolfe of being biased and assisting the defense with their case. Brennan yelled at Dr. Wolfe and didn't stop when the Judge asked him to. Judge Cannone eventually coaxed Brennan to move on and tighten his questioning with the next witness. The second ARCCA witness, Dr. Andrew Rentschler, admitted to having an uncomfortable lunch with Karen Read after he testified in court of the first trial. Judge Cannone requested ARCCA to send their report by May 7th. The Voir Dire is not done yet because the Prosecution and the Defense need to present their oral arguments. When will this happen? Stay tuned!RESOURCESDay 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rj_yLDmgIUWhat You Need to Know About the Retrial - https://youtu.be/89Jpa8vz1RQ Karen Read Retrial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKOJlfL__9F027hlETVU-vo Karen Read Trial - 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gKUeCUzApgsEuQRXu5IXeTSThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

Mastering Public Relations and Personal Branding: Insights from Bryce North

This Week: Saul Colt, Joseph Jaffe and Janell Townsend join Bob to discuss what is your phone really doing, new worries about AI, Meta's love/hate with Instagram, YouTube at 20, plus this week's #FairFailFoul.