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While hunting in the Canadian wilderness, a man accidentally comes between a grizzly bear cub and its mother, and a terrifying fight for his life ensues that will change him forever.Today we bring you the final episode of our annual 5-week summer rebroadcast series. We will return with all new episodes starting next Tuesday, September 16, 2025 . Today's rebroadcast episode “What if you were mauled by a grizzly bear?” originally aired as episode 262 on January 24, 2023. Today's episode featured Jeremy Evans. You can find many more details about Jeremy and this story in his incredible memoir, 'Mauled: Lessons Learned from a Grizzly Bear Attack', published by Rocky Mountain Books. To contact Jeremy you can reach out to his Publicist at genevieve@rmbooks.com or contact Jeremy directly at Grizzlydude01@gmail.com Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits Content/Trigger Warnings: very graphic bodily injury, graphic description of blood and medical situations, attempted suicide, violence inflicted on a child, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcast Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com Intro Music: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott VelasquezMusic Bed: “Union Flow” – Spuntic ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Adam explains to Stern how he was not a Dead Head when he was a kid. Grateful Dead Publicist Dennis McNally stops by and tells us about his new book The Last Great Dream and tells us stories about being the Grateful Dead's publicist for over 20 years. ADAM'S TOUR DATES Albuquerque, NM 9/5-6 Parker, CO - 9/13 Mesquite, NV - 9/19 Port Charlotte, FL - 9/24-27 San Bernardino, CA - 9/28 Bentonville, AR - 10/4 Rutherford, NJ - 11/14-15 Uncasville, CT - 11/20-22 Ticket Links https://www.adamferrara.com/tourdates
Rush Hour Podcast — Bonus Weekend Episode It's a wild weekend edition of Rush Hour and we're diving headfirst into all things Blake Lively. From her ongoing drama to the shocking downfall of Isabella Ferrer—the young actress once celebrated for playing Blake's younger self—the Hollywood façade is crumbling. And just when you thought it couldn't get any messier, breaking news shakes the industry: Taylor Swift's own publicist has been named as a source in the alleged extortion ring tied to Lively's controversies. The fallout could be seismic, with ripple effects across the entertainment world.
Georgina Moore is an author and seasoned book publicist with a long-standing career in the publishing industry. She worked behind the scenes managing publicity for major authors such as Patrick Gale, Penny Vincenzi, and Maggie O'Farrell before writing her own debut novel, The Garnett Girls. This novel is a family drama set on the Isle of Wight that has received praise from authors like Lucy Foley and Jill Mansell.✍️ The Insider's Journey: From Publicist to Bestselling AuthorIn a recent live stream, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Georgina Moore, a name well-known to industry insiders and now celebrated by readers worldwide. Having spent years as a top-tier publicist, she's expertly managed campaigns for literary giants, yet it was during the quiet of lockdown that she penned her own story, stepping from the wings into the spotlight as a debut novelist.A New Chapter: Stepping Into the SpotlightGeorgina's transition from promoting other people's work to creating her own wasn't without its challenges. As she shared in our interview, despite her extensive experience, she initially battled imposter syndrome. She notes, however, that her colleagues and friends were quick to remind her that a publisher's significant investment in The Garnett Girls was proof of its worth. This insightful conversation sheds light on the anxieties and demands that come with the publishing journey, even for those who have navigated it for years.From the Isle of Wight to Eel Pie IslandShe also delves into her latest novel, River of Stars, which is a dual-timeline story. Inspired by her own life on a houseboat, the novel features a 1960s timeline with a young woman's romance with a rock star and a modern-day narrative with her and her granddaughter on Eel Pie Island.Visit her website here.Moore's passion for creating authentic, relatable characters shines through, particularly her commitment to featuring strong female characters over 40 to combat the misrepresentation of this age group in fiction.Advice for Aspiring AuthorsFor all the aspiring writers in our community, Georgina's advice is clear and encouraging: get your words down on paper and write with passion. She suggests ignoring current trends and focusing on the story you are driven to tell. She also stresses the importance of community, emphasising that networking at events and connecting with other writers is crucial for sharing ideas and receiving feedback in an otherwise isolating field.Watch the interview here! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.
Cancelled flight? How to navigate Air Canada's potential flight attendant strike (0:47) Guest: Martin Firestone, President of Travel Secure Inc. Why is Vancouver's mayor betting big on Bitcoin? (7:06) Guest: Andy Baryer, Tech and Digital Lifestyle Expert at HandyAndyMedia.com B.C. and Ottawa governments keep ballooning — Can Carney or Eby ever rein them in? (14:37) Guest: Richard Zussman, Global B.C. Legislative Reporter Owning a laneway home: a step to solving Vancouver's housing crisis (28:58) Guest: Jake Fry, Founding owner and partner of Smallworks A New Era: Taylor Swift announces new album The Life of a Showgirl (41:11) Guest: Eric Alper, Publicist and Music Commentator at ThatEricAlper.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the latest episode of Now, Appalachia, Eliot interviews book publicist and author Joe Walters about his latest book THE TRUTH ABOUT BOOK REVIEWS. Joe is the founder of Independent Book Review: A Celebration of Indie Books. He's been on the marketing teams of indie presses like Sunbury Press, Paper Raven Books, and Inkwater Press, and he is the author of The Truth About Book Reviews: An Insider's Guide to Getting and Using Reviews to Grow Your Readership. When he's not writing, assigning, or editing reviews in a Pennsylvania Panera Bread, he's playing with his daughters or reading indie books by Kindle light. Look for more of his book marketing tips on the IBR blog and the Write Indie newsletter.
On the latest episode of Now, Appalachia, Eliot interviews book publicist and author Joe Walters about his latest book THE TRUTH ABOUT BOOK REVIEWS: THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO GETTING AND USING REVIEWS TO GROW YOUR READERSHIP. Joe is the founder of Independent Book Review: A Celebration of Indie Books. He's been on the marketing teams of indie presses like Sunbury Press, Paper Raven Books, and Inkwater Press, and he is the author of The Truth About Book Reviews: An Insider's Guide to Getting and Using Reviews to Grow Your Readership. When he's not writing, assigning, or editing reviews in a Pennsylvania Panera Bread, he's playing with his daughters or reading indie books by Kindle light. Look for more of his book marketing tips on the IBR blog and the Write Indie newsletter.
On the latest episode of Now, Appalachia, Eliot interviews book publicist and author Joe Walters about his latest book THE TRUTH ABOUT BOOK REVIEWS. Joe is the founder of Independent Book Review: A Celebration of Indie Books. He's been on the marketing teams of indie presses like Sunbury Press, Paper Raven Books, and Inkwater Press, and he is the author of The Truth About Book Reviews: An Insider's Guide to Getting and Using Reviews to Grow Your Readership. When he's not writing, assigning, or editing reviews in a Pennsylvania Panera Bread, he's playing with his daughters or reading indie books by Kindle light. Look for more of his book marketing tips on the IBR blog and the Write Indie newsletter.
Don't fall for the get-fame-quick trick. Learn the value in having someone else sell your story. #ThePitch #INICIVOX #VirtualMentorship
Want to get your name out there but don't know how? Gloria Chou joins Esther and Melanie in this episode to explain how to be your own publicist with no experience or connections. Listen to the end for some free resources from Gloria (and all the great advice throughout)
In this episode of the Spirit and Soul podcast, host Tiffany Cohen interviews Cris Gordon, founder of CB Communications. They discuss the importance of PR for women leaders, the significance of team values, and the power of manifestation in personal and professional growth. Cris shares her journey in the PR industry, emphasizing authenticity and integrity in storytelling. The conversation also touches on balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, the role of rituals in maintaining energy, and the importance of taking risks to achieve success. Check out our Instagram and Tiktok: @spiritandsoulstudio Tiffany's instagram: @heyimtiffanymarie Shop and sign up for classes here: www.spiritandsoulstudio.com Download our Intention Meditation App here https://www.spiritandsoulstudio.com/intention
Want to get your business featured in the media—but don't have the budget for a publicist?This video breaks down exactly how to do your own PR and get your brand seen across local, print, and digital outlets.Whether you're a product-based business, a personal brand, or a small service provider—this episode will walk you through how to get started with visibility the smart, strategic way.
TJ starts the show with more talk of Ozzy Osbourne as the whole world still mourns his death. Then from New Mexico PBS, General Manager and CEO Franz Joachim, and Evy Todd, Publicist and Media Relations from NMPBS, come in to discuss the unfortunate defunding of Public TV and Radio with TJ on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lainie Speiser is a legend in the adult industry. She's worked with all the biggest porn stars and knows the industry from a unique point of view. Today, Lainie answers your questions:Do adult entertainers really enjoy what they do?Does sex ever become mundane for a porn star?Do porn stars worry about cock size or other performance issues?Penis size, porn and an unusual issue for huge cocks.Are any performers in gay porn actually straight?Are huge cum shots real?What do production companies use for fake cum?Is lesbian porn made to appeal to men who want to watch it?What do lesbian women like to watch?Does anyone make erotica for crossdressers or men who like wearing lingerie?Transwomen in the adult industry and why this niche is such a popular porn category.And, finally … a joking question about job benefits like health insurance leads to an interesting conversation about mental health and adult entertainers.Lainie has a wealth of knowledge, a great sense of humor and stories galore. We can't wait until the next time we speak with her.Lainie Speiser: Twitter X @MissLainie Lanie's books on Amazon, including Confessions of 100 of the Hottest Porn Stars.Mistress Olivia's blog: Experienced MistressMistress Erika's blog: Intelligent Phone FantasyDiscord:LDWOliviaLDWErika
Want the cheat code to building your authority? Newsflash: It's f*cking PR and you're more ready for it than you realize. Mouthy bartender turned mouthy millionaire in her first year, Nicole Cherie Hesse has lots of unpopular unicorn opinions to share…Anything but conventional, Nicole paved a path to seven figures using existing skills from her colorful life as a kick-ass bartender. By repositioning what she already knew into the online coaching industry, she catapulted to the 1% overnight.This podcast details the adventures she's had along the way and is sprinkled with helpful AF unicorn hacks to help you to follow in her unicorn hoof prints.Whether you are a bartender who wants to unlock another revenue stream or an experienced entrepreneur looking to scale to six figure months, Nicole will f*ck you up in all of the best ways. Take off your pants and get your ass to the podcast this and every week to level up and crush your unicorn goals. Then, while you're here... get someone in your corner who knows how to unlock the power of PR for your business ⚡️
Hello, Protagonists!My guest today on CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY is Hattie Williams, a former book publicist whose debut novel, Bitter Sweet, is about... a book publicist who falls for a legendary author she's working for.Hattie has not only worked in publishing as a publicist but also in marketing and editorial, and before that, she was a musician and songwriter who has toured across Europe.Today, we talk about:* how Hattie fell into writing as a young mother,* her experience in the publishing world and how that informed the settings and stories in Bitter Sweet.* writing complicated, toxic relationships without veering into judgment of the characters,* how her background as a book publicist has helped her publicize her own book on both Instagram and Substack,* whether songwriting affects her novel writing,and so much more.Want more of Hattie?You can find Hattie on Substack and Instagram. Bitter Sweet, is available in bookstores everywhere or from your favorite online retailer!
The Light Gate welcomes guest: Experiencer, Author, Publicist, Dan Harary Date: July 14, 2025. Time: 5-7pm pacific / 8-10pm eastern Episode: 116 Discussion: “The Many Amazing Experiences of Dan Harary.” Tonight, The Light Gate is honored to welcome experiencer, author, researcher, podcaster, publicist, Dan Harary. Born and raised just outside of Asbury Park, New Jersey, Dan Harary is a man of many talents. While best known for his 40-plus years of work in Hollywood as an Entertainment Industry Publicist and Owner of the boutique Asbury PR Agency in Beverly Hills, Dan is also the author of five books. “Ufology: My Paranormal Life” is his very personal memory of a lifetime of unusual events. “Flirting with Fame” details his 50 years of amazing celebrity encounters. And his two novels, “After They Came,” and “Five” are fictional explorations of ETs, reincarnation and more. Dan is a four-time UFO Experiencer and longtime member of the Southern California Chapter of MUFON; the Chairman and Creator of the very influential, “The Hollywood Disclosure Alliance”, the host of the popular weekly podcast, “From Hollywood: It's Paranormal Tonight,” and the founder and editorial director of the newly launched “Wow! Signal News Service,” a unique, new publicity distribution service for those researchers who are working across every avenue of the UAP/UFO/ET issue; and the Director of Media Relations for Contact in the Desert, the world's largest annual UFO conference. Dan has delivered lectures and appeared on panels at a number of prominent UFO Events, including those presented by Contact in the Desert, the Hollywood Disclosure Alliance, MUFON/Southern California, Conscious Life Expo, and more, and has also presented lectures online to MUFON Chapters in St. Louis, MO, South Carolina, and New Jersey. Articles about Dan have appeared in dozens of media outlets across the country, including Newsweek, the New York Daily News, the Los Angeles Times, the Hollywood Reporter, Variety…the list goes on! He has also been interviewed on dozens of high-profile paranormal podcasts and radio shows starting in 2023, including Coast to Coast Am with George Noory, Fade to Black with Jimmy Church, Into the Parabnormal and more. Dan is a Graduate of Boston University's School of Communications – he attended BU alongside radio legend Howard Stern. The father of two adult children, Dan lives in Beverly Hills, CA. LINKS: Dan Harary Author Website: https://www.danhararyauthor.com/ Hollywood Disclosure Alliance: https://www.hollywooddisclosurealliance.org/founder-dan-harary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.harary.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danasburypr/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hdalliance/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/daniel_harary
J Edward Keyes is a journalist with bylines in Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, SPIN, Entertainment Weekly, Village Voice, and who is now the Editorial Director at bandcamp. As an online record store, and music magazine (bandcamp daily), bandcamp is a central hub to the independent music industry (they pay out 82% of their revenue, versus less than 70% at Spotify, et al). We talk with J Edward about sustain, advocating, and growing a vibrant independent music industry and the unique lane bandcamp has carved, "record store" trends, the role of journalism and music advocates, we as the question - do artist's even need a publicist?? And a whole lot more.Get more access and support this show by subscribing to our Patreon, right here.Links:BandcampBandcamp DailyBerlin R&B SceneExperimental Italian Pop SceneWord Bookstore (Brooklyn)WXPN“The Song Machine - Inside the Hit Factory”Ace of BaseClick here to watch this conversation on YouTube.Social Media:The Other 22 Hours InstagramThe Other 22 Hours TikTokMichaela Anne InstagramAaron Shafer-Haiss InstagramAll music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more.
July 1, 2025Have you had your dose of The Daily MoJo today? Download the APP HERE"Ep 070125: Justice For Ethics - The Daily MoJo"A Guatemalan national dies in an industrial oven, raising safety concerns in workplaces. In Yellowstone, a bison's fall into a hot spring sparks discussions on safety warnings. Francesca Gino faces dismissal from Harvard over research misconduct, highlighting academic ethics. The content also explores political engagement, execution methods, and the psychological aspects of crime, alongside community interactions and reflections on youth behavior.Phil Bell's Morning Update - Phil's Throwback to July 1, 2024 and the aging of Joe Biden in the political arena. AJ Rice - America's Publicist and Author of The White Privilege Album - Joins the program to discuss his new book and how the Woke culture has affected all of us. Book on Amazon: HEREPublius PR WebsiteAJ on XDan Andros - host of The QuickStart Podcast and Managing Editor at CBN.com - Had the day off to extend his stay in The Caribbean. Dan on XFaithwireCBN NewsYouTubeOur affiliate partners:Take care of your body - it's the only one you'll get and it's your temple! We've partnered with Sugar Creek Goods to help you care for yourself in an all-natural way. And in this case, "all natural" doesn't mean it doesn't work! Save 15% on your order with promo code "DailyMojo" at SmellMyMoJo.comCBD is almost everywhere you look these days, so the answer isn't so much where can you get it, it's more about - where can you get the CBD products that actually work!? Certainly, NOT at the gas station! Patriots Relief says it all in the name, and you can save an incredible 40% with the promo code "DailyMojo" at GetMoJoCBD.com!Romika Designs is an awesome American small business that specializes in creating laser-engraved gifts and awards for you, your family, and your employees. Want something special for someone special? Find exactly what you want at MoJoLaserPros.com There have been a lot of imitators, but there's only OG – American Pride Roasters Coffee. It was first and remains the best roaster of fine coffee beans from around the world. You like coffee? You'll love American Pride – from the heart of the heartland – Des Moines, Iowa. AmericanPrideRoasters.com Find great deals on American-made products at MoJoMyPillow.com. Mike Lindell – a true patriot in our eyes – puts his money where his mouth (and products) is/are. Find tremendous deals at MoJoMyPillow.com – Promo Code: MoJo50 Life gets messy – sometimes really messy. Be ready for the next mess with survival food and tools from My Patriot Supply. A 25 year shelf life and fantastic variety are just the beginning of the long list of reasons to get your emergency rations at PrepareWithMoJo50.comStay ConnectedWATCH The Daily Mojo LIVE 7-9a CT: www.TheDailyMojo.com (RECOMMEDED)Rumble: HEREFacebook: HEREMojo 5-0 TV: HEREFreedomsquare: HEREOr just LISTEN:The Daily MoJo Channel Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-daily-mojo-with-brad-staggs--3085897/support.
Want to get featured in your local paper, magazine, or even on your town's morning show? ✨In this video, I'm teaching you how to land local PR that actually builds trust, visibility, and credibility—without needing to hire a publicist or have a huge following.Perfect for small business owners, product brands, and personal brands who want to grow their name right where they live.
CONFESS: We know you are out there! The OATH BREAKERS! The people that broke the pact! Call in and confess and accept your penance if you listened to the song without waiting for Jim and Them. Characters: Feldman finally drops the full version of his Beatles inspired new song, Characters. Does it live up to the hype?! We get hit with some technical difficulties which requires some vamping. Corey's Twitter: Love to see some Jim and Them refs on Corey's Twitter, also An Open Secret calls out Corey and Corey gets weird about a female teacher groomer. COREY FELDMAN!, SHOW STOPPER!, LET'S JUST TALK!, DON CHEADLE!, BOOGIE NIGHTS!, JIM AND THEM IS POP CULTURE!, YOU KNOW THAT!, FELDDOGSUMMER!, JUST GETTING STARTED!, IDES OF FELD DOG SUMMER!, BROKE THE PACT!, CONFESS!, CALL IN!, PENANCE!, APOLOGIZE!, DREW LANE!, DWG!, DANCING WITH GHOSTS!, JOSHY!, LOLCOW!, RADIO WAR!, SNIPPET UPDATE!, MIKE!, TALKED SHIT!, GRAPED!, UNALIVE!, SUPERCHATS!, CELEBRATION!, MAX!, BOSTON!, FOREPLAY LONGTIME!, BEATLES!, INSPIRED!, RELEASED!, PARODY LAW!, YODA!, ROCK BAND!, DRUM FILL!, FULL SONG!, MICHAEL WINSLOW!, ROLLING STONE!, CRAZY!, UNHINGED!, OOH WEE OOH!, BUILD!, DOLBY!, ATMOS!, CATCHY!, BACKWARDS!, WHITE ALBUM!, ROCKIN OUT TO GARBAGE!, TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES!, LOCKED UP!, VAMPING!, FILL!, CHRISTINE!, ACCIDENTALLY CAST A SPELL!, COREY'S TWITTER!, PAUL!, RINGO!, JIM AND THEM REFERENCES!, AN OPEN SECRET!, JEFF BALLARD!, PUBLICIST!, GROOMER!, FEMALE TEACHER!, BUT SHE'S CUTE!, TROLLS!, HALLILU! You can find the videos from this episode at our Discord RIGHT HERE!
Best selling NYT author A.J. Rice joins the show to discuss his new best-selling book (The White Privilege Album) as well as rip the woke assholes that have attempted to destroy this country a new one!! A.J. also owns a PR / Publicist company where he reps President Trump, Don Jr. and a slew of your favorite conservative media personalities.
On this week's episode of No Substitutes, we are joined by Sawyer Gilley again! She talks about her love of ChatGPT, making playlists, making SW mainstream, her new book and course, and so much more!No Substitutes was created by Lumi Ray and Christopher Kapoh-PerezMore Sawyer Gilley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourpublicist/Insagram: https://www.instagram.com/commodificationofselfWebsite: https://www.notyourpublicist.com/More No Substitutes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nosubstitutespod/ X: https://twitter.com/nosubstitutessMore Lumi RayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumi_ray X: https://x.com/lumina_rayy (the good link)TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lumiray0Crew:Show Runner: Christopher Kapoh-Perez https://www.instagram.com/kapohperezProducer: Ash Casanova https://www.instagram.com/ashcasanovacomedy/
In this episode, we sit down with Gloria Chou, award-winning PR strategist and host of the Small Business PR Podcast. Gloria shares how anyone—especially BIPOC and female founders—can get featured in top-tier media like Forbes, Vogue, and The New York Times without paying a PR agency or having insider connections.You will learnHow Gloria went from U.S. diplomat to PR expertWhy traditional PR is broken—and how she disrupts itThe CPR Pitching Method (Clarity, Personalization, Relevance)How to write subject lines that get openedTools to find the right journalists and contactsWhy being specific and timely is everything in your pitchPro tips for getting local TV coverage—even with zero connectionsHow to overcome imposter syndrome and confidently press "send"
Ancilla van de Leest is terug bij blckbx en gaat in gesprek met journalist & auteur Ab Gietelink, Oud Hoogleraar rechtsfilosofie Paul Cliteur en Publicist en filmmaker Erick Overveen.Kabinetscrisis door immigratiebeleidHet kabinet viel op 3 juni na het terugtrekken van PVV-ministers, met als breekpunt de uitvoering van immigratiemaatregelen uit het hoofdlijnenakkoord. Paul Cliteur bespreekt de ruimte voor Nederlands beleid binnen Europese wetgeving.Huurbevriezing geschraptDe geplande tweejarige huurstop voor sociale woningbouw werd op de dag van de kabinetscrisis ingetrokken. Ab Gietelink bekritiseert het falende huisvestingsbeleid dat kwetsbare huurders treft.AI in speelfilmsWat zijn de mogelijkheden van AI in de speelfilm? Erick Overveen schetst een fascinerend toekomstbeeld.Tafelheer: Theater- en opiniemaker George van Houts.Presentatie: Ancilla van de LeestSupport the showWaardeer je deze video('s)? Like deze video, abonneer je op ons kanaal en steun de onafhankelijke journalistiek van blckbx met een donatieWil je op de hoogte blijven?Telegram - https://t.me/blckbxtvTwitter - / blckbxnews Facebook - / blckbx.tv Instagram - ...
Stephanie:Hello, everybody, and welcome to Dishing with Stephanie's Dish, the podcast where we talk to cool people in the food space. We talk to a lot of cookbook authors, and today I'm excited to talk to Sally Ekus. She is a literary agent, which, if you've written books or you're trying to get a book published, you know how important the agent process is. She leads a boutique culinary and lifestyle division via @JVNLA and is the lead agent at the Ekus Group. Did I get it right?Follow Sally's Substack Newsletter Not So Secret Agent Sally Ekus:Oh, I was just gonna say, yeah, I lead the Ekus Group. So we're a culinary and lifestyle division within a broader agency.Stephanie:And the Ekus Group was started by your mom.Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:A legend. Your mom has, like, one of the largest cookbook collections that I'm aware of.Sally Ekus:In fact, the largest, according to Guinness. Yes.Stephanie:A couple of months ago, I think maybe it was on your Instagram page, someone posted a picture of her library of her home that is literally looks like a library that you would see in New York city or Washington, D.C. or somewhere fancy with just walls and walls of books. It was so gorgeous.Sally Ekus:Yeah, It's a two store, all cherry wood, gorgeous library. She built the edition. It was a dream edition. It took a lifetime to build. And it is filled with cookbooks, almost exclusively cookbooks. Her fiction and children's books and other personal books are scattered elsewhere around the house. But the library is almost entirely culinary with over 6000 titles. It's really cool.Stephanie:It's amazing. And your mom's name is? Lisa. Please, can I ask you a question? I'm going to go all over the place here, but sure, please. I have a daughter and only one daughter and no sons. So my only child. And there are things that we have in common about cooking and about food, and I always think, like, oh, maybe she'll follow in my footsteps. But then she is quick to point out, like, no, I'm never doing that. But then she's sort of leaning sort of my way.Stephanie:How did that work with you and being in the publishing space?Sally Ekus:Yeah. So how old is your daughter now?Stephanie:26.Sally Ekus:Okay. Yeah. So growing up, my mom had this vibrant culinary business. At the time, it was a PR agency before we did agenting, and it was never supposed to be a family business. She never pressured me or said, you know, maybe one day. In fact, it was just like. If you had asked me before I started working with her, what does Lisa do for a living? I would have said something with books and something in food. So I was like, growing up in this.Sally Ekus:And I was immersed and sort of absorbing by osmosis. And, you know, in the, in my younger years, I would be like, collating press kits for PR campaigns and, you know, I was like earning a allowance, mailing catalogs and whatnot. But it wasn't, it wasn't something she was really like, whatever you want to do, follow your heart. I was on a different path. I went to school for counseling and I was about to go for a master's in social work. And I deferred. I broke up with a bad decision, moved home, started helping out at the agency and realized that I'd been informally training for this my whole life. I really fell in love with it.And I was very fortunate to step into the legacy of her reputation. And then also, once we decided this is something I wanted to do, talk about what the succession plan would look like and really carve out my own, you know, vibe and skill set and cultivate my own list, supporting her list. And so it was really a unintentional natural progression that then became quite intentional and, you know, quite effortful. So I think that's kind of why it worked out. And if, you know, but it's hard to say in hindsight.Stephanie:It's funny too. You talk about this like being in training of knowing this thing and you not even really realizing that until you've left and gone to do something else. And also, it does track that you were going to be a social worker.Sally Ekus:Absolutely.Stephanie:And now you're an agent.Sally Ekus:Yeah. I somewhat sarcastically but realistically acknowledge that I was trained in crisis counseling, active listening, and negotiation. So all of those things play a very big role in the work that I do as a literary agent working with books. But, you know, at the end of the day, it is a book. It is you know, not somebody's. Well, it is somebody's mental well being, but in a. In a different light. So I get to utilize those skills all the time.Sally Ekus:And it feels, it feels quite, quite lucky. And, you know, it's really the client management and author care and author advocacy that I love so much. And that has kept me, kept me in this, in this business for as long as it has.Stephanie:What is it about cookbooks in particular that makes you solely focus on that?Sally Ekus:Well, that I stepped into, you know, that was Lisa's area of expertise. She was one of the very first cookbook publicists. Publicist. She essentially created the category of culinary publicity before there were massive agencies handling, you know, influencers and brand campaigns. And so that was her area of expertise. So that's what I stepped into and was hyper mentored in. And I also equally just felt in love with it. I mean, there are many different things that bring people together, and at the end of the day, it feels like food is that one.Sally Ekus:Through line. Everyone has some relationship to food, recipes, cooking, memory, good, bad, complicated, probably somewhere in the middle. And so to have a little. To have a role in helping to bring that to fruition in published form is a tremendous honor.Stephanie:You are the publisher, or the agent, actually, of Entertaining 101 with Beth Lamana.Sally Ekus:Yeah. Yes.Stephanie:We just talked with. With her last.Sally Ekus:Yeah, I listened to that. It was such a fun conversation.Stephanie:Yeah, she was pretty great. And the weirdest thing happened to me the other day. I was at my radio partner's office, and we were talking about a project, and she had a stack of cookbooks, and I was like, oh, what are you working on? She's like, oh, I'm. I'm helping our friend from Muriel, Karen Tomlinson, put her proposal together.Sally Ekus:Oh, my gosh.Stephanie:Oh, that's interesting. And she goes, yeah, she's got a really great agent already. And I'm like, who's her agent? And it's you.Sally Ekus:Yes, it is. Yeah. I'm so excited to be working with her. Yep. Yeah.Stephanie:Her point of view on food and her storytelling of the purveyors that she works with and her just completely beautiful recipes. I'm so excited for you, and I'm so excited for that book.Sally Ekus:Thank you. Yeah, I mean, that's a great example of really early development. You know, I often say that I work with people, not proposals. You know, we can get to the proposal. I help guide people through that process as an agent. And, you know, this is a great example where it's like, you know, I'm so captivated by the food and the media attention and the accolades and the intentionality of what is happening from the farm to the plate. And so, you know, sometimes chefs work with writers or collaborators to help bring that to the. To the printed page.Sally Ekus:And that's where we're at with that project. So it's in very early stages, which is super exciting.Stephanie:Yeah. You're going to not be disappointed. She is just a great person. She's a great storyteller, and that you had a really good eye to pick her up, because I think she's.Sally Ekus:Thank you.Stephanie:What other projects do you have on the docket right now that you're excited about? I see Potluck Desserts behind you.Sally Ekus:Oh, yeah. Justin Burke, Potluck Desserts. Justin's book came out the same day as Beth's just a couple weeks ago. And I try to rotate in my background the books that are sort of newly rotating. So The Meathead Method over here, that is Meathead's second book. His first book called Meathead, came out almost 10 years ago. And it's all. Both books are all about the science and art and science of barbecue and grilling and outdoor cooking.Sally Ekus:I have books in a bunch of different levels of activity, so that's also fun because I have something that's like, you know, proposal and development and then things that are coming out. So it really, it really runs the gamut. I just saw Frankie Gaw, whose Instagram handle is @littlefatboyfrankie. He's up for a James Beard Media Award, and he just turned in the manuscript for his second book called Asian Americana. So I'm really excited about that. So it's really all levels of development over here.Stephanie:Once someone does their first book, is it easier to market them the second time around?Sally Ekus:Great question. I find that yes, because really, once that first book is to, you know, publishers need you to have or want you to have a big platform to warrant signing a book deal. And then the book helps sort of level up that platform, promotion, name recognition, certainly moving beyond like the core community of that author. It helps introduce new readers, new cooks, new fans to that person's work. And so I find that that second book, third book, fourth book, 10th book, really helps just keep that momentum going.Stephanie:You wrote something recently on your substack that people should follow you because you're a good follow that I really have spent a lot of time thinking about, and I'm probably going to get the name of the author wrong. So you may have to come.Sally Ekus:We can figure it out together. Yeah.Stephanie:The idea of it was is that a new cookbook writer launched a book tour in a way that was a little unconventional and in some ways maybe controversial because instead of the usual like going out to the booksellers and having a Q and A and talking, she hired her friend who is a comedian and really created more of like, I'll call it in air quotes, like a Real Housewives type in person cooking experience. That there was cooking demonstration, there was talking about the book. Do you know who I'm talking about?Sally Ekus:No, actually. Was it one of my clients or maybe a reshare?Stephanie:I think it's a reshare because she has been on the New York Times bestseller list now with her book for a couple weeks and it was the literary agencies kind of looked down on what she did a little bit because it was unconventional and maybe a little.Sally Ekus:I mean, I love unconventional.Stephanie:I kind of did too.Sally Ekus:Oh, yeah.Stephanie:I wanted to ask you about that because I'm, you know, I'm getting ready to launch my own tour and thinking about, like, locations and. Yeah, it really blew my mind to think, like, for me in particular, and people that have really strong performing skills, like, you know, I am, I would say I'm more of a performer of cooking content than I am of necessarily creating recipes. I do recipe development, but it's more about the presentation of it. And I think that's so cool to think about that we're bringing books into this digital age in that way.Sally Ekus:Absolutely. So my overarching advice with every anything in publishing is it depends and you do you like, what fits for one person is not one size fits all for the other book or other campaigns. And so I love to share information, whether it's on my substack not so secret agent or on my social or just with my clients. Like, I like to share. Here's an example or here's five examples of what another author has done, what is helpful, what resonates with you, and like, move on from the rest. You know, how can you evolve this into your own campaign? And cooking is such a tactile experience. It's so experiential in and of itself. It's such a connector.Sally Ekus:It also can be so beautiful alone. Like, do what feels right for you, your book, and share in a way that feels true to you. Because that's what I think really attracts people to come out first and foremost and like, spend their free time and free re and any sort of additional resources they may have and make it fun and memorable. You know, I mean, I think more and more we see brands and individual authors and companies just evolving. You know the term like activation into experiences, into just moments that matter.Stephanie:You mentioned your substack not so secret agent, and I'm wondering if substack is changing or improving the landscape for cookbook authors.Sally Ekus:I think substack's changing all kinds of things. You know, it used to be that at least as a cookbook agent, we would sort of scout on Instagram or TikTok. And now substack is certainly a major player and there's a ton of food content and creators on substack. But even just a year ago when I got on, there's a lot less and I think there's still a lot more room because there's so many hyper focused areas of interest in foods that you have this opportunity. You know, maybe you can't land a publishing deal, but if you can build a community of the people that want your recipes, your voice, your food, whatever it is in that specific space, go for it. I mean, you can be so hyper focused and really build this, this beautiful community. And I love the Substack ecosystem. It's been incredibly generous to me and I try to give back as much as possible.Sally Ekus:Like the recommendations and resharing and discoverability aspect of Substack has been a really beautiful thing to experience.Stephanie:They've really democratized the idea of podcasting too. I've been podcasting for seven years. Actually longer than that, maybe even closer to like nine.Sally Ekus:Wow.Stephanie:Well, I was a broadcaster so it makes sense to go from radio to developing a podcast space and just the ease of ability of doing it now, you know, before you had to have special equipment and people to host it. And it's just gotten so much simpler. And we're also seeing that, I think with video that's making it so easy to go live. You don't necessarily need 10,000 watch hours on YouTube or 3,000 subscribers or whatever, you know.Sally Ekus:Yeah, most of my readers come like my email goes to their actual email inbox though people find me through substack and so it's been fun. I'm not by any means a seasoned or polished content creator, but I've been doing videos as one means of explaining other things about publishing and just kind of seeing how that resonates with people in their inbox versus other mediums. And it's been really fun. They are super lo fi and quite off the cuff. But most people that are not tuning in live to me on Substack, they'll find it in their inbox the next morning, which has been really fun too.Stephanie:I think the lo fi aspects too are almost what people are looking for.Sally Ekus:I hope so.Stephanie:I have not the TikTok algorithm and I are not friends, probably never will be friends. And I don't understand it at all because I can produce like something that looks great, tastes good, you. It's just mouthwatering to watch. And then I can post like a picture of my dog and that will be the thing that.Sally Ekus:Right. Well, I think animals will always outperform us on, on the socials as they should at this point.Stephanie:You know, it's so crazy. It's so crazy. A single subject book has popped into the zeitgeist that I'm really. I think it's a really great book. Sesame, it's called.Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:And it's like a single ingredient versus and they take that. She takes that single ingredient and uses it in many different ways throughout the book. You must see like single ingredient books, seasonal books, like, are there trends in what's hot right now?Sally Ekus:I love single ingredient books or single subject. Oftentimes it's a lower recipe count, somewhere between like the 50 to 75 range, as opposed to 75 to 100 or 125. It just feels like a little bit more giftable, a little bit more impulse buy. And it's really fun to see those. There's always single subject books cropping up. But I think particularly in the shift in the cookbook market, meaning there's a bigger gap between creator led books, big robust cookbooks and then sort of a place for everyone else. And sometimes that place where you can settle in for everyone else if you don't have this massive following is in a single subject book that could be your expertise or deep, deeply researched. I don't necessarily think that's so much a trend as it is something that like ebbs and flows.Sally Ekus:And we see a little bit more of on the cookbook shelf because they've always been there. But now people can nerd out on one thing and they'll go to the cookbook shelf because the food scene just in the zeitgeist has become so popular. There's strawberry earrings and I've got a sweater with cherries on it. So why not a book about just sesame? It's really a time to celebrate ingredients and food.Stephanie:When you are on like Instagram or TikTok and you're trying to relax, like you're not working. And I know that's really hard to even do.Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:Are you following like other creators and other spaces and thinking like, gee, how are they doing this or does that work for you?Sally Ekus:Well, I would, I would just clarify that I don't go on social to relax, but and also I'm almost always working. However, to answer your actual question, I have. Most of the people I follow outside of the food space are in the body inclusivity, body positivity space. I follow some fashion people that are highly inclusive, plus size fashion people that have completely changed my relationship to even the fact that I've said fashion on a podcast interview. I just never would have been that person a while ago. But it's offered me an opportunity to see like color and textures and textiles and just the lifestyle of how we have a relationship to our closet In a new way. Also the home and space, you know, I sometimes represent outside of the cookbook shelf. And so I like to say that I, I represent the home with a focus on the kitchen, but I also, you know, hang out in the living room and I have a tiny human, so I hang out with the kids space.Sally Ekus:And so it's just focusing on other rooms at the home at times has been really fun too. So that's kind of where I dabble on social as well.Stephanie:Speaking of kids, I don't know why this comes to mind, but I always get asked, you know, what are the cookbooks that you should be buying for kids and better homes or not. Betty Crocker's Boys and Girls is still like a best selling book, right?Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:And then there's one other one that I'm going to not think of the name right off the top of my head, but there feels like there is kind of an empty space in Cooking with Kids and Cooking with Families.Sally Ekus:Yeah, there's a few. So I love the ATK books. I think it's a great brand. They've got great recipes for Cooking with Kids. Deanna Cook, who is a story publishing author, has a bunch of kids books that are awesome. And for me, I think sometimes it's not that there's like a lack of. It's just that there's still space for. And the tricky part about pitching and representing those books or selling them is it, is, is it a book for cooking with kids? Is it a book for kids to cook from? You know, and those are different age groups and those are different recipe styles.Sally Ekus:So much down to like the page and the format and the illustrations or the pictures or the how to steps. So there's just so many practical considerations and logistical ones that it's a slightly trickier category, but one that we've, we, we've dabbled in a little bit and there's some great books and I think a lot of space for, for others. The author of Indian Ish did a kids cookbook as well that I found really fun and just wonderful recipes. I forget the name of the book off the top of my head.Stephanie:That Indian Ish was a really cool cookbook.Sally Ekus:Yeah. Yes.Stephanie:There's been some just beautiful, texturally colorful books written by people from more diverse backgrounds. And while it seems like we see a ton of that right now, and we are, it is fairly new in the last 10 years.Sally Ekus:It has become magnified and intensified though our agency. And kudos to Lisa for carving out her space as a Literary agent representing underrepresented voices from the get go. It's been a part of the ethos of our agency since day one. And so to see publishers in the past 10 years really prioritizing marginalized voices is amazing. And also a little about time, you know?Stephanie:Yeah.Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:Okay. Kind of a controversial question. Sometimes people in the media can be a little snooty about influencers and about social media in particular, because I think they feel maybe like people are treading on their. Their authority of space. Yeah, you get people that feel snarky sometimes about, like, oh, they're an influencer. It's another influencer cookbook and kind of eye rolling because there are some not so great cookbooks written by really good content creators, but maybe they're not great at putting it all in a book format or maybe the recipes aren't necessarily great. Once they get past that beautiful shot, do you think that there'll be, like, almost a backlash to this whole genre, as it were?Sally Ekus:I don't know that it would necessarily be a backlash in that a lot of the creator led books, both the great ones and the more challenging ones. I think the positive outcome of all of those books is that it has put this spotlight on food and the cookbook shelf. And I think the more people who are interested in what books are on the cookbook shelf, the better. What I do feel, and I've already started feeling this as an agent, is that the shift back to experts or an evolution to what is the next version of people that have really robust followings, capturing their audience in a meaningful way and delivering content that rings true to that audience and honors what the industry is looking for. I'm already hearing that shift from acquiring editors from publishers that I work really closely with and even in my own scouting. So I feel like we are moving towards the. Thank you very much for bringing a spotlight to the shelf. And where are we going and how can we all support the industry at large and.Stephanie:And the trend that we're talking about or hearing about is more expertise, you know, more of a microscope on something in more detail.Sally Ekus:Exactly, yeah. Which is so fun. I mean, more interest, more books, more. More food, more deep dives.Stephanie:And also, like, I mean, we just start scratching the surface about, like, my husband and I are working on books about place of food. So, like, we've written a fiction book about Croatia that has recipe as a component to it.Sally Ekus:I'm seeing a lot more crossover among different genres, even between fiction and nonfiction. I was just pitched a proposal, probably the first Maybe it's the second one that has sort of a fictional component to it. And I, you know, I don't represent fiction. That's for my colleagues at the agency and other agents in the industry. But it is fun to see how food has like penetrated every aspect of our lives and it's just delightful.Stephanie:Yeah, I'm super excited about that. In just my personal journey, it's keeping it fresh and interesting.Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:You know, my husband is a writer as a fiction writer. And for us to like collaborate on a project together in a way that I know what my lane is and he knows what his lane is is pretty fun.Sally Ekus:Well, I think that's one of the many gifts that have come out of this like creator led book or just like the, the intensification of food in the zeitgeist is that people who are, who are an expert in a certain culinary topic could be a consultant on a novel or who knows, you know what I mean? And it's just, it's blowing the fridge doors wide open.Stephanie:I feel like it's sort of like the white lotus effect for books and cooking and food generally that put that lens on travel and exotic locales. And I just feel like that's the next thing and I'm gonna be there, I promise.Sally Ekus:Cool. Well, it is, it's so fun to just see our beloved culinary space be celebrated across, across genres and like just.Stephanie:To get back to as a little kid going into a bookstore or going into the library and just the joy of, you know, books have been under attack for the last 20 years as the Amazonification of the world has happened. But we're seeing in Minneapolis in particular, like lots of local bookstores are opening again and people are making them multi purpose. So they might be selling cooking things, but also they might have a coffee shop, they might do pastry.Sally Ekus:Yeah, my. One of my favorite recommendations for authors or aspiring authors or just dear friends is to go to your local independent bookstore and talk to the people that work there and ideally talk to the owner and the people who make the decisions about what books to bring in. It is a wildly fascinating conversation.Stephanie:Yeah, it's the best part about a book tour for me is actually like getting to talk to the people that recommend and sell the books and then.Sally Ekus:Also buy books there. Not. I think that's implied, but you never know.Stephanie:Yes. Sally, it's been a delight to talk to you. Thank you for joining the program today. I'll put links to your substack, also your information. If I don't know if anyone's listening is thinking about pitches, but if you are.Sally Ekus:Yeah, I have really comprehensive nonfiction book proposal guidelines that definitely pertain to those looking to write food books, but also are really applicable to anyone that's looking to learn about publishing. So that's a great link to share. And thank you so much for having me on.Stephanie:Yeah, it's great. And keep pitching me your authors. You have good authors. And the books. Beth was a joy.Sally Ekus:Oh, thanks.Stephanie:All right, we'll talk soon.Sally Ekus:Okay, bye.Stephanie:Okay, bye. Bye.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe
Stephanie:Hello, everybody, and welcome to Dishing with Stephanie's Dish, the podcast where we talk to cool people in the food space. We talk to a lot of cookbook authors, and today I'm excited to talk to Sally Ekus. She is a literary agent, which, if you've written books or you're trying to get a book published, you know how important the agent process is. She leads a boutique culinary and lifestyle division via @JVNLA and is the lead agent at the Ekus Group. Did I get it right?Follow Sally's Substack Newsletter Not So Secret Agent Sally Ekus:Oh, I was just gonna say, yeah, I lead the Ekus Group. So we're a culinary and lifestyle division within a broader agency.Stephanie:And the Ekus Group was started by your mom.Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:A legend. Your mom has, like, one of the largest cookbook collections that I'm aware of.Sally Ekus:In fact, the largest, according to Guinness. Yes.Stephanie:A couple of months ago, I think maybe it was on your Instagram page, someone posted a picture of her library of her home that is literally looks like a library that you would see in New York city or Washington, D.C. or somewhere fancy with just walls and walls of books. It was so gorgeous.Sally Ekus:Yeah, It's a two store, all cherry wood, gorgeous library. She built the edition. It was a dream edition. It took a lifetime to build. And it is filled with cookbooks, almost exclusively cookbooks. Her fiction and children's books and other personal books are scattered elsewhere around the house. But the library is almost entirely culinary with over 6000 titles. It's really cool.Stephanie:It's amazing. And your mom's name is? Lisa. Please, can I ask you a question? I'm going to go all over the place here, but sure, please. I have a daughter and only one daughter and no sons. So my only child. And there are things that we have in common about cooking and about food, and I always think, like, oh, maybe she'll follow in my footsteps. But then she is quick to point out, like, no, I'm never doing that. But then she's sort of leaning sort of my way.Stephanie:How did that work with you and being in the publishing space?Sally Ekus:Yeah. So how old is your daughter now?Stephanie:26.Sally Ekus:Okay. Yeah. So growing up, my mom had this vibrant culinary business. At the time, it was a PR agency before we did agenting, and it was never supposed to be a family business. She never pressured me or said, you know, maybe one day. In fact, it was just like. If you had asked me before I started working with her, what does Lisa do for a living? I would have said something with books and something in food. So I was like, growing up in this.Sally Ekus:And I was immersed and sort of absorbing by osmosis. And, you know, in the, in my younger years, I would be like, collating press kits for PR campaigns and, you know, I was like earning a allowance, mailing catalogs and whatnot. But it wasn't, it wasn't something she was really like, whatever you want to do, follow your heart. I was on a different path. I went to school for counseling and I was about to go for a master's in social work. And I deferred. I broke up with a bad decision, moved home, started helping out at the agency and realized that I'd been informally training for this my whole life. I really fell in love with it.And I was very fortunate to step into the legacy of her reputation. And then also, once we decided this is something I wanted to do, talk about what the succession plan would look like and really carve out my own, you know, vibe and skill set and cultivate my own list, supporting her list. And so it was really a unintentional natural progression that then became quite intentional and, you know, quite effortful. So I think that's kind of why it worked out. And if, you know, but it's hard to say in hindsight.Stephanie:It's funny too. You talk about this like being in training of knowing this thing and you not even really realizing that until you've left and gone to do something else. And also, it does track that you were going to be a social worker.Sally Ekus:Absolutely.Stephanie:And now you're an agent.Sally Ekus:Yeah. I somewhat sarcastically but realistically acknowledge that I was trained in crisis counseling, active listening, and negotiation. So all of those things play a very big role in the work that I do as a literary agent working with books. But, you know, at the end of the day, it is a book. It is you know, not somebody's. Well, it is somebody's mental well being, but in a. In a different light. So I get to utilize those skills all the time.Sally Ekus:And it feels, it feels quite, quite lucky. And, you know, it's really the client management and author care and author advocacy that I love so much. And that has kept me, kept me in this, in this business for as long as it has.Stephanie:What is it about cookbooks in particular that makes you solely focus on that?Sally Ekus:Well, that I stepped into, you know, that was Lisa's area of expertise. She was one of the very first cookbook publicists. Publicist. She essentially created the category of culinary publicity before there were massive agencies handling, you know, influencers and brand campaigns. And so that was her area of expertise. So that's what I stepped into and was hyper mentored in. And I also equally just felt in love with it. I mean, there are many different things that bring people together, and at the end of the day, it feels like food is that one.Sally Ekus:Through line. Everyone has some relationship to food, recipes, cooking, memory, good, bad, complicated, probably somewhere in the middle. And so to have a little. To have a role in helping to bring that to fruition in published form is a tremendous honor.Stephanie:You are the publisher, or the agent, actually, of Entertaining 101 with Beth Lamana.Sally Ekus:Yeah. Yes.Stephanie:We just talked with. With her last.Sally Ekus:Yeah, I listened to that. It was such a fun conversation.Stephanie:Yeah, she was pretty great. And the weirdest thing happened to me the other day. I was at my radio partner's office, and we were talking about a project, and she had a stack of cookbooks, and I was like, oh, what are you working on? She's like, oh, I'm. I'm helping our friend from Muriel, Karen Tomlinson, put her proposal together.Sally Ekus:Oh, my gosh.Stephanie:Oh, that's interesting. And she goes, yeah, she's got a really great agent already. And I'm like, who's her agent? And it's you.Sally Ekus:Yes, it is. Yeah. I'm so excited to be working with her. Yep. Yeah.Stephanie:Her point of view on food and her storytelling of the purveyors that she works with and her just completely beautiful recipes. I'm so excited for you, and I'm so excited for that book.Sally Ekus:Thank you. Yeah, I mean, that's a great example of really early development. You know, I often say that I work with people, not proposals. You know, we can get to the proposal. I help guide people through that process as an agent. And, you know, this is a great example where it's like, you know, I'm so captivated by the food and the media attention and the accolades and the intentionality of what is happening from the farm to the plate. And so, you know, sometimes chefs work with writers or collaborators to help bring that to the. To the printed page.Sally Ekus:And that's where we're at with that project. So it's in very early stages, which is super exciting.Stephanie:Yeah. You're going to not be disappointed. She is just a great person. She's a great storyteller, and that you had a really good eye to pick her up, because I think she's.Sally Ekus:Thank you.Stephanie:What other projects do you have on the docket right now that you're excited about? I see Potluck Desserts behind you.Sally Ekus:Oh, yeah. Justin Burke, Potluck Desserts. Justin's book came out the same day as Beth's just a couple weeks ago. And I try to rotate in my background the books that are sort of newly rotating. So The Meathead Method over here, that is Meathead's second book. His first book called Meathead, came out almost 10 years ago. And it's all. Both books are all about the science and art and science of barbecue and grilling and outdoor cooking.Sally Ekus:I have books in a bunch of different levels of activity, so that's also fun because I have something that's like, you know, proposal and development and then things that are coming out. So it really, it really runs the gamut. I just saw Frankie Gaw, whose Instagram handle is @littlefatboyfrankie. He's up for a James Beard Media Award, and he just turned in the manuscript for his second book called Asian Americana. So I'm really excited about that. So it's really all levels of development over here.Stephanie:Once someone does their first book, is it easier to market them the second time around?Sally Ekus:Great question. I find that yes, because really, once that first book is to, you know, publishers need you to have or want you to have a big platform to warrant signing a book deal. And then the book helps sort of level up that platform, promotion, name recognition, certainly moving beyond like the core community of that author. It helps introduce new readers, new cooks, new fans to that person's work. And so I find that that second book, third book, fourth book, 10th book, really helps just keep that momentum going.Stephanie:You wrote something recently on your substack that people should follow you because you're a good follow that I really have spent a lot of time thinking about, and I'm probably going to get the name of the author wrong. So you may have to come.Sally Ekus:We can figure it out together. Yeah.Stephanie:The idea of it was is that a new cookbook writer launched a book tour in a way that was a little unconventional and in some ways maybe controversial because instead of the usual like going out to the booksellers and having a Q and A and talking, she hired her friend who is a comedian and really created more of like, I'll call it in air quotes, like a Real Housewives type in person cooking experience. That there was cooking demonstration, there was talking about the book. Do you know who I'm talking about?Sally Ekus:No, actually. Was it one of my clients or maybe a reshare?Stephanie:I think it's a reshare because she has been on the New York Times bestseller list now with her book for a couple weeks and it was the literary agencies kind of looked down on what she did a little bit because it was unconventional and maybe a little.Sally Ekus:I mean, I love unconventional.Stephanie:I kind of did too.Sally Ekus:Oh, yeah.Stephanie:I wanted to ask you about that because I'm, you know, I'm getting ready to launch my own tour and thinking about, like, locations and. Yeah, it really blew my mind to think, like, for me in particular, and people that have really strong performing skills, like, you know, I am, I would say I'm more of a performer of cooking content than I am of necessarily creating recipes. I do recipe development, but it's more about the presentation of it. And I think that's so cool to think about that we're bringing books into this digital age in that way.Sally Ekus:Absolutely. So my overarching advice with every anything in publishing is it depends and you do you like, what fits for one person is not one size fits all for the other book or other campaigns. And so I love to share information, whether it's on my substack not so secret agent or on my social or just with my clients. Like, I like to share. Here's an example or here's five examples of what another author has done, what is helpful, what resonates with you, and like, move on from the rest. You know, how can you evolve this into your own campaign? And cooking is such a tactile experience. It's so experiential in and of itself. It's such a connector.Sally Ekus:It also can be so beautiful alone. Like, do what feels right for you, your book, and share in a way that feels true to you. Because that's what I think really attracts people to come out first and foremost and like, spend their free time and free re and any sort of additional resources they may have and make it fun and memorable. You know, I mean, I think more and more we see brands and individual authors and companies just evolving. You know the term like activation into experiences, into just moments that matter.Stephanie:You mentioned your substack not so secret agent, and I'm wondering if substack is changing or improving the landscape for cookbook authors.Sally Ekus:I think substack's changing all kinds of things. You know, it used to be that at least as a cookbook agent, we would sort of scout on Instagram or TikTok. And now substack is certainly a major player and there's a ton of food content and creators on substack. But even just a year ago when I got on, there's a lot less and I think there's still a lot more room because there's so many hyper focused areas of interest in foods that you have this opportunity. You know, maybe you can't land a publishing deal, but if you can build a community of the people that want your recipes, your voice, your food, whatever it is in that specific space, go for it. I mean, you can be so hyper focused and really build this, this beautiful community. And I love the Substack ecosystem. It's been incredibly generous to me and I try to give back as much as possible.Sally Ekus:Like the recommendations and resharing and discoverability aspect of Substack has been a really beautiful thing to experience.Stephanie:They've really democratized the idea of podcasting too. I've been podcasting for seven years. Actually longer than that, maybe even closer to like nine.Sally Ekus:Wow.Stephanie:Well, I was a broadcaster so it makes sense to go from radio to developing a podcast space and just the ease of ability of doing it now, you know, before you had to have special equipment and people to host it. And it's just gotten so much simpler. And we're also seeing that, I think with video that's making it so easy to go live. You don't necessarily need 10,000 watch hours on YouTube or 3,000 subscribers or whatever, you know.Sally Ekus:Yeah, most of my readers come like my email goes to their actual email inbox though people find me through substack and so it's been fun. I'm not by any means a seasoned or polished content creator, but I've been doing videos as one means of explaining other things about publishing and just kind of seeing how that resonates with people in their inbox versus other mediums. And it's been really fun. They are super lo fi and quite off the cuff. But most people that are not tuning in live to me on Substack, they'll find it in their inbox the next morning, which has been really fun too.Stephanie:I think the lo fi aspects too are almost what people are looking for.Sally Ekus:I hope so.Stephanie:I have not the TikTok algorithm and I are not friends, probably never will be friends. And I don't understand it at all because I can produce like something that looks great, tastes good, you. It's just mouthwatering to watch. And then I can post like a picture of my dog and that will be the thing that.Sally Ekus:Right. Well, I think animals will always outperform us on, on the socials as they should at this point.Stephanie:You know, it's so crazy. It's so crazy. A single subject book has popped into the zeitgeist that I'm really. I think it's a really great book. Sesame, it's called.Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:And it's like a single ingredient versus and they take that. She takes that single ingredient and uses it in many different ways throughout the book. You must see like single ingredient books, seasonal books, like, are there trends in what's hot right now?Sally Ekus:I love single ingredient books or single subject. Oftentimes it's a lower recipe count, somewhere between like the 50 to 75 range, as opposed to 75 to 100 or 125. It just feels like a little bit more giftable, a little bit more impulse buy. And it's really fun to see those. There's always single subject books cropping up. But I think particularly in the shift in the cookbook market, meaning there's a bigger gap between creator led books, big robust cookbooks and then sort of a place for everyone else. And sometimes that place where you can settle in for everyone else if you don't have this massive following is in a single subject book that could be your expertise or deep, deeply researched. I don't necessarily think that's so much a trend as it is something that like ebbs and flows.Sally Ekus:And we see a little bit more of on the cookbook shelf because they've always been there. But now people can nerd out on one thing and they'll go to the cookbook shelf because the food scene just in the zeitgeist has become so popular. There's strawberry earrings and I've got a sweater with cherries on it. So why not a book about just sesame? It's really a time to celebrate ingredients and food.Stephanie:When you are on like Instagram or TikTok and you're trying to relax, like you're not working. And I know that's really hard to even do.Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:Are you following like other creators and other spaces and thinking like, gee, how are they doing this or does that work for you?Sally Ekus:Well, I would, I would just clarify that I don't go on social to relax, but and also I'm almost always working. However, to answer your actual question, I have. Most of the people I follow outside of the food space are in the body inclusivity, body positivity space. I follow some fashion people that are highly inclusive, plus size fashion people that have completely changed my relationship to even the fact that I've said fashion on a podcast interview. I just never would have been that person a while ago. But it's offered me an opportunity to see like color and textures and textiles and just the lifestyle of how we have a relationship to our closet In a new way. Also the home and space, you know, I sometimes represent outside of the cookbook shelf. And so I like to say that I, I represent the home with a focus on the kitchen, but I also, you know, hang out in the living room and I have a tiny human, so I hang out with the kids space.Sally Ekus:And so it's just focusing on other rooms at the home at times has been really fun too. So that's kind of where I dabble on social as well.Stephanie:Speaking of kids, I don't know why this comes to mind, but I always get asked, you know, what are the cookbooks that you should be buying for kids and better homes or not. Betty Crocker's Boys and Girls is still like a best selling book, right?Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:And then there's one other one that I'm going to not think of the name right off the top of my head, but there feels like there is kind of an empty space in Cooking with Kids and Cooking with Families.Sally Ekus:Yeah, there's a few. So I love the ATK books. I think it's a great brand. They've got great recipes for Cooking with Kids. Deanna Cook, who is a story publishing author, has a bunch of kids books that are awesome. And for me, I think sometimes it's not that there's like a lack of. It's just that there's still space for. And the tricky part about pitching and representing those books or selling them is it, is, is it a book for cooking with kids? Is it a book for kids to cook from? You know, and those are different age groups and those are different recipe styles.Sally Ekus:So much down to like the page and the format and the illustrations or the pictures or the how to steps. So there's just so many practical considerations and logistical ones that it's a slightly trickier category, but one that we've, we, we've dabbled in a little bit and there's some great books and I think a lot of space for, for others. The author of Indian Ish did a kids cookbook as well that I found really fun and just wonderful recipes. I forget the name of the book off the top of my head.Stephanie:That Indian Ish was a really cool cookbook.Sally Ekus:Yeah. Yes.Stephanie:There's been some just beautiful, texturally colorful books written by people from more diverse backgrounds. And while it seems like we see a ton of that right now, and we are, it is fairly new in the last 10 years.Sally Ekus:It has become magnified and intensified though our agency. And kudos to Lisa for carving out her space as a Literary agent representing underrepresented voices from the get go. It's been a part of the ethos of our agency since day one. And so to see publishers in the past 10 years really prioritizing marginalized voices is amazing. And also a little about time, you know?Stephanie:Yeah.Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:Okay. Kind of a controversial question. Sometimes people in the media can be a little snooty about influencers and about social media in particular, because I think they feel maybe like people are treading on their. Their authority of space. Yeah, you get people that feel snarky sometimes about, like, oh, they're an influencer. It's another influencer cookbook and kind of eye rolling because there are some not so great cookbooks written by really good content creators, but maybe they're not great at putting it all in a book format or maybe the recipes aren't necessarily great. Once they get past that beautiful shot, do you think that there'll be, like, almost a backlash to this whole genre, as it were?Sally Ekus:I don't know that it would necessarily be a backlash in that a lot of the creator led books, both the great ones and the more challenging ones. I think the positive outcome of all of those books is that it has put this spotlight on food and the cookbook shelf. And I think the more people who are interested in what books are on the cookbook shelf, the better. What I do feel, and I've already started feeling this as an agent, is that the shift back to experts or an evolution to what is the next version of people that have really robust followings, capturing their audience in a meaningful way and delivering content that rings true to that audience and honors what the industry is looking for. I'm already hearing that shift from acquiring editors from publishers that I work really closely with and even in my own scouting. So I feel like we are moving towards the. Thank you very much for bringing a spotlight to the shelf. And where are we going and how can we all support the industry at large and.Stephanie:And the trend that we're talking about or hearing about is more expertise, you know, more of a microscope on something in more detail.Sally Ekus:Exactly, yeah. Which is so fun. I mean, more interest, more books, more. More food, more deep dives.Stephanie:And also, like, I mean, we just start scratching the surface about, like, my husband and I are working on books about place of food. So, like, we've written a fiction book about Croatia that has recipe as a component to it.Sally Ekus:I'm seeing a lot more crossover among different genres, even between fiction and nonfiction. I was just pitched a proposal, probably the first Maybe it's the second one that has sort of a fictional component to it. And I, you know, I don't represent fiction. That's for my colleagues at the agency and other agents in the industry. But it is fun to see how food has like penetrated every aspect of our lives and it's just delightful.Stephanie:Yeah, I'm super excited about that. In just my personal journey, it's keeping it fresh and interesting.Sally Ekus:Yeah.Stephanie:You know, my husband is a writer as a fiction writer. And for us to like collaborate on a project together in a way that I know what my lane is and he knows what his lane is is pretty fun.Sally Ekus:Well, I think that's one of the many gifts that have come out of this like creator led book or just like the, the intensification of food in the zeitgeist is that people who are, who are an expert in a certain culinary topic could be a consultant on a novel or who knows, you know what I mean? And it's just, it's blowing the fridge doors wide open.Stephanie:I feel like it's sort of like the white lotus effect for books and cooking and food generally that put that lens on travel and exotic locales. And I just feel like that's the next thing and I'm gonna be there, I promise.Sally Ekus:Cool. Well, it is, it's so fun to just see our beloved culinary space be celebrated across, across genres and like just.Stephanie:To get back to as a little kid going into a bookstore or going into the library and just the joy of, you know, books have been under attack for the last 20 years as the Amazonification of the world has happened. But we're seeing in Minneapolis in particular, like lots of local bookstores are opening again and people are making them multi purpose. So they might be selling cooking things, but also they might have a coffee shop, they might do pastry.Sally Ekus:Yeah, my. One of my favorite recommendations for authors or aspiring authors or just dear friends is to go to your local independent bookstore and talk to the people that work there and ideally talk to the owner and the people who make the decisions about what books to bring in. It is a wildly fascinating conversation.Stephanie:Yeah, it's the best part about a book tour for me is actually like getting to talk to the people that recommend and sell the books and then.Sally Ekus:Also buy books there. Not. I think that's implied, but you never know.Stephanie:Yes. Sally, it's been a delight to talk to you. Thank you for joining the program today. I'll put links to your substack, also your information. If I don't know if anyone's listening is thinking about pitches, but if you are.Sally Ekus:Yeah, I have really comprehensive nonfiction book proposal guidelines that definitely pertain to those looking to write food books, but also are really applicable to anyone that's looking to learn about publishing. So that's a great link to share. And thank you so much for having me on.Stephanie:Yeah, it's great. And keep pitching me your authors. You have good authors. And the books. Beth was a joy.Sally Ekus:Oh, thanks.Stephanie:All right, we'll talk soon.Sally Ekus:Okay, bye.Stephanie:Okay, bye. Bye.Stephanie's Dish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe
You ready for Round 2...!In this second half with my sit down with 2x Award Winning Publicist, Radio Host of "Live On Air" and published author Steven Cuoco, we continue on talking about the Entertainment Industry and the current climate for many working actors and professionals. We discuss the changing of the industry, being true and authentic, personal and professional relationships within the industry and how Steven is redefining himself in his career and new phase! Plus, I put Steven in the popular segment "Hot Seat" featuring the biggest Actors and Icons in the Film Industry!
Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with book publicist Megan Beatie about book publicity in a revealing conversation about the art and science of literary promotion.Drawing on over 25 years of experience working with authors ranging from Linda Ronstadt to Tess Gerritsen, Megan shares how the publishing landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation since she began her career. She explains the crucial difference between publicity (earned media) and marketing (paid media), and why authors need to understand both to succeed in today's competitive marketplace."I'm only as good as what I'm representing," Megan explains, revealing why passion for the books she promotes has been fundamental to her success. This philosophy has served her well, helping numerous clients achieve bestseller status and prestigious awards, including Danielle Trussoni's recent LA Times Book Prize for Best Mystery Thriller, The Puzzle Master.For debut authors feeling overwhelmed by marketing expectations, Megan offers practical wisdom: start early (ideally a year before publication), maintain an updated website as your "ground zero," choose social media platforms that match your personality rather than trying to be everywhere, and recognize when to seek professional help instead of attempting DIY publicity.Beyond tactics, our conversation delves into the deeper value of cultivating genuine relationships with booksellers, fellow authors, and readers. Megan challenges the common "is it worth it?" mindset about events and appearances, encouraging authors to see the long-term value in the connections they make. "If you go to a festival and don't sell a single book but you're on a panel with a better-known author who might give you a blurb for your next book, you just never know."Whether you're a published author looking to elevate your publicity game, an aspiring writer curious about the business side of publishing, or simply a book lover interested in how your favorite titles find their way to you, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving art of connecting books with readers in meaningful ways.Megan Beatie CommunicationsThe Puzzle Master, Danielle TrussoniThe Puzzle Box, Danielle TrussoniThe Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club, Martha Hall KellyThe View From Lake Como, Adriana TrigianiVianne, Joanne HarrisThe Lion Women of Tehran, Marjan KamaliJoin or Die documentarySupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links
6-4-25 Afternoon Rush - Bachelor In Paradise Age Gap Debate & Travis Kelce Shows Support For Taylor Swift's Master Repurchase & Blake Lively's Publicist EXPOSED! * Go to RO DOT CO SLASH RUSHHOUR for your free insurance check.go to patreon.com/daveneal for more bonus content!
Lets Get Honest and Real...!Please welcome the return of 2x Award Winning Publicist, Radio Host of "Live On Air" and Published Author Steven Cuoco!! In Part One of this episode, we start out strong and get personal about the Entertainment Industry and the current climate for many working actors, including myself. We discuss my brief hiatus, overcoming personal and professional relationships within the industry and how social media has impacted our generation.
Join host Michael Ambrosino as he speaks with three veteran jazz publicists—Ann Braithwaite (Braithwaite & Katz Communications), Lydia Liebman (Lydia Liebman Promotions), and Matt Merewitz (Fully Altered Media)—about the evolving nature of jazz promotion. The group discusses how they build relationships between artists and audiences, adapt to media fragmentation, create engaging content in the age of AI, and measure success in their campaigns. These industry insiders share candid insights about the challenges of breaking through the noise and connecting jazz artists with listeners in today's digital world, while revealing the passionate commitment that keeps them going in an increasingly complex promotional landscape.Don't miss new episodes of The Buzz. Make sure you follow us wherever you listen to podcasts. For more from the Jazz Journalists Association, go to JJANews.org.
AP correspondent Julie Walker reports actor Valerie Mahaffey, 'Northern Exposure' Emmy winner, dies after cancer battle.
5-29-25 Afternoon Rush - Source Says Tom Brady Dumps Publicist In Support Of Justin Baldoni & Chrisley's FREED & Is TRUMP A T.A.C.O.? * Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to Zocdoc dot com slash RUSHHOUR to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. go to patreon.com/daveneal for more bonus content!
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about publicity and book marketing with guest Jenn Vance.What you'll learn from this episode: how publicity services can help youthe strategy of book marketingdifferent marketing methods and pathsfinding and embracing the strategy that works for youCheck out BOOKS FORWARD: https://booksforward.com/Register for the FREE "Ask a Publicist" webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QMfcpNUFSyq61jzB72AEagReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can't stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/
A publicist has a tough job they are responsible for promoting a product, person, event or organization and getting them placed in media outlets. So, imagine you are a publicist, and someone comes to you wanting to promote a children's book about a hospice for terminally ill kids. You would probably run for the hills. My friend John Masiulionus not only took this job he created it. As a publicist himself and the founder PR from the Heart he is usually hired to help authors share their gifts. Now he's the one promoting himself with his children's book, Walking Each Other Home- Zachary's Mission A Hospice for Children. Reach John at John@prfromtheheart.com PR From the Heart- services About John Masiulionus John Masiulionis is a debut children's author, founder of PR From The Heart, a leading KidLit public relations firm, and host of The Children's Books Spotlight Series, one the longest-running podcasts in the world of children's literature. With a passion for storytelling and a desire to help children and their families navigate life's toughest challenges, he wrote Walking Each Other Home—Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for Children. John's work is inspired by the memory of his late grandmother, as well as his time connecting hospitalized children with professional wrestlers while hosting the award-winning radio show, Monday Night Mayhem. He resides in San Diego with his beloved Shih Tzu/Maltese, Little Forrest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We play TV Name that Tune, DIRT ALERT: Did Bill Belichick get a new publicist? And WTF: Cult movie edition -- it's Jason and Alexis vs. Bradley and Dawn!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Did Bill Belichick get a new publicist? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It's #ThrowbackThursday! Let's take it back to December 2023 with Kathryn Ellis in this exclusive Patreon-only bonus content. Kathryn Ellis tells us even more details about travelling with the Degrassi cast, the Degrassi Generations: 411 Guide and how Degrassi still makes an impact on her life today! Want to learn even more about Degrassi?!
#ThrowbackThursday - This episode was recorded in December 2023. The video version was only released on The Degrassi Kid Patreon. Now, you get to watch it, too. Visit patreon.com/degrassikid to see bonus content before anyone else! 409 - How did a young Amanda Stepto (Spike) prepare for interviews about sex? Kathryn Ellis shares stories from her role as Degrassi's publicist in the 1980's. Kathryn also worked as a scriptwriter, book writer and actor on the series while being married to the Head Writer, Yan Moore.Which episodes did Kathryn write? How many times did she appear in the series? And what advice did she give to the Degrassi Kids to prepare for media training?!If you're a Degrassi super fan, this podcast is for you. _____________ Degrassi Fan Checklist: Join The Degrassi Kid Discord for monthly fan events!Watch the video version on Patreon.com/DegrassiKid!Special Thanks to our editor @Eevee Pacini!
It's no secret that PR is getting more difficult by the day. The growing number of publicists, the shrinking number of journalists and traditional media outlets, along with an unstable economy brings even the most positive of us down from time to time. Fear not! Kourtney Jason, Founder + President of Pacific & Court, a PR firm specializing in PR for books, has some failsafe tactics to keep your spirits up and hits a'comin. Freelance journalist Jennifer Chesak also stops by with her best advice to get your pitch read + received!
In this episode of the All Things Book Marketing podcast, Sandy Smith from Smith Publicity converses with collegues and industry powerhouses Janet Shapiro, Vice President of Publicity, and Senior Publicist, Sophia Moriarty.They delve into innovative strategies for gaining attention in the book promotion world, emphasizing the crucial role of authors in collaboration with their publicists.Key topics include the shift towards direct media connections with experts, the importance of maintaining active engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, the evolving landscape of publicity, and the power of niche media for book sales and personal branding.The discussion highlights the value of patience and consistent effort in building long-term media relationships and leveraging social media for effective book marketing.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:13 New Strategies in Publicity02:04 Collaborative Approach with Authors03:08 Direct Media Connections06:07 Effective Use of LinkedIn09:36 Building Long-Term Media Relationships17:16 Social Media Strategies for Authors23:51 Establishing Client Relationships24:07 Success Stories and Client Wins25:00 The Importance of Persistence26:23 Leveraging Niche Publications30:02 Networking and Podcasting31:26 Exploring Newsletters and Substack34:24 The Value of Social Media Engagement35:46 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Cheyenne Beam is a public relations executive with over nine years of experience in music, entertainment, lifestyle, and fashion. Based in New York, he has led PR campaigns for top artists at Interscope and Island Records, including Rae Sremmurd, Swae Lee, Willow Smith, Toni Braxton, and Jessie Reyez. Specializing in brand strategy, media relations, and crisis management, he continues to drive impactful campaigns and build lasting brand equity.Connect with Cheyenne Beam!https://www.instagram.com/cheyennebeamCHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction0:56 - Meet Cheyenne Beam2:18 - Cheyenne shares his journey from launching a bow tie company to entering the PR industry7:48 - Cheyenne explains why he stopped his bow tie company9:27 - Cheyenne shares his thoughts on Timothée Chalamet's outfit upon his promotional tour for his Bob Dylan movie10:14 - Were Brad Pitt's uniquely styled outfits during his divorce from Angelina Jolie intentional for PR?11:43 - Behind-the-scenes insights on PR during campaigns and promotional tours13:13 - How a publicist assists with press and podcast outreach during event promotions15:33 - How to start working in the PR industry from scratch18:47 - How PR professionals build relationships with the media, press, and writers20:47 - Cheyenne shares his experience as a freelancer after leaving Interscope Records22:46 - PR strategy for getting artists into mainstream publications24:53 - Can an artist get into Vogue magazine without the help of PR?27:20 - How a publicist starts and grows with an artist throughout their career29:05 - The combination of PR strategies and social media presence to achieve an artist's success30:54 - Why it's important to combine social media presence with journalism32:56 - Cheyenne shares the publicists who inspire him: Chris Chambers and Yvette Noel-Schure35:43 - Behind-the-scenes: How does PR expert Chris Chambers works with his clients36:53 - Cheyenne shares behind-the-scenes PR work at major red carpet events like the Oscars and Grammys39:35 - How publicists handle having multiple clients at the same event41:21 - Publicist pitches vs. Direct invitations: How are guests chosen for major events like Grammys?42:46 - Do celebrities choose their interviews or follow publicist recommendations?45:02 - Podcast vs. television: Are podcasts the new go-to for campaign runs?46:30 - Cheyenne explains why even successful artists like Beyoncé and Drake need a publicist49:31 - PR's role in handling paparazzi harassment and negative media coverage53:42 - Cheyenne's thoughts Michael Jackson's PR spin during his slander controversy55:03 - Cheyenne shares his thoughts on the "No statement or disappear for 6 months" media avoidance strategy56:05 - Kourtney Kardashian & Mason Disick controversy: Do celebrities create media distractions to hide the truth?58:33 - Cheyenne's thoughts on the Smith family controversy during Red Table Talk1:00:50 - Cheyenne shares behind-the-scenes moments from Jessie Reyez's album promotions1:03:23 - Cheyenne discusses PR strategies used during Jessie Reyez's album promotions1:05:02 - Cheyenne shares how they helped Jessie Reyez reach diverse media outlets when promoting her music1:08:44 - Do PR firms give new employees access to industry contacts, or do they have to build their own?1:10:02 - Cheyenne shares how freelance publicists acquire new clients and reconnect with old ones1:10:47 - Cheyenne provides email subject line tips for media outreach1:11:41 - How do publicists coordinate press tours for celebrities like Beyoncé?1:12:46 - Cheyenne shares his thoughts on Kanye using Twitter to promote his new albums1:14:12 - Has Cheyenne been able to merge his passion for music, fashion, and film into his PR work?1:16:37 - Staying ahead of fashion trends vs. sticking to classic style1:18:25 - Cheyenne's recent life discoveries1:19:54 - Cheyenne's personal goals for the next six months1:21:56 - Connect with Cheyenne1:22:42 - Outro
Send us a textRey Roldan stops by the podcast to talk about being Britney's Publicist, Interviewing Kurt Cobain, an interesting encounter with Bono, Fandom, and so much more.********Rey has seen a lot… and I mean A LOT. Twenty-six plus years as a publicist (since 1995) and a few years before that as a nationally published entertainment journalist, he's been around. Backstage, on the tour bus, in the hotel rooms, behind closed doors, in the conference room… he's witnessed almost all… but there's undoubtedly more that he hasn't seen. But it hasn't shocked him. In fact, it's intrigued him… challenged him… and at times, offered myriad choices of how to react and how to process. And that's the thing… nothing shocks him. Starting his journey into the lion's den that is the music industry, he was a journalist for a number of newspapers, magazines, and regionals across the country (and one or two overseas). He's interviewed Kurt Cobain, U2, Joey Ramone, Sinead O'Connor, Bjork, Polly Jean Harvey… oh, and Vanilla Ice… While journalism was his passion, it didn't quite pay the bills, especially in Boston. So he moved to NYC and jumped into Publicity. IRS Records, Mammoth Records, Grass Records, Jive/Silvertone/Zomba, KSA Publicity/Press Here, Island Def Jam… He worked with Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Hanson, Duran Duran, Sting, Brooks & Dunn, O Brother Where Are Thou?, Juliana Hatfield, Diana Ross, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Dresden Dolls, Charlotte Church, among hundreds of others. He did the label (indie and major) and indie PR thing but he was burnt out on doing publicity like a pre-defined template that labels determined, so he left the corporate world to start his own shingle with a focus on building profiles and strategies that weren't constrained by hard, constrained blueprints. In 2004, Reybee Inc. was born. Instead of sticking to templates, he and his team of professionals craft unique strategies to build solid foundations and build up from there, creating campaigns that focus on constructing artist careers that go beyond. His campaigns go forward and sideways, and rarely backwards (unless, of course, we're talking retrospectives, which, in that case, they go backwards too).Nearly two decades later, it's still going strong… in fact, it keeps growing… and growing… and growing. Yay.Website: https://www.reybee.com*******If you would like to contact the show about being a guest, please email us at Dauna@bettertopodcast.comFollow us on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_d.m.needom/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettertopodcastwithdmneedomAudio production by Rich Zei of Third Ear AudioIntro and Outro music compliments of Fast Suzi©2025 Better To...Podcast with D. M.NeedomSupport the show
Dylan is back to break down the latest drama on both RHOA and RHOBH, starting with the unsettling end of Atlanta's latest episode. With Kenya's time on the season running out, the situation between her and Brit feels murkier than ever, and it brings up questions of what kind of conflict we really want on Bravo shows. Meanwhile on Beverly Hills, the reunion kicks off with a shady statement from PK, while Kyle is still struggling to settle her issues with Dorit. Garcelle also finds herself in the hot seat, and her goals for the reunion foreshadow what's to come. Earlier in the show, Dylan also unpacks Gia Giudice's response to her mom's latest tax issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 144: The Holy Rabbi Bellino joins us for another episode where we discuss an interesting ethical dilemma out of Israel. Modi gets a moving letter from a fan and we debate when and where cursing is appropriate. Modi asserts that there is a hex on him and Leo. Click here for Moshiach Energy Merch! Send us Modi Mail!118A Orchard St.PMB #208New York, NY 10002Modi's special "Know Your Audience" is available on YouTube now!For all upcoming shows visit www.modilive.com.Follow Modi on Instagram at @modi_live.Send us a textSupport the show
If you're not building your personal brand, you're missing out! In this power-packed episode, Audrey Wiggins and PR powerhouse Liana Zavo dive deep into the secrets of personal branding, visibility, and credibility. Liana shares the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make—like being afraid to tell their story—and reveals how to overcome them by embracing authenticity, strategic positioning, and video content.She also breaks down the three pillars of a strong personal brand: personality, skills, and experience, and explains why your unique energy is your greatest asset. Plus, hear why every thought leader needs a publicist, how to leverage AI for content creation, and the key to becoming a sought-after expert in your industry. Whether you're launching a business, growing a platform, or refining your brand message, this episode will equip you with actionable steps to build an unstoppable presence.Ready to level up? Tune in now and start branding like a boss!Connect with Liana Zavo here or zavomediapr.com Email hello@zavomediapr.com or on LinkedIn and Instagram (@zavomediapr). Liana also offers free 15-minute consultations for anyone looking to strengthen their online presence.Send us a messageBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDesignrr for eBooks, BlogsCreate eBooks, Blogs, Lead Magnets and more! Riverside.fm Your Own Virtual StudioProfessional Virtual StudioAltogether Domains, Hosting and MoreBringing your business online - domain names, web design, branded email, security, hosting and more.Digital Business CardsLet's speed up your follow up. Get a digital business card.Small Business Legal ServicesYour Small Business Legal Plan can help with any business legal matter.Get Quality Podcast Guests NowKeep your podcast schedule filled with quality guests from PodMatch.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showPlease Rate & ReviewTo work with Audrey visit Altogether Marketing LLC
Former executive producer of The Laura Ingraham Show and The Monica Crowley Show, the undisputed GOAT of conservative public relations, A.J. Rice joins Brad on Awakened Nation for a hard hitting interview exposing the craziness of the Radical Left. "It's gotten so bad, even Bill Maher is complaining!" This is a funny commentary from an American conservative icon and provocateur, and the voice of a new generation of political commentators. ABOUT A.J. RICE: A.J. Rice is President & CEO of Publius PR, Editor-in-Chief of The Publius National Post, and author of the #1 political humor bestseller, The White Privilege Album: Bringing Racial Harmony to Very Fine People…on Both Sides AND his first bestseller, The Woking Dead: How Society's Vogue Virus Destroys Our Culture. A.J. Rice is America's Publicist, and the undisputed GOAT of conservative public relations. A Columnist, Humorist, and Impresario. Rice is a brand manager, star-whisperer, media influencer, and literary agent, who has produced, promoted, or represented Laura Ingraham, Judge Jeanine Pirro, Donald Trump Jr., Monica Crowley, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, Senator Marsha Blackburn, Vivek Ramaswamy, Kari Lake, Dan Bongino, Charles Krauthammer, Congressman Steve Scalise, George P. Bush, Dr. Ben Carson, Congressman Michael Waltz, The Hodgetwins, Roger L. Simon, Buck Sexton, Steve Hilton, Alan Dershowitz, Bobby Kennedy Junior, Dr. Peter Navarro, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, Dr. Naomi Wolf, Dr. Robert Malone, Pete Hegseth, Newt Gingrich, Victor Davis Hanson, and many others.Rice served as the executive producer of The Laura Ingraham Show for four years, and The Monica Crowley Show for two years. Following that, he produced an investigative news show at The Washington Times for John Solomon for three years called America's Morning News, and later was brought in by Glenn Beck's team to help launch The Blaze Radio Network. Some of his current or former clients are the groups that represent the core of the conservative movement, like The Federalist Society, America First PAC, FreedomWorks, CO2 Coalition, and Gun Owners of America. In addition to running Publius, Rice writes as a columnist for over thirty national media outlets that include Investor's Business Daily, The Hill, Epoch Times, Newsmax, PJMedia, American Greatness, Townhall.com, RealClearMarkets, and the Washington Examiner.
Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama: Rumors are heating up that Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama are having an affair which has caused a rift with Michelle Obama. Feeling Old: Jim has tales of spending time with his niece and nephew and how playing VR can make you feel old and clueless. Also Jimmy Fallon's GO ON IT! Erection Tracker: Bryan Johnson, who is trying to live forever, shares him and his son's boner sleep tracker. Also some palette cleansers like MrBased and Worldofshirts and a new Jake Perry diss track! FUCK YOU WATCH THIS!, THE BEAR!, PUSHA T!, MILLIONS!, RICK ROSS!, DAREDEVIL!, BOXER!, FATHER!, CHINESE STEP SISTER!, STUCK!, MAD DOG!, JAKE PERRY!, PERMANENT END!, JENNIFER ANISTON!, BARACK OBAMA!, AFFAIR!, RELATIONSHIP!, MICHELLE OBAMA!, JIMMY KIMMEL!, MICHAEL!, GAY!, BASED!, CONSPIRACY!, DEAD!, TRUTH!, PUBLICIST!, SURGERY!, WRINKLES!, GETTING OLDER!, THE SUBSTANCE!, FRIENDS!, WRESTLING!, JIMMY FALLON!, GO ON GIT!, SKIT!, SIMMER DOWN NOW!, CHERI OTERI!, JEFF FOXWORTHY!, BAD!, CRINGE!, TIMELESS!, DAD'S GOOGLE HISTORY!, VR!, ANIMAL COMPANY!, CONTROLS!, IRON MAN VR!, META QUEST 3!, LITTLE KIDS!, N WORD!, BIG SCARY!, ROBLOX!, GAMBLING!, JAMZ!, DINNER!, GORDON RAMSAY BURGER!, CRAPS!, ROULETTE!, LAS VEGAS!, ERECTIONS WHILE YOU SLEEP!, WEIRDO!, SON!, 19 YEAR OLD!, LIVE FOREVER!, BLOOD FLOW!, BABY DICKS!, ADAM SENSOR!, BRYAN JOHNSON!, PALETTE CLEANSERS!, KILL SHOPLIFTER!, NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!, GUN RANGE!, JOSH BLOCK!, MRBASED!, ASSAULT!, PASSPORT!, VIOLENCE!, BANNED!, KICK!, HAIR TRANSPLANT!, SWOLLEN!, HE IS HIM!, POP!, GROSS!, HEADBAND!, YAKUB!, HUGE HEAD!, HAIRLINE!, GUY EVOLVED TO SOLVE A CAR CRASH!, EROK!, ERIK!, DISS TRACK!, FJP!, JAKE PERRY!, BEEF! You can find the videos from this episode at our Discord RIGHT HERE!