Generative AI can be fast, fluent, and incredibly useful. It can also produce false statements with great confidence. In this episode, Abbie and Adrian discuss why communicators cannot confuse polished output with trustworthy information. They explore fact-checking, source verification, media literacy, and what it means to create content that remains credible in an AI-centric communication environment. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Po...
Apr 24, 2026•23 min•Ep. 76
Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: " How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Ex...
Mar 20, 2026•34 min•Ep. 74
Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: " How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Ex...
Mar 06, 2026•23 min•Ep. 73
Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre discuss the intricacies of communicating with journalists and the public in the midst of the criminal investigation in Tucson, Arizona into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie. They explore the responsibilities and pressures faced by local public information officers and other official spokespeople who find themselves in the national spotlight during high-profile cases. Their conversation tou...
Feb 20, 2026•22 min•Ep. 72
Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: " How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Ex...
Feb 06, 2026•33 min•Ep. 71
Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre discuss the evolving role of communications and public relations professionals within organizational hierarchies. The conversation kicks off with Adrian highlighting the longstanding advocacy for including communications leaders at the strategic table. He suggests that this inclusion is no longer just a desire for prestige; it is now critical for organizational survival. Abbie echoes these sentiments, expressing that the ability of organizations to effectively comm...
Jan 23, 2026•28 min•Ep. 70
Journalism's role as a trustworthy source of verified information is under siege. With unprecedented speed, modern crises now spur a phenomenal amount of real-time media content that challenges conventional journalistic practices. How does the rapid influx of information — and misinformation — impact communication professionals, journalists, and the public? Abbie and Adrian explore the dynamic interplay of ethics, truth-telling, and the role of technology in shaping public perception. Read the t...
Jan 09, 2026•26 min•Ep. 69
Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre look back at their Top 10 most popular podcast episodes of 2025 to identify the key themes, trends, and industry shifts that will impact public relations in 2026. They talk about how PR and media are undergoing rapid transformation due to technological advancements and societal changes. Issues such as authenticity, trust, and influence are recurring themes in the discussion, along with the manipulation of public opinion, the impact of AI on the profession, and the ...
Dec 12, 2025•22 min•Ep. 68
The Copper State of Mind podcast has won a prestigious Copper Anvil Award, one of the highest honors in the PR industry. 🎉 Abbie and Adrian discuss the significance of such awards before moving on to the main topic of the episode: the evolving role of PR professionals amidst changes in media. As traditional media platforms continue to evolve, Abbie highlights the increasing importance of cultivating relationships with niche content providers, such as digital creators and influencers, to effecti...
Nov 28, 2025•21 min•Ep. 67
Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Follow the podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: " How to...
Nov 14, 2025•26 min•Ep. 66
Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre reflect on their recent visit to Nairobi, Kenya, for the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) conference, a gathering that brought together PR and communications professionals from across the globe. They share stories of connection and discovery, from the warmth and hospitality of the Kenyan people to the vibrant cultural pride that infused every interaction. What stood out most wasn’t just the professional insights, but the personal connections that made the exp...
Oct 31, 2025•19 min•Ep. 65
Dishonesty and deceit have become the defining features of much communication today, in politics and business alike. What are public relations professionals to do? Samantha Villegas joins Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre to talk about PR ethics in a post-truth era. She talks about the importance of ethical standards, the impact of misinformation, and strategies for discerning truth. And perhaps most importantly, Sam touches on the importance of courage in standing up against dishonest practices an...
Oct 17, 2025•34 min•Ep. 64
The core principle of journalism is to "seek the truth and report it," a mission that is constantly challenged by those who don't want the truth to be told. The First Amendment protects journalism in the United States, yet there is a growing concern about governmental restrictions on press freedoms. Journalists are facing unprecedented attempts to silence them through lawsuits and intimidation, raising alarms about the future of the free press. Can the truth survive an assault by the US Departme...
Oct 03, 2025•22 min•Ep. 63
The typical RFP process for hiring PR and communications firms produces sub-optimal outcomes for all parties. (That's the polite way of saying it's really bad.) We believe it can be done better, but it will take increased transparency and trust between organizations and agencies. In this episode, Abbie and Adrian discuss how the traditional RFP has become a barrier that stifles creativity. They provide insights to reshape the way RFPs are perceived and executed, advocating for a more collaborati...
Sep 19, 2025•37 min•Ep. 62
Abbie and Adrian take a break from the very serious topics we've discussed on recent episodes to share our hot and Coldplay takes on a few of the stories that have been dominating the news lately. From the kiss cam to Cracker Barrel—with rambling detours and digressions on Marilyn Monroe and Taylor Swift—there's something in this episode to interest or annoy almost anyone. (We also say a few smart things about brands and community engagement, the societal impact of celebrity culture, and the bal...
Sep 05, 2025•27 min•Ep. 61
Sandra Fink is a physical education teacher in Glendale, California, where she has taught for 36 years. For the past 10 years she has been the coordinator of a leadership program called WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) at Wilson Middle School. The WEB leadership program is designed to help sixth graders transition to middle school with support from eighth graders. Sandra explains that leadership isn't just about authority; it’s also about kindness, mentoring, and creating an environment where everyo...
Aug 22, 2025•19 min•Ep. 60
Dean Battinto Batts and Professor Julia Wallace from Arizona State University join us to talk about the recent launch of the Knight Center for the Future of News at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The Knight Center for the Future of News focuses on creating sustainable models and innovative practices for the journalism industry through three core initiatives: the Journalism, Community & Democracy Lab; the Sustainability Lab; and the Innovation in Reporting ...
Aug 08, 2025•30 min•Ep. 59
Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre talk about the crucial role that public relations professionals have a within a well-integrated communications team. They discuss how PR has evolved in response to technological advances in AI and automation, highlighting its importance as a strategic component in modern business. Abbie shares her journey from journalism to PR and reflects on the historical focus on press releases, while Adrian underscores the need for strategic communications that align with organ...
Jul 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 58
Nikki Little of Franco, a Detroit-based PR agency, joins us to talk about the importance of internal communications during times of crisis or rapid change—in other words, times like these . Join Franco’s 5-Day Challenge and learn how to navigate uncertainty with strategic communication that builds trust, engagement and resilience. Nikki shares tactical insights on building a culture where listening is prioritized alongside speaking, ensuring that every employee feels heard and valued. She highli...
Jun 27, 2025•26 min•Ep. 57
There is an urgent threat facing public media in the United States: a proposed federal budget cut that would not only threaten its future, but also "claw back" funding that's already been awarded to public television and radio stations across the country. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Adrian McIntyre opens with a personal anecdote about the impact of public media on his family, setting the stage for a critical discussion on the ramifications of potential funding ...
Jun 06, 2025•25 min•Ep. 56
Local news is facing serious challenges everywhere, with more than half the counties in the United States lacking any source of community reporting. Chris Kline, CEO of the Arizona Media Association, joins us to talk about the Arizona Community Collaborative and its efforts to revitalize local news in Arizona with a bold, statewide storytelling initiative focused on the topic of education solutions . Backed by a coalition of nearly 400 media brands, and with $2 million in philanthropy already ra...
May 30, 2025•23 min•Ep. 55
Abbie and Adrian discuss the value of postgraduate degrees, questioning whether formal education is necessary for success in today’s job market. Abbie emphasizes that while she values her Master's degree for personal growth, she believes that education doesn’t always have to come from traditional institutions. She talks about the importance of trade skills, the evolving nature of professional qualifications, and the need for continuous learning, regardless of the format. Adrian encourages listen...
May 16, 2025•26 min•Ep. 54
Abbie and Adrian discuss the perspectives of recent college graduates and the unique challenges they face in today's job market. In an era where technology has rendered remote work more accessible, new grads are asking critical questions about workplace culture and the boundaries of work-life balance. Abbie shares her thoughts on the relevance of working "9 to 5" (and sings a little Dolly Parton in the process). Are outdated workplace norms ready to accommodate a generation that thrives in hybri...
May 02, 2025•16 min•Ep. 53
Abbie and Adrian discuss the importance of showing appreciation through small yet impactful gestures. While many people recognize the importance of these actions, consistently putting them into practice can be a challenge amidst the chaos of everyday life. Abbie shares a personal experience from a recent business trip, emphasizing how simple acts, like delivering handwritten notes to media contacts, can create lasting impressions and foster stronger professional relationships. They discuss vario...
Apr 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 52
Abbie and Adrian talk about bridging the gap between what can be measured and what truly matters in communications and public relations. They discuss how the phrase "what gets measured gets managed"—often wrongly attributed to Peter Drucker—can be misleading since not everything that truly matters can be quantified and counted. Abbie shares her experiences from earlier in her career, reminiscing about the era of clip books, where the success of PR campaigns was measured by the volume of media co...
Apr 04, 2025•26 min•Ep. 51
This episode explores how employees can become powerful brand ambassadors, influencing public perception and enhancing brand communication. Abbie and Adrian discuss findings from a PR Week/Cision study showing that today's audiences increasingly trust employees' voices over paid celebrity endorsements. This change marks a notable shift in consumer behavior and brand strategy, showcasing the critical role trust plays in modern marketing. Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our websi...
Mar 21, 2025•22 min•Ep. 50
The 2025 Comms Report by Cision and PRWeek highlights the significant impact of AI on the PR industry, touching on both the opportunities and concerns AI presents. Abbie and Adrian discuss how AI is becoming an integral part of their workflows, while also addressing fears about job security and budget impacts. They emphasize the importance of adapting to these changes by equipping oneself with AI knowledge to enhance professional value and ensure a place at the decision-making table in future co...
Mar 07, 2025•23 min•Ep. 49
Abbie and Adrian discuss the backlash against Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) programs amidst changing federal policies and ongoing cultural debates. They explore the tension between maintaining an inclusive workplace and the pushback against such initiatives, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue, factual evidence, and continuous learning. The conversation touches on "merit," the value of diverse voices, and the responsibility of businesses to foster inclusive environme...
Feb 21, 2025•26 min•Ep. 48
Abbie and Adrian talk about the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer report, which reveals rising global grievances and declining trust in institutions. They explore how businesses, governments, and NGOs can rebuild trust amidst economic and social challenges. The discussion centers on the role of transparent communication, responsible leadership, how generational differences affect perceptions of trust and "hostile activism," as well as what people say institutions should do to improve societal trust. ...
Feb 07, 2025•24 min•Ep. 47
It's National Mentoring Month, and Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre talk about the transformative power of mentoring and its impact on their personal lives and professional careers. They discuss the essence of mentorship, emphasizing the importance of both giving and receiving guidance. They reflect on their own experiences with mentors, highlighting how these relationships can profoundly impact one's career trajectory, and they share anecdotes that illustrate how mentors have guided them by teach...
Jan 24, 2025•19 min•Ep. 46
