Lizzy Bilasano is the Vice President and Head of Creative strategy at Whalar Group, a company built for the creator economy to inspire a new order in the marketing, advertising, and media landscape. Lizzy also once ran operations and marketing for a dance company while simultaneously being an active company dancer and student. Here, she shares how creators can build communities and how Whalar Group puts creators at the center of its projects. Key Takeaways: - Lizzy’s journey from dancer to creat...
Nov 27, 2024•25 min•Ep. 252
Kelly Lam is a wellness expert and founder of The Whole Purpose, a company that builds customized, high-impact, integrative mindfulness and wellness programs for individuals and corporations. Here, she discusses the birth of her company and how mindfulness can positively affect workplaces. Key Takeaways: - Kelly’s transition from construction to wellness - The benefits of mindfulness in the workplace - The power of gratitude Episode Timeline: 1:45 Kelly's wellness journey 4:00 How a silent aucti...
Nov 20, 2024•25 min•Ep. 251
Ekaette Kern is the CEO and Head of Brand Consulting at TENET Consultancy, a strategic communications agency focused on brand storytelling that ignites, inspires, and sparks change across generations. She also serves as the board chair for The A Pledge, an initiative focused on increasing representation and equity in the advertising industry. Here, she discusses the secret “sauce” that sets TENET apart, current DEI challenges in advertising, and her work with the Harlem Globetrotters. Key Takeaw...
Nov 13, 2024•24 min•Ep. 250
Joe Tannorella co-founded PodEngine.ai in 2023 to create a database where people can search millions of podcast transcriptions. Pod Engine helps agencies and marketers with everything from guest booking to competition monitoring. Here, Joe discusses the myriad ways Pod Engine’s robust database has helped everything from agencies to NHL teams. Key Takeaways: - Creating the world’s most advanced podcast search engine - Innovative ways organizations can use Pod Engine’s database - How Joe caught Ri...
Nov 06, 2024•24 min•Ep. 249
Andrew Ellison is the Media Relations Manager for Global Results Communications , a leading PR agency for tech and everything it touches. Before coming to GRC, Andrew was a news reporter for Nexstar Media and KRIS-TV. Here, he discusses his past life in journalism and the role digital humans will play in our lives. Key Takeaways: - Andrew's transition from news reporter to PR - The future of digital humans - Understanding the Internet of Things Episode Timeline: 1:30 Why Andrew left his career a...
Oct 30, 2024•28 min•Ep. 248
Bob McCullough has been in public relations/corporate communications for over 50 years. In 1988, he led the award-winning PR team that launched SeaWorld Texas in San Antonio. He currently helps spread the word about the nonprofit Morgan's Wonderland, the world's first and only theme park designed for those with special needs. Here, he talks about theme park PR and the biggest lesson he’s learned over 50-plus years in PR. Key Takeaways: - The history of the launch of SeaWorld Texas (now SeaWorld ...
Oct 23, 2024•35 min•Ep. 247
Amy Jackson founded TaleSplash, a PR agency that helps emerging tech, health, and lifestyle brands share their expertise and join the conversation about the world changing around us. TailSplash works directly with founders to design thought leadership programs informed by decades of experience as brand-builders and storytellers for some of the world’s largest companies. Here, Amy discusses how TaleSplash embraces PR in a changing world and how brands can be ready when their PR moment happens. Ke...
Oct 16, 2024•23 min•Ep. 246
Mike Wehrs is the CEO and Co-Founder of Unidata Global, a company that uses global industry standards for product identification barcodes to productize them into services. Mike has led the creation of new industries, launched game-changing products, and driven massive growth for startups and Fortune 500 technology companies. Here, he shares his insights on space exploration, the future of AI, and how he helped develop Bluetooth technology. Key Takeaways: - The role of barcodes in global trade - ...
Oct 09, 2024•39 min•Ep. 245
Jacqueline Long is the President of Evins PR-Plus, an award-winning public relations and marketing communications agency with expertise in digital content and integration, food, spirits, wine, lifestyle, and hospitality. Here, Jaqueline shares how luxury brands are evolving and the high-end spirit market in the post-pandemic world. Key Takeaways: - The evolution of luxury marketing - Latest trends in high-end spirits - The importance of 'Big Sky' thinking Episode Timeline: 2:00 How should we tal...
Oct 02, 2024•27 min•Ep. 244
Liz Brooks is a Client Account Manager at Interview Valet focusing on Podcast Interview Marketing and PR. With experience at top media outlets and PR agencies, Liz is dedicated to helping small and medium-sized enterprises and brands connect with their audiences through strategic storytelling. Here, she shares her approach to helping build brands through podcasting. Key Takeaways: - How to make a great podcast appearance - Finding the right guests for the right podcasts - Creating your podcast p...
Sep 25, 2024•31 min•Ep. 243
Bob Bilbruck is an accomplished and visionary CEO with over 25 years of experience in emerging markets and technology. He is the founder and CEO of Captjur, a business services firm specializing in channel and partner programs, digital marketing, and business development. Here, he discusses Captjur’s new platform, JunkGrab, and the gig economy's future. Key Takeaways: - Captjur's gig economy platform - The future of the gig economy - How AI will affect the job market Episode Timeline: 1:30 An ov...
Sep 18, 2024•29 min•Ep. 242
Dana Marruffo is the Senior Manager of Global PR and Communications for BigCommerce, where she leads the planning, strategy, and management of global go-to-market and corporate communications, thought leader programs, and executive communications. Here, she discusses how COVID changed E-commerce and why AI will have a big impact on the industry. Key Takeaways: - How to make a great elevator pitch - How to become a thought leader - Retail innovation during covid Episode Timeline: 1:45 What makes ...
Sep 11, 2024•23 min•Ep. 241
Jessica Whidt is the Managing Director at Warner Communications, a leading agency that supports clients across multiple complex industries such as supply chain, logistics, transportation, renewable energy, and technology. Here, she talks about the importance of having a crisis management strategy and how the AI boom is affecting logistics. Key Takeaways: - How to create a PR crisis preparedness plan - Logistics PR in the post-COVID era - AI's role in logistics Episode Timeline: 1:30 Which state ...
Sep 04, 2024•24 min•Ep. 240
Nick Musica is the founder of Optics In, an SEO and content creation consultancy that supports small—and medium-sized businesses and startups with their SEO needs. Here, he discusses how Google’s embrace of AI has changed its search function and how organizations can improve their SEO. Key Takeaways: - How Google's pivot AI affects SEO - Diversifying your traffic source - The importance of social search Episode Timeline: 1:30 How Nick got into SEO 4:30 How has Google's pivot to AI affected SEO? ...
Aug 28, 2024•28 min•Ep. 239
Katie Zeppieri is a two-time TEDx speaker, author, social influencer, and media personality. She’s also the Founder and Chief Brand Strategist of The MicDrop Agency, an award-winning and fast-growing boutique PR and Marketing firm specializing in brand amplification for innovative companies and people. Here, she shares some strategies for successful marketing events and building a great personal brand. Key Takeaways: - Winning strategies for marketing events - The current state of PR and marketi...
Aug 21, 2024•21 min•Ep. 238
Michael Kingsley is an executive communications consultant who founded the media relations practice area at Forefront Communications, a PR and marketing firm focused on financial services clients. Michael also has 20-plus years of experience in global public relations, journalism, and media production. Here, he shares his modern approach to media training and how to be genuine in interviews without neglecting your talking points. Key Takeaways: - Media training in a changing world - How to be au...
Aug 14, 2024•29 min•Ep. 237
Chuck Cureau is a former marine mammal trainer and current director of PR at Sea World San Antonio and an in-game host for the San Antonio Spurs. He’s also a sought-after emcee in the San Antonio area and has worked as an actor, with roles in "Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World" (2011) and "The Life of David Gale" (2003). Here, he shares his journey from the dolphin stadium to the PR office and gives tips on connecting with large audiences. Key Takeaways: - Chuck's journey from marine mammal ...
Aug 07, 2024•33 min•Ep. 236
Dominick Miserandino is the founder of one of the first online publications, TheCelebrityCafe.com, and over the past 30 years, he's worked with more than 100 different web properties and authored two travel books. Nine months ago, he became CEO of RetailWire.com at an interesting inflection point for the retail industry, which we discuss in this episode. Key Takeaways: - The state of retail in a post-COVID world - Why content is still king - The future of AI in online publishing Episode Timeline...
Jul 31, 2024•26 min•Ep. 235
Brad Bennett founded BDBCreative, a boutique performance PR agency that drives direct sales for apparel and lifestyle brands through tier-one press placements. Brad is also the creator of Well Spent, a now-defunct blog that, for over 8 years, highlighted sustainable fashion. Here, he discusses how he turned a menswear blog into a successful affiliate marketing PR agency. Key Takeaways: - The Six Ps of PR - How Brad built his agency without a traditional background in PR - The secrets to successf...
Jul 24, 2024•31 min•Ep. 234
Kailie Fagen is a Senior Account Executive at Global Results Communications responsible for media and client relations. During her time at GRC, Kailie has mentored junior staff, secured top-tier national and international media placements, and led client campaigns. Here, she discusses how she got into PR out of college and tips on writing a great press release. Key Takeaways: - How to get into PR out of college - How to write a great pitch - How to create media lists Episode Timeline: 2:00 The p...
Jul 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 233
Grace Keith Rodriguez is the CEO of Caliber Corporate Advisers, a leading marketing and public relations firm exclusively focused on fintech, financial services, Insurtech, insurance, and real estate. As CEO, Grace directs Caliber's strategic vision, including the firm's development across service offerings. Here, she discusses her transition from President to CEO and the leadership skills that are vital to success in 2024. Key Takeaways: - Trust and relationships are essential in PR - Managing ...
Jul 10, 2024•23 min•Ep. 232
Michael Stern is the CEO and founder of HeadStart, a PR and communications agency focused on amplifying innovative and impact-driven voices. Before going into PR, Michael was an executive producer in local news and is a three-time founder, having started companies in sports media and betting research. Here, he explains the unique PR needs of startups and why he's not a big fan of guaranteed media. Key Takeaways: - Why startups need PR that moves quickly - The problems with guaranteed media - How...
Jul 03, 2024•26 min•Ep. 231
Nicole Early is the founder of Early PR in Portland, Oregon. She's a strategy-driven publicist, communicator, athlete, writer, and creative content producer focused on health, wellness, sustainability, and progressive political causes. Here, she shares how creative storytelling can help advance progressive causes and effect social change. Key Takeaways: - Nicole’s transition from politics to PR - How creative storytelling helped Nicole direct COVID funding to underserved communities - The future...
Jun 26, 2024•22 min•Ep. 230
Jon Morris is the Founder & CEO of EngineBI, Inc. and Chairman of Fiscal Advocate LLC where he helps clients scale with a proprietary, tech-enabled approach for surfacing hidden financial insights that drive critical business decisions. In his spare time, Jon enjoys studying data-driven approaches to developing youth players. Here, he discusses how to improve your agency’s financial health. Key Takeaways: - How EngineBI helps agencies make decisions - How Jon scaled Rise Interactive - Data-d...
Jun 19, 2024•24 min•Ep. 229
Kate Gardiner is the CEO and founder of Grey Horse, a full-service communications agency often behind the scenes of global crises. An industry veteran, Kate started her career in journalism and audience engagement, triaging social media for global-facing campaigns, including award-winning coverage of the BP Oil Spill, the Arab Spring, and Hurricane Sandy. She also supported over a dozen women at the heart of the #MeToo movement. Here, she discusses the holistic approach to helping people through...
Jun 12, 2024•27 min•Ep. 228
Duyen 'Jen' Truong is the Senior Vice President of Public Relations Operations at Sage Communications. A 20-plus-year PR professional with extensive public sector, commercial, and non-profit experience, Jen has led campaigns with global and national brands and government agencies such as the USDA, the Defense Department, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Here, she discusses how, as a Vietnamese refugee, she learned firsthand about the power of government and has brought that be...
Jun 05, 2024•25 min•Ep. 227
Josef Schinwald is the CEO of Guest Experts On Air, a leading Podcast PR Booking Service. Working with renowned authors and speakers, he has developed a nuanced understanding of the podcasting industry, particularly in curating content that stands out in an increasingly saturated market. Here, he shares his five rules for creating a successful podcast and how he books his clients on high-end shows. Key Takeaways: - 5 rules to creating a successful podcast - How to be a great podcast guest - How ...
May 29, 2024•26 min•Ep. 226
My guest today is Brandy Whalen, the co-founder of Kitcaster, a podcast booking agency, where she is also the resident story craft guru. Here, she shares how she helps her clients craft their stories to share on podcasts and how to build authority and credibility through the medium. Key Takeaways: - How to craft your story - The importance of prep work - How to get booked on podcasts Episode Timeline: 1:05 Is that a corgi in the Kitcaster logo? 3:00 How Kitcaster gets people booked onto podcasts...
May 22, 2024•28 min•Ep. 225
Amanda Arrigotti-White is the Founder and CEO of Curate & Co., one of the country's most sought-after boutique PR firms for food, beverage, and hospitality. After getting her start in PR at SOREL and Columbia Sportswear, she fell hard and fast for hospitality while in-house at Saint Michelle Wine Estates. Here, she shares the importance of crafting stories around wine and food and how Curate & Co. has successfully paired products and influencers. Key Takeaways: - How to target wine consu...
May 15, 2024•23 min•Ep. 224
Peter Freedman is the founder and Director of Thinking of Think Inc, a creative UK-based PR and guerrilla marketing agency, that works for startups and scaleups in the US and UK. He's also the author of a new book for Calm, the meditation, sleep and mental health app called "How Calm Whipped Up a Storm: How one small app won a ton of PR and buzz that helped it grow big – and how YOU can too.” Here, he discusses how his quirky work for Calm helped the app stand out in a sea of competition. Key Ta...
May 08, 2024•25 min•Ep. 223
